| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 23rd December |
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles, |
Hopefully, especially after the past couple of years, many people are now able to get together with family and friends free from the worries of the pandemic. I pray therefore that you will all enjoy a happy and holy Christmas and be blessed with some moments of true joy and thanksgiving. We recall that the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace will take place amidst strife and war in many parts of the globe and we remember especially the people of Ukraine and pray that they will come to enjoy the blessings of peace. As we mark our great Christian festival in our homes, let us remember all those who, despite possible strike action, will be at work during this time, especially in our healthcare and emergency services. We also pray that all our fellow citizens, especially the homeless and the hungry, and all those people who will be alone, may experience the warmth and nourishment of Christ's saving love. Finally, we remember those who have died during these past twelve months and the families that will mark Christmas for the first time without their loved one. May they, and all our dearly departed, know the new life that Jesus has won for them and may all those who still mourn or grieve be comforted by this hope. The Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. I wish you all the blessings of the holy season, Finally, here are this week's newsletter, which is a double issue, and intentions. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. St Joseph, pray for us. St Charles Borromeo, pray for us. With my prayers, Rev. Mark McManus Parish Priest |