Dear Friends, introduction to our Newsletter from Mary Greaves:

In Luke 10, Jesus sends His disciples out, two by two, to share the Good News and bring peace to the people they meet. It wasn’t an easy task,  they had to leave behind the comfort of familiar places and face uncertainty. Yet they returned filled with joy, knowing God had been at work through them. That same call is ours today, right here in our parish and local community.

Going out to the people doesn’t always mean travelling far. It begins just outside the church doors, in our homes, streets, workplaces, and schools. It means noticing those who feel alone, welcoming the newcomer at Mass, offering a listening ear, or a simple word of encouragement. It means being present to others, not just within church walls, but in the ordinary spaces where life happens.

In today’s world, many people feel disconnected, from faith, from community, even from hope. We are called to be signs of God’s love in those places, just as the first disciples were. That might mean joining parish outreach, visiting the sick, checking in on a neighbour, or simply living our faith with quiet integrity, so that others see in us the peace and welcome of Christ.

When the disciples returned to Jesus, He reminded them that their real joy came not from what they accomplished, but from knowing they belonged to God. That’s true for us too. As a parish, when we go out together, whether through words, actions, or simple kindness, we remind the world that God’s love is near, His kingdom is among us, and no one is forgotten. Mary Greaves

Fr Reginald is back for a brief visit and will attend his graduation at North Manchester University, Bolton on 14th July. Congratulations Fr Reginald. We have a number of Holy Year Pilgrimages to the Shrine coming up and it is a great experience to welcome so many to our Shrine. This week we introduce the use of our Card Reader as one option for the Sunday Collection. On this weekend we had two High School students and seven adults who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thanks to Fr Reginald and Fr Herbert for preparing these candidates and thanks to Anne Howard for leading the catechist team. The Finance Team are preparing two projects . One is the replacement of the pitched roof of the presbytery. The other is t to seal the area of the overflow carpark. We have sent quotes for both projects to the Diocesan Property Committee for approval. Next Sunday 13th July Fr Bryan starts his Summer break in the North of Scotland together with Fr Duncan. He will be back by 25th July. 

God Bless   

Fr Reginald, Fr Herbert and Fr Bryan