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Harold Bayliss RIP: A regular Mass attender, though not a Catholic, Harold, aged 84, passed away on Thursday afternoon in Hull Royal after a long illness. Harold was the small blind man who came to Saturday evening Mass with his wife Margaret. They started coming to Holy Cross in 1952, soon after their marriage at St. Vincent's with Fr. Olly Plunkett.. He leaves a son and daughter, Kathyrn and David and four grandchildren, Jon, Kelly, Rachael and Rebecca. Harold's Requiem Mass will be on Thursday at 10.00 a.m. followed by burial in Eppleworth Cemetery. There will be NO 9.00 a.m. Mass on that day. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Ted Stafford RIP: Ted, originally from Cobh in Cork, died in Hull Royal on St. Patrick's Day. His Requiem Mass will be this Monday at 11.00 a.m. followed by cremation. Ted lived in Cottingham for many years and more recently moved to The Old Vicarage Care Home in Skidby. He was 81 and leaves a daughter, Gail Mettyear and two grandchildren, Charlotte and Nicholas. His wife Maureen died 13 years ago. Can I pay a special word of thanks to Gerry Baker for bringing Ted Holy Communion every week for the past few years. I know that the family really appreciated it. May he rest in peace. Amen. There will be NO 9.00 a.m. Mass on Monday on account of the funeral.

Michael Pinder RIP: Sally has asked me to pass on her thanks for all your support and prayers especially during these past fifteen months. Michael passed away in Dove House and the collection at Mike's funeral came to £1,000 which will all go to the Hospice. Mike said the following prayer every night before going to sleep – he had found it in one of our old newsletters: It's called: "My God is No Stranger":

Priests in Italy: Robert Mickens writes in The Tablet:
"The other day I was trying to locate a priest whose name someone suggested for an interview, and in my search I stumbled across a website called "Preti On-Line" (Priests on- line). 'Are you looking for a priest who you can talk to or ask a question? Here you can find 882!' the site said. Yes, a search engine to open up virtual conversations with priests via the internet. You might be thinking these are probably all "baby priests", newly ordained and certainly under the age of 30. In Italy, where internet users are fewer in number than in the rest of the Western world, that might seem plausible. But, in fact, it's not. I found a retired bishop on 'Priests On-Line'. He's 80-year-old Mgr Vincenzo Cozzi, who stepped down four years ago as bishop from a diocese in the south. He doesn't have his own personal website, but the link to him says he will answer emails within three days. Unlike the elderly bishop, 45-year-old Fra Luca Bucci OFM Cap. does have his own web page. Going there, I discovered he's not a 'blogger', but a moral theologian, a medical doctor and an author. On-Line lists the 882 participants by the following categories: regions of Italy, religious orders, deacons, seminarians and by alphabetical order. If you're looking for a particular type of priest, this is the place to go." [Otherwise contact Holy Cross!]

Sheila Levett: Many thanks again Sheila for your traditional gift of a Simnel Cake to celebrate Mother's Day. It was eaten with great relish after the Sunday morning Mass!

"Amazing Grace" – the film about William Wilberforce – opens this weekend in Hull. Some parishioners who were at the preview found it very moving and thoroughly recommend it to everyone. Try it out!

"Les Miserables" – the production at St. Mary's College this past week has been a tremendous success. Quite a few parishioners made the effort to support the students and they all reported back favourably! It is the only musical where it is written into the contract that no one over 19 may take part! Hence no sight of me this time! I did suffer withdrawal symptoms, I can tell you! But here's to next year and whatever that brings! [There was a clip from the production on Look North on Thursday evening plus an interview with Neil Wood, drama teacher and director, and one of the stars Hannah Capes from St. Wilfrid's Parish.]

Parish Service of Reconciliation – Tuesday of Holy Week: It will follow the same format as our Advent one and take place during the Tuesday evening Mass at 7.00 p.m. Hopefully a Painless Penitential Service! ["If you don't have any sins, bring a friend who does." (from a notice in a parish bulletin). All of us are fairly good, I know, but I doubt if any of us would need to bring a friend.]

Parish Council AGM: Tomorrow, Monday, in the house at 7.45 p.m.
Would you like to join the 'team'. If so, please come along.

Florence Bock RIP: Who was she, you may ask? I saw this in the paper last week. "The remains of 83-year-old Miss Bock were discovered in her Bronx home, four years after she died of natural causes. A team of cleaners sent in by the building's new owner found her remains: a pitiable pile of bones, including a skull, lying in a dusty room next to her cane. Who knows what befell this poor woman, neglected in old age by any surviving family or friends, forgotten by local authorities, left to moulder and decay in the most horrible way, with no one to take care of the final formalities. Poor Florence, crumpled in a corner like some forgotten rag doll for four Christmases. I can't get her out of my mind."

New Babies! Congratulations to Sarah (Corcoran) and Stuart on the birth of their third child, Megan, last Tuesday, down in Leighton Buzzard. She weighed in at 8 pounds and eleven ounces. I think that Hazel and Tony now have five grandchildren! And congratulations also to Ella and James on the birth of their first child, a beautiful baby girl

Prayer and Praise Evening: The Endsleigh Centre this coming Friday from 7.30 p.m. until 9.00 p.m. For more details contact Chris Pike on 841593.

Birthday Girl: Student Helen le Caplan had a birthday during the week. The students have gone home for the Easter break and return to exams and essays! Helen sometimes reads for us at Sunday Mass and comes to daily Mass also (even after parties the night before!). Well done Helen! It was Steve Haswell's birthday last week too, and also Vanessa Wilbourne's. Vanessa and Jonathon have also celebrated their 16th Wedding Anniversary recently. And Sally O'Connor celebrated her *th Birthday on St. Patrick's Day.
Canon Michael Davern celebrates his *th Birthday this coming Thursday. His address is: 53, Kirk House, Pryme St. Anlaby.

Prayers are asked for Martin and Anthony Wood's aunt Ruth Stock, their mother's sister, who died recently in Overton House in the village. And also for Joan Nevin who was a resident in Magnolia House and who was buried from the Marist Church.

"Authority in the Catholic Church": The title of a talk to be given by Fr. Richard Finn O.P. the Regent of Studies, Blackfriars Hall, Oxford University, on Saturday, 21st April at The Endsleigh Centre at 3.00 p.m. After the discussion Fr. Finnm will be celebrating Mass. Everyone is welcome.

St. Charles Drop-In Centre: We provide a safe place for two hours each Tuesday and Friday for the homeless and hostel dwellers. We offer soup, toast, tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits and when available, socks and other basic clothing and bedding. Our friends at the Vineyard Community Church give a similar service on Mondays and Thursdays. On average 32 people, mainly men, come to the Centre. There are no paid workers, everyone is a volunteer – not even expenses are available. In the course of the last year, some 34 people helped, along with our Vincentian Volunteers and students from St. Mary's College. Can you offer a few hours a month? Have a word with Teresa Ulyatt on 845355.

Afternoon of Reflection for Lent: Led by Fr. Peter Corcoran SM who is always worth listening to, and challenging also! It's this afternoon at The Endsleigh Centre from 2 – 4.30 p.m.

Thrills not Frills: Will altar servers overcome their Nemesis or be forced into Submission? More than a thousand of them are expected to descend on the Alton Towers theme park in their first nationally organised fun day. The Archconfraternity of St. Stephen – also known as the altar servers' guild - is organising the event for servers and their families. It has negotiated a reduced rate to cover entrance and special server badges to be worn around the park on the day. Will they be fit to serve at Mass on the Sunday after that? The day has been set for Wednesday 8 August and booking forms can be downloaded from www.guildofststephen.org.

Annie writes: "The Margaret of Cortona Party last week at 'Ray's Place' for the Bo Orphanage raised £60. Many thanks to the supporters from the Indian and Continental Stores, Al Noor, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Somerfield's. A banner was made and donated by Pronta Print. Special thanks to Ann who looked after us all day and Junior and A.J. who provided beautiful food. We will have these gatherings on the first Sunday of every month."

Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday – 6.30 – Domenico Delfino
Sunday – 10.00 – Tom Brown (RIP)
Monday – 11.00 a.m. – Requiem Mass for Ted Stafford
Tuesday – 7.00 - Madge Wheelhouse
Wednesday – 9.00 – Edward Brennan (A)
Thursday – 10.00 a.m. – Requiem Mass for Harold Bayliss
Friday – 9.00 – Angela Vacchese (A)
Saturday – 9.00 – The Parish
Saturday – 6.30 – John Bottery
Sunday – Palm Sunday – 10.00 – Gladys Baker (A)

Anniversaries this coming week:
Sunday – Frances Atkin (Mary Falvey's mother)
Monday – Mike Dex (Jean's husband)
Tuesday – Mary Moss (Kath Shakespeare's mother) and Lily Sallis (Monica Cook's mother)
Wednesday – Les Coggin (Brian's father) and Edward Brennan (Dermot's father)
Friday – Kenneth Culkin (Jean Rowland's brother) and Catherine Kemp (Jean's mother-in-law)
Saturday – Gladys Baker (Gerry's mother) and Jessie Wackett.
Sunday – Mary Stephenson (John's mother)

Cottingham Churches Together for Lent: Our final 'Joint Service' is this coming Thursday at The Methodist Church at 7.30 p.m. On the same evening there is a Station Mass at Queen of Martyrs Church in Bransholme at 7.00 p.m.

Retiring Collection this weekend: We don't have them often, as you know, but Survive-Miva is a very worthy cause, supplying transport for missionaries. Peter Watts will be making the appeal.

Lent Vigil for Peace: The Endsleigh Centre this Tuesday from 7 – 12 midnight. It will include, Mass, Exposition, Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy and Rosary. For more details contact Sr. Catherine on 342779

Local Parishes Barn Dance: Our second one, following the success of the last one. It will be at The Marist Parish Hall on Cottingham Rd. on Friday April 20th from 7.30 – 10.30 p.m. Peter O'Reilly has tickets. Adults - £3 with accompanied children FREE!

St. George's Day – Monday April 23rd. And we are celebrating it here at Holy Cross with a traditional "Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding Dinner" in The Garden Room. There is a list in the porch for you to sign if interested. Don't wait too long or you might just be disappointed! It's about time that George was given a 'look-in'.

Parish Dinner: This annual event will be on Friday May 11th at The Endsleigh Centre and the estimated cost will be £14. A list will appear shortly. Don't confuse it with George's!

Books on Wheels: A free service offered by the WRVS, delivering books once or twice a month. Contact Elaine Moll on 876747.

Rest in Peace: Michael Pinder, an honorary parishioner and, along with his wife Sallie part of our team of Counters, died quietly in Dove House early Monday afternoon, with Sallie holding his hand. For the past few years Mike has struggled with cancer and this past 15 months have been a bonus. Mike will be brought into Holy Cross at 6.00 p.m. tomorrow, Monday, followed by Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 10.30 a.m. and then cremation at Haltemprice. Can I once again pay a special word of thanks to Chris and Mike Eyres who have brought the Eucharist to Mike and Sallie every Sunday for many, many months. Sadly they were both away on holiday when Mike died. They really had become part of the family.

Mother's Day: And where are the plants we've been getting these past number of years, you ask? Well, after much thought, [actually, not that much!] and with our next "Star of the Sea" project being the provision of two new classrooms, I felt that we should offer the plants or their value to the parents out there in the form of support for their children. So what you are not getting will go towards the provision of the two new classrooms. I hope you're happy with that?
Father Ambrose emailed during the week the following: "I have been out and about in town today to get the prices of the building materials you requested, and they are as follows:
1. One Breeze Block costs Le 4,000.00 (Four thousand Leones). This is equivalent to 80p.
2. One Bag of Cement costs Le 30,000.00 (£6).
3. One Strip of Corrugated Roofing costs Le 20,000.00 (£4)
So there's a good start to the project! Maybe you can help? In the next week or so we'll announce details of the Child Sponsorship Programme, roughly 10 years for around £200. Watch this space!
We had an open meeting on Tuesday after evening Mass to look at what we should be doing next. Eighteen people came along with quite a few apologies and we got through a huge amount of business. Jacqui Woodmansey (chair of the Parish Council) and Georgia O'Connor (6th Former at St. Mary's College) are going back out on July 27th at the request of the Parish Council there to work with the young people and the Vocational School Students in planning projects for them to do which would help with fundraising there. Many of your very generously agreed to sponsor their "Walk" and they are most grateful. We have decided that the next Parish Group to go out will take place in October 2008.

Lenten Reconciliation Service at St. Charles: Tomorrow, Monday at 7.00 p.m.

Cottingham Churches Together Lent Service: This week we are at St. Mary's starting at 7.30 p.m. and next week we will be at The Methodist Church for the final one.

Afternoon of Reflection for Lent: Arranged by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Father Peter Corcoran SM will lead this period of reflection on Sunday March 25th, at The Endsleigh Centre from 2 – 4.30 p.m. Everyone is most welcome. Fr. Peter is certainly worth listening to!

Lenten Vigil for Peace – at The Endsleigh Centre on Tuesday March 27th, from 7 p.m. – 12 p.m. This will include Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy and Rosary. All are welcome. For more details phone Sr. Catherine on 342779. Bed and Breakfast is available: En suite single - £15: Single room - £10.

Princess Diana – A Saint in the Family?: The Vatican is to consider the cause of Fr. Ignatius Spencer, the great-great-great uncle of Diana, Princess of Wales, after an exhausting 12-year investigation by Catholic authorities in Britain. The files on the Victorian priest have been sent to Rome within the past few days after the Archdiocese of Liverpool concluded that there was nothing in his background to suggest he had not lived a life of 'heroic virtue'. Although a miracle now needs to be attributed to Fr. Spencer before he can be beatified by the Pope and declared 'blessed', Church sources predicted this may take as little as five years. A second miracle would then be required for him to be proclaimed a saint. Fr. Spencer was born in 1799, the youngest son of the 2nd Earl, the First Lord of the Admiralty, and grew up at the family home at Althorp, Northants. But he turned his back on a life of wealth and comfort to become a Catholic priest. He changed his name from George to Ignatius, and tirelessly worked for the conversion of England to the Catholic faith. He also went to Ireland to work with victims of the potato famine. [A saint? I can think of some of you who are better qualified!]

Washing Machine: The SVP in the parish are looking for a second hand washing machine for a needy person in the village. Maybe you have one you don't need? Speak either to myself or Les Ulyatt (the SVP President) on 845355.

Prayers for the Sick and Housebound and Carers: Please remember Lilian and Peter Fowlston, Patrick and Mary Falvey, Jean and Ken Wiles, Ted Stafford (very ill in HRI), Joan and Ron Bottery, Peter Levett and Ray and Willy's friend Gerard in Holland.

Appeal Next Sunday: Parishioner Peter Watts will be speaking on behalf of "Survive – Miva" (miva = missionary vehicle association), a Catholic Lay Association with over 30 years' experience funding essential transport in the developing world. In 2006, a total of 132 different modes of transport were provided thanks to donations received in the course of the year. The break-down was as follows: 32 Ambulance/community health outreach vehicles, 62 motorbikes/mopeds/scooters, 33 bicycles, 2 boats/outboard motors and 3 autorickshaws. Obviously having just returned from West Africa we can see the need for such a Charity. Fr. Stephen Breen from Sacred Heart Parish in East Hull, benefited from MIVA when he was stationed in Africa. It does work! And thank you, Peter, for taking the time to be involved.

Recent Birthdays: Clare Percival has just celebrated her 24th and Jonathon Davies his 13th. Jonathon's dad, Glynn, has also had a birthday in this past week or so. Thought he'd escaped!

Church Heating: A Plea! If you turn down the thermostat during Mass, please remember to turn it back up at the end! On Monday morning at Mass we were frozen as the heat hadn't come on! And the same applies for The Garden Room. If you turn down the thermostat at the boiler please remember to turn it back up again for the next users of the room.

St. Mary's College: Parent-Parish-Partnership. Thursday April 19th. An opportunity for parents, parishioners and teachers to meet informally and explore current issues in the education of our young people. From 7.00 – 8.30 p.m. Key agenda items include the recent OFSTED and Diocesan reports and the Kirkland Rowell parental feedback. There will be informal discussions with the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team. Everyone is welcome, including prospective parents, and there will be Cheese and Wine available!

Parish Lunch Club: This Wednesday in The Garden Room at noon. Why not give it a try if you haven't already done so? Good food, fun and fellowship!

Diary Date: Inaugural Lecture given by parishioner Professor Andrew Jonas in the Middleton Hall on Monday 30 April commencing at 6.00 p.m. And the subject? "Local Spaces of the American State: From Ideals to Politics of Place and Scale." The congregation has been invited. RSVP A.Watson@hull.ac.uk or Tel: 465385 or Fax: 466340

Barn Dance: Organised by the North and Central Hull Parish Group: At The Marist Parish Hall on Friday April 20th, from 7.30 – 10.30 p.m. with The Mountain Ash Folk Dance Band. Tickets: Adults £3 Accompanied Children are free. Please bring a sweet or savoury dish for our shared table. Peter O'Reilly has the tickets.

Humberside Police Authority – Cottingham Neighbourhood Panel. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 11th April in The Civic Hall at 7.30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.

B.I.B.L.E. Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.

Parish Council AGM: This will take place on Monday March 26th. Would you like to come on to the Parish Council? We meet four or five times a year, and help to plan many of the activities that go on in the parish. It's not that strenuous or time consuming, and is often quite fun! Have a word with myself or anyone on the Council.

Derringham Bank Methodist Church: I'm there tomorrow evening at 7.30 giving a presentation on our recent trip to Sierra Leone.

Les Miserables: Last opportunity to get your tickets to see this wonderful show at St. Mary's College this week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Limited tickets left. £5 for Adults and £3 Concessions. Tell me if you'd like some.

Food, Glorious Food! Two Dinners coming up! We're going to celebrate St. George's Day in style with a traditional 'Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding Dinner' in The Garden Room on Monday April 23rd, his feast day. There is a list in the porch if you'd like to come along. Any profits will go towards the school building fund at Star of the Sea. And the date for the Parish Dinner is Friday May 11th at The Endsleigh Centre. It is estimated that the cost will be about £14. A list will go up shortly. Make sure your name is on the right one!

Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday – 6.30 – Catherine Johnson (RIP)
Sunday – 10.00 – Bridget Downey
Monday – 9.00 – Mary Gavin (A)
Tuesday – 10.30 – Requiem Mass for Michael Pinder (No Ev. Mass)
Wednesday – 9.00 – Sheila Brady (RIP)
Thursday – 9.00 – Daniel Rainey (RIP)
Friday – 9.00 – Anthony Guazzelli (B)
Saturday – 9.00 – Brown Family Intentions
Saturday – 6.30 – Domenico Delfino
Sunday – 10.00 – Tom Brown (RIP)

Anniversaries this coming week:
Saturday – Patrick McPhillips, Charles Watts (Peter's father), Agnes Smith (Dorothy Hought's mother), Philip Maguire, and Peggy Smyth.
Sunday – Bridie Lynch (Edward Flanagan's aunt).
Monday – Tom Rewston and Harry Park (Jean Gray's brother)
Tuesday – David Farnworth (Carmen's husband), Thomas Goard (Tricia Leach's father) and Mary McKeown (Moira Thomson's mother).
Wednesday – Hannah Callaghan (Kathleen Burgan's mother), Teresa Hargreaves (Tom's mother), Thomas Courtenay, Mary Gavin (John's wife), John McAllister (Joan Gibson's brother), and Jenny Petherbridge.
Thursday – Hilda Codd and Eileen Browne (Rosemarie's mother).
Friday – Monica Mason (Chris Bailey's mother), Wilf Spaven and Sheila Batten (David's wife).
Sunday – Frances Atkin (Mary Falvey's mother).

Diana's 'Daily Missal' has been removed from the church. Do you know where it is? She'd like it back.

The Marriage Course: To celebrate the end of this present course there will be a Celebration Meal in The Garden Room on Thursday March 22nd starting at 7.00 p.m. The eight sessions are designed to help any married couple strengthen their relationship and all who have 'done' the course can't speak highly enough about it. Each session begins with a meal so it's a chance to have a night out 'on the cheap' (so to say!). For more information speak to Peter or Gwen O' Reilly on 845459. The celebration meal costs £10 per couple.

Books On Wheels: A free service offered by the local WRVS, with books delivered once or twice a month. It's a service for housebound readers with no other access to the library. For more details speak to Elaine Moll on 876747

Sierra Leone Consignment: We hope to have another 'load' ready in the next few weeks. Hallgate Infant School have given us chairs and educational toys. We are still looking for clothes for the children (up to the age of about 15). And of course, pens, pencils, crayons, reading books etc. Anything can be left in the porch.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S WEEKEND!

Last week's letter re. our amalgamation with Holy Name Parish: "Before Bishop John left for his period of recuperation, he had appointed Fr. John Wood of the Holy Name Parish to take up the new appointment of Parish Priest of Withernsea later on this year. After considering a number of options, many of which are already enshrined in the diocesan pastoral plan, your Parish Priest has agreed to take on the responsibility of the Holy Name from the beginning of May 2007. Mindful of the existing workload of Fr. Pat, Fr. Bill Serplus currently in Middlesbrough has agreed to take up residence in the Holy Name presbytery from the beginning of May, to assist Fr. Pat, in the short term, to ensure a smooth transition. We are confident that all will be generous and supportive as we work towards the decisions which inevitably have to be made for the good of all."
St. Anthony's Parish: Added to the above was: "As St. Anthony's is twinned with Holy Name, Fr. Bill will provide pastoral support, in the short term, until priestly provision for the wider needs of Hull is assessed. We will all want to be generous and considerate as we work towards the decisions which inevitably have to be made for the good of all."
Holy Name Parish: "With the appointment of Fr. John Wood to Withernsea, the diocese finds itself no longer able to provide a resident priest because of the reduced numbers of clergy at this time. Reluctantly therefore, I and my Council have had to make the decision to place your parish under the pastoral care of Holy Cross, Cottingham. In the coming weeks, Fr. Pat will be discussing with Fr. John and yourselves the best way to carry out this responsibility." (edited)

Michael Pinder is now in Dove House and is very, very ill, maybe only a matter of days. Please remember Sallie and all the family at this time. And can I thank Chris and Mike Eyres who have 'religiously' brought the Eucharist to them every Sunday after Mass over this past year.

An Afternoon of Music and Reflection for Lent: "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." (Victor Hugo). The day will be led by Fr. Stephen Maughan from St. Charles, at The Endsleigh Centre on Saturday 17th March from 12 – 4 p.m. and beginning with lunch. Cost £10. For more information call Sr. Catherine at The Centre on 342779.

Let Yourself be Loved: I was going to call him on the phone, but he called before I did. I knew that he'd been away, indeed that he'd been sick on the journey, but now he'd returned and we would see one another soon. Nevertheless, I'd wanted to call him straightaway, just to make contact, have a quick exchange, and mark a date when we would meet and talk properly. But he beat me to it. The telephone rang. I picked it up not thinking of anybody in particular and there was his voice.
     As we chatted I was aware of my own feelings. First the sheer joy at hearing his voice again; but almost immediately after that a certain uneasiness and shame because I hadn't been able to call him first. To some extent I'd failed him and I felt bad about it.
     Then, shortly afterwards, and still talking on the phone, an interesting thing happened. I noticed that I now felt easy and happy inside. Why? Because I realised that I'd given him the chance to show his love for me before I'd shown my love for him… and that was worthwhile.
     At times, allowing oneself to be loved is more difficult than to love. And one doesn't exist without the other.

Family Fast Collection: Many, many thanks for your continued generosity. So far the amount collected is £670.57 of which £366 was Gift-aided which added another £102.48 to the total, making it £773.05. And again our thanks to Leo for co-ordinating these collections and dealing with CAFOD.

The Humber Bridge Cross Sponsored Walk for Christian Aid. Leo does this every year and takes up a collection after the Masses that weekend. This year the Walk will for the first time also be supporting CAFOD. It's on Saturday May 12th starting at 2.00 p.m. More details to follow.

St. George's Day Dinner? It's about time we celebrated our National Saint and Feast Day. So, we're planning a typical English Dinner in The Garden Room on Monday evening, April 23rd (in case you didn't know!). Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings etc. with all the trimmings. Sounds good? Obviously the numbers will be limited but we can cater for around fifty people. If you are interested have a word with either myself or Gwen on 845459. Any profits will go towards our Freetown Project, the two school classrooms that we're proposing to build. Any suggestions for entertainment?

Terry Waite Presents Emmaus: You are invited to an Afternoon with Terry Waite CBE and Honourable Alderman Patrick Doyle (Chairman of Emmaus Hull) this Tuesday at The Guildhall starting at 3.30 p.m. Emmaus communities offer homeless people a supportive home, meaningful work and the chance to regain their self-respect in a positive community environment. And their Motto? "Giving people a bed and a reason to get out of it."

Area Lenten Station Mass: And this week we will be at The Marist Church on Cottingham Rd. on Friday at 7.00 p.m. Try and be there if at all possible, a little extra for Lent maybe?

The Problems of a Parish Priest (found among Mary Wood's 'things' [the mother of Fr. John] when she moved to St. Catherine's Home.)
If his homily is a few minutes longer: "He sends us to sleep."
If it's short: "He hasn't bothered."
If he raises his voice: "He's shouting."
If he speaks quietly: "You can't understand a thing."
If he's away: "He's always on the road."
If he stays at home: "He's a stick in the mud."
If he's out visiting: "He's never at home."
If he's in the presbytery: "He never visits."
If he talks finance: "He's too fond of money."
If he doesn't: "Nobody knows what he's up to."
If he organises a bazaar: "He wears everyone out."
If he doesn't: "The parish is dead."
If he takes time with people: "He goes on and on."
If he's brief: "He never listens."
If he starts Mass on time: "His watch is fast."
If he starts a minute late: "He holds everyone up."
If he decorates the church: "He's spending too much money."
If he doesn't: "He's letting everything go."
If he is young: "He lacks experience."
If he is old: "He ought to retire."
And if he dies: Well of course: "No one could ever take his place."

"Les Miserables": The St. Mary's College Production this Lent. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, March 20, 21, 23 and 24. Beginning at 7.30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are : £5 for Adults and £3 for Concessions. See me for tickets and don't leave it too late! This is the longest running musical in the West End, going for the past 21 years! You'll never see it in Hull!

"A survey carried out recently showed that the average British household spends more each week on gambling than on fresh fruit and vegetables… Unfortunately, three cherries on a fruit machine don't count towards your five portions a day!"

Sierra Leone: What a wonderful turn-out on Tuesday for the slide presentation on the recent trip, with maybe fifty or sixty squeezed into the Garden Room after Mass, where most of them were also. Also good to see some visitors from the local churches in the village. We are preparing our next consignment for shipping in the very near future and we are looking for (this is what the people at Star of the Sea School asked for): Pens, pencils, exercise books, crayons, water paint and brushes, rulers, sharpeners, erasers, more books for the library, old clothing for 3 - 15 years (boys and girls), adults clothes, old shoes and bags. Anything can be left in the porch in the coming weeks. Thank you.
We are having a meeting on Tuesday after Mass in The Garden Room to investigate further some of the things we might do, such as Sponsoring Children in their education etc. There has been a very good response to this need especially from many parishioners.

"Wilberforce: Making Goodness Fashionable." The title of a lecture given by Rev. Dr. Clifford Hill from Bedford on Thursday this week at Swanland Church at 7.30 p.m. Friday at Hessle Methodist, and Saturday at Beverley Minster (The Peter Harrison Room) at 7.00 p.m.

"Did is a word of achievement. Won't is a word of retreat.
Might is a word of bereavement. Can't is a word of defeat.
Ought is a word of duty. Try is a word for each hour.
Will is a word of beauty. Can is a word of power."

That Vatican Football League: Hoping for fair play, the priestly passions reached fever pitch! In the long awaited inaugural match of the 16-team "Clericus Cup" tournament, the all-Brazilian students of the Pontifical Gregorian University took on a largely Mexican team of trainee priests from Mater Ecclesiae Seminary. Hoping to avoid red and yellow cards, the referee had to brandish two yellow cards, while an ambulance crew had to help one player writhing on the synthetic pitch. The game was a one-sided affair with the Mexicans easily outpacing their chubbier Brazilian opponents to win 6 – 0. Since their goalkeeper's name was Jesus, perhaps they were never likely to lose! (After all, Jesus saves!).

An agnostic found himself in trouble and a friend suggested he pray. "How can I pray when I do not know whether or not there is a God?" he asked. "If you are lost in the forest," his friend replied, "you do not wait until you find someone before shouting for help."

"Amazing Grace" coming soon to a screen near you! This film is based on the true story of William Wilberforce. It chronicles his extraordinary contributions to the world, primarily his 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, which he won in 1807. He was also instrumental in passing legislation to abolish slavery in the British colonies, a victory he won just three days before his death in 1833. Fr. Tony was invited to the premier in Hull recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. You might too! The hymn 'Amazing Grace' was written by John Newton who was a slave trader off Sierra Leone. In 1748 he was shipwrecked off Lough Swilly in Donegal, converted to Christianity, ordained into the Church of England in 1764. His tombstone reads: "John Newton, Clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy." He died in 1807 aged 82.

Anniversaries this coming week:
Saturday – Thomas Thomson (Harry's father).
Sunday – Ada Norton (Jim's mother) and Edmond White (Pauline Howlett's father).
Monday – Josephine Codd, Thomas Gilson (father of Dennis) and Peggy Radley.
Tuesday – Florence Walsh (Marion Mooney's mother), Allen Harrison and Elizabeth O'Neill (Anne Purdy's mother).
Wednesday – Stanley Lord (Tony's father), Mary Shipley (Mary Pidd's mother), Ralph Dagleish (Teresa Ulyatt's father), Emily Milsom, John Campbell (Christine's husband) and Rose Dyas (Peter's mother).
Saturday – Patrick McPhillips, Charles Watts (Peter's father), Agnes Smith (Dorothy Hought's mother), Philip Maguire, and Peggy Smyth.
Sunday – Bridie Lynch (Edward Flanagan's aunt).

Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday – 6.30 – Joan and Harry Williams – 64th Wedd. Anniv.
Sunday – 10.00 – Eddie White
Monday – 9.00 – Domenico Delfino
Tuesday – 7.00 – Fr. Timothy Feeley (90th Birthday today!)
Wednesday – 9.00 – Jean Kemp (In Thanksgiving)
Thursday – 9.00 – John Bottery
Friday – 9.00 – Christine Carruthers (RIP)
Saturday – 9.00 – Dora Tulip (B)
Saturday – 6.30 – Catherine Johnson (RIP)
Sunday – 10.00 – Bridget Downey

The children preparing the their First Holy Communion will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time this coming Saturday at 10.00 a.m. Pray for them and their families.

St. Margaret of Cortona Group: We help raise funds for the Orphanage at Bo in Sierra Leone. Our next event will be on Saturday next at "Ray's Place" on Princes Ave. from 11 – 4.30 p.m. Curry will be served but you can bring your own drinks and snacks. Helpers are needed. Speak to Annie on 876955. The last party was noticed by other café owners on the Avenue and the staff at the Indian and Continental who provided the pulses. Al Noor provide the rice (I saw enough of that in Sierra Leone!).

Father Tony: As I write this on Friday, Fr. Tony is awaiting a Catscan. He had his operation on Monday and a second one on Tuesday and has been in the intensive care unit at Castle Hill all week. The care he is receiving has been wonderful. The first nurse he met on Sunday as he went in said, 'You baptised me and married my parents!' A great start. Please do continue praying for him as this is a crucial period in his recovery. Tony has a sister Patience aged 86 who lives in Dorset and a brother John aged 94 in Perth, Australia. Marian's sister lives nearby and keeps him on touch with the news. (And please don't phone the hospital, they are busy enough).

Birthday Boy: It's Father Tony's 88th Birthday on Tuesday. He's not celebrating it as he would have liked but I'm sure he would appreciate any cards you might like to send. It would help give him such a boost. They can be sent to "Cardiac ICU, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Hill, Cottingham" or give them either to Marian or myself and we'll deliver them.
Birthday Girl: Louise Rizk celebrates her Birthday on Monday, the same day as me! Congratulations to the both of us! Louise is a Sister in the Short Term ICU Unit at Castle Hill Hospital.
Birthday Boy: And who got a big surprise last Monday evening? Expecting a small intimate family gathering at The Mill, Mike Haughey was gobsmacked to be met with nearly forty friends and parishioners! Due to the Parish Council Meeting I could only pop in for a few minutes but was able to report on Fr. Tony who had just had his operation. So congratulations, Mike, we all knew but you!

Sierra Leone Evening: And the first of many I'm sure! I will be showing my slides (over 300 of them!) in The Garden Room after Mass on Tuesday, starting at about 7.45 p.m. WE do hope to arrange the sponsoring of children in the school in the near future among other things, and if you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us know.

"Dear Fr. Pat, I have been moved by what I have heard about your visit to Sierra Leone, to be among the desperately poor people there. I live a modest life in a small house in Cottingham but I have all that I need, and some to spare, so I enclose a cheque for £1,500 which I know you will put to good use. May God bless all our small efforts." (anonymous)
I have also been given another £100 for the Orphanage at Bo from John Bottery's funeral and another parishioner gave me £200 the day we returned for our project in Africa. What generosity and goodness! God bless you all!

Lent Station Mass: This Friday we are at Holy Name with Mass beginning at 7.00 p.m. Obviously with this weekend's news, it takes on a whole new perspective so it would be great to see a goodly and godly number from Holy Cross there! (The future is bright, the future is Holy Cross and Holy Name!) Not a bad slogan, eh?
Lourdes Get Together for the Young People who'll be travelling with us in May: Just a reminder – we expect you here at 2.00 p.m. next Sunday. It's an opportunity for those involved to get to know each other. We should be finished by around 4.00 p.m.

The Rite of Election at the Cathedral: Most of our Enquirers (those seeking to become Catholics at Easter and there are nine of them) travelled to the cathedral with their families to be Enrolled among the Elect by the Vicar General (in the absence of Bishop John). It was a most moving ceremony with over 70 people from all around the diocese 'signing up'! So continue to keep them in your prayers for the rest of Lent.

Gift-Aid Giving: With effect from 6 April 2006 any individual completeing a self assessment tax return for the year ended 5 April 2005 and subsequent years may request that some or all of a tax repayment be given to any of the parishes within the Diocese of Middlesbrough. For the purpose of this scheme each parish has been allocated a unique code and the Holy Cross code is HAR57CG. The repayment is treated as a Gift Aid donation – so the charity receives a donation equivalent to the amount of the tax repayment plus basic rate tax e.g. Tax repayable - £390. Tax relief due on above – repayment treated as Gift Aid donation - £110. Amount credited to the charity bank account - £500.

"Does God Heal Today?" We are having a Cottingham Churches Together Healing Service this evening, Sunday, at the Methodist Church starting at 6.30 p.m. Everyone is most welcome to come along.

Churches Together Lenten Service: And this Thursday we are being led by Cottingham Community Church and it will be at the Methodist Church again. It starts at 7.30 p.m.

A Eucharistic Minister's Tale: "I just wanted you to know what happened to me last Sunday when I visited Beth Harper at the Arches. Instead of sitting curled up in the chair in her own private world, she was sitting upright and recognised me and was eager to receive Holy Communion. The staff helped her into a wheelchair and took her to the quiet lounge. Another resident, Kath Joyce joined us. In the quiet lounge we met Jan Woodmansey with Jackie, as they visited Jan's mother Joyce. Beth never fails to amaze and when Jackie spoke a little of her trip to Sierra Leone, she managed to tell us that her brother had been serving in Sierra
Leone during World War 2. All of us them were able to share the Eucharist together including Jan's mother. Since Beth went into The Arches – Louis Hestor, Marie Guazzelli and Ann Sullivan (all RIP) have been part of that sharing. Occasionally friends and families have joined us, as have some residents. It must be difficult to leave parents in a residential home. Beth's family have to travel up from Lincoln now. I too sometimes find it hard to go, especially as Beth is gradually slipping more and more into her own world, often only speaking to join us in a resounding rendition of 'Hail Mary' or to sing 'O Sacrament Most Holy'. But I am tremendously encouraged in my faith every time I go and thank God that probably through the least 'cognitively aware' person in the place, He has touched so many of us." (Christine Pike)

God Speaks: "The man whispered, 'God, speak to me' and a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear. So the man yelled, 'God, speak to me', and the thunder rolled across the sky. But the man did not listen. The man looked around and said, 'God, let me see you', and a star shone brightly. But the man did not notice. And the man shouted, 'God, show me a miracle'. And a life was born. But the man did not notice. So the man cried out in despair, 'Touch me God, and let me know you are there', whereupon God reached down and touched the man. But the man brushed away the butterfly and walked on."
Don't miss out on a blessing just because it isn't packaged the way that you expect. (Thanks to parishioner Edward Fullerton for this)

Hull Faith Forum: The talk tomorrow night, Monday, is titled "The Evangelisation of Culture in the 4th Century" by Fr. Michael Brown who has a PhD in Classical Culture. The talks are at The Endsleigh Centre and begin at 7.30 p.m. and are open to everyone.

Terry Waite Presents Emmaus: You are invited to an Afternoon with Terry Waite CBE, President of Emmaus UK and The Honourable Alderman Patrick Doyle, Chairman of Emmaus Hull, on Tuesday 13th March at 3.30 p.m. in The Guildhall, Hull. Emmaus communities offer homeless people a supportive home, meaningful work and the chance to regain their self-respect in a positive community environment. Each Community aims to become self-supporting through their recycling business, with any surplus being used to help others in need. Their motto is : "Giving people a bed, and a reason to get out of it." Pat Doyle also adds: "Dear Fr. Pat, the 'Drop-in Centre' owes a great debt to Holy Cross – the Emmaus Project arises from our work there – so anyone from your parish(es) will be very welcome to attend the Terry Waite function. Yours sincerely, Pat Doyle."

Manna Coffee Shop: If you can wield a paint brush then Manna is looking for you next Sunday afternoon. It's getting a bit worn now and needs a makeover. Paint and brushes will be supplied, just the arms to use them are needed. They hope to begin after the various morning services in the village.

St. Patrick's Night Dinner and Dance: Organised by The Irish Association of Kingston upon Hull, of which I am the President this year! It will be on Saturday March 17th 7.00 for 7.30 p.m at Myton Site, Staff House, Hull University. The tickets are £25 and Dress is formal and gents black tie. We need to know the numbers by Friday of this week (you don't need to be Irish to go, just someone who enjoys the craic!)

Parish Council News: Our AGM will be on Monday March 26th. The new Chairperson is Sian Evington and Linda Gillard has kindly agreed (!) to stay on as secretary. If you feel you could contribute to the running of the parish by being on the Parish Council, please let me know. The date for the Parish Dinner is Friday May 11th at The Endsleigh Centre.

The Titus Bramble Supporter's Club: Patrick Brittain is hoping to set this up. Would you like to join him? No? I should have guessed! But a good try, Patrick! Ask him!

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, East Hull: Their fund-raising committee has asked me to mention the following events.
Spring Fashion Show by Bon Marche – Wednesday 14th March, tickets £4 / £2.50 concessions to include glass of wine/soft drink and nibbles and there will be a raffle and tombola.
Musical Choir Evening by the Society of MICE (Easter Concert) – Tuesday 10th April (after the 7.00 p.m. Mass) free admission (there will be a retiring collection), interval/refreshments and raffle. For more information please contact Joanne Charlton on 880566. It's good to help!

CAFOD Live Simply Day of Reflection: Saturday March 10th from 10.00 – 4.00 p.m. at English Martyrs Church Hall in York. Teresa Ulyatt can offer some lifts. The day will be facilitated by Liam Hayes, a member of CAFOD's Spirituality Team who has recently returned from the international launch of 'Livesimply' in Nigeria.

"Les Miserables" St. Mary's College Production this Lent. This is the longest running show in the West End, now in its 21st year! I've seen it three times and it's wonderful! This is the school edition, slightly adapted but stills run for nearly two and a half hours. It will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, March 20, 21, 23 and 24. Tickets are £5 for Adults and £3 Concessions. The show commences at 7.30 p.m. each evening. If you'd like tickets see me as soon as possible. Don't leave it till the last minute. There will be a run on them as the school edition is rarely put on anywhere and it's a show everyone wants to see!
The College had an Ofsted Inspection recently and the word on the street is that it was judged to be excellent in all areas. When the full report comes out we will have more details. And remember parishioner Mike Davidson, one of the deputies at the College who today Sunday is off to Ghana in West Africa for a week to look at one of our sister schools there and to exchange ideas. Another deputy head who shall remain nameless but with the initials DW suggested giving him a one way ticket!

Anniversaries this coming week:
Sunday – Rosetta Penna (Peter's mother)
Tuesday – Leonard Bezemer (Willy Parker's father), Elsie Abel (Betty Gilson's mother), Philip Doherty (Gerry's brother), Ted Gillyon (Teresa Ulyatt's brother-in-law), and Alwyn Drew (Christine Campbell's brother).
Wednesday – Sarah Woods McConville - (Tony and Shirley's daughter)
Thursday – Nicola Scopelliti (Peter and Rosaria's uncle) and Edward Berry (Pat Britton's father)
Saturday – Thomas Thomson (Harry's father)
Sunday – Ada Norton (Jim's mother) and Edmond White (Pauline Howlett's father)

Mass Intentions for the coming week:
Saturday – 6.30 – Christine Carruthers (RIP)
Sunday – 10.00 – Stewart Buchan
Monday – 9.00 – Sheila Jackson (sick)
Tuesday – 7.00 – Domenico Delfino (RIP)
Wednesday – 9.00 – Jim McKee (RIP)
Thursday – 9.00 – Angela Vacchese (B)
Friday – 9.00 – John Bottery
Friday – Station Mass at Holy Name – 7.00 – Mr. Pragasam
Saturday – 9.00 – The Parishioners
Saturday – 6.30 – Joan and Harry Williams: 64th Wedd. Anniv.
Sunday – 10.00 – Eddie White (A)