We have all seen the news of the tragic loss of the Malaysian Airways flight apparently shot down over Ukraine this week. The tragedy touches us here in Luxembourg more closely: Andrew and Estella Hoare, and their two sons, Jasper (14) and Friso (12) were lost. Both boys were in the Dutch section of the European School. Rinke (24), Estelle’s son, was not with them, and is now having to deal with such an immense loss.

Our 11:15 Mass tomorrow, 20 July, is being offered for the repose of the souls of this family, and for Rinke — and for all who have died in this terrible incident, and all who are mourning loved ones.

Fr Ed

Do you need a nanny for your children? A member of our parish works as a nanny here in Luxembourg and is looking for further employment as her family are moving away. If you would like to be put in touch, please let me know.

Thanks. Fr Ed

I received this email and replied by saying I would ask the parish if there is anyone who I can put this couple in touch with for advice:

“Dear Father Ed, I thought of reaching out to you given your involvement with the English community in Luxembourg.  I figured most of them would be expats and that you may have some good comments or suggestions on relocating to Luxembourg. Recently I have been in discussions on a potential move from Toronto, Canada to Luxembourg to take place in around September 2014.  I hear stories about housing being difficult to find and that it may take a few months to secure a place. Would you know someone from the community that can help on this?  I’m not sure if my company will provide this kind of services but I thought contacting you wouldn’t hurt.  It’s just me and my husband for ~2.5 years, then returning to Canada.”

I have received an appeal from a Polish student at university here in Luxembourg. She needs to learn basic English — she speaks Polish and French. Is there anyone in our community who could help her? She is available every day. If you think you might be able to help, I can put you in touch. I have explained the Summer is not the best time to find people who are available. More than one volunteer would be even better!

On a related issue, I received the good suggestion recently that the teaching of English to those in need here in Luxembourg might be a service we could offer as a parish community. If you would be interested in general (nothing will start now until after the Summer) let me know. The more people who are involved, the more any workload could be shared. We all know how multi-lingual and multi-cultural Luxembourg is, and as the English-speaking parish, we share in one of the most sought-after languages in the world.

Thanks, Fr Ed

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year A

Today’s Readings

First Reading  Wisdom 12:13, 16-19  After praising God, the author continues ‘…you have given your sons the good hope that after sin you will grant repentance.’

Second Reading Romans 8:26-27  The Holy Spirit comes to help us when we do not know how to pray

Gospel Matthew 13:24-30 shorter form  Jesus tells a parable where weeds grow amongst the wheat and remain there — until they are separated at harvest time and the weeds are burned — a parable of judgement.

MUSIC

This week the choir will be continuing with the Belmont Mass setting, a simple but beautiful setting of the Mass texts. You can find a recording of the Belmont Mass (the Kyrie is missing) here
Opening Hymn: Morning has broken  671
Penitential Rite Belmont Mass
Gloria  Belmont Mass
Psalm said
Creed said
Preparation of the Gifts  organ; followed by Blest are you, Lord  603
Sanctus  Belmont Mass
Agnus Dei Belmont Mass
Holy Communion  organ; O Bread of Heaven  662
Recessional  My soul proclaims the Lord, my God  340

Prayer of the Faithful
Praying especially for:
Eileen Brett, lately dead.