Newsletter- 34th Week of Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners
‘Jesus, remember me’ – This Sunday brings us to the close of the liturgical year – a day on which we celebrate the kingship of Jesus. His is a kingdom of love, mercy, peace and hope, of which we are invited to be part. In the First Reading, an earthly king, David, unites Israel under his rule, having first been chosen by God. David is part of God’s plan, and the people confirm him. The Psalm celebrates Jerusalem, the Holy City, where God’s people come together. We are reminded of God’s presence at the centre of our faith and our community.
The writer of the letter to the Colossians (Second Reading) speaks of the authority and power of Jesus. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross we gain our freedom, and the forgiveness of our sins. In the Gospel, we return to the foot of the cross of our crucified King. Here, the promise of salvation to the penitent criminal reminds us of the depth of Jesus’s love and mercy for all.
This Sunday also sees the Jubilee celebration of World Youth Sunday. As Pilgrims of Hope, we pray with Pope Leo, that young people will see the light of the Gospel grow every day, within and around them. We give thanks for the many young people in our parish community, and for their faithful witness, and we ask that the Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe will hold them always in his love and support them in their journeys of faith.
New Deanery Catholic Young Adults Group: To mark this year’s World Youth Sunday, our deanery of South Lincolnshire is launching a new Catholic Young Adults Group for those aged 18-35. The group will bring together young adults from across our deanery for monthly gatherings that include prayer, faith formation, and social occasions. The first meeting will take place in the New Year, and all our young adults are warmly welcome – whether you’re new to the area, returning or exploring entry into the Church, or looking to deepen your faith alongside other young Catholics.
More details will be shared in the coming weeks; in the meantime, please register your interest by emailing: edward.kendall@dioceseofnottingham.uk
Edward Kendall has recently come to our Deanery to take up the newly created position of Deanery Administration Manager. Edward attended Mass with his wife in our parish when he arrived to take up his new position in October and was very impressed by the number of young adults in our congregation! Let us pray that this new initiative helps our young people grow in faith, fellowship, and missionary joy.
Looking ahead to Christmas! – Service Times for all the Masses celebrated in the Parish from Christmas Eve through to the New Year are to be found in the Bulletin from this Weekend. Please do make a note of them.
With my prayers for you and for your families as we prepare for the coming of Advent,
Your parish priest and friend,
Fr Jonathan
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