Parish News

Next Fairtrade Stall - Sunday 8th March

Dennis and Frances will be at the back of Church at both Masses on Sunday 8th March with a range of fairly traded goods and gifts.

We hope parishioners will give the stall your usual generous support

Recycling for Charity

There are boxes at the back of church to recycle the following items

- Clean and scrunched aluminium foil – for Snappy

- Cables with plugs, etc removed – for Snappy

- Used inkjet (only) cartridges – for SVP

- Candle wax – for the Carmelites at Thicket Priory

Very many thanks to our regular recyclers

Frances & Dennis

St Georges SVP - Annual Report 2025

A copy of St Georges SVP Annual Report for 2025 is now available showing the great work that our Parish supports, helping those living in need and especially poverty in York.

You can read a copy of the report by following this link:

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SVP-Report-Sept-25-1.pdf

September issue of The Catholic Voice

It's great to see a couple of mentions in this month's issue of The Voice for Canon Harney and Sister Ann.

Copies of The Voice, produced by the The Diocese of Middlesbrough are available at Mass at the back of Church, or online at the following address:

https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/.../08/sept-voice2.pdf

New Horizons Bridging Trust

The New Horizons Bridging Trust had the pleasure of presenting Canon Harney with an Anniversary card and small gift at Mass last Sunday to acknowledge the forthcoming 70th Anniversary of his priestly ordination.

This little known Diocesan Trust was established over 30 years ago by Msgr Seamus Kilbane RIP, with the sole aim of keeping in touch with retired priests by sending a card and small gift each year on the anniversary of their Ordination.

Helen, Secretary of the Trust, presented Canon Harney with his card and gift at the end of Mass, along with Fr Jo Michael and Canon Jerry who also presented a commemorate sash.

Thank you to Lars for the photos.

Canon Harney's official celebration Mass is this Saturday 21st June at 12 noon at English Martyrs RC Church York. All invited.

SVP Vinnie Summer Camp

Last summer the SVP in Middlesbrough ran the first Vinnie Summer Camp at Peat Rigg Outdoor Activity Centre in Pickering, for 19 children aged between 9 and 11 (school yrs 5 and 6).

The camp is a 5 day residential break with challenging outdoor activities for children who would not otherwise benefit from such an experience.

This year’s camp runs from 25th to 29th August and includes year 5 and year 6 children from our primary schools in York.

The SVP needs to raise £9,000 from across the Diocese to fund free places and transport.

There are more details of how you can donate on the poster at the back of Church and on page 9 of the May issue of The Voice, available at the back of Church.

Thank you for your continued generosity.

St George's Fairtrade Stall

Thank you to everyone who supported our Fairtrade Stall last Sunday.

Goods to the value of £172 were bought (£129 Morning Mass and £43 Evening Mass)

The next stalls will be held on Sunday 8th June.

Many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

Pope Francis RIP

As the last of the Novemdiales for the nine days of mourning Pope Francis was celebrated, and whilst continuing to mourn his death, we become aware of a somewhat sweet irony: had he not died, his extraordinary legacy would not have been made available or known to the wider world today.

His Apostolic Exhortations, homilies, Encyclicals, press conferences, and pastoral addresses, would have remained confined to the catholic community.

However, Pope Francis’ teachings, including his anthropological, scientific, political and theological vision, have now reached millions around the world, well beyond the walls of the Catholic Church.

Ironically, thanks to his passing, his revolutionary message of compassion, peace, human rights, and love for Creation, has indeed touched the heart of hundreds of millions worldwide.

This would not have been possible without the Holy Father’s departure. Indeed, for most people, including sectors within the catholic community, it would have been unthinkable to contemplate or even consider paying attention to the teachings of a Pontiff.

The Bishop of Rome might have died, but his teachings will live, and the seeds he planted in our hearts and minds will inevitably germinate.

Thank you, Pope Francis, thank you.

Rest in Peace.

St George's Laudato Si Group

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts

Shine through the darkness

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

May Pope Francis' Soul and the Souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen

Happy Easter

A big thank you to the children, parents and staff at St George's Roman Catholic Primary School York for making up these Easter Gift Bags that enabled the SVP to bring joy to so many people in the Parish this Easter.

Today He is Risen!

Alleluia Alleluia.

May the joy of the Risen Christ fill your hearts with peace, hope, and new life.

May His victory over death, strengthen your faith and bring light to every corner of your life.

Wishing you and your families a blessed Easter.

Best Wishes – Fr. Jo Michael

Fairtrade Stall

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade Stall on Sunday 30th March.

Goods to the value of £231 were bought. £187 at morning Mass and £44 at evening Mass.

The next stalls will be on 11th May – there won’t be any stalls in April.

Many thanks,
Frances & Dennis

Some of the great photos from our #CAFOD #BigLentWalk today.

Taking in St Lawrence Parish Church, York St Aelred's Church and St Thomas at Osbaldwick for the Tombstone Mary Ward.

A very Happy Birthday and Blessings to parishioner Doreen on her 95th birthday yesterday!

Thank you to St Aelred's

For calling in at St George's last Sunday on your Cafod Pilgrimage Walk.

It was great to see you all and we hope you can join our Cafod Big LentWalk on Sunday 23rd March after Morning Mass.

Fairtrade Stall

Very many thanks to everyone who supported the Fairtrade Stall on Sunday.

A total of £216 worth of goods were bought - £97 at morning Mass and £119 at evening Mass

The next stalls will be held after both Masses on 30th March and 11th May.

Please note there won’t be stalls in April so you may need to stock up on your Easter cards and eggs as well as chocolate, coffees, jams, etc at the March stalls.

A lady left a small painted wooden cross on the stall by mistake. We will be at evening Mass this Sunday (16th) should she wish to collect it.

Very many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

It is great to see St George's feature on the back page of this month's issue of the Catholic Voice published by The Diocese of Middlesbrough.

You can pick up a paper copy of The Voice at the back of Church or the whole newspaper and previous issues are now available online at:

https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/the-voice/

St George's Church in the News again

Great to see that our recent Epiphany Party, organised by our parish Laudato Si Group, features in the February edition of the The Voice newspaper produced by The Diocese of Middlesbrough

Copies of The Voice are available at Mass at the back of Church or you can now read this issue and previous issues online at

https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/the-voice/

A Thought for Tidy Friday!

Did you know there is thought to be over 140 million unused cables sat in our homes!?

You could circle the Earth five times with the cables hiding in UK homes alone.

Most of us hold onto cables, charging wires and leads “just in case” but I don’t know anyone that couldn’t use more storage space…

If you haven’t used the cable in a year chances are, you aren’t going to and you can free up valuable space by recycling your cables.

The good news is that a box is provided at the back of Church by St George’s Laudato Si Group in which to leave your unwanted cables for recycling at St Nicks Project in York

Fairtrade Stall

Many thanks to everyone who supported the Fairtrade Stall last Sunday.

Goods to the value of £204 were bought (£156 at morning Mass and £48 at evening Mass).

The next stall will be after both Masses on Sunday 16th February

Many thanks,
Frances & Dennis

Thank you to Imam Ammar and Shazad for welcoming Fr Jo Michael so warmly at the fortnightly Refugee Lunch at York Mosque Community Kitchen. Followed by a tour of the Mosque

Collection of Unwanted IT at each Mass This Sunday 19th Jan

A reminder that we will be available before and after Mass this Sunday to recycle your unwanted phones, tablets and computers if they are not too old.

The attached gives guidance on what we can accept and how to confirm how old your computer is.

All donations go directly to the IT Reuse charity in York for data to be deleted and suitable devices to be repurposed for those in need.

St George's Parishioners Feature in the January Issue of The Voice

We have 2 stories included in this month's issue of the Voice produced by The Diocese of Middlesbrough .

You can pick up a copy of the Voice at the back of Church or access online via this link:

https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/the-voice/

Our Fairtrade Stall 2024 Report

As you will have noticed from our regular posts throughout 2024, our Fairtrade stall, kindly run by volunteers Dennis and Frances, continued to go from strength to strength in 2024.

Here is the single page summary of the year, highlighting an incredible 28% increase in sales compared with 2023, which itself was double that in 2022.

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Fairtrade-Stall-Report-2024.pdf

This is a remarkable achievement. Tremendous thanks go to Dennis and Frances for all their hard work and dedication in 2024 and most of all a huge thank you to St George's parishioners who have once again demonstrated that special St George's kindness and generosity.

St George's Collection of Unwanted Mobile Phones and Laptops for York's IT Reuse Charity

You may have spotted in our bulletin recently that our annual collection of unwanted mobile phones and laptops is taking place at each Mass on Sunday 19th January (do not bring on any other day please)

All phones and laptops donated go to help the York IT Reuse Charity that was recently featured on Look North:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i462Ty6mx_o

So if you've treated yourself to new tech recently, please consider donating the tech you no longer require to a very worthwhile cause locally. (Smartphones from 2016 onwards and laptops from 2012 onwards)

Fairtrade Stall

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade stall on Sunday 5th Jan.

Goods to the value of £151 were sold (£88 after morning Mass and £63 after evening Mass).

This was excellent bearing in mind the difficulties people had in getting to Mass due to the weather conditions.

The next stalls will be held on Sunday 26 January i.e. in three weeks time.

Many thanks,
Frances & Dennis

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

Here are some more photos and videos from the excellent Epiphany Party organised and hosted by our Laudato Si Group last Friday.

Thank you to St Lawrence Parish Church, York for the hospitality and hire of the Church Hall.

And finally a very Happy Feast of the Epiphany to all our parishioners , followers and friends.

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the big freeze to come to our Epiphany party - we all had a great time with lovely food, singing, games, child Kings and of course the crowning event being the Pinata, beautifully made by Citlali (and beautifully destroyed by the children!)

You all made it such a warm and welcoming celebration reflecting our church family at St George's.

It was lovely to see a very large shooting star over the Hall - very fitting for the celebration!

We hope to organise something for either St George's Day or Easter so let us know if you have any ideas or would like to be involved.

Watch this space!

Thank You to All Saints Students

It was very kind of the students and staff at All Saints Catholic School, York to invite 5 members of St Georges Parish recently to a enjoy a free SVP Christmas lunch at the school.

Fairtrade Stall Breaks All Records!

A fantastic way to celebrate the final Fairtrade Stall of 2024 is to share with you that yesterday's Fairtrade Stall at both Masses took £382!

This is a record for the St George’s Stall. £248 worth of goods were sold at morning Mass and £134 at evening Mass. Many thanks to parishioners for your outstanding generosity.

St George's Fairtrade Stall is very much part of our Parish initiative to #livesimply encouraged by our Parish #LaudatoSi Group.

The next Fairtrade Stall will be on Sunday 5 January i.e. in three weeks’ time. The plan is to hold a stall at three-weekly intervals until the end of March.

We will confirm the dates in advance.

We hope to share an ‘Annual Report’ for 2024 in early January.

Very many thanks for your support over the past year.

Frances and Dennis would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year

St George's SVP - Annual Report to the Parish

A copy of the short report detailing the key activities of the SVP over the last year to Sept 24 is now available on the pin board at the back of Church.

You can also access it online using this link:

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SVP-Report-Sept-24.pdf

The St Vincent de Paul Society is an international charity which befriends those in need and provides them with practical assistance. It has been established in England & Wales since 1844, where there are currently 9,000 volunteer members involved in its work.

Feast of St Francis Xavier

Last Saturday 7th Dec we celebrated Mass to commemorate the Feast Day of St Francis Xavier, a very special day for our thriving Goan community in St George’s Parish.

St. Francis Xavier is most honoured by the Catholic Church, for his missionary accomplishments particularly in Goa, India.

He is one of the greatest Roman Catholic missionaries of modern times and was instrumental in the establishment of Christianity in Goa. He is now the patron Saint of Goa.

Members of the Goan community provided light refreshments for all parishioners after Mass, at the back of the church, to celebrate the feast.

Here are some photos from the day.

Thank you to Lars and Ines for sharing these.

A Warm St George's Welcome to Oakhill College, New South Wales

It was brilliant this morning to welcome staff and students from Oakhill College in New South Wales, Australia who joined us for 10am Mass.

St George's in honoured to have spent time with the staff and students who are part way through a rugby tour of England and Italy.

We wish them a safe and enjoyable tour.

And good luck in the rugby match this afternoon with St Peter's School, York

St George's Fairtrade Stall

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade Stall on Sunday.

Goods to the value of £307 were sold (£212 morning Mass and £95 evening Mass).

The next stall will be held on the 15th December – Please note this is a change of date from 8th.

Very many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

Restore - Providing Homes, Giving Hope

Father Joe Michael and Canon Jerry last night joined members of St George's Church, representing the SVP and Laudato Si, in supporting a charity dinner in aid of Restore York who provide homes for people who have suffered homelessness.

We learned that providing a roof is the tip of the iceberg for many homeless people.

The Restore team compassionately explores the root causes of each person's situation, enabling them to flourish - restoring lives and dignity.

The food was cooked and served by Yahala Mataam - a Social Enterprise Restaurant and Cookery School in York.

The mission of Yahala Mataam is to provide opportunity, build confidence and instill dignity in the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and those who are marginalised due to conflict through food projects.

St George's SVP is proud to have partnered with the Restore York Charity in 2024 and will continue to do so into 2025

Fairtrade Stall

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade Stall on Sunday.

Goods to the value of £165 were sold - £120 morning Mass and £45 Evening Mass.

The next stall will be on Sunday 24th November.

This is a Christmas ‘Special’ for the sale of Christmas Cards, Advent Calendars, baubles, stocking fillers, Christmas chocolate, etc, etc.

There will also bring a small stock of the usual coffee, chocolate, jams, etc. which won’t be on display so please ask if you would like these.

Many thanks,
Frances & Dennis

Winter Clothes for Carecent York

Thank you again for your generous donations at Mass yesterday.

And thank you to Jim and Annette for transporting this week to Carecent York

Welcome Back Fr Jo Michael!

This Sunday we welcomed back Fr Jo Michael from his holiday in India to resume his Ministry at St George's. We wish him a long and happy Ministry at St George's.

We also thank Canon Jerry for looking after us since his retirement at the beginning of August.

May Canon Jerry now enjoy a very long and happy retirement in York.

God bless both Canon Jerry and Fr Jo Michael.

Fairtrade Stall

Another fantastic result yesterday for our ever popular Fairtrade Stall.

Goods to the value of £297 were sold - £210 morning Mass and £87 evening Mass.

This compares very favourably with previous months in 2024 and is our second highest total this year.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our Fairtrade stall this year.

The next stalls will be held on

1. Sunday 3rd November for the sale of Christmas Cards and Advent calendars as well as the usual goods This is week earlier than usual to avoid Remembrance Sunday

2. Sunday 24th November This is a Christmas Special for the sale of Christmas cards, Advent calendars as well as other Christmas items

Very many thanks,
Frances & Dennis

It was great to accompany Canon Jerry on his visit the York Mosque & Islamic Centre last Thursday, where he shared news of his retirement with Imam Ammar.

A lovely and very busy community lunch allowed us to share a meal together and it was great to connect again with Helping other People in Need Group Street Kitchen who do some great work in York feeding those in need every single week of the year.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2025:

Our parish First Holy Communion programme is open for all children Year 4 and above and preparation for the special day will start in November 2024.

Dates and times of meetings and the date for the First Holy Communion Mass will be confirmed when Fr Jo Michael returns in mid-October.

If you would like to register your child on the programme please email Liz Goldstein: goldstein.liz63@gmail.com, who will send out a registration form for you to complete.

In the meantime all the catechists look forward to welcoming you and your children at Sunday Mass.

SVP Parish Outing 2024 - Thursday 19th September

Thank you to Ines and Pat for some great photos from yesterday's trip to Hutton Le Hole.

The food was excellent and the museum was extensive, relaxed and very informative.

I'm told the ice cream was also delicious!

Hannah Pugh RIP

Today we fondly remember Hannah Pugh who passed away recently.

Hannah was a very popular parishioner at St George's and made many friends.

She will be very sadly missed.

Here is a link to the order of service from her Requiem Mass:

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/H-Pugh-service-sheet-booklet.pdf

May Hannah's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade stall on Sunday – goods to the value of £106 were sold - £49 after morning Mass and £57 after evening.

A good result during the holiday season.

Our next stall is on Sunday 8th Sept.

Many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

August Issue of The Voice

The August Issue of The Voice produced by the The Diocese of Middlesbrough is now available at the back of Church or you can read online at this link:

https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/the-voice/

This month's issue contains a lovely photo and article from Canon Jerry's recent Jubilee Mass at St George's Church.

Another Successful Fairtrade Stall - Sunday 14th July

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade stall at Mass yesterday.

An excellent £187 worth of goods were sold - £110 at morning Mass and £77 at evening Mass.

The next stall is at both Masses on Sunday 11th August.

Michael Metcalfe RIP

Today we pray Michael Metcalfe who died recently at St Leonard's Hospice.

Canon Jerry led a very heartwarming tribute Mass at St George's today, to celebrate Michael's life with family and friends, organised by Michael's twin sister Jane.

Michael attended St George's Junior and Secondary School and served as an altar boy at St George’s Church. He worked for a time at York Carriage Works and was an engineer at heart who just loved to understand how things worked. He also had a fine collection of motor bikes.

May Michael’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Canon Jerry Jubilee Mass - Sun 9th June - more photos

It really was a lovely celebration at morning Mass yesterday. Here are some photos courtesy of Ines and Lars.

Canon Jerry - 50th Anniversary of Ordination - 8th June 2024

Please join with us today to congratulate Canon Jerry on his Golden Jubilee as a priest!

Laudato Si Update

It was a wonderful pre-morning Mass Meditation on the subject of Ecological Education yesterday for those who attended.

We are not posing any questions for written answers at Mass any more. Thank you to everybody who did respond. We have taken note of your answers.

However, the Holy Spirit is very evidently at work in our parish, demonstrated by the wonderful response to any requests that have been made eg bringing materials for recycling; clothes/shoes for Carecent; old computers and Smartphones for recycling to those who do not have any; and recently a mountain of 'spiritual' books donated for borrowing.

Thank you so much again for your wonderful generosity.

April Catholic Voice

St George's is featured again in the April issue of The Catholic Voice.

A lovely photo of our Goan Community celebrating the feast of St Francis Xavier is on page 3.

Catholic Voice is produced by The Diocese of Middlesbrough and can be collected in newspaper format from the back of Church or can now be viewed online at:

https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/the-voice/

Palm Sunday Procession

Some lovely photos by Lars from yesterday morning's Palm Sunday Mass & Procession.

There definitely seems to be a sense of anticipation for Holy Week this week.

Norman McNichol RIP

Today we paid tribute to long standing St George's parishioner, Norman McNichol, as Canon Jerry celebrated a Memorial Service with Norman's family and friends at St George's Church.

Norman was a regular attender at St George's and during the pandemic used to catch the bus, from Selby and back, in order to attend Sunday morning Mass at St George's.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Laudato Si – Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyes

This Sunday, 3rd March, the third Sunday in Lent, our Laudato Si group will resume the presentation of goals from Pope Francis’ Laudato Si Encyclical. Next Sunday we shall be looking at the “Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles”, a very appropriate topic for Lent.

This goal encourages us to reflect on what it is to have enough, and to ensure that others, including future generations, will have enough. It encourages us to recognise the need to limit ourselves to a sufficient amount, rather than using the planet and its people as a means to our own comfort and convenience.

As we have done previously, before 10:30 Mass, at 9.15, we shall have a meditation on this week’s topic. We would like to welcome everybody to join this reflection.

2 printed questions relevant to this topic will be available on the benches in Church. We ask parishioners, if they wish, to take these home, to reflect on the questions, and to bring back the papers with their thoughts the following Sunday. There will be a box available near the entrance to Church to put these in.

We value your contributions as a way of going forward with Laudato Si in our parish. The conclusions from your contributions will be made available to the parish in our next Laudato Si newsletter

St Francis Xavier

The large and thriving Goan Community within St George’s Parish in York recently commemorated the Feast Day of St Francis Xavier with a special Mass celebrated by Canon Jerry.

This was a very special day for the Goan community as St Francis Xavier is the Patron Saint of Goa.

Here are some photos from the Mass.

You can read more about St Francis Xavier via this link:

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/St-Francis-Xavier-09.02.24.pdf

What a great day we celebrated yesterday with Bishop Terry.

Here are some photos taken by Lars Karlsson.

Bishop Terry Visits St George's Primary School and Church

The Children and staff at St George's School had a fantastic morning yesterday with the lovely Bishop Terry!

Bishop Terry is celebrating both Masses with us at Church this Sunday 4th Feb at the usual times of 10:30am and 6:30pm.

Fantastic Response to Collection of Unwanted IT at Mass Yesterday!

Thank you to those who responded to our appeal yesterday for unwanted mobile phones and laptops for donation to the York-based charity IT Reuse www.itreuse.org.uk

All donations now safely delivered to the charity at their base in the York Community Furniture Store

If you have any further donations please message us or email us at admin@stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk rather than bringing items to Mass.

Synodal Listening Sessions at St George's Church

For anyone who is interested in knowing more about the Synod, what Pope Francis challenges us to do and who wants to have a go at putting it into practice.

There are four sessions coming up - and you can attend one or all of them - don't worry if you can't make them all.

St George's Fairtrade Stall in 2023

Thank you to all parishioners who have supported the Fairtrade Stall at morning and evening Mass throughout 2023.

Mainly thanks to your support, the stall has just about doubled the amount of money it has raised in 2023 compared to 2022.

This is a great result and special thanks must go to Dennis and Frances for running the stall and to Canon Jerry for his support throughout.

The next stall is at morning and evening Mass on Sunday 14th January and a full list of dates for the Fairtrade Stall in 2024 will be published in January.

A full copy of St George's Fairtrade 2023 Report can be viewed via this link:

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Fairtrade-Stall-Report-2023-.pdf

LAUDATO DEUM - POPE FRANCIS

You may have seen mention recently of Pope Francis' update on the Climate Crisis, timed to coincide with the UN COP28 Conference.

Our Laudato Si Group has produced a summary document (link below) which also contains a link to the full update.

Thank you to Citlali for kindly taking the time to produce this summary.

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/St-Georges-COP28-Laudato-Deum-COP28-Newsletter-CRM-UPDATED-8XII.pdf

RIP JOHN MICHAEL HARDCASTLE (17th December 1946 - 24th June 2023)

Today we pay tribute to parishioner Michael Hardcastle (husband of Elizabeth Hardcastle) who died earlier this year.

The Order of Service for Michael's Requiem Mass on 20th July 2023 is replicated in full below.

May Michael's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Feast of St Francis Xavier - Patron Saint of Goa, India

This weekend we are reminded of the Feast Day of St Francis Xavier, a very special day for our thriving Goan community in St George’s Parish.

St. Francis Xavier is most honoured by the Catholic Church, for his missionary accomplishments particularly in Goa, India. He is one of the greatest Roman Catholic missionaries of modern times and was instrumental in the establishment of Christianity in Goa. He is now the patron Saint of Goa.

As a Jesuit, Francisco underwent and then, in turn, led others through the Spiritual Exercises of his great friend St. Ignatius Loyola. He worked in hospitals in Italy, caring for the sick and downtrodden before going to India. He set sail for India as the papal nuncio in 1541, reaching Goa on May 6, 1541. In Goa, he would walk through the streets, ringing a little bell, inviting anyone who would care to listen to him preach the Word of God. St. Francis Xavier was influential in evangelisation work, most notably in early modern India, Goa.

He died in a straw hut in 1552 on Sancian Island, off the Southern coast of China. The body of Saint Francis Xavier, lies in a silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Basilica being more than 400 years old. The body and arm of St. Francis Xavier is considered a first class relic

St. Francis Xavier was canonized by Gregory XV on March 12, 1622, and ranks among the greatest missionaries in Christian history. The Church asked for a relic. At the time it was considered evidence of his saintliness and the revered right arm, which did all the baptising, was severed at the request of the head of the Jesuit order and sent to Rome, where it is till this day.

The practice of venerating relics has been a Scripture-based tradition in the church for centuries. The decennial exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, popularly known as “Gõycho Saib” will be held between November 21, 2024 and January 5, 2025 at Old Goa. The last exposition of the relics was held in 2014-15. This Spiritual event will draw thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, to pay their respects to St. Francis Xavier.

To commentate the feast, in St George’s Parish, a statue of St Francis Xavier (which has been specially shipped from Goa this year) will be blessed and installed on the altar between St Theresa and St Anthony, whilst a hymn is sung in Konkani (the Goan mother tongue).

Members of the Goan community will be providing light refreshments for all parishioners after Mass this Sunday morning, at the back of the church, to celebrate the feast.

CARECENT COLLECTIONS CONTINUE TO PLEASE!

It's always lovely to get a 'thank you' and some nice feedback, so our generous volunteers and parishioners were delighted to get this thank you card from the lovely volunteers at Carecent, for all the food donated at Church and the recent collections of winter coats.

And the food collections just keep on coming in - here's a photo that our parishioner volunteer Jim sent us.

WHAT A RESPONSE FOR Restore York !

Fantastic generosity from St George's parishioners last Sunday in donating nearly £400 for Restore York

Thank you to Lydia from the charity for a heartfelt presentation and thank you to Restore York for everything you do in York to give people in need a new start and somewhere to call home.

This Sunday we welcome Restore York - a local homeless charity - who will be speaking at both Masses.

St George's SVP is already supporting individual residents in Restore's houses and recently helped a formerly homeless person buy a carpet for their first home!

Restore provides homes and a resettlement program to help people off the streets and ready for a tenancy of their own. They also provide housing for Refugees.

I'm sure if you're at Mass on Sunday you will want to give Restore a traditionally warm St George's welcome!

WE'RE IN THE VOICE!

Our recent Laudato Si inspired Open Water Swim to celebrate the #SeasonOfCreation appears in this month's edition of The Diocese of Middlesbrough Voice publication.

Thank you to Maria and Ann R for leading the event and to Maria for the excellent write up.

You can now access the full edition online at

https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/the-voice/

Happy Feast Day of St Vincent de Paul!

Today we honour the Saint in whose name thousands of volunteers all over the world have helped the poor and needy for over 190 years.

Known simply as “The SVP”, the motto of this organisation is “Turning Concern Into Action”.

Parishioners in St George’s SVP have been doing just that for the last 170 years.

So far this year St George’s SVP has:

- Provided practical support and financial help to 49 families and individuals in need, nearly half of these are families at our wonderful primary school

- Carried out 246 befriending visits to the sick and elderly, either in their own homes or at local Nursing and Residential Homes, amounting to around 200 hours of SVP members’ time

- Provided Christmas gifts for 27 children at our primary school and helped 1 family buy school uniform

- Supported local families in need to the tune of £600 of food and supermarket vouchers, to support them during this year’s ‘cost of living crisis’

- Organised spiritual and social events for our parishioners such as a Mass of Anointing of the Sick and a very successful trip to Bridlington for our parishioners

Our work also extends beyond just our Parish and the UK. St George’s SVP is ‘twinned’ with 2 communities in Kerala, India. Providing much needed financial support, prayers and often assistance with special projects, such as a recent project to help 10 families set up and run their own independent businesses in Kiliyoor.

Please pray for the work of our SVP and its many beneficiaries and if you would like to know more or want to get involved click on our website link at:

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/svp/

We regularly visit 6 residential and nursing homes in the Parish as well as housebound parishioners in their own homes.

So, if you would like us to visit a family member or you know of parishioners who no longer attend Mass post-Covid, and could benefit from a friendly 30-minute chat, you can contact us in complete confidence or speak to one of the SVP members after Mass.

May God Bless St Vincent de Paul and the work of the society named in his honour.

Photos from a lovely afternoon joint service last Sunday with St Lawrence Parish Church, York for #SeasonofCreation2023

LAUDATO SI’ SEASON OF CREATION – “CRY OF THE POOR” – SUN 1ST OCTOBER

Thank you to our parishioners for participating in the first session of our Laudato Si programme.

The answers to the questions asked have been summarised and will appear in the next Laudato Si’ newsletter.

Our next session, will be about ‘The Cry of the Poor’ on Sunday 1st October, at the end of the Season of Creation, and will have a similar format to the first session ie meditation/reflection in the Lady Chapel, open to everyone before morning Mass.

During the sermon, parishioners will be asked to reflect upon, talk about and write answers to two questions related to Cry of the Poor.

This goal encourages us to listen and be merciful to the cries of the vulnerable, voiceless, suffering, exploited, lonely, sick, poor and hungry, and to recognise the part that we, through our lifestyle choices, play in bringing about their poverty.’

PHOTOS FROM SVP PARISH TRIP TO BRIDLINGTON

Parishioners were blessed with perfect weather for the Parish trip to Bridlington and Sewerby Hall yesterday, organised by St George's SVP.

Lots of happy smiling faces and the fish and chip lunch went down well too!

WHAT IS LAUDATO SI AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ST GEORGE’S PARISH

Laudato Si is the name Pope Francis gave to his letter to us all of us urging us as Parishes and individuals to do more to “Care for Our Common Home” (the English translation of “Laudato Si”).

You will have seen a number of references over the last few weeks to St George’s Laudato Si Group, which was formed just over a year ago.

We thought it would be useful to share the Vision of the Group, which is meant to answer the question:

“Why are we responding to Laudato Si”?

The answer, put very simply is that:

“We believe it is our Joyful Christian Mission and Duty to care for God’s Creation and to pass on a World fit for our grandchildren to live in peace.”

Do you agree?

Do you disagree?

What do you think?

Let’s get the conversation going – send us a message or leave a comment on our Facebook page please.

This is the cover of the English edition of Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home." The long-anticipated encyclical was released at the Vatican June 18. (CNS photo/courtesy U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) See stories slugged ENCYCLICAL- June 18, 2015.

SEASON OF CREATION - PARISH STROLL TO MILLENNIUM BRIDGE

It's surprising what you see when you go for a walk in Nature.....

Here are just some of the things our walkers after morning Mass yesterday spotted on the way from Church to the Millennium Bridge.

A combination of local residents and St Nicholas Fields Nature Reserve are planting and rewilding the grass verge between Blue Bridge and the Millennium Bridge to attract more of nature's wonderful species.

Oh ..... and there's also the ice cream boat - which always helps reward the walkers!

PARISHIONER RACHEL ON RADIO YORK LAST WEEKEND

Listen here to a short clip of parishioner Rachel Trend speaking on Radio York this morning ahead of Saturday's #pilgrimagefortheplanet event.

Here's the link and the clip is 1hr 52mins and 30 seconds in.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0g847h2

LAUDATO SI

You may or may not have heard about "Laudato Si" week around the world.

Here is a short video on what that means for us, both as a Church and as individuals:

https://twitter.com/laudatosicentre/status/1660178633804111873?s=20

ITEMS FOR CARECENT TO FEED THOSE IN NEED

Carecent York is very much in need of tinned items at this time especially Spam, Tinned Hams, Hot Dogs, Tomatoes and Beans.

Please donate what you are able to this weekend at Mass and our volunteers will deliver this to Carecent in York.

Shaving foam and disposable razors are also needed please if you are able to donate.

many thanks

PARISH RETREAT - SATURDAY 11TH MARCH

Some early photos from our very successful Parish Retreat today at Carmelite Monastery - Thicket Priory - York.

Thank you so much to the Sisters for hosting our day and for looking after us so well.

More photos to follow early next week thanks to our photographer Lars Karlsson.

CARECENT FOOD DONATIONS JUST KEEP ON SURPRISING US!

It's fair to say that we've been completely overwhelmed, in a good way, both practically and emotionally, by the amount of food donations over the past 2 weekends for Carecent York and the Warm Spaces at Central Methodist Church York

We've had to draft in new helpers in the form of university student Dillon Scott who helped Jim Sunney deliver this week's donations to a very grateful Kiera Snaith and Jill. (welcome on board Dillon)

Thank you so much to St George's parishioners for your generosity.

The Holy Spirit is very much at work within our community!

CANON JERRY'S VISIT TO "WARM SPACES"

As part of our ongoing support of Carecent and Warm Spaces in York, Canon dropped in last Wednesday to the Warm Space hosted by Deacon Judith and her lovely team at the Central Methodist Church York.

Jerry was able to meet and chat with some of the regulars over a cup of tea, listening to their stories, sharing in activities and understanding more about just why we support this very important initiative in the city.

Please keep donating food at St. George's, York as it is greatly appreciated by the people who drop in to the sessions.

One fella described to me how he "comes here to just sit quietly and get my head together - nobody hassles you here and there's always a friendly face and cup of tea"

God bless Deacon Judith and the team for running this facility.

I left feeling privileged that our Church is supporting this initiative.

THANK YOU TO STEVE AND PAT HOLDER

St George's SVP Members, past and present, gathered yesterday at Fulford Golf Club to say thank you to Steve and Pat Holder for their long and dedicated service to the St Vincent de Paul Society in St George's Parish.

As Steve and Pat Holder retire from their positions on the SVP they can look back with a great deal of pride on all they have contributed to both the Parish and the wider community of York.

Steve has been part of St George’s parish for over 70 years, from serving as a young altar boy. He joined the SVP in 1975 and again in 2005, serving as SVP President for the past 12 years.

A policeman by career, Steve can claim the honour of having been responsible for the security of Pope John Paul II during his visit to York in 1982.

Patricia (Pat) was one of the first female members of St George’s SVP in 1987 and since then has made numerous visits to the elderly and needy throughout the parish, which is a key objective of the SVP.

Pat had a long career as a nurse and her considerable contribution to parish life also extends to St George’s School where Pat was a School Governor for 10 years including Chair of Governors, for which she demonstrated exceptional leadership and care for others.

Thank you Steve and Pat from the SVP and the parishioners of St Georges Church.

ST GEORGE'S SVP

St George’s SVP Conference is currently going through a period of renewal.

We are inspired to answer the call every Christian receives to seek and find those who are forgotten and to bring the love of Christ to the suffering and deprived.

Our Vision is for individuals and families who are in any form of need to have hope, together with a sense of dignity, worth, well-being and peace of mind.

Our Mission is to seek and find those in need, help them in a spirit of justice and tackle poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance.

If you are interested in our work, want to find out more, get involved or know of anyone who needs our help please email us in confidence at svp@stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk or phone us on 01904623728 and leave a message for the SVP

You can find out more about the SVP by following this link

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/svp/

CANON JERRY VISITS YORK MOSQUE

Last Wednesday Canon Jerry was invited to visit York Mosque by Imam Ammar.

Here are Canon's reflections on the visit:

“I was taken on a visit to York Mosque on Bull Lane York by Dave Harper and Shazad Hussain (being our driver , even though it is only across the road!)

It was a very pleasant visit. Shazad invited us to see the area where the attendees to prayer wash their hands and feet (called ablutions) before attending midday prayers.

The respect they showed to each other and to us was most touching.

After prayers Imam Ammar took us to an upper room where we sat with the him and scholar Harris Lloyd.

We had a lovely sharing on all we had in common and all we shared by way of stresses and strains of life. We had our differences too:

- The family of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit is not in Islamic thinking. While Jesus is the son of Mary for the Muslims - no way is he the Son of God!

He is a prophet like Moses, Abraham and Mohammed, peace be upon him.

We learned about the Muslim burial rites and what happens to souls after death in the Islamic faith.

You name it and we had a bit of interesting sharing on the subject.

I learned a lot from their faith and how they see things.

They are good human beings with a great gift of hospitality.

It was a great positive experience.

Amen”

LAUDATO SI

A very moving and thought provoking screening of the climate change film by Pope Francis - The Letter - last night.

"Encouraged", "Shattered", "Enlightened" were just some of the words parishioners used to describe how the film made them feel.

We all agreed that there is a lot that we can do as a parish to respond to the climate emergency call from our Holy Father.

So, watch this space over the coming weeks and months for more updates from our Laudato Si group within the parish.

We're conscious that a number of people who wanted to attend had other commitments last night, so we will schedule a repeat screening soon if the demand is there.

Please email stgeorgelaudatosi@gmail.com if you would like to attend a screening of the film.

..... and thank you to St Lawrence Parish Church, York for the use of their excellent facilities.

CARECENT VOLUNTEERS

Here's another St George's parishioner doing great work volunteering as part of the Wednesday Breakfast Team at

Carecent York.

You'll maybe recognise Bernie in blue on the right with her colleagues Jill and June ( not from. St George's).

Well done Bernie, Jill and June and thank you for all you do for those in need in York.

A MESSAGE FROM CANON JERRY

We’ve been overwhelmed by your generosity each Sunday giving food for the homeless and those in need at Carecent York

Thank you for this and thank you to Jim Sunney for transporting it all to carecent each week.

The bishop has recently asked all parishes to think about whether they can provide warm spaces for people to come during the week if they are struggling to stay warm for whatever reason.

Central Methodist Church York in St Saviourgate already provide warm spaces each weekday afternoon and therefore one of the best ways that St Georges can help with this is to provide the cakes and biscuits they need when people drop in for a cuppa and to keep warm.

So in addition to the tinned food we collect each Sunday could you also please consider bringing any packs of biscuits and cakes that you can afford to donate.

Many thanks
Jerry

WARM SPACES IN YORK

If you or anyone you know is struggling to stay warm during the day there are a number of 'warm spaces' (also known as warm banks) in York that you can visit. Some do free drinks, or you might want a chat or simply to keep warm.

Visit www.livewellyork.co.uk and click 'warm spaces'

FOOD COLLECTIONS FOR CARECENT

Thank you again for the food donations this weekend at Mass for Carecent York.

And thanks to Jim Sunney for doing the drop off at Carecent each week.

Now more than ever we appreciate the need for a warm breakfast meal for those who for whatever reason cannot afford one.

ST GEORGE'S REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

What a very moving and comforting Remembrance Service last night at Church.

Thank you to Ann for all the preparations and Canon for a very sincere and heartfelt homily and service.

Thanks also to Antonia and Linda for the candles and the tea and coffee afterwards, to Dave and Ann for welcoming duties and to the family who distributed the stars for people to write the names of their departed loved ones for the tree.

Some great photos thanks to Lars Karlson.

FOOD COLLECTIONS AT MASS TO RESUME SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER

Following on from the very generous donations of shoes for Carecent, we will be re-starting the weekly collections of food for Carecent.

Carecent is a breakfast centre for all homeless, unemployed or socially excluded members of our community. It is based at Central Methodist Church in the centre of York.

www.carecent.org.uk

They are desperately in need of tinned foods especially spam, tinned ham, hot dogs, corned beef and baked beans. Sugar and chocolate biscuits are always very welcome too.

There will be a basket at the back of Church for each Mass from Sunday 27 November for you to leave whatever you can afford to donate.

Many thanks!