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) nd Sunday 22 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 23 th 24 th 25 th 26 th 27 Saturday 28 Sunday Mar. 1st rd th 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 th th th year from July 28 – August 5 overland and July 29 – th 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 th (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 th 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.
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