Just back from Mass...

Our Mass at Notre Dame, Leeds was a great success with good numbers and lots of very well behaved children. A little girl carried the Bambino to the altar which Father then placed on the altar for the duration of the Mass, in a similar way to that which Pope Pius XII used to do. The Bambino was placed in the crib at the end of Mass. The Mass was offered in candlelight and the congregation then placed their candles at the crib at the end of Mass. Many thanks to the University chaplain, Fr Kravos, who himself now wishes to offer Mass in the EF for us in the new year and of course to our good friend Fr. Hall, who again offered the Mass for us.

On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week (26th.-30th.December) there will be Mass at Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall at the later than usual time of 10.30a.m.

On Saturday Mass at 4.oo p.m. at Notre Dame Chapel, Leeds University Chaplaincy, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds and at 6.00 p.m. at St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax. Both are Vigil Masses.
On New Year's Day Mass at Broughton Hall at 11.30 a.m. and at St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford at 3.00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Mass

First Mass of Christmas Saturday 24th. December 7.30 p.m. Notre Dame Chapel, University of Leeds, Catholic Chaplaincy, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds. Missa cantata.

Please note - no Masses in the 1962 Rite on Sunday

May I take this opportunity to thank everybody who has in some way done something to help us promote the Traditional Mass in this diocese over the last year - our priests, servers, singers, sacristans, door people, collectors, ironers, supporters, friends and the LMS office staff Yvonne and James.

Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year to you all.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Masses for Advent IV are as follows:

Saturday
Vigil Mass - St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax, 6.00p.m.

Sunday
St. Joseph's, Pontefract Rd. Castleford, 3.00 p.m.

Holy Spirit, Bath Road, Heckmondwike, 4.00p.m.

St. Augustine's, Harehills Road, Leeds, 5.15 p.m.

At Castleford we will welcome Father Kevin Driver who will be celebrating his first Mass at St. Joseph's.
Some of you may remember Father being a celebrant at Killingbeck before he took up his teaching post in the Republic of Ireland.
Please note the slightly later time of the Mass at St. Augustine's.

Happy Winterfest

This afternoon we finished school early. At this time I am usually in the middle of teaching an all girls year 8 group which is achieving level four/five in the National Curriculum, as was the case today. Within a few minutes of the start of the session a girl became ill after her 5th nosebleed in less than three hours and I escorted her immediately to the school nurse - large clots of blood were coming out of her nose and she was very frightened. When I returned to the classroom the girls had formed two groups and they were all crying. In twenty years of teaching this was a first. Order being restored I asked what was the matter. "It's all too much", came the general reply.
This was a group of intelligent young 12-13 year olds.

The only Muslim girl in the class brought a tin of chocolates to share out with everybody.

As the girls were leaving the classroom I overheard one girl say to another "Happy Christmas, though shouldn't I say Happy Winterfest...?"

In this context what exactly do the words 'happy' and 'winterfest' mean?

Gaudete! Advent III

Already the third Sunday of Advent is upon us.

Masses this weekend:

Saturday (Vigil) St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax. 6.00 p.m.

Sunday (Sung) St. Peter's, Leeds Road, Laisterdyke, Bradford. 3.00p.m. Mass at Our Lady's altar.

Sunday ( Low) St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Leeds, 3.00p.m.

MASS ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT NOTRE DAME, LEEDS UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINCY, ST. MARK'S AVENUE, LEEDS at 7.30 p.m. SUNG.

NO Masses on Christmas Day.

Domine dona nobis pacem!

Difficult week - Laus Deo semper

I returned to my home from London last week from the annual Requiem and Joint Rep/Committee Meeting at 11.25 p.m. I had left the Cathedral at 3.35 p.m. I enjoyed a scenic view of Lincoln Cathedral by spotlight and experienced how long it takes to locate and fit a new (working) electrically powered locomotive, met one of our semi-retired occasional celebrants at Wakefield, prepared a Power point presentation on Bloom's taxonomy in delivering modern languages in Key Stage 3 and then read three quarters of the latest copy of the Oldie magazine. At 44 I thought I might be a bit young to enjoy this publication but was reassured to read that a twenty-six year old woman is similarly engrossed. Its articles remind me of the very decent texts the Joint Matriculation Board used to offer in the Ordinary Level English Language Comprehension tests in the nineteen seventies and eighties.

The LMS meeting in London was also a bit of a let down as they had to find alternative accommodation at the last minute, which sadly curtailed the length of the meeting and reduced the time to share opinion etc. The fact that the Victoria line was also not running at all, made it even more of a bind.

On Sunday, returning from Castleford, I was delayed by fog and an accident on the M62, making us ten minutes late for the Mass at St. Augustine's in Leeds. Fr. Wiley was kind enough to wait for us.

Yesterday ( Saturday) I set off to Mass in Halifax and soon after the exhaust pipe came loose and started to scrape against the carriage way, so I had to turn back. I got up early to repair it on Sunday and spent ages faffing about until I can take it to the garage on Monday, and so we could get to Mass in Castleford.

As we passed the old Cardinal Hinsley Grammar School near Tong we again heard the dreaded clunk. More road side repairs and back home again. More messing about in fading light with old dry cleaners' twisted coathangers so as to be able to drive to the garage about a quarter of a mile away tomorrow after school.

I did manage to refrain from using any expletives (at least in English - although a couple of German and Polish words did spring to mind).

The planned teachers' strike scheduled for Wednesday puts me in an awkward position. I don't want to strike about this issue of pensions. I don't want to pay more to get less and be forced to work longer to do it. A strike at this point for me does seem to be jumping the gun. Negotiations are still under way and there is room for manoeuvre. I can also use the time to go into an empty of children school (as some of my junior colleagues have told me they will) and do those things I need to get done before Christmas to deal with admin and resources, as opposed to the teaching. Less than three weeks to the Christmas holidays and still a great deal to do.

My father is also gravely ill, please pray for him as he awaits an operation to remove a cancer infested left lung and please remember too to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory in the last days of this month of November and early days of new season of Advent.

Laus Deo semper!

And so to London...

On Saturday I shall be in London for the annual LMS Pontifical Requiem at Westminster Cathedral and for a joint meeting of the Committee and Representatives. The agenda is as dull as such things usually are but the opportunity to meet with like-minded reps and to socially share experiences and ideas about who we are, where we are and where we are going is something to which I look forward from time to time. This year is no exception.

I look forward to the discussion about the new magazine - I have received an unusual amount of comments about this and likewise the application the Pope's clarification of Summorum Pontificum in May will also be another interesting point of discussion.

Having attended this Mass on many previous occasions I am always moved most by the placing of a wreath on the tomb of a former great Bishop of Leeds - Cardinal Heenan.

This year (5th. Nov) marks the 40th. anniversary of the famous "Christie Indult" obtained by Heenan, to allow limited episcopal permission for the Mass to continue in the Rite celebrated before the Council.

Heenan and one of his successors in Leeds, Bishop Gordon Wheeler, who never refused permission for the "Tridentine Mass", are two greats of the Traditional movement in this country. I always feel proud on this occasion to represent our diocese.

No Mass at Halifax on Saturday

As Monsignor Smith will be away on Saturday and it has proved impossible to find a substitute celebrant I am sorry to report that there will be no Vigil Mass at St. Mary's, Halifax.

There are however 3 Masses on Sunday:

3.00p.m. St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.
4.00p.m. Holy Spirit, Bath Road, Heckmondwike .
5.00p.m. St. Augustine's, Harehills Road, Leeds.

Many thanks to Fr. John Newman of St. Joseph's, Pakington Street, Bradford who welcomed us on Sunday for our Requiem for the war dead in the beautiful chapel of our Lady of Bradford, where the sacristan informed me that the Novus ordo Mass is offered daily ad orientem.
The statue is from St. Mary's church in Bradford ( now sadly closed down) and looks far better in its new home than it did when it was in the now defunct church.

Requiems for our war dead

One of my paternal great-grandfathers fell near Ypres many years ago in 1916 0r 1917. He left a widow and four or five little children, one of which was my grandmother. I've visited the grave at the Tyne Cote cemetery many times and I never fail to be deeply moved by what I experience there. The new Tyne Cote Memorial Centre with links to Leeds City Council , opened by Her Majesty the Queen, is very simply simple and reminds me of my visits to Dachau and Buchenwald Concentration Camps.

This weekend there are Requiem Masses at:

Halifax - St. Mary's, Gibbet Street at 6.00p.m.

Bradford - ST. JOSEPH'S (and NOT St, Peter's) Pakington Street, Manchester Road ( near Lidl Supermarket) at the slightly later time of 3.30p.m. Missa Cantata.

Catleford - St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road at 3.00p.m.

Please remember the Holy Souls in Purgatory this month.

Masses this Sunday and a word about next week

Sunday

Missa cantata, Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall near Skipton, 11.30 a.m.

Low Mass, St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford, 3.00 p.m.

Holy Mass, Holy Spirit, Bath Road, Heckmondwike, 4.00 p.m.

Due to essential building maintenance at St. Peter's next week the Mass has been transferred to St. Joseph's, Pakington Street and will be at the slightly later time of 3.30p.m. This will be the annual Requiem for the war dead. It will be a Missa cantata and offered in the chapel of Our Lady of Bradford. Many thanks to Fr. Newman for so readily welcoming us again.

Apologies to Fr. Abberton. I only learned about his Mass on the feast of All souls after the event. I am doubly annoyed because I was unable to attend any Mass on that day. Mass at Holy Spirit at 4.00 p.m. tomorrow.

All Saints & All Souls

For Masses this weekend please see the previous post.

For the Feast of All Saints on Tuesday;

Monday, 31st. October, 7.30 p.m. Vigil Mass, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Harrogate Road, Moortown, Leeds.
Tuesday, 1st. November, 11.30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall, near Skipton.

For All Souls on Wednesday, 2nd. November 11.30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall, near Skipton. (and not at the usual 9.30 a.m.)

Today I attended a co-ordination meeting with Fr. Wiley, the Co-ordinator for the Extraordinary Form in Leeds, after Mass to discuss future provision.
One discussion issue was the poor attendance at some of the Masses we already have and how we can best use and if necessary re-direct the resources at our disposal. Two priests have recently put themselves forward, one to learn the Mass and the other to offer the Mass regularly. Our next meeting in the Spring will see decisions being made. As we have no evening Mass on All Saints Fr. Wiley readily agreed to offering a Vigil Mass on Monday at 7.30 p.m.

Many thanks to Fr. Parfitt for Tuesday's Mass at Bewerley. An hitherto grey day again brightened as the schola sang the Mass for the feast of St. John of Beverley. Another great Yorkshire Saint is St. Robert of Newminster who was born in Gargrave - which is part of Fr. Parfitt's own parish today. Masses at Broughton on Tuesday and Wednesday at 11.30 a.m.

Please remember the November Indulgence for the Holy Souls. A great act of charity.

Masses this weekend - CHRIST THE KING

Masses for the Feast of Christ the King this weekend are as follows:

Saturday 4.00p.m. Notre Dame Chapel, Leeds University Chaplaincy, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds.

Saturday 6.00p.m. St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax.

Sunday 3.00p.m. St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.

Half term

This week our school was given an inspection. It has been a tiring week. It has been a tiring first half term back. It is now half term. My German lesson, on expressing opinions, to a year 7 class was deemed outstanding by a severe looking inspector. I realised my confidence had finally been restored when I heard this after having worried about it before my 3 month recuperation came to its gradual conclusion a month ago.

Next week is a rest planned and I am looking forward to hearing a sung Mass again at Bewerley Grange Chapel, at Pateley Bridge on Tuesday 25th. October at 11.30 a.m.

Our celebrant will be Fr. Parfitt and the schola will sing.

For this Sunday- Pentecost XX;

Saturday 6.00p.m. (Vigil) St. Mary's, Gibbett Street, Halifax.

Sunday 3.00p.m. Missa cantata, St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.

So now you know...

Event: Sacred Circle Dance Weekend

Date: 04/11/2011

Venue:

The Briery Retreat Centre, 38 Victoria Avenue, Ilkley, LS29 9BW briery@btconnect.com

Contact: The Administrator

...

Led by Sylvia Williment. Friday 6pm until Sunday after lunch.

Source: forthcoming events section of the Diocesan website.

Busy weekend

This afternoon we have our first retreat in years - please see previous post. We then have four Sunday Masses.

Saturday - Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall, Skipton Low Mass for the feast of St. Teresa, 9.30 a.m.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Harrogate Rd. Leeds, Sung Mass -St. Teresa, c. 3.00 p.m.

St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax (Vigil) Pentecost XVII

Sunday St. Joseph's, Pontefract Rd. Castleford, 3.00 p.m.

Holy Spirit, Bath Road, Pontefract, 4.00p.m.

St. Augustine's, Harehills Road, Leeds, 5.00p.m.

Please give your support to any of our initiatives. It's always nice to see new faces.

REMINDER

On Saturday we have our October afternoon of recollection from 1.30 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Harrogate Road, Leeds. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, a talk on the Rosary and Benediction. After a break there will be a talk on the spirituality of the Mass followed by a Missa Cantata for the Feast of St. Teresa.

It would be lovely to see good numbers attending - so please do something extra for Our Lord and Our Lady in this month traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary.

We hope to finish at around 4.00 p.m.

Thanks to Revv. Abberton, Hall and Wiley for making this possible.

Pentecost XVII

Masses this weekend:

Saturday (Vigil Mass) St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax. 6.00 p.m.

Sunday (Missa cantata) St. Peter's, Leeds Road, Bradford. 3.00 p.m.

St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford. 3.00 p.m.

PLEASE REMEMBER OUR AFTERNOON OF RECOLLECTION NEXT SATURDAY - see previous post.

Afternoon of prayer and recollection for October

Last year I was inspired by a day of recollection at St. Joseph's in Gateshead, organised by my friend Mr. David O'Neill, the LMS rep for Hexham and Newcastle. This was given by a Priest of the FSSP and was followed by a solemn Mass.

On October 15th we are to have our own Afternoon of Recollection. There will be a sung Mass for the feast of St. Teresa, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary and an opportunity for confession.

There will be two spiritual talks;

Fr. John Abberton will speak about the Holy Rosary and Fr. Michael Hall will speak about the spirituality of the EF Mass.

Both these men are powerful speakers.

Please use this opportunity to put yourself out to do something extra in this special month dedicated to the Holy Rosary.

We will start at 1.30 p.m. and finish at about 4.30 p.m.

The venue will be the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Harrogate Road, Moortown, Leeds.

Thanks to Father Wiley the Parish Priest, who is the diocesan co-ordinator for the EF Rite of Mass whose help and support has been invaluable in this initiative.

By the way - Mr. O'Neill has arranged another High Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle on Saturday 5th. November at 10.00 a.m. if you are in the area.

Feasts of the Holy Rosary and St. Bridget

Holy Mass for the Feast of the Holy Rosary at Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall near Skipton on Friday 7th. October at 9.30 a.m.

Also on Saturday at 9.30 a.m. for the Feast of St. Bridget.

Updated schedule

Unfortunately we have decided to suspend all Masses at Batley during the week and Wednesday saw the last Mass there. This means that there are no EF Masses there now.

The third Saturday Mass at Batley has been superseded by two Sunday Masses at Heckmondwike, Holy Spirit in Bath Road. These are at 4.00p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month. I shall ask Mr. Grady of the Diocesan Catholic Post to publish the new schedule in the next edition of the paper.

Masses this weekend:

Saturday (Vigil Mass) St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax, 6.00 p.m.

Sunday Missa cantata, Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall near Skipton, 11.30 a.m.

Low Mass, St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford, 3.00 p.m.

Holy Mass, Holy Spirit, Bath Road, Heckmondwike, 4.00 p.m.

Looking ahead

Saturday 15th. October, 1.30 - 4.30 p.m. An afternoon of prayer and reflection on the spirituality of the Extraordinary Form of Mass and the Rosary. Missa Cantata, Rosary, Benediction and opportunity for confession.

Immaculate Heart of Mary church, Harrogate Road, Moortown, Leeds.

Reminders to follow!

Pentecost XV

Mass for the 15th Sunday of Pentecost will be a Missa Cantata at St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford at 3.00p.m.

This weekend's Masses

Sun 18th September FOURTEENTH SUNDAY after PENTECOST II Cl G
Gl Cr Pr of the Holy Trinity.

Saturday St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax. 6.00p.m. Vigil

Sunday St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford. 3.oop.m. Low Mass.

No Masses at Leeds St. Augustine's, (annual holiday), Batley (now discontinued) or Heckmondwike (clerical retreat).

No Mass at York.

Preparations for an October afternoon retreat are now well underway...watch this space!

Pentecost XIII

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY after PENTECOST II Cl G
Gl Cr Pr of the Holy Trinity

This weekend, Masses for the thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost will be as follows:

Saturday (Vigil) 10th. September: St Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax - 6.00 p.m.

Sunday Missa cantata 11th. September: St. Peter's, Leeds Road, Laisterdyke, Bradford - 3.00 p.m.

Sunday Low Mass 11th. September: St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford - 3.00 p.m.

Numbers were down last month at Bradford on account of the holidays - please do all you can to attend. One of our schola members has moved to Turin for a year so if you feel in fine voice please come and support our singers!

News from Hallam Diocese:

SHEFFIELD SUNG REQUIEM. Solemn Requiem Mass with Absolutions at the Catafalque, Friday 30 September 2011, at 7.30pm. Celebrant: Rev. Fr A Tomlinson, STL. St Theresa's Church, Prince of Wales Road, Sheffield. Music provided by the Eckington Singers inc. Faure Requiem and traditional motets. For more information, please contact0114 2332801 or email: failte.sheff@googlemail.com

Also

NEW SHEFFIELD VENUE for Mass. From Saturday, 10 September, because of the temporary closure of Sheffield cathedral for renovation work, the regular monthly monthly EF Mass will take place in the Cathedral Hall, Norfolk Row, SHEFFIELD S1 2JB. Masses start at 10am and take place on the second Saturday of the month.

Thanks to my colleague Mr. Fitzpatrick for this.

NB No Mass at York this week.

Holiday over. Restored to health. Deo gratias!

I am now ready to back to school on Monday, but with a staggered return for the next four weeks. The last three months have seen some hair-raising moments for me with administration of extreme unction in a most extreme moment, a dose of double pneumonia and two cracked ribs following a fall. My biggest fear was the onset of a fit a depression which I experienced after having acute kidney failure and blood poisoning about 9 years ago, brought on by a scratch I received in Rome. So far so good.

Apologies for a degree of laxity in posting and general activity over recent weeks as my recovery and building up my confidence has been my priority and I have been able to spend extended periods of silence before the Blessed Sacrament and literally passing the strains of life over to Him. A trip to Turin and other sites of pilgrimage in Europe held special significance for me over the last month. This said the chapel at Harrogate hospital,by no means a Catholic one, has an atmosphere which was incredibly conducive to prayer and a deeper understanding for God's will for us. The omnipresence of God is never stifling.

There is quite a bit of activity planned over the next few weeks, irons are in the fire for several projects for which I shall provide notice on this blog.

Masses this weekend

Sun 4 TWELTH SUNDAY after PENTECOST II Cl G

Gl Cr Pr of the Holy Trinity

Saturday 6.00 p.m. St. Mary's Halifax.

Sunday Missa Cantata 11.30 a.m. Sacred Heart Broughton Hall, near Skipton.

Sunday Low Mass, 3.00 p.m. St. Joseph's, Ponterfract Road, Castleford.

NB. No Mass at Heckmondwike - as Father is in Rome.

The Assumption - Masses

Holy Mass for the Feast of the Assumption was offered by Mgr. Smith tonight at St. Mary's in Halifax. Over forty people attended.

Masses tomorrow (Sunday), both at 3.00p.m. are at St. Peter's, Leeds Road, Laisterdyke, Bradford, this will be a Missa Cantata and at St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.

On Monday (sadly no longer a day of obligation) there will be Mass at Broughton Hall at 9.30 a.m. and in the evening at 7.30 p.m. at the Wakefield Chantry Chapel in Wakefield there will be a Missa Cantata. Due to health and safety regulations this is a ticket only event. Please let me know if you would like a ticket as I still have some left.

Happy feastday!

Masses on Sunday 7th. August. Pentecost VIII.

Thanks to Fr. Parfitt for covering for Mgr. Smith at Halifax this evening. Monsignor will be back next week. In your prayers I would ask you to remember Tony, the bell-ringer and caretaker at St. Mary's who is gravely ill.
Tomorrow there are three Masses in the EF;

11.30 a.m. Broughton Hall, Skipton. Missa Cantata.
3.00 p.m. St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.
4.00 p.m. Holy Spirit, Bath Road, Heckmondwike.

There is no EF Mass in York tomorrow.

Please do not contact me by telephone until next Saturday as I shall be away - I should be able to access my e-mail however.

Sunday 31 July Mass and news

Mass for the seventh Sunday of Pentecost will be at St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford at 3.00 p.m.

The Vigil Mass at Halifax last evening was well attended and Fr. Hall's sermon on Hell following his sermon last week on Heaven was again very well received. Thanks to Fr. Hall who has covered for Mgr. Smith. Next week we look forward to welcoming Fr. Parfitt at Halifax before Mgr Smith returns from his holiday.

I was delighted to see that my predecessor as rep, Damian Mc Caughan, was recently ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in his native Northern Ireland and is looking very well on it! Ad multos annos, Fr. McCaughan!

Belated congratulations also to Fr. Matthew McCarthy FSSP who was also ordained earlier this summer. I first met (Fr.) Matthew when I went to Manchester University and we were in the same hall of residence. I was delighted when he was accepted by the FSSP as a candidate for the Priesthood and moreso when I learned of his ordination.
Both newly ordained priests have offered Mass at St. Catherine's near Wigan and due to my ill-health I have been extremely sorry to miss both events. A recent fall left me with bruised ribs and has reduced my capacity to walk at a reasonable speed once again.

Preparations are well under way for our Mass at Wakefield chantry chapel on the feast of the Assumption at 7.30p.m. Please ask/contact me for a ticket. I have been given 20 to distribute. Our last Mass there, which was also sung by St. Austin's choir and the Leeds "schola greg", in December was very well attended and that was at the end of December - when the clergy had to vest in the flickering flame of two tiny votive candles in the tiny underground vestry. Parking is free, safe and plentiful. Fr. Hall, a native of Wakefield, is looking forward to offering the Mass.

Missa Cantata

I was fortunate enough to be taken to Barnard Castle for the annual Founders Day Requiem and Absolutions at St. Mary's (pictured left). Fr. Elkin, the PP, who never seems to age (he's always looked like a senior to me) was the celebrant. At the garden party afterwards I was delighted to make the acquaintance of a lovely young couple who are to marry there in a few weeks and another chap who attended the LMS server training day at English Martyrs in York. The Mass was sung to a very soothing polyphonic setting with plainchant Dies Irae. I was very grateful to be taken to Barnard Castle and back in time for Mass at Halifax, by Mr. Burton who is one of our regular singers.

The Mass at Halifax was offered by Fr. Hall, who will be our celebrant again next week. Fr. Parfitt is to offer the Vigil Mass there on the first Saturday of August.

Mass on this Sunday will be a sung Mass (Pentecost VI) and is at 3.00 p.m. at St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.

Next Saturday there are to be two Vigil Masses; 4.00 p.m. Notre Dame Chapel, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds and 6.00 p.m. at St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax.

No morning Masses at Batley until Monday 5th. September (6.45 a.m.)

MASS ON SUNDAY 17th JULY

PLEASE NOTE that the only Extraordinary Form Mass on Sunday will be at Castleford St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road at 3.00p.m. (No Masses at Heckmondwike or Leeds St. Augustine's.)
Due to clergy holidays there will be no Mass at St. Augustine's in August or September.

MASS AT MARKENFIELD HALL

Missa cantata at Markenfield Hall, a remarkably well preserved medieval moated manor house between Ripon and Harrogate on Tuesday 12th. July at 7.00 p.m.

Thanks to Lady Curteis, Fr. Parfitt and the Leeds Schola Gregoriana for making this possible.

Congratulations and thanks

I was recently delighted to learn that Father David Smith, Parish Priest of St. Mary's, Halifax was made a prelate of honour of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul - the 60th anniversary of Priesthood of the supreme Pontiff and who henceforth will be referred to as Monsignor Smith. Monsignor has been a very good friend to the LMS for as long as I care to remember and is a regular weekly celebrant.

On the ecumenical front I was able to enjoy a very pleasant evening with a good friend of mine last week when I was introduced to a (non German speaking !) Lutheran Pastor who had come by a red cope from a Catholic monastery and because we didn't possess one was happy to donate it to us. At the same time I was able to visit St. Luke's Lutheran Cathedral in Headingley, Leeds - the smallest cathedral in England- a place where our own Bishop Roche has also prayed. Thanks to Pastor Mark for his kindness and generosity of spirit.

Please remember that the Mass at Bradford at St. Peter's has been cancelled.
Mass at Castleford, St. Joseph's at 3.00p.m. and at Holy Name, Manchester at 4.00p.m. In York at 6.00p.m. there will be Mass at 6.00p.m.

Jesus, Hope of all who trust in Thee, have mercy on us!
Mary, Immaculate Queen and Mother, Pray for us!
St. Joseph, Pray for us!

PLEASE NOTE

There will be no traditional Mass at St. Peter's, Bradford on Sunday (July 10th) as this would clash with the annual parish Garden Party. Normal routine resumes next month. Let us hope they have good weather. Reminder that there is a Vigil Mass at St. Mary's, Halifax on Saturday at 6.00 p.m. and on Sunday at St. Joseph's, Castleford at 3.00p.m.

On the first and third Sundays of the month Mass will now be offered at Holy Spirit, Bath Road, Heckmondwike at 4.00p.m. and as such the vigil Masses at St. Mary of the Angels, Batley on third Saturdays will now cease, as will the Friday Masses at Holy Spirit. Thanks to Fr. Abberton for the extra Sunday Masses.

A trio of wonderful feasts

Monday is the feast of our Lady of Perpetual Succour - the patroness of the the Diocese of Leeds:

Masses at Batley 6.45 a.m. and at Broughton at 9.30 a.m.

Wednesday is a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION for the Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul.

Masses at Batley at 6.45 a.m. and at Broughton at 11.30 a.m.

Friday - the First Friday of the month is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Mass at Broughton at 10.00 a.m.

REMINDER

High Mass and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament followed by Benediction.
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, HARROGATE ROAD, MOORTOWN, LEEDS at 2.00p.m. SATURDAY 25th. JUNE.
Confessions available.

The Rudgate Singers are 15 years old

Saturday 18th. June sees a sung Mass in Middlesbrough Diocese at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Green Lane, Newby, Scarborough at 3.00p.m. In addition to the Gregorian propers the ordinary will be Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli with motets by Aichinger and Tallis.

This Mass is in celebration of the fifteen years the group has been in existence. I well remember the first Mass they sang at Scarthingwell and they have always delighted me since on the many occasions I have heard them.

I am fortunate to be able to attend tomorrow's Mass as one of the singers has offered me and my eldest son a lift to Scarborough for the occasion.

Apologies for tardiness advertising this Mass.

37 years ago

Today is the 37th. anniversary of my own First Holy Communion at St. John the Evangelist Church, Bradford. The Parish Priest was Fr. Reginald Bessler who is still alive and is a retired priest of the Hallam Diocese and in his 62nd. year of Priesthood. Father's preparation for First Confession and his analogy of a dirty white T-shirt has remained with me all these years and one which I used when preparing my own children for the Sacrament.

Corpus Christi - A first for Leeds in many years

Saturday June 25th. 2.00p.m. SOLEMN HIGH MASS followed by procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Harrogate Rd. Moortown, Leeds.

Confessions available.

The Leeds Schola Gregoriana and the choir of St. Austin's, Wakefield, will sing at the Mass.

Thanks to Frs. D. Smith, M. Hall and T. Wiley (PP) for their readiness to be sacred ministers at the Mass.

Please do all you can to support this event.

First Holy Communion Mass in Bradford

On Sunday - Pentecost - the Birthday of the Church a little girl will receive our Blessed Lord for the first time as she makes her first Holy Communion. This will be at a Missa Cantata at St. Peter's, Leeds Road, Laisterdyke at 3.00p.m.

It would be lovely to see a good turnout to celebrate this very special occasion.

Other Masses this weekend:

Vigil Mass - Saturday 6.00p.m. St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax.

Low Mass - Sunday 3.00p.m. St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.

Thanks again for all the good wishes and prayers I have received since my second spell in hospital. My tests earlier this week showed no evidence of cancer, thanks be to God, but I am still feeling very weak and breathless.

More prayers please

Having proudly announced I'd be getting back to normal in my last posting I found myself being taken to hospital again the very next day after visiting my GP who immediately rang 999 suspecting I had a clot on my left lung. After six days in hospital I have now been released with pneumonia and a bag of antibiotics and painkilling tablets.

I do feel lousy and would be glad of any prayers.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, pray for us.

PLEASE NOTE

Due to reasons beyond anybody's control, including my own temporary infirmity there will be no Saturday Masses at Batley either this Saturday or next month.

I am feeling a little stronger now and hope to resume more regular posting in a day or two.

Thanks again for cards and prayers received.

Back in the land of the living

I have just returned from Mass at St. Joseph's, Castleford, which was a sung Mass. I had been looking forward to this like I look forward to my summer holidays! I was not disappointed. To witness the action of the Mass unfolding again before my eyes was as exciting as it was moving. I felt ten years younger by the end of Mass as I laid my fears, anxieties, sorrows and joys at the feet of the Lord and thanked Him from the depth of my nothingness for my deliverence and strength in the face of the recent crosses I had been given to carry.

Hair raising days

Following my last posting I went to a hotel in central Harrogate on Wednesday morning for an examiners' moderation meeting where upon arrival I promptly collapsed in the underground carpark with the most excruciating abdominal pain. After an operation to remove various bits and pieces, including the remainder of my appendix and eight nights in Harrogate hospital I was released this afternoon.
I should like to thank Fr. Wiley for administering Extreme Unction and for bringing the Blessed Sacrament to me and to the many other good people who have prayed for me and had Masses offered.
Mass will be offered for your intentions.
Glad to be home, I am still very weak and now have to work on building up my strength and confidence.

Prayer please

Please say a little prayer for me as I have been suffering with a terrible stomach cramp since Thursday and I am now beginning to feel frustrated and more worryingly thoroughly dejected and dare I say tearful.

Splendid occasion

Mass at St. Peter's, Bradford, yesterday was a splendid occasion. The Missa cantata was followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and the Litany of Loreto. To say that there were nearly a dozen children present, one could have heard a pin drop from the Vidi aquam to the final hymn.

Fr. Parfitt has asked me to remind readers that there will be a Missa cantata at Bewerley Grange chapel, Pateley Bridge on Tuesday 31st. May at 11.30p.m. for the Queenship of of our Blessed Lady.
If you are in the vicinity or are free that day, please do all you can to join us.

Weekend Masses

Saturday Vigil, St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax. 6.00p.m.
Sunday - Missa Cantata, St. Peter's, Leeds Road, Laisterdyke, Bradford. 3.00p.m.
Sunday, St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford. 3.00p.m.

3 years of blogging

This week sees the third year of this blog's existence. I just reread my original post back on May 6th. 2008. At that time there were 18 monthly Masses advertised as regular. Today there are at least 50 regular Masses per month and this blog now receives over a thousand visits per month.
Progress?

May - month of our Blessed Lady

At Broughton Hall this morning we had it all ; Missa cantata, beautifully sung by the schola, a sermon which mentioned Faith (the Epistle and Gospel), the Divine Mercy, the Beatification of Blessed John Paul II and the month of May and Paschaltide.

The triumphant hymns of the glory and joy of the Resurrection gave way at the end to the joyful strains of Regina Caeli followed by Caswell's This is the Image of the Queen.

I mention this now as the month traditionally set aside in honour of our Blessed Lady will conclude with Missa cantata at Bewerley Grange chapel, Pateley Bridge on Tuesday 31st. May at 11.30a.m. The Feast being the Queenship of Mary.

After Mass we had a refreshing glass of champagne to celebrate the beatification of Pope JP2 at our Polish friends' before going over to Castleford for the 3.00p.m. Mass where I got an easter egg. My first in absolute ages.

Blessed John Paul II, pray for us!

Blessed John Henry Newman, pray for us!

Our Lady, Queen of heaven, pray for us!

Walk for LIFE

The wonderful people at Leeds People for Life are holding a pro-life walk next Sunday in York, following a path we followed in our recent pilgrimage. The Mass advertised below is in the Ordinary Form. Mass in the EF will be at 6.30p.m. at English Martyrs. "...a great prayer for Life is urgently needed..." is a quote from the newly beatified Blessed John Paul II's Evangelium Vitae in which he coined the term "the culture of death". Seven million abortions is a lot of innocent blood. Of all the many people I know, those who at some point have deliberately ended their pregnancies, have lost something so profound that they have never been the same again and regardless of their creed or colour, background or status they have been deeply affected by it if not traumatised.

My own pro-life prayers invariably include any woman who wants to keep her baby but is under pressure to get rid of it and for those suffering from the after effects of an abortion and that we as a nation will open our eyes to what our society permits....and possibly more sinisterly forbids under the dubious term 'human rights'.

Of all the Bishops' mottos I have seen, my favourite one was that of Bishop John Crowley the former Bishop of Middlesbrough. It was "Choose Life", from St. John's Gospel.

Leeds People For Life
An Apostolate of prayer and reparation for the growth of a ‘Civilization of love’,
“...a great prayer for Life is urgently needed..” Evangelium Vitae.

YORK
SUNDAY MAY 8TH 2011

100 CROSSES FOR LIFE WALK

With Our Lady of Guadalupe and the English Martyrs, praying to end the ‘culture of death’ and reclaiming England as ‘Mary’s Dowry’ (over 7 million babies have been killed in 43 years of abortion in England, Scotland and Wales.)

Assemble at West door precinct of York Minster 1.15p.m. for 1.30p.m.,
(Eucharistic Adoration 12-15a.m. to 1-15p.m. in St Wilfrid’s)

Procession and prayers at Margaret Clitherow Plaque, Ousebridge, veneration of her relic at the Bar Convent, prayers at the Knavesmire, Holy Mass at English Martyrs’ Church, Dalton Terrace.YO24 4DA
Total distance approx.2 miles.

Both St Wilfrid’s, Petersgate (near the Minster) and English Martyrs are open for prayer all day.
Coach from Leeds
St Mary’s, Horsforth, 10.00a.m. Leeds Playhouse 10-15a.m.

St Augustine’s, Harehills 10.25 a.m., and St Theresa’s, Crossgates 10.35a.m. Cost £8.


Further details Pat. 0113 2582745. Mob 07747698553
Email patriciamarysammon@btinternet.com

Totus tuus

Blessed John Paul II. Pray for us!

Juventutem Retreat at Douai Abbey in September Announced - Bookings Being Taken - Limited Places

I have been requested to announce the following - which I am happy to do. Pity I'm too old to attend even with my youthful good looks!

During the weekend of the 9-11 September 2011, Young Catholic Adults (YCA), the national affiliate organisation for England and Wales of the international Juventutem movement, will be running a retreat at Douai Abbey near Reading in Berkshire. It will be led by Juventutem Ecclesiastical Assistant Fr de Malleray . The weekend will be full-board.

* YCA will have half of the retreat centre to itself
* There will be a Marian Procession, Rosaries, Sung Mass, Low Mass, Confession and socials
* Fr. de Malleray FSSP head of Juventutem will preach the retreat, Masses will be in the Extraordinary Form

Prices range from £5 to £51 per person per night . There are 3 options:

THE MAIN GUEST HOUSE

Friday, 9 September, registration from 4pm, to Sunday, 11 September (full board)* or Arrive Saturday morning till Sunday or day only

£51 full-board PER PERSON PER NIGHT
£25 for students/low waged/unwaged (or whatever you can afford) PER PERSON PER NIGHT

THE COTTAGES

£35 PER PERSON PER NIGHT (full board).
Self catering £25 per person per night (reductions for students:- or whatever you can afford).

SELF CATERING CAMPING

£5 PER PERSON PER NIGHT (or whatever you can afford - please bring your own tent and food ).

If you would like lunch on Sunday, 11 September, then it will be an extra £7 each.

HOW TO BOOK - limited places so please reserve your place early!

To reserve your place FOR THE WEEKEND (no deposit needed if you are coming for the day on Saturday), please contact the Guestmaster direct and send a £20 deposit (NON RETURNABLE) to:

Brother Christopher Greener OSB,
Douai Abbey,
Upper Woolhampton,
Reading,
Berks RG7 5TQ

(please make any cheques payable to 'Douai Abbey'). Please also mention how long you wish to stay and any special dietary requirements.

For general enquiries about the weekend, or any queries about the accommodation/location/lifts required, please ring Damian Barker on 07908 105787 or 01452 539503.

Back to normal

I went to Notre Dame chapel this afternoon to tidy everything up and retrieve the vestments and paraphernalia which we had left there on Saturday. The Chaplain Fr. Kravos had already done everything leaving our things neatly packed to take away and made me feel quite guilty. Today the water blessed there on Saturday was used for a Baptism.

One of the many positive outcomes of our Triduum was that I was able to organise another Traditional Mass at Wakefield's ancient chantry chapel, where Fr. Smith sang a Mass of Requiem to mark the Battle of Wakefield back in December. This time Fr. Hall will sing Mass for the Feast of the Assumption at 7.30p.m. on Monday 15th. August.

Missa in albis, Quasimodo, Low Sunday

Saturday

Vigils

Mass at Notre Dame Chapel again on Saturday at 4.00p.m.

Mass at St. Mary's, Gibbet Street Halifax again on Saturday at 6.00p.m.

Sunday;

Missa Cantata, Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall, near Skipton at 11.30a.m.

Low Mass, St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford at 3.00p.m.

I now have to prepare and deliver two revision sessions for my year 9 GCSE classes and year 11 high flyers this week.

Time for a pint

Our sung Mass at Castleford this afternoon was sung beautifully by Mike Murphy, John Burton and a woman student from Leeds University.

Our celebrant, Fr. Wiley and servers were all in great mood and Canon Durcan was even more cheerful than usual, possibly because he is front page news in the latest edition of the Catholic Post.

After a large family dinner a few of us went to the pub (almost unheard of in this house) and had a few pints of excellent beers from all over Europe.

Happy Easter!

Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia

Jesus Christ the Lord is Risen! Alleluia

Happy Easter and may I wish you and yours true peace and joy at this glorious time.

Our Sacred Triduum at Notre Dame chapel is now over.

Tonight was a spectacular denouement to the divine tragedy we witnessed yesterday and on Holy Thursday.

For utterly practical reasons the liturgy began just after 7.30p.m. Instead of the fire being on a stand or in a brazier it was lit in the road before the chapel door and was so hot that the five pieces of charcoal put on the edge were already crumbling ash by the time it came to put them into the empty thurible. Hence the thurible being filled with coals and red hot kindling wood. Given this and the stunning boldness of the Paschal Candle and the very dark chapel illuminated initially by only the flame of that candle made for a dramatic and striking entry from the fading light of the evening and into the darkness of the chapel to light. The Light.

Lumen Christi!

Deo gratias!

The end of the third reading of the Vigil refers to protection from the rain and again protected we were because not a drop fell on us.

Thanks to our energetic and devoted celebrant, Fr. Hall, our choir, Messrs Forbester and Burton, our servers, Messrs O'Dowd (who carried out his role as MC at Mass for the first time), Janko and the Walker brothers who between them have acted in a variety of roles ranging from thurifers to book boys.

Please remember that there will be a Missa cantata on Easter Sunday at 3.00p.m. at St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.

Consummatum est. Et inclinato capite tradidit spiritum

Once again we recalled the disgraceful horrors of the Passion and death of our Blessed Lord at the Sacred Liturgy according to St. John the Evangelist this afternoon on what was a gloriously sunny day, enabling us to hold our very dignified service in natural light, fittingly subdued in the sanctuary by the blue of the stunning windows. The contrast between the altar of repose last night and its appearance today was stark and dramatic.

There were many new faces today and I hope that even more people will join us for the Vigil tomorrow where the death and shocking events we recalled today will become instantly less painful as we celebrate creation, new life and the Resurrection of Christ, which takes us out of eternal darkness and illuminates us with His light, giving us the chance to win eternal happiness with Him. If this were guaranteed He would not have spent years in His public ministry teaching us the Way to to the Father and issuing stark warnings at times about the consequences of our actions. Consummatum est.

Vigil at 7.30p.m. Notre Dame Chapel, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds. which I look forward to writing about tomorrow with some pictures.

Easter Sunday; St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford. Missa Cantata.

Good Friday

About thirty five people came to the Mass of the Lord's Supper this evening and I hope that for the Good Friday Liturgy there will be even more people present. Fr. Kravos was present in choro this evening and two singers and five servers managed to make the celebration a dignified occasion. Fr. Hall, the celebrant, preached a very well constructed and thought provoking sermon.

Good Friday Liturgy at 3.00p.m. Notre Dame chapel, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds. As tomorrow the weather promises to be good it will be an opportunity to look at the incredibly impressive windows by Harry Clarke which depict the Litany of Loreto (pictured in the sidebar of this blogsite).

Holy Thursday... faciamus musicam

It is now Holy Thursday and as such sees the start of the Sacred Triduum this evening at Notre Dame Chapel, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds at 7.30p.m. There is plenty of free parking around the chapel, but please do not park at the very top of the Avenue as 24 hour access is required.

This evening I was delighted to have received an invitation from friends to attend the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral in Leeds, where Bishop Roche blessed the holy oils and preached a sermon which touched the heart even though it was directed at the Priests and Deacons of his Diocese. He recalled a recent conversation in Rome with the Bishop of Kazakhstan who as a young boy had witnessed the execution in the street of the Priest who had just given him his First Communion (and one presumes Confession) as well as confirming him and his siblings before giving the Holy Viaticum to his dying grandmother. This lad and future Bishop realised his vocation at that moment. Years later he learned that this dead Priest had also witnessed the martyrdom of a Priest in his formative years for similar "crimes".

Martyrdom and Priesthood are linked.

As we approach Easter Sunday and the glory of the Resurrection of the Lord we have to undergo witnessing the ignominy to which Christ was subjected, by the words of the sacred texts and the divine tragedy of the liturgical action. The two words out of the entire Film "The Passion of the Christ" which I shall always remember above anything else were those spoken by the Roman henchman before scourging Christ. He gleefully said, "Faciamus musicam".

Christ is the Priest and Victim, the oblation - indeed the sinless lamb who died for the sinful sheep a Martyr for us and for our salvation. Unique and mind bending.

At the Cathedral I was able to meet a lot of friends and acquaintances, before and after the Mass, some who said they were looking forward to attending our Triduum.

Please do join us tomorrow and or on Good Friday and Easter Saturday if you are visiting, a regular or simply inquisitive.

Ad multos annos!

Happy Birthday, Holy Father!

V. Oremus pro Pontifice nostro.

R. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius. [Ps 40:3]

This weekend and HOLY WEEK Times

Hebdomada Sancta

Sun 17 PALM SUNDAY (SECOND SUNDAY of PASSIONTIDE) I Cl R & V
No Gl. Cr Pr of the Holy Cross. Procession (R) Mass (V).
Omit Asperges. Blessing of Palms and Procession before principal Mass.
No Preparatory Prayers. Passion according to S Matthew 26, 36-75;
27, 1-60. No Last Gospel. At other Masses No Judica No Gloria Patri at
the Introit & Lavabo. Last Gospel from the Blessing of Palms. If a Priest
says more than one Mass, the Gospel of S Matthew 27, 45-52 may
replace the Passion.

Vigil Saturday 16th. April. Low Mass, St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax. 6.00p.m.

Low Mass Sunday 17th. April, St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford. 3.00pm.

Low Mass Sunday 17th. April, St. Augustine's, Harehills Road, Leeds. 5.00p.m.

Holy Monday - Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall, Skipton. 9.30a.m.

Spy Wednesday- Sacred Heart, Broughton Hall, Skipton. 9.30a.m.

HOLY THURSDAY - MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

Thursday 21st. April

Notre Dame Chapel, Leeds University R.C. Chaplaincy, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds. 7.30p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY

Friday 22nd. April.

Notre Dame Chapel, Leeds University R.C. Chaplaincy, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds. 3.00p.m.

EASTER SATURDAY

(Vigil) Saturday 23rd. April

Notre Dame Chapel, Leeds University R.C. Chaplaincy, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds. 7.30p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY

Sunday 24th. April

Missa Cantata, St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford. 3.00p.m.

Many thanks to Fr. P. Kravos (who will join us in choro on Holy Thursday) for giving such prominence to the Triduum on the Leeds University RC Chaplaincy website. http://www.uilcc.org/?p=1954. The 15 visitors from that website to this blogsite caught my eye when I checked my stats this evening. I hope they join us. Thanks again to Mike Forbester and his team the Triduum will be sung. And thanks to Mike Murphy and his team, who will sing at Castleford on Easter Sunday

I shall continue to regularly update this week's events as way of a reminder in this holiest time of the year.

Masses tomorrow. Passiontide is upon us

PASSIONTIDE Tempus Quadragesimale: Passionis
All crucifixes and sacred images are veiled in violet.

Sun 10 PASSION SUNDAY (FIRST SUNDAY in PASSIONTIDE) I Cl V
No Gl Cr Pr of the Holy Cross
No Judica No Gloria Patri at the Introit & Lavabo

Sung Mass at St. Peter's, Leeds Road, Laisterdyke, Bradford. 3.00p.m.

Low Mass at St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford. 3.00p.m.

Even busier

Tonight I had a long meeting with Fr. Wiley and we reviewed where we are regarding provision of the Mass and what more can be done to promote and advertise the EF Masses and increase provision of same.

After the Triduum and Holy Week schedule our next big event will be the Solemn High Mass and procession of the Blessed Sacrament at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Moortown, Leeds for Corpus Christi. Members of the Leeds Schola Gregoriana and St. Austin's choir will sing at the Mass.

Clergy have been invited and accepted the invitation to be Sacred Ministers.

Fr. Kravos will be attending our Maundy Mass in choro and we have clergy speakers and celebrants lined up for the October day of recollection.

Busy busy

I have been reading up on the ceremony and rubrics of the Sacred Triduum. Times of Mass will be displayed shortly for Holy Week in the sidebar.

I have sorted the paschal fire, Holy Thursday vestments, the clappers, and the "umbella" as Fortescue calls it.

Tomorrow I have a co-ordination meeting with Fr. Wiley in Leeds after parents' evening. Under discussion will be our solemn High Mass and Procession for Corpus Christi and our October day of recollection on the Mass and Rosary.

I also have to contact our cantor about Sunday's Missa cantata at St. Peter's Bradford and hope to be making arrangements soon for a celebration of the First Sacraments.

Thanks to the Catholic Post...and Laetare!

I got my copy of the Leeds Diocesan "Catholic Post" tonight and was most gratified and grateful to see that the editor had inserted the correct and up to date advert including the times of the Sacred Triduum this year along with details of this blog. My sincere thanks to Mr. Grady.

Our regular Sunday/Vigil Masses attract well over a hundred "regular" people nowadays and there are always visitors and new faces; some of these are simply glad of the timing, others attend with family or friends and some are simply and rightfully inquisitive but nobody questions the fact that they are fulfilling the Sunday obligation, as was sometimes the case not so long ago.

Already this year another Priest of the Diocese has expressed his desire to learn to offer the EF Rite of Mass.

Wakefield St. Austin's choir is to join our Latin Mass schola again and sing at our Corpus Christi Solemn High Mass, Procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at Immaculate Heart, Leeds in June.

The last time they joined forces was at Wakefield Chantry chapel's sung Requiem Mass at the end of December 2010. And splendid it was too.

Work on painting the Paschal candle is now starting so as to be ready for the Vigil and news on parking around the University chaplaincy is good as there is no danger of fines and there is a lot of space. If you plan on coming, please also consider bringing friends, a family member or members and ensure your car, coach or taxi is full!

Extra servers have been recruited for the Triduum and today I selected the vestments for the Vigil Mass of Easter and for the Blessed Sacrament procession to the altar of repose after the Maundy Thursday Mass.

God bless the Pope!

From the Oxford Oratory

I do hope the Oratorians at Oxford do not mind me sharing this good news with you from earlier today.

It was announced in Rome this morning that our own Fr Anton Webb has been selected to represent the Vatican City at the London 2012 Olympics at the Pentathlon.

At a press conference in the Vatican, Archbishop Capriccio Pesce d'Aprile, Prefect of the Congregation for Sport and Physical Fitness, said, "It is true that with a population of about 800, many of whom are elderly prelates, the Vatican City is never going to win as many medals as the USA or China. But we consider it very important to show the Church's engagement with the modern world, so for the first time the Vatican has entered every Olympic event. We have had to co-opt some clergy and religious from around the world to do this, and they will be brought to Rome to train in the Vatican gardens. The self-discipline and asceticism of the religious life will certainly give them the edge over other competitors."

THe Archbishop was hopeful that the Marche Pontificale might be heard for the first time at an Olympic medal ceremony for some events: "The Swiss Guards have put together a formidable archery team, and of course the Church's expertise in the field of liturgical ceremonies will mean that our synchronised swimming team will have a grace and precision that are second to none."

The full list of Vatican competitors will be published on the Holy See's website at midday today.

This weekend

Tomorrow is the First Friday of the month.

Masses at 9.30a.m at Broughton and 7.30p.m. at Holy Spirit, Heckmondwike.

Saturday:

9.30a.m. Broughton

Sun 3 FOURTH SUNDAY in LENT (Laetare Sunday) I Cl V/ROSE
No Gl Cr Pr of Lent

Vigil Mass at 6.00p.m. St. Mary's, Gibbet Street, Halifax.

Sunday:

Missa cantata at 11.30a.m. Broughton Hall, near Skipton.

Low Mass at 3.00p.m. St. Joseph's, Pontefract Road, Castleford.

Holy Week - Triduum preparations

The end of term and Holy week are fast approaching. A generous Priest has donated the paschal candle for us to use this year - I am loathe to get a transfer to put on it, so this year our candle will be hand painted. I am inspired by the Paschal Candle 2010 at St. Peter's, Bradford which was a beautiful labour of love in vivid colours. As well as the Cross and the Alpha and the Omega, I have opted to have the Lamb of God bearing the triumphant banner of the Victory of Life over death and hence our possibility of redemption. Another Priest has given us the brass grains of incense, another has agreed to offer the entire Triduum and another has welcomed us to his chapel. I have managed to assemble a small schola and at least three other servers.

Another Priest long since gave us exclusive space to store vestments and other large amounts of liturgical paraphernalia. Over the next few weeks I shall be making visits to get things ready and probably to the dry cleaners.

I am grateful to all these good people who give so generously of their time and resources. Our patience does now and again seem to be rewarded. Nobody could but doubt what a morale booster Saturday's Pilgrimage was for those who attended in body or in spirit.

Sour grapes award must go to Patricius who comments in the first posting about the Minster Mass on the Rorate blog. http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2011/03/report-tlm-at-york-minster.html - please judge for yourself.

Working on the premise that a Pilgrimage is good for the soul I hope that readers of this blog (which saw a hundred visits yesterday) will do everything possible to alert others to the availability of the Holy Week Triduum and of course attend some or all of it.

York photos

There are many sites offering pictures of Saturday's historic Mass. I offer two below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/latinmasssociety/galleries/72157626246685473/

and

http://latinmassmiddlesbrough.blogspot.com/

A memorable and solemn occasion

Between six and seven hundred souls attended the Missa Cantata this afternoon, hundreds of which then walked in procession to English Martyrs church via the Shambles, Lower Ousegate and the Bar Convent.

During the procession one of the street buskers who plays an old piano started to play The Lord is my Shepherd to Crimmond and some other young lads who were making a real old noise with battery powered amplification fell silent as the crucifer approached and passed by until the leaders of the procession were out of earshot. Some people were less respectful as we passed by - they were clearly very unnerved by the sight.

The Minster had placed at our disposal a superb group of professionals. These people were a delight to work with.

My own personal thanks go to the lad in the yellow jacket who went ahead of the crucifer to show him the way from the Minster to English Martyrs.

Having been asked to be the MC at the Mass I remembered most things including the timings of the Gloria, tract and Sanctus but I did manage to forget my camera, so I shall post some copied pictures as they become available.

Please remember that our last Sunday of the month Mass at Castleford is now a Missa Cantata, as are the 1st Sunday of the month Masses at Broughton and the 2nd Sunday of the month Masses at Bradford.

Leeds was represented by four Priests in choro.

There were three priests from Birmingham including the PP of the Oratory, the Prior of the Leicester Dominicans and a Parish Priest from Nottingham Diocese. Fr. Maughan, the celebrant is of course a Priest of the Middlesbrough diocese.

It was great to see friends old and new and I don't think I'm speaking out of turn to say that plans are already under way for next year's Northern Pilgrimage to York.

God bless the Pope!