Author: Jacky

Race Night

A RACE NIGHT on the 16th February at St Wilfrid’s is our next parish social/fund raising event. The race cards will go on sale at £5 each which be your entry ticket from today at St Wilfrid’s and on Sunday 4th February at St George’s. This is a fun evening so please put the date in your diaries.

Lourdes Diocese one week pilgrimage

Lourdes Diocese one week pilgrimage 25th July to 2nd Aug 2024 – The 50th anniversary of the Diocese led pilgrimage. All our Parish youth school years 10-13 are encouraged to consider attending. We would also like all other parishioners to consider joining as either helpers or supported pilgrims. We will have a launch meeting in February to form a parish group of attendees and consider our Lent Fundraising which we plan to undertake to help paying towards our parish attendees costs. To have our own Redshirts/youth group in advance of going this year will be amazing so please do consider it, we have four signed up      already. Families with younger children also have options for going. 

Further details of the pilgrimage can be found on the Diocese website at www.abdiocese.org.uk/lourdes/home. 

To find out more or to discuss fundraising options email       [email protected] or text/call 07791627368.

CAFOD Fast Day

CAFOD Fast Day is on Friday, February 23rd. Envelopes for your donations are available at the back of the church or why not join us for a simple lunch of soup and bread at St Wilfrid’s Hall after mass on Sun Feb 25th, 11.30-1.00pm. Food is free but we encourage generous donations to CAFOD. This is an event for all ages. There will be fellowship and Lenten themed activities for all. We look forward to seeing many of you there.  Could you volunteer to help make or serve the soup? If you are able to help please contact Lesley Crowe or Teresa Palmer on 07951 082592. Eat simply to help others simply eat!

Deacon John Writes

I suspect that many of you do not see an item that our Bishop writes every week on the Diocesan internet site. I have, therefore, included some of it in our newsletter this week as Fr Rory has asked me to write for a couple of weeks.

Last week Bishop Richard wrote in his weekly E-bulletin on the Internet that Pope Francis inaugurated a Year of Prayer last Sunday calling on the faithful “to pray more fervently… and to experience the power of hope in God.” The Year of Prayer aims to help Catholics prepare for the 2025 Jubilee – which has the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” – and is dedicated to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in our personal lives, in the life of the Church, and throughout the world. 

The Jubilee Year in 2025 will be a special time to pause and reflect; a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. People across our community of faith can learn more about the       upcoming Jubilee Year at the Jubilee website: www.iubilaeum2025.va.

Parish Over 50’s Club

The meeting was an excellent occasion, the theme was “Burns Night” and everything Scottish, a wee dram to start off.  Having music made all the      difference.   A full house enjoyed by all, the £10 price included 2 free raffle tickets was accepted by all.  Much appreciation for those who prepared and  looking forward to the next afternoon tea, which will be Thursday 29th Feb at 2pm.  Our theme is “Chinese New Year”, year of the Dragon. 

Race Night

A RACE NIGHT on the 16th February at St Wilfrid’s is our next parish social/fund raising event. The race cards will go on sale at £5 each which be your entry ticket from today at St Wilfrid’s and on Sunday 4th February at St George’s. This is a fun evening so please put the date in your diaries.

School Volunteers Required

Do you enjoy working with children and young people?   Could you help to inspire and  empower children and young people in our Catholic schools and churches to bring alive their sense of global justice?   Could you give an assembly or a workshop in a local school?  

Supported by CAFOD with training and resources, you will    discuss issues of global justice, add to parish and school life whilst complementing the work of teachers, priests and catechists.   Contact the CAFOD A&B office at:-  St Pius X Church, Laustan Close, Merrow, Guildford, Surrey GU2 2TS.  Tel: 01483 573273   07710 094448, Website: www.cafod.org.uk Email:  [email protected]  

Fr Rory Writes

“The Devine Life of God in Heaven, Father, Son and Holy Spirit”            

The Devine life of God on earth, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. 

Through our baptism we share in the life of Christ.  The purpose of our parish meeting last Sunday guided by our parish council was how we respond and play a living part in the life of the church.  After the opening prayer I began by opening up the profile of each ministry beginning with welcoming.  You will find a guidance for this ministry of welcome at the back of the church as we begin our journey.

Gerry Palmer highlighted Bishop Richard’s guidelines for the future development of parish life, and brought to our attention when our deanery will have its meetings i.e. in the harvest time of this year.  We have taken an important  initiative which is essential.  An example of this is when we had persons sharing their name with those near them seated in the church, a small step for a good beginning.

The input of our Children’s Liturgy Groups from our two churches, and there is no doubt that they are leading the way, giving us great example.  The carol service was highlighted because of the quality of the reading.  So it highlights the challenge that is necessary to develop this ministry.  Obviously diction and clarity of delivery is important, but there is much more entailed.  A suggested initiative has been brought to my attention for a Lectio Divina Group to  focus on scripture.  Thanks be to God for new saplings and ideas that are happening to develop.