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Welcome to the Catholic Parish of Stamford
Saint Mary and Saint Augustine The Presbytery, 13 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1PG Telephone: (01780) 762010
Parish Priest: Father Simon Gillespie Mobile: 07760 372105 Email: [email protected]
Deacons: Reverend Charles West-Sadler (retired); Reverend Robert S Dawson (retired)
Parish Secretary: Lauren Senior Telephone: (01780) 762010 Email: [email protected]
Parish Safeguarding Representative: Tony Williams Telephone: 01780 756456 Email: [email protected]
Parish Director of Music: Ruth Proctor Mobile: 07826 017487 Email: [email protected]
Parish Hall Manager: Anna Barwell Mobile: 07789 283140 Email: [email protected]
Parish Primary School: Saint Augustine’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Stamford (01780) 762094
Part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham Diocesan Website: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk
Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Company Number: 7151646 Charity Number: 1134449
19th and 20th January 2019 : Second Sunday of the Year
The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began on Friday, and we’ll celebrate
our Unity Service on Sunday evening at 5.00pm in the United Reformed Church on
Star Lane – all are very welcome. Below is an introduction to the Week, with themes
and prayers this year composed by Christians in Indonesia.
Our prayers for Christian unity are offered within a context of a world where
corruption, greed and injustice bring about inequality and division. We ourselves are
often complicit in injustice, and yet called together to form a united witness for
justice and to be a means of Christ’s healing grace for a fractured world.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 material has been prepared by
Christians from Indonesia, which is the largest country in South East Asia, made up
of more than 17,000 islands, 1,340 different ethnic groups and over 740 local
languages. It is united in its plurality by one national language Bahasa Indonesia.
With some 86% of its 260 million people estimated to be Muslim, Indonesia has the
largest Islamic population of any country. About 10% of Indonesians are Christian
from various traditions, as well as Buddhist and Hindu communities. The nation is
founded on five principles called Pancasila, with the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika
(Unity in Diversity). Across the
diversity of ethnicity, language and
religion, Indonesians have lived by
the principle of gotong royong
which is to live in “solidarity and by
collaboration”. This means sharing
in all aspects of life, regarding all
Indonesians as brothers and sisters.
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This harmony can be fragile at times and is threatened in particular ways.
Gotong royong sits ill at ease with the neo-liberal approach to economics that has
led to Indonesia’s economic growth - with that has come corruption that infects
politics and business, often with devastating effects on the environment. Meanwhile
those who are supposed to promote justice and protect the weak fail to do so. As a
consequence, a country rich in resources bears the burden of many people living in
poverty. This is reflected in a traditional Indonesian saying, “A mouse dies of hunger
in a barn full of rice”. Particular ethnic and religious groups are often associated with
wealth in ways that have fed tensions. As a result the radicalization that pits one
community against another has grown and is exacerbated by the misuse of social
media to demonize particular communities. A common Christian response to such a
reality whilst acknowledging our own complicity, heeds Jesus’ prayer “that they all
may be one”, and enables us to combat injustice.
Moved by these concerns the Christians of Indonesia found that the words of
Deuteronomy, “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue...” (Deuteronomy 16:18-
20) spoke powerfully to their situation and needs. Before the people of God enter
the promised land they renew their commitment to the Covenant. The passage
comes in a chapter whose central theme is the festivities to be celebrated by the
Covenant people. After each festival the people are instructed, “Rejoice during your
festival, you and your sons and your daughters, your male and female slaves, as well
as the Levites, the strangers, the orphans, and the widows resident in your towns”
(Deuteronomy 16:14, see also 16:11). Indonesian Christians look to recover this
same spirit of inclusive festivities across communities, which they previously
enjoyed. This is rooted in justice, which is why we have a verse about appointing
judges.
Jesus reaffirms this when he says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those
who hunger and thirst and are persecuted for justice (Matthew 5:6, 10), and the
Church is called to be a foretaste of this kingdom. However, in this disunity Christians
fall short and fail to be a sign of God’s love for his people. Just as injustice has
widened the divisions that have riven Indonesian society, so injustice has also fed
the divisions of the Church. Indonesian Christians speak of the need to repent of the
injustice that causes division, but also believe
in the power of Christ to forgive and heal.
They speak of finding themselves united
under the cross of Christ, calling both for his
grace to end injustice and for his mercy for
the sin which has caused division.
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Changes to Mass times this week
Father Simon will be taking exams in Leuven for much of this week, and so Mass
won’t be celebrated on Monday and Tuesday; on Wednesday Father Malachy Brett
will celebrate the Requiem Mass for John Herd; the usual Mass times will resume on
Thursday evening.
Forthcoming Events in our parish, community and diocese
The Christian Unity Service will be held on Sunday 20th January at 5.00pm in the
United Reformed Church, Star Lane. This service is open to all the Christians in
Stamford, and it would be especially good to have a showing from our own parish.
Rev’d Callan Slipper is the preacher, National Ecumenical Officer for the Church of
England.
The Rutland Theological Society hosts Saint Augustine of Hippo on Time and
Memory given by Rev’d Dr Peter Holmes on Thursday 24th January at 7.30pm in
Oakham Methodist church. More details from Peter Lemmon (secretary) on 01780
720730.
Lectio Divina will be held at the Rosmini Centre on Saturday 26th January at 3.00pm
– further details from 01509 813078 or [email protected] .
The Methodist Circuit Trivia Quiz will be hosted on Saturday 26th January, starting
with food at 6.15pm, at Stamford Methodist Church, Barn Hill. Tickets are £5
(children £3), and for more information and to book please contact Ian on 753968 or
email [email protected]
Heal Nepal presented by The Leprosy Mission will take place in Peterborough
Cathedral on Sunday 27th January at 5.30pm. See the information on the parish
notice board if you’re interested in attending.
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society will meet on Thursday 31st January at 6.00pm in
the parish hall; all are welcome.
The Parish Film Night will be showing their next film on Saturday 2nd February in the
parish hall at 7.15pm, after evening Mass. All are welcome – Popcorn available!
Burghley House Gardens a talk hosted by the Methodist Church, will be held on
Saturday 2nd February at 7.30pm. More details on the poster in the porch.
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The Annual Diocesan Marriage Mass, where married couples are able to renew their
vows before the Bishop and receive his blessing on their marriages, will take place
on Sunday 10th February at 3.00pm in Saint Barnabas Cathedral. This Mass is open
to all couples who have received the sacrament of marriage and their families, but is
especially appropriate to those recently married, or celebrating a significant
anniversary or those who simply wish to renew their vows. Please just turn up on
the day, but if you want more information do not hesitate to contact Father David
Palmer, Chair of the Marriage and family Life Commission, at:
[email protected] or 0115 9786236
Second Helpings’ AGM will be held on Saturday 16th February in Stamford Methodist
Church at 2.30pm. All are welcome!
Flame – the National Youth Congress – will be celebrated on Saturday 2nd March.
See the poster in the porch for more information, or speak to Father Simon.
Holocaust Memorial Day
The third annual Holocaust Memorial Commemoration in Stamford will take place
on Friday 25th January at 11.00am at Saint Michael’s Churchyard, on the High Street.
There will be the opportunity for reflection and the laying of floral tributes at the
Holocaust Memorial Stone at a multi faith service led by Graham Berkman
(Peterborough Liberal Jewish Congregation), Councillor Andy Croft and Reverend
Andy Fyall.
Forthcoming Pilgrimages
Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Nevers by Coach : 15th – 22nd June
Pick up in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. The cost is £565 per person. This price
includes coach and ferry travel, overnight stay with bed and breakfast at the
Welcome Break hotel in Orleans on the way out, full board at the Hotel Irlande in
Lourdes, half board at the Kyriad Hotel in Nevers on the way back.
Pilgrimage to Alencon and Lisieux by Coach : 1st – 5th April
Pick up in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. The cost of the Pilgrimage is £345. We
will begin at the place where Saint Therese was born. We will then continue to follow
in her footsteps with a visit to Lisieux, where Saint Therese lived and died.
For more information about either of these pilgrimages, and for booking forms
please contact Father John McCay at [email protected] or 0115 9810320.
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World Youth Day – Panama
Every two or three years
the Pope invites young
people from around the
world to gather for a
celebration of World
Youth Day. The
forthcoming event will
be celebrated in Panama, from Tuesday (22nd January) until next Sunday (27th
January). Even for those not physically in Panama, the Pope extends an invitation to
be spiritually present. Each World Youth Day has its own special prayer that is shared
by pilgrims around the world before, during, and after the event itself.
WYD Panamá Pilgrim Prayer
Merciful Father, you call us to live our lives as a way of salvation.
Help us to recall the past with gratitude,
to embrace the present with courage
and to build the future with hope.
Lord Jesus, our friend and brother,
thank you for looking upon us with love.
Let us listen to your voice as it resonates in the hearts of each one
with the strength and light of the Holy Spirit.
Grant us the grace of being a Church that goes forth with vibrant faith
and a youthful face to communicate the joy of the Gospel.
May we help to build up the kind of society we long for,
one where there is fairness and fellowship.
We pray for the Pope and bishops;
for priests and deacons;
for those in consecrated life and for volunteers;
for young people and all who will participate in the World Youth Day in Panamá,
and for those who receive them.
Our Lady of Antigua, Patroness of Panama,
help us to pray and live with generosity like yours:
“I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
Amen.
Challenge yourself to take 15 minutes out of your day to meditate on this prayer.
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Prayer allows us to worship and praise the Lord. It also grants us the opportunity to
present our requests to God. For example, maybe you’ll want to focus on the
pilgrims around the world who will be making the journey to Panama. Or, maybe
you’ll focus on challenges that you personally are facing, and use this moment of
prayer to offer your challenges to God. Whatever your intentions, prayer always
strengthens our relationship God. By welcoming this special time of prayer into your
daily routine, you will be spending quality time with God and drawing yourself nearer
to Christ. The graces granted by spending time in prayer with God will be evident
throughout the day and throughout your life.
Peace Sunday – Sunday 20th January
Every year Pax Christi, the International Catholic Movement for Peace, promotes the
Holy Father’s World Peace Day Message on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
which is today. The theme this year is taken from Pope Francis's message 'Good
politics serves peace'. The Archbishop of Liverpool, Malcolm McMahon OP, is
National President of Pax Christi's UK section:
"Once again Pope Francis invites us to start a new year with a reflection on our
role as peacemakers. Drawing on the evolving teaching of our church and looking at
the 'signs of the times', Pope Francis is uncompromising in his challenge to war and
violence. In his 2019 message Pope Francis wrote that the 'endless and horrifying
sequence of wars, conflicts, genocides and ethnic cleansings' are a major cause of
the migration of thousands around the globe. Pax Christi has sought to keep these
issues in the forefront of its work – challenging Britain’s involvement in the global
arms trade, questioning the morality of new technologies such as drone warfare –
both here in the UK, and internationally, through our status at the UN."
One of the Pope’s key messages this year is:
"One thing is certain: good politics is at the service of peace. It respects and
promotes fundamental human rights, which
are at the same time mutual obligations,
enabling a bond of trust and gratitude to be
forged between present and future
generations... today more than ever, our
societies need 'artisans of peace' who can be
messengers and authentic witnesses of God
the Father, who wills the good and the
happiness of the human family."
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Pastoral Statistics
Each year the diocese asks parishes to present a snapshot of parish life through some
key statistics. If you read the diocesan yearbook you’ll see our annual report, but if
not, some of the details for 2018 (and previous years, since Father Simon was
appointed parish priest in September 2015) are given below. It’s heartening to see
that many of the figures remain more or less constant, and that Mass attendance, in
particular, is relatively buoyant.
2018 2017 2016 2015 Average Sunday Mass attendance 285 285 292 296
Baptisms 10 8 10 25
Confirmations 2 6 0 0
First Holy Communions 12 21 12 0
Marriages 5 4 3 1
Funerals 13 14 13 19
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
Statement regarding Brexit and National Days of Prayer
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) has today issued a request that all its
member Churches and associated bodies join together, at this the beginning of the
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, in a time of dedicated prayer for the national
political situation in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. We believe that this
is a time that requires particular prayers for discernment and wisdom, as well as a
time for deep listening to God’s call to live together in peace and justice.
CTBI especially asks that Churches, and everyone of faith, join together over
the coming week, beginning this Sunday, in praying for our politicians and political
institutions.
Moderator of CTBI, HE Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Archbishop of London said
“this is a time at which many feel anger and anxiety over the future, and so we need
to pray that those who have the heavy burden of political leadership in our country
find a unity that brings our communities together in the task of serving the common
good. We hope and pray that every person of faith will join us in prayer across our
nation, and beyond.”
CTBI General Secretary, Bob Fyffe added that resources are being produced to
serve the Churches in this task. He also welcomed the supportive comments of
Church leaders across the nations of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
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HG the Archbishop of Canterbury and HG the Archbishop of York said; ‘We
echo the call of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland to Christians and all those
of faith and goodwill to give time for prayer beginning this Sunday in their local
churches or as they choose: praying for wisdom, courage, integrity and compassion
for our political leaders and all MPs; for reconciliation; and for fresh and uniting
vision for all in our country.’
The words of both Archbishops were endorsed by the Rt Rev Susan Brown,
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland along with The Most
Revd John Davies, Archbishop of Wales.
Rev Brian Anderson, President of the Irish Council of Churches, said: “As we
come together in prayer at this time of uncertainty we are mindful of the importance
of protecting relationships in the interest of the common good. We particularly want
to encourage public representatives, and all others who give leadership in our
society, to weigh their words carefully, to respect the integrity of those who
conscientiously differ from them and to speak with grace.”
Patrick Coyle, Moderator of Cytûn (Churches Together in Wales) also
welcomed the initiative saying “this is a critical time in our history when the need to
put all our effort, physical and spiritual into supporting our political leaders in their
crucial work of building strong communities. I welcome this important call to
prayer”.
Presbytery Refurbishment Project
Last weekend Noel Kent, chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, presented the
Project to refurbish the presbytery to parishioners at each Sunday Mass. If you
weren’t present please take one of the pink-coloured leaflets from the back of
church this Sunday and see what’s happening, and how you can help.
In preparation for the work trial holes will be dug this week in the courtyard area
(behind the wall to the left of the presbytery) and new locks will be fitted to the
parish hall.
Sincere thanks to all those who have returned pledge forms already.
From next Sunday a note will be put in the newsletter of donations received
(anonymised) and a total of how much has been pledged and received so far. We
will also have a ‘thermometer’ style indicator at the back of church, giving a visual
reminder of how much progress we’ve made, and what’s still outstanding.
This is an exciting time for our parish, as we work together to enhance the provision
and facilities of our parish for ourselves now and for those who will come after us.
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Prayers For . . .
All who have died recently: may they rest in peace!
John Herd, whose Requiem Mass will be celebrated in our church on
Wednesday 23rd January at 12.00 noon;
Sister Eucharia, FSM, of the Franciscan community in Melton Mowbray.
All our parishioners and friends who have asked for our prayers: especially Robert
Plant, Lorraine Martin, Eileen Brentnall, Daniel Dopson, Carmen Orchard, Joy, Hariet
McBain-Allan, Kate Myers, Kevin Vinter, Kitty Hughes, John and Julia Newman, Maria
Pinto, Catherine Farndell, Marie Lunny, Mary Patrick, Dympna Middleton, Vincent
Kelly, Sister Attracta, Verlia Duque, John Chapple, Jo and Bernard Raffo, Victoria
Crouch, Peter Herrick, Mark Grab, Rosa Maria Santos, Kenneth Court, Veronica
Hosking, Beth Coleman, Joan Middleton, Pat Dancer, Augusta Deane, Irene Mulligan,
Nora Hunt, Valerie Pellier, Fiona Ruddle, David Cooke, Helen Allen, Jean Maker, Anna
Orme, Lucy Court, Debbie Reed, Ken Woods, Lilian Popple, Anne Woods, Monsignori
Jonathan Moore and Joseph Phelan; Canons John Berry and Michael Bell; Fathers
John Cairns, Anthony Colebrook, Hugh Doherty, James Hannigan, Christopher
Hogan, James Lynch, Frank McLaughlin, Neil McLaughlin, Robert Rutledge, Michael
Tutcher, Daren Brown, Kevin Clark, David Bowler, Kevin Gradwell, Joe O’Hanlon, John
Warrington and Richard Finn OP; Deacons Bill Hutchinson, and Bob Dawson.
Rev Paul Smith who is to be ordained priest for our diocese on Saturday 26th
January, in Saint Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham.
Pope’s Prayer Intentions for January
Young People and the Example of Mary
That young people, especially in Latin America, follow the example of Mary and
respond to the call of the Lord to communicate the joy of the Gospel to the world.
Parish Secretary
After many years’ dedicated service Mairead Scott has stood down as parish
secretary. We thank her very much, and will make a suitable presentation to
Mairead in due course. Her role has been taken by Lauren Senior, who will be
working in the parish office each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1.00pm until
3.30pm. Her email is [email protected]
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A reflection from ‘Marriage Matters’
Our marriages are blessed with gifts
Just like the bride and groom at Cana, our marriages are blessed with gifts. Every day
we are given the grace to live our marriage vows: loving, cherishing and honouring
each other in sickness and health, whether money is flowing or frozen. Each time we
embrace each other and our own personal circumstances, we are letting God’s glory
be seen.
Readings at Masses this week and next week
Monday Hebrews 5:1-10; Psalm 109(110):1-4; Mark 2:18-22
Tuesday Hebrews 6:10-20; Psalm 110(111):1-2. 4-5. 9. 10; Mark 2:23-28
Wednesday Hebrews 7:1-3. 15-17; Psalm 109(110):1-4; Mark 3:1-6
Thursday Hebrews 7:25-8:6; Psalm 39(40):7-10. 17; Mark 3:7-12
Friday Acts 22:3-16; Psalm 116(117):1-2; Mark 16:15-18
Saturday 2 Timothy 1:1-8; Psalm 95(96):1-3. 7-8. 10; Mark 3:20-21
Liturgy this Sunday and next Sunday
This week Next week
Celebration Second Sunday of the Year Third Sunday of the Year
Cycle & Psalter Year C, Week 2 Year C, Week 3
Mass Page 127 Page 129
Penitential Rite C, page 8 C, page 8
First Reading Isaiah 62:1-5 Nehemiah 8:2-6.8-10
Psalm Psalm 95:1-3.7-10 18:8-10.15
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
Gospel John 2:1-11 Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Preface EP 4, page 31 Sundays 1, page 68
Eucharistic Prayer Four, page 31 Two, page 24
Memorial Acclamation C (Save us, Saviour) C (Save us, Saviour)
Many Thanks for your Generosity
Envelopes £385.50 Loose plate £186.34
Standing Order £305.00 Collection Total £876.84
Sick and Retired Priests’ Fund : £361.57
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Masses and Services this week
Saturday 19th January SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
6.00pm Vigil Mass Agnes Griffiths RIP
7.00pm Confessions
Sunday 20th January SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
9.00am Mass Louisa and Charles Harris RIP
Children’s liturgy; tea and coffee in the hall after
11.00am Mass Pro Populo (People of the parish)
Tea and coffee in the hall after
3.00pm Ecumenical Service at Whitefriars Care Home
4.15pm Sung Vespers
5.00pm Unity Service – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Joint Service
United Reformed Church, Star Lane
Monday 21st January Memorial of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr
No public Mass
Tuesday 22nd January Memorial of Saint Vincent, deacon and martyr
No public Mass
Wednesday 23rd January Feria
12.00noon Requiem Mass John Herd RIP
Thursday 24th January Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop
7.00pm Mass Brian, Sheila, Maureen, Paul, James, Simon et al
7.30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction
Friday 25th January Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends
10.00am Mass John Herd RIP
Saturday 26th January Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus
No Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions
11.30am Ordination to the Priesthood of Paul Smith, Nottingham Cathedral
THIRD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
6.00pm Vigil Mass Father Dominic Milroy OSB, RIP
7.00pm Confessions
Sunday 27th January THIRD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
9.00am Mass Pro Populo (people of the parish)
Children’s liturgy; tea and coffee in the hall after
11.00am Mass Bob Middleton and Nash and Middleton families
Tea and coffee in the hall after
5.00pm Sung Vespers
