Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2016
Some sixty five pilgrims travelled from across the Diocese to John Lennon Airport, Liverpool from where they flew to Lourdes for the five night Diocesan pilgrimage. In Lourdes at the Grotto and in the lighting of the Diocesan candle the intentions of the pilgrims and those of the whole Diocese were prayed for. On the Tuesday morning Mass was celebrated at Grotto with pilgrims from Ireland, Bp. Philip Boyce being the main celebrant and Bp. Peter Brignall being the homilist. The other major celebration was the International Mass in the underground Basilica on the Wednesday morning were the pilgrims prayed as one reflecting the universal catholic church. The Main celebrant at that Mass was His Excellency Joan Enric Vives Sicília , Bishop of Urgell, (Andorra). The pilgrimage included an excursion to Bartres, where the pilgrims went to the Parish Church and the Polish convent. Two evenings during the time in Lourdes the pilgrims took part in the Torchlight Marian Procession. In addition to their own devotions all took part in praying the Way of the Cross, (High or Low Stations) celebrated Mass for the Sick with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick; and a service of reconciliation with the opportunity for Confession. The pilgrimage Director was Father Adrian Morrin of Bangor and Caernarfon parish who returned with as many pilgrims as he set out and to whom all were most grateful.
Bishop Peter opens Centenary Celebrations at England and Wales centre of dedication to Our Lady of Fatima.
Hundreds of pilgrims from around the North West of England and Wales, packed into the tiny Church in the heart of the welsh speaking market town of Bala, North Wales in the diocese of Wrexham.
The Church has been a place of pilgrimage for over sixty years and was the first Church outside of Portugal to be dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. The Portuguese donated a statue of Our Lady to the church which was carved in oak by the same sculptor who carved the statue in the basilica, in Portugal itself.
During the 1950’s and 60’s, over 20,000 pilgrims would process through the streets of Bala, reciting the rosary and singing hymns. These days a much more modest number of people attend and yet the pilgrims still come.
Many readers may ask why have a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima in Bala, but history reminds us that Wales has always had a special devotion to Mary and many places throughout Wales are named after her.
The story of Fatima reveals Mary’s love and concern for all God’s children which is more relevant today than ever. Our Lady made an urgent appeal for prayer, reconciliation and penance which indeed is fitting during this Jubilee Year of Mercy and beyond.
During this centenary year, ‘The message of Fatima – 100 years on’ retreat will be held at Pantasaph, North Wales. This takes place on June 11th 2016. For further information please see www.pantasaph.org.uk or wrexhamdiocese.org.uk.
The Church has been a place of pilgrimage for over sixty years and was the first Church outside of Portugal to be dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. The Portuguese donated a statue of Our Lady to the church which was carved in oak by the same sculptor who carved the statue in the basilica, in Portugal itself.
During the 1950’s and 60’s, over 20,000 pilgrims would process through the streets of Bala, reciting the rosary and singing hymns. These days a much more modest number of people attend and yet the pilgrims still come.
Many readers may ask why have a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima in Bala, but history reminds us that Wales has always had a special devotion to Mary and many places throughout Wales are named after her.
The story of Fatima reveals Mary’s love and concern for all God’s children which is more relevant today than ever. Our Lady made an urgent appeal for prayer, reconciliation and penance which indeed is fitting during this Jubilee Year of Mercy and beyond.
During this centenary year, ‘The message of Fatima – 100 years on’ retreat will be held at Pantasaph, North Wales. This takes place on June 11th 2016. For further information please see www.pantasaph.org.uk or wrexhamdiocese.org.uk.
Bishop Peter - "A time for renewal and consolidation of communities"
During the past few weeks, since Bishop Peter released his pastoral letter outlining changes within the diocese and the closure of around 20 Churches, there has been much media interest with the story being reported across the secular and religious press, including television and radio interviews for BBC Wales and S4C.
The diocesan website has also had tens of thousands of visitors accessing the letter which in itself demonstrates the passion and interest that parishioners have from all over the diocese. On the whole, the reception of the letter and changes have been positive in nature with parishioners writing to Bishop Peter with letters of support .
The pastoral letter was issued following a two year period of research and consultation on the way forward. Dwindling numbers attending Mass with too many churches, coupled with an ageing clergy meant that change was inevitable. There were always going to be difficult decisions that Bishop Peter would ultimately have to make, but as our Bishop, he does have that duty of care for the spiritual wellbeing of the priests and laity of the diocese.
Bishop Peter issued the following statement:
"Additional to the evidenced decline in practise/attendance of Catholics to weekly Sunday Mass and the need to address the situation in North Wales of too few Catholics, too many churches and not enough priests; I am seeking to address the issues of the strength of Catholic communities and the quality of the Liturgy in the coming years. In both cases there is the issue of optimum or core numbers and I firmly believe that if there are fewer number of communities that have greater numbers in the congregations there will be better witness to the vitality of the Gospel, and Christian witness in our communities that are in need of the message of mercy so energetically proclaimed by Pope Francis in his teaching and in his action. The population and development trends in much of North Wales indicate little or no growth in the foreseeable future and I have a responsibility to be totally realistic about this too and thus my desire to consolidate and strengthen our Catholic communities that they might evangelise their communities from a position of strength, formation, holiness and charity from within. Regrettably this does mean that some churches have to close and about that I am genuinely sad and sorry, but with fewer and lesser resources the Church has to cut her coat according to the cloth. For all Catholics in the Diocese of Wrexham, individually and as communities I continue to pray that they might be vibrant, sanctifying, evangelising and witnessing to the faith they proclaim."
The diocesan website has also had tens of thousands of visitors accessing the letter which in itself demonstrates the passion and interest that parishioners have from all over the diocese. On the whole, the reception of the letter and changes have been positive in nature with parishioners writing to Bishop Peter with letters of support .
The pastoral letter was issued following a two year period of research and consultation on the way forward. Dwindling numbers attending Mass with too many churches, coupled with an ageing clergy meant that change was inevitable. There were always going to be difficult decisions that Bishop Peter would ultimately have to make, but as our Bishop, he does have that duty of care for the spiritual wellbeing of the priests and laity of the diocese.
Bishop Peter issued the following statement:
"Additional to the evidenced decline in practise/attendance of Catholics to weekly Sunday Mass and the need to address the situation in North Wales of too few Catholics, too many churches and not enough priests; I am seeking to address the issues of the strength of Catholic communities and the quality of the Liturgy in the coming years. In both cases there is the issue of optimum or core numbers and I firmly believe that if there are fewer number of communities that have greater numbers in the congregations there will be better witness to the vitality of the Gospel, and Christian witness in our communities that are in need of the message of mercy so energetically proclaimed by Pope Francis in his teaching and in his action. The population and development trends in much of North Wales indicate little or no growth in the foreseeable future and I have a responsibility to be totally realistic about this too and thus my desire to consolidate and strengthen our Catholic communities that they might evangelise their communities from a position of strength, formation, holiness and charity from within. Regrettably this does mean that some churches have to close and about that I am genuinely sad and sorry, but with fewer and lesser resources the Church has to cut her coat according to the cloth. For all Catholics in the Diocese of Wrexham, individually and as communities I continue to pray that they might be vibrant, sanctifying, evangelising and witnessing to the faith they proclaim."
Prestatyn Junior Church create a 'Resurrection Garden'
Prestatyn Junior Church made their first ever Resurrection Garden which was brought into church on Easter morning for all to enjoy.
Some of the older children made the garden during lent. They collected pebbles from the beach, planted the garden and sowed the seed! They watered it throughout lent and kept the grass trimmed ready for Easter morning. The garden is complete with open tomb (with rolled stone nearby) linen cloths inside, and 3 crosses on the hillside, all made by the children. It was the first Resurrection Garden ever made in Prestatyn parish and it made quite an impact on Easter Day. The children are looking forward to repeating the exercise next year!
Some of the older children made the garden during lent. They collected pebbles from the beach, planted the garden and sowed the seed! They watered it throughout lent and kept the grass trimmed ready for Easter morning. The garden is complete with open tomb (with rolled stone nearby) linen cloths inside, and 3 crosses on the hillside, all made by the children. It was the first Resurrection Garden ever made in Prestatyn parish and it made quite an impact on Easter Day. The children are looking forward to repeating the exercise next year!
Dion Thomas Wins the 'Design a Diocesan Youth Logo' Competition
Late last year diocesan Youth worker Chriss Humphreys challenged the youth of the diocese to design a new trendy logo to represent Catholicism, Wales and Youth. 262 competitors sent in their entries which were initially judged by the Poor Clare Sisters at Hawarden and the final decision was made by Bishop Peter.
The winner of the competition is Dion Thomas, a pupil at St Richard Gwyn High School, Flint. Dion told us
" I enjoy drawing a lot, so when my R.E. teacher Mrs Jones suggested that the class enter this competition, I was very excited and became interested quickly. The first image that popped into my head was kind of like a beacon of light, which was naturally a symbol of Jesus to me. The 'Y' is a vital piece of the beacon which holds the fire, it stands for 'Youth' - the 'Y' also slightly mimics the crucifix. For me the blue hand reaching for the halo is what World Youth is about so I feel like it is the most important part of the whole logo. I felt like it was important for the logo to be interpreted, so there are different symbols and meanings depending on how you look at it for yourself - I'm really pleased with how it's turned out. "
Pictured above is Dion (Holding the winning logo) receiving her £25 iTunes prize from Chriss Humphreys (Diocesan Youth Worker). Below are the runner up designs! Congratulations to All!!!
The winner of the competition is Dion Thomas, a pupil at St Richard Gwyn High School, Flint. Dion told us
" I enjoy drawing a lot, so when my R.E. teacher Mrs Jones suggested that the class enter this competition, I was very excited and became interested quickly. The first image that popped into my head was kind of like a beacon of light, which was naturally a symbol of Jesus to me. The 'Y' is a vital piece of the beacon which holds the fire, it stands for 'Youth' - the 'Y' also slightly mimics the crucifix. For me the blue hand reaching for the halo is what World Youth is about so I feel like it is the most important part of the whole logo. I felt like it was important for the logo to be interpreted, so there are different symbols and meanings depending on how you look at it for yourself - I'm really pleased with how it's turned out. "
Pictured above is Dion (Holding the winning logo) receiving her £25 iTunes prize from Chriss Humphreys (Diocesan Youth Worker). Below are the runner up designs! Congratulations to All!!!
Bishop Peter Washes the feet of 7 Women during the Mass of the Lord's Supper
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In a break with tradition, Pope Francis decreed earlier this year that both Men and Women could participate in the washing of feet at the Mass of the Lord's Supper. Pope Francis varied the norm which is found in the rubrics of the Missale Romanum and decreed that 'Pastors may select a small group of the faithful to represent the variety and the unity of each part of the people of God. Such small groups can be made up of men and women, and it is appropriate that they consist of people young an old, healthy and sick, clerics, consecrated men and women and laity...'
During the Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows, Bishop Peter washed the feet of twelve parishioners as is customary, but this year seven of those parishioners were indeed women. |
Bishop Peter opens a 'Door of Mercy' at the Shrine of St Winefride, Holywell on Holy Saturday
During the afternoon of Holy Saturday, Bishop Peter formally opened the Door of Mercy at the Shrine of St Winefride, Holywell. This door is in addition to the one stationed at St Mary's Cathedral and also the Portable Door which the Bishop transports around the diocese.
The Holy Door at St Winefride's Well, will remain in situ for the remainder of the year of Mercy and has been opened in time for the start of the pilgrimage season. During the short service, Bishop Peter welcomed the pilgrims who had braved the inclement weather to pass through the Holy Door.
St Winefride's Well attracts over 45,000 pilgrims annually and therefore the presence of the Holy Door at the shrine enables God's Love and Mercy to reach all who visit the shrine.
The Holy Door at St Winefride's Well, will remain in situ for the remainder of the year of Mercy and has been opened in time for the start of the pilgrimage season. During the short service, Bishop Peter welcomed the pilgrims who had braved the inclement weather to pass through the Holy Door.
St Winefride's Well attracts over 45,000 pilgrims annually and therefore the presence of the Holy Door at the shrine enables God's Love and Mercy to reach all who visit the shrine.
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Bishop Peter Brignall transports a ‘Portable Door of Mercy’ around the deaneries of our Diocese, bringing ‘Gods Mercy to All’.
The ‘Portable Door’ is taken each Saturday during the season of Lent to different Deaneries within the diocese.
Lenten Station Services are held and the faithful are offered the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During the first service at Colwyn Bay, a significant number of people passed through the Door and later attended confession.
The Portable Door of Mercy is in response to Pope Francis’s announcement of the jubilee year last March. The Year of Mercy, which began on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, celebrating the mercy of God and the forgiveness of sins.
Bishop Peter said “the Portable Door of Mercy provides that opportunity for those who might not be able to go on pilgrimage to the Cathedral of our diocese and pass through the door. It allows for those who are less able and who are sick to pass through and receive the Mercy of the Father…”
The diocese has an ageing population and many would be unable to make the journey to the Cathedral – this initiative of Bishop Peter’s extends God’s Mercy to all in bringing the door directly to the people.
This weekend, the portable Door of Mercy was taken to the parish of Buckley, Flintshire in readiness for ‘24 hours for the Lord’, where priests of the diocese were stationed to hear confessions for the twenty four hour period. Many hundreds attended and all passed through the portable door of mercy.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis said, “If the door of God’s mercy is always open, even so must be the doors of our churches, the love of our communities, our parishes, our institutions, our dioceses, for when they are, we can all go out to bring this mercy of God to those who most need it.
Next weekend, the portable door of Mercy will be taken to the church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Dolgellau and the following Sunday, 19th March to the church of St Joseph, Denbigh.
Lenten Station Services are held and the faithful are offered the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During the first service at Colwyn Bay, a significant number of people passed through the Door and later attended confession.
The Portable Door of Mercy is in response to Pope Francis’s announcement of the jubilee year last March. The Year of Mercy, which began on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, celebrating the mercy of God and the forgiveness of sins.
Bishop Peter said “the Portable Door of Mercy provides that opportunity for those who might not be able to go on pilgrimage to the Cathedral of our diocese and pass through the door. It allows for those who are less able and who are sick to pass through and receive the Mercy of the Father…”
The diocese has an ageing population and many would be unable to make the journey to the Cathedral – this initiative of Bishop Peter’s extends God’s Mercy to all in bringing the door directly to the people.
This weekend, the portable Door of Mercy was taken to the parish of Buckley, Flintshire in readiness for ‘24 hours for the Lord’, where priests of the diocese were stationed to hear confessions for the twenty four hour period. Many hundreds attended and all passed through the portable door of mercy.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis said, “If the door of God’s mercy is always open, even so must be the doors of our churches, the love of our communities, our parishes, our institutions, our dioceses, for when they are, we can all go out to bring this mercy of God to those who most need it.
Next weekend, the portable door of Mercy will be taken to the church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Dolgellau and the following Sunday, 19th March to the church of St Joseph, Denbigh.
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Two new Canons installed at the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Wrexham
Father Simon Treloar, Cathedral Dean and Father Francis Doyle, Diocesan treasurer and parish priest of Buckley, were installed as members of the Chapter of St Mary’s Cathedral in Wrexham on March 1, the feast day of St David, patron Saint of Wales and of the Diocese of Wrexham.
The ceremony took place at 12 noon Mass, celebrated by Canon Bernard Lordan along with the Provost and other Canons of the Chapter in the presence of Bishop Peter Brignall, Bishop of Wrexham.
Canon Simon Treloar and Canon Francis Doyle join the Chapter, which was established at the foundation of the Diocese of Wrexham in 1987 following the re-structuring of the Diocese of Menevia by Pope St John Paul II.
During the homily, Bishop Peter said to the Canons – elect “We pray that your lives will be blessed and that you continue to be faithful within your priesthood in your celebration of the Sacraments in the Diocese, that the liturgy of the Church be upheld and the Gospel proclaimed. May your lives serve as a witness of faith and may you both have peace and joy of the heavenly kingdom for which we all seek in our lives”.
Canon Treloar and Canon Doyle, join the five other Canons of the Cathedral Chapter who are mandated to ensure the worthy celebration of the liturgy in the Cathedral Church and to assist the Bishop in the governance of the Diocese.
May God Bless them both in their continued ministry in our diocese.
The ceremony took place at 12 noon Mass, celebrated by Canon Bernard Lordan along with the Provost and other Canons of the Chapter in the presence of Bishop Peter Brignall, Bishop of Wrexham.
Canon Simon Treloar and Canon Francis Doyle join the Chapter, which was established at the foundation of the Diocese of Wrexham in 1987 following the re-structuring of the Diocese of Menevia by Pope St John Paul II.
During the homily, Bishop Peter said to the Canons – elect “We pray that your lives will be blessed and that you continue to be faithful within your priesthood in your celebration of the Sacraments in the Diocese, that the liturgy of the Church be upheld and the Gospel proclaimed. May your lives serve as a witness of faith and may you both have peace and joy of the heavenly kingdom for which we all seek in our lives”.
Canon Treloar and Canon Doyle, join the five other Canons of the Cathedral Chapter who are mandated to ensure the worthy celebration of the liturgy in the Cathedral Church and to assist the Bishop in the governance of the Diocese.
May God Bless them both in their continued ministry in our diocese.
Assembly Member Ken Skates Visits St Winefride's Well
Earlier this week, Ken Skates AM who is deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, along with other dignitaries, met with Kerry Feather Project Director for St Winefride's Well at St Winefride's Shrine, Holywell. The purpose of the visit was to share the vision for future regeneration of the site as St. Winefride’s Well is a national place of pilgrimage, welcoming visitors of all faiths and of none as a place or religious, historic, heritage and cultural significance.
According to legend, St Winefride's Well first erupted at the spot where Winefride’s head fell when it was cut off by her suitor Prince Caradog with his sword. Restored to life at the prayers of her uncle, St Beuno, Winefride lived as a nun until her second death some 22 years later. The well has since been a place of continuous pilgrimage for over 13 centuries with annual visitor numbers exceeding 35,000.
Early in 2015, Bishop Peter and trustees of the Diocese of Wrexham set out a commitment to review how the presentation of St Winefride’s Well could be developed to be inviting to the people of the 21st Century whilst maintaining its historical and religious significance and also how it could develop greater links with the local and wider communities. As a result a Well committee was established in May 2015 and an advisory body and project director appointed to provide support and expertise.
In June 2016, there will be a week of celebrations whereby the Catholic Church and Church of Wales are working together to commemorate the Pilgrimage that Henry V made from Shrewsbury Abbey to St Winefride’s Well in celebration following the battle of Agincourt and do penance for those lost in battle.
(Photo Left to Right: Sandy Mewies AM Delyn Constituency. John Laiguille, Well Custodian. Ken Skates AM & Deputy minister for Culture, Sport & Tourism. Hannah Blythyn, Labour Candidate for Delyn & Kerry Feather Project Director, St Winefride's Well)
According to legend, St Winefride's Well first erupted at the spot where Winefride’s head fell when it was cut off by her suitor Prince Caradog with his sword. Restored to life at the prayers of her uncle, St Beuno, Winefride lived as a nun until her second death some 22 years later. The well has since been a place of continuous pilgrimage for over 13 centuries with annual visitor numbers exceeding 35,000.
Early in 2015, Bishop Peter and trustees of the Diocese of Wrexham set out a commitment to review how the presentation of St Winefride’s Well could be developed to be inviting to the people of the 21st Century whilst maintaining its historical and religious significance and also how it could develop greater links with the local and wider communities. As a result a Well committee was established in May 2015 and an advisory body and project director appointed to provide support and expertise.
In June 2016, there will be a week of celebrations whereby the Catholic Church and Church of Wales are working together to commemorate the Pilgrimage that Henry V made from Shrewsbury Abbey to St Winefride’s Well in celebration following the battle of Agincourt and do penance for those lost in battle.
(Photo Left to Right: Sandy Mewies AM Delyn Constituency. John Laiguille, Well Custodian. Ken Skates AM & Deputy minister for Culture, Sport & Tourism. Hannah Blythyn, Labour Candidate for Delyn & Kerry Feather Project Director, St Winefride's Well)
Mass in Celebration of Marriage and Married Life
Couples and their families from many parts of the Diocese came together on Saturday 13th February for the Annual Mass in Celebration of Marriage and Married Life at the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Wrexham.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter who, during the mass, invited all the married couples present to renew the commitment they made to each other on their Wedding Day. There were five couples celebrating 60 years or more of marriage and eight celebrating Golden Weddings this year meaning that there was over 1,000 years of married life represented at the Mass.
After the Mass there was a small reception for all in the Cathedral Hall and Pat and John Cox of the Cathedral parish, who will celebrate 64 years of married life together in August this year, cut the celebration cake.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter who, during the mass, invited all the married couples present to renew the commitment they made to each other on their Wedding Day. There were five couples celebrating 60 years or more of marriage and eight celebrating Golden Weddings this year meaning that there was over 1,000 years of married life represented at the Mass.
After the Mass there was a small reception for all in the Cathedral Hall and Pat and John Cox of the Cathedral parish, who will celebrate 64 years of married life together in August this year, cut the celebration cake.
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Prestatyn Junior Church raise funds through a Cake Sale
Prestatyn Junior Church raised much needed funds by organising a Cake Sale on Sunday 7th February. The sale was a great success and was very well attended and supported by Parishioners, their families and friends. £114 was raised in total which will be used for resources for the Junior Church and Communion Classes and will also help to pay for an end of term party for the children. The organisers and children from the junior church would like to say a big thank you to all who supported the sale and to all those who baked or made donations to the group.
Two New Canons appointed by
Bishop Peter
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Congratulations to Fr Simon Treloar (Cathedral) and Fr Francis Doyle (Buckley) on their appointment by Bishop Peter as Canons of the Diocese of Wrexham.
Fr Simon and Fr Francis will be installed into the Cathedral Chapter on: Tuesday 1st March at 12 noon at the Chapter Mass, on the Feast of St David. We wish them both well and ask God to Bless them in their ministry. |
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Canon Quigley - Obituary
A Celebration of Diocesan Altar Servers
Today, Bishop Peter along with clergy from around the Diocese, celebrated a special Mass at the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Sorrows for Altar Servers enrolled in the Guild of St Stephen. During the Mass, special recognition was given to four servers who had served for over ten years and they were presented with Silver St Stephen Medals by the Bishop. A further seven servers were inducted in the Archconfraternity and were given bronze Medals.
The Guild of St Stephen is an International organisation of Altar Servers founded in England in 1904 by Father Hamilton McDonald when he formed a Society of Altar Servers at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in London. In 1905, Pope Pius X gave his approbation to the Canonical establishment of the Guild at Westminster Cathedral and in 1906, the Sacred Congregation of Rites made the Guild an Archconfraternity prima primaria enabling all the parish branches to be linked with it. The Guild spread, and in 1934, Pope Pius XI enabled all Guilds of Altar Servers throughout the British Commonwealth to be affiliated with the Archconfraternity at Westminster.
The objectives of the Guild are to encourage, positively and practically, the highest standards of serving at the Church's liturgy and so contribute to the whole community's participation in a more fruitful worship of God. To provide altar servers with a greater understanding of what they are doing so that they may serve with increasing reverence and prayerfulness and thereby be led to a deepening response to their vocation in life. To unite servers of different parishes and dioceses for their mutual support and encouragement.
We would like to thank all Altar Servers throughout the diocese for their most valued service to the Church. Should anyone be interested in becoming an Altar Server, please see your parish Priest for more details.
The Guild of St Stephen is an International organisation of Altar Servers founded in England in 1904 by Father Hamilton McDonald when he formed a Society of Altar Servers at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in London. In 1905, Pope Pius X gave his approbation to the Canonical establishment of the Guild at Westminster Cathedral and in 1906, the Sacred Congregation of Rites made the Guild an Archconfraternity prima primaria enabling all the parish branches to be linked with it. The Guild spread, and in 1934, Pope Pius XI enabled all Guilds of Altar Servers throughout the British Commonwealth to be affiliated with the Archconfraternity at Westminster.
The objectives of the Guild are to encourage, positively and practically, the highest standards of serving at the Church's liturgy and so contribute to the whole community's participation in a more fruitful worship of God. To provide altar servers with a greater understanding of what they are doing so that they may serve with increasing reverence and prayerfulness and thereby be led to a deepening response to their vocation in life. To unite servers of different parishes and dioceses for their mutual support and encouragement.
We would like to thank all Altar Servers throughout the diocese for their most valued service to the Church. Should anyone be interested in becoming an Altar Server, please see your parish Priest for more details.
Many thanks for Mr Jim Feely - Parishioner of St Marys Cathedral for the photographs.
5 candidates of the diocese begin studying for the Certificate in Catechesis with The Maryvale Institute
On Saturday, 5 parishioners - three from the Cathedral parish and two from St Anne's, began their studies with The Maryvale Institute to begin their two year distance learning Certificate in Catechises.
The course is for anyone interested in developing his or her own faith for the sake of explaining it to others and includes practical aspects of catechises as well as a solid foundation in key areas of theology and spirituality.
The Certificate in Catechises, which is validated by Maryvale Institute and approved by the Congregation for the Clergy, Rome is also offered with the authority of bishops from dioceses in England & Wales, Scotland, Ireland Scandinavia, USA and around the world for the training of catechists for their dioceses.
Pope Francis speaking on Friday to catechists and teachers in Uganda said that they are engaged in a “holy work,” crucial for bringing the Good News...
We wish the candidates every success with their studies and future work for the Diocese in Catechesis.
For further information about courses offered by the Maryvale institute please go to www.maryvale.ac.uk
The course is for anyone interested in developing his or her own faith for the sake of explaining it to others and includes practical aspects of catechises as well as a solid foundation in key areas of theology and spirituality.
The Certificate in Catechises, which is validated by Maryvale Institute and approved by the Congregation for the Clergy, Rome is also offered with the authority of bishops from dioceses in England & Wales, Scotland, Ireland Scandinavia, USA and around the world for the training of catechists for their dioceses.
Pope Francis speaking on Friday to catechists and teachers in Uganda said that they are engaged in a “holy work,” crucial for bringing the Good News...
We wish the candidates every success with their studies and future work for the Diocese in Catechesis.
For further information about courses offered by the Maryvale institute please go to www.maryvale.ac.uk
