prayers

POPE LEO’S PRAYER TO ST. FRANCIS

 A TIMELESS INTERCESSOR FOR PEACE:

During this Jubilee Year of St Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo asks us to pray to St Francis using the following prayer:

‘St Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, intercede for us before the Lord. You recognised true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano, teach us to seek in Hm the source of all reconciliation that breaks down every wall. You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding, give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises boundaries. In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.’ Amen

PENTECOST 2026

Sunday 24th May 2026, 3-5pm
Please mark this date in your diaries.

The theme for Pentecost Celebrations 2026 is ‘Many Voices - One Faith’ and the celebrations will be based on the Manifesto of Hope. Click here for more information

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Fr Andrew with St Alphonsus' Stations of the cross. 

MARIAPOLIS 2026

Focolare Summer Gathering  23 - 26 July 2026
Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire

Building on the events in previous years, friends old and new are welcome to an experience of gospel life together.

With activities for all ages and open to everyone, including families, the Mariapolis provides a space to grow in faith together, through reflection, connection and fun! Full board, self-catering and camping are available.

More information can be obtained nearer the time by visiting the Focolare website at www.focolare.org/gb

HAIL MARY BY MAL

A version of the Hail Mary composed by Mal one of our 6pm music group.

Vocals by Dave from the 10am group

An alternate arrangement has been sung at 6pm Mass a couple of times.

RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY

Racial Justice Sunday has been observed since 1995. This year it falls on1st February 2026
It currently takes place annually on the second Sunday of February, and is about highlighting those biblical principles that foment unity, cohesion and engagement.

This year’s theme is ‘Love Your Neighbour’. For more details visit Resources for Racial Justice Sunday 2026 - Catholic Bishops' Conference

The message from Bishop Bishop Paul McAleenan lead Bishop for Racial Justice can be found below 

PAPAL PRAYER VIDEO FEBRUARY 2026

In his prayer this month, the Holy Father asks us to recognize that “the smiles, even in the midst of pain,” of children suffering from incurable diseases, “are a testimony of your Kingdom.”

FEAST OF BLESSED PETER DONDERS CSSR

To learn more about Blessed Peter Donders please visit https://www.redemptorists.co.uk/who-we-are-2/redemptorist-saints/13-blessed-peter-donders.html where you will fing some biographical information, a video and links to a homily by Fr Jim Casey C.Ss.R

SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

The Third Sunday of Ordinary Time is the 'Sunday of the Word of God' - a day, instituted by Pope Francis on the Feast of Saint Jerome in 2019, devoted to the celebration and study of Sacred Scripture.

“Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.”    Pope Francis, Aperuit illis 

PAPAL PRAYER VIDEO JANUARY 2026

Pope Leo XIV invites us to rediscover the transforming power of God’s Word, the Word in which “we find the light that guides our steps.