Weekend message May 1

Dear friends,

The Bishops of England and Wales had a ‘virtual meeting’ last week, after which they issued a message of thanks to the Catholic community in England and Wales, before turning their attention to the future. I will print the first part of their message this week, and then in future weeks will print their thoughts about the future.

“Gathering as Bishops in Conference this week, we wish to pay tribute to all in the Catholic community who have shown such courage, generosity and understanding in the face of adversity this past year. Across England and Wales, families and parish communities have risen to the challenge of sustaining one another through times of great isolation, loneliness and grief in an impressive variety of ways, spiritual, emotional and practical. We thank all who have worked tirelessly in prisons, in hospitals, care-homes and across the medical profession for giving of themselves so generously. We thank all who have worked valiantly in our schools, facing unforeseen demands and meeting them with characteristic professionalism and dedication.

We wish also to pay tribute to those who have given of their time and energy to keep open our churches as havens of peace and prayer. Churches up and down the land have realised the vision of Pope Francis that they be like village-wells where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey; and centres of “constant missionary outreach.” We thank all who have developed diverse new patterns of outreach – of prayer, catechesis, study and spiritual solidarity; all who have made participation in the Mass possible through the internet.

Also prominent in this tribute should be thanks to all who have contributed to the immense effort of providing food for those most in need. The generosity shown in the distribution of so very many meals has given eloquent expression to the mercy, love and compassion which are at the very heart of God. Many have been touched by the joy of meeting Christ in the poor; and many of the poor by the joy of meeting Christ in selfless parishioners. The provision of food is often the first step into a deeper relationship of help and accompaniment, including the sharing of the gift of faith in our Blessed Lord.”

Special Collection: this weekend, for the Clergy Formation Fund. This is the fund to pay for the training of priests and deacons. Please be generous.

Booking Arrangements for next weekend:    

At St. Pius X, Narborough:

You may book by email: johnhadley1971@gmail.com  or by phone: (0116) – 2863676

at the following times on the following days:

• between 7pm and 8pm on Monday 3^rd May;
• between 7pm and 8pm on Tuesday 4^th.
• between 7pm and 8pm on Thursday 6^th;
• between 7pm and 8pm on Friday 7^th.

Times of Mass next weekend:

• 10am Saturday 8^th May;
• 10am Sunday 9^th;
• 10am Monday 10^th.

At Our Lady of Victories & St. Alphonsus, Lutterworth:

Please ring 079 0113 4564 on the following days, and at these times. It is not possible to leave a message outside these times:

• Monday 3^rd May between 9.30am and 10.30am or between 6pm and 7pm
• Wednesday 5^th between 9.30am and 10.30am or between 6pm and 7pm
• Friday 7^th between 9.30am and 10.30am or between 6pm and 7pm

Times of Mass next Sunday and Tuesday:

• 11am on Sunday 9^th May;
• 10.30am Tuesday 11^th May.

Arrangements for attending Church for Mass and other services: Masks or face coverings will be required for those attending Mass (except for those exempted from wearing them); it is necessary for those attending Church to sanitize their hands on entering; and all need to keep social distance from each other (unless they are members of the same household or family). Young persons under the age of sixteen years, and all persons who suffer from physical or mental disability, must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult. We are not allowed to kneel down while in Church: please stand or sit as appropriate, but please do not kneel. All who attend (except for the cleaners who remain behind to sanitize the building) should leave immediately after Mass has finished, not stopping in Church to talk to people; and please also maintain a social distance as you follow others out of Church, avoiding any ‘congregating’ in the porch, or the lobby, or at the back of Church. I am very grateful to the stewards & cleaners who support the public celebration of Mass.

Please remember that it will be essential to book a place at Mass on every occasion that you wish to attend. It is not permitted to book for every Sunday, or even for a number of weeks. Please also remember to bring a mask to wear when coming to Mass. 

At Narborough the intentions for Mass this week will be: Saturday (1^st May) Ethel Jones RIP; Sunday (2^nd May) Edward & Bridget Fox RIP; Monday (3^rd May) Emmanuel Armeni RIP. Wednesday Gerard Sullivan RIP; Thursday People of the Parishes; Friday Douglas Murray RIP. Next weekend Saturday (8^th May) Welfare of Monica Teeling; Sunday (9^th May) Doris & Peter Rampton RIP; Monday (10^th May) Deceased members of the Feurhuber family.

At Lutterworth the intentions for Mass will be: next Sunday (9^th May): The People of the Parishes.

Father John Joe Maloney has gone to Ireland with Father James O’Hanlon to attend the burial of Canon Owen O’Neill.

Prayers for the living and the dead: please pray for Father Anthony Colebrook, Canon Owen O’Neill, Andrew Madden, Prince Philip, Debbie Bourke, Father James Earley, Deacon Robin Pollard (of the parish of St. Peter’s, Hinckley), Susan Moore, Bob Dorward, Ranjit Mann, Maria Olga dos Santos, and all who have died recently.

Please also pray for Jim Oxley, Beulah Blomfield, Tom McDermott, Freda Williams, Joseph Armeni, Dave Knapper, Teresa Maugham, Elizabeth Fullerton, Mary Dunne, and Juanita Zaman and for all who are ill.

Please let me know of any others who have died, or anyone who is ill and asks for prayers.

CAFOD thanks the parish for the £1050 received from the annual Lenten CAFOD collection. This year the money will be spent to help the people in Ethiopia, particularly to supply regular clean water, and also food and medical supplies.

Information from the Diocese:

A Father’s Heart – A Podcast for Catholic Dads The Diocese of Nottingham has launched a new Podcast to celebrate the Year of St Joseph. A Father’s Heart takes its name from Patris Corde (Pope Francis’ letter that launched this special year). This letter is split into 7 sections, each highlighting a different characteristic of St Joseph’s fatherhood. Each month the podcast will pick a section for 2 dads, from around the diocese, to reflect on and discuss. Find out how to listen (and subscribe) by going to: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/podcasts’

Being a Missionary Disciple– After the great success of Bishop Patrick’s Lent Talks on Discipleship, the Formation for Mission Team are offering two talks on Zoom in May on ‘being a Missionary Disciple’. The first talk ‘The Ascension & the Great Commission’ will be given by Canon Christopher Thomas (General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales) on Thursday 13^th May at 7pm. This talk will explore the importance of the Ascension and how we can live Jesus final instructions to us. The second talk ‘Pentecost & Mission’ will be given by Pippa Baker (A Catholic Missionary, Speaker & Musician) on Wednesday 19^th May at 7pm. This talk will examine the significance of Pentecost for us and how the Holy Spirit equips us for mission in our every day lives. To register visit: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk’

Financial matters:

Planned Giving Envelopes (Our Lady of Victories & St. Alphonsus, Lutterworth): The new boxes of envelopes start in April. If you require your box, please ring June (01455 – 553730) or Ashley (01455 – 553493) or email Father John.

Planned Giving Envelopes (St. Pius X, Narborough): The new boxes of envelopes start in April. They are available from the sacristy in Church, or email Father John.

Standing Orders: I will provide the parish Bank details to anyone who would like to donate by Standing Order or similar electronic means – many of you already do so (and I am very grateful indeed). I can provide standing order mandates for anyone who wishes – please just ask.

Gift Aid: I have copies of the form to complete, so if you are a taxpayer and would like the tax paid on your contributions to be given to the parish, please ask me for a form.

Reminders from previous weeks:

First Confession and Holy Communion: Candidates must be in Year 3 at school (or above). Confirmation: Candidates must be in secondary school (or later). Please let me know as soon as possible about any candidates for these sacraments. So far I have received four applications for First Confession and Holy Communion, and six applications for Confirmation. I have obtained the books for use in these preparations; we will see how we may be able to start preparation for these sacraments. Obviously no face to face preparation can possibly begin until April at the earliest.

Recycling Textiles: At the moment the firm are no longer collecting in the Leicester area and has no plans to restart collections here. If anyone knows of any other organization willing to collect clothes and other textiles in our area, please let me know.

With best wishes to you all, and assuring you all of my prayers, Father John