Greetings. I’ve previously told from the pulpit the story of the Mother Superior of a large religious community who once commented that ‘a good week in the Convent is when there hasn’t been a murder.’ Not of course that that is our modus operandi here, but her words did come to mind at the end of a quiet and largely uneventful week - at least in the parish, as I’m not going to comment on how the Church of England is currently conducting herself. But here no dramas with the building works; no great excitement on the fundraising front; the liturgical and pastoral round gently unfolding; preparations smoothly underway for the PCC that meets near the end of the month. Concerns there are of course, but these are largely around the health and well being of some of the much loved members of our congregation. These are prayed for daily at mass, as are those caught up in conflict abroad or hardship at home; but it is a reminder of the power of intercessory prayer for us all, whether in church or at home, expressing our compassion, enlarging our hearts and assigning all to God. One thing at least we clearly share with those in the religious life!

With all good wishes,
Fr Andrew Walker
Parish Priest