The rector writes
Dear sisters and brothers,
This Sunday we celebrate the Patronal Festival at St Wilfrid's, celebrating the life and
witness of our patron saint, and also our common life here together in Haywards Heath.
At this yearly celebration it is good for us to reflect where we have come from in the last
year, and where we will be going in the coming years.
Over the past year we have continued to be a living presence in Haywards Heath, through
prayer, mission and outreach. At the May APCM we adopted a new Mission Action Plan,
and progress is being made on areas of it, such as the Vestry Project and establishing a
Pastoral Visiting Group.
Our Choral Scholarship scheme has now entered its second year, encouraging younger
people to engage with Church music and to enrich our worship. For the first time since
2019 we had confirmation candidates, hosting the Deanery Confirmation Service in June.
Back at Christmas we welcomed St Wilfrid's CofE Primary School back for their Christmas
Carol Services, and also launched a new Crib Service on Christmas Eve at St Wilfrid's, and
we have launched Messy Church as an after-school event at the Church of the
Presentation.
But above all, week by week, and in faith and trust, the sacraments are celebrated and
God is worshipped and adored.
All of this can only happen with your support, for which we all give thanks, and I
encourage each and everyone one of you to pray and to reflect how you can support the
life of the Parish into the future.
As we continue our pilgrimage together under the patronage of St Wilfrid, let us give
thanks for all we have achieved over the past year together, and look to the future in hope
for what we can achieve in the Mission of Church as we seek signs of God's Kingdom in
the world.
With all blessings
Fr Edward
