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FR DAVID WRITES

Today at Mass we hear about Peter's confession of faith in Christ, the Son of the Living God, and then of the commission Peter received to become the first living stone on which the Church would be built. Peter also received the power of the keys and, together with the apostles and their successors, the ministry of governing. The Church, which is an eternal mystery, in established as Christ's Body in the world of time and history through his Paschal Mystery. Let us thank God that we have been gathered together into this great family, united in and around Peter's successors. Let us celebrate that, thanks to God's grace, the Church is always one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

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THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
The Mother of Jesus, in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise she shines forth upon the earth, until the day of the Lord shall come, as a sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim People of God.
From the Constitution on the Church, no. 68.

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FR DAVID WRITES
Today in the Gospel we hear the story about Jesus who walks on the water. The Gospel tell us that Peter began to walk towards the Lord but started to sink when fear took hold of him. There is a reflection here for each of us. Jesus invites us all to step out and walk towards him. Sometimes we begin but are held back by the fear of letting go. We need faith and trust to keep going in our journey towards the Lord.

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FR DAVID WRITES
In today's Gospel we hear about the feeding of the five thousand. This miracle of Jesus reminds us how God fed his pilgrim people with manna during their long journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. Today, in faith, we too come to be fed with the Bread of Heaven that the Lord gives to his pilgrim Church as we journey towards our heavenly homeland. We hope and pray that one day we will be gathered together again in God's kingdom at the supper of the Lamb. May the Bread of the Eucharist never be lacking again from the tables of our existence!

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FR DAVID WRITES
Today we hear how King Solomon didn't seek power for himself but simply asked the Lord for a discerning heart. For all of us who have the precious responsibility of loving and caring for others, this is a great example. It takes a generous and discerning heart to understand what is genuinely best for those entrusted to our care, rather than following the self-serving path of worldly 'logic' . Similarly in the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the wise judgement and decisive actions required in finding the great treasure in life - the 'pearl of great price'. As we think about these lessons, let us ask God for the humility to choose what is best for others first, and in doing so unlock that selfless treasure which really makes life worth living.

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FR DAVID WRITES
Today at Mass we hear the parable of the wheat and the tares. In the parables, Jesus reveals the hidden mysteries of God's Kingdom, foreshadowed in our life in the Church. In our own lives, we continue to sense the tension whereby the good crops and the weeds continue to grow alongside each other.  We must not let the persistent effect of sin to discourage us from doing good: from living the good life of virtue. In the end, we will be judged on how faithful we have been despite the difficulties we experience, and on how much we have loved.

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WELCOME BACK
It has been lovely to welcome parishioners back to the public celebration of Masses. Thank you to everyone for being so cooperative in observing all the special safety measures. Special thanks go to our volunteers who are supervising the church while it is open and during Masses. Please remember that you must wear a face covering or mask at Mass. At other times of private prayer, the face covering is not necessary.

MASSES
Saturday 4pm, 5pm 6pm
Sunday 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12noon
Monday-Friday 12pm, 6pm
The church is open about 15 minutes before each celebration. On Monday-Friday the church remains open after the 12pm Mass for a time of private prayer.

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Should I come to Mass or not?
While we would all love for everyone to come to Mass, we should all think about our own wellbeing and the good of other people. You should not come to Mass if you have symptoms or feel unwell in any way. You should not come to Mass if you are very elderly or have health conditions that may mean you are particularly vulnerable. Think carefully about how you will travel to church and whether you can get there and back safely. The obligation to hear Mass on Sundays is suspended until further notice.

How often can I come to Mass and when?
We are asking people to come to Mass once a week. That can be any Mass on any day. Sunday may be busier so come during the week if you can.

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FR DAVID WRITES
In today's Gospel Jesus praises his Father and then says, 'Come to me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.' During these long weeks of the health crisis, we have prayed every day before the Blessed Sacrament in our Holy Hours. Christ, our gentle Shepherd, has journeyed with us, close to us in our prayers and homes. We have had the opportunity to continually 'come to him' expressing our prayers, thoughts, feelings, joys and sorrows, and our anxieties. As we begin Masses again, our Holy Hours come to an end. Nevertheless, our prayers continue, and we pray for everyone who will participate at Mass here and for those who will remain at home. May we all find in the Heart of Jesus a place of refuge and peace. In the Heart of Christ we meet ourselves immersed in the love and mercy of God. May we continue to 'learn from him who is gentle and humble in heart.' Finally, tomorrow (Monday) is the memorial of St Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr.

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FR DAVID WRITES
A very happy feast day to you all! Today is the solemnity of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, the co-patrons of the city and Church of Rome. Peter and Paul are also known as the 'pillars of the Church'. Today we pray for the current Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, and indeed for the whole Church united by a wonderful fountain of unity and communion.

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CHURCH OPEN FOR PRAYER
Since last Monday, our church has been open for prayer every day from 12 noon till 2pm. This will continue in the coming week. We are all so pleased that this has been possible. Thank you for the thoughtful conduct and cooperation of everyone who has visited the church, and thank you to those who have kindly volunteered to supervise and clean the church. The whole operation has only been possible by the generosity and patience of all involved. May God bless you all.