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Charles Whitehead at St Brigid’s

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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

Golden opportunities

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Guests at a Baptism are often surprised to be asked to turn around and face the back of the church at the beginning of the liturgy. We then explain that we are standing at the door of the church building, reminding us that Baptism is the door into the real Church – the People of God. Buildings come and go, but the real Church goes on, whether with buildings or not. However, as soon as Christianity became legal in the Roman Empire, and wherever it has taken root in our world, God’s people have wanted a place to gather together for the Mass, a place to come for prayer and peace, a home for the Blessed Sacrament.

And so it is that this year we celebrate 50 years of St Brigid’s Church – the building. Born of the expansion of our city in the decades after the war, and taking over from the smaller and simpler previous church, we have journeyed onwards in the beautiful Church bequeathed to us.

Anniversary Mass

We remember the years and the people today at 10.30 Mass, the anniversary of the first Mass in the church.

Jubilee Lunch

We gather at the New House, where we celebrate our shared birthday!

Church display

In the Lady Chapel to the left of the altar you will find various liturgical items from the beginning of the parish. Why not take a look?

Parish booklets

Available from today are two booklets kindly prepared for us by parishioner David Mclees. The story of the building of our church provides a fascinating insight into the life and working of the parish and diocese 50 years ago. See the discarded proposals, and spot people from those days. The second booklet captures in words the amazing story of our patron Saint Brigid of Kildare. How much do you know about her? Not much, maybe. Enquire within…

Children’s competition

We are running a competition for our younger parishioners between this weekend and the anniversary of the Blessing of the Church on 1st December. Come on and show the gifts of the young people of our own time! Pick up a folder from the back of our churches.

Lastly, many, many thanks to all of you who work in the present and for the future of all 3 of our Churches. May God bless and reward you all!

Fr Matthew