Castleford Team Parish Parish Magazine - May 2016 The churches of: All Saints, Church Street, Castleford, All Saints, Lumley Street, Hightown; St Michael & All Angels, St Michaels Close, Smawthorne and St Paul the Apostle, Pontefract Road, Glasshoughton.
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CLERGY Rector: Fr. Michael Wood, 01977 518127 The Rectory, 15 Barnes Road, Castleford WF10 5AA rector@castlefordteamparish.org.uk Team Vicar: Fr. Mark Watkins, vicar@castlefordteamparish.org.uk
01977 511659
Asst. Curate: Fr. Kevin Greaves, 01977 512404 The Vicarage, Churchfield Lane, Glasshoughton WF10 4BP curate@castlefordteamparish.org.uk Polish Priest: Fr. Gregory Ruszczynski, revgreg@email.com
07548 707664
Lay Pastoral Minister: Mrs Lynda Maw
01977 518078
Parish Office: (Enquiries for Baptisms) Saturdays at 10.00-10.30am at All Saint’s Church, Castleford. Editor, Magazine & Pew Sheets (including Diary Dates): Andrew Goyns,
01924 898593 magazine@castlefordteamparish.org.uk
May 2016
THE RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Friends, How wonderful it was, the Confirmation Service in the Cathedral at Wakefield on Sunday 17th April. It was a wonderful service in a full cathedral with delightful music, we could not have asked for better. We hear a lot about falling numbers of people attending church and yet at that service there were forty three people offering themselves to be confirmed and covering a good cross-section of ages. I was secretly quite delighted that out of the forty three eleven of the candidates were from Castleford. Do please continue to pray for Jenson, Maisie, Keira, Rebecca, Michael, Lianne, Rachel, Sandra, Ann, Gemma, Greg and Kamil that they may continue to grow in the promises which they made. There are so many distractions to faith these days that anyone who makes a commitment needs our prayers and certainly deserves our encouragement and our admiration. At the last meeting of the Deanery Synod we were given a presentation about Church Growth by the Diocesan Evangelist, the Reverend Robin Gamble, who said that any church where the of people attending seems static has got to be growing because over the years there are always some who are no longer present for whatever reason. This is something which I have been saying for many years because on paper our numbers week by week never seem to change very much and yet as a parish we have grown and for that we really do need to be thankful.
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May 2016 It is often said that it is the vicar’s job to get more people into church and maybe it is but that actually is only a very small part of the picture. The members of the church are more effective at getting others to come to church through invitation and personal contact. How often did Jesus say, “Come and see?” The clergy and members of the congregations have their part to play but most of all congregations grow best through prayer, God does the work and we simply lend a hand. So if we want our churches to grow and thrive we really do need to pray and pray regularly for it. With my love and prayers
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May 2016 ARCHBISHOPS CALL FOR ‘GREAT WAVE OF PRAYER’ FOR EVANGELISM DURING PENTECOST The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are inviting churches to pray for the evangelisation of the nation during the week leading up to Pentecost Sunday. The Archbishops have written to every serving parish priest in the Church of England expressing their longing “to see a great wave of prayer across our land, throughout the Church of England and many other Churches” from 8th-15th May. The week of prayer will culminate in ‘Beacon events’ around the country over Pentecost weekend, where people will pray for the renewal of the Holy Spirit and the confidence to share their faith. In their letter the Archbishops said: “At the heart of our prayers will be words that Jesus Himself taught us – ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.’ “It is impossible to overstate the life-transforming power of the Lord’s Prayer. It is a prayer that is reassuring enough to be on the lips of the dying and yet dangerous enough to be banned in cinemas. It is famous enough to be spoken each day by billions in hundreds of languages and yet intimate enough to draw us ever closer into friendship with Jesus Christ. It is simple enough to be memorised by small children and yet profound enough to sustain a whole lifetime of prayer. When we pray it with sincerity and with joy, there is no imagining the new ways in which God can use us to His glory.” The Archbishops are suggesting various ways churches can engage with the week of prayer. These include holding a day or week of continuous ‘24/7’ prayer as parishes, teams or deaneries; saying special prayers in Sunday worship; prayer walking; or handing out a novena prayer card to every congregation member. The Beacon events will take place in the following places: St Paul’s Cathedral (Saturday 14th May) – hosted by the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, and Pete Greig, founder of 24/7 prayer, with sung worship led by Tim Hughes and Jake Isaac. Durham Cathedral (Sunday 15th May) – with
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May 2016 (continued from page 6) sung worship led by Lou Fellingham. Coventry Cathedral (Sunday 15th May) – with sung worship led by Noel Richards. Winchester Cathedral (Sunday 15th May) – with sung worship led by Matt Redman. St Michael le Belfrey, York (Sunday 15th May) - hosted by Matthew Porter & Miriam Swaffield with sung worship led by Tom Holmes Canterbury Cathedral (Sunday 15th May) – hosted by Archbishop Justin Welby and Pete Greig, with sung worship led by Tim Hughes. Archbishop Justin will send a message via live video link to other Beacon events taking place at the same time as the Canterbury event. Partners in the week of prayer initiative include 24-7 Prayer, HOPE, the World Prayer Centre, the Neighbourhood Prayer, Network, and the National Day of Prayer and Worship. For more information about the initiative, visit: www.thykingdom.co.uk
THY KINGDOM COME The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have ask that all parishes hold a week pf prayer leading up to Pentecost. It is meant to be a time to deepen our relationship with Jesus, to respond to the call of Jesus to follow him and to have the confidence to share our faith with others. During the week we will keep our usual service pattern but will also include a few extra services reflecting upon the words THY KINGDOM COME, thy will be done. On Monday 9th at 7pm the Rosary Group will meet at S Paul’s On Thursday 12th at 7pm we will spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament ending with Benediction at Castleford. On Friday 13th in S Michael’s at 12 noon a short service of Midday Prayers with reflection. Do please try to support these services as we meet to reflect upon the passage we all say so frequently.
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May 2016
LETTER FROM ST JAMES THE LEAST OF ALL Happily, the Church of England still retains some singular parish clergy. Take the parish of St James-the-Least in the rural county of C- for example. Here the elderly Anglo-Catholic vicar, Eustace, continues his correspondence to Darren, his nephew, a low-church curate recently ordained‌
ON DEALING WITH SUMMER FETES The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren So you are beginning to plan your first Summer Fete in your new parish. That you appear to be looking forward to it shows how little you know about them. Parishes hold Summer Fetes so that their clergy can preach more meaningfully on purgatory. Their ostensible purpose is to raise money for the church - which is wholly illogical. The parish could double the money raised if the Fete were dropped, none of the endless preparations made, if everyone spent a pleasant afternoon in their own gardens and each person simply donated ÂŁ20 to the church instead. But we still feel obliged to go to endless trouble, making ourselves miserable so we can show each other what a good time we are having. That it generally pours seems to make the entire event even more grimly satisfying. (continued on page 9) 8
May 2016 (continued from page 8) No, the real reasons for a Summer Fete are twofold. First, it gives the entire parish the chance to inspect the Rector’s garden. Whatever state it is in, it will cause disapproval. If it is poorly kept, then I am clearly being ungrateful for having three acres of lawn to enjoy. Mowing it each week should be one of my delights; what else would I do with a whole day off each week anyway? The hand mower, kindly given by Colonel French is assumed to be quite adequate - and rumour has it that I need to lose weight anyway. The mower was presented to me when the Colonel bought his own gardener a sit-on motor mower - which is of a size and opulence that makes me assume it has a drinks cabinet and satellite navigation. The second reason for a Fete comes as a special perk for the organisers. It gives them a chance to inspect the inside of the Rectory. Under the pretence of looking for a little more sugar, they can systematically inspect all the kitchen cupboards and comment on their contents. By the end of the day, the whole parish will know what marmalade I spread on my toast, that I use unnecessarily expensive washing powder, and where I have unsuccessfully tried to hide the gin. The details of what then happens while the Fete is in progress must wait until my next letter, when we will have had our own. It is now time for Evensong, drinks with Major Mallet and his wife, and then a quiet evening with a good book, while I toy with other possible hiding places for the gin this year. Your loving uncle, Eustace
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May 2016 CROSSWORD Across 1 One who owes money, goods or services (Isaiah 24:2) (6) 4 ‘A good measure, pressed down, — together and running over’ (Luke 6:38) (6) 7 Continuous dull pain (Proverbs 14:13) (4) 8 This bread contains yeast (Amos 4:5) (8) 9 ‘But take heart! I have — the world’ (John 16:33) (8) 13 And the rest (abbrev.) (3) 16 What Paul was accused of by Tertullus, the high priest’s lawyer, in his trial before Felix (Acts 24:5) (13) 17 Rap (anag.) (3) 19 Founder of the Jesuits in 1534 (8) 24 ‘For where your — is, there your heart will be also’ (Luke 12:34) (8) 25 The first word written on the wall during King Belshazzar’s great banquet (Daniel 5:25) (4) 26 ‘We all, like sheep, have gone — ’ (Isaiah 53:6) (6) 27 One was given in honour of Jesus in Bethany (John 12:2) (6)
Down 1 ‘The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the — hear, the dead are raised’ (Luke 7:22) (4) 2 Conduct (Colossians 1:21) (9) 3 In the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, the body of a saint or his belongings, venerated as holy (5) 4 ‘Like a — of locusts men pounce on it’ (Isaiah 33:4) (5) 5 Very old (Genesis 44:20) (4) 6 In Calvinist theology, one who is predestined by God to receive salvation (5) 10 How Nicodemus addressed Jesus when he visited him one night (John 3:2) (5) 11 Sea (Psalm 148:7) (5) 12 ‘I will — you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever’ (Psalm 145:1) (5) 13 One of the groups of philosophers that Paul met in Athens, who disagreed with his teaching about the resurrection (Acts 17:18) (9) 14 Barred enclosure (Ezekiel 19:9) (4) 15 ‘Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in — with the Spirit’ (Galatians 5:25) (4) 18 Cares (anag.) (5) 20 Garish (Ezekiel 16:16) (5) 21 ‘So God said to Noah, “I am going to put — — to all people”’ (Genesis 6:13) (2,3) 22 Just (2 Corinthians 6:13) (4) 23 ‘The — of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’ (Proverbs 1:7) (4) Solutions on page 31
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May 2016 PUZZLES WORDSEARCH
May 2016 - Rogation Sunday
The first Sunday in May is Rogation Sunday. This is when many parishes still ‘beat the bounds’. Rogation means an asking of God - for blessing on the seed and land. The practice began with the Romans, who processed around the cornfields each Spring, singing and dancing, sacrificing animals, in order to get rid of evil. About 465 AD the Western world was suffering from earthquake and storm. Mamertius, Bishop of Vienne, aware of the pagan custom, ordered that prayers should be said in the ruined or neglected fields. Thus ‘beating the bounds’ became a Christian ceremonial. It arrived in England early in the eighth century. Each Spring, led by the priest, a little party from the parish would set out with a Cross to trace the boundaries of the parish. They’d implore God to keep their corn and roots and boughs in good health, and bring them to harvest. In the days when maps were scarce, ‘beating the bounds’ helped remind everyone just where the boundaries were. Do you know yours today? Sunday, May, Rogation, Beat, Bounds, Asking, Blessing, Seed, Land, Romans, Processed, Cornfields, Spring, Earthquake, Storm, Prayer, Cross, Boundaries, Crops, Harvest, Maps.
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CHURCH OF ENGLAND PUBLISHES PRAYERS FOR SYRIA The Church of England has published prayers for Syria as the fifth anniversary of the Syrian conflict has come and gone – and the fighting continues. Prayer for peace in Syria How long oh Lord? How long? We have been crying to you for peace in Syria; for an end to killing and despair, an end to hostilities on all sides. We thank you for the current cessation of hostilities and pray it may turn into a long lasting peace. We cry to you for humanitarian aid to reach those most in need. We beseech you for the rebuilding of ruined homes, businesses and communities. We long for the repairing of the breach and the restoration of streets where your children may dwell in harmony. We cry out that justice, truth and love may prevail for all the people of Syria. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer for those in camps, private homes, churches and communities Father, we ask your blessing on those who have fled into refugee camps, private homes, churches and communities. May they find the refuge they seek. We pray for those offering welcome to relatives, friends or strangers in their homes, churches and communities. We ask your wisdom for those working in camps and among displaced people wherever they are. Through their care, may your gifts of patience, freedom and hope be shared with all. We pray in the name of the Lord who is our hope, Jesus Christ. Amen. (continued on page 15) 14
May 2016 (continued from page 14) Prayer for refugees O Lord, who sees all things, you know the needs of refugees in all lands. We pray at this time particularly for those who have fled Syria and now live in homes, churches and camps in the region and across our continent of Europe. Watch over them. Give wisdom, generosity and boldness to all who make decisions about their welcome and their welfare, and to all whose hearts move them to offer help. May all Syrian refugees find true refuge. Amen Prayer for the Church in Syria Lord of the Church, we pray for your blessing on our sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ in the churches of Syria. Uphold and sustain them. Keep them faithful to Jesus in the face of persecution, opposition, tragedy and turmoil. May they know the power of your Holy Spirit to be your people in, and for, their land and nation. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ the foundation and cornerstone of your holy church. Amen. DEMENTIA UPDATE Dear Friends, Where is the time going? It doesn’t seem two minutes since the last magazine, or in deed Easter Sunday or even Christmas. My dad did say on several occasions that after the age of 21, Father Time seems notch up a gear or two. How many of you along with me, would agree with that statement, that time seems to fly by. Well Father Time may for a few of us (I won’t ask your age) notched up a gear or two, but in that time several things have happened in respect to our ministry with dementia. (continued on page 16) 15
May 2016 (continued from page 15) You may recall that I wrote in the last magazine that we had submitted a bid to The Dementia Innovation Fund so that we could buy dementia friendly signs for our toilets and also dementia friendly clocks for all our churches. Well I am pleased to say that we have been awarded the money, a total of £810.96. Below is an extract of their grant awarding letter: ‘Dear Castleford Team Parish, Church of England. Thank you for your application, which scored on the revised scoring matrix for the Dementia Fund 58 out of a possible 60. ‘ What an amazing score, only 2 off the maximum! The money received from the fund will allow the Parish to give some signage in our halls and churches which is dementia friendly. On the 22nd March I chaired the Wakefield Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) Meeting. Usually these meetings do not daunt me but on this occasion it did on two counts. Firstly it was our third anniversary as a group so we had extra buns and cakes, and more partners attended than expected. When I first became the chair of the alliance in 2014 we had 13 partners and through the hard work of The Alzheimer’s Society and other colleagues we have now 53 partners, these partners raise awareness of dementia in their own organisations and more importantly support their customers who may have the disease. Secondly I was daunted because one of the partners who attend for the first time in his role as Champion of the Elderly was The Bishop of Wakefield, Bishop Tony. Can you imagine my apprehension as a lowly curate if I had to ask my Bishop to stop talking to allow other partners to have they say (which can sometimes happen). Thankfully there was no need to say anything like that to our Bishop (phew what a relief). Bishop Tony however, did say if there was anything he could (continued on page 17) 16
May 2016 (continued from page 16) do to support the alliance and dementia within the Episcopal area to let him know. So several days later I contacted the Bishop and asked if I could meet with him in my role as the chair of the WDAA. We met at Church House in Wakefield on the 11th April and Bishop Tony asked initially for me to give an overview of the WDAA and also of the Castleford Parish Team and all the hard work we have been doing. To say that he was really pleased of our ministry and achievements would be an understatement. In the meeting we discussed strategic roles on dementia that the Wakefield Episcopal Area could undertake in this form of ministry, all very positive. But also what the Bishop could do to support our Parish on a local level ‘which is now perceived as a lead on dementia. Not just in our episcopal area but also within the diocese. One of the many things Bishop Tony agreed to attend is a coffee morning in The Castleford Team Parish during Dementia Awareness Week (15th – 21st May). Here are the details (flyer available nearer the time). On Saturday the 21st May in the Parish Rooms, we will be having a dementia fundraising event to raise funds for Dementia UK. The event will start at 10.00am and is expected to finish at approximately 12.00 noon. We need volunteers to help with serving the refreshments, making home made buns and cakes. I did promise Bishop Tony that everything would homemade, though I did have my fingers crossed at the time. But remembering the ‘Time for a cuppa’ event last year, and how popular it was, and your support, I know you will not let me down. Also donations for raffles prizes will also be greatly appreciated. If you would like to help in anyway on the day please let me know. (continued on page 20) 17
May 2016
READINGS FOR MAY 1st May
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The Sixth Sunday of Easter (W) Acts: 16: 9-15 Psalm : 67: Revelation: 21: 10, 22-22.5 John: 14: 23-29;
5th May
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ASCENSION DAY (W)) Acts: 1: 1-11 Psalm: 47: Ephesians: 1: 15-23 Luke: 1: 26-38;
8th May
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The Seventh Sunday of Easter (W) Acts: 16: 16-34 Psalm: 97: Revelation: 22: 12-14, 16*-17, 20-21 John: 17: 20-26;
15th May
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DAY OF PENTECOST (R) Acts: 2: 1-21 Psalm: 104: 26-35 Romans: 8: 14-17 John: 14: 8-27;
22nd May
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TRINITY SUNDAY (W) Proverbs: 8: 1-4, 22-31 Psalm: 8: Romans: 5: 1-5 John: 16: 12-15
22nd May
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CORPUS CHRISTI (W) Genesis: 14: 18-20 Psalm: 116: 10-19 1 Corinthians: 11: 23-26 John: 6: 51-58
29th May
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The First Sunday after Trinity (G) 1 Kings: 8: 22-23, 41-43 Psalm : 96: 1-9
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READINGS FOR MAY (CONTINUED) Galatians: Luke: 31st May
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1: 1-12 7: 1-10;
THE VISIT OFTHE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY TO ELIZABETH (W) Zephaniah: 3: 14-18 Psalm: 113: Romans: 12: 9-16 Luke: 1: 39-56;
CALENDAR FOR MAY Thursday 5th
ASCENSION DAY - the day we celebrate Jesus returning to heaven 7.30 Sung Mass followed by drinks at Castleford
Sunday 8th
We give thanks for the promises received during our Stewardship Renewal
Monday 9th
7pm Rosary Group meets at St Paul’s
Thursday 12th
7pm Holy Hour with Benediction at Castleford
Friday 13th
Midday Prayers at St Michael's
Saturday 14th
Coffee Morning at Hightown 10-12 noon including Bacon and Sausage Sandwiches St Michael's Fayre 2-4pm
Monday 16th
7pm PCC meets at St Paul’s
Thursday 19th
7pm Archdeacon's Visitation at Wakefield Cathedral - the Warden's are sworn into Office for the coming year
Saturday 21st
10am-12noon Dementia Coffee Morning at Castleford
Thursday 26th
Corpus Christi 7.30pm Sung Mass at St Paul’s when we give thanks for the gift of Body and Blood of Jesus
Sunday 29th
10am Combined Parish Mass at St Michael's
Tuesday 31st
10am Mass at Castleford after which the Parish Pilgrimage departs for Walsingham
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May 2016 (continued from page 17) Though some of you may just be over the age of 21 (that reminds me I must make an appointment at SpecSavers) and time is flying by. Your support through prayers and practical means is greatly appreciated. So I will ask the question again, that my father asked me, ‘ Has Father Time notched up a gear or two?’ Or should our response as Christians be, that time is fleeting but God is eternal and what we do in His name is more important than Father Time. Thank you for your continued support and prayers, without you it our ministry with dementia wouldn’t happen. God Bless. Fr Kevin.
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MAKING SENSE OF THE ASCENSION This month we celebrate Ascension Day. Although somewhat neglected, as it takes place on a Thursday, it is still an important Christian festival. The New Testament tells us that Jesus ascended to ‘God’s right hand’ (1 Peter 3:22). But how should we understand this? Sitting at God’s right hand Jesus occupies a position of power and authority at the 'oval office' of the universe, ‘exalted to the right hand of God’ (Acts 2:33). This position was secured by his death and resurrection and enables us to experience the life of heaven i.e. eternal life, forgiveness, healing and the power to transform lives and communities. Is this our expectation and experience? Standing at God’s right hand Our experience of heaven is only partial, as we also know the reality of suffering and disappointment in our lives. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, saw Jesus ‘standing at the right hand of God’ (Acts 7:56) as he was being stoned to death. Do we recognise that Jesus is on the throne and has a purpose for our lives, when we are in the middle of setbacks and difficulties? As a result of Stephen's death, the Church grew and the apostle Paul was transformed. Where is the fruit of the suffering in our lives? Praying at God’s right hand Finally, we are told that Jesus is ‘interceding for us’ at God’s right hand (Romans 8:34 & Hebrews 7:25). Jesus is on our side at the heart of the universe and fully knows our needs when praying for us. He is on our side, even when we feel defeated by the wrong things in our lives. So where has Jesus gone? Because He is in heaven, the Ascension opens up the possibility that we can experience the life of heaven, both now and in eternity. From Parish Pump: Paul Hardingham considers the departure of Jesus… (Ascension Day is 5th May) 22
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DONATIONS FOR REFUGEES IN DUNKIRK A big thank you for your generous giving to our appeal for help. Here are some pictures of our visit. This time a week ago we were in transit between the Jungle at Calais and La Liniere at Dunkirk. One experience still very much in my head happened in the Jungle South, an area largely cleared by bulldozers in February. The demolition of a mosque and of an evangelical church caused outrage at the time. As I walked across the rat-infested wasteland where these places of faith had once stood I noticed two women and a child ahead making their way across too. I wondered where they were going but was then distracted by the large rat you may have seen caught on video in an earlier post. Later I found them they were at the Orthodox church used largely by Ethiopia and Eritrean Christians fleeing an impoverished area where arbitrary detention without charge or trial is the norm for thousands of prisoners of conscience and torture, slavery and forced conscription are daily hazards. As I entered the church I felt that overwhelming sense of stillness that I have learnt over the years to associate with presence of God and as always it moved me to tears. Women were scattered around the tent quietly kneeling in prayer and I felt privileged to witness how they were drawing strength from their faith amidst such a depth of deprivation and suffering. When I came out I spoke to the church stewards. They were friendly and without bitterness. There is hope and resilience as well as despair at these camps. The media show only the moments of violence, when sheer frustration boils over, but what we saw was everyday life in the camp for a community of people who have endured great hardship and yet are still getting on with their lives. We took about ÂŁ3000 worth of aid. One pic shows the Jungle Book which is the new safe space being created for the unaccompanied children, as 129 went missing last month and they are very vulnerable (continued on page 25) 24
May 2016 (Continued from page 24) to traffickers. We took a Nintendo Wii, flat screen TV and DVD player donated for that space. Another shows the first aid caravans where refugees queue for medical treatment from volunteer doctors. They were over the moon with the medical aid we delivered. We also took aid boxes to the Dunkirk camp and a bicycle to help the volunteers shop for food. Conditions in the new Dunkirk camp are much better than in the previous camp. But diseases like scabies are still rife across the camps and the refugees are entirely dependent on donated food, bedding, fpotwear and clothing. We plan to return with a big convoy in September and will start collecting for that soon. Some of us are going back in cars to volunteer in the summer and will take any aid collected in the mean time that way. We have a public report back meeting at Queen's Mill, Aito re St, Castleford, WF10 1JL on Friday 20th May at 5:30pm where we will tell our stories and show pictures and also thank those who donated with some tasty home bakes. Our MP Yvette Cooper has agreed to speak at the meeting about the campaign to have 3000 unaccompanied child refugees from Europe admitted to the UK. Wakefield City of Sanctuary will be speaking about the needs of refugees locally; and We are Wakefield will be talking about city wide convoy and volunteering activities at the refugee camps. Please get in touch if you want more information. Mary Black 07794 325030 Thank you again for your gifts. God Bless
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HIGH DAYS & HOLY DAYS IN MAY 2
PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES
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English Saints & Martyrs of the Reformation Era
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ASCENSION DAY
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Gregory Dix, Priest, Monk, Scholar, 1952
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MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE
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Caroline Chisholm, Social Reformer, 1877
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Dunstan, Archbishop Monastic Life, 988
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Alcuin of York, Deacon, Abbot of Tours, 804
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Helena, Protector of the Holy Places, 330
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John & Charles Wesley, Evangelists, Hymn Writers, 1791 and 1788
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The Venerable Bede, Monk at Jarrow, Scholar, Historian, 735
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DAY OF THANKSGIVIING FOR HOLY COMMUNION (CORPUS CHRISTI) Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, 605 John Calvin, Reformer, 1564; Philip Neri, Founder of the Oratorians, Spiritual Guide, 1595
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Lanfranc, Prior of Le Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury, Scholar, 1089
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Josephine Butler, Social Reformer, 1906 Joan of Arc, Visionary, 1431 Apolo Kivebulaya, Evangelist in Central Africa, 1933
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THE VISIT OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY TO ELIZABETH
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of
Canterbury,
Restorer
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May 2016 31ST MAY: MARY, THE BLESSED VIRGIN, VISITS ELIZABETH Mary – the virgin mother of Jesus. For centuries the eastern and western churches have considered her pre-eminent among all the saints. In the gospels, Mary makes her first appearance as a teenager. Nothing is known of her childhood, and what we do know of her is found mostly in Matthew 1 – 2 and in Luke 1 – 2. If you read both accounts, you’ll notice that Luke’s account seems to give the story from Mary’s standpoint, whereas Matthew concentrates more on Joseph’s side of things. In both accounts the virginal conception of Christ is clearly stated. Mary’s quiet devotion to God and her total acceptance of his will shine forth. Her visit to Elizabeth, when both were pregnant, is a moving and poignant account of two humble, ordinary women, suddenly caught up in a great event which would shape world history. Their trusting faith in God and acceptance of his will, shine through. After Jesus is born, Mary fades into the background, and makes few appearances: when the family visits Jerusalem and she loses her son on the way home; when she urges him to help the wedding party in Cana with its wine problem; and when Jesus gives her into the keeping of the beloved disciple when he is dying on the cross. Mary’s last appearance is in Acts chapter one, just before Pentecost. Mary obviously joined the early Church, but her role was never one of teaching and preaching, and indeed she remained so much in the background that nothing more about her is known for certain. Both Ephesus and Jerusalem have claimed to be the place of her death. Mary, chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, one who is both God and Man, holds a unique place in the history of mankind. Down the centuries that have followed, the Church has paid special honour to Mary – and well deserved it is. “All generations shall call me blessed…”
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ALBERT EINSTEIN’S THEORY OF RELATIVITY CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY One hundred years ago this month Albert Einstein, a German Jew already a distinguished theoretical physicist although still in his twenties, published his Theory of General Relativity. It set out how space and time are affected by energy, matter, gravity and momentum. It was the most significant development in science since Newton, and possibly of all time. It opened the way for quantum physics (the other great scientific advance of modern times). Einstein’s Theory has been put to the test, first in laboratories but subsequently in space travel, exploration of the cosmos and nuclear research. At every point his conclusions have been verified. Indeed, even this year one of his most extraordinary proposals, about happenings far beyond our solar system, was finally endorsed by faint radio signals from outer space. Einstein was in the USA when Hitler came to power, and as a Jew decided to make his home there. Proud of his Jewish heritage, he took up many causes, most notably to do with racial integration and world peace. Undoubtedly the greatest scientific genius of the twentieth century, he died in 1955.
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GODPARENTS’ SUNDAY – 1ST MAY This dedicated day is a response to research commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council which shows the importance of godparents to families bringing their children for baptism. Some Bishops have shared their Godparent stories. The Bishop of Huntingdon, David Thomson said of his Godparents: “I was blessed with three very holy godparents – a monk, a missionary and a godmother who eventually entered a religious community too. Their prayers must have been powerful to enable a crumbly cookie like me to become a bishop! They continue to be an inspiration: my godmother in her 80s rebuilt a hospital in Africa!’
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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD
WORDSEARCH
SUDOKU SOLUTIONS EASY
MEDIUM
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May 2016 PARISH OFFICERS PCC Secretary: Mrs Mavis Whitehead 01977 550529 PCC Treasurer, Stewardship & Gift Aid Secretary: Mr Andrew Goyns 01924 898593 Gift Day Secretary: Mrs Dawn Heyworth 01977 514515 Safeguarding Officer: Mr Arnold Randall 01977 278611 Family & Children’s Worker Mrs Karen Richardson 01977 552524 CHURCHWARDENS David Field, Castleford: 01977 707120 Mavis Whitehead, St Paul’s 01977 550529 Pauline Morris, St Michaels 01977 668790 Ian Fletcher, Hightown 01977 550139
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DEPUTY CHURCHWARDENS
Hilary Wilkes, Castleford: Karen Ferrier, St Paul’s: Emma J Lisle, St Michael’s Susan Fletcher, Hightown
SERVICES All Saints’ Castleford SUNDAY Mass (Said)
8.00am
Sung Mass (except last in month)
9.30am
Tuesday Mass (Said)
7.00pm
Saturday Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9.30am
All Saints’ Hightown SUNDAY (except last in month) Sung Mass
10.45am
Wednesday Mass (Said)
7.00pm
Saint Michael and All Angels SUNDAY (except last in month) Sung Mass
10.45am
Thursday Mass (Said)
10.00am
Saint Paul’s, Glasshoughton SUNDAY (except last in month) Sung Mass
9.30am
Wednesday Mass (Said)
10.00am
LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH: Combined Parish Mass at 10.00am - ( see diary section for venue ) FOR MAJOR SAINTS’ DAYS IN ALL CHURCHES