Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Today’s Gospel reminds us of something we have experienced ourselves, you have to leave home to find yourself. So did Jesus and when he returned no doubt many greeted him warmly but others had great reservations. He made a new home with the apostles, not of building materials but of people he could relate to. So that place called home was no longer a district or a house, but people who shared his values or were open to them. So home would be a group of people now and not a place. That group of people we would call the followers of Christ or Christians.

Please pray for the people of Haiti where the scenes are unimaginable. Also for those who are trying to help. They come from many nations and it reminds us of the bond that binds people together in disasters. When you reflect on the news footage and on the serious numbers who do not keep appointments with their GPs or hospital thus causing a dreadful waste of resources, let’s wake up. There will be a retiring collection for the people of Haiti on February 6th/7th.

To all who are involved in ministry at Mass.  I wish to draw your attention to the yellow sheets to update our database and keep Liz Ray informed of any wishes you may have, re. times etc.

You will see the information notice re. a planning application in this Newsletter. It pertains to the Old Hall and the site of empty ground by the side of it. I do ask you to please write to the address given, Planning Dept. quoting the number 09/0968. Please not it is NOT the same number as given last week, so if you have written already, I ask you to do so again. We cannot take anything for granted and if there is one item public servants are interested in, it’s not upsetting the locals.

Finally, my New Year’s Resolution was to keep my living quarters in a more tidy state. After her visit last week, Josephine has me on one yellow card already

God Bless Fr John.