These politically burdened slogans can really get on your nerves. But they are observations about what is in the consciousness of our society at any given moment – and I think this one in particular sums up where we are at this moment. This weekend we will hold our AGM. A simple affair with a simple report from me on the last 18 months. The view is not just to look back – but to learn from what we have experienced – as well as looking ahead.

Build

We are called to build the Kingdom of God here on earth – a little piece of paradise – that is our vocation. We were able to weather the storm of the pandemic because we have a strong and growing community. But that community needs work. The environment is changing (e.g., online), the situation of many people is changing – this needs a response. We are called to do something about the world and community in which we live. Building is an active process that needs the help of all.

Back

This is not about turning the clock back. It looks at the reality of the massive changes we have been forced through over the last 18 months. We look at the fact that our Churches closed for a while – never heard of before. It takes into consideration the experience that we can do things differently without loosing our identity. Another side to this story is that we can be creative and adapt our practice in fundamental ways. It’s wonderful that different people stepped up to make a difference, along with those who had carried things for so long.

Better

This word speaks to me of opportunity. It is a dynamic word, where we quite often choose only to respond passively. There are so many examples of how we can be better. I just keep in mind the fact that volunteers delivered newsletters to those without internet every week of the pandemic…

We need to grab and use the new opportunity. Our Church is no longer closed – but open for business. Choosing to actively “build” once again need not just be a part of living out our vocation, but also a time to strengthen us for any challenges ahead, that, like the pandemic, we could not foresee.

God Bless

Fr Andrew

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Don’t know about you – but I do have the feeling we are moving toward more normality. There is still some uncertainty in the air as to how things will progress – but on the whole – we seem to be getting there…

The month of September is the month we celebrate the feast of St Vincent – the month to celebrate our Parish life. Traditionally, we have also held our AGM in this month. As we get back to doing more things together I would like to hold our AGM as we did 2 years ago, after Mass on the weekend before the feast of St Vincent on the 27th September…. It will take about 15 minutes…

The AGM will be after Mass on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September – we will give you a brief report on what has gone on over the last year and a half. We will need to take time to share and catch up with one another after so much has happened, and we have not had the opportunities we have had now… The AGM will be the start of that process…

We are in a fantastic position. We are still here after a long absence, our community strengthened with the experiences that have shaped us the past 18 months.

We have the chance to start again with a blank slate. Not only that, but we have made new and different experiences over the pandemic that can stand us in good stead moving forward.

What do we want to get back to?

What would we like to be different?

What are new ways can we be community from now on?

With the reports, we will be letting you know about a couple of projects that are coming up on the horizon….

You are welcome to share your thoughts and impressions looking forward and looking back. Let’s see where God is guiding us…

You can contact me:

fr.andrew@lewish53.sg-host.com

01204 436702

Let’s talk….

God Bless

Fr Andrew

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