Author: Jacky

Parish Confirmation Catechists

The parish confirmation catechists wish to invite all year 10 – 13 young people who are looking to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2024 to enrol for this year’s formation classes.  Forms can be found at the back of both churches or can be sent to you via email by emailing a request to [email protected]. 

The group is open to all young Catholics 15-19 in our deanery and will launch on Sunday 15th October, with an information session for candidates and their parents/carers at 4pm in St George’s Hall. It will then meet every second week at 4pm    during term time from November. 

Application forms should be completed and posted or emailed to the parish office by Sunday 8th October. For more information contact Sandra on 07791627368.

Songs of Praise

The Songs of Praise on Sunday at St George’s was a resounding success. Very moving stories were told on why each hymn had been chosen. Beautiful hymns sung with gusto. Special thanks to Anne Bowe, an excellent master of ceremonies and who  orchestrated the event. Thank you Sandra, the young people and children who picked blackberries that were made into    delicious jam for the tea afterwards. Special thanks to the  kitchen team who kept the tea flowing and did the huge clean up afterwards. You know who you are ladies and are very much appreciated. Oh, and the cakes were superb too!!

Fr Rory Writes

Again

Our ‘confirmands’ going forth mass made an excellent start to our new year, and it is important to build on it.  This item from our parish confirmation catechists below concerning this coming year helps to build upon their good start.  We need to widen the windows and make it more flexible for all our young people to share in our faith.

“Those who have gone before us” have always been a blessing and a source of strength …. Sometimes just survived.  We have two very special occasions to look forward to.  The first one, please God, will be at St Wilfrid’s on Sunday 15th October at 3pm and the second will be at St George’s on Sunday 5th November at 3pm, when we always remember the Holy Souls.  During the pandemic we lost so many and this gives us an opportunity to remember then again and the treasured memories they left us with.

With grateful thanks to Bob Waters for bring to our attention the Synod of Bishops with the words:-

Many parishioners took part in the local synod consultations in 2021 & 2022 which are leading to the Synod which opens in Rome on 4 October, and will now benefit from our prayers.
Pope Francis has said that without Prayer there will be no Synod. Everyone is invited to pray that the bishops and   others who take part in the Synod will listen to the Holy Spirit so that proposals will spring forth to enable the entire People of God to feel that they are truly participating in the life of the Church, and be witnesses to the newness of the Gospel in our world.

Children’s Liturgy Assistants Needed

We really need the support of parishioners to assist with the safe supervision of children for these sessions. This may involve taking the register, ensuring all children are safely accompanied between the two buildings and encouraging children to take an active part in the liturgy. You will not be required to plan the session (unless you wish to) We hope to enlist sufficient  assistants to allow us to share the responsibility for 2-3 sessions per term. Please speak to a member of the Children’s Liturgy Team if you feel able to assist us.

Harvest Sunday

We give thanks for all  God’s generous gifts at our family masses. We remember those in our community who are struggling to put food on the table and ask for donations for our local Foodbank.  Please bring along your donations for the next three weeks and leave them in the labelled box in the porch. You will find lists of what is needed  in the hall or the back of the church.

Womble Day

Womble Day (The Parish big help out) Sat Sept 30th 10-4pm. Both St Wilfrid and St George’s desperately need your help to garden, clean, tidy etc.  There are also several maintenance tasks for those who are good with tools and paint brushes. We are currently creating a list of jobs: some small, some a little     bigger, but enough for us all to have something to   volunteer for on the day.  More details to follow but please save the date and ask your family to join us if they can- even if only for half an hour.  Many hands make light work – don’t assume others will do it.   Refreshments will be provided.