Antonia

Dear Friends, Today we celebrate one of the most solemn feasts of Our Lady. The central mystery of her life is her divine motherhood which we celebrate at Christmas. The Assumption completes God’s work in her since it was not fitting that the flesh that had given life to God himself should ever undergo corruption. The Assumption is God’s crowning of his work as Mary ends her … [Read more...] about Newsletter 14.08.16.

Dear Friends, Today’s readings are about faith (2nd reading) and faith-filled perseverance (Gospel). We who live by faith are encouraged to ‘stick with it’ remaining ‘faith-full’ in a country where religious belief is often ignored or even dismissed as irrelevant or outmoded! We look to the Church (including Pope Francis), our parish community and each other for mutual … [Read more...] about Newsletter 07.08.16.

Dear Friends, What a contrast between the depressing musings in today’s first reading with the powerful message in the second. Paul speaks of a radical conversion: at its heart is Christ - ‘he is everything and he is in everything’. The murder of Father Jacques Hamel in France has been the most shocking and disturbing item of news this last week. We keep him and the … [Read more...] about Newsletter 31.07.16.

Dear Friends, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’. The request of the apostles chimes in with our own need to go to Jesus as a master of prayer. In response he shares with them - and us - his own prayer to his Father (and our Father). To pray is not to impose our will on God but to ask him to reveal his will to us. It is to ask him to change us, to form us as his children. … [Read more...] about Newsletter 24.07.16.

Dear Friends, Today’s Gospel is about Martha and Mary who welcome Jesus into their home. Mary is commended for focusing on the one thing necessary: to listen to the words of Jesus and to act upon them. Yet Martha’s role is also important - someone needs to do the housework and the cooking! Martha and Mary - service and listening - both are needed. Do not listen without … [Read more...] about Newsletter 17.07.16.