OUR LADY AND ST. CHRISTOPHER’S
CATHOLIC CHURCH
Serving Romiley, Bredbury, and Woodley
52 Barrack Hill, Romiley, Stockport, Cheshire. SK6 3BA
Tel: 0161-430 2704 www.ourladyandstchristophersromiley.org
e-mail: [email protected]
PARISH PRIEST:
Canon Michael Gannon VG
SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2015
FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM FATHER EDMUND:
When I first arrived in the parish almost four years ago, I had never heard of Romiley, and had only met Father Philip Egan once
before! I never dreamed that this would be the place where I would be ordained, or where I would begin to grow into the
priesthood in these early years. I have so much to be thankful to God for, and thankful to each of you, too. You have been
incredibly patient with me, and supportive of my final preparations for ordination to the diaconate and the priesthood. It has
been a great privilege to be with you, and my prayer is that we will all grow in deeper love of God and each other, and experience
for ourselves the joy that comes from following Jesus Christ. Please pray for Father Tony as he prepares to come to Romiley, and
for Father Michael, that the parish will experience a renewal and look to the future confident that great blessings lie in store for
the parish.
SACRED LITURGY THIS WEEK
The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family
Sunday Readings: Cycle B. Weekday Readings: Cycle I. Psalter: Week II Parish Mass Book 1 Page 148
The Pope’s intentions for February: That prisoners, especially the young, may be able to rebuild lives of dignity. That married people who are
separated may find welcome and support in the Christian community.
MASS TIMES and INTENTIONS (this week)
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Sunday
22
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
23
th
24
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25
th
26
th
27
Saturday
28
Sunday
Mar.
1st
rd
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Vigil Mass of the following: 6.30 pm
9.00 am
11.00 am
St Polycarp, B.M.
9.15 am
feria
7.30 pm
feria
9.15 am
feria
9.15 am
feria
12 noon
Day of Special Prayers for Needy & Hungry of the World
Family fast Day 1
feria
9.15 am
Vigil Mass of the Following
6.30 pm
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
9.00 am
11.00 am
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
SACRAMENTS and OTHER LITURGIES (usual schedule)
Adoration of the Holy Eucharist
Mon, Wed, Thurs
Tuesday
Saturday
Sunday
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Mon – Fri
Saturday
Sunday
Liturgy of the Hours
Mon, Tues, Wed.
Tuesday
Saturday
Sunday
James Espley RIP
People of the Parish
Nick Donovan RIP
Rita McGrath RIP
Michael Duffy RIP
In Thanksgiving
Private Intention
Josie & Chris Reddy Golden Anni.
Eileen Keely RIP
People of the Parish
Kath Rose RIP
Margaret Spencer RIP
8.15-8.55 am
6.30 – 7.25 pm
5.30 – 6.20 pm
8.00 – 8.50 am
upon request after Mass
5.45– 6.20 pm
10.20 – 10.50 am
8.55 am Morning Prayer
7.10 pm Evening Prayer
9.00 am Morning Prayer; 5.30 pm Evening Prayer
8.00 am Morning Prayer
FR EDMUND It is a time to remember in prayer both Fr
WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Edmund as he prepares to take up his new appointment
and Fr Tony McGrath as he prepares to come to our parish
as the new assistant priest.
This year the Women’s World Day of Prayer Service will be
th
celebrated in our church on Friday 6 March at 2pm. W. W
Day of Prayer is an international, interchurch organization
which enables us to hear the voices of women from a
th
different part of the world each year. On Friday 6 March
an estimated 3 million people in over 170 countries will
gather to observe the day of prayer, using an order of
service written by Christian women from the Bahamas. In
the UK alone over 5,000 services will be held. The day
begins with sunrise over the island of Samoa and continues
until it sets off the coast of American Samoa 35 hours later.
This year’s theme is taken from St Johns’ Gospel, Ch. 13 v.117. It challenges us to demonstrate the same unconditional
love for others that Jesus showed at the washing of feet.
Everyone is welcome to attend the service, men, women –
people of all ages. For further info: www.wwdp.org.uk
PRAYER & LITURGY
SEASON OF LENT BEGINS
STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR LENT – in church on
Fridays at 7.30pm and Sundays at 3.00pm. Please come to
this moving traditional devotion and remember to pray for
all who suffer in any way in our world today.
MORNING OF REFLECTION for Lent at St Peter’s,
Stalybridge, Saturday 7 March from 9.30am – 1.00pm.
Please join others from our local area in prayer and
reflection to help us make the most of the Lenten season.
Includes Mass at 12.15pm.
CONFIRMATION 2015 The date allocated by Bishop
Mark to visit Our Lady & St Christopher’s to celebrate the
Sacrament of Confirmation for our young people and those
of Holy Spirit, Marple, is 9 July 2015. Please note this date
now – more information later
Prayer Vigil for Religious Freedom (Saturday 21
February)
Please join Bishop Mark, the clergy of Shrewsbury
Cathedral and the Catholic charity Aid to the Church
in Need in a Prayer Vigil for Religious Freedom at the
Cathedral on Saturday 21 February at 3:00pm.
The vigil will last no more than 90 minutes and will give us
all the chance to learn about, reflect on & pray for all of
those Christians in the world who are now suffering terrible
hardships because of their Faith.
DAY OF REFLECTION 28nd February 2015
A Day of Reflection led by Barbara Davies has been
organised by 'A.C.T.S’ ('ADULT CATHOLICS TOGETHER
SPIRITUALLY'). If you are aged 18 – 35 you are more than
welcome to join us. The theme of the day is, 'The Tale in
the Sting' - a look at the parables. This will take place at
Wistaston Hall, Crewe CW2 8JS. The day will start
approximately at 9.30pm until approx 5pm (exact times to
be confirmed nearer the date). Cost £20 (£15 for
unemployed/students). If you would like to join us or wish
to know more about it please contact Siobhan at
[email protected] or tel: 0161 477 2783 / 07761
138947.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
This catechesis is aimed at children who have already
started school (Reception) and is suitable for children to
attend until they make their first Holy Communion (Year 3).
We rely on volunteers to run the group. Our rota is term
time only and there is hardly any commitment required;
perhaps just being able to lead one 15 minute session per
term. Contact Rachel Taylor if you are able to help in any
way 0161 427 9161 or 0773 9044060 or approach Fr
Michael.
MARRIAGE MATTERS
(www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk)
First Sunday of Lent (Genesis 9:8-15 1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:12-15)
We hunger for closeness
‘Wilderness’ can be a reality in our marriage relationship at
times, a kind of ‘desert experience’: hungering for a gentle
touch or return of the closeness in our relationship. Yet,
we can look back on such times and recognise the Spirit
was at work. God’s grace was in our yearning, calling us to
choose life and turn away from self-indulgence.
REQUIESCANT + IN PACE
Those who have died recently: Ingrid Kucak
Those whose anniversaries occur around this time: George
Bagshaw, Gerald Hearne, Walter Tompson, Victor Legierski,
Kay Bruce, baby Rose, Winifred Flynn, Charles Marsland,
Ellen Greener, Olive Skeer, Maureen Jenkins, Arthur
Catlow. May they rest in peace.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 28/29th
July – August 4/5th 2015
The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place this
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th
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year from July 28 – August 5 overland and July 29 –
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August 4 by air. Booking forms are available from St
Alban’s Wallasey and St Peter’s Hazel Grove as well as from
the pilgrimage website www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk.
The pilgrimage is led by Bishop Davies and in recent years
some 900 people from the diocese and of all ages have
joined in making the pilgrimage to this special place. All are
welcome to join the pilgrimage and we look forward to
receiving applications from those who have never been to
Lourdes. We particularly look forward to welcoming nurses
and healthcare professionals to assist in the care of the sick
and less able. Full details are available on the website. Fr
Michael is happy to answer any questions.
PARISH FAMILY WEEKEND –
SAVIO HOUSE 1-3 May 2015
Booking forms for this are now available at the back of
church plus a sheet with all relevant information
concerning the weekend. Please return the completed
forms to the presbytery as soon as possible. The cost is £40
per person including all meals. The weekend is aimed at
Mums & Dads and primary school aged children. The
families of the children making their First Holy Communion
later this year are particularly encouraged to come along.
It’s a great way for families to meet together socially for a
fun time in a very pleasant setting……. And it’s only half-anhour’s drive from Romiley!
JUSTICE & PEACE ELECTION PLANNING MEETING
for anyone interested in or involved in Justice & Peace
work/issues. Venue: St Columba’s, Chester, Saturday 28
February 2015, 10.30am -12.30am. Please see poster for
further details.
LIVING THEOLOGY 2015
JUSTICE & CHARITY
VOLUNTEERING
SOUP(ER) LUNCHES IN LENT
There will be portions of soup available every Friday in Lent
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(except March 6 which is Women`s World Day of Prayer)
at the 12 noon Mass.
Portions of soup will be available in containers and we ask
for a donation for CAFOD. This year every pound raised for
CAFOD during Lent will be matched by the Government. It
is a great opportunity for us to show solidarity with the
poor.
We ask that you return your empty containers for recycling.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Our industrious knitters would be very pleased with your
donations of nice chunky wool to knit hats for poor
children. Wool can be placed in the wool box in the church
porch.
A Summer School in Christian Faith at the Loreto Centre,
Llandudno, 5-7 June 2015. More details in booklet at back
of church –booking form attached. Cost £60 or £30 for one
day. More information: Sr Ewa Bem 01492 878031 or email
[email protected]
THE FOOD BANK
MOBILE VERSION OF CATHOLIC DIRECTORY
ONLINE We have just launched a mobile version of our
MARRIAGE CARE
online
Catholic
Directory
simply
go
to
www.CatholicDirectory.org and if you are using a mobile
you will be taken to the mobile site. When you are out and
about you can find your nearest Mass Time or Church by
pressing one button. Very handy if you’re going on holiday!
See poster in porch.
HOUSEBOUND AND THE SICK
Please pray for: Fr Peter Coyle, Philip Smith, Brian Rogers,
Christine Beswick, Hillary Rustage, Kieran O’Brien, Fr. Jim
Farrell, Theresa Travis, Debbie Sainsbury, Dorothy Cornelly,
Lionel and Jenny Rawlings, Anna Maria Bolton, Matthew
Norman, Billy Lingard, Patricia Kelly, Winnie Monk, Jadar
Jones, Michael Christie, Sonia Faure, Wilfred Hartley,
Mandy Keane, Joyce Osbourne, Michael O’Sullivan, Bob and
Mary Parker, Katelyn Reilly, Margaret Smith, Matthew
Swallow, Amy Harris, Audrey Wilson, Christine Colley,
Elizabeth Brown, Charlie Pigram, Bridget Robertson, Eileen
Powell, Michael Walsh, Valerie Gahan, Christopher
Wilkinson, Michelle Wright, Elsie Edwards, Roger
Armistead, Joshua Goddard, Ann Platt, Monica Jackson,
Deirdre Nausen, Audrey Tynam, Gerard Davies, Gloria
Flynn, Ronald Evans, Irene Daughney, David Moss, KIrsty
Czyzewsky and Albert Perris. We commend them all to the
prayers of our Lady and St Christopher.
Since the beginning of this year we have fulfilled 58
vouchers and fed 153 people.
SUPPORT AND CHAPLAINCY
If you are going through difficulties in your relationship
Stockport Marriage Care offer a confidential Counselling
service. You can contact them on 0800-389-3801.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY
If a relative or friend is in hospital please ensure that you
contact the chaplaincy office to let them know that they
will need that spiritual care and support, and if they are
catholic, to receive Holy Communion, and if necessary the
Sacrament of the Sick. You can do this directly by calling the
chaplaincy on 419-5889.
FINANCES
WEEKLY FINANCE
Last week’s collection: £780.55
CAFOD:
£30.50
Standing Orders for January: £2070
Thank you for your generosity
PRIEST’S RETIREMENT FUND
Our collection for this Fund raised £790.30. Many thanks
for your contribution.
BUY A BRICK: REMINDER
th
st)
Next weekend (Feb. 28 /Mar. 1 is the weekend for Buy a
Brick envelopes. Please hand your envelope in with the
Offertory collection. Thank you.
CATHOLIC
CHILDREN’S
SOCIETY
(Shrewsbury
Diocese) The Society has written to thank parishioners for
their donation to the work of the society through the
Christmas Crib offerings which amounted to £115.36. See
poster.
Save the date ! – PARISH QUIZ NIGHT
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On Friday February 27 there will be a quiz night in aid of
the Building Fund. Doors open at 7.30pm at the Romiley
Liberal Club, Beech Lane, for a prompt 8pm start. Tickets
are £8 per person and include a hot supper (vegetarian
option available). Over 16’s and, ideally teams of 2 – 6
people are welcome. So get your team organized for an
enjoyable night out.
st
nd rd
On the night there will be prizes for 1 , 2 3 and last
places, a licensed bar until 11pm, raffle tickets on sale, and
an opportunity to buy tickets for `Higher or Lower` to win a
cash prize. Tickets will be on sale after all Masses this
weekend. Donations for raffle prizes would be greatly
appreciated. Please leave these at the back of church,
clearly marked.
For further information contact Breda and Bill 494 8269 or
Julie & Dom 494 1174
NEWSLETTER & WEBSITE
THANK YOU to Harrytown Catholic High School for
donating the bench for people to use at Our Lady’s shrine
at the back of church.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TEACH? The Manchester
education Partnership Alliance is offering trainee teachers a
unique opportunity to undertake their initial Teacher
Training within Catholic schools and colleges to start in
September 2015. Please go to: www.stpetershigh.com or
tel. 07979 140726 for more information.