The church is open all day from dawn till dusk. Have you seen it, apart from on Sunday? SUNDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2003 FAMILY FAST WEEKEND MILL HILL APPEAL October – the month of the Rosary: Current scholarship traces the development of the Rosary to the High Middle Ages where it came into being in various medieval monasteries as a substitute for the Divine Office for the lay monks and devout lay persons who did not know how to read. Instead of the 150 psalms, they would pray 150 'Our Fathers', counting them on a ring of beads known as the crown or 'corona'. With the growth of popularity of Marian devotion in the 12th century, the 'Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary' developed, substituting 150 'Hail Marys' in place of the 'Our Fathers'. The 150 'Hail Marys' were subsequently subdivided into 15 decades by the young Dominican friar, Henry Kalkar (1328-1408), with each decade referring to an event in the life of Jesus and Mary. The Dominican Ananus de Rupe (1428-1478) further divided the episodes in the history of salvation into the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries. He also attributed the origin of the Rosary, then known as the 'Psalter of the Blessed Virgin', to St. Dominic and thus spurred the Dominican Order to make the Apostolate of the Rosary their special concern. The Dominicans have, since then, promulgated the Rosary, with notable results. The practice of dedicating the entire month of October to the Rosary developed toward the end of the 19th century. Pope Leo XIII (whose papacy was from 1878-1903) strongly promoted the increase of devotion to the Blessed Mother by encouraging the constant use of the Rosary. In 2002, Pope John Paul II wrote a letter on the Rosary, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, in which he suggested the addition of five 'mysteries of light': (1) The Baptism of Jesus. (2) The Wedding Feast at Cana. (3) The Proclamation of the Kingdom. (4) The Transfiguration. (5) The Institution of the Eucharist. He suggested that the 'joyful mysteries' be now prayed on Mondays and Saturdays, leaving Thursday free for the new mysteries. He also proclaimed October 2002 to October 2003 as the Year of the Rosary, as a way of promoting the rosary. |
Parish Autumn Fayre: Just two weeks to go until Saturday October 18th. Hull City have sent us Four Match Tickets for prizes. 'It'll be alright on the night' I'm sure, but please do start searching out for stuff for the various stalls. We'
Counters this week: Tricia Leach and Mary Chapman.
Next week: Joan and Peter Watts.
Family Fast Envelopes: We'll collect them after Mass on your way out. If you've forgotten it, bring it along next week or just put your intended offering in the basket. Many thanks. Please note 'The Hunger Site': www.thehungersite.com Every time you click on to it you automatically donate 1.1 cups of food to the poor of the world. Don't ask how but it does work!
Welcome! We welcome once again to Holy Cross Fr. Frank Graham, a Mill Hill Missioner who will be talking to us about the work of the missions and especially the 'Little Red Boxes' that many of you have at home. Can I take this opportunity to once again say a big thank you to Anne Tordoff for her continued overseeing of these 'Red Boxes'.
Parish Walsingham Pilgrimage: A fun few days at the National Shrine of Our Lady in Norfolk. Friday to Sunday, December 12 – 14, taking in on the Sunday afternoon the annual Carol Service at the Shrine. I have already booked accommodation for seventeen people. There is still time to join us. The cost will be under £50 which includes all meals, Friday to Sunday lunch.
Parish Lunch Club: Going from strength to strength! On Wednesday we were so full that the 'staff' had to eat 'on the hoof'! Jean and Elizabeth were even scrounging around the tables for the scraps from the rich man's table! Very biblical! I think that we're the most popular luncheon club in the area! Soon it'll be ticket only! have you been yet, and if not why not? We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month in the Priory Room from noon.
Journey in Faith Programme: What's lovely at Mass here is the number of people who come up for a blessing at Communion time. They come every week to Mass with their families or friends and are a great support to them. Maybe some of you would like to take a further step and think about joining us completely at the altar. We would all be thrilled for you if you chose to do this. The 'Journey in Faith Programme' is a non-threatening look at what our faith is about, what we do and why we do it. And it's for 'cradle Catholics' also, those of you who would like to deepen your understanding of the faith. The programme would conclude at Pentecost with those who wish, being received into the Catholic Church. We've done this before and what a blessing it's been for the whole parish. Think about it. Or have a word with either me or Jim Norton (849966), Shirley Woods-McConville (842285), Linda Gillard (848931) or Chris Pike (841593).
Anniversaries this coming week:
Saturday – Laurence Wood (Brian's brother), Hilary Woods-McConville (daughter), James Lunn (Margaret's husband).
Sunday – James Whincop (Pat's husband)
Tuesday – Catherine McAllister (Joan Gibson's sister)
Thursday – Kath Jephcott, Netta Hughes (Eithne Codd's sister)
Friday – Aileen Murphy (Mary Falvey's sister), Rita Parkinson.
Saturday – Mary Cook (Margaret Lunn's mother)
Sunday – Ellen King (Shirley Woods-McConville's grandmother).
Cottingham Cardinal (well almost!): Our congratulations go to parishioner Paul O'Brien as his uncle Keith was this week made Scotland's only third Cardinal since the Reformation, a move which took Vatican-watchers by surprise, and bringing a breath of liberal Catholic thinking into the conservative hierarchy of the Church. He was born in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim and was educated in Scotland and one of the parishes he served in was Holy Cross, Edinburgh. Maybe there's hope for me yet? He said during the week that he would willingly speak out on issues such as celibacy and contraception to assist the growth of the Church. He added that there was a clear distinction between matters regulated by divine law and issues for the Catholic community to resolve. "If there is an issue that I wish to speak out strongly on I don't care who is against it. There are things that are God's law, such as murder and war, and there are things for Church law. Issues like celibacy are those sort of things." He said that he would like to see the Church incorporating a celibate and married priesthood, be it in five years' time or fifty. He will be installed in Rome on October 21st and Paul will be there. (Any chance of a ticket, Paul?). Our congratulations go also to Gail his wife and Michael and Sean their sons.
The Bone Family are now settled into their new home across the Humber. I had a visit from Julia and Catherine on Thursday (on their way to the dentist!). Their new address is: 3, Little Farm Close, Wootton, Ulceby. N. Lincs. DN39 6GW Tel: 01469 589815
St. Mary's College Open Evening: It takes place this Wednesday at 7.00 p.m. in the School Hall. It's for prospective parents and pupils who will be transferring to secondary schools in September 2004.
Fr. Tony will be giving a talk at the Endsleigh Centre this Sunday (October 5th) with the theme "Sacred Scripture and Evolution". It begins at 7.00 p.m. And next Sunday he will be reflecting on "Sixty Years of Priestly Ministry" again at the Endsleigh Centre at 7.30 p.m.
Ongoing Formation Talks for Priests and People: Almost thirty people gathered last Tuesday to listen to Fr. Gerry Mulligan talk on prayer. This week we will see how a parish prays with people from various parishes in the city telling us their stories. Mass on Tuesday will once again be at the slightly earlier time of 6.30 p.m.
"Dear Fr. Pat, I am writing to say good bye. I am leaving to go to Bangladesh for a year to work as a physiotherapist and also as a teacher of physiotherapy students. I imagine the year will be challenging and exciting and I'm very much looking forward to it. I have very much enjoyed my year in Cottingham and all the more because of Holy Cross parish. It has always felt like what a true Catholic and Christian community should feel like, warm, welcoming and challenging! I have attended quite a number of churches in my six years in England and I think Cottingham church shall live longest in my memory. I find myself regretting I had not more time to spend among you and become more of a part of the community. When next I am in Hull I shall drop in for Mass! If anyone wishes to contact me, my email address is mariefitzgerald@tiscali.co.uk Goodbye and God bless, Marie."
Mike Davidson: Will he be on the Winter tour with England? At a recent Sportsman's Dinner for Hull Zingari, Mike was awarded with a presentation as the Players' Player of the Year and also as the Best Batsman of the Year. Mike, a new (ish) parishioner moved recently into Doreen Reekie's house with Mary his wife, is deputy-head at St. Mary's College, so he probably won't be able to get the time off! They're both very welcome to Holy Cross parish along with their son Chris who is a lecturer out in the Gulf after getting his PhD during the summer.
Other PhDs: Jan Mounce's son Richard, one of Chris Davidson's classmates, also got his PhD in Mathematics this summer. And another friend in their class, Chris Hammond also got his PhD in Science. A good summer for all of them! Congratulations!
St. Francis of Assisi: (Feast today, Saturday): "And the mantra that I recite, and the standard by which I measure myself, is simply this: 'My goal in life is to be the kind of person my dogs think I am.' (Rabbi Charles Middleburgh)
Alpha Courses: There are two courses running in the parish at the moment. Starting this Tuesday from 10.00 – 12.00 in the Priory Room there will be a morning course. Come along and see, join us for coffee, a talk and a short discussion. And there will be an evening course on Wednesdays starting with a meal at 7.00 p.m. The shepherd's pie last Wednesday was delicious!
John Britton and 'Countdown' : We reported last week that John had been narrowly beaten, you saw it on the television. Well, it turns out that in one answer John was right although they said he wasn't! The producer phoned him last week to acknowledge their error and to invite him back on the show at a later date. We'll keep you posted!
Knitting Machine: A Passap Duo, electric motor and plenty of wool in good condition. Any offers? If interested, speak to Jean Rowlands on 840617.
A passenger Jet was suffering from a severe thunderstorm. As the passengers were being bounced around by the turbulence, a young woman turned to a priest sitting next to her and with a nervous laugh asked, "Father, you're a man of God, can't you do something about this storm?" To which he replied, "Lady, I'm in sales, not management."
Parish Prayer Circle Intention for this coming Friday: "We remember all our parishioners who are housebound at this time, and we give thanks for our own good health."
Logs for the Taking: I've separated the wood into logs suitable for burning (they'll just need cutting) and the rest which might be used to decorate your garden (or you can burn it too!). It's all in the garden behind the Priory Room. If you find it useful you might like to leave a couple of pounds that will go towards the building fund. Thanks in anticipation!
Buy a Brick: And have you? Will you or your loved ones be remembered in the new meeting room? We're getting near the cut-off date for applications. Peter Dyas has worked unceasingly in the fundraising area and is now making a last appeal. The forms are available in the porch [and online as a Word document or a PDF file]. Give one to a friend!
You probably know the first part of this prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr but did you know all of it?
"God, grant me the grace to accept with serenity
the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference,
living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as the pathway to peace,
taking as you did this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that you will make all things right,
if I surrender to your will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with you forever in the next.
Recent Birthdays: Ros Durkin celebrated one last Wednesday. Anna Holdsworth (6.30) celebrated her "Sweet Sixteenth" last Monday. Joe Hurd (6.30) had his Seventeenth on Friday and his grandma Margaret Bottery celebrated her **th. on Friday also.
Wedding Anniversary: Dan (Ben the Donkey's brother) and Helen Palmer are celebrating their second wedding anniversary this coming Monday. They were married here on Saturday October 6th 2001 at 1.00 p.m. and England were playing Greece at 2.30 p.m. that same afternoon! Bad planning, Dan! Dan is an Evertonian through and through! They also have, to give away, a corner computer unit with bookshelf attachment in solid pine. It's six feet tall but can be split and is four feet either way from the corner. Free to a good home! Telephone Dan on 648487.
Worth a Gamble? According to 'Paddy Power', Cardinal O'Brien is 50 – 1 for the next Pope. Should we support our own and put the parish money on him? It's better odds than winning the Lottery! Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor is 20 – 1.
University Students: There will be a Video Night at the Chaplaincy (next to the Marist Church on Cottingham Rd.) this Friday at 7.30 p.m. They take place on the second and fourth Fridays of the month and all students are most welcome. There is also a Soup and Cheese Lunch on the first Wednesday of the month at 1.00 p.m. The charge is £1.50 and the proceeds go to CAFOD. Mass is celebrated at the Chaplaincy on a Sunday at 12 noon and 6.30 p.m. Chaplaincy cards are available in the porch.
The Feast of St. Francis – Saturday October 4th
"St. Francis and the Sow." 'The bud stands for all things, even those things that don't flower, for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing; though sometimes it is necessary to reteach a thing its loveliness, to put a hand on its brow of the flower and retell it in words and in touch it is lovely, until it flowers again from within, of self-blessing; As St. Francis put his hand on the creased forehead of the sow, and told her in words and in touch blessings of earth on the sow, and the sow began remembering all down her thick length, from the earthen snout all the way through the fodder and slops to the spiritual curl of the tail, from the hard spininess spiked out from the spine down through the great broken heart to the blue milken dreaminess spurting and shuddering from the fourteen teats into the fourteen mouths sucking and blowing beneath them: the long, perfect loveliness of sow.' (Galway Kinnell)
Sick Parishioners: Please keep in your prayers Claire Britton, John Gavin and Doreen Fletcher (both hopefully out of hospital at last), Jim Norton diagnosed this week as having a hole in his heart, his brother Phil, sick over in France, Mary Davidson's brother Chris also ill in Paris, Marian Hall's mother, Peter and Margaret Price, Pat Falvey, Roy Caley, Vin McKenna, John Andrews and Fr. Gerard Burns.
Mass Intentions for the week:
Saturday – 6.30 – The IBVM Sisters in the Czech Republic
Sunday – 10.00 – James Whincop (A) and Lorenzo (RIP)
Monday – 9.00 – Bro. Damian and the Community in Strahov Monast.
Tuesday – 6.30 – Baby Angel Murtagh (RIP) Buried in the garden.
Wednesday – 9.00 – Mrs. Browne (Viv Walsh's mother)
Thursday – 9.00 – In Thanksgiving – the Price Family
Friday – 9.00 – Edna May Holwell (RIP)
Saturday – 9.00 – The Parishioners
Saturday – 6.30 – Norah and Bill Norris (A)
Sunday – 10.00 – Martin Murphy