Sunday 4th May 2025
3rd Sunday of Easter (C)
To download a copy of the latest bulletin please click here
SACRAMENT OF CONFESSIONS
Fr Eamonn is available for Confessions as follows;
St Patrick’s St Mary’s
Sat 9.15am – 9.45am Sat 3.45pm – 4.15pm
(and upon request)
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Baptism are celebrated as follows;
St Patrick’s St Mary’s
Sat at 11.00am Sun at 11.30am
(Please see Fr Eamonn after a weekend Mass.)
| FORTHCOMING FUNERALS |
| Name | Church | Arrangements |
| Stephen Dewhirst (RIP) & Paul Dewhirst (RIP) | St Mary’s | Requiem Mass – Monday 12th May – 1.30pm |
| Geoff Holland (RIP) | Crematorium | Cremation Service – Friday 16th May – 11.15am |
| Kevin O’Donnell (RIP) | St Mary’s | Requiem Mass – Monday 19th May – 2.00pm |
| William Clough (RIP) | St Mary’s | Requiem Mass – Tuesday 20th May – 11.0am |
| Manny Young (RIP) | St Patrick’s | Reception of the Body – Thursday 22nd May – 5.00pm Funeral Service – Friday 23rd May – 12.30pm |
For the Election of a Pope
O God, eternal shepherd,
who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness
and to us show watchful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
God, for ever and ever. Amen
Short History of a Papal Conclave – The Papal conclave is the process by which the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church elects a new pope. The term “conclave” comes from the Latin ‘cum clave’, meaning “with a key,” referring to the tradition of locking the cardinals in seclusion until they select a new pontiff.
The practice began formally in 1274 at the Second Council of Lyon, under Pope Gregory X. This was in response to a three-year vacancy before his election, during which the people of Viterbo, frustrated by the delay, locked the cardinals in until they made a decision. The new rules required isolation and limited comforts to expedite the process.
Conclaves are held in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. The process is secret and solemn, with repeated ballots cast daily until a two-thirds majority is reached. The results of each vote are signaled to the public by smoke rising from a chimney: black smoke indicates no decision, white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.
Modern conclaves, like those of 2005 (Benedict XVI) and 2013 (Francis), retain deep historical rituals while adapting to contemporary concerns, such as confidentiality and global attention.
BAPTISM CONGRATULATIONS – on behalf of the parish may I say ‘congratulations’ to Romy Florence Foster who was baptised in St Mary’s Church last Sunday. May God bless her as she begins her journey of faith.
PARISH FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CELEBRATIONS – please keep in your prayers the children of St Mary’s & St Patrick’s who are currently getting ready to celebrate their First Holy Communions. They have been working very hard to prepare for this important moment in their lives of faith. The dates for their First Holy Communion are as follows:
St Patrick’s Saturday 10th May 11.00am
St Mary’s Saturday 24th May 11.00am
VE DAY-80 MASS AT LEEDS CATHEDRAL – Please join us in celebrating this important anniversary with Mass in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant – Thursday 8 May at 5.30pm. All welcome.
PRAYING THE HOLY ROSARY IN THE MONTH OF MAY – As you will know, Mary is traditionally the Month of Mary. To mark this special month we will once again be praying the Rosary during our Holy Hours before Mass. Also, we will pray the Rosary with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament over two Sunday afternoons in May. This will take place as follows;
Adoration & Rosary – Joyful & Sorrowful -11th May – St Mary’s 2.00pm
Adoration & Rosary – Luminous & Glorious -17th May – St Patrick’s 2.00pm
“The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you’ll be amazed at the results.”
(St. Josemaria Escriva)
POP INTO ST PAT’S
Monday 5th May – Bring and Share Garden Party (weather permitting) to celebrate VE day. Reminisce with
some tunes from the time and test your knowledge with a VE day quiz.
Monday 12th May – a talk by Peter Moreland on The Holy Spirit Parish, an interesting talk on our neighbouring parish.
Monday 26th May – a talk by Helen Collins on life as a paramedic .
Come along and meet old friends and make some new ones. Everyone welcome.
ST PATRICK’S DISCUSSION GROUP – We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 10.00am in the St Patrick’s Church Tea/ Coffee room. All are welcome. For further details call Andy Hill on 01274 315271 or 07729 626966.
ST PATRICK’S LOURDES GROUP EASTER RAFFLE – Although we still have some prizes to claim it would appear that most parishioners have now checked their tickets. Therefore, this weekend will be the last opportunity to claim your prize with a winning ticket. The weekend of 10th/11th May, all remaining prizes will be sold. Offers for the prizes should be made to Dorothy and Jan or Vanessa and Paul. Thanks again for your support.
VOLUNTEERS HELP NEEDED FOR FUNERALS AT ST PATRICK’S – would anybody like to join our team of volunteers who help with funerals at St Patrick’s. We are now down to four teams and a few more volunteers would be greatly appreciated. It is not a difficult job, just mainly to clear away and lock up after a funeral has ended. Full training is given and with more teams it will be less of a burden on all concerned. If you are interested, please see Fr Eamonn
ST PATRICK’S LEGION OF MARY – The St Patrick’s legion of Mary meet on; Tuesday mornings at 10.00am in the St Patrick’s Parish Meeting Room.
ST MARY SCHOOL REUNION 2025 – Friday 29th August will be the date for this year’s Reunion for St Mary’s Primary School pupils. The invitation is extended to all who left between 1958 and 1968. There will be Mass at 12.00noon at St Mary’s followed by a convivial afternoon at Batley Nash. Details to follow nearer the date, or call John Roe for more information on 07500 417071.
WELCOME SPACE – at St Peter’s Church, Birstall every Wednesday 11am-2pm. Free. Refreshments, hot drinks, 3 soups and sandwiches, board games and small little ones play area provided.
PARISH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP – ‘The Journey’ Grief Care Group for anyone walking through Loss. An opportunity to spend time with others who recognise your journey in bereavement. The next meetings are scheduled as follows;
Thursday 8th May 6.30pm
Thursday 5th June 6.30pm
These meetings will take place in the St Mary’s Parish Room. Tea & Coffee will be available. It is open to Catholics and non-Catholics are very welcome too. If you are struggling with bereavement, you are very welcome.
OUR PARISH HISTORY – On Sunday 1st May 1949 Miss Moya Hill was crowned the first St. Mary’s May Queen since the wartime year of 1940. She wore a full skirted dress of white figured satin with fitted bodice and cowl at the back. Her embroidered veil was carried by her page boys Dennis King and David Preston, who wore white satin suits. Monica Kershaw, in white lace over satin, and with a wreath of pink and blue rosebuds, was cushion bearer. The procession was headed by altar boys led by cross-bearer Tom Brennan. Children of Mary came next, in white veils and preceded by their banner carried by Renee Kelly and streamed by Rita Kelly, Dorothy Levitt, Mary Woodhead and Winnie Rowe. Members of the Guild of St Agnes, in their pale blue cloaks followed – their banner, carried by Mary Rowe, and streamed by M. Travers, D. Heaps, J. Beaumont and N. Allen. The statue of Our Lady was carried by M. Prendergast, E. Sharp, K. Gooder and A. Moran. When the Queen had crowned the statue of Our Lady, the Benediction was given by Father O’Brien.
(Jane Roberts – Parish Historian) Website: https://pasttopresentgenealogy.co.uk
DRU YOGA WITH TAMLIN WALKER – Dru Yoga is great for maintaining and improving flexibility and for maintaining the health of your joints. It can help with stress, relaxation and even help you sleep better!
Sundays 6pm-7.10pm £7.50 Heckmondwike Community Centre Wednesdays 7.15-8.20pm £6 online via Zoom
Please contact Tamlin Walker on 07957434127 or email here for further information and a health registration form.
ST MARY’S SOCIAL CLUB & PAROCHIAL HALL – Are you thinking about where to celebrate a family party, baptism, wedding, birthday? (Not children’s parties) St Mary’s Social Club has great rooms available to hire at very good prices.
The Melton Lounge – ideal for parties up to 50 people with a well stocked bar.
The Ball room – can hold up to 160 people, with an adjoining kitchen and bar.
St Mary’s Social Club and Parochial Hall – Melton Street, Batley, WF17 8PT
Booking Enquiries – Michelle 07896 974429 or find us on Facebook
Website – http://stmaryssocialclubbatley.uk/
EVENTS IN ST MARY’S SOCIAL CLUB
| Social Dancing | Sunday evenings from 7.30pm |
| Bingo in the Lounge | Tuesdays 8.00pm & Fridays at 8.00pm |
| Singing for Fun | Wednesdays from 2.00pm – 4.00pm |
| Quiz Night | Wednesdays from 8.30pm |
| Batley Rock and Roll Club | Wednesdays from 8.00pm |
| Fitness with Karen | Wednesdays 5.45pm – 6.45pm |
| Slimming World | Thursdays 9.00am – 11.00am & 5.00pm – 7.00pm Friday 9.00am |
| Central Pointe Dance (in the studio) | Monday to Thursday |
Regular sell out Rock and Roll Band nights – first Friday of the month
Monthly Tribute nights with Batley’s Legendary DJ Mick Ingram. Early booking essential: Ticket Hotline 07766336951
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
For a full list of Diocesan notices please click here
ANYTHING FOR THE BULLETIN?
If you have any items for the parish bulletin, please may I have them no later than Thursday 12.00noon. These can be sent to Michelle Anderson here or post them through either presbytery letterbox and I will pick them up and add them to the coming week’s bulletin.
Many thanks.