130519.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel:  01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk
Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am; Mon to Sat: 9 am, except Tues: 7 pm

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

Sunday May 19^th   2013   Pentecost 

The Holy Spirit empowers us to go beyond our natural abilities, in order to witness to Christ, to live as children of God and to remind us of all that Christ taught.

    With the mission of Christ completed, there was one more definitive step to establish his Church.  That was the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  The Holy Spirit is the transcendent software, as it were, that drives the Church.  From the first moments of the Spirit’s gusty arrival in the upper room, the apostles were empowered to go beyond their natural abilities, speaking in foreign tongues, for the sake of the Gospel.

      Pentecost recalls, albeit in reverse, the story of the tower of Babel.  The ancients tried to make a name for themselves with a tower that would set them apart from divine plans.  Mindful of their presumption, the Lord confused their speech, leaving them speaking different languages and foiling their scheme to build a tower.  At Pentecost, by contrast, the Spirit brings unity from diversity by enabling all to hear the Gospel message in their own language.  This time too they are confused, but for a different reason.  Indeed, the work of the Holy Spirit is often baffling.  The Spirit sees hearts and history at a glance and can act accordingly.  To try to fully and completely understand the Spirit is to reach beyond our grasp.

      The Holy Spirit moves us towards unity in Christ and towards truth.  When led by the Spirit, we are “children of God”.  Children of the same father recognise one another as brothers and sisters.  So the Spirit, driving the Church, intends that all people live as brothers and sisters, excluding no one.  We can be sure that what the Church teaches is authentic, guided as it is by the Spirit, who reminds it of all that Christ told his apostles.

      The Spirit enables us to do things that go beyond what we rationally think we are capable of.  He empowers us to live our vocations, if we have faith and generosity.  This applies to all of us.

Mass Intentions for the coming week:

Sat, 18^th     6.30 pm         James Rea                              Thurs, 23^rd     9 am     Celebrant’s Intentions

Sun, 19^th      10 am          Special Intention                    Fri, 24^th          9 am     Celebrant’s Intentions

Mon, 20^th       9 am Holy Souls                                        Sat, 25^th        9 am     Celebrant’s Intentions

Tues, 21^st       7 pm             Mary Benson                                         6.30 pm     Yorkshire Brethren

Wed, 22^nd       9 am             Gladys Brennan                  Sun, 26^th       10 am     Special Intention

Anniversaries: Sun, 19^th: Isa (Isabel Fletcher;  Tues: William Henry Wood, Mary Benson;  Wed: Thomas  Gilson,

Gladys Brennan, Paul Gibson;  Thurs: Estrella Benjamin, Barry Britton;  Fri: Winifred Richardson;  Sat: Joseph Burns, Mary Doherty, Betty Carvlin, George Watson.

Counters next Sunday: Pat and John McNicholas           Next Sunday tea/coffee: Linda and Geraldine

The Catholic Women’s League  will be having their charity stall on the Market Green on Thursday June 20^th  from 8.30am onwards. They will be very happy to receive bric a brac, books, plants etc. No clothes, thank you. Please contact Anne Brittain (841759) if you need any goods collecting.

Please remember our unwell and housebound in your prayers: Sister Carmel, Shelagh Brennan, Elizabeth Dunn, Lillian Macklin, Helen Parker, James  Mayman , Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Maureen Perry,  Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford, Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts, Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Joan Williams, Mary Davidson and Kathleen McGowan

First Reading:  Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The Holy Spirit works both ways.  At Pentecost he exploded on the scene.  Thousands were affected by one burst of God’s power.  But the Spirit works through the Church in the long term.  Through prayer, community and service, Christians are provided with staying power.

Second Reading:  Just as the Spirit casts off the fear of the disciples, Paul reminds us that the same Spirit dwelling in us can take us far beyond any human limitations.  We need not  be slaves to our unspiritual selves or the misdeeds of the body.  Death gives way to life, mortality to immortality, slavery to true freedom.

Gospel Reading:  It can be difficult to see beyond our reality.  We live lives that are narrowly focused, conditioned by our environment, traditions and habits.  So it was with the disciples.  They had a sense that their relationship with Jesus was about to change.  Some may even have feared that the relationship was coming to an end.  But Jesus offered reassurance and hope; the Spirit or Advocate was to be with them for ever.  Their recognition of the spirit and their awareness of his presence came from continuing to keep the commandments of Christ to live in love.  The Spirit would be a teacher unlocking the riches within them.

Sierra Leone News.  Father Ambrose Michael writes: ” I bring you greetings from Parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish and on my own behalf.  Let me hastily say I am deeply sorry for the long silence; the reason being, I was having problems with my yahoo account and could not access my e-mail account all these months.   On Saturday the Diocese ordained three seminarians from the Freetown Diocese and one of them happened to come from our parish – Rev. Father John Bebeley.  It was colourful.    Do give our thanks once again for the scholarship and we send Holy Cross greetings from our end.”

Father Joe Bangura has been appointed priest-in-charge of Blessed Michael Tansi – an out-station of Our Lady Star of the Sea, ( which we visited in 2007, and which we have helped with funding while Father (now Bishop) Henry Aruna was priest-in –charge - in addition to his duties at the seminary).         Father Joe will be with us again this summer.

We can probably recall times when we were afraid, bewildered, felt like everything was falling apart and the doors were locked.  Today’s Gospel shows us that, even in those difficult times, there is always hope.  Jesus came and stood among the disciples, even though the doors were firmly closed.  The peace that he gave them has a much more significant meaning than we first think.  The peace that Jesus offers is a peace that this world cannot offer.  It is a peace that comes from a loving relationship with God.  It is a peace of body, of mind and of spirit.

In the Gospel of John, the account of Pentecost is a lot less dramatic than Luke’s version.  The Holy Sprit comes gently, in a breath.  John emphasis the importance of forgiveness in the mission to come.  The disciples are being sent out to reconcile people to God, to restore relationships in the world.  Forgiveness is costly but it has the power to transform people and to heal destruction in the world.  It is through the Spirit that God is present to us in the world, doors are opened and fear turns to courage as we are sent out to work for a kingdom of love and justice.

Medugorje Raffle   Diana would like to thank all those who supported the Medugorje Raffle which raised  £85 towards a needy person going on a pilgrimage to Medugorje.  Thank you very much. The winning ticket belonged to Carmel Proctor.   Congratulations, Carmel.

             What have we learned in 2,068 years?

      “The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled.  The assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome becomes bankrupt.  People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.”     Cicero 55 BC

So, evidently nothing changes!

Flower Festival  May 25^th to 27^th from midday to 4 pm at Saint Augustine Webster‘s RC church (Nottingham diocese) White Cross Street, Barton-on-Humber.  No entry charge; refreshments on sale; all are welcome.

Finally, some real/true newspaper headlines:  “Worker suffers leg pain after crane drops 800 lb ball on his head”

“Bridges help people cross rivers”         “Zoo wall collapses; four children escape”       “County to pay £200,000 to advertise lack of funds”     “Army vehicle disappears after being painted with camouflage”     “Homicide victims rarely talk to police”     “Parents keep kids home to protest school closure”     “Starvation can lead to health hazards”

Sorry, but there will be no newsletter next weekend, as we are away for a week from this Sunday.  The next newsletter will be on the weekend June 1^st/2^nd.   Items for this to me by Wednesday, May 29^th, please.

john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk  876812
130519.pdf

130512.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel: 01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk
Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am; Mon:7 pm; Tues: Requiem: 1.30 pm; Wed to Sat: 9 am;

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk.
Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

Sunday May 12^th   2013   Ascension of Our Lord       World Communications Day 

    In 1907, when the 20^th century had not long come into being, Robert Hugh Benson wrote of things to come in his book “Lord of the World.”  In it he described many things not yet known to man – aeroplanes, electric lights, smokeless zones, temperatures measured in centigrade, a European parliament and a Home Rule Bill for Ireland.  All this must have taken much imagination and a prophetic instinct, while those reading it then must have thought it all fantasy.  Now we know how accurate he was.

     But imagination can play a great  part in our life of faith. How else can we grasp the idea of Christ’s ascension into heaven?  When the disciples first heard Jesus speaking of leaving them, it caused great anxiety and puzzlement and when they ask him later if the time has come for Israel’s kingdom to be restored and Roman occupation ended, his answer left them none the wiser.  Jesus had replied “ It is not for you to know the times and periods that the Father has set ….but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”  The disciples must have been even more confused.  The reality of the presence of Jesus is to be replaced with the unreality of his absence.  It is a sort of bereavement.  The absence of loved ones, whether caused by death or separation, can leave a huge void in human life, requiring  a mental effort of intellect, including imagination, to help us cope with a difficult situation.  So it was for the Apostles, until the first Pentecost.

     When the scriptures record the return of Jesus to the Father, it is a celebration of separation and anticipation – and even imagination!.   Jesus said “Unless I go, the Advocate will not come to you……..but if I do go, I will send him to you.”  Not only must we believe in the necessity of Christ’s return to the Father, but we must recognise the need for the essential ‘gift of the spirit’ in our lives, to give us the power to be true witnesses to Christ in the world.  In order to send the Holy Spirit into our world, Christ tells his followers that he must return to the Father.

      So the message of Christ’s Ascension into heaven, and the promise he gives us that he will come again, tests our powers of imagination, while at the same time assuring us of the power given to each one of us by the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and in our Baptism and Confirmation.  The words of anointing “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”, used at the sacrament of ‘Christian maturity’, indicate the power that we have received, enabling each one of us to be a witness to the Christ who died, rose from the dead, ascended to the Father, and who has promised to come again.  It was this spiritual power that provided the energy to send the Apostles out to the whole world

Mass intentions for the coming week:

Anniversaries: Sat: Sally McQuillan;  Sun: Joseph Parker, Clarice Cornthwaite;  Mon: Cyril Codd;  Thurs: Francis David Ford;  Fri: Jason Paul Wheatcroft, Vincent Bottery, Frank Cundy, Theresa Gallagher, Geoffrey Baker; Sun: Isa (Isabel) Fletcher.   

        Counters next Sunday: Marie Duffy and John Gray               Next Sunday tea/coffee: Sue and Nelson

Rest in Peace  Eddie Simmonds died on Thursday, May 2^nd, aged 83, after a long illness.  Many of us will remember his thoughtful reading at weekend Masses, with his wonderful Birmingham accent; such a pleasure to listen to. He was a lovely man and it was good to see him at Holy Cross with his son, even during his illness.  His Requiem Mass here, said by Canon Michael, will be on Tuesday, May 14^th, at 1.30 pm, followed by cremation at Haltemprice Crematorium.  His coffin will be brought into Holy Cross at 10 am on that Tuesday morning.

                      Eternal rest give to Eddie, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Today is World Communications Day, reminding us to reflect on the command of Jesus to his followers that we should preach the Good News of the Gospel to the whole world.

First Reading:  This account of the Ascension of the Lord at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles sets the tone for the story of the early Church.  Since the resurrection, Jesus has been instructing the disciples, preparing them for what is to come.  Now they will be his witnesses.  Just as a witness in court speaks from their personal experience, the disciples will give testimony to all they have experienced with Jesus and take that testimony to the ends of the earth.

Second Reading:  Real power is the ability to cause or prevent change.  Jesus causes lasting change, showing possibilities that God has prepared in advance from all eternity.  Jesus works today in the faith, love and hope of the Christian community.  In the New Testament, ‘saint’ seldom refers to the dead; it means those whom God uses in this world, those who live by God’s power here and now.

Gospel Reading:  Julian of Norwich wrote the inspired words that “all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well”  They are words that sum up the transformation in the followers of Jesus that we celebrate on Ascension Day, for on this day, strange as it may seem, we celebrate Christ’s leaving his disciples.  But his leaving them is not a sombre occasion; it is full of joy and hope and it reminds us of how their lives had changed and how they had come to trust in God’s ultimate purpose for them, believing that all would be well because Christ was always with them.

Anthony Storey Memorial Lecture;  11 am next Saturday, May 18^th at the Staff House, Hull University, Cottingham Road.    Tea/coffee: 10.30 am  All are welcome.       The speaker is Bruce Kent  Vice-chair, Pax Christi;  his subject: “Lessons from 1914; Looking Forward with Optimism”

Higgs Boson walks into a Catholic church. “Get out” says the priest. “We don’t allow Higgs Boson in here.”  Higgs Boson says “But how can you have mass without me?”

Flower Festival  May 25^th to 27^th from midday to 4 pm at Saint Augustine ‘s church (Nottingham diocese) White Cross Street, Barton-on-Humber.  Refreshments on sale; all welcome.

Colin Johnson  7/11/1938 – 17/4/2013 (Our church-neighbour who recently died)  “To: Holy Cross Parishioners:

Many thanks for all your kind and generous words of comfort and prayers at this sad time.  I won’t mention names as I’m sure to miss someone out and that would be no good, as you have all been extremely kind and thoughtful.  The family do appreciate this.    Delia, Tracey and Melissa”

The Catholic Women’s League is holding a cake stall for Cafod this weekend after both Masses.

The May meeting will be an open one at 7.30 pm on Monday May 13th in the Garden Room. All are welcome.

Will CWL members please collect their newsletters from the box in the porch.

Please remember our unwell and housebound in your prayers: Shelagh Brennan, Elizabeth Dunn,Lillian Macklin, Helen Parker, James  Mayman , Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Maureen Perry,  Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford, Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts, Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Mary Davidson, Joan Williams and Kathleen McGowan.

Church Cleaning after morning Mass this Monday, May 13^th.

Parish Lunch  this coming Wednesday, May 15^th, in the Garden Room. All are welcome.

Finally, two teacher jokes:   1.  An infant teacher was telling her class about the 10 commandments.  After  explaining “Honour thy father and thy mother”, she asked them whether there was a commandment that tells us how to treat our brothers and sisters.  Without missing a beat, one small boy answered “Thou shalt not kill.”

                                             2. Another infant teacher was explaining to her class how God had created everything, including human beings. One small boy seemed especially interested in how Eve was created out of Adam’s rib.  The next day, the boy’s mother saw him lie down when he came home from school.  She asked him what was the matter.  “I’ve a pain in my side” he said.  “I think I’m going to have a wife.”

Items for next weekend’s newsletter to me by Wednesday, please      john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk   876812
130512.pdf

130505.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel:  01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk
Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am; Mon to Sat: 9 am, except Tues: 7 pm

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

Sunday May 5^th  2013   Sixth Sunday of Easter        

Today we hear from the farewell discourse in the Gospel of Saint John.  Jesus is replying to a question about why he does not show himself to the world.  The disciples want fireworks; they want everyone to see who Jesus really is and are wondering why he does not put on some big performance for them.  The response of Jesus is clear.  You can learn all of his teaching off by heart but if you do not have a personal relationship with him, the rest is pointless.  Knowing Jesus is about a relationship based on love.

Jesus is trying to explain to the disciples how they will experience him after his death.  He is going away but he is sending the Spirit to be with them and to teach them.  He encourages them not to let their hearts be troubled and not to be afraid.  Peace (shalom) is more than a wish for a good evening or a peaceful day.  It expresses the desire that the person receiving the blessing might be whole in body, mind and spirit.  It is not a peace that the world can give.  It is a peace that comes only from a relationship with Jesus.  He is calling us into a personal relationship, not some superficial learning of key teachings or rituals, but into a real relationship of love.                 

  Mass intentions for the coming week:

Anniversaries: Sat: Agnes Brennan, Damiel Patrick Courtenay, John McManus, John B Croll, Kathleen Hurney, Jim Rea, Joyce Elizabeth Parker;  Sun: Norman Parker, Patrick Fowlston, Elizabeth Holmes, Hilda Franklin; Mon: Bernard Kemp, Frederick Kirby, Doreen Reekie, Audrey Hermann;  Tues: Julian Mamo, John Abel, Frank Hall, Mary Catherine Courtenay;  Wed: Elizabeth McNicholas, Kenneth Artuso, Norah Haughey;  Thurs: John Ellis; Fri: Peter Lawler, Ellen Knox, Alice McNicholas;  Sat: Sally McQuillan;  Sun: Joseph Parker, Clarice Cornthwaite.

Counters next Sunday: Chris Clarke and Maureen Richmond        Next Sunday tea/coffee; Julie and Rohan   

              As the month of May is dedicated to Our Lady, here is “The May Magnificat”

Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ

First Reading:  Referred to as the Council of Jerusalem, this reading gives us an insight into the growth of the early Church.  It offers us a model for collaborative ministry, showing how the  early Christian communities resolved disputes.  The Apostles were concerned with those who would put obstacles in the way of new believers. The decision in Jerusalem underlines God’s intention to grant repentance and salvation to the Gentiles.

Second Reading:  We often hear ‘the new Jerusalem’ referred to at funerals.  It is the heavenly city where God dwells and it is the hope of all who live in faith, just as the earthly Jerusalem was a holy city and a place of pilgrimage for God’s chosen people, the Jews.  The new heavenly Jerusalem, founded on the faith of the Patriarchs and the teaching of the Apostles, is the goal of our pilgrimage, our place of rest.

The Gospel Reading:  Jesus promises the gift of the Spirit, the Advocate, to his disciples.  He reminds them that, by keeping his commandments and following his way of love, they will never be alone but draw strength from his abiding presence.  He is aware that things have happened in his ministry that the disciples do not yet understand and he promises that the Spirit will be a teacher, unfolding the mysteries for them.  The formal bestowal of peace signifies the farewell and approaching departure of Jesus, as he differentiates his peace from that of the world.   Leaving his peace with the disciples implies that they will be secure in him, even though the world may not be at peace with them.

Anthony Storey Memorial Lecture;  11 am on Sat, May 18^th at the Staff House, Hull University, Tea/coffee 10.30 am.    Speaker: Bruce Kent  Vice-chair Pax Christi: “Lessons from 1914; Looking Forward with Optimism”

“Austerity hits the Vatican as Pope bans bonuses   Europe’s austerity drive has reached every corner of the Continent, even the Vatican.  Pope Francis has decided to deny the state’s employees the bonus that traditionally comes with the election of a new Pontiff.  The Pope has already established a reputation for parsimony, living in a modest apartment instead of the palatial residence of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

He has now extended the spirit of frugality to the 4,000 people who work in the Vatican.  In the past, they received bonuses on the death of a Pope and another cash gift with the election of his successor.  In 2005, when John Paul II was succeeded by Benedict, they each pocketed 1,500 euros (£1,300).  However, the Vatican has been hit by the recession; in 2011 it posted a 15million euro (£12.8 million) deficit.”   (Daily Telegraph)

(From Teresa)  “I shall be walking the Humber Bridge in aid of CAFOD on Saturday, May 11^th.  Are you able to help us to raise money for the three million people who are in desperate need of food, water and shelter due to the war in Syria?   If anyone would like to sponsor me, there is a form to sign in the porch.  Many thanks.  Teresa.”

Please remember our unwell and housebound in your prayers: Shelagh Brennan, Elizabeth Dunn, Rohan Lewis, Lillian Macklin, Helen Parker, James  Mayman , Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Maureen Perry, Christopher Pike, Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford, Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts, Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Mary Davidson, Joan Williams and Kathleen McGowan.     Bishop John Crowley is not at all well and needs your prayers.

“We can work all we want , we can build many things, but if we don’t proclaim Jesus Christ, something is wrong.  We would become a compassionate NGO and not a church which is the bride of Christ.”      Pope Francis

Books  As Gwen Percival  has recently wound up her books business, we are no longer collecting books in the church porch.  Most of the local charity shops are grateful to have them to sell.

The collections at last weekend’s Masses for Diane and her children realised £108.64.  Many thanks from Diane.

Hull Faith Forum is putting on a series of talks at St Joseph’s Parish Hall on Boothferry Road.  These are mainly directed to young adults (Senior School to approximately 35).  Titles, speakers and dates are as follows:

                Tuesday, May 7^th     Joanna Bogle on “Encountering Christ Through the Saints”

Tuesday, June 25^th     Patrick Doyle on “Encountering Christ in the Poor”

Tuesday, July 16^th         Father Richard Whinder on “Encountering Christ in the Blessed Sacrament”

Finally  As the coffin was being lowered into the ground at a parking warden’s funeral, a voice from inside screamed “I’m not dead! Let me out!”  The vicar sucked his teeth and muttered quietly  “Too late, pal.  The paperwork’s done.”

Items for the next newsletter to me by Wednesday, please   john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk    876812
130505.pdf

130428.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel: 01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk
Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am; Mon to Sat: 9 am, except Tues: 7 pm

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

 Sunday April 28th  2013   Fifth Sunday of Easter       

To die that we may truly live.  It doesn’t take much searching to find in the scriptures words so terrifying that if we don’t feel in need of a word of consolation, it can only be because we haven’t been paying attention.  For example, in today’s first reading St Paul and Barnabas tell us that the way to the kingdom of God lies through many afflictions, reminiscent, of course, of the remarks of Jesus to his disciples that they should strive to enter through the narrow door.  The Gospel gives the words of Jesus to his disciples at the last supper, as he prepares them to understand the meaning of his coming death.  Of itself, death is meaningless.  In fact, it is worse than meaningless; it is something that threatens to make everything meaningless.  Our whole lives are overshadowed by the tragedy that we will one day come to nothing, just as the earth, even perhaps the universe itself, will one day be reduced to nothing.

Yet Jesus is so insistent that his own death does have meaning, insistent in the face of his friends’ understandable incomprehension.  His death is his glorification, the manifestation of his perfect unity with the Father, the creator and king of the universe.  At the same time, his death is an act of service, an act of that perfect service and self-giving that we call love.

Mass intentions for the coming week:

Anniversaries:  Sun, 28^th: Thomas O’Shaughnessy, Margaret Rawson;  Mon: Elizabeth Portz, Sarah Wardell; Tues: Veronica June Carter, Ann Sitch;  Wed: Thomas Thomson, Father Anthony Joseph Storey; Thurs: Mary Graby, Angelo Condello;  Fri: Patrick McGirr, Wilhelmina Maria Parker-Bezemer;  Sat: Agnes Brennan, John McManus, Daniel Patrick Courtenay, John B Croll, Kathleen Hurney, Joyce Elizabeth Parker, Jim Rea;  Sun: Norman Parker, Patrick Fowlston, Elizabeth Holmes, Hilda Franklin.

Counters next Sunday:  Tricia Leach and Linda Gillard           Next Sunday tea/coffee: Pauline and Chris

Priests’ Training Fund  If you didn’t manage to contribute to this annual diocesan retiring collection last weekend, there will be an opportunity to do so after the Masses this weekend.

Many thanks to Patrick Doyle who gave a very interesting talk on Emmaus Hull in the Garden Room last Monday.

We were able to give the Emmaus Hull project £91.50, which included £35 from the Catholic Women’s League.

Emmaus Hull is a group of people who want to open an Emmaus Community in Hull.  (There are more homeless people in Hull now than there have been for years.) Every Emmaus Community provides a home, bed, board and a small allowance for ex-homeless people.  When someone comes to live in an Emmaus Community, he/she agrees to work five days a week in the Community business, such as recycling and selling clothes, furniture, bric-a-brac, books and even electrical goods.

Hull City Council has agreed to lease Emmaus a site for a new Community.  Through government funding and a partnership with Chevin Housing Association, over £2 million has been raised towards the new building,  To make Emmaus Hull a reality, another £500,000 is needed to complete the build and to source donations of furniture and equipment.  This will come chiefly from the local community, donations from individuals and companies, Trusts and local fund-raising events.  It needs raising quickly to start the building as soon as possible.

Further information: from Helen Mc Gill (348663) or www.emmaushull.org.uk    See leaflets in the church porch.

A Coffee Morning will be held at 10 am next Friday, May 3^rd in support of Emmaus Hull, at The Guildhall, Hull, by the kind permission of the Lord Mayor, Councillor Danny Brown.

Anthony Storey Memorial Lecture; 11 am on Sat, May 18^th at the Staff House, Hull University; speaker: Bruce Kent.

Rest in Peace  Kenneth Young, a Saturday evening Mass-goer, died peacefully in Castle Hill on Tuesday, April 16^th.  He was cremated on Thursday, the 25^th at Haltemprice Crematorium.  Our sympathy and prayers go to his family. Eternal rest give to him, Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Anne and Patrick Brittain wish to report the birth on April 16^th of their 6^th grand-child – Niah Florence, daughter of Daniel and Kelly.  Congratulations to all of them.

“Shape of things to come  In what may turn out to be a momentous change in the way the Catholic Church is run, Pope Francis has announced that he is assembling a team of eight cardinal-advisers to assist him, including helping him reform the Roman Curia.  Some of them were among the Curia’s most forthright critics in the discussions that preceded the recent conclave and none of them is technically from the Curia itself.  This move represents a highly significant rebalancing of forces within the government of the Catholic Church and may pave the way for a form of representative Cabinet-type government instead of the model of an absolute monarchy that many believe has gone beyond the end of its useful life.

The Pope’s intention appears to be to translate into action the Second Vatican’s Council desire for a realignment of forces within the Church that has remained largely theoretical over the last half-century.  So far, most of Pope Francis’s actions have been symbolic of his much less grandiose interpretation of the personal role of the papacy than all recent Popes have followed and he has now given that style of approach some embryonic structural shape.

The new team of eight will not meet as such until the autumn, though it is said the Pope intends to begin consulting them immediately.  What is more significant is that they have been carefully chosen so that virtually every part of the world is represented and in most cases by men who have themselves been selected for leadership positions by their episcopal colleagues.  Thus the European representative is the German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who is president of the Commission of the Bishops’ conferences of the European Community and hence can speak for the Catholic hierarchies of Europe.  Similar qualifications–and a similar democratic mandate–apply to most of the others.

This shifts the balance of power in the Church in favour of national or regional conferences of bishops.  They have hitherto suffered from lack of status as a result of the ruling by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, that episcopal conferences “had no theological significance”.  They were mere collections of bishops and their theological weight was merely the sum of their parts.

If they have now been recognised as key components in the Church’s new architecture, that may go a long way to incorporating the idea of episcopal collegiality at the heart of the Church.”  (from The Tablet)

From Diana:  1. May is Our Lady’s month.    The rosary is a very special way of praying as a family or praying privately, so I will leave some rosaries and rosary cards in the church porch for anyone to take, especially in May.
2.  Sunday, May 5th is the first of five ‘Pilgrimage Masses‘. It will be at Beverley Minster at 2 pm. This Mass is arranged particularly for people from the Hull Area.
3. Kings Breakfast.  Praying for Hull and its people; Tues, the 30^th ; 7 – 8.15 am; Costa Coffee, King Edward St, Hull,

Please remember our unwell and housebound in your prayers: Rohan Lewis, Lillian Macklin, Helen Parker, James  Mayman, Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Maureen Perry, Christopher Pike, Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford, Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts, Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Mary Davidson, Joan Williams and Kathleen McGowan.            Bishop John Crowley is not at all well and needs your prayers.

Raffle for Medugorje Pilgrimage  “This weekend I will be selling raffle tickets for a really beautiful hamper containing fourteen items of food, including a bottle of wine. This will help people to be able to attend the Pilgrimage to Medugorje. I will be at the Saturday evening and the  Sunday Mass.   Thank you in anticipation. “  (Diana) 

“Witness of Charity” Caritas Roadshow  Sat, May 4^th  10 am – 3.30 pm    See the poster and leaflets in the porch.

Finally,  Vive la difference!   Money: A man will pay £2 for a £1 item he needs;  a woman will pay £1 for a £2 item she doesn’t need – if it’s in a sale.      Bathrooms:  The average man has 6 items in his bathroom – toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, bar of soap, towel;  the average number of items in a woman’s bathroom is 327. A man would be able to identify not more than 20 of these    Children:  A woman knows all about her children, their birthdays, health, friends, fears, hopes, dreams;  a man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

Items for next weekend by Wednesday, please       john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk  876812

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130421.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

                  3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

       Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel: 01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am; Mon to Sat: 9 am,
except Tues: 7 pm and Fri 2.15 pm: Requiem

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

                       Sunday April 21st  2013   Fourth Sunday of Easter  World Day of Prayer for Vocations     

In the liturgy for the fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church gives us the powerful and appealing image of Christ as the Good Shepherd.  Christ is commonly depicted in ancient art as a shepherd carrying a sheep on his shoulders, holding its legs firmly with his hands.  It is an image full of reassurance, one that promises safety and security, one that tells us to rely totally on Christ, just as the sheep is totally supported by him.  As Christ promises his hearers in the Gospel: “I shall give them eternal life and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.”  Christ the Good Shepherd holds on to his sheep very tightly indeed!

    Christ identifies the sheep of his flock as those who hear his voice and follow him.  There is a definite order in these two ideas.  It is only if we listen to, and hear, his voice that we can recognise Jesus of Nazareth as the Good Shepherd, who offers us the surety of eternal life.  We need to listen to the voice of Christ as we find it in the word of the bible and the liturgies, as we find it speaking to us in the daily business of our working and domestic lives.  Only by such listening and reflecting on the significance of what we hear will our minds be raised to see the truth of what Christ tells us and be moved then to follow him and to shape our lives in conformity with his will.  In like manner, in Christ’s resurrection appearances, the disciples realise that Christ is truly risen and present with them only when they become able to listen and hear his voice.  Mary Magdalene hears the voice of Christ calling her name and the disciples on the way to Emmaus hear his voice explaining the scriptures to them.

    We live today in a culture of mass information in which there are so many different voices wanting us to listen to them and to respond to them.  We live in an ‘online’ age, in which we are bombarded by invitations to explore websites, by demands to respond to emails, requests to enter chat rooms and by enticing adverts flashing up on our screens.  The sheer mass of information with which we are confronted on a daily basis competes for our attention, distracts us from focussing on anything for very long or very well and quickly uses up our reserves of attention.

     So the danger is that the voice of Christ the Good Shepherd can easily become submerged and excluded by the many other voices that compete for our attention.  This makes it difficult for us to listen to Christ at all.  We have to make a conscious effort to focus our thoughts, imaginations and emotions on Christ, his person, his life and his teaching.  We need to set some special time aside for this if we are to make progress.

Mass Intentions for the coming week:

Anniversaries: Sat, 20^th: Elizabeth Lawler, Eleanor Mary K Smith;  Sun: Mary Ellen Abel, Catherine McDonagh, Elizabeth Rodgers;  Mon: Peter Bezemer, Alfred Fearnley Johnson, James C Levett, Margaret Gallagher; Tues: George Anthony Smith, John Patterson Graham, Mary Ann Prissick, Walter Cooke, George Ormiston, Jack Leisk; Wed: Frank Porter, Michael Dent; Thurs: Father Alphonsus Wannyn, Alfred Mark Ford, Arthur Homan; Fri: Thomas McAllister, Frank Graham, Vera Willoughby;  Sun: Thomas O’Shaughnessy, Margaret Rawson.

       Counters next Sunday: Anne and Tony Tordoff     Next Sunday tea/coffee: Shirley and Barry

Patrick Doyle, Chair of Emmaus Hull, will be giving a talk to the parish on Monday, April 22^nd at 7.30 pm in the Garden Room on the progress of setting up an Emmaus Community in Hull.  He will detail the problems of the increasing numbers of homeless people in the Hull area and explain how Emmaus will be able to help them.  Admission 50p.    There will be refreshments and a raffle, with all proceeds to Emmaus.  All are very welcome.

                      Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life.  He who laughs – lasts!

Rest in Peace  

   Ivy Ward, mother of Andrew, died in Overton House on Sunday last after a long illness.  She received the last rites from Canon Michael during Easter Week. She was 88 and was the wife of Harold Ward, who died in August 2006.  Her Requiem Mass is at Holy Cross at 2.15 pm on Friday, the 26^th, followed by cremation at Haltemprice crematorium.

   Theresa Hall, Steve’s mother, died, aged 82, in North Tees Hospital last Saturday.  “She passed on peacefully at the end with most of the family at her side. Her funeral will be from Christ the King church, Thornaby on Tuesday, April 23^rd  at 1 pm. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and condolences.” (from Steve)

   Colin Johnson, our church neighbour who has been very ill, died on Wednesday.  Our sympathy and prayers go to his wife Delia.

   Mary Wiles, a regular at our parish Lunch Club, also died  last Saturday.

              Eternal rest give to all of these, Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them all.

Many congratulations to Sister Catherine from the Endsleigh Centre, who celebrated her 50 years as a nun on April 16^th, following her birthday on the 17^th.  She entertained us on “Look North”, particularly when she hinted that she would consider retirement when she reached 100!

Please remember our unwell and housebound in your prayers: Rohan Lewis, Lillian Macklin, Helen Parker, James  Mayman, Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Maureen Perry, Christopher Pike, Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford, Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts, Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Mary Davidson, Joan Williams and Kathleen McGowan.            Bishop John Crowley is not at all well and needs your prayers.

Anne and Tony Tordoff would like to thank everyone who supported the Afternoon Tea last Sunday at the home of Anne and Geoff Land, and also those who were unable to go, but gave a donation.  We raised a fantastic £384 for Myeloma UK. We would particularly like to thank Anne and Geoff who hosted such a splendid afternoon.

Raffle for Medugorje Pilgrimage  Next weekend I will be selling raffle tickets for a really beautiful hamper containing fourteen items of food, including a bottle of wine. This will help people to be able to attend the Pilgrimage to Medugorje. I will be at the Saturday evening and the  Sunday Mass.       Thank you in anticipation.   (Diana)

“More than three million people have been made homeless by the war in Syria.  They are in desperate need of food, water and shelter and need our help.  Will you help us to raise money for our sisters and brothers in Syria by joining the Humber Bridge Sponsored Walk at 2 pm on Saturday, May 11^th? You can get your CAFOD sponsorship form from Teresa Ulyatt (845355) or by downloading a copy from the CAFOD website – cafod.org.uk.”    (from Teresa)

Many thanks to Diana for organising Thursday’s Markfest – including the refreshments!

Advance notice:  Anthony Storey Memorial Lecture;  11 am on Sat, May 18^th at the Staff House, Hull University

Bruce Kemp: “Lessons from 1914; Looking Forward with Optimism

Finally, A man and a woman are sitting next to each other on a long flight.  The woman is tired and wants to sleep; the man is talkative and keeps her awake.  Eventually he suggests a game they could play; he says to her “I ask you a question; if you don’t know the answer, you pay me £5.  Then you ask me a question and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll pay you £500.”  To keep him quiet, she agrees.  He asks her “What’s the distance from the earth to the moon?”  She doesn’t say a word, just gets out £5 from her purse and gives it to him. Then she asks him her question: “What goes up a hill with 3 legs and comes down with 4?”  The man searches the net on his lap-top, phones all his clever friends – all to no avail.  After an hour, he gives up, wakes the woman and gives her £500.  She goes back to sleep.  He’s going mad not knowing the answer, so he wakes her and says “Well, what does go up with 3 legs and come down with 4.”  She says not a word, reaches into her purse, gives him £5 and goes back to sleep.

Items for next weekend’s newsletter to me by Wednesday, please            john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk
130421.pdf

130414.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel: 01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk
Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am; Mon to Sat: 9 am, except Tues: 7 pm

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

Sunday April 14th  2013   Third Sunday of Easter       

   What happens to Simon Peter in today’s Gospel looks like a set up.  And, to be honest, it is.  Christ has set Peter up.

   What transpires by the sea of Tiberias in the light of dawn is no accident.  They have gone fishing at night on the lake, “but that night they caught nothing.”  Saint Luke tells us that on the day Simon Peter first met Jesus, after a night when they caught nothing, he was told to throw out his nets again and they landed a massive load of fish.  There and then, Peter fell down before him, saying “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 

   As they land the fish, they see a charcoal fire and on it are fish and bread.  Not so long before, in the court of the high priest, Peter had been warming himself at another charcoal fire and it was then that he denied Christ not once but three times and then he heard the cock crow.  Saint Peter is usually shown with keys in his hand but in ancient days he was sometimes depicted with a cockerel.  At the same time, the fish and the bread must have brought to mind other days by that same sea, when everyone was fed and nobody was left hungry.

   Peter knew failure and what it is to fish all night and catch nothing.  He knew the smell of the charcoal fire.  He knew in his bones that his strength was in Christ alone.  He knew in his bones what it was to be marked with the sign of faith.   So if this scene in the Gospel is a set up, it is a set up in love.  Christ says to him three times “Do you love me?”  And then and only then he says “Follow me.”

  Mass intentions for the coming week:

Sat,13^th      6.30 pm            Yorkshire Brethren                 Thurs, 18^th      9 am     Charles Mainwaring

Sun, 14^th          10 am         Mary and Herbert Green       Fri, 19^th             9 am     Special Intention

Mon, 15^th          9 am          Special Intention                     Sat, 20th           9 am     Special Intention

Tues, 16^th         7 pm           Vincent Lavin                                               6.30 pm        Yorkshire Brethren

Wed, 17^th          9 am          Peter Watts                                Sun, 21^st       10 am        James and Elizabeth Rodgers

Anniversaries: Sat, 13^th: Margaret Park, Daniel Patrick Courtenay, Frances Rose White;  Tues: Maud Burgan,

Violet Johnson;  Wed: Andrew McManus;  Thurs: Ralph Allen Parker;  Fri: Geoffrey Barrie, Harry Cornthwaite,

Alfred Nolan;  Sat: Elizabeth Lawler, Eleanor Mary K Smith;  Sun: Mary Ellen Abel, Catherine McDonagh,

Elizabeth Rodgers.

Counters next Sunday: Teresa Ulyatt and Therese Turpin    Next Sunday tea/coffee: Louise and Sandra

We now have an address for Father Pat and he would be happy to receive letters:

St Luke Institute

8901 New Hampshire Avenue

Silver Spring

MD 20903

USA

Patrick Doyle, Chair of Emmaus Hull, will be giving a talk to the parish on Monday, April 22^nd at 7.30 pm in the Garden Room on the progress of setting up an Emmaus Community in Hull  He will detail the problems of the increasing numbers of homeless people in the Hull area, explain how Emmaus will be able to help them and how we can help Emmaus.  There will be refreshments and a raffle.  Admission 50p, with all proceeds to Emmaus. All are very welcome.  There will be no SVP meeting that evening.

Afternoon Tea in aid of Myeloma UK at the home of Geoff and Anne Land, “Magnolia House”, 7 Endyke Lane, Cottingham; 2 pm this Sunday, April 14^th.  Tickets: Adults – £5, children – £2.  (Be aware that road-works have closed the road between the Thwaite Street roundabout and Endyke Lane.)

Adults are always asking children what they want to be when they grow up because they are looking for ideas.

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?

The First Reading: The apostles’ preaching and teaching about Jesus has gained them a reputation and their words have spread across Jerusalem.  Their preaching, which defied an order of the Jewish authorities, brings them unwanted attention.  Peter says he must preach the name of Jesus, as to do otherwise would be to disobey God.  The apostles are willing to suffer persecution in the name of Jesus.

The Second Reading:  The Book of Revelation was written to comfort Christians persecuted under Nero.  There would be ultimate deliverance. The Lamb who was slain has been granted sovereignty; he is the Lord of history and controls its unfolding.  The reference to all the living things in creation crying praise to the Lamb reminds us of the interconnection of humans and all creatures.  How many species have we, in our greed and ignorance, destroyed?  With faith in the Lord of History, we hold the hope that all will be made new; nothing will be lost.

The Gospel Reading:  How did the disciples feel that morning when Peter decided that he was going to go fishing?  Was it an attempt to get back to normality after their years following Jesus around?  Was the fishing a trip back to their comfort zone?  By now, this being the third resurrection appearance, the disciples should have known better.  This time, Jesus invites them to eat with him, a sign that his is a resurrection of the body; death has truly been overcome.  The impetuous Peter leaps from the boat after John, the beloved disciple, recognises the Lord.  The last act in the Gospel is the triple affirmation of Peter, perhaps to counter the triple denial during the Passion.

Mark Fest  The second part of St Mark’s Gospel will be read aloud in church this Thursday, April 18^th at 7 pm. Would anyone who would like to read contact Diana (846555) or Chris (844128).   Refreshments will be served.

Hospital visiting  If you or a family member has to stay in hospital and would like a visit from a priest, please contact

Canon Michael at St Charles’s church (329100).

A Day of Healing  will be held at St Charles’s Parish Centre on Saturday, April 27^th, led by Father Dominique Minskip.  There will be Mass.  Contacts: Catherine (8560840) or Barbara (796967).

A Marriage Preparation Course  is to take place at the Endsleigh Centre on Wednesday, May 8^th.  If you are interested, please phone ‘Marriage Care’ on 0800 3893801.

Please remember our unwell and housebound in your prayers: Rohan Lewis, neighbour Colin, Lillian Macklin,

Carol Cook, Helen Parker, James Mayman , Patrick Brittain, Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Maureen Perry, Christopher Pike, Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford,

Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts,

Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Mary Davidson, Joan Williams and Kathleen McGowan.

Bishop John Crowley is not at all well and needs your prayers.

Gift Aid   There are still (Friday) nine boxes of gift-aid envelopes awaiting collection on the long table in the church porch.   Please pick up yours if you haven’t already done so.

Gwen Percival has been giving the proceeds of her book sales to our Anthony Storey Educational  Scholarship Fund for the past six years.  Sadly, the recent increased costs of posting books have made it impossible for her to run her business and she has wound it up.  Her contributions over these years have realised £2,465.13 – a magnificent total!  She has been the largest individual contributor to the Fund and her generosity is all the more praise-worthy as she and her family have lived in the Driffield parish for some years.  Leo Murphy, who manages the Holy Cross end of the Fund, says that Gwen’s donations have been sufficient to provide a full education for fifteen children in Sierra Leone.

On behalf of them and Holy Cross parish, very many thanks, Gwen.

Hull and East Riding Newman Circle    The next meeting will be this coming Wednesday, April 17^th at 7.30 pm in the Endsleigh Centre.  The speaker will be Father Dominique Minskip  (topic to be confirmed).

Parish Lunch This coming Wednesday, April 17th, at midday in the Garden Room.  All are welcome.

Finally, an American nursery teacher was taking a group of children home when a fire engine zoomed past, with a dog sitting in the front seat. Two of the children began to discuss its duties. “It’s to keep crowds back” said one.  “No, it isn’t” said the other. “It’s to find the fire hydrant.”

               Items for next weekend’s newsletter to me by WEDNESDAY, please         john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk
130414.pdf

130407.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel: 01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk
Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am; Mon to Sat: 9 am, except Tues: 7 pm

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

Sunday April 7th  2013   Second Sunday of Easter        Divine Mercy Sunday

Today we celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy.  When we think about today’s feast we think about the mercy of God.

At first glance, we might think that this would be better if it were celebrated during Lent.  After all, for six weeks of praying and doing penance, we were seeking the mercy of God.  Now, all of a sudden, here we are on the octave day of Easter, the height of the celebration of Our Lord’s resurrection, and suddenly we are asking God once again for mercy.  But, in fact, as we celebrate the octave, we are celebrating for eight days the feast itself.  So today, as for the last week, we are in fact celebrating Easter Day – not the Easter Season, which we will be celebrating for the next six weeks – but literally Easter Day.

Today, as we celebrate the feast of Divine Mercy, we connect what happened on the cross with what happened on Easter Sunday. Anyone who has been praying the Novena of the Divine Mercy knows that they had to begin that novena on Good Friday and it culminates, of course, with the events of this day. It connects Good Friday with Easter Sunday and it reminds us that the mercy of God is found in the cross of Jesus Christ.  Sins are forgiven because of the Cross. But it was not enough that Our Lord went to the Cross; if he did not rise from the dead, we would not be able to rise to new and everlasting life.

That is the mercy God is offering to his people.  He has done everything for us and he has given to us the means by which our sins can be forgiven.  All that he asks of us is to humble ourselves, to confess out sins and to trust in him.

Mass intentions for the coming week:

Anniversaries: Sun,7^th : Raymund Marshall, Donald Land, John Benson, Cyril Doherty, John McMahon, Kathleen Vass, Rob Carvlin;  Mon: Ella Collins;  Tues: Len Elder;  Wed: Agnes Kedward;  Thurs: Mary Elizabeth Jackson, Kim Clarke, John Dagleish, Helena Dagleish,;  Fri: Clifford Clarke, Catherine Roche, Sheilagh Mary Priest;  Sun: Margaret Park, Daniel Patrick Courtenay, Frances Rose White.

Next Sunday counters: Christine and Mike Eyre     Next Sunday tea/coffee: Anne-Marie and Tessa

Holy Week  Many thanks to Father Bill and to all who helped him with the Holy Week services, particularly the Flowers Team, the servers, the readers  and Cornelia for providing Easter eggs for the children on Easter Sunday.

A Day of Divine Mercy will be held at St Vincent’s Church, Queens Road, Hull this Sunday, April 7^th from 12 noon to 4 pm.  There will be Exposition,  Benediction at 3 pm and Confessions all afternoon.  All are most welcome, with a special invitation to the lapsed.  (See the poster in the porch)

Afternoon Tea in aid of Myeloma UK at the home of Geoff and Anne Land, “Magnolia House”, 7 Endyke Lane, Cottingham; 2 pm next Sunday, April 14^th.  Tickets: Adults – £5.  (Be aware that road-works have closed the road between the Thwaite Street roundabout and Endyke Lane.)

Commissioning of new Extra-ordinary Ministers of Hoy Communion will take place at The Spa, Scarborough on Saturday, May 4^th, from 9.30 am to 2.45 pm.  Next Sunday (10 am Mass) will be the last chance to sign up for this; the list is on the long table in the church porch.

Patrick Doyle, Chair of Emmaus Hull, will be giving a talk to the parish on Monday, April 22^nd in the Garden Room on the progress of setting up an Emmaus Community in Hull  He will detail the problems of the increasing numbers of homeless people in the Hull area and explain how Emmaus will be able to help them.  All are very welcome.

Prayer for our parish and village    Father, we praise and thank you for sending your only son to be with each one of us, through your Holy Spirit.  We especially bring to you all members of this parish community, both living and dead, their families and their friends.  We lay all their sufferings and joys before you and ask for a complete reconciliation and renewed filling of the Holy Spirit and a thirst for you in every one of your children, your priests and people.

Father, bless the village of Cottingham and bring together all who work and live here, so that we can praise you and grow in you in the Body of Christ and share our love for you with all your children.  We ask you, Lord, to bring through your Holy Spirit an increase in vocations. Amen

Church Cleaning. After morning Mass this Monday, April 8^th. Many hands make less work!

Caritas-Witness of Charity. There is a Caritas Roadshow at All Saints RC School, York on 4th May. Please see the poster in the church porch.

“At the Pope’s Side   When he uttered his first words as Bishop of Rome on the balcony of St Peter’s, standing next to Pope Francis was Cardinal Claudio Hummes OFM.

     The Pope has said it was Cardinal Hummes, “a good friend”, who inspired him to take the name Francis. The Franciscan cardinal was next to Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio SJ in the Sistine Chapel and comforted him as it became clear that he was about to be elected Successor of St Peter, telling him “Don’t forget the poor.”

     Dom Claudio, the Archbishop Emeritus of Sao Paulo, is likely to be an informal adviser to Pope Francis.  One of the things he will be able to advise on is the Roman Curia, as he served as prefect of the Congregation for Clergy for four years under Pope Emeritus Benedict XV1.  Just before taking up that post, Dom Claudio stressed that mandatory celibacy for clergy was a discipline, not a dogma of the Church and left open the question of whether this could be changed.  This led to him issuing a clarification via the Holy See press office to stressing the value of clerical celibacy and saying that change was not on the agenda.” (from The Tablet)

Please remember our unwell and housebound in your prayers: Rohan Lewis, Lillian Macklin, Carol Cook, Helen Parker, James Mayman , Patrick Brittain, Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Norah Orvis, Maureen Perry, Christopher Pike, Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford, Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts, Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Mary Davidson, Joan Williams. Kathleen McGowan and Harry Thomson.

The collection in aid of the Holy Places during Holy Week realised £153.21.

Peter Watts  (from his daughters) “We have only just received a letter from Dave Tucker, Charge Nurse, Ward 31, Castle Hill Hospital. My sister, Donna and I were so delighted that £670 was raised for the ward where our dear Dad spent his last few weeks. When we took the money in, Dave Tucker was ‘over the moon’, as he said the money would help so many people in so many ways. The money will go directly to help the patients on that ward.  So we are sending this email to Holy Cross as we know a few people from the parish very kindly attended Dad’s funeral.  People were so kind and we would just like them to know how tremendously grateful we were for the donations and that Dad’s suffering wasn’t totally in vain.   Warm wishes.  Julie and Donna”

Collection for Diane and the twins The collections at the Easter week-end masses realised £131.81.  Diane wishes to express her deep gratitude for the parish’s continuing help to her and the children.  She sends her wishes and prayers for the blessings and joy of Easter to all at Holy Cross.  (from Tessa)

MarkFest. The second part of St Mark’s Gospel will be read in church on Thursday, April 18th at 7 pm. Refreshments will be served.  If you would like to read a chapter, please contact Chris (844128) or Diana  (46555)

Wanted: a small fridge for use in the small kitchen, which is now up and running. Contact Diana  if you have one spare.

Finally.   Good health: an international comparison The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than  Brits. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and  suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits. The  Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.  The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than  Brits.             Conclusion:  Eat and drink what you like. Apparently it’s speaking English that kills you.

Items for next weekend’s newsletter to me by WEDNESDAY, please    john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk
130407.pdf

130331.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel: 01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk
Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am;  Mon to Sat: 9 am, except Tuesday: 7 pm

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

Sunday March 31^st   2013     Easter Sunday 

Why is the death and resurrection of Jesus so essential to our faith?  Psychologists have long said that the two great fears we carry are a fear of death and a fear of life.  Most people are either afraid of being fully alive or are afraid of what they consider to be the abyss of death.  We all carry at least one of those fears; some of us carry the two of them.  But the life, death and resurrection of Jesus teach us about a different way of being alive.  In them, both fears are conquered by the one who walks before us. We now, as people of faith, are people who walk in the light of the resurrection and have nothing to fear.

The rising of Jesus from the dead today confirms our repulsion of his unjust death but also helps to transform it. Through his death, our feelings can be converted into selfless action. We can think of, and act for, the millions of people in our world today who are being crucified by the pain and injustice of the most scandalous poverty and inequality. That millions die of malnutrition in a world blessed with so much food is a scandal. That children are forced to work, instead of play and learn, so that their families can at least put a minimum of food on the table, is a scandal. That innocent men, women and children are victims of wars they cannot control is a scandal.  We cannot, as people of the Resurrection, ignore these scandals and others like them.  We cannot turn a blind eye.  The resurrection of Jesus tells us that even the most grotesque injustice can be turned into Resurrection joy.

So, as we celebrate Easter today, let us celebrate all the places of Resurrection – where fear is turned to hope -  around our world, in our country and in our hearts.  May Easter teach us once again that we have nothing to fear, everything to live for and a world of people to love.  Jesus is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia, alleluia! 

Mass intentions this coming week: 

Mon, 1^st    9 am     Edward Brennan      Tues, 2^nd    7 pm   Vera McGurk      Wed, 3^rd  9 am   Helen Parker’s Intentions    Thurs, 4^th   9 am   Helena and Ralph Dagleish         Fri, 5^th         9 am     Kathleen and Joe Bearpark’s  Intentions                       

Anniversaries: Sat, 30^th: Catherine Kemp, Joan Bottery, Kenneth Culkin;  Sun: Gladys Baker, Jessie Wackett; Mon: Mary Winifred Stephenson;  Wed: Emily Rebecca Graves, Norah Frances Priest, Helena Bradley, Bert Welch, Peter Alan Bartle;  Fri: Stan Patrick Behan, Carol Ann Hirst, Laurence Udall;  Sun: Raymund Marshall, John Benson, Cyril Doherty, John McMahon, Kathleen Vass, Rob Carvlin, Donald Land.

Next Sunday counters: Anne and Geoff Land       Next Sunday tea/coffee: Jacqui and Helen

Afternoon Tea in aid of Myeloma UK at the home of Geoff and Anne Land, “Magnolia House”, 7 Endyke Lane, Cottingham; 2 pm on Sunday, April 14^th.  Tickets: Adults – £5.

Parish Lunch: this coming Wednesday, April 3^rd at midday in the Garden Room.  All are welcome.

“There are wars and rumours of  war, poverty and plague, hunger and pain.  Still, the sap is rising, again there is the resurrection of spring and God’s continuing promise to us that he is with us always, with his comfort and joy, if we will only ask.”       (Dorothy Day)

Please remember all our sick and housebound in your prayers: Lillian Macklin, Carol Cook, Helen Parker, James Mayman , Patrick Brittain, Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Norah Orvis, Maureen Perry, Christopher Pike, Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford, Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts, Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Mary Davidson, Joan Williams and Kathleen McGowan.

“Pentecost came early this year for the Roman Church.  On an unusually chilly and rainy March evening during Lent, Catholics around the world were stunned by the historic announcement that a Jesuit from Argentina – Jorge Mario Bergoglio – had just been elected Pope.  The former Archbishop of Buenos Aires chose to call himself ‘Francesco’, taking the name of the radical and universally popular mystic-saint from Assisi.  He was the first pope ever to do so. In the time since his election, Pope Francis has demonstrated a simplicity of style, in both words and gestures, that stands in refreshing contrast to the cultivated elegance that characterised the pontificate of Benedict XVI. Although highly cultured, his common man’s touch has stirred up the hopes of many believers, especially those so-called Vatican II Catholics who have felt increasingly ignored and alienated for a long time.

       The new Pope has also beguiled many non-Catholics, as well as a mass media that is often cynical about religion and its representatives.  After the weariness that has enveloped the entire Church over the past few years, the 76-year-old “Francis of Rome” has appeared on the scene in a similar way to that of the elderly John XXIII more than half a century ago.  People are saying that Papa Francesco, like Papa Giovanni, has thrown open the windows of the Church to let in some fresh air.

“During these days we have felt the wind of Pentecost shake our souls!” exclaimed Cardinal Angelo Comastri, vicar of Vatican City, during a Mass with the new Pope.  “We are rediscovering the simplicity and the fervour of the early beginnings of our faith” he said.    (From The Tablet)

The boxes of Gift-Aid envelopes for the new financial year are on the long table in the porch.  If you have not already done so, please take yours.

It is Mary Magdalene who discovers the empty tomb while it was “still dark”.  The stone of the tomb is a symbol of all that is dark in this world and all those things which keep us from being free.  An empty tomb is a powerful symbol, so impossible to explain that it really is a matter of faith.  You can accept it, or struggle with it, or dismiss it entirely.  Until you experience resurrection, none of it makes any sense.  We can relate to the moments of resurrection in our own lives today, remembering a time when we thought our world had ended because of a broken relationship or a tragedy.  When we come through such experiences we can begin to understand something of resurrection.  There is new life after the hardship has passed even though we couldn’t see it at the time.  Just as Jesus spent his earthly ministry breaking down barriers between people, he has shown us that there is always hope in the darkest of situations.  Nothing is impossible.    

Catholic Women’s League    Would CWL members please collect their newsletters from the box in the porch.
General meeting on Monday, April 8^th  in the Garden Room at 7.30pm. The speaker is Mr Smales  and his talk is entitled ‘Nowt as queer as folk musicians’. All are welcome.

The Roman Curia    The Archbishop of Southwark has called for a reform of the “dysfunctional” Roman Curia and for bishops to have a greater say in the running of the Church.  Commenting on television during the inauguration  of Pope Francis in Rome, Archbishop Peter Smith, vice-president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said some members of the Curia, the central administrative body of the Holy See, had become “very set in their ways” and had taken upon themselves “an authority they haven’t got”.    The archbishop explained: “My experience is that there are some good people in the Curia but it has become rather dysfunctional in certain respects.”    He said the Curia’s relationship with diocesan bishops in particular needed to be reformed.    “The Curia is there to serve the Pope and the bishops of the Church” he said.

Passover Meal  Many thanks to Jim Norton for presiding at the meal, to the readers and especially to Elizabeth and her cooks and servers who made the evening such a success.

Finally,  A young man had just got his driving licence and asked his dad if they could discuss his use of the family car.  His father said they’d do a deal: “ If you  bring your grades up from C to B, study your bible and get your hair cut, we’ll talk about you borrowing the car. The son thought about it, then he agreed with the offer.

       After about six weeks, his father said “Son, I’m really proud of you. You’ve brought your grades up and I’ve been watching you studying your bible.  However, I’m a bit disappointed that you haven’t had your hair cut.”

       His son paused for a moment, then said “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that and noticed in my studies of the bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair and there’s a strong argument that Jesus had long hair too.” 

       To which his father replied “ Did you notice as well that they walked everywhere they went?”

Items for next weekend’s newsletter to me by Wednesday, please  john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk

130331.pdf

During his absence, please do not send him email, though we now have an address for Father Pat and he would be happy to receive letters:

Many thanks.

130324.pdf

THE FAMILY OF HOLY CROSS

3 CARRINGTON AVENUE, COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE HU16 4DU

Twinned with Star of the Sea Parish:  Juba, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tel: 01482 847763  Fax: 01482 845225  email: fatherpat@holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Website: holycrosscottingham.org.uk

Parish Priest:  Father Pat Day BA BD

Masses: Vigil Mass: Sat 6.30 pm; Sun: 10 am;               Holy Week services: see below *

Holy Cross is open all day from dawn till dusk. Tea and coffee are served in the Garden Room after the 10 am Mass on Sunday.

Sunday March 24^th  2013     Palm Sunday 

 First Reading  Isaiah 50: 4-7  This passage is the third of Isaiah’s servant songs.  It has a darker, yet more confident, tone than the others.  Although the song gives a first-person description of how the Servant was beaten and abused, here the Servant is described both as teacher and learner, who follows the path on which God places him without pulling back.  His vindication is left in God’s hands.

Second Reading  Phillipians 2: 6-11  This profound Christological hymn narrates firstly the emptying of the Divine Word, who lays aside his glory and takes a human form.  Christ, incarnated and humiliated in the most infamous death, that of crucifixion, is proposed as a vital model for the Christian. The latter, as affirmed in the  hymn, should have the same attitude as Christ Jesus, one of humility and selflessness, of detachment and generosity.

Gospel Reading  Luke 22: 14-23:56  The themes of kingship and kingdom run through Luke’s Passion account.  Jesus reinterprets the Passover meal in terms of his impending death and the coming of the kingdom of God.  The disciples’ lack of understanding of the kingdom is highlighted in their squabbling over which of them is the greatest, but Jesus explains that the greatest must be the one who serves.  Mocked by Herod, who clothes him in a “rich cloak” and jeered by soldiers who dare him to save himself, Jesus is crucified under the inscription “King if the Jews”.  However, it is the criminal crucified alongside him who is the first to truly recognise the kingship of Jesus, when he asks “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 

                      * Services for Holy Week *

Monday: Mass  9 am  Anthony Guazzelli            Tuesday: Mass 7 pm  Angela Vacchese

Wednesday: Mass 9 am   Mathew Daly            Passover Meal:  7 pm

Holy Thursday:  Requiem Mass for Margaret Price: 1 pm      Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7 pm

Good Friday: Stations of the Cross 10 am, followed by the Walk of Witness

Passion Reading, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion: 3 pm

Easter Saturday: Vigil Mass of Easter: 7.30 pm

Easter Sunday: Mass 10 am

Anniversaries: Sat, 23^rd: Monica Mason, Wifred Spaven, Sheila R Batten;  Mon: Frances Atkin;  Tues: Michael Dex; Wed: Mary Moss, Lily Sallis, Terence Coates, Madge Drury;  Thurs: Les Coggin, Edward Brennan; Sat: Kenneth Culkin, Catherine Kemp, Joan Bottery;  Sun: Gladys Baker, Jessie Waskett.

 Next Sunday counters: Mike Davidson and Patrick Brittain;   Next Sunday tea/coffee: Chris and Sheila

Rest in peace  We were very sad to hear of the death last Sunday, after a long illness, of Margaret Price, aged 82.  Our sympathy and prayers go to Rachel and all Margaret’s family.  Her Requiem Mass at Holy Cross will be at 1 pm on Thursday, March 28^th.  It will be said by Father Dominique Minskip.

Eternal rest give to her, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Please remember all our sick and housebound in your prayers: Lillian Macklin, Carol Cook, Helen Parker, James Mayman , Patrick Brittain, Maureen Burman, Tony Anso, Bernie Steedman (Cornelia’s daughter), Andy Velthoen (Esther’s father), Mary Falvey, Arthur Burgan, Rose Mayes (Gwen’s mum), Norah Orvis, Maureen Perry, Christopher Pike, Carol Browne,  Fr Brian Nicholson, Fr Jim O’Brian, Les Ulyatt, Shirley Delby, Bridget Basford, Joan Hindley, Agnes Pidd,  Sue Danby, Mary Chapman, John Wright, Lynn Collins, Peter Dyas, Simon, Joan Watts, Win Murphy, Joe Buckley, Shirley & Tony Woods-McConville, Malcolm Campbell, Harry Maughan, Tony Tordoff, Dorothy Hought, Mary Davidson, Joan Williams and Kathleen McGowan.

Many thanks to Gwen Percival who sent us a cheque for £21.56 – her sale of books in February. Books for sale by her may be left in the church porch under the table against the window.

The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was wonderful, exciting and thrilling!  For once, he was allowing himself to be openly acclaimed with the Messianic title of “the King who comes in the name of the Lord.”  In so doing, he acknowledged that he was all that this crowd made him out to be.  They had got it right!

There was nothing that could have prepared them for the traumatic shock of what happened to Jesus just a few days later.  No-one could have blamed them for not foreseeing that the destiny of Jesus would be fulfilled, not thwarted, on a cross between criminals on Calvary – the destiny of this same King-Messiah of the cheerful procession.

By bringing together in a single liturgy two separate, contrary, contradictory events – adulation when entering Jerusalem and rejection when being nailed to a cross – the Church confronts us, confuses us, with the mystery that is Holy Week.  We are to enter into the anguish of those who loved Jesus and expected so much of him, so well expressed by the bewilderment of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.  There are so many of this age, and of every age, who can make neither head nor tail of what happened to Jesus during the last few days of his life.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we are called to identify with those who joyfully welcomed Jesus as the promised Messiah.  But as we hear today’s Passion narrative, we must accept his understanding of what that role really meant.

We must accept him on his own terms, not ours!

Extra-0rdinary Ministers of Holy Communion   If anyone feels they would like to help in this Ministry, please read the details on the poster in the church porch, then fill in all requested details on the list on the long table in the porch.  Your name will then be given to Canon Loughlin/Father Charlton.  New Commissioning will be on Saturday, May 4^th at The Spa, Scarborough beginning at 9. 30 am and ending after Mass at approximately 2.45 pm. The closing  time for putting your name forward will be Sunday, April 14^th at the 10 am Mass.   (from Elizabeth)

Medjugorje Pilgrimage May 19th – 26^th; 7 nights half board: £544per person.  A free coach will leave St. Charles’s for Leeds/Bradford airport and return. Canon Michael Loughlin will be the spiritual director for the pilgrimage. More details are available from Patricia Oakshott:  802483 or mobile: 07506 069129.

The April edition of Catholic Voice is available this weekend, March 23^rd/24^th.   Please take a copy from the porch.

A Pope for the world   The bold and imaginative election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires as the new Pope has focused the world’s attention on the very office itself, the Petrine ministry.  He is the first Jesuit Pope, the first from outside Europe and was said to have been a runner-up to Cardinal Ratzinger, as Pope Emeritus Benedict then was, at the last conclave in 2005.

What is the essence of the papal office?  Why do Catholics regard it as God’s unique and precious gift to the Church? It is natural to be curious about the priorities of Pope Francis and the shape his papacy is likely to take and natural also to speculate what the cardinals in conclave are expecting from him.  But at the point when his name first became known, little else was certain.  He starts out as something of a blank screen on which everyone may project their hopes and fears.

There is a paradox in his being the centre of the world’s attention, the lead item in every news bulletin.  One of his chief tasks is to divert that attention away from himself as a personality and away from the Church as an institution, towards the gospel message and the person of Jesus Christ.  He will do that by assuming the role of teacher, prophet and preacher. And as a truly global figure, he has to transcend his own race and nationality.  In order to belong to everyone, he has to belong to no one. He ceases in a sense to be a Latin American and becomes a true global citizen.

                                                                                                         (from The Tablet)            

Afternoon Tea in aid of Myeloma UK at the home of Geoff and Anne Land, “Magnolia House”, 7 Endyke Lane Cottingham; 2 pm on Sunday, April 14^th.  Tickets: Adults – £5.

Help is needed after the 9 am Mass this Wednesday to relocate chairs in preparation for the Passover Meal.

A Day of Divine Mercy will be held at St Vincent’s Church, Queens Road, Hull on Sunday, April 7^th from 12 noon to 4 pm.  There will be Exposition,  Benediction at 3 pm and confessions all afternoon.  All are most welcome, with a special invitation to the lapsed.  (see the poster in the porch)

SVP National Raffle 2012  A list of the winners has recently been received and is on the SVP notice board.

Finally, a child’s logic: “Write a sentence about a public servant” said the teacher.  A small boy wrote “The fireman came down the ladder pregnant.”  The teacher asked him “Do you know what pregnant means?”  “Yes, miss” said the boy confidently. “It means carrying a child.”

Items for the next newsletter to me by Wednesday, please   john@mcnicholas.karoo.co.uk
130324.pdf