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 Friends,

            This passage today about Elijah the faithful prophet has fascinated me since I first heard it read in secondary school. It means more to me now, not that I fully understand, but it fits the pattern of Jesus later in how God is revealed gradually. We learn early on in life that God is our Father in heaven, who has created the heavens and the earth and the seas and all living things etc. etc. and the day and the night (Genesis I).

            Biblical imagery of passing on messages is very often repeated through the scriptures, usually it means a vision, or an angel comes with an instruction or request. Here, Elijah is told, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord”, for the Lord himself is about to pass by. Now there was a great wind, but the Lord was not in the wind, then an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, then a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, then the sound of a GENTLE BREEZE and when he heard this Elijah went to the entrance of the cave on mount Horeb (the mountain of Moses). The Lord was recognised as a gentle breeze rather than a spectacular event of nature. Jesus was challenged to show a sign “so that we may believe” (Matt: 12:38) and he answered that no sign will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Jesus did not associate himself with power and influence, indeed he even did not resist unjustly being condemned to death.

            Does leadership always have to follow the image of a boxing contest where the one who wins it is the strongest and most ruthless? Is that all we have to offer the world as followers of Christ?

• It was a great joy to welcome Stacey Forde into full communion with the Church last Saturday. She has already returned to St. Lucia, West Indies to marry Richard George.
• Regarding masks or face coverings, it is great that you have all taken to heart the safety of others. Keep up the good work. They are mandated from today, Saturday August 8^th.
• Thanks to Simon Johnson and Partners, we are on the website with mass again. Pass on the word please.
• On behalf of everybody, THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEER STEWARDS AND MASS ASSISTANTS.
• Let’s NOT stop praying for the sick and all who are carers and workers in the health system.
• 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.
• 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 Disposable gloves. 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:            Golfer: “Do you think my game is improving?”

                        Caddy: “Without a doubt, you miss the ball less often now.”

God Bless You All,

Fr John

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.