Youth in our Parish . . .

It's a bit late to start blogging but we had such a good meeting with Ray Mooney this evening, I just thought I'd put down a few of my thoughts whilst they're still fresh in my mind.

Just a small group of young people, mainly those who have just been confirmed but also some of our new Confirmation group, came along to hear what Ray had to say about youth activities in our diocese.

It was quite cosy as we decided to move into our small meeting room rather than in the large parish hall.

We were very fortunate that Ray brought with him the special National Symbol for Youth Ministry that was blessed by Pope Benedict outside Westminster Cathedral during his recent visit.

Once that was set up and the candle lit, display boards arranged around the room, Ray showed us a very well put-together video presentation produced by last year's Lourdes Redshirts.

I don't think any of us present could fail to catch the enthusiasm of the young people in the video. It was quite inspiring and I hope that it inspired some of our young people to seriously consider applying to be a Redshirt next year.

As well as talking about the A&B pilgrimage to Lourdes in some detail, Ray also gave an overview of other youth activities such as Youth Gather, World Youth Day and the Flame Youth Congress to be held at Wembley Arena in March 2012.

You can find out all about youth activities in our diocese by checking out the special Diocesan Youth web site.

Our Lady of Lourdes . . .

Our Lady is always Health of the Sick and Comfort of the Afflicted.

As we pray today especially for the sick, let us bring to Her our every need.

Our Lady had a clear message in mind when she appeared in Lourdes; she wanted to remind the world of the need for conversion and penance. She wished also to remind us that all have been redeemed by Christ's sacrifice on Calvary.

Today once again we ask Our Blessed Lady's help in all the circumstances of life.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

A & B Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes . . .

On Thursday pilgrims from across our diocese will be making their way to Lourdes for our annual Diocesan Pilgrimage led by Bishop Kieran and accompanied by many of our clergy. Among the group will be able-bodied and sick pilgrims, doctors, nurses, blue-shirted helpers and their slightly younger counterparts the 'Red Shirts' and including a number from our own parish.

Please keep them all in your prayers at this time that they will experience God's healing love in a special way during their time of pilgrimage together.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, pray for us.

It's here!

Finally, after many weeks of anticipation, before Mass this morning, our musical director Flick handed me a copy of our choir's first CD. I'm sure you'll agree it looks very professional . . . and sounds equally so.

Copies will be available very soon. I think that the choir are suggesting a 'silent' donation (and I hope we all know what that means!) if you would like your own copy. Monies raised will go towards sending a pilgrim to Lourdes on our Diocesan Pilgrimage this year.

Meanwhile, Cindy has added the soundtrack to a slide show of photos taken during rehearsals for the recording of the CD. I hope you enjoy listening and watching our choir in action.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes . . .

Today is the beginning of our Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Let us pray for Bishop Kieran and all those joining the pilgrimage, about 800 in total; sick and able-bodied pilgrims, doctors, nurses and helpers, including several pilgrims from our own parish.

We ask the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes:

O Holy Virgin, in the midst of your days of glory,

do not forget the sorrows of this earth.

Cast a merciful glance upon those who are suffering,

struggling against difficulties,

with their lips constantly pressed against life's bitter cup.

Have pity on our rebellious hearts.

Have pity on our weak faith.

Have pity on those we love.

Have pity on those who weep,

on those who pray, on those who fear.

Grant hope and peace to all.

Amen.

Lourdes

This week many parishioners from across the Diocese are in Lourdes on the annual Arundel and Brighton Pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims are quite a few from our own parish, both sick pilgrims and helpers. Please remember them in your prayers as I'm sure they will be praying for all in our parish whilst they are in Lourdes.

This year is a special year as it is the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Our Lady to St Bernadette. Because of the anniversary the numbers of pilgrims has been increased from the usual 800 to 1,000 people to accommodate all those wishing to attend.