He is married to Sandra for 34 years, bringing up 3 children whilst serving in The Royal Air Force and now currently working in industry.


"I am well aware of the many challenges experienced by people who struggle to maintain the practice of their faith in the world today. Faced with the pressures and distractions of every day life, finding time to visit church can be difficult. Visits can then become occasional, infrequent and sadly for some, never.


This year, The Catholic Church in England and Wales is appealing to those Catholics, who have not visited a church for some time to "Come home for Christmas."


Perhaps the biggest obstacle many face to taking up their faith again is a feeling of guilt.


"Catholic guilt" is, of course, notorious, but we must ask ourselves where it really comes from. Certainly not from Christ, who was known for his welcome to sinners, and for unforgettable stories like the Prodigal Son returning to a lavish welcome.


Jesus understands completely, even more than you do, why you left the Church and why you now would like to return. Despite all their failings, there are many Catholic priests, Deacons and lay people who will show you that same understanding.


Catholics are acutely aware today of being far from perfect, and since the Jubilee Year 2000 have made special efforts to learn from their mistakes and make it easier for people to see in them the love of Christ. It should also be pointed out that having questions about various aspects of Catholic faith and life is perfectly normal, since faith in the living God will always be a challenge to our human ways of thinking and acting.


Our attempts as Catholics to talk about God are always more or less inadequate even though we know the Church has received the gift of unfailing truth.


Whatever the reason you stopped practicing your Catholic faith in the past, you can be sure of a warm welcome should you decide to start again. Many people return to the Church after a period of time, as they sense a spiritual emptiness in their lives which only Christ can fill, and they often find that not only have they changed, but the Church has developed also.


The Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon, Bishop of Nottingham gives this welcoming message


'My dear friends, whatever your situation or circumstances; however much time has lapsed since your last visit to a church, there is a place for you. The door is open and you are very welcome. You might have questions to ask which is good. We are happy to try to answer them and listen to your story. The Church will not judge you. Come.'



Times of Services:


The Parish church of Holy Rood, Market Rasen.


Sunday Mass at 11.00 a.m


Chapel of St Thomas More, Caistor.


Sunday Mass at 9.15 a.m



St Francis de Sales, Hainton (former Parish Church)


Sunday Mass (Eve) Saturday 5.30 p.m.