In September 2018 I had the great honour of becoming your Parish Priest, and it soon dawned on me that there was much work to do; faithful catechesis and the dignified celebration of the Sacraments and especially the glorious offering of Holy Mass, would always be my focus and priority. Within a year we started to witness the burgeoning of the congregations but then the pandemic struck and we were all faced with new and unfamiliar trials.
Following the weariness and pain of the pandemic we united in getting the parish back on its feet and once again the congregation numbers increased and both of our cherished churches were given some tender loving care, all thanks to the sustained financial generosity of you, my dear parishioners.
Eight years on with the road to Stokesley now calling, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the parishioners who have shared our wonderful and cherished journey together.
To those dear folk, young and old, who read at Holy Mass, I thank you for your generosity of heart. To those who clean our churches and care for the Altar linen, I would like to thank you for your kindness and care. To the Sacristans, Parish Master of Ceremonies and the many superb and outstanding Altar Servers, I thank you for your patience, your concentration and diligence in helping us all to give glory to God by bringing about a sacred dignity within the liturgical offering of Holy Mass.
My esteemed thanks are graciously expressed to our various Parish Organists over the eight years who have each cared for our organs and helped shape the liturgy with their skill, professionalism and understanding, not least our present organist.
I also thank those who are Parish Catechists, the Parish Notary, Safeguarding Representatives, Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and those who quietly assist me with administrative tasks or technological needs. I thank the Head Teachers, Pupils and Staff of both of our two fantastic parish schools, for their collaboration, trust and kindness. I also thank the kindly members of the parish SVP Conference for their charitable outreach to members of the local community.
I especially thank the fantastic members of the Parish Finance & Fabric Committee who have consistently been a source of encouragement to me and have assisted me in carefully maintaining our buildings, as well as helping us to spend wisely and fundraise effectively. To those who care for our Piety Stall, those who count the collection or look after the flowers, thank you for your great care and kindness.
Finally, to those who have cared for me and watched over the Presbytery or monitored the parish telephone whilst I have been on holiday, as well as visiting clergy, I thank you for your warmth of kindness and gracious support.
Being a Parish Priest is an honoured and sacrificial calling, and it is made even more wonderful when an unworthy man is blessed to have the great privilege and immense pleasure of caring for the souls entrusted to him by his Bishop. I therefore thank Bishop Marcus for appointing me to be your Parish Priest and before God, I hope that I have fulfilled his hopes for the parish as I earnestly believe that I have always endeavoured to be faithful in lovingly serving the good and holy people of our parish.
As your Parish Priest, over the past eight years, I’ve baptised 223 people of all ages, confirmed 54 parishioners, married 22 couples and officiated at 218 funerals, not to mention heard many confessions, offered Holy Mass and welcomed many children to make their first Holy Communion. I’ve visited our schools, the sick and met with parishioners at church or their homes to share their journey of faith.
I am truly sad to be leaving Blessed Beestonia; a new chapter now awaits, for you all and for me but let us today rejoice and give thanks for the past eight years, for all that we have shared together in seeking to become the people God calls us to be. Please know that I will remember you and your new Parish Priest in prayer each day.
If you’re ever near Stokesley or wish to visit know that you will be very welcome.
Take good care and I wish you all health, happiness and peace until Christ be formed in every man, woman and child.
From my heart and with immense gratitude, Fr Timothy Whitwell.
E-mail: timothy.whitwell@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Farewell to Fr Whitwell
Recently Fr Whitwell announced that the Bishop has asked him to move to the Parish of Saint Joseph’s, Stokesley in North Yorkshire and that Fr Benjamin Hilton will be the new Parish Priest. Please let us pray for Fr Whitwell and Fr Hilton and all parishioners in Beeston, Stokesley and Yeadon, as we together prepare for a summer of change.
As Fr Whitwell prepares to move to Stokesley, there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving on Friday, 7th August at 7.00pm at S Anthony’s. Fr Whitwell will offer Sunday Mass for the last time on 9th August and following the Mass at 12 noon parishioners will gather for a glass of cheer. Gift envelopes are now available at the back of both churches for any parishioners wishing to contribute to Fr Whitwell’s farewell gift which will be presented to him in the Parish Hall after the Mass of Thanksgiving on 7th August, when refreshments will be available.
The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our Lady,
Mother of the Church,
pray for us.
Announcement
Last weekend Fr Whitwell announced that the Bishop has asked him to move to the Parish of Saint Joseph’s, Stokesley in North Yorkshire and that Fr Benjamin Hilton will be the new Parish Priest.
Fr Hilton, who in the interim, is caring for the people of Yeadon, having recently been the Curate of S John Henry Newman Parish, and continues as the Chaplain to HMP Leeds.
Fr Whitwell said last Sunday, “It has been a joy to serve you all for the past eight years, and I wish to thank each of you for what we have shared in the life of our vibrant Parish, with our two wonderful churches. I sincerely give thanks to Almighty God that He called me to care for you, the good and faithful people of the Parish of S Maximilian Kolbe. Thank you.”
Please let us pray for both of Fr Whitwell and Fr Hilton and the parishioners of Beeston, Stokesley and Yeadon as we prepare for a summer of change.
02.05.26
Consultation on the future of the
Dioceses of Leeds & Middlesbrough
The Rt Rev Bishop Marcus Stock, as the Bishop of Leeds and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Middlesbrough, writes:
“As part of the consultation currently taking place across our two Dioceses, there is an opportunity for all clergy, religious and members of the lay faithful to contribute by completing an online questionnaire, either individually or as a parish group. Prayerful reflection should be given to the questions so that the Holy Spirit may guide this process of discernment. Prayer resources and a presentation are available on the diocesan website to support this process. Responses should be submitted no later than Friday, 22nd May 2026. For more information and to complete the questionnaire, please visit:
Thank you for the time and prayer you can offer to this important task which has been entrusted to us by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.”
Lent: Fast, Pray, Give
Ash Wednesday
Mass at S Anthony’s at 10:00
Mass at S Francis’s at 19:00
‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return, turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.”
“As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…He knows your weakness. He only wants the chance to love you.” Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
WE HAVE HEAT!
The newly installed church boilers and presbytery boiler are finally working!
For well over two months we have all wrapped up and patiently ‘put up’ with the most dreadful freezing cold in the church and presbytery at S Anthony’s.
Sincere and gracious thanks to all parishioners who have steadfastly remained faithful at Mass when S Anthony’s has been so very cold!
Many sincere thanks also to those who have already made a donation towards the £36,800.00 cost of the church and presbytery boilers – we still have over £27,000.00 to raise!
The church boiler has come out in sympathy with the Presbytery boiler at S Anthony’s – both are now decommissioned and need replacing. Masses will continue as scheduled so please dress appropriately.
Please consider helping the Parish to buy two boilers before Christmas – please use this link and select the second tab BUILDING FUND. Thank you for your donation.
Statements have also been issued by Archbishop John Sherrington, the lead episcopal member for Pro-Life issues in the Department for Social Responsibility, and by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the President of the Bishops’ Conference. These are available on the Bishops’ Conference website: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/
Come and have a Cuppa!
Most Fridays, from 11:00 – 12:30 in the Parish Hall, there will be a community gathering to enjoy a free cup of tea and socialise.
This time of coming together is a response to generate opportunities to be in the company of others,
have friendly conversations and enjoy free light refreshments in a safe and welcoming space.
All are very welcome to attend.
Ave! Ave! Ave Maria!
Habemus Papam!
Inaugural Mass of Thanksgiving for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV
S Anthony’s at 6.00pm, Monday 19th May 2025
Requiem Mass for Pope Francis:
S Anthony’s at 10:00, Friday 25th April 2025
&
S Anthony’s at 11:00, Saturday 3rd May 2025
We pray for the repose of the soul of
His Holiness, Pope Francis
that he may see the face of God in the
Father’s House for all eternity.
+
Please also join Bishop Marcus in the celebration of Holy Mass to pray for the repose of the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis,
Tuesday 29th April 5.30pm, Leeds Cathedral.
The venerable tradition of praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be followed by “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord”
is encouraged, as is the recitation of the Rosary for the repose of the Pope’s soul.
Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum are such wonderful times to be renewed in the Faith,
as well as a great moment of grace for us all.
Please try your very best to be in
church as much as you can this coming week, thank you.
Mothering Sunday Joy
On Laetare Sunday at S Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, some of the generous Nigerian parishioners sang ‘Sweet Mother’ as they kindly presented the Parish Priest with their gracious gifts.
Let us ask Our Blessed Lady, Mother of the Church, to pray for all mothers.
40 Years of S Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Bismarck Street
On the sunny morning of the Second Sunday of Lent parishioners gathered for Mass at S Francis of Assisi Catholic Church,
Bismarck Street to celebrate the Ruby Anniversary of the church’s Dedication.
The Principal Celebrant was the Bishop of Leeds who preached a most ennobling homily. The church was overflowing with so many faithful Parishioners and the Altar Servers were wearing their new cassocks and cottas for the occasion.
After Mass, the congregation assembled in the school hall where some of the pupils sang celebratory hymns before the Bishop proceeded to cut the cake.
The school children presented Fr Timothy Whitwell with a cheque for £440 to help pay for the church’s redecoration;
this overwhelmingly kind and generous gift was given to the Parish following fundraising by the pupils.
Congratulations to the Newly Confirmed People of God in Blessed Beeston
THANKS BE TO GOD!
Prayers for the Parish Confirmandi
Of your kindness, please pray for the 24 young people who will be Confirmed by the Bishop on the evening of Tuesday, 17th December at S Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, to which all are welcome.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA)
A Journey in Faith
There will be a meeting for adults wishing to be received and Confirmed in the Catholic Church on
Monday, 23rd September AD 2024 at 7.00pm at S Anthony’s.
On a very warm afternoon the good people of Beeston gathered on Monday, 24 June from both churches and schools to participate in the very first Corpus Christi Procession in the Parish of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Leeds.
Fr Whitwell thanked all who were present for their generosity and good will amidst the blistering heat. Miss Leonard, the Head Teacher from Saint Anthony’s Catholic Primary School and Mrs Snejberkova-Taylor from Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School helped the Parish Priest in the planning of the Procession and all were equally proud of the pupils, staff and parishioners alike.
Young people from both parish schools and churches served with such dedication and some children who had recently made their first Holy Communion were all suitably well attired.
Today’s first Parish Corpus Christi Procession was well received by members of the public and the local Police helped in keeping everyone safe as the procession weaved its way from Saint Anthony’s school to Saint Francis’s school.
As we joyfully welcome the month of June and better weather,
so one very kind Parishioner has patiently brought about a
creative burst of colour to the environs of S Anthony’s,
for which we are most grateful indeed.
Please see the Parish Bulletin for the times of all liturgies in
Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum.
“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him.
If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him.
If you die with Him on the Cross of tribulation,
you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendour of the saints.
And your name, written in the Book of Life, will be glorious among men.”
S Clare of Assisi
November:
The Month of the
Holy Souls
+ May they rest in eternal peace +
Sincere Congratulations
We offer our warm wishes and prayerful support to Jack, Naomi, Aivis, Wendonmi and Ray who each received the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation at the evening Holy Mass on Thursday, 28th September.
HOW TO BECOME A CATHOLIC
Anyone adult wishing to be received into the Catholic Church is invited to attend a meeting at S Anthony’s on Friday, 15th September at 7.00pm please.
Spring beholds Holy Week
Prayers for all who seek to keep a faithful
Holy Week and Sacred Easter Triduum.
Sixty Years of Marriage for
Mr & Mrs Dobson
Christine and Bernard Dobson were married in February, 1963 at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Beeston, Leeds – a church they had both attended all their lives as both families were Parishioners. Christine and Bernard had also both been pupils at S Anthony’s School during the 1940’s and early 1950’s.
On their marriage day in 1963 they received a Papal Blessing from Pope John XXIII and, as they recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary, they also received a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis. These are now proudly displayed in their home, together with a surprise card from His Majesty, King Charles III, with his greetings and best wishes on their Diamond Anniversary.
Christine and Bernard celebrated their Silver, Ruby, and Golden Wedding Anniversaries in S Anthony’s Church, but none so special as their Diamond Anniversary, with many of their extended family joining them for the occasion.
Mr and Mrs Dobson are very blessed with their four children, ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren which bring them great joy – who knows how many more ‘Dobson’ descendants there will be if they are fortunate to reach 70 years!
Congratulations, Christine and Bernard. Ad multos annos!
Parish Walk
Seventeen parishioners made their way to S Stephen’s, Skipton by train for Mass and then enjoyed a packed lunch in the Parish Centre before heading out for a vigorous seven mile walk in the rain! It was a fantastic day out and all walkers, young and old, human and canine, thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
Newly Confirmed: Maddie & Marvin
Guild Enrolments
During Holy Mass on S Stephen’s Day, Leah, James and Augustine were duly enrolled as Parish Altar Servers into the Guild of S Stephen; we offer them our thanks and congratulations.
Full of Grace & Truth
Happy Christmas.
Advent Confirmations
On Friday, 16th December the Bishop came to the Parish to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at S Anthony’s where 17 young people received the Sacrament which completes their initiation and membership of the Church.
We offer the newly Confirmed our heartfelt congratulations and also remember the two young people who were absent on the evening due to illness but who will be Confirmed soon.
(Courtesy of Mrs K Easton)
Congratulations Ladies!
On Saturday, 10th September in the Chapel at Hinsley Hall, Ritienne Bonnici, Gina Chadwick and Kathleen Tierney
were presented with their certificates having completed Level 1 of the Bishop’s Certificate in Catechesis & Faith Formation.
We warmly congratulate the three catechists and give thanks to God for their work in the Parish.
Her Majesty,
The Queen
The Bishop of Leeds writes: “Having now received confirmation from the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and from the Civic Authorities of the City of Leeds of their attendance in accordance with theofficial protocols following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I will celebrate a Solemn Requiem Mass at Leeds Cathedral for the repose of Queen Elizabeth’s soul on Monday 12thSeptember 2022 at 10:30am, in the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds.”
S Anthony’s Day
Parishioners and the school community gathered for Holy Mass to celebrate the Patronal Feast of S Anthony of Padua on Monday, 13th June at S Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
The church was almost full and it’s internal redecoration nearly completed as the congregation, young and old, celebrated the life of S Anthony of Padua.
During the Mass Miss Leonard and Miss Peacey were congratulated for their service to Catholic Education, each serving over 25 years.
S Anthony of Padua, pray for us.
God Save Her Majesty The Queen
Over sixty partying parishioners gathered in the Parish Hall at S Anthony’s on the afternoon of 3rd June to give thanks for Her Majesty’s seventy years of faithful service as our Monarch.
Returning to Mass at Pentecost
May: Our Blessed Lady’s Month
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
Farewell, Catherine!
Catherine Harris played her last note in the parish on Sunday, 1st May.
Parishioners joined the Parish Priest in thanking Catherine for all of her kindness, humour, skill and offering of music
which she has generously shared as the Parish Organist over the past four years.
We wish Catherine well as she embarks on a new career in London.
Paschal Joy! Alleluia!
Happy Easter!
“Dying He has destroyed our death,
rising He has restored our life.”
The Unveiling of Mr Jones Takaedza Shumba’s Headstone
The family of the late Jones Shumba gathered at Killingbeck Catholic Cemetery for the unveiling of his headstone on the afternoon of Friday, 25 February –
the sun shone brightly as the assembled recalled the tender love and gracious care of a generous pilgrim of God.
Mrs Shumba and her daughters thanked all those present for their care and Fr Whitwell for his ministry.
+ May Jones rest in eternal peace and may light perpetual shine upon him. +
2022.03.04 – Press Release – Ukraine
MESSAGE FROM BISHOP MARCUS REGARDING THE UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
Director of Education – Recruitment Advert
Two Sacraments for Two Siblings in Two Days!
On Saturday, 19th February Bonnie Emily-Ann was Baptised at S Anthony’s and the following day at Sunday Mass at S Francis’s, Jacob received Holy Communion for the first time.
We sincerely congratulate Bonnie and Jacob after a very special weekend for them and their family, some relatives even travelling over from Cork for the liturgies!
Newly Confirmed
Bishop Marcus Stock granted Fr Whitwell a Faculty to confer the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation for Paul, Isaac and Maria at the evening Mass on Thursday, 3rd February; we warmly congratulate all three young people and wish them well as they live out their faith strengthened by the Holy Spirit to faithfully bear witness to Christ.
Thanks be to God!
Organ Recital: David Pipe
David Pipe, Leeds Cathedral Organist, plays a recital of organ music at S Anthony’s Church. Visit Organ Recitalsfor more information.
Happy Epiphany: The Magi Have Arrived!
Welcome!
Congratulations to Yvette, Ezekiel, William, Angeline, Madeline and Kara who were admitted into the Guild of S Stephen as enrolled Altar Servers in our Parish.
We warmly wish all our Parish Altar Servers well and give thanks to God for their prayerful presence in the Sanctuary of Almighty God in both churches in our parish community.
Christmas Life & Love
Four Masses were offered in the Parish as the faithful gathered to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord at Christmas.
May peace and goodwill be shared in Beeston and beyond as we give thanks for the outpouring of Life in the birth of God – with – us, Love Himself.
Holy Confirmation Mass
The Lord Bishop of Leeds, Rt Rev Marcus Stock, conferred the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation
on 18 young people at S Anthony’s on the evening of Tuesday, 21 December. We warmly congratulate:
Oliwia, Anna, Jakub, Victory, Julia and Sadie as they are now full members of the Catholic Church.
As the Bishop said in his homily, the Confirmandi have each received an early Christmas present!
Christine’s Memorial Bench
After Holy Mass on Gaudete Sunday, 12th December AD 2021, Mr Matthew Ward and his family gathered
with the rest of the congregation at S Francis’s as Fr Whitwell blessed a new bench dedicated to the loving memory of Mrs Christine Patricia Ward.
The birds were singing sweetly in the background as we recalled Christine’s smile and faithfulness.
A few hours following Mr Ward sitting on the bench he sadly died very suddenly and is now reunited, please God, with his beloved Chris.
+ Rest eternal grant unto Matthew, O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen. +
Advent
Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, we turn to you, O Virgins of virgins, our Mother.
To you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not despise our petitions, but in your mercy hear us and answer us.
Amen.
Congratulations to Alice
Alice Wright reverently made her First Holy Communion on 21st November during the morning Mass at S Anthony’s;
we give thanks for Alice’s commitment and pray that she may continue to grow in the joy of the Catholic Faith.
Honouring Sunday – A Message from the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales
Joy for Peter
At the Vigil Mass this evening (13th November 2o21) Peter Cecil made his first Holy Communion as his proud parents and brother looked prayerfully on in the midst of the congregation at S Anthony’s. We congratulate Peter and wish him all the best as his faith unfolds amidst so much joy and love.
Hannah!
We sincerely congratulate Hannah Lukasiewicz who received Holy Communion for the first time at Holy Mass at S Anthony’s on Sunday 7th November in the company of the congregation and family members, including her proud grandparents from overseas.
All Souls’ Day
Holy Mass was offered at S Anthony’s to pray for the souls of the faithful departed on 2nd November. The Parish Dead List was revised and candles were lit to commemorate departed loved ones: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26).
+ Requiescat in pace +
The Bishop’s Visitation
His Lordship, the Bishop of Leeds, made his official Pastoral Visitation to the Parish on Sunday, 24th October. Bishop Marcus offered Holy Mass in both churches and was grateful for the opportunity to meet the lay faithful of Beeston and Holbeck, especially both fantastic sets of Altar Servers.
As well as meeting both Head Teachers and respective Chairs of Governors, the Bishop was able to inspect the various Parish Registers before meeting Fr Whitwell.
We keep Bishop Marcus in our prayers and thank him for such a happy and fruitful Visitation.
Here Come the Probationers!
At Holy Mass at S Anthony’s on Sunday 12th September Fr Whitwell welcomed three new probationary Altar Servers into the sanctuary.
Madeleine, Angeline and Kara will begin to learn how to serve at Holy Mass and continue to grow in faith, hope and love.
We warmly welcome the probationers and pray for the three girls in the hope that they can find their feet and learn to become happy, helpful and holy Altar Servers in the Parish. Congratulations!
Any adult or child wishing to read at Holy Mass or serve should speak to Fr Whitwell, thank you.
PASTORAL LETTER: ‘FROM PARISH TO MISSION’ AND THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
At a meeting of our Diocesan Pastoral Council in September 2019, I put forward my wish to initiate a listening process that would enable all the faithful to assist in preparing for the future mission of our diocese. The key concept of that ‘listening’ or ‘synodal’ process is found in the Greek origin of the word ‘synod’, comprising ‘syn’ (with or together with) and ‘odos’ (path or way), meaning ‘journeying together along the same path’. Consideration was then given about what form this path might take for our diocese. Despite the challenges which emerged in March 2020 from the Covid-19 pandemic, the preparatory work for that process has continued since.
The diocesan process is called ‘From Parish to Mission’1. Shortly after I presented this to the clergy for discussion at the beginning of May 2021, Pope Francis also published on 20th May his mandate for the Universal Church to engage in the preparatory work for a Synod of Bishops in Rome, 2023. This Synod, which is titled ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’, flows from the Holy Father’s call for the Church to be a ‘missionary communion’2 oriented to evangelisation: in other words, the missionary impulse we should share as Catholics to make known to the world the person of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel. The first stage of the preparation for the Synod will take place in the ‘local Church’, that is in each diocese, and will include prayer and a listening process based on questions given by the Synod Office3. The Preparatory Document for the Synod, which was published last Tuesday, 7th September, together with other information about the Synodal and diocesan process is available to read on the Diocese of Leeds website.
As this first stage of the Synod of Bishops’ process now coincides with our own diocesan process, there is a clear synergy between the two and, therefore, in our diocese they will be organised as a single process. I have commissioned a Diocesan Synodal Team made up of clergy and lay faithful from the diocese to organise a listening process which is rooted in meditation on Sacred Scripture, the liturgy, and prayer. Only in this way can our journey of truly listening to one another throughout the diocese be an authentic experience of discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit.
The first phase of the Synod of Bishops will commence at a local level with a Mass celebrated by each diocesan bishop in his Cathedral on Sunday 17th of this coming October and the listening process will conclude at the end of January 2022. Then, at the beginning of February, the local bishop will submit to the national Bishops’ Conference the response from their diocese to the Synod’s questions. The Bishop’s Conference must then gather in Plenary Assembly in March 2022 to prepare a synthesis of all the diocesan responses and submit this to the General Secretary for the Synod of Bishops before April 2022.
To enact this timetable, during the Mass in Leeds Cathedral for the opening of the diocesan phase of the Synod of Bishops in October, I will commission a group of specially trained coordinators to act as facilitators for the Synodal consultation meetings in our parishes. These coordinators will then visit each parish in the diocese between the end of October and mid-December 2021 to assist parishioners and clergy in discussing the synodal questions and to record the responses: your responses.
1 The Discernment of a Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Leeds, Bishop Marcus, 4th May 2021 2 Evangelii Gaudium §30-31, Apostolic Exhortation, Pope Francis, 24th November 2013 3 Preparatory Document, Synod of Bishops, 7th September 2021
I have appointed Fr Martin Kelly and Jessica Wilkinson to be the diocesan contacts and jointly to lead the Diocesan Synodal Team. The members of this Team will form the steering group for both the Synodal and the diocesan listening processes.
It is important for all voices to be heard. Therefore, there will be a parallel listening process taking place in our schools and with the various pastoral organisations in the diocese, as well as more focused and in-depth consultations with various groupings within our diocesan family such as young people, the housebound and elderly, parents, persons living with special needs, and the lapsed. As part of our diocesan listening process, these consultations will continue into the Spring of 2022.
As we prepare to take part in this Synodal process, first and foremost, I ask all the lay faithful, consecrated religious men and women, and clergy to pray that Almighty God will grant us the Spirit of Wisdom to discern His will for the Church in this diocese and to understand how we can serve Him more completely in the work of evangelisation. Please pray for our Holy Father Pope Francis and for all the bishops of the Church as they prepare for the Synod in 2023. I hope and pray that all the members of our diocesan family will participate positively in the Synodal process and maintain a spirit of mutual trust, common faith, and a shared purpose.
Marcus Bishop of Leeds
Given at Leeds on 8th September 2021, and appointed to be read at celebrations of Mass, published through parish electronic distribution systems and websites, and made available to be taken away from the churches and chapels of the Diocese on the weekend of 11th and 12th September 2021.
More information about the Synodal and the diocesan listening processes will be available (from 12:00 Noon on Saturday 11th September) on the diocesan website: www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk
A diocesan prayer card will be distributed in due course to all parishes and religious communities. Prayer for the Synod: Adsumus Sancte Spiritus
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.
Julia Niemann
During Holy Mass at S Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Sunday, 5th September Julia received Holy Communion for the first time – we warmly congratulate her and pray for her, that she will be ever faithful.
Angel Hooton
During recent weeks at Sunday Mass we’ve been delighting in Chapter 6 of the Fourth Gospel and deepening our love of the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord and the Holy Eucharist. At Holy Mass on Sunday, 22nd August Angel Hooton received Holy Communion for the first time as her proud family and the wider congregation looked prayerfully on. We offer Angel and Daniel Baira our heartfelt congratulations as they continue to feast on the Bread of Life from this day forth.
Mr & Mrs Noble-Hanahoe
Rebecca and Dean were married in a Nuptial Mass at S Anthony’s on Saturday, 31st July AD 2021; we wish them both our prayers and very best wishes as they live life as newly-weds. Congratulations!
Paul Cecil
Master Paul Cecil received Holy Communion for the first time at S Anthony’s at the Vigil Mass on 31st July AD 2021. Following Holy Mass Mrs Cecil said, “Today is a new step in Paul’s life as a Christian. He keeps saying that he feels so privileged, happy and different, nice different!” We offer Paul our sincere and prayerful congratulations as his journey of faith unfolds amidst so much joy!
On the Saturday, 17th July AD 2021 six year old Marvin was Baptised at S Anthony’s by the Parish Priest – it was a wonderful and glorious celebration, with Mr & Mrs Anozie also present as his proud godparents. In recent days Fr Timothy said that he’d been privileged to baptise Marvin in whose eyes he had seen the very eyes of Christ Himself. Thanks be God for wonder and joy of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and for the clothing of New Life it gives in and through the Incarnate Word (Galatians 3:27). Marvin’s caring and devoted parents, Tony and Juliana, said, “I knew God was present that day. Marvin is blessed and he will serve God all the days of his life.” Alleluia!
Statement from the Catholic Bishops of England
Brothers in the Lord
Nana Opoku-Boateng and his brother Cody Opoku received Holy Communion for the first time at Sunday Mass at S Anthony’s on 11th July AD 2021. We wish them our heartfelt congratulations as their journey in Faith continues to unfold amidst the love and support of their family, as well as fellow parishioners.
A Joyful Evening
On the evening of 18th June four children and one lady were Baptised in S Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and four ladies were also Confirmed following a sustained period of formation and catechesis.
Our heartfelt congratulations to Harry, Eghosa, Etinosa, Avwerosuo, George, Hannah, Caroline and Pacis – may Christ be formed in them and all the faithful baptised.
Mrs Kathleen Tierney has once again been a diligent Catechist in supporting and guiding the newly Confirmed.
Alleluia!
Local Young Twins Jack & James
Receive the Blessed Sacrament
After a period of catechesis and formation Jack and James Easton received Holy Communion for the first time at S Anthony’s on 28th May AD 2021, ably assisted by Shady. Congratulations to James and Jack, may they keep ever close to Him who first loved us, Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
At Holy Mass on Sunday, 9th May at S Anthony’s Angeline Shumba received Holy Communion for the first time. Angeline’s family and the congregation were so happy to share in such a joyful occasion with Jones, her late Daddy, being near from the hope of Heaven.
Congratulations Angeline! May you be faithful and loving.
May is the Month of Blessed Mary:
A New Grotto in the Parish
Following Holy Mass at S Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Holbeck on Sunday, 2nd May a new Grotto was Blessed in loving memory of the late Mr Melvyn Herbert Daniels (Dan or Danny) who died on 26th February AD 2020.
The sun brightly shone as Fr Whitwell had the privilege of reminding the congregation and members of Dan’s family that we must seek the powerful intercession of Blessed Mary in our lives.
Mrs Geraldine Daniels (the widow of Mr Daniels) is pictured at the Grotto following the joy of leading the assembled in a Decade of the Holy Rosary. Like her beloved late husband, Geraldine has a great devotion to Our Lady and has longed for many years for a Grotto to be erected outside the Catholic Church of S Francis of Assisi.
Fr Timothy thanked Geraldine for generously providing the new statue of Our Lady, Queen of Peace and also a dedicated and faithful parishioner, who wished to remain anonymous, for his hard and prayerful work in creating the Grotto.
Prayer to the Mother of Goodness, Love and Mercy, Queen of Peace
O Mother mine, Mother of goodness, love and mercy, I love you infinitely and I offer myself to you. By means of your goodness, your love and your grace, pray for me. I desire to be yours. I love you infinitely , and desire you to protect me. From the depth of my heart I pray you, Mother of goodness, give me your goodness. Let me gain Heaven by means of it. I pray you, by your infinite love, to give me the grace, so that I may love every man, as you have loved Jesus Christ. I pray you to give me the grace to love your will. I offer myself to you completely and desire that you follow my every step. You are full of grace and I desire that I will never forget this. And if, by change, I should lose grace I pray you to restore it to me once more. Amen.
(Dictated by Our Lady to Jelena Vasilj, 19th April 1983)
Easter Octave Day: First Holy Communions, Alleluia!
Congratulations to Madeleine Chadwick and Kara Kelly who received Holy Communion for the first time at morning Mass at S Anthony’s on Divine Mercy Sunday. Madeleine and Kara, who are good friends, were so happy and reverent and all in church were so pleased to be able to celebrate such a joyful milestone in the lives of two faithful young ladies. We wish Madeleine and Kara very well and offer our prayers to them both as their journey of faith unfolds with Easter joy!
Happy Easter. Alleluia!
Holy Week & The Sacred Paschal Triduum
In the hope and joy of our faith we journey together with Our Lord in this Week of all weeks. May we all be renewed in our relationship with Him who first loved us as we faithfully participate in the solemnity and offering of this most sure gift and opening of God’s healing grace, the very salvation of our souls.
Congratulations to the Newly Confirmed Children of the Parish!
The Bishop of Leeds gave Fr Whitwell permission to Confirm thirteen Confirmandi on the evening of Friday, 5th February at S Anthony’s. Please pray for the boys and girls as they now live out their lives seeking to be faithful Confirmed Catholics!
God With Us –
To begin these events in Lent, Fr Timothy Swinglehurst will be leading God With Us: Exploring the Old Testament Together, online via Zoom. This online course will give adults a chance to explore how some key Old Testament texts and figures show us the different ways in which God comes to live with His people. Meetings will take place each Monday evening in Lent, from 7-8 pm, with the opportunity to continue the conversation afterward. Each session will include a brief introduction to some passages of Scripture, time to read them quietly in prayer, and an opportunity to discuss how God speaks to us through those texts in small groups.
If you wish to attend these online events please email fr Timothy who will send on the Zoom links.
Ask your MP to sign a parliamentary motion calling on the Government to introduce new guidance on fetal pain
A new parliamentary motion (EDM 1340) is calling on the Government to introduce new guidance on fetal pain. The evidence that babies can feel pain in the womb, and during many abortions, highlights the humanity of the unborn child and provides another important reason to introduce legislation to protect the unborn child from abortion.
Right To Life UK have set up an easy-to-use tool that makes it simple to contact your MP, and ask them to sign this motion calling on the Government to introduce new guidance on fetal pain. It only takes 30 seconds using this easy-to-use tool. This tool can be accessed by visiting the link below:www.righttolife.org.uk/FetalPainMotion
Congratulations!
After her formation and catechesis Sadie Wright made her First Holy Communion in S Anthony’s at Sunday Mass this morning – a wonderful and joyful moment for Sadie, her family and all in church!
We keep in our prayers all those boys and girls of the parish patiently waiting to follow in Sadie’s footsteps.
Lockdown, again.
January is always a challenging month and many people struggle with dark emotions and the lockdown will probably intensify such feelings of vulnerability, isolation and interior pain.
Any person who needs help or support then please remember you’re not alone and I can direct you to paths and agencies that should help but for immediate assistance parishioners should contact their GP or telephone 111.
The vaccine will surely offer hope to us all but at present we are all wading through further uncertainty and difficulty – let us be patient and kind with each other, we are all struggling – all of us.
Light will always banish darkness – even if darkness seems more immediate than light, love and life.
Let’s take care of each other and live in hope.
My prayers for you all and especially the NHS staff, carers and frontline workers, Fr Whitwell.
The Epiphany of the Lord
Mass of the Nativity of the Lord
Fr Whitwell sincerely wishes you and your families a most holy, peaceful and joyful Christmas and a happy and healthy AD 2021.
An Advent Call to Help and become Holy –
Follow us on Facebook –
We have now setup a Parish Facebook page which will help us to connect with more members of the community. If you would like to follow the Parish please click on the following link.
As a Parish community we warmly send our heartfelt good wishes to Ellen Mace who celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday – many sincere happy returns!
ALL SOULS’ DAY
Holy Mass was offered this morning to commemorate the souls of all the Faithful Departed, all those whom we love but see no longer. Candles were lit with the names of departed loved ones displayed.
May the choirs of angels come to greet them,
May they speed them to paradise,
May the Lord enfold them in His mercy,
May they find eternal life.
+
Saints of God, come to their aid!
Receive their souls and present them
to God the Most High.
+ Requiescat in Pace +
Statement from the Catholic Bishops’ on the Prime Minister’s Statement –
The Government has this evening issued clear directions that Mass will not be publicly celebrated in our churches from Thursday, 5th November, although funerals can be held in church.
We intend to LIVE STREAM all scheduled Masses and funerals in the hope that our Parish community can remain connected and informed.
As from this Thursday all Masses will be celebrated behind closed doors at S Anthony’s.
Let us keep safe together and remember each other in prayer – please keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours and folk who live alone.
Best wishes, Fr Whitwell.
Sycamore –
The Youth Service are delighted to invite you to Sycamore, an online series of short films and discussions for young people aged 13-17 exploring the Catholic faith and what it means for us today. Wednesdays: 4:30pm-6pm First Session: Wednesday 4th November Taking Place on Zoom To register, email: youth@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Time! Clocks Go Back An Hour…
Time is about movement and life; present, before and after. As Catholics we believe in the truth of the Incarnation when the Word became Flesh, The Eternal Godhead became known in the Divine revelation of God with us. Dark nights and the cold of winter might well herald even more isolation during this time of pandemic but hope is the future remembered, Love lives, Life is, we are, today, this moment. Let us keep a loving eye on each other as we bring light into darkness and as autumn gives way to winter let us not be afraid or alone – if we seek to love God and our neighbour then we can truly make present the life and love of ourselves to self and the other, near or far, in the unfolding passing of time.
Take good care,
Fr Whitwell.
Day of Prayer for Prisoners and their Dependants –
Please click on the image for details
Offertory By Phone –
Click on the image for details
Inaugural Organ Recital
S Anthony’s Church was pleased to host its inaugural organ recital featuring the musical talents of Parish organist, Catherine Harris. The programme, chosen by Catherine, demonstrated the full potential of the organ including pieces by J. S. Bach, Alexandre Guilmant and Léon Boëllmann. The organ was kindly gifted to the Parish by Borthwick Church, Midlothian and was carefully installed by David Wood and his team in the West Gallery of church.
We would like to thank all those who have contributed to this huge project including Dr John Rowntree, Benjamin Saunders, David Wood, his team and the generous parishioners who have contributed to the welcomed installation of this wonderful instrument in Beeston.
If you’d like to see the recording of the recital please click on this YouTube link:
The Christian Heritage Centre will be offering a series of online talks, “Saints, Scholars and Spiritual Masters”, over the next few months. Exploring some of the great figures of Western spirituality with well-known experts, the series is free to attend online. It will take place at 7:30pm on Thursdays, beginning on 3rd September and running through till 10th December. Simply register to receive a link, either online at https://christianheritagecentre.com/event/saints-scholars-spiritual-masters/ or by email to events@christianheritagecentre.com
The Diocesan Retreat 2020 –
Please find details below:
Inaugural Organ Recital
Our most delightful and highly proficient Parish Organist, Ms Catherine Harris, will give an inaugural recital on the newly installed organ at S Anthony’s on Sunday, 30th August at 5.00pm.
Bishop Marcus is pleased to introduce Hymns at Home: One Diocese, Many Voices. The ‘Songs of Praise Big Sing’-style video will be premiered simultaneously across Diocese of Leeds YouTube channels on Sunday 12 July at 3pm. Tune in to www.leedscathedrallive.org.uk or www.schoolssingingprogramme.org.uk to join in with well-known Catholic hymns subtitled on screen for everyone to sing along at home, interspersed with prayers and reflections. Raising our voices in song is an important part of worship, as well as good for our well-being. So until we’re able to sing in our churches again, let’s gather together from our own homes in prayer and praise!
“From Monday, 15th June 2020, Catholic churches in England are being allowed to open for individual private prayer. The conditions for this are that social distancing, stewarding and sanitizing arrangements have been put in place and agreed. This does not mean that every church in our Diocese will be able to open immediately, and it may be that some churches will not be able to open for some time. Please, do be patient and understanding; there may be a number of very good reasons why individual churches will not be able to re-open straightaway.
Individual parishes will publish the opening times and days of when the church will be open. This will depend very much on the availability of volunteer stewards and with social distancing arrangements having been put in place. Please continue to check the websites of your local Catholic churches and the Diocesan website for further information.”
After very careful thought neither church in the Parish will be open at the present time or immediate near future; parishioners are encouraged to visit the Cathedral or churches in the Deanery should they feel the need to attend church for private prayer
(please note: no Sacraments will be publicly celebrated in any church).
We have no clear understanding of when our churches will be open for the public celebration of Holy Mass – it might be in the late summer or early autumn (or beyond) and only then for a limited number of parishioners.
Scheduled Masses continue to be offered privately in the Parish from day to day but behind closed doors, though uploaded onto the website most days (see ‘Mass Streaming’ tab above).
Please continue to take very good care to look after the elderly, the housebound, those who feel isolated and those who live by themselves, young or old.
Anyone needing help with shopping, odd jobs or just wishing to have a friendly chat on the telephone then please contact me as your well-being remains my priority and some generous parishioners have offered to help me assist you.
As I continue to celebrate Holy Mass for you all each day let us remain close to each other in prayer.
Please feel free to have a look at the link below for Growing Old Grace-fully who are offering support for Parish members throughout the period of lockdown.
The Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See has made available a downloadable book entitled “Strong in the Face of Tribulation”, containing prayers, supplications and the Pope’s homilies as “a sure support in time of trial”. The book contains a collection of prayers, intercessions and homilies to help sustain the Church’s sense of communion amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Strong in the Face of Tribulation contains three sections. In the first, prayers, rituals and supplications for difficult times inspired by Christian tradition can be found. It includes, blessings for the sick, prayers for liberation from evil, and other texts that originate from various ecclesial contexts and historical eras.
The second section is dedicated to the indications given by the Church on how people can continue to live out a sacramental life even though coronavirus precautionary measures do not permit their physical participation in them. It focuses on elements that foster spiritual communion with the Church, and how to obtain forgiveness from sin despite the impossibility of receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The final part is a collection of Pope Francis’s words to the ecclesial community in these times of trial. It contains all of his homilies from Mass at the Casa Santa Marta, and the texts of the Sunday Angelus discourses, beginning from 9th March. The digital copy of the book will be updated several times a week in the light of new developments and the “rediscovery” of other treasures of the Church’s tradition. It can therefore be downloaded several times to keep abreast of new additions.
The book can be downloaded online: https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/lev/forti-nella-tribolazione/pdf/eng/strong-in-tribulation.-20042020.pdf
Random Acts of Kindness
The Mental Health Foundation, a charity with a mission to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health, have put together some top tips for supporting those that are struggling.
Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while
Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them
Make a cup of tea for someone you live with
Arrange to have a cup of tea and virtual catch up with someone you know
Help with a household chore at home
Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call
Tell someone you know that you are proud of them
Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them
Send a motivational text to a friend who is struggling
Send someone you know a joke to cheer them up
Send someone you know a picture of a cute animal
Send an inspirational quote to a friend
Send an interesting article to a friend
Contact someone you haven’t seen in a while and arrange a phone call
Spend time playing with your pet
Reach out to call a friend, family member or neighbour who is experiencing loneliness or self-isolation
Donate to a charity
Lend your ear – call a colleague and ask how they’re finding it all
Give praise to your colleague for something they’ve done well
Arrange to have a video lunch with a colleague
Send an inspirational story of kindness from around the world to someone you know
Donate to foodbanks
Offer to skill share with a friend via video call – you could teach guitar, dance etc.
Most holy Virgin Immaculate, my Mother Mary, to you who are the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the Universe, the Advocate, the hope, the refuge of sinners, I who am the most miserable of all sinners, have recourse this day. I venerate you, great queen, and I thank you for the many graces you have bestowed upon me even unto this day; I love you, my dearest Lady; and because of that love, I promise to serve you willingly for ever and to do what I can to make you loved by others also. I place in you all my hopes for salvation; accept me as your servant and shelter me under your mantle, you who are the Mother of Mercy. And since you are so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or at least obtain for me the strength to overcome them until death. From you I implore a true love for Jesus Christ. Through you I hope to die a holy death. My dear Mother, by your love for Almighty God, I pray you to assist me always, but most of all at the last moment of my life. Forsake me not then, until you shall see me safe in heaven, there to bless you and sing of your mercies through all eternity. Such is my hope. Amen.
Catholic Care –
A People who Hope in Christ
A Message from the Metropolitan Archbishops of the Catholic Church in England and Wales
You can read Fr Timothy’s latest letter to the parish on the following link.
Mass for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care –
The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales recognise that this time of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every person in our countries. Those who are sick, and their families, are suffering many hardships of isolation from contact with those they love. Our front-line workers in hospitals and in care homes all over our lands are giving exceptional service to those who are vulnerable at this time.
In order to show a spiritual solidarity with all those who are involved in the ways described above, each week from next Thursday, a Catholic Bishop will celebrate Mass in their Cathedral which will be live-streamed for people to join. This will take place every Thursday at 7.00pm
23rd April Cardinal Vincent Nichols Westminster Cathedral 30th April Bishop Richard Moth Arundel Cathedral 7th May Bishop Marcus Stock Leeds Cathedral 14th May Bishop Robert Byrne CO Newcastle Cathedral 21st May Bishop Mark Davies Shrewsbury Cathedral 28th May Bishop Terence Drainey Middlesbrough Cathedral
By visiting the Cathedral webpage, or the Bishops’ Conference Webpage (cbcew.org.uk) links for the live-streaming of these Masses can be found.
Rev. Canon Christopher Thomas General Secretary 16th April 2020
Sue Ryder & St Gemmas Hospice Covid-19 Helpline –
Our telephone support line is available to anyone in Leeds with family members or friends who are critically ill, or who have died from Covid-19. The telephone support line is staffed by trained bereavement workers who are able to: – Listen when you need someone to talk to – Provide emotional support and allow you to express your feelings – Signpost you to other services and resources if necessary Call St Gemma’s Hospice on 0113 218 5544 or Wheatfields Hospice on 0113 203 3369 If the phone line is engaged please leave a message with your name and phone number and we will return your call.
The Leeds Irish Community offer their support –
The Leeds Irish Community has a team of volunteers ready to lend a hand in the coming months. If you know somebody who could do with some help running errands, or just an offer of a listening ear, please get in touch. Even if people don’t think they need help now, knowing that help is available should they need it will provide reassurance, so please help spread the word. None of us know when we might have to self-isolate, so now is the time for us to stick together and look out for each other.
Whether you are a young family in need of a hand, having to self-isolate, or know somebody of older age or is vulnerable and having to stay home, please get their permission for us to contact them. Even if it’s just a chat to know that help is available when they need it, it will be of comfort to know we are here and ready to lend a hand.
You can give us a call at any time on 07904 246531 or send us a message and we will get back to you.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CELEBRATIONS OF HOLY WEEK, SUNDAY AND WEEKDAY MASS WHEN REMAINING AT HOME DURING THE COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC –
Public Masses cannot for the time being be celebrated in the Diocese of Leeds.
Parish of S Maximilian Kolbe, Beeston
Sunday Mass and Weekday Masses: will be pre-recorded daily and shown online at 11.00 am via: https://www.stmaximiliankolbeparishleeds.co.uk/media/
To contribute to the Offertory, please text CHURCH KOLBE to 70500
The 11.00 am Sunday Mass at Leeds Cathedral will be ‘live-streamed’ via YouTube channel: www.leedscathedrallive.org.uk each Sunday.
Coronavirus
As from midnight on Friday, 20th March AD 2020 there will be no public celebration of Holy Mass until further notice. Scheduled Masses will still be offered privately in the Parish from day to day, as published on the bulletin but behind closed doors.
We are undoubtedly living in uncertain times but our wonderful life-giving faith is about living with hope and love in the face of being tempted to succumb to fear or panic.
In light of the Bishop of Leeds most recent Decree (please see ‘News & Events’ on the Diocesan website) I have decided to postpone First Confessions from this Saturday onwards, as well as the First Holy Communion formation sessions and the Mass scheduled to be celebrated on 9th May at S Anthony’s. A new date for the Mass will be published at a later date with plenty of notice given.
Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum will be celebrated behind closed doors but most liturgies will be available via the Mass Streaming option on this website or please visit the Cathedral website. Those who were to be Baptised or Confirmed at the Easter Vigil will still have the opportunity to receive such Sacraments as soon as churches re-open. Those preparing to receive the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Confirmation must continue to make good use of their catechetical resources please.
Please take care to look after the elderly, the housebound, those who feel isolated and those who live by themselves, young or old – we are all made by God, for God. Anyone needing help with shopping or just wishing to have a friendly chat on the telephone then please contact me below as various parishioners have offered to help.
I will remain close to you, my dear parishioners, as I continue to celebrate Holy Mass in the Parish. Please note, that Masses due to be celebrated at S Francis’s will in actual fact be offered at S Anthony’s.
Please e-mail me or telephone me should you have any serious concerns:
I will use the information on our Parish Census to make contact with individuals should you need an urgent priority visit.
Let us keep each other in prayer, not least our Holy Father, our Bishop and all our dear brothers and sisters.
Thank you,
Fr Whitwell.
4th April AD 2020 (13:50) S Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.
Act an Spiritual Communion(Prayer of S Alphonsus: pray this prayer when ‘attending’ Mass remotely)
My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in this Holy Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen.
Perfect Act of Contrition(To be made given that individual Confession is not possible at present)
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy.
Information about how the Church is responding practically to Coronavirus can be found here: www.cbcew.org.uk/coronavirus-guidelines This information is kept up to date and should be checked regularly.
When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases’. Matthew 8:14-17
General Prayer for Health
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Prayer for those in Authority
Loving God, in Christ Jesus, the servant of all, you call us to the service of others. Grant to those who govern the community the skill to recognise its urgent needs and the strength to pursue the common good. Endow us all with patience and courage, that we may care for the suffering, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and sustain the needy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Invocation of Our Lady
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Prayer of S Ignatius
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.
Prayer for the Household
Hear us, Lord, and send your angel from heaven to visit and protect, to comfort and defend all who live in this house. Amen.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Sinead Mary Eley who was recently presented with Archconfraternity’s Silver Medal – Saint Stephen, pray for us.
Parish Carol Service
S Anthony’s hosted a glorious Carol Service on the afternoon of Gaudete Sunday when the gifted S Maximilian Kolbe Children’s Choir, together with the Leeds Cathedral Junior Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs sang so wonderfully, under the direction of Miss Haigh with Miss Harris as organist. Fr Whitwell commented, “Truly, the combined voices of the three Choirs made glad our hearts as we prepare to welcome the Christ-Child at Christmas – the Choristers were amazing and revealed the glory of God in Beeston!”
Confirmed!
Congratulations to the 31 young people in the Parish who received the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation in November and who recently were awarded their certificates at Holy Mass on Gaudete Sunday.
Advent: Drop Down Ye Heavens
The journey of Advent has begun in the Parish, darkness retreating to give way to the bright promise of life.
All Creatures Great & Small
Fr Whitwell has been our Parish Priest for just over a year now but was not the only arrival at the Presbytery; Shady, his three year old black Labrador, also moved in last October and has been a welcome addition to the Parish.
Shady was particularly pleased to be in attendance at our first Blessing of Pet’s Liturgy at S Francis of Assisi Church on the afternoon of Sunday, 6th October and perfectly timed to honour our Patron Saint, S Francis, whose feast day falls on 4th October.
Shady was obviously pleased to see so many of his canine and feline friends blessed in church and enthusiastically supported his master in a glorious liturgy of hymns and prayers highlighting the joy that our pets bring into our lives and reminding us of the wonder of God’s creation.
Whilst Shady was unavailable for comment, Fr Whitwell was delighted that parishioners and pets ventured into church on this special occasion. He said “This is a time of year when, as well as recalling S Francis and his engagement with animals, we recognise the importance of the harvest and remember those who provide the food for our tables. Animals have long played a part in enriching our lives, whether oxen pulling the plough share or horses the hay cart in times past. Nowadays, pets play a valuable role in providing comfort and solace, to sooth, to energise and offer companionship. They put us in touch with some very basic human needs. It was a privilege to welcome so many well behaved pets and owners today.”
Bringing People Together.
Many sincere thanks to all who supported the wonderful Afternoon Cream Tea Party a few weeks ago; it was such a superb event. Particular thanks to Grace Lister and all the members of the Hall & Social Committee.
The Parish Summer Fayre was also a truly marvellous community event a few days later and everyone who attended really enjoyed themselves, what fun we had! Many thanks to those who kindly supported the fayre and to the hard working members of the Hall & Social Committee.
Sing unto the Lord!
The newly established Children’s Parish Choir gave an inaugural concert after Holy Mass in S Francis of Assisi Church on Sunday, 14 July. The inception of the Choir was initiated by Parish Priest, Fr Whitwell last winter and the splendid girls and boys of both S Francis of Assisi and S Anthony’s Catholic Primary Schools have enthusiastically spent the last two terms in choral studies under the excellent direction of Choral Director, Miss Lucy Haigh (Diocese of Leeds Schools Singing Programme).
Parishioners and proud parents were overjoyed to hear the very competent young voices and look forward to music playing a greater part in Parish liturgy and life. The formation of the Choir is just one of several initiatives set to put the Parish on the Diocesan musical map. Fr Whitwell recently shared that, “We are soon to receive the gift of a 19th century pipe organ from a redundant Scottish church and that will be a great enhancement to our worship in S Anthony’s”. In recent months, the Diocesan Director of Music, Ben Saunders took the Leeds Cathedral Choir to S Francis to lead the musical offering at Sunday Mass. “We really are driving music forward in Holbeck and Beeston” said Fr Whitwell, “and it is very exciting for young and old alike”.
Our Children: Our Present & Future
The children of our schools have participated in some joyous events in recent weeks. The First Communion girls and boys led two May Processions around the streets with Fr Whitwell and returned into both churches for the Crowning of Mary. In the S Francis School newsletter, Mrs Pierce of Y3 described the experience as a very prayerful and moving ceremony. On Thursday we celebrated S Anthony’s Day (13th June) – whilst the summer sun had changed into pouring rain – there was much light and brilliance from the shining smiles of staff and children from both schools, as well as the Parish Priest, at the glorious Feast day Mass.
S Anthony of Padua, pray for us!
Easter Greetings: He is Risen! Alleluia!
During Holy Mass on S Stephen’s Day Ruby Windross was enrolled as a proud member of the esteemed Guild of S Stephen supported by her family, parishioners and fellow Guild members. We offer Ruby our warmest congratulations and wish her well in her offering as a Parish Server.
Carol Service Mass.
The Parish Christmas Fayre is soon to be held in the Parish Hall at S Anthony’s – please support with your presence and enjoy a fine community event.
On Monday, 12 November S Anthony’s Catholic Primary school gathered in S Anthony’s for a commemorative Mass of the War Dead to pray for all those who died in the wars of the world. Parishioners, as well as the School community, found the Mass a significant way of remembering the sacrifice of past conflicts whilst pledging to the hope of peace.
Our most delightful and highly proficient Parish Organist, Ms Catherine Harris, will give an inaugural recital on the newly installed organ at S Anthony’s on Sunday, 30th August at 5.00pm. 
