Dear Parishioners,

Following last week’s newsletter, I’ve been asked to explain, particularly for the benefit of new parishioners, what the Parish Forum is and how it operates.
Quite simply the Forum is our Parish Council, but unlike many Councils it is totally transparent and inclusive. Its Chair is elected to serve for three years, as is the Secretary, and all parishioners are welcome to attend its meetings, join in discussions and vote in ballots when they are present (no postal voting!). It meets round about every six weeks and each parishioner has the right to suggest items for the agenda.

We meet next Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall in Sabden and will finish by 9 o’clock. Tea will be served from 7.15. Further items for the agenda should be submitted to me or the secretary Margaret Donnelly: donnelmarg@aol.com or 01200 441081 by Tuesday evening.

The proposed Christmas Mass schedule and one central venue for future Forum meetings (last week’s newsletter) will be among the issues to be discussed.

Lent is only three weeks away and Maureen Mercer is introducing a new arrangement for groups who this year will lead the Friday Stations of the Cross in Clitheroe. A list will be pinned up in the porch for groups to decide their Friday. First come…..!

Launched last Tuesday a book long interview with Pope Francis. The name of God is Mercy was also released in 20 languages in 86 countries.

Fr John

They say time flies when you’re having fun; this has certainly been the case in my pastoral placement here in the Ribble Valley

I have had a wonderful experience in a Parish full of people with a lively and inspiring faith, which has been greatly encouraging. I have encountered such a great commitment to service among so many of you and you have taught me a great deal. So, it’s with a certain heaviness of heart that I leave you to return to seminary and continue this exciting journey towards priesthood. Please accept my sincere thanks for the privilege of getting to know you over the last five months. I ask for your prayers for the rest of my time in formation and be assured of my prayers for you all.

Wishing you every blessing,

Callum