Dear Parishioners,
During these difficult days of restrictions upon public worship many may have already heard of the term spiritual communion. Indeed, older parishioners may recall being taught about spiritual communion in their childhood. St Thomas Aquinas defines spiritual communion as, “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received Him.” Spiritual communion, then, is an interior act of desire for Christ in the Eucharist expressed in a prayer. In cases when one does not receive Holy Communion, one can say this prayer of spiritual communion which St Teresa of Avila says is, “a most beneficial practice”. I have included in the bulletin a classic spiritual communion. Christ walks with us still at this time and prayer joins us closer to Him. Fr Nicolas Maurice
Spiritual Communion Prayer by Saint Alphonsus Liguori: My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Visits to church hall: Fr Maurice plans to work from the parish hall one morning each week so that parishioners can stop to make contact and talk. He plans to work from the Ted Howe Room on Wednesday mornings from 9.30am, and from the Cranney Room on Friday mornings from 10am. Parishioners are welcome to stop in while maintaining suitable distance from others.
Parish bulletin: Copies of the parish bulletin are available at the parish office during office hours, at the Ted Howe Room on Wednesdays from 9.30am, at the Cranney Room on Fridays from 10am. Please email the parish office if you would like an electronic copy emailed to you.