Cathedral Church of St Marie, Sheffield Everyone Welcome

Cycle A – 27th April to 3rd May 2008

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR ZIMBABWE

A desperate cry from the hearts of Zimbabwe screams across the world.
It calls upon all Christians of every denomination in every nation to focus their prayers on the critical situation in Zimbabwe, a nation in dire distress and teetering on the brink of human disaster - violence, the concealing and juggling of election results, deceit, oppression and corruption - and to pray for righteousness, joy, peace, compassion, honesty, justice, democracy and freedom from fear and want to prevail.

May a continual strong stream of prayer and supplication flow up to the Lord ... exhorting His divine intervention throughout the nation.

Extracts from an email from Bob Stumbles. Chancellor, Anglican Diocese of Harare

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There will be a retiring collection next weekend on World Communications Day for the Catholic Communications Service

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Red Mission Boxes
Sheila Hurst will be here this weekend to empty your red mission boxes. If you have left your box on a previous weekend please collect it from the sacristy. Your continued support is greatly appreciated - thank you.

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Baptism Preparation Course - Sundays 27th April & 4th May
This will take place after the 10.30am Sunday Mass on two consecutive weekends. If you are planning to have your child Baptised, please ensure that you have spoken to one of the priests and have completed an application form prior to attending the preparation sessions.

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Another Chance to join our House Groups!
House groups have been up and running at St Marie's for nearly a year now, with groups of parishioners meeting regularly in several houses around the city. The groups pray together and support each other in their faith. Everybody is welcome. Pick up a form at the back of the cathedral or contact Gerard Stephens (01709 720156). Look out for more information over the coming weeks.

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St Marie's Justice & Peace Network: CAFOD
Following a recent survey on J & P activities, the information has been collated and meetings arranged for those who have declared an interest in the various areas of possible activity. The first four areas or interest groups are CAFOD, LIFE, Asylum Seeker Support and the Soup Run and meetings have been arranged about each group and how to become involved. Even if you were not present to declare your interest at the start of the process you will be most welcome to attend any of the meetings.
Tuesday 29th April CAFOD Facilitator: Jo Grant of CAFOD
Monday 12th May LIFE - (A pro-life charity). Facilitator: Eileen Maher of LIFE
Tuesday 3rd June Asylum Seeker Support. Facilitator: Philip Jakob
TBC The Soup Run. Facilitators: Francis & Colin Taylor
All meetings will take place at 7.30pm in the Parish Room. Please enter via the door at the corner of Norfolk Row & Norfolk Street (opposite Coventry Building Society).
If you are still interested but unable to attend the meeting please let me know or if you have changed your mind and no longer wish to be contacted in this regard.

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CAFOD/Christian Aid May Day Trek 2008 - Monday 5th May
If you intend to walk, please can you register beforehand and get sponsors. If you are not able to take part yourself, please consider sponsoring someone in the parish. If in doubt, Bishop John seeks more sponsors – he can be sponsored through the CAFOD office! The walk begins/ends at St Luke’s Church, Lodge Moor. Register between 9.45am and 10.30am at St Luke’s. You can set off on the walk between 10am and 10.40.am. Registration & Sponsor Forms can be obtained in advance by contacting the CAFOD Diocesan Office on 0114 2687817 or email hallam@cafod.org.uk. You can choose your preferred route on the day – between 5, 10 and 15 miles

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Aid to the Church in Need: Day of Prayer for China - Saturday 10th May
At the Cathedral Church of St Barnabas, Derby Road, Nottingham NG1 5AE. Starting at 10am with a Sung Mass. The day includes a report by John Pontifex following his recent trip to China and guest speaker Fr Samer Nassif from Lebanon. This event is free and more details can be found at www.acnuk.org All very welcome

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“A Welcoming for Catholics from Overseas” - Saturday 10th May
Organised by the Sheffield North Deanery, a Pastoral Care Workshop is taking place at Sacred Heart Parish Hall Ripley Street from 2pm to 4pm. Representation from St Marie’s to give details of how we ‘do it’ would be greatly appreciated. More details are available on the notice board.

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Sharing Your Faith: Pentecost: Public Witness - Saturday 10th May
2.30pm to 4pm in Barkers Pool, Sheffield. This is a united faith event organised by the Salvation Army. Many thanks to those who have volunteered to represent St Marie’s on the organisation team. Please do give your support to this event.

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Pilgrimage to Mount Grace Priory & Lady Chapel - Saturday 10th May
Located at Osmotherley North Yorkshire, this is the best preserved Carthusian Monastery in England. Vigil Mass in the 600 years old Lady Chapel at 3.30pm. Coaches leave Pond Hill at 8.30am; return 8.15pm. Fare £12. Organised by the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary. D.Gerrard. Tel: 0114 2682984.

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Deanery Readers Renewal Days - Saturday 17th May & Saturday 7th June
Readers from all the parishes of North Sheffield are being invited to a special Reader Renewal Day.  It is very important that all who read at Mass take this opportunity to improve their understanding of this special ministry.  There is a choice of Saturday 17th May at St Francis Crosspool in the afternoon or Saturday 7th June at St Mary’s Penistone in the morning. Would all readers please collect their personal letter from the back of the Cathedral and contact the Cathedral office to book a place. If you would like to become a reader at St Marie’s would you also contact the office. Bishop John will preside at a celebration later in the year to commission all those who attend.

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Vacancy
St Marie’s Primary School Sheffield seeks a Head Teacher for September 2008. See the notice board for details & how to apply. Closing date 12noon 1st May’08.

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Sacred Art of Living and Dying - Monday 9th June
How can you best support a dying friend or relative when your own world has been turned upside down? When someone is struggling with emotional and spiritual pain, what kinds of tools might help? How can we prepare throughout our lifetime for our dying? Acclaimed author and teacher Richard Groves is at Whirlow Grange Christian Spirituality Centre for one day from 9.30 am - 4.00 pm to present an introductory programme to look at the relationship between suffering, grief, meaning, forgiveness and hope. This invitation is not only for professionals but for carers, volunteers and anyone with an interest in how the dying can become our teachers. The cost is £25 including lunch. Please see the poster for full details and ask for a booking form".
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I do apologise for the missing last few weeks of newsletters.
Mea culpa!