Welcome

29th March 2020
Fifth Sunday of Lent

Dear Friends,

Today’s gospel is the third of three steps Jesus took in John’s Gospel, to educate those who were to be his closest allies and in whom responsibility for continuing his work would fall when he would leave this earthly realm. First the living water, then the giving of sight to a man born blind, now calling Lazarus to life who was in the grave four days already. The gospel evolves for the disciples, if we read it, it should evolve for us also. This means we should have a deeper understanding of what we are called to do over the years. The old saying “you can’t put an old head on young shoulders” always holds good. We should grow in wisdom, understanding and respect for the Lord’s Message. That is the project for each generation.

Coronavirus News:

• It is important that you keep up to date with the broadcast news. It is equally important that you do not overdose on it – it can make you depressed.
• PLEASE, PLEASE pray regularly every day for those marvellous people who work (in any capacity) in the hospital, care homes or care in the community. Our lives are in their hands.
• It is very heartening that half a million people offered to help a neighbour in these times. We have lists of people in the parish, if you need help with shopping or an errand, please ring the parish number 01276 504876 and we will ask one of these people to ring you back. If you get the answerphone, please leave your telephone number.
• Personally I am banned from the hospital at present because of my age.
• When shopping, if you can, buy an item for the foodbank.
• The cremation ceremony of Bridge Sparkes took place on Tuesday last at Woking Crematorium. A church remembrance service will be held in due course.
• A cremation ceremony will be arranged by the family of Pat Sibley in due course and a Mass later.

May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

• Miriam McDonnell has been discharged to her daughter Margaret’s care in Birmingham. Pray for her and Phil.
• Putting a timeline on the present crisis that the world faces is futile. Eat as well as you need, take daily exercise and also pray to the Lord for his guidance in these strange times.
• Mass is celebrated every day for your intentions, the workers involved in the front line, their families and all mankind. If you wish to add a specific intention, that will be fine, just put a piece of paper through the door or an email.
• You are all familiar with “Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall…all the king’s horses and all the king’s men, couldn’t put Humpty together again.” I am reminded of this titbit of wisdom at this time when I see that Mr Xi and Donald and all their experts are so dependent now on the help of people from the poorest to the richest nations doing their bit. That includes you and me, and in the Lord’s good time will it be a lesson we learn, the unique dependence we have on others whom we will never see or know, to survive?

God Bless You All,

Fr John