Sunday 28th April 2024
5th WEEK OF EASTER
To download a copy of the latest bulletin please click here.
To view current rotas please click here.
LAST WEEK’S MASS ATTENDANCE:
St Mary’s: Saturday 4.30 79 | Sunday 10.30am 80
St Patrick’s: Saturday 6.00 93 | Sunday 9.00am 98
Total Combined Mass Attendance: 350
Total Online Sunday Mass Views: 193
TEA AND COFFEE AFTER SUNDAY MASSES
St Patrick’s after the 9.00am Mass in the Parish Meeting Room
St Mary’s after the 10.30am in the St Mary’s Social Club
Come along and join us for some social time with fellow parishioners. Meet old friends and make new ones in the parish. All welcome.
FR EAMONN’S SILVER JUBILEE OF ORDINATION – DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – As you may know, Fr Eamonn will be celebrating his Silver Jubilee of Ordination to the Priesthood on Wednesday 10th July. Due to the fact that at that time the Bishop and many priests of the Diocese are on the Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes, he will be have a Parish Celebration as follows;
Mass of Celebration – Friday 19th July at 7.00pm – St Mary’s Church, Batley
Followed by a party in the St Mary’s Parochial Hall
There is an open invitation to the all the parish. He would be delighted if you could join him.
If you have any questions / ideas about this celebration please feel free to phone Michelle on 01924 474650
‘POP INTO ST PAT’S – EACH MONDAY FROM 12.00 NOON – IN ST PATRICK’S –
Monday 29 April– come and join us for a singalong accompanied by our incredible Ukulele Group. Always lots of laughing and joyous singing. Everyone welcome.
Monday (bank holiday) 6 May– bring and share. Come along and join your Birstall community for a get together- good food and company guaranteed. (Weather permitting outside). Please put your contribution on the poster at the back of church , if you wish to contribute- or just bring yourself.
Monday 13 May – Guest Speaker -Stephen Walker – Local Historian – ‘unsolved mysteries’. This is the 2nd visit from Stephen and those who come will not be disappointed .
20 May – our Ukulele Group joins us for another sing along, always a joyous occasion.
Monday 27 – Spring Bank Holiday- bring and share and enjoy your Birstall community hospitality. (Weather permitting outside). Everyone welcome, look forward to meeting old and new friends.
CAFOD SUDAN CRISIS APPEAL – The war in Sudan has forced millions of people to flee their homes, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. The situation is quickly getting worse, and people caught up in the middle of the
conflict are now facing yet another crisis – hunger. People are running out of food, water and medicine and many families continue to risk their lives fleeing their homes to escape the fighting. Please donate to help meet these urgent, basic needs. There will also be a 2nd collection this weekend to help the people of Sudan.
ST MARY’S BACK SACRISTY UPGRADE – the upgrade of the St Mary’s back sacristy is now nearly completed. I am sure you will agree that our builder James has done a great job. We just need to furnish it now then we are up and running with this new parish community space for St Mary’s. Hopefully we will be in a position to offer Tea / Coffee after the 10.30am Mass by next weekend!
ST PATRICK’S ALTAR BOYS ARE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS – Huge congratulations to Oliver, Jude and Bobby who took part in the Ultimate Junior Football Tournament in Skegness last weekend. They played teams from across the country and their team won! They have now qualified to play in the national finals at St George’s Park in June. Well done boys, fantastic achievement! 🏆⚽
ST PATRICK’S DISCUSSION GROUP – We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 10.00am in the St Patrick’s Church Tea/ Coffee room. All are welcome. For further details call Andy Hill on 01274 315271 or 07729 626966.
OUR PARISH HISTORY – In April 1877 St Mary’s school received what was described as “very favourable” Government report. In both the Infant and Mixed School reading was well taught. The infants were in very nice order and the intelligence of these children was “satisfactory.” The Mixed School was described as in very good order. Its examination results were highly creditable. It went on to say: “Considering the class of children, and the difficulty of securing regular attendance, the condition of this school is remarkably good, and reflects very great credit on the managers and teachers.”
ST PATRICK’S LEGION OF MARY – The St Patrick’s legion of Mary meet every Tuesday morning at 10.00am in the St Patrick’s Parish Meeting Room. New members are always welcome.
PARISH MEEETING ROOM & CONFESSIONAL RENOVATION AT ST PATRICK’S UPDATE – I am delighted to inform you that we now have final approval and the go-ahead to begin the proposed renovations. This has taken a while but we are at last about to begin the work. APT Construction have got the contract and they are proposing to begin the work on the 28th May. They estimate that the work will take around 6 weeks (hopefully completion by mid-July). Hopefully we will have our new parish room and confessional up and running by the start of the summer holidays!
PARISH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP – ‘The Journey’ Grief Care Group for anyone walking through Loss. An opportunity to spend time with others who recognise your journey in bereavement. The Group will meet as follows;
St Mary’s Presbytery, Cross Bank Road, Batley, WF17 8PQ
with coffee and cake, a listening ear and a supportive approach. The Group will be facilitated by Eileen and Stacy and supported by the Elizabeth Prout Bereavement Care Group.
IRISH NIGHT AT HOLY SPIRIT HECKMONDWIKE – Saturday 11th May – Holy Spirit Heckmondwike. There is a warm invite from Holy Spirit Church to join them for their Annual Irish Night. Doors open at 7.00pm. Tickets are priced £6.00 and includes a pie and peas supper. The bar will be open and under 11’s are free.
WELCOME SPACE – at St Peter’s Church, Birstall every Wednesday 11am-2pm. Free. Refreshments, hot drinks, 3 soups and sandwiches, board games and small little ones play area provided.
DRU YOGA WITH TAMLIN WALKER – Dru Yoga is great for maintaining and improving flexibility and for maintaining the health of your joints. It can help with stress, relaxation and even help you sleep better!
Sundays 6pm-7.10pm £7.50 Heckmondwike Community Centre Wednesdays 7.15-8.20pm £6 online via Zoom
Please contact Tamlin Walker on 07957434127 or email here for further information and a health registration form.
ST MARY’S SOCIAL CLUB – Are you thinking about where to celebrate a family party, baptism, wedding, birthday? (Not children’s parties) St Mary’s Social Club has great rooms available to hire at very good prices.
The Melton Lounge – ideal for parties up to 50 people with a well stocked bar.
The Ball room – can hold up to 160 people, with an adjoining kitchen and bar. For more information please visit here
St Mary’s Social Club and Parochial Hall – Melton Street, Batley, WF17 8PT
Booking Enquiries – Michelle 07896 974429 or find us on Facebook
Supporting your parish financially
I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to you all who have continued to support your parish financially at this difficult time. You really have been very generous in so many ways.
Standing Order Mandate – More and more people are paying their offertory collection by Standing Order, rather than using cash each week. If you would like to start using this facility please download the standing order form from the parish website or contact Michelle Anderson and she will arrange to post one to you. If you have any questions about setting up a standing order with the parish, do not hesitate to contact Michelle Anderson the Parish Administrator. The following contact details are for both St Mary’s and St Patrick’s.
Michelle Anderson:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01924 474650
News from the Diocese of Leeds
THE DAY OF PRAYER FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF ABUSE – is observed on the Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter in England and Wales. This year’s focus is on communities who have been directly affected by allegations or convictions related to abuse – especially, but not exclusively, within the Church. This may be associated with clergy, a teacher in a local school, a leader of a Catholic group or other person or group whose investigation or conviction is likely to affect the wider community. It is intended to provide specific opportunities for all in the Catholic community to pray for the healing of those who have suffered abuse. A Mass will be offered at St Anne’s Cathedral, Leeds on Tuesday 30th April at 12.30pm. All welcome.
CAFOD/SVP GENERAL ELECTION PREPARATION – The Year of Encounter provides webinars and on-line resources providing information to enable Catholics to make better informed voting choices. Next webinars: Thursday 25th April, 6.30pm and Saturday 4th May, 11am. See website to register.
COME AND SEE OPPORTUNITY – For women interested in learning about Franciscan Religious Life. Saturday 4th May 2024. 11am – 4pm. Franciscan Convent. 52 Dalby Road, Melton Mowbray. LE13 0BP. Contact: Sr Dorothy Paul 01664562422. Email here
DISCIPLESHIP DAYS – The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal will be holding monthly Discipleship Days at St Patrick’s Church, Bradford, including Rosary, Holy Mass, Confessions, and Eucharistic adoration along with talks on Franciscan spirituality. 2024 marks 800 years since St Francis received the stigmata and the arrival of the first Franciscans in England. The next day will be held on Saturday 4th May, 11:45am-4:30pm.
BISHOP JOHN CROWLEY PREACHED RETREAT AT THE BRIERY – 8th – 14th May 2024. Finding our way home to God amid the sorrows and joys of life. “The whole of our spiritual journey revolves around these two things: we are troubled when we contemplate ourselves, and our troubles bring us to salvation; when we contemplate God we are restored by the joy of the Holy Spirit” (St Bernard of Clairvaux). Total offering is £642, fully inclusive with en-suite room. For more information please contact here or 01943 607287.
LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR – CAR PARK SALE FUNDRAISER – There will be a car park sale on Saturday 11th May from 12:00noon until 4.00pm. Sale of New Designer Clothing, Furniture, Bric-a-brac, and lots more! Raising funds for the building of a new home at Mount St Joseph’s.
CELEBRATION OF MARRIED LIFE – On Saturday 18th May, there will be a special Celebration Mass for Married Life at Leeds Cathedral at 12noon for couples and their families celebrating their 25th (Silver), 40th (Ruby), 50th (Golden), 60th (Diamond) and 70th (Platinum) wedding anniversaries this year. There will be an opportunity for couples, who wish to do so, to renew their marriage vows during the liturgy. If you are celebrating the anniversary of your wedding and you would like to take part in this celebration, please fill out the application form which is available at the back of church.
DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE – 5-11th July 2024 from Leeds/Bradford Airport. Please book with Tangney Tours Tel: 01732 886666 or online. Further information is available here.
If you are interested in volunteering, (especially appealing for doctors, particularly GPs and nurses) please contact here. Pre-departure Mass, Saturday 8th June 11:30am, Leeds Cathedral.
CENTENARY OF THE DEDICATION OF THE CATHEDRAL JULY 2024 – On Thursday 18th July at 11.30am, together with the Priests, Deacons, Religious and Lay Faithful, Bishop Marcus will celebrate a Solemn Pontifical Mass at the Cathedral Church of St Anne, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Leeds, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Cathedral’s Dedication. More information about the Cathedral’s centenary celebrations will be published in due course.
FAITH FORMATION SOCIAL MEDIA – We have set up new social media accounts for Lifelong Faith Formation and will be sharing upcoming opportunities, good news stories and updates. Please follow us on Twitter: @dolformation
nstagram: @dolfaithformation Facebook: Diocese of Leeds Faith Formation
WEEKLY ONLINE MEDITATIONS FROM THE BRIERY – Join us for a short meditation on the Sunday Gospel from 7.30pm to 8.15pm on Thursdays. The Zoom opens at 7.15pm for a chat. All are welcome. Register for Zoom link by emailing here or call 01943 607287.
ANYTHING FOR THE BULLETIN?
If you have any items for the parish bulletin, please may I have them no later than Thursday 12.00noon. These can be sent to Michelle Anderson here or post them through either presbytery letterbox and I will pick them up and add them to the coming week’s bulletin. Many thanks.