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Easter Message

3/30/2018

As I write this, we are already in that point of the Church’s year which is known as “Holy Week”. Although Christmas tends to be a bigger event in our country, for Christians this week is right at the heart of our faith. The main days are: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. On the Thursday we remember the way in which Jesus gives us the example of loving service in the washing of his disciples’ feet. Even the Son of God did not consider himself too high and mighty to attend to people’s needs in a caring way. He also gave his disciples a “New Commandment” by which Christians promise to live by putting love at the centre of everything they do. Good Friday recalls the sacrifice Jesus made for the sake of truth and justice in the face of all opposition. If it were not for Easter and its message of new life, this Friday would be the bleakest of days.The first Easter began with an empty tomb and some very perplexed disciples. It was only later that they began to experience that Jesus was alive and that this was no mere figment of imagination. God is the giver of life and our human story does not end in death. Many who were sceptical about the message of the Resurrection came to believe as they experienced for themselves the life which could not be contained in a tomb. The stone was rolled away from the tomb not just for them but for us also. If we are open to the Easter message then it becomes a new beginning for us too; a source of hope and joy. So Happy Easter! Father Richard.

Newsletter w/c 25th February 2018

2/27/2018

NOTICES:
The next meeting of the PCC will be held on Monday 12th March 2018.
Our coffee mornings continue to be held each Tuesday from 10.00am in the meeting area at the back of church. All are welcome to attend. Come along to meet your friends or make new ones.

SERVICES:
Thursday 1st March 9.15am - Stations of the Cross & Feria
Sunday 4th March 9.30am - Parish Mass

LATEST READINGS:
First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2. 9-13.15-18
A reading from the book of Genesis.
God put Abraham to the test. “Abraham, Abraham” he called. “Here I am” he replied. “Take your son,” God said “your only child Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah....
Second Reading: Romans 8:31-34
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans.
With God on our side who can be against us? Since God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all, we may be certain, after such a gift, that he will not refuse anything he can give. Could anyone accuse those that God has chosen....
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus....

Newsletter 18th February 2018

2/19/2018

NOTICES:
Our weekly Coffee Morning will again take place in the meeting area at the back of church this coming Tuesday. Come along to have a chat with your friends or make new ones! If you just wish to sit in quiet reflection, the main body of the church will be open at the same time. Advance warning that the next PCC meeting will take place on Monday 12th March 2018.
SERVICES:
Thursday 22nd Feb 9.15am Stations of the Cross followed by Feria at 9.30am
Sunday 25th Feb 9.30am Parish Mass.
READINGS:
First Reading: Genesis 9:8-15
A reading from the book of Genesis.
God spoke to Noah and his sons, “See, I establish my Covenant with you, and with your descendants after you; also with every living creature to be found with you, birds, cattle and every wild beast with you: everything that came out of the ark....
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
A reading from the first letter of St Peter.
Christ himself, innocent though he was, died once for sins, died for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life, and, in the spirit, he went to preach to the spirits in prison. Now it was long ago, when Noah was still building that ark which saved only a small group of eight people “by water”, and when God was still waiting patiently....
Gospel: Mark 1:12-15
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness and he remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after him......

New Year Message from Fr Richard

1/15/2018

I hope that everyone who sees this will have enjoyed a happy Christmas and that the New Year will have had a good beginning. Although Christmas is now over we still display the Nativity scene in church, showing the images of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, together with the Magi (Wise Men). These are on show up to and including Friday 2 February, the date on which the Presentation of Christ (Candlemass) is celebrated.
Candlemass recalls the account in the Bible (Luke’s Gospel, Chapter 2, from verse 22) where the child Jesus is presented in the Temple in Jerusalem in accordance with Jewish custom. There he was recognised by two elderly and faithful people - Simeon and Anna - for who he really was. Simeon spoke the prophesy that Jesus would have a profound effect in Israel and beyond. He also hinted to his mother, Mary, that Jesus would suffer in the process and that she, in her heart, would suffer with him.
We read in the gospels of how Jesus offered his time and his gifts generously and unceasingly to all those who came looking for him. He opened the eyes of the blind, brought healing to lepers and forgiveness to sinners. He was a light in the darkness of people’s lives. The candles that are carried into church on the feast of Candlemass remind us of this light of hope. Jesus continues to bring light in our darkness. Although he was put to death on a cross, his rising to new life means that the darkness cannot overcome the life and love that came into our world on that first Christmas.
Life is a mixture of struggles and consolations and no doubt we shall continue to recognise this over the year that has recently begun. The Christian faith does not pretend that life can be easy if you only believe the right things. What it does offer though is a sense of hope and a light in the darkness to guide us. I pray that we may become more aware of that guiding light so that whatever life brings, we shall know the steadfast love and mercy of God.
Best Wishes
Fr Richard

Newsletter 14th January 2018

1/15/2018

NOTICES:
The next meeting of the Parochial Church Council will take place on Monday 22nd January at 7.00pm.
Our weekly Coffee Morning will again take place in the meeting area at the back of church this coming Tuesday. Come along to have a chat with your friends or make new ones! If you just wish to sit in quiet reflection, the main body of the church will be open at the same time.

SERVICES THIS WEEK:
Thursday 9.30am Feria
Sunday 9.30am Parish Mass

LATEST READINGS:
First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:3-10. 19
A reading from the first book of Samuel.
Samuel was lying in the sanctuary of the Lord where the ark of God was, when the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” He answered, “Here I am.” Then he ran to Eli and said....
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:13-15. 17-20
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians.
The body is not meant for fornication; it is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. God who raised the Lord from the dead, will by his power raise us up too. You know, surely, that your bodies are members making up the body of Christ; anyone who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him....
Gospel: John 1:35-42
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, “Look, there is the lamb of God.” Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, “What do you want?” They answered....

Newsletter 26th November 2017

11/28/2017

EVENTS:
Get into the Christmas spirit early! Tickets are now on sale for the Christmas Brass Concert on Thursday 14th December priced £6.00. A mix of carols and contemporary music will be played by Worsbrough Brass. Doors open at 7.00pm. Refreshments will be provided.- see the poster below for full details.
SERVICES:
Thursday 30th November Feria 9.30am.
Sunday 2nd December Parish Mass 9.30am.
LATEST READINGS:
First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12. 15-17
A reading from the prophet Ezekiel.
The Lord says this: I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view when he stands up in the middle of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view....
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22
The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Response: The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26. 28
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians.
Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ....
Gospel: Matthew 25:31 -46
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory. All the nations will be assembled before him and he will separate men one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats....

Newsletter 5th November 2017

11/6/2017

EVENTS:
The Autumn Fayre will be held this coming Saturday - see the poster above for full details.
A new musical The Power & the Glory will have it'd premiere at the Playhouse in Wombwell.
See the poster below for full details.
SERVICES:
Thursday 9th November Feria 9.30am.
Sunday 12th November 9.30am. Joint Service to be held at St Peters followed by a walk to the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday.
LATEST READINGS:
First Reading: Malachi 1:14-2:2. 8-10
A reading from the prophet Malachi.
I am a great king, says the Lord of hosts, and my name is feared throughout the nations. And now, priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, if you do not find it in your heart to glorify my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send the curse on you and curse your very blessing....
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130
O Lord, my heart is not proud
                nor haughty my eyes.
                I have not gone after things too great
                nor marvels beyond me.
Response: Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9. 13
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians.
Like a mother feeding and looking after her own children, we felt so devoted and protective towards you, and had come to love you so much, that we were eager to hand over to you not only the Good News but our whole lives as well....
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, “The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say....

Newsletter 20th August 2017

8/21/2017

EVENTS:
Summer Garden Party (see poster in last weeks blog for full details)
FORTHCOMING SERVICES:
Thursday 17th (Feria) 9.30am.
Sunday 27th August 10.15am. (Joint Service with St Peters)

LATEST READINGS:
First Reading: Isaiah 56:1.6-7
A reading from the prophet Isaiah.
Thus says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest. Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants - all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant - these I will bring to my holy mountain...
Second Reading: Romans 11:13-15. 29-32
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans.
Let me tell you pagans this: I have been sent to the pagans as their apostle, and I am proud of being sent, but the purpose of it is to make my own people envious of you, and in this way save some of them. Since their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, do you know what their admission will mean...
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, “Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.” But he answered her not a word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him...
Full readings are in the printed newsletter

Newsletter 13th August 2017

8/14/2017

EVENTS:
Summer Garden Party (see poster above for details)
FORTHCOMING SERVICES:
Thursday 17th (Feria) 9.30am.
Sunday 20th August (in ordinary time) 9.30am.
NB Sunday 27th August will be a joint service with St Peters commencing at the later time of 10.15am to be held at St Andrews.
LATEST READINGS:
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9 11-13
A reading from the First Book of Kings.
When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of God, he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord...
Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans.
What I want to say is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ - it is the truth - my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood...
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a headwind...

Newsletter 4th June 2017

6/5/2017

Our thoughts and prayers are for the victims of the Manchester and London atrocities and their families.

NOTICES:
Summer Concert
Time is running out to buy tickets in advance for the Worsbrough Brass concert on Thursday 15th June in church at 7.30pm. They will still be available at the coffee morning this coming Tuesday held in the meeting area at the back of the church between 10.00am and 11.45am. Alternatively tickets can be purchased on the night for £6.00.
Taste of Summer
Bookings are now being taken for the evening meal which will take place on Monday 10th July at the Dropping Well, Kimberworth, a sample menu is available in church.
Consultation - Proposed Improvements
The draft plan has been received from by the Architect to modify the existing layout of the church and narthex to create a more welcoming and usable space. This is available to view in church.
Forthcoming Services
There will be two Services this coming week, both starting at 9.30am. Sunday (Holy Trinity) & Thursday (Feria). All are welcome.
A Reading from Last Sunday
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-12
When Pentecost day came round, the apostles had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech. Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished. “Surely”, they said, “all these men speaking are Galileans? How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round Cyrene; as well as visitors from Rome - Jews and proselytes alike - Cretans and Arabs; we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God.”
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.