Fr. Aaron Writes 3rd September 2023
Fr Aaron writes…
15 Years Anniversary of Ordination – I write this to you as I celebrate fifteen years since I was ordained to the Priesthood. I was ordained in my home parish of Our Lady of Ransom, Eastbourne on a beautiful summer’s day. I remember the day so vividly, although, at the time, I was in a bit of a daze. Looking at the photographs and seeing all the faces and fashions brings a smile to my face!
Over these fifteen years I have been privileged to serve parishes in Guildford, Redhill, Reigate, Merstham and, of course, Horsham, for two stints! I would like to remember and pray for all the wonderful people that have been part of my ministry. I remember especially all those who have gone to the Lord. I also wish to pray for all those I have baptised, those who have received God’s pardon and mercy through absolution, those I have given First Holy Communion to, those I have confirmed, those I have married, those I have anointed and those I have given the final rites of the Church. All special and precious moments in my life and in the lives of others. I thank all parishioners, my colleagues (past and present), my friends and family for their love and support over this time, and I pray that it may continue into the future as I move on to pastures new in Surrey.
Fr Xavier Amirdasamy
– will be coming to Horsham at the beginning of September. Once he arrives in the Parish, there will be a week of overlap, when I will be able to do a handover with him. He is a priest of the Diocese of Kumbakonam and Canon Tim Madeley at Billingshurst and West Grinstead will offer him support in his ministry here at St John’s.
Moving On – My final weekend with you will be 9th/10th September. I will then take a break before starting in Our Lady Help of Christians, West Byfleet at the end of September. Please keep me in your prayers in this time of great change; you are all certainly in mine. The Parish is kindly organising a farewell celebration, which will take place on November 12th, my birthday, when I shall return to offer a Mass of Thanksgiving. Details are elsewhere in the newsletter.
Shared Lunch – Please note the date and time of our Parish Shared lunch - this Sunday! It will be my final shared lunch with you, so let’s make it a huge one! Please see the announcement in this newsletter for all the details, including what to bring etc.
Families and Young People – As the schools begin their return, I hold in my prayers the two schools in Horsham and our Secondary School, St Wilfrid’s. I pray for all those who have received examination results over the summer, remembering those who will be experiencing change and those moving away from home for the first time.
Parish Pilgrimage – I am looking forward to leading this Pilgrimage in October with many St John’s parishioners. We have a meeting with the Pilgrimage Organiser on Monday night at 7pm in the Hall.
Altar Servers’ Mass at Arundel Cathedral
– I am pleased to say that the Annual Altar Servers’ Mass will recommence this September, on Saturday 23rd, after a gap of three years. Holy Mass will be at 12 Midday and will be celebrated by our Bishop. It would be good to see large numbers attending, particularly as it will take place during the 150th Year celebrations of the Cathedral Church. Servers are asked to contact Grahame Moonan if they wish to attend.
With every prayer and good wish for the coming week
