| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 29th December | ||||||||
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles, | ||||||||
Thank You
Thank you for your generous cards, gifts and Christmas offerings and for all your kindnesses and encouragements over the past year. They are much appreciated.
The Recent Document On Blessings
You may, just before Christmas, have seen in the mainstream media reports that the Church has changed its teaching concerning same-sex 'unions'. Despite what has been reported there has been no change in the teaching of the Church. Pope Francis is not allowing blessings for same-sex unions i.e. he is not endorsing so called 'gay marriage'. This can be seen in the document, Fiducia Supplicans, itself. Instead, we are reminded of the practise that every priest I know does, that is, bless people who are seeking conversion of heart and the grace to live more closely to the gospel call to holiness. We see this at Mass when someone will come for a blessing at the distribution of Holy Communion when their state of life prevents them from receiving the Holy Eucharist [for example someone who is divorced and remarried].For a more detailed response I commend to you the observations of Bishop Erik Varden: coramfratribus.com/archive/on-fiducia-supplicans/ UCM Meeting
The next UCM meeting will take place on Friday, 5 January, after the 10.00am Mass in the undercroft.
First Holy Communion Preparation
Introduction meeting for parents and children after the 10.00am Mass Sunday, 14 January, in the undercroft (this should only take about 30 minutes).
The first class will take place on Saturday, 27 January, from 09.30am until 12 noon in the undercroft and it will be followed by classes on the following dates:
Please note that there is no Exposition on Friday, 29 December. Finally, last week's newsletter was a double issue. Here are the intentions for Feast of the Holy Family and Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God. 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 |
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