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Rev Peter Holmes RIP

Over the weekend, we learned with great sadness that the Reverend Peter Holmes, our dear friend and Chair of the Joel Board of Trustees, passed away from COVID-19. As vicar of St Peter’s Church, Kingston for more than 25 years and founder of The Joel Community Night Shelter, he was passionately dedicated to social justice for those on the margins. 

Peter followed Jesus’ example and threw the church doors wide-open to those people that few cared about, particularly the ‘street-homeless’. He was an inspirational man of God, a pioneer and mentor to so many of us. We will miss his friendship, his leadership and his Christ-centred approach to life.

Ephesians 5:2

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

We offer our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Peter’s wife Carol and their four children, and to the congregation at St Peter’s. Despite our great sadness, we take comfort in knowing that Peter is in a wonderful place, with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

God bless and keep well,

The Trustees

Joel Community Services

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Sr Kathleen Concagh RIP

Many Parishioners may remember Sr Kathleen Concagh (known as Sr Kay!), a Sister of the Holy Cross who spent many years in this Parish.

She died peacefully on 16th March, two weeks after having a stroke.  For many years she taught in Holy Cross Senior School.  When she was again in the Community she was involved in various activities such as:  Prayer and Bible Groups, the Cell Movement, Alpha, RCIA.

Please remember her in your prayers.  May she rest in peace.

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The Rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary

Greetings from the Catholic National Shrine.
You are invited to join the Faithful across the world in the Rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary.
Saturday 28th March 2020: The Joyful Mysteries at 7pm
In preparation for the #RededicationAtHome this Sunday, you are invited to pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary at 7pm.  Pray in private or join us through our website, youtube or facebook.  Please share this information with your friends and family so that we can unite England in prayer, powerfully entering into the day of the Rededication together.

Sunday 29th March 2020:  Rededication Day
We are inviting you to take part in the Rededication wherever you are.  They will be led by our Bishops and priests across the country through the internet.  Check your Diocesan and parish websites for timings so that you can be united with our Bishops and priests in prayer at this time.At the Shrine, the Rededication will take place at noon, at the beginning of our midday Pilgrim Mass which will be livestreamed.  To find out more about the Rededication and to download the prayers visit: www.walsingham.org.uk/rededication. 

Monday 30th March 2020:  Novena in thanksgiving for the Rededication
On the Monday following the Rededication, you are invited to join us at the Shrine in praying the Novena in honour of Our Lady of Walsingham in thanksgiving for the Rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary and for the Lord’s protection for all affected by the coronavirus pandemic.  The Novena will be prayed at the end of each Shrine Mass on livestream.  We will continue this novena “until the storm passes”. 

Prayer: Let us intensify our prayer in these days for England and all nations during this time of great crisis: Join the Shrine livestream for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praying especially for the elderly, the vulnerable, for those on the front line and in our NHS, for those in Government and leadership, and all our priests and bishops. Pray the Rosary for Our Lady of Walsingham’s intentions for England her Dowry. Invoke the intercession of the English Saints and Martyrs through praying the Litany. Pray for the conversion of heart of the people of England and all nations and peoples.