The church is open all day from dawn till dusk. Have you seen it, apart from on Sunday? SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH 2003 26TH WEEK OF THE YEAR ROSH HASHANAH JEWISH NEW YEAR There's a lovely story about time. Two elderly Jews who haven't seen each other in fifty years, meet, slowly recognise one another, and embrace. They go back to the apartment of one of them to talk about the days long ago. The conversation goes on for hours. Night falls. One asks the other, "Look at your watch. What time is it?" "I don't have a watch," says the second. "Then look at the clock." "I don't have a clock." "Then how do you tell the time?" "You see that trumpet? That's how I tell the time," "You're crazy," says the first, "How can you tell the time with a trumpet?" "I'll show you." He picks up the trumpet, opens the window and blows. Thirty seconds later, an angry neighbour shouts out, "Two-thirty in the morning, and you're playing the trumpet?" The man turns to his friend and says, "You see? That's how you tell the time with a trumpet!" Roughly speaking, that's how the greatest Rabbi of the Middle Ages, Moses Maimonides, explained why the Jews blow a shofar (ram's horn) on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is, he says, God's wake-up call, his way of asking us, "Do you know what time it is? This life I have given you, how have you used it? For yourself, or for others. To hurt or to heal? What have you done with the year you asked me for twelve months ago. What will be your entry in the Book of Life?" We go through life, says Maimonides, for much of the time half-asleep. Day follows day in a daze. We go through the motions of waking, working, eating, relaxing, more conscious of the minutes than the years. We feel the tyranny of the clock but forget the larger calendar of a life. As the years pass, all too often we renounce the dreams of our youth and settle for a routine which oscillates between the escape from boredom called work, and the escape from work called leisure. Sometimes it takes a jolt a car crash, an illness, a crisis to make us ask 'Who am I and why am I here? What am I doing with my life?' It's part of the beauty of Judaism that it asks us, on Rosh Hashanah, to ask just that question. Time is God's greatest gift and one of the few he gives each of us on equal terms. Whether we are rich or poor, powerful or powerless, there are only twenty-four hours in a day, and a span of years that is all too short. For each of us (as for Moses) there will be a future we will not see, a River Jordan we will not cross, a promised land we will not enter. Therefore we have to make choices, and the most consequential is how we use our time. Once answered, the question almost answers itself. No one ever died wishing he or she had spent more time at the office or ruing the lack of the latest mobile phone. Most of the wants we chase after are artificially contrived, and many of the things we have no time for family meals, long walks with our children, helping strangers, saying thank you to our marriage partner and to God are of the essence of a life well lived. Once a year, we all need that trumpet-call to remember time and use it to make a difference, to be a blessing, to love. (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth). |
Counters this week: Anne Tordoff and Sheila Levett.
Next week: Tricia Leach and Mary Chapman.
Harvest Family Fast Day: This Friday and envelopes will be distributed after Mass to be returned next weekend. And a reminder of the Hunger Site. www.thehungersite.com Click on it and you automatically donate 1.1 cups of staple food.
Birthdays: Paulette Simpson's is this Saturday and Linda Gillard's is around this time also. They are both sharing a little buffet in the Priory Room after Mass to which you are all invited. I think it's Linda's 50th. Birthday and she doesn't mind me telling you! Well done, Linda!
Mill Hill Missionary Appeal: The A.P.F. Red Mission Boxes! Fr. Frank Graham, a Mill Hill Missioner based in Durham, will talk about the work they do next weekend. Frank has been with us several times before and it's a good cause to support.
Arsenal v Manchester United: And the Pope has given his moral support to referees as they embark on a new football season. John Paul II met the referees after his traditional weekly general audience. Among the officials was Pierluigi Collina, the bald-headed Italian referee known as "the Mekon" to fans around the world. The Pontiff told the group that sport should 'always be a gymnasium of authentic human formation, inspired by ethical and spiritual values'. Maybe he should visit Highbury? (Couldn't resist it, Richard. Sorry!)
Castle Hill Ward 11: Parishioner Marie Gallagher is organising a Fund-raising Disco and Buffet on Saturday October 11th at Cottingham Parks Golf and Country Club. The tickets are priced at £10 and are available from Marie on 876445.
Young parishioner John Britton did very well on 'Countdown' on Tuesday losing by only a short margin. Now studying at York University we'll probably see him next on University Challenge!
Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning: We're a week behind the rest of the world, but better late than never! It's taking place this Friday, Family Fast Day (you're excused), in the Priory Room from 9.30 11.30. There will be refreshments and good company for the miserly sum of just 50p.
Holy Cross Lunch Club: This venture is proving so successful that there are thoughts of increasing it to three times a month! At the moment we meet on the first and third Wednesday at noon in the Priory Room. See you there this Wednesday?
Fr. Tony kicks off his series of talks at the Endsleigh Centre next Sunday with the theme: "Sacred Scripture and Evolution" They are from 7 9 p.m. The next one will be on November 9th. with the title "Creation and the Fall". And on December 9th. the topic is "Marriage in Sacred Scripture". He continues in the new year on February 8th. March 14th. and April 11th.
Fr. Tony will give a "Reflection on his 60 years of Priestly Ministry" at the Endsleigh Centre on Sunday October 12th. at 7.30 p.m. It would be lovely to see a good turn-out for him.
Formation for People and Priests: The present series on prayer continues this Tuesday at the Endsleigh Centre with Fr. Gerry Mulligan, a Passionist priest from the John Paul Centre in Middlesbrough. You'll remember Gerry as one of the priest who gave our deanery mission a few years ago. 7.30 9.00 p.m.
Parish Prayer Circle Intention for this Friday: "We pray for the poor and needy of the world that we will be generous in supporting them through 'Family Fast Day'.
A priest delivered a sermon in 10 minutes one Sunday morning, which was about half the usual length of his sermons. He explained. "I regret to inform you that my dog, who is very fond of eating paper, ate that portion of my sermon which I was unable to deliver this morning. After Mass, a visitor from St. Anthony's shook hands with the priest and said, "Father, if that dog of yours has any pups, I want to give one to our priest." (With apologies to Fr. Ross!)
Sent by former parishioner Bob Trachimowich whom you can contact on bob.track@charter.net or visit his parish website: www.gdshphrd.com
Church Bulletin Bloopers:
The priest unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I upped my pledge up yours!'
Parish Walsingham Weekend: December 12 14. A good response with thirteen people so far asking to go. Three days, full board for under £50 in beautiful north Norfolk! The National Shrine of Our Lady in Norfolk was founded in the year 1061, when Richeldis de Faverches, the lady of the manor, built a small Saxon house to remind people of the house in Nazareth where the Annunciation took place. Pilgrims came from all parts of Europe to this Holy House of Walsingham, and in the days of Catholic England it was one of the greatest shrines in the world. In 1538 the Reformation took its toll. The statue was destroyed and the Holy House burned to the ground. The Shrine was restored this century and our diocese and especially Hull has a very strong connection with it. The Marist priests are in charge of it and there at the moment are Frs. Wynn, Simison and Grayston all ex-Cottingham Road. So do think about the weekend, and fairly quickly as well!
Sick Parishioners and Friends: We are asked to remember in our prayers Claire Britton, Peter and Margaret Price (Rachel Gleeson's parents), Pat Falvey, Fr. Tony, Roy Caley, David Parkinson, John Andrews, Jim's brother Phil, Mary Davidson's brother Paul, Doreen Fletcher, Vin McKenna, Marian Hall's mother in hospital, Fr. Gerard Burns and John Gavin still in hospital. If you would like someone including on the list please don't hesitate to give me their names.
Autumn Fayre: Saturday October 18th. Just three weeks away and already we're getting worried (as usual)! We need all sorts of stuff for the various stalls. Tombola prizes, bottles, white elephant, books, you name it we need it! If you're like me, as soon as it's over you'll find lots of things you'd wanted rid of, and it's too late! So start sorting out now! Things can be left in the porch to be collected by the various stall holders. The proceeds will go to our twin parish in Sierra Leone and the St. Charles' Drop-in centre.
One World Week: Cottingham Churches Together will be celebrating this with a Party and Quiz at the Methodist Church on Thursday October 23rd. at 7.00 p.m. Tickets will be £2.
Harvest Fast Day: The focus this year is East Timor. More than two-thirds of East Timor's men, women and children were forced to flee for their lives in Sept. 1999 when violence erupted just two days after the East Timorese voted for independence from Indonesia. Two out of three homes were destroyed in widespread looting and burning by violent militias as Indonesian forces retreated. Nine out of ten schools and public buildings were ransacked and many people lost their lives. UN peace-keeping forces were brought in to restore peace to the troubled country, and last year, East Timor was finally able to celebrate independence. But there is still much work to be done. Today, more than half of East Timor's population still has no access to clean drinking water.
Journey in Faith Programme: We're going to start on Monday October 6th. at 7.45 p.m. in the house. It's for those of you asking questions about the Catholic faith, those maybe wishing to become Catholics or for the just curious. It will be totally non-threatening and you might even get a cup of tea! For more details speak to Jim on 849966, Shirley on 842285 or Chris on 841593.
Memorial Service for Maeve Brennan: This will be held at the University of Hull Chapel on Saturday October 18th. 1.00 p.m. for 1.30 p.m. If any parishioners would like to attend could you please let me know so that I can arrange tickets.
Anniversaries this week:
Saturday William Loughlin and Rose Watts (Peter Watt's mother)
Sunday Alice Woods-McConville and Denis Marshall.
Wednesday Louisa Nolan (Pat Brennan's grandmother)
Thursday Monica Joan Percival (Richard's mother)
Friday Harry Jephcott.
Saturday Laurence Wood (Brian's brother), Hilary Woods-McConville (Shirley and Tony's daughter) and James Lunn.
Sunday James Anthony Whincop.
Used Stamps: Don't throw them away! Bring them to church and put them in the box in the porch. Michelle Percival recycles them and raises money for the 'building project'.
Cardinal Basil Hume, when headmaster of Ampleforth, answered a parent who asked what the school prepared its boys for. "We prepare them for death." Jacques Brel the singer once remarked that "in a man's life, there are two important dates: his birth and death. Everything in between is not very important." Montaigne wrote: "I want us to be doing things, prolonging life's duties as much as we can. I want Death to find me planting my cabbages, neither worrying about how it nor the unfinished gardening." The purpose of places like Dove House Hospice is to make sure that dying is as important a part of living as being born, so that when Death comes, we are neither terrified nor grieving, but simply planting our cabbages, as calmly and cheerfully as we can.
"To be 70 years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful that to be 40 years old."
"Old age is not so bad when you consider the alternatives," says Maurice Chevalier. Or as Sean O'Casey put it, "When one has reached 81 one likes to sit back and let the world turn by itself, without trying to push it."
"Women like silent men, they think they're listening."
"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"
Parish Autumn Quiz: Friday October 24th. in the Priory Room.
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Maeve Brennan (B)
Sunday 10.00 Ken Trigg (RIP)
Monday 9.00 Marjorie Martin (RIP)
Tuesday 6.30 Leslie Birkinshaw (A)
Wednesday 9.00 David McHugh
Thursday 9.00 Ralph Galloway (A)
Friday 9.00 Bill Kemp
Saturday 9.00 The Parishioners
Saturday 6.30 IBVM Sisters in the Czech Republic (Avery)
Sunday 10.00 James Whincop (A)and Lorenzo (RIP)
Worthy or Unworthy? Where do you stand?
The world might say that there are many reasons why God wouldn't want to use you or me. But don't worry
.
Moses stuttered. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Amos' only training was in the school of fig tree pruning. Solomon was too rich. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Timothy had ulcers. Peter was afraid of death. Lazarus was dead. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted. Elijah was burned out. John the Baptist was a loud mouth. Martha was a worrier. Mary was lazy. Noah got drunk. Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse, and so did Peter, Paul and lots of them! There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't want or love us but he does because of his grace and mercy. He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been or what we look like. Thank God for that!
Draft Vatican Document: How to encourage people in their faith or welcome others back! Listen to what they are proposing! No dancing or clapping inside a sacred building even outside of the eucharistic celebration, a disapproval of female altar servers, where the central gates in an altar railing have been removed, they should be restored and their inclusion should be considered for new churches, discourages the distribution of wine as well as the host during Communion. This is surprising since it was the Congregation for Divine Worship (who have produced this latest document) that in March 2002 announced the lifting of the ban on wine first imposed by the Council of Trent almost 600 years ago. The document says, in addition, that Catholics should receive the host on their tongues from the hand of a priest rather than in their out-stretched hands, or by taking it directly from the chalice in a form of 'self-service' Communion. In its present form the document lists 37 liturgical abuses. However the draft circulated to the world's bishops has had a largely negative reaction, so that revisions might be necessary! (My bin day is Wednesday!)
St. Mary's College Open Evening: Wednesday, October 8th. at 7.00 p.m. for prospective parents and pupils who will be transferring to secondary schools in September 2004.
"Use whatever talents you possess. the woods would be very silent if no bird sang except those who sang the best."
The church is open all day from dawn till dusk. Have you seen it, apart from on Sunday? SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST 2003 TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR. Delusions of Grandeur: It's very different from Jesus' time. We live in a society which is a far happier and safer place for children compared to the first century when 60% of children were dead by the age of 16. Even childless Roman couples adopted fellow adults as their heirs, not children: they were simply invisible, had no legal status and no value. Jesus, by placing a child before bashful, power-seeking disciples, delivered a real slap in the face. The simplicity, trust and innocence of the young would not have been the first thought of those disciples. They got the clear message: 'Be alert, would-be disciple! Whenever you encounter the invisible person, you encounter the Kingdom of God coming to you.' All is changed now. Were it today, Jesus might speak to our petty squabbling by bringing us to a nursing home. He would walk into a room and, in our presence, gently lift up a helpless, dependent old woman or man and say: 'This is what it's all about. This is the kingdom of God, and into this experience of humiliation and death, the Son of Man must go, because this person and everyone like her, and you, too, mean so much to God. Followers, if you want to embrace God, embrace her. And anyone who welcomes her, welcomes God.' |
Anniversaries this week:
Sunday Brian Ward (Fiona's father-in-law).
Wednesday Thomas Nolan (Pat Brennan's granddad). George Flanagan (Edward's father) and Michael David Whincop (Pat's son who died in 1975).
Thursday Mary Falvey (Patrick's mother), Ben Brown (Joan Horbury's father) and Philip Doherty (Gerry's dad).
Friday Rhoda Culkin (Jean Rowland's sister) and Ken Henderson (Pat's husband).
Saturday William Loughlin (Tony Woods-McConville's grandfather), Rose Watts.
Sunday Alice Woods-McConville (Tony's mother) and Denis Marshall (Joan Gibson's brother-in-law.)
A Very Special Anniversary! Joining us at Mass this morning is Sr. Mary, a Little Sister of the Poor, and Marion Mooney's aunt. She will soon be celebrating the 60th Anniversary of her final vows. Ivy Elizabeth Walsh was one of eight children and she entered the convent of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Manchester aged 18. Her brother James accompanied her and bought her a return ticket in case she changed her mind at the last minute. She became Sister Mary Constance of the Sacred Heart in December 1943. She began at the Convent in Hanley, Stoke on Trent and once the war was over went to France where she has lived ever since, in Bordeaux, La Rochelle and finally at Pau near Lourdes where she lives now. She has spent the whole of her adult life in the service of other people, in particularly the elderly. Several times when I was in Lourdes with the young people she visited us always armed with bags of 'goodies' for them! Marion says: "I remember once when I was about 16 asking her how she could have become a nun and give up all her freedom. She answered me by saying that she doubted if I would always do what I wanted to do, but, she said, 'I spend every day of my life doing exactly what I have always wanted to do, serving God, and that is real freedom.'" We offer her our sincerest congratulations as she heads towards her 60th Jubilee!
Counters this week: Teresa (retired) and Les Ulyatt!
Next week: Anne Tordoff (still working) and Sheila Levett.
Sick Parishioners: Please continue to pray for John Gavin, Kathleen Scaife, John Andrews, Roy Caley, David Parkinson, Jim Norton's brother Phil, Mary Davidson's brother Paul, Claire Britton, Vin McKenna, Doreen Fletcher, Peter and Margaret Price, Jean Wiles, Fr. Gerard Burns, Fr. Tony and Pat Falvey. And don't forget parishioners Veronica Homan and Betty Nicholls resident in nursing homes outside the village.
Rest in Peace: Mary Amelia Jones of Southfield Court died last Sunday and I'll be taking her funeral at Haltemprice Crematorium on Monday at 2.15 p.m. Our thoughts are with her son Terence who lives in Walkington.
Housebound Walsingham Pilgrimage: Eighty of us including Norah Ledger, Jean Kemp and Edna Swindell set off on Tuesday morning from St. Stephen's on two coaches, both with lifts, for our annual three days at the National Shrine of Our Lady in Norfolk. The sun shone on us for all the time we were there and we ran into Fr. Tony, Fr. Wynn, Fr. Simison and Fr. Grayston, all ex-Hull boys! Tony was on his way to Cambridge for a reunion of the class of '43 along with Fr. Phil Grayston. Elsie was due to travel with us but she was a bit under the weather and couldn't travel. Both Jean and Edna missed her guiding hand, their behaviour left a lot to be desired! (Don't please mention the Chippendales!). More about that later no doubt! Can I also add a word of thanks to the parishioners of Holy Cross who dropped the various pilgrims from various parishes at St. Stephen's and who also picked them up on Thursday evening. That was a tremendous help to the organisers. This coming Wednesday Bishop John is visiting St. Stephen's for the Housebound Day to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
"Reflections on Sixty Years of Priestly Ministry". Listen to Fr. Tony look back over his years as a priest. This will be at the Endsleigh Centre on Sunday October 12th at 7.30 p.m.
Parish Wheelchairs: We have three of them, one disappeared a couple of years ago, and they are very well used. They are all out on loan at the moment. I know where the blue one is and also the one with the small wheels. But who has got the other large wheeled one? I don't need it back but I've had a senior moment and can't remember where it is. Please help me!
Bienvenido to our newest parishioners, Caesar and Indira Castilio and their five children who have recently moved into the village. Caesar is from Barcelona and Indira is from Honduras. They received a lovely Spanish welcome last Sunday morning from Carmen, Elizabeth, Maria (in Spanish) and were made very welcome by the non-Spanish speaking parishioners!
Autumn Fayre: Saturday October 18th starting at 10.30 a.m. in the Civic Hall. There was a good turn-out of stall holders at Phil's recent meeting and we have helpers for most. But we are always looking for new faces (not that we're fed up with the old!) but new ideas are always welcome. The stalls we have are, Tombola, Refreshments, Cake Stall, White Elephant, Books, Plant Stall, Card Stall, Toy Stall, Preserves and Groceries, Bottle Stall, Handicrafts and Doormen! Start looking round for items that might be of use. Prizes for the Tombola and Bottle stalls. Things of value should be brought at Mass time so that they can be put away. Other things can be left in the porch for the various stall holders to pick up. The proceeds this year will be split between Sierra Leone and the Drop-in Centre at St. Charles'. They were over the moon at our support last year. It is a local charity, right at the heart of the church here in Hull.
Parish Walsingham Weekend: Fancy three days, full board, at the Shrine of Our Lady for their annual Carol Concert and all for around £50? When I was down there I was investigating the possibility of a parish trip. The dates are Friday to Sunday, December 12 14. We'd leave here around 8.00 a.m. on the Friday and get back late on Sunday. All meals are included except for Sunday evening. It's a lovely, peaceful place, just five miles from Wells next the Sea. I have some brochures available if you are interested. We really need to know in the next fortnight so as to be able to book the accommodation. As I said last week, the Shrine has been voted Britain's favourite spiritual place by listeners of BBC 4's Sunday programme.
The Brittons of Number 69: Claire was unable to have her operation last Wednesday as planned, but they hope to go ahead with it this coming Wednesday. So please continue to hold her in your prayers over the next few days. And her baby brother John, now at York University, will be appearing on "Countdown" this Tuesday at the new time of 3.15 p.m. Set the video and it's also too late for prayers, the programme was recorded several weeks ago. Carol Vordeman, he says, was lovely! I tend to agree!
Who Retired on Friday? None other than our very own Teresa Ulyatt, after ten years at Townend Court working with people with special needs. An anonymous source is quoted as saying: "She's agreed to look after the house and she will let me look after the garden!" Time to run for cover, Les! Teresa has also asked to be allowed to step down as secretary to the Parish Council, a position she's held since the time of Adam and Eve I believe! She would like among other things to be able to devote more time to being an active member of the parish St. Vincent de Paul conference. But she better watch out, her other half, Les, is the conference president!
Football Wisdom: Especially for Anthony Wood Adrian Mutu, a recent signing by Chelsea for £15.8 million from the Italian club Parma, has a tattoo on his arm in Italian which translated, reads "One day without a smile is one day lost." A good motto for all of us, don't you think?
Scottish Dancing at Zion: The classes resumed last Monday at 7.00 p.m. I know that a little group from Holy Cross have been going along and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Maybe, just maybe, on the feast of St. Andrew, they might put on a little display for us. Watch this space!
Cottingham Churches Together: Our next meeting will be this Monday at St. Mary's at 7.30 p.m. Observers are welcome.
Birthday Girl: Hilda Cuss had a Birthday last week but could we discover which one it was? Not likely. Any ideas? Anyway, from all of your friends here at Holy Cross, many congratulations. Teresa Ulyatt brings Hilda Holy Communion every Sunday and keeps her in touch with all that is happening at the church.
Ella Haswell: Ella spoke at the 10.00 a.m. Mass last weekend about her wish to try and do something for the 'younger' members of the parish, ages maybe between 14/15 and late teens. If you have any suggestions for her she'd be only to glad to hear from you. Her telephone number is 876628.
Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning: We hope to support this venture here at Holy Cross on Friday October 3rd from 9.30 a.m. until 11.30 a.m. There will be tea, coffee and biscuits for the princely sum of 50p.
Gift Aid Gift to Holy Cross: This week the Chancellor has sent us another £1,561.96 which is the tax he would have taken from your donations to the church, except that you pre-empted him by signing a Gift-Aid declaration. One up to you! Remember, for every pound you give to the church, he will give us an extra 30p if you Gift-Aid it. It all adds up! If you'd like any more details have a word with me sometime. By the way, this is in addition to the £7,000 we received from him earlier on this year.
St. Mary's College extends a warm invitation to its Open Evening for prospective parents and pupils on Wednesday, October 8th 2003 at 7.00 p.m. The Open Evening is for prospective parents whose children (DoB 01/09/92 31/08/93) will be transferring to Secondary Schools in September 2004. The evening will begin at 7.00 p.m. in the School Hall. Parents and pupils will then have the opportunity to look round the school and meet the staff and students. (The school is always hugely over-subscribed so start thinking now!)
Monthly Prayer and Praise Evening: The next one takes place this coming Friday at the Endsleigh Centre, 7.00 for 7.30 p.m. The speaker for the evening will be Rev. Bill Taylor, a Catholic permanent deacon, married with five children, used to be a Jumbo jet pilot and who worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta before she became 'famous'. Everyone is most welcome.
Alpha Supper: The same evening, sadly, but better too much than nothing at all! All the details are on the notice board and you can get more from Diana. The course proper begins here at Holy Cross on Wednesday October 1st in the Priory Room and continues up to December 10th.
Journey in Faith Programme: For those wishing to join the Catholic Church or who just wish to deepen their understanding of their faith. Maybe you come to church regularly with your family and aren't a member of the church. Have you thought about finding out more? Maybe this is for you? Linda did just that a few years ago and would love to share it with you. Her telephone number is 848931. Others you might like to speak to are Jim Norton-849966, Shirley Woods-McConville-842285, or Christine Pike-494155 (new number).
Religion Classes for our younger parishioners: They began on Friday from 6 7 p.m. with pre-Communion for children aged 6/7, First Communion preparation for those aged 7 and also a post-Communion class. The 'leaders' are Chris Clarke, Pat Britton and Marian Mooney.
Fr. Tony will be leading a series of Scripture Reflections at the Endsleigh Centre beginning on Sunday October 4th from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. And thereafter on November 9th, December 9th, February 8th, March 14th, and April 11th. Always stimulating and challenging, Tony is well worth hearing.
Recollection Day at the Marist Church on Sunday Sept. 28th beginning at 11.00 a.m. and led by Fr. Des Hanrahan S.M. from St. Joseph's. The programme is on the noticeboard.
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Alf Nolan
Sunday 10.00 Kathy Weller (RIP)
Monday 9.00 Special Intention (Land Family)
Tuesday 6.30 Edna Holwell (RIP)
Wednesday 9.00 Mary Loft
Thursday 9.00 Tom Hanrahan and Family
Friday 9.00 Vin and Mary McKenna
Saturday 9.00 The Parishioners
Saturday 6.30 Maeve Brennan (B)
Sunday 10.00 Kenneth Trigg (RIP)
"Teachings in Prayer": This four Tuesday evenings course at the Endsleigh Centre begins this Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. Mass for the four evenings will be brought forward to 6.30 p.m. to enable us to attend if we so wish. Apologies again for any inconvenience.
"Thank You, Fr. Pat." 'Thank you so much for celebrating our marriage recently with a service at Holy Cross. Your contribution was the most important part of what was a really wonderful and special day for us both ' Marriage in church is still in fashion despite what 'people' say.
Congratulations to Agnes and Dave who were married here, with Nuptial Mass, this afternoon at 2.30 p.m. And thanks also to their friends in the parish who decorated the church so beautifully. Agnes and Dave are Sunday morning parishioners.
Planning to get Married? We have several in the parish just doing this. We will be running three one day preparation courses for all couples intending to get married this coming year. The first one will be on Saturday November 9th at the Endsleigh Centre. There are further details on the notice board.
CAFOD Harvest Day. Friday October 3rd. We will be giving out the Fast Envelopes next weekend to be returned the following weekend.
Remember The Hunger Site: www.thehungersite.com Every time you log on to this site you have automatically donated 1.1 cups of staple food. In any one day the Hunger Site funds around 47,919,670 cups of food for those in need.
Parish Prayer Circle Intention for this coming Friday: "We pray for all who are seeking a deeper knowledge of God, especially those who will be at the Alpha Supper."
Our church is open all day, from dawn till dusk, a little haven of peace in our busy world. It's worth a visit! SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH 2003 THE FEAST OF THE TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS CROSSED-UP: The word 'cross' has many appearances in language, from describing a mood to a type of pastry. It goes to show how central a symbol the cross has become. Sport and piety make unlikely partners, but athletes devoutly make the sign of the cross (see the referee at England's game last Wednesday). The cross appears as a fashion statement, with elaborate cross-inspired jewellery hanging from the necks, ears, wrists and God knows where else. The fact that a cross keeps popping up, and not a symbol of another religion, tells us that a Christian memory, or at least a Christian superstition, is still very active. We may be a far less Christian nation, but we are a Christ-haunted nation: not sure of what faith is about, not sure who Jesus really is, but none the less fascinated. Romans knew the cross as a method of execution, and in Latin is called 'crux'. From it we get words like 'crucial' or that well-worn phrase 'the crux of the matter'. It's meant to point out what's essential, basic and indispensable. On this day dedicated to the Holy Cross, call to mind the cross traced upon you at your baptism: the sign under which we live and move and have our being. Lift up the cross in your personal life, by being Christian in name and in deed. |
I must thank John McNicholas for his 'different' newletters whilst I was away! I'm not too sure how impressed the Bishop would be by seeing me addressed as His Eminence? But seriously, it was a great relief to know that John had things under control. And also a thank you to the visiting priests who looked after you so well, but hopefully, not too well, in my absence.
Counters this week: Anne and Geoff Land.
Next week: Teresa and Les Ulyatt.
Congratulations to Margaret and John Bottery who celebrated their 49th Wedding Anniversary at Mass on Thursday. We look forward to the even greater celebrations next year!
Eucharistic Ministers Day in York: This weekend is your last chance to get your names down for the reflection day in York on Saturday October 4th. The list is in the porch. All the expenses are covered by the parish.
Parish Council Meeting: It takes place on Monday at 7.45 p.m. in the house, immediately after the meeting of the Saint Vincent de Paul Group.
Parish Pie and Pea Supper: This coming Friday in the Priory Room at 7.30 p.m. You need to have a ticket!
Big Band Night: This coming Saturday at Hull University Staff House. It's to raise funds for the Catenian charities. Frank Cleveland's Big Band is supplying the music. Tickets are £10, which includes supper and are available from Peter Dyas. His telephone number is 846225.
Hull Walsingham Pilgrimage: The annual Housebound and Elderly pilgrimage to Walsingham takes place this Tuesday to Thursday and includes a group from Holy Cross. This is about the fifteenth time I've led the group and we all have a great time. For many of the 100 'pilgrims' it is the only 'holiday' they have in the year. The National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham in Norfolk has been voted by listeners of BBC Radio 4's Sunday programme. In second place was the island of Iona, while Avebury Stone Circle in Wiltshire came third. St. Alban's Cathedral was fourth. Listeners and public figures were asked to nominate places they found spiritually uplifting or where they felt at one with God or nature. One surprising nomination was Euston Station!
"Teachings in Prayer" an opportunity to reflect, be informed and share our faith journey in a diocesan family atmosphere at the Endsleigh Centre. They will be on four Tuesdays evenings beginning Sept. 23rd at 7.30 p.m. The four titles are: "A Religious Sister at Prayer" with Sr. Marie White (Passionist). "A Redemptorist at Prayer" with Fr. Gerry Mulligan. "A Parish at Prayer" with local parishioners and finally "A Priest at Prayer" with Fr. Colman Ryan, formerly of Holy Name Parish. As we've done in the past, to make it easy to attend, our evening Mass on those Tuesdays will be brought forward to 6.30 p.m. I apologise in advance for any inconvenience.
Parish Autumn Fayre: Saturday October 18th in the Civic Hall. Please start thinking now about what you can do! Maybe you can give some time on the day to help run a stall, maybe you've an idea for a new stall, or maybe you can collect 'stuff' for the various stalls. We're always looking for bottles, books, white elephant, plants, jams, toys etc. Start your spring clean early! We've just about forgiven Ray Parker for arranging his trip to the Eden Centre at the same time!
Weddings: I had two weddings this weekend, Saturday, one here and the other at St. Anthony's. Colette Lipinski and Wayne Rowe were married here and Louise Leahy and Martin Parker at St. Anthony's. We wish both couples all the best for the future. Next Saturday at 2.30 p.m. Agnes Allahditta and Dave Cuthbert who come to the 10.00 a.m. Mass will be getting married here.
Christenings: And there are two christenings today at 1.30 p.m. Oliver Harry, son of Sadie and Albert Penna and Olivia Nicola, daughter of Ian and Nicola Denston. Congratulations to both families on this very joyful occasion.
"Perhaps this very instant is your time. Your own, your peculiar, your promised and presaged moment, out of all moments forever." (Louise Bogan). "This very instant that is all we have. We make plans for the future, we invoke memories of the past, but really, all we have to deal with and to act in is the moment at hand. We cannot stop its going; we cannot hurry the next moment on its way. Like everyone else in the world, we're partners in the dull, humdrum, dazzling, fabulous, totally unpredictable moment. And if we have a time that is 'our time', it's right now. It has to be, because there isn't any other. Maybe we've had times in the past that were special for us; maybe the future will hold precious moments. But the only time that is truly 'our time' is this time, where we are, right now. And what we do with this time is ours to decide."
Calling all Hull City Supporters! Hull City player Stuart Elliot, a committed Christian, will be speaking at the Full Gospel Business men's Fellowship dinner at the Jarvis Hotel this Monday at 7.30 p.m. To book phone 473489 or 845127. The three course meal, plus coffee is open to all and costs £9.50. If you cannot attend the dinner, please come and hear Stuart at 8.45 p.m. no charge.
Thought for the Day David Cook's offering for the reading at the St. Vincent de Paul meeting last Monday, penned by himself!
" 'Ave you got a light boy?" 'I looked around to see the questioner with the outrageous accent. No hint of a please or thank you. I had taken an instant dislike to Sam who had the bed next to mine. Fifty years ago and away from home for the first time, pitched into a barrack room with thirty other National Service eighteen year olds, was rather a shock to the system. The variety of accents was almost unbelievable. Scots, Welsh, Irish, Scouse, Geordie, Brummie and a whole variety more I'd never heard of before. Oddly enough coming from a working class background Hull council estate myself, I seemed to be the only one with no accent. This comical Norfolk drawl was totally new to me. My questioner persisted. 'Got a light, boy?' In as civil a tone as I could muster I said I didn't smoke. The grinning youth shook his head in disbelief. Short, stocky with a black shadowed jaw, bushy eyebrows, he was as ugly a customer as I had even come across. I made a mental note to keep an extra eye on my personal belongings. With this slippery character as my immediate neighbour I thought it only a matter of time before things would go missing. I was right. The next day my razor was nowhere to be found. Trying to keep the edge out of my voice I asked Sam if he's seen it. Not unexpectedly he denied any knowledge of its whereabouts. I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. 'But I've got two,' he said, immediately proffering me a new Gillette still in its package. 'My Mam bought me two in case I lost one you're welcome to it.' I muttered a begrudging thanks. Finding my own the next day in my spare socks where I'd carefully hidden it caused me no little embarrassment. Sam merely laughed and said that I was still more than welcome to keep the new one he'd given me. After that we became firm friends. Before long I realised that despite his outrageous manner of speaking I really couldn't remember anyone whose company I enjoyed more. I'd totally misjudged him. I learned a great deal from Sam, the ratio of spit to Kiwi polish that was needed to bull boots. How to press trousers using brown paper. The neatest way to darn socks. The list was endless. But the most important thing he taught me was never to make a hasty judgment about anyone especially those with a funny accent!"
The Big Band Night next Saturday is in aid of the Hull Lourdes Sick Fund. A very deserving cause!
Journey in Faith: This is for those wishing to join us in the Catholic Church, maybe you are a regular at Mass with your family but haven't taken the plunge? Also for those wishing to learn more about their faith. It's different to the Alpha programme. We hope to get a group up and running later this month. If you are interested or would like to know more you can speak to Jim 849966, Shirley 842285, Linda 848931 or Christine on 494155. Don't be shy, we'd love you to join us!
Anniversaries this week:
Saturday Philip McGuire.
Sunday Charles Murphy (Leo's Dad) and Bernard Stephenson.
Monday Helen Comisky.
Tuesday Doris Rawson and John Moss (Kath Shakespeare's brother).
Wednesday Robert Cummings, Muriel Binnington.
Thursday Edna Lover (Hazel Corcoran's mother).
Friday Dorothy Kennedy and Alice Gray.
Sunday Brian Ward ( Fiona Ward's father-in-law).
Lunch Club: This Wednesday at High Noon in the Priory Room!
Countdown! Starring soon on this very popular programme will be our very own young John Britton, currently studying at York University. As soon as we get to know the date, you'll be the first to know. John's sister Claire is having a major eye operation this Wednesday. Please keep her and all the family in your prayers.
Sick Parishioners: Please remember John Gavin in hospital recovering from an operation and having to face another one when he's better. John Andrews, Doreen Fletcher, Vin McKenna, David Parkinson, Roy Caley, Jim Norton's brother Phil, Mary Davison's brother Paul very ill in Paris, Jean Wiles and Pat Falvey.
The Catwalk Calls: Where are our model priests? Organisers of an ecclesiastical fashion show have found Anglican, United Reform Church, Baptist and Methodist clergy to take part but not a single Catholic. It seems the only qualification needed is a love of showing off. Participants will model vestments and leisure-wear by contemporary designers. Organiser Stephen Goddard promises the designs are not too avant-garde but tend to be colorful and more individual. The show will kick off with Methodist minister, the Rev. Andrew Roberts, wearing a £600 sequinned suit that he has ordered for performing weddings. (Just not me!).
Childrens' Religion Classes: We begin again this coming Friday, 6 7 p.m. in the Priory Room. There will be a pre-Communion class for children aged 6/7, a First Communion preparation class for children aged 7 and also a class for post Communion children. We are so indebted to Pat Britton, Marian Mooney and Chris Clarke for all the hours of effort they put into helping our youngsters. They've been doing it for over sixteen years and if anything it's making them younger!
Alpha News: At the 10.00 a.m. Mass today John Phillips from Barton Community Church will say a few words about how Alpha is working in his parish. There will be another programme running here at Holy Cross on every Wednesday from the 1st of October until December 10th. We begin as always with a Supper on Friday September 26th at Cottingham Tennis Club. See the notice board for all the details.
Mislaid Video 4 of the Alpha Course has been lent to somebody. Could you please return it to Diana as soon as possible or telephone 846555.
Recollection Day at the Marist Church on Sunday Sept. 28th led by Fr. Des Hanrahan S.M. It begins at 11.00 a.m. with arrivals and coffee. There will be several talks, packed lunch, Mass at 3.30 p.m. followed by an evening meal (provided) with departure at 6.00 p.m. Everyone is most welcome. Contact Charles Jenkinson to book. Tel: 807830
Scripture Reflections: Fr. Tony will be leading these at the Endsleigh Centre on Sundays, Oct. 5th, Nov. 9th, Dec. 9th, Feb. 8th, March 14th and April 11th. from 7 9 p.m. You'll find the list of topics on the noticeboard along with details of other talks at the centre.
Marriage Preparation Courses: Three one day courses are being offered to all couples intending to get married this coming year. The first one will be on Saturday November 1st at the Endsleigh Centre. The other two will be on March 20th and May 8th.
Margaret Witty RIP: Margaret's three sons wrote to me this week to express their thanks and appreciation for all the care shown to their mother by you the parishioners during her time with us. "Although our mother did not make a specific bequest in her will, she enjoyed her time as a parishioner, and we believe she would have liked to make a contribution to the parish." Enclosed was a cheque for £3,000. "We hope that an item of use to the church and the community could be purchased in remembrance of Margaret. However we realise that this may not be possible and leave the ultimate decision regarding its use to you. Yours sincerely, David, Richard and Steve." Margaret has only been with us since the closure of Ss. Peter and Paul, not a long time and I am most moved that the family should think of us so generously. May God bless Margaret with eternal rest.
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Kenneth Trigg (RIP)
Sunday 10.00 Maura and Peter Clarke
Monday 9.00 Jessie Oston (RIP)
Tuesday 7.00 Communion Service
Wednesday and Thursday 9.00 Communion Service
Friday 9.00 Norah Manser
Saturday 9.00 Eric Mitchell (RIP)
Saturday 6.30 Alf Nolan
Sunday 10.00 Kathy Weller (RIP)
Parish Prayer Circle Intention for this Friday: "For Home Mission Sunday, we thank you, Lord, for the Alpha and for the Journey in Faith Courses, teaching us the meaning of life through the Gospels."
No Mean Machine: Arnold Schwarzenegger, front-runner in the free-for-all recall election in California, turns out to be a devout Catholic when he is not being a Terminator, and also a generous one. Last year he gave away a sixth of his income, including a $2 million house donated to the Archbishop of Los Angeles. He and his wife Maria, niece of President Kennedy, are also big benefactors of their parish church, St. Monica's in wealthy Santa Monica, according to tax returns they have just published.
PARISH OF HOLY CROSS 3 CARRINGTON AVENUE COTTINGHAM E. YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU Tel: 01482 847763 Fax: 01482 845225 email: holycross@hccott.freeserve.co.uk Saturday and Sunday, September 6 & 7, 2003 Twenty third Sunday in ordinary time Despite Matthew ch 13, v 57, we are very pleased to welcome Father Pat back to the fold. |
Services will be as normal (as they ever are!) during the coming week.
| Anniversaries this week: | Sat 6 | Henry Armisted | 1985 | |
| Sun 7 | George Abel | 1938 | ||
| and | Phyllis Hollingworth | 1982 | ||
| Tues 9 | Sara McAllister | 1934 | ||
| Wed 10 | Audrey Taylor | 1994 | ||
| Thurs 11 | John Woods-McConville | 1966 | ||
| Sat 13 | Philip Maguire (jun) | 1980 |
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Prayer Circle Intention Friday, Sept 12: For "Racial Justice Day" on Sunday, we pray, Lord, that all people will be treated equally in our country, diocese and parish.
September 12 is also the day when the local panel of WREN (the funder to whom we've applied for our community room grant) meets to decide whether or not to recommend to their national board that it is awarded to us. Your prayers would be appreciated for a successful outcome to this meeting.
Peter Dyas reports that we have now raised £26,877, much of this from the sale of commemorative bricks and from the sponsored swim. The first batch of bricks has now gone to be engraved, but we hope to raise more from further sales. Forms are available in the church porch [and on the website] for parishioners who have not yet ordered a brick and wish to do so.
Journey in Faith We hope to have a group running this month. If you know of anyone who is interested in joining us in the Catholic Church, or wishes to learn more about the Catholic Faith, please let them know. Anyone interested in participating is most welcome.
Contact Jim 849966, Shirley 842285, Linda 848931 or Christine 494155.
Counters this Sunday: David Cook and Barbara Marshall; and next week: Anne and Geoff Land
Diana (and the rest of us) would like to thank all the members of the Holy Cross "family" who looked after us and made it possible for us to share the Eucharist each day while Father Pat was away.
Containers, cake tins etc. that have been left in the kitchen for some time are in the foyer awaiting collection.
Football followers! Stuart Elliot, Hull City mid-fielder, will be speaking at the Full Gospel Business men's Fellowship International dinner at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Willerby, on Monday 15 September at 7.30. To book, phone 473489 or 845127. The three course meal, plus coffee, is open to all and costs £9.50 (!). If you cannot attend the dinner, please come at 8.45 to hear Stuart no charge.
School starts on Tuesday, September 9. Best wishes to all teachers and children, especially those starting a new school.
Parish Council meeting on Friday, September 19 at 7.45.
Tickets for the annual SVP raffle (25p each, £1 a book) will be on sale after this weekend's masses. The SVP depends nationally for its good works on this single annual event.
In the church porch is a photograph of those who benefited from our SVP Conference's goat-buying project.
We urgently need volunteers to help on the stalls, and in other ways, at our Autumn Fair, which is on Saturday, 18 October. Many of our regular helpers are away then, so if you can help, please contact Teresa on 845355.
Coffee Break at Willerby Manor Hotel on Wednesday, 17 September from 10.30 to 11.30 am. Hear Savi Farlowe's story of how Jesus came into her life. For information, contact Diana tel: 846555.
Another reminder the Catenian Big Band Night, to raise funds for Catenian charities, will be on Saturday, 20 September, at Hull University Staff House. Tickets are £10, which includes supper, and are available from Peter Dyas, tel: 846225.
Corpus Christi Church, Hull is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Wednesday, 10 September. The church will be open from 2 pm to 9 pm, with light refreshments served from 2 to 6 and cheese and wine from 6 to 9. There will also be a display of photographs and memorabilia. Father Pete and Father Des welcome everyone.
Congratulations to Dr Matthew Curtis (one of our parishioners) and Abigail Duckworth who are getting married this weekend at All Saints Church, South Cave, with Father Pat assisting.
Pie and Peas Supper in the Priory Room on Friday, 19 September at 7.30 pm.
Diana has kindly sent in the following contribution.
Father Roddy McCally tells this story:
Once I knew a tramp called Jim, who would go into my church in Glasgow every day at 3 pm and pray for ten minutes. Curious, I eventually went up to him and asked why he came into the church at the same time every day. He said "I do this because I know that Jesus died for me at 3 o' clock. I kneel down, say "Hi, Jesus. It's Jim" and tell him what's going on with my life."
These visits went on for a number of years and I would often invite Jim in for a cup of tea and a sandwich. Then suddenly Jim stopped coming to the church. I wondered what had happened to him when, one day, when I was visiting Glasgow Central Hospital, a doctor told me that people were being miraculously healed on one of the wards since an old man had been admitted. I went into the ward and was almost swept off my feet by the over-powering presence of God. Then I saw Jim lying there. I said "Jim, this is amazing and there's such a feeling of God here." Jim looked up from his bed and said "It's nothing to do with me, father. Every day at 3 o' clock a man stands at the end of my bed and says "Hi, Jim. It's Jesus."
Gangland to Promised Land by John Pridmore
We received this week an email from our sister-parish in Sierra Leone, addressed to Gwen, as follows:
"I am writing on behalf of the parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Juba, Sierra Leone. We wish to thank you and all the parish members of your congregation and all those who in diverse ways have helped to send such a wonderful package of assorted relief items for the use of the parish. The items came at the right time when our parish is celebrating its 10th anniversary in October this year and just coming from the long civil unrest in our country. Thank God most of our members are still alive today. The parish priest and all the parishioners appreciate this offer and are grateful for that.
The primary school which you and your congregation have supported so well is striving so well that we can boast of a large enrolment and really serving the community. We are close to completing but more needs to be done. We shall continue to pray for you and your congregation for your continuous support extended to us."
| And finally, a few proverbs: | He who hesitates is last. |
| He who laughs, lasts. | |
| Never put off till tomorrow what can be avoided altogether. | |
| If at first you don't succeed, do it the way your wife told you to. |
JM