Last week the Catholic church celebrated having a new Pope, Leo XIV, after the passing of Pope Francis. I am sure there is much anticipation as to how he will steer the Catholic Church in future years. We too in the Church of England are searching for a new Archbishop of Canterbury, and again there is a lot of speculation as to who will be chosen to lead us in the coming years. Like the head of any organisation, those who serve on the frontline will be looking for someone with a clear, modern approach and we hope the changes that happen will help the church to move forward. As some of you may know, the Bishop of St Albans retires from his post at the end of this month, and there will also be a long process to find his replacement.
As we wait for the decision as to who the new Archbishop of Canterbury will be, and the new Bishop of St Albans, life on the frontline of the parishes continues. A number of events were held last week as we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, and our schedule of Sunday services continues to take place across the Benefice in the continuing season of Easter. The churches of our Benefice are in the process of making changes as we elect and confirm some of our church members to the offices of the church – churchwardens, parochial church council members, treasurers and secretaries, to name some of them. As we make those decisions, it will help us to look forward to our future in the local parishes.
We trust God that he will direct and lead us in the way that we should go, so that we may work for his Kingdom in the parishes we serve. I hope that you will support us in our work, and we would love to see you as we worship together on a Sunday.
May I wish you God’s blessings of Easter.
Revd Graham
