HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE PAPAL VISIT
With only a couple of weeks to go until the visit of Pope Benedict to the United Kingdom, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have produced a book to enable us all to participate in the visit as fully as possible. Whether we are following the Holy Father’s visit through television, radio or the internet, or are lucky enough to be going to see him in person, this special book entitled ‘Magnificat’ contains the texts for the liturgies together with articles explaining the context and background to the other parts of the visit.
These books are freely available on the Welcome table in the Atrium. Please take one and perhaps think about taking one for any sick or housebound parishioner you may know who would appreciate receiving a copy.
If you wish to make a donation to help defray the cost of the books you are very welcome to do so—a basket is on the table next to the books.
If you are one of the parishioners going to the Papal Mass at Cofton Park you will need to take your copy of the book with you to the Mass.
PENSIONERS CLUB
As mentioned last week our Pensioners’ Club will be starting on Thursday 7 October - now we need to make sure that people know about it! The club is for over-75s, and ideally it will be something for people who need companionship: we will be offering a warm and friendly place, with a simple lunch menu, from 11.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. each Thursday. It is open to everyone, not just parishioners of Saint Mary’s. Please take some flyers from the Welcome Table in the Atrium and distribute them to those you think may be interested.
RECIPE EVENING
On Wednesday 15 September the UCM are holding a Recipe Evening to which all ladies of the parish are invited. Entrance is £1.00 and recipes will be on sale.
RCIA MEETING
If anyone is interested in joining the Catholic Church, the meeting is on Tuesday at 7.00 p.m.—please return a form so we know you are coming!
RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY
Next weekend is Racial Justice Sunday: we’re marking it here by inviting everyone to come to church dressed in something distinctive of your nationality or family origins! If you want to bring some “national” food to share after mass please feel free to do so. We are going to serve bacon butties after masses—if you can help please sign up on the list in the Atrium.
ALTAR SERVERS
A big thank you to all our dedicated altar servers who turn out on Sundays—we have room for a few more if any young people would like to join. You need to have made your first communion and have your parents’ approval. Have a word with Fr James if you are interested.
PAKISTAN APPEAL
Please continue to remember the people of Pakistan who are suffering after the devastating floods. So many are still without shelter and aid, and the work of CAFOD the other aid organisations is still vital. Please remember you can always put donations in the CAFOD box in the Atrium (next to the piety stall).
SCHOENSTATT SHRINE
The Schoestatt Shrine at Saint John Fisher, Kearsley, celebrates ten years on Sunday 3rd October with a programme of events and celebrations: details are on the noticeboard.
CLEANERS
Many thanks to the new recruits to the Cleaning Rota—we could do with one or two more now. If you are willing and able to spare one Tuesday morning every four weeks please have a word with Fr James or call in at the Parish Office.
MANY THANKS FOR …
… Last Week’s Collection
Envelopes £282.20
Loose £300.01
Av S/Orders £197.50
TOTAL £779.71
… Building Fund
Loose Donations £125.63
Total this year £17,148.51
