RE NEWS
Newly Elected Pope Leo XVI
On Friday morning we awoke to the news that the white smoke had risen out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the Cardinals had voted and that a new Pope had been chosen. We are delighted to acknowledge the appointment of Pope Leo XIV to lead our Church.
A Statement from Archbishop Christopher Prowse on the election of Pope Leo XVI is available, see attached.
I encourage you to read Archbishop Christopher’s statement on the occasion of the announcement of the 267th successor of St Peter.
Let’s keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he embarks on this significant journey, guiding the Church with compassion, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the Gospel
A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
Heavenly Father,
You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter.
Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him.
Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven.
Grant him wisdom to discern Your will,
Courage to fulfil it,
And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ.
In this time of transition,
Bring peace to troubled hearts,
Joy to those who suffer,
And hope to the despairing.
May he be a faithful successor to Saint Peter,
A humble servant of Your Word,
And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth.
Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity.
We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
And to the prayers of all the saints.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Gospel Reflection: Third Sunday of Easter John 13:31-35
Today’s three scripture readings show us different faces of Christian faith. The Acts of the Apostles tells of Paul and Barnabus returning home to Antioch after completing their first missionary journey around south east Asia Minor (present day Turkey). The Christians in Antioch rejoice, hearing about all the wonderful things God has done through this missionary work.
In the Book of Apocalypse we see a symbolic vision of what Christian life hopes for: union with God, in peace, where there will be no more tears and pain, and death will have vanished.
The Gospel reading shows us a crucial moment when the vision of salvation was being worked out in the life of Jesus. The passage opens with the words, ‘When he had gone out’. Who is this ‘he’? It is Judas Incariot. Just before this, the Gospel has shown us that Jesus knows Judas is going to betray him and that it is night, the time when darkness triumphs. Against this wretchedness. Jesus speaks in an extraordinary way. First, he declares that in this very betrayal, God is glorifying him. Second, he chooses this moment to command his disciples to love one another in the way Jesus has loved them.
From God’s Word, Daily Reflections, 2025
CONFIRMATION COMMITMENT MASSES
A reminder that all children who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on June 10th need to attend one of the weekend Commitment Masses. Children and their families can attend any of the weekend masses (Sat 6pm, Sun 8am, 10am or 6pm).
At each of the masses, a table will be set up in the foyer with a card box, Commitment Mass Cards and markers.
Each Confirmation Candidate will be asked to write their name on two prayer cards. They are to place one prayer card in the box for attendance purposes and take one prayer card to the altar with them after they make their commitment.
The other card if to be handed to a parishioner of their choice on the way back to their seat so that person can pray for them. Please encourage your children to choose someone who is not a member of their own family.
Please continue to pray for our children and their families as they prepare to receive this wonderful Sacrament.