MORE FROM SCHOOL

The next day We focused on the the junior children. With the Year 3 children we talked about the importance of the Sacrament of Baptism and that it is from this Sacrament that all the vocations in the life of the Church come.

During our time together we looked in detail at the Sacrament of Baptism and the promises that parents and godparents make on behalf of their children. We also recalled the first unit of our our Sacramental Programme preparation 'We are the People of God.'

VOCATIONS AND SCHOOL VISITS

Each parish and school of the diocese is allocated a day to pray for and foster vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious. I was asked if I would play at part in this at our primary school - St joseph and St Bede. This I was more than happy to do and prepared something that we actually spread over two days so that the majority of pupils could be involved.

In the infant department I talked to the children about some of the many different things a priest is asked to do. To help the children focus on the different aspects of a prest's work i used a power point presentation with photographs taken from different ascpects of my ministry and from the different parishes in which I have served.

As a fun activity in the afternoon we talked about the different vestments that a priest wears for Mass and then the children made their own models of a priest and coloured in vestments to dress him.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Recently we were pleased to receive the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St Marie's. This imagine is one that has touched and been consecrated with the TILMA (cloak) of St Juan Diego.
The image was placed in church for veneration by the faith and was the focus of our day of prayer for the sanctity of human life.

A TOUCH OF SADNESS

Over the Christmas period it has been my priviledge to minister to those who have been bereaved. Losing a loved one at any time of the year is never a very nice experience, but at Christmas time it seems to take on an added significance. Please remember in your prayers all those who have recently died, especially those who died around Christmas time. Also remember their families who mourn their passing.

Hannah Haniak

Geoffrey Gilbert

Stephen Bonsu

Maureen Booth

Pat Thompson

Thomas MaCauley

Janina Nowak

Mary Halford

David Dunbar

Donald Gorton

Raymond Deveney

Tony Hardman

Rosina Balsamo

Bridget Cosgrave

Violet Lyons

FLOWERS

In between all the liturgies of Christmas I managed to do a spot of flower arranging at St Joseph's. To the professional eye they probably lack a lot, but it was my little effort to beautify the church for Christmas.

A QUICK REVIEW

Due to the fact i havent posted anything for a while I will try and summarise events over the last few months to bring this up to date and then hopefully all will be well.

Christmas seems a distance memory as I wirte this post, but I am happy to say that things went very well here in the parish.

The scene for Christmas was set by our annual service of nine lessons and carols by candlelight. Having the snow and ice didnt help with the numbers attending but those who came enjoyed a very prayerful service and rflection in prepartation for the apporaching Feast.

Masses for the Chirstmas Fewast were duly celebrated in both our churches. Here I record my thanks to theose who worked so hard in preparing our churches for the celebration of the liturgy. It would be impossible to name all those who have helped by name, but you know who you are and I am deeply grateful for your help and support.

Hot on the heals was the Feast of The Holy Family and again we gathered in church for our Sunday Masses. The Bank Holiday was welcomed as a time of relaxation, especially for priests!!!

BACK TO BLOGGING

Its amazing finding out who reads this little blog!!! A number a people have commented over the last few weeks that I haven't posted anything for sometime. I must try and rememdy this over the next few days or so.