Dear Parishioners
Congratulations to the children of both churches who made their First Holy Communions last Sunday. We pray that they will grow in appreciation of God’s greatest gift to us.
Please remember in prayer the Christians of Iraq. Mass was not celebrated in Mosul last Sunday for the first time in 1,600 years!
Next Sunday, 7th July is Weld Day, the day on which we remember the generosity of Thomas Weld who in 1798 gave the land on which our parish stands. Thomas asked for no payment other than our prayers for himself and his wife Mary. There will be only one Mass on the field for both Sabden and Clitheroe at 10.30am during which the school choir will lead the singing. The usual complimentary glass of wine, strawberries and ice cream will be on offer: you bring along the family, a picnic and some sunshine.
The following Sunday, 13th July, in both churches Head teachers Zoe Mabbott and Claire Halstead will symbolically deliver their year 6 pupils from their tender care to the more robust hands of St Augustine’s Head teacher Mr Mike Wright.
New gates have been erected on the parish field at a cost of £2,000. After almost 6 years chasing dogs and their owners from the field (doggy business and little children don’t mix well!) as also teenagers holding secret drinks parties (and worse) I decided robust policing didn’t enhance my priestly image! Hopefully the gates will give the message: no trespassing!
Some years ago Parish Forum agreed that we would support a seminarian in the developing world. We are currently sponsoring a young man in India during the final four years of his training for the priesthood by paying £500 a year. Last year, fundraising didn’t get off the ground so the Knights paid the initial £500 instalment. I appeal to the parish as a whole to run small independent fundraising schemes along the lines of a coffee morning for friends with a small raffle to help raise this year’s £500. There is a letter from the seminarian with his picture on the notice board.
Hopefully this will generate a greater awareness of the need for vocations in our diocese. Worryingly, last year no new student entered training and there is no one this year. Please do not be tempted to think that there are Fr Frankie Mulgrews or Mark Pavers in every parish.
Fr John