OUR LADY OF LOURDES & ST PETER CHANEL
“Receive the Holy Spirit”
Today we celebrate the sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. In the Gospel we cannot help noticing that on Easter night, in the midst of Easter joy, Jesus gave his disciples two commands: receive the Holy Spirit and forgive or retain sins.
That we might not give much attention to both these commands could be a sign that we don’t really want to give much attention to the idea of sin. We can deny sin in our lives in two ways: we call things ‘weaknesses’ and accommodate them and make light of them. Or we can vehemently deny that there is anything wrong in behaving a certain way or thinking certain thoughts. In both cases, real damage is being done to our whole mind, body and soul. For there is an obvious link between the gift of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins: God wants to come and live within us, make us his “home” on earth. Jesus promised this at the Last Supper (John 14:23) and it was taken up by the early Church (Romans 8:9). But God cannot live where a person is opposing him, willing directly to reject him and behave in a way that goes against our human nature. God cannot dwell where sin is. The commandments of God which include ways to follow and ways to avoid are not arbitrary. Of course, because they are the Maker’s instructions.
St Paul often speaks of his intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. ‘The Spirit told us not to go here but to go there’ (Acts 16:7-10). In his Letter to the Galatians he describes a life guided by “self-indulgence” (giving in to our sinful desires) and contrasts this with a life guided by the Holy Spirit . The two lives are opposite and opposed. They cannot be ‘combined’. St Paul’s list of behaviour which can only drive the Holy Spirit away from us is chilling: “fornication, gross indecency, and sexual irresponsibility; idolatry and sorcery; feuds and wrangling, jealousy, bad temper and quarrels; disagreements, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies… (Galatians 5:19-21). St Paul then describes the pleasures that come to a person who has been forgiven their sins and in whom the Holy Spirit has now once again made his home: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22). Here, surely, is the motivation to seek out confession with a priest whenever we are conscious of sin and say, ‘Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine.’
MASS TIMES & INTENTIONS
Saturday NO MORNING MASS
Saturday 6.30pm People of the Parish
Sunday 10.00am Intentions of Priyanka Perera
Sunday 6.30pm People of the Parish Student Mass
Monday 9.30am
Tuesday 7.30pm Thomas Paul Maliakal RIP
Wednesday 9.30am
Thursday
Friday 9.30am Private Intentions (J.J.)
Saturday NO MORNING MASS
Saturday 6.30pm
Sunday 10.00am Mary Kiely RIP
Sunday 6.30pm People of the Parish Student Mass
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Friday: 8.30am to 9.15am; Saturday: 10am to 10.45am.
CONFESSIONS: Saturday: NOT ON 27 MAY.
Sunday: 5.30pm to 6pm.
READINGS AT MASS
First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 ‘Pentecost’ means ‘50th Day’. The Jews celebrated this feast 50 days after their Passover to commemorate the gift of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. 50 days after the Lord’s resurrection, the new and definitive Passover, the Holy Spirit was given to the Body of the Lord on earth, the Church, and the new and fuller Law of God was thereby written in the disciples’ hearts.
Second Reading: First Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13 The Holy Spirit, given to us in all the sacraments, empowers for us for our Christian life. We find it easier to have faith – to accept that “Jesus is Lord”. We receive “gifts” which are for the Lord’s service and “for a good purpose” – the good of others. And, however different we may appear to each other, we are made into “one body” because “in the one Spirit we were all baptised”.
FEASTS THIS WEEK
Monday: Mary, Mother of the Church. Wednesday: Visitation of Our Lady. Thursday: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest. Friday: St Marcellinus. Saturday: St Charles Lwanga & Companions.
NOTICES
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: POSTGATE RALLY ON SUNDAY 2 JULY
The Postgate Rally is one of the nicest days of the year. We gather in a field in beautiful North Yorks with our bishop, people and clergy from across the diocese, for Mass in honour of Blessed Nicholas Postgate, the ‘Priest of the Moors’, who was executed for his faith and priesthood in York in 1679. As last year there’ll be a coach and return via Whitby for fish & chips. Think about joining us. You can sign up at the back of church.
DONATIONS FOR FOODBANK
Please continue to bring weekly donations for the Food Bank which we support. I take them every Wednesday morning to the Food Bank at the Oasis Church on the corner of Newland Ave. They are greatly appreciated.
MIDDLESBROUGH DIOCESAN MISSION MASS
Canon Michael Loughlin, Missio Diocesan Director, invites us to a Diocesan Mission Mass at English Martyrs Church, Dalton Terrace, York YO24 4DA on Wednesday 7 June at 2pm, followed by refreshments in the Parish Hall. There will be a guest speaker. This is for all those who have Red Mission Boxes and all other supporters.
RED MISSION BOXES FOR MISSIO
If you would like a Red Mission Box, please phone Bernadette on 07790185689 / 01482 850996.
TEA & COFFEE AFTER WEDNESDAY MORNING MASS FROM 10AM
Do come along – either come through the connecting door from church into 119 or ring on the front door of 119.
AMPLEFORTH SUMMERTIME 24 to 27 July 2023
This is a holiday week for 10-15 year olds – a week of action with daily sports activities, trip to Flamingo Land, lively talks and workshops, and time for prayer and Mass. Ampleforth Abbey is a beautiful and secure location with superb accommodation and sports facilities. Forms are available from Fr William now.
THE UNIVERSE WEEKLY CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER IS RETURNING
The printed version has returned. This is good news for keeping us informed about Catholic life and events. Please let me know if you’d like to pick up a copy in church and I’ll put in an order.
DAY OF RENEWAL, WITH PRAISE, WORSHIP & PRAYER FOR HEALING
At English Martyrs Church Hall, York YO24 4DA, with Catholic evangelist Ros Powell: Saturday 10 June 9.30am to 4.30pm. Lunch provided. For further info contact Sharon: 07932 420809 or cdscmiddlesbrough@gmail.com
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE PARISH
Last Sunday’s Collection: £634.14
For Weekly envelopes speak to Fr William or Margaret Crummay.
For a Standing Order:
Barclays Bank, Middlesbrough. Sort code: 20-56-90. Account name: Diocese of Middlesbrough. Account number 43496074
CONTACT DETAILS:
115 Cottingham Road HULL HU5 2DH
Telephone: 01482 343216
Email address: chanelparishhull@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook/chanelparishhull Website: ollspc.com
YouTube: Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel
Fr William Massie (Parish Priest)
BIDDING PRAYERS FOR SUNDAY MASS TO BE PRAYED AT HOME
The Holy Spirit of God came to the apostles so that they could speak to the world about the wonderful works of God. Let us pray that Spirit will inspire and strengthen us as we are sent out into the world.
That we will always call on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and use them to the full: wisdom, understanding, right judgment, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
Lord in your mercy, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
That the Holy Spirit will draw people closer to develop international understanding, break down prejudice and generate peace.
Lord, in your mercy, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For those from our diocese who are on pilgrimage to Lourdes this week: that they may be refreshed in mind and body and strengthened in their commitment to Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For all those who care for the sick: for doctors, nurses, ancillary staff and workers in Care Homes and those who care for people in their own homes. May Jesus, our Mighty Saviour, give them strength and encouragement. [PAUSE].
Lord, in your mercy, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
That all who are damaged and scarred physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually may be given wholeness and healing. We pray especially for our own sick and housebound. We pray for those who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For those who have died recently, especially Sr Susan Taylor. We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur about this time. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. AMEN.
For those who have lost loved ones. May the Lord comfort them.
Lord, in your mercy, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Let us pray that, like Mary, we may be open and obedient to the Holy Spirit: HAIL, MARY….
Let us place before God our own intentions.
Father, as we go into the world to do your will, may we be led by your Holy Spirit with confidence and humility. We make our prayers through Christ Our Lord. Amen.