Dear Parishioners,

Many people return to the Church after a period of non-attendance, as they sense a spiritual emptiness in their lives, a space that only God can fill. But many more would probably return if only they knew they were missed and wanted back. Whatever the reason that someone stopped practicing their Catholic faith in the past, they should be assured of a warm welcome on return.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle many face in taking up the practice of their faith again is a feeling of guilt. But this does not come from Christ, who was known for his welcome to sinners. Jesus understands completely, even more than themselves, why they left the Church and why they may like to return.

Difficulties may include sore memories of the Church: a feeling of fear before Confession (better known today as Reconciliation); an argument with a parishioner about crying children; a sermon they took exception to; or it may be issues over gender or teaching on marriage.

Having questions about various aspects of Catholic faith and life is perfectly normal, since faith will always be a challenge to our purely human ways of thinking and acting as also our attempts to talk about God which are always inadequate.

Like any family, the Church can sometimes bruise as well as comfort but the Church is acutely aware today of being far from perfect, especially under the leadership of Pope Francis who lays such stress on forgiveness and reliance on God’s grace which we all need if we are to put hurts and failures behind us and go forward with our pilgrim Church in the hope that things will be better.

As Christmas approaches, I ask you to give this page some thought and prayer and then discuss it with a friend or family member who has stopped coming regularly to Mass and invite them to come home for Christmas.

Simply assure our friend that no matter what the obstacle or difficulties they are always welcome in Church and able to discuss any matter troubling them with one of the priests.

Don’t be afraid to invite them. Remember that God has no messenger other than you.

But do more than simply invite. Returning after an absence can be daunting so accompany them back, at least initially.

Y’all welcome.

Fr John

Dear Parishioners,

Pope Francis, not long after he became Pope, was asked how he would describe himself. “I am a sinner,” then added, “who has been looked upon by the face of mercy.” It is an answer that is true of each one of us. But the difference between us and Pope Francis is that his awareness of the mercy of God is central to his faith and life. It is his awareness of God’s mercy and the way he then shows it to others that makes him the remarkable man he is and allows his influence to stretch outside the Church and across the world.

To encourage us to come to know the mercy of God, to appreciate that God’s love accepts us as we are, while at the same time encourages us to become what we are called to be that Pope Francis decided to call A Year of Mercy which will be launched in Rome this Tuesday, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It will end on Sunday, 20 November 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and living face of the Father’s mercy. When he announced this Year of Mercy Pope Francis said “I am confident that the whole Church, which is in such need of mercy for we are sinners, will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God’s mercy, with which we are all called to give comfort to every man and every woman of our time. Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness. Let us henceforth entrust this Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey: our penitential journey, our year-long journey with an open heart, to receive the indulgence of God, to receive the mercy of God.”

The diocese has produced a pamphlet giving a broad outline of the year of mercy and a prayer card and these are available at the back of the church for you to take.

Information on diocesan events will be announced later.

So, how much does God love me? As he hung crucified, in agony and dying, Jesus looked down on the men who had tortured, mocked and nailed him to the cross and instead of cursing them to hell he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

In an interview 5 days ago Pope Francis was asked “Is there a gesture you intend to make during the Jubilee to show God’s mercy?”

He responded. “There will be many gestures, but on one Friday each month I will make a different gesture.” Watch this space!

Fr John

Dear Parishioners,
As the world moves into overdrive and begins a manic shopping spree in preparation for the festivities, we Catholics should keep our heads and remember that above all else Advent is a time in which to prepare spiritually to celebrate the great feast of Christmas. How? Pope Francis has commentated: “In their daily routine, St. Joseph, together with Mary, shared a single centre of attention: Jesus. They accompanied and nurtured the growth of the Son of God made man with commitment and tenderness while reflecting on all that was happening. In his Gospel, St. Luke twice emphasizes this attitude of Mary: she “kept all these things, pondering them in her heart”. To listen to the Lord, we must learn to contemplate, feel his constant presence in our lives, and we must stop and speak with him, giving him space in prayer. In Advent we should ask ourselves, “How much space do I give to the Lord? Do I stop to talk with him?” Ever since we were children, our parents encouraged us to start and end the day with a prayer, to teach us to feel that the friendship and the love of God accompanies us. Let us remember the Lord more in our daily life, especially this Advent!”

So, beginning today, I encourage you to listen to Pope Francis’ advice and give a short time each day to quiet reflection, prayer, reading the Gospels or whatever. New Walk with Me booklets are available at the back to help you to do this each day of Advent. £1

Two years ago, I introduced you to Olive Aid. This is a charity which helps Palestinians who have lost their olive trees, usually their only source of income, to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements on the West bank and that dreadful security wall. Olive trees are precious: just twenty trees can sustain a family for a year. Olive Aid is a self-help project run by the Catholic Bethlehem University which provides needy families with three year old olive saplings. Christian and Muslim alike are helped but the project particularly aims to stem the emigration of Christian families who suffer the most in the conflict. Today, Christians in Bethlehem constitute less than 15% of the population. Fifty years ago, Christians living in the birthplace of Jesus made up more than 70% of the population. You can donate a tree for £25. For details see me or go to www.oliveaid.com It is a Christmas Charity that I support and a number of parishioners have joined with me over the past few years.

Finally, now is the time to consider which friend or relation, who may have slipped from practice, you will invite to join you at church “to come home for Christmas”.

Fr John

Dear Parishioners,

Today’s letter from Bishop John begins a process that will gradually refashion our diocese into the missionary diocese that Pope Francis wants us to be. There will be no sudden destabilizing shocks but a gradual transformation.
Most will be pleased with the Bishop’s proposals made in repose to the recent diocese wide consultation. Others will feel shocked and threatened at the proposed closure or amalgamation of parishes and want to know why this must happen.
To answer that we have to look back to the end of WWII and the huge housing schemes that followed as densely populated and bomb damaged inner-city areas were redeveloped and new estates were built on the fringes of cities and towns. To serve these, Salford diocese founded new parishes complete with school and in some instances more than one church. Pre-war our diocese had 149 parishes. Fifty years later in 1980 these had increased to 207.
This expansion coincided with an unprecedented increase in the numbers of Clergy. Compare the year 1978 when Salford had 417 priests in active ministry to today when there are only 150 of whom 23 are over the retirement age of 75 but still running parishes! It is estimated that in five years’ time we shall have only 108 priests below the age of 75 to serve 150 parishes.
Then there is a third factor. Sadly, during the past 40 years, as we are all too painfully aware, the practice rate of Catholics has more than halved. Many churches, both old and recent, struggle with poor attendance and support.
To face the future with confidence, to grow into a lean and missionary church that is fit for purpose, some churches will need to close while others will remain without a resident priest but within a larger parish. In this new situation parish communities will need to organise themselves to provide catechists, lay ministers and administrators who will help to run their parish, look after its buildings and free their priest to serve their sacramental needs.
In our own parish we are now used to this new model and, hopefully, are making it work to the benefit of all.

Do read the summary of the Bishop’s proposals, available after Mass. His full 18 page report is on the parish website: olotv.org.uk and the diocesan site: www.salforddiocese.net. Hard copies may be requested from the parish office.

Fr John

Dear Parishioners,

Parish Forum is this Wednesday, 18^th November at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall.

I have appealed on several occasions over the past years for volunteers (men or women!) to strengthen our wonderful team of church cleaners. In response a few generous parishioners have stepped forward but we do need more. “Many hands make light work!” Even if you can’t commit to every single week, just come when you can. Please do consider joining us for one hour on Monday mornings at 9.30am. Afterwards there is good chat and a cup of tea. Particularly we are looking for helpers in a fortnight on Monday 30th November to ‘bottom’ the church in preparation for Christmas.

The Diocesan charity, CARITAS, has reported that on average today’s funerals costs range between £3,500 and £5,500. This represents an 80% increase in just 10 years and can leave some families with a debt. CARITAS advises that we think about and plan ahead for our funerals instead of leaving everything to the last minute and hurried decisions.
When you have an idea of what you want then shop around just as you would when buying anything else, approaching at least three Funeral Directors and asking them for an explanation of their costs.

So, things to consider.

Do you wish to have a simple funeral package: that is a simple coffin and a hearse, leaving mourners to travel in their own vehicles. This will cost around £1,200. A more costly coffin and vehicles add to the price.
Further costs are the fees of two doctors required to certify death, the cost of a grave, the crematorium, the opening of a family grave, a donation to the Church, notices in the paper, organist’s fees, flowers, and/or catering for mourners at home or elsewhere.
It is always best to plan ahead and to inform your next of kin what sort of religious service you want: a Requiem, a funeral service in church or a simple service in the crematorium. But what you shouldn’t do is arrange your own funeral service or ask a friend or family to do so! In the Catholic Church we have a prescribed liturgy which we follow. If in doubt then ask your Parish priest.
Planning ahead or as we used to say, “Putting your affairs in order” is prudent and when your time comes will be of great help to your family. Above all else it ensures that you will have the funeral you want and one that reflects our hope in eternal life.

Fr John

Dear Parishioners,

21 parishioners attended the first meeting to look at Pope Francis’ inspirational letter, The Joy of the Gospel. Comments afterwards were extremely positive. We resume on Wednesday, so if you couldn’t come last week, do join us this Wednesday for refreshments at 7.15pm followed by a 1 hour meeting at 7.30 in the Parish Centre.

No doubt you have noticed the newly tarmaced road between the Church and School which has created a safer passage for our children. In icy conditions the clearly marked walkway will be kept clear of snow and salted. Cars that do not have disabled parking permits will be asked to move if parked in the disabled bays and the yellow lines have so far prevented inconsiderate parking.

The drainage of the sports field is completed. All that remains is to pay the bills.

This leads me to the appeal Derek Pearce made last month. Quite a number of parishioners took forms for Bankers orders, Gift Aid forms and/or Offertory envelopes. If you have one of these at home, please do return it as soon as you are able. To recap Derek’s talk: a Bankers Order saves you looking at the last minute for a contribution to the collection on busy Sunday mornings, signing a Gift Aid form automatically increases every £1 you give by 25p. So every £5 becomes £6.25, every £10 becomes £12.50 and so on. Please do consider this. Each week we receive in the collection some £130 in notes, which if Gift Aided could earn an extra £1,600 a year. (Do remember that signing Gift Aid commits you to no promises) For further information please contact me, Fr Kevin, or Carol Riley (426769) or John Thornber (427352), both members of the Parish Finance Committee. There are plenty of forms and envelopes available.

Congratulations to our school at St Mary’s Sabden which has been awarded a Certificate of Merit and a Trophy by the Keep Britain Tidy Scheme for having the best kept school and grounds in the Ribble Valley. Yes, the best in the Ribble valley! Well done!

Finally, a new study has suggested that Church attendance can ward off depression. Scientists from the London School of Economics surveyed 10,000 people over the age of 50 for four years to see which kind of social activities might stop people feeling depressed. The study found that regular Church attendance did just that!

                                                                                       Fr John

Dear Parishioners,

Periodically I’m asked what we Catholics believe regarding Heaven, Hell and Purgatory and why a Catholic Funeral is not a simple celebration of life. So, for this weekend of All Saints and All Souls here is a simple restatement of Catholic belief regarding death and what follows.

Death is life’s moment of truth when we shall see and recognise ourselves for what we truly are. It is then that God waits to accept us into his infinite loving embrace. Some may fall into God’s arms immediately. For others the embarrassment of fickle, imperfect, vacillating love may prevent an unconditional acceptance of God’s embrace until love is purified and refined. Sadly, some may be so full of hatred and denial of everything good that they turn their face forever away from love, from God. An eternity without love is simply Hell.

On the other hand, Heaven is an endless moment of love. Nothing more separates the saints from the God whom they have sought their life long. Together with the angels they rejoice eternally in and with God. Observe a couple in love, oblivious to the world as they look into each other’s eyes or a suckling baby looking up to its mother’s face — then you have some inkling of Heaven. To be able to see God face to face is like a single, never-ending moment of love.

Purgatory, often imagined as a place, is actually a condition. One who dies in God’s grace but whose frail and wavering love is in need of purifying of selfishness is in the state we name, Purgatory. After Peter’s betrayal, Jesus looked at him but Peter could only turn in shame to weep bitterly — he withdrew, unable to accept Jesus’ forgiving gaze of love. Just such a purgatory, a purification of love probably awaits most at death — the Lord will look at us full of love but on our side burning shame and remorse for past faithlessness and unloving behaviour will hold us back. Only after purification will our love rush us into God’s loving gaze in untroubled heavenly joy.

We, who are baptized, both the living and the dead, are united in one family, in one communion. So we pray for each other — we ask the saints to intercede for us and in turn we intercede for our dead. Our example is St Thomas More who wrote to his daughter Meg on the night before his execution: “Farewell, my dear child, and pray for me, and I shall for you, and for all your friends, that we may merrily meet in heaven.”

All Saints is the day we praise God for his miracles of grace in the lives of each and every saint. All Souls is the day we remember and pray for our departed family and friends.

                                                                                                     Fr John

In 2013 Pope Francis wrote Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) Within the document, Pope Francis encourages every Christian to rediscover the joy of a personal encounter with Jesus and to engage with renewed vigour in the mission of spreading that joy of the Gospel and becoming spirit-filled evangelizers.

It is fair to say that Evangelii Gaudium is quickly gaining its place among some of the most powerful and inspiring papal documents. To understand Pope Francis’ plan for the church you really should read this document. It has therefore been decided by the ‘Our Lady of the Valley Evangelisation team’ (aka The 99 Group) to hold a series of meetings to examine the fundamental aspects of the document.

For those not familiar with the 99 Group, this is a parish group set up eighteen months ago, at the request of the diocese, to promote evangelisation at the parish level. Since our formation we have been meeting regularly and with similar parish groups to discuss aspects of evangelisation.

The one hour study sessions will take place on the 4th and the 11th of November, the 3rd and the 17th of February, and the 2nd and 9th of March, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Light refreshments will be provided fifteen minutes before each session commences. Booklets will be provided that will enable us to read through a summary of each chapter per session. We will pause periodically to discuss what we have just read and share experiences related to our own lives. These meetings will be similar to the three highly successful Proclaim 15 sessions held in March.

As the Pope states; “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord” [EG 3]

So please do come along, one and all, so that we as a Christian community can listen to Pope Francis’ words and discuss ways that we can embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by the joy of Christ.

Michael Smith, Our Lady of the Valley 99 Group