What should have been

Fr Dominic
Parish Priest

My diary has totally changed! When I look at my diary now and see all the very important things that I should be doing but which are now cancelled I find myself getting saddened at all the changes that our parishioners have had to endure in their lives.

I look at all the baptisms that should have taken place with the attendant family gatherings. This Saturday the Confirmation Candidates were to be going on their away day in preparation for their onfirmation, a time together to reflect on the sacrament of Confirmation and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Last Thursday was to be our first rehearsal for the first group of our children for their First Holy Communion this Sunday. A really important day in their lives, in the lives of their families and in our Parish. Marriages have had to be postponed. In the parish of St Joseph’s in Carpenders Park all the same occasions have also been postponed.

I find it very strange preaching to empty benches and sadly I have had many more funerals. Graveside funerals or those in crematoriums with strictly limited numbers are difficult for me but very difficult for all the families. I take great heart at the way people have rallied around and when I ring some of my elderly parishioners they all tell me of how generous people have been to them and how they really feel loved. I am getting some true comfort out of our online Masses and prayer times. I find great hope in all the responses we are getting. God Bless