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] Deacon: Reverend Charles West-Sadler (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 Fourth 24th and 25th August 2019 : Twenty-First Sunday of the Year The Gospel today speaks of our salvation, and of the way in which we have to purify ourselves and follow Christ in every aspect of our lives, difficult that that might be. Fifty years ago the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council spoke to this theme, and their words, even now, read with a freshness which inspires us: We do not know the time when earth and humanity will reach their completion, nor do we know the way in which the universe will be transformed. The world as we see it, disfigured by sin, is passing away. But we are sure that God is preparing a new dwelling place and a new earth. In this new earth righteousness is to make its home, and happiness will satisfy, and more than satisfy, all the yearnings for peace that arise in human hearts. On that day, when death is conquered, the sons of God will be raised up in Christ; what was sown as something weak and perishable will be clothed in incorruption. Love and the fruits of love will remain, and the whole of creation, made by God for man, will be set free from the frustration that enslaves it. We are warned indeed that a man gains nothing if he wins the whole world at the cost of himself. Yet our hope in a new earth should not weaken, but rather stimulate our concern for developing this earth, for on it there is growing up the body of a new human family, a body even now able to provide some foreshadowing of the new age. Hence, though earthly progress is to be carefully distinguished from the growth of Christ’s kingdom, yet in so far as it can help toward the better ordering of human society it is of great importance to the kingdom of God. The blessings of human dignity, brotherly communion and freedom – all the good fruits on earth of man’s co-operation with nature in the Spirit of the Lord and according to his command – will be found again in the world to come, but purified of all stain, resplendent and transfigured, when Christ hands over to the Father an eternal and everlasting kingdom: “a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” On this earth the kingdom is already present in sign; when the Lord comes it will reach its completion. From the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes on the Church in the modern world Presbytery Safety Work is in progress in the presbytery so take care by the building site when going into the parish hall. Please note that a temporary footpath has been laid over the lawn to enable safer access into the parish hall. The compound by the front wall has now been removed, making access to the church door a little easier. Remember to put any post into the post-box in the church porch, or pop into the parish office in the front half of the parish hall. Thank you for your continuing patience whilst this building and refurbishment work is ongoing. Father Simon leaving : Father Peter arriving Father Simon will be in the parish until Sunday 22nd September. That weekend he will celebrate the three regular Sunday Masses, and there’ll be opportunity after each for parishioners to say goodbye. On Sunday afternoon Vespers will be celebrated as usual at 5.00pm, to which members of Churches Together in Stamford will be invited (Father Simon is the current Chairman of Churches Together) and parishioners are very much invited too of course. After Vespers there will be a glass of fizz in the parish hall to celebrate Father Simon’s four years’ ministry in Stamford. Father Peter Vellacott will arrive during the following week and will celebrate Mass on Friday 27th September at 10.00am, and then the usual Sunday Masses. There will be opportunity after each for parishioners to introduce themselves and make Father Peter very welcome in his new parish. A collection is being arranged to make a presentation to Father Simon. Envelopes are available at the back of church this weekend, and can be put into the retiring collection next Sunday, or given to Noel Kent, Mary Fenn or Anna Barwell. Parish Cake, Plant and Jam Sale : This Sunday After Masses this Sunday there’ll be a Plant, Cake and Jam sale outside church with proceeds to the presbytery refurbishment fund. All contributions of cakes, plants and jam on the day would be much appreciated – and then please come and buy something to take home! Further information from Anna or Mary. Forthcoming Events in our parish, community and diocese The annual Queen of Peace Pilgrimage to Walsingham will be held on Monday 26th August (bank holiday Monday), gathering from 1.15pm. Places are available on a coach from Leicester, see the poster in the porch or contact Mary on 07792 162518. LACY Sponsored Fun day and Mass at Rutland Water. See below for information. The Diocesan Rosary Rally will be celebrated on Sunday 1st September, starting with Mass at 2.00pm, at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. See the poster in the porch. The Diocesan Health Workers Mass will be celebrated in our Cathedral in Nottingham by Bishop Patrick on Saturday 7th September at 11.30am, for all the many people who work within the Health care sector, to celebrate their work. The Parish Film Night will be showing Eddie the Eagle, on Saturday 7th September in the parish hall at 7.15pm. All are welcome – Popcorn available! Songs of Praise will be recorded on Wednesday 11th September at de Montford Hall, Leicester, from 6.30pm. Further information, including how to apply for tickets, from 0116 233 3311 or see the poster in the church porch. A First Aid Session including refreshments and a Bake Sale will be hosted by the British Red Cross on Tuesday 17th September at 2.00pm in the United Reform Church; all are welcome, see the poster in the porch for more information. A fully escorted Pilgrimage to Knock shrine, Ireland, will begin on 30th September. Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or email [email protected] More details are available on the poster in the porch. The Image of Our Lady of Walsingham will visit our Cathedral in Nottingham between Thursday 10th and Saturday 12th October. Watch out for more information about the liturgies and celebrations to mark this historic occasion. LACY Fun Day : neXt Saturday (31st August) Calling all young people, this is for YOU! Bring your families and friends to come and join Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth (LACY) for a day at Rutland Water! Support The Briars Young People’s Residential Centre by sharing in a Three-Mile Walk and being sponsored. The money will go towards “Sponsoring a Room at The Briars”. Be involved in our friendly football and rounders matches! Enjoy a picnic together and before we go home have the opportunity of sharing in the Celebration of Mass by the side of the water. The day commences at 11.15am and finishes at 5.30pm. Be “Motivated!” All welcome! Let’s share this time together! For more information contact Ian ([email protected]) or Pauline ([email protected]). Faith in Families It is time for the Faith in Families (Children's Society) boxes to be emptied. Would all box holders please bring them into Church and either give them to me or leave in the Sacristy for me as soon as possible. The number of box holders is diminishing year by year and so if you would like to support our diocesan charity please consider having a box for loose change, making a donation or regularly giving. If you would like more information please speak to me or contact me by email [email protected] or by phone 01780 751735. Many thanks, Kevin Vinter. Refurbishment Update The Annex is nearing structural completion, with the plastering of internal walls in progress and the flooring screed almost dry. The third phase of the electrics is being undertaken, although some of the existing wiring (in rooms which were simply to be redecorated, such as the sitting room) having been found to be decayed and so in need of replacement. Orders have been placed for the internet provision and networking the presbytery and office, together with some soft fittings and blinds. This coming week it’s hoped to remove redundant wiring from around the outside of the building, as well as clear the sacristy in preparation for the new units and wiring to be fitted in there. Work in the presbytery (ie the refurbishment) should be completed by the end of the first week in September, and work on the Annex completed a week later.