Dear Parishioners,

There is a key word, ‘COMPASSON’ running through all three readings today. God has shown his love for the Israelites by choosing them to be his very own people. They must respond in kind. God shows his great love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

In the Gospel: “When Jesus saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected like sheep without a shepherd.” He continued: “The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.”

This is a perfect lead in to the following information:

NEW PARISH PRIEST AND ASSISTANT:

The Cardinal has appointed a new parish priest, Fr. Jerome Dukiya CSSp and Fr. Vincent Nnatuanya CSSp as an assistant priest.  Both belong to the Spiritans – previously the Holy Ghost Fathers. The Spiritans were founded in Paris in 1703 by Claude Poullart des Places (abbreviation CSSp).

The Spiritans are now ministering in 5 parishes in the diocese of Westminster, Archway, New Barnet, Hounslow, Acton and Garston.  They look after 8 parishes in the diocese in Southwark as well as serving other chaplaincies. They are committed to working for Justice and continue the work which has been focused on Catholic Social Teaching, justice, peace and care of creation. Your support as parishioners, to me as past Chair of the Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, had a hand in directing them to St John Vianney.

The Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity will continue in the parish. Srs. Anabel and Ann Marie will move into No.10 Vincent Road and the Spiritans to No.4 (the Old Presbytery). This means that the Spirituality Centre will close, but all else will continue, Catechetical, Chaplaincy, parish work, spiritual direction, etc. in as far as possible.

In the meantime, I will be living in Uxbridge in West London in a house willed to the diocese by Fr. George Dangerfield (RIP). This house was left for retired priests. I am delighted with the arrangements. You might like to visit me sometime!! All these arrangements will officially take place on September 1^st. Fr Marcel Kofon is on the horizon to help out after my last weekend in the parish, 15/16^th July. Then I go to Ireland for a couple of weeks to return to my new home.

I am very happy with the way everything has worked out and I hope and pray that all will go well for the whole parish community.

I thank you all for your support over the past 20 years. Your generosity and full commitment to the good of the parish has been phenomenal. And thank you for your patience and understanding during my time with you. More on that later.

Have a blessed week, Fr Joe