Today at St Alban’s and The Church on Oakwood the Mass was led by Fr Philip Holland. Fr Philip celebrated the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on June 6th and both congregations wanted to mark this special occasion. Though ill-health has unfortunately meant it is not possible for him to have a parish of his own, Fr Philip’s charismatic presence and insightful homilies are much appreciated whenever he is able to celebrate Mass for us. Today he spoke about how the Church has changed in its attitude to rules and regulations which in the past sometimes ran the risk of preventing Christ’s love from being felt and seen. He told us of a a young man whose ordination to the priesthood was delayed by 6 months because he didn’t put on the correct hat to nip to the toilet at 3 o’clock in the morning! Plus who knew there are 39 ways to commit a mortal sin while saying Mass??

At St Alban’s Fr Philip was presented with a cheque as a token of our appreciation and this was followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre. In the afternoon at Oakwood, Sandra Endsor presented him with two engraved glasses and a bottle of wine.

Our prayers are with Fr Philip as he continues his ministry for Christ’s Church.