Dear friends in Christ
The final Sunday of the Church's year is a celebration of the Universal Kingship of Christ. Not an earthly, social or political kingdom since the reign of Christ is first and foremost over our hearts and minds. This feast invites us to allow Christ to take centre-stage in our lives; to let Him reign in all the facets of life. Normally we follow this feast each year with our Days of Solemn Eucharistic Adoration or Forty Hours’ Prayer. As this is not possible this year we shall have to defer it to a later date. However, the daily Holy Hour from 6-7pm over this month of lockdown will have the cumulative effect of being a similar period of adoration, even if we cannot attend the church in person or have a prolonged time. Be assured that each evening during this hour of adoration you are all present in my prayer before Jesus on the Altar. You might continue to join me each evening for the Rosary and silent recollection with Jesus who is enthroned as King at the heart and centre of our Parish Family.
This particular Sunday each year is also National Youth Sunday. We remember our young adults on this Day and ask God to bless them with an increase of faith and commitment to His Church. You will find some helpful resources for reading and reflection here, produced by our National Youth Service: https://nationalyouthsunday.com
Priests are encouraged to have some days each year for a spiritual retreat, a time of silence and more intense prayer and reflection. As I would normally do this around this time, I plan to spend between Monday afternoon and Friday morning making my retreat. As it isn't possible to go away for this time I shall endeavour to undertake a retreat at home in The Presbytery. I will keep the weekly schedule as normal but I will not be available - apart from emergencies - during these days. I assure you of my special prayer during this time and I ask you to pray for me, that these days may be one of increased grace and spiritual fruitfulness for my salvation!
God bless you!
Msgr Kevin Hale