New beginnings...

The academic year has started again here in Sevenoaks. It was daunting for me this year as I saw my son going to Sixth form for his first day there – they do grow so very quickly!

I was in touch today with both primary schools within the Parish. Our school came down to church for their beginning of year assembly where we welcomed new pupils, reflected on new opportunities as gift and committed the year to God. It was great to see the pupils back and I enjoyed being shown new shoes, new ribbons, new shirts…I think by the end of the line everything was new including the 152 year old church building!

With Sevenoaks Primary we have pencilled in some bookings for Year 1 visits to school and in a few days time the RE lessons to the school leavers will commence. I have also spoken to the heads of the other schools with which we work in partnership promising our prayers and support. I look forward to a new academic year with all its joys and blessings and this one I look forward to share with Fr James.

In the evening the final meeting of a Marriage Preparation course took place in the Vicarage. This time three couples; two to be married this month and one in October. It was a joy to spend some time with them reflecting on the sacrament of Marriage and married life. They are very much in my prayers; can you keep them in yours too?

Also for your prayers is Seminarian James Bradley who is in retreat before his ordination. We very much look forward for his diaconal ordination tomorrow; I pray it will be a blessing for him, the Parish, all his relatives and friends.