Parish Priest: Fr. David Palmer: Tel: 01673 842323 E:mail: holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com

Welcome to our website. Here are the Mass times for this week:

Confessions are available after Mass or during exposition Thursday 10:30am or on request

Coffee and tea etc. in the schoolroom after 11.30 Sunday Mass.

March 100 Club Winners: 1st: 40 Helen T, 2nd 95 Ken B, 3rd 87 Lesley D. This is the last draw of the current round. Renewing your numbers or entering for the first time began on Sunday 15th Feb. Initially Keith will collect for Rasen and Ann for Caistor. We should appreciate it if you could renew your numbers by 22nd March to help us organise for April’s draw. Thanks.

Panto in Market Rasen. Many of you have expressed keen interest to go and see this. Please see Andy Razzell for tickets.

Churches Festival Volunteers meeting to be held in schoolroom after 11.30 Mass on Sunday 12th April.

Easter Raffle. Tickets now on sale at the back of the church. Easter egg donations will be gratefully accepted.

Exploring Catholicism Thursday at 7pm in the Old School (hall). This week we will be exploring the practice of Confession. Anyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments are available from 6:30pm, the session will be completed by 8:15pm.

First Aid kits: Two new First Aid kits and Accident Report books are available. One kit and book is in the Narthex; the other kit and book are in the schoolroom. Bottled water is also in the Narthex.

Schoolroom Hire: The amended Booking Forms and Amended T&Cs are now available. A copy of the T&Cs is on the schoolroom noticeboard. Please see Mary Q or Keith for more information.

Parish E-Mailing List: We have set up a new parish E-mail list which allows those who join to be kept up-to date with information in the parish via E-mail. It is a versatile tool and will allow (in time) various groups within the parish to have their own sections. If you would like to join, please just send an E-mail with “Parish List” in the subject line to  holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com (You can leave at any time).

Rosary: The Rosary is said before the 10am Mass at Holy Rood on Tuesdays, all are welcome to join in.

Exposition and Adoration (Confessions available) Thursdays 10:30am Holy Rood (after Mass)

Mass Intentions: If you want to have a Mass offered for a particular intention, we have “Mass intention Envelopes” at the back of each Church. The Diocese recommends a donation of £10 for a Mass intention.

Food Bank: Tinned & dried goods are always needed to help those families who are struggling at this time of year. If you would like any further information please have a chat with Pauline.

What‘s happening out and about?

Saturday 7^th March: CAFOD Big Lent Walk, meeting at 12.00 noon, car park of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ashby de la Zouch, Station Road, LE65 2GL.  All are welcome!

The Deanery Station Mass for Lent is on Thursday 5^th March at 7.00pm.  It will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lincoln church (Laughton Way, Lincoln, LN2 2HE), with Exposition beforehand, starting at 5.45pm. The Bishop will be presiding.

The Celebrate Trust has produced two resources for families in Lent: a Family Activity Pack for Lent and a Journey to Easter Joy game.  Visit www.celebratetrust.org/shop/lent-family-pack-celebratehome-s45pm and www.celebratetrust.org/shop/lent-game-celebratehome-s45pm-39gpj to download them, and (if you can) to support Celebrate too.

All are welcome to join Father Jonathan Cotton in a reflection through slides, music, and prayers of The Seven Last Words of Jesus on Tuesday 24^th March in Saint Wilfrid’s Church, Coalville LE67 3JB, and on Thursday 26^th March in Sacred Heart Church, Loughborough LE11 2HE.  Both evenings begin at 7.00pm, and conclude at 8.30pm with refreshments.

Young Adults are especially invited to join Bishop Patrick, in the Nottingham Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026.  Departing from East Midlands airport on Monday 13^th July, enjoy five days in Lourdes with over 200 people from across our diocese.  Help in caring for those with additional needs!  Mary invites us all to come to this holy place.  More details from the tour operator: https://www.tangney-tours.com/diocese-pilgrimages/diocese-nottingham/

Stella Maris is looking to recruit a Regional Port Chaplain for Immingham and the South Humber Ports.  If you would like to apply for this position, contact recruitment@stellamarismail.org  The closing date for applications is Sunday 15^th March.

Anyone wishing to sing as part of the Diocesan Choir (in particular for this year’s Chrism Mass on Wednesday 1^st April), please fill in the online form at bit.ly/diocesanchoir

Lourdes: Respond to Our Lady’s invitation, and join Bishop Patrick, in the Nottingham Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026.  Departing from East Midlands airport on Monday 13^th July, enjoy five days in Lourdes with over 200 people from across our diocese.  Those with additional needs will be cared for by our health team and helpers’ team.  Mary invites us all to come to this holy place.  More details from the tour operator: https://www.tangney-tours.com/diocese-pilgrimages/diocese-nottingham/

The Diocesan Youth Service NDCYS is taking a group of young people and young adults to Lourdes, France as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage in July 2026. If you are aged 16+ and unable to go with your school, or a young adult who would like to be a small group leader, we encourage you to download the information pack and apply at ndcys.com/lourdes

For your information or assistance…

We have two email addresses that perform different roles. Just to clear any confusion here is a reminder.

holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com is the one to use to communicate with Fr. David directly re spiritual, personal, or ongoing matters.

holyroodmr@gmail.com  was set up in 2020 to deal with general enquiries, communication generated via the website, and third parties such as West Lindsey churches festival. These emails are initially looked at by the bulletin team and passed to Fr. David if appropriate.

God bless you all,

Fr. David

Parish Priest: Fr. David Palmer: Tel: 01673 842323 E:mail: holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com

Welcome to our website. Here are the Mass times for this week:

Confessions are available after Mass or during exposition Thursday 10:30am or on request

Coffee and tea etc. in the schoolroom after 11.30 Sunday Mass.

February 100 Club Winners: 1st: 94 Rob W, 2nd 41 Holly C, 3rd 57 Jenny L The March draw will be the last one before we restart. Renewing your numbers or entering for the first time will start on Sunday 15th Feb. Initially Keith will collect for Rasen and Ann for Caistor. We should appreciate it if you could renew your numbers by the end of February to help us organise for April’s draw. Thanks.

Panto in Market Rasen. Many of you have expressed keen interest to go and see this. Please see Andy Razzell for tickets.

Churches Festival Volunteers meeting to be held in schoolroom after 11.30 Mass on Sunday 12th April.

Easter Raffle. Tickets now on sale at the back of the church. Easter egg donations will be gratefully accepted.

Reader and Flower rota: The new rotas are now available on the Events Page. The Coffee rota is on the calendar in the schoolroom.

Choir: We are looking at the possibility of getting a little choir together at Holy Rood. If you might be interested, could you make yourself known to Jennifer.

Exploring Catholicism Thursday at 7pm in the Old School (hall). This week we will be exploring the Sacraments of Confession and Anointing.. Anyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments are available from 6:30pm, the session will be completed by 8:15pm.

Ash Wednesday This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. Whilst Ash Wednesday ISN’T a Holy day of Obligation, it is a great way to mark the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of Abstinence and Fasting, so (for those not excused due to age, illness or pregnancy) no meat and only one full meal!

First Aid kits: Two new First Aid kits and Accident Report books are available. One kit and book is in the Narthex; the other kit and book are in the schoolroom. Bottled water is also in the Narthex.

Schoolroom Hire: The amended Booking Forms and Amended T&Cs are now available. A copy of the T&Cs is on the schoolroom noticeboard. Please see Mary Q or Keith for more information.

Parish E-Mailing List: We have set up a new parish E-mail list which allows those who join to be kept up-to date with information in the parish via E-mail. It is a versatile tool and will allow (in time) various groups within the parish to have their own sections. If you would like to join, please just send an E-mail with “Parish List” in the subject line to  holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com (You can leave at any time).

Rosary: The Rosary is said before the 10am Mass at Holy Rood on Tuesdays, all are welcome to join in.

Exposition and Adoration (Confessions available) Thursdays 10:30am Holy Rood (after Mass)

Mass Intentions: If you want to have a Mass offered for a particular intention, we have “Mass intention Envelopes” at the back of each Church. The Diocese recommends a donation of £10 for a Mass intention.

Food Bank: Tinned & dried goods are always needed to help those families who are struggling at this time of year. If you would like any further information please have a chat with Pauline.

What‘s happening out and about?

The Deanery Station Mass for Lent is on Thursday 5^th March at 7.00pm.  It will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lincoln church (Laughton Way, Lincoln, LN2 2HE), with Exposition beforehand, starting at 5.45pm. The Bishop will be presiding.

The Celebrate Trust has produced two resources for families in Lent: a Family Activity Pack for Lent and a Journey to Easter Joy game.  Visit www.celebratetrust.org/shop/lent-family-pack-celebratehome-s45pm and www.celebratetrust.org/shop/lent-game-celebratehome-s45pm-39gpj to download them, and (if you can) to support Celebrate too.

All are welcome to join Father Jonathan Cotton in a reflection through slides, music, and prayers of The Seven Last Words of Jesus on Tuesday 24^th March in Saint Wilfrid’s Church, Coalville LE67 3JB, and on Thursday 26^th March in Sacred Heart Church, Loughborough LE11 2HE.  Both evenings begin at 7.00pm, and conclude at 8.30pm with refreshments.

Young Adults are especially invited to join Bishop Patrick, in the Nottingham Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026.  Departing from East Midlands airport on Monday 13^th July, enjoy five days in Lourdes with over 200 people from across our diocese.  Help in caring for those with additional needs!  Mary invites us all to come to this holy place.  More details from the tour operator: https://www.tangney-tours.com/diocese-pilgrimages/diocese-nottingham/

Stella Maris is looking to recruit a Regional Port Chaplain for Immingham and the South Humber Ports.  If you would like to apply for this position, contact recruitment@stellamarismail.org  The closing date for applications is Sunday 15^th March.

Young Adults: If you are between 18-30 and are interested in the possibility of meeting up occasionally with other young Catholic adults in the parish for socials etc could you either give Fr David your E-mail (either in person or via the parish E-mail).

Anyone wishing to sing as part of the Diocesan Choir (in particular for this year’s Chrism Mass on Wednesday 1^st April), please fill in the online form at bit.ly/diocesanchoir

Lourdes: Respond to Our Lady’s invitation, and join Bishop Patrick, in the Nottingham Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026.  Departing from East Midlands airport on Monday 13^th July, enjoy five days in Lourdes with over 200 people from across our diocese.  Those with additional needs will be cared for by our health team and helpers’ team.  Mary invites us all to come to this holy place.  More details from the tour operator: https://www.tangney-tours.com/diocese-pilgrimages/diocese-nottingham/

The Diocesan Youth Service NDCYS is taking a group of young people and young adults to Lourdes, France as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage in July 2026. If you are aged 16+ and unable to go with your school, or a young adult who would like to be a small group leader, we encourage you to download the information pack and apply at ndcys.com/lourdes

For your information or assistance…

We have two email addresses that perform different roles. Just to clear any confusion here is a reminder.

holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com is the one to use to communicate with Fr. David directly re spiritual, personal, or ongoing matters.

holyroodmr@gmail.com  was set up in 2020 to deal with general enquiries, communication generated via the website, and third parties such as West Lindsey churches festival. These emails are initially looked at by the bulletin team and passed to Fr. David if appropriate.

God bless you all,

Fr. David

Parish Priest: Fr. David Palmer: Tel: 01673 842323 E:mail: holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com

Welcome to our website. Here are the Mass times for this week:

Confessions are available after Mass or during exposition Thursday 10:30am or on request

Coffee and tea etc. in the schoolroom after 11.30 Sunday Mass.

February 100 Club Winners: 1st: 94 Rob W, 2nd 41 Holly C, 3rd 57 Jenny L The March draw will be the last one before we restart. Renewing your numbers or entering for the first time will start on Sunday 15th Feb. Initially Keith will collect for Rasen and Ann for Caistor. We should appreciate it if you could renew your numbers by the end of February to help us organise for April’s draw. Thanks.

Panto in Market Rasen. Many of you have expressed keen interest to go and see this. Please see Andy Razzell for tickets.

Churches Festival Volunteers meeting to be held in schoolroom after 11.30 Mass on Sunday 12th April.

Easter Raffle. Tickets now on sale at the back of the church. Easter egg donations will be gratefully accepted.

Reader and Flower rota: The new rotas are now available on the Events Page. The Coffee rota is on the calendar in the schoolroom.

Choir: We are looking at the possibility of getting a little choir together at Holy Rood. If you might be interested, could you make yourself known to Jennifer.

Exploring Catholicism Thursday at 7pm in the Old School (hall). This week we will be exploring Moral Action. Anyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments are available from 6:30pm, the session will be completed by 8:15pm.

Ash Wednesday This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. Whilst Ash Wednesday ISN’T a Holy day of Obligation, it is a great way to mark the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of Abstinence and Fasting, so (for those not excused due to age, illness or pregnancy) no meat and only one full meal!

First Aid kits: Two new First Aid kits and Accident Report books are available. One kit and book is in the Narthex; the other kit and book are in the schoolroom. Bottled water is also in the Narthex.

Schoolroom Hire: The amended Booking Forms and Amended T&Cs are now available. A copy of the T&Cs is on the schoolroom noticeboard. Please see Mary Q or Keith for more information.

Parish E-Mailing List: We have set up a new parish E-mail list which allows those who join to be kept up-to date with information in the parish via E-mail. It is a versatile tool and will allow (in time) various groups within the parish to have their own sections. If you would like to join, please just send an E-mail with “Parish List” in the subject line to  holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com (You can leave at any time).

Rosary: The Rosary is said before the 10am Mass at Holy Rood on Tuesdays, all are welcome to join in.

Exposition and Adoration (Confessions available) Thursdays 10:30am Holy Rood (after Mass)

Mass Intentions: If you want to have a Mass offered for a particular intention, we have “Mass intention Envelopes” at the back of each Church. The Diocese recommends a donation of £10 for a Mass intention.

Food Bank: Tinned & dried goods are always needed to help those families who are struggling at this time of year. If you would like any further information please have a chat with Pauline.

What‘s happening out and about?

African Mass – There will be an African Mass held at St Hugh’s Catholic Church, Broadgate, Lincoln LN2 5AQ on Sunday the 15th February 2026.

Join Young Adults from across the diocese of Nottingham to enter more deeply into prayer this Lent with Sycamore’s ‘Learning to Pray this Lent’.  Just bring yourself, a bible, and a hot drink of your choice (unless you’re fasting!).  With lots of practical tips, wisdom from the bible, stories from the saints, and advice about common difficulties people face when praying.

To sign up head to: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events/yasycamore

40 days for life is a global movement, which seeks to end abortion through prayer, peaceful outreach and public witness.  Each year during Lent a group of Christians take our belief in the sanctity of life out to the public space and offer a life-giving alternative to the sadness of abortion.  Our witness is legal, peaceful, compassionate and non-judgemental.  If you would like to know more, please contact John by email on pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk or go to 40daysforlife.com/nottingham.  ‘For whenever you did this to the least of my little ones, you did it to me.’

Anyone wishing to sing as part of the Diocesan Choir (in particular for this year’s Chrism Mass on Wednesday 1^st April), please fill in the online form at bit.ly/diocesanchoir

Christ the King Catholic Voluntary Academy, Arnold has a number of vacancies for both teachers and support staff, for more information please find all vacancies on the OLOL website https://www.ololcatholicmat.co.uk/work-with-us/vacancies/ if you would like an informal chat regarding any of the vacancies please contact the school on head@christtheking.notts.sch.uk

A Pro-Life Renewal Day is being held on Saturday 14^th February, from 10.00am until 4.00pm, at Good Shepherd Church, Arnold, and led by Father Bernard Murphy CFR.  All are welcome to this day of spiritual renewal, focussed on prayer for the sanctity of life at all stages.  How do we as Christians keep fighting for the dignity of life, when so many around us do not value it?  Father Bernard will help us renew our motivation by opening scripture and Church teaching.  There is no charge for the day (donations welcomed); a light lunch and refreshments are provided.  To book a place or for more information contact John: pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk

The Nottingham 40 Days for Life, Praying for an end to abortion, runs between Wednesday 18^th February and Sunday 29^th March.  During these 40 days of Lent pro-lifers will be: praying for an end to abortion in our community near the main abortion clinic in Nottinghamshire; offering peaceful witness to God’s love and the possibility of healing; offering practical, non-judgemental help to women who may want to consider an alternative to abortion, and offering support for post-abortive women.  More information is at www.40daysforlife.com/nottingham or contact 40daysforlifenotts@gmail.comThe Diocesan Youth Service NDCYS is taking a group of young people and young adults to Lourdes, France as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage in July 2026. If you are aged 16+ and unable to go with your school, or a young adult who would like to be a small group leader, we encourage you to download the information pack and apply at ndcys.com/lourdes

For your information or assistance…

We have two email addresses that perform different roles. Just to clear any confusion here is a reminder.

holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com is the one to use to communicate with Fr. David directly re spiritual, personal, or ongoing matters.

holyroodmr@gmail.com  was set up in 2020 to deal with general enquiries, communication generated via the website, and third parties such as West Lindsey churches festival. These emails are initially looked at by the bulletin team and passed to Fr. David if appropriate.

God bless you all,

Fr. David

Parish Priest: Fr. David Palmer: Tel: 01673 842323 E:mail: holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com

Welcome to our website. Here are the Mass times for this week:

Confessions are available after Mass or during exposition Thursday 10:30am or on request

Coffee and tea etc. in the schoolroom after 11.30 Sunday Mass.

February 100 Club Winners: 1st: 94 Rob W, 2nd 41 Holly C, 3rd 57 Jenny L The March draw will be the last one before we restart. Renewing your numbers or entering for the first time will start on Sunday 15th Feb. Initially Keith will collect for Rasen and Ann for Caistor. We should appreciate it if you could renew your numbers by the end of February to help us organise for April’s draw. Thanks.

Panto in Market Rasen. Many of you have expressed keen interest to go and see this. Please see Andy Razzell for tickets.

Churches Festival Volunteers meeting to be held in schoolroom after 11.30 Mass on Sunday 12th April.

Easter Raffle. Tickets now on sale at the back of the church. Easter egg donations will be gratefully accepted.

Reader and Flower rota: The new rotas are now available on the Events Page. The Coffee rota is on the calendar in the schoolroom.

Choir: We are looking at the possibility of getting a little choir together at Holy Rood. If you might be interested, could you make yourself known to Jennifer.

Exploring Catholicism Thursday at 7pm in the Old School (hall). This week we will be exploring the Eucharist. Anyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments are available from 6:30pm, the session will be completed by 8:15pm.

First Aid kits: Two new First Aid kits and Accident Report books are available. One kit and book is in the Narthex; the other kit and book are in the schoolroom. Bottled water is also in the Narthex.

Schoolroom Hire: The amended Booking Forms and Amended T&Cs are now available. A copy of the T&Cs is on the schoolroom noticeboard. Please see Mary Q or Keith for more information.

Parish E-Mailing List: We have set up a new parish E-mail list which allows those who join to be kept up-to date with information in the parish via E-mail. It is a versatile tool and will allow (in time) various groups within the parish to have their own sections. If you would like to join, please just send an E-mail with “Parish List” in the subject line to  holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com (You can leave at any time).

Rosary: The Rosary is said before the 10am Mass at Holy Rood on Tuesdays, all are welcome to join in.

Exposition and Adoration (Confessions available) Thursdays 10:30am Holy Rood (after Mass)

Mass Intentions: If you want to have a Mass offered for a particular intention, we have “Mass intention Envelopes” at the back of each Church. The Diocese recommends a donation of £10 for a Mass intention.

Food Bank: Tinned & dried goods are always needed to help those families who are struggling at this time of year. If you would like any further information please have a chat with Pauline.

What‘s happening out and about?

Young Adults If you are between 18-35 and are interested in the possibility of meeting up occasionally with other young Catholic adults in the parish for socials etc could you either give Fr David your E-mail (either in person or via the parish E-mail).

African Mass – There will be an African Mass held at St Hugh’s Catholic Church, Broadgate, Lincoln LN2 5AQ on Sunday the 15th February 2026.

Modern Slavery Each year, 8^th February (when not a Sunday) is the memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.  There are 50 million victims of human trafficking across the world and as many as 130,000 in the UK, hidden in plain sight in your neighbourhood.  Pope Francis described human trafficking as “blood money” and a “crime against humanity”.  We are all called to combat this evil trade.  To find out more and what you can do, go to santamartagroup.org/resources.

Fun Bible Quiz Our sister church, St Thomas of Canterbury at Gainsborough,  is having a fun Bible Quiz this coming Sunday afternoon, 8^th February, 2.30pm in the Church Hall, Cross St, Gainsborough DN21 2AX. There will be true or false questions as well as some multiple choice ones. (So it shouldn’t be too difficult!!?) Refreshments will be provided. If anyone is interested in going and can either offer a lift or wants one, could you see Mary Howes after Mass on Sunday or ring 01673 849554

Christ the King Catholic Voluntary Academy, Arnold has a number of vacancies for both teachers and support staff, for more information please find all vacancies on the OLOL website https://www.ololcatholicmat.co.uk/work-with-us/vacancies/ if you would like an informal chat regarding any of the vacancies please contact the school on head@christtheking.notts.sch.uk

A Pro-Life Renewal Day is being held on Saturday 14^th February, from 10.00am until 4.00pm, at Good Shepherd Church, Arnold, and led by Father Bernard Murphy CFR.  All are welcome to this day of spiritual renewal, focussed on prayer for the sanctity of life at all stages.  How do we as Christians keep fighting for the dignity of life, when so many around us do not value it?  Father Bernard will help us renew our motivation by opening scripture and Church teaching.  There is no charge for the day (donations welcomed); a light lunch and refreshments are provided.  To book a place or for more information contact John: pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk

The Nottingham 40 Days for Life, Praying for an end to abortion, runs between Wednesday 18^th February and Sunday 29^th March.  During these 40 days of Lent pro-lifers will be: praying for an end to abortion in our community near the main abortion clinic in Nottinghamshire; offering peaceful witness to God’s love and the possibility of healing; offering practical, non-judgemental help to women who may want to consider an alternative to abortion, and offering support for post-abortive women.  More information is at www.40daysforlife.com/nottingham or contact 40daysforlifenotts@gmail.comThe Diocesan Youth Service NDCYS is taking a group of young people and young adults to Lourdes, France as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage in July 2026. If you are aged 16+ and unable to go with your school, or a young adult who would like to be a small group leader, we encourage you to download the information pack and apply at ndcys.com/lourdes

For your information or assistance…

We have two email addresses that perform different roles. Just to clear any confusion here is a reminder.

holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com is the one to use to communicate with Fr. David directly re spiritual, personal, or ongoing matters.

holyroodmr@gmail.com  was set up in 2020 to deal with general enquiries, communication generated via the website, and third parties such as West Lindsey churches festival. These emails are initially looked at by the bulletin team and passed to Fr. David if appropriate.

God bless you all,

Fr. David

Parish Priest: Fr. David Palmer: Tel: 01673 842323 E:mail: holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com

Welcome to our website. Here are the Mass times for this week:

Confessions are available after Mass or during exposition Thursday 10:30am or on request

Coffee and tea etc. in the schoolroom after 11.30 Sunday Mass.

February 100 Club Winners: 1st: 94 Rob W, 2nd 41 Holly C, 3rd 57 Jenny L

Reader and Flower rota: The new rotas are now available on the Events Page. The Coffee rota is on the calendar in the schoolroom.

January 100 Club Winners: 33 Ann D, 73 Christine G, 75 Keith

Exploring Catholicism 7pm Thursday Schoolroom. This week we will be exploring The Eucharist. Anyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments are available from 6.30pm. Session finished by 8.15pm.

First Aid kits: Two new First Aid kits and Accident Report books are available. One kit and book is in the Narthex; the other kit and book are in the schoolroom. Bottled water is also in the Narthex.

Schoolroom Hire: The amended Booking Forms and Amended T&Cs are now available. A copy of the T&Cs is on the schoolroom noticeboard. Please see Mary Q or Keith for more information.

Parish E-Mailing List: We have set up a new parish E-mail list which allows those who join to be kept up-to date with information in the parish via E-mail. It is a versatile tool and will allow (in time) various groups within the parish to have their own sections. If you would like to join, please just send an E-mail with “Parish List” in the subject line to  holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com (You can leave at any time).

Rosary: The Rosary is said before the 10am Mass at Holy Rood on Tuesdays, all are welcome to join in.

Exposition and Adoration (Confessions available) Thursdays 10:30am Holy Rood (after Mass)

Mass Intentions: If you want to have a Mass offered for a particular intention, we have “Mass intention Envelopes” at the back of each Church. The Diocese recommends a donation of £10 for a Mass intention.

Food Bank: Tinned & dried goods are always needed to help those families who are struggling at this time of year. If you would like any further information please have a chat with Pauline.

What‘s happening out and about?

If you want to know more about the Nottingham Diocese Go Make Disciples project then here is a link GMD At the bottom of the linked page you can download the 80+ page document which will give you more information.

If you would like to know more about The Diocese Charity Status Charity No. 1134449 or the Sick and Retired Priest Fund Charity no. 510119, click here

Year of St Francis

Pope Leo has announced a “Year of St Francis” here is the decree that the Holy See has issued.

DECREE ON THE EIGHTH CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF ST.FRANCIS OF ASSISI, A SPECIAL JUBILEE YEAR IS ANNOUNCED WITH ATTACHED PLENARY INDULGENCES.

“Keep the memory of our father and brother Francis, to the praise and glory of Him who made him great amongst men and glorified him amongst angels. Pray for him, as he himself asked us before he died, and pray to him, so that God may also share with him in his holy grace.”

Whilst the fruits of grace of the Ordinary Jubilee of the year 2025 that has just ended, in which we have all been spurred to become pilgrims of this hope that does not disappoint, are still timely and effective (cf. Rom 5:5), here is added to it as an ideal continuation a new occasion for jubilation and sanctification: the Eighth Centenary of the happy passage of St. Francis of Assisi from earthly life to his heavenly homeland (3 October 1226). In recent years, other important jubilees have concerned the figure and works of the Saint of Assisi: the eighth centenary of the creation of the first Nativity scene in Greccio, of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures, a hymn to the holy beauty of creation, and that of the impression of the Sacred Stigmata, which took place on Monte della Verna, almost a new Calvary, two years before his death. 2026 will mark the culmination and fulfillment of all previous celebrations: it will in fact be the Year of St. Francis and we will all be called to become saints in the contemporary world following the example of the

Seraphic Patriarch.f it is admirably true that “there is no other name under heaven given to men” (cf. At 4:12) apart from Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of humanity, it is equally extraordinarily true that between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, in the age of so-called holy wars, laxity of morals, misunderstood religious fervour, “a sun was born into the world”: Francis, who, from the son of a rich merchant, became poor and humble, true Ancient Christ on earth, providing the world with tangible examples of evangelical life and a real image of Christian perfection. Our time is not very different from that in which Francis lived, and precisely in the light of this his teaching is perhaps even more valid and understandable today. When Christian charity languishes, ignorance spreads like immorality, and those who exalt concord among peoples do so more out of selfishness than out of a sincere Christian spirit; when the virtual takes over the real, disagreements and social violence are part of everyday life and peace becomes more insecure and distant every day, this Year of St. Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities, to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ, not to frustrate the purposes of the Holy Year that has just ended: may the hope that has seen us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervour of active charity.

“And in this I want to know if you love the Lord and love me as his servant and yours, if you will do this, namely, that there may never be a brother in the world who has sinned as much as he could sin, who, after seeing your eyes, goes away without your merciful forgiveness, if he asks for it.”

With these extraordinary words, reported in the well-known Epistle ad quendam ministrum, St. Francis at the same time not only dispenses consolation and advice to an anonymous confrere, but above all outlines and emphasises the fundamental concept of mercy, to which that of forgiveness and indulgence is inextricably linked. And it is precisely a pardon, the well-known “Pardon of Assisi” or “Indulgence of the Portiuncula,” that Pope Honorius III granted by exceptional privilege directly to Francis for those who, having confessed and received communion, visited on the 2nd August an ancient church near Assisi, erected 800 years earlier on a “small portion of land” (hence the name Porziuncola).With the same generous enthusiasm and joy that the Saint, in seeing his prayer answered by the Vicar of Christ, radiated on the crowd present at the consecration of the Portiuncula in announcing the grace granted, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Minister of our faith and our joy, establishes that, from January 10, 2026, to coincide with the closing of the Ordinary Jubilee, until 10 January 2027, a special Year of St. Francis may be proclaimed, in which every Christianfaithful, following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.

For a more perfect attainment of its intended purposes, the Apostolic Penitentiary, through the present Decree issued in conformity with the will of the Supreme Pontiff, on the occasion of the Year of St. Francis, grants the Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father), which can also be applied in the form of suffrage for the souls in Purgatory:

1) Members: – of the Franciscan Families of the First, Second and Third Regular and Secular Orders;

– Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life and Public or Private Associations of the Faithful, male and female, which observe the Rule of St. Francis or are inspired by his spirituality or in any form they perpetuate his charism;

2) to all the faithful without distinction who, with a spirit detached from sin, will participate in the Year of St. Francis by visiting in the form of a pilgrimage any Franciscan conventual church, or place of worship in any part of the world named after St. Francis or connected to him for any reason, and there they will devoutly follow the Jubilee rites or spend at least a suitable period of time in pious meditation and will raise prayers to God so that, following the example of Saint Francis, may sentiments of Christian charity towards one’s neighbour and authentic wishes for harmony and peace among peoples spring up in hearts, concluding with the Our Father, the Creed and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Francis of Assisi, St Clare and all the saints of the Franciscan Family.

The elderly, the sick and those who take care of them and all those who for serious reasons are unable to leave their homes, will also be able to obtain the Plenary Indulgence, provided that they are detached from any sin and intend to fulfil the three usual conditions as soon as possible, if they join spiritually in the Jubilee celebrations of the Year of St. Francis, offering their prayers to the Merciful God, the pains or sufferings of one’s life.

In order that such an opportunity to obtain divine grace through the Power of the Keys of the Church may be realised more easily, this Penitentiary firmly asks all priests, regular and secular, endowed with the appropriate faculties, to make themselves available, in a ready, generous and merciful spirit, for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This decree is valid for the Year of St. Francis. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary. Given in Rome, from the See of the Apostolic Penitentiary, on the 10^th January 2026, the Vigil of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

 I have My Mission – Each of us has a mission from God. Each of us has been chosen to bring the love of God to others. On Saturday 31st January, at Saint Mary’s Church, Derby, the Diocese has organised a Day to help you live this mission, your mission.  Could you represent our parish at this day? Mass will be celebrated at 10.00am with the Conference starting at 11.00am. The keynote speaker is Abbot Hugh Allan o.praem, Mission Director for the Bishops’ Conference. To book your place visit dioceseofnottingham.uk/events or email formation@dioceseofnottingham.uk

Saint Mary’s Parish, Loughborough (LE11 3AB), is hosting a Gregorian Chant Day on Saturday 14th February, from 10.00am until 4.00pm, concluding with the singing of Vespers.  Greg Treloar, previously Diocesan Director of Music, will be leading the day, for which there is a suggested donation of £10.  For more information, or to register for the day, please contact Martins: martinsobi@gmail.com

Holy Family Parish, Leicester is seeking to appoint a friendly and organised part-time Parish Administrator to support the day-to-day running of the parish.  The role will be for 10 hours per week at Band £13.09 per hour.  The successful applicant will undertake duties including parish administration, answering enquiries, keeping records, and organising rotas and newsletters.  To request an application form, email office@dioceseofnottingham.uk  The closing date is Friday 6th February.

The Glossop parishes are hosting a presentation by Light of Faith (a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph), with the topic New Directions in Catechesis: a new approach to sacramental preparation and catechesis is transforming families and parishes – could it work for yours? The presentation is designed for parish clergy, parish lay leadership, parish catechists, head teachers, school chaplains, and anyone who helps in sacramental preparation.  They would also love to welcome people who feel they could help parents in their task of passing on the faith to their children.  This event is free (although donations are welcome to help the parishes pay the sisters’ travel and accommodation costs and other expenses) and is on Friday 6th February, at 7.00pm, in Saint Mary’s Parish Hall, Glossop.  For details visit www.glossopcatholics.org.uk/newdirections

For your information or assistance…

We have two email addresses that perform different roles. Just to clear any confusion here is a reminder.

holyroodchurchmr@outlook.com is the one to use to communicate with Fr. David directly re spiritual, personal, or ongoing matters.

holyroodmr@gmail.com  was set up in 2020 to deal with general enquiries, communication generated via the website, and third parties such as West Lindsey churches festival. These emails are initially looked at by the bulletin team and passed to Fr. David if appropriate.

God bless you all,

Fr. David