Fr. Graham Writes:
Webmaster • July 25, 2020
Fr Graham’s Reflection for Sunday
How does God speak to you? It is clear that God does speak to people directly. Sometimes audibly, other times through reading or hearing a passage from the Bible, sometimes through prayer, through a conversation with another person, homily, church teaching or spiritual direction, events in history and even through dreams. This was the case for Solomon. His dream was not a dream at all, it was an encounter with God. Solomon, in his wisdom and humility, seeks a virtuous request of God rather than a selfish one. Our prayer is such an encounter with God, as is our celebration of the sacraments. We meet with God in reality in Jesus Christ as His brothers and sisters. Often our prayer is pushed aside. “I am too busy” we lament. But if we see our prayer as a real encounter with Jesus then we are truly wise and we would see this as the most important part of the day and Mass as the most important moment of the week. It is truly a pearl of great price and we would sell everything we own for the possibility of being with Jesus for even a moment, a moment that lasts for eternity. Happiness will truly be ours if we see the world like this. Everyone will be our brother and sister; no hurt unforgiven and the past and future redeemed because it all belongs to Him and we belong to Him. At the end of time, when all is revealed, the weeping and grinding of teeth will be the regret and lament that wished that we had realised earlier that Jesus is Lord. Jesus is real, here and waiting to communicate with us and give us His life. He is the pearl. No more lamenting! Listen to Him.
With my prayers for you each day. God bless you.
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
OLQP First Holy Communion: 7th June 2026 Please pray for Antonia, Daniel, Nuala, Orlagh and Samuel, who are receiving their First Holy Communion this Sunday at St Peter’s. Please pray for their families and the catechists
In a parish in southern Lebanon last Sunday 50 children received their First Holy Communion with great joy amidst the fear of missile attacks (EWTN News). Today we rejoice as 5 of our young parishioners receive their First Holy Communion. The context could not be more different but sadly not unique. We take it for granted that we can gather in peace, practice our faith and receive the sacraments. Today's Mass is unlikely to make the news headlines of EWTN. But every celebration of Mass and reception of Holy Communion is of universal and eternal significance. A Holy Communion received with love, reverence, sincerity and faith can change the world. It brings about change just as the bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ. Jesus says that His "flesh is true food and (His) blood is true drink" and Saint Paul reminds us that we participate in the body and blood of Christ. There can be no ambiguity here. To be united to Jesus and communion with Him is expressed in our Holy Communion whether it is the first, one hundredth or last time. The gift and sacrifice of Jesus, given on the cross and in the Mass perpetuates in the Tabernacle. He is here. The graces received can be extended in adoring Jesus in the monstrance on the altar. We and many parishes have opportunities for this. You can even watch online. The angels prostrate before Him. The benefits are many. But ultimately, in adoring the Blessed Sacrament we see Jesus face to face and it is His face that we seek and yearn for always and everywhere. With my prayer for an increase love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. God bless you. Fr Graham
Throughout Lent, please bring your personal prayer intentions to our Prayer Boxes (both at St Peter’s and CTK). At St Peter’s, we already have the Prayer Tree, located in the Divine Mercy Chapel, which is regularly used by parishioners and visitors throughout the day. We have added a Prayer Box here, and one at CTK (in the entrance porch). You are warmly invited to write your personal prayer intentions on a small card and place them in the Prayer Box. If you are unable to get to church, you can email them to the office for inclusion, or via the contact form on our website. The names and intentions placed in the Prayer Boxes and on the Prayer Tree will usually be offered at the First Friday Mass, united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. After this Mass, the Prayer Box will be refreshed for the following month. Please note: the prayer intentions will remain private. They will not be read aloud. The aim is to ensure that our intentions remain current and meaningful
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.