Take with you every blessing you have received here

The end of the academic year often sees student members of our congregation moving on as they complete their studies. This week, Naoko left us to return to Japan. We will miss her kind friendly smile at our mid-week Masses, and her skilful serving at the High Altar on Sundays. Our prayers and best wishes go with her.

Parish Assistant Laura is also leaving us this week to return home to Whittlesey in Peterborough. She has especially appreciated her time at St Chrysostom’s School, including her recorder group with ten Year 3 children – so much so that Laura has decided to pursue a career in education. She says: “I have enjoyed myself this year, and will especially remember our Posada trips to the Donkey Sanctuary and the Ice-Skating Rink. I have learnt a lot and my confidence has grown, which I am grateful for. It has been a wonderful experience to be in Manchester, although I return home knowing that I am definitely more suited to the countryside than the city! Thank you to everyone at St C’s for a great year to remember. I shall miss all of those I have met along the way.”

For Naoko and Laura, and all those travelling on from us in their journeys this summer, we offer this prayer of leaving:

May you who leave this place
Take with you every blessing you have received here –
Blessings of friendship,
Blessings of memories,
Blessings of knowledge,
And may you leave us your blessing, your uniqueness, the mark you leave on this place that is only you.

May you all travel safely and be refreshed
To meet new challenges, new places, new people,
With a bright and cheerful heart.

So we pray that all may grow and learn to live with love.
Amen.