Dear friends in Christ

The readings of the Mass this weekend deal with Prayer. Abraham gives us a moving example of pleading with God to save those cities that had offended God. Jesus gives His disciples the model of all Prayer, when they ask Him to teach them. However we pray, humility is the prerequisite. We have to always approach God humbly, like poor people with out-stretched hands, seeking with gratitude anything that he chooses to grant us. Let us think of ourselves as the children of God, our Father, and like all those in the Gospel, ask him humbly and sincerely for what we need. Above all remember, prayer is never in vain!

This month the Community of the Norbertines in Chelmsford will be leaving our Diocese to take-on a larger church and Parish in Peckham, south London. Last Wednesday I preached at their final Mass of Thanksgiving and was able to offer gratitude on behalf of our Diocese, for all that they have contributed to life here over the last fourteen years. We offer them our prayers and good wishes as they embark on their new apostolate in the Archdiocese of Southwark.

This Sunday afternoon we depart on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes; it has been three years since the last one and there is a great senses of anticipation amongst the pilgrims. We are a small group from our Parish as the numbers are limited this year, but there will be four of our young adults joining the youth wing of the Pilgrimage. Be assured that we will hold our Parish Family in our hearts and in our prayers as we spend these days together at Our Lady’s shrine.

May God bless you all.

Msgr Kevin Hale