Fr. Aaron Writes Corpus Christi
Webmaster • June 6, 2021
Dear Friends,
This weekend we have a pastoral letter from Bishop Richard on the Feast of Corpus Christi – it is a feast that calls us to reflect on the Real Presence of Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist. In a year when we have been deprived of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ due to lockdown by the government, we come to this year’s celebration with joy in our hearts that we can now be in church to pray before the Blessed Sacrament and to receive the Lord in Holy Communion to strengthen us on our journey.
As the Bishop suggests, it is now time to return to be present in person at Mass, I would strongly encourage everyone to return if they have not done so. A Christian cannot exist in isolation – we are a community. Whilst live-streaming will continue for the sick and housebound, those who are able are encouraged to come to Mass, even if it is during the week, when it is quieter, to re-engage and reconnect with the parish family. Together with our Lord, we are aching to see you again!
It is great to have Seminarian Gary Carter with us on placement. Please make Gary feel welcome as he spends time with us here. Do feel free to invite him to visit you pastorally and also if anyone would like to meet up with him for coffee or a meal, it would give him a a chance to meet up with you and get to know you.
Liturgy Changes – as from May 17th, the advice from the Bishops Conference and in consultation with Public Health England and the HM Government Task Force, is that we can now respond ‘Amen’ when the priest offers the Body of Christ. So from now on we can respond individually ‘Amen’ when we receive the Blessed Sacrament. Holy Communion is permitted both in hand or on the tongue.
Weekday Mass – on Tuesday and Wednesday Mass will be at 10am this week.
First Confession and First Holy Communion – Applications are now closed. Our classes begin on June 12th. Please pray for our children who begin preparation for these wonderful sacraments.
Corpus Christi – at the end of all Masses this weekend there will be a short period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. It will be an opportunity to pray for an end to the pandemic and to pray for our parish together as we continue to re-engage with parish and sacramental life.
In Memoriam:
Kevin Tayler RIP – We pray for his family and friends in our prayers at this sad time. Kevin’s Requiem Mass will take place here at St John’s on Monday 7th June at 12 Noon.
Connie Brown RIP – Connie sadly died last Sunday. We keep David and all the family in our prayers at this sad time. Connie’s Requiem will take place on Wednesday 9th June at 10am here at St John’s.
Pamela Jones RIP – We pray for Pamela’s family who mourn at this time. Her funeral will take place at 3pm at the Surrey and Sussex Crematorium on Wednesday 16th of June.
May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Social Media: Check out our parish social media pages for the latest news, last minute changes and items of interest:
@catholichorsham (Twitter)
St John the Evangelist, Horsham (Facebook page)
Catholic Horsham (Instagram)
With every prayer and good wish for the coming week.
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