Jacqui Francis

We’re heading home now after a truly uplifting Mass at @StChadsBirm , joining altar servers from across the Archdiocese @RCBirmingham for a wonderful celebration of this very special ministry. During the Mass, Bishop Timothy reminded us of the importance of really listening to Holy Scripture when it is proclaimed at Mass, not simply hearing the words, but allowing the Word of God to penetrate our hearts and change the way we live. And what can we say about our altar servers? We are incredibly proud of every single one of them. They have been an absolute credit to themselves, their families, their schools and our whole parish throughout the day. A particular well done to those who had the very special privilege of serving in the sanctuary for the Mass itself. What an experience and what a memory to take home with them. There are completely unfounded rumours that Fr Craig was spotted at various points wiping his eyes. This is clearly nonsense. It must have been the incense. Or the cathedral lighting. Or possibly something in his eye. Repeatedly. Seriously though, days like today remind us just how blessed we are. The ministry of altar serving is thriving in our parish, and seeing so many of our young people serving with such reverence, confidence and joy today was genuinely moving. Our altar servers really are one of the jewels in the crown of our parish. They give so much, they bring so much life to our churches, and today they made us enormously proud.