Dear friends in Christ

The Gospel of the Mass this Sunday shows the solicitude of Jesus for his disciples, tired as they are after their apostolic works in the neighbouring towns and villages. Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest awhile, he says to them. And Saint Mark explains that there were so many people coming and going at that time that they had no time to read or even to eat. So they went away to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. Often our lives, like theirs, is one of phrenetic activity: between our responsibilities at work, our family, and to society. For this reason we need times of rest and recreation. As our Schools now begin the Summer break, many of us think about heading-off for a well earned holiday; we remind ourselves that we must always find time to rest in the Lord. Let us never forget our basic spiritual obligations: prayer, constant sense of the presence of God in our lives, and the vital importance of our Sunday celebration of Holy Mass. I do wish all of you who are embarking on a holiday at this time, a blessed rest, and an enjoyable time!

As I prepare to depart for Lourdes with the Diocesan Pilgrimage, together with a group from our Parish, I assure you of our prayers for all of the intentions of the Parish Family. I ask you, in return, to pray for us, that we may enjoy safe travel and receive many graces from being close to Jesus and Mary in that most holy of Sanctuaries!

May God bless you all and keep you in His Sacred Heart!

Msgr Kevin Hale