Faith

Clare Catford presents BBC Radio Berkshire's faith programme, every Sunday from 6am.

Whatever you are doing this Christmas and whoever you are spending it with, I want to wish you a great time with much joy.

I recall, soon after my divorce, ten years ago now, how much of that hope I felt I seemed to lack.

I felt alone, despondent and a real failure. If you are in that place, and without, I hope, sounding too trite, I can share from my own experience, that feelings do move on and hope does reappear. This is a great testimony to the human spirit and to God’s regard for us.

Reading Minster

I was touched by so many of you at the Carol Service, particularly those who were struggling with their health and strength.

As the Bishop said in his sermon, Christ has time for the ‘little people’, those of us who feel that we are frail, vulnerable and frightened.

The kind of God I believe in is with all of us who struggle with physical or mental health, tough economic circumstances, and family tensions.

I want to thank you for taking the time and the trouble to listen to my programme this year; if it wasn’t for you, there would be no point in me getting up at 4am to present it!

Clare Catford

 It is YOUR programme, and I always try to think of what YOU want to hear, and ask the questions YOU want answers to. Feel free to email me with your greetings and thoughts at any time. Clare.catford@bbc.co.uk is the address, and I love hearing about your lives, your events, your sorrows and your joys.

Have a wonderful Christmas, and a peaceful and fulfilling new year.

 Much love, Clare Catford

For pictures of BBC Berkshire's carol service in Reading Minster, click here.