Month: November 2022

Dear Parishioners,

Along with this weekend’s Newsletter and Readings for Holy Mass comes a sincere wish that we shall all be enriched by the new liturgical year that opens up before us with the beginning of Advent this weekend. 

Advent is a gentle Season of preparation and has a reflective nature; qualities that can easily be lost in the haste, dash and rush to arrive at Christmas ! May the kindness, gentleness, and ability to appreciate each unfolding day be ours during what is the longest possible Advent with Christmas Day falling on a Sunday. Walking through the Season, rather than running, may introduce us to some much needed and wanted travelling companions, spiritual or otherwise !   

With an assurance of prayerful remembrance of you and your loved ones, together with kindest thought and affection.

As ever, Fr. Nicholas   

Dear Parishioners,

Celebrating the beautiful Feast of Christ the Universal King this weekend reminds us that the Liturgical Year is rapidly drawing to a close, and another will dawn shortly with Advent. The Feast reminds us that the Father has handed everything over to the Son, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The journey of life on earth undertaken by Christ was rich and varied, diverse and tough, yet every occasion was taken to reveal something of the life of Heaven that Christ had already known. Even journeying to, and on the Hill of Calvary itself, kindness was shown, forgiveness granted, the promise of eternity made, and a home found for his Blessed Mother. In some way may our lives be channels through which the eternal comes to be known in the transient and passing,

A verse from the Remembrance hymn (“O Valiant Hearts”), sung last weekend, seem most appropriate when reflecting on this weekend’s Gospel text:

“Still stands His cross from that dread hour to this
Like some bright star above the dark abyss;
Still, through the veil, the Victor’s pitying eyes
Look down to bless our lesser Calvaries.”   

With an assurance of prayerful remembrance, affection and kindest thought.

As ever, Fr. Nicholas   

Dear Parishioners,

A slightly earlier delivery than normal this weekend! Please find enclosed the Newsletter for the coming week together with the Readings for Holy Mass at the weekend. 

At our Sunday Masses a period of silence will be observed to acknowledge the sacrifice made by so many enabling us to enjoy the freedoms that we all too often take for granted. Having been involved with this morning’s Schools’ Event in Cleckheaton’s memorial Park, it was impressive to see so many children – numbering in the hundreds – standing quietly at 11 o’clock in unison with millions of others doing exactly the same across the country. 

The Newsletter highlights the times of Remembrance events taking place on Sunday in both Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton for those able to attend. 

With an assurance of prayerful support, kindest regard and affection.

As ever, Fr. Nicholas 

Dear Parishioners,

It is good to be able to send you the Newsletter together with the Readings for Holy Mass this weekend. 

Please be assured of remembrance in prayer on a daily basis for yourselves and those you hold dear, together with kindest thought and affection.

As ever, Fr. Nicholas