St Mary Mother of God

3rd Sunday of Lent

From Fr. John

Although last Monday was a fine day, it was of very little use to me. There was so much rain over the weekend that my golf course was closed. Later in the afternoon, I went to the driving range in Whalebone Lane where I hit 60 balls. It isn't about getting rid of some of my frustrations on the golf ball, although at times that can be therapeutic; it is more a matter of keeping the swing going. After hitting all those balls, one thing was obvious: I can't hit the ball very far any more. I blamed these new clubs but the truth is age has caught up with me. I might in normal circumstances feel a bit despondent about it but on Wednesday I took notice of the photograph of my club's senior team in 1972 of which I was a member and I realised that of the ten man team only three of us are still alive! But that doesn't mean I should be thrown on the scrapheap. Since my handicap has gone up from 4 to 15, I feel I could take on Rory McIlroy, if I had a good day!

So where does life begin and end? These are two basic questions and the society in which we live is not coping with them very well. This country has the highest number of abortions of any country in Europe and the highest number of pregnancies to single mothers. It looks as though sex education and contraception in schools is a disaster. And what about the elderly? Just because I'm not hitting the ball as far these days, does that mean I must be written off? The elderly in this country are getting very nervous about having to go into hospital. Not only is care getting more basic but the impression given is they have outlived their usefulness. When respect for life has disappeared at one end of the scale, they are right to think that respect for life is not guaranteed at the other end. My mother, who lived into her nineties, said there is no such thing as growing old gracefully. Even so I think the laws in this country should show greater respect and care for the elderly. I can now say that with some feeling!

He was pleased at the wonderful parish we have at St. Mary's. I would like to endorse that. He enjoyed the visit to the school, meeting both children and staff. I told him we had a wonderful staff in the school. The Confirmation liturgy was carried out beautifully. Thanks to Jane, Theresa and their team and the CWL for refreshments afterwards. The bishop was very sensitive and caring to the three candidates who had lost close relatives in recent years. At our team meeting he made one or two good suggestions. He would like evening prayer to be reinstated on Tuesday and Thursday evenings before Mass. He thought a Bereavement Group would be valuable. Also we discussed parish visitation by the clergy. That is being discussed now. Also he was delighted with our involvement with Piet Retief and Sao Paolo. We will keep you informed about other points from time to time.

There has been much discussion about the front page of my Newsletter for the First Sunday of Lent. Why talk among yourselves? Why not talk to me because what might seem to be a big problem to you may disappear in minutes if you talk to me. I'm very approachable and sympathetic. Try me!

I hope you will try to get to Mass either morning or evening during Lent.

On Fridays at 7.00pm. This is a very traditional Catholic way of preparing for Easter. It is a wonderful meditation on the last days in the life of Jesus.

An excellent little book for a Lenten journey of prayer, on sale in the porch for just £1.00.

Our March course is now in progress.

We welcome the Sunshines to their session. Parents, sorry you have double chapters to work through with the children this week. Thank you for your cooperation. Jane & Theresa.

Congratulations to all our young people who made their Confirmation last week. Our Going Forth celebration takes place on Saturday, 13th March from 4.00 - 6.00pm in the Church.

The itinerary for Rome is now finalised and is on the noticeboard in the church porch.