Cathedral Church of St Marie, Sheffield Everyone Welcome

Cycle A – 10th February to 16th February 2008

In his Lenten address this year, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI commends to us the traditional three tasks of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He writes, 'Almsgiving, according to the Gospel, is not mere philanthropy: rather it is a concrete expression of charity, a theological virtue that demands interior conversion to love of God and neighbor, in imitation of Jesus Christ, who, dying on the cross, gave His entire self for us. How could we not thank God for the many people who silently, far from the gaze of the media world, fulfill, with this spirit, generous actions in support of one’s neighbour in difficulty? He ends with his prayers for us all: 'May Mary, Mother and faithful Servant of the Lord, help believers to enter the “spiritual battle” of Lent, armed with prayer, fasting and the practice of almsgiving, so as to arrive at the celebration of the Easter Feasts, renewed in spirit. With these wishes, I willingly impart to all my Apostolic Blessing.'

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Please pray for: John Connell, Kath Jarman, Alice Green, Betty de Soysa, John Castley, Margaret Ryan, Ruth Bleakley, Lynne Todd, John Ashton, Margaret Lamb, Irene Kielbus, Doreen Boyden, Norman Upton, Brian Holt, Jean & Eric Addington, Kathryn Broughton, Brenda Vimpany, Barry Hunt, Lisa Monks, Anne Payne, Damien Osako, Bernadette Farrell, Jean O’Callaghan, John Douglas, Lesley Harrison, Betty Hebden, Jan Jennings, Martin McDermott and all those who are suffering mentally, emotionally or physically.
Marriage Congratulations: Congratulations to Vanessa and Matthew who were married at St Marie’s last weekend in accordance with the rites of the Catholic Church.

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We Pray for: Julio Quijano and all those who have died recently.

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Anniversaries Occurring About This Time: Joseph Connelly (10th), Reginald Wright, Ellen Kitson, Ann Foy, Annie Denby (11th), Reg Rushton (12th), Francis Miller, Carol Cockman, Sr Bridget Lynch (14th), Hazel Griffith, Mary Hopkins, Nancy Burns, Albert Swain (15th), Tesfaye Ghebre, Sylvia Rowland (16th).

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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
A number of people have generously volunteered to be involved as catechists in this year's First Holy Communion preparation programme. So that the course can begin as soon as possible would those people please give their details to Fr. Craig in writing or by email, if they haven't done so already, so that the process of CRB checks can be also begin. A planning meeting is to be arranged for the catechists before the FHC Preparation course begins. Once again, many thanks for your generous response.

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‘In Reality’ Project
A fresh vision of Youth Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of Hallam
See the notice board, answer the questions - if the answers are ‘yes’ contact Judi Shimmell on 0114 256 6464 or email jshimmell@hallam-diocese.com

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Accommodation Needed - Can Anyone Help?
A young Taiwanese lady at the University of Sheffield is in need of accommodation for her final year. If anyone has a room to let please contact Marie at the Cathedral Office for further details.

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Stations of the Cross
The Walsingham Association will lead the Stations of the Cross on Tuesdays at 12noon. Bishop John reminds us of the old tradition of people using the Stations of the Cross for their own needs and you are encouraged to walk around the Cathedral, stop and say a brief private prayer at each station during this season of Lent.

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Rite of Election - Sunday 10th February
St Marie’s will host the Diocesan celebration of the Rite of Election at 3pm, which is led by Bishop John. All are welcome to join with families and friends in support of those who are taking instruction to be received into the Church at Easter.

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Bereavement Support Drop In - Wednesday 13th February
From 1.30pm to 3.30pm in the Parish Room - entrance via Cathedral House which is opposite the Crucible on Norfolk Street. An opportunity for those grieving to talk & share experiences with others in a similar situation.

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Lenten Lunches
Please note that there will be no Lenten Lunch on Wednesday 13th February as the Parish Room is in use.

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Lenten Fast Day - Friday 15th February
Sr Gladys, a partner of CAFOD working in the Minna Diocese of Nigeria will be speaking at the 12.45pm Mass on the Fast Day. She is a Health Co-ordinator focusing on HIV and AIDS programmes particularly supporting orphans and vulnerable children. The Fast Day envelopes are available this weekend; when you return your envelope please do use the gift-aid declaration attached if you are a tax payer.

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Roving Youth Mass - Saturday 16th February
At St Mary’s, Bungalow Road, Edlington. Preparation begins at 5.30pm and Mass will commence at 6.30pm. Come and get involved - all ages are welcome.

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Diocesan Caring Service Appeal - W/E 16th & 17th February
A short appeal letter from Bishop John will be read at all Masses in support of the Diocese of Hallam Caring Services. Your continued support of the projects undertaken by the Caring Service is greatly appreciated.

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Lenten Retreat - Sunday 17th February
At Our Lady of Sorrows, Bamford beginning at 10am. Led by Fr Michael Killeen and organised by The People of the Heart of Jesus. Contact 01246 200592 for details.

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Parish Pastoral Council Meeting - Tuesdays 19th February
St Marie’s PPC is holding a special meeting in the Houlden Hall at 8pm to discuss priorities for the coming year, promoting the Diocesan Assembly and raising the PPC's profile. All are welcome.

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Diocesan Assembly II - Saturday 5th April
A follow-up to the Diocesan Assembly three years ago takes place at Ecclesfield High School. This day will be for our deanery and will cover subjects such as: Youth, Pastoral Care, Liturgy/Spirituality, Adult Formation, Justice and Peace and Finances. The PPC are keen that St. Marie's is well represented. If you would like to take part, or have any questions, please contact Frances Taylor on 0114 240 0975 or email at - Frances.Taylor@stmariecathedral.org
Please do pray for the themes to be covered by the Assembly which are:
spirituality, faith development and liturgy, working to build the parish community and reaching beyond our parish boundaries in mission, evangelization and Justice & Peace

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Making Everybody Welcome - Saturday 12th April
A workshop designed to help parishes care for those suffering metal health issues together with their families and carers. This will take place at St Wilfred’s Centre from 9.30am to 3pm. Places are limited so please use the booking forms available at the back of the Cathedral if you would like to attend.

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CURSILLO - An Experience in Christian Living - 17th to 20th April
The next Hallam Cursillo will take place at Whirlow Grange Conference Centre, Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield. For further details contact Elizabeth Corcoran on 0114 236 9675

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St Thomas More Deanery Quiet Day - Sunday 13th April
Once again, our Quiet Day will take place at Mount St Mary’s, Spinkhill from 9.30am to 5pm. The theme for the day is ‘The Good Shepherd’. Booking is essential as numbers are limited and no one will be admitted without a prior booking. The cost is £10 - children go free. Please see the notice board for more details and how to book..

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Parking at the NCP Car Park on Sundays
Please ensure that you have your parking ticket punched before returning to your cars in order to pay the reduced charge of £1.60 for three hours parking. This will be done at the end of Mass by the priest who has been the main celebrant.

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Cathedral Office Hours
Monday 9.00am to 12.30pm: Tuesday 9.00am to 12.30pm/1.30pm to 4.00pm: Wednesday 9.00am to 12.30pm/1.30pm to 4.00pm: Friday 9.00am to 12.30pm. Callers during these times are requested to use the front door on Norfolk Street.