A new ‘Pause for Prayer’ video resource has been launched to accompany all on the Year of Prayer journey. The monthly video reflection is hosted by assistant priest Fr Toby Duckworth, who serves in the parishes of St Dunstan, Kings Heath and St Jude, Maypole. Fr Toby is also the newly appointed Diocesan Spirituality Contact. Together with Paul Northam, Diocesan Co-ordinator for the Jubilee Year 2025 ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ from the Diocesan Office for Mission, and James Trewby, Columban Justice and Peace Education Worker, the trio will produce regular episodes focused on teaching, testimony and intentions. In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis. There is a particular focus on the Our Father, and this presents us with a great opportunity to go back to the basics of prayer. Pause for Prayer is a new series of videos to encourage us to press the pause button on our busy lives and to be present to God. Each time will be part teaching, part testimony and part something to pray for. This weekend we begin a new Church Year with the Season of Advent as we prepare for Christ to come again in glory and prepare to celebrate the Feasts of Christmas in a few weeks time.
Please join in our Advent activities. This is also the start of the Year of Prayer when we recommit ourselves to our spiritual journey with the Lord. We are pleased to welcome Fr Marco Egawhary to the parish as our new assistant priest. We hope and pray that his time here will be filled with many blessings. Fr Marco was previously assistant priest in Holy Trinity Parish, Newcastle under Lyme. He replaces Fr Alex Taylor who spent the past three years here in the parish. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he has now moved to Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish in Wolverhampton.
Fr Marco is looking forward to meeting and getting to know many of our parishioners. Please make him welcome and support him in his priestly ministry. Today let us pray for our grandparents and the elderly members of our families and communities for the love, wisdom and example they give us.
In his message for this day of prayer, Pope Francis reflects upon the contribution young people can make to the lives of those who are grandparents and those who are elderly and the contribution they make in return to young people. The Holy Father writes: "Friendship with an older person can help the young to see life not only in terms of the present and realise that not everything depends on them and their abilities. For the elderly, the presence of a young person in their lives can give them hope that their experience will not be lost and that their dreams can find fulfilment." Dear Lord, We thank you for grandparents and elderly relatives throughout the world, their lives and their vocation. We are grateful for their love, care and the advice that they give to each of us. Protect them dear Lord, in all that they do, as we continue to be blessed by their wisdom in our communities. Guide them in their earthly pilgrimage and always keep them close to your heart, so that they continue to generously respond to your call. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. On Tuesday we welcome Bishop David Evans to the parish to confirm some of our younger parishioners. May the Gifts of the Holy Spirit they receive and the witness they give to the Faith help them to grow as Christ’s disciples and members of His Church. Please do join in the Mass of Confirmation if you can and please pray for our youngsters at this time.
All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Parish News & Events Archive
March 2024
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