Moving to pastures new
Another moment of change for us in the Parish of St Peter and St Thomas More.
As we arrive at Easter Sunday it is another moment of change for us in the Parish of St Peter and St Thomas More. We see Fr Paul, Helen and the family move to pastures new in St Mary Magdalene's Parish in Burnley.
I know that many are sad to see Father and the family move. Over the last 22 months we have been blessed by his friendship, care, pastoral zeal and dedication - all qualities which are at the heart of the priestly call to serve in the pattern of the Good Shepherd, the very inspiration which links us with the Cure of Ars, St John Vianney. I have known Fr Paul and the family over 13 years, since we met in Padiham when I was his Parish Priest. It is fair to say that our meeting was a blessed moment and the friendship which has marked those years continues to be a real blessing. As we have ministered in Middleton and Alkrington, Father's support and help has been invaluable and made a real difference.
On behalf of us all I say ‘thank you’ to Father and assure him, Helen and the family of our prayers and best wishes as they go forward to a new chapter in their journey. I would like to end these few words by quoting St John Paul II: ‘Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good’
God Bless - Fr Peter
Prayers to reflect and meditate on
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Prayer for Healthcare Workers
Loving God, we place into your care all our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers
Give them courage of heart and strength of mind and body
Keep them safe from harm
May they know our deep gratitude for all they are doing to heal and help those affected by the coronavirus
God of all consolation may they know your protection and peace
Bless them in these challenging days and bless their families
Amen
Coronavirus Prayer
Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love. Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbours from helping one another. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. Come to our aid now, that we may experience your healing love. Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace. Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace. Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Jesus Christ, heal us.
A Prayer for those in Authority
Loving God, in Christ Jesus, the servant of all, you call us to the service of others.
Grant to those who govern the community the skill to recognise its urgent needs and the strength to pursue the common good.
Endow us all with patience and courage, that we may care for the suffering, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and sustain the needy.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
“When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”
Altar & Lectern in St Peter’s Church
Donation of former altar and lectern in St Peter’s Church to Cardinal Langley High School.
Current altar in St Peter’s Church.
Recently I was having a discussion with Mr Bridson, Head at Cardinal Langley, about the chapel. As it is the 60th Anniversary of the foundation of the school, it would be good to source a large altar, a lectern and presidential chair for the chapel.
I mentioned this to a parishioner who reminded me we still had the former altar and lectern in St Peter’s Church (which had been used before the current altar and lectern had been installed). It struck me that it would be a good idea for us to donate these items to Cardinal Langley where they could be regularly used for the celebration of Masses and liturgies as they were intended to be. They are both wonderful items which were made with much love and thought. I am happy that we will all be happy with this suggestion.
Unless I am informed otherwise, I would like to arrange their moving to the school so that they can be used during this Lenten and Easter Season.
God Bless. Father Peter