The Weekly Newsletter of Holy Family parish, in Blackpool,
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday February 7 pm in the presbytery) Please make sure you send any remaining items for the Agenda to the Secretary (Karen B) BEFORE 6. pm tonight, (Sunday 5th)
THOSE RED MISSION BOXES
On the Saturday / Sunday, February 11/12, Fr. Owen Grant of the APF Mission Association, will be here to make an appeal for our support of the RED MISSION BOXES in our homes.
PARISH FINANCE
On Sunday, January 29th, 2012 the collection came to £414.79. Of this £330.50 was in the parish Offertory Envelope system. Thank you everybody.
DAILY MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday 04 - 7.00 pm – John Sawtell
Sunday 05 - 10.30 - Parishioners
Monday 06 - 10.00 – Mary Callagher
Tuesday 07 - 10.00 am – James McCormick
Wednesday - 08 – 10.00 am – Mary Pearce
Thursday - 09 - 10.00 am – No Mass
Friday -1 0 – 10.00 am – No Mass
Saturday - 11 - 7.00 pm - Mill Hill Priest here
PARISH PRAYER INTENTIONS
SICK - Marjorie Bottoms, Mary Geraldine, Mary Walsh, Jenny Lynch, Elizabeth Wynn, Marie Butler, John Schofield, John Austin Cook, Bill McTighe, John Dimuantes, Monica Ney, Lillian Cook, Frs Peter Dolan, John Marsh & John Hawkins.
DIED RECENTLY: Michael McCabe, Toni Fawcett, John Sawtell
ANNIVERSARIES: Mary Pearce, Mary Callagher, James McCormick
MAKING OUR SUNDAY GATHERING A GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE
Ministries NEXT Sunday 8
Church cleaning week commencing Feb 5,Jean & Patrick
Counting today: D
Coffee Morning Today: Ellen & Christina NEXT: Claudie &
Suzanne
Children's Liturgy, Today: Karen. NEXT: Sara
PRAYER BEFORE THE HOMILY
"May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may worthily proclaim the Good news of the Gospel".
DEANERY PRAYER
God, our Father, we ask your blessing on our town. Lead everyone in Blackpool to a sense of your presence. Bring to faith those who do not know you and may we, the followers of your Son be a blessing to everyone we meet. Amen
LENT – a) Start NOW to plan the season for yourself and your family or even your place of work . b) Pass on suggestions to the Parsih Council so that they can plan for the WHOLE PARISH.
LENT FAMILY FAST DAY - This year our Lenten Family Fast Day will be on Friday March 2nd. CAFOD Envelopes distributed on the previous Sunday and returned on the following Sunday as usual. BUT why not make it a bit special this year by organising an "Event" of your own from your home or workplace? Time is running out already so think now, please.
PREPARING THE NEWSLETTER FOR SUNDAY FEBRUARY, 12TH, 2012
THOSE RED MISSION BOXES
TODAY, Saturday / Sunday, February 11/12, Fr. Owen Grant of the APF Mission Association, will be here to make an appeal for our support of the RED MISSION BOXES in our homes. Please make Fr Owen FEEL welcome.
THANKS TO MRS KAREN PEARCE
The Winter Afternoon Bingo: to Karen and to all who helped at the event itself or beforehand, a big thank you.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
PARISH FINANCE
On Sunday, February 5th, 2012 the collection came to £. Of this £ was in the parish Offertory Envelope system. Thank you everybody.
200 CLUB: FEBRUARY WINNER
Congratulations to John and Ann Hall, token Number 87, winners of this months prize of £50. It is a pure coincidence that John & Ann live next door to the secretary of the 200 Club, Mr Damien Nelson!
DAILY MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday - 11 - 7.00 pm - Mill Hill Priest here
Sunday 12 - 10.30 - Parishioners
Monday 13 - 10.00 – NO MASS
Tuesday 14 - 10.00 am – NO MASS
Wednesday -15 – 10.00 am – NO MASS
Thursday - 16 - 10.00 am – NO MASS
Friday -17 – 10.00 am – Lorna Baldwin
Saturday - 18 - 7.00 pm - Parishioners
PARISH PRAYER INTENTIONS
SICK - Marjorie Bottoms, Mary Geraldine, Mary Walsh, Jenny Lynch, Elizabeth Wynn, Marie Butler, John Schofield, John Austin Cook, Bill McTighe, John Dimuantes, Monica Ney, Lillian Cook, Frs Peter Dolan, John Marsh & John Hawkins.
DIED RECENTLY: Dr Ken McGill
ANNIVERSARIES:
MAKING OUR SUNDAY GATHERING A GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE
Ministries NEXT Sunday 1
Church cleaning week commencing Feb 12,
Counting today: E
Coffee Morning Today: Claudie & Suzanne. NEXT:
Children's Liturgy, Today: Sara NEXT:
PRAYER BEFORE THE HOMILY
"May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may worthily proclaim the Good news of the Gospel".
DEANERY PRAYER
God, our Father, we ask your blessing on our town. Lead everyone in Blackpool to a sense of your presence. Bring to faith those who do not know you and may we, the followers of your Son be a blessing to everyone we meet. Amen
LENT – a) Start NOW to plan the season for yourself and your family or even your place of work . b) Pass on suggestions to the Parsih Council so that they can plan for the WHOLE PARISH.
LENT FAMILY FAST DAY - This year our Lenten Family Fast Day will be on Friday March 2nd. CAFOD Envelopes distributed on the previous Sunday and returned on the following Sunday as usual. BUT why not make it a bit special this year by organising an "Event" of your own from your home or workplace? Time is running out already so think now, please.
NOTES FROM PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
JUST ROUND THE CORNER
Two things about which you can do NOTHING: 1. Winter. 2. Spring.
Many things about which you CAN DO LOTS: and make a REAL DIFFERENCE. Here are just some of them.
AND NOW…..
CHRISTMAS FAIR REWARD
This has been the first time when we tried a Joint School/Parish Christmas Fair. The school has very generously given the Church a cheque for £600, although as we were not given much notice, our contribution to the effort was not all that great. Please God, next year we will get more involved.
PARISH FINANCE
On Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 the collection came to £468.50. Of this £304.70 was in the parish Offertory Envelope system. Thank you everybody.
THE LATE BILL BROWN
Bill's family have been in touch to thank everyone most sincerely for expressions of sympathy received in their recent sad loss.
UNITED: LADY AND GLOVES
Left in Church weeks ago but now back with their owner. HOWEVER....
.....MATALAN SCARF
Left in SCHOOL after some pre-Christmas event or other.
Just call at the office and secretary will help.
DAILY MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday 28 - 7.00 pm – Gerard Jordan
Sunday 29 - 10.30 - Parishioners
Monday 30 - 10.00 – Bill Brown
Tuesday 31 - 10.00 am – L.I.S.C.F.
Wednesday 01 – 10.00 am – L.I.S.C.F.
Thursday 02 - 10.00 am – Johnny Craven
Friday 03 – 10.00 am – Tom Robinson
Saturday 04 - 7.00 pm – L.I.S.C.F.
PARISH PRAYER INTENTIONS
SICK - Marjorie Bottoms, Mary Geradine, Mary Walsh, Jenny Lynch, Elizabeth Wynn, Marie Butler, John Schofield, John Austin Cook, Bill McTighe, John Dimuantes, Monica Ney, Lillian Cook, Frs Peter Dolan, John Marsh & John Hawkins.
DIED RECENTLY: Johnny Craven
ANNIVERSARIES: Canon Ted McManus (forrmer Parish Priest of this parish)
LOURDES IN LANCASTER CATHEDRAL
February 10th, Annual Lourdes Celebration/Vocations Prayer Vigil at 7.pm. See Posters in Church.
MAKING OUR SUNDAY GATHERING A GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE
Ministries NEXT Sunday 7.
Church cleaning week commencing Jan 29, Shane & Anne
Counting today: C
Coffee Morning Today: Ruth & Sheran NEXT: Ellen & Christina
Children's Liturgy, Today: Lynne & Lizzie NEXT: Karen.
THOSE RED MISSION BOXES
On the Saturday / Sunday, February 11/12, Fr. Owen Grant of the APF Mission Association, will be here to make an appeal for our support of the RED MISSION BOXES in our homes. This is NOT an appeal for a collection at Mass, but is an effort to further improve our use of those Red Boxes in our homes.
BLACKPOOL BRASS BAND
St. Teresa’s Church in Cleveleys, Friday, February 10th at 7.30 pm. In aid of Church Repair Fund. See poster in Church.
PRAYER BEFORE THE HOMILY
"May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may worthily proclaim the Good news of the Gospel".
DEANERY PRAYER
God, our Father, we ask your blessing on our town. Lead everyone in Blackpool to a sense of your presence. Bring to faith those who do not know you and may we, the followers of your Son be a blessing to everyone we meet. Amen
THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU
Each Wednesday in Lent: 29 February 2012 until 4 April 2012, 7:00-8:00pm, Holy Family and all the churches of the Diocese of Lancaster will be open for individual confessions. The Diocese has a dedicated page on the diocesan website: www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk of resources to help you prepare including videos on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, sheets on how to make a good confession, answers to frequently-asked questions and more. Please make plans to come on these Wednesdays and spread the word of this special outreach of mercy to those you know – especially to those who you think might use this opportunity to come back to the practice of their faith.
THE NEWSLETTER ON SUNDAY JANUARY 22nd
PRAYER BEFORE THE HOMILY
PARISH FINANCE
On Sunday, January 15th, 2012 the collection came to £415,23. Of this £333.60 was in the parish Offertory Envelope system. Thank you everybody.
Church cleaning week commencing Jan 22, Anne & Shane.
Counting today: B
Coffee Morning Today: Karen & Anne NEXT: Ruth & Sheran.
Children's Liturgy, Today: Ellen & Louise NEXT: New Rota Please.
THOSE RED MISSION BOXES
On the Saturday / Sunday, February 11/12, Fr. Owen Grant of the APF Mission Association, will be here to make an appeal for our support of the RED MISSION BOXES in our homes. This is NOT an appeal for a collection at Mass, but is an effort to further improve our use of those Red Boxes in our homes.
DAILY MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday 21 - 7.00 pm – Angela Farrell
Sunday 22 - 10.30 - Parishioners
Monday 23 - 10.00 – Archie Patterson
Tuesday 24 - 10.00 am – Florence M Flanagan
Wednesday 25 – 10.00 am – John Callagher
Thursday 26 - 10.00 am – Brian & Marie
Friday 27 – 10.00 am – Lorna Baldwin
Saturday 28 - 7.00 pm – Gerard Jordan
BLACKPOOL BRASS BAND
St. Teresa’s Church in Cleveleys, Friday, February 10th at 7.30 pm. In aid of Church Repair Fund. See poster in Church.
PARISH COUNCIL JAN 10-2012
THOUGHTS ON BISHOP’S JANUARY PASTORAL LETTER
DEANERY MEETING.
Fr Farrell, Mary Fischer and Karen Pearce to attend and to report back at the next meeting of the Parish Council
Next Parish Council Meeting 7th February at 7.00 p.m.
DEANERY COUNCIL - Extract from the minutes tract from minutes
Suggestions for what we can/should be doing at a deanery level (e.g. Services of Reconciliation)
We began by discussing the deanery Service of Reconciliation in Lent. There was some positive feedback around the feeling of togetherness, which encouraged those who had been reticent about Confession to access the Sacrament. It was suggested that the service should move round the deanery. Pat said that she felt that the ‘examination of conscience’ was particularly helpful.
There was some discussion about how the habit of Confession has died out. Fr. Joe said that although ‘General Absolution’ was a big draw, it was devised for emergency situations only as it doesn’t cover the 3 necessary elements of contrition, confession and satisfaction. He emphasised that the Sacrament is a ‘celebration’ of liberation from sin and God’s love. We need to promote the Sacrament in these terms. And we need to really encourage people to go to the next deanery celebration.
Mary said that HF had held their own service which had been very well attended, including by young people.
There was some discussion about the diocesan initiative to offer Confession and adoration on Wednesdays through Lent.
Deanery study days on the subjects of Liturgy, Spreading the Gospel, Service and Community.
As time was running short, there wasn’t adequate time to discuss this in depth. However, it was suggested that a day on Reconciliation might be good to help people get over their reticence about the Sacrament. Fr. Steve suggested that the very best speaker should be sought and it was generally thought that this should happen later in the year and not done in a rush. Two names were suggested as possible: Fr. Jim McManus or Fr. Tom McGuiness SJ. It was suggested that such a day might be held in Advent.
In the meantime, a date was put forward for a Lenten Service of Reconciliation and it was suggested that clergy might preach encouragingly about this on the Sunday before. The date agreed was Tuesday March 20th, 7pm. Fr. Steve said he would take this to the next deanery conference of clergy and would confirm the date with Simon.
MIDDAY PRAYER
The day thou gavest, Lord, is nowhere near ended, though it has been traveling steadily onwards since that first grey moment when you gave it leave.
It has already acquired a name and number and in its own good time will take its place in that mysterious world we call the past. Filed away in its proper place it will await the scrutiny of visitors from other days and may well contribute to what these visitors call history. But all that is in the future, for the day thou gavest, Lord, is still ours for the shaping.
Some will come to know it by different names; names that record what this particular day meant to them. A birthday, an anniversary, some sporting triumph, the coming of a time of peace, a financial disaster, these, or others, will ensure that this day, the one thou gavest, Lord, just a few short hours ago, will be marked forever, not simply as one among so many, but destined to wear forever a fame it did not seek and for which it was not designed.
"Ours for the shaping", Lord, this day thou gavest, so grant us too, O Generous Giver of all good gifts, the wit and wisdom to shape well this day thou gavest.
JUST ROUND THE CORNER
Two things about which you can do NOTHING: 1. Winter. 2. Spring.
Many things about which you CAN DO LOTS: and make a REAL DIFFERENCE. Here are just some of them.
- CANDLEMAS ( Feb 2nd. the Presentation of the Lord and official end of Christmas season) Be there at Mass on Thusday next and take home a blessed candle.
- FEAST OF ST. BLAISE (Mass at 10.am on Friday February 3rd) Be there for the blessing of throats.
- ANNUAL AFTERNOON BINGO (Sunday, February 5th at 2.pm. a) Help beforehand by donating prizes.b) Go to the event. c) Ask Karen how you can help at the event..
- BISHOP CAMPBELL'S NEW YEARS DAY PASTORAL LETTER – TWO THINGS: a) You could write to the Bishop giving him your thoughts and suggestions. Keep it short and to the point. or, b) You could pass your thoughts and suggestions to members pf the Parish Council before their meeting on February 7th. They’ve already had one very helpful meeting at school. And if you have mislaid your copy of the letter, we will give another – just ask.
- LENT – a) Start NOW to plan the season for yourself and you family or even your place of work . b) Pass on suggestions to the Parsih Council so that they can plan for the Whole Parish.
- LENT FAMILY FAST DAY - This year our Lenten Family Fast Day will be on Friday March 2nd. CAFOD Envelopes distributed on the previous Sunday and returned on the following Sunday as usual. BUT why not make it a bit special this year by organising an "Event" of your own from your home or workplace? Time is running out already so think now, please.
- PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - (Tuesday February 7 pm in the presbytery) Last meeting was really good and helpful. Let’s keep it going. Think BEFORE the meeting. Gather thoughts and suggestions from other parishioners. Get items for the agenda to Karen SOON.
AND NOW…..
CHRISTMAS FAIR REWARD
This has been the first time when we tried a Joint School/Parish Christmas Fair. The school has very generously given the Church a cheque for £600, although as we were not given much notice, our contribution to the effort was not all that great. Please God, next year we will get more involved.
PARISH FINANCE
On Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 the collection came to £468.50. Of this £304.70 was in the parish Offertory Envelope system. Thank you everybody.
THE LATE BILL BROWN
Bill's family have been in touch to thank everyone most sincerely for expressions of sympathy received in their recent sad loss.
UNITED: LADY AND GLOVES
Left in Church weeks ago but now back with their owner. HOWEVER....
.....MATALAN SCARF
Left in SCHOOL after some pre-Christmas event or other.
Just call at the office and secretary will help.
DAILY MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday 28 - 7.00 pm – Gerard Jordan
Sunday 29 - 10.30 - Parishioners
Monday 30 - 10.00 – Bill Brown
Tuesday 31 - 10.00 am – L.I.S.C.F.
Wednesday 01 – 10.00 am – L.I.S.C.F.
Thursday 02 - 10.00 am – Johnny Craven
Friday 03 – 10.00 am – Tom Robinson
Saturday 04 - 7.00 pm – L.I.S.C.F.
PARISH PRAYER INTENTIONS
SICK - Marjorie Bottoms, Mary Geradine, Mary Walsh, Jenny Lynch, Elizabeth Wynn, Marie Butler, John Schofield, John Austin Cook, Bill McTighe, John Dimuantes, Monica Ney, Lillian Cook, Frs Peter Dolan, John Marsh & John Hawkins.
DIED RECENTLY: Johnny Craven
ANNIVERSARIES: Canon Ted McManus (forrmer Parish Priest of this parish)
LOURDES IN LANCASTER CATHEDRAL
February 10th, Annual Lourdes Celebration/Vocations Prayer Vigil at 7.pm. See Posters in Church.
MAKING OUR SUNDAY GATHERING A GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE
Ministries NEXT Sunday 7.
Church cleaning week commencing Jan 29, Shane & Anne
Counting today: C
Coffee Morning Today: Ruth & Sheran NEXT: Ellen & Christina
Children's Liturgy, Today: Lynne & Lizzie NEXT: Karen.
THOSE RED MISSION BOXES
On the Saturday / Sunday, February 11/12, Fr. Owen Grant of the APF Mission Association, will be here to make an appeal for our support of the RED MISSION BOXES in our homes. This is NOT an appeal for a collection at Mass, but is an effort to further improve our use of those Red Boxes in our homes.
BLACKPOOL BRASS BAND
St. Teresa’s Church in Cleveleys, Friday, February 10th at 7.30 pm. In aid of Church Repair Fund. See poster in Church.
PRAYER BEFORE THE HOMILY
"May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may worthily proclaim the Good news of the Gospel".
DEANERY PRAYER
God, our Father, we ask your blessing on our town. Lead everyone in Blackpool to a sense of your presence. Bring to faith those who do not know you and may we, the followers of your Son be a blessing to everyone we meet. Amen
THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU
Each Wednesday in Lent: 29 February 2012 until 4 April 2012, 7:00-8:00pm, Holy Family and all the churches of the Diocese of Lancaster will be open for individual confessions. The Diocese has a dedicated page on the diocesan website: www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk of resources to help you prepare including videos on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, sheets on how to make a good confession, answers to frequently-asked questions and more. Please make plans to come on these Wednesdays and spread the word of this special outreach of mercy to those you know – especially to those who you think might use this opportunity to come back to the practice of their faith.
PRAYER BEFORE THE HOMILY
"May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may worthily proclaim the Good news of the Gospel".
DEANERY PRAYER
God,
our Father, we ask your blessing on our town. Lead everyone in
Blackpool to a sense of your presence. Bring to faith those who do not
know you and may we, the followers of your Son be a blessing to everyone
we meet. Amen
PARISH FINANCE
On Sunday, January 15th, 2012 the collection came to £415,23. Of this £333.60 was in the parish Offertory Envelope system. Thank you everybody.
ANNUAL BINGO, February 5th, 2.00
We need Helpers please and Gifts (Unwanted at Christmas!) Bottles – Smellies - Choc's - Tin's bisc/sweets. Contact Karen.
PARISH PRAYER INTENTIONS
SICK - Mary
Geradine, Mary Walsh, Jenny Lynch, Elizabeth Wynn, Marie Butler, John
Schofield, John Austin Cook, Bill McTighe, John Dimuantes, Monica Ney,
Lillian Cook, Frs Peter Dolan, John Marsh & John Hawkins.
DIED RECENTLY: Bill Brown, Joan Ripley
ANNIVERSARIES: Florence Flanagan, Gerard Jordan, Fr Tom Gardner.
LOURDES LANCASTER CATHEDRAL
February 10th, Annual Lourdes Celebration/Vocations Prayer Vigil at 7.pm. See Posters in Church.MASS IN VICTORIA HOSPITAL
In
the hospital chapel to ask God's blessing on Patients and Staff, on the
following Thursdays: January 19th, February 16th, March 15th, April
19th, May 17th & June 21st. We'll remind you every month. You may be
able to combine it with a visit to the Hospital.MAKING OUR SUNDAY GATHERING A GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE
Ministries NEXT Sunday 6.Church cleaning week commencing Jan 22, Anne & Shane.
Counting today: B
Coffee Morning Today: Karen & Anne NEXT: Ruth & Sheran.
Children's Liturgy, Today: Ellen & Louise NEXT: New Rota Please.
THOSE RED MISSION BOXES
On the Saturday / Sunday, February 11/12, Fr. Owen Grant of the APF Mission Association, will be here to make an appeal for our support of the RED MISSION BOXES in our homes. This is NOT an appeal for a collection at Mass, but is an effort to further improve our use of those Red Boxes in our homes.
DAILY MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday 21 - 7.00 pm – Angela Farrell
Sunday 22 - 10.30 - Parishioners
Monday 23 - 10.00 – Archie Patterson
Tuesday 24 - 10.00 am – Florence M Flanagan
Wednesday 25 – 10.00 am – John Callagher
Thursday 26 - 10.00 am – Brian & Marie
Friday 27 – 10.00 am – Lorna Baldwin
Saturday 28 - 7.00 pm – Gerard Jordan
BLACKPOOL BRASS BAND
St. Teresa’s Church in Cleveleys, Friday, February 10th at 7.30 pm. In aid of Church Repair Fund. See poster in Church.
PARISH COUNCIL JAN 10-2012
Present: Mary Fisher,(Chair), Karen Black, (Secretry) Christine Sleightholme, Frank Turner, Louise Fell, Srs Margaret & Kathleen, Helen Moreton, Karen Pearce. Joan Campbell, Stephen Evans, Suzanne Schofield, Fr. Farrell.
Minutes from previous meeting agreed Matters Arising from the previous minutes. Handrail on steps – no response received YET from the suppliers
Joint School/Parish Christmas Fair . On the whole a successful venture however limited contribution from the parish. Agreed that more notice needs to be given to the parish. Agreed the need to build on this partnership, September meeting of the Parish Council to be involved in initial planning
THOUGHTS ON BISHOP’S JANUARY PASTORAL LETTER
To be able to provide a fulsome response an Open Forum to be held to discuss Holy Family Parish and School’s response. First Meeting to be held on Wednesday 25th January at 4.00 p.m. in School. Attendees: , Mary Fisher, Srs Margaret & Kathleen, Helen Moreton, Christine Sleightholme, Karen Black, Louise Fell, Karen Pearce. Joan Campbell
DEANERY MEETING.
Fr Farrell, Mary Fischer and Karen Pearce to attend and to report back at the next meeting of the Parish Council
Next Parish Council Meeting 7th February at 7.00 p.m.
DEANERY COUNCIL - Extract from the minutes tract from minutes
Suggestions for what we can/should be doing at a deanery level (e.g. Services of Reconciliation)
We began by discussing the deanery Service of Reconciliation in Lent. There was some positive feedback around the feeling of togetherness, which encouraged those who had been reticent about Confession to access the Sacrament. It was suggested that the service should move round the deanery. Pat said that she felt that the ‘examination of conscience’ was particularly helpful.
There was some discussion about how the habit of Confession has died out. Fr. Joe said that although ‘General Absolution’ was a big draw, it was devised for emergency situations only as it doesn’t cover the 3 necessary elements of contrition, confession and satisfaction. He emphasised that the Sacrament is a ‘celebration’ of liberation from sin and God’s love. We need to promote the Sacrament in these terms. And we need to really encourage people to go to the next deanery celebration.
Mary said that HF had held their own service which had been very well attended, including by young people.
There was some discussion about the diocesan initiative to offer Confession and adoration on Wednesdays through Lent.
Deanery study days on the subjects of Liturgy, Spreading the Gospel, Service and Community.
As time was running short, there wasn’t adequate time to discuss this in depth. However, it was suggested that a day on Reconciliation might be good to help people get over their reticence about the Sacrament. Fr. Steve suggested that the very best speaker should be sought and it was generally thought that this should happen later in the year and not done in a rush. Two names were suggested as possible: Fr. Jim McManus or Fr. Tom McGuiness SJ. It was suggested that such a day might be held in Advent.
In the meantime, a date was put forward for a Lenten Service of Reconciliation and it was suggested that clergy might preach encouragingly about this on the Sunday before. The date agreed was Tuesday March 20th, 7pm. Fr. Steve said he would take this to the next deanery conference of clergy and would confirm the date with Simon.
Meeting attended on our behalf by
Mrs Karen Pearce & Mrs Mary Fisher.
VF Absent.
Mrs Karen Pearce & Mrs Mary Fisher.
VF Absent.
MIDDAY PRAYER
The day thou gavest, Lord, is nowhere near ended, though it has been traveling steadily onwards since that first grey moment when you gave it leave.
It has already acquired a name and number and in its own good time will take its place in that mysterious world we call the past. Filed away in its proper place it will await the scrutiny of visitors from other days and may well contribute to what these visitors call history. But all that is in the future, for the day thou gavest, Lord, is still ours for the shaping.
Some will come to know it by different names; names that record what this particular day meant to them. A birthday, an anniversary, some sporting triumph, the coming of a time of peace, a financial disaster, these, or others, will ensure that this day, the one thou gavest, Lord, just a few short hours ago, will be marked forever, not simply as one among so many, but destined to wear forever a fame it did not seek and for which it was not designed.
"Ours for the shaping", Lord, this day thou gavest, so grant us too, O Generous Giver of all good gifts, the wit and wisdom to shape well this day thou gavest.
©Valentine Farrell
STOREHOUSE: ITEMS FROM THE PAST, THOUGHT WORTH SAVING
OTHERS CAME THIS WAY BEFORE US
Pax Christi Daily Prayer
Thank you, loving God
For the gift of life
For this wonderful world which we all share
For the joy of love and friendship
For the challenge of helping to build your kingdom.
Strengthen my determination to work for a world
of peace and justice
My conviction that, whatever our nationality or race,
we are all global citizens, one in Christ;
My courage to challenge the powerful with the values of the Gospel
My commitment to find nonviolent
ways of resolving conflict - personal, local,
national and international
My efforts to forgive injuries and to love those I find it hard to love.
Teach me to share the gifts you have given me
To speak out for the victims of injustice who have no voice
To reject the violence which runs through much of our world today.
Holy Spirit of God renew my hope for a world free from the
cruelty and evil of war, so that we may
all come to share in God's peace and justice.
OTHERS CAME THIS WAY BEFORE US
The picture below was taken in 1954. As if to remind us of how quickly time passes, and we ourselves with it, we are having great difficulty in identifying any of the ladies gathered with Canon McManus. If you can help, please get in touch.
"À LA RECHERCHE DU TEMPS PERDU" as we say in these parts.This picture set your present Parish Priest thinking. You can read his thoughts under the heading, "The Italian Job" on his BLOG.
TODAY IS WORLD PEACE DAY
Pax Christi Daily Prayer
Thank you, loving God
For the gift of life
For this wonderful world which we all share
For the joy of love and friendship
For the challenge of helping to build your kingdom.
Strengthen my determination to work for a world
of peace and justice
My conviction that, whatever our nationality or race,
we are all global citizens, one in Christ;
My courage to challenge the powerful with the values of the Gospel
My commitment to find nonviolent
ways of resolving conflict - personal, local,
national and international
My efforts to forgive injuries and to love those I find it hard to love.
Teach me to share the gifts you have given me
To speak out for the victims of injustice who have no voice
To reject the violence which runs through much of our world today.
Holy Spirit of God renew my hope for a world free from the
cruelty and evil of war, so that we may
all come to share in God's peace and justice.
DIOCESE'S PILGRIMAGE TO DUBLIN'S INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS 2012
The Diocese is planning to take a group by coach and ferry to the International Eucharistic congress Dublin. The coach will depart Lancaster on the morning of Thursday 14th June Departing from Dublin on the afternoon of Monday 18th June. The cost will be around £400 per person, including registration, coach and ferry, bed and breakfast accommodation for four nights. This is based on a full coach of 60 pilgrims and sharing double rooms. Single rooms will cost more but can be arranged. The deadline for registration to join the Diocesan pilgrimage is January 31st 2012. For information and registration please contact; Deacon Nick Donnelly, 01229 821866 nickdonnelly@hotmail.com
DON’T MISS OUT: HAVE A QUALITY CHRISTMAS THIS TIME ROUND
If we can afford it, most of us will do our best to have the latest and best for Christmas: gifts, songs, decorations and fun. But fashions change. The latest and best this year will be out of date next year. So make sure of something that will LAST.
Listen to your children talk about Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas. You will enjoy what they have to tell you. The age-old story of God becoming man in Jesus is still the best investment you can make and will be something for your children to turn to when they in their turn are parents and grandparents.
PARISH ADVENT PROGRAMME
3. Dec 11- Time before the Blessed Sacrament.
4. Dec 18- Service of General Reconciliation.
FIRST ADVENT THEME
You can't sleep. Just when you feel you are about to drop off, a random thought rouses you again. Eventually, you call out into the darkness, "what time is it, Love?" But "Love" does not answer.
Then you remember that there cannot be an answer, not now or ever again, for the other half of your marriage bed is empty and will go on being empty into the future. For whatever reason, "Love" will not return.
Suddenly, not just your bedroom, but your whole life feels empty.
As you become more aware of your loneliness a ghost enters your room, not the ghost of someone you have known and loved and called by name, but a ghost who would rather you did not know its name. This ghost does not love you. It comes first to deceive and then to destroy. Beware of this ghost. It is the ghost of self- pity.
Advent asks us to become more aware of time; time that wags a finger in warning, even as it beckons us forward in hope.
Advent fills us with promise, and then, so that this hope is not wasted on us, Advent also offers us words of caution.
Advent reminds us of Time in all its phases. Advent speaks of vision and days to come and of days that are now here. Advent chastises us for the waste of Time and enlivens us with its promise.
Above all Advent reminds us, not of clock or calendar or the daily routine of life, but of the hand that first gave us the gift of Time. He gave it to us without letting go of it. It acts now like an umbilical cord forever connecting he who gives with those who receive.
Once we accept time as a gift from the hand of the Giver, the ghost of self-pity runs away from us. In the company of Times' giver, we are never alone. Once we accept Time as a gift, Love will always answer.
©V.Farrell
GOD IS A SLOW MOVER
President Mitterrand (France) and Signor Craxi (Italy) emerge from their talks in Florence calling for a new step towards European Union.
In London, a grandfather cradles his grandson, whose father (the older man's son) had died aboard Sir Galahad. The picture is from the post Falklands memorial service in St.Paul's.
The royal family complete with Princess Diana assemble in the Cathedral for the service while Jean from Bolton whose husband had also died in the conflict, is pictured tear-sodden with her three year old son. The little lad would be 29 now.
We read too of awards in the Honours list for those who helped to rescue people from the IRA blast at Brighton's Grand Hotel.
Lebanese gunmen upset President Regan's hopes as they hijack a TWA jet with 126 American tourists aboard. At Headingly, Leeds, England and Australia play the latest in their never-ending Ashes series while BBC Saturday night television offers us quick-fire funny stories from the Comedians.
All this and more from a yellowing copy of The Times at the bottom of my sock drawer. How it's managed to survive so long, I can't say, but as it provokes such thoughts, I have a yen to keep it safe for a little longer
The French, Jesuit Priest, poet and scientist, Pierre Teillard de Chardin took a long view of such things, referring to them as The Slow Work of God
Here is how he put it in his "Hymn of the Universe"
See what it means to you, and have a good look in your own sock drawer.
"Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay,
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way
to something unknown,
something new.
And yet it is the law of progress
that it is done by passing through some states of instability
- and that it may take a very long time.
And so it may be with you.
Your ideas mature gradually - let them grow,
let them shape themselves without undue haste.
Don't try to force them on
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say grace and circumstance acting on your own good will) will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give our Lord the benefit of believing,
that his hand is leading you
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense.
and incomplete.
Above all trust in the slow work of God,
our loving Vine dresser."
Pierre Teillard de Chardin from "Song Of The Universe".
ADVENT THOUGHTS
Advent mixes its colours, mostly red and blue, to come out as it does, all clad in violet. Very appropriate too, since the scripture readings for the season are also a mixture. In them you will find, longing, sorrow, anger, perseverance, fear, hope, love, ambition, patience, suffering, enthusiasm. You name them and they are all there. In the end though, just as with its colours, Advent blends them all together to give us the one overall feeling, one of waiting, waiting in hope.
There is too another reason that makes violet just right for Advent: people often mistake it for purple. With colours we need to take time, pay attention, and see what's really there. The same applies if we are to understand our own lives. We can often confuse the feelings our lives give us, and misunderstand what they mean. What is good and hopeful can sometimes appear dull and disappointing. On the other hand, what at first seems bright and attractive can turn out to be of little value. Advent encourages us to pause, and look, and see what's really there. The colourful images in the readings encourage us to be aware of the Kingdom of God unfolding in our own lives and leave us waiting for God to fulfil his plans.
On with the the violet then! When we get to Christmas, we may be surprised to find that the most appropriate colour for that season is very close to home. It may be that the most appropriate colour for celebrating the Nativity of the Lord is one we blend ourselves from the mixture of feelings in our own hearts. Advent helps us identify those feelings.
There is too another reason that makes violet just right for Advent: people often mistake it for purple. With colours we need to take time, pay attention, and see what's really there. The same applies if we are to understand our own lives. We can often confuse the feelings our lives give us, and misunderstand what they mean. What is good and hopeful can sometimes appear dull and disappointing. On the other hand, what at first seems bright and attractive can turn out to be of little value. Advent encourages us to pause, and look, and see what's really there. The colourful images in the readings encourage us to be aware of the Kingdom of God unfolding in our own lives and leave us waiting for God to fulfil his plans.
On with the the violet then! When we get to Christmas, we may be surprised to find that the most appropriate colour for that season is very close to home. It may be that the most appropriate colour for celebrating the Nativity of the Lord is one we blend ourselves from the mixture of feelings in our own hearts. Advent helps us identify those feelings.
CHAIRS IN CHURCH?
To stand, sit or kneel; is it a problem? If so, look at it this way.
A church building has two main functions:
- To be a Gathering place for people at Sunday Mass, and
- To provide a place for private prayer.
For private prayer spaces, (the tabernacle and the Lady chapel,) we provide pews with kneelers.
For a Gathering place for Mass, we have chairs.
Our first instinct can be to say, "It's not what I'm used to, so it's wrong, but please think about it.
Our first meeting at Mass is with each other. That's important. It is not the most important meeting but it is the first and we should pay attention to it. Here we talk to each other when we arrive for Mass. It helps our feeling of community. But then We do have a period of prayerful silence before mass begins. Both help.
So to kneel, sit or stand? The answer is to do whatever helps us best.
Welcome everyone.
WHITE FLOWER APPEAL
This annual Flag Day for the work of S.P.U.C will this year take place on Sunday January 8th, The Feast of the Epiphany. We always need volunteers to offer the little white stickers to people on their way out of Mass. PLEASE
GOOD THINKING: THANKSGIVING AFTER HOLY COMMUNION
This is a very precious time, so let's make the most of it. Many people will have their own way of using this time; special thoughts and prayers and so on. But why not also try this.
Christ the Lord comes to us in a number of ways at Mass. In the Word of God, he visits our hearts and minds with his message for today. At Holy Communion, he comes to us in the sacrament.
AFTER Holy Communion is a good time to bring these two ways together by briefly meditating on the Word He has spoken to us, and making it part of our welcoming him in Holy Communion.
PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
Copies of minutes available today, BUT,
Here is a BRIEF EXTRACT (Items as they arose: )
School News –
1. Parish Fair on December 16th, box at the back of church for donations.
2. The next PTFA meeting, school on 9th November at 3:30pm in school.
3. “Friendship in the community” week beginning the 14th November. Children to send letters to the sick of the parish
4. Infant nativity play December 15th at 10pm / 2pm.
5. Junior Christmas play, at 11pm and 2pm
This is a very precious time, so let's make the most of it. Many people will have their own way of using this time; special thoughts and prayers and so on. But why not also try this.
Christ the Lord comes to us in a number of ways at Mass. In the Word of God, he visits our hearts and minds with his message for today. At Holy Communion, he comes to us in the sacrament.
AFTER Holy Communion is a good time to bring these two ways together by briefly meditating on the Word He has spoken to us, and making it part of our welcoming him in Holy Communion.
Copies of minutes available today, BUT,
Here is a BRIEF EXTRACT (Items as they arose: )
School News –
1. Parish Fair on December 16th, box at the back of church for donations.
2. The next PTFA meeting, school on 9th November at 3:30pm in school.
3. “Friendship in the community” week beginning the 14th November. Children to send letters to the sick of the parish
4. Infant nativity play December 15th at 10pm / 2pm.
5. Junior Christmas play, at 11pm and 2pm
Going to Mass, praying, being good and so on, will of course get us to heaven. But if we are not willing to mix with others in Church on earth, we may have no one to talk to when we get to heaven. That wouldn't be much of a paradise, would it?
Last Sunday at the 10.30 am Mass we made a sustained effort to make the responses clearly and loudly. It was lovely; let's keep it up. Today, when the time comes for a response, do please make it loud and clear, WITHOUT waiting for the person next to you to lead.
TAX PAYERS
We receive an automatic 22 % tax refund on every gift-aided donation to our church. So please take a moment to make sure your weekly offering is gift aided. Ask Mrs Rosaleen Wacey about it. She's got all the answers.