Sunday 3rd December 2023
1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR B)

To download a copy of the latest bulletin please click here.

To download a copy of current rotas please click here.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

TEA AND COFFEE AFTER SUNDAY MASSES
St Patrick’s after the 9.00am Mass in the Parish Meeting Room
St Mary’s after the 10.30am in the St Mary’s Social Club
Come along and join us for some social time with fellow parishioners. Meet old friends and make new ones in the parish. All welcome.

BAPTISM CONGRATULATIONS – on behalf of the parish, may I say congratulations to
Matilda Addy & Charlie Sampson
who are being baptised this weekend in St Mary’s Church. May God bless and guide them as they begin their lives of faith.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

  • Christmas Eve
    4.00pm St Mary’s (with Carols from 3.30pm)
    6.00pm St Patrick’s (with carols from 5.30pm)
    Midnight Mass 12.00 midnight St Patrick’s
  • Christmas Day
    9.00am St Patrick’s
    10.30am St Mary’s

Please refer to the weekly bulletin for a full list of services each week.

ST MARY’S CHRISTMAS RAFFLE – We are holding a Christmas raffle for St Mary’s. If you have any donations that would make ideal prizes, we would be very grateful to receive them. Please leave them at the back of church in the box provided. Thank you

ST MARY’S CHRISTMAS FUDDLE – After Sunday Mass on Sunday 17th December we will be having a fuddle in the coffee room in the hall. If you are able to bake, buy or make something to contribute please add your name and item to the list at the back of church. Please come down and join us. All welcome.

ST MARY’S THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS ‘DICK WITTINGTON AND HIS CAT’
– “The streets are paved with gold! It’s where fame and fortune can be found.” When  Dick Whittington hears about London he decided it’s the place for him, fame and fortune have got to be better than living in a doorway in one of the poorest towns in the country! Unfortunately for Dick, Queen Rat also has her eye on fortune and has a plan of her own, to take over London. Join us for our fun filled family pantomime as Dick and his cat, Tommy, set out to foil Queen Rat’s plan and prove that truth and friendship will always win!
Tickets: £6.50 Family Ticket £24 (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children)
Saturday 9th December: 2.30pm | 7.30pm Sunday 10th December : 1.30pm.
Tickets available from our website , calling 07932650854 or behind the bar at St Mary’s Social Club.

ST JOHN FISHER VOLUNTARY ACADEMY SIXTH FORM LIVE CRIB – I am delighted to announce that due to popular local demand, the Live Crib performed by the 6th Formers of St John Fisher will once again be taking place;
Wednesday 13th December at 11.00am
Longcauseway Church, 36 The Princess of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury, WF13 1NH
Let us do all we can to support our young ones from St John Fisher’s giving such great witness to our faith. It is wonderful that this event is once again taking place. More information available here.

ST PATRICK’S PRIMARY ACADEMY PFA CHRISTMAS RAFFLE – Mary Clancy will be selling tickets on a Saturday evening before and after the 6.00pm Mass – £1.00 a strip. There are some lovely prizes donated by our amazing, local business community.
1st Prize – £100 cash (donated by Mister Sky Ice cream) 2nd Prize – £50 cash (donated by Mister Sky Ice cream)
3rd Prize – Tesco hamper Plus Jump Inc tickets, Cobbles voucher, Bronte Lounge voucher and lots more.
Raffle will be drawn on Friday 15th December. Thank you for your support – the St Patrick’s PFA

ST PATRICK’S LEGION OF MARY – Meet every Tuesday at St Patrick’s at 10.00am. All welcome.

CATHOLIC CARE CHRISTMAS PANTRIES – Catholic Care is hosting their Christmas Pantries again this year. Last year over 800 families were supported with food and toys. This year we need your help. Over the weekends of the 5th and 12th December we will be collecting the following items: dried and tinned food, e.g. pasta, rice, beans, tins of fruit, veg, meat, and fish, tea, coffee, sugar and cereals. Toiletries such as toothpaste, shower gel and toilet rolls. Toys (unwrapped) for all ages. Please see the letter from Catholic Care for more information at the back of church or on the website.

ST PATRICK’S DISCUSSION GROUP – We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 10.00am in the St Patrick’s Church Tea/ Coffee room. All are welcome. For further details call Andy Hill on 01274 315271 or 07729 626966.

ST PATRICK’S LOURDES GROUP FUND RAISING EVENTS

  • Christmas Raffle – Raffle tickets will be on sale in December. Any donations will be gratefully received.

POP INTO ST PAT’S – DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

  • Monday 4th December – The Mini Vinnies – we are having a visit from pupils attending St Patrick’s School who are part of ‘Mini Vinnies’ – (the primary school equivalent to St Vincent De Paul Society). 12:15 to 12:45. They are going to talk to us about the role they carry out in the community.
    Following their talk we are having a game of bingo. Plenty of prizes on offer.
  • Monday 11th December we are delighted to welcome back Alan and Carol Walker of Yorkshire Dialect for their Christmas Special. They are an incredible couple who brought joy and Yorkshire humour to St Pat’s and all present thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
  • Monday 18th December we welcome back our Ukulele group who will accompany us in a Christmas singalong which is always a delight. We will also have a fuddle on this day. Everyone attending, please bring along a Christmas food treat. We will put a notice at back of church to ensure we have a variety of food treats for all enjoy.

CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT – HOLY SPIRIT, HECKMONDWIKE – There will be a Christmas Carol Concert:
Holy Spirit Church Heckmondwike
Tuesday 12th December at 6.00pm
This will be followed by seasonal refreshments. All welcome.

DRU YOGA WITH TAMLIN WALKER – Dru Yoga is great for maintaining and improving flexibility and for maintaining the health of your joints. It can help with stress, relaxation and even help you sleep better!
Sundays 6pm-7.10pm £7.50 Heckmondwike Community Centre Wednesdays 7.15-8.20pm £6 online via Zoom
Please contact Tamlin Walker on 07957434127 or email here for further information and a health registration form.

PREGNANT OR JUST HAD A BABY? – Join our sessions in Mirfield on Tuesdays. Happening every other Tuesday, we are back next week (12th September) after the summer break. Each session includes a hot drink, chat, a guided relaxation and a visiting professional to support your parenting journey. All for just £5.00. Contact Rosaleen on 07738174102 for more information or to book your place.”

ST MARY’S SOCIAL CLUB – Are you thinking about where to celebrate a family party, baptism, wedding, birthday? (Not children’s parties) St Mary’s Social Club has great rooms available to hire at very good prices.
The Melton Lounge – ideal for parties up to 50 people with a well stocked bar.
The Ball room – can hold up to 160 people, with an adjoining kitchen and bar. For more information please visit here
St Mary’s Social Club and Parochial Hall – Melton Street, Batley, WF17 8PT
Booking Enquiries – Michelle 07896 974429 or find us on Facebook

SUPPORTING YOUR PARISH FINANCIALLY

I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to you all who have continued to support your parish financially at this difficult time. You really have been very generous in so many ways.

Standing Order Mandate – More and more people are paying their offertory collection by Standing Order, rather than using cash each week. If you would like to start using this facility please download the standing order form from the parish website or contact Michelle Anderson  and she will arrange to post one to you. If you have any questions about setting up a standing order with the parish, do not hesitate to contact Michelle Anderson the Parish Administrator. The following contact details are for both St Mary’s and St Patrick’s.

Michelle Anderson: Email here
Phone: 01924 474650

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

COMPLINE FOR ADVENT SUNG BY LEEDS CATHEDRAL CHOIR – A recording of Compline sung by the Cathedral Choir will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 at 9.30pm on Monday 4 December. The programme will also be available for 30 days after broadcast on BBC Sounds.

CAROL SERVICE, LEEDS TRINITY UNIVERSITY – Carols by candlelight on Monday 4th December at 7.00pm in the Chapel including performances from the Leeds Trinity University Chapel Choir and Mount St Mary’s Catholic High School. Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be served afterwards. For more information and to book visit website.

THE MINISTRY OF READER AT MASS – A morning with Canon Timothy Swinglehurst and Fr Mark Jarmuz for both new and experienced readers with the opportunity to practice readings for the Christmas Vigil and Christmas Morning Masses. Saturday 9th December 10:30-12:30, St. John Fisher & Thomas More Parish Hall, Bradford Road, Burley in Wharfedale LS29 7PX. To book, please email Fr Mark Jarmuz here.

LISTENING TO THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES – The Diocesan J&P Commission invite you to come and share your social justice concerns, reflect on the signs of Hope that we see and discern what further actions about social justice we should be taking. Saturday 16th December. Wheeler Hall. All welcome. Lunch will be provided so please register to attend on their website. 11.00am-1.00pm

LEEDS CATHEDRAL ADVENT DAY OF RECONCILIATION – Tuesday 19th December, 7am to 7pm. There will be priests available to hear confessions and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day.

ANYTHING FOR THE BULLETIN?
If you have any items for the parish bulletin, please may I have them no later than Thursday 12.00noon. These can be sent to Michelle Anderson here or post them through either presbytery letterbox and I will pick them up and add them to the coming week’s bulletin. Many thanks.