Vicar's Message for November 2024

Dear Friends,

I am sure that some of you will know the musical Cats or, if not, the chances are that you will know one of the best known songs from it – Memories.

November is a time when we are asked to call to mind particular memories. It is known by some as the month of remembrance.

Right at the beginning of it we have All Saints’ Day on the first when we are asked to call to mind those who have been classed as saints by the Church for the great acts they accomplished or lives they lived. On the second we have All Souls’ Day when we are invited to remember those who have gone before us from this world; perhaps friends or relatives or people who have inspired us or previous generations. Then, of course, we have Remembrance Sunday and 11th November itself when we remember those people who gave up their lives for us in times of war and conflict.

Remembrance is important. Firstly, because it gives us the opportunity to give thanks for those who have gone before us from this world and for people who have sacrificed a lot too, and even including, their lives. Secondly, it calls us not to forget and to realise the importance of following the examples that they have given us.

We have the symbol of the poppy to remind us of the sacrifices of wars and conflicts and what a poignant image it is.

If you have a rosemary bush or a little pot of it growing in your window sill you might like, when you look at it, smell it or eat it, to take a moment to pause to reflect and remember those whose lives have been lost or marred in some way. Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance and in act 4 and scene 5 of Hamlet Ophelia says, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember.” I am also told that many flower arrangers put just a little sprig of rosemary in their arrangements as a sign of remembrance.

Whatever way to choose to remember during the month of November, please do try to make sure that you do pause to call to mind those who have influenced our lives both known and unknown.

With grace, peace and every blessing

Fr Paul

The Rev Canon Paul Arthur, Priest in Charge of Par, Charlestown and Treverbyn