The waiting is almost over but before we begin to move on today the Church draws our attention to Mary and her unique part in our salvation. The visit of the angel to Mary must have taken her by total surprise. Clearly she was a woman of great faith and a deep knowledge of scripture. She was aware of the expectations of her people but I am sure that it is true to say that she did not expect that she would have such a central role. She did not understand how it could all take place for her. But when the angel did explain to her how it was going to happen, she was immediately able to make her response in faith. "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word". This was Mary’s act of faith; she was not to know what lay ahead. How difficult it would be. She had made her choice and her faith was deep enough to give her the necessary strength to cope with all the difficulties that were to lie ahead.
Mary is the model to us all in faith. We will all be tested in different ways. It may be bad health; poverty; death of loved ones. We know that for all of us there will be difficult times. But if we can remember that we are loved children of God then we will cope with whatever comes.
This is a special season of grace and generosity. We celebrate God’s gift to us of His Son and from that gift we try to be generous with each other. I hope that families will have time and space to celebrate together. My special thanks to all who are helping to provide a special lunch for the lonely on Christmas Day.
On behalf of Sister Eileen and Sister Christina, David and myself, I would like to wish you all the joy and happiness of this holy season and that joy will continue throughout the coming year.
Newspapers devote a great deal of space to court cases. This is a sure sign of public interest. Much of the interest is awakened by the confict of evidence that frequently arises. Often the judges or jury's verdict is based on the integrity of a witness. The judge decides that one witness must be believed rather than the other. A person who vouches for the truthfulness of the key witness sometimes influences such a decision. Obviously the life style and character of the one who vouches for another must itself be well known and above reproach.
Today's gospel tells of one such person, John the Baptist. He was well known to the scribes and Pharisees and to the other traditional Jews of his time. They could not but admire his simple lifestyle. He obviously courted nobody's favour. He spoke the truth, especially the need to be reconciled to God while there is still time. His message and his life were so persuasive that some questioned whether he was the promised messenger from God, the Messiah. His reply was sharp. He was only a witness. One, much greater than he, was to come among them. John came to vouch for the fact that Jesus was the promised one. Some believed him because of the authentic witness of his life.
Our call is to be witnesses to the same Jesus. Will our preparation for Christmas be authentic to convince anybody, but especially the young, that the core of Christmas for us is the celebration of the love of Gof, which the birth of Jesus brings us? Our reponsibilities are enormous. We must not shirk them .
Advent is a special time in the life of the Church, an opportunity to pause and take stock before the big rush. It is a time of hope and reflection. It is a time of setting new targets and new resolutions. It is also a time of prayer and thinking of others. At the moment, we have three of our diocesan priests off sick through stress. I would ask you to keep them and their parishes in your prayers at this time. It is not easy for a parish to celebrate Christmas without their priest because Christmas is the great time for the family gathering of the parish.
The past few weeks have not been a good time for the Church in this country with all the publicity that the Cardinal has received over his handling of a paedophile priest in the 1980s. Somehow we are all tainted when one of our number is guilty of the most terrible crimes in abusing innocent children. While we feel sorry for the Cardinal for what he has to endure, our real sympathy has to be with the abused children.
This week Bishop Crispian issued a statement in which he says, "When the Church is under relentless attack, it is instinctive and good to seek to defend the Church which we love, to which we belong and in which we minister".
However, we must not forget that we are in that relentless media spotlight because children have been sexually abused and we have not always handled this matter in a proper way. The children who have been abused – and many of them are now trying to come to terms with their abuse in their adult lives – are the real victims. The Church is not a victim in this – the children are.
I promise that we as a diocese, will continue to do everything we can to make absolutely sure that our parishes and communities are both welcoming and safe for children. Their protection has always to be our primary concern.
St Joseph’s Centre was built for the use of the parish. Outside bookings are only accepted when there is no parish use for the facilities. The centre is, of course, free of charge to any parish group that uses it.
Sadly, the reality is that parish groups very much under use the centre. The hope of the centre management is that members of the parish will make more use of the centre. So, today, I am asking any groups within the parish who are thinking of using any part of the centre in the next year to get your booking in before the end of the year. It would make life so much easier for everyone if we could have a calendar of events for the coming year. This would mean that there would be no last minute panic about the centre being available. It would also mean that the gaps could be filled out where possible without outside hiring.
I would also like to mention our car park. The car park is there for those who visit the church, presbytery or parish centre. There are times when the car park is not big enough for the number of cars of those on the site. This is something that sometimes we cannot avoid, especially at one-off events such as funerals. I would like to remind people that we cannot promise car park space to anyone. However, it is our aim that there will be car park spaces for those who come to daily mass. This does mean that we need to look at some of our weekday hiring. I would also ask that those who use the car park to show consideration to others.
In our Summer magazine, I raised the question of commissioning a new statue of St Joseph that could fit into the alcove where the door was in the old baptistery.
The facelift that has taken place in St Joseph's started as part of the millennium celebration. When the painting at the back of the Church is completed, I feel that we will have done everything that is needed in St Joseph's at this time. Indeed many people have mentioned to me that the Church looks better than it ever has and all the improvements have combined to bring out the best in St Joseph's. I must also mention our loyal band of cleaners who work week after week to keep the Church to such a high standard.
Since I wrote about the new statue, I have heard from only one parishioner who thought it was a great idea otherwise there has been silence. Do I take it that the rest of the parish silently approve or that you could not care less or perhaps you did not notice what I wrote in July? It is always interesting to see how people respond so strongly when they disapprove of an idea but can remain silent if they approve.
For myself, I feel that a tasteful commissioned statue of St Joseph would be an appropriate conclusion to our generation's care of our Church. Clearly I would only want to pursue this idea if it had the support of the Parish. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has any thoughts and even from anyone who would like to be involved in carrying the idea further.
The Diocese has produced new guidelines on the following Health and Safety procedures in our Church and in our Church buildings. We have a clear responsibility to the Diocesan Trustees and to all who use our buildings, to carry out these procedures.
Mrs Ann Ivinson, a parishioner, has volunteered to oversee Health and Safety in our Parish. She is going to take a look at all of our buildings and may possibly make recommendations of changes that may need to be made. Clearly, if Ann does make recommendations, I feel that we have no choice but to implement whatever changes are required. We owe this to those who use the buildings and to the Diocesan Trustees who own the buildings.
We still have a part to play in making sure that our buildings conform to good Health and Safety practice. Doors should always be kept clear, wires should not be lying around loose on the floor, nor should bags or other items be left where people are walking.
I think that it is fair to say that by and large our buildings have been changed to be user friendly so a lot of the work has been done and it will not be too difficult for us to comply with the Diocesan regulations. Even though we are in good shape, it is no reason to take things for granted.
Since Mrs Pat Weavers retired from playing the organ at 10.45am Mass, many of you have mentioned to me how much you miss the music. I agree and feel that the Mass at 10.45am is incomplete without it, so I think that the time has come for us to try to rectify the situation.
Ben Muggridge has offered to set up a Choir that can lead the singing at this Mass, alternating with the Folk Group that we are so lucky to have.
Clearly, a Choir does not come down from the clouds. The numbers come from among us. If we feel that something should be done, perhaps you feel that you should be one of the ones to do something about it.
Ben cannot be a Choir on his own. I would like to hear from those of you who can sing in time and are prepared to work with others to lay the foundation for a Choir. What the Choir will be depends on the members.
I would like to see a Choir being able to give a lead to the Congregation in singing Hymns, the parts of the Mass, to sing the Psalm and perhaps to do something a bit more challenging at Communion. This is my hope and I know that it will take some time before this hope can be realised, but we need to make a start even in a small way and gradually build up, gaining in confidence and numbers so that our singing will be something that we can all be proud of. So today I am asking anyone who would like to be a member, to come forward and give of your talents to serve our Parish and give honour and glory to God.
A number of people have been asking about a trip to Lourdes next May. Well, it all depends on whether there are enough people interested in going and if someone comes forward to act as organiser.
Mrs Angela Gilmore has organised the last few trips but she is not available in May 2003.
As a first step, we need someone who would be willing to act as organiser.
Angela has offered to advise on the tasks that need to be done, so if anyone is interested in taking on this role, I would like to hear from you.
As soon as we get an organiser in place, we can look for numbers.
What is your understanding of the Scriptures?
Have you ever stopped to look at the meaning of them, and the part they play in your life? Do they play a part in your life? These are some of the very basic questions, and before you continue reading this, have a think about them.
On Tuesday, 15th October, we will be starting a Scripture Group in the parish. This has come about not only as a result of the success of the Week of Guided Prayer held earlier this year, but also in response to the many requests we have received to hold such a Group.
The objective of the meetings will be to read the scriptures, understand them and pray them. This will not be an academic or intellectual exercise. Scripture is the inspired Word of God, and it is through the sacred words of the scriptures that God speaks to us. In order for this to happen, we need to take the time to reflect on what we read and hear, feel the words leave out heads and enter our hearts.
God speaks to each one of us in a different way, but it does help in the reading and understanding of the context and background of the passage we are using.
It will be held every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the Month. The first meeting will be held in the Presbytery on the 15th October at 8pm and will be led by David. There will be different leaders at each meeting, and all parishioners will be encouraged not only to come, but when they are ready, to lead a session. The leader will choose a passage and this will be distributed in the church at least a week before hand, with a guide on how we intend working on the words. Each meeting will be interactive, incorporating reading, reflection, personal input and prayer. Everyone will be given a chance to share. The format of the meetings are open to change, all ideas and suggestions will be taken on board as we go along.
Come and share God’s words with us…..
…’they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.’ Acts 17:11b.
Continued from last week’s newsletter
To support our commitment some changes to the working practice of group activities has to happen. Though this causes some problems it is important that we understand that best practice is what we are aiming for. All those involved with groups have been given a copy of the document and have been asked to study it. The most significant changes are with regard to numbers of adults per group and the supervision of group activities. It may mean that more volunteers are required to assist with running First Communion, Confirmation and Children’s Liturgy but these are necessary changes.
Designated Persons
Neville Gartland and Mary Luxon were appointed by Fr. Tom to act as Designated Persons within the Parish, and their photographs and telephone numbers are displayed in the church.
They both have an important role in the implementation and continued monitoring of the new documents. They have made themselves familiar with all aspects of the Policy and Procedures within the Parish and Diocese and have responsibility of reviewing all activities where children and vulnerable adults are involved.
They will ensure that all persons working with children and vulnerable adults know and understand what they must do to protect those in their care.
They will clarify role with potential volunteers and oversee the administration and appropriate training of all who work within the parish.
It will be their responsibility to supervise all parish activities to ensure that the policy and procedures are adhered to at all times.
Any person with a concern can contact the Designated Persons at any time.
Since the publication of the Nolan Report all diocese have been asked to take seriously its role in the protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. Sadly we don’t have to look beyond the newspapers to see how necessary this area is so this Parish has taken seriously its responsibility. A small group of people has worked on the Parish Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Procedures and Policy documents. These documents have now been ratified for use by the Parish Pastoral Council. Below are some highlights from the Document.
Statement of Intent
St Joseph’s Parish is committed to operating procedures for the protection of all people but especially children and the vulnerable. The Parish intends to:
1. Develop and adopt a policy statement and procedures for safeguarding the welfare of all people entrusted to its care and especially children, young people and vulnerable adults.
2. Plan the work of the Parish so to minimise situations where the abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults may occur.
3. Introduce a system whereby children, young people and vulnerableadults may talk with an independent person.
4. Apply agreed procedures for protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults to all those involved in Parish activities.
5. Issue guidelines on how to deal with any disclosure or discovery of abuse.
6. Train all those involved in working with children, young people and vulnerable adults in the procedures involved.
Policy Statement
This Parish is committed to respecting the dignity and uniqueness of each person entrusted to its care. It is the policy of this Parish to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from physical, emotional or sexual abuse and to provide a safe environment for them.
To be continued next week.
For the past six years Mrs Tricia Brooking has been Parish Secretary. The main task of the Parish Secretary is to run the Parish Office, deal with the phone, mail and door. Any of you who visit the office know how busy it can be and what different demands are constantly being made. For the past two years Tricia has been involved with the Historic Churches Committee and subsequently has become Secretary to the Patrimony Committee which looks after all the historic churches in England and Wales. These jobs have grown and will continue to grow. Tricia has decided that she cannot devote as much time as she would like to everything and has resigned as Parish Secretary. On behalf of us all, I would like to express our thanks to Tricia for all the work that she did as Parish Secretary. On a personal note I know that I owe her a great debt of gratitude because my move to St. Joseph’s would have been so much more difficult without Tricia’s help and support.
From this week, Mrs Terry Mellor will take over as Parish Secretary. Terry is familiar with the office because she has stood in for Tricia while she has been on holiday. I would like, on behalf of us all, to welcome Terry to her new job, which I hope she will find enjoyable and satisfying.
For eleven years, Tricia has done the weekly newsletter, separate from her duties as secretary. We now also need someone to lay out and type the newsletter. This could be done either on a home computer or here on the office computer at a time that Terry is not working. More details are overleaf. If you would like to take on this rewarding and essential job for the Parish, please contact me.
To be a Disciple…..
The theme of each of today’s readings is very similar and can be difficult to accept. We are reminded of the cost of discipleship. In the first reading Jeremiah has come to his wits’ end. Speaking God’s message to the people has brought him insults and hardship. Yet, somehow he remained silent. In the second reading St Paul urges the Romans not to live like the people around them but instead they should strive to do the will of God even though it may be difficult. In the Gospel Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to suffer and die at the hands of his enemies and that they too have to be prepared to suffer for what they believe in and to face hardships when he is gone. The words of Jesus in the Gospel are hard to hear. None of us wants to suffer hardships and few of us would wish to suffer for our faith. The words then make us stop and do some hard thinking about our attitude to our beliefs. When we have to make difficult decisions in life the words of Jesus are ringing in our ears, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.” Few of us are ever called to make really difficult decisions where faith and action are put into conflict yet in the world of politics and business it can happen often. What will govern our decisions, the values of the Gospel or other values?
In today’s readings we are being reminded that there are real choices to be made and often the right way will be difficult. Making the right decision may not bring riches but will bring peace of mind and wholeness.
Lord, teach us to serve you as you deserve: to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek to rest, to labour and not to ask for reward except that of knowing that we do your will.
In today’s Gospel we meet one of the most interesting personalities in the New Testament, Peter. In many ways he seems like the most unlikely character to be chosen by Jesus as head of his church. He is almost too human, too like us in the way he behaves and seems to get into bother. In the gospel stories we see his ups and downs, his strengths and foibles. At times he is very brave, willing to risk everything including his life for Jesus. At other times he is cowardly, denying that he ever knew Jesus at all. There are times when he is rocklike but there are many times when he is like sand.
Jesus knew him so well though and he helped him to grow into the person who could lead his church, who could lay down his life, who could be strong when the time came. Jesus was patient with Peter and his growth was a slow gradual process. There were many times when it seemed like he was going backwards drifting away from Jesus. In a sense this is our story too. We try and try to be more like Jesus. We try to follow him with all our strength. At times it becomes difficult and our good intentions are lost. Jesus has the same patience with us. He knows too well our human nature, our difficulties and our weaknesses. Like Peter we blow hot and cold in our loyalty but like Peter the strength of our relationship with Jesus is what will help us to grow stronger, more attached, more positive in our response to his call. In many ways we are all like Peter and we can learn much from his life for our own journey.
The setting for today’s gospel is the region around Tyre and Sidon which is roughly present day Lebanon. It is an interesting story where the woman seems to have the upper hand challenging Jesus. She pleaded with Jesus to have pity on her and to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. She was willing to do anything to have her daughter well again so she accosted Jesus, a foreigner. Something told her that he could help her so she was willing to run the gauntlet of derision from her friends and from Jesus’ disciples. As she was not a Jew and a woman the disciples try to move her away, to get rid of her quickly, acting as the tough guys, the minders. Their heavy-handedness did not deter her and she shouted even louder, pleading for her daughter. She seemed to challenge Jesus’ notions of who is to be evangelised, who his word is for, who should be helped and who God’s love should be poured upon. Is Jesus just testing her faith or is he dodging her altogether? His answer seems harsh “Is it right to take the food from the sons and daughters and give it to the dogs? (‘Dogs’ was the Jewish word for pagans). Her response, “Please Lord even the dogs have the scraps from the table” proves to Jesus that she has a deep faith and her persistence pays off. The woman challenged Jesus laying before him her needs and her sorrows and her humble faith is accepted and rewarded. Could we have a better parable about the power of prayer?
Have you ever travelled by boat? Most of us have had the experience of either travelling by ferry or just sailing quietly around a lake or harbour. Few of us have ever been in a terrible storm where even the experienced sailors are terrified. Storms can come sweeping in from the sea with great suddenness and ferocity so that even the sturdiest of crafts can be tossed about like a cork.
In today’s Gospel reading we are told that the disciples are alone. Jesus is gone to a quiet place to pray. They felt safe when he was near them. He was their security, their hope. Now they were alone and threatened. Some were experienced sailors so a rough sea was no real danger but still they felt afraid. When Jesus eventually came to them across the water Peter jumped in filled with joy. He may have jumped too soon because he began to sink but again Jesus saved him.
What this reading may be telling us is that whatever problems or storms in life we seem to be facing alone, Jesus is always there, waiting for us to call on him. If we have faith in him, he will come to us as he came to his disciples and save us like he saved Peter.
When the great social reformer and soup kitchen organiser Dorothy Day died one of the people she worked tirelessly to help said, with tears running down his cheeks, “That fine lady gave me love”. St. Matthew said that Christ’s heart was moved with pity when he saw the needs of the people. His miracle of the loaves was an act of compassion and love. The feeding of the five thousand was a huge family meal with Christ at the head of the table. In his parables Jesus often spoke of a banquet as an image of the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of love, justice and mercy. One of the lessons to be drawn from this event is the importance of the family meal. Just as the meal of the Eucharist symbolises the love of Christ, so the family meal symbolises the love a family has for itself. To be given a seat at a family table is to experience love, welcome and acceptance. To be truly accepted at table we not only offer a place at table but a place in our hearts as well.
The miracle of the table in most homes comes when families take time to eat with each other and show each other love and welcome. So many are living such hectic lives that they have forgotten the beauty and dignity of a meal where the family members take time with each other. At times the family meal becomes a quaint reminder of times past. Jesus took time to have a huge family meal on a hillside in Galilee and later with his apostles before he died. In both cases he was showing his love for us and perhaps he was telling us how we should follow his lead.
Deacon David
After many years of playing the organ and running the choir in St Joseph’s Church Mrs Pat Weavers has decided to retire from playing at the Sunday 10.45 Mass. She will continue to play when needed at the weekday masses.
We all owe her a great debt for the wonderful service the she has given over so many years. On behalf of us all I would like to say a big thank you and I hope that she now will not feel so tied on Sunday mornings. I would also like to express my thanks to the choir members who have supported Pat over the years.
Pat’s retiring leaves a big gap in our Sunday Liturgy. The ideal would be that we would be able to get another organist and choir leader. I know that organists are few and far between nowadays, but we have to be hopeful. I would like to hear from anyone who has any ideas or any contacts, perhaps a couple of people could take it in turn to play and there could be a separate choir leader. And remember the Folk Group now also plays half the Sundays of the year so it is not a commitment for every week. It is important for our liturgy that we have good music.
Singing is an excellent way of involving a large assembly of people in
one action;
it creates a sense of common purpose and of community in worship,
and involves both mental and physical participation.
Singing requires more effort than speaking. It requires us to join our voices
to the rest of the congregation and move at the same speed. Everyone encourages,
and receives encouragement from, everyone else.
This common effort brings us closer to one another in our prayer.
(Catholic Bishops of England and Wales)
I am not one for overt displays of emotion, but last Saturday’s celebration was emotional.
Perhaps because it was the end of one part of the journey towards priesthood or perhaps seeing so many of my family and friends gathered together at a joyous occasion. It was for me a marvellous day and to have shared it with so many of the people of this parish was an honour. The past two years at St Joseph’s has been one of the happiest times of my career and that is a tribute to the people who make up the parish. I have met with so many who have shown a genuine interest in my journey and have journeyed with me. Eucharist is about people who come together to share their lives and tell their stories so that we can all see the great gifts that all have been given shared. In my time here I have experienced real Eucharist and friendship.
Thanking individuals is always a dangerous task because no matter how hard you try you forget someone special but I feel that I have to thank a few who have put in some hard work over the past few weeks. Tricia Brooking and Veronica Wright have, in my absence, put together the booklet, invited the guests and planned the day, Terry Boland excelled himself at his first Ordination as MC and Lisa and her musicians did a splendid job. Thanks to Aine Harte and her team who baked, cooked and washed up; to those who cleaned and decorated, took photographs, ushered and smiled at strangers. To those who sent cards and gifts, many and sincere thanks for your generosity. Thank you to those who came on the day or to those who were praying for me at home. And thanks to whomever I should have thanked but have forgotten. Finally I would like to thank Fr Tom, the best model of priesthood a student could have, for being my mentor, guide, counsellor and friend. May God continue to bless this community and I pray that I can live up to my role as one who serves it.
This weekend is the final opportunity for voting for new members onto our Pastoral Council. You can vote for up to five names from the list on the voting paper. If you vote for more than five you clearly invalidate your whole vote and none of your names can be included in the final total. If you have not already voted, I would ask you to do so today. By voting you are showing your support for the Pastoral Council and for the development of Collaborative Ministry in the Parish. It might help us to revisit some of the thinking, which is behind the constitution of the Pastoral Council.
The church is not a democracy, but is in fact a communion of life, love and truth. This understanding of church must find expression in the structure of the council. The council is there to serve the community and enable the members of the community to develop their own talents and gifts. The exercise of power has no place in pastoral councils and those who seek power would be happier if they looked for it elsewhere. Our parish belongs to all the members, not the few and the task of the pastoral council is to reach out and include and involve more and more people. Can you think what a different parish we would be if we could have every member involved in a constructive way? We also need to remember that our parish community belongs to the larger community of the diocese. We need to work with the diocese and not to look to make decisions in isolation.
Working collaboratively is new to us all and we need to learn together. We will make mistakes but we need to be tolerant of each other. Above all we need a vision guided by the gospel.
I would like to express my thanks to those who have offered themselves for election. The nature of elections is that some do not get elected. I hope that they will not see this as a sign of rejection but to accept the choice the people have made. I am sure that those unsuccessful in the election will be willing to help in other ways in the parish.
All the waiting is nearly over! Next Saturday David will be Ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop Crispian. This is a very special occasion for St Joseph’s Parish. I am sure that you all join with me in wanting to make the most of the opportunity of celebrating the Ordination in our Parish.
First of all, let me say again that all parishioners are invited. It would help us in the organisation of the ceremony and the reception if we had some idea of numbers attending. If you have not signed the red notice on the noticeboards, please complete the slip on the reverse of this newsletter and put it in the basket provided or through the presbytery door by Tuesday lunchtime. It would also help if you come in good time on the day.
David’s parents and other members of his family will be arriving on Thursday. I am sure you will make them welcome at this special time for them. In a very real sense they are providing a priest for Portsmouth Diocese so we must make them feel that they too are part of our community.
David himself will finish his retreat on Thursday. I am sure that he is very much in your prayers at this time. The Holy Hour at 5.00p.m. today, Sunday 7th July, will be offered for David that he will be supported in this very important stage in his life.
Contact Details
Parish Priest: Fr. Tom McGrath, Tel: 01628 783988
Parish Office: 01628 783988 Fax: 01628 776863 (Monday to Friday 9.am to 12 noon)
Parish Centre: 01628 636312 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm)