Newsletter 24th May 2025

Welcome to this week’s newsletter.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

Confessions after Mass & by appointment

Tea and Coffee in the School House after the 11:30am Mass at Holy Rood

Holy day of Obligation The feast of the Ascension falls this Thursday, the Ascension is a Holy day of Obligation, which means Catholics are obligated to attend Mass if they possibly can. Masses will be: Wed 28 May 6pm Vigil Mass at 6pm at Market Rasen, Thu 29 May 10am Mass at Gainsborough.

Churches Festival 2025: We had a successful Churches Festival weekend with 84 visitors. Over half were first time visitors and were impressed by our church and hospitality. Thanks to Tony, Neil, Kevin, and Mary E for the preparatory work on the grounds and flower arranging which helped to create a good first impression on arrival. The schoolroom was used for refreshments for the first time and our catering team provided delicious homemade cakes and scones and drinks from Ann, Mary and Roy, Mary H, Mary E, Jennifer, and Roma. Our tour guide team were Jo and Keith. Apologies if anyone who helped is not on this list. Several excellent organists came to play the organ. The vestments attracted the most interest. The more volunteers the better to help with events of this nature, so please do step forward to be involved in future events, yes it is hard work but it is also a lot of fun. We will hold more events later this year.

Holy Rood Church open For a trial period Holy Rood will be left open most days from 8:30am to 6pm so that people can pop in and pray. Please do avail yourself of the opportunity to be with our Lord. (The Blessed Sacrament will be reserved in the Tabernacle in the side (Lady chapel) during the week, and in the Tabernacle behind the main Altar on Sundays and feast days… look for the lit sanctuary lamp to be sure).

Today is Diocesan Safeguarding SundayWhat is Safeguarding?  Safeguarding is about protecting ourselves and others from harm.  We all get things wrong, and sometimes the things we do and say can hurt others, or we can get hurt by them.  This can happen anywhere – at church, school, home, or with friends – and makes us feel sad, worried, or confused.  Just like an umbrella that keeps us safe from the rain, safeguarding protects us from being hurt by others.  It’s important because each of us is special to God and deserves to feel, and be, safe.  In our country we have rules and laws to help keep people safe.  Just like a lollipop person helps us cross the road safely, we have people in our church who make sure we follow these rules to make it a safe place.  Everyone has a job to do.  If you ever feel worried, upset, or unsure about something that happened to you or someone else, tell someone you trust.  By speaking up, we can help keep everyone safe.  Remember, safeguarding is all about protecting ourselves and others from harm.

Rotas

What‘s happening out and about?

Join Bishop Patrick on the Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrimage to Walsingham on Saturday 14th June.  From 11:30am there will be youth activities in the Anglican Shrine.  The opening liturgy will be at 12:45pm with the procession to the Catholic Shrine.  At 3pm there will Divine Mercy and youth Stations, ending with Mass at 4pm.

Unveiled Faces: Healing and Transformation with the Saints; a Weekend Retreat between Friday 27th and Sunday 29th June led by Father Emmanuel Mansford, CFR at the Christian Heritage Centre, contemplating the healing and transformational work of grace in the ordinary and imperfect lives of the saints.  In the light of their example, the retreat will offer an opportunity to reflect on and to seek healing for the wounds in our own lives.  To book, visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/unveiled-faces/ 

What is God? Philosophical, Christian and Islamic Approaches, at the Christian Heritage Centre, between Friday 22nd and Monday 25th August.  This annual course in partnership with CEPHAS will look at the nature and knowledge of God from a pre-religious, philosophical understanding, before comparing the Islamic concept of God with the Christian, leaning on Saint Thomas Aquinas’ elaboration of the Trinity and the Incarnation.  For more information and to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/what-is-god/

The NDCYS is organising  a Lourdes Reunion on Sunday 27th July at Saint Mary’s Church, Derby DE1 3AU.  Young people are invited from 11am, with Mass at 3pm, followed by refreshments for all pilgrims.  For more information and to register visit ndcys.com/events-and-opportunities

The Health Team who support the Nottingham Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage is in need of some additional experienced team members for this year’s pilgrimage.  If you, or someone you know, is a currently Registered Nurses or trained and experienced Care Worker, who may be interested and can commit to being available for this year’s Jubilee Pilgrimage between Monday 14th and Friday 18th July, as well as for a couple of training days on Sunday 15th and Saturday 28th June, please contact Deacon David Knight (david@sthughslincoln.org.uk) for more details.

Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22nd – Monday 25th August, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope.  This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more!  Register your place at: youth2000.org/events/summerfestival2025.  Tickets are also available for priests, religious, families and groups.  If you have any questions, please email events@youth2000.org.

The Diocese of Nottingham is looking to appoint a full-time Compliance and Support Property Officer, based in Nottingham.  More details are available at www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/careers the deadline for applications is Tuesday 6th May.

The Health Team who support the Nottingham Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage is in need of some additional experienced team members for this year’s pilgrimage.  If you, or someone you know, is a currently Registered Nurses or trained and experienced Care Worker, who may be interested and can commit to being available for this year’s Jubilee Pilgrimage between Monday 14th and Friday 18th July, as well as for a couple of training days on Sunday 15th and Saturday 28th June, please contact Deacon David Knight (david@sthughslincoln.org.uk) for more details.

The World Union of Catholic Teachers is committed to supporting Catholic educators worldwide, including those working in Catholic and non-denominational schools and universities.  In preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, this international survey aims to deepen an understanding of the identity of Catholic teachers.  All Catholic teachers are invited to complete the questionnaire, before 4th July, at the following address:https://uofg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7TyF0wIxiV7zJ6m

Celebrate the Jubilee at WeBelieve, a festival of Catholic Life gathering the Church to share the hope that we have in Christ.  From Friday 25th – Monday 28th July, join us for four days of music, keynotes, conversation and worship at Saint Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham.  Featuring Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of Saint Gianna Molla), Father Paul Murray, Monsignor Michael Nazir-Ali, AnMari, Father Toby Lees OP and many more.  Early Bird Tickets are available now at www.webelievefestival.com

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