Dear All.
Battling with a bad back and Sciatica is not a funny problem, but I have worked hard on the words of St. Gemma Galgani, and found that slowly but surely, I am now able to walk better, clean the house, do the beds and move towards normal duties. Fr. P is so, so good as he encourages me and likewise refuses attempts of activity from me. My Mission is to get back to good health for the Lord.
It has been a solemn week generally (both weather and circumstances) with Remembrance Day. A real change overall. The children in school had a 'Zoom.' I saw the attendance at Chorley Cenotaph, Astley Park, plus a village attendance at our Withnell Memorial. November 11th. was a classic gloomy weather day. However, we all remembered. So dear a tribute.
On Wednesday I was in conversation with a lady from the Fraud Office of my Bank. It is a long story, but my main comment is how careful, generous and delicate the investigations were, and how kind the people were with my concerns. It is so upsetting that there are nasty people out there in the wide world using and abusing our good lifestyle. Fr. P then became a victim, but as he is a savvy character, he discerned the Scam and countered them immediately. For all of you out there BE AWARE. TAKE CARE.
The days rumble on. I find a lot of people very tired, myself included, so the Lock Downs and Restrictions seem to sterilise our vim and vigour. We must keep up with the Rosary, have hope and take care of each other. God bless several parents; their donations for our less fortunate children has truly been amazing. Chins up everyone. Lockdowns will not last for ever. Let us keep in mind our children and our vulnerable ones.
I look out on to the back lawn and see a lone Magpie. Now I am not a lover of them as they hurt and kill the little birds, so I usually chase them away. However, this one has attracted my attention for months; a Magpie with a massive limp. It has a bad leg (I know the feeling) but it has a life-style all its own on our back lawn, keeping away and looking really well. We must give it the benefit of the doubt. All Creatures Great and Small.
Now a few more words about Sydney. He is an authority of his own. No messing. He will not wear his little rain coat or weather- warmer and nor does he like walking in the rain. I suggested four little sausage-sized Wellingtons as booties, but that was likewise ridiculed. So our Little Friend is commanding the show with his own dictates, and as you can imagine, is enjoying every minute. What a character. A joy.
The best news of the week must be the the hope of C19 Vaccines. I hold my breath. Let us not get too excited as there is a journey ahead, but at least a light on the horizon. We must still trust in the Good Lord and not be too hasty. Remember the Book of Ecclesiasticus; “There is a time for everything.” and I wish for good fortune.
There are so many good people in turmoil so I rang a good neighbour last week. She lost her husband and is doing so, so well. A personal 'phone call makes all the difference. I am now on a new Mission!
It is a wild, wet, windy weekend as I scribble. Fr. P and I are struggling with prospective Christmas arrangements as will most people. We think that the trees and the decorations will go up much earlier this year, as people are looking to be cheered up!!
Keep well. Keep safe.
Continue to say the Rosary.
Love and Blessings.
Jane
Most weekends we have our young people helping with the Collection, collecting Missalettes at the end of Mass and taking part in the Offertory Procession. We try to alter our front of church Tableau each week to fit in with the Gospel of the Day, and a short explanation is given to the Congregation.
People show great interest in what the Catechist does each week!. Our parish is a small country one, and through the Sunday Mass our little ones get to know each other before entering our school.
