All posts by 3 churches

The class of 2014

newsletter,

Exam results for the Class of 2014 at our Catholic High School, Corpus Christi, exceeded expectations this summer. David Cushion and Angela Thomas, previous and present acting Head Teachers, tell us that staff, parents and pupils are delighted.

While no pupil left the School without a recognised qualification, 99% gained at least 5 A* – G grades. Within them, 89% achieved at least 5 A* – C grades, including 77% with the “all important” English and Maths, and 73% including English, Maths and Science.

An unprecedented number achieved top grades in their GCSEs. 28 pupils gained at least 10 subjects at A*/A grade. One gained 11 A* – doing Music as an extra, and 6 pupils gained 10 A* grades, while 3 got 9 A* and 1 A. As mentioned, the school is particularly pleased with the 5 A* – C results that include English and Maths. These have risen again this year, from 57% in 2012 and 66% in 2013 to 77% this year. A* – C grades in general also have risen from 78% to 80% to 89%. This shows fantastic progress, which the School is, of course, determined to continue.

While academic results are far from being the only matter of importance in a Catholic school like Corpus Christi, with its motto “Together we are the Body of Christ”, we are, like all schools, obliged to do the best we can for our young parishioners in the academic as much as in the spiritual or any other area. We are just as pleased when visitors to Corpus Christi comment on the good behaviour, or the warm atmosphere found there.

So well done, year of 2014! At least one pupil from the new Year 11 has told me, with a resigned look, that the bar has now been set high. Well done year of 2014, and well done Corpus Christi!

Fr Matthew

Charles Whitehead at St Brigid’s

newsletter,

Charles Whitehead is a leading figure in Catholic spirituality and teaching. A family man, who in fact was married to his wife Sue here in St Brigid’s, he has taught all over the world and is author of several books. He is highly involved in youth ministry in his own diocese of Northampton, and has served as Chairman of the International Catholic Charismatic Office in Rome, where he met with Pope St John Paul II on many occasions. Some will be familiar with him as a founder of the “Celebrate” weekends that have taken place over the last few years at Corpus Christi School.

Now we have a fantastic opportunity to hear him at greater length on Friday and Saturday 7th-8th November, when he comes to speak at an Evening Vigil and Day of Renewal at St Brigid’s.

On the Friday evening, he will speak at the monthly Vigil of Prayer organized in cooperation with the Syro-Malabar community. The evening begins with Rosary at 7pm, then Fr Matthew will celebrate Mass at 7.45 and Charles will speak afterwards. We will confirm the exact title of his talks as soon as possible.

On Saturday, we start with Mass at the usual time of 9.30am, celebrated by Fr Matthew with homily by Fr Gareth Leyshon. The day will then include two sessions with Charles, time to share in groups, and a period for prayer and ministry, ending by 4.30pm. Bring a packed lunch – tea and coffee provided.

November is sometimes a “quiet month” before the Christmas rush starts. We do not often get the chance to hear someone of such unrivalled experience and quality as Charles in parishes. So why not treat yourself to this opportunity to deepen your faith? November 8th will be the feast of All Saints of Wales – what better way to celebrate those great men and women than by together journeying further along that same path ourselves….

Fr Matthew

Christ the King bidding prayers, 28 September 2014

bidding prayers

PRAYER of the FAITHFUL 26th Sunday of the Year 2014

Note to Reader : Please PAUSE as directed and read the response through with the congregation

P. In today’s readings the Lord reminds us again that we must continue to have faith in His great love for us and so we place our petitions before Him

R Our response is: “Father in your love remember us”

R. Let us pray for God’s people throughout the world remembering especially those who live a life of fear and persecution simply because they dare to believe in Him.

PAUSE

R. We pray

Father, in Your love remember us

R. In our own parish we give thanks for the love and dedication of all those who have lead our Children’s Liturgy Programme over an amazing 30 year period. We pray for all our present and past leaders and helpers who have given their time so generously. May they and the children whom they are guiding now enjoy the special gifts of the Lord

PAUSE

R.                           We pray

Father, in Your love remember us

R. At this worrying time we pray for peace in the world thinking particularly about the huge problems in the Middle East. May those who even now, work for peace against the odds, be supported and guided by the Holy Spirit

PAUSE

R.                          We pray

Father, in Your love remember us

R. Let us ask the Lord for the peaceful repose of all the deceased of our parish remembering specially Alex Meldrum whose funeral takes place next Tuesday. In addition we ask comfort for all those whom mourn in particular Alex’s family and friends

PAUSE

R We pray

Father, in Your love remember us

R. Let us call to mind the lonely, the depressed and the sick of our community and ask the Spirit’s support for them and for those who care for them

PAUSE

R.                           We pray

Father, in Your love remember us

R We ask Mary our mother to help us to place our needs before the Lord saying……     HAIL MARY   etc

P. Eternal Father, we ask you to hear and grant our petitions through Jesus your beloved Son

AMEN