Newsletter - 1st August 2021
Time to say goodbye…
Dear parishioners of Christ the King,
When you read this message, I will already be back in my home country, enjoying a bit of rest before the beginning of my next mission as a chaplain in a secondary school in Lyon, Southern France. I lack words to tell you how much I have felt blessed during this year at Christ the King. Let me just share with you three things that I have learned in this parish community.
First, I have found out how deep is the vision of our parish striving to be “Church as a family.” At the beginning, I confess that it sounded a bit optimistic to me! In fact I have discovered just a taste of what it means. I have seen how Church is important to families both at the beginning and at the end of life, through baptism and funeral preparations. I have been really touched by the amount of requests that we receive for prayer and support. More recently, I have tasted that fun and parties are a huge part of the life of the community here, and I wish I had experienced more of this aspect! I pray that this vision of “Church as a family” can be always more true in this parish.
Second, the generosity of people here is really striking me. Already at the end of my very first mass here, a parishioner offered me a bike! I cannot count the numerous gifts of food that fill our fridge all year long, as well as the numerous bottles of wine that we received for Christmas! Even now, I keep on receiving card after card wishing me good luck. I find such kindness and care to be so impressive.
Last but not least, I have discovered how God does not lose anything in our lives. As you know, Cockfosters was not my primary destination, it was only supposed to be a temporary mission before moving to some other place. Despite such an awkward position, I can see that God has used this time to teach me and bless me so much, as well as using me to bless others around me. It feels so good to see God’s faithfulness in all things. As soon as we say “Yes” to him, He can make so much out of any situation.
For all of this, thanks be to God, and thanks be to each and everyone of you.
Fr. Jean-Sébastien, ccn
Be blessed!
Focus of the week
Parish Celebration & Giulia’s Farewell
Saturday 18th September 2021
This will be an opportunity for all those who have known Giulia over the years to come along and wish her well.
Please save the date!