Let the Little Children Come to Me . . .

'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'

(Matthew 19:14)

Hooray! I have this week confessed all the children in Years 4, 5 and 6 in our parish school, and as always, what a delight it has been to do so.

Our children are now ready for Our Lord's coming at Christmas.

For those parishioners whose school days are but a dim and distant memory, (and those in between!) you may like to know that our parish Advent Penitential Service is on Wednesday 7th December at 7.30pm in St Ann's Church. All are welcome, not just our own parishioners.

There will be a short liturgy including an examination of conscience, followed by an opportunity for individual Confession. I will be assisted by several other priests from our Deanery. I hope many of you will follow the excellent example of our children and use this chance to prepare well for the feast of Christmas.

A Feast of Confessions! . . .

This past Sunday, being the first Sunday of the month, I was available to hear Confessions after every Mass as usual. It was so encouraging to see so many coming to celebrate the Sacrament and especially when whole families would come together, sometimes three generations of the same family.

Our Year Six children are now coming to the end of their time in primary school and preparing to move up to secondary school; leaving behind the familiar and getting ready to make new friends and meet all the challenges that the move will inevitably mean for them. On Tuesday I was able to visit our parish school and confessed 58 of our Year Six children. It is always a great pleasure and a very humbling experience.

Finally, yesterday, I was delighted to be able to assist in hearing Confessions at The John Fisher School nearby. Although not in our diocese, being so close to Banstead, many of our parishioners are pupils at the school and I'm very happy to help out with Confessions throughout the year. I am always very impressed with the preparation that the boys have received and the way in which they approach the Sacrament.

Oh, my God, because you are so good,

I'm very sorry that I've sinned against you and,

with the help of your grace,

I will try not to sin again.

Confession, Confession, Confession . . .

'Let the Children Come to Me . . . '

I've been busy this week visiting our school and am delighted that I've been able to confess all the children in years, 4, 5 and 6 so we are all ready for the Great Feast of Easter!

It's always such a joyful experience to hear the simply, sincere confessions of our children. They really do set us adults an excellent example.

Mass at St Anne's School on the First Friday of the month ...

I was delighted to celebrate Mass at our parish primary school of St Anne's this morning, the First Friday of the Month, in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

It was very encouraging to see so many children, parents, members of staff and governors who had come to Mass at 8 O'clock in the morning. What better way to start the school day!

The numbers were so great that sadly some people had to stand outside. Fortunately we were blessed with fine weather today.

I look forward to my return visit to the school for Mass on the First Friday of next month, 5th December.