Our church is open all day from dawn to dusk. Why not pop in and enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet? SUNDAY JUNE 29TH 2003 THE FEAST OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL PARISH SUMMER LUNCH Simon and Saul became Peter and Paul. Fate and faith brought these two very different characters onto the same stage to play heroic roles in the story of Christianity. They were poles apart in many ways but united in their common belief in the greatness of the message and the goodness of the person of Jesus. The immortal words of the poet Robert Frost apply: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." From Galilee to Rome, Simon was a fisherman with rough edges and a big heart. A good fisherman but a clumsy, impetuous fisher of men. He made all the mistakes but gradually learned from the Master until one day Jesus asked a leading question: "Who do you say I am?" His answer brought a new name, 'Rock', and a new direction Jerusalem, and finally, Rome. Saul of Tarsus was a tent maker and no lover of Christians. A tough guy who threw his weight around until the Damascus experience humbled him and gave him a new perspective. He got to know the Master in a hurry and didn't look back. Not a lady's man, but his insights into "Love is " have not been surpassed. He clashed with Peter over the Gentiles but they traveled forward together in the right direction. They both ran a great race, fought the good fight and kept the faith. |
Counters this week: David Cook and Barbara Marshall.
Next week: Anne and Geoff Land.
Moving Parishioners: Thursday last was a busy day for John Gavin and also for David and Monica Cook. Both moved homes on that day, John to be nearer his family in Market Weighton, and the Cooks to another house in the village. We wish them all the best in their new homes.
John Gavin: The parish owes a huge debt of gratitude to John for all the work he has done for us over the nearly forty years he has been with us here at Holy Cross. His main area of involvement has been with the parish accounts. For years he kept them, all in copperplate script in the ledgers (before the advent of computers). Along with Dermot he would recount the weekly collections on a Monday before banking it. If there was a shortfall of even four or five pence, he would demand a recount until it could be found. And when found his favourite expression was "shut shop!" John was one of our most loyal parishioners, supportive of everything, always cheerful, and often struggling to Mass when common sense and ill health would say the opposite. You will be greatly missed, John. His new address is: 3, Spring Rd. Market Weighton.
Parker Christening Update: Got a letter from Claire and Colin to say thank you. "
I was talking to my daughter Celia during the week and she said to me completely out of the blue: 'Mummy, there was a funny man with a ponytail in a bobble at Oliver's party at church the other day.' I asked her if she knew the name of the funny man, to which she replied, 'Yes, he was a handsome prince.' I thought you would appreciate the story." Claire.
It's true that out of the mouths of babes
.!
Maeve's Funeral: The collection at the funeral was for CAFOD and Dove House Hospice and came to almost £850. On Sunday, July 26th BBC 2 will be screening a drama production about Philip Larkin and it will be dedicated to the memory of Maeve. The part of Maeve will be played by Amanda Root whom we have seen recently in The Forsyte Saga. She was at the funeral and wrote a lovely letter of appreciation. "Dear Reverend, please forgive me, I cannot find your name on the service sheet, but I did so want to write and thank you for such a wonderful service you gave for Maeve last week. I don't think I can remember being at such a powerful and positive funeral, with such a palpable sense of love and peace. I shall never forget the sense of gratitude, or the rejoicing and celebrating of Maeve's life. I am sure that this is how Maeve would have liked to have been remembered, and your service beautifully re-inforced the great love and joy that she shared with us all. Death has no victory over such a glorious, vital and remarkable woman. Thank you for so powerfully not letting it. Yours sincerely, Amanda Root."
Prayer Circle Intention for the coming Friday: "We pray for those who will be making their First Holy Communion next Sunday and we ask Jesus to be with them and bless them throughout their lives. We also pray for their families, their prayer companions and all who helped in their preparation."
Christening today during Mass: As we welcome Baby Kelvin into our family it is fitting that we do it during our family gathering, at Mass. Our congratulations go to Mary and Ben on this very happy occasion.
Parish Summer Lunch: It's finally arrived! We look forward to sitting down with you at 12.30 p.m. today. Our thanks again go to the ladies of the parish CWL who really put themselves out for us. We escape 'doing
lunch'. They have it all to do 'a hundredfold'! They must be saints or
..?
Birthday Boy! Today is the Birthday of Arthur Burgan. As you all know he's not so well at the moment and can certainly do with all our thoughts and prayers. They've had a lovely holiday in France with Ann their daughter and we've missed them. Good to have you both back!
Churches Together United Service: The Zion Community invite us to join them at 6.30 p.m. this evening for a united service. In the 'old days' we usually only got together one a year. More recently we have upped that to three or four times at least and that can only be good. The Churches Walk last week was a bit disappointing. There were only myself and Annie from here. But hopefully nobody noticed!
Westfield School: Pupils from the school visited Holy Cross on two occasions during the past week. Most of them wrote letters to say thank you. Here are some excerpts from them. "I enjoyed it because it was the first time I had ever been around a church." "When I walked in it made me feel very welcome." "I couldn't help noticing that the church was so well looked after and beautiful. I should be sure the cleaners work hard." "I learned a lot more about Jesus than before the visit." "At your church I leaned a lot about the Catholic religion but also about a really nice man called Pat." "I'd never seen that picture where Christ is coloured. I drew it because it looked so good." "I lit a candle for my great grandma because she is ninety nine and one hundred next year. Every year we see her and she's really nice and she was the one who chose my name so I don't really want her to die yet." "I lit a candle and thought of my dad who I only get to see once at the weekend. It is so annoying when I hear my friends complain that their dads are tight or mean and don't get any pocket money from them. Whereas I would give anything just to spend the whole week with my Dad!" "When I went inside I loved the set-up." "The best part of the visit was burning a candle for my dead baby cousin. Please take a small part of your time to read this, it would mean a lot to me."
The house of God is made of bricks,
Some are thin and some are thick.
All are chipped and all are dented
But with love we are cemented.
Forgiveness is the sound foundation,
There's room in here for every nation.
All is faith in God's own truth
And that is what holds up the roof.
Formation Talks: After the hiccup last Tuesday, we continue with Monsignor David Hogan and his topic is: "The Church in the Modern World. Vatican II 40 Years On." The venue is the Endsleigh Centre and we start at 7.30 p.m.
Garden Party: Anne and Geoff Land invite you to afternoon tea in their beautiful garden, next Sunday afternoon, starting at 2.30 p.m. Their address is 7, Endyke Lane. If you ever complain that you have too much garden, then wait and see what Anne and Geoff have! You'll never complain again and you might just get some ideas for your own! Any profits will go to the Building Fund. We missed the first deadline for the grant application. The next deadline is in August and we'll be ready for that! All being well, building should now begin in the autumn.
Middlesbrough Diocesan Women's Commission: They are having an 'Environmental Awareness Walk' at St. Hedda's Church in Egton Bridge on Saturday July 12th from 10.00 a.m. until around 3.45 p.m. It's about 4 miles in length. See the poster in the porch for further details.
Sick parishioners: Hilda Moffatt has been transferred from Castle Hill to Hull Royal. Joan Gibson's sister Edie aged 92 is in Hull Royal with a broken leg and ankle. David Batten is unwell at the moment. Arthur is awaiting the decision of the specialist. Betty Gilson goes into Castle Hill on Wednesday for an operation. Margaret Whitty, Chris Bailey, Lilian Fowlston, Paddy Falvey, Tony Corcoran's dad, Jim's brother Phil and Lorenzo are all in need of prayer at the moment.
Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission: Julian Filochowski, the outgoing Director of CAFOD will speak on "Trade Justice" on Saturday July 19th at 10.30 a.m. at Our lady's, Acomb, York. Please bring food to share at lunchtime. For more information speak to Betty East on 01751 472727.
God bless our eyes so that we will recognise injustices.
God bless our ears so that we will hear the cry of the stranger.
God bless our mouths so that we will speak words of welcome to newcomers.
God bless our shoulders so that we will be able to bear the weight of struggling for justice.
God bless our hands so that we can work together with all people to establish peace.
Lunch Club: We meet again this Wednesday at noon in the Priory Room. See you there?
Rest in Peace: Fr. Ian Stewart died peacefully in his parish in Yarm on Friday June 13th. He was 61 and had suffered from a heart complaint for the past few years. Ian was ordained the same year as me, 1977. He was Chaplain for the Apostleship of the Sea here in Hull at Anchor House from 1981 1989. He was also the Diocesan Director of Education from 89 95. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Gardener of the Week: Christine Pike turned up on Wednesday for Mass armed with shears etc. No, not to cut my hair, but to trim the piece of hedging at the entrance to the car park which had gotten a bit out of hand. Not only did she cut it but she took it all away with her. Meanwhile, myself, John McNicholas and Peter Dyas sat on one of the benches drinking tea! And sorry Chris for not offering you one! We didn't want to stop the work!
Anniversaries this week:
Saturday Mary Clark, William Dent, Ada Dent, Mary Whelan.
Sunday Peter Smith.
Tuesday Albert Truelove, Bernard Proctor, John Lord, Cecilia Nolan.
Wednesday Mabel Benson, Mabel Saul.
Saturday John Woods-McConville
Sunday Maria Gabriele, Carlyle Woodmansey, Nellie Lord, Thomas Percival.
A little boy comes up to his grandfather and says, 'Grandad, can you make a noise like a frog?' 'Why?' the old man asks. 'Well,' replies the boy, 'Dad says that when you croak, we're all off to Florida.'
Stamps: Michelle is still collecting them from the box in the porch. She sells them (believe it or not!) and the money goes towards the building fund. I've now gotten into the habit of tearing off all the stamps from my mail. Try it!
Holy Cross Cook Book: We're still working on it! And we're still looking for recipes, new or old. Your chance to get your name in print!
Parish Trip to Hawes last Wednesday: "Glorious weather, spectacular scenery, another of Ray's Wonderful Away Days!" Just some of the comments I've heard. The highlight? The visit to the Creamery at Wensleydale to see the cheese being made. It takes eight pints of full-cream milk to make a single pound of cheese! (That's off the shopping list right now!). But not until I've eaten the block Edna brought back for me! Thank you Ray once again for all your efforts in planning these trips over the years. Wallace Arnold, eat your heart out! (And where was I? Mass, school, hospital, wedding rehearsal among other things.)
Mount Grace Youth Pilgrimage: Two young people from the parish, Joe Herd and Ruth Halkon, are spending this Saturday night and Sunday with Bishop John at Mount Grace near Osmotherley. There are about thirty from Hull going. Our two are being accompanied by Sally O'Connor and Lynne Young.
Parish Music Group: In preparation for the First Holy Communion celebration next Sunday, there will be a practice this Monday at 7.00 p.m. in the church. Musicians and singers are all welcome. And if you haven't been before, now's the time to start!
Fr. Alphonsus Wannyn, the Founding Father of Holy Cross who died on April 25th 1928. The Holy Cross Parish began on Dec. 17th 1917 when Fr. J. O'Neill said Mass in the home of the Hildygards, 'Cherry Garth' now a block of flats at the entrance to Lyngarth Ave. off Beck Bank. Fr. Wannyn was chaplain to Endsleigh Convent at the time and he continued to say regular Sunday Masses there. He reserved the Blessed Sacrament there one Sunday in 1920 before a congregation of 40. He died on April 5th 1928 just four months before a site for his new church was bought for £440 at Carrington Ave. The church was opened and blessed by Bishop Shine on April 7th 1929. And the point of all this? The silver chalice we use on a weekday has the inscription on the base: "Presented to the Rev. A. Wannyn from the congregation of St. Charles' Hull, June 29th 1917."
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Arthur Burgan (Birthday)
Sunday 10.00 Maeve Brennan (RIP)
Monday 9.00 Ron Brown (RIP)
Tuesday 6.30 George Kerr (ill)
Wednesday 9.00 Mabel Saul (A)
Thursday 9.00 Sr. Bridget Faulkener (Golden Jubilee)
Friday 9.00 Betty Evans (RIP)
Saturday 9.00 The Parishioners
Saturday 6.30 Mick Scott (RIP)
Sunday 10.00 Robert and Betty Carvlin (RIP)
Our Church is open all day from dawn till dusk. Why not pop in for a bit of peace and calm in your busy day? SUNDAY JUNE 22ND 2003 COTTINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER SUMMER WALK (St. Mary's 1.45 p.m.) In Search of Presence: The Feast of Corpus Christi last Thursday The lines snaked up to receive Holy Communion. Among their ranks were the bored, the enthusiastic, the habitual communicant and (at times) equally habitual sinner. Hands or tongues were outstretched to receive their God made visible in a sliver of bread. Their 'Amen' confirmed the eucharistic minister's statement: "The Body of Christ" (Corpus Christi). And then back to the pews, though some had already left perhaps anticipating the closing words: "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." A wobble of the knee or hip vaguely towards the tabernacle and then out. Out to hurried, harried lives. To jostling in the various queues of life; in supermarkets, surgeries and banks. Back to lives where time was an enemy abundant or scarce, commitments mounting, money inadequate and love at times a stranger. Perhaps forgetting that just as God has put himself in our hands and mouth during Mass, he has placed himself in our care this week, at the mercy of our hands and mouths. When we recognise and respond to him present in those starved of greeting or affection, in the youth who need adult leaders and example, in the elderly, the infirm, the needy we truly celebrate Corpus Christi. In some places this weekend he may be paraded gorgeously through streets in procession, a time to wonder: if we really believed what we claim, we would genuflect to the tabernacle and then to each other. |
The Perfect Church:
"If you should find the perfect church
without one fault or smear,
for goodness sake, don't join that church,
you'd spoil the atmosphere.
But since no perfect church exists
where people never sin,
let's cease in looking for that church
and love the one we're in."j
If we tried to apply that line of thought to our family, our friendships, our place of work, what a difference it could make.
Parish Summer Lunch: Next Sunday here in the church at 12.00. It's a ticket only event so that we can have some idea of the numbers to cater for. Adults - £5. Children - £1.50 and under-fives free! The tickets are available at Masses this weekend. Our recent Parish Dinner was a tremendous success, let's make this a success too, like last year!
Counters this week: Jean and John Gray.
Next week: David Cook and Barbara Marshall.
The Omega: Our thanks to Monica Cook for repairing the Omega symbol on the stained glass window behind the altar. It's now back to its former glory! Bless you Monica!
£1,000 Donation: John McNicholas is coordinating the fund-raising for the new meeting room. He has written to all sorts of groups and trusts etc. This week we received a cheque to the value of £1,000 from the Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust for which we are most grateful. Do you know of any groups like this who might be prepared to help?
Garden Party: To help raise funds for the building work, Anne and Geoff Land are opening their magnificent garden at 7, Endyke Lane, for a Garden Party. It'll be the closest most of us get to one of the Queen's 'Do's'. In all seriousness, it's a beautiful garden full of surprises. It begins at 2.00 p.m.
Churches Together in Cottingham Summer Walk: Today, and we set off from St. Mary's Church at 1.45 p.m. The theme this year is "In any kind of weather". Please bring umbrella and sunglasses! There will be refreshments at the end, back at St. Mary's. If you can help by bringing along some goodies, it would be much appreciated.
Holy Cross First Communions: Our celebration this year will be on Sunday July 6th at the 10.00 a.m. Mass.
Ongoing Formation Talks for People and Priests: These will take place on the next four Tuesday evenings at the Endsleigh Centre beginning at 7.30 p.m. Our Tuesday evening Masses on those four days will now begin at 6.30 p.m. Sorry for any inconvenience! The first talk this Tuesday will be "Catholics As Others See Us." The next one will be "The Church in the Modern World" led by Monsignor David Hogan. The following one will be "Justice and Peace in Light of Vatican II" with Susan Frost. And the last one will be "Catholic Education" and the speaker will be Kath Stead, Diocesan Education Advisor.
Next Parish Walk: Sunday June 29th. Carmen tells me that it will now be across the Humber Bridge. For more details see her.
Baptisms: Last Sunday we celebrated the christening of Willy and Ray's latest grandson, Oliver Anthony Ralph Hinton. It was a lovely affair with a very pleasant reception in the Priory Room afterwards. Next Sunday, during the 10.00 a.m. Mass, we will welcome Baby Kelvin, son of Ben and Mary, into the family of the Church. We saw him last Sunday trying to get his hand into the collection bags!
Migration a phenomenon as old as humanity itself.
In virtually all countries of Western Europe there are political parties and pressure groups opposed to continued immigration from non-Western countries. Yet, a hundred years ago, Europeans were by far the largest group of migrants in the world. Before 1800, between two and three million Europeans, hungry for land and freedom, moved to the settlement colonies in the New World and on the southern tip of Africa. After 1800 the number of European emigrants exploded to more than 60 million, and many went to North Africa, Kenya, Rhodesia, Australia and New Zealand. In the 20th century millions of Europeans were on the move because of decolonisation and the upheavals caused by two world wars. Perhaps the biggest forced migration in history was the uprooting of at least 16 million Africans for shipment to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries. They were victims of the process of European expansion and the use of slave labourers. According to UN data, around 150 million people live permanently or temporarily outside their country of origin. So around five percent of the global population are migrants.
I saw a stranger yesterday,
I put food in the eating place.
Drink in the drinking place.
Music in the listening place.
And in the sacred name of the Triune
He blessed myself and my house
My cattle and my dear ones
And the lark said in her song:
Often, often, often
Goes the Christ in the stranger's guise. (An old Celtic blessing)
Slow Dance: (Written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York hospital as her dying wish, to tell everyone to live their life to the fullest, since she never will.)
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short, the music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask, 'How are you?' do you hear the reply?
When the day is done do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short, the music won't last.
Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow'?
And in your haste not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die,
'Cos you never had time to call and say, 'Hi'?
You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short, the music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift
thrown away.
Life is not a race. Do take it slower.
Hear the music before the song is over.
Sick Parishioners: Please remember in your prayers Arthur Burgan, Betty Gilson, Lorenzo, Willy Parker, Chris Bailey, Tony Corcoran's dad, Lilian Fowlston, Margaret Whitty, Paddy Falvey, Phil Norton and all our housebound parishioners.
Wedding Bells: On Friday afternoon here at Holy Cross we celebrated the marriage of Luisa Maria Clarke, daughter of Jenny and John, to Matthew Size. Luisa is Tom Cleary's granddaughter. One of the readings was from "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" by Louis de Bernieres. Doctor Iannis counsels his daughter: "Love is a temporary madness , it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because that is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion That is just being 'in love' which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."
More Wedding Bells: Here at Holy Cross next Saturday at 12.30, Amanda Knaggs from New Village Road will marry Terence Spencer. Amanda's parents, Bob and Val, are from near Middlesbrough, and often join us for Mass when down visiting. Bob wrote recently: "I love going to your parish, it is always a real pleasure to me and I am sure it does my faith a power of good. I will be seeing Amanda soon and will be making a beeline to the church of the Holy Cross to see you and your very friendly parishioners."
Anniversaries from the Memorial Book for this coming week:
Saturday James Caples, Albert Penna, John Thomson and John Kay.
Sunday Colin Culkin.
Monday Sydney Binnington and Fred Horbury.
Tuesday Elizabeth Ford, Marie Harvey, Frederick Willoughby and Joe McNicholas.
Wednesday Terence Kennedy, Mollie Nicoll and Philomena Stapleton.
Thursday John Fowlston and Margaret Reffold.
Friday Alfred Kennedy and Ursula Wright.
Saturday Mary Clark, William Dent, Ada Dent and Mary Whelan. Sunday Peter Smith.
Celebration of Prayer and Praise: Here at Holy Cross this coming Friday from 7.30 9.00 p.m. Why not join us for a 'different' time of prayer. There will be a guest speaker guaranteed to interest you! See Chris Pike for more details.
Prayer Circle Intention for Friday: "As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul on Sunday, we ask their intercession to support all those Christians who are working to spread the Good News of Jesus."
Parish Summer Outing: To Hawes this coming Wednesday. I presume you all know the details. If not, contact Ray Parker on Lyngarth Ave. And a big thank you to Ray for all the hard work he has put into organising this and the many other 'parish outings' over the years.
Race For Life: Congratulations to all from Holy Cross who took part in this wonderful event last Sunday. Some were even out celebrating Karen Rawcliffe's Birthday the night before until 1.30 a.m. Now that's dedication for you! Isn't it, Judy? And thank you to all who sponsored our runners (and walkers).
Next Parish Lunch Club: Wednesday July 2nd. at 12.00. If we get the 'Meeting Room' up and going we'll not have to cancel as we did last Wednesday on account of Maeve's funeral. I appreciate that there is some opposition to the plans. They were discussed at the Parish Council Meeting last Monday but we were reminded that Fr. Tony faced very stiff opposition when he was planning the extension to the church, and even more opposition when he proposed changing the internal plan of the church. Both, I'm sure we'd agree, have been tremendous successes. Maybe this will be too? We'll see. Jesus does call us to step out of the boat and take risks. Peter nearly sank but Jesus reached out and saved him. Maybe he'll do the same for me.....?
| I dreamt death came the other night and Heaven's gates swung wide, with kindly grace an angel came and ushered me inside. And there to my astonishment stood folk I'd known on earth, some I had judged as quite unfit or of but little worth. Indignant words rose to my lips but never were set free, for every face showed stunned surprise no one expected me! |
The Marist Parish is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of St. Peter Chanel, their patron. The church was the first in the world to be dedicated to the saint who was canonised in 1954, the Marian Year. On Sunday, July 13th there will be a special Celebration Mass at 10.30 a.m. followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Anyone with any Marist connections, whether parish or school, is warmly invited.
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Patrick Downey
Sunday 10.00 James and Elizabeth Rodgers
Monday 9.00 Mrs. Chapple (CWL) RIP
Tuesday 6.30 Declan Kerins (RIP)
Wednesday 9.00 McKenna Family
Thursday 9.00 Enid Lenham (RIP)
Friday 9.00 Mossy Kerins
Saturday 9.00 The Parishioners
Saturday 6.30 Arthur Burgan (B)
Sunday 10.00 Maeve Brennan (RIP)
The Church is open all day from dawn to dusk. Why not pop in for a bit of peace and tranquillity in a busy day? TRINITY SUNDAY JUNE 15TH 2003 FATHER'S DAY RACE FOR LIFE A Prayer for Fathers: Lord God, father of us all, you have entrusted me with these little people, and it's an awesome responsibility. I am stretched beyond my limits: I'm supposed to be the provider of food and shelter and clothing and of answers for school homework; chauffeur, gardener, financier and fixer of everything. I am supposed to model what it means to live and to love, and to represent you as priest in my home. They're big responsibilities. Lord, I've found it easier for a father to have children than for children to have a father. The emotional demands of work, financial pressures, marriage, and lots of other things leave me with little left over for the children. Help me to compose myself before I reach home each day so I'm available for my family. Help me to be a growing person, so that out of the reservoir of spiritual and emotional strength I'll have some energy to give to my wife and children. Help me to understand myself, my past, my strengths and my limits, my masculine and my feminine traits, my anger, my fears, my weaknesses. What I say to my children may not be heard by the world, but it will be heard by posterity. These children are like wax and are being formed into something beautiful or terrible. I carry a big responsibility for the outcome. May they always know there is nothing or no one more valuable to me than they are. So, hear my confession of ignorance and failure; cleanse me from all my selfishness and forgive my ignorance. Help me to forgive my own father for his faults and failings: I'm not responsible for them, but for me. Help me to love my children's mother. May I be a good priest in my home. And when the Great Day comes and I stand before you, my king and my judge, I would like to hear you say, 'Well done, good and faithful father. Your children have delighted in you, and you are blessed.' Amen. |
Maeve Brennan RIP: Maeve sadly passed away quietly around tea time on Wednesday in Hull Royal Hospital. She had been there for the past couple of weeks after suffering a stroke. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dermot and Moira, her brother and sister. Maeve's Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday at 12.00. There will be no morning Mass on that day. Can you also remember in your prayers Josette Kamstra who lived for a while in Cottingham in the 50's. I took her funeral at St. Mary's Church in Elloughton on Wednesday.
The Feast of Corpus Christi: This falls on Thursday and is a Holyday of Obligation. Masses will be at 9.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.
Sick Parishioners: Lilian Fowlston is recovering after her fall last week. She spent five days in Hull Royal before they could operate on her arm, but thankfully she's feeling a lot better and thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers. By the way,she chose a pale yellow plaster for her arm. Lorenzo is still a cause for concern to Haralda and Stephen. Margaret Whitty and Arthur are still awaiting results of recent scans. And all those who are housebound and who would love to be with us this weekend, spare a thought and prayer for them also. Jim's brother Phil has started another course of radiotherapy over in France. Pray for him.
Counters this week: Sheena Pike and John McNicholas.
Next week: Jean and John Gray.
Prayer Circle Intention for this Friday: "Again we pray for the Holy Land and all those who lost their lives this past week, that somehow sense will prevail."
No Lunch Club this Wednesday due to Maeve's funeral. Could you let people know who aren't parishioners? Our next meal together will be on Wednesday July 2nd.
Wedding Bells: This Friday at 2.00 p.m. here at Holy Cross we will be celebrating the marriage of Luisa Maria Clarke, daughter of Jenny and John and granddaughter of Tom Clarke, to Matthew Size. We wish them all the best for their future together. Who says people aren't getting married anymore? I have ten weddings this year, the largest number for as long as I can remember!
Westfield School: On Thursday afternoon Holy Cross will be hosting two classes from the school as we did last Tuesday. They have worksheets to fill in on all aspects of church life here. I must put on record just how impressed I was by their good manners and courtesy during their visit. Several commented on the warm welcome they felt they received. "Make hospitality your main aim." (St. Paul).
Parish Council: There will be a meeting of the Parish Council this Monday in the house at 7.45 p.m. immediately after the St. Vincent de Paul meeting (make it quick, Les!). Observers are always welcome. Any items for the agenda should be handed in as soon as possible.
Tree Felling: Sometime this week the tree surgeons are going to begin cutting down the large Monterey Cypress at the back of the church. It isn't well at all and we will replace it in time with a "Betula utilis 'Jacquemontii'" (Himalayan Birch). For the moment I'll have to find somewhere else to attach my clothesline!
Asylum Seekers: "Upon an accommodation request being made by telephone, the provider will make an accommodation proposal by telephone within one hour if the request is made between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on a working day, or by 10 a.m. on the following day if the request is made after 4 p.m." (Home Office instructions for speedy housing for asylum seekers). There's nothing like being made welcome, is there?
Irony of the Week: Delegates at the recent G8 summit in Evian guzzled their way through 7,800 gallons of bottled water, it was estimated. One of the subjects discussed was how to address the world shortage of adequate drinking water. Nice one!
Youth Overnight Pilgrimage to Mount Grace: June 28/29.
This event is being led by Bishop John and the Diocesan Youth Service with Fr. Paul Farrer. A coach will be leaving from St. Anthony's on Saturday June 28th. at 3.00 p.m. and arriving back in Hull on Sunday at noon. You have to be aged 13 or above. Lynne Young, a parishioner and school chaplain at St. Mary's College, is organising the transport. She can be contacted at 90, Burton Rd. Cottingham. Tel: 875051. There will be no charge for anyone from here who wishes to attend.
Children write to their dads:
"Please lose some weight as you are getting fat. Stop giving me chips all the time and stop swearing." Jonathan aged 10
"Dear dad, please stop smoking because I wouldn't want anything to happen to you." Jessica aged 11
|
For Maeve.
You can shed a tear that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back Your heart can be empty because you can't see her You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday You can remember her and only that she's gone You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back |
Birthday Boy: Dermot Brennan celebrates his *th Birthday this coming Thursday. Congratulations from all your friends here at Holy Cross.
Parishioner of the Week: This week it is the turn of Gerry Baker for spending most of Tuesday morning repairing the kneelers on the benches in the church. They are now a lot safer (hopefully!).
"God made me I was no accident. I was in God's plan and he doesn't make junk, ever. I was born to be a successful human being. I am somebody special, unique, definitely one of a kind, and I love me. That is essential so that I might love you, too. I have talents, potentials, yes, there is greatness in me, and if I harness that specialness, then I will write my name with my deeds I was born in God's image and likeness and I will strive to do God's will."
Christening today: We welcome into the family of God, Ray and Willy's grandson, Oliver Anthony Ralf Hinton, son of Claire and Colin, who live in Pullford south of Chester, the last village in England before you enter Wales! The service is at 12.00 and everyone is welcome to join them.
Race For Life: After much training (or maybe very little!) quite a few of our parishioners are tackling this annual event this afternoon in aid of Cancer Research. Two of our younger ones, Anna and Illona Holdsworth, will be looking for sponsors after Mass tonight. It's for a very good cause and well worth supporting. You may be helping pay for research that will one day save your life! Good Luck all of you!
Cottingham Churches Together Summer Walk: This will take place next Sunday afternoon setting off from St. Mary's Church at 2.00 p.m. It's always good fun and you should be home, God willing, by 4.00 p.m. Pray for clement weather!
Parish Lunch: Sunday June 29th. Tickets will be on sale today and next weekend. Adults £5, children £1.50 and under five's free (birth certificates needed!). It's always an enjoyable occasion and we are indebted to the good ladies of the parish Catholic Women's League.
Beckham and the Pope! (Well, every other news sheet this week has carried the story, so why shouldn't we?) From The Times:
"It could all come down to the way the Pope votes. The story so far is that Joan Laporta, who hopes to be elected Barcelona's president on Sunday wants to buy Beckham. All Barcelona members, including the Pope, are entitled to vote. Alas, he is unlikely to exercise his franchise. 'Sunday is his busiest day,' the Vatican explained. Too busy even for Beckham? Warped priorities the man must have."
CWL Charity Stall: Supported by lots of bric-a-brac from you the parishioners, we manned or should I say, womaned, the charity stall at Cottingham Market on Thursday last. It was a beautiful day and we raised somewhere in the region of £230, all of which goes to CAFOD. Many thanks again for all your support and we look forward to seeing you all at the forthcoming Parish Lunch on Sunday, June 29th - our way of saying 'Thanks'.
"No one notices what I do until I don't do it!" (Judith H.)
Parish Memorial Book Anniversaries this coming week:
Sunday William Penna (Peter's uncle)
Tuesday Joseph Williams (Harry's dad)
Wednesday Tracy Hinchcliffe, Brigitte Lawrence (Jim Norton's sister)
Thursday Richard Whincop, (Pat's son). Isobel Marshall and Ada Butler.
Friday Christy Ward (Fiona's son).
Saturday Gaetano Tamburrini, James Caples (Joan Horbury's grandad), Albert Penna (Peter's dad), John Thomson (Harry's brother), John Kay (Ann Abel's dad).
Sunday Colin Culkin (Jean Rowland's brother).
Corpus Christi
Bread and banquet, food for all, body of Christ , manna recall.
Last Supper command, in service live, do this in memory, receive to give.
Bread for others with whom we share, comfort a lonely one, listening ear.
Bread broken in friendship, wine poured with care, healing illness, I am with you there.
As body of Christ we live today, alive among us, the Christ-saving way.
Food for the journey, wine for the soul, including each stranger, companioning all.
Corpus Christi, Body of Christ, one faith one journey, one communion of life.
Communion with those who have gone before, and with all now living, One Body One Lord.
Breaking bread, washing feet, worship and service, together meet.
Showing the Christ alive today, in word in action, through service prayer.
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Doreen Reekie
Sunday 10.00 Betty Carvlin
Monday 9.00 Gerry Bloor
Tuesday 7.00 Communion Service
Wednesday 12.00 Requiem Mass for Maeve Brennan
Thursday Corpus Christi 9.30 Alf Nolan
Thursday 7.30 Norah Haughey
Friday 9.00 Ray and Willy Parker
Saturday 9.00 The Parishioners
Saturday 6.30 Patrick Downey
Sunday 10.00 James and Elizabeth Rodgers
| After Mass one Sunday morning a mother commented, "The choir was awful this morning." The father commented, "The sermon was too long." Their seven-year-old daughter added, "But you've got to admit it was a pretty good show for 10p." |
Father's Day: One afternoon a man came home from work to find total mayhem in his house. His three children were outside, still in their pyjamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front garden. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house. Proceeding inside, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over and the rug was pushed up against the wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the work top, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still curled in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him and asked how his day went. He looked at her in bewilderment and asked, "What happened here today?" She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work you ask me what in the world I did all day?" "Yes," was his incredulous reply. She answered, "Well, today, I didn't do it."
SUNDAY JUNE 8TH 2003 PENTECOST SUNDAY THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH! TOGETHER: An empty tomb proves Christianity, but an empty church denies it. Amnd while no person is too bad ever to go to church, neither is any person ever good enough to stay away. Yet some trot out the excuse that only hypocrites attend and fear some sort of contamination. Precisely which organisation, sporting, political or social, lives up to its ideals completely? Tribunals and tribulations have taught everyone that we all have feet of clay. For every denomination, the challenge is not simply to get the sinners into heaven, but to get the saints out of bed. And for those who attend church, our activity there can be a helpful barometer to our 'spirit level'. Would you need pallbearers to escort your coffin to the front of the church for the first time ever? Does the generous greeting 'The Lord be with you' get a muffled, sighing response? Is singinh confined to where a spirit of a different kind is served? Do the activities described in the newsletter get more attention than the scriptures read in church? It's no accident that the first Pentecost happened to a group, not to individuals. Great things happen when people meet. God's spirit moves hearts and hands. Fifty days after Easter, on this Pentecost Sunday, there are honest questions that need answers. Does our church ring hollow or resound with a spirit-filled people? |
Counters this week: Gerry Doherty and Margaret Nicklas.
Next week: Sheena Pike and John McNicholas.
Parish Prayer Circle Intention for Friday: We pray for reconciliation between Christians, Jews and Muslims and that a peaceful solution can be arrived at in the Holy Land.
The Ugly Duckling by David Cook:
At the end of the Second World War, the Allies passed over the chance to sequestrate the Volkswagen factory which built VW Beetles. It was decided that any investment in the peoples' car would be a waste of time and money best left to the Germans. Apart from looking strange, the car, due to being air-cooled, was exceptionally noisy. There was virtually no luggage space under the tiny sloping bonnet. The interior was drab and uncomfortable. Mechanics said the engine was difficult to work on as it had to be shoe-horned into a tiny compartment behind the back seat. Even changing the spark plugs needed a contortionist! Odd looking, lacking space for both passengers and luggage, difficult to maintain, this was an ugly duckling with, apparently, no redeeming features, and yet it became one of the best selling cars of all time. What was it then that other car manufacturers envied so much? Apart from being cheap, it had one asset that was to place it in a league of its own. A feature so prized that its many faults were readily forgiven. It was utterly reliable. Winter or summer, year in year out, this car performed with the minimum of maintenance and ran up phenomenal mileages. Its reliability became legendary and it sold in tens of millions. What a lesson we can learn from this most basic of motor vehicles. Being reliable is a virtue we can all so easily aspire to and one that will be universally appreciated. If we always turn up on the day and time as promised, if our word can be relied upon implicitly, if we never let anyone down, then what an asset we will be to the parish, family and friends. We may not have the charisma of a Bently, the desirability of a Mercedes or the looks of a Ferrari, but given the reliability of a Beetle we will be special. As of course you all are! (First produced as an assembly many years ago!)
SVP News: Les Ulyatt writes: "Two weeks ago I made an appeal for a refugee, living in Hull, who after a two year wait had been offered a flat. I mentioned the fact that he had only a few belongings and asked for help. Your response has been truly outstanding. Working with Tony Artuso, it has been possible, thanks to all your donations, to set up five refugees with enough resources to lead a decent life. On behalf of our foreign friends I thank you all once again for your help and your great Christian approach to those in need." On the other side of the newsletter you'll find a piece about the truth about asylum seekers.
This past year the Holy Cross Conference of the SVP made over 3,500 visits to needy people in the Cottingham area. We are sixteen strong and meet every Monday evening in the Presbytery at 7.00 p.m. to discuss the needs of our area.
A Little Reassurance for the Dreaded Exams!
Lord, my future seems a little blurred.
I try to focus but nothing becomes clear.
All through school I've been told to plan ahead.
GCSE's affect your A-levels.
A-levels affect your degree.
Your degree affects your choice of job.
I've tried Lord, to find a niche.
But while my friends have already decided to become
lawyers, chartered surveyors, bank managers,
I can't even decide which pen to use in tomorrow's exam!
I'm not asking for a revelation;
Just a little reassurance that I'm doing okay,
That I'm on the right path to where I'm going.
That when I stray a little, you'll help me find my way back.
(Sheila Levett)
CWL News: This coming Thursday we are having the Charity Stall at the market in the village. The proceeds will go to CAFOD. There is still the opportunity to leave any bric-a-brac in the church porch, but no books, clothes or electrical goods.
Parish Memorial Book: Anniversaries this week:
Sunday William Wood, John Falvey.
Tuesday Ellen Clarke.
Wednesday Sam Brown.
Thursday Leo Day.
Sunday William Penna.
Parish Lunch: Sunday June 29th, here in the Priory Room after the morning Mass. Always enjoyable, good food, no washing up, excellent company. What more could you ask for? And cheap also! See the lists in the porch if you intent to be with us. And all courtesy of the good ladies of the parish CWL. For what we are about to receive, we are truly thankful. Amen.
Sick Parishioners: We continue to remember in our thoughts and prayers Maeve Brennan who is very ill in Hull Royal. Also Jim's brother Phil over in France who is now it would appear in palliative care. May God and our prayers be with his wife and family at this very difficult time. We also pray for Margaret Whitty who normally comes to the Sunday morning Mass with Jean, both refugees from Ss. Peter and Paul's. She was taken into Hull Royal last week for tests. Also Lorenzo, Chris Bailey and Paddy Falvey. And all those in the parish who are housebound for whatever reason. Remember them in your own good health.
What does the name Pentecost mean?
"Pentecost" comes from the Greek word for fifty. Fifty days after Easter, the first day after seven weeks marked the beginning of a new era. The Jews had a feast for the first fruits of the season on the 50th. day after Passover. The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the birth of the Church. The many nations in Jerusalem that day are the first fruits of the harvest. The disciples received the wind of new breathing, the fire of new loving and the tongues of new preaching.
Asylum Seekers Distinguishing Fact From Fiction:
Out of the 90 million arrivals at UK ports of entry last year, asylum seekers accounted for about 0.01%. The total number of asylum seekers who entered the UK in the last 17 years was approximately 500,000. And how many are still here is not clear. Is that what the media would have us believe? Kent police asked by journalists if they could give figures for examples of crime committed by asylum seekers said they had none to give. Headlines describing asylum seekers as the source of increased cases of tuberculosis were no changed when, under a pilot scheme run by the Home Office, over 5,000 asylum seekers were tested for the disease in Ashford, Dover and Margate since last June and not one positive case was found. In a recent poll 37% of people agreed with the statement that 'a significant proportion of asylum seekers are terrorists.' In fact just three asylum seekers are being held under anti-terrorist legislation. There is an urgent need for an informed debate to ensure a positive change in attitudes. We could use these figures to start to make a change.
Remember: If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.
Diocesan Adult Formation Team: There will be a talk on the theme of "Justice and Peace in the light of Vatican II." The venue will be the Endsleigh Centre on Tuesday July 8th. at 7.00.
Young Pilgrimage to Mount Grace, Osmotherley. The Diocesan Shrine to Our Lady near Middlesbrough. Bishop John is leading this new venture on the weekend of June 28/29. Saturday and Sunday. The programme will begin at 5.30 p.m. on the Saturday. Following a barbeque the evening will be taken up with liturgical celebrations and discussions. There will be various speakers etc. through to the early hours. The whole event will end with Mass at 7.30 a.m. on the Sunday morning followed by breakfast. Lynne Young, a parishioner, chaplain at St. Mary's College and local Diocesan Youth Service Coordinator is trying to organise a coach for anyone interested. They will provide a safe, well-managed site which conforms completely to Diocesan Child Protection Procedures. If you are interested in attending, the parish will pay the costs for you. For more details see Lynne at school or myself.
Ongoing Formation Programme for People and Priests:
The first of the latest four sessions will be on Tuesday June 24th. at the Endsleigh Centre beginning at 7.30 p.m. and the topic will be "Catholics As Others See us". Holy Cross has always been the biggest supporter of these talks and most of them have been very enjoyable. See you there. For the four Tuesdays of the talks our evening Mass will be brought forward to 6.30 p.m.
Website Corner: www.taize.fr
This is the website of the Taize community in France, a well-known centre of prayer and spirituality especially for young adults. Choose initially from one of the 26 languages on offer and then follow the on-screen site map. Comprehensive information on Taize is available here with an outline of the origins and history of the community. Tips on prayer including the use of singing, icons and silence can be viewed.
The Phantom Flower Arranger: A big thank you to whoever did the beautiful flower arrangement in front of the altar last week. Many people have commented upon it! Thanks again.
The Gloria from Sierra Leone:
Chorus: Glori to God, Glori to God
Na di ay evin
en pis to in pipul na wol. (Repeat)
(1) Lod God, Evin Kin; olmyti God en Fada.
Wi woship, wi gi yu tenki,
Wi pres yu fo yu gret glori.
(2) Lod Jizos Son of di Fada;
Lod God Lamb of God
Yu tek awe sins of di wol
Hav massi pan wi.
(3) Yu sidom na ryt an of yu Papa;
Wi beg yeri wi preas
Wi beg yeri wi crys
Wi beg yeri yu du ya Papa.
(4) Na yu nomo na oli wan;
Yu nomo na God
Yu Jizos na God;
Yu Spirit na God
Na God yon Glori Amen
Sheilagh Priest: After Mass this morning, Sheilagh's ashes will be buried in our Garden of Remembrance. Please feel welcome to join Dominic and the family at the short service. This week saw the sending off to our twin parish in Freetown three tea chests packed with all kinds of things. Sheilagh has been doing this for many years and it's good to see others stepping into her shoes. She'd be thrilled!
Rock My Soul: The head of the worldwide Benedictine religious order has been moonlighting as a guitarist in a hard rock band, it emerged last week. Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, 62, plays for the German band Feedback, whose debut album, Rock My Soul, is released this week. The Abbot, who is responsible for 25,000 Benedictine monks and nuns around the world, said playing music relieved the stress of work. "I nearly always take my guitar with me when I am travelling," he said. "I've even practised on planes."
The Great Holy Cross Pentecost Balloon Race: Our younger parishioners will release fifty helium balloons at Mass this morning and there will be a prize for the person whose balloon goes furthest. The winner will be announced on Sunday June 27th. The greatest distance travelled by a balloon so far has been from Wales to Peking in, believe it or not, four days!
"Religion isn't Absolutely Necessary" This is the title of the discussion to be held at the Endsleigh Centre tonight, Sunday at 7.30 p.m. and it will be led by Fr. Gerard Burns from the Marist Parish. Should be interesting!
Afternoon Strawberry Tea: Anne and Geoff Land are opening their fabulous garden to us on Sunday July 6th at 2.30 p.m. for a fundraiser for the proposed new meeting room. More details to follow.
The Cottingham Singers: I've just come back in after a wonderful, wonderful evening of entertainment. And what a selection of songs! John Rutter, Borodin, Jerome Kern, Cy Coleman. And songs from the shows! Oliver, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables. About eighty people were here but there was room for many more! Where were you? You missed a most enjoyable evening. And the Singers themselves loved it, they enthused about the acoustics of the church as did the Savoyards a couple of weeks ago. Both groups will be back by popular demand. Don't miss them next time around!
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Lily Smith.
Sunday 10.00 Sheilagh Priest (RIP)
Monday 9.00 Ronald Cuss (A)
Tuesday 7.00 Malcolm and Jean Campbell (In thanksgiving)
Wednesday 9.00 Theresa Cadwallader (A)
Thursday 9.00 Teresa Ellen Hargreaves and Family
Friday 9.00 Betty Evans (RIP) Friend of Jean Kemp
Saturday 9.00 The Parishioners
Saturday 6.30 Doreen Reekie (RIP)
Sunday 10.00 Betty Carvlin (RIP) (Anne Brittain's Mum)
Mahatma Ghandi on the Bible: "You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilisation to pieces, turn the world upside down, and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature."
SUNDAY JUNE 1ST 2003 SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER ASCENSION WEEKEND Joy in the Journey: Detectives look for clues after an incident. Bereaved relatives divide the estate of a loved one. Computer users leave electronic 'footprints' all the time; the delete key does not wipe them out. One way or another we all leave traces after us reminders of our presence at a particular place and time. It's also true of Jesus. We may not have anything physical left of his earthly presence, no Nazareth woodcraft from his hands. But we do have signs of his presence. Ascension Thursday wasn't a farewell speech and magnificent departure. We're told that 'They, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied.' When someone leaves, someone must stay behind. Still, while the disciples and our lot may be a daunting task, it's not a lonely one. Despite a physical absence, Jesus is very much present. Like someone in disguise, you can have a presence in what is believed to be absence. Perhaps the angels of the Ascension query us as well: 'Why do you stand gazing into heaven?' Have we turned our lives and churches into observation platforms heaven-watching and booking tickets, but missing the joy that is in our earthly journey? If so, it might be time to ask yourself: What signs is he confirming in your life? |
My thanks to John McNicholas for the newsletter he produced last weekend. He's slowly getting the hang of it! By the way I noticed that he used his postcode for the address of the church! And so His Holiness, as John rightly refers to me, has returned from Lourdes after another very successful pilgrimage. And it was a special one this year, being the 50th occasion that our diocese has made this great journey, beginning in the year I was born, 1952. Any significance I wonder? Holy Cross was once again well represented by our young people and their sterling work with the sick pilgrims. It was also good to see several other Holy Crossers there as well. We left here last Thursday at 8.30 a.m. and arrived at our hotel at 9.00 a.m. the following morning. By 10.00 a.m. we were 'on the road' and never stopped since. We left Lourdes at 6.00 p.m. on Thursday and reached Hull at 3.00 p.m. on Friday, exhausted but with great memories. Some of our younger pilgrims may share some of their stories with you in the weeks ahead. And in case you think we didn't remember you, we light a candle and prayed for you at the Grotto one evening. PS If you spot any mistakes in the newsletter, it's down to fatigue. I can hardly see the screen as I type!
Counters this week: Joan and Peter Watts.
Next weekend: Gerry Doherty and Margaret Nicklas.
The Cottingham Singers are putting on a concert here in the church this Wednesday evening at 7.30 p.m. Admission is £2 payable at the door. Please do try and support this event and encourage your friends to come along also to what will be a most enjoyable evening. My thanks to all who supported and helped at the Savoyards Concert last week.
Parish Prayer Circle: We celebrate the third anniversary of the Circle this week with a special Mass on Tuesday at 7.00 p.m. We hope to welcome many of our 'Pray-ers' and give thanks for prayers answered over the years. There will be refreshments afterwards to which all parishioners are invited also.
CWL News: We are running a Charity Stall at Cottingham Market on Thursday June 12th, the proceeds of which will go to CAFOD. We would welcome bric-a-brac which may be left in the church porch until next weekend. No clothes, books or electrical goods, please.
A little boy was growing up in South Africa during the apartheid years. One day, he was out walking with his mother. A white man passed by, raised his hat, and said hello. The little boy was surprised by this that a white man should take off his hat and greet a black woman. "Why did the man say hello to you?" the boy asked his mother. "Because he is a priest," his mother replied. As they walked on a little further, the boy said, "I want to be a priest." The priest's name was Trevor Huddleston, who was working in a poor township at the time. The little boy's name was Desmond Tutu.
Cottingham Churches Together Summer Walk: This popular annual event for the local churches will be on Sunday afternoon, June 22nd starting from St. Mary's this year at 2.00 p.m. Pray for good weather for what is always a very enjoyable afternoon and do try and join us if possible.
A Morning Prayer:
Good Morning!
I am the Lord your God.
Today I will be handling all your problems.
Please remember that I do not need your help.
If the devil happens to deliver a situation that you cannot handle,
do not attempt to resolve it.
Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box.
It will be addressed in my time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed in the box,
do not hold on to it or attempt to remove it.
Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem.
If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling,
please consult me in prayer to be sure it is the proper resolution.
Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber,
there is no need for you to lose any sleep.
Rest my child.
If you do need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.
Love eternally, The Lord your God.
Staywarm: Several parishioners thoroughly recommend this organisation which offers fixed-price gas and electricity, for people over sixty, however much you use. The price depends on the number of people who live in your home and the number of bedrooms it has. The freephone number to ring for further details is 0800 1 694 694.
The Pit: A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out.
A Subjective person came along and said, "I feel for you down there."
An Objective person came along and said, "It's logical that someone should fall down there."
A News Reporter wanted the exclusive story on his pit.
Confucius said, "If you had listened to me, you would not be in that pit."
Buddha said, "Your pit is only a state of mind."
A Realist said, "That's a pit."
A Scientist calculated the pressure necessary (PSI) to get him out of the pit.
A Geologist told him to appreciate the rock strata in the pit.
A Taxman asked him if he was paying taxes on the pit.
A Council Inspector asked if he had a permit to dig a pit.
An Evasive person came along and avoided the subject of his pit altogether.
A Self-pitying person said, "You haven't seen anything until you've seen MY pit."
An Optimist said, "Things could be worse."
A Pessimist said, "Things will get worse."
Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.
If it should happen one day and it could be today
That I become the victim of the terrorism which now seems ready to engulf
All the foreigners living in Algeria.
I would like my community, my Church, my family,
To remember that my life was given to God and to this country.
I ask them to accept that the Sole Master of all life
Was not a stranger to this brutal departure.
I ask them to pray for me
For how could I be found worthy of such an offering?
I ask them to be able to link this death with the many other deaths which were just as
Violent, but forgotten through indifference and anonymity.
My life has no more value than any other.
Nor any less value.
In any case it has not the innocence of childhood.
I have lived long enough to know that I am an accomplice in the evil which seems, alas, to prevail in the world,
Even in that which would strike me blindly.
I should like, if the time comes, to have the moment of lucidity
Which would allow me to beg forgiveness of God
And of my fellow human beings,
And at the same time forgive with all my heart the one who would strike me down
I certainly include you, friends of yesterday and today,
And you, my friends of this place,
Along with my mother and father, my sisters and brothers and their families,
The hundredfold granted as was promised!
And also you, the friend of my final moment, who would not be aware of what you are doing.
Yes, I also say this Thank You and A-Dieu to you, in whom I see the face of God.
And may we find each other, happy good thieves, in Paradise, if it pleases God, the Father of us both. Amen! In sha 'Allah!
Dom Christian de Cherge
Sick Parishioners: Please continue to pray for Maedb Brennan, Dermot's sister, who is very ill after suffering a stroke. Maedb is in ward 110 at Hull Royal. And remember also Mike Avery, Paddy Falvey, Phil Norton, Haralda's son Lorenzo and Terry O'Shaughnessy.
Pentecost Sunday: This great feast of the Birthday of the Church will be celebrated next Sunday. As we did last year, we ask you, if at all possible, to wear something red to church, to symbolise the fire of the Holy Spirit coming down upon the first members of the church those years ago to inspire them. There will be refreshments afterwards, our own Birthday Party to celebrate the occasion. Bring along some 'goodies' if you wish, to share.
Parish Lunch Club: It's this Wednesday at noon in the Priory Room. Always a very enjoyable couple of hours in good company with good fun and laughter.
Parishioner of the Week: 'Snorkel' O'Reilly. Why? Well ask him yourself! Or ask Gwen instead. They went to buy a printer to send to Fr. Wuya in Sierra Leone and got carried away!
Sierra Leone Project: Sheilagh Priest gave her all to this very special and important project and it still continues. John and Pat McNicholas and Peter and Gwen O'Reilly have offered their services to help and have spent the past week or so packing tea chests with all sorts of stuff, including a printer for Fr. Wuya, all of which will be shipped in the next few days. Over the years, you the parishioners have been so very generous and I know that Sheilagh will be thrilled that it is still carrying on.
Cappuccino: Among the latest batch of candidates beatified by the Pope was a certain Fr. Marco d'Aviano, otherwise known as 'Fr. Cappuccino'. For it we he who so sparked the Christians to trounce the Turks in 1683 that the trembling Ottomans ran away, leaving their coffee bags behind. The Capuchin Friars mixed the ground beans with honey and milk, and the rest is extremely profitable history though not, alas, for the Capuchins, who failed both to trademark the brew and to make it trendy by serving it in large white mugs!
Examination Time: Many of our younger parishioners will be involved in public examinations over the next few weeks, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Diocesan Women's Commission: There will be a meeting of the local group this coming Thursday at St. Stephen's at 7.30 p.m. All women from the area are welcome to come along and share their vision of the Church and for the Church.
Anniversaries this week:
Sunday Theresa Cadwallader (2000)
Monday Margaret Hall (1997)
Tuesday Kathleen Rowe ('93) Nina Culkin ('94)
Friday Anthony Tamburrini ('41) Enid Saltmer (2000)
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Patrick Downey
Sunday 10.00 Norah Haughey (RIP)
Monday 9.00 Maedb Brennan
Tuesday 7.00 Cyril Codd
Wednesday 9.00 Stephen Merivale (B)
Thursday 9.00 Mary Mercal
Friday 9.00 Communion Service
Saturday 9.00 - Communion Service
Saturday 6.30 Lily Smith
Sunday 10.00 Sheilagh Priest
Parish Lunch: Sunday June 29th at noon in the Priory Room. After the tremendous success of the recent Parish Dinner at Hessle Golf Club, we follow with this annual lunch prepared by the ladies of the parish CWL. Go on, have a day off from the kitchen and spoil yourself! A list will soon be up for names etc.
EuroDisney: We're taking about 170 children from Year 7 at St. Mary's to EuroDisney for a day, this coming Friday. In a moment of madness I agreed to go along and help! This is the timetable! Depart school at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday, catch the 2.00 a.m. ferry from Dover and drive straight down to EuroDisney for 6.30 a.m. Spend the day there and leave at 6.30 p.m. to drive to Calais for the 11.00 p.m. ferry to Dover and then straight back to Hull for around 7.00 a.m. on Saturday. Am I mad or what? It was only when I was travelling back from Lourdes that I realised just what an endurance test it was, but it's too late to change my mind! I don't think there were too many takers for the trip! I wonder why? I know that Jesus said 'suffer little children to come unto me' but there was no Lourdes or EuroDisney in his day!
Prankster Parrot Poses as Priest: (Taken from Weekly World News from Boca Raton in Florida and passed to me by parishioner Edward Flanagan.)
"Cork, Ireland Members of a small Catholic parish are raising holy hell about having confessions heard by an imposter the pastor's pet parrot! Incensed members of St. Malachi's Catholic Church say three elderly parishioners unknowingly confessed to Riley (no relation to 'Snorkel'), a 15-year-old African gray parrot owned by Fr. Joseph McGuirk. McGuirk says he often hears confessions with Riley perched beside him. 'Last week I slipped out to use the toilet when I thought no one was waiting,' he explains, 'and I guess a couple of our older parishioners came into the booth and started their confession. Their eyesight and their hearing aren't too good, you know. Riley's been with me in the booth for so many years, I guess he's picked up a few of the blessings and responses that I give and they thought it was me forgiving them. I feel terrible. I've already apologised at all the Masses and in the future I'll be leaving Riley in the rectory.' That's not good enough for parishioner Brendan Callahan, whose elderly father was one of those who confessed to the bird. 'My dad's terrified that he wasn't actually forgiven when he took Communion the next day,' says Callahan. 'He's crying and going round saying he's going to burn in Hell. Everyone loves Fr. Joe, but there's talk of having him removed over this fiasco.' Church leaders say McGuirk will probably be disciplined for the incident, but they don't plan to remove him from the parish. And they assure parishioners that the confessions are legitimate. 'They were still speaking to God,' says one top church official, 'and if it was an honest confession then He has forgiven them.'