Latest News

Fr Rory Writes:

This week we have important messages from two Bishop’s.  The first one being the Pastoral Message (copies can be found in the church porch, for you to take away and read). 

Secondly, the Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), 27th January 2020.  This year’s HMD has a particular significance for two reasons.  One is the fact that this year we mark the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.  The other is, of course, the increase in the incidents of antisemitism.  The reasons Vatican II gives for condemning antisemitism are specifically theological (CF Nostra Aetate, 4) and feel that is our particular contribution to the whole issue.

Afternoon Tea and Get Together at St Wilfrid’s:  Thursday 30th January 2020 from 2-4pm, in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall.   All over 50’s welcome, not only our parish but of course our friends at St George’s, indeed we will welcome Christians from other religions or no religion.  There are so many lonely older people shut away in their homes, we thought  we would try to get them together for an afternoon tea and chat.  Just once a month (last Thursday of the month).    The afternoon is free, but there will be a pot if you would like to donate.  If transport is a problem or you would like more information please speak to Joan on 849732 .  Look forward to seeing you.

Grand Table Top Sale:  Saturday 1st February, 10am-3pm in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall.  Goods may be left in the church porch or hall, suitably marked, by Saturday 25th January.  Thank you.

Bereavement Group:  Friday 31st January, 11.15am in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall.  All welcome.

Fully escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Ireland, celebrating the feast of St Patrick,16^th March 2020.  £599.00 per person sharing.  Price includes flight with 10kg hand luggage, all transfers, 4 nights’ in Knock House Hotel with breakfast and dinner.  All entertainment and excursions included.  Lunches on days out.  Wheelchair accessible rooms.  Single room supplement £100.  Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email [email protected].  Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by ATOL T7613.

St George’s Film club returns after the Christmas break.  Next films will be:  Sunday 19th Jan. (2011) Documentary about the master sushi chef Jior Ono.  2nd Feb (2010) Japanese animation about a family of tiny creatures.  16th Feb (2009) A famous pop star finds a new meaning of life in a rural setting.  All films start at 3pm.

Deacon John Writes:

I suspect many of us have experienced a toddler having a temper tantrum. It is usually a very noisy occasion and not a pretty sight – face red with rage, screams shattering eardrums of all within range, legs and arms kicking anyone and anything within reach! usually it is the result of an ‘I want’ situation and doesn’t get it. We adults, of course, know better than to throw tantrums when we don’t get our way! – or do we? 

We have listened to the story of Jonah.  In this story Jonah was counting on the Lord to punish the people of Nineveh because of their belief that God was against every nation that opposed Israel. However, they heard the message that God had sent them and changed their minds. God saw this through their actions and relented. Jonah was not happy about this and ‘lost it’. In so many situations we may behave like Jonah and ‘lose it’. We sulk or lash out and look for other ways to get what we want. Anger really can blind us, as it did Jonah, and we fail to see that God’s loving mercy for the people of Nineveh is also offered to us if we open our eyes to see with a wide-angle lens!  (Adapted from a reflection by Gail Goleas) With my love and prayers for you all

Afternoon Tea at St Wilfrid’s:  Thursday 30th January 2020 from 2-4pm, in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall.   All over 50’s any religion/no religion are most welcome.  If transport is a problem please speak to Joan on 849732 .  Look forward to seeing you there for a cup of tea and a chat.

Peace Sunday 19th January 2020

The work of Pax Christi is based on the gospel and inspired by faith.  Our vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in all its forms.  Rooted in Catholic Christianity, we work with all who share our values to abolish war and create communities of peace and justice.

White Flower Appeal 2020:  The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will be holding its annual appeal this weekend.  On 21st October 2019 the most extreme abortion regime in Europe was imposed on the people of Northern Ireland by the government at Westminster.  Abortion will now be permitted for any reason up until at least 24 weeks, and even beyond that.  The abortion lobby now wants to introduce this in England and Wales.  Please be as generous as you can to help SPUC defend unborn babies and their mothers from this new attack.