Introduction from Canon David

By Canon David Parmiter

Welcome to this edition of the Proclaimer and thank you to all those who have contributed, it is much appreciated. Advent is a season of hope and looking forward as we prepare for the feast of Christmas. The articles found here encourage us as we see different people reflect on our faith. Some have focussed on giants of our faith like St. Paul whilst others have shared with us their experiences with the most vulnerable such as working with the group supporting those detained at Gatwick Airport whilst their claims for Asylum are processed. In between we see those raising money for charity, supporting Christians in the Holy Land, sharing experiences of Christian ministry, pilgrimage, the contribution of religious orders and tradition in the life faith. All these contributions bring us hope and encouragement as we see the diversity of gifts faith brings and the comfort of knowing that we are not alone as we follow Christ. We are indeed part of a great

cloud of witness as written about in chapter 12 of the Letter to the Hebrews. We need one another in our journey of faith and Advent reminds us to prepare for Jesus who came to walk with us – always. In his letter on holiness, Pope Francis says “The common life, whether in the family, the Parish, the religious community or any other, is made up of small everyday things. This was true of the holy community formed by Jesus, Mary and Joseph, which reflected in an exemplary way the beauty of the Trinitarian communion. It was also true of the life that Jesus shared with his disciples and with ordinary people.” The Proclaimer reflects Christian faith and life lived in communion with others and those others are us. I hope you enjoy reading about these lived expressions of our Christian faith. God bless you,

Canon David