Cathedral Church of St Marie, Sheffield Everyone Welcome

Cycle A – 4th to 10th May 2008

Communications Sunday Prayer

O God, whose word is truth
and in whose light we see light,
guide those who tell the story of our times
through word and image.
Make them seekers after truth
and advocates of human dignity.
Grant discernment to all who rely on their labours,
and, as we confront the pain and promise of this world,
awaken in us a sense of wonder at your presence
and of longing for your peace.

Do you remember St Marie’s collecting pencils during last summer? Well, they have reached their destination - see the poster Fr Leonard sent us from the children in Uganda, thanking everyone for their support.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Clare Lees as the deanery’s Youth Worker. She will complete this present academic year with the ‘In Reality’ Team before commencing the three year contract with our deanery. Fr Chris

Catholic Singles is an organisation which helps single Catholics meet up, either one to one or through social events. For more information please tel. 0161 941 3498, visit the website www.catholicsingles.org.uk or email info@catholicsingles.org.uk

Family life seems to have change automatically built into it. To keep up to date with the details of all St Marie’s parishioners, we would like you to help by completing one of the blue forms you will receive with your newsletter. If you are a ‘regular’ here then do tell us (or confirm) your details. Please do not leave your forms in the Cathedral; either hand them to the priest or put them through the letter box at Cathedral House. We look forward to hearing from you!! Marie & Lynne

The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Bill will be debated by Members of Parliament imminently. It is designed to increase experiments on vulnerable human embryos. It will also extend experiments such as making cloned embryos and animal-human hybrids. In addition, a child's need for a father will not be recognised for test-tube babies under this bill. Within the same bill, pro-abortion MPs want to widen the law on abortion. Please phone your MP at the House of Commons on 020 7219 3000 to ask him/her to vote against this bill.

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.

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

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.