Wednesday 6th May 2020 - A WEEKLY PRAYER CUSTOM Welcome to the of Our Lady & St. Robert Robert Street, Harrogate, HG1 1HP ( of ) Registered Charity No: 249404 Celebrating the Year of the Word Clergy: Canon Jim Callaghan –Parish Priest with The Wednesday Word. Priests: Fr. Ben Hilton -Assistant Priest Lectio Divina - prayerfully Parish Office (St. Robert’s Presbytery)- Closed until further notice preparing for the Sunday Mass. web:strobertsharrogate.co.uk The P ar ish V er sion Tel: (01423)504988 e-mail: [email protected] Preparing for the Mass of Sunday 10th May 2020 - The Fifth Sunday of Easter St Robert’s Centre—Closed until further notice 1 Relax & Remember Tel: 01423 529771 e-mail: [email protected] web: strobertscentre.co.uk

Set aside 10 -15 minutes and create a suitable environment by removing any distractions. Make sure that you are comfortable. Perhaps light a candle. Make the sign of the cross † and remain still for a minute of settling silence. Call to mind the love that God has for you. Remember that through this scripture our Lord is truly present. Then read the Gospel, preferably aloud and slowly, and pay attention to any words that stand out. If any do, meditate on them for a few minutes and be invited into a dialogue with God. 2 Read

Taken from the Gospel for Sunday 10th May 2020 - Jesus Warns of his Departure (John 14:1-12) Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not, I should have told you. I am now going to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too. You know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you know me, you know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.’ Philip said, ‘Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied.’ ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip,’ said Jesus to him, ‘and you still do not know me? To have seen me is to have seen the Father, so how can you say, “Let us see the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak as from myself: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work. You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; believe it on the evidence of this work, if for no other reason. I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, he will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.’ Sunday 3rd May 2020

3 Reflect Canon Jim Callaghan and Fr Ben Hilton will say Mass privately After spending a few minutes considering this Gospel, continue by reading Fr Henry Wansbrough’s reflection. each day for your Intentions As the festival of the Ascension approaches, Jesus begins to prepare his followers for his own departure from the world. There are two aspects to this teaching. Firstly Jesus speaks of the final purpose, union with the Father, and his preparation of a place for us there. He says that there is a ‘room’ for each of them, suggesting not that there are plenty of separate cubicles for different sets of people (, babies, monks and maniacs), but that there is no lack of space in heaven. No problem of ‘only one wins the prize’ in this case. The second aspect is preparation for the future Church on earth, and LIVE-STREAMING OF DAILY MASS AND DEVOTIONS FROM LEEDS the almost shocking promise that in the absence of Jesus – but in the strength of his Spirit – his people will do ‘even greater works’. Paul teaches that believers ‘make up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ’, for in every age the Church fills up the measure of Christ’s sufferings; it is a Church which shares its Master’s trials. In the same way in every age the Church must carry on the works of Christ. In John the ‘works’ of Jesus are the marvellous Holy Mass will be live-streamed EACH WEEKDAY at 10.30 am and on SUNDAYS at 11.00am deeds, beyond mere human powers, which show who Jesus is. We too are called on to perform marvellous deeds, beyond mere human powers, works of grace and generosity. There will also be a live-stream of the Angelus at 12.00 Noon each What is the real joy and excitement of heaven? How may we best carry on the ‘work’ of Christ? weekday, followed by praying the Rosary. Details of other devotions are available via the Leeds Dom Henry Wansbrough OSB Cathedral website and Cathedral Bulletin.

To participate online, please access the Live YouTube channel Respond & Request 4 www.leedscathedrallive.org.uk where the words of Prayers, Devotions and Orders of Service

Now slowly and prayerfully read the Gospel once again but this time in silence. Consider how this Gospel could apply to your life in general. may be viewed, or downloaded from the Diocesan and Cathedral websites. Then thank God for any insight you may have received. Conclude by asking God to bless you with one of the following spiritual gifts to help you act on any resolution you have made: love, understanding, wisdom, faithfulness, peace, self control, patience, or joy. Please remember to pray for the Church and particularly our school families. Then conclude by requesting the prayers of Our Lady & St Joseph.

The Wednesday Word is under the patronage of St Joseph, Patron Saint of Families and Protector of the Church Within the tradition of the , each Wednesday is dedicated to St Joseph

® The Wednesday Word Ltd. A registered Charity in and Wales limited by guarantee – 1125628 © Copyright 2020 The Wednesday Word Trust www.wednesdayword.org Parish Finance A People who Hope in Christ

Many thanks to all who continue to support our of St. Robert’s and St. Aelred’s during the present time of crisis and A Message from the Metropolitan Archbishops of the Catholic Church in England and Wales lockdown. The Diocesan Finance Office report that many people from around the Diocese are phoning and sending e-mails asking how they can contribute to their parishes while public Masses are suspended. What follows is an explanation of the ways in Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, which you can contribute but if you already have a standing order, or collection envelopes please ignore what follows. The radiance of the risen Lord shines upon us. At a time when so many shadows are cast into our lives, and upon our world, the light of the resurrection shines forever to renew and restore our hope. In the words of our Holy Father, Pope Francis: ‘In the midst of isolation when we are suffering from a lack of tenderness Giving to your Parish: and chances to meet up, and we experience the loss of so many things, let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: he is risen and is living by our Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has continued to support St Robert’s and St. Aelred’s week in and week out, especially those- side.’ (27 March 2020) who have made new arrangements to donate towards the continuing work of our parish during these difficult times. It is possible to make your weekly or monthly offerings in several ways: The impact of Covid-19, both nationally and internationally, has been immense. So much of what we take for granted has changed. Our health and physical interaction, our capacity to travel and gather, have all been affected. There is uncertainty in our future, especially Set-up a Standing Order with your bank or building society. (GAD forms can be downloaded) to either with work and the country’s economy. As we know, very sadly, large numbers of people have died because of the coronavirus, and others St. Robert’s or St. Aelred’s have been or remain seriously ill. Keyworkers, not least in te National Health Service and care sectors, are serving selflessly to sustain the Diocese of Leeds Our Lady Immaculate St Robert’s Harrogate Sort Code: 40-27-15 Account No: 81017489 life of our nation. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone who is suffering because of Covid-19, and to all those battling to overcome its effects. May those who have died rest in peace and those who are bereaved find comfort. Diocese of Leeds St Aelred of Rievaulx Sort Code: 40-27-15 Account No: 41017470

Make a one-off payment via internet or telephone banking to the Church using the details be- When the Prime Minister announced the lockdown, this included places of worship and therefore Catholic churches. These measures low: were put in place to stem the general transmission of the virus. It is right that the Catholic community fulfils its role in contributing to the Diocese of Leeds Our Lady Immaculate St Robert’s Harrogate Sort Code: 40-27-15 Account No: 81017489 preservation of life and the common good of society. This must continue until the restrictions applied by the Government are lifted. Diocese of Leeds St Aelred of Rievaulx Sort Code: 40-27-15 Account No: 41017470 Press the Donate Button on the opening page of the St. Roberts or St Aelreds webpage,. None of us would want to be in the situation in which we find ourselves. While the live-streaming of the Mass and other devotions is play- Use the text service, to donate £5 to St Robert’s text CHURCH ROBERT to 70500 for St. Robert’s and ing an important part in maintaining the life of faith, there is no substitute for Catholics being able to physically attend and participate in the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments. Our faith is expressed powerfully and beautifully though ‘seeing, touching, and to donate £5 to St. Aelred’s text CHURCH AELRED to 70500 for St. Aelred’s tasting.’ We know that every and every priest recognises the pain of Catholics who, at present, cannot pray in church or receive **Please note that it is a feature of the text-giving facility that allows for no more and no less than £5 to be given to the the sacraments. This weighs heavily on our hearts. We are deeply moved by the Eucharistic yearning expressed by so many members of Offertory via each text. If your regular weekly parish giving is either more or less than this amount, please feel free either to the faithful. We thank you sincerely for your love for the Lord Jesus, present in the sacraments and supremely so in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The bishops and priests of every diocese are remembering you and your loved ones at Mass each day in our churches as we send more than one text – or maybe use this facility just once a fortnight or once a month.** pray ‘in hope of health and well- being.’ We thank our priests for this faithfulness to their calling. Leave a donation (cash or cheque) through the Presbytery letterbox at St. Robert’s. Thank you all for your generosity and the support you give to your parish. Bless you all! As the Government’s restrictions are relaxed step by step, we look forward to opening our churches and resuming our liturgical, spiritual, catechetical and pastoral life step by step. This will also be of service to those beyond the Catholic Church who depend on our charitable activity and outreach through which much goodness is shared by so many volunteers from our communities.

************************************************************************ None of us knows, as yet, how or when the lockdown will end. There is likely to be a phased return to travelling and gathering. As a Mass for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care. church, we are now planning for this time and our discussions with the statutory public health agencies and Government representatives The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales recognise that this time of the COVID-19 pandemic is are ongoing. Together with Catholics across England and Wales we desire the opening of our churches and access to the sacraments. Until then, we are continuing to pray and prepare. affecting every person in our countries. Those who are sick, and their families, are suffering many hardships of isolation from contact with those they love. Our front-line workers in hospitals and in We want to acknowledge with gratitude the service of our fellow bishops and priests, our deacons and religious, our families and lay faith- care homes all over our lands are giving exceptional service to those who are vulnerable at this ful, together with all our parish and school communities, for the wonderful ways the life of the faith is being nourished at this time, espe- time. In order to show a spiritual solidarity with all those who are involved in the ways described cially in the home. We also pay tribute to the Catholic organisations and networks that are working to support the vulnerable and needy. above, each week from next Thursday, a Catholic Bishop will celebrate Mass in their Cathedral which will be live-streamed for people to join. This will take place every Thursday at 7.00pm On that first Easter day, the disciples were in lockdown and the doors were closed. In their isolation the Lord Jesus came among them and said ‘Peace be with you.’ May the peace of the risen Lord reign in our hearts and homes as we look forward to the day we can enter church again and gather around the to offer together the Sacrifice of Praise.

7th May Bishop Leeds Cathedral We unite in asking the intercession of Our Blessed Lady and assure you of our prayers and blessing

14th May Bishop Robert Byrne CO Newcastle Cathedral 21st May Bishop Mark Davies Cathedral Yours devotedly in Christ, 28th May Bishop Terence Drainey Cathedral ✠ Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster By visiting the Cathedral webpage, or the Bishops’ Conference Webpage ✠ Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool (cbcew.org.uk) links for the live-streaming of these Masses can be found. ✠ Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham

✠ George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff Please pray for all the sick of the Parish. ✠ John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark Anniversaries at this time: Recently deceased: Leo Ciavarello, Pauline Hastings, Fr. Tony Pearson and Mavis Wren