The month of May sees the continuation of the Sundays following Easter but it is a month punctuated by Saints as well as a major feast, but this year we celebrate another event of significance to our own country.
On Saturday the 6th May we will share in the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the service held in Westminster Abbey. It will be splendid though different from that of the late Queen Elizabeth II. In 1953 her Coronation was televised, though in Black and White, and the Abbey was filled with 8000 guests. At home many gathered around their television sets though there were very few sets at that time. We all went to our neighbour’s house eager to see the service. The TV was so small that it had a magnifying glass in front of the screen but we were there and we saw it all. Everyone was spellbound by the beauty and splendour of the occasion.
The King has decided on a smaller event with only 2000 fortunate guests invited to attend. Though the vast majority of the service remains as it was for the late Queen, the King has strived to make the service more inclusive and more reflective of the diverse nation that it has now become.
I certainly hope that you will all enjoy this historic event and offer support to the King and Queen as they take up this great responsibility of service at a time of difficulties in this world and nation.
As we approach the end of May, having celebrated a number of saints and their contribution to the world of faith, we come to Pentecost Sunday, a day we give thanks for the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is God’s spirit that will guide us, and Guide the King, in our lives and lead us to follow in Christ’s footsteps, helping and praying for one another with the prayers of the saints to strengthen us.
In the week that follows Pentecost we pray for and pray with a woman whose life was changed with the simple word ‘yes’. The Blessed Virgin Mary heard the word of God from the Archangel on that faithful day that changed the world and it was through her humility that we all have a future, a future Christ has promised to all who come to him. We pray especially for her on 29th May (Mary, Mother of the Church) and on the 31st May as we think particularly of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
May is traditionally called the ‘Month of Mary’, the Queen of heaven. She is generous and so we ask her to pray for King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their special day as this nation welcomes their new monarch and mark the next stage in our lives.
May God bless you all.
Reverend Fr. Ronald Croft
The month of April begins with Holy Week and concludes the season of Lent.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday as we recall our Lord’s triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem riding the foal of an Ass. It was a day of rejoicing, of expectation and of hope at a time of oppression by the Roman authorities. We think of the disciples and their journey with our Lord as they surely moved from joy to despair and back again.
Maundy Thursday was the day when Christ instituted the Eucharist and shall recall that in our church at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a Watch as we ‘stay awake’ with Christ a sit in silence as the sacrament is exposed.
Then comes Good Friday, ‘good’ because it led to the Resurrection and to the joy of Easter Day. Jesus is betrayed, beaten, and made to carry the weight of the Cross, a symbol of his dying for each one of us. This service begins at 2pm.
Holy Saturday is a day of reflection, contemplation and waiting, as we think of Christ in his tomb. The silence the fear and desolation of his followers, even though he had told them what was to happen. At 8pm we will light the New Fire, bless the Paschal Candle as light is spread throughout the church to prepare us for the Easter Mass.
And finally, Easter Day. The joy of the of Christ’s resurrection and the hope for all of us of eternal life.
In a way the week mirrors our lives with its joys and sorrow, feelings of loss and uncertainty, silence and waiting. Many suffer, and not because they should but because it is part of life. Pray for one another in our parish, pray for family, friends and neighbours, enjoy an Easter Egg, a reminder of his Tomb.
Do come and join us for all or any of the services.
Fr Paul joins with me in wishing you all a very happy Easter.
May God bless you all.
Reverend Fr. Ronald Croft