Fr. Graham Writes: 8th February 2025
Webmaster • February 9, 2026
We have not started Lent yet, but we are in the Sundays before Ash Wednesday, and the readings are preparing us for the season. Isaiah echoes the voice of God when he tells us the sort of fast that God wants and is most effective for prayer. Fasting strengthens prayer. Justice and mercy are the fruits of fasting. A fast or Lenten discipline is not for us, to make us feel better, but for others. Then our souls will have been cleansed in the sight of God as "love cancels out many sins."
Food for thought as we prepare for our observance.
Just as pilgrims in Lourdes hold up their lighted candles in procession, we are invited to be open about our faith and emit the light of Christ around us. Not to be intimidated by what people might think of us. We are preparing to allow our souls to be illuminated and to increase in lumens. We will try to keep Lent so that we will not be part of the crowd and be bland or anonymous but seasoned with the Spirit that our souls may be appealing to a lost world. To stand out and offer hope to those disillusioned by the falseness and deceit of power.
Jesus shows us true power in His weakness. We do not rely upon our own strength or wisdom but upon our weakness in the presence of the crucified Christ. May God complete that good work that He has inspired and begun in us through the Holy Spirit.
With my daily prayer for you.
May God bless you.
Fr Graham
All are welcome to come and hear Fr Dr Fadi Diab from St Andrew’s Church, Ramallah, for an evening exploring peace and justice in the Holy Land. Saturday 4 July, 8.15–10pm, Steyning Centre “Peace in the Middle East: An Impossible Dream? A Palestinian Christian Perspective” In partnership with Steyning for Peace and Friends of the Holy Land. Free admission (voluntary collection). Wheelchair accessible. Free parking at Fletcher’s Croft Car Park (BN44 3YB). Enquiries: Dr Roger Williamson – rjlmwilliamson@gmail.com | 01903 892989
The Catechists would like to thank all those who helped in any way to make this a special year for our First Communion children. Father Graham for the Mass at St Peter's. The parents for their support throughout the preparation, the children who behaved so reverently and the families for their generous gifts to the catechists.
Pope Leo's first Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent humanity") has been given much attention about his comments on AI (Artificial Intelligence), but it is much more than that. It is a letter addressed to everyone, not just Catholics. Pope Leo states that we are at a pivotal moment in human history. A choice between Babel and the city where we dwell with God. Life is full of choices and decisions. Each decision is determined on its own merit - not as a means to an end. This could not come at a more crucial time with the possible reintroduction of the Assisted Dying Bill and the ever increasing casualties of war. As Pope Leo says: "Human dignity does not depend on a person’s abilities, wealth, or position in life, nor on the right or wrong choices made; instead, it is a gift that precedes and transcends each person, endowed by God as an expression of his unfailing love.” MH, 50. Jesus has some things to say too, not least in today's Mass. We are not to fear anyone when we are asked for the reason for our faith. As much as God loves all His creation and knows each animal and bird, Jesus says humanity is of greater value than them all. We are stewards of creation and care for all created animals and things. But, human dignity is due to our being made in the image and likeness of God and, unlike animals and inanimate matter, each of us has an eternal soul. Decisions and choices not only affect our mortal life but our immortal life too. With my prayer for you all. God bless you. Fr Graham
Saturday 18 July 12 noon – 4.15pm , Church of Our Lady of Consolation & St Francis, West Grinstead, RH13 8LT. A pilgrimage for people across our diocese - the day includes Holy Mass, a personal Consecration to Our Lady, the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Adoration and Benediction. There is no need to book, to find out more contact Linda C-Dominguez T:01273463463 or M:07944377252. Please bring a packed lunch.
Next Sunday, 21 June, we keep the Day for Life. This year’s theme, “The Wonder of the Child in the Womb,” invites us to pause in gratitude for the gift of new life. It also holds in prayer all parents who have experienced the loss of a child before birth, and the quiet grief that can follow. The bishops’ message and prayers are available at: www.dayforlife.org , if you would like to spend some time reflecting at home. There will be a second collection for the Day for Life Fund, which supports groups working to uphold the dignity of every human life. If you prefer, you can also donate online through the Day for Life website.
OLQP First Holy Communion: 7th June 2026 Congratulations to all our First Holy Communion children. There will be a parish celebration after the 9.00am mass at St Peter’s this Sunday 14th June, with cake and certificates. All are welcome.
Sat 13 OLQP Bible Film Group Sun 14 SP Parish Room, 10.00am: First Holy Communion Celebration Mon 15 Anniversary of Deacon Simon’s ordination Thur 18 SP Parish Room, 10.00am: Coffee pop-in Sat 20 OLQP Bible Film Group Sun 21 2nd Collection: Day for Life
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is holding a Join the Fightback Day this weekend. SPUC works to promote a culture that protects unborn children. A recent amendment passed by Parliament removes legal penalties for women who end their own pregnancies at any stage. This change has prompted concern among many individuals and organisations. SPUC is inviting supporters to learn more and get involved. Information postcards are available in the church porch.
We will be holding a special Mass in our parish on Saturday 27 June for the Unborn and their parents. During this Mass, we will pray in a particular way for all parents and families who have experienced the loss of a child before birth or through stillbirth, entrusting them to God’s tenderness and healing. All are welcome to come, to pray, and to hold these families in compassion and hope.
Some people might be confused by the transfer of the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua in our diocese from his normal date of 13 June to Monday. This is due to the celebration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Saturday which always follows directly after the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The hearts of Jesus and Mary cannot be separated. Saint Anthony would want to submit to them both. He wanted to always be close to Jesus and Mary. He preached and lived that others might catch a glimpse of them both and be converted. Saint Anthony experienced for himself the love and compassion of Jesus and it became real for him - Jesus was real to him. Jesus and Saint Anthony's hearts were intertwined. Jesus wants no one to be lost and Saint Anthony preached that souls not things might be found. Jesus has compassion on the crowd and He asks His disciples to pray for labourers to protect His flock and to do this He gives us His Church to preach, teach and heal with His authority. We must listen to His voice and do as He says. The harvest is ready and the Kingdom of Heaven is very close. He is close at hand. Let us submit to Jesus and stay close to His heart. Listen to His heartbeat and adore Him in the Blessed Sacrament. Allow Him to minister to us and to take authority in our lives. May He live is us and we hide in Him. With my prayer and united in the hearts of Jesus and Mary. God bless you. Fr Graham