The church is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served after the 10.00 a.m. Mass on Sunday. FEBRUARY 26TH 2006 8TH WEEK OF THE YEAR MARCH 1ST ASH WEDNESDAY |
Hug someone for Lent, it's the modern way! Forget giving up chocolate for Lent. How about joining an environmental group, leaving the £1 in your supermarket trolley for someone else to find or hugging someone who needs it? These are among the ideas in an initiative to encourage modern alternatives to the centuries-old practice of fasting and self-denial in the run-up to Easter. It has been backed by the Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu. His former diocese of Birmingham has produced a booklet containing a programme of 50 ideas. Among the other suggestions in 'Love Life Live Lent' are to 'help a bug out of the house rather than squash it', buying a low-energy light bulb, and buying something for someone anonymously. More than 50,000 booklets have been distributed.
Holy Cross visit to Star of the Sea Parish, Sierra Leone 2007:
Fr. Ambrose Damba, the parish priest wrote this week: "Dear Peter and Gwen, it is always good to hear from you and to know that plans are underway for your proposed visit to our parish and also to Fr. Peter Konteh at the Orphanage at Bo. This is very good news for the people of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. We have also started preliminary discussions about your visit as we look forward to meeting you next year. I am delighted to inform you that the proposed number of twelve will certainly be accommodated by the parish as plans would have been put in place for such an historic visit. I wish to reiterate the willingness of the parish to have you with us as this will further strengthen the relationship between our two parishes. May I inform you also that I will be on my way soon to contact Raju (the agent for the Generator) in order for him to advise us with regards to the construction of a generator house. I will surely keep you informed with further developments out here. My regards to the entire parish as I look forward to hearing from you. Have a very fruitful and blessed week. With regards, Fr. Ambrose."
Our next meeting for anyone interested, either in going or in offering advice and support, will be on Sunday, March 19th here in the house at 7.00 p.m.
Sierra Leone: Spotted in a newspaper this week: Myleene Klass, former Hear'Say singer, visited there recently: "The small, beady-eyed chicken and the generous pile of plantains and pineapples it is perched on, are gifts to us from the people of Moyowa. Its people are among the poorest in the world but when we arrived they were gathered together singing a song of welcome and, although the chicken is of infinitely more value to them than to us, it would be horribly rude to refuse it. Despite a wealth of natural resources including gold and diamonds, Sierra Leone was until recently at the top of the chart of the world's poorest countries. It now holds second place in that inauspicious league: life expectancy is just 34 and the average income outside the capital is less than £60 a year. Yet nowhere in the world have I been made to feel more welcome."
Auction of Promises Evening: This has been put back a week to Friday March 24th. The box is in the porch for your 'Promise' whatever
it might be. Some fascinating ones have come in so far! There will be many bargains to be had so make sure that you don't miss out! No 'Promise' is too little or insignificant. It promises to be a most enjoyable evening with Steve Haswell as the auctioneer for the evening. There will be other entertainment as well as Haswell!
Teresa Ulyatt writes: "Dear Fr. Pat. May I, through the parish newsletter, thank all the parishioners for their prayers, support and kindness during my recent illness. Your prayers were very comforting and really helped me through a difficult time. I am now well on the way to recovery. God bless you all. Teresa and Les."
And following on from last week's news about Baby Leo and his Hull City top at the age of one week, he is now the 'proud possessor' of a
Sheffield United track suit. His dad Bob supports them. But I can't see him being allowed to wear it when he travels to Cottingham!
Women's World Day of Prayer: Our local service this year will be on Friday March 3rd at Christ Church on Endyke Lane at 2.00 p.m. The Christian Women of South Africa have prepared the service which has got the theme of "Signs of the Times". Men are also welcome to join in the service!
Ray and Willy Parker: Congratulations to grandson Finlay, Ingrid and Neil's son, who recently won £10,000 on the Channel Four programme "Deal or No Deal". Finlay has been doing voluntary work in Nepal recently and this money will help him to carry on that great work. He would like to work in Malawi for a year and then somewhere in South Africa for another year. Would that all our young people were a bit like Finlay! Ray and Willy are then hoping for more grandchildren!
More Generosity: An envelope came through the door this week containing £500 and the following note. "Dear Fr. Pat, I want to do something to help our church and it occurred to me that with all the work and dust etc. it would be pleasant to have some fresh altar linen as I suspect it might be looking grey by now. So please use £250 for that purpose and also send £250 to our Twin Parish in Sierra Leone for the same purpose. Please keep this as an anonymous donation just between us. With prayers and best wishes. ***** *****" Thank you ever so much for your tremendous generosity, on behalf of all of us here at Holy Cross and also those parishioners at Star of the Sea, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Sorry but we are boring: Britain is seen as the most polite and best educated nation in the world, according to a global survey. But the poll also finds that Britons are the most boring people. The French are the rudest, while the Germans are the most skilful. And Britons were rated as only ninth most hospitable people. The internet survey of 26,000 people from 35 nations placed Britain as the top country in the world when it comes to the 'brand' of a nation. Switzerland came second ahead of Canada (sorry Benedict), with Australia in ninth position and America tenth.
Pancake Tuesday: Traditionally the day when we used up all the cream, sugar and other 'goodies' before the fasting of Lent. Hence the making of 'pan cakes'. After Mass this Tuesday evening, we're going to have a Pancake Party in the Garden Room, our own Holy Cross 'Mardi Gras' which means 'Fat Tuesday'. Please bring along your own pancake mix if you can or at least the 'makings of it'. Drinks of all sorts will be provided, a last reminder if you are going 'dry' for Lent! After all, it is meant to be a real celebration!
Ash Wednesday: There will be an extra Mass at 7.00 p.m. as well as the usual morning Mass at 9.00 a.m. Ashes will be distributed at both Masses. Ash Wednesday is a day of Fasting and Abstinence. In the old days it was fasting from meat, but what if you are a vegetarian? And some fish is more expensive than some meat! So maybe abstain from something that you especially like, in my case, sweet things like biscuits, cakes and sweets. And fasting means just eating a little bit less than you would normally. You don't have to make yourself ill!
Cottingham Churches Together for Lent: Each Thursday during Lent, each of the various churches in the village will host a short time of prayer at 7.30 p.m. We are the first, starting this Thursday. Please do try and support us as we come closer together on our journey to Easter. Next week we will be at Zion and the St. Mary's.
40 Days Prayer Guide: "Knock and the Door will be Opened". We have 100 copies of the Prayer Guide which is full of good ideas for Lent for our prayer journey. Please only take a copy if you intend to use it, but feel free to take a copy for any housebound friend or parishioner. They certainly will feel the benefit of using it. All the churches in the village will be following the same programme.
Kerala Computer Genius: An Indian woman aged 106 has enrolled in a computer class, making her the oldest student by 40 years. Rosakutty, who is old enough to have seen the introduction of the car and television, has already learned to operate a keyboard. As the matriarch of a family of 56, Rosakutty, who is known by one name, decided to learn after seeing her grandchildren use computers. Her grandson, Pushkin, accompanied her to the class in the southern district of Ernakulam in Kerala state.
Desk Top Publishing: We hope to have a course in this in The Garden Room on Thursdays from around April 27th from 10.00 12.00 noon. It will be run by the Workers' Educational Association. Watch this space for further details. And even if you are 106, don't think that it's not for you! If I can produce this newsletter on a computer each week, then anything is possible!
The Floor: As you can see, most of the work is done, apart from some electrical work, the fitting of the carpet, the sound system and the loop system. Will it ever end? The carpet is costing around £2,500 and the cheapest quote was from Modus here in the village who also did The Garden Room. By the time it's all done there won't be much change out of £25,000. The worst part is that the insurance won't cover it. But that's life! The three workers, Trevor, Alan and Dermot, were excellent, even down to using the hoover each night! Now, at least, the church should last another few years!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! A big thank you to all who rallied around on Friday morning to give the church a major clean-up after all the work these past few weeks. Hopefully, if there is any more work to be done, it won't cause too much disruption and dust!
Pastoral Area Barn Dance Friday April 21st. This will take place in the Marist Hall on Cottingham Rd. from 7.30 10.30 p.m. Tickets are available from Peter O'Reilly (845459) and they are priced at £4 for Adults and £1 for Children. This is an opportunity for the parishioners from our pastoral area (Holy Cross, Holy Name, St. Vincent's, Marist and St. Anthony's) to meet for what should be a most enjoyable and relaxing evening.
Parish Prayer Circle Intention for Friday: On "Women's World Day of Prayer", we pray that, in all cultures of the world, women will be treated with equality and respect as they were treated by Jesus.
Events at The Endsleigh Centre:
"God is Love We His Image": Fr. Tony Storey and Fr. Jim O'Brien (University Chaplain) invite you to three meetings to study and discuss the first Encyclical Letter of Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday March 7th/14th and 21st from 7.00 9.00 p.m. The suggested offering is £3.
The Women of the Passion: A special Day Retreat led by Sr. Kathleen Murphy on Saturday March 11th from 10.00 3.30 p.m. She will unravel the stories of the women who accompanied Jesus during his last days. The cost for the day which includes lunch is £12.
Fairtrade Fun Night: Again at The Endsleigh Centre on Tuesday March 14th from 7.00 9.00 p.m. There will be Drama, a Fashion Show, a Quiz and a Fairtrade Stall. Chocolate (and other food) tasting! Learn more about the journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar! Entrance is free and promises to be a great fun evening.
Birthday Girl: Happy Birthday to Lydia, 14 going on *? whose birthday is today, Saturday. Read all about the original Lydia in the Acts of the Apostles chapter 16, verses 11 15. (Maybe she'll send me an invitation 'come and stay with us' and take no refusal.) Somehow I don't think so, knowing Lydia as I do!
Parish Council: We are looking for three people to replace those going off after their three year term of office. It's not too burdensome a job with only four meeting s a year plus the AGM which will be on Monday March 13th at 7.45 p.m. in the house. Don't be shy in offering yourself and your talents!
"Joseph and His Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat": The St. Mary's College Production for this year and starring myself as Jacob! It will be running on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the last week of March. Tickets are £4 for Adults and £3 for Children and Concessions. Order them from me as soon as possible. Somebody asked me last week if only people with children at the school could go. Not at all! This is open to everyone. So why not make a night of it with family and friends and see me into the bargain!
Congratulations to Rachel Barlow and Grant, married here at 3.00 this afternoon. They have travelled from South Africa for the occasion.
Anniversaries this coming week:
Saturday Jane Hamilton (Carmel Proctor's mother) and Dorothy Wright (Jim O' Hare's friend).
Sunday Ronald Smith (Ron's father) and John Gray (John's father).
Monday Stewart Kennedy (Rolf's son) and Philip Nicoll (Mary Lord's father).
Tuesday Jane Bottery and Agnes Andrews.
Thursday Maria Sayos de Navarro (Carmen's mother).
Saturday Rosetta Penna (Peter's mother).
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Angela Vacchese (B)
Sunday 10.00 James and Elizabeth Rodgers
Monday 9.00 Paul Pearce (RIP)
Shrove Tuesday 7.00 Dr. Seamus Flannery (RIP)
Ash Wednesday 9.00 Dr. Mansoor
Ash Wednesday 7.00 Annie Devlin
Thursday 9.00 Peter Price (RIP)
Friday 9.00 Jim Gardham OBE
Saturday 9.00 The Parishioners
Saturday 6.30 Joan and Harry Williams (63rd Wedding Anniv)
Sunday 10.00 Evelyn Ringbloom (RIP) Betty Doherty's sister.
Baptism Today: Congratulations to Becky and Garry Calcutt on the Christening of their first child, Hollie Rhodes.
"Count Your Blessings": See how you fare with all the questions. I did it and it cost me about £10 without the two 'freewill' offerings. Maybe each person in the family would like to do it as their Lenten effort. A bit easier than giving up the old drink, sweets, cigs etc. And far more useful! You can still enjoy Lent this way! Thanks in anticipation!
HOLY CROSS CHURCH, COTTINGHAM.
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE
GENERATOR AND TWINNING FUND
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS LENT 2006
1. Water is very precious in many countries and often has to be carried a great distance: give 10p for every tap in your house.
2. Some children never have the opportunity to go to school: give 20p for every school in your parish.
3. Many people burn wood for cooking: give 5p for each electrical appliance you have in your kitchen/ utility room.
4. Even candles are a luxury for some people: give 2p for each light and lamp switch in your house.
5. In some countries families cannot afford shoes for their children: give 1p for every pair of shoes in your house.
6. Have you a Bible in your house? If so give 10p for each one; if not give 20p.
7. Pray that you may use your time wisely: give 2p for each clock or watch in your house.
8. In some countries many people are disabled, some from acts of violence: give 1p for each healthy limb of every family member.
9. Tea and coffee are cash crops grown in some countries: give 2p for every cup of tea or coffee drunk in your home today.
10. Many malnourished children do not live 5 years: give 10p for each family member over 5 years old.
11. Some people sleep rough at night, even in Hull: give 5p for every bed in your house.
12. Many people world-wide, including children, have eye defects awaiting treatment: give 5p for each pair of spectacles in your house.
13. Communication is vital and it is nice to receive a letter or telephone call: give 2p for each telephone call, text message, letter or e-mail received today.
14. Democracy and freedom are things we take for granted, others are less fortunate: make a freewill offering for your freedom.
15. Many people do not have good medical facilities available to them: give 10p as a thank offering for our Health Service.
16. The Bible talks about a land flowing with milk and honey: give 10p if you have honey or milk in the house (Old Testament: Exodus 3: 8-17)
17. Some people are deaf and dumb: give a thank offering for speech and hearing.
18. Many people are homeless, including refugees: give 2p for every room in your house and dont forget the smallest!
19. Lack of hygiene is a prime cause of illness: give 2p for each cleaning agent in your cupboards.
20. Trees are a precious resource from which paper is made: give 5p for each newspaper and 5p for each magazine you bought last week.
21. Many people overseas have to walk everywhere: give 3p for each wheel on each car and bike owned by your family (remember the wheel in the boot!), or make a gift if you can travel by bus or train.
22. Our shops are never empty: give 10p if you go shopping this week.
23. We learn a great deal from radio and TV but they can be time wasters: give 5p for each radio and TV in your home.
24. Reading is a great leisure activity: give 5p if you belong to a library or 10p if you are reading a book at present.
25. Some countries suffer drought and the sun scorches the growing crops: give 5p if you saw the sun today and 10p if it rains or snows.
Thank you for taking part in Count Your Blessings.
Please put your contribution in an envelope marked Count Your Blessings and either drop it into the house or at the collection during Mass.
And please continue to pray for all the parishioners of our twin parish, Our Lady Star of the Sea, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The church is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served after the 10.00 a.m. Mass on Sunday. SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19TH 2006 SEVENTH WEEK OF THE YEAR |
Rest in Peace: Our prayers are with Betty Doherty whose youngest sister Evelyn died last week in the US. She had been very ill for the past five years and, according to Betty, it was a happy release. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Baby Leo (Ulyatt): Good news from Ruth and Rob! He is now well again and crying! Bad news for Dad Bob, a Sheffield Utd. supporter! Leo is the proud owner of a Hull City shirt! Can you believe that, and him only a week old! He'll probably be at the next home game! But great news on his health (physical) but mental, there's a question there! Only joking!
Glasses Found: A silver case with glasses was left on the seats near the Memorial Book side. Claim them after Mass.
Silver Ring: Also found in church the previous week and not yet claimed. If it still remains, I may use it when we are allowed to marry! But don't tell the bride (whoever she may be!).
Hull Male Voice Choir: Fr. Michael O'Connor, the President of the Society, writes to remind you that they will be giving a concert this Friday, 24 Feb. at The Endsleigh Centre at 7.00. The tickets are £3.50 and the proceeds are in aid of the Centre.
Women's World Day of Prayer: This year the service will be at Christ Church on Endyke Lane on Friday march 3rd at 2.00. The Christian Women of South Africa have prepared this year's service with the theme "Signs of the Times".
Wedding Bells: At 3.00 p.m. this coming Saturday, Rachel Barlow will have a Service of Blessing to celebrate her marriage to Grant. The civil ceremony took place in South Africa recently where they both live and work. Our congratulations go to parents Liam and Janice who have done all the co-ordinating of the service across the globe! It'll be a great day! Thank God for e-mail and the internet!
Parish Web Site: A teacher from across town congratulated me at the weekend on the fact that our site is always up to date! She had been looking for Christmas Mass times and Holy Cross was the only place she could find the correct details! So thank you, Chris Whincop, for all your dedication! You're a STAR!
Priest given gun during confession: A Roman Catholic priest hearing a confession was handed a machinegun, a hand grenade and ammunition by the man declaring his sins. The priest turned over the weapons to police in Pfarrkirchen, Bavaria, Germany, but said Church rules governing confession prevented him from revealing the man's identity. "It's unclear whether the Church has forgiven the sinner," said police. "But we are bound to earthly laws and are investigating the matter in accordance with gun laws." (The moral? Leave your guns at home when you come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation!)
Another Papal Car!: Bidders at Christie's auction house in Paris failed to reach the reserve for a car that once belonged to the late Pope, John Paul 11. The green, Polish-made 1958 FSO Warszawa M20 was pulled from the auction on Saturday last after bidding stopped short of the reserve of 200,000 euros (£135,000). The seller was the nephew of the man who chauffeured the late Pope during his years as Archbishop of Krakow. (If ever I change my car you might like to buy it as a future investment just in case I get the call to Rome! You'd get more for it than I would in the Motor Mail!)
"Dear Fr. Pat, on the 21st of January I was a guest at a wedding at Holy Cross (Jon and Rachel Busch). I thought the service was very nice and am sure everyone else did too. During the service you spoke of the rot in your church which will cost several thousands of pounds to repair. As a small contribution to your problem I enclose a cheque for £10 and hope you are soon able to begin the repairs. Best wishes, Sheila Daniel." (A lovely gesture. No address was given for a thank-you note.)
Martin House Hospice for Sick Children: Everyone is welcome to a Coffee Morning in aid of this most worthy charity at St. Mary's Church Hall here in the village on Thursday 23rd February from 10 12 noon. There will be the usual stalls etc. Cottingham Friends of Martin House would like to thank everyone for their support during 2005. A total of £1,268 has been sent to martin House during 2005. Our Holy Cross contact is Sheila Cundy.
Parish Council: We are looking for three people to join the Council to replace those who have come to the end of their three year term of office. A big thank you to Dick Woodmansey and Marian Mooney for all their hard work these past three years. Jacqui Woodmansey has 'agreed' to stay on as chairperson with Sian Evington 'agreeing' to become the vice-chairperson. The task of being a representative isn't that onerous with just four meetings during the year. If you think that you'd like to put yourself forward, have a word with either myself or with any member of the council. The AGM will be on Monday March 13th and the next 'normal' meeting will be on the following Monday.
Rest in Peace: Kathleen's cousin Kevin Morgan, whom we have been praying for recently, passed away early on Tuesday morning. Kathleen would like me to pass on her deepest thanks for all your prayers which she believed caused the miracle a few weeks ago. May he rest in peace.
Margaret Price has asked me to pass on her thanks for all your support and prayers after the death of her husband Peter after Christmas. It was a great help to her and to all her family.
The Tigers: The Tigers' 'Official Matchday Programme' has been nominated for the inaugural Football League Awards Programme of the Year. And not only that, the Kingston Communications Stadium has been nominated in the 'Best Away Ground' category. All we want now is to stay in The Championship!
"From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, Good Lord deliver us."
(Saint Teresa of Avila)
£43,056 the cost of bringing up a child: Children reach their most expensive at 16 years, costing parents an average £64 per week. This is closely followed by 15 and 11 year-olds, who cost £62 per week to bring up. The cost of raising a child from birth to 18 is £43,056. A recent poll found that children tended to become more expensive as they got older, with those under one costing around £40 a week. The biggest single expense was food, at an average of £22 per week. The next most expensive area was clothing and entertainment, both of which cost an average of £7 per week but reduced after children reached 16. Just a third of parents now expect their children to be able to manage alone financially at 18. Many parents believe that they will help with early adulthood costs, with more than 70% expecting to help their child buy their first car, and 44% anticipating paying towards the first step on the property ladder. Feel better now?
"Don't criticise too quickly. Even a clock that doesn't work is right twice a day."
Catholic Women's League Charity Accounts 2005:
League Charities: WUCWO - £53.10 WUCWO News - £24
Refugees - £150 Our Lady's Catechists - £83 Social Welfare Services - £59 Branch Donation - £150
Non-League Charities: Beverley Minster - £20 FIND - £117.85
CAFOD - £133.40 Dove House - £163.20 SVP - £104.57
Zoe's Place - £916.95 McMillan Coffee Morning - £115.00
Well over £2,000 given away to those in need during 2005! The Cottingham Holy Cross Section would like to thank the parishioners for your wonderful support, especially all the non-League Charities. And there are many other things that the parish CWL does throughout the year that never get publicised, and for all your selfless work, can I thank you on behalf of the parish of Holy Cross!
The CWL Cake Stall this weekend is for CAFOD. Thank you for all your support for our regular cake stalls and a special thanks to those who make the cakes!
Sierra Leone Visit 2007: Twelve parishioners got together on Sunday evening to look at the proposed visit. Our first priority is to contact Star of the Sea Parish to find out how many they could accommodate. Quite a few parishioners have intimated that they would like to go, including several of our 'younger' ones, ie.students. We're still looking at February half-term, flying from Gatwick on a Friday and returning the following Monday week. Our thanks to Peter for all his 'homework' about injections, diseases liable to be contracted etc! And thank you also, Jacqui for chairing the meeting and for your valuable and well-thought out input. It will not be a 'jolly' but should be jolly good fun and fascinating. We would like to make more regular visits to Sierra Leone, to plan projects that are feasible for Holy Cross to do and to find out exactly just what the people there are really in need of. Watch this space! Our next meeting will be on Sunday March 19th. Please feel free to come along and offer any help or suggestions.
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Elsie Murphy
Sunday 10.00 Mena Dent
Monday 9.00 Hazel Kennedy (5th Anniv)
Tuesday 7.00 Service of the Word and Holy Communion
Wednesday 9.00 Peter Price (RIP)
Thursday 9.00 Jim Gardham
Friday 9.00 Kevin Morgan (RIP)
Saturday 9.00 The Parish
Saturday 6.30 Angela Vacchese (B)
Sunday 10.00 James and Elizabeth (B) Rodgers
Anniversaries this coming week:
Monday Hazel Kennedy (Rolf's wife)
Tuesday Brenda Culkin (Jean Rowland's sister), Beatrice Brown, Florence Hamilton (Carmel Proctor's sister).
Wednesday Norman Lover (Hazel Corcoran's father)
Thursday John Woods-McConville (Tony's father), Gordon Tindle (Joan Horbury's brother-in-law) and Peter Reekie.
Friday Eric Tordoff (Anne's father-in-law)
Saturday Jane Hamilton (Carmel Proctor's mother) and Dorothy Wright (Jim O'Hare's friend)
Sunday John Gray (John's father).
New Smoking Law: Sir - "I will not be allowed to smoke in any enclosed public space. If I do, I will be fined. If I fail to pay the fine, I will be sent to prison. There I will be able to smoke to my heart's content." Sir "Smoking is to be allowed in the Palace of Westminster. Does this imply that Parliament is neither a club nor a place of work? For many of us that would be no surprise." Sir "Have I got this right? You cannot smoke in your local pub, but you can smoke in your local hospital."
The Bible Study Group will be meeting again this Wednesday in The Garden Room at 7.30 p.m. More details from Diana on 846555.
Bo Orphanage News and Events: On Tuesday Annie will be hosting another 'Bring and Share Supper'. This will be a 'Curry and Rice' evening. Please bring along just enough for one person as the idea is to be able to put some money in the 'collection bucket'. Her phone number is 876555. And on Wednesday Diana is hosting a 'Half-Term Soup and Coffee Morning' at 80, Hull Rd. from 10.00 1.00 p.m. Diana's phone number is 846555. Every little bit helps so if you can support one or other of the events, please do. Thanks.
Auction of Promises Friday March 31st. My "Promise" is in the box. Is yours? You can promise anything (well almost anything!) and it will be auctioned off on the night. These evenings are always great fun and great bargains can be had! What have I promised? You'll have to wait and see!
"Joseph and His Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat" The school production at St. Mary's College running the last week of March, Tuesday to Friday. I play the role of Jacob, Mr. Walmsley is Pharaoh and Mr. Nicholson is Potiphar. Promises to be great fun. Tickets can be ordered through me. They are priced at £4 for Adults and £3 for Children and Concessions (I haven't reached that age yet!). Decide which evening suits you and tell me and I'll get the tickets as soon as they come on sale. It's a show for all the family with songs that everyone will know (even with me singing them!).
Trevor, Alan and Dermot have been working all out this week to get the church ready for this weekend. They seem to find new problems at every turn. At over 70 the church is beginning to feel its age and all the associated problems old age brings! But hopefully, with a bit of surgery, we'll get quite a few more years out of it. Could I suggest a bit of a Clean-up for the church on Friday morning? We have a wedding here on Saturday and although there will be no floor covering, we'' like the place to look as good as possible. The couple are coming from South Africa and we don't want them going back and talking about us!
Kevin McNamara was installed as a Knight of St. Gregory, one of the highest Papal Honours, at a lovely service at St. Charles' on Thursday evening, presided over by Bishop John, and followed by a wonderful banquet at The Guildhall. My invitation and place marker read: Monsignor Pat Day! Do they know something I don't? Kevin started his career in Hull teaching history at St. Mary's along with Jean Longhorn who was in the English Dept. I also learned on Friday that Diana's father was also a Knight of St. Gregory, awarded for his life-long work with the CTS Publications.
Out of the Mouths of Babes:
Small boy, looking at the sanctuary lamp during a rather long sermon, "Mum, when the light changes to green can we go?"
The priest on seeing a small boy trying to reach a doorbell, said, "Let me help you, sonny." The priest gave a good ring. The boy looked at him and said, "Now Mister, run like mad."
A 102 year old lady was asked if she had any worries. "Not since I got my eldest son into an old people's home" she replied.
Old Mobile Phone? St. Mary's College is collecting them, for recycling, for the Guide Dogs for the Blind. Each one is worth £3.50. If you have one or some, bring them along to church. Thanks.
Sick: Please remember in your prayers Tony Tordoff, Peter Dyas and Ray Parker and Bill Bayliss, all in various stages of treatment at the moment.
The church is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served after the 10.00 a.m. Mass on Sunday. SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12TH 2006 SIXTH WEEK OF THE YEAR |
Congratulations! Ruth (Ulyatt) gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Wednesday night over in Sheffield. He is called Leo Matthew and weighed in at seven pounds and two ounces. Congratulations to Mum and Dad, Ruth and Rob, and to the happy grandparents, Les and Teresa.
"A baby is God's sign that he wants the world to go on."
Rest in Peace: Parishioner Jo O' Reilly's father, Daniel Francis Flynn, died earlier this week at home in Limerick aged 78. He'd had a stroke about ten years ago. Our thoughts are with his wife Mary, and Jo, Gerry and the two grandchildren, Aoife and Katie. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Fr. Ambrose Damba writes from Freetown: "Dear Gwen and Peter, greetings from the parishioners of Star of the Sea Parish and from me in particular. We hope that you all had a very blessed and grace-filled season. We are indeed very happy for such great news that you have placed in an order for the Generator. This is a very good news for the Parish as the installation of a Generator will surely ease the perpetual problem of electricity that we have been having over the past couple of years. We, the members of the Parish Pastoral Council even met yesterday in order to explore the possibility of re-wiring both the Church and the Parish House. The installation of a new Generator will surely open up many possibilities for future developments in the Parish such as an Internet Cafι cum Social Communications Centre for the youth and school-going children of the Parish and many more. Please abreast me about the persons directly responsible for the installation over here so that I will keep you people updated about things over here. Do extend to Fr. Pat our sincere thanks and appreciation for such a wonderful donation and also to you and the entire parishioners of Holy Cross Parish. Thank you very much and be assured of our prayers for you all. Bye for now and I look forward to hearing from you. With regards, Fr. Ambrose."
Pastor Steve Crossley from Christ Church on Endyke Lane said to me this week: "The life blood of our community comes more from our house groups than from our Sunday service." Interesting?
John Gorman saw this in a paper this week: "In 2003, 1,100 Christian churches closed in this country whilst 14,000 Mosques opened." Food for thought?
"Happiness is like a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."
"Never put off until tomorrow the smile you can give today."
Parish Club: We gather again this Wednesday at 12.00 in The Garden Room for food, fun and fellowship. Have you been yet?
Queuing for Communion: The Communion procession is not simply about getting up out of our seats and going up to the priest or eucharistic minister to receive Communion and then walking back to our seat again. When we come forward to receive Communion, we are not lining up as isolated individuals, couples, families or groups to be nourished and sustained for our Christian lives. We come forward together as the Body of Christ to receive the Body of Christ. As St. Augustine of Hippo reminded us, at the Eucharist we receive what we are, and we become what we receive. The Church understands the procession as a sign of the Pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, people who are on our way towards the Promised Land. We can find it difficult to concentrate on prayer sometimes and watching others going to and returning from Communion can be a true gift. Watch the parent tenderly carrying a tired child, and the family group returning from Communion. These moments can become part of our prayer rather than a distraction.
"Many a person who has never prayed when the sun was shining on life begins to pray when the cold winds come. Someone has said that so many people regard religion as belonging "to the ambulance corps and not to the firing-line of life." It is only when they have got life into a mess, or when life deals them some knock-out blow that they begin to remember God. It must always remain true that we must all go to Jesus for he alone can give us the things we need for life; but if that is going and these gifts do not produce an answering love and gratitude, there is something tragically wrong. God is not someone to be used in the day of misfortune; he is someone to be loved and remembered every day of our lives." (William Barclay)
"Count your blessings": I am writing from Serenje parish in the diocese of Mpika in Zambia. We have 82 centres or outstations. The furthest church is over 130 miles away. For the time being there are two full-time priests and two part-time priests (all average age 60). Most parishioners receive the Eucharist once or twice a year. Moreover last week I went to an outstation and met some Christians who walked three hours in order to receive Communion (no public transport). It seems to me that seven or ten miles with a car even in winter is not a big handicap! (Fr. Patrick Bataille)
Parish Council Meeting: Tomorrow, Monday, here in the house at 7.45 p.m. If you've any items for the agenda you can give them to me or to any member of the council beforehand.
Sierra Leone Parish Visit 2007: There will be a meeting in the house tonight, Sunday, at 7.00 p.m. to look at some of the possibilities re. the forthcoming visit to Star of the Sea Parish in the Spring of 2007. If you're just curious, still come along, there's no obligation attached!
"In prayer it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart." (John Bunyan)
Chance (RIP) First Anniversary: (Feb 8th) "Do pets go to Heaven?" A question that came up during my seminary training and the answer our theology professor gave? "An old lady once asked me that very question. I said, 'Would that make you happy?' And she answered, 'Yes'. And I answered, 'Heaven is a place where you will be totally happy and if that's what will add to your happiness, then your pet will be there too.'
"When one door of happiness closes another opens. But often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us." (Helen Keller)
CWL News: There will be an extra Mass on Monday evening at 7.00 for the Catholic Women's League AGM. But you don't have to be a lady or a member to join us. I'll need the support of some gentlemen!
CWL Cake Stall on the weekend of February 18/19, this coming weekend. The proceeds will go to CAFOD.
Elizabeth Rodgers suggested keeping Mass in The Garden Room until the weather warms up. We are there of course this week again as the builders continue with the floor. There is the story that when parishioners complained about the cold church, the priest used to remind them sternly: 'Many are cold, but few are frozen.'
Birthday Boy: And once again it's Tim Durkin's Birthday on Tuesday, Valentine's Day! Lots of cards, Tim, and the postie thinks they're all Valentine's Cards! What a Romeo!
St. Valentine? Supposedly was a priest in Rome who was martyred in 269. His feast falls on 14 February, about the time when birds choose their mates, all very romantic! In the Middle Ages a legend grew that Valentine, before he was led out to his execution, gave a letter to his jailer for his daughter, who had been kind to him in prison. He signed the letter: 'From your Valentine.' Little could he have suspected what business he was generating for many centuries later!
Bo Orphanage Sierra Leone: The St. Margaret of Cortona Group in the parish run by Annie has been raising funds for the orphanage over this past while. They hope to have another "Bring and Share Supper" at her house on Wednesday February 22nd. It'll be a "Curry and Rice Evening". Please bring along just enough for one person as the aim is to put money in the bucket and not on the table! The last party raised over £57. Fr. Peter is most appreciative of all that is done here at Holy Cross for the youngsters in the orphanage. We saw his letter last week. Annie's phone number is 876955.
More Bo! Diana will be hosting a Half-Term "Coffee and Soup Lunch" at 80, Hull Rd. from 10.00 1.00 p.m. but she's forgotten to tell me the day! Her phone number is 846555.
Bible Study Group: There will be no meeting this Wednesday but we will resume the following week, February 22nd.
Auction of Promises Friday March 31st. There is a box in the porch for your "Promise". Quite a few have come in but there is always room for more! An evening's babysitting, take someone out for a meal, do some gardening someone, the list is endless. There's no excuse for not making your contribution! So write it on the card and slip it into the box provided. We hope to provide a Supper on the evening of the auction so it should be good fun!
The Floor: The saga continues. Another piece finished this week and more yet to do this coming week! Trevor and his merry band of workers have been real stars. On Wednesday morning they had to finish before the funeral at 12.00. There they were, hoovering (grown builders!), dusting and moving chairs, all above and beyond the call of duty! And the Tuesday evening Mass goers once again rose to the occasion, hoovering, dusting, polishing and moving furniture, all so that the funeral could go ahead with minimal disruption. Daily Masses this coming week will once again be in The Garden Room. The end is nigh! (Until we discover something else!).
"Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" the production at St. Mary's College this year, and starring myself in the role of Jacob! Not to be missed! The production will be on the evenings of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, March 28 to 31. Tickets are Adults - £4 and Concessions/Children - £3. Let me know how many you want and for which performance and I'll get them. If I don't see you there I'll be very disappointed. You can even lob rotten fruit if you like! On second thought, I shouldn't have mentioned that!
Correction: In the report in last week's newsletter about the Area Meeting at the Marist Hall, I quoted someone as saying that 'there were still some rotweillers in charge'. That someone, who saw our newsletter, phoned to say that she didn't mean 'priests' but 'laypeople'. I can't believe that! Anyway, there's the apology! Thanks Michelle!
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Maresa Watkins
Sunday 10.00 Ethel and Donald Land
Monday 9.00 Peter Price (RIP)
Monday 7.00 CWL Mass
Tuesday 7.00 Veronica Homan
Wednesday Jim Gardham OBE
Thursday 9.00 Dorothy Hall (A)
Friday 9.00 Alice Holland (RIP)
Saturday 9.00 The Parish
Saturday 6.30 Elsie Murphy
Sunday 10.00 Mena Dent
Anniversaries this coming week:
Saturday Jack Houghton, Sheila Byron (Ray Parker's sister) and Fr. Martin Morrissey.
Sunday Edith Abel (Betty Gilson's guardian).
Monday Eric Hollingworth (Jean Kemp's father) and Isabella Kay (Ann Abel's mother).
Tuesday Mary Thomson (Harry's mother).
Wednesday Richard Proctor (Bernard's father), Genevieve Burke and Marjorie Jones (both parishioners).
Thursday Harry Mayes (Gwen's step-father), Mary Young (Michelle Percival's aunt).
Friday Sidney Taylor (parishioner).
Hull Faith Forum: This fortnightly group meets at the Endsleigh Centre on a Monday at 7.30 p.m. The topic for tomorrow is "Christ, Lord of Creation: the vision of St. Paul." The speaker will be Fr. Luiz Ruscillo. The next session will be on Monday Feb. 27th and the topic will be the new Encyclical from the Pope: "Deus Caritas Est." And the speaker will be Fr. John Cahill. Bishop John will be speaking there on Monday March 27th with the subject; "The Primacy of Christ in my Life."
Kevin McNamara MP: At a special Mass at St. Charles' this Thursday at 7.00 p.m.. Kevin will be installed as a Knight of St. Gregory, one of the highest Papal Honours, for all his work here in the city and beyond. Bishop John will be the main celebrant and everyone is warmly invited to the Mass.
Andrea Gardham writes from Magnolia House: "Dear Fr. Pat, thank you for my Holy Communion every Sunday with the news sheet. It is for me a great comfort. I love the cheery bits! Thank Jim Norton for visiting me with Communion every Sunday. My thoughts are often with you all in the church. With once more my thanks, Andrea."
Recipe for a happy marriage: The wife should love her husband a little and understand him a lot. The husband should love his wife a lot and never try to understand her at all!
The Independent on Saturday / Sunday: Would anyone have the Spanish CD and Booklet from last weekend? Even to be able to copy them would be great. Thanks in anticipation. Muchas gracias, amigos!
A housewife returned home from a shopping trip to be confronted by her husband who announced that he had killed five flies whilst she was out. He went on to say that three of the flies were males and other two were females. She was staggered to hear this as her husband was not that clever when she left for the shops, so she asked him how he knew the sexes of the flies. "Well," he replied, "the three males were gathered around an empty beer can, and the two females were on the phone!"
The church is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served after the 10.00 a.m. Mass on Sunday. SUNDAY FEBRUARY 5TH 2006 FIFTH WEEK OF THE YEAR Today's Readings: They were searching in the half-light and they found him in that lonely place: Jesus, the God-Man, in prayer; bearing the burdens of humanity to his father. Humanity, its destiny restless, striving, seeking, incomplete. Job, his life shattered had more than his share of reasons to complain: the monotony of it; the hired drudgery; the sunshine on the far off hills a cruel mirage. Oh, yes! Too well we know it: the snatched breakfast; the children still asleep; the tail-back, bumper to bumper; everybody hoping to beat the snarl; it was like that yesterday, and the day before and everyday; and then there is the coming home in the evening. It had been a busy day in the synagogue; the amazement at his miracles and the authority of his teaching; people wondering; reflected honour for his followers. When the doors closed there were more mundane things: a group of hungry men hustling for hospitality; embarrassment, the woman of the house was ill: of course there would never be a hint of annoyance at being taken for granted! And Jesus, always thoughtful, gently ends the crisis: a small domestic miracle. But they were at the door demanding greater miracles: Jesus healing the woes of his brothers and sisters; silencing the devils because they knew who he really was. "Lord, I know who you are: I come to you in the grey light of dawn; in the blistering heat of noontide; and when the world is weary at nightfall and I know you are listening." |
Church Floor: We are hoping to continue the work on the floor this Monday. Masses will be in The Garden Room during the week. The weekend Masses will be in the church. Hopefully it will nearly all be done (maybe except for the carpeting) for Rachel Barlow's wedding here on Saturday February 25th.
Counters this week: Anne and Geoff Land.
Next week: Betty and Dennis Gilson.
Hull Indian Community: There will be a meeting this afternoon at 3.00 p.m. at the Boulevard Village Hall, nest to St. Wilfrid's. The community at St. Wilfrid's have arranged it. Officers from Social Services involved with community participation hope to attend to answer any questions.
SVP News: Part of the overseas involvement of our parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference means that we are twinned with several conferences in India which we support financially. We also support several overseas students and have 'adopted' a grandparent. Our last one died recently and we have been 'given' a new one, Laxmi Devi. The sixteen members of our conference pay for her out of their own pockets with a regular collection at the meetings on a Monday night. She was born in 1930 in Dhandi, India. She is Hindu and speaks both Hindi and Pahari. She married Barru Ram at the age of 9 years old. Sadly, their marriage didn't last very long and the couple didn't have any children. Regrettably, two years after her divorce, both her parents died. This was a particularly hard time for her as she was an only child and so felt totally alone and therefore very vulnerable. Previously in her youth she worked as a housemaid. However these days she makes a small income from weaving carpets but cannot work as much as she would like to due to her failing eyesight. In addition, she suffers from high blood pressure and general weakness. Despite her ill-health, Laxmi still manages to look after herself. Fortunately she does have the help of neighbours should she ever need them. She is a very religious lady. For enjoyment, she likes to participate in singing local and traditional songs.
Fr. Peter Konteh from the Orphanage at Bo writes: "I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, on behalf of the management board and children of St. Mary's Children's' Home. I wish to take this opportunity once more to extend our utmost thanks and appreciation for all your kindness towards us. Without your usual support our venture of helping this suffering children will not have been very fruitful. Your donations have been used for the maintenance, welfare and education of the children and we are indeed very grateful. The children in turn are showing their gratitude by doing very well in their academic work. We are also introducing them to new skills like bakery, soapmaking and gara tie dyeing. These skills will be very useful to them in the future. We are presently doing a survey on street children in the township of Bo. We are shocked to know that ever after a few years after our civil war, there are still children who are homeless, sleeping in the street without food for the day. There is an increase in child labour and prostitution. Most of the girls are below sixteen. After interviewing some of them we realised that they are the sole breadwinner of their family. We have eight refugee camps around the township of Bo. The unemployment rate is very high so there is an increase in the crime rate and drugs. Please remember us in your prayers. I am thinking of coming over to the UK this year probably around July or August, so I am looking forward to seeing you all once more to renew my contact with you and in person express our thanks and appreciation. May God bless you all. Fr. Peter."
Peter O'Reilly sent out over £400 to Fr. Peter after Christmas, the result of the Smartie Collection and the Christmas Lunch Club. Thank you for all your support.
"Love Bounces Back": Princes Ave. Methodist Church.. Sally O'Connor donated much of the furniture from her mother's house to the Asylum Seekers and we got this letter back: "Some five years ago we began to welcome Asylum Seekers and Refugees to a drop-in, 'Open Doors' we called it. The Citizens' Advice Bureau come, also the Immigration Advisory Service and the National Health Service have a clinic for children especially, but adults can ask about health worries. Then two years ago a lay worker, Anne, was appointed and our volunteers increased in number. Anglicans, Roman Catholics and
Methodists all volunteered. 50, sometimes over 100 asylum seekers, refugees and volunteers mingle all over our church premises on a Thursday. We serve lunches (cooked) and a constant supply of coffee and tea. But the great joy has been that some asylum seekers, still awaiting decisions, and one now settled in Hull with a job, have come along and asked 'Is there a job we can do?' Sometimes they don't ask, they just do it. Washing-up, hoovering, stacking chairs and tables those are the practical tasks. But more significantly, they help new arrivals to settle in. They interpret for them, help them fill in forms and make phone calls. They care about them and for them. Love bounces back. There is no end to love when it is shared freely."
Holy Cross - Sierra Leone Visit: Are you interested? We would hope to travel there around Spring half-term 2007. There are regular flights from Gatwick to Freetown costing around £550, but we could probably reduce the cost for anyone interested. We are proposing to have a meeting here at Holy Cross in the house on Sunday Feb. 12th at 7.00 p.m. to look at the various possibilities open to us. It would be lovely, as happened the last time a group from the parish visited Sierra Leone, for some younger parishioners to accompany us. Sixth-Formers maybe?
We would probably go for between 7 and 10 days.
First Communions: We are still expecting Cardinal Keith O'Brien from Scotland to join us for the celebration so do keep in your prayers those preparing Jade, Charlie, Alice, Oliver, Sean, Ailish and Liam.
Parish Prayer Intention for Friday: "Following on from today's Gospel, we pray for all the sick and housebound of the parish and most especially Peter Dyas, taken ill last Monday and in hospital recovering from an operation."
Anniversaries this coming week:
Saturday Fulgenci Navarro (Carmen's father) and Muriel Wilson (Elsie Murphy's sister)
Sunday Herbert Burgan (Arthur's father) and Mary Cummings.
Wednesday Elizabeth Whincop (Pat's daughter), Terry Eagan (Betty's brother) and Eleanor O'Reilly (Peter's mother).
Friday Dermot McQuillan.
Saturday Jack Houghton (Peter's father), Sheila Byron (Ray Parker's sister) and Fr. Martin Morrissey (a friend of Eithne Codd).
Sunday Edith Abel (Betty Gilson's guardian).
Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday 6.30 Winnie McMillan (RIP)
Sunday 10.00 Anne Bridget Birkinshaw
Monday 9.00 Peter Price (RIP)
Tuesday 7.00 Rodolfo Mettler (RIP)
Wednesday 9.00 Terri Barker (A)
Thursday 9.00 John Baker (RIP)
Friday 9.00 Kay Clancey (RIP)
Saturday 9.00 The Parish
Saturday 6.30 Maresa Watkins
Sunday 10.00 Ethel and Donald Land
Christening next Sunday: Baby Farrell Charles Dopson, son of Dexter and Kim from Skidby.
Lourdes Rally in aid of the Hull Sick Fund: This afternoon, beginning with Mass at the Marist Church on Cottingham Rd. at 2.00 p.m. and followed by a social in the Parish Hall with all the usual attractions, Raffle, Tombola, Bottle Stall etc. Gerry Baker would like to thank all who donated gifts for the various stalls. The Diocesan Pilgrimage this year will be from Friday May 26th until Friday June 2nd. You can get more details from Gerry if you're thinking about going.
Holy Cross House Groups:
Monday evenings Chris Clarke 844128.
Tuesday evenings Peter O'Reilly 845459.
Wednesday evening Chris Pike 841593.
Thursday afternoon John McNicholas 876812.
Thursday evening Susan van Ling 641346.
Thursday evening Helen Rhodes 633138.
Friday evening Jim Norton 849966.
Please feel free to contact any of the above if you'd like to join one of the groups, they're always open to more. The topic at present is about the Mass and our response to it and some of the questions being discussed in the first couple of sessions are, and maybe you can talk about them at home among yourselves (1) Why do I come to Sunday Mass? (2) What do I bring to Mass that might become food for all? (3) What do I expect of the Church and Mass? What does the Church and Mass expect of me? (4) In what ways are we a parish community? (5) Are there any called by God who would not feel 'at home' in our church? (6) Think about what happens between the beginning of Mass and the first reading and why we might do these things.
"Hearts and Minds" Leaders' Meeting: Tonight, Sunday, at 60, Manor Road, Swanland, at 8.00 p.m. Telephone 633138. Just to talk over how it's going. And a very big thank you to all who are participating and to those of you who have offered their homes to host the gatherings. I'm hoping that it will lead on to greater things in the life of Holy Cross in the future.
Healing with a Purpose: It is interesting in today's Gospel how Jesus left a house of prayer only to enter a house of need. Then again, it's not so unusual, we tend to do it ourselves. We leave the Church with the words 'go in peace to love and serve the Lord' ringing in our ears only to meet people and situations that quickly challenge us to do just that. In the case of Jesus, his work is filled with meaning. It was used to serve others. Contact with him inspired others to do the same. Simon Peter's mother-in-law's first instinct with her miraculous new-found health was not to praise but to serve others. What about us? Does part of us feel like Job in the First Reading? Living and partly living a rather self-contained life, disconnected from others? Is that ladder of success up against the wrong wall? Maybe the only light we follow is the tail light of the car ahead in commuter land. Have we individualised our faith and consider it as just a private thing between us and the Lord? But God's plan for each person is touch, heal and renew our lives, so that others will actively work for his kingdom. Love and serve the Lord, it will bring you new life.
Generator News: It's ordered and the deposit of £1,590 is paid! The balance of £6,360 will be paid when it is installed in 44 days. For those in the know, the dimensions are: 1 26Kva (21.0KW), 50HZ 115/230/400volt Multi-phase. It's a Stephill Brand Generator Set: Model SSD/Y26/Multi and the total delivery cost to Freetown is £7,950.00. On behalf of the people at Star of the Sea Parish, can I thank you for all your generosity towards this most important project. Hopefully we'll see the benefits of it when we visit there next Spring!
Four Funerals and No Wedding! On Friday I took the funeral service for Peter Connaughton who died in Castle Hill Hospital last week. On Monday I have the funeral of Ethel Firmage, mother-in-law of Aileen, daughter of John Gavin. On Tuesday Kathleen Bates, and on Wednesday, Kathleen Platten. We do have a wedding coming up on Saturday February 25th - Rachel Barlow's. Something to look forward to!
Parish Council Meeting: The next one will be this coming Monday, February 13th, here in the house at 7.45 p.m. If you have any items you'd like including on the agenda, give Linda a ring on 848931. Observers are always welcome to attend.
St. Mary's Cottingham, Parish Magazine: A St. Mary's parishioner, John Gray writes about the recent Alpha programme here: "We met for eleven evenings in The Garden Room at the Holy Cross Church. What a superb, warm, well-equipped friendly place."
Diocesan Pastoral Plan: The meeting at the Marist Parish Hall on Wednesday attracted around 100 people from all the West and North Hull parishes. I was at the Mission Mass at St. Mary's the same evening but Linda reported on the meeting. "On the whole a positive feel. Laity involvement of great importance. They must be trusted by the clergy. One person felt that there were still some 'rotweillers' in charge! We seem to be an ageing church, only ten people under the age of 45 attended. The subject of married priests was mentioned but many felt that this would not be solved until many of us were no longer around! Closing churches shows that the Catholic Church doesn't care about the people. It is a negative move and we should look after what we already have. Someone said that churches shouldn't close unless due to financial reasons or a severe decline in numbers."
St. Mary's College Mission: A team of ten people spent most of the week in the school, meeting the students, leading liturgies and generally challenging them about their faith. The Sports Hall was filled with stalls representing the many groups in the city who are involved in the life of the Church, from the SVP, Amnesty, Lourdes, Cafod etc. These were manned/womanned by people from the local parishes and all the youngsters had the chance to visit them and talk to the people running them. The team were from the 'Just Youth' Mission wing of the Holy Ghost Fathers and included two young people doing a Gap Year placement, four priests, three of them from Africa called Nicodemus, Sixtus and the other an African name meaning 'God's Favour'. They really were such an enthusiastic bunch and left the students with a lot to think about. Congratulations to all the staff from the school who put so much into it.
From "The Far East Magazine": 'In 1970, twenty-five bishops of African dioceses suffering from a severe shortage of priests applied to Rome for permission to ordain proven leaders or so-called "viri probati". Rome replied that while this permission would not be granted immediately it would be possible after some time if the pastoral situation made it necessary. At the 1971 Synod of Bishops forty-five per cent of the bishops voted in favour of the ordination of such leaders. Since then the shortage of priests has become more critical both in the young Churches and increasingly in the older Churches as well. The number of Christian communities who cannot participate in the Eucharist on a regular basis has increased. Yet, at the 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, a similar proposal still failed to gain the requisite majority.' (The Far East: Jan/Feb 2006)