Holy Family: the wisdom of our elders and our children
Posted: Sat, 26 Dec 2020 08:06
On Sunday 27 December, as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB looks at it message for our own family relationships, which have faced tremendous challenges in recent months. Image: Unknown Georgian artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
As we continue our celebration of this Christmas season in our strange times, we are given a time today to celebrate the gift... Read More »
Christmas Day reflection: The baby of Bethlehem calls us to live in the light
Posted: Thu, 24 Dec 2020 07:00
Reflecting on the Mass of Christmas Day, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB highlights the message of hope brought by the birth of Jesus to all of us, even in the darkest of times. (Image: Ivan Grohar, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
I wish you, your family and your loved ones, a very happy and holy Christmas. Today our pilgrimage through Advent is over and we have entered the season of Christmas-though... Read More »
Shrigley Old Boy's Reunion 2021 dates confirmed
Posted: Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:00
The dates for the Shrigley Old Boy's Reunion 2021 have now been confirmed.
The reunion will take place from Friday 10th September to Sunday 12th September 2021 at the Shrigley Hotel.
This will be a special reunion as it marks the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Past Pupils organisation, of which the Shrigley Old Boys is a part of.
Booking form and proposed programme will be coming soon.... Read More »
Introducing Br Jacques
Posted: Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:00
Introducing Br Jacques, from Ivory Coast. He is continuing his formation in the Thornleigh Community Bolton, doing practical training and English studies.
Each year, our Province welcomes Salesians in formation from other Provinces, who will carry out part of their practical experience, or who come here to study Theology. Salesians from our own Province will become guests in other countries as part... Read More »
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Faith & trust - the best Christmas gifts we can give
Posted: Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:56
On the last Sunday of Advent, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB encourages us to be inspired by the faith and trust of Mary and of Joseph, in what will be a very different Christmas season. (Image: Fra Angelico, Annunciation, via Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons)
Well here we are, ready to light the fourth candle. Only last year, this day would have been that opportunity to complete that needed last minute... Read More »
The Hands of the Father
Posted: Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:09
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike reflects on Duetronomy 1:3, and explores how it has helped him cope with what has been a very tough year.
Recently I attended a retreat—it was over the October break—due to the restrictions it was conducted via Zoom. My retreat master was a wise Jesuit. On our first session, this saintly soul asked me how I was feeling. My reply was, ''I am angry!... Read More »
Family & Friends at Christmas
Posted: Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:26
As we approach a very different Christmas, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB thinks about those who are closest to us, although we may not be able to be with them.
The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.Dodie Smith, 'Dear Octopus', 1943
It is said that Dodie Smith was moved to write her popular children's novel 'One Hundred and... Read More »
Key Workers, COVID and faith - interviews by SJBC 6th Formers
Posted: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:48
SJBC Sixth Form students interviewed a range of key workers from across the world for their 'Faith Matters' magazine, to ask about their experiences during the pandemic, and the impact their faith had during the crisis. The workers included a nurse in Nigeria, a cleaner in Germany, and a teacher in Jordan. With kind permission from the Faith Matters team, we reproduce the interviews with Salesian priest... Read More »
Welcome, Br Paulin!
Posted: Thu, 10 Dec 2020 10:00
Welcome Br Paulin. He has come to us from Togo, and is based in the Thornleigh Community Bolton, where he is doing practical training and English studies.
Each year, our Province welcomes Salesians in formation from other Provinces, who will carry out part of their practical experience, or who come here to study Theology. Salesians from our own Province will become guests in other countries as part... Read More »
Pay it forward ...
Posted: Thu, 10 Dec 2020 08:32
Last week, I got a lovely email from a former parishioner who told me about his experience at his local 'Costa Coffee' drive-through. When he pulled up to pay for his cup of 'morning Joe' he was amazed to be told that the car in front had already paid for it. He caught a glimpse of a red Suzuki pulling out and realised that he did not recognise either the car or its driver who simply gave a friendly... Read More »