Father Joe was the celebrant and preacher for Father's Day at Sacred Heart.

He referred back to the time when people were taught that God was like a policeman taking down all our faults and sins, and saving them up for judgement day. People felt negative about the idea of God, he said.

Now things have changed. But have they changed too much? he asked. The philosophy now is to do what we want and don't get caught.

The truth is that we are all sinners and in need of forgiveness. We need the Lamb of God. We should look back on each day, give thanks to God for the good things, and seek forgiveness for the things that have gone wrong.

Today was Father's Day and there was a big attendance in church - and the sun finally came out after three days of torrential rain. There were special prayers for Fathers, and Fr Joe received a chocolate present as well.

There were prayers for Eric Langham, Alan Langham's brother, who died this week. May he rest in peace.

The parish feast day was a success on Friday night, despite the terrible weather. Between 40 and 50 people came along and had a good time.

Names are being sought for confirmation and first communion in 2008. Anyone interested is asked to sign the list in the narthex.