Parish News

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.

Fairtrade Christmas Stall

Many thanks to everyone who supported the Christmas Special Fairtrade stalls on Sunday.

A total of £305 worth of goods were sold supporting people in the developing world - £235 after morning Mass and £70 after evening Mass.

The next stalls will be after both Masses on Sunday 10 December selling the usual products and a small range of Christmas goods.

Very many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

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!

ST GEORGES FAIRTRADE STALL

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade stall last Sunday.

A total of £250 worth of goods were sold (£175 at morning Mass and £75 at evening Mass).

The next stall will be a Christmas ‘Special’ after both Masses on Sunday 26th November when Christmas Cards, Advent calendars, jewellery, baubles, socks, and other small Fairtrade gifts will be available.

Very many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

ST GEORGE'S APPEARS IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE OF "THE VOICE"

Don't forget to pick up your copy of this month's publication of The Voice at the back of Church this weekend, which features St George's parishioners on pages 12 and 13.

The Voice is produced by The Diocese of Middlesbrough and is also available to read online by following this link:

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

A Statement from the Bishops of E&W on the cost of living crisis pre Autumn "budget" can be found at this link:

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/autumn-2023-cost-of-living-statement

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/

YORK UNLOCKED - 7TH AND 8TH OCT

St Georges Church is taking part in the York Unlocked event this weekend, which means our Church will be kept open for access after morning Mass from 10:30am to 4pm on Saturday and 11:30 to 4pm on Sunday.

The opening periods will be manned by volunteers from York Unlocked and so you can come and pray in Church or visit and admire the rich history and serenity of our historic Church of St George's.

For more information on this weekend's programme visit YORK UNLOCKED on Facebook or the website at:

https://york-unlocked.org.uk/

WINTER COATS FOR CARECENT

Do you have any winter coats and gloves you no longer need?

Please consider bringing them to Mass next Sunday 8th Oct and we will donate to Carecent York for use by the needy and homeless.

Thank You

LAUDATO SI’ “CRY OF THE POOR” – THIS SUNDAY 1ST OCTOBER

‘The Cry of the Poor’, is the theme this Sunday for the meditation/reflection in the Lady Chapel before morning Mass from about 9:15 - open to everyone.

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.’

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.’

A reminder for the Joint Ecumenical Prayer and Outdoor Service at St Lawrence’s Church this Sunday 24th Sept from 2.30pm. Outdoor Service at 3pm. All St George's parishioners welcome.

A reminder that York Environment Week kicks off tomorrow.

Full details of events on the York Environment Week website:

https://yorkenvironmentweek.org.uk/

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!

SEASON OF CREATION EVENT AT St Lawrence Parish Church, York SUNDAY 24TH SEPT

An open invite to all St George's parishioners!

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

PILGRIMAGE FOR THE PLANET MARCH - Saturday 9th September

More footage from the March yesterday.

PILGRIMAGE FOR THE PLANET MARCH - Saturday 9th September

Great things can happen when different faiths come together with one voice and one message.

Here are some photos of parishioners taking part in the event on Saturday.

LAUDATO SI - SEASON OF CREATION - YORK ENVIRONMENT WEEK

York Environment Week takes place this year from 23rd Sept - 1st October.

There are over 60 events and activities to choose from.

More details from the website:

https://yorkenvironmentweek.org.uk/

LAUDATO SI - SEASON OF CREATION - DIOCESAN DAY AT ENGLISH MARTYRS - SAT 30TH SEPT

"Don't just pray - do something for God's sake! What can we do to leave a better world for future generations?"

For more details go to:

https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/working-together-to-leave-a-better-world/

ONLY 1 DAY LEFT TO BOOK!

for an event taking place at Carmelite Monastery - Thicket Priory - York on Saturday 16th September.

OUR SEASON OF CREATION GETS OFF TO A GREAT START

Our programme of events to mark the Season of Creation, organised by the Laudato Si Group at Church, got off to a great start last weekend, with not only the Open Water Swim on Saturday, but also the first Reflection and Discussion Session immediately before morning Mass last Sunday.

The small group that met took the opportunity to reflect on what ‘the Cry of the Earth’ means - a wonderful opportunity for us to be still together with some words of Scripture and some thoughts from Pope Francis’s encyclical.

In his sermon Canon Jerry also made the links between the day’s readings and the theme of the day.

One line which stood out especially in relation to what we are trying to achieve through responding to Laudato Si’ is from Romans 12:1-2:

‘Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind.’

Thank you to those parishioners who responded to our questionnaire during Mass, relating to our response as individuals and as a Parish to ‘the Cry of the Earth’.

An anonymised summary of the 30 or so responses will be available soon and we will be tracking what we are doing throughout the year in relation to Laudato Si on the noticeboard at the back of Church.

You may also spot our new Laudato Si’ banner at Church, particularly when something a little different is happening.

ST GEORGE'S FAIRTRADE STALL

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade stall at Mass and producers in the developing world last Sunday.

Goods to the value of £171 (£127 morning Mass and £44 evening Mass) were sold.

And thank you to Dennis and Frances who organise and run the stall.

Sunday 10th September -Parish Walk (stroll!) to Millenium Bridge

Does the recent nice warm weather make you feel like going for walk?

Parishioners are invited to join a slow stroll down to Millennium Bridge after morning Mass this Sunday, as one of the many events organised to celebrate The Season of Creation.

Leaving from Church down the river path.

Suitable for families, push chairs and dogs on leads.

About 20 minutes approx.

We hope you can join in.

Pilgrimage for the Planet - Sat 9th Sept

St George's Parishioners Mark the Beginning of the "The Season of Creation"

“But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream”

To begin the season of Creation, Laudato Si invited parishioners to immerse themselves in Nature – to enjoy creation.

The idea was inspired by the Laudato Si Movement's desire to fall in love with creation again. From this springs the fierce desire to care for and protect what we have.

What better way than a walk and/or swim in a beautiful landscape and chat about ideas over food and drink afterwards!

It was a joyful day beginning with Mass and ending with soggy towels, muddy feet, much appreciated snacks and a sense of creativity and freedom.

THIS DAY WAS MADE BY THE LORD

What a lovely day, as St George's parishioners head off after morning Mass on Saturday 2nd Sept for an open water swim at

Pool Bridge Farm in York to celebrate the start of the #SeasonofCreation2023

SEASON OF CREATION

Today is the "World Day of Prayer for Creation" and to mark the start of the Church's "Season of Creation" St George's Laudato Si Group has produced a special newsletter containing details of a number of events in the Parish and beyond to celebrate this important season.

Huge thanks to Katy for editing and producing this.

Copies of the newsletter will be available at Mass this weekend, and if you want a sneak preview, here is the link to download it:

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SeasonOfCreation-Newsletter-2023.pdf

There are still some places left on our free SVP Annual Parish Day Out to Bridlington and Sewerby Hall on 21st Sept.

Please speak to a member of the SVP at the back of church at either Mass this Sunday if you wish to come along.

FAIRTRADE STALL THIS SUNDAY - 3RD SEPTEMBER

St George's Fairtrade Stall will be available after both Masses this Sunday (rather than the usual slot on 2nd Sunday of each month).

Please support this important Parish initiative that helps farmers in developing countries get a fair deal for the products we regularly use.

The Season of Creation - An Invitation to Join an Open Water Swim

“But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream”

To begin the season of Creation, Laudato Si invite you to immerse yourselves in Nature – to enjoy creation.

A few parishioners at St George’s enjoy swimming outdoors and invite you to join them at the beautiful Pool Bridge Farm where there are 3 lakes reserved for swimming.

If you don’t fancy getting in the water – don’t worry – come along anyway and enjoy the surroundings and either bring a picnic or you can have lunch in the cafe which serves hot and cold food and drinks.

Date – Saturday 2nd September

Meet – 10.00am Mass OR 11.00am at the cafe in Pool Bridge Farm - Wheldrake Ln, York YO19 4SQ

Bring – Swimming costume (or shorts, t-shirt, leggings or whatever you feel comfortable swimming in), Towel, Pack up if you prefer

Cost - £7 – pay cash on arrival OR pre book on Pool Bridge Website - https://www.poolbridge.co.uk/

To Know

- children welcome – one of the lakes is family friendly and small inflatables allowed

- There is an open changing area – people tend to change under their towel so bring a big one!

- there are toilets and a shower on site

- Use of the lake and lakeside is entirely at your own risk – Maria and Ann will be around to offer advice and encouragement

- No dogs

- See the website for more details - https://www.poolbridge.co.uk/

- For more information – please see Maria Kato or Ann Ripley at Mass or email at kato.maria@gmail.com

SAINT VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY (SVP) – ANNUAL PARISH TRIP

A member of the SVP will at the back of church before and after both Masses this Sunday if you wish to book a place on the Parish trip to Bridlington and Sewerby Hall by coach on Thursday 21 September, leaving church at 10.15am.

LAUDATO SI – SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER – SEASON OF CREATION

Listen out at Mass this weekend for more information on the start of ‘The Season of Creation’ programme of events next Sunday 3 September.

Members of St George’s Laudato Si group will be launching a programme for parishioners to help us all explore some of the treasures of Pope Francis’s wonderful teaching ‘Care of Our Common Home’.

The first theme we will be considering is:

“Our Response to the Cry of The Earth”.

Pope Francis’ teaching suggests that:

'Due to an ill-considered exploitation of nature, humanity runs the risk of destroying it and becoming, in turn, a victim of this degradation'

BARRY ENGLAND RIP

A reminder that the Funeral Mass for Barry England is at 11am tomorrow morning, 22nd August, at St George's Church.

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

LAUDATO SI – SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER – SEASON OF CREATION:

Beginning on Sunday 3 September, to mark the start of ‘The Season of Creation’ members of St George’s Laudato Si group will be launching a programme for parishioners to help us all explore some of the treasures of Pope Francis’s wonderful teaching ‘Care of Our Common Home’.

Climate change is presently wreaking terrible damage on our Common Home and its peoples.

We are hoping that looking at this teaching together might give us strength and hope to look at the world with different eyes and a change of heart, and inspire us to take appropriate action as individuals and as a Parish.

Listen out at Mass next Sunday 27 August for more details on how this will work.

SAINT VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY (SVP) - Parish Outing 21st Sept

St George's SVP is organising the annual day out for Parishioners by coach to Bridlington and Sewerby Hall on Thursday 21 September, leaving church at 10.15am.

A list will be available at the back of church before and after Mass from Sunday 27 August to book a place on the trip.

FAIRTRADE STALL AT ST GEORGE'S

Thank you to everyone who supported the stall on Sunday.

A total of £123 worth of goods was sold - £80 after morning Mass and £43 after evening Mass.

A very good result during the holiday season.

The September Stall will be on 3rd September i.e. the FIRST Sunday of the month and not the usual second Sunday.

Very many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

SAVE THE DATE - SAT 2ND SEPTEMBER AFTER 10AM MASS

To mark the start of The Season of Creation, a few parishioners at St George’s who enjoy swimming outdoors, invite you to join them at the beautiful Pool Bridge Farm where there are 3 lakes reserved for swimming.

If you don’t fancy getting in the water – don’t worry – come along anyway and enjoy the surroundings and either bring a picnic or you can have lunch in the cafe which serves hot and cold food and drinks.

More details to follow nearer the day.

St George's Fairtrade Stall will be available after both Masses this Sunday.

Please support this important Parish initiative that helps farmers in developing countries get a fair deal for the products we regularly use.

SVP RAFFLE - TURNING CONCERN INTO ACTION

Raffle tickets for the National St Vincent de Paul Summer Raffle will be on sale at the end of each Mass this Sunday with a first prize of £5,000.

Please support the work of the SVP, an organisation that has been doing great work for the disadvantaged and lonely for nearly 180 years.

MARY SELLERS RIP

Today we pay tribute to Mary Sellers, a long standing parishioner of St George's Church whose funeral took place last week.

In words adapted from the Eulogy delivered by her son Andrew at the Requiem Mass.

To see a full transcript of the Eulogy please follow this link:

https://stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/eulogy-transcript-Mary-Sellers.pdf

"Mary was born in York and her family has a long association with St George’s Church – her parents were married in St George’s in 1934. Even the lectern in Church was a sort of gift from the Sellers family.

Mary had a happy childhood in Langholme Drive, a place she seemed to recall mostly by the smells of the air - the smell of coal fires and of the sugar beet factory, and of the sweet peas tied up against the garden shed.

As a child, she joined the Guides, and got all the way to the highest ‘rank’ in that organisation, that of “Queens Guide”, an achievement of which she was very proud. And it was also an achievement which she was effortlessly able to shoehorn into any conversation, apparently at random. But Mary was also a child who was born during the time when she remembered huddling in the Andersen shelter, when the German bombers came.

And then, a career in nursing, where she started lifelong friendships with Eileen (Grey) & Patricia (Holder), and a career dedicated to helping others, a career of selfless dedication to the welfare of her fellow men and women.

And then, one Friday evening, she took a circuitous way back from the restrooms in the Assembly Rooms, so she would deliberately walk past my Dad and deliberately catch his eye, which she of course did.

And then marriage, and a teacher and a nurse buying a brand new three-bedroom house for 2,350 pounds, & filling it with happy children.

And then back to work, first as a district nurse, and then on to her last job, which is the one upon which we must dwell…

Because it is impossible to talk about Mary without referencing the work she did as a Macmillan nurse. She was one of the first. What type of person would decide just to care for patients who were inevitably going to die? Only a person with enormous reserves of moral and spiritual courage. But Mary said once that she suddenly realised with stunning brutality that she had gone from being a nurse where she would be able to help people to get better, to heal, to being in a job where every patient, every single patient she tended to would, inevitably, die.

Where did this tiny bird of a woman find the inner reserves of strength, to do what she did, for so many years? A fearlessness, a practicality, a level of moral and spiritual courage that is difficult to believe, hard to comprehend….

Where did this little slip of a woman develop the fortitude to be able to shoulder the moral decisions needed in helping a person to face their own death? She was an extraordinary woman…

As a Macmillan Nurse, Mary met Princess Diana at Garrowby Hall in [February] 1983. Mary seized the opportunity, when Diana asked about her work, and its difficulties, to give Diana a look which said “Yes, but you don’t know the half of it”. And Princess Diana picked up on this, because she sought Mary out later, and took her aside privately, and asked he what the problem was. And Mary told her how no nurses with young families could be expected to be taking phone calls from dying patients in the middle of the night on their home phone numbers. And Princess Diana did her thing, and she told the boss of the Macmillan foundation precisely what she thought about the matter, and within days, a new rule was made, that Macmillan nurses should not have to give their phone numbers out to patients.

So, that was always something in Mary’s life of which she was particularly proud, her interaction with Princess Diana, and having had a hand in making life that little bit easier for the Macmillan nurses that came after her….

But of course, in one of the cruelest of ironies, the last cancer patient she ever cared for was her own husband. Mary faced that task with the same discipline and kind-heartedness as anything that had gone before. And her life was filled with other singular tragedies, she lost her daughter Margaret to multiple sclerosis less than ten years ago, her son Bernard was killed in a tragic accident as a young boy, and her youngest son, Peter, died in infancy…her husband Peter was taken from her before they could enjoy a long and happy retirement together…

But through all of these singular tragedies, she retained an overwhelming joy of life, a love of all the good friendships she had made, and she was a person who enjoyed the respect of everyone who knew her.

She led a good life, and died in her own home, or her own terms; Death will have held no fear for a woman like Mary. She’d seen all her family recently, and she was active and sprightly right up until the last. A cup of tea in the morning, and then her big, caring, generous heart just gave out…

Mary Sellers was the best of us, as courageous a person as one can find on this Earth, never hesitating to take the hands of those people who reached out to her. And where Mary has gone, Peter and her children will be there to greet her, and she’ll be able to hold out her hands to them, and all will be well…."

NO WEEKDAY MASSES THIS WEEK OR NEXT WEEK

Just a reminder that Sunday Masses will go ahead at the usual times 10:30am and 6:30pm, but there are is no weekday Mass as Canon is enjoying a well deserved break in Ireland.

SVP MASS OF THE ANNOINTING OF THE SICK

Some photos from the Mass and the lunch afterwards at the Phoenix.

Thanks to everyone who attended, to Lars for the photos, Rosa and Norman for the music, Canons Jerry, Harney & Ryan for concelebrating the Mass, the Junior Chaplaincy pupils of St George's Roman Catholic Primary School for helping with thd Mass, the Phoenix pub and Julie's Caterers for the hospitality and above all to Seamus O Neill and the SVP for organising the event and making it such a success.

MASS ON 22ND JUNE - ANOINTING OF THE SICK

The SVP would like to invite parishioners to attend Mass with Anointing of the Sick on Thursday, 22nd June at 11 am.

This will be followed by an informal get together for a friendly chat at The Phoenix Inn from 12 - 2 pm with a buffet lunch and refreshments with music provided by Norman Fowler (aka Steve Cassidy).

If you would like to attend this free parish event, please add your name to the list at the back of church so that we can confirm numbers for catering purposes.

Many thanks

TEA COFFEE AND BISCUITS AFTER MASS THIS SUNDAY 11TH JUNE

There will be an opportunity to stay for a cuppa and a chat after morning Mass this Sunday.

Everyone welcome.

Thank you to Martin Thorpe and team for arranging this.

FAIRTRADE STALL THIS SUNDAY 11TH JUNE

As it's the second Sunday of the month this weekend, Dennis and Frances will be running the Fairtrade Stall at the back of Church before and after each Mass.

Please support this important initiative

CATHOLIC VOICE - JUNE EDITION

Great to read that St George's and Carmelite Monastery - Thicket Priory - York get a mention in this month's issue of The Catholic Voice produced by The Diocese of Middlesbrough

You can now read the paper online via this link:

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

LOURDES 2023

Here's a lovely photo of the St George's team at Lourdes last week, supplied by parishioner Martin Thorpe.

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

CAN YOU HELP WITH TEA AND COFFEE AFTER MASS?

Our Tea and Coffee in Church after Sunday morning Mass on the first Sunday of the month is proving very popular.

Would you be willing to volunteer to be on the rota to help make the tea and coffee one Sunday?

We are now in search of more volunteers to add to the team.

Please contact Martin Thorpe at morning Mass or email him at martinthorpe231@gmail.com if you can help.

FAIRTRADE STALL - THANK YOU

A very big thank you to everyone who supported the Fairtrade Stall last Sunday.

Goods to the value of £180 were sold (£120 morning Mass and £80 evening Mass).

The next stalls will be on Sunday 11 June after both Masses.

Many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

MAY PROCESSION

Thank you to Katy and Carla for leading the children on a lovely May Procession to Our Lady Altar this morning as part of 10:30 Mass.

Thank you to Lars for the photos.

MAY PROCESSION FLOWERS

Another beautiful flower arrangement by Patricia on Our Lady's Altar to celebrate our May Procession on Sunday, 14th May, during 10.30 Mass.

Thank you Patricia!

FAIRTRADE STALL THIS SUNDAY - 14TH MAY

The ever popular Fairtrade Stall returns at both Masses this Sunday.

HOPING KITCHEN NEEDS MORE VOLUNTEER DRIVERS

Are you able to support The HOPING Kitchen in York, jointly run by parishioner Helen Meadows? They need delivery drivers/cyclists to support food delivery to local food banks, food providers and community cafes. Would suit people who can be available on an ad hoc basis. Email admin@stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk or let Canon Jerry know if you can help please.

Calling All Jigsaw Enthusiasts!

Carecent has asked whether anyone has got a spare jigsaw board/ folder they would like to donate please?

People who use the Place of Welcome and Carecent afternoon drop ins often enjoy doing jigsaws together.

Please email admin@stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk if you can help.

Bar Convent 50 years reunion- Upper 5 1971, Upper 6 1973

Did you leave the Bar Convent in upper 5 in 1971 or upper 6 in 1973?

If so this is for you!

A 50 years reunion afternoon tea has been organised by Helen Nattrass and Polly Bryan ( Pauline Goater) on 29th July at 1.30pm at the Bar Convent.

Cost is £17 + booking fee. Tickets available on Eventbrite, or access the link via former pupils of the Bar Convent FB page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/121671501323/

We hope to see lots of you who shared our school years.

COFFEE AFTER MORNING MASS TOMORROW - SUNDAY 7TH MAY

As tomorrow is the 1st Sunday of the month there will be Fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits after 10:30am Mass.

All very welcome for a cuppa and a chat.

CORONATION FLORAL DISPLAYS

Here are two beautiful displays that Patricia has skillfully prepared for our Church this weekend to mark the Coronation.

How blessed St George's is to have so many very talented and generous volunteers!

Enjoy the Coronation Celebrations this weekend.

God Save The King

SATURDAY MASS 6TH MAY - NOW AT 9AM

Please be aware that due to the Coronation celebrations tomorrow that Saturday Morning Mass will be 1 hour earlier at 9am instead of the normal 10am.

THE BIG ONE – CAMPAIGNING FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Pope Francis calls on all of us as Christians to make sure our voice is heard on Climate Change and the urgent action needed to protect poorer communities throughout the world.

Last Saturday, Rachel Trend, one of our parishioners, went down to London to take part in 'The Big One' climate action, on behalf of the St George’s Laudato Si green group.

The Big One was organised by Extinction Rebellion in coalition with over 300 other charities including Cafod, Christian Aid, Christian Climate Action and the Laudato Si Movement, and followed XR's new mission statement to focus on positive action that targets those in power rather than disrupting ordinary citizens.

The day's events included Catholic Mass in the Faith Hub of the protest, a worship session led by Black Majority Churches, and a biodiversity march in which approximately 50,000 people took part.

Rachel reported that the event had a very joyful and festive atmosphere, with people from all walks of life taking part in the demonstration.

While there, Rachel met with other members of the Pilgrimage2Paris, who she walked with to Paris in 2015 to deliver a petition of 1million signatures from faith groups in the UK to the leaders of the 2015 UN Climate Talks.

Thank you Rachel for representing the Parish and sharing your thoughts and photos with us.

SEARCHING FOR DR BRANOVICH - PERFORMED BY STOCKTON FORESTERS

One of our parishioners, Martin Thorpe, is appearing in and directing a play called “Searching for Dr Branovich” a comedy by David Tristram.

It’s being performed by the Stockton-on-Forest drama group – Stockton Foresters on June 15/16/17^th.

Here’s the poster with more details: stgeorgeschurch-york.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Play.pdf

and the Facebook page: facebook.com/stocktonforesters.

All parishioners welcome.

CARECENT WEEKLY FOOD COLLECTIONS

Anne, another of our recent volunteer recruits, who transport the collections to Carecent York each week. Thank you Anne for your generous donation of time for the Parish.