Remembering our Faithfully Departed

Last weekend the clocks went back and autumn gives way to winter in our minds.  On Tuesday 29^th October we will begin our annual Novena (9 days) of Masses for all those whose names are recorded on the parish List of the Dead.  This Novena concludes with the Annual Remembrance Mass on Wednesday 6^th November when we pray in a particular way for all who have died in the parish since 1^st November 2023.  Over the coming weeks please feel free to leave the names of your loved ones to be added to our Parish list.  But more importantly, spare a prayer for all those who are struggling with loss and bereavement.  None of us can really know the words to say that will ease anyone’s pain, and if we did, we would all gladly say them or do anything we could.  When we pray, we don’t’ change the world, but sometimes the knowledge that somebody cares about us every day, thinks about us and wishes us strength and peace, joy and content in life again can be enough to help us face the day.  As we remember our faithfully departed, remember them best for the love they shared with us and honour them by showing and sharing that same loving support where you can.  The line from Aesop’s fables “United we stand, divided we fall” has been used for centuries by the great and the good, but it suits our purpose too.  This month let’s stand with other in prayer and fellowship, let’s hold up the weary and give hope to the broken.  Let’s be what Christ would want us to be – loyal and loving friends as we hope to be one day in heaven with all we remember this month.   

With best wishes – Fr O’Neill