August  2025 Letter


AUGUST Letter Spiritual Renewal in the Heat of Summer  

Recently I was fortunate to get away to Wales to a Jesuit Spirituality Centre where I spent 5 days in silence seeking God and walking up hills alone – it was unexpectedly wonderful.  It is the first time I have done that for a long time and it has made me think I need to do this more often.  

  It’s fair to say I’m a busy person, like many of you, this role of Priest (best role in the world) of a busy Benefice, with 3 villages, 3 churches, 3 different communities, not to mention my busy home life and commitments can be a bit full-on at times.  My phone is always on and for 6 days of the week I am available, with one day when I try to ignore my phone and computer for my own sanity.  This was a week that was also ‘tech free’! The weather was warm, and I was surrounded by beautiful, sweet smelling gardens and landscape that allowed my spirit to soar, and so much peace and solitude – it was refreshment for my body and my soul.  It felt like standing under a beautiful, warm, waterfall that washed all my cares away, it was wonderful and I don’t think I really knew I needed it.   

It got me to thinking how busy we all are these days, and whilst we cannot all have the luxury of going away for 5 days on our own, I wonder what we can do to soothe our souls even for a short amount of time.  August can be draining physically and spiritually.  All our routines change. The holidays can be challenging for all sorts of different reasons, depending on what stage of life you are at.  A young Mum; a working Mum or Dad; a person who now lives on their own, to mention just a few scenario’s ….maybe this summer you will be a family juggling work and childcare, with lots of plates spinning in the air, or maybe you are in a position where the summer holidays can feel long and pretty empty if all the things you normally do grind to a halt and you’ve reached a time in your life where your home is quiet.    

I’ve come across this book – called ‘Every Moment Holy’ and it helps us to see how even the most mundane tasks in our lives can be seen as Holy Moments.  From the preparation of a meal, to the keeping of bees, to changing nappies. And I came across this one that I would like to share with you.   

The Ritual of Morning Coffee 
Maybe at the start of your day - (Before we begin – step away from your computer – your phone – your TV.Make a cup of coffee/tea 
Sit somewhere that you enjoy – maybe on a favourite chair – or in a favourite spot looking out of a window – or in your garden – or just standing in your kitchen, alone – breathe slowly – let us begin…..  
Meet me, O Christ, 
In this stillness of morning. 
Move me, O Spirit, 
To quiet my heart. 
Mend me, O Father, 
From yesterday’s harms.   

From the discords of yesterday, 
resurrect my peace. 
From the discouragements of yesterday, 
resurrect my hope. 
From the weariness of yesterday, 
resurrect my strength. 
From the doubts of yesterday, 
resurrect my faith. 
From the wounds of yesterday, 
resurrect my love.   

Let me enter this new day,
Aware of my need, 
And awake 
To your grace,
  O Lord.   
Amen 
Now be in this quiet moment, thanking God for the start of this new day 
A couple of scripture verses to encourage you to create this Holy Moment….. 
But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run 
and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint.  (Isaiah 40:31) 
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)  
May God bless you and give you many ‘Holy Moments’ this summer. 
Your Priest Alison   ·         

Extract from - Every Moment Holy – Douglas Kaine McKelvey