St Mary Mother of God

Twenty Third Sunday of the Year

From Fr. John:

This week I read in my newspaper that "Heinz" are making the original tomato soup that was originally marketed in 1910. They have put the 1910 wrapper on the can which is very similar to the ones in recent years. It just goes to show that a good product stands the test of time.

I've just returned from Ireland where I've had work done on the old home stead. I did manage a walk everyday on the beach which is only a few minutes away. The weather was wonderful for Ireland, only one wet day in August in the sunny South East. It made a change from last year.

Apart from doing a Baptism for my nephew near Tullamore, I had only a fleeting contact with the local clergy and church. It goes without saying that the church in Ireland is going through difficult times. Mass attendances have dropped dramatically, not only among the young but older people as well which is disturbing. The clergy, and there are so many good and faithful servants among them, are demoralised. It would be nice if they could alter the packaging and start again from scratch but that isn't possible. They must start believing in themselves and recognise the church is the best product there is. We won't need to change the label but we must get back to the basic ingredients. After all the church has been in existence since its foundation by Christ and it has stood the test of time. And it is here to stay.

I hope you had a good break whether it was home or abroad.

reopens on 24th September.

Date for reopening will be in the next newsletter (September).

Application forms for the Youth Club are now in the Church porch. If you were a member last year you MUST complete a new application form. Year 6 have had their forms through school. Closing date for all applications is Friday, 30th July. Please enclose your form in a sealed envelope and put through the Presbytery letterbox clearly marked Youth Club. Thank you.

Application forms for the Youth Club are now in the church porch. If you were a member last year you MUST complete a new application form. Year 6 have had their forms through school. Closing date for all applications is Friday, 30th July. Please enclose your form in a sealed envelope and put through the Presbytery letterbox clearly marked Youth Club. Thank you.

9th - 23rd August. Visit www.bcys.net/wyd.

for young people in school years 7, 8 and 9 at Walsingham House. 9th - 11th July only £45. Come to Walsingham House for a weekend of fun, faith and friendship. We'll play games, eat good food, and pray together, with drama, art and music and the opportunity to make new friends. Come along and have some fun. Forms available from our website.www.walsinghamhouse.org or email info@walsinghamhouse.org. Please contact Sister Teresa if you need help with the £45 fee.

9th - 23rd August. Visit www.bcys.net/wyd

Would like to thank the Iona Social Club for their generosity and support. The quiz event raised £232. It costs over £500 for each volunteer to go!

On Saturday 15th May HAS BEEN CANCELLED.