Reflections of the 'O Antiphons'
which we used in Church over the latter part of
Advent. They cover the special period of Advent
preparation known as the Octave before Christmas. .pdf O
Wisdom, who didst come out of the mouth of the
Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all
things mightily and sweetly: come and teach us the way
of prudence. O Adonai, and
Leader of the house of Israel, who didst appear to Moses
in the flame of the burning bush, and didst give unto
him the Law on Sinai: come and with an outstretched arm
redeem us. O Root of Jesse,
who dost stand for an ensign of the people, before whom
kings shall keep silence, and unto whom the Gentiles
shall make their supplication: come to deliver us, and
tarry not. O Key of David
and Sceptre of the house of Israel, who dost open and no
man doth shut, who dost shut and no man doth open, come
and bring forth from his prison-house the captive that
sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death. O Rising Sun,
Brightness of the Light Eternal and Sun of Justice, come
and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the
shadow of death. O King of the Gentiles
and the Desired of them, thou Cornerstone that
dost make both one, come and deliver man, whom thou
didst form out of the dust of the earth O Emmanuel, our
King and Lawgiver, the Expected of the Nations andtheir
Saviour, come to save us, O Lord our God.
Parishioners
from St Joseph the Worker turned out to sing
carols at the Cannon Park shopping
Centre on Saturday 17th December 11am to 1pm for the Joe Homan
Charity. The Charity helps
thousands of children in South India escape poverty and
provides care and assistance for Boys and Girls of all
ages.link
to photos.Find out more at: www.joehoman.org.uk
The Blessing of the Crib in
Smithford Way in the City Centre took place today, 27th
November, at 4 pm. With much milder weather this year,
lots of people turned out. The service was led by
Canon Garry Byrne with lots of school children singing and
saying prayers. The crib has been made and erected by the
Catholic Parishes of Coventry. This opportunity showed the
meaning of Christmas, on this afternoon of the First
Sunday of Advent, to all those who were shopping in
Coventry. Lots of people stopped to see what was going on.
Some stayed and some moved on. A lovely start to Advent. link
November
2011
St Joseph the Worker.
On Sunday 6th November, Joseph the Worker the
parishoners thanked Fr Jordan and Pamela Read for all
their work in St Joseph the Worker over the last 42 years.
Father Jordan was born 20 Feb 1929 and Ordained 12 June
1955. He was appointed Parish Priest at St Jospeh the
Worker on 25th January 1969. He built this church that was
opened in 1981 saying at the time “This present building
is a witness to the faith of the parishioners of St.
Joseph the Worker, their perseverance in the face of
difficulties, their generous and willing cooperation and
their gratitude to God. No doubt the experiences of these
years since the parish began nineteen years ago has been
good training for the work that God is asking us to do in
the present and will be asking us to do in the future.” He
also built the Parish hall that was opened in 1994. He
celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 2005 and tried to retire
two years later but was asked to continue. He has remained
Parish Priest until some time after he suffered a stroke
on the 1st April 2009. In his youth he cycled 131 miles in
a single day. He has climbed all the Welsh 3000s. He still
enjoys a walk and getting out on his bicycle. Pamela, as
well as being his housekeeper for 42 years, has also
helped Father Jordan and the parish in many different
ways. Over the years Pamela has instructed in the faith
many adults who have become Catholics, and instructed many
children. At one time there used to be fifty children in
her class. They moved out of the Presbytery at the end of
August and have moved into a house in All Souls Parish. Fr
Jordan concelebrated Mass with Fr Paul Burch from the
Ordinariate. During his Homily Fr Jordan reflected on the
Gospel referring to experiences throughout his life. After
Mass many of the parishoners celebrated with them both in
the parish hall. Photos link
Photoboxlink
St Patrick's Booklet
for Church Opening in May 25th 1971 .pdf
October 2011
Fr
Des Devenney is taking part in the
Dublin Marathon on Monday October 31st. He
is raising money to support Jake Shaw. Fr Des says "Jake Shaw is a fantastic,
really cheerful, full of life, 7 year old boy of our
Holy Family Parish here in Coventry. He suffers from Cerebral
Palsy. A life changing, 5 hour surgery, in Missouri,
USA, could help Jake to walk unaided. The cost is
£40,000. On Monday October 31st 2011, I will be
competing in the Dublin Marathon in Ireland. I am doing
this to raise some money towards the fund for Jake. I do
hope you will be able to support me by sponsoring my
effort. The Marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards – so I am
told!!! Whatever you can do - whatever you can
give - however big - however small - will be all so
worthwhile. Thankyou so much - in advance - for
your goodness and generosity. If nothing else - pray
hard I will complete the 26 miles!!! [and the 385
yards!!!]" Fr Des Devenney. PP, Holy Family. des56@hotmail.com. Cheques made
payable to - Holy Family Parish [JS]. Please do
visit the website - www.jakeswalkingappeal.com
September 2011
All
Souls 25/9/11 Archbishop Blesses our Lady
Queen of Peace Statue. link
New Translation of the Mass:www.liturgyoffice.org.uk
offers a comparison between what you say now and what you
will say, with the new translation.Learning New Music for
the Mass. Some useful links: Bishops Conference: missal.org.uk
Vatican: Vatican.va
US Bishops: usccb.org. "Do
this in memory of Me" A series of talks at Christ the
King. link St
Osburg's.
Reopening Fri 9/9/11 Photos linknews.
Features of the Church leaflet link
Restoration
pictures weeks 1 to 66 link
Watch Live link
August 2011
Multicultural
African Day Mass. St Elizabeth's Church Sunday 14th August 2011 at 2.30pm. Followed by
BBQ and entertainments in parish garden. At this mass we
shall remember in particular the newly born Nation in
Africa "The Republic of South Sudan". The occasion will
start with the Holy Mass, followed by the BBQ and
entertainments in parish garden. Collections will be taken
during Mass to support our parish Charity "South Sudan
Water Project".
August
2011 Clergy changes in Coventry. Fr David
Gnosill has been appointed Parish Priest of Corpus
Christi. Fr George Bennett has been appointed Parish
Priest of St Patrick's in Wood End. Fr Andrew Franklin
continues to assist Canon Tom Farrell at Christ the King.
Fr Paul Johnson has left Christ the King to become Parish
Priest of St Joseph's, Warndon in Worcester. Fr Philip Gay
has been appointed Parish Priest of St Thomas More's,
whilst Fr Tim Menezes has been appointed Vicar General for
the Archbishop
June 2011
St. Elizabeth's:
Parish Mission Youth Mass 21 June link
to photos. Corpus Christi procession photos 26/6 link
Water carrying event photos10/7 link
How people in the Sudan collect their water.(Photos Fr
Moses) link
Would like to hear from anybody who may have lived, worked
or attended the parish schools of St. Elizabeth's or The
Good Shepherd. St. Elizabeth's are looking for
photographs, films, videos etc of events and celebrations
of their time in our parish. St. Elizabeth's Centenary
Historical Committee, The Presbytery,St. Elizabeth's Road,
Coventry CV6 5BX, or stelizabethchurch@btconnect.com
Our Deanery Corpus Christi Procession was held
on Sunday 26 June, beginning at 3pm at St Osburgs,
and processing to the Priory Ruins, where the Statue of
Our Lady of Coventry was blessed ten years ago. The
Procession ended with Benediction in the Priory
Ruins. This was the Benedictine Cathedral, part of
the monastery which Lady Godiva persuaded her husband,
Earl Leofric, to build, to replace St Osburg’s Convent,
which was destroyed by the Vikings. It was the
only Cathedral destroyed by King Henry VIII, because it
was also a monastery. It was partly dedicated to St
Osburg. In Medieval Times Coventry was renowned
for its Corpus Christi pageant. One year St Thomas
More came to visit his sister Elizabeth in Coventry at
that particular time. Ten years ago, in 2001, the
Catholics of Coventry gathered with Archbishop Vincent
Nichols in the new Cathedral for Mass before blessing
and presenting the statue of Our Lady of Coventry to
this city. The statue is in a place of honour in
the Priory Ruins. This was the first year that the ‘St
Osburg’s Bridge’ was used to cross the Ring Road. link
Fr
Prem Farewell Mass, 26 June 9am, St Joseph the
Worker link
Fr Paul's First Mass 13 June link
Oridination 12 June 2011 link
May 2011
Fr Hudson’s Society Coventry
Deanery Walk. On May Day Bank Holiday, (Monday 2nd May)
there will be a Sponsored and Charity Walk to bring the
Catholic community of Coventry together, to keep fit, and
to raise money for the Fr Hudson’s Society. It will be
held on the fields of Bishop Ullathorne Catholic Secondary
School, Leasowes Avenue, beginning at 12 noon. Bring a
packed lunch and enjoy the day. Father Hudsons
Society - Care to walk about
April
2011
The 21st Coventry Churches Witness in Holy Week
22 April Christ in the Precinct link
Churches
worshipping
together in Coventry Celebrated Palm Sunday outside the
new Cathedral with a short service for all ages at 12
noon. Palm Crosses were distributed to those
present. Several hymns were sung and there were readings
by those representing the various Christian Groups. The
occasion was helped by the wonderful weather link
Wednesday 27th April
at 7pm, Andrew Robinson 10th Anniversary Mass at St
Thomas More Church. There is an open invitation to this
Mass, and it is very much a celebration of the work of
the Trust, and of the goodness of God that has been
given by so many people in generous service over these
10 years. Thursday 28th April (the
evening before the Royal Wedding Bank Holiday), at
7.30pm, there will be a Quiz Night, fundraising for the
ongoing work of the Andrew Robinson Trust. It will be
held at Christ the King Parish Centre, Westhill Road,
Coundon. Please come along, represent your parish, and
show the rest of Coventry who’s boss!
Coventry Deanery Vocations Mass was
held on Monday 14th February 2011 at Sacred Heart Church. The
principal celebrant of the Mass was Fr Christopher Jamieson,
former Abbot of Worth Abbey, and newly appointed Director of the
National Office for Vocations. Read more link,
photos link.
I go to Mass written in 1965 link
Features Fr Bradley in photographs, taken at All Souls, of the
key parts of the mass and there’s a final photo featuring Fr
Collins by the main doors. Some of the photos also feature a
small group of parishioners, adults and children, but no details
are given as to their identities. Thanks to Fiona Safrany (nee
Reid) for finding the book.
January 2011 The
Induction of Father Louis Le Van Hong as Parish Priest
at Our Lady of the Assumption on 21/01/11.
link
to photos, link
to resume
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Churches Together in Coventry and Warwickshire and the
Newman Society invite you to a special service prepared by the
Churches in Jerusalem. Saturday 22nd January 2011 at 1pm Chapel
of Unity, Coventry Cathedral, CV1 5AB. Guest Speaker: Rt.
Rev. William
Kenney.
Coventry Deanery Newsletter. Christmas 2010
available since 5/12/10 link
Mgr
Gavin’s memorial stone, and the shrine of Our Lady at St Thomas More,
Coventry. Mgr Gavin’s memorial stone was in
place for his first anniversary on Christmas Day. It was blessed by Fr Jonathan Veasey on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, with a gathering of
parishioners and friends. The kneeler has been
returned, making it once again a place for prayer. Photo link
Boyce & Stanley’s
Christmas – A concert of festive fun for all the
family. A full band and a chorus of singers will celebrate the
true meaning of Christmas with a compelling mix of humour and powerful
performances of well-written songs. Friday 17 December at 8pm at
Holy Family Church, Holbrooks. Tickets and details at www.cjmmusic.com or at
01675 466254.
Book Online before 3rd DEC and SAVE £1 off each
ticket. Simply enter the discount code: PCC2010
3CG
(Coventry Catholic Choral Group) Carol Concert at Sacred
Heart Parish,Friday, 10 December 7.30pm., followed by mince pies
and mulled wine in the parish hall. The 3CGs come from many
Coventry parishes and rehearse weekly in Sacred Heart.
They sang for the Pope in Hyde Park and would like to take this
opportunity to thank parishes for their kindness in helping them
to make the trip to London. Views Papal Visit article pdf
November 2010 The cuurent spell of
cold weather did not stop the faithful from turning up
to support the annual Blessing of the Crib in Coventry
City Centre on Sunday 28th November, the First Sunday in Advent,
at 4pm at Smithford Way. Several well known Carols were sung and
many of those shopping stopped to listen. The short service was
led by Canon Garry Byrne and supported by the various Cathollic
schools in Coventry link
Pilgrimage to
Turkey 4-12 October 2011 Visiting the 7 churches of the
New Testament. These were a vital part of the development of the
early Church and are referred to in the Apocalypse (Book of
Revelation) "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the
seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis,
Philadelphia and Laodicea." We visit Ephesus where St Paul lived
for a time and his Letter to the Ephesians is addressed to this
community. We will also visit the burial chamber of St John and
the traditional house of the Virgin Mary. Cost £900
including scheduled flights, internal flight within Turkey,
half-board accomodation, all sightseeing, insurance. For more
information and a booking form please contact asap Fr Tony
Norton, Sacred Heart Church, Harefield Road, Coventry CV2 4BT.
02476456214,Parish@sacredheart-coventry.orglink
to flyer
BBC Coventry Beyond tthe
Blitz link. Canon Garry on BBC Radio
7.50am 13/11/10 link St Osburg's: Destruction and
Resurrection. The following article is taken from a
booklet produced by Dom Sebastian Simpson O.S.B called “A
Centenary Memorial of Saint Osburg’s Coventry 1845-1945”.
link,
link
to
longer version
October 2010
Rosary Procession
for Peace. On Sunday 31 October
a small group of people assembled at St
Osburg’s church to show their commitment to
peace in our world. The Very Rev. Canon Garry
Byrne gave a brief talk before the start of
the procession.He spoke
about the 70 Anniversary of the Coventry Blitz
and the damage that St Osburg’s sustained on
that fateful night.He
spoke about an account of the evening written
by the parish priest that he was planning to
have published in time for the anniversary.
The possession was led by the Knights of St
Columba and made its way to St Mary’s via the
statue of Our Lady of Coventry were the
procession spent some time in prayer.
Benediction at St Mary’s was led by Rev. Fr.
Jimmy Lutwama AJ. link
Rosary Procession for Peace,
Sunday 31st October. All are welcome to join in
this gentle peace walk starting at St Osburg’s Church at 2.30pm
and finishing at St Mary’s Church, Raglan Street. This
annual event, stewarded by the Knights of St Columba, lasts for
about an hour. This Procession contributes to The Coventry
Peace Festival, and is mentioned on page 8 of the Information
Booklet.www.coventry.gov.uk/peace
The Zero Poverty Campaign – Sign the petition!
13.2 million UK citizens officially live in poverty. Caritas
Social Action Network (CSAN), the umbrella organisation for
Catholic social care charities in England and Wales, has sought to
raise awareness of the work of its 37 members and other
organisations within the Catholic community in alleviating poverty
and social exclusion. It has joined the European-wide ‘Zero
Poverty’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of the
plight of Europe’s poorest people and the work of the Caritas
network. Please sign the petition on the Zero Poverty web site www.zeropoverty.org and
support the work of CSAN members www.csan.org.uk
The Coventry Intercultural Mass
took place on Sunday, 10th October 2010 at the 5.30pm at St
John Fisher. Father Bob Wright welcomed his fellow Priests from
Coventry, Fr Des Deveney, Fr Paul Edwards and Fr Ugochukwu,
the Catholic Carribean Chaplain, the Birmingham Caribbean Steel
band, members of the Kerala community and all the people who
represented different cultures across the world. Full story linkFollowing Mass
there were refreshments and a taste of different cultural food in
the Parish Centre. Photos link
The Coventry Intercultural Mass took place
on Sunday, 10th October 2010 at the 5.30pm at St John
Fisher. Father Bob Wright welcomed his fellow Priests from
Coventry, Fr Des Deveney, Fr Paul Edwards and Fr Ugochukwu,
the Catholic Carribean Chaplain, the Birmingham Caribbean Steel
band, members of the Kerala community and all the people who
represented different cultures across the world. The Church
was filled with people from so many different cultures
sharing words of welcome in thier native language and dress. The
music and hymns represented the the varying communities in our
parishes. All celebrated in a spirit of joy and sharing.
During his Homily Fr Bob spoke about the The Film Miracle Worker
based on Helen Keller. Born 1880 she, it was not until she
was 19 months old that she contracted an illness described that
left her deaf and blind. The film is about the good work
Anne Sullivan does with her and how she taught Helen to
communicate by spelling words into her hand. Father Bob mentions
her spiritual searching in a double darkness and the finding of
spiritual light. Helen Keller made this remarkable statement
" I thank God for my handicaps" she said, "for through them I have
found myself, my work and my God. As Naaman the leper in our first
reading and in the Gospel the healing of the ten lepers show how
for those whose life may seem empty and hopeless can be
transformed by that touch of God. Thier faith in God saved them.
In todays life we all have our own problems and worries, we may
feel alone, like an outcast, but if we we have Faith in God, the
he will give rest for our souls, grant us peace in our hearts. And
as a family of God, drawn from te the corners of our world from
various Countries and Cultures we can as brothers and sisters of
Jesus help and support each other on our pilgrim journey through
life. We celebrate that love in our Mass this night..
The muisc was performed by the Caribbean Chaplaincy Steel Band who
had travelled from Birmingham that included a very moving version
of 'Majesty' at Communion and finished with 'Bind Us Together'.
The Gloria was sung in Peruvian and a very colourful Offertory
Procession and hymn was led by the Kerala community.
Following Mass there were refreshments and a taste of different
cultural food in the Parish Centre. Photos linkSeptember
2010
Photos from Beatification of Cardinal Newman link. Please email if you
want the original.
Follow up to
the Holy Fathers Visit. His Grace,
Archbishop Bernard, celebrated Mass with the priests and
people of the parishes of Coventry on Sunday 26th
September at The Holy Family Church at 4pm. This was an
occasion to thank God for the pastoral visit of Pope
Benedict to our Diocese, and the Beatification of
Cardinal John Henry Newman, and also acknowledge the
contribution that the priests, people and schools of
Coventry made to this historic event. His Grace presided
from the Chair used by Pope Benedict, and made by the
staff and pupils of Cardinal Newman School. He also used
the chalice, which is Pope Benedicts gift to our
diocese, for the first time during Mass.
During his homily the Archbishop referred to the four
winderful days of the Holy Fathers visit to the UK and
in particular the unforgettable and grace filled
experience of his presence in our diocese. He thanked
all the many people who worked together so hard and
effectively not only to make the Holy Fathers visit
possible but also to make it the great success that it
has proved to be. He thanked he pilgrim leaders, the
parish co-ordinators and the nmany volunteers who
generously gave their time as stewards and marshalls, in
the choir and as medical volunteers. Within
Coventry he thanked Father Timothy Menezes and Canon Tom
Farrell.
The Mass was an opportunity to come
together and thank our Lord for all that we received,
and ask guidance on how we make this experience bear
"fruit that will last" As well as teh many Priests from
Coventry Bishop Keney was present. Father Des Devenney,
PP for Holy Family, also expressed his thanks to the
Archbishop and said what an honour it was to have the
chair used by the Pope in his Parish. Link
to photos
Feile 2010. Coventry Irish
Festival. 17th – 24th September. A week of various activities. www.coventryirishsociety.co.uk
RC National Shrine of Our Lady of
Walsingham. Annual Pilgrimage on Sunday 12th
September. 12.00 noon Mass and 3.15 pm.
Procession in Priory Grounds with Benediction. link
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Harvington
Hall. Sunday 5th September, Mass 3.00 pm. Principal
Celebrant & Preacher Archbishop Longley. link
August 2010 Rosary Rally at Grace Dieu Manor
Leicestershire. Sunday 22nd August. Mass 3.00
pm. link
Fr. Moses Pitya Parish Priest of St
Elizabeth’s Catholic Church held a celebration of African
Day Mass on 8th August 2010 at 2.30pm which was followed by a
Party and Barbecue in the Parish Garden's. Singing wasled by the
Coventry Catholic Choral Group (3CG). leaflet
4th Annual African Day
Celebrations at St Elizabeth’s Church Coventry. 8th August 2010. Photos
from Coventry under African Sun
July 2010
On Wednesday 29th July a group of Catholics from all around
Coventry visited BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Radio in Priory
Place. They met Bob
Brolly, Stuart Linell, Nav Mann and Ashley Peatfield (BBC's
Religious Editor for nations & regions) and Darren Walker. They were
informed of the BBCs proposed coverage of the visit to Cofton
Park. It is very extensive. It will be starting in the early
hours with those travelling to Cofton Park by coach and include
live interviews. It will be finishing with Bob Brolly show coming
live from Birmingham Airport as the Pope departs at 8pm. The
BBC would love to hear of any local stories connected with this
visit and also if anybody has photos/video from the last
visit. The group
were also shown around
the studios. A very informative evening. Thank you BBC!!
leaflet link photos link On the day of the visit
why not watch the TV, mute the volume, and listen to your local
radio?
Deanery Corpus Christi to the Priory Ruins
Sun 13th June 3pm. The Corpus Christi Procession for the
Parishes of Coventry took place on Sunday 13th June, beginning at
St Osburg’s 3pm. The Procession will proceed through the Shopping
Precinct, to the Priory Ruins of Coventry’s Benedictine
Cathedral. After prayers for God’s blessing on the Pastoral
Visit of Pope Benedict and Benediction, everybody sang 'Salve
Regina' in honour of the reinstated Statue of Our Lady of
Coventry, thanks to Keith Millage. Children making their First
Holy Communion were invited to come in their new clothes, and
petals were strew along part of the route. Prayers started at 4pm
as the bells sounded on all the churches nearby. Canon Garry Byrne
explained the history of the Benedictine Monastery that had
existed here over 900 years ago. Photos link
Archdiocese of Birmingham Pilgrimage
to Evesham is Sat 12th June. Mass 1.00pm in the Abbey
Grounds. Principal celebrant Right Reverend Dom Aidan Bellenger
Abbot of Downside. Followed by procession with the image of Our
Lady to the Church of St Lawrence. Benediction with the Blessing
of the sick at 4.00pm. The pilgrimage intentions for the
conversion of England for the forthcoming visit of the Holy Father
and the Beautification of Cardinal Newman. For the Priests of the
Archdiocese and for the Peace of the world. A Marian shine in
Worcestershire on the River Avon. This is a place where our Lady
appeared in the 8th century to a swineherd named Eoves, sending
him to the bishop with a request that a shine be built in honour
and to the glory of God in the forest nearby. Evesham was a
favourite Place of Pilgrimage until the reformation.
May 2010
Seminar on the Sacred Priesthood on Pentecost Sunday 23rd
May at St John Vianney Church, Mount Nod. Among
the contributors will be Bishop David McGough. 2.00pm Coffee
and welcomes. 2.20 History of the Priesthood 3.00 St
John-Marie Vianney 3.45 Priest & People 4.25
Priestly Sacrifice 5.05 Thanks and Buffet.
So that we might know and love our priests more.
Archdiocese of Birmingham
Pilgrimage to Walsingham Sat 8 May and led by his Grace
Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David McGough. This year
will be the 25 anniversary of the pilgrimage. 11am Arrivals,
1.45pm Celebrated Mass, 3.30pm Procession to the Priory grounds
for Benediction. 5.30 Departure.
Sponsored Walk and Family Picnic
Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May, 12 noon in aid of the Fr
Hudson’s Society in the grounds of Bishop Ullathorne Catholic
Secondary School. Thanks to all who supported the Fr Hudson’s Walk
on Bank Holiday Monday at Bishop Ullathorne. The event raised over
£800 from entrance, raffle and sales.
April 2010
Start date for the renovation of St. Osburg's! After
all our patient waiting, work will now start on St Osburg’s in the
last week of this month. Our last Sunday in the church in its
present condition will be on Pentecost Sunday, 23rd May. We ask
the guidance of the Holy Spirit on our project. During that week
we will move into the parish hall for Mass and the celebration of
the Sacraments for the duration of the work, which is scheduled
for 40 weeks. It will probably be February 2011 before we are back
in the church. 9/5
Papal Visit press conference on Friday
19 March, at the Metropolitan
Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham link
Archbishop Bernard Longley
was the principal celebrant and preacher at a Mass of Welcome
celebrated at Christ the King, Coventry on Wednesday 3rd March.
Priests and Deacons from the deaneries of Coventry, Rugby and
Warwick were represented. He was accompanied by Bishop Kenny.
Among the celebrants was Bishop Kenney. There were some 50
priests and 10 Deacons present. During his sermon Archbishop
Longley recalled his Mass of Installation and stated that he
realised that just as he had entered the doors of the Cathedral
there would be many other doors in the diocese that he must
approach and enter to be truly part of its life. He also
reflected in the first reading on the words from Saint Peter “He
is the living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen by God
and precious to him; set yourselves close to him so that
you, too, may be living stones making a spiritual house as a
holy priesthood to offer the spiritual sacrifices made
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Earlier in the afternoon
the Archbishop had the opportunity to meet and pray with Priests
and Deacons from three Deaneries in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick
who to Christ the King Community Centre. The Deans of these
areas are Canon Garry Byrne Coventry, Canon Edward Stewart Warwick
and Fr Philip Harrop Rugby. Photographs of Archbishop Bernard
Longley Mass of Welcome - link
January 2010 Youth Mass and Activities afternoon
at St John Fisher Church, Coventry - Sunday 31st January
Coventry Deanery Youth Event! There will be a special
afternoon of activities next Sunday (31st January) from 2pm at St
John Fisher Church in Wyken. It is for young people from across
the city. The day begins at 2pm and there will be various
activities and workshops for different interest groups during the
afternoon, leading to Sunday Mass at St John Fisher Church at
5.30pm. We
need to encourage as many young people of our families,
schools and parishes to take part in the afternoon, and then any
priests and families who might be able to, to come along and be
part of the Mass which concludes the day. St John Fisher Church,
Tiverton Road, Wyken, CV2 3DL.
Please
remember in your prayers the repose of the soul of Mgr Tom Gavin
who passed away in the early hours of Christmas Day.
Thomas Joseph
Gavin MA, born 28 March 1922. (Chaplain of Honour 1969,
Prelate of Honour 1978; Canon 1982). Ordained 21 July 1946;.
Cambridge 1966-49; Ampleforth College 1949-50; Cotton 1950;
Headmaster 1967-78; St Thomas More 1978-2004, Retired 2004.
He was the only priest to have played international rugby after
being ordained – he won two caps for Ireland in 1949 End of an era as top priest dies from
Coventry Evening Telegapgh. 29/12/9 .pdf
online link
Funeral of
rugby-playing Coventry priest Monsignor Tom Gavin . 07/01/10 .pdflink
Hundreds at funeral of Rugby playing Coventry priest Monsignor Tom
Gavin 13/1/10 pdf online link Independant Catholic News
Obituary: Mgr Thomas Joseph Gavin -
Priest who played International Rugby 4/1/10 Vesrion in word
.doc Coventry: funeral of Mgr Tom Gavin
13/1/10
December
Season of Advent 2009 - Details of Penance Services during
Advent in Coventry link
St
Elizabeths: Christmas Appeal -
Order Apostles of the Jesus in England..pdf
St Elizabeths Christmas CArd .pdf
November Unlock The Music Winter
Festival -Seasons of Life Sun 15th Nov St Elizabeths Church.flyer.pdf
Please follow
the link to view a photos of Unlock the Music concert
link
Welcome
to Coventry! Two priests have recently moved to parishes
in Coventry: Fr Paul Edwards has become Parish Priest of St
Patrick’s, and Fr Paul Johnson (recently ordained from Oscott)
has been appointed Assistant Priest at Christ the King.
September Cardinal
Newman
Catholic
School 40th Anniversary. Beginning a year of
celebrations ..Mass at Christ the King Church, on Friday, 25th
September, at 7.30pm, with Bishop William Kenney. Photos link
The
annual Archdiocese of Birminham Pilgrimage to Harvington Hall, Shrine of the
English Martyrs, will take place on Sunday 6th September.
Mass begins at 3.00pm. Confessions are available from 1.45 –
2.30pm. Free Parking, teas, Picnic area. Free times tours of
the Hall are available to all pilgrims but must be booked. http://www.harvingtonhall.com/
The Harvington pilgrimage goes back to the closing years of the
19th century and arose as an act of devotion to 'The Martyr of
Harvington'. John Wall was a Catholic priest who ministered
in Worcestershire in the latter part of the 17th century; he
was arrested, tried and executed at Worcester for exercising his
priesthood in 1679. To begin with the devotion to the martyr was
confined to this parish, but through the efforts of successive
parish priests and especially because of the donation of
Harvington Hall to the Archdiocese of Birmingham in 1923, the
Pilgrimage was promoted thtoughout the diocese and came to extend
to all the Catholic martyrs of the Midlands. The pilgrimage
takes place annually on either the last Sunday of August or the
first Sunday of September - a date as close as conveniently
possible to the feast of St. John Wall; Both the Hall and the
parish church form the martyr's shrine.
The Relics of St Therese of
Lisieux visit England and Wales – This September, the relics of St
Therese are to be taken around England and Wales for veneration
and prayer. This happened in Ireland in 2001 and was a time of
great blessing. They will visit St Chad’s Cathedral, then the
Catholic Church in Coleshill, dedicated to St Therese, and finally
the Oxford Oratory. A full itinerary for the visit to Birmingham,
Coleshill and Oxford is now available on the Archdiocese of
Birmingham website: www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk
.
Choose from over 600 of the UK's best-known retailers
including many popular names such as Amazon, Next, Argos, John
Lewis and HMV, and when you shop using the links on the
easyfundraising web site up to 15% from every purchase you make is
donated to the cause you choose to nominate such as Catholic
Charities - Archdiocese of Birmingham. It doesn't cost a penny
extra to shop and raise funds, and as many retailers now give you
extra discounts when you buy online! http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk
August St Elizabeth’s African Day
Mass on 9th August 2009 at 2.30pm It was a fantastic day.The Mass was inspirational and the singing by Coventry
Catholic Choral Group was uplifting.Click
on picture for larger image. The Multi-Cultural congregation got
wholeheartedly involved.The Garden
party afterwards was colourful and well attended where the
Lip-smacking food was enjoyed by all.Special
thanks and praise to all those who prepared and served the food.The weather was Heaven sent.Main Celebrant was Father Michael Episcopal Vicar
for the Religious and Parish Priest for Our Lady of The
Assumption.Other Priests
celebrating were Father Des Parish Priest for Holy Family,
Father Arul Parish Priest, and Father Jimmy Parish Priest for St
Mary & St Benedict. Father Paul from Sierra Leone a student
at Coventry University residing at St Elizabeth’s.Fr Gordian from Nigeria a student at Coventry University
residing at St Osburg’s.Father
David a visiting Priest from Kenya. Father Moses Parish
Priest for St Elizabeth's and Deacon Gerry O’Reilly from Christ
the King Parish.
Day for Life – the day in
the Church’s year dedicated to celebrating the dignity of life
from conception to natural death – will this year focus on the
theme of suicide. The main emphasis of Day for Life in 2009 will
be on the pastoral dimensions of this difficult and sensitive
subject. http://www.dayforlife.org/
Poor Clares
Fundraising
This event to support the convent at Baddesley Clinton is holding
a Quiz Night on Saturday 11th July from 7pm (for 7.30pm) at the
new venue of: Lapworth Village Hall, Old Warwick Road, Lapworth,
B94 6LD.. £5 per person. Details from Fundraising
co-ordinator, Matthew Bowen on 07801 538776. For more information
on the Poor Clares see link
Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage
to Hednesford to Pray for the Sick, Sunday 6 July 2008,
Celebrated by Bishop David McGough, From 3pm - Rosary, Hymns and
Sacrament of Reconciliation 4.00pm Holy Mass. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church,
Hednesfordhttp://www.ourladyhednesford.com/
June Year for Priests – www.yearforpriests.org.
Prayer: O
Jesus, our great High Priest, hear our humble prayers on behalf of
your priest, Father________. Give him a deep faith a bright and
firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the
course of his priestly life. In his loneliness, comfort him. In
his sorrows, strengthen him. In his frustrations, point out to him
that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show
him that he is needed by the Church, he is needed by souls, he is
needed for the work of redemption. O loving Mary, Mother of
priests, take to your heart your son who is close to you because
of his priestly ordination, and because of the power which he has
received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs him
so much. Be his comfort, be his joy, be his strength, and
especially help him to live and to defend the ideals of
consecrated celibacy. Amen.
Diocesan Administrator
Bishop William Kenney has been elected be Diocesan
Administrator until Our Holy Father appoints a new Archbishop.
Ecumenical Service Sunday 28th June 2009. On the
occasion of the closing of the Pauline year there was an
Ecumenical Service at St Paul’s Church of England Coventry on
Sunday 28th June 2009 at 3.00pm. This followed on from an
Ecumenical Service held there to celebrate the start of the
Pauline year. This Service of Celebration was organised by St
Elizabeth’s Catholic Church Coventry and St Paul’s Church of
England Coventry. It was led by Fr Paul Yambasu from St
Elizabeth’s and Canon Jim Canning of St Paul’s. On the day the
Vicar of St
Paul’s, Revd Canon Jim Canning welcomed everyone and also gave
thanks and praise to the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI by name for
his instructions for calling the Year of St Paul. Singing was by
St Paul’s own Choir and by the renowned Coventry Catholic Choral
Group The Choir from St John Fisher School led by Colette
Cunningham gave an angelic rendering of their singing. Guest
Speaker was the Lord Mayor of Coventry Jack Harrison MBE who spoke
very well about the day and directed sincere words of
encouragement towards the young people who were present.
Refreshments, strawberries and cream also tea and biscuits were
laid on and served by St Paul’s Church community.
Link to photos
A Priests dedication re-enacted 21st June 2009. In 1759,
250 years ago this year, a Dominican priest, Father Matthew Thomas
Norton, O.P., secretly established a mission at Hinckley. In
the early days he would walk to Leicester or Coventry in the
disguise of a vegetable seller, his wicker basket having a false
bottom concealing his Mass requesites. It is related that on
one day he received a sick call from Leicester. He walked
there to attend to the dying person. When he got back to
Hinckley he received a similar message from a family in
Coventry. He immediately set out again. The two
journeys add up to 54 miles and have been commemorated this
month. Greg Drozdz and 5 other parishioners of St Peter’s,
Hinckley (http://www.stpetershinckley.org.uk)
, walked to Coventry and back this Saturday, 20th June. They
said a prayer at the site of the Mass House in Little Park St.,
and then come here to St Osburg’s for rest and refreshments before
the return journey. Photograph: Left to right John Farrell, Stuart
Glasgow, Greg Drozdz (as Father Norton) and Colin Amaral PAT Testing - what's it all about link
Deanery Corpus
Christi Procession to Greyfriarts Sun 7th June link
to photos What a day.
Despite a weekend of continual rain day and night it finally
stopped at about mid day. Canon Garrys prayers were
answered. There was a great turnout for the procession.
The Processon started at St Osburg's at 3pm and walked
through the City Centre precinct, to what
remains of Greyfriars Monastery, the Spire of Christ Church in New
Union Street.
This is the fourth and last
of the Monasteries in Coventry where we have adored The Blessed
Sacrament. The Tower and Spire in New Union Street formed
the centre of the Church of the Grey Friars built in 1359, with
stone from a quarry nearby owned by the Black Prince. The Friary
was destroyed in 1542 but the Spire was left standing in a garden
until 1829, when Christ Church was built around it.
The Church was
destroyed during the bombing of the City in April 1941 but the
Tower and Spire once again survived. The base of the tower is now
used as a pub! The manager, Mick Leap, made everybody
most welcome. The Procession concluded with a Service and
Benediction at Christ Church Spire. The children who had made
their First Holy Communion also took part and their path was strew
with flower petals.
The Franciscan Monks were called ‘Grey Friars’ because of the
colour of their habit. This year is the 800th Anniversary of
the first Profession in the Rule of St Francis. The
Sermon and Benediction will be given by Bro. Paul Coleman,
O.F.M.Cap. a parishioner of St Osburg’s who was ordained three
years ago and is now Vocations Promoter for the Franciscan
Capuchins in this country.
The procession was held on Ttrinity Sunday as there is a
Diocesan Priests Retreat in Ars France starting next
weekend.
Fr Garry wants to thank everyone
who made the Blessed Sacrament Procession, to the remains
of the Franciscan Monastery, such a memorable event.A special thank you to Brother Paul
Coleman, O.F.M. Cap. for leading the Procession and giving the
homily.He also thanks the children
who carried the symbols of loaves of bread and grapes and Mrs
McGeever, the First Holy Communion
children who strew the flowers, the servers, the Choir and
Organists, the canopy bearers, the banner bearers, the Knights
of St.Columba for stewarding the Procession, Veronica for the
flowers, and all the priests, deacons and people who took part.
May
Unlock the
Music Concert . link
to photos On Sunday 31st May Unlock the Music proudly
presented “Songs of Life and Love” at St Elizabeth’s Church,
Coventry. The event raised £164 which has been equally
divided between St Elizabeth’s Parish Church Funds and Unlock the
Music.
A wide range of songs and music were performed
including Daneille Phillips singing “Ave Marie” and later in
the concert “From a distance”, Jenny King singing “Après un
Reve” and “I could have danced all night”. Young Sarah
Higgins, performed two songs “Prayer” and “Caste on a Cloud”. At
the end of the concert everyone joined Danielle in singing “I can
see Clearly” by Johnny Nash. Parish Priest Fr Moses said that he
really enjoyed the concert and his favourite songs included "From
a Distance" and "Ave Maria". Others in the audience were impressed
with the Flutist and Saxophonist. Everyone commented on the
high standard of the performances. Unlock the Music have
agreed to put on another performance in St Elizabeth's Church in
November 2009. Lizzie Perring is a performer, write and
singing teacher, she teaches in Coventry and learn more about her
and what she does by visiting www.unlockthemusic.co.uk. Unlock the
Music’s keeper of the sound is Roger Greasby from Born in a Barn
www.borninabarnstudio.co.uk.
Sarah Higgins is a 10 year old who attends Holy family RC Primary
School.
Jenny King is studying criminology with psychology at Coventry
University and sings for pleasure and also is a professional belly
dancer.
14 year old Danielle Phillips is an experienced performer she
attends Theatre Train and is a member of the Coventry Cathedral
choir.
Lyndsey Gallagher is studying at Coventry Performing Arts and has
performed extensively in a range of theatre styles. She has
been recently filming with Channel 4 for their “Embarrassing
Bodies” series.
Austin Wootton is a local lad has returned to performing at the
tender age of 79.
Darrell Springer has an HND id Performing Arts. He is
currently rehearsing the part of Tyrone Jackson in “Fame” for the
Meridan Academy.
Alannah Norton starting playing the flute 9 years ago when she was
7 years old. Alannah is now studying at Princethorpe.
Tilly James attends Stratford Grammar School for Girls and is 12
years old. She has been studying the saxophone for 2 years.
Ernie Boxall performed 2 poems that he had written himself.
Ivan Vickers acted as host for this concert. www.unlockthemusic.co.uk
Double Celebration. The 11am Mass On Sunday 17th
May was a double celebration for St Thomas More in Coventry.
Firstly for those children making the First Holy
Communion. Secondly football team winning both the cup (on the
16th May) and the league in Church competitions this season,
playing under the Auspices of the Andrew Robinson Young People’s
Trust. (The Trust seeks to work with young people of Coventry, to
help them grow in faith as well as to enjoy day trips and
residentials. The Trust was set up in memory of Andrew, a
parishioner of St Thomas More Parish and a seminarian at Oscott
College, who died of cancer in 2001). The excitement and
anticipation was very evident for those children making their
First Holy Communion and their families despite a very wet day.The
children’s beautiful singing included starting with Mozarts "Ave
Verum Corpus" and concluding with of Elgar’s "Ave Verum", as a
reflection on their thanksgiving to God for the gift of the
Eucharist. The mass concluded with Fr Timothy Menezes thanking all
the parents, those who helped prepare the children and the
children themselves for making this such a wonderful celebration.
The previous weekend had seen the other year two class making
their First Holy Communion .
'Brother Marcel
Van' by Jack Keogan launched at St John Vianney Church on
Sunday 26th April at 3.00pm.
The book "Conversations"
translated by Jack Keogan was launched at St.John Vianney Church,
Coventry, on Sunday, April 26th at 3 pm. The launch was
well-attended with priests and people from Coventry and elsewhere.
The simple but moving service was presided over by Father Jonathan
Veasey and started with the 'Magnificat' beautifully sung in
Vietnamese by Father Michael Ho and the Vietnamese fathers and
sisters present. The other visiting priests included Monsignor
Thomas Fallon, Canon Tom Farrell and Father Anthony Franey, a
priest from the Nottingham diocese and a childhood friend of Mr
Keogan. Also present was Mr Tom Longford, the managing director of
Gracewing Publishers, relatives including his wife Beatrice, his
son Damien and his daughter Sally. Gracewing's editor was based in
the Venerable English College in Rome and Mr.Keogan described the
frisson of excitement that he felt that his manuscript was
being edited in this hallowed place.
"Conversations"
is the record of exchanges between Our Lord and Brother Marcel
Van, a young Redemptorist lay brother during his novitiate year of
1945. The conversations were recorded by the young lay brother at
our Lord's request, who told Marcel that the message of these
conversations was for the whole world. Conversations in
which Our Lord tenderly expounds his infinite love for mankind.
Cardinal
Schonborn in his preface to the book speaks of the
riches of themes, of insights and of experiences overflowing
in these conversations...which will lead us right to the centre of
the immeasurable love of Christ".
Brother Marcel
was imprisoned by the communists in North Vietnam and after trying
to escape, disguised as a woman, in order to return with
consecrated hosts for his fellow-Catholics, he was captured put in
irons and placed in solitary confinement. He died in prison, on
July 10th 1959, aged 31, consumed with consumption and
burning with love for his Saviour.
The initial
stages leading, hopefully, to Brother Marcel's beatification, have
already commenced under the auspices of Bishop Guy Bagnard, the
Bishop of Belley-Ars, the diocese of our patron, St.John Vianney.
Father Jonathan,
after the book, the only translation available to the
English-speaking world, was blessed by the assembled priests,
expressed the hope that this launch would send the remarkable
testimony to God's love for us around the world.
A typically
sumptuous St. John Vianney reception brought the happy and unusual
occasion to a close.
Photos link
Book link
Easter Monday
Mass Monday 13th April. Bishop Kenny celebrated
Mass at St.Osburg’s with the people and priests of Coventry
and district. This custom originated in Birmingham in the
early part of the last century. Link
March
Lent - Prayers at the statue of Our
Lady of Coventry, City Centre, Fridays at 1.40pm.
February Joint Ecumenical Service
for the Year of St. Paul 1/2/8 6pm. On a very cold and icy Sunday evening, a packed
congregation gathered in Christ the King, Coventry, for an Ecumenical
Service to commemorate for the Year of St Paul.Bishop William Kenney led the Service
with guest preacher the Rt Rev John Stroyan, the Bishop of Warwick
and assisted by the Dean of Coventry, Canon Garry Byrne. The
occasion marked the arrival of Icon of St Paul in Coventry,
which has been given to the diocese.
The service started with the Bishop thanking everybody for making
the effort on such a cold evening. The service was enriched by
singing of the congregation and well chosen hymns, with readings
from the letter of St
Paul to the Corinthians and to the
Philippians. During the service the Rt Rev John Stroyan preached
on the life of St Paul
quoting both the scriptures and making many references to people
over the last 2,000 years including
Saint Basil the Great, Cardinal Basil Hume, John Drane, Pope John
Paul II, Pope Benedict, as well as the Monks on Mount Athos. He also spoke about his
recent experiences in Syria praying for
peace. The evening was completed with refreshments and a chance to
discuss the service.
The year of St Paul
runs from 28 June 2008 to 29 June 2009 and this occasion is one of
many liturgies being celebrated by the Catholic Church throughout
the world for this Jubilee year. In early July Archbishop Vincent
was presented with an icon of St Paul
by the Society of St Paul and St Paul's Bookshop. This icon
is now making its way around the diocese staying for one to two
weeks in designated parishes. Photos links Year of St Paul(among other things) for
Young People: www.stjames-cathedral.org/kids.
To learn more about the Year of St Paul, go to www.annopaolino.org
SPRED is a group of young people with
disabilities who have attended Special needs schools. They meet to
explore and celebrate our Catholic Faith. Each member has a
‘Dedicated Faith Friend’ who enables them to be an active part in
the session. The session ends with a shared lunch provided by one
of the ‘faith Friends’. They meet fortnightly on Saturdays at All
Souls Church, Hearsall Common 12.30 – 2.30 pm for 6 sessions each
term. Fore more information ring Barbara 76674495
The Planning Application of Tesco
Stores, De Montfort Way, was granted with a few minor
alterations last Thursday 29th January. The Planning meeting was
attended by St Joseph Worker Parish Priest Fr Jordan and Jim Conry
(Chartered Surveyor), a number of Parishioners and residents of
Canon Park Estate. Voting by committee members was 3 in favour, 1
against and 2 abstentions. 3 Local Councillors, several residents,
and Jim Conry (for the parish) spoke about their concerns with
regard to the application of the Tesco Store and its effect on the
surrounding area especially the Canon Park Estate. Comment in St Joseph the Worker
newsletter 1/2 Coventry Evening telepgraph:
.pdf January 2009 Training for Future
Priests. On 29th January 2009 at 7:00pm Msgr Mark Crisp, Rector
of Oscott College will be delivering a talk at the church of the
Precious Blood and All Souls, Coventry. The theme of this talk
will be seminary formation and the changes within society
and the Church over the past fifty years which have an
effect on this. This talk is free and refreshments will be
provided. The Crisis in
Gaza. Our area Bishop, William Kenney, is in Bethlehem
as part of the Co-ordination of Episcopal Conferences in support
of the Church in the Holy Land. This was set up in Jerusalem
in October 1998 at the request of the Holy See and is organised by
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. The
Holy Land Co-ordination meets every January in the Holy
Land. Archbishop Kelly of Liverpool writes:
"The Church in the Holy Land has a unique vocation and this week
Bishop William Kenney CP and I will be travelling to Bethlehem
along with bishops from Europe and North America to be in
solidarity with the Latin Patriarch and the Local Church through
the Holy Land Coordination. This is one of the means by which we
seek to stand alongside the Christians living throughout Israel,
the West Bank and Gaza.
“The purpose of the Holy Land co-ordination has always been to
accompany the Churches in the Holy Land in their fidelity to two
God-given tasks: never to be silent in the face of injustice or
violence and always to proclaim and live the reconciliation
accomplished by our Lord on a hill called Calvary. The situation
in Gaza makes this visit of solidarity, above all in prayer, by
Bishops from North America and Europe a clear call from the Holy
Spirit as we begin 2009.
“I join with the Holy Father and the leaders of the Church in the
Holy Land in their prayer for the dead, the injured, the broken
hearted, those who mourn and live night and day in fear. We all
need the fulfilment of that blessing first entrusted by the Lord
God to Moses:
‘May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face
shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face
to you and bring you peace."
Radio 4 Morning Worship from St Thomas More 11th
Jan at 8.10 am. Jo Boyce and Mike Stanley will lead
the music for the live broadcast for the Feast of the Baptism of
the Lord. The Mass will be at 8.10am next Sunday. Therefore, there
will be no 9am Mass, but the 11.00am & 6pm Masses will be
celebrated as normal. Everybody is welcome to take part in the
broadcast but you are asked to make yourselves available for a
rehearsal this Saturday afternoon (10th), from 2pm – 5pm. You are
asked to be at church for 7.30am next Sunday, as there will be a
brief rehearsal before the broadcast. Please wrap up warm on both
days, but be in good voice! December 2008
New Book on the History of the Diocese. This lavishly
illustrated book consists of chapters on major themes such
as the development of the diocese’s population and structures, the
bishops, the contribution of the religious orders (male and
female), Catholic schools and social care, art and learning. The
second half of the book consists of brief histories of every
parish in the diocese. Most parishes have copies of this
book for sale. Ask your parish priest. Or, you can buy it at the
cathedral bookshop. Price: £20.
Ordination
of Dominic Cosslett 20/12/8 This weekend we congratulate
Fr Dominic Cosslett on his Ordination to the Priesthood. Ordination photos (86) link
First Mass of Fr Dominic Cosslett 21/12/8 9am
Sunday 21/12/8First Mass photos (23) link
Photobox link
for photos
Fr Dominic will be appointed as Assistant Priest at St
George’s Parish, Worcester, in Jan.
Boyce
& Stanley The Promise Christmas
Concerts.
20 Dec St Thomas More 2pm and 7.30pm.
Click on image for larger picture.
For further information and to book tickets,
please telephone 01675 466254
or go to www.cjmmusic.co.uk/boxoffice. Coventry Cyrenians is a local charity who work
with homeless & vulnerable people. Over Christmas they will
provide meals on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day
catering for between 150 and 300 people. To provide this service
they need help, volunteers to help on any of the days
can contact Shirley Morris on 76228099 or if you can help in
any other way ‘phone Jo Page on the same number.
November 2008 The Blessing of the Crib in Coventry City
centre took place on Sunday 30th November. The cold evening did
not stop people turning out and in good voice. The Carol service
was led by Canon Gary Byrne, Dean of the Coventry Deanery. There
were many teachers and children from the Catholic schools in
Coventry, who helped with the readings, prayers, and carols. The
Nights of St Columba also helped with the organization of the
event as well as Coventry One. The crib will be on display through
out the Christmas period in Smithford Way, City Centre. More
photos link Fr Michael Cleary RIP – Please pray for the
repose of the soul of Fr Michael Cleary. He had associations with
this parish and celebrated his First Mass at St Thomas More
on Christmas Day 1972. He was a Divine Word Missionary, and was
most recently parish priest of St Mary on the Quay, Bristol. May
he rest in peace. Biography & obituary: www.stmary-on-the-quay.com.
In response to an instruction
from the Archdiocese in Autumn 2007 for Churches to comply with
Product Appliance testing requirements, a team has
now been set up in Coventry to test all the Parishes in
Coventry Deanery. The team, led by Mike Perry, have
identified and procured the necessary equipment and relevant
training. The team have now started to test in the Coventry area.
The team consist of Mike Perry, Kris Pears, con McHugh, Jim
Rossiter, jack Upton, Christopher Haas, pat Flyn, John McCrea. The
photograph shows a feedback session following testing at St Thomas
More.
Portable Appliance Test or PAT, is a process by which electrical
appliances are routinely checked to see whether they are safe. The
correct term for the whole process is In-service Inspection &
Testing of Electrical Equipment. When people work with electrical
appliances, health and safety regulations say that the appliance
must be safe. Many types of equipment require testing at regular
intervals to ensure continual safety; the interval between tests
depending on both the type of appliance and the environment it is
used in.
October 2008 October
– the Month of the Holy Rosary
- Prayers at the statue of Our Lady of Coventry, City Centre,
Fridays at 1.40pm. The
Bronze Statue was a gift to the city to mark the
millenium carved by Sister Concordia of Minster Abbey.
Following a tour of local parishes the statue is now in the
ruins of the priory in the city centre. The ceremony was held
in the Coventry Cathedral on 11/3/1 attended by 2,500 people .
Click on picture for full view.
Coventry Deanery Justice
& Peace Day – to be held in the Margaret Roper
Room, St Thomas More, , this Saturday 1st November, from 10am
to 1pm. A talk by David McLoughlin, Renowned Speaker and
Theologian, on ‘The Disturbing Nature of Jesus’ Justice and
Peace – an ongoing challenge to disciples’. This will be an
excellent talk, by a most dynamic and engaging speaker.
Corpus ChristiOctober 3rd is the 50th Anniversary of
the opening of the church. There will be a Mass of Thanksgiving in
the evening followed by refreshments in the social club.
Keep the date free July 2008 Year of St. Paul Ecumenical
Service
5th July 2008 at St. Pauls Coventry link
Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the importance of the
Apostle Paul for Christians today and announced that this year
dedicated to him will focus on ecumenism. In Coventry we
will be celebrating the Pauline Year with an Ecumenical Service on
Saturday 5th July at 3.00pm led by Fr Moses Pitya Parish Priest of
St Elizabeth’s and Canon Jim Canning at St. Paul’s Church of
England Foleshill Road, Coventry. Please try and attend if
possible bring someone with you. More information .pdf
Congratulations
Deacon Bob Devaney at
Sacred heart who was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday July
12th at St Chad’s Cathedral. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Congratulations
to Canon Tom Farrell, Parish Priest at Christ the King,
who celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Ordination on Friday
18th July . Congratulations to Fr Dominic Kavanagh,
who was ordained at Sacred Heart who is also
celebrating his Silver Jubilee.
June 2008 Coventry Deanery Corpus Christi Procession 8/6/8link Photographs link
This began with prayers in the the ruins of the Whitefriars
Monastery, processing along the footpath to the ruins of the
Carthusian Monastery of London Road with Benediction.
March 2008 Ammendment to the Human
Fertilisation and Embryology Bill 10/3/8.
Deacon
Gerry O’Reilly arranged for representatives of our Deanery to meet
the three Coventry MP’s on 10th March, at The House of Commons. Link
February 2008
Christ the King 75th Anniversary Friday 29th February Parish
Jubilee Mass - Photographs link
Reflections of the 'O Antiphons'
which we used in Church over the latter part of
Advent. They cover the special period of Advent
preparation known as the Octave before Christmas. .pdf
Parishioners
from St Joseph the Worker turned out to sing
carols at the Cannon Park shopping
Centre on Saturday 17th December 11am to 1pm for the Joe Homan
Charity. The Charity helps
thousands of children in South India escape poverty and
provides care and assistance for Boys and Girls of all
ages.link
to photos.Find out more at: www.joehoman.org.uk
Times of Christmas
Mass and reconciliation pdf
sing of the Crib in
Smithford Way in the City Centre took place today, 27th
November, at 4 pm. With much milder weather this year,
lots of people turned out. The service was led by
Canon Garry Byrne with lots of school children singing and
saying prayers. The crib has been made and erected by the
Catholic Parishes of Coventry. This opportunity showed the
meaning of Christmas, on this afternoon of the First
Sunday of Advent, to all those who were shopping in
Coventry. Lots of people stopped to see what was going on.
Some stayed and some moved on. A lovely start to Advent. link
St Joseph the Worker.
On Sunday 6th November, Joseph the Worker the
parishoners thanked Fr Jordan and Pamela Read for all
their work in St Joseph the Worker over the last 42 years.
Father Jordan was born 20 Feb 1929 and Ordained 12 June
1955. He was appointed Parish Priest at St Jospeh the
Worker on 25th January 1969. He built this church that was
opened in 1981 saying at the time “This present building
is a witness to the faith of the parishioners of St.
Joseph the Worker, their perseverance in the face of
difficulties, their generous and willing cooperation and
their gratitude to God. No doubt the experiences of these
years since the parish began nineteen years ago has been
good training for the work that God is asking us to do in
the present and will be asking us to do in the future.” He
also built the Parish hall that was opened in 1994. He
celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 2005 and tried to retire
two years later but was asked to continue. He has remained
Parish Priest until some time after he suffered a stroke
on the 1st April 2009. In his youth he cycled 131 miles in
a single day. He has climbed all the Welsh 3000s. He still
enjoys a walk and getting out on his bicycle. Pamela, as
well as being his housekeeper for 42 years, has also
helped Father Jordan and the parish in many different
ways. Over the years Pamela has instructed in the faith
many adults who have become Catholics, and instructed many
children. At one time there used to be fifty children in
her class. They moved out of the Presbytery at the end of
August and have moved into a house in All Souls Parish. Fr
Jordan concelebrated Mass with Fr Paul Burch from the
Ordinariate. During his Homily Fr Jordan reflected on the
Gospel referring to experiences throughout his life. After
Mass many of the parishoners celebrated with them both in
the parish hall. Photos link
Photobox link
Fr
Des Dev
enney is taking part in the
Dublin Marathon on Monday October 31st. He
is raising money to support Jake Shaw. Fr Des says "Jake Shaw is a fantastic,
really cheerful, full of life, 7 year old boy of our
Holy Family Parish here in Coventry. He suffers from Cerebral
Palsy. A life changing, 5 hour surgery, in Missouri,
USA, could help Jake to walk unaided. The cost is
£40,000. On Monday October 31st 2011, I will be
competing in the Dublin Marathon in Ireland. I am doing
this to raise some money towards the fund for Jake. I do
hope you will be able to support me by sponsoring my
effort. The Marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards – so I am
told!!! Whatever you can do - whatever you can
give - however big - however small - will be all so
worthwhile. Thankyou so much - in advance - for
your goodness and generosity. If nothing else - pray
hard I will complete the 26 miles!!! [and the 385
yards!!!]" Fr Des Devenney. PP, Holy Family. des56@hotmail.com. Cheques made
payable to - Holy Family Parish [JS]. Please do
visit the website - www.jakeswalkingappeal.com
All
Souls 25/9/11 Archbishop Blesses our Lady
Queen of Peace Statue. link
St
Osburg's.
Reopening Fri 9/9/11 Photos link news.
Multicultural
African Day Mass. St Elizabeth's Church Sunday 14th August 2011 at 2.30pm. Followed by
BBQ and entertainments in parish garden. At this mass we
shall remember in particular the newly born Nation in
Africa "The Republic of South Sudan". The occasion will
start with the Holy Mass, followed by the BBQ and
entertainments in parish garden. Collections will be taken
during Mass to support our parish Charity "South Sudan
Water Project".
Our Deanery Corpus Christi Procession was held
on Sunday 26 June, beginning at 3pm at St Osburgs,
and processing to the Priory Ruins, where the Statue of
Our Lady of Coventry was blessed ten years ago. The
Procession ended with Benediction in the Priory
Ruins. This was the Benedictine Cathedral, part of
the monastery which Lady Godiva persuaded her husband,
Earl Leofric, to build, to replace St Osburg’s Convent,
which was destroyed by the Vikings. It was the
only Cathedral destroyed by King Henry VIII, because it
was also a monastery. It was partly dedicated to St
Osburg. In Medieval Times Coventry was renowned
for its Corpus Christi pageant. One year St Thomas
More came to visit his sister Elizabeth in Coventry at
that particular time. Ten years ago, in 2001, the
Catholics of Coventry gathered with Archbishop Vincent
Nichols in the new Cathedral for Mass before blessing
and presenting the statue of Our Lady of Coventry to
this city. The statue is in a place of honour in
the Priory Ruins. This was the first year that the ‘St
Osburg’s Bridge’ was used to cross the Ring Road. link
Fr
Prem Farewell Mass, 26 June 9am, St Joseph the
Worker link
Fr Paul's First Mass 13 June link
Churches
worshipping
together in Coventry Celebrated Palm Sunday outside the
new Cathedral with a short service for all ages at 12
noon. Palm Crosses were distributed to those
present. Several hymns were sung and there were readings
by those representing the various Christian Groups. The
occasion was helped by the wonderful weather link
Coventry Deanery Vocations Mass 
I go to Mass
Nativity
Trail 
Coventry Deanery Newsletter. Christmas 2010
available since 5/12/10 
Obituary: Mgr Thomas Joseph Gavin -
Priest who played International Rugby 4/1/10 Vesrion in word
.doc
Daily Telegraph Sat 16th JanuaryObituary .pdf link
inal
Newman
Catholic
School 40th Anniversary. Beginning a year of
celebrations ..Mass at Christ the King Church, on Friday, 25th
September, at 7.30pm, with Bishop William Kenney. Photos link
The
annual Archdiocese of Birminham Pilgrimage to Harvington Hall, Shrine of the
English Martyrs, will take place on Sunday 6th September.
Mass begins at 3.00pm. Confessions are available from 1.45 –
2.30pm. Free Parking, teas, Picnic area. Free times tours of
the Hall are available to all pilgrims but must be booked. http://www.harvingtonhall.com/
The Harvington pilgrimage goes back to the closing years of the
19th century and arose as an act of devotion to 'The Martyr of
Harvington'. John Wall was a Catholic priest who ministered
in Worcestershire in the latter part of the 17th century; he
was arrested, tried and executed at Worcester for exercising his
priesthood in 1679. To begin with the devotion to the martyr was
confined to this parish, but through the efforts of successive
parish priests and especially because of the donation of
Harvington Hall to the Archdiocese of Birmingham in 1923, the
Pilgrimage was promoted thtoughout the diocese and came to extend
to all the Catholic martyrs of the Midlands. The pilgrimage
takes place annually on either the last Sunday of August or the
first Sunday of September - a date as close as conveniently
possible to the feast of St. John Wall; Both the Hall and the
parish church form the martyr's shrine.
The Relics of St Therese of
Lisieux visit England and Wales – This September, the relics of St
Therese are to be taken around England and Wales for veneration
and prayer. This happened in Ireland in 2001 and was a time of
great blessing. They will visit St Chad’s Cathedral, then the
Catholic Church in Coleshill, dedicated to St Therese, and finally
the Oxford Oratory. A full itinerary for the visit to Birmingham,
Coleshill and Oxford is now available on the Archdiocese of
Birmingham website: www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk
. 
Year for Priests – www.yearforpriests.org.
Prayer: O
Jesus, our great High Priest, hear our humble prayers on behalf of
your priest, Father________. Give him a deep faith a bright and
firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the
course of his priestly life. In his loneliness, comfort him. In
his sorrows, strengthen him. In his frustrations, point out to him
that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show
him that he is needed by the Church, he is needed by souls, he is
needed for the work of redemption. O loving Mary, Mother of
priests, take to your heart your son who is close to you because
of his priestly ordination, and because of the power which he has
received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs him
so much. Be his comfort, be his joy, be his strength, and
especially help him to live and to defend the ideals of
consecrated celibacy. Amen.
Ecumenical Service Sunday 28th June 2009. On the
occasion of the closing of the Pauline year there was an
Ecumenical Service at St Paul’s Church of England Coventry on
Sunday 28th June 2009 at 3.00pm. This followed on from an
Ecumenical Service held there to celebrate the start of the
Pauline year. This Service of Celebration was organised by St
Elizabeth’s Catholic Church Coventry and St Paul’s Church of
England Coventry. It was led by Fr Paul Yambasu from St
Elizabeth’s and Canon Jim Canning of St Paul’s. On the day the
Vicar of St
Paul’s, Revd Canon Jim Canning welcomed everyone and also gave
thanks and praise to the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI by name for
his instructions for calling the Year of St Paul. Singing was by
St Paul’s own Choir and by the renowned Coventry Catholic Choral
Group The Choir from St John Fisher School led by Colette
Cunningham gave an angelic rendering of their singing. Guest
Speaker was the Lord Mayor of Coventry Jack Harrison MBE who spoke
very well about the day and directed sincere words of
encouragement towards the young people who were present.
Refreshments, strawberries and cream also tea and biscuits were
laid on and served by St Paul’s Church community.
This is the fourth and last
of the Monasteries in Coventry where we have adored The Blessed
Sacrament. The Tower and Spire in New Union Street formed
the centre of the Church of the Grey Friars built in 1359, with
stone from a quarry nearby owned by the Black Prince. The Friary
was destroyed in 1542 but the Spire was left standing in a garden
until 1829, when Christ Church was built around it. 
The Church was
destroyed during the bombing of the City in April 1941 but the
Tower and Spire once again survived. The base of the tower is now
used as a pub! The manager, Mick Leap, made everybody
most welcome. The Procession concluded with a Service and
Benediction at Christ Church Spire. The children who had made
their First Holy Communion also took part and their path was strew
with flower petals. 
Joint Ecumenical Service
for the Year of St. Paul 1/2/8 6pm. 
Radio 4 Morning Worship from St Thomas More 11th
Jan at 8.10 am. 
Parish
Jubilee Mass -