Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

The idea of service is deeply rooted in scripture.  Jesus speaks of service in today’s gospel – he who assumed the image of the suffering servant of O.T.  So the talents, goods, gadgets, material possessions are all in our stewardship for the benefit of others as we journey through life, just as others gifts are for us.  How much time do we give to even reflect on this central aspect of human life as reflected by the mirror of scripture?  Most of us are involved in serving others by virtue of our life choice, e.g. marriage and family life or careers in one of the service callings, nurse, carer, social worker, teacher etc the list is long.  Then involved in voluntary services and needs of some kind, e.g. scouts, guides, brownies, street angels, those who run under age football etc etc.  If these people all downed toots the place would come to a grinding halt.  For years my own dad who did not belong to any association or guild used visit the local cottage hospital every Sunday afternoon and bring the “boys” up to date on the local scene.  If you were to ask me before this adventure began,  “Would your dad be interested in visiting the local hospital – they are all long stay patients awaiting the heavenly call .”  I would have been completely confident in paying something like “Are you mad?”  So we never know what spark burns within people.  You too could be a hospital visitor, maybe if you gave it some thought.  To this end I therefore ask you to read the attached note from Cathy Crowdle on visiting Frimley Park Hospital and the need that exists.  If you know of somebody who does this ministry, they are the best to give you information or contact Cathy or myself if you wish. 

A huge welcome to Fr Steve who will be arriving this weekend and staying until the middle of September.

• There is a lot of tac and rubbish of one kind or another being advertised with the Papal visit in view etc.  If you have a few bob to spare give it to a good cause rather than these opportunists.

God Bless, Father John