News and Events

Parish News

Parish News

Road Closures - York 10k Run - Sunday 2nd August

Please be aware that there will be road closures in the city on Sunday morning that may impact your route to morning Mass.

A full list is available on the York Mix website:

https://www.yorkmix.com/here-are-all-the-road-closures-for-the-york-10k-2026

A beautiful Mass celebrating Fr Jose Michael's 2 years with us at St George's.

You have left a deep impression on us and we thank you for your dedication, faithfulness and joy - and all you have done behind the scenes - for your small and hidden kindnesses.

While we are sad to see you leave, we send you our prayers and best wishes for all the blessings you will bring to Hull.

Gerry Kelly RIP

Today we remember Gerry Kelly a former parishioner of St George's who died peacefully recently in a care home aged 94.

Gerry was a regular at St George's Sunday evening Mass right up until lockdown in 2020.

Arriving from Ireland at the age of 14, he made a career as a professional jockey and then a trainer and stable hand at the Easterby stables in Sherrif Hutton.

He never married and had no children but received regular visits from St George's SVP. He was a joy to visit.

His funeral is at St John the Evangelist Church in Easingwold at 11am on Thursday 13th August.

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

Oplus_0

Fairtrade Stall

Many thanks to everyone who supported the Fairtrade stall on Sunday.

Goods to the value of £235 were bought (£155 after morning Mass and £80 after evening Mass).

The next stall will be Sunday 16th August.

Very many thanks,

Frances & Dennis

Fundraising Tombola for Coach Hire to St Nicholas Postgate Rally

Frank D-L will be at the back of Church again at both Sunday Masses this weekend selling tickets for the Tombola, with proceeds towards the cost of coach hire to take parishioners to the St Nicholas Postgate Rally on 12th July.

Frank is also in need of extra Tombola prizes - so if you have anything suitable as a Tombola prize, please drop it off with Frank at the back of Church this Sunday.

Many thanks

Carecent Food Donations

The forthcoming joyful Easter Season marks the end of Lent, in which you may have chosen ‘fast and abstinence’ as a personal sacrifice.

For some though, abstinence and poverty becomes a way of life all year round.

Our Parish of St George’s provides a very easy way at the back of Church to donate tinned and other non-perishable food items to those in of support at this time.

Our lovely volunteers take it in turns to deliver the donated food to Carecent, who do a wonderful job in providing a free breakfast each day to those in need.

Please consider whether you can donate food this Easter season.

We particularly need tinned items eg beans, tomatoes, spam/corned beef and hot-dogs. Sugar and coffee are also in regular demand.

Please donate what you can afford to

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

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.

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

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/

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

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)

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

SHOE DONATION FOR CARECENT

St George's Church shoe and money donations have been safely delivered to the lovely people at Carecent York.

Thank you to all parishioners who contributed.

https://www.carecent.org.uk/

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

A couple of photos of our parishioners on the Pilgrimage to Lourdes last week. Thank you to Maureen for submitting these.

Norman Fowler, former Head Teacher of St George's School, has very kindly written a heartfelt and moving tribute to Rosemary for us, as follows:

ROSEMARY BENTLEY

Rosemary died on Christmas Eve after being hospitalised after a serious fall the previous day.

Rosemary was an extraordinary woman loved by everyone who met her. People quickly realised that this energetic talented lady was there to help.

Rosemary wanted nothing in return but her kindness and talent touched so many lives. As a consequence she was valued and respected around the City. Countless children’s and adult’s lives were enriched by knowing her.

She loved the world and cared for it by taking on tasks which made the world a better place. Rosemary was a joy giver and a positive, life enhancing force.

She was a teaching assistant at St George’s School where her contribution to the life of the school had many parents believing that she was the deputy headteacher! She was always there for the children and the staff.

The plays presented in school or in various theatres around York were always outstanding due in large part to her attention to detail and her thoroughness. She took charge of the set design and costumes, every last detail.

The garden at school was designed by her and she engaged the children in all aspects of the work.

Rosemary’s contribution to the life of the city was multifarious, too much to encompass in this brief account. Suffice to say she is irreplaceable.

We send our love and prayers to her family and thank God for the life of this wonderful woman.

Norman Fowler

May the soul of Rosemary and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

DEBBIE THORPE

The thoughts and prayers of all the parish are with Martin, Benedict and Lucy Thorpe at this time. Debbie passed away peacefully on Sunday evening after a long and brave resistance to a most debilitating health condition. Throughout, Debbie never lost her faith and attended Mass with Martin whenever practical. Martin and Debbie have been an inspiration to many in the parish for their positivity and patience throughout the last decade. RIP Debbie.

MONSIGNOR SEAMUS KILBANE RIP

We have been very moved by the number of messages and tributes that have followed the news of Seamus passing away earlier this week. We thought parishioners would like to read more about his various ministries.

Seamus was born in Mount Bellew, County Galway on 28 July 1930. He went to St Patrick’s Seminary in Thurles and was ordained on 10 June 1956. His first parish as a curate was at Corpus Christi in Hull from 1956 to 1960. He was moved to St Peter’s in South Bank as a curate from 1960 to 1963 then he was moved to St Andrew’s in Teesville as a curate from 1963 to 1967.

Between 1967 and 1968, he went to Corpus Christi College for the Institution of Religious Education in Bayswater, London and returned in 1968 to be appointed as curate at the Sacred Heart in Redcar. In 1971, he was appointed chaplain at Endsleigh College in Hull for one year and in 1972, he was appointed parish priest at St Mary & St Joseph’s in Pocklington.

He returned to being chaplain for the Endsleigh students from Hull College of Higher Education from 1973 to 1979 and during that time took up his appointment as parish priest in 1976 at St Anthony & Our Lady of Mercy in Hull. In 1982, he was given the title of Monsignor and was moved to St George’s in York as parish priest up until 1995. In 1995 until 2002, he was moved as the parish priest to St Peter & St Paul in Leyburn and in 2002, he retired in York and then moved to the Holy Name Care Home in Hull.

Seamus did a great deal of work for education in this part of the world and was indeed a very educated man himself.

His funeral took place at St George’s in York on Friday 23 July 2021 and he is buried in York cemetery.

A high quality recording of the Funeral Mass is available via this link:

https://youtu.be/i0gdGFJPo18