Newsletter - 16th of May 2021
“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world,
and for their sake I consecrate myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth”
It has been a joy and a privilege to have worked alongside so many parishioners who have said ‘yes’ to serving as a catechist with the children and young people in the life of our parish; so as to proclaim the love, the truth, the Good News of Jesus Christ. A catechist follows a long line of faithful brothers and sisters across time and continents going back to the first disciples who were sent out knowing that Jesus would pray for them and be with them always. This is still realised today as we go forward in his name with the strength of the Holy Spirit. Often a person will feel unworthy or ill-equipped to respond to such a seemly awesome responsibility of sharing the gift of faith, yet with courage and support from the parish community a deep personal growth in the knowledge and love of Jesus can take place. I was a witness to this last Sunday when I overheard one of the First Holy Communion catechist talking and sharing with a small group of 7-8 year olds the miracle of the Loaves and Fishes; with her smile, her openness and her desire to be led by the Holy Spirit she was indeed a true witness to the Gospel.
We hope that we give the very best to the young people in our parish from the toddlers through to the children and teenagers; we can have many ideas and initiatives but what is really needed is plenty of kind loving people to share their time and talents to make this possible. A vibrant children and young people’s programme is a sure sign of a healthy parish.
We are fortunate to have young families returning, since Easter we have been able to prepare the 15 children for their First Holy Communion in person, no longer on Zoom; the children are so happy to come back to Church, it’s so wonderful to hear their chatter and laughter again. As well as this we are hoping with more volunteers we can resume the following activities.
The Liturgy of the Word for Children at the 11am Mass.
The cabin reopening after 11am Mass.
For Children in school years 3-6 the TIMOTHY week-end, a weekend to discover the beauty of being together under the gaze of God.
Mothers and Toddlers Group, with many new babies born in the last year in the parish this is a much needed weekly group to support young families.
The greatest gift we can give to the children and young people is our time, care and friendliness, it will be through these qualities that they begin to experience the love of God and come to know Jesus. With the coming of Pentecost, the giving of the Holy Spirit, if you feel the call to follow the Spirit then please pray and consider to be a bearer of the Good News to the children and young people. You can have a chat with myself or Fr. Christophe about how you may be able to share your gifts and talents, very often in this commitment our own faith will be set ablaze.
What a gift!
Giulia Kemp
Focus of the week
Thy Kingdom Come
Lighting up the world in prayer 13th – 23rd May 2021 https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/events/thy-kingdom-come/
Once again, alongside other Catholic dioceses we are pleased to be participating in this timely ecumenical initiative to help us reflect more deeply on our journey towards Pentecost with Christ parish community.
Net For God Prayer Group
Meet to praise and listen to the Word of God, people from all walks of life come together to pray, practice charisms and listen to the Word of God.
A special evening to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit as a parish community for the day of Pentecost Online Saturday 23rd May 8 – 9.15pm Facebook and YouTube.
Notices of the Week
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