Latest News

An urgent call for prayer and support

An urgent call for prayer and support for Christians in Bethlehem has come from charities which are warning that coronavirus lockdown could plunge the faithful into desperate poverty.  The Palestinian Authority has declared a state of emergency and put Bethlehem in lockdown.  All tourists are banned and the Church of the Nativity and other places of worship in Bethlehem remain closed.  Tourism is Bethlehem’s main industry and is the lifeline of the city’s economy with around two million visitors last year, but now the streets are empty.  Please pray for all the people of Bethlehem who have been indirectly affected, those losing their jobs, for the many families who, in an already difficult and precarious situation, are now facing even greater economic and social difficulties.

St George’s Church

St George’s Church –  A big thank you to the cooks, the helpers and all who attended our two Lenten Lunches.  Through your generosity, hard work, great cooking and friendship, you have raised £191.18. for your chosen charities.  It is sad that we cannot carry on with the lunches, but let’s look forward with hope to next year.  With love and thanks, Margaret.

Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

During Lent we will hear Jesus say these words: “If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

Fr.Kenneth E Grabner wrote the following about these words: “When two people deeply love each other, they never want their love to end. I think that’s one of the best experiences we can ever have. It’s open to every one of us! It is a sign of a vibrant love, one that reaches out to heaven. It’s also a sign of the way God loves us. God desires to be with us in an intimate relationship that will grow and never end. Our resurrection is the way God brings this about. There is a sign which reads: “This life is good, but the best is yet to come.” Never forget those words. God offers us a resurrected future full of incredible beauty and joy. But then, what else would you expect a loving God to do?”

He concludes with this little prayer: “Thank you, Lord, for your incredible, unending love.”

With my love and prayers for each one of you.

St Wilfrid’s Penitential Service

St Wilfrid’s Penitential Service:  Tuesday 31st March at 6pm.  Please come and support our 13 First Communion Candidates as they take their First Confession.  This is a very important step for them, please remember them in your prayers, and if you have not been to our Penitential Service before, it is a very interesting and moving experience – one that should be witnessed and enjoyed.

St Wilfrid’s – St Patrick’s Day Lunch

St Wilfrid’s – St Patrick’s Day Lunch:  We have decided to make it 1pm to enable us plenty of time to get there.  I have booked the tables for 12.30pm, 28 of us going so far, so I think we will take over the conservatory!  This weekend will be the last chance to put your name on the list in the porch.  If you need transport please ring Joan on 849732.  Look forward to our happy gathering.

St Wilfrid’s Church

St Wilfrid’s Church:  My name is Julie, my daughter Darcie and I attend St Wilfrid’s Church.  Darcie is in Year 9 at St Richards and has an item of work to complete.  She has chosen to help someone in the community, do a bit of shopping, little jobs around the house or just a bit of company and a cuppa.  If you would like some help or know someone that would, please get in touch through Fr Rory, Deacon John or speak to me in person.  Thank you.

Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus update: The Diocese has ordered that,  due to Coronavirus threat, all catering in churches and halls must cease. Therefore, we are reluctantly cancelling the planned Lenten Lunches.  Tea and  coffee cannot be served after Mass for the foreseeable future.