In our return to some appearance of normality in the life of our 3 Churches, we put back this week a very important part of the annual timetable or, perhaps, tapestry of life. This coming Saturday (24 September) will celebrate a Mass with the Sick at 11.00am in Christ the King church.

When we read or hear of Our Lord’s life in the Gospels we can’t help noticing how much time he devotes to those who are sick or broken in mind, body or spirit. Time and again he reaches out, sometimes literally as with the leper, to touch those who are in need of healing. Sometimes he encounters them along the way, like blind Bartimaeus, sometimes he goes to visit them, like Peter’s mother-in-law, and sometimes they are brought to him, as in the man whose friends let him down through the roof in front of Jesus.

So ministry to the sick has to be an integral part of our parish life. On Saturday we will offer the Sacrament of the Sick to those who come, and we are very grateful to welcome Fr Allan Davies-Hale to assist us on this occasion.

However, this service of our sick neighbour is not only a ministry of the clergy. We all have a duty of care to our sisters and brothers in need. A visit, a call, our time, our presence, our prayers – these are among many ways that we, like Jesus, can reach out to them.

If you are in need of that healing touch please do feel welcome at this special Mass. 11 o’clock on Saturday at Christ the King. If you know someone who would like to come but may be short of transport, perhaps you can sort that out for them etc etc.

Take a moment to reflect on the words of the Sacrament. The pages of my book with these words on them are well stained with the oil from years of anointing…

“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.
Amen.”

Fr Matthew