My Dear Friends,

Today is the annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life, and we are invited to join with the universal Church in praying that many more will respond to the Lord calling them to these vocations in imitation of the Good Shepherd.

Prayer is, of course, the first and most important way in which we support these men and women, but as many of you will have read in the envelopes handed out last week, and in the recent issue of The Mulberry, it also costs a lot of money! So our retiring collection today is for The Priests Training Fund.

As also mentioned last week there are more men in training for the priesthood for our Diocese than at any time over the last ten years - and this is a cause for rejoicing. Our prayers for more priests really are being answered so it is vital that we ensure that there is enough money to cover the cost of their training and their life in the seminary. Thank you so much for your help and generosity.

Finally, the shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham is celebrating its 950th Anniversary this year, and not surprisingly numerous special events are being held in thanksgiving. One of these is a special Mass, to be celebrated by Abp Bernard Longley, for the Guild of Altar Servers.

Naturally we will be going and the coach is already booked, but you might like to make a note in your diary as the trip will be open to members of the parish too - September 3rd.

God Bless.

BANNEUX NOTRE DAME

PRAYING THE MASS

DON'T FORGET! THERE IS COFFEE IN THE PARISH HALL AFTER THE MORNING MASS ON SUNDAY.
SEE YOU THERE!!