Welcome to the Catholic Parish of Stamford

Saint Mary and Saint Augustine The Presbytery, 13 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1PG Telephone: (01780) 762010

Website: www.staugustinescatholicchurchstamford.co.uk

Parish Priest: Father Simon Gillespie Mobile: 07760 372105 Email: simon@nottinghamcatholic.com

Deacons: Reverend Charles West-Sadler (with Oakham parish); Reverend Robert S Dawson (retired)

Parish Safeguarding Representative: Tony Williams Telephone: 01780 756456 Email: angant@talktalk.net

Parish Director of Music: Ruth Proctor Mobile: 07826 017487 Email: ruthproctor73@gmail.com

Parish Hall Manager: Anna Barwell Mobile: 07789 283140 Email: anna.barwell@tiscali.co.uk

Parish Primary School: Saint Augustine’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Stamford (01780) 762094

Part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham Diocesan Website: www.nottingham-diocese.org.uk

Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Company Number: 7151646 Charity Number: 1134449

14th and 15th April 2018 : Third Sunday of Easter

National Eucharistic Congress

Liverpool : 7th – 9th September 2018

We have been preparing over the last year for the Eucharistic Congress, to be held

in Liverpool in only a few months’ time. On Saturday we reinstated Adoration of the

Blessed Sacrament, with a Holy House form 9.00am until 10.00am (together with the

sacrament of Reconciliation being available). Today, and for the next four Sundays

of Eastertime, the homilies in this parish, together with all the parishes of the

diocese, will focus on different aspects of the Eucharistic: Sacred Meal, Divine

Sacrifice this Sunday; Eucharist: Real Presence next Sunday; Eucharist: Praying the

Liturgy on the Sixth Sunday of Easter and finally Eucharist: Mission to the World on

the Seventh Sunday of Easter. There will also be some study evenings, starting in

May, to consider these four elements of the Eucharist, and to help us in our

understanding of what happens at Mass, and how Jesus, God, is truly present in the

sacrifice which we offer.

To help with the theme this

Sunday, Sacred Meal, Divine

Sacrifice some quotations

from the Church’s tradition

are given below:

“This is even that Body, the

blood stained, the pierced,

and that out of which gushed

the saving fountains, the one

of blood, the other of water,

for all the world, this body has he given to us both to hold and to eat.” (Saint John

Chrysostom)

“Before the coming of Christ, the flesh and blood of this sacrifice were foreshadowed

in the animals slain, in the passion of Christ the types were fulfilled by the true

sacrifice; after the ascension of Christ, this sacrifice is commemorated in the

sacrament.” (Saint Augustine of Hippo)

“The Eucharistic sacrifice is essentially the unbloody immolation of the divine

victim…. The communion belongs to the integrity of the sacrifice; it is a participation

of the sacrifice by the reception of the Blessed Sacrament.” (Venerable Pope Pius XII)

“At the Last Supper, on the night when He was betrayed, our Saviour instituted the

eucharistic sacrifice of His Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the

sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries until He should come again, and so to

entrust to His beloved spouse, the Church, a memorial of His death and resurrection:

a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which

Christ is eaten, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to

us. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, number 47)

“The Mass, the Lord’s supper, is at the same time and inseparably; a sacrifice in which

the sacrifice of the Cross is perpetuated; a memorial of the death and resurrection

of the Lord, who said; “do this in memorial of me; a sacred banquet, in which through

the communion of the body and blood of the Lord, the people of God share the

benefits of the Paschal sacrifice…. In the Mass, therefore, the sacrifice and the sacred

meal belong to the same mystery - so much so that they are linked by the closest

bond.” (Eucharisticum Mysterium)

Try to make a little time this week to reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist,

and if you can, come to Adoration on a Saturday morning.

Changes to Mass times this week

Mass will be celebrated at 9.00am in our parish primary school on Tuesday this week,

and at 9.00am on Thursday.

The Pope’s Prayer Intention for April

For those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters. That economists may have

the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.

Come into the parish hall after Mass today

and see how you can help

Forthcoming Events in our parish, community and diocese

1918 – 2018 at Stamford Methodist Church on Saturday 14th April at 7.30pm. See

the poster in the porch for more details, and information about tickets.

A celebratory service will be held at on Sunday 15th April at 6.00pm to celebrate

Seven Years of Street Pastors in Stamford. The Service will be held in the Free

Church, Kesteven Road. Parking is available, RSVP to stamford@streetpastors.org.uk

Churches Together in Stamford Forum Meeting in Saint Augustine parish hall at

7.30pm on Monday 16th April. All are very welcome.

LACY (Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth) will be having their next Working Group

Meeting on Wednesday 18th April at Saint Thomas More Parish, Leicester, at 7.30pm

We would love to have more people representing our young Catholic teenagers on

this Working Group. Our aim is to regularly interest our young teenagers to enjoy

their Faith through Fun and Spiritual activity with their peers from parishes and

schools. For more information contact: paulinepayne@hotmail.com

Peterborough Theological Society will host Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy

speaking about ‘How the truths of Christianity are (mis)represented in the media’

on Wednesday 25th April. Details from Canon Jonathan Baker on 01733 355300.

The SVP (Saint Vincent de Paul Society) meets next on Thursday 26th April at 6.00pm

in the parish hall. All are welcome.

Nottingham SPUC is organising a Prolife Chain on Saturday 28th April, from 10.00am

until midday. This year those interested in participating are asked to meet on

Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, at 9.55am, at the tram park and ride.

On Saturday 28th April Bishop Patrick will lead the annual Blessed Sacrament

Procession, as we witness to our faith through the streets of central Nottingham. We

start at St Mary’s, Hyson Green, at 2.00pm, and proceeding to the Cathedral, for

Benediction at 4.00pm. After Benediction we will pause to pray before the tomb of

the Venerable Mary Potter to pray for her Beatification. For more information please

contact Father David Palmer: catholicdavid@me.com This is a great way to prepare

for the National Eucharistic Congress in September

A Parish Quiz Night with Tom Jordan will be held on Saturday 28th April in the parish

hall at 7.00pm. Teams of 4 people, £3 per person teams, tickets will be on sale after

Masses next weekend. More details from Stephanie (07889 825712) or Mary.

(07932 501183). Bring your own refreshments and have an amazing evening.

Nottingham Diocesan Rosary on the Coast Pilgrimage will be celebrated on Sunday

29th April from 1.30pm; more details are on the poster in the porch.

The Parish Pastoral Council will meet on Thursday 3rd May at 7.30pm (after Mass)

in the presbytery. Any items for discussion, or for the agenda, or apologies, to

Thomas Fegan (secretary) on feganthomas@virginmedia.com

Lifefest 18 a March For Life, will take place in London on Saturday 5th May. Details

are on the poster in the porch. The coach will leave from Nottingham outside the

Cathedral at 7.50am and return at 8.00pm; the cost is £15 (concessions available).

For a place please contact:40daysforlifenotts@gmail.com or mobile 07775 7815625.

The Diocesan Charismatic Day of Renewal will be held on Saturday 5th May at Our

Lady of Lincoln church, Lincoln, from 10.00am until 4.00pm. Further details on the

poster in the porch.

Thursday 10th May – Ascension Day – A Holy Day of Obligation

A Young Adults Day will be held at Saint Paul’s church, Nottingham, on Saturday 12th

May, from 11.00am until Mass at 6.00pm. Specifically for young adults of the

diocese, there will be exciting speakers; Reconciliation; workshops; Adoration of the

Blessed Sacrament; and time to socialise. Speak to Father Simon if you’re interested.

Good News for the East Midlands

This new book, tracing the history of Catholicism in this part of the world from the

fourth century, and through the formation of our diocese in 1850, has been written

by a priest of our diocese, Canon Anthony Dolan, to aid funds for the Sick and Retired

Priests’ appeal. It includes information about Stamford and Catholicism in South

Lincolnshire, and copies can be ordered now at a reduced rate of £16. Information

is on the poster in the porch, or take a flayer from the back of church.

Good Shepherd Sunday : Sunday 22nd April

Next Sunday, also known as Vocations Sunday is a special day of prayer for

vocations. Prayercards will be available, and we’ll pray a special prayer at each Mass.

Pope Francis

“Baptise your children early!”

The Pope also said that everyone should remember

the date of their baptism

Parents who prefer not to baptise their children in the

hopes that they will “understand and ask for

baptism” as adults lack faith that the Holy Spirit will

act in their child’s life, Pope Francis said. While some

believe that there is no need to “baptise a child that

does not understand” the meaning of the sacrament,

the Pope said doing so would deny the chance for “Christian virtues to grow within

that child and blossom. Always give this opportunity to all children: to have within

themselves the Holy Spirit that will guide them in life. Do not forget to baptise your

children,” the Pope said during his weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis reflected on the sacrament of baptism as “the foundation of Christian

life.” As the first of seven sacraments, he said, baptism “is the door that permits

Christ the Lord to make his dwelling in us and allows us to immerse ourselves in his

mystery.” While being immersed in water is a common ritual “in various beliefs”

that signifies the passing from one condition to another, Pope Francis said Christians

must never forget that just as the body is immersed in water at baptism, so is the

soul “immersed in Christ to receive forgiveness from sin and shine with divine light.

By virtue of the Holy Spirit, baptism immerses us in the death and resurrection of the

Lord, drowning the old man – dominated by the sin that divides us from God – in the

baptismal font and giving birth to the new man, recreated in Jesus. In Him, all the

sons of Adam are called to new life,” the Pope said.

The Pope, who often tells people to look up the date of their baptism, called on those

who don’t remember the date to ask their family and to celebrate it like a birthday

and “give thanks to the Lord because it was on that day when Jesus entered” in their

lives. “We should all know the date of our baptism. It is another birthday, it is the

day of our rebirth,” he said. Although baptism occurs only once in a Christian’s life,

Pope Francis said, “it illuminates our entire life, guiding our steps until (we reach)

the heavenly Jerusalem. No one deserves baptism, which is always a gift for

everyone, adults and newborns. But like what happens to a seed full of life, this gift

takes root and brings forth fruit in a land nourished by faith,” the pope said.

Gaudete et Exsultate

Pope Francis has published a new Apostolic Exhortation this week, ‘On the call to

holiness in today’s world’. The title, meaning ‘rejoice and be glad’, allows an insight

into the Pope’s desire that we should be bearers of the Good News of Jesus’

resurrection from the dead, through which we are offered forgiveness for our sins

and the opportunity to come to eternal life. We need also to understand how this

call echos in our daily lives, lives which, as Christians, should be marked by a radical

holiness and conversion.

“Holiness is a gift that is offered to everyone, no one is excluded; it constitutes the

distinctive character of every Christian.” Pope Francis wants the whole Church to

promote anew the desire for holiness – in a practical way, for our own time.

After analysing and forcefully dismissing two subtle enemies to holiness –

contemporary gnosticism and pelagianism – as ‘aberrations and obstacles’ to

holiness, Francis appeals in detail to the Beatitudes of Matthew and Luke. Here lies

the path to our happiness, or, indeed our holiness, by living out the demands and

joys of the Gospel. More deeply yet, the Holy Father identifies those harmful

ideologies which today strike at the heart of the Gospel, where faith is divorced from

deeds, where mercy is lost. Our striving for holiness must be grounded in prayer and

discernment so that our lives are transformed in the light of mercy and grace. This

entails action and building the Kingdom through social action and care for the

marginalised. Pope Francis offers five great expressions of love of God and of

neighbour as signs of true holiness for today’s culture. Finally, he sets out the

landscape in which today’s spiritual combat is fought against the great enemy, the

devil. This calls for vigilance and discernment. Thus, the joyful holiness of the Gospel

is revealed to the world in the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Copies of this new Exhortation can be ordered from the Catholic Trust Society

(http://www.ctsbooks.org/gaudete-et-exsultate/) or downloaded or read on the

Vatican’s website: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/

documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html

Help Required

My name is Peter McKenna and I live in Ketton. I am trying to track down some Irish

language speakers in Stamford. If you speak Irish yourself, or know of someone who

does, please contact me on: peterandrew.mckenna@yahoo.com

A thought for the week – God’s plan of salvation

Taken from the constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council

In his desire that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth,

God spoke in former times to our forefathers through the prophets, on many

occasions and in different ways. Then, in the fullness of time he sent his Son, the

Word made man, anointed by the Holy Spirit, to bring good news to the poor, to heal

the broken-hearted as the physician of body and spirit and the mediator between

God and men. In the unity of the person of the Word, his human nature was the

instrument of our salvation. Thus in Christ there has come to be the perfect

atonement that reconciles us with God, and we have been given the power to offer

the fullness of divine worship.

This work of man’s redemption and God’s perfect glory was foreshadowed by

God’s mighty deeds among the people of the Old Covenant. It was brought to

fulfilment by Christ the Lord, especially through the paschal mystery of his blessed

passion, resurrection from the dead and ascension in glory: by dying he destroyed

our death, and by rising again he restored our life. From his side, as he lay asleep on

the cross, was born that wonderful sacrament which is the Church in its entirety.

As Christ was sent by the Father, so in his turn he sent the apostles, filled with

the Holy Spirit. They were sent to preach the Gospel to every creature, proclaiming

that we had been set free from the power of Satan and from death by the death and

resurrection of God’s Son, and brought into the kingdom of the Father. They were

sent also to bring into effect this saving work that they proclaimed, by means of the

sacrifice and sacraments that are the pivot of the whole life of the liturgy.

So, by baptism men are brought within the paschal mystery. Dead with Christ,

buried with Christ, risen with Christ, they receive the Spirit that makes them God’s

adopted children, crying out: Abba, Father; and so they become the true adorers that

the Father seeks. In the same way, whenever they eat the supper of the Lord they

proclaim his death until he comes. So, on the very day of Pentecost, on which the

Church was manifested to the world, those who received the word of Peter were

baptized. They remained steadfast in the teaching of the apostles and in the breaking

of bread, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.

From that time onward the Church has never failed to come together to

celebrate the paschal mystery, by reading what was written about him in every part

of Scripture, by celebrating the Eucharist in which the victory and triumph of his

death are shown forth, and also by giving thanks to God for the inexpressible gift he

has given in Christ Jesus, to the praise of God’s glory.

Threats to Unborn Life

Pro-life campaigners have expressed their shock after Ealing Council in west London

voted unanimously this week in favour of allowing a Public Spaces Protection Order,

to create a 100 metre protest-free safe zone outside a Marie Stopes clinic. This

space, on the pavement, has previously been where Pro Life prayer vigils have been

held, and information made available to people considering abortions.

The Good Counsel network has been responsible for offering free advice, medical

information, practical help and moral support to women seeking abortion. They seek

to help by befriending women and educating them about abortion and the humanity

of their child, through literature and videos. Women can be given information about

God’s plan for them and their child, as well as practical help and moral support

ranging from financial help to baby clothes and nappies.

This isn’t so different from the Prayer Vigil held each Lent outside an abortion centre

in Nottingham. We might pray for those caught in the tragedy of abortion, and for

the happy repose of the souls of those whose lives are ended at such a young age.

Catholic Women’s League

A meeting will be held in the parish hall on Monday 23rd April at 7.30pm for all

members and former member of the parish Catholic Women’s League, and anyone

else who might be interested in joining a reformed ladies’ social group.

The CWL has recently voted to disband, but many of the members are keen to

organise something in its place. All are welcome to this meeting, or if you can’t

attend, speak to Stephanie Crook for more information.

Saint George’s Day : Monday 23rd April

On Monday 23rd April we’ll celebrate our national patron saint. Due to a Requiem

Mass (for John Griffiths) being celebrated at 11.00am there won’t be another Mass

that evening, but rather we’ll celebrate Sung Vespers at 7.00pm, and then have a

reception in the presbytery afterwards. All are very welcome!

Lighting candles in church

Please take care when lighting candles at the votive candle stands. Use a taper (so

as not to extinguish the 24 hour lights) and place the candle on a secure stand.

Prayers For . . .

All who have died recently especially:

George Cairns (father of Father John Cairns);

Arthur John Griffiths (pictured) who died on Sunday evening

(8th April), and whose body will be received into church on

Sunday 22nd April at 5.45pm, before his Requiem Mass on

Monday 23rd April at 11.00am – the family are keen for all

parishioners to be invited, and into the parish hall for a

reception afterwards;

Ruth Linsey of Tinwell, who died on Thursday, aged 42;

Margaret West-Sadler, Charles’ sister-in-law;

and all whose anniversaries fall at this time. May they rest in peace!

All our sick and housebound parishioners and friends: especially Kevin Vinter, Kitty

Hughes, John and Julia Newman, Maria Pinto, Catherine Farndell, Marie Lunny, Mary

Patrick, Dympna Middleton, Vincent Kelly, Sister Attracta, Verlia Duque, John

Chapple, John Herd, Jo and Bernard Raffo, Victoria Crouch, Peter Herrick, Mark Grab,

Rosa Maria Santos, Kenneth Court, Veronica Hosking, Beth Coleman, Joan

Middleton, Pat Dancer, Augusta Deane, Irene Mulligan, Connie Edgar, Gladys Brown,

Nora Hunt, Valerie Pellier, Fiona Ruddle, David Cooke, Maeve Swann, Helen Allen,

Jean Maker, Anna Orme, Lucy Court, Debbie Reed, Ken Woods, Lilian Popple, Anne

Woods., Monsignori Brian Dazeley, Jonathan Moore and Joseph Phelan; Canons John

Berry, Michael Bell, and Tim O’Sullivan; Fathers John Cairns, Eamonn O’Hara, Terry

Fellows, Anthony Colebrook, Hugh Doherty, James Hannigan, Christopher Hogan,

James Lynch, Frank McLaughlin, Neil McLaughlin, Robert Rutledge, Michael Tutcher,

Daren Brown, Kevin Clark, Tom Breslin, David Bowler and Kevin Gradwell; Deacons

Bernard Croft, Bill Hutchinson, John Timson, Don Lavery and Bob Dawson.

All those who have been welcomed into the church through Baptism:

Daniel Lloyd, baptised and confirmed at the Easter Vigil, and

who made his First Holy Communion at that Mass;

Luke-Andrew Samuel Gelito, baptised on Easter day;

Matilda Lily Somerville Troughton, baptised at Mass this Sunday;

Cairo Andreas di Fabrizio, baptised this Sunday.

Also to Shaun Martin Scott and Aisling Star Biddle who will be

married in our church this coming Saturday.

A reflection from ‘Marriage Matters’

Let peace reign in our hearts

There are times in life, as couples, when the demands of work, concerns about

money and care of the children can seem overwhelming. In times like these let’s

acknowledge each other, take time out to clarify the issues and remind ourselves of

the words of Jesus to the Apostles when they thought it was all over, “Peace be with

you!”

Readings at Masses this Week

Monday Acts 6:8-15; Psalm 118(119):23-30; John 6:22-29

Tuesday Acts 7:51-8:1; Psalm 30(31):3-8.17.21; John 6:30-35

Wednesday Acts 8:1-8; Psalm 65(66):1-7; John 6:35-40

Thursday Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 65(66):8-9.16-17.20; John 6:44-51

Friday Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 116(117); John 6:52-59

Saturday Acts 9:31-42; Psalm 115(116):12-17; John 6:60-69

Liturgy this Week and next Week

Celebration Third Sunday of Easter Fourth Sunday of Easter

Cycle & Psalter Year B, Week 3 Year B, Week 4

Mass Page 258 Page 261

Penitential Rite B, page 8 B, page 8

First Reading Acts 3:13-15.17-19 Acts 4:8-12

Psalm Psalm 4:2.4.7.9 Psalm 117:1.8-9.21-23.26.28-29

Second Reading 1 John 2:1-5 1 John 3:1-2

Gospel Luke 24:35-48 John 10:11-18

Preface Easter 2, page 60 Easter 3, page 60

Eucharistic Prayer Three, page 28 Two, page 24

Memorial Acclamation B (When we eat) B (When we eat)

Many Thanks for your Generosity

Envelopes £348.68 Loose plate £195.61

Standing Order £301.00 Collection Total £845.29

Second Collection next weekend for the Clergy Formation Fund

Masses and Services this Week

Saturday 14th April Third Sunday of Easter

6.00pm Mass Margaret West-Sadler RIP

Parish Helpers Weekend in the hall after

Sunday 15th April Third Sunday of Easter

9.00am Mass Irena Dudek RIP

Children’s Liturgy

Parish Helpers Weekend in the hall after

11.00am Mass Pro Populo (people of the parish)

with the baptism of Matilda Lily Somerville Troughton

Parish Helpers Weekend in the hall after

12.30pm Baptism of Cairo Andreas di Fabrizio

3.00pm Ecumenical Service at Whitefriars Care Home

5.00pm Sung Vespers

Monday 16th April Easter Feria

9.00am Mass Marleen Stephenson (get well)

Tuesday 17th April Easter Feria

9.00am Mass in School Jeremiah and Honoria Hegarty and family RIP

Wednesday 18th April Easter Feria

7.30am Mass Charlotte Curran, family, Tony Ruddle, Guy and Caroline

Thursday 19th April Easter Feria

9.00am Mass Angus Forbes and family

Friday 20th April Easter Feria

10.00am Mass Dominic Walters RIP

3.15pm Mass in Prison Priest’s intention

Saturday 21st April Memorial of Saint Anselm, bishop and doctor

9.00am Confessions, and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

2.00pm Wedding of Shaun Martin Scott and Aisling Star Biddle

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Second Collection for the Diocesan Clergy Formation Fund

6.00pm Mass November Dead List

Sunday 22nd April Fourth Sunday of Easter

9.00am Mass Daniel Lloyd’s Intentions

Children’s Liturgy; Tea and coffee in the hall after

11.00am Mass Pro Populo (people of the parish)

Tea and coffee in the hall after

5.00pm Sung Vespers

5.45pm Reception of Arthur John Griffith’s body into church