I’M sure anyone who lives in Skipton or is regularly passing through the town has been watching with interest as some of the setts on the High Street are being refurbished. Equally I am sure that within a few short months we will be taking for granted what is beneath our feet as we rush by in the rain or stroll along in the sun.

Firm foundations are like that, unnoticeable, but they have to be both built and maintained. Which is why as a society we should set great store on the education and nurturing of our young people and on supporting and maintaining the reality of family life.

I would include in that the nurturing of young people in the spiritual dimension of life.

Over the past days we have been commemorating those who have died in military service for their country, and many of today’s young people marched up Skipton High Street as in many other places. When you look at and read of the reasons why people were so willing to stand in defence of others, much of it is to do with a belief in the great possibilities of humanity and a profound trust and hope in what they and many still today call God.

Our attention will fairly soon be turned towards Christmas and the Christmas lights will shine over the sets and illuminate the comings and goings of yet more young people. It would be good to think that many of us who are older could use the opportunity to be aware of the encouragement and example we can and give to young people about the reasons we celebrate Christmas and the goodness that gathering as families can bring.

Mgr Andrew Summersgill

Parish priest of St Stephen's, Skipton, and St Margaret Clitherow, Threshfield