A STORY FOR EASTER
A STORY FOR EASTER
A STORY FOR EASTER
A STORY FOR EASTER
THE CATHOLIC PARISH OF MARNHULL
Roman Catholic Churches of Marnhull and Gillingham, Dorset
Telephone: 01258 820388 email:marnhull@prcdtr.org.uk
Marnhull RC Parish is part of Plymouth Roman Catholic Diocese
Registered Charity No. 213227
NEWSLETTER
2nd Week of Easter 27th April 2025
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If anyone would like to help with any other aspect of parish life, please see the Ministries page for ideas and contact details.
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For any aspect of Finance, please see the Finance page
Please click on the Newsletter image to see this week's news.
Please pray for the sick of the parish: David Parish, Coral Harrow, Betty Walford, Joyce West, Barbara Frost, Tony White, Bob Horton, Hilary Drake, Jeremy Cusden, Nigel & Sarah Mackay, Brian White, John Graham, Jane Raw, Rory Herbert, Norma Wilcox, Lourdes Byrne.
If anyone knows anyone sick or housebound and would like a visit, please let Fr Cletus or the Deacons know.
'Holy Spirit, make my heart open to the word of God, make my heart open to goodness, make my heart open to the beauty of God every day.' Pope Francis
Pope Francis
17th Dec 1936 - 21st April 2025
RiP
Mass will be said for Pope Francis on Friday at 6pm at St Benedict's, where you will have an opportunity to gather, light a candle and pray for the late Pope.
POPE FRANCIS - STATEMENT BY CANON PAUL CUMMINS, DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATOR FOR PLYMOUTH
“I was very sad to hear of the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis earlier today. He was above all a humble servant of the Lord and a faithful pastor who inspired and shepherded the Catholic Church for 12 years now.
Pope Francis lived out Gospel values; he was a man of prayer, a friend to the marginalised and persecuted, he worked tirelessly for peace, the care of the environment was very important to him. His recent document on Synodality encouraged prayerful listening as a way of discerning God’s will. Pope Francis’ time as Pontiff has had a profound influence on the way we understand the Church and our mission to proclaim the Gospel.
In 2020 Pope Francis said, “Let us not forget: the dwelling place that awaits us is paradise. Here we are passing through. We are made for heaven, for eternal life, to live forever” (Regina Coeli May 2020). In the light of these beautiful words, even as we mourn his death, we pray that Pope Francis will rise to eternal life.
Where possible, churches in the Diocese of Plymouth will be places where people can gather, light a candle if they wish and pray for the late pope. Further details will follow about a Vespers Service at our Cathedral Church of St Boniface and St Mary which will also be live streamed.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”
God bless you,
Canon Paul Cummins
The Lord is risen, Alleluia!
As we gather to celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us embrace the profound hope and joy that Easter brings. This sacred season reminds us that through Christ's triumph over death, we are gifted with the promise of eternal life and the assurance of God's unwavering love. His resurrection is a testament to the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and love over all. This Easter, let us come together in gratitude and reflection, embracing the spirit of renewal and rebirth. May we find inspiration in the resurrection story we have relived during our Lenten preparation and the Triduum to renew our faith, strengthen our bonds in family and community, and extend our love and compassion to all those around us. May I express a big thank you to all who helped us as a parish to celebrate this blessed season in our churches with prayer, song, and fellowship, and beautiful decoration. Let us rejoice in the promise of new beginnings and the everlasting hope that Easter brings.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful Easter.
In Christ's Love, Fr Cletus, Deacon James, Deacon Mike.
He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales For Immediate Release1 April 2025
Cardinal to Catholics - urge your MP to vote against the deeply flawed and under-scrutinised Bill on assisted suicide
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, has written a pastoral letter urging Catholics to contact their MPs - even if they have done so already - to oppose the Bill that seeks to legalise assisted suicide. The letter will be read in the parishes of Westminster archdiocese over the weekend of 5-6 April.
As well as restating the Bishops' objections to the Bill in principle, Cardinal Nichols expresses his dissatisfaction regarding the "deeply flawed" parliamentary process.
"It is a fundamental duty of every MP," he writes, "to ensure that legislation is not imposed on our society which has not been properly scrutinised and which will bring about damaging consequences."
Questioning why there has not been a Royal Commission or independent inquiry before considering changing the law on matters of, literally, life and death, the Cardinal wrote:
"The Bill itself is long and complex and was published just days before MPs voted on it, giving them inadequate time to consult or reflect upon it. The time for debate was minimal. The Committee examining the Bill took only three days of evidence: not all voices were heard, and it comprises an undue number of supporters of the Bill. In short, this is no way to legislate on such an important and morally complex issue."
Ahead of the Bill's Third Reading and vote, likely on or around Friday, 25 April, Cardinal Nichols points out that many vital questions remain unanswered:
"Can MPs guarantee that the scope of the Bill will not be extended? In almost every country where assisted suicide has been introduced the current scope is wider than was originally intended. What role, if any, will the judiciary have in the process? We were told that judicial oversight was a necessary and vital part of the process; now we are told it isn't needed at all. What will protect the vulnerable from coercion, or from feeling a burden on family? Can the National Health Service cope with assisted suicide or will it, as the Health Secretary has warned, cause cuts elsewhere in the NHS? Can MPs guarantee that no medical practitioner or care worker would be compelled to take part in assisted suicide? Would this mean the establishment of a 'national death service'?"
What is needed, he writes, is first-class, compassionate palliative care at the end of life:
"This is already provided to many in our society but, tragically, is in short supply and underfunded. No-one should be dispatched as a burden to others. Instead, a good society would prioritise care for the elderly, the vulnerable, and the weak. The lives of our families are richer for cherishing their presence."
Cardinal Nichols makes it clear that Catholics should waste no time in contacting their member of parliament:
"Every MP, and government, has a solemn duty to prevent [under-scrutinised and rushed] legislation reaching the statute book. So I appeal to you: even if you have written before, please make contact now with your MP and ask them to vote against this Bill not only on grounds of principle but because of the failure of Parliament to approach this issue in an adequate and responsible manner."
Launching the Jubilee Year in the Diocese of Plymouth- click on the image
Click on PDF to download a Pilgrim's Passport
Pilgrims Passport Launch
In this Jubilee Year - a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation, in which people are invited to come back into right relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation, our Diocese has launched a new Pilgrims of Hope passport inviting pilgrims to visit four historically and spiritually significant churches in Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset:
• St Mary & St Boniface, Cathedral Church of Plymouth
• St Cuthbert Mayne, Launceston
• Holy Trinity, Dorchester
• The National Shrine of St Boniface in Crediton
Canon Paul Cummins, the Diocesan Administrator says: “Whilst Rome is rightly the focus of Jubilee Years, the Pope has also asked every Diocese to designate certain places to be local centres of pilgrimage. During this year, we are encouraged to visit these places of pilgrimage and to spend some time in prayerful reflection there. In our Diocese, these places are the Cathedral in Plymouth, St Cuthbert Mayne Church in Launceston, the National Shrine of St Boniface in Crediton, and Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester.
Pilgrim Passports will be distributed to all parishes, which will give details of the pilgrim sites, and offer encouragement to you to visit them during the year if you are able. Also, each of the pilgrimage sites will have celebrations on specific significant days during the Jubilee Year which will be advertised nearer the time.
"We invite Catholics and non Catholics alike to make a pilgrimage to these four churches. The Jubilee Year is a time to re-establish our relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. The Jubilee Year, will be a year of hope for our world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our climate in crisis.
“May this Jubilee Year be for you a time of reflection, of new insight, and of a deepening of your relationship with the Lord. May our love be a witness to those who may feel lost or hopeless, and may it encourage them on their pilgrimage to find the way, the truth and the life.” Pilgrims can pick up a passport at their local parish and then journey to the pilgrimage sites to have their passport stamped. Everyone is encouraged to visit these sacred sites, whether as part of an organised pilgrimage, or to create their own pilgrimage routes and walks. Buckfast Abbey on the edge of Dartmoor National Park is also recommended as a place of pilgrimage.
The Diocese will also be creating ways for those who due to illness and disability are unable to walk or travel, to visit these sacred spaces virtually. More guidance will follow.
Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit you may be rich in hope”. Romans 15:13.
Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface Plymouth
The Cathedral is a place central to the heart of the Diocese of Plymouth. Our beautiful cathedral designed by Charles and Joseph Hansom in the 1850s today hosts major liturgical ceremonies and civic events. The cathedral welcomes all those who will be making a pilgrimage during the Year of Jubilee.
Church of St Cuthbert Mayne Launceston, Cornwall
The National Shrine of St Cuthbert Mayne is at Launceston. Cuthbert Mayne, a martyr of the Reformation, is the secondary patron of the Diocese of Plymouth and a local saint who was arrested while ministering as a Catholic priest in Cornwall. He was imprisoned in Launceston Castle and martyred in the town square. The relic of his skull is housed and venerated in this church. The church is open at Mass times. Please call the parish if you wish to visit at other times and check before visiting.
Church of the Holy Trinity Dorchester
Located in the heart of Dorchester, Holy Trinity Catholic Church is deeply connected to the story of the Chideock Martyrs – faithful Catholics who stood firm in their belief during times of persecution, ultimately giving their lives as witnesses to Christ. Their unwavering hope and courage remain a powerful testament to the strength of faith in adversity.Holy Trinity has origins as far back as the 11th Century and the present building is a beautiful 19th Century Grade II listed church that is a constant source of inspiration for both visitors and regular worshippers. The church is open at Mass times. Please call the parish if you wish to visit at other times and check before visiting.
Church of St Boniface, Crediton
This beautiful modern church dating from the 1960s contains two relics of Satin Boniface: one set within the altar and one within the adjoining shrine (part of a vertebra). There is a suggested itinerary around Crediton https://www.catholicchurchcrediton.org/images/pdfs/crediton-itinerary.pdf
The church is open on Wednesday afternoons and at Mass times. Please call the parish if you wish to visit at other times and check before visiting. Please visit our website https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/jubilee-2025/
for more info about the Jubilee here in our Diocese!
Please contact the Place of Pilgrimage ahead of time to avoid disappointment to give them a chance to prepare. Be prepared for them to suggest dates that fit better with their schedules. The contacts are below:
Cathedral: plymouth-cathedral@prcdtr.org.uk (01752) 662537
Crediton: crediton@prcdtr.org.uk (01392) 271191
Dorchester: dorchester@prcdtr.org.uk (01305) 251976
Launceston: launceston@prcdtr.org.uk (01566) 773166
Vacancies
Mass Intentions
There is a long and venerable tradition in the Catholic Church that the faithful ask their priests to celebrate Holy Mass for particular, specified intentions. This custom, which was well-understood in generations past, is increasingly being forgotten. Since the practice is of immense spiritual benefit to both the living and the dead, and because it also helps to support your clergy, we would encourage you to request that Masses be offered for your intentions. The following questions provide more information about this custom.
Why have intentions at Mass?
Holy Mass makes present the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. There is no greater prayer, because the Mass is the perfect offering of the Son of God to his heavenly Father. In offering Mass for a specific intention, the priest prays God that the fruits of Christ's redemptive sacrifice be applied to the requested intention, for the spiritual and temporal good of the person(s) concerned.
Who can offer up an intention at Mass?
Any Catholic may offer up the Mass which he or she attends for any good intention. At Mass you are free to associate your prayer with the intention of the priest, or you are free to offer up participation at the Mass for any number of personal intentions.
How is that different to the priest’s intention at Mass?
The ordained priest has a particular role as mediator between God and humanity. In offering the sacrifice of the Mass, the priest acts in persona Christi capitis, that is, in the person of Christ the Head of the Mystical Body, which is the Church. Thus special graces may be obtained when the priest applies Holy Mass to a particular intention.
Why is there only one intention for each Mass?
The Mass has an infinite value so there is no limit to the number of intentions that can be offered. The Mass is always offered for the good of the whole Church, but it can also be applied to a particular intention. The Church has strict laws that limit the priest to only accept a single stipend (donation). Thus, the priest's particular intention for each Mass will reflect the request of a single donor, whether this request is made on behalf of one or more people.
For whom can Mass be offered?
Mass can be offered for anyone, or any number of people, living or dead, with some exceptions. They do not have to be Catholics, but the offering must not cause scandal to the faithful, and it must not be for an intention that offends against Christian sentiment. You can also ask for Mass to be offered for a “private intention” if you do not want the recipient known.
What happens to the stipend? How much is it?
Offering a stipend for a Mass intention is a way of contributing to the upkeep of your priests. It is a donation, but our diocese recommends £10.
New Lectionary
A new edition of the Lectionary, the book which contains the readings which are proclaimed at Mass, will come into use in England and Wales on the First Sunday of Advent 2024
Tercentenary Year 2025
The 2025 calendar year sees the global Catholic Church celebrating A Jubilee Year, called ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. There is much for us to be excited about within this Papal initiative. However, in our Parish, 2025 will be even more exceptional as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ coincides not only with the move to the new church in Gillingham, but also with the tercentenary celebration of the founding of a catholic mission in Marnhull in 1725 by Fr Thomas Cornforth (when it was still ‘illegal’ to be a Catholic). Individually important, these three strands in combination herald a significant and poignant year for the Church, our Diocese, our Parish and all of us as Catholics.
Rob Vitali has kindly agreed to my request to lead the planning and coordination for our parish tercentenary celebration within this context. It is an important parish and diocesan event, and will involve the school, while other parishes and organisations will also have an interest and want to contribute. However, it is also your event, and I expect many of you will generate your own understanding of how you might wish us to celebrate. I have asked Rob therefore to draw these ideas together, alongside the required formalities, into an event proposal.
I want you to feel personally involved and I ask that if you have ideas, you might also consider leading, coordinating or simply contributing to them to turn them into practical elements of the overall event. We are yet to fix a celebration timescale, but I am aiming for the summer, most likely in July or August. Rather than imagining it as a single day’s event, there is a potential to sequence a number of contributory events together over a short period to give the tercentenary even greater impact and meaning. Rob is of course a regular at Our Lady’s, but he can be contacted by email: Rob.vitali@me.com. He would welcome your ideas and proposals, but I would encourage you to talk them through with others first to gauge if they have wider support. Let’s work together to celebrate our tercentenary and to make 2025 a successful year. Fr Cletus
Statement on 2nd Reading of Assisted Suicide Bill 29th November 2024
Following the decision of MPs to vote in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at the Second Reading today (29 November), Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, said:
“We are disappointed that MPs have voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill progressing through parliament. We believe that this bill is flawed in principle and also contains particular clauses that are of concern. We ask the Catholic community to pray that members of parliament will have the wisdom to reject this bill at a later stage in its progress.
“In addition to being opposed to the principle of assisted suicide, we are particularly concerned with clauses in the bill that prevent doctors from properly exercising conscientious objection, provide inadequate protection to hospices and care homes that do not wish to participate in assisted suicide and allow doctors to initiate conversations about assisted suicide. We ask that these voices be heard in the next stages of the Bill to strengthen the deep concerns about this proposed legislation.
“We have expressed the view, during this debate, that genuine compassion involves walking with those who need care, especially during sickness, disability and old age. The vocation to care is at the heart of the lives of so many people who look after their loved ones and is the sign of a truly compassionate society. It is essential that we nurture and renew the innate call that many people have to compassionately care for others.
“It remains the case that improving the quality and availability of palliative care offers the best pathway to reducing suffering at the end of life. We will continue to advocate for this and support those who work tirelessly to care for the dying in our hospices, hospitals and care homes.”
Statement on Second Reading of Assisted Suicide Bill - Catholic Bishops' Conference
Oppose Assisted Suicide
The Bishops Conference of England & Wales is calling on all Catholics in England and Wales to unite in prayer and compassionate action to oppose assisted suicide. In early September 2024, when parliament returned and a Bill on assisted suicide (so-called assisted dying) started its passage through the House of Lords, our Lead Bishop for Life Issues, Bishop John Sherrington, called for Catholics to unite in prayer and compassionate action.
That call is renewed now as on 26th November, the House of Commons will hear the secon reading of a new bill on assisted suicide tabled by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. Act Now! Contact your MP: The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to voice your opposition. It takes little more than a few minutes to input your postcode, make sure the suggested text suits your viewpoint and submit your message to ask your MP to stop assisted suicide being rushed into law.
Click here to: contact your MP
Watch actor and disability rights advocate Liz Carr’s BBC documentary on assisted suicide, Better Off Dead? where she examines the impact of one of the world’s most extreme assisted suicide laws in Canada. Watch for free online (you do not need a TV licence): righttolife.org.uk/betteroffdead
(Catherine Robinson, Right to Life https:// righttolife.org.uk/)
"Catholicism" - Bishop Barron's inspiring 10 part film series will be shown fortnightly on Tuesday & Saturday throughout November. Please click on the Newsletter image for details.
His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Philip Moger as the new Bishop of Plymouth.
A priest of the Diocese of Leeds for over 40 years, Bishop Moger has, until now, served as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Southwark. Following the news of his appointment, Bishop Moger said: “I’m very honoured to be asked by Pope Francis to be the 10th Bishop of this great Diocese of Plymouth. I know that the diocese has been without a bishop for the last two years, so I am very grateful to Canon Paul Cummins, who has administered the diocese during the vacancy so ably and generously, and all who have supported him. I look forward to visiting and getting to know the clergy, religious and lay faithful in this beautiful part of the Lord’s vineyard”. Canon Paul Cummins said: “We welcome Bishop-elect Philip to the Diocese of Plymouth as our new shepherd. … We pray that all the saints of the Diocese of Plymouth walk with you each step of the way. Know that a warm welcome and our prayers await you as you take up your new role among God’s people. We look forward to your arrival.”
To read the full article: Pope Francis appoints Bishop Philip Moger as the new Bishop of Plymouth - Catholic Bishops' Conference (cbcew.org.uk)
Parish Summer Tea Party at Our Lady's, Marnhull -
It was lovely to see so many Parishioners come together for the Summer tea party. Despite the gloomy weather, tea, cake and much laughter was shared by all. Many thanks to Annette & Heather for organising this event and everyone who helped to make this such an enjoyable event.
Marriage Preparation Resources
Plymouth Diocese has partnered with SmartLoving to create a wealth of online resources and courses to support couples so that they can grow together in faith and love. For all those who are preparing for marriage or already married and wishing to enrich or help their marriage, click on the link: Plymouth - SmartLoving
Have you filled out a "Diocese of Plymouth, Keeping in Touch with us" Form?
If you would like to join the Parish and receive the Newsletter by email, please fill out a form at the back of the Church. If you already receive the Newsletter by email, please make sure that you have filled out the form - we are obliged to have your written consent to store your contact details. If I don’t receive the form with your consent, I will have to take your name off the email list
Please return the forms in person to the Deacons/Fr Cletus/Harriet or email it to the office on: marnhull@prcdtr.org.uk.
Click on the link to download the form:
Documentary on Sr Clare Crocket (1982 - 2016), a young actress who was called to religious life and died aged 33 in an earthquake. You will not fail to be moved & thankful for this saint for our times. To find out more about Sr Clare and her religious order click on the link: https://www.homeofthemother.org/en/
The Sons and Daughters of God - Message & Invitation
The Sons and Daughters of God (I Figlii di Dio) is a worldwide community based on prayer. Every Friday at 7 pm (after Benediction at 6.30pm), there will be weekly meetings at Saint Edward's Church, Shaftesbury, to which all are invited. If you would like to find out more please contact Shaun MacLoughlin on 07568942164 or David Minto on 07889035898.
Also please see Home | Comunità dei Figli di Dio (comunitafiglididio.net)
Gillingham Food Bank Appeal
If every Parishioner brought in just one item, this would make a huge difference.
To make a financial contribution, please visit the website:
Pilgrimages
ARTICLES, INFO & OLDER NEWS
Fr Joseph and the children of St Mary's RC School Marnhull at their annual May procession 2024
New Lectionary in Church & Missals
The Lectionary we use in church is changing. The new one will be used for all liturgy from 1st Sunday in Advent this year, so if you are tempted to buy a new Missal, it would be sensible to wait until the new edition is published in December 2024. The current missal will remain valid for all the prayers of the liturgy, it is just the readings that are changing.
Update on the New Church
We have now taken possession of the new church in Gillingham High Street. Renovation and conversion, taking approximately 6 months, will prepare the building for Catholic worship and community uses (within the mission of the Church). We have appointed a project manager, Philip Hughes Associates of Wincanton who will be responsible for all the internal and external works, and he will be supervised by Plymouth Diocese Property Commission and Father Joseph.
Planning permission is being sought to convert a portion of the ancillary church facilities into priests’ residential accommodation (a presbytery), and to form a new vehicular access and parking area off Barnaby Mead. We have had positive feedback from Dorset County Council for our initial planning enquiry. We will be creating a beautiful Sanctuary, installing a Confessional, creating a Sacristy, Vestry and Parish Office.
The dedication (name) of the church will be decided in due course by the Bishop of Plymouth. From a redundant Army church, we have acquired a beautiful altar, font and ambo made from Portland Stone, and they are stored with the stonemason. Some repair works to the building will start very soon. The intention is to enable this building to be converted, repaired and strengthened to sustainably meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of the community for many years to come. Once up and running this means that within our parish we will have the oldest and the newest churches in the diocese. Our Lady’s Marnhull is an historical and spiritual gem and it will remain the parish church and Mass will continue to be celebrated there. The new church will meet the varied and growing needs of our parish. Praise be to God.
SPUC PRAYER INITIATIVE TO PROTECT UNBORN LIFE IN OUR PRO-ABORTION SOCIETY
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, in conjunction with the Knights of St Columba, has launched a new prayer effort called, ‘Let Life Flourish: A Spiritual Bouquet.’ We are calling all people, Catholics especially, to pray for the protection of human life from conception to natural death. We are in a situation currently, where the legal framework for abortion may be voted down in parliament so that babies can be aborted with impunity up to birth and there will be no penalty for disposing of the body of a full-term baby. A concerted prayer effort is needed to combat this evil. Please go to https://www.spuc.org.uk/letlifeflourish and register the prayers you wish to contribute to this effort.
This is a timely pro-life opportunity for us to support an amendment to our abortion law which would reduce the time limit for legal abortion from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Babies born prematurely at 22 weeks are thriving so there is a contradiction in our abortion law. Please collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP in support of the amendment. (Polling from ComRes has shown that 70% of British women favour a reduction in the time limit from 24 weeks to 20 weeks or below).
Hospital Stays
f you have a stay in hospital and would like a priest to visit you, it is worth making a point of saying so to the nurse who admits you or getting someone to tell the Catholic Chaplain. Otherwise data protection rules may prevent the word getting through. Also, let the parish priest know, and try to make sure your records are up-to-date as far as your religion is concerned; apparently such records are not infrequently out of date or erroneous. This can of course be another reason why a priest wouldn’t be aware that you were in hospital.
Recycle your used ink cartridges and raise money for the Catholic Children’s Society, Plymouth at the same time. Please place used cartridges in the boxes in Our Lady’s Side Chapel and in the porch of St Benedict’s. Thank you.
Children's Society
Aid to the Church in Need
And other organisations to put us in touch with those who need our help.