Newsletter - 11 May 2025
Dear brothers and sisters,
This Sunday, the Church invites us to contemplate Jesus as the Good Shepherd. As says Cardinal Vincent, this is a most lovely and ancient way of coming close to our Blessed Lord. We can consider the image of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine and goes in search of the lost one, carrying the lost sheep home on his shoulders (Lk 15.4). The shepherd is known by his sheep and calls them by name. He does not forsake his flock in time of danger but stays with them even unto death. These images readily move us to be closer to Jesus in a sense of our need and our gratitude for his love and care.
We are invited to pray in a special way for all vocations, especially those to the priesthood in our Diocese. We pray also for vocations to religious and consecrated life as well as for each one of us, that we might fulfil our vocation of baptised son and daughter of God. Indeed, we are all called in a very radical way to follow Jesus Christ.
This is of particular interest at this time when the Catholic Church has just received the great joy of a new Pope, Leo XIV. While newspapers and the media at large are eager to investigate and know more about his life and biography, let us ask the Lord to prepare us to welcome him with a large and open heart, as being the one chosen by the Good Shepherd himself, our Lord Jesus.
Moreover, when the Lord gives a new shepherd to his Church, we can be sure that He prepares His chosen one. God does not waste anything of our lives and He will give to his Church a man according to His will and heart. Let us, as the Gospel invites us today, get prepared to listen to the voice of our new pope as a new shepherd for us, sure that God will use his voice to continue to guide us.
Finally, let us be thankful that Pope Leo XIV has accepted this new and challenging mission, for saying “yes” to God’s calling and for abandoning himself to the One who guides the Church.
Let us pray for Leo XIV., our Pope.
May the Lord protect him and grant him length of days.
May the Lord be his shield and deliver him from all harm.
May the Lord give him happiness and peace all the days of his life.
Amen.
Father Pascal
Focus of the week
PENTECOST VIGIL PRAYER GROUP
Saturday 7 June – 7.30pm - In the church
We look forward to welcoming the Holy Spirit as a parish community.
PARISH QUIZ NIGHT
Saturday 17 May 2025 - 7pm
Tickets are still on sale from the parish office.
Adults £6
Children under 12 - £3