Sunday 1st December 2024
1st Sunday of Advent (C)
To download a copy of the latest bulletin please click here
FORTHCOMING PARISH FUNERALS
| Name | Church | Funeral Arrangements |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Donnelly (RIP) | Crematorium | Cremation Service – Monday 2nd December – 1.25pm |
| Michael Harrison (RIP) | St Patrick’s | Requiem Mass – Fri 6th December – 1.30pm |
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
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.)
BAPTISM CONGRATULATIONS – on behalf of the parish may I say ‘congratulations’ to Atlas Michael-Jesse Cooke & Posie Tracy-Christine Cooke who were baptised at St Patrick’s Church last Saturday. May God bless them and their family as they begin their journey of faith.
NEW TRANSLATION OF THE LECTIONARY (Sunday & Daily Mass Readings) – Just so you are aware, as of this Sunday the 1st Sunday of Advent, there is a new translation of the Lectionary (the readings for Mass) for the English speaking world. This means that if you have a Sunday Missal or a Daily Missal the readings will now be out of date. New Sunday Missals are now available priced £20.00 each. If you would like me to order you a new Sunday Missal please sign your name on the form at the back of church. The new Daily Missals are not yet available. Once they are I will let you know and order them for any who wish to have one in due course.
ST PATRICK’S LOURDES GROUP FUND-RAISERS
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE – 31st Nov – 1st Dec – request for donations of prizes
POP INTO ST PAT’S
Monday 2nd Dec – Christmas Quiz with David and Pauline quizmasters extraordinaire.
Monday 9th Dec – Mark Gibbs to talk to us about M.R. James (Montague Rhodes James) – English author and medievalist scholar – Ghost Stories of an Antiquary. Please note Mark will start his talk at 2pm- 2:45.
Monday 16th Dec – Christmas Lunch. Limited to 30 guests- a nominal charge of £5 ahead. Book your tickets for a lovely occasion.
Monday 23rd Dec- Break for Christmas
Monday 30th Dec – New Years Dinner. Bring and share. List of suggested items will be at back of church. Let’s start the New Year as we mean to go on.
Come along and meet old friends and perhaps make some new ones. Everyone welcome.
ST PATRICK’S CONSULTATION REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF THE PLASTER FRIEZE FROM THE OLD CHURCH – At the back of the side chapel in St Patrick’s there is an old plaster frieze – one of the Stations of the Cross from the old St Patrick’s Church. This has been free standing for many years waiting for it to be erected in a permanent place. It is time this was now done – it is an important link to the history of St Patrick’s Church and parish.
Having spoken to the diocesan church architecture authorities about this, there are two possible places where it can go;
I – in the narthex at the back of church near the entrance & Holy Water stoops
II – on a wall in the parish room
Rather than me / the diocese deciding this, we would like to ask where you the parish would like it to go? The majority decision will be the deciding factor. I really do not have a strong preference, however, if it helps, I would suggest the narthex at the entrance. This would make the frieze a very prominent reminder of our old church and a reminder of our proud history. But as I say, I really am open to the alternative too. Please let me know your thoughts. Once we have a clear decision, I will begin the necessary process to move forward.
OUR PARISH HISTORY – On Tuesday 1 December 1925, a whist drive and dance was held at St Patrick’s Catholic drill hall, when prizes were won by Miss K. Henry and Mr. J. McCarthy. The M.C.’s were Messrs. J. Maguire and J. Lyons (whist), J. Cunnane and T. O’Brien (dancing). Messrs. M. McLoughlin and J. Kelly played for dancing, and refreshments were served by ladies of the parish. (Jane Roberts – Parish Historian)
PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2025 – JUBILEE YEAR
ST PATRICK & ST MARY’S PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 19TH – 28TH JUNE 2025 – Next year is likely to be the last jumbulance to Lourdes from this parish. After decades of biannually visiting Lourdes, unfortunately our funds will no longer provide the means to travel. First, we would like to thank everyone who has, and continues to support the pilgrimage, your prayers and financial aid are invaluable. If you are interested in travelling with us, we still require 2 helpers to join us. The role is extremely fulfilling but quite
straightforward. You must be fit enough to push a wheelchair and willing to possibly share a room with a “VIP”. if you aren’t fit enough to be a helper or have an illness or disability you may wish to travel as a VIP. Please budget for around £700 for the travel, hotel and full board. This small note cannot do justice to this unique experience so please speak to Dorothy Kenny or Paul Leese for further details (07582101538).
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.
LEEDS DIOCESAN DIRECTORIES – the new 2025 Leeds Diocesan Directories are now available at the back of church. These are priced at £5.00.
ST MARY & ST PATRICK’S CHRISTMAS FAYRE THANK YOU – Once again may I say a big ‘thank you’ to all who helped to arrange and supported our recent parish Christmas Fayre. This was a great success for so many reasons – not least seeing our parish coming together and working as one for the sake of the parish. It is lovely to see new friendships being forged in the parish as we get to know each other more and more. I am delighted to announce that we actually raised the incredible amount of; £2,132.54
Well done and again to you all, thank you very much for all your hard work and enthusiasm.
ST MARY’S THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS “BELLA AND HER BEAST
St Mary’s Social Club | Sat 7th 2.30pm and 7.30pm | Sun 8th December 1.30pm.
Join our cast as they try to help Bella save her father. But when she finds herself at an enchanted
castle with bewitched creatures, Bella must pick between saving her family and saving her new love. Tickets £6.50 General Admission | £24.00 Family Ticket (admits 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children).
Tickets available online here or behind the bar at the Social Club or by calling 07932 650854
CHORDIALITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT – St Mary’s Church – Sunday 15th December – Tickets £5.00 – children FREE
We are delighted to announce the return of the wonderful Chordiality. Come and get into the festive spirit with one of their very popular Chordiality Christmas Concerts. Led by the very gifted Mr Peter Sherlock, we are entertained with an assortment of traditional and contemporary Christmas music and Carols. A concert for all the family and one guaranteed to please. Followed by traditional mince pies and mulled wine in the school next door.
Tickets now on sale. You can either;
*Buy a ticket at the back of Church after Saturday evening / Sunday morning Masses
* Reserve a ticket via the parish office email here
* Reserve a ticket from Fr Eamonn on (01924) 474650
Each ticket is numbered and is entered into a raffle. The winning ticket (drawn at the concert) wins £100.00.This is always a wonderful occasion and a very special way to begin our preparations for the celebration of Christmas. Tickets always sell fast, please try to book early to avoid disappointment.
BATLEY COMMUNITY CHOIR PRESENTS A COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT – St Patrick’s Church Monday 16th December from 7.30pm. A festive evening of traditional carols and modern classics. Tickets – £5.00 with refreshments available. Tickets will be on sale in due course. All welcome.
FROM ST JOHN FISHER’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY – Year 7 & 8 Christmas Carol Concert – Wednesday 11th December – 11.10am. We would like to invite any parishioners to come and join us. Our Youth SVP group will be serving mince pies and refreshments afterwards. Please sign in at reception on arrival.
Live Crib in Dewsbury – Wednesday 18th December – 11.00am – outside Longcauseway Church. A lovely way to start the festivities! Come along and join in the singing! There will be a collection at the end for the Lourdes fund.
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.
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.
MORLEY MUSIC SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT – This year’s concert will be taking place on;
Saturday 7th December – 7.30pm – St Peter’s Church, Rooms Lane, Morley – Tickets are £10.00 at the door. The choir and band will perform music by Rutter and a variety of Christmas favourites.
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
| ST MARY & ST PATRICK PARISH – DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AT A GLANCE |
| Event | Date & Time | Venue |
| Cordiality Christmas Concert | Sunday 15th December – 3.00pm | St Mary’s |
| Batley Community Choir Christmas Concert | Monday 16th December – 7.30pm | St Patrick’s Church |
| Sacrament of Confirmation for St Mary’s & St Patrick’s with Bishop Marcus Stock | Thursday 30th January 2025 – 7.00pm | St Mary’s Church |
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.