Sunday 1st September 2024
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

To download a copy of the latest bulletin please click here

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FORTHCOMING PARISH FUNERALS

Name	Church	Funeral Arrangements
Gerard Breslin (RIP)	St Mary	Requiem Mass – Friday 11th October – 1.00pm

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

THE ANNUAL BATLEY TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION
Monday 7th October – 7.30pm – from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Once again this annual Diocesan event is fast approaching. This is always an important occasion for our parish and indeed the whole Diocese. Please do support this unique event.
STEWARD’S VOLUNTEERS LIST – if you are will to help as a Steward for the Torchlight Procession, please sign your name on the form at the back of church. Your help will be very much appreciated and full instructions will be given.

BACK TO SCHOOL GOOD WISHES – may I wish all the children and staff of our schools every blessing as they begin a new academic year. I hope it is a good year for your all. May I also say a big ‘thank you’ to all of our governors who work so hard for our schools – often behind the scenes and very unnoticed. But you do an invaluable job and it is very much appreciated.

WELCOME TO FR STEPHEN WEBB – on behalf of the parish of St Mary & St Patrick may I wish a warm welcome to Fr Stephen Webb, the new Parish Priest of St Paulinus, Dewsbury & St Joseph’s, Batley Carr. We wish Fr Stephen every happiness and blessing as he joins the Kirklees Deanery and takes up his new position here. We also wish Fr Jonathan Hart every happiness as here moves on from here to his new parish in St Wilfrid’s in Ripon.

POP INTO ST PAT’S – EACH MONDAY FROM 12.00 NOON
Come along and meet old friends and perhaps make some new ones. Everyone welcome.
Monday 2nd September – come and join us for a quiz led by quiz mistress Pauline. Always great fun.
Monday 9th September – we would love you to bring along an Item and share with us where it came from, did you find it on a walk, at the beach or perhaps it was given to you and has special meaning to you.
Monday 16th September – TBA
Monday 23rd September – Andy Hill accompanied by his guitar joining us for a wonderful musical session.
Monday 30th September – Our very popular Ukulele Group join us for another joyful singalong

DEVOTION TO THE DIVINE MERCY – as notified in previous bulletins, at the request of our Bishop Marcus Stock, I am going to start the Devotion to the Divine Mercy here in our Parish.
Commencing October, this will take place on a monthly basis as follows;
St Mary’s – 1st Thursday of the month at 6.00pm
St Patrick’s – Last Thursday of the month at 6.00pm
Please join us in this important and powerful prayer as we pray for our parish and indeed for the whole world. The full text for this devotion will be available to enable full participation.

CREATING A ST PATRICK’S CAFOD GROUP – there has been a request to form a new group at St Patrick’s to support the work of CAFOD. If you are interested or want to hear more about this, please speak to Rene Hamilton and she will be able to tell you more.

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 Meeting will be Thursday 26th September at 6.30pm

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE NEW PIETY STALL AT ST PATRICK’S – we are currently sourcing display cabinets and card holders for the new piety stall. Once these are in place new stock will be purchased and we will get the Piety Stall up and running as soon as possible. In due course (once I am back) I will arrange a rota of teams to run the stall for us at our weekend Masses. A big ‘thank you’ to all those who have offered their help. It is much appreciated. If you have volunteered, please check that your name is on the list available at the back of church. If you would like to volunteer, please add your name to the list for your Mass. Thank you.

ST PATRICK’S NEW EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS – thank you to all those who have volunteered to become Eucharistic Ministers for the St Patrick’s. As I mentioned, I cannot remember who you all are. Please could you sing your name on the form at the back of church, if you are not already on. Many thanks.

ST MARY & ST PATRICK’S AUTUMN FAYRE –
Saturday 16th November from 11.00am – St Mary’s Social Club
Following the success of our two parish communities working together for Fr Eamonn’s Jubilee celebrations, we have decided to hold a joint Autumn fayre in support of St Mary & St Patrick Parish Funds. This will be a lovely opportunity for our communities to come together again and work together for the parish and also get to know each other.
PLANNING MEETING FOR THE AUTUMN FAYRE – with this in mind, a Planning Meeting has been arranged to take place on: Tuesday 10th September at 6.00pm in the St Patrick’s Parish Room.
Please come along and get involved with your parish. As always many hands makes light work.

ST PATRICK’S LEGION OF MARY – The St Patrick’s legion of Mary meet every Tuesday morning at 10.00am in the St Patrick’s Parish Meeting Room. New members are always welcome.

COME AND JOIN THE LOCAL CHOIRS – Several members of our parish, male and female are involved in two very friendly local community choirs in Batley.
SINGING FOR FUN – meet on Wednesday afternoon 2.00pm to 4.00pm down at St. Mary’s social club.
BATLEY COMMUNITY CHOIR – meet on a Monday evening 7.15pm to 8.45pm at Batley Parish Church hall and resumes after the summer break on the 9th September.
Both choirs are appealing for new members. Why not come along and give either or both a try.
Just turn up. There are no auditions and you would be made very welcome.

OUR PARISH HISTORY – The end of August/beginning of September 1905 marked a new chapter in the history of both St Mary’s and St Patrick’s parishes. St Mary’s curate Father Peter Russell was appointed as the first parish priest at the newly established parish of St Patrick’s, and as a result was said to be the youngest parish priest in England. He remained parish priest at St Patrick’s until 1931. Father Peter McBride came to St Mary’s to take up the vacated curate position, assisting parish priest Father John Joseph Lea. Father McBride was to serve at St Mary’s for the next 46 years.
(Jane Roberts – Parish Historian)

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.

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.

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.

THE BRADFORD CATHOLIC PLAYERS PRESENT – “SISTER ACT”
13th – 16th November 2024 – Yeadon Town Hall Theatre – Wed-Fri at 7.30 pm, Sat 1.00pm & 5.30.
Ticket Prices: Wednesday: Adults £18, Under 18 £5, Thursday to Saturday: Adults £23, Under 18 £10
Tickets are flying off the shelves, so don’t miss your chance to experience this joyous show.
To book your tickets click here.
Or email or call our ticket secretaries here or 07305632513

ST MARY’S SOCIAL CLUB – 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. For more information please visit here
St Mary’s Social Club and Parochial Hall – Melton Street, Batley, WF17 8PT
Booking Enquiries – Michelle 07896 974429 or find us on Facebook

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

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

CARITAS LEEDS DAY OF REFLECTION AND ACTION – Please join us to find out more about the ongoing development of Caritas Leeds, how it links with Catholic Social Teaching and how you can become involved in social action taking positive steps to make an impact on what Pope Francis refers to as “globalisation of indifference”.
Saturday 21 September 10am – 3.30pm, Hinsley Hall, LS6 2BX. Lunch included. Register here.

CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION FOR RACIAL JUSTICE 40TH ANNIVERSARY NORTHERN CONFERENCE – Saturday 21 September (10:30 arrivals with mass at 3:15pm)
St Patricks Church, Foundry Street, Oldham OL8 1FR.
The Diocesan Justice & Peace Commission will reimburse travel costs by public transport. Email here for more information.

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR FUNDRAISING IRISH NIGHT – to help the new building fund for Mount St Joseph’s. Friday 27th September at 7.30pm at Leeds Irish Centre, Tickets £20.00 with Irish Stew, Irish Dessert a licensed bar. Great Irish band and dancing, great raffle and action. Please come along and support the Little sisters with their Building Appeal. Thankyou! Email here.

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES CELEBRATION – SPARK and Catholic Care are hosting an event on Sunday 29th September at Wheeler Hall from 2pm – 4pm.
Come to hear one family’s story of their journey from Syria to Yorkshire as refugees and sample some delicious Syrian food too. Booking is essential before 18th September; please follow this link.

ANNUAL LEEDS DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM –
Saturday 28 September 2024 led by Very Rev Canon Matthew Habron.
Angelus and the celebration of Holy Mass at 12:00 Noon at the Shrine near the Slipper Chapel. The Mass will be followed by a break for Lunch (bring a picnic). 2:30pm Solemn Procession into the village of Walsingham, concluding with Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the grounds of the Ancient Shrine around 3:30pm.

CAFOD’S HARVEST FAST DAY APPEAL – Friday 4 October.
You can donate during parish collections for CAFOD’s Family Fast Day appeal this Harvest season. Remember to pick up your Family Fast Day envelope and Gift Aid your donation if you can. You can also give online here. More information, including the wonderful story of Daniel who has been supported to learn new carpentry skills to enable him earn money to help feed his family here.

PARISH MUSIC WORKSHOPS – The Diocesan Music Department invite parish musicians to a free workshop focusing on preparing for the new translation of the lectionary. Sunday 6 October 2024, 2-4pm, Wheeler Hall at Leeds Cathedral. All welcome. Please book here or 0113 244 8634. The Music Department is also always happy to provide advice to parish priests and musicians when requested. Please contact the Music Office to arrange a meeting.

CATHOLIC CARE VACANCY – Urgently required Support Worker for Adults with Learning Disabilities to cover a period of long-term sickness, £23,151 – £24,294 pro rata (based on qualifications and experience.
Location: Keighley Post: up to 37 hours with shift patterns to include weekends and bank holidays, sleep in allowance payable @ £40.76 per sleep. Please visit website here and complete an application form

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.