Sunday 21st July 2024
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

To download a copy of the latest bulletin please click here

FORTHCOMING PARISH FUNERALS

Name	Church	Arrangements
Mary Sheard (RIP)	St Patrick’s	Requiem Mass – Thursday 1st August 11.00am

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

BAPTISM CONGRATULATIONS – on behalf of the parish, may I say ‘congratulations’ to Isabelle Ann Woodrow who was baptized in St Mary’s Church last Sunday. May God bless her and her family as she begins her life of faith.

WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS – ‘Congratulations’ to Niall Lynch and Hina Umetsu who were married at St Patrick’s Church on Saturday. It really was a lovely occasion. May God bless them as they begin their married life together.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS – to all the children, teachers and staff of our wonderful schools; may I wish you all a very happy and well deserved summer holiday. Switch off and relax. It has been a busy year but you have achieved a great deal in so many years. We are rightly very proud of you all

FR EAMONN’S SILVER JUBILEE PARISH CELEBRATION ‘THANK YOU’ – I would just like to say a big ‘thank you’ to you all for the very special celebration you put on for my 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. You really have been amazing and very kind in all the effort you made to mark the occasion. I am especially grateful that you made all my family so welcome here to the parish.
On a personal note, thank you too for all the cards, gifts and good wishes I have received over the last week. I have been overwhelmed by your generosity and thoughtfulness. I really am very grateful to you all.
May I also take this opportunity to thank my Bishop, Rt. Rev. Marcus Stock and all my fellow priests who joined me, it was lovely to see you all and thank you for being part of my celebration. The whole occasion is something I will never forget.

POP INTO ST PAT’S – EACH MONDAY FROM 12.00 NOON
Monday 22nd July – Quiz
Monday 29th July – come and join us for a sing along accompanied by our wonderful Ukulele group.
Come along and meet old friends and perhaps make some new ones. Everyone welcome.

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 Group will meet as follows;
St Mary’s Presbytery, Cross Bank Road, Batley, WF17 8PQ
with coffee and cake, a listening ear and a supportive approach. The Group will be facilitated by Eileen and Stacy and supported by the Elizabeth Prout Bereavement Care Group. 

NEXT MEETING – THURSDAY 25TH JULY at 6.30pm

OUR PARISH HISTORY – The 1944 St. Mary’s Boys’ School annual sports day took place on Saturday 22 July. The winners of the various events, as officially published, were: Half-mile cycle race: J. Rowan. Slow cycle race: ? Hopkins. High Jump (Juniors): P. Armstead. High Jump (Seniors): B. Croker. Long Jump (Juniors): P. Armstead. Long Jump (Seniors): F. Fox. Tug- of-War (Juniors): St. Aloysius House (J. Lyons, P. Armstead, T. Kilgannon, C. Hunt, B. Gallagher). Tug-of-War (Seniors): St. Columba House (J. Halloran, J. Devers, J. Morley, M. Foley, T. Mastrocola, B. Croker, K. McIntyre). Relay race team: St. Columba House (T. Mastrocola, J. Morley, J. Halloran). 100 yards (age 10-11): K. Kilroy; (age 11-12): H. Neville; (age 12-
13): ? Parsons; (age 13-14): B. Croker. Sack race (age 10-11): K. Kilroy; (age 11-12): J. Hopkins; (age 12-13) F. Parsons; (age 13-14): B. Croker. Half-mile (Seniors): T. Mastrocola. Half-mile (Juniors): L. Walsh. P. Armstead won the Junior Championship, and B. Croker and James Fox won the Senior. The winners included some less familiar parish names – those of World War Two evacuees Tony Mastrocola and Brian Croker.

ST MARY’S PRIMARY 1960 – 1966 SCHOOL LEAVERS’ REUNION – Following the success of the gathering in summer 2023, St Mary’s primary school “Leavers of ’66 Reunion” is on again. Pupils from St Mary’s Roman Catholic primary school who left between 1960 to 1966 are warmly invited to share their school day memories with old friends;
Friday 30th August from 12.00noon – 5.00pm
This will begin with Mass celebrated by one of our contemporaries Fr. John Berry in St Mary’s Church Batley. This will be a commemorative Mass in church at 12.00noon, to remember those who have passed away. Followed by a gathering at Batley Nash. Partners are welcome and a light buffet will be provided. For those who wish, the Batley Nash will also be open from 12.00noon. For information please contact John Roe 07500 417071

THANK YOU TO THER KILGALLON FAMILY – on behalf of the parish I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the family of Mary Kilgallon (RIP) for the donation of £146.20 which they raised for the parish at the collection for her funeral. It is a very kind gesture and very much appreciated. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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 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.

ST PATRICK’S PFA – St Patrick’s PFA would like to thank all the parishioners for their support with our Summer Fair, whether it be buying raffle tickets, donating prizes, baking, stalls and volunteering, we really appreciate your help. It was a great day and raised some fantastic funds to go towards projects in the school.
The below raffle tickets were winners from church-
Peach 207, massage voucher donated by The Powder Room – no name
Peach 608, meal for 2 voucher, donated by Bangla – Margaret G
Prizes can be collected from Mary Clancy at Saturday evening mass or they will be left in the presbytery.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BIRSTALL COFFEE MORNING
Saturday 27th July – 10.30am – 12.30pm – Tickets priced £3.00 including coffee and cake.
All in aid of Rewind – supporting Birstall Primary Schools. Please see Fr Eamonn for a ticket

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.

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

FRIENDS OF THE BRIERY SUMMER FAYRE – Sunday 21st July 2-4pm. Please join us for an afternoon in our beautiful house & garden, where you will be welcomed with a glass of fizz before enjoying our famous homemade scones. Plenty of entertainment— raffle, tombola, stalls and games! This event is suitable for everyone and all weathers. Briery Retreat Centre, 38 Victoria Avenue, Ilkley LS29 9BW.

REFUGEE WEEK 2024 – The theme for the week is ‘home’. For those forced to leave theirs and find a new one the journey can be very difficult. Catholic Care are supporting Citizens UK in their Communities for Afghans project in welcoming 100 Afghan families. Could you become a community sponsor group to welcome a family? For more information visit an online briefing session 26th July.

DIVINE MERCY RETREAT – led by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception (MIC) on Saturday, 27 July 2024 at St Walburga Catholic Church, Kirkgate, Shipley, BD18 3LR, 1 – 4:30 pm. The afternoon includes Enthronement and Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image, including Relics, talk on the message on the Divine Mercy, Eucharistic Adoration, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and concludes with Holy Mass. Everyone is welcome.

PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM IN REPARATION AND PRAYER FOR THE SANCTITY OF LIFE – Saturday 3rd August. Led By Bishop David Oakley, 12Noon Mass. Coaches leaving from Shipley, Harehills and Crossgates. For booking call Kate on 07505 767415 or visit website. Follow online here.

INDIVIDUALLY GUIDED RETREAT – 8-days 5th – 14th August, 6-days 5th -11th August at The Briery Retreat Centre, Ilkley. There are a few places still available on our next IGR, led by Fr Paul Fletcher, S.J. and The Briery Team. Please contact the Administrators for more information. Email here or call 01943 607287.

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD, SCARTHINGWELL- Tuesday 6th August, 7pm. Mass with polyphonic/chant accompaniment (Rudgate Singers) and homilist Very Reverend Richard Duffield, Provost York Oratory. This beautiful church has the distinction of being the first church in England to be dedicated to the Immaculate Conception after its promulgation in 1854. St John Henry Newman also preached there. Immaculate Conception, Lakeside, Scarthingwell, Nr. Tadcaster, LS24 9PH. All welcome.

YORKSHIRE ONE OR THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE – Please join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and friends for our annual Yorkshire One or Three Peaks Challenge in support of St Patrick’s Mission in Bradford! Saturday, August 10th. We are also looking for anyone who might be willing to help out for the day with food and first aid. For more information or to register, please visit website or email here.

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.

THE WISDOM YEARS DAY OF REFLECTION – Led by Margaret Silf. Monday 23rd September.
A day of reflection exploring the challenges, blessings and fresh perspectives of our later years guided by scripture, story and our own lived experience. £48pp to include a two- course home-cooked lunch and all refreshments. The Briery Retreat Centre, Ilkley. Email here or call 01943 607287 to book or 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.

DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING SUB-COMMITTEE – We are looking to recruit new members to the Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding Sub-Committee. The members are drawn from a variety of backgrounds. It is important that candidates can demonstrate experience, interest and understanding of safeguarding. The Sub-Committee’s purpose is to support, assist and advise the Diocesan Trust in discharging its duties in safeguarding. For information please contact: Safeguarding Coordinator Tel: 0113 2618046. For an application pack please contact Recruitment here. Closing date 31/08/24.

VACANCIES ACROSS THE DIOCESE

TEACHING ASSISTANT VACANCY – Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Ilkley, Start: September 2024. Closing date: Tuesday, 03 September 2024. Further info here.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT VACANCY – Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Ilkley, Start: September 2024. Closing date: Monday, 02 September 2024. Further info here.

CATHOLIC CARE VACANCIES – Support Worker and Senior Support Worker, pay based on qualifications and experience. Location: Dewsbury Post: Full time with shift patterns to include weekends and bank holidays, sleep-in allowance payable @ £40.76 per sleep. For further details of all our vacancies and how to apply please visit website or telephone 0113 3885400 to request an application form.

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.