Reflections for the Month of July

It’s Summertime. Normally, we should have a full diary of events and plans for holidays and days out with family and friends. Most of us are eager to be getting out in the fresh air and to use open spaces. Even going shopping now has some attraction for the non-shopper, who hasn’t been out for such a long time.

We hope for warmer days, barbecues, parties and just ‘meeting up’ for coffee and a natter (no gossiping).

Some parishes have opened their social clubs now and a few groups are more prepared to meet up, socially distanced; others are waiting to see how things unfold. There will come the moment to take our first steps and learn how immune we each are to this scourge.

Nothing is 100% of course, and some will get infected – we pray that it is only mildly. We might wonder why crowds are being allowed at the tennis and football but until it is tried we will remain unsure and fearful.  If you were told to isolate last year, venturing out is only a first but essential step to take if we are to be rehabilitated into normality.

Jesus tells us not to be afraid!

Calendar for July, Ordinary Time I, Year B

1st       St Oliver Plunkett  Martyr National Calendar

3rd       St Thomas  Apostle

5th       St Anthony Zaccaria

6th       St Maria Goretti  Martyr

9th       St Augustine Zhao Rong & Companions  Martyrs

13th     St Mildred  Calendar

15th     St Bonaventure

16th     Our Lady of Mount Carmel  Diocesan Calendar

20th     St Appolinaris  Martyr

21st     St Lawrence of Brindisi

22nd    St Mary Magdalen  

23rd     St Bridget  Patron of Europe

26th     Ss Joachim & Anne  Parents of Mary

29th     St Martha

30th     St Peter Chrysologus

31st     St Ignatius of Loyola

Deacon Michael Baldry