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| parish newsletter online |
Sunday, March 7, 2010 — THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
WEEKLY OFFERING came to: £1567.83
SPIRITUAL READING FOR LENT
At the back of each of our churches is a lending library. Please take a book home for spiritual reading during Lent.
FIVE MINUTE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
This Saturday at 6.15 pm (St Andrew’s); 10.45 am at St Anne’s before Sunday Mass and
each morning after the Mass during Lent. Pick up a leaflet as you come into church.
FAMILY FAST DAY HUNGER LUNCH RAISES £190
The Family Fast Day Hunger Lunch raised £190 which will be sent to Cafod. The lunch was held after the 12 noon Mass on Friday, February 26 in the parish hall. This is the third year that St. Andrew's has held the hunger lunch for Cafod's Family Fast Day. Pictured above are members of the parish who helped with the preparations while below Parish Priest Fr. Gubbins puts his donation in the collection bowl. MORE PICTURES
MININSTERS OF THE WORD & HOLY COMMUNION
There will be gathering of both ministries on Monday 15 March at 7.00 pm, to pray together and followed by a short meeting to look to the needs of Holy Week and Easter.
CONFIRMATION MEETING
Monday 22 March at 6.30 pm in the parish hall (upstairs) for candidates, parents and sponsors. Seven names have come in so far.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Next meeting 17 March at St Andrew’s - drop in for a cuppa and chat. More details next week.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION REGISTER
located in the sacristy to be signed and dated by each child each week who wishes to make 1st Confession/Holy Communion.
FIRST CONFESSIONS PARENTS’ MEETING
Tuesday 23 March at 6.30 pm in the parish hall. (First Confessions on Monday 29 March at 6 pm/6.30 pm, 7 pm.)
800 ATTEND PUBLIC MEETING TO SAVE PARISH SCHOOL
The public meeting called by the Office of the Schools Adjudicator almost turned into chaos on Tuesday, September 23, as red faced councillors realised that they had underestimated the support to save our parish secondary School, St. Peters Catholic College of Maths and Computing from closure.
The CLC had been booked for the meeting which seats 200 people. But with over 800 people wanting to air their views to Mr. Alan Parker, the Schools Adjudicator, a heated debate took place as he tried to get the meeting underway.
The Schools Acting Headteacher, Mrs. Pam Hanrahan, came to the rescue when she suggested to the adjudicator that the meeting be moved to St. Peter's School sportshall. The atmosphere was electric as the 800 people walked the quarter mile down Normanby Road to the school.
The hall was packed when the adjudicator finally started the meeting 45 minutes late. Councillors and council officials could only sit there with red faces as they faced criticism after criticism as parent's, grandparents, students, primary school parents and parishoners all had their say and put their case for keeping the school open.
After the meeting the Adjudicator, Mr. Alan Parker, commented that he had never seen so much support in his six years of service.
Mrs Hanrahan, would like to say a huge thank you for the magnificent support at the meeting. The outcome of the appeal should be known before the end of March.
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
The next meeting will be held in the presbytery on Wednesday 10 March at 7 pm. Agenda and minutes to be circulated.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE
The next marriage preparation takes place on Tuesday 16 March and on Saturday 20 March.
PARISH FINANCE MEETING
Tuesday 23 March at 7.15 pm in the presbytery.
BAPTISM
Congratulations to Maci Sheila Jefferson from Felixstowe being baptised during the 9.30 am Mass today and to Freddie Harland of Church Lane being baptised today at 11.30 am .
HOUSE MASSES FOR LENT
Any of the sick can request a house Mass. Let the Minister of Holy Communion know. (Mass would be about 4 pm).
PARISH EXPENDITURE
St Peter’s Church: Theft (February/July 2008). Damage from stealing lead, broken gutters came to £4,944 from which £970 had to be paid towards the cost (insurance claim).
St Gregory’s Church: Repairs to the flat roof payable for St Andrew’s parish £728.63.
JAMES COOK HOSPITAL- MINISTERS NEEDED
Message from Fr Simon Broughton, Chaplain: “I write to ask for your help. We are extremely short of ministers to help distribute Holy Communion in the hospital. If you could spare one day every two months, I would appreciate your help. Please contact me on 850113 for further details. Thank you and God Bless.”
SUPPORTING LAY MINISTRY
The next session will be held in the Cathedral Hall at 7 pm on Tuesday 16 March (not 9th as originally indicated).
GOLDEN JUBILEE OF PRIESTHOOD FOR FR PETER RYAN
Tuesday 15 June at St Peter’s Church. Preparations are beginning. In due time we will provide envelopes for his jubilee gift for those who wish to give.
COFFEE MORNING
At Eston Grange Methodist Church, Saturday 13 March, 10-12 noon. See poster.
IRENE WAS AT THE TOP OF BRIAN'S LIST
When Brian Craddy returned to Grangetown from the Army in 1957, he told his best mate that he was going to marry the girl he had just met in a grocery store. The girl was 17 year old Irene, and on February 20, 1960 he kept his word.
The couple first met in Baxter's Grocery Store, Argyle Road, Grangetown, where Irene worked and Brian helped out after returning from the army. They were engaged a year later and two years after that they were married in St. Mary's Church, Grangetown.
And 50 years to the day, Saturday, February 20, Brian and Irene once again stood in front of the Altar, this time in St. Andrew's church, Teesville, to renew their commitment to each other by once again taking their marriage vows after the 6.30 pm Mass. Deacon Pat Thomas conducted the celebration which was attended by family and friends. Afterwards Deacon Pat presented them with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the parish.
When asked about their secret for a long happy marriage Brian and Irene said that it was "respect for each other and give and take."
A family celebration followed at their home.
Pictured above are Brian and Irene Craddy with Deacon Pat Thomas after renewing their marriage vows on Saturday, February 20. Photo by Paul Terry
HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY TO AMY LUMLEY |
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| St. Andrew's parishioner, Amy Lumley celebrated her 80th birthday on Sunday, February 21 and is pictured right with a bouquet of flowers which was presented at the end of the 9.30 am Mass by Deacon Pat Thomas on behalf of the parish. Amy has been a member of the parish since the church opened in 1962. She is a member of the church cleaning team and can be regularly seen helping in the kitchen at parish functions in the church hall. Amy was accompanied to church on Sunday by members of her family and the Mass was celebrated by her son, Fr. John Lumley, in the absence of Fr. Gubbins. Photo by Paul Terry |
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HAMPER RAFFLE
Our young people will be selling tickets after Masses at St Andrew’s Church for an Easter Hamper, funds for Madrid 2011. Over the next couple of weeks they will be at St Anne’s and St Peter’s Churches.
MICK WAS THE REAL BOY FROM NEXT DOOR FOR MAL!
Forty years ago Mal Applegarth walked down the aisle to marry Mick, her boy from next door — literally. And on their Ruby wedding anniversary they once again stood on the Altar steps to pledge their love and loyalty to each other.
The couple first met when they were neighbours in Derwentwater Road, Grangetown. They were married on Saturday, January 24, 1970 in St. Peter's Church, South Bank by Fr. Joseph O'Mahony.
And on Sunday, January 24, 2010, 40 years to the day, they renewed their commitment to each other by once again taking their marriage vows at the 9.30 am Mass in St. Andrew's Church. The short ceremony was performed by Fr. Barry O'Toole from the John Paul Centre in Middlesbrough. After the ceremony they were presented with a bunch of flowers by Fr. Barry on behalf of the parish.
Mick and Mal have two sons, Lee and Andrew, who are married to Helen and Melanie, and two grandchildren.
Mick said his secret for a long and happy marriage is that "Your wife also has to be your best friend."
Our picture above shows Mick and Mal Applegarth with Fr. Barry O'Toole, daughters-in-law Helen and Melanie and their grandchildren after the Mass. (Photo by Paul Terry).
wHEN THE BOAT COMES IN!
by Paddy Mackin
On Christmas Eve I paid a visit to the Mission to Seafarers at Teesport. One young Indian lad wished to go to Midnight Mass but, as that wasn't possible, I took him and two of his crew mates to St. Andrew's. Although Mass was over and church closed, Parish Priest Canon Edmond Gubbins and Sacristan Paul Terry had no hesitation in opening the doors again for our visitors.
They were warmly welcomed in where they prayed with us before the crib and received a Christmas blessing as well as gifts.
These three young strangers were obviously very moved by the occasion and one proudly announced that he was Hindu and that we had helped him celebrate Christmas in the best possible way.
This is only one case which goes to prove how our small gestures of hospitality can have far reaching effects for good. I feel humbled and privilaged just to be a part of a world wide organisation which cares about and assists, in so many different ways, "The Stranger."
Our pictures show the sailors receiving their blessing in front of the crib (below) and with Paddy Mackin and Fr. Gubbins (bottom picture). (Photos by Paul Terry).
THIS WHITE STUFF IS 'SNOW' JOKE!
St. Andrew's Church and Parish Hall is pictured above on Friday, January 10 after the biggest snowfall Britain has seen for 30 years. The snow started to fall at 4 pm on Thursday tea time causing the cancellation of the Parish Youth Club and the Journey in Faith group. It continued to snow throughout the night and people woke up to a foot of snow on Friday morning. Three out of four parish schools were also closed on the Friday with only St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Grangetown, managing to remain open throughout the bad weather. The snow continued over the weekend with a further 4 inches falling and affecting the weekend parish Mass attendences.
| FAREWELL AND THANKS TO SISTER CECILIA | |
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| Sister Cecilia Wilkinson CP, has moved from St. Andrew's Parish on Tuesday, January 12 after seven
years of parish ministry to join the Mission/Retreat Team based at Minsteracres near Durham. For her compassion generosity, dedication, her faith and witness we salute and thank her. At the 11.0'clock Mass on Sunday, January 10, Parish Priest Fr. Edmond Gubbins presented her with a monetary gift after Communion. This was followed with a glass of wine and nibbles at the back of church. Before the presentation Fr. Gubbins told the congregation: "After major heart surgery in the summer it would have been understandable for anyone in their twilight years to say an emphatic no to a new task, but at the age of 75 Sr. Cecilia has taken on the challenge of a new role at Minsteracres and she will be very greatly missed here in the parish." Sister Cecilia said: "Many thanks for your very generous gift, for your friendship, help and support during my seven years with you. You will have a special place in my heart and prayers. May God bless you." During the summer of 2009 Sr. Cecilia had a triple heart by pass operation and spent two months recuperating at Ilkley, Leeds. On Friday, January 7, pupils and staff of St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Grangetown, presented Sister with a small gift and giant card at the Friday morning school Mass. Head Teacher, Christine Ruddy, told pupils and |
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SPREADING SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER!
Members of the parish continued to prepare for Christmas in the final days leading up to the big celebration by spreading some Christmas cheer throughout the wider community.
On Monday, December 21, four Christmas hampers were given to needy families. The hampers were donated by pupils from Sacred Heart School, Redcar and distributed by members of St. Andrew's Parish.
On Tuesday afternoon, members of the Parish Youth Band visited a care home in Eston to perform a short carol concert for residents. The band visited Astune Rise Nursing Home, Eston High Street to play and sing some traditional carols including Come all ye Faithful, Silent Night and Away in a manger. In between each carol one of the young people read a short extract from the Christmas Story. Before leaving the band, pictured below, visited the room of a 95 year old sick resident who was too ill to join the concert. They gave her a personal performance of Silent Night.
On Wednesday the children's liturgy group gathered in St. Andrew's Church to practice their live Bethlehem scene of the Nativity in the stable at Bethlehem before the First Mass of Christmas at 8 pm on Christmas Eve. Over 500 packed in to St. Andrew's Church for the Mass with people sitting in the porch, the choir loft and down the side aisles. The Mass was preceded by a Carol Service at 7.30 pm at which the children performed their nativity scene, pictured below. They gathered at the stable while the congregation sang Away in a Manger. The Mass was followed by a short celebration in the parish Hall. (Photos by Paul Terry)
CHRISTMAS MASS OF ANOINTING
A Christmas Mass of Anointing was celebrated at the Birkdale Centre, Eston on Wednesday, December 11 at 1.45 pm. 20 people attended the Mass which was organised by Sister Cecila Wilkinson. Our picture shows parishoners receiving the sacrament. MORE PICTURES
VOICES OF CHRISTMAS
18 young people took part in the Voices of Christmas at St. Andrew's Church on Monday, December 11. This was the Christmas story told from the angle of those people who witnessed the events of that very first Christmas. Young people took the parts of a shepherd, a wiseman, the Innkeeper, Herod, Joseph and Mary while some pupils from St. Margaret Clitherow's Catholic School dressed up as the characters and placed a symbol in the crib after each reading. They then formed a nativity scene while the congregation lit candles at the front. It was a very spiritual occasion for all concerned. Congratulations to our young people for all their efforts. Our picture below showing Joseph looking in wonder at Mary and Baby Jesus while watched by Kings and Shepherds.
COUNCIL CABINET VOTE TO CLOSE ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Redcar and Cleveland Council Cabinet members have voted to cease to maintain our Parish Secondary School, St. Peter’s Catholic College of Maths and Computing in South Bank at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, November 24. The decision taken will close the school in 2012 and bring to an end 67 years of Catholic Secondary Education in the Eston/South Bank corridor.
After 18 months of hard work by governors, staff, leaders of the council cabinet, parents and supporters of the school the light was finally extinguished when the council member for education, Councillor Ian Jeffrey explained that there was no where else to turn and the council can’t risk losing £90 million from Building Schools for the Future (BSF).
The decision to close St. Peter’s means that parents wanting their children to benefit from Catholic Education will have to send their children to an extended Sacred Heart School in Redcar, 6 miles away.
A member of the parish who has a child in the school told the cabinet that the school was in one of the most deprived areas in the country and she asked whether provision would be provided to transport children to school from the area. Councillors told her that any child still in the school at the time of closure will get their transport costs provided by the authority but anyone starting after the closure of the school will not be provided for.
During the process councillors considered various options to save Catholic Education in the area including the building of a brand new all through 3-16 school. This option was everybody’s preferred option which looked very favourable until they were told that the figures didn’t add up for such a school.
They then looked at operating Sacred Heart School on a split site between Redcar and Eston but this was deemed unworkable by the Governors of Sacred Heart. This left a final option of a partnership between Eston Park and St. Peter’s in the Gillbrook building but Eston Park Governors ruled out this option. So cabinet members say are left with no option but to regretfully support the closure of St. Peter’s School.
The Governors appointed Mrs Pam Hanrahan as Acting Head Teacher from January 2010.
PRAYER INTENTION BOOK
Add your intentions to the book each week. Sister Anne will pray for them before the Blessed Sacrament.
CULTURE OF VOCATIONS - PRAY THE ROSARY
There are Rosary prayer cards for Vocations freely available in the porch and I urge you to take one. This parish has a tremendous heritage of producing priests and religious. As a diocese we are encouraged to pray regularly for vocations and particularly to pray the Rosary. With prayer, everything is possible.
PARISH TOTE
The Parish Tote is a painless way of raising funds for the parish and at the same time, an opportunity to win some money. Some of our more senior parishioners who used to faithfully support the Tote are no longer with us. We need more parishioners to play the Tote to keep up the winnings. Costs as little as 20p a go. Will you help? See Joe for details.