The Clergy of the Coventry and Nuneaton Deanery gathered for their annual Mass of Remembrance for the deceased clergy of the Deanery on Tuesday 11 November at St Elizabeth’s in Coventry.

The monthly Deanery meeting and Mass were held in the evening to allow parishioners to attend the Mass.

At the start of Mass, Canon Tom Farrell (Dean of Coventry & Nuneaton) said:

“Welcome this evening to our Mass for the deanery clergy. We'll be naming them and praying for them during our Mass this evening. We're also conscious that today is Remembrance Day. So, we remember all of those who have also died as a result of warfare, and those who are left behind to mourn their loss sharing in the tragedy of war. We are conscious, very much, living in the city of Coventry, as well as the bombing 85 years ago, and also the reputation of the city as a city of Peace and Reconciliation.”

Fr Alex Taylor, newly appointed Parish Priest of St John Vianney, gave the homily. 

Following the bidding prayers a list of deceased clergy was read by a representative from each parish.

Just before the final blessing Canon Tom thanked Father Moses and the community at St Elizabeth's for their kind welcome and the hospitality that was to follow. He also thanked Fr Alex Taylor for his homily, and to Fr Simon Baker who played the organ so beautifully. 

The Mass was followed by a reception hosted by the parishioners which allowed people to see the newly built parish hall, known as the Jubilee Hall.

Speaking with Canon Tom after the celebration he said:

“Our thanks to Fr Moses, Fr Robert and to all the parishioners at St Elizabeth’s who organised the liturgy and the hospitality following the Mass for the clergy and parishioners. It was a lovely occasion, and the reception afterwards was very well planned.”

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Watch! Mass recording

By Con McHugh