Rosary In October
During October, the Rosary will be said in church every Tuesday at 9.30 am. This year, Pope Francis has called for October to be dedicated to praying for peace in Ukraine.
During October, the Rosary will be said in church every Tuesday at 9.30 am. This year, Pope Francis has called for October to be dedicated to praying for peace in Ukraine.
First Communion
Parents of children in primary school year 3 and above whose children would like to receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion are invited to put their contact details and names of children on the sheet in the porch. Regular church attendance at Mass is required. First Communion classes will begin in January following an initial meeting with parents and children.
Parents of children in primary school year 3 and above whose children would like to receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion are invited to put their contact details and names of children on the sheet in the porch. Regular church attendance at Mass is required. First Communion classes will begin in January following an initial meeting with parents and children.
Tree of Remembrance:
During November, we will display a Tree of Remembrance at the back of the church. You are invited to write the names of those you wish to be remembered on coloured paper that will become a leaf in the tree. The paper will be available in church for you to take away and write names, then return the paper to church or Presbytery, where it will be added to the tree. The paper will be shaped to form a leaf before display – please feel free to cut your paper to any leaf shape! If you are unable to attend church, please email names to Sharon (using the email at the foot of the newsletter) who will write them for you. Please do not add paper leaves to the tree yourself; this will compromise our Covid infection control systems.
During November, we will display a Tree of Remembrance at the back of the church. You are invited to write the names of those you wish to be remembered on coloured paper that will become a leaf in the tree. The paper will be available in church for you to take away and write names, then return the paper to church or Presbytery, where it will be added to the tree. The paper will be shaped to form a leaf before display – please feel free to cut your paper to any leaf shape! If you are unable to attend church, please email names to Sharon (using the email at the foot of the newsletter) who will write them for you. Please do not add paper leaves to the tree yourself; this will compromise our Covid infection control systems.
NEWS
ST ANTHONY OF PADUA AND ST PATRICK'S IN CORSHAM -
OUR LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2018
The idea of this joint parishes pilgrimage came out of a conversation at Celebrate Bristol a couple years ago. At that time, our parishes were ‘twinned’ as part of the future Diocese plan, should one of our priests no longer be around. We had already held some joint fundraising events for our joint parish project supporting Borderlands Bristol and MSF and were thinking of other ways that our parishes could get to know each other better. At that time, St Anthony’s had just done a couple of pilgrimage days to Downside Abbey and Prinknash Abbey and I jokingly said “I’ve always wanted to go to Lourdes…!”. With that thought in mind, a few others said it would be a good idea! I started looking into it and after someone said that I couldn’t possibly do it on my own and had to use a tour company, I was more determined than ever to arrange it and also do it on an affordable budget (final cost was £397.12 per head all in with full board accommodation).
I booked the coach transfers both ends, we flew with Ryanair from Stansted to Lourdes and I booked the Hotel Riossy. Whilst in Lourdes, as we didn’t have a Priest travelling with us, we joined other English speaking groups. We joined Liverpool Diocese for Mass in the underground Basilica, Brentwood Diocese for the Candlelight Procession, Westminster Diocese for Mass in the Grotto and Westminster Diocese again for Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the underground Basilica.
Here’s a few words from those who went…..
“ The highlight for me is difficult to pinpoint as it was all so lovely, but I think my highlight was mass at the Grotto with Westminster diocese. I would definitely recommend going in a small group of about thirty people as we did because the love support and friendship we had together was wonderful. Thanks again for all your help”.
“The Grotto mass, and particularly the homily delivered by Cardinal Vincent Nichols struck me as well articulated and pertinent in the world we find ourselves in today. Although a very busy pilgrimage destination, basilica and surrounds, it always came over as peaceful. Such tranquility as we found there allowed the perfect place for prayer and inward reflection. Then on Friday the absolute opposite with the Tour de France hype and carnival atmosphere. Overall I came as a stranger, but departed having made many new friends”.
“As a ‘first-timer’ visiting Lourdes I was quite sceptical; I was expecting it to be overcrowded, noisy and full of shops selling neon Madonna’s. I felt my faith was faltering and this visit was almost a ‘last chance corrall’ to question why and try and connect again.
The reality was so far from my original set of ideas, and the first thing I noticed was the dignity, respect and love shown to those ill or disabled. At Lourdes they are the visible, not the invisible (as they are probably treated everywhere else). The peacefulness which imbibes Lourdes is certainly down to the common practice of prayer, and as everyone is there with the same intention it made for such a calm, respectful and joyful atmosphere. Everyone seemed so happy to be there, to help each other, and to pray for good that it created a cloud of spirituality which surrounded us. But they do have some curious souvenir items in the shops, and I did succumb… my colleagues have been treated to mini glow-in-the dark Madonna’s.
I visited the Baths, (again being quite a sceptic), and initially was more concerned about the cold water than anything else. I was in the same cubicle as a very ill elderly lady and 5 other female pilgrims. The atmosphere in this cubicle as we awaited our bath became extraordinary, and after a prayer of intention, I was dipped. Yes, it was colder than any water I have ever felt, but there was something else undefinable that happened. I do not know how to explain it but it was like a huge release, and I sobbed for 5 minutes afterwards in a corner. Something touched me hugely – I don’t know if it was Mary, Bernadette or the Holy Spirit but it really was mind altering and not a physical reaction to chilly water.
Since I have returned I think about Lourdes daily. Trying to explain why it is such an amazing place to people is very hard, but it was inspirational and I am already planning my next pilgrimage for 2019. Lourdes made me re-evaluate my faith and connect to it again”.
“I have been to Lourdes before…twice with my family. This was the first time I’d been with a parish group. We got the bus at St Patrick’s Church and Fr John waved us off! It was an amazing trip. This time I had the opportunity to go to new places but also return to familiar activities within the Sanctuary. The weather was beautiful all through the trip, so hot and sunny (same as at home!!!) We were together as a group for most of the time, but I did the Low Stations of the Cross within a smaller group. The stations were so expressive, carved from marble and different stations were donated by different pilgrimage groups throughout the world. I thought of all the people who had travelled to this place before me with their prayers. We joined English speaking groups for masses and devotions. The candlelight procession was beautiful, and afterwards a small group of us went across the bridge over the river to say the rosary for our parishes back home. We were opposite the Grotto in the stillness and darkness and our candle remained lit to show us the way. The water of the River Gave lapped quietly by. Groups were praying the Rosary in many languages. We attended Mass in the Underground Basilica with the Liverpool group. This was a new experience for me. The banners, the pilgrims, the helpers, the priests all entering in procession to music was very powerful. A highlight was attending Mass in the Grotto with the Westminster Diocese. Cardinal Nicholls was there. We joined the same group for the Blessed Sacrament procession earlier in the week, back in the Underground Basilica. It was meaningful because it was in English and I could understand and follow it more. We had lots of fun together in the hotel, every meal we would all swap places and talk to different people. We had a trip to the top of the local mountain: Pic du Jer. We got up the mountain on a funicular railway over 100 years old and the mountain was 1000m high. We walked to the top of mountain where we saw more of the Pyrenees, the border of Spain and looked down to the valley of Lourdes beneath. We saw wild flowers, caves to rest and had cake and a drink at the café. There is a huge cross at the top of the mountain which is lit at night and can be seen from the Sanctuary. We walked along the town and learned about the life of St Bernadette, the family home, the life of the mill and the hardships she had. She was poor, she was sick, she wasn’t able to go to school very often and when she was gathering sticks for the fire Our Lady appeared to her. She was younger then me when this happened. It must have been so big an experience. I truly believe that this has helped me grow as a person and with my faith. I think that being in a group really intensified the feeling of spiritual connection with God, because there were more of us to hear, listen to and spread the word of God”. (aged 14)
“The best thing for me was doing the High Stations. Our main group had split in half with half of us going up the steep hill to the High Stations and those who couldn’t manage the climb, did the Low Stations down in the Sanctuary area near the river. The statues for the High Stations are bronze and life size with really amazing expressions. It made me feel I was really there watching Jesus carry the cross and I could see the pain in his eyes. We stopped by each station to say prayers, led by Helen, and then had some quiet time to think. We took it fairly slowly because it was very hot and very step but in the trees between the stations, there was some shade where we could stand, look at the statues and have some peaceful time to think. My other favourite thing, apart from the ice-cream sundaes in Le Royal café(!) was visiting the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception which is also called the ‘Upper Basilica’. Inside, there are lots of side altars with beautiful stained glass windows showing the story of Lourdes and the Apparitions. There are also lots of pilgrimage banners from all over the world. Before we went to Lourdes I wasn’t really sure what to expect but being in a group of 27 people made it feel like a family trip which was really nice. Everyone looked out for each other and even though there was a huge difference in ages, we all got along. This trip made me feel closer to my faith and I would definitely like to visit Lourdes again”. (age 14)
Lorraine
I booked the coach transfers both ends, we flew with Ryanair from Stansted to Lourdes and I booked the Hotel Riossy. Whilst in Lourdes, as we didn’t have a Priest travelling with us, we joined other English speaking groups. We joined Liverpool Diocese for Mass in the underground Basilica, Brentwood Diocese for the Candlelight Procession, Westminster Diocese for Mass in the Grotto and Westminster Diocese again for Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the underground Basilica.
Here’s a few words from those who went…..
“ The highlight for me is difficult to pinpoint as it was all so lovely, but I think my highlight was mass at the Grotto with Westminster diocese. I would definitely recommend going in a small group of about thirty people as we did because the love support and friendship we had together was wonderful. Thanks again for all your help”.
“The Grotto mass, and particularly the homily delivered by Cardinal Vincent Nichols struck me as well articulated and pertinent in the world we find ourselves in today. Although a very busy pilgrimage destination, basilica and surrounds, it always came over as peaceful. Such tranquility as we found there allowed the perfect place for prayer and inward reflection. Then on Friday the absolute opposite with the Tour de France hype and carnival atmosphere. Overall I came as a stranger, but departed having made many new friends”.
“As a ‘first-timer’ visiting Lourdes I was quite sceptical; I was expecting it to be overcrowded, noisy and full of shops selling neon Madonna’s. I felt my faith was faltering and this visit was almost a ‘last chance corrall’ to question why and try and connect again.
The reality was so far from my original set of ideas, and the first thing I noticed was the dignity, respect and love shown to those ill or disabled. At Lourdes they are the visible, not the invisible (as they are probably treated everywhere else). The peacefulness which imbibes Lourdes is certainly down to the common practice of prayer, and as everyone is there with the same intention it made for such a calm, respectful and joyful atmosphere. Everyone seemed so happy to be there, to help each other, and to pray for good that it created a cloud of spirituality which surrounded us. But they do have some curious souvenir items in the shops, and I did succumb… my colleagues have been treated to mini glow-in-the dark Madonna’s.
I visited the Baths, (again being quite a sceptic), and initially was more concerned about the cold water than anything else. I was in the same cubicle as a very ill elderly lady and 5 other female pilgrims. The atmosphere in this cubicle as we awaited our bath became extraordinary, and after a prayer of intention, I was dipped. Yes, it was colder than any water I have ever felt, but there was something else undefinable that happened. I do not know how to explain it but it was like a huge release, and I sobbed for 5 minutes afterwards in a corner. Something touched me hugely – I don’t know if it was Mary, Bernadette or the Holy Spirit but it really was mind altering and not a physical reaction to chilly water.
Since I have returned I think about Lourdes daily. Trying to explain why it is such an amazing place to people is very hard, but it was inspirational and I am already planning my next pilgrimage for 2019. Lourdes made me re-evaluate my faith and connect to it again”.
“I have been to Lourdes before…twice with my family. This was the first time I’d been with a parish group. We got the bus at St Patrick’s Church and Fr John waved us off! It was an amazing trip. This time I had the opportunity to go to new places but also return to familiar activities within the Sanctuary. The weather was beautiful all through the trip, so hot and sunny (same as at home!!!) We were together as a group for most of the time, but I did the Low Stations of the Cross within a smaller group. The stations were so expressive, carved from marble and different stations were donated by different pilgrimage groups throughout the world. I thought of all the people who had travelled to this place before me with their prayers. We joined English speaking groups for masses and devotions. The candlelight procession was beautiful, and afterwards a small group of us went across the bridge over the river to say the rosary for our parishes back home. We were opposite the Grotto in the stillness and darkness and our candle remained lit to show us the way. The water of the River Gave lapped quietly by. Groups were praying the Rosary in many languages. We attended Mass in the Underground Basilica with the Liverpool group. This was a new experience for me. The banners, the pilgrims, the helpers, the priests all entering in procession to music was very powerful. A highlight was attending Mass in the Grotto with the Westminster Diocese. Cardinal Nicholls was there. We joined the same group for the Blessed Sacrament procession earlier in the week, back in the Underground Basilica. It was meaningful because it was in English and I could understand and follow it more. We had lots of fun together in the hotel, every meal we would all swap places and talk to different people. We had a trip to the top of the local mountain: Pic du Jer. We got up the mountain on a funicular railway over 100 years old and the mountain was 1000m high. We walked to the top of mountain where we saw more of the Pyrenees, the border of Spain and looked down to the valley of Lourdes beneath. We saw wild flowers, caves to rest and had cake and a drink at the café. There is a huge cross at the top of the mountain which is lit at night and can be seen from the Sanctuary. We walked along the town and learned about the life of St Bernadette, the family home, the life of the mill and the hardships she had. She was poor, she was sick, she wasn’t able to go to school very often and when she was gathering sticks for the fire Our Lady appeared to her. She was younger then me when this happened. It must have been so big an experience. I truly believe that this has helped me grow as a person and with my faith. I think that being in a group really intensified the feeling of spiritual connection with God, because there were more of us to hear, listen to and spread the word of God”. (aged 14)
“The best thing for me was doing the High Stations. Our main group had split in half with half of us going up the steep hill to the High Stations and those who couldn’t manage the climb, did the Low Stations down in the Sanctuary area near the river. The statues for the High Stations are bronze and life size with really amazing expressions. It made me feel I was really there watching Jesus carry the cross and I could see the pain in his eyes. We stopped by each station to say prayers, led by Helen, and then had some quiet time to think. We took it fairly slowly because it was very hot and very step but in the trees between the stations, there was some shade where we could stand, look at the statues and have some peaceful time to think. My other favourite thing, apart from the ice-cream sundaes in Le Royal café(!) was visiting the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception which is also called the ‘Upper Basilica’. Inside, there are lots of side altars with beautiful stained glass windows showing the story of Lourdes and the Apparitions. There are also lots of pilgrimage banners from all over the world. Before we went to Lourdes I wasn’t really sure what to expect but being in a group of 27 people made it feel like a family trip which was really nice. Everyone looked out for each other and even though there was a huge difference in ages, we all got along. This trip made me feel closer to my faith and I would definitely like to visit Lourdes again”. (age 14)
Lorraine
THE WEDNESDAY WORD:
The parish version of a leaflet distributed in many schools to help to prepare for the following Sunday, it will be available on Sundays. Do take it and try to read it prayerfully – it is suggested on Wednesday evening each week; it should help you to be more ready for the readings on the following Sunday. We hope you find it valuable. For the “short course” types, the Gospel is on the outer page; but I recommend that you enjoy the “richer diet” of God’s Word by including the other readings on page 2!
It is available here and also on the newsletter page.
CALLING FOR SCHOOL GOVERNORS
The diocese is looking to recruit more Foundation Governors for our Catholic schools. Foundation Governors are essential in protecting and developing the Catholic ethos of the Church’s schools. They also hold head teachers to account, recruit senior leadership, manage the school’s admissions criteria and set the school’s budget.
There are only two criteria for being a Foundation Governor:
There are 6 meetings per academic year, and any skills of any sort than can be bought to the table are always useful to the Governing Body. From financial to HR to Health & Safety to educational interests. Everybody has something to offer they may not realise can be helpful!
The diocese is looking to recruit more Foundation Governors for our Catholic schools. Foundation Governors are essential in protecting and developing the Catholic ethos of the Church’s schools. They also hold head teachers to account, recruit senior leadership, manage the school’s admissions criteria and set the school’s budget.
There are only two criteria for being a Foundation Governor:
- You must be over 18
- You must be a practising Catholic
There are 6 meetings per academic year, and any skills of any sort than can be bought to the table are always useful to the Governing Body. From financial to HR to Health & Safety to educational interests. Everybody has something to offer they may not realise can be helpful!
Bishop Declan's Pastoral Letter
Bishop Declan has written a Pastoral Letter for 23rd Sunday.It can be found on the Diocesan website
Bishop Declan has written a Pastoral Letter for 23rd Sunday.It can be found on the Diocesan website
New Catholic Directory website
Catholic Directory have launched a mobile version of the online Catholic Directory - www.CatholicDirectory.org. It means people can find the nearest Church or the nearest Mass at the click of a button. Follow the link to get the website.
Vocations display at St. Anthony’s
Report by Michael Rooney:
Our PPC at St. Anthony’s, Melksham, had been working slowly through the various articles in Called to be a People of Hope; but we were stumped at first by the one on Vocation.. How could we promote a culture of Vocation in our parish? After several PPC and sub-committee meetings, we eventually came up with this idea of a Vocations Display.
Space is very limited in our church; so partly because of this, and partly because our vocation comes through our baptism, we decided to set it up in the baptistery. We placed a table in front of the font with a display board on top, which had, centrally, some guidelines as to what a vocation was about; and arranged around this, a number of relevant scriptural quotations. On a side flap to the display board, we placed a prayer for vocations and a relevant quotation from JH Newman; and on the back of this flap, facing the congregation as they came out of church, the question in big letters: “What is your Vocation?” On the table we also made available a number of leaflets and booklets on vocation.
Against two walls behind the font, a “wall” constructed mostly of cardboard, was erected, and large “stones” painted onto it by one of our more talented parishioners. This was our “living stone wall”; and parishioners were invited to then write or type up a short description of what they saw their vocation to be; these were then placed upon the “living stones” of our wall, to help indicate how each of us was a living stone of God’s building or Temple, through the unique way in which we responded to the Gospel. And of course, at the base of our wall was an extra large “stone” representing Christ text
Report by Michael Rooney:
Our PPC at St. Anthony’s, Melksham, had been working slowly through the various articles in Called to be a People of Hope; but we were stumped at first by the one on Vocation.. How could we promote a culture of Vocation in our parish? After several PPC and sub-committee meetings, we eventually came up with this idea of a Vocations Display.
Space is very limited in our church; so partly because of this, and partly because our vocation comes through our baptism, we decided to set it up in the baptistery. We placed a table in front of the font with a display board on top, which had, centrally, some guidelines as to what a vocation was about; and arranged around this, a number of relevant scriptural quotations. On a side flap to the display board, we placed a prayer for vocations and a relevant quotation from JH Newman; and on the back of this flap, facing the congregation as they came out of church, the question in big letters: “What is your Vocation?” On the table we also made available a number of leaflets and booklets on vocation.
Against two walls behind the font, a “wall” constructed mostly of cardboard, was erected, and large “stones” painted onto it by one of our more talented parishioners. This was our “living stone wall”; and parishioners were invited to then write or type up a short description of what they saw their vocation to be; these were then placed upon the “living stones” of our wall, to help indicate how each of us was a living stone of God’s building or Temple, through the unique way in which we responded to the Gospel. And of course, at the base of our wall was an extra large “stone” representing Christ text
For Diocesan News click here
"Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey. They must have the Passion of Christ deeply embedded in their minds and hearts, because only from it can they derive peace, grace, and truth."
Saint Anthony of Padua