Alton Day of Renewal Prayer Requests

We will pray for anyone feeling isolated, anxious, depressed, or physically ill. We will help you draw close to the love of Jesus, who said “come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”. On weekdays 10.00am-4.00pm tel 07579 824523. Full details at www.altonrenewal.com/prayer_request

Dear Parishioners,

We urgently need volunteers to help with the following:

• Prayer ministry
• Children’s liturgy (10:30am Mass on Sundays)
• Preparation for the sacraments
• Hospitality in the hall
• Liturgy of the Eucharist: Welcomers, Co-ordinators, Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Music live and IT
• Church cleaning
• Money counting
• Flower arranging
• Grounds maintenance
• Typing the newsletter
• Writing bidding prayers

If you are able to help, then please complete this form online, or download the form here and return it to Helen by either emailing her at frimley@abdiocese.org.uk or olqh@ntlworld.com or by putting the form through the letterbox of Fr John’s house.

Your kind help would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Friends,

            One of the most basic difficulties we all experience in trying to live the Christian life is the mixed messages we receive along the way. Today’s readings throw some helpful guidance our way. It is sometimes the conflict that arises within us, be it mind, body, or spirit.

            Through the words of the prophet Isaiah, the Lord (God) calls us to LISTEN, LISTEN TO ME, what we are looking for is sustenance for the body, food, and drink. By listening to God’s word, we have true life that does not diminish with time. It is akin to the words of Jesus who in John Chapter 6 reminds those who came back looking for more to eat the next day, that He (Jesus) was the true bread from heaven.

            St Paul appealed to the early Christians in Rome at a time of persecution not to let anguish, distress or famine win the day, because not even these realities or angels or any power you can mention can if WE CHOOSE GOD separate us from the love of Christ Jesus our Lord.

            On hearing about John the Baptist, Jesus and the disciples withdrew to a quiet place with their own thoughts. Much like a traditional wake in Christian tradition to pray for the dead witness (John) and come to terms with the bad news. But people were impatient, they wanted to hear Jesus speak and to witness healing those who were in need of it. Jesus did not disappoint them – shades of the wedding at Cana, his first miracle – and then went further to feed the hungry crowd with plenty left over. A sign of the generosity of the Lord even in turbulent times. “It is in giving that we receive”. Jesus did those things then and continues to do them today because HE LOVES US. In his own words he asks us “to love one another as I have loved you”.

• It was really good to see many come to Mass at the weekend and during the week. Please remember the operative words for all are SAFETY and GOOD HEALTH.
• We will get used to the new routine in due course. We are all on a new LEARNING CURVE.
• Holy Communion will continue to be distributed AFTER the FINAL BLESSING at weekend Masses.
• When you enter the church please follow the ONE-WAY SIGNS. NO DOUBLING BACK -please follow directions of the Stewards.
• Massive thanks to ALL Mass Stewards, as their task involves cleaning the benches AFTER EACH
• If you can, please take a blue form and be a Mass volunteer at the weekend or weekday.
• GIFT AID ENVELOPES at the entrance if you are already signed up.

For some, maybe you would like to set up a ‘STANDING ORDER.’ If so, email Tony Duhig at giftaid@olqh.com who will guide you.

• For collections, baskets at the ENTRANCE and EXIT of church and hall if needed. Thanks a million for your co-operation.
• Regarding supporting the church, you do it in so many ways. I have been asked twice by people who would like more guidance. My answer is as always “GIVE IF YOU AND FAMILY CAN AFFORD IT. These are not ordinary times.
• There will be no retiring collections for other causes at present.
• Regarding MASKS: If we are to be consistent with reassuring people in enclosed areas it seems reasonable to me that the wearing of a mask or face covering greatly helps in this regard. So, I positively encourage you to wear a mask while in the church unless it effects your breathing etc.
• Regarding Disposable gloves. We have had a reminder that these ARE NOT an alternative to clean hands. So, washing hands and using sanitiser regularly is much better infection control. Please remember to use the sanitiser provided on entering the church and on leaving.

Finally: “If reports are to be believed, it’s a relief to hear that there is a motorway to heaven and a stairway to hell, which says something about the anticipated traffic!”

God Bless You All,

Fr John