Dear friends in Christ

The last week has been an historic one: the death of Queen Elizabeth and the Accession of a new King and also a new Prime Minster. The Gospel of this Sunday relates the parable of the worldly-wise steward; Jesus praises him because he had an eye to the future. It should remind us of our judgement; that, whoever we are—prince or pauper—we will be judged on the way we have lived our lives on this earth and the way we have used the gifts given to us. Everything we have on this earth: our material possessions, relationships, our health and life itself, are all to be used for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.

On Monday the Nation will mourn and give thanks to God for the gift of a great Monarch whose long reign was an example of selfless service. We have witnessed one of the great eras of our national history. As Christians, filled with the hope of the Resurrection, we look forward with optimism to the next epoch. Pray for King Charles III that, after the example of his mother, he will be a good example of Christian Faith, devotion and service. As we have seen the many tributes over these last days to the life of the late Queen, we recall her own Faith in Jesus Christ which informed and guided her seventy years on the Throne. Here you will find a lovely résumé of the relationship of Queen Elizabeth II with all the Popes she encountered during her reign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HefLq55XU4c

It was lovely to see so many parishioners turn-out for the Requiem Mass last Friday, which was announced at short notice, and so all the more encouraging because of the spontaneous response. Our new Member of Parliament and local Councillors were in attendance. Let us now pray for our country, the new Monarch, our Government, and our new Prime Minister. God save the King!

Msgr Kevin Hale