Mass of Induction for Rev. Fr Allan R. Jones, C.R.I.C.

Fr Allan’s Induction Mass at the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Stopsley, was held on Saturday 17th September 2022.

Bishop David presided at the Mass as part of his pastoral visitation of the parish. Fr James Cassidy, C.R.I.C. who has come with Fr Allan, a certain type of BOGOFF deal as Bishop David mentioned in his sermon, was also present, as was Very Rev. Fr Rinaldo Guarisco, C.R.I.C. the Superior General of the Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception, the congregation to which Frs Allan and James belong.

The liturgy began with the presentation of the Parish Priest Elect with the letter of appointment from Bishop David being read by Rev Deacon Jim Bannon. This was followed by the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity. Parish Staff and a representative of the Parish Finance committee were then presented.

The celebration of the Mass occurred on Evangelii Gaudium Sunday, formerly Home Mission Sunday, and in his sermon Bishop david challenged all present to consider their roles as Missionary Disciples of Jesus. There were ecumenical guests from some of the local churches in Stopsley as well as Michael Singleton from Churches Together in Luton. Some members of the choir from Sacred Heart Primary School sang a hymn during Holy Communion and offered words of welcome to Fr Allan and Fr James.

Fr Allan was ordained in 2012. Based initially at St Augustine’s and Our Lady of Lourdes parishes in Milton Keynes from 2012-2017) and at Our Lady of Charity and St Augustine’s Daventry (2017-2022),  before coming to Luton this summer. There were guests from these three parishes as well as other friends present, and Fr Allan’s mother read the second reading.

After Mass refreshments were served in the Parish Hall and a chance for people to meet.