My dear Friends,
Like many of you I am still self-isolating, and, no doubt, like you, am missing social contact. It still feels strange celebrating Mass in a church with only Anne present (I am so fortunate that I have her support both in church and at home – my heart and my prayers go out to those who are totally isolated).
Like so many I am out (at a safe distance) on Thursday evenings (from 26th onwards) to applaud our NHS Staff and volunteers, the real heroes!) I join in the general cacophony by ringing the church bell for 5 minutes. Whilst rightly applauding the NHS it is also good to remember all those who are continuing to work – those in our shops and supermarkets, police, fire service, and all those who work to provide our public services and support networks.
Today is Palm Sunday and I had already bought many palms for blessing and distributing. Before the closure of churches, I had intended leaving these out for you to collect. Alas that is not now possible. We shall have to use them next year.
My thanks to all those who are doing sterling work in both parishes by keeping up contact, particularly with the lonely/elderly (by ‘phone and email) and to all those who have volunteered to help by delivering food, providing transport and other help to those who are in need in both our parishes.
Don’t forget to make use of the ‘Spiritual Communion’ material etc during Holy Week, and if you wish to follow Holy Week on line, I recommend www.Walsingham.org.uk for their excellent Livestream service.
Finally, don’t forget our parish websites.
May God bless you and keep you safe:
Fr Frank
Needing help during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Thank you to all those who delivered cards around Frinton, Walton and Kirby Cross. It was great to come back on Thursday and see the empty table.
As we begin Holy Week the hymn ‘Ride on! Ride on in majesty!’ helps us to focus on Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, cheered on by His exuberant supporters. Verses 2 & 3 point to the fact that the situation is soon to change:
Ride on! Ride on in majesty! Hark, all the tribes hosanna cry:
Thy humble beast pursues his road with palms and scattered garments strowed.
Ride on! Ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die;
O Christ, thy triumphs now begin o’er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on! Ride on in majesty! The winged squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes, to see the approaching sacrifice.
Sunday Smile: A newspaper report of a local wedding said, “The bride looked stunning in an embroidered gown which fell softly to the floor.”