There will be a meeting on Thursday 10th September at 7pm in the Presbytery for those who are interested in organising the autumn fayre. If you already know what stall you would like to run please fill in the form at Church porch.

The Holy Family’s Obedience & Faith (2) After Angel Gabriel spoke to Joseph in a dream that he should remain to be the ‘father’ of Jesus, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and who was to be the Saviour of his people, it did filled this poor soul once so troubled and confused with inconceivable joy and happiness. Because Joseph believed this was not merely a dream but God’s Mystery was truly being revealed to him. But all these knowledge did not cause Joseph to feel more superior than others or has the world at his feet. In his humbleness, he did not made himself to be an exception to the law in this world. He obeyed to the decree of Caesar, his temporal ruler, and travelled with Mary for days from Galilee to Bethlehem in order to be enrolled and to be taxed because he was of the house of David. For Joseph also believed all that happened is ordained by God and trusted in all events His Providence will help and direct him. But waiting for the Holy Family ahead is another greater trial of faith and obedience, when the angel spoke to Joseph in another dream to ask them to flight to Egypt. Joseph and Mary is not unaware of the immense danger along this journey which can last for 2-3 weeks: they could be attack or devour by wild animals, get rob or killed by thieves, die of hunger or thirst, die of heatstroke or freeze to death…Even if they survived, the hardship of crossing the desert is not for a timid heart. Not forgetting the Holy Family at that time was so vulnerable (with a woman and a new-born child). Joseph and Mary still willing to be obedient to God’s Will and did not delay in making this ‘possible journey of no return’. How much courage and faith in God they need to make this possible! If we look at ourselves, how often we turn our back from obedience because we encounter some inconvenience! Let us pray today we can practice this virtue better. Because God love the ones who obey. References: ●www.prayinglatin.com/joyful-mystery-meditations/ ●The Mystical City of God, Ven Mary of Agreda

Bishop Stock: ‘Do not reject God’s loving gift of life’ Bishop Marcus Stock, Bishop Leeds, makes this call ahead of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday, 11 September. “Our time is precious. “Throughout our lives, we hope for more, or at least enough time to spend with others or have quiet time to ourselves. Time to complete projects at home or at work, to increase our knowledge, develop our talents, and fulfil our potential. Every day, every moment is precious. Not to be wasted or cut short. And perhaps our time is most to be treasured when it is running out toward the natural end of our lives. “Time to change our hearts and minds, come to terms with what we have achieved or left undone, reconcile with others, perhaps to pray Maybe for the first time ever, so that even in our last few moments we experience the peace which comes through God’s mercy and forgiveness. Assisted dying and dignity in dying are simply euphemisms for assisted suicide. There are many ways in which people can rightly and properly be assisted to die with dignity. By offering them our love and care, by supporting them and their families with our prayers, and through the services provided by palliative care and hospices. Advanced age, sickness, or improperly managed pain should never be the reason for someone to want to commit suicide, least of all with the help of the very healthcare professionals who care for them and the families who love them. “As Catholics, we believe in the dignity of all human life throughout its natural span. We believe that, except in cases where our mental health is adversely affecting our capacity to make balanced choices, to intentionally take our own life is a rejection of God’s loving gift of life to us. And is therefore one of the gravest of sins. Living with the fear of death and pain is part of our human condition. But if, in the fullness of our time on earth, that natural fear is met with compassion, prayer, and the best medical, pastoral, and spiritual care, surely all people can live and die with true dignity.”  Please complete the postcard and send it to your MP, asking them to vote “no” to the Bill.

O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mass of Thanksgiving Saturday 19th September St Peter’s Church 5.30pm During the Mass, Archbishop Mark will present Peter Sullivan and Ray George with medals in grateful appreciation for their contribution to our Catholic community. Social Gathering Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, there will be a celebration in St Peter’s Hall (behind the Church) to congratulate Peter and Ray. We hope this will be a Parish family occasion. In order to have an idea of numbers for the buffet (please BYO refreshments), can you add your name to the list in the Church porch. If you are able to help with the buffet, or set up and/or clean up, please can you let Annette or Geraldine know or email stpetersprayerlinks@gmail.com

Adoremus 2026 Saturday 10 October The Church in England and Wales gathers for the Adoremus National Eucharistic Congress – a day of Mass, procession and adoration at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, and Westminster Cathedral, London. The Archdiocese is also organising a day trip to the Eucharistic Congress. Coaches will travel from Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff and Newport. Cost £40 per ticket (including transport.) If you wish to sign up please fill in an application form. Applicants will be contacted to confirm their places. Deadline to express interest is 7th September 2026. For full details and application form, visit: https://rcadc.org/adoremus-2026-a-nationalcall-to-eucharistic-devotion/

Prologue When we really like and want to follow someone, we may not be content with just knowing what he has said and done. One may also want to know more about his past, his family, his everything. Just like when John's two disciples followed Jesus, they asked: “Rabbi, where are you staying?” And Jesus replied, “Come and see.” Likewise, we as Jesus' followers, there is nothing wrong of wanting to know more about him and his parents, whom were so close to Our Lord at his early life. Let us look at their lives again and let them teach us how to love God more and the way back to Him. The Holy Family’s Obedience & Faith (1) Before the Annunciation, Mary was already married to Joseph, but both have agreed that they will keep the vow of perpetual virginity. So when Mary heard Angel Gabriel’s heavenly message, one can imagine the mixed feelings that went through Mary’s heart at that time…Mary love God very much, but her preference and great love for chastity also made her ask: “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?” Even with the angel’s explanation, Mary still not quite understand what is going to happen. But her inner struggle did not last very long, because she knew this is God’s Wish, and that is the utmost important, even if it possibly means to sacrifice her little wish which she held so dear, she most willingly to be obedient. Yes, Mary embraced obedience above all things, “Be it done unto me according to thy word (‘Fiat’)”, although God’s Words were still beyond what she can comprehend, but her unwavering faith let her to put her whole future into His Hands. And because of her words, Mary became the most blessed among women. Since Eve brought punishment into the world through her disobedience, but Mary brought salvation through her obedience. ● www.prayinglatin.com/joyful-mystery-meditations/

“ They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks ” (Is 2:4) is the theme of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 2026 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which will be on 1 September. In his Message, the Holy Father explains that “the interaction between armed conflicts and environmental degradation often creates a vicious cycle, which destroys ecosystems, contaminates essential resources, such as air and water, and undermines food security. This fuels poverty, inequality, and new social tensions that can contribute to the emergence of further conflicts.” “What is more,” the Pontiff continues, “war creates wounds that damage the whole fabric of life” and “reveals a deeper failure to live in God’s image and likeness, to respect life and to care for the earth entrusted to us.” While underscoring political responsibility in the face of armed conflicts and environmental crises, Pope Leo XIV states that “the wounds of war and the degradation of the earth, then, are profoundly linked to the condition of the human heart,” and are therefore “an ethical and cultural crisis, including the loss of a sense of limits, the desire for domination, the pursuit of immediate profit, and the inability to recognize the God-given dignity of each human person.” Thus, the Holy Father calls for “a deeper personal and collective conversion”—a renewal of hearts that opens up new possibilities, emphasising that “the prophetic call to ‘beat swords into plowshares (Is 2:4) is therefore not only a vision for nations, but a call to each person.” For every person, “is the path of authentic ecological conversion, where the effects of our encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in our relationship with the world around us.” The Pope’s hope, therefore, is that “what has been used for destruction” may be “redirected toward life, toward the care of the poor, the nourishment of the hungry, and the safeguarding of creation.”  Source: https://www.humandevelopment.va

God of might, giver of every good gift, put into our hearts the love of your name, so that, by deepening our sense of reverence, you may nurture in us what is good and, by your watchful care, keep safe what you have nurtured. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.