Happy Easter

FROM THE RECTOR
Easter is always a time of hope and renewal.  This time of year is special not only for Christians around the world, but for everyone.  It is a time which brings freshness and cheer as the winter months ebb away and spring comes into bud.  I wish you all a very Happy Easter when it comes and the joy and hope of the season.
The Maundy Thursday Mass is the last service I take at St Botolph’s before I go off on my three-month sabbatical.  During my time away I will be walking a significant part of the Camino de Santiago.  There are five main routes to walk to Santiago de Compostela all ending at the cathedral in the city.  My elder sister and I will be taking the Camino Francés (The French Way).  The section we are walking takes us right across Spain, East to West staying in different villages each night along the way.
The Camino is an ancient pilgrimage walked by millions of pilgrims over the centuries, each seeking spiritual refreshment and closeness to God.  Please pray for us on our journey as I will pray for you all and the community of St Botolph’s in my absence.  During my three-month sabbatical I hope to spend some time with my friends, the Benedictine Monks at Douai Abbey, the Monastery of St Edmund, King and Martyr in Berkshire, which I know well.  Amongst other things I will also spend time in Ireland, Scotland and Northumberland where I will be visiting the holy sites of St Cedd and praying on Lindisfarne (Holy Island) remembering St Aidan, St Cuthbert, and St Chad.
I will be breaking my sabbatical to return to St Botolph’s for our Patronal Festival which we will celebrate with our St Botolph’s Feast Mass on Wednesday 17 June followed by a party.  I will then complete my sabbatical returning to the church on Monday 6 July. 
In the meantime, God bless you and enjoy the Spring.
With God’s love and blessing,
Fr David