Fr. Graham Writes: 13th July 2025

Webmaster • July 11, 2025

It is said that it is hard being a Christian. We certainly seem to make hard work of it. But it could be said that we are created to follow God's laws and desires because we are made in the "image and likeness of God". But since the first temptation and Fall we have been pulled away and led to follow our own desires. Baptism puts this right and resets us or re-orientates us towards God.


But we live in a world of conflicting goals. Our internal world is still tainted with the old way of thinking and the external world is groaning with the ache of a world that is dying and being restored to the Kingdom of God.


This is played out in our everyday decisions and world view.


The "good" Samaritan was made of the same stuff as the Priest and the Levite, except he saw things differently. He didn't see a problem or inconvenience, he saw a person lying in the gutter. Both the Priest and Levite "saw him" but only the Samaritan engaged with what he saw and allowed the man to move him with compassion. Perhaps he knew what it was like to be forgotten, avoided or judged? He allowed the man into his life and in so doing invited Christ into his heart.


It is not difficult, it is easy. "The word is very near to you". We can do it. We do not need to justify ourselves or prove ourselves. Jesus has done exactly this for us. He has picked us up, bandaged our wounds and brought us safely home. All we need to do is "go and do likewise."


With my prayer for you everyday.


God bless you

Fr Graham

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We are honoured to be the first parish in 2026 to host a visit of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, along with the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco. This is a wonderful opportunity to have an insight into Fatima. There will be mass, rosary, meditation, confessions, divine mercy, films and items to buy. 9.45am until 4.45pm (please bring a packed lunch; tea & coffee will be available). To learn more, email: patsydaniels@gmail.com , or see poster/flyers in the porch. If you are able to help on the day please speak to Fr Graham or email the office.
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Please bring items for ‘Personal Hygiene’ this week. Next week will be ‘Meal in a Tin’. Thank you for your support.
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Calling all mothers, including spiritual mothers, godmothers and grandmothers. You are invited to come and prayer for our children. Every First Friday of the Month, 10.00-11.00am, in the Parish Room at St Peter’s.
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At a station we wait or we stop. It is a pause on our journey. The last earthly journey that Jesus made, His Via Dolorosa, was marked with moments where Jesus paused carrying His cross. It is where the disciples recalled that certain things happened - a fall, a tender moment, a helping hand, a horrific blow or painful cry. Afterwards, the disciples would walk the same path along the narrow streets of Jerusalem in a way to remind them but bring them closer to their Saviour. These pauses were filled with prayer and in time song, in groups or individually. As believers spread from Jerusalem these moments and prayers came with them to our buildings. We can join Jesus on His last journey to Calvary. Stations of the Cross: Tuesday (CTK) 09.30; Wednesday (SP) 10.00; Friday (SP) 09.00; Friday (TT) 18.00
By Webmaster February 27, 2026
God has a special task for you. This task comes with a promise. For Abram it was to leave his country and go to the promised land. God chose prophets, men and women with messages and tasks to complete in His name. Jesus chooses apostles and disciples and equips them for the missionary task that still continues today. Jesus chose three apostles: Peter, James and John (by themselves), to witness special moments of healing or revelation. The Transfiguration is one of them. They see who Jesus really is in all His glory - a vision of heaven. They didn't understand it fully, how could they? It took time to reflect on its meaning. But they didn't forget. It took the traumatic events of the Passion of Jesus for them to realise that the revelation was to strengthen them and give understanding as to the purpose of Jesus' and their suffering.  Similarly, three children: Lucia, Jacinta and Fancisco were chosen to see and hear our Heavenly Mother in Fatima in 1917. The purpose? To warn the world of the consequences of not listening and responding to Jesus. The message is still urgent, if not more so, today. This heavenly encounter with the Mother of God changed their lives. They all completed their tasks given to them and the promise too. Jesus has chosen this parish and YOU with the task of being apostles of this urgent message. PLEASE come and bring someone to next weekend's Fatima visit. It comes with a promise. With my prayer for you every day this Lent. May God bless you. Fr Graham.
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This Lent, live out the Gospel call to love your neighbour. By fasting and giving what you save, you join in Christ’s compassion and help another family put food on the table. Your donation can help families around the world grow food in difficult conditions – such as on flood-resistant floating gardens or using solar-powered water pumps in times of drought. Collect a CAFOD envelope to bless others with your support, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030. Text CAFODLENT to 70085 to donate £10.
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SVP Cake Sale: Sunday 1st March, CTK Cuthman Room (after 11am mass) All proceeds to our local SVP, supporting the elderly, homeless, refugees and those struggling financially in our area. See poster for details.