Pinned Notices
Parish Statement on Domestic Abuse
11/07/2023Act now to stop DIY abortion up to birth MPs Diana Johnson and Stella Creasy have both tabled amendments to the Government’s Criminal Justice Bill that would decriminalise abortion. In different ways, they would essentially legalise DIY abortion up to birth, for any reason. Please contact your MP urgently, asking them to oppose these extreme and barbaric proposals. You can do this using SPUC’s easy to use webtool, at https://www.spuc.org.uk/abortionamendments. The amendments will be debated on 4 June, so please contact your MP NOW. Please pray for the defeat of these amendments, for protection of unborn babies, and help and comfort for mothers in need.
There are more than 40 retired priests in our Diocese. Some live in Ireland and some in England. We wish to express our gratitude to you for the ways you have helped us over the years especially by your love of Our Lord and His Church. With your love and prayers, support and example we have been encouraged to try to be the priests Jesus called us to be. You have also with great generosity supported the Sick and Retired Priests' Fund over many years and especially during the recent appeal. We will always be grateful to you and happily fulfil our responsibility to pray for you and your families. Your Retired Priests
Please click on Peter's Pence Leaflet to see setails.
2024
Use Your Skills as a Trustee
See poster for details to become a volunteer trustee for Marriage Care
LACY ASK YOU TO SAVE THE DATE!
6th October 2024
A date for your diaries from Leicestershire Active
Catholic Youth! After last year’s success “The Big Sing” will be here again on 6 th October 2024 at
4.00 p.m. at The Immaculate Conception Church, Oadby. We are inviting all young people, families,
friends and parishes with their own music groups and choirs, to come along and be involved in the
liturgy with their voices and instruments. Our posters and full information will come out to you all at
the end of August but SAVE THE DATE TO YOUR DIARIES! For information: Pauline Payne
07885 187374 paulinepayne@hotmail.com or Jo Shearer joshearer@hotmail.com
Residential School of Evangelisation
September 2024 - May 2025
Ideal for Catholics over the age of 18 - see the poster - ideal for a career break, Sabatical Year and for those thinking of a Religous Life or the Priesthood.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress
14th September 2024
The Bishops of England and Wales are hosting a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress, Adoremus, on Saturday 14th September. As well as being part of the Year of Prayer, this will be a continuation of the Eucharistic Congress held in Liverpool in 2018, and a time of preparation for the Jubilee 2025. Information will be made available over the coming months to help all our parishes and communities prepare for this occasion. As we celebrate today the solemnity of Corpus Christi we are invited to marvel afresh at the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus who lives with us always.
The Abbot and Community of Pluscarden Abbey
16th August 2024
are delighted to offer young single Catholic men a Monastic Experience Weekend, during which they can live, work and pray with the Benedictine Community of Pluscarden Abbey. This will take place from Friday 16th – Sunday 19th August. Further information is available from Father Benedict Hardy at novicemaster@pluscardenabbey.org
The annual Pilgrimage of Reparation and Prayer for the Sanctity of Life
3rd August 2024
is being held in Walsingham on Saturday 3rd August, led by Bishop David Oakley of Northampton Diocese. In the 40 years in which the Pilgrimage has been held there has been a shocking increase in the annual number of abortions throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. At the same time there is constant pressure from euthanasia supporting lobby groups to introduce assisted suicide, with high profile personalities endorsing this policy. Humanly, we may feel that we lack any means to counter this onslaught, but this day in Walsingham is to storm heaven in the peace and beauty of this Shrine, remembering Our Lady’s words, “All who come here will find help in their need”. More details are available at: www.walsingham.org.uk/event/pro-life-pilgrimage-4/
The National Network of Pastoral Musicians
26th and 28th July 2024
is holding its biennial conference at the Hayes in Swanwick between Friday 26th and Sunday 28th July. Places are available for residential and day visitors with subsidies available to 18-25 year olds. More information is on the poster, or contact Jennifer Burridge for bookings: 01792 775598 or jburridge@mac.com
FROM THE DIOCESE: Marriage Care in partnership with the Diocese of Nottingham
24th July 2024 @ 7pm
are looking for volunteers who would like to train to help local couples prepare for the Sacrament of
Marriage. If you would like to know more about what is involved in helping couples build their
marriage on a firm foundation come to our webinar (with no commitment to train as a facilitator) on
Wednesday 24th July at 7pm. Visit dioceseofnottingham.uk/events or email formation@dioceseofnottingham.uk to book your place.
Come and See Weekend - The Gift of Vocation
21st - 23rd July 2024
The Sacred Heart Fathers and Brothers (Betharram) invite you to a ‘Come and See Weekend’ to explore the Gift of Vocation to the Religious Life and Priesthood. The weekend will take from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd June at the Dupuis Retreat Centre, 94 Selly Park Road, Birmingham B29 7LL. For more information contact Brother Andrew Ferris SCJ on andrewferris@hotmail.co.uk
Lourdes - 15th - 19th July
15th - 19th July 2024
See the poster for this year's pilgrimage.
Read the HCPT Spring News 2024 to see how others can be helped to join the pilgrimage.
Year of Prayer - 16th June
16th June 2024
See the poster for Pope Francis’ Catechesis on Prayer.
Understanding the Precious Gift of Life - 16th June
16th June 2024
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham
15th June 2024
Please sign the list in either church by 31st March if you are interested in joining the trip. The cost per person will be £25.
The Diocesan Education Service
10th June 2024
Is seeking to appoint a highly professional, motivated Governance, Admissions, and Appeals Manager to join their small and friendly team. The post will start on 1st September, at a salary between £38k and £42k, and applications should be received by Monday 10th June. This is a full-time permanent appointment; part-time working will also be considered, in which case the governance role will be three days per week, and the admissions and appeals role will be two days per week. More details can be found at www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/careers
Open Gardens, can you join in?
9th June 2024
Your garden doesn’t need to be pristine as this is
Ordinary Gardens Open! It costs £5 to go round them all, visitors are not critical, and it’s a great fun
social event. You don’t need to make a definite commitment yet, but please let Frances know if you are
thinking about it. 07790 631635 or franceslevett@gmail.com to get the low-down!
Diocesan Education Service - Governance, Appeals & Admissions Officer
Saturday 7th May.
The Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service is seeking to appoint a highly professional, motivated Governance,
Admissions and Appeals Officer to join our small and friendly team - see poster
All are invited to join the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Melwood
Saturday 4 th May.
In honour of Saint Augustine Webster
Meet before 12 noon at Low Melwood Farm on the road between Epworth and Owston Ferry (DN9 1AD
parking on site) for the Rosary Procession and Mass. Bring a chair, optional picnic, and walking footwear.
Day for Young People - 27th April
6 - 8pm Saturday 27th April
The Sisters of St Joseph of Peace invite you to a Day for Young People 15-18yrs, 9-12 noon, 19 -25yrs, 2-5pm and 25+, 6-8pm on Saturday 27th April at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish Hall, Nottingham, NG6 9ES, with time for prayer, reflection, discussion, fun and getting to know other young people in a relaxed and friendly environment. The Retreat will be led by the Verbum Dei Missionary Community. For more information contact maureenbrennancsjp@gmail.com
61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Sunday 21st April
Called to sow the seeds of hope and to build peace - see poster
Global Hamony Choir in St John's
7:30pm Friday 12th April
Tickets on sale in the porch after Mass priced £10 for adults, children free. We are very grateful to this popular
local choir for offering to perform in our church to help us raise funds to build the hall. Refreshments just
a donation. Come along and listen to a dynamic variety of world music celebrating diverse cultures. You
can be sure of a joyful and exciting evening. Tickets from Ann Kirby or Frances Levett or 07790 631635.
Year of Reflection - Palm Sunday - 24th March
24th March 2024
See the poster - As we start our Holy Week journey this week we look at Pope Francis’ catechesis on the
Paschal prayer of Jesus for us...
LACY Walk for CAFOD Sharing in the “Big Lent Walk”
Sunday 17th March 2024
Young People come and join us! Bring your families and friends. Enjoy a short walk commencing from St. Mary’s, Countesthorpe Road, South Wigston, LE18 4PG at 2.00 p.m.
Walk as much as you can – route supplied - trail to follow with prizes for correct answers! A craft opportunity for younger children who don’t want to walk too far and refreshments.
Celebration of Mass at 4.00 p.m. praying for all those in the areas of conflict in the world.
Calling all young people to support! LET’S PUT OUR FAITH INTO ACTION THIS LENT! Looking forward to seeing you! More details of the afternoon and for sponsor forms and details of Just Giving Account email paulinepayne@hotmail.com or just turn up at 2.00 p.m. where this information will also be available.
Carmelite Open Day
Saturday 16th March - 10am - 4pm
The Nottingham Secular Carmelites are hosting a Carmelite Open Day on Saturday 16th March, between 10.00am and 4.00pm, at Saint John the Evangelist Church, Stapleford. Meeting monthly on Saturdays we pray together, study scripture, church teaching and writings from the Carmelite saints, and share reflections. If you want to know more you are very welcome to our open day: bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee provided. Contact Heather Ward on 01773 599982 or heatherward67@yahoo.com or visit [nottinghamcarmelites.uk]nottinghamcarmelites.uk
Lenten Chamber Concert
15th March 2024
Women's Diocesan Retreat
9th March 2024
A reflection from Pope Francis for the Year of Prayer
Third Sunday of Lent:
With hands outstretched to God, Moses makes of himself a kind of bridge between earth and heaven, pleading for the people when they are most in need. In this way he prefigures Jesus, our great intercessor and high priest. We Christians are also called to share in this type of prayer, interceding for those who need God’s help, and for the redemption of the whole world.
To read the full reflection and find more resources at dioceseofnottingham.uk/yearofprayer
Message from the Holy Father for Lent
11th February 2024
Message from the Holy Father for Lent
World Day of the Sick
11th February
See click here for the article
Sackcloth & Ashes
Saturday 10th February 2024
Please click here for the poster
Job Advert
02/02/24
HR & Admin Services Manager - The Lodge Trust
2023
Job Vacancy - PA to the Bishop of Nottingham
01/06/2023
For more information and to apply:
www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/careers
NDCYS - The Briars Monthly Newsletter
17/05/2023
URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS for Easter 2023
A message from Bishop Patrick
29/03/2023
Our vision for the Diocese of Nottingham is to become a more outward-looking missionary Catholic community. We are currently reorganising our parish and deanery structures, and to ensure we are supported in mission-focused initiatives the Diocese has launched a Mission Enabling Programme. We must also develop a financial plan, one that is well informed and meets our needs. Therefore after Easter we are commencing a consultative phase, with professional support, to gather opinions from parishioners about our funding strategies. If you are asked please consider giving your views, through a one-to-one conversation or an at-Mass survey.
Please also pray for our mission and for this journey of discernment, that we can share the love and message of Christ more widely.
For the full message from Bishop Patrick, visit www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/news/consultation
Friends of Nottingham Cathedral
Thursday 20 April in the Cathedral Hall at 7pm
Tickets £10 (students £5)or book on Eventbrite. Refreshments included.
DEFENDING THE FORT
The reaction of the Marian Bishops to the Elizabethan
Religious Settlement 1558 -1580.
An illustrated talk by Michael Stokes, KC, DL, MA, LL.B
The title comes from the words of St John Fisher while detained in the Tower of London in 1534/5
“The Fort is betrayed even of those who should have defended it. And therefore, seeing the matter is thus begun, and so faintly resisted on our parts, I fear that we be not the men that shall see the end of the misery.”
2022
Cream Teas in St John's Garden on Saturday 3rd September from 2pm to 5pm
10/08/2022Enjoy a delicious cream tea or home-made cake in the church Memorial Garden. Relax, chat with friends, have a go on the raffle! Do come along and support as we build up our community again after COVID. All proceeds to Friends of St John's for the church hall building fund.
More details:
Ann - 01664 560080
Frances - 07790 631635
Marriage Encounter Experience
15/02/2022WANT TO GIVE YOUR MARRIAGE A BOOST
Treat yourselves to a life changing Marriage Encounter Experience
Our next experiences are 4-6th March, 14th & 21st May, 11-12th June.......
Visit WWME.org.uk for more details and booking
A great marriage, lifts your family, Parish and personal happiness
Confirmation 2022
12/01/2022There will be a meeting for prospective Confirmation Candidates on Monday 31st January 2022 at 6.30 p.m. in the Convent.
The date for Confirmation is Sunday 22nd May 2022 at Saint Joseph's Church, Oakham.
Candidates for Confirmation must be at least 11 years old. For more information or to request an enrolment form, please contact Sister Valerie. Enrolment Forms are available to download on the Parish website by clicking here.
To download the form click the link, then go to File and select Download to choose the preferred file format.
2021
Faith in Families Children's Charity
16/12/2021Please click here to view news from the Faith in Families Children's Charity.
CAFOD Afghanistan Crisis Appeal
15/12/2021CAFOD is combining efforts with the DEC to launch the Afghanistan Crisis Appeal. In Afghanistan, 8 million people are on the brink of famine because of drought, collapsing economy, food shortages, conflict, and COVID. CAFOD is supporting sister Caritas agencies to reach communities most in need with food, clean water, and fuel. During Advent, when we open ourselves to the needs of others, let’s do all that we can to save lives. You can donate on the CAFOD website: cafod.org.uk/AfghanistanAppeal and please pray for the people of Afghanistan.
LACY Event
15/12/2021Sunday 9th January 4pm
Due to the rising number of infections with COVID at the present time LACY have decided that instead of meeting at St. Patrick’s Leicester for our event for young people entitled “HAVE YOUR SAY SYNOD ’21 – ‘23”, this will now take place on line via Zoom on 9th January 2022 at 4.00 p.m. A great opportunity for input about the SYNOD, discussion, fun time and a short liturgy will be shared together. Save the date! Save the time! We look forward to seeing you, your families and friends. (Please note all young people under the age of 18 should be present with an adult) Link in details will be sent out at the beginning of January to schools and parishes and may also be found on our Facebook page @LACYcatholicyouthleics. Contact details : e mail paulinepayne@hotmail.com or claudiacoxon@googlemail.com.
See poster on LACY facebook page
For further information or booking onto the day contact paulinepayne@hotmail.com
CAFOD Review of the Year and Advent Reflections
19/11/2021Register for our online review of the year! We would love you and your parishioners to join us for a review of the year, where we will share all that the Catholic community has made possible this year with their support. Please join our Director Christine Allen, online on Thursday 25 November at 7pm-8pm. Register here.
Sign up for our daily Advent reflections: These reflections have been very popular and offer an opportunity to pause and reflect, pray and take action as we prepare for Christmas. Visit our Interactive online Advent calendar | CAFOD for more details. There are also free Advent children’s liturgy resources that parish catechists may find useful. Children's Liturgy | CAFOD
“Like many women around the world, Garmah in Liberia had no legal rights to her home when her husband died. CAFOD worked with local experts to help her and now Garmah and her children live rightfully and happily together in their family home. “I feel safe, my children have a place to rest their head and I can make a garden to feed them and myself. God sent redeemers to fight for my land rights. I am overfilled with joy.” Thank you for your support which enables hundreds of women like Garmah remain in their homes during times of struggle. Other examples of our work can be found in our World Gift catalogues or website worldgifts.cafod.org.uk Have a wonderful Christmas.”
CAFOD COP26 News
19/10/2021A message from CAFOD: Thank you for supporting our Climate Crisis Appeal for our recent Family Fast Day. Every donation helps us in our work and is gratefully received. https://cafod.org.uk/climatecrisis
Please pray for the success of the upcoming UN climate talks in Glasgow, COP26, from 31 October to 12 November. There should hopefully be prayer cards at the back of church; please do take one and pray that that world leaders will put the needs of marginalised communities around the world, those most affected by climate change, right at the heart of these climate talks. For more information see https://cafod.org.uk/COP26
May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 and instill in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions for the most vulnerable.
CAFOD Harvest Family Fast Day
23/09/2021It is a week until CAFOD's Harvest Family Fast Day (1st October) and CAFOD Nottingham have sent two links which may be of interest to you.
The first is a short prayer video: https://vimeo.com/612478314
The second is a link to an interview that Rhiannon Kennedy gave on BBC Radio Leicester yesterday. Rhiannon is one of our Step into the Gap volunteers based at The Briars Retreat Centre at Crich. Along with Lorley Shelton, she is part of the team up there with a specific focus on CAFOD’s work. They will both be part of the CAFOD youth delegation attending the COP26 event in Glasgow. Listen back here from 37.55mins: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09tvlxf
East Window Donation Boards
16/09/2021The names of people who supported the restoration of the east window at St John's, with dedications where appropriate, are now displayed in the church.
The boards are on the back wall of St John's, where the statue of St John the Baptist used to be, and are at a level where they can be read easily.
Thank you once again for your support.
LACY Event
14/09/2021Sunday 3rd October 2pm - 5pm
LEICESTERSHIRE ACTIVE CATHOLIC YOUTH (LACY) are sending out a warm invitation to all young people, their families and friends to an amazing “First Physical Event” since the beginning of COVID. “What Do You Know About Angels?” SUNDAY 3RD OCTOBER. Lots of interesting activities, sharing Faith, Fun and Food! Fr. Simon Gillespie will be leading us in thoughts, ideas and the Celebration of an uplifting Mass especially for young people. Come and share the time with the LACY Team at St. Thomas More, Catholic Parish Rooms and Field, Knighton, Leicester, LE2 3HN. 2.00 P.M. – 5.00 P.M.
See poster on LACY facebook page, your own parish media and newsletter.
For further information or booking onto the day contact paulinepayne@hotmail.com or claudiacoxon@googlemail.com. We’re looking forward to sharing this day with YOU!
Click here to view the poster.
Livestream Issues
12/09/2021During the past few weeks we've noticed large fluctuations in the internet speed available to us. At the higher speeds the stream works perfectly, however at the lower speeds the visual and audio data cannot be uploaded quickly enough, causing the issues we are having.
We have contacted our internet provider to ask whether this is a temporary issue and are awaiting a reply.
In the meantime the company who installed the equipment have advised us they think lowering the encoder bitrate may help the issue, to which we've agreed. This basically means the data sent from the equipment to YouTube will be smaller in size and won't require as fast an internet connection. This may however mean a slightly lower quality video (i.e. the stream may not be available in High Definition).
Hopefully the changes will have the desired effect. Thank you for your understanding.
Job Vacancy - Mission Support Assistant
10/09/2021The Diocese of Nottingham is seeking to employ a committed Catholic, with experience in administration, who wants to see the Church grow and have a greater impact in the East Midlands. The successful candidate would support the work of the outreach departments of the diocesan curia in spreading the Gospel and reaching the marginalised. They will work with the Adult Formation for Mission and Communications departments, as well as supporting the Ongoing Formation of Clergy and the work for Social Action with the poor and marginalised.
Please click here for the full job advertisement.
First Holy Communion Programme 2021/2022
02/09/2021We are currently taking applications for the First Holy Communion programme 2021/2022.
If your child is in Y3 or above and attends St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Melton Mowbray, please download and complete the form (linked below) and return it to the office, school, or to Fr Tom by Friday 1st October. Thank you.
First Holy Communion Registration Form
To download the form click the link, then go to File > Download and choose your required file format. If you require the form in another format please contact the Parish Administrator: stjbstp@gmail.com
Marriage Care - Volunteers Needed
18/08/2021Online and Remote Volunteers needed
Marriage Care is a Catholic organisation specialising in relationship support - providing counselling and marriage preparation throughout England and Wales. We are looking for volunteers who can spare just a few hours a week working from the comfort of their own home to help us support marriage and relationships.
Zoom Support: Are you an expert on Zoom and would you like to use your tech-skills to help us run marriage preparation courses, training or CPD events online?
Remote Secretary: Provide a vital service to counsellors and clients, taking last-minute cancellations calls and communicating changes as necessary.
For more information please visit: www.marriagecare.org.uk or email: volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk
Knights of St Columba Virtual Seminar
01/08/2021Tuesday 10 August, 8:45am start, via Zoom
For all young people, aged between 16 and 23.
Topics include: Laudato Si - Young People and the Environment; Mental Health, Faith and Young People; Understanding Canon Law; Knife Crimes, its consequences from a Judicial perspective, Understanding Finance and Understanding Religious life and Religious Orders.
For more information please visit: https://ksc.org.uk/youth/virtual_seminar_2021.html
News from the local SPUC branch
01/08/2021Brooksby Melton College has received a gift of three beautiful sets of foetal models for use at all three of their campuses: Brooksby, Melton and Coalville. The model sets, which are each worth £80. were a free gift from the local branch of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC). The photos show Rutland and Melton Branch Chairman Frances Levett and branch member Jean Garrett presenting the models to Carol Barker of Brooksby Melton College.
Formation for Mission - July Update
01/08/2021In this issue:
A Father's Heart - New Episodes
Christus Vivit - A new discipleship ministry for Young Adults in the Diocese
Post-Lockdown & your parish - an online meeting to share ideas for Evangelisation, Catechesis, Discipleship and Faith Formation.
Faith seeking understanding - Courses in theology
Contagious Catholic - online workshop in evangelisation
Volunteer Survey - Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service
New in person Catechesis risk assessment
God Who Speaks update
Statue of St John the Baptist
24/07/2021As part of the redecoration in the church, the statue of St John the Baptist, which was previously at the back of the church, has been moved to a new plinth on the (liturgical) north wall of the nave.
Lifting of Restrictions and Attending Mass
17/07/2021We have heard from the Diocese about lifting of restrictions on people attending Mass. Please continue to wear face masks, sanitise your hands, and wait in your seat to be guided to receive Holy Communion row by row. You may now receive Holy Communion on the tongue if desired. There is no need to book a place at Mass but we will limit each row to 3 people or one family.
Sunday Obligation
Regarding the Sunday Obligation the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales states:
We are mindful of the certain fact that the Covid-19 virus is still circulating in society. Vaccines provide genuine protection against the worst effects of the virus, yet we recognise the legitimate fear on the part of some who otherwise desire to gather for Holy Mass. It is our continuing judgement, therefore, that it is not possible at the present time for all of the faithful to attend Mass on a Sunday thus fulfilling their duty to God.
It is hoped that it will be possible for all Catholics in England and Wales to fulfil this most important Church precept, that of the Sunday Obligation, by the First Sunday in Advent 2021.
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/sunday-it-is-our-day/
Within our Parish, if you are starting to think about attending Mass again, but are still worried, you may want to consider attending one of the weekday Masses or the Saturday morning Mass as these are usually quieter.
Grapevine 27
11/07/2021In this issue from the Diocese's Adult Formation, Justice and Peace & Caritas Commissions:
Seafarers at risk of piracy
5 July: 'Open with Care' - a second workshop on safely resuming parish life
6 July: 'Renewing the face of the Earth' - join our follow-up workshop
6 September: 'The Cry of Creation' - Laudato Si' in a nutshell, six years on
The diocesan ministry for LGBT+ people
Opportunities for service - support for prisoners' families
Prayer for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Click here to read the newsletter
For Past Issues: Click the above link and then Past Issues (top left of the page).
Weekday Masses
19/06/2021We will be celebrating Mass in St John’s on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays at 10.00 am starting this coming week. Funerals as always will override these times so please check the bulletin each week.
Frances' Hairstyle and Parish Raffle in the Melton Times
29/05/2021The Melton Times recently ran a lovely article about Frances' Hairstyle raising money for the sanctuary redecoration, and the Parish's Summer Raffle.
To read it online please click here.
Caritas Diocese of Nottingham – Environment Workshop
29/05/2021Tuesday 8 June, 7.00 - 8.30 p.m. via Zoom
At last Sunday’s Masses, we heard a Pastoral letter about the urgent need for us all to protect and care for God's gift of Creation. Our new diocesan Caritas network, also launched last weekend, is hosting a workshop ‘Renewing the face of the Earth’. It is online and will help us explore the many ways in which we can respond, as individuals, as parishes and as a diocese.
Please register at: dioceseofnottingham.uk/environment
Parish Summer Raffle
22/05/2021Donations are required for the summer raffle please. We would like to make up 3 hampers: one containing a selection of alcohol, one of luxury food items, and one of sweets and chocolates. We also have a garden tub of flowers, Sr. Barbara is going to make a cake, and there will be a McDonald’s Meal voucher plus other prizes. We also have a signed Marcus Rashford Manchester United football shirt for first prize!! Tickets are on sale at £1 each or a book for £5 from St John’s or via the parish office stjbstp@gmail.com
Frances' Fundraising Hairstyle
22/05/2021Parishioner and Friends of St John's Chairman Frances has had her hair cut to help raise funds for the Sanctuary redecoration.
At the start of the fundraising effort, Frances promised to have the rather spectacular hairstyle when donations reached £1,000.
Currently donations are at £1,661 and the Friends have set a new target of £4,500 (1/10th cost of the works). Wouldn't it be great to reach £2,000 by the end of May?
To donate, and for more information on the project, please visit the Friend's JustGiving Fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/fosjmm
Sanctuary Redecoration - Update
22/05/2021To view a brief update on the progress of the Sanctuary redecoration (with photos), please click here.
Pentecost Novena - Care of Creation
15/05/2021The Bishop's Conference of England & Wales (CBCEW) has provided us with a Pentecost Novena on the Care of Creation, starting Friday 14th May.
CAFOD Nottingham will post each day in advance to enable you to join with the Catholic Community in prayer as we journey towards Pentecost during Laudato Si week.
To download the Novena please visit the CBCEW website - click here
To visit CAFOD Nottingham's Facebook page - click here
LACY - Follow the Holy Spirit
15/05/2021Sunday 23rd May at 7:00pm via Zoom
An AMAZING opportunity is offered to you to share with LACY – Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth – an on line celebration on Sunday 23 rd May at 7.00 p.m. via Zoom.
We’re looking forward to a 45 minute celebration being interactive with one another and thinking about how we can be inspired by the Holy Spirit! Fr. Simon Gillespie will be leading us in the liturgy!
BRING A BALLOON! A PEN (to write on the balloon) and A CANDLE. We want you to share in the activity!
Click here to view the poster.
Formation for Mission Update
15/05/2021The latest update from Formation for Mission in the Diocese of Nottingham includes:
Missionary Discipleship Talks
Thy Kingdom Come - Global Prayer Wave
Neophytes Celebration
Caritas and the Word & the common good
Beauvale Pilgrimage 2021
14/04/2021On Sunday 2nd May at 3pm Bishop Patrick will celebrate our annual Mass to honour the lives of the Beauvale Martyrs, Ss John Houghton and Robert Lawrence. Due to Covid restrictions, this year’s Mass will not take place at the ruins of Beauvale Priory. Instead, it will take place at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Eastwood NG16 2AQ.
The number of people coming to this Mass unfortunately has to be limited to a maximum of 48, but Mass will be live streamed. Go to YouTube and search ‘Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Eastwood’ and you will be able to follow the Mass with us.
For more information please make contact directly with Fr Paul Newman: paul.newman@dioceseofnottingham.uk
Advance Warning of Closure of St John's for Decorating
08/04/2021St John’s will be closed on the weekend of 24th/25th April, no Masses will be said in the church. We have arranged for Mass to be said in the school hall at 9am and 10.30am on Sunday 25th. NO SATURDAY MASS.
Attendees will be limited to our current numbers and booking will be via https://massbooking.uk
The school will be cleaned before the children return on Monday.
For directions and more details please click here
Martin's Easter Poem
04/04/2021Easter brings hope for our future in faith
The cold stone of the tomb, where a broken corpse lay
Now gives the world hope at the break of This Day
So frightened and lost the disciples had fled
They deserted their Christ as his body had bled
How can we recover our hope in such gloom?
Where do we find light in the dark of the tomb?
The promise he made to the whole of mankind
When we seek out our Lord then our faith we will find
As the rising of Christ saved the world long ago
If today we have hope then our future will glow
Martin Boothman Easter 2021
Holy Week Prayer by Zoom
31/03/2021Fr Colin Patey is offering the following on Zoom during Holy Week:
Holy Thursday, 1st April: Gethsemane Reflection concluding with Compline, 9.30pm
You can register by using this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtce6uqTorHtNO_wUQWJdbVD8u1z9A1PT6
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, 1st, 2nd, 3rd April, 9.00am, Office of Readings and Morning Prayer
You can register by using this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkf-isqDIvHN0RkxNt4nc5JH6gDD475zRf
The time of prayer each day will last about 30 minutes and Fr Colin will keep participants microphones and video off throughout so people can be as quiet and prayerful as possible. For more information please contact Fr Colin at: colin.patey@dioceseofnottingham.uk
Good Counsel Network
12/03/2021On Wednesday 24th March, the Vigil of The Annunciation, please pray and fast for the end of abortion and euthanasia in this Country. On this month's Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life, we are especially asking you to fast and pray for the end of DIY abortions at home. Please join in and invite others to join as well.
https://www.facebook.com/events/725021905067267
Click here to download a pdf with more details
LACY - Mary and Joseph saying YES to God
12/03/2021Sunday 21st March at 4:00pm via Zoom
LACY (Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth) will be celebrating a Young People’s Liturgy on Sunday 21st March at 4.00 p.m. via Zoom. Our theme will be “Mary and Joseph saying YES to God”. A warm invitation is extended to all young people, their families and friends to join us as we look upon the miracle of The Annunciation and the gift of St. Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus, looking at the salvation that Jesus, in the Holy Family of Mary and Joseph, brought to the world.
Click here to download a pdf with more details
CTIMM Passion Narrative
06/03/2021Last Easter Churches Together in Melton Mowbray (CTIMM) recorded a reading of the Passion Narrative from the Gospel of St Matthew. This can still be viewed on YouTube by clicking the following link: https://youtu.be/miBomncNJTw
Lenten Talks with Bishop Patrick
06/03/2021Bishop Patrick will lead two talks on Zoom this Lent:
Knowing the heart of God
(clearing false imagines of God we may carry around with us)
Thursday 11 March, 7pm.
Knowing the love of God
(understanding our identity as God's sons and daughters)
Thursday 25th March, 7pm.
Register here: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk
Sanctuary Redecoration
03/03/2021From the 15th March the Sanctuary in St John's will be redecorated, with the work expected to take up to 6 weeks.
To view the proposed images for the redecoration please click here.
First Holy Communion
27/02/2020Due to the pandemic, arrangements for last year's First Holy Communion candidates were postponed. All of last year's candidates will be contacted soon with details of the rearrangements. We would like to gauge interest from our Year 3 families for First Holy Communion in the parish this year. Please can you register your interest by emailing the Head Teacher (Mrs Brown) directly through
enquiries@st-francis.leics.sch.uk or through a message in Class Dojo.
CAFOD's Lent Appeal
20/02/2021Help transform lives today. In Ethiopia, Abdella walks ten hours a day to find water for his family. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjtDxhOvKXs
We in Melton Mowbray can help to support communities like Abdella’s by donating to CAFOD’s Lent Appeal here: https://cafod.org.uk/Give/Donate-to-CAFOD/Lent-Appeal
Holy Father's Message for Lent 2021
12/02/2021“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18)
Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love
Bishop Patrick has asked that Pope Francis' message for Lent be made available to all parishioners.
Click here to download the message (PDF)
Ash Wednesday @ Home
15/02/2021Cardinal Vincent Nichols has provided some pastoral guidance on how we can celebrate Ash Wednesday, and the start of Lent, whilst at home. For more information click here.
Bishop Patrick will be celebrating Mass from the Cathedral at 1pm on Ash Wednesday. The livestream can be viewed via the Cathedral's website.
Racial Justice Sunday - 31st January
29/01/2021"It's not enough to simply denounce racism. This is a time to act. In the words of Pope Francis: 'God asks us to dare to create something new.'” Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Racial Justice
31 January is Racial Justice Sunday and this year it is more important than ever - but what does the gospel say about confronting racism? The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) has produced some reflection and prayer resources which can be accessed via the CBCEW website.
Mothers Prayers
23/01/2021As it seems unlikely that we can resume meeting in church in the near future, let us pray together by saying the prayers from the book in our own homes, but all at the same time - every other Thursday at 10am starting Thursday 21st January. Then on the 4th and 18th February, 4th and 18th March.
Peace Sunday
16/01/2021Peace Sunday is on 17th January and this year Pope Francis asks us to think about ‘A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace’. A short article by Fr Rob Esdaile reflecting on Pope Francis' message can be read here.
For more information on Peace Sunday please visit the Pax Christi website: https://paxchristi.org.uk/peace-sunday-2021/
Video Message for St Francis Primary School
16/01/2021A message from St Francis Catholic Primary School:
Calling all parishioners. We would love for anyone willing and able to create a short (2 mins max) video of how their faith has inspired them to reach their goals and ambitions in life. We would like to share these with the children and on our facebook page with your permission. Thank you and looking forward to being inspired- all at Saint Francis Catholic Primary School
Videos can be emailed to enquiries@st-francis.leics.sch.uk
Parish Prayer
10/01/2021At Mass today, Father Tom read our new parish prayer. You can read the prayer online (with options to download/print) by clicking here.
2020
Martin's Christmas Poem
23/12/2020Martin, a parishioner at St John's, has written a wonderful Christmas poem which was emailed with last weeks newsletter. He has very kindly agreed to read his work so we could pop a video online. Thank you very much Martin! You can watch Martin's Christmas poem here.
Diocesan Carol Service
18/12/2020A recording of the Online Diocesan Carol Service which took place on 18th December. The service is a mix of traditional and modern carols, readings from scripture, and reflections bringing the diocese together to prepare our hearts and minds for the saviour’s birth. https://youtu.be/YwWNSF9mhoQ
Christmas Message from St Francis Primary School
13/12/2020A short Christmas message from the pupils at St Francis Primary School, Melton Mowbray. Click here to view.
East Window Reglazed
20/03/2020The East Window has now been refitted into St John's. You can read the Melton Times article here.
There are also some photographs of the window being re-glazed on the parish website. The cost of the conservation was £12,000, of which several thousand pounds were donated by the Friends of St John's, a charity set up to help conserve the fabric and fixtures of the church.
2019
Christmas Fair and Wreath Festival
03/12/2019The Parish Christmas Fair and Wreath Festival took place over the 29th Nov - 1st Dec. Ninety seven wreaths were submitted for the competition, and the parish welcomed over 600 visitors to St John's over the weekend. Click here to view photos of the event.
New Font for St John's.
20/10/2019A new font was installed at St John's next to the Easter candle this week. The previous stone font, currently in storage with Leicestershire County Council, unfortunately needed too much restoration. The font previously at St Peter's has been placed in St Francis Convent Chapel.
Novena with Newman
18/08/2019A copy of the Novena with Newman booklet to celebrate his Canonisation can be downloaded from the Parish website: Click here to download the Novena with Newman booklet.
The Oratories of England have also produced a dedicated website about Cardinal Newman and his canonisation. It includes podcasts, blogs and details about the canonisation process. https://www.newmancanonisation.com/
Farewell Father Martin!
18/08/2019On Saturday 17th August we came together for a bittersweet occasion - to celebrate Father Martin's 25th Anniversary of his ordination, but also to say farewell as he leaves Melton to take up his new appointment.
Photo's from the BBQ and presentation can be viewed here.
First Holy Communion 2019
24/06/2019Over the weekend of the 22nd & 23rd June, the Feast of Corpus Christi, 27 children from the Parish made their First Holy Communion.
To view the group photos please click here
Final Mass at St Peters
29/05/2019The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Patrick took place on the 25th May, followed by a BBQ and picnic on the the field next to the church.
For photos and more information about the celebration, please click here.
Prayer for Yemen
07/02/19Giver of Life, Who hears the cries from Yemen; of mothers choosing between medicine or food, of parents grieving children lost to starvation, of those who have given up everything in hunger.
Hear our cries for hope, for change, for peace In your mercy, Break political deadlocks, Soften hardened hearts, Change closed minds, Open unhearing ears. Let people come before power. Let life be holy again. Let your justice and peace shape the nation of Yemen. And the lives of all people.
Amen
For More Information or to Donate to the CAFOD Yemen appeal please visit www.cafod.org.uk
Fr Martin at World Youth Day 2019
29/01/19Father Martin accompanied members of the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service to World Youth Day in Panama. The triennial event was held from the 22nd - 27th January and included Mass with Pope Francis.
To look at some photos Father took whilst in Panama click here.
Rosary for the Unborn
20/01/19The Knights of St Columba are marking the 100th anniversary of their foundation by a prayer project for the unborn which will run throughout 2019. They have asked SPUC to assist them in requesting all parishes to hold a monthly Rosary for the Unborn before the exposed Blessed Sacrament, with a different pro-life intention each month.
In Melton, we will pray the Rosary on the first Saturday of the month, after Mass, at morning Adoration in St. John's, starting on 2 February. If you are unable to get to church, please join in by saying the Rosary for this intention at home.
2018
Christmas Fair & Wreath Festival
02/12/18To coincide with the town's Victorian Christmas Fayre, the parish held the first ever Christmas Wreath Festival and Open Church at St John's. 98 homemade wreaths were submitted into the competition and then displayed in the Church over the weekend.
For photos click here.
Eucharistic Ministers
17/11/18Bishop Patrick commissions 102 Extraordinary ministers at St Barnabas Cathedral. Helen Webb and Mary Barber were commissioned for our Parish
A recording of the Mass can be viewed by clicking the following link:
Remembrance Weekend
11/11/18Over the weekend masses, we remembered all those who have died in war, especially those from our parish. There were some very poignant displays in the churches.
To look at some photos click here.
Confirmation 2018
Congratulations to everyone who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Convent Chapel.
Thank you to Bishop Patrick, Fathers Dominic and Martin, the Catechists and everyone else involved in the celebration.
Farewell Father Dominic!
16/09/2018The Bishop has appointed Father Dominic as the new Parish Priest for Skegness and Spilsby. After Mass at St Peter's on Sunday, the parish presented Father Dominic with some gifts as a thank you. We wish him all the very best.
A short video of the presentation can be viewed here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/photos/share/ujHmOImZqTfHx5lRnWuNWtqD75ElWYzwDDdGXQL77ah.
Blessed Sacrament Procession
09/09/2018On Sunday 9th September 2018 the Parish was delighted to host the Deanery Blessed Sacrament procession. It was the first time in living memory such an event had taken place in Melton. The procession started at the Convent Chapel and made it's way to St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Thorpe End, where is was followed by a period of Adoration and then Benediction. The procession was arranged by Father Dominic to coincide with Adoremus - The National Eucharistic Congress in Liverpool.
To photographs of the procession click here.