Welcome

Dear Friends,
England’s 3-0 defeat of Senegal in the World Cup last Sunday has brought a much-needed ray of sunshine to these dark December days. It’s great to see how the ‘beautiful game’ can bring together so many nations in friendly competition. Pope Benedict XVI – who supports FC Bayern Munich – once said that football “can be a great tool for the teaching of life’s ethical and spiritual values” to the young, and a World Cup is an amazing “global event, that irrespective of boundaries, links humanity around the world in one and the same state of tension: in its hopes, its fears, its emotions and joys.” Meanwhile, as we enter the Second Week of Advent, welcome to this week’s edition of e-News. Although these are the darkest days of the year, more even than football, our Christian faith, with its message of hope and love in Jesus Christ, ensures our hearts and minds are filled with light, the Light of Christ. There are a number of Saints days and feasts coming up this week, and also an invitation to a Day of Renewal on Zoom. Do try to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at this time – a great way to prepare for Christmas. You can also read some of the other news from the last week and also find out about the work of incorporating the Diocese as a CIO. Please pray for the faithful and clergy of the Diocese these next days, and also for me. May God bless you with His love.