St Stephen's is part of the Diocese of Salford. Diocesan life is varied and vibrant – there are many faithful priests, religious and parishioners who serve the Diocese of Salford in countless ways. The Diocese is led by Bishop John Arnold.
If you would like any information about the departments and services of the Diocese please see www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk
If you can’t find what you are looking for please email communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or phone 0161 817 2222
If you would like any information about the departments and services of the Diocese please see www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk
If you can’t find what you are looking for please email communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or phone 0161 817 2222
diocese
Notices for Clergy
Ordo Correction
Please note that, from the First Sunday of Advent, the Sunday Cycle is Year A and the Weekday Cycle Year 2. The references for the Gospel and Passion on Palm Sunday should be changed to Matthew 21:1-11 and Matthew 26:14-27:66 as should the reference to the Gospel of the Easter Vigil to Matthew 28:1-10.
We will reissue these details again nearer to Holy Week. If you have any questions about the Ordo please email formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Update on First Holy Communion Preparation from Department for Formation.Following the Clergy Day and the Training Sessions for Catechists, the attached letter will shortly be sent to those catechists who attended and whose details, therefore, we have on our database. It describes the next stage of support they will receive going forward. If you have any questions, please do contact the Department for Formation on communion@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
You can download the letter by clicking this link.
Advent Day of Recollection for ClergyThe Christian Heritage Centre is offering an Advent Day of Recollection for Clergy, led by Fr Gabriel Kyte, C.F.R, on Thursday 5th December.
The theme of the day will be, Praying from the Heart: A journey into greater freedom.
The day will include two talks, a Holy Hour with opportunity for confession and a guided meditation.
Arrivals with coffee and tea from 10:30am, departures around 3:30pm.
Clergy are welcome to arrive earlier and/or stay later if they would like more time to pray, walk, or socialise.
The cost of the day is £17, which includes a buffet lunch.
Overnight B&B accommodation is offered at the discounted rate of £35.
To book, please email events@christianheritagecentre.com or call 01254 827 074 by 1st December
Reminders
Supplement to the Liturgy of the Hours and Roman Missal - December
The Department for Formation is beginning the process of compiling a Diocesan Calendar of Feasts and, eventually, a Diocesan Supplement to the Divine Office and the Mass. In the meantime a monthly resource is being drawn up comprising those texts which have been added since the present Roman Missal (English translation) and Breviary (English translation) were published. Where the official text has been published but not yet translated the official text is given. Where English translations of the Second Reading at the Office of Readings are available, they will be included also.
Liturgy Supplement December
Cancellation of Clergy Study Day at Stonyhurst
A reminder that the Clergy Study Day scheduled at Theodore House, Stonyhurst for tomorrow the 28th November, has been postponed until next year, so there is no clergy event tomorrow. More information will be sent out after the New Year.
Notices for Parishes and Newsletter Inserts
Sunday Newsletter Inserts for Stage of Hope in the Future
Back in October the Bishop wrote to us about Stage Three of “Hope in the Future”, inviting us to think and talk and pray about “Living the Sunday Eucharist”. Next week (weekend of 7th/ 8th December) there will be another short Pastoral message from the Bishop, together with a “worksheet” for us to begin our reflection. There will be three more of these in the coming Liturgical Year, so there will be plenty to think about!
Every week, from today to the end of August we will be issuing a short reflection for inclusion in your parish newsletters. Week by week we will go through the Sunday Mass, offering thoughts and explanations which it is hoped will enhance our celebrations, and allow them to become more and more a real and vibrant encounter with God.
Each week we will include an installment in this bulletin, but you can find the installments up to January in this document.
First Installment - An Introduction: Preparing for Mass
1st December (1st Sunday in Advent)
Since today we begin a new liturgical year, this is a good weekend to begin thinking about Sunday Mass! But where do we begin? With the Opening Hymn? The Sign of the Cross? The greeting at the church door? Sunday Mass actually begins during the week before, in our minds and hearts. We should all come to Mass prepared. This preparation can take different forms – for some it might be reflecting on the scriptures beforehand, for others practising music or readings or writing intercessions. But every parishioner should begin their Sunday Mass before they get to Church! An easy way is to bring an intention. The priest will be offering Mass for a particular intention – either the needs of the parish community or a specific intention he has been asked to offer – and everyone can do the same. Think of your intention before you come to Mass: this week it might be for yourself, or a member of your family or a friend, or for the poor or hungry of the world, or for a particular tragedy you have seen on the news, or a particular joy in your family. Think of what you will offer Mass for – remember your intention, and pray it in the quiet moments of Sunday Mass. You are coming to Mass to meet Jesus – prepare for this meeting by thinking of what you are going to offer Him!
The Year of the Word - The God Who Speaks Various local and national events are planned throughout the coming year to promote and encourage the use of Scripture in the daily life of all. In our diocese a team is planning several initiatives which will include celebrations, talks, prayer and formation. The bishops’ conference website contains the following page with more information about the initiative nationally: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/events/the-god-who-speaks/
The diocesan website has a dedicated page containing details of our planned events (click here). During the year, please promote these events in your parishes. If you are planning anything locally, please inform the communications department on communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk, so that it can be included on the page. If you would like to contribute something for wider appeal as part of the diocesan plans, please contact Fr Chris Lough.
There are a limited number of free campaign brochures, prayer cards and copies of Matthew’s Gospel available. Please contact the Department for Formation if you would like to collect copies by emailing formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or calling 0161 817 2214.
Here is a suggested insert for parish newsletters and websites this weekend and a suggested bidding prayer.
Today marks the official start of a whole year dedicated to celebrating, living and sharing the Word of God. There will be many national and local events throughout the year. In our own diocese several initiatives are planned to highlight the Bible’s importance for our lives and our worship. Look in the usual places – parish newsletters and the diocesan website – for the many events that will help us celebrate the ‘God Who Speaks.’
We pray that during this Year of the Word we may be attentive to the voice of God speaking to us through the scriptures. May the Word touch us and challenge us to be true and faithful followers of Jesus.
Solemn Mass for Solemnity of the Immaculate ConceptionOn Monday 9th December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, at 5.30pm there will be a Solemn Mass and Blessing of the new great west window.
This will take place at The Manchester Oratory, St Chad's Church, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M4 4EX.
There will be Mozart, and Coronation Mass with orchestra.
All are welcome.
Find out more: www.manchesteroratory.org
Caritas seeking Befriending Service VolunteersWe would appreciate if you could promote this volunteering opportunity in your parishes.
Caritas is looking for friendly, welcoming volunteers who can join our dedicated team of volunteers to help in the provision of support for lonely and socially isolated older people. Providing a befriending service and transport to shopping and various appointments i.e. doctor and hospital.
You will provide a listening ear and support to clients which may include social occasions and organised events.
We would like our volunteers to have regular commitment, such as weekly or fortnightly.
If you feel that you can engage with older people and can make an impact on their lives, then we would be delighted to hear from you.
Driving licence with use of a car is necessary.
To apply, please visit our website www.caritassalford.org.uk for a volunteer application form or contact Rebecca Anderson by email r.anderson@caritassalford.org.uk or by phone 0161 817 2264
See the full advert here
Recruiting, engaging and keeping volunteers for parish and community ministries: A KAIZEN workshop
Tuesday 17th December 2019
Liverpool Archdiocesan office, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA
KAIZEN are a leading International Organisation skilled in delivering one day workshops around the issues of how to attract, recruit and support people within the wide range of pastoral ministries that enable our communities to flourish and serve the wider communities in which they are situated.
This workshop is open to all: priests, those involved in coordinating different groups within parishes and pastoral areas, and even those looking to get involved. The day will be led by an experienced KAIZEN trainer who understands the Christian Church context.
Tea/coffee and registration from 10am for a 10.30 start and finish at 4pm (lunch will be provided). Cost is £15 per person but if a parish sends 5 people there is a reduction to £60 per group.
To book your place please contact the Pastoral Formation Department: 0151 522 1040 or formation@rcaol.co.uk
Reminders
Formation Series: The Eucharist – Food for the Journey
St Gabriel's RC High School, Bridge Road, Bury, BL9 0TZ
Wednesday 4th December 2019
7:30pm
A lecture led by Mariana Miller, held as part of the Formation Series. This lecture will focus on The Eucharist.
Mariana Miller is the Assistant Dean for Continuing Education at Loyola University, Chicago, and, in that capacity, works with the diocese and the other northern dioceses in the Certificate and Diploma in Pastoral Leadership.
Tea & Coffee will be served from 7:00pm and parking is available onsite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mariana-miller-formation-series-the-eucharist-food-for-the-journey-tickets-73549306957
A Holy Night Amidst the Christmas Chaos
A quiet time away on the 13th and 14th of December to prepare for the Christmas mystery. Two talks, Holy Mass, communal prayer, and social time. Comfortable en suite accommodation and bed and breakfast provided. All set within the beautiful surroundings of the Stonyhurst Estate.
For booking and full details, please visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/event/advent-recollection/
Poster
Cornerstone Handbag and Backpack Appeal
Please support Cornerstone by donating an old handbag or backpack full of the items listed on the attached posters. Please feel free to share this with your family and friends and as widely as possible. Donations can be returned to Cornerstone Daycentre, the Cathedral Centre or any Caritas project for collection.
If you have any queries, please contact Lorraine Cumbo (Operations Manager) on either 0161 232 8888 or 07949228910.
Poster 1 can be found here
Poster 2 can be found here
Advent Series at Wardley Hall
As we begin “The God Who Speaks: The Year of the Word,” there will be Advent reflections held at Wardley Hall which will focus on praying with three voices: Isaiah, John the Baptist and Matthew in his Gospel account of the Christmas Story.
Using Scripture, art, music, and poetry, the reflections will explore God’s message and its relevance for us today making time for prayer and discussion.
Each event will run from 10:30 - 12:30 at Wardley Hall.
29 November: The Voice of the Prophet Isaiah
6 December: The Voice of John the Baptist
13 December: The Voice of Matthew
To book your place or for further information, please contact: Marie Sartini, Bishop's PA, 0161 794 2825, marie.sartini@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
A poster is available here.
Holy Hour for Vocations
All are welcome to attend the following Holy Hour for Vocations.
St Ann’s, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7DG
Tuesday 10th December 2019
7pm-8pm
Music and Readings for Advent and Christmas
6:30pm, 15th December 2019
St John's Cathedral, Chapel St, Salford, M3 5LE
Organised jointly between Caritas Diocese of Salford, and Salford Loaves and Fishes, this annual Advent concert will see Notability, a choir of quality, perform the old favourites again, this time joined by St Bede's College Choir. Bishop John Arnold will also attend, and refreshments are available afterwards.
Tickets are £5 by phone or you can register your tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/music-and-readings-for-advent-and-christmas-tickets-79136388067
Ordo Correction
Please note that, from the First Sunday of Advent, the Sunday Cycle is Year A and the Weekday Cycle Year 2. The references for the Gospel and Passion on Palm Sunday should be changed to Matthew 21:1-11 and Matthew 26:14-27:66 as should the reference to the Gospel of the Easter Vigil to Matthew 28:1-10.
We will reissue these details again nearer to Holy Week. If you have any questions about the Ordo please email formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Update on First Holy Communion Preparation from Department for Formation.Following the Clergy Day and the Training Sessions for Catechists, the attached letter will shortly be sent to those catechists who attended and whose details, therefore, we have on our database. It describes the next stage of support they will receive going forward. If you have any questions, please do contact the Department for Formation on communion@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
You can download the letter by clicking this link.
Advent Day of Recollection for ClergyThe Christian Heritage Centre is offering an Advent Day of Recollection for Clergy, led by Fr Gabriel Kyte, C.F.R, on Thursday 5th December.
The theme of the day will be, Praying from the Heart: A journey into greater freedom.
The day will include two talks, a Holy Hour with opportunity for confession and a guided meditation.
Arrivals with coffee and tea from 10:30am, departures around 3:30pm.
Clergy are welcome to arrive earlier and/or stay later if they would like more time to pray, walk, or socialise.
The cost of the day is £17, which includes a buffet lunch.
Overnight B&B accommodation is offered at the discounted rate of £35.
To book, please email events@christianheritagecentre.com or call 01254 827 074 by 1st December
Reminders
Supplement to the Liturgy of the Hours and Roman Missal - December
The Department for Formation is beginning the process of compiling a Diocesan Calendar of Feasts and, eventually, a Diocesan Supplement to the Divine Office and the Mass. In the meantime a monthly resource is being drawn up comprising those texts which have been added since the present Roman Missal (English translation) and Breviary (English translation) were published. Where the official text has been published but not yet translated the official text is given. Where English translations of the Second Reading at the Office of Readings are available, they will be included also.
Liturgy Supplement December
Cancellation of Clergy Study Day at Stonyhurst
A reminder that the Clergy Study Day scheduled at Theodore House, Stonyhurst for tomorrow the 28th November, has been postponed until next year, so there is no clergy event tomorrow. More information will be sent out after the New Year.
Notices for Parishes and Newsletter Inserts
Sunday Newsletter Inserts for Stage of Hope in the Future
Back in October the Bishop wrote to us about Stage Three of “Hope in the Future”, inviting us to think and talk and pray about “Living the Sunday Eucharist”. Next week (weekend of 7th/ 8th December) there will be another short Pastoral message from the Bishop, together with a “worksheet” for us to begin our reflection. There will be three more of these in the coming Liturgical Year, so there will be plenty to think about!
Every week, from today to the end of August we will be issuing a short reflection for inclusion in your parish newsletters. Week by week we will go through the Sunday Mass, offering thoughts and explanations which it is hoped will enhance our celebrations, and allow them to become more and more a real and vibrant encounter with God.
Each week we will include an installment in this bulletin, but you can find the installments up to January in this document.
First Installment - An Introduction: Preparing for Mass
1st December (1st Sunday in Advent)
Since today we begin a new liturgical year, this is a good weekend to begin thinking about Sunday Mass! But where do we begin? With the Opening Hymn? The Sign of the Cross? The greeting at the church door? Sunday Mass actually begins during the week before, in our minds and hearts. We should all come to Mass prepared. This preparation can take different forms – for some it might be reflecting on the scriptures beforehand, for others practising music or readings or writing intercessions. But every parishioner should begin their Sunday Mass before they get to Church! An easy way is to bring an intention. The priest will be offering Mass for a particular intention – either the needs of the parish community or a specific intention he has been asked to offer – and everyone can do the same. Think of your intention before you come to Mass: this week it might be for yourself, or a member of your family or a friend, or for the poor or hungry of the world, or for a particular tragedy you have seen on the news, or a particular joy in your family. Think of what you will offer Mass for – remember your intention, and pray it in the quiet moments of Sunday Mass. You are coming to Mass to meet Jesus – prepare for this meeting by thinking of what you are going to offer Him!
The Year of the Word - The God Who Speaks Various local and national events are planned throughout the coming year to promote and encourage the use of Scripture in the daily life of all. In our diocese a team is planning several initiatives which will include celebrations, talks, prayer and formation. The bishops’ conference website contains the following page with more information about the initiative nationally: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/events/the-god-who-speaks/
The diocesan website has a dedicated page containing details of our planned events (click here). During the year, please promote these events in your parishes. If you are planning anything locally, please inform the communications department on communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk, so that it can be included on the page. If you would like to contribute something for wider appeal as part of the diocesan plans, please contact Fr Chris Lough.
There are a limited number of free campaign brochures, prayer cards and copies of Matthew’s Gospel available. Please contact the Department for Formation if you would like to collect copies by emailing formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or calling 0161 817 2214.
Here is a suggested insert for parish newsletters and websites this weekend and a suggested bidding prayer.
Today marks the official start of a whole year dedicated to celebrating, living and sharing the Word of God. There will be many national and local events throughout the year. In our own diocese several initiatives are planned to highlight the Bible’s importance for our lives and our worship. Look in the usual places – parish newsletters and the diocesan website – for the many events that will help us celebrate the ‘God Who Speaks.’
We pray that during this Year of the Word we may be attentive to the voice of God speaking to us through the scriptures. May the Word touch us and challenge us to be true and faithful followers of Jesus.
Solemn Mass for Solemnity of the Immaculate ConceptionOn Monday 9th December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, at 5.30pm there will be a Solemn Mass and Blessing of the new great west window.
This will take place at The Manchester Oratory, St Chad's Church, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M4 4EX.
There will be Mozart, and Coronation Mass with orchestra.
All are welcome.
Find out more: www.manchesteroratory.org
Caritas seeking Befriending Service VolunteersWe would appreciate if you could promote this volunteering opportunity in your parishes.
Caritas is looking for friendly, welcoming volunteers who can join our dedicated team of volunteers to help in the provision of support for lonely and socially isolated older people. Providing a befriending service and transport to shopping and various appointments i.e. doctor and hospital.
You will provide a listening ear and support to clients which may include social occasions and organised events.
We would like our volunteers to have regular commitment, such as weekly or fortnightly.
If you feel that you can engage with older people and can make an impact on their lives, then we would be delighted to hear from you.
Driving licence with use of a car is necessary.
To apply, please visit our website www.caritassalford.org.uk for a volunteer application form or contact Rebecca Anderson by email r.anderson@caritassalford.org.uk or by phone 0161 817 2264
See the full advert here
Recruiting, engaging and keeping volunteers for parish and community ministries: A KAIZEN workshop
Tuesday 17th December 2019
Liverpool Archdiocesan office, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA
KAIZEN are a leading International Organisation skilled in delivering one day workshops around the issues of how to attract, recruit and support people within the wide range of pastoral ministries that enable our communities to flourish and serve the wider communities in which they are situated.
This workshop is open to all: priests, those involved in coordinating different groups within parishes and pastoral areas, and even those looking to get involved. The day will be led by an experienced KAIZEN trainer who understands the Christian Church context.
Tea/coffee and registration from 10am for a 10.30 start and finish at 4pm (lunch will be provided). Cost is £15 per person but if a parish sends 5 people there is a reduction to £60 per group.
To book your place please contact the Pastoral Formation Department: 0151 522 1040 or formation@rcaol.co.uk
Reminders
Formation Series: The Eucharist – Food for the Journey
St Gabriel's RC High School, Bridge Road, Bury, BL9 0TZ
Wednesday 4th December 2019
7:30pm
A lecture led by Mariana Miller, held as part of the Formation Series. This lecture will focus on The Eucharist.
Mariana Miller is the Assistant Dean for Continuing Education at Loyola University, Chicago, and, in that capacity, works with the diocese and the other northern dioceses in the Certificate and Diploma in Pastoral Leadership.
Tea & Coffee will be served from 7:00pm and parking is available onsite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mariana-miller-formation-series-the-eucharist-food-for-the-journey-tickets-73549306957
A Holy Night Amidst the Christmas Chaos
A quiet time away on the 13th and 14th of December to prepare for the Christmas mystery. Two talks, Holy Mass, communal prayer, and social time. Comfortable en suite accommodation and bed and breakfast provided. All set within the beautiful surroundings of the Stonyhurst Estate.
For booking and full details, please visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/event/advent-recollection/
Poster
Cornerstone Handbag and Backpack Appeal
Please support Cornerstone by donating an old handbag or backpack full of the items listed on the attached posters. Please feel free to share this with your family and friends and as widely as possible. Donations can be returned to Cornerstone Daycentre, the Cathedral Centre or any Caritas project for collection.
If you have any queries, please contact Lorraine Cumbo (Operations Manager) on either 0161 232 8888 or 07949228910.
Poster 1 can be found here
Poster 2 can be found here
Advent Series at Wardley Hall
As we begin “The God Who Speaks: The Year of the Word,” there will be Advent reflections held at Wardley Hall which will focus on praying with three voices: Isaiah, John the Baptist and Matthew in his Gospel account of the Christmas Story.
Using Scripture, art, music, and poetry, the reflections will explore God’s message and its relevance for us today making time for prayer and discussion.
Each event will run from 10:30 - 12:30 at Wardley Hall.
29 November: The Voice of the Prophet Isaiah
6 December: The Voice of John the Baptist
13 December: The Voice of Matthew
To book your place or for further information, please contact: Marie Sartini, Bishop's PA, 0161 794 2825, marie.sartini@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
A poster is available here.
Holy Hour for Vocations
All are welcome to attend the following Holy Hour for Vocations.
St Ann’s, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7DG
Tuesday 10th December 2019
7pm-8pm
Music and Readings for Advent and Christmas
6:30pm, 15th December 2019
St John's Cathedral, Chapel St, Salford, M3 5LE
Organised jointly between Caritas Diocese of Salford, and Salford Loaves and Fishes, this annual Advent concert will see Notability, a choir of quality, perform the old favourites again, this time joined by St Bede's College Choir. Bishop John Arnold will also attend, and refreshments are available afterwards.
Tickets are £5 by phone or you can register your tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/music-and-readings-for-advent-and-christmas-tickets-79136388067