WELCOME TO THE PARISH OF BLESSED EDMUND SYKES
SACRAMENTS 2021
First Reconciliation (Confession): will take place this summer at times agreed with the Head teachers of both our schools. I will make additional provision for those in Year 7 and above who are hoping to be confirmed this year.
First Holy Communion: Preparations and teaching has already started in our two schools. It is a requirement that you must have completed the course before your child makes their First Communion. it is intended that this will take place in September 2021 for this and last year’s candidates. I have application forms if you have not already completed one.
If your child does not attend either St Nicholas or Our Lady of Good Counsel, please contact me as soon as possible.
Sacrament of Confirmation: We are intending that the reception of the Sacrament takes place in late June and early to late July before the schools break for the summer. The priority groups are children in Years 6 & 7.
We also hope that we will be able to confirm any candidates in years above this age grouping: but we need to know who you are? That you still wish to be confirmed and have completed any necessary instruction. Please confirm your intention as soon as possible and also that you have completed an application form. Additional forms are available directly from me.
Again If your child does not attend either St Nicholas or Our Lady of Good Counsel, please contact me as soon as possible.
The numbers involved this year are quite considerable which along with restrictions placed upon us by the consequences of the pandemic, mean that we have a colossal amount of work to do to make all this happen and will probably have to host a number of services.
Sacrament of Baptism: from the 17th May 2021 it will be possible to recommence Baptisms in the Parish. Except in the case of an emergency, these will all be by agreeing a date in advance with the Parish Priest; completing an application form and unless already completed a baptism preparation course, at the moment this is in a booklet form.
Please note there is a considerable backlog and there will still be restrictions in place as a result of the Pandemic in order that the parish church continues to be Covid secure environment.
JOB VACANCIES
HEADTEACHER & DEPUTY HEAD VACANCIES: There are currently leadership vacancies for the posts of Headteacher & Deputy Headteacher within the following schools across the Diocese.
· Barkston Ash –Headteacher (closing date 4 May)
· St Joseph Hunslet – Headteacher (closing date 7 May)
· St Mary Batley – Headteacher (closing date 4 May)
· St Ignatius, Ossett – Headteacher (closing date 4 May)
· St Anthony Shipley – Head of School (closing 4 May)
· St Joseph, Huddersfield – Deputy Headteacher (closing 7 May)
· St Joseph, Barnoldswick – Deputy Headteacher (closing date 14 May)
· Holy Family, Keighley – Deputy Headteacher (closing 10 May)
For more details please see diocesan website: www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/education/schools-colleges
YOUTH WORKER VACANCY: Parish Youth Worker, Mary, Mother of God Parish, Bradford. £20.500-£22,000pa (depending on experience). Please contact Emma: evangelisation.admin@dioceseofleeds.org.uk. Poster attached.
FINANCE VACANCY: in the Diocesan Finance Department for an Accounts Assistant to provide accounting and clerical support to a small dynamic team based in Hinsley Hall. Please contact john.moran@dioceseofleeds.org.uk for a
full job description and an outline of the application process. Closing date for applications Friday 14 May 2021.
BWCAT VACANCY: Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust. Payroll Manager. £31,346 - £35,745 - NJC Scale PO1 / PO2 (up to PO2 for experienced candidate) Full time, 37 hours a week, permanent – immediate start available. Further information: www.bishopwheelercatholicacademytrust.org/vacancies/ Closing date: Monday 3 May 2021 – 12.00 noon. Further information attached.
CATHOLIC CARE VACANCIES:
· Job Title: Support Worker + Outreach
Salary: Spinal Point 2 – 7 Salary £18,198 – £20,092 pro rata dependent on qualifications and experience
Post: Full & Part Time positions, (Flexible working/Weekends/Nights)
Location: Vacancies in Brighouse, Todmorden, Shipley
Closing Date: 20th May 2021
Interview Date: To be arranged with applicant
· Job Title: Senior Manager for Children and Young People’s Services
Salary: SP38 to 41 £40,760 to £43,662 plus pension and other benefits
Post: Permanent Full Time
Location: As part of your role, you will be expected to travel across West and parts of North Yorkshire and be based at Head Office in Headingley, Leeds
Closing Date: 21st May 2021
Interview Date: 7thJune 2021
· Job Title: School Social Worker
Salary: Spinal Point 18 -25 currently £24,982 – £29,577 pro rata dependent on qualifications and experience
Post: Full time and Part time vacancies (Term Time Only)
Location: West Yorkshire
Closing Date: 14th May 2021
Interview Date: 24th May 2021
COURSES, ETC
CARITAS LEEDS:
· Virtual workshop on ‘Life in Prison’ led by Chris White, Catholic Prison Chaplain at HMP Leeds. Wednesday 12th May 6.30-8.00pm. Part of the action plan developed following the publication of the report ‘Justice and Mercy’ the Criminal Justice Inquiry. To register please use the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/caritas-leeds-31188104135
· Virtual workshop for Dementia Action week, Saturday 22nd May, 2.00-3.30pm. To book a place and your choice of workshop (please see poster) please email Gregory.stacey@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
ENCOUNTERING THE RISEN JESUS: A series of 5 reflections taking place on Zoom on Mondays 7-8pm, beginning 12 April. Led by Fr Mark Jarmuz these will explore the varied responses to the resurrection of: (2 remaining sessions) Emmaus (10 May) and the beloved disciple (17 May). For further details and Zoom invitation, please email gregory.stacey@dioceseofleeds.org.uk. Poster attached.
MENTAL HEALTH IN EDUCATION: A CATHOLIC APPROACH: an online conference for those involved in the education or catechesis of young people. Friday 28th May 2021, 9am-3.30pm (online) Hosted by Leeds Trinity University. Input from Christian psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, academics, clergy, media professionals and students. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. More information: h.hayward@leedstrinity.ac.uk or https://www.leedstrinity.ac.uk/events/the-trinity-conference-2021-mental-health-in-education-a-catholic-approach.php
ANTENATAL PROGRAMME: Catholic Care’s Gianna Baby Bank Plus project are offering a free Antenatal Hypnobirthing programme suitable from 20 weeks pregnant onwards. Initially on line and then in person when allowed. Approximately 4-7 weeks to complete the programme. Contact Janet Kent at Catholic Care on 07739975008 or email at Janet.kent@catholic-care.org.uk. Poster attached.
VOCATIONS MUSIC AWARD 2021: Do you like to make music and wonder what God's plan is for you? Share your thoughts about your calling by composing an original song. You have a chance to have your song produced and win cash prizes. All details at www.vocation-music-award.com/uk
J&P SPARK Social Justice project is sponsoring 10 people to attend the National Justice & Peace Network Conference (23-25 July) which is about what more we can do about our Climate Emergency – especially with COP26 coming up in Glasgow. More details and application form: https://www.leedsjp.org.uk/climate-change-conference-sponsorship/
THE BRIERY ZOOM MEDITATION, Thursday from 7.30pm to 8.15pm. We open at 7.15pm for a chat and start promptly at 7.30pm. It is a simple format of praying with
the Sunday Mass Readings and sharing in small groups. To Join Briery Thursday Meditation click on the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83436583706?pwd=M1RUNFNVcVJkMXUwSUNWSVdlTnhJZz09
Or log into the app using the following:
Meeting ID: 834 3658 3706
Passcode: 977049
BEREAVEMENT RETREAT – LIVING WITH LOSS, 21st – 23rd May, 2021 led by Abi & John May. The aim of this retreat is to better equip ourselves to deal with life-changing loss. The offering is £160 for the weekend with full board and en-suite accommodation. For further details and a booking form please email: briery@btconnect.com or telephone: 01943 607287.
SHORT ONLINE COURSE ON THE EARLY CHURCH: The Church that Follows Jesus Christ, covering the early life of the Church leading to the Council of Nicea (325CE) is now available as six 30-minute recordings available on the diocesan website at: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/education/finding-out-more/resources/
COUNSELLING SERVICE: Catholic Care are offering a free and confidential counselling service to members of our Catholic community, if you free that you, a family member or friend might benefit from counselling support please contact us on 01133885400, 07739975008 or email counselling@catholic-care.org.uk. Poster at
Parish Donations
There are different ways you can make a donation to the Parish.
You can make a donation online by clicking the following link.
Unable to go to confession?
Pope Francis has given this advice for those unable to go to confession:
“But many people today would tell me, ‘Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because I can’t leave the house? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want him to embrace me, I want the Father’s embrace.'”
The pope said his response would be:
“Do what the Catechism (of the Catholic Church) says. It is very clear: If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with
God, your father, and tell him the truth. Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon with all your heart.”
Make an act of contrition, the pope said, and promise God:
“‘I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, N. 1452, says:
“When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ — contrition of charity. Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.”
“As the catechism teaches,” Francis said, “you can draw near to God’s forgiveness without having a priest at hand. Think about it. This is the moment.”
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RELICS
As previously highlighted the relics of three saints have been found in St Nicholas Church.
Below are photographs of the boxes and envelopes they were discovered in. If you have any information or memories of how they came to be deposited at St Nicholas, please would you drop Fr Duane a line. At the end of the lockdown they will be placed on display within the Parish Church.
