Dear friends,
I never really thought of myself as the sort of parish priest who might preach about the World Cup: however – and not simply because so many players this year are men of conscious, active and demonstrative Christian faith – there is, undeniably, in the beautiful game, a strong metaphor for (aspects, at least) of the call to holiness. Recall that St Paul himself used (in 1 Cor. 9) the image of the athletes in a race, to illustrate the determination, discipline and desire which we should bring to the pursuit of righteousness in the Lord. The sporting excellence we witness in our World Cup footballers is a reminder that human beings were created for glory – but chiefly, of course, for the glory of God. Might we bring something of the same rigour to our devotional lives as Christians, and run the race of faith aiming for victory, confident in the company of Jesus Christ?
Another summer staple of more certainly happy character is our parish barbecue this coming Saturday (2-6pm): this year, we find ourselves in the remarkable position of having so far sold a staggering 90 tickets – in consequence of which we are now in fact attempting to discourage anyone else from turning up! Although we are catering for a few more than have purchased tickets, nevertheless we do not want there to be too little food for those who have already paid – and so please do not suggest to other friends and family that they try their luck on the door (albeit a very limited number of additional tickets will be available on the day).
Before then, help is required (i) to set up the Hall on Friday, from 6pm; (ii) to move the barbecues, and erect the gazebos, on Saturday, from 11am, and (iii) to clear up afterwards, on the day.
Tickets include a glass of rum punch on arrival, and a glass of Prosecco with your meal – but please bring any other drinks with you.
There will also be a raffle, with prizes including a £50 M&S voucher; a bottle of rum from St. Kitts and Nevis, and a basket of luxury items: tickets may be purchased with cash, or by contactless payment – and the draw will be made around 4.30pm.
The deadline to pay for seats reserved on the coach to Walsingham for the Pilgrimage for Healing and Renewal (on Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August) is Sunday, 2 August: these cost £30/£5, and can also be paid for online.
Next week on Tuesday (21 July) Fr Joshua Pollard SSC will be inducted as the new Vicar of St Andrew, Kingsbury (at 7.30pm): the folk at St Andrew’s have always been good friends to us – and it is right that we should commit to supporting them (and Fr Joshua – whom some of you met briefly here at Mass on Sunday) on this very special occasion. Accordingly, there will be no public services here at St Mary’s that evening – to allow those who wish to to travel to Kingsbury instead. A party will follow, in their Hall.
And please note, finally, that the summer weather has prompted a hosepipe ban in Kenton, by Affinity Water.
May we see something more of the world you want us to be: a gathering of every nation, and people who share your glory,
Fr Richard