Catholic journalist Amanda C Dickie will speak about this exceptional new saint, who was canonised by Pope Francis recently and is so relevant to our own time. The talk will take place  in Alexander House on Sunday 11^th September at 6.00pm.

The Dutch Carmelites’ opposition to Nazi propaganda cost him his life in Dachau concentration camp. A journalist and broadcaster, pioneer ecumenist, university professor and Carmelite mystic his outreach to people of faith and none is inspirational – even in the Nazi prison camps.

“To win the world for Christ, one must have the courage to come in conflict with it!”

His words resonate clearly for us today.

According to the timetable for consultation, we have just over two weeks for meetings. After this, we contribute to a South West Area group so that our Area of the Diocese then reports to Archbishop’s House. I believe the best way forward is to arrange for smaller groups within the Parish to share their thoughts freely. It is essential that accurate notes are taken down from what each person says as everyone should have an opportunity to contribute. Groups can meet in homes, or here in the parish library. Please check availability with the parish office.

The groups I have in mind are as follows: Parish Council, Finance Group, Catechists, Mens’ Group, Sacristans, Stewards and Choir with musicians, making seven groups. Each group needs to appoint a Leader for the discussion. The Leader needs to appoint a Note Taker. Meetings could aim to run for an hour, possibly for more if that is agreed by the assembled group.

Meetings must begin with prayer. Please read the Synod Prayer (the cards are NOW available at the back of the church, for each person). Also, have a period of reflection on the prayer, asking for the Spirit’s guidance. Each person should speak for no longer than 5 minutes. Leaders must consult the material on this website: <aec.rcaos.org.uk/synod> Thediocesan centre (aec) has a helpful series of boxes and I suggest you look carefully at Section 3: Questions and Section 4: Conversations.

To simplify, everyone should address these three questions:
1.  How is the Holy Eucharist the main focal point for your parish?
2.  How does your parish effectively identify and use the gifts of its people?
3.  Given what you see of the Church (words and actions), in the parish and beyond, what would you say is the Church’s mission?

I have arranged two other general meetings for parishioners to attend. The first of these will be Next Sunday, 14th November, after the 5.00pm Mass and the second will be on Monday 15th November at 10.35am (following the morning Mass). Our delegates, Ginette and Vera will help with these. The notes, written or printed, from all meetings, should be returned to the Parish Priest. It is possible for individuals to send comments on–line through the section in <aec.rcaos.org.uk/synod>

Groups can meet in person or in on–line groupings such as ‘Zoom’, which you can organise yourselves. Whatever you decide, please move quickly to complete this first part of the programme!

Finally, please take home one of the prayer cards from the back of the Church today and pray for the success of the Synod.

Fr Michael

On Sunday 10 October, His Grace the Archbishop made his first visit to the Parish and celebrated Mass for us at 10.30am.  This was followed by a reception in the Hall.

His Grace the Archbishop will make his first visit to the Parish on Sunday 10^th October and celebrate Mass for us at 10.30am. (Please note this will be the only morning Mass that day.) This will be followed by a reception in the Hall. 

We need donations of Cakes please, if you can help please email Dymphna at dymphna.subash@gmail.com. We also need volunteers to help clean up after reception, if you can help please contact Michael in the Parish Office.

On our gallery page you will find some photos of Fr. Peter’s Celebration Mass marking the first anniversary of ordination to the sacred priesthood.