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CHURCH NEWS
; Christmas for Children 2011. The children of Holy Cross, and their families and friends, came along to enjoy the retelling of the Nativity story. However, some audience participation was also required. A brave group of volunteers from the parish took on the main parts in order to retell the Christmas story in verse; however visiting children were also invited to take on the roles of shepherds to look after the sheep and bring gifts to the baby Jesus. They were also encouraged to find items necessary in the story which had been ‘lost’ around the church. The adults in the congregation also added to the atmosphere by joining in with a selection of traditional Christmas carols; sung by candle-light. During the retelling of the Nativity, the children brought gifts for baby Jesus (who, being a real baby this year, slept through the whole event beautifully!). The gifts were not the traditional gold, frankincense and myrrh, but children’s toys and games. These were then donated to a local children’s charity who distributed them to local families in need in time for Christmas Day. A wonderful afternoon was had by all, allowing everyone to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and the gift given to us all. ;
"Farewell Father Tony Brennan." A short summary of Father Tony's stay in Bedford can be viewed by following the Link below.
Just click HERE to download the Summary.
Congratulations
On 1st November 2009 at SS Philip and James 11.00 Mass, Margaret Busby was presented with a Bene Merenti Papal medal for her work in the Parish and Diocese.
Bursary Fund
The Catenian Association has a Bursary Fund which contributes towards personal expenses of any young Catholic (16 – 24 years) who is prepared to work, unpaid, helping under-privileged people anywhere in the world. If interested in applying for a grant, contact Catenian Association Coventry office (02476 224533).
Macmillan Coffee Morning held on 17 November 2009.
This was a great success, supported by so many people coming and donating lovely cakes! Many thanks. We raised just over £120.
Children’s Christmas Carol Service
Whether you are young, or just young at heart, you are warmly invited to join our child-friendly celebration of the Christmas story. Candle-lit carol service 6th December . starting 4.00 p.m. followed by refreshments. Children are invited to bring a child’s gift, to be presented during the service, which will be donated to local needy children via the SVP. All welcome.
Hebron Soup Run
Caring for the less fortunate in Bedford by providing soup and sandwiches each evening. Funds and volunteers always needed. If you have a spare time or would like to know more, contact Father Tony.
Quiz Night
In October 2009, people from a number of Bedford parishes gathered at Holy Cross for an entertaining Quiz Night. As well as the competitive spirit, there was a great feeling of welcome and friendliness, as the social event brought many new friends together.
Operation Christmas Child
Maybe it is hard for us to imagine what life must be like for children who grow up without their parents; perhaps absent due to working away from home or through sickness. Can we put ourselves in the shoes of children who have nothing to call their own? What would make children feel that they must live hidden in underground drains?
These are just some of the children that Operation Christmas Child tries to help; by showing them that they are not forgotten. With their annual shoe box appeal, last year 1.2 million shoe boxes filled with gifts were sent to children in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Africa; from Armenia to Swaziland, from Bosnia to Mozambique.
Throughout the months of September to November, parishioners have been eagerly preparing their shoe box gifts for this worthy cause, organised by the charity Samaritan’s Purse. Everyone was invited to wrap a shoe box in Christmas paper; filling it with gift items for children who would otherwise receive nothing this Christmas, ranging from toys, educational items and essential toiletries.
Many volunteers have been generous with their time; working in the warehouse sorting the boxes and preparing them for distribution. All our gift boxes are destined for the disadvantaged children of Belarus, and the lorries collected them at the end of November.
Many thanks to Belinda Kenny, who enthuses her team of volunteers with boundless energy.
To find out more about this appeal, see the Samaritan’s Purse website. Click here.
Fairtrade Parish
Holy Cross is a Fairtrade Parish; at all meetings and events, we only serve Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar, whilst also promoting Fairtrade to others. Learn more about Fairtrade at the following: www.fairtrade.org.uk
Fortnight ‘09
The Fairtrade Foundation wants to draw public attention to the fact that one third of the world’s population have to survive on the equivalent of just £1 per day; something unthinkable for those of us lucky enough to live in an affluent country.
By buying Fairtrade products, we can have a positive and life-changing effect on so many people around the world. Fairtrade aims to ensure that workers are paid a fair wage for the work they do rather than be paid minimal amounts by companies who then go on to make huge profits from their workers’ efforts, as well as enabling them to have more say in the way their places of work are run. In addition, safeguards are put in place to ensure the safe working conditions of employees. Beyond the workplace, organisations supported by Fairtrade are able to invest their profits into community projects, such as healthcare, education and the provision of clean water and sanitation for whole communities.
“Go Bananas for Fairtrade!” was the cry this year. Holy Cross parishioners joined in with the worldwide banana-eating event; to see how many people could eat a Fairtrade banana on the same day. Could you try to add just one more Fairtrade item to your shopping basket?
Lenten Giving Tree 2009
The Fr. Damien Centre, Democratic Republic of Congo, is in a district of Kinshasa known as “China” due to its large population. The local population is made up of migrants from within the country, causing families to be divided. Many of the students who benefit from the services of the Centre are living with grandparents, who despite their good intentions, can not afford to send their children to the Centre for education, training or medical care. Therefore, a system is in place to supplement the fees that families are able to pay. The Centre has four departments, ranging from medical care for those with disabilities or learning difficulties to education for school children and those above school age who need extra literacy and skills education.
The aims of the Centre are:
· To stimulate children and marginalised youth.
· To support those living with disability.
· To fight against discrimination.
· To provide a framework for pastoral activities of the Sacred Hearts Congregation, youth ministry, Christian reflection and social advancement.
· To serve society through an awareness of, and respect for, the common good.
The 2009 Lenten Giving Tree raised £580, which was gratefully received by Sr. Norma from the Centre. She sends her sincere thanks to everyone at Holy Cross for remembering those in need.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO:
- Despite vast gold and diamond resources, only two countries in the world rank lower for poverty and living standards.
- Has suffered more than a decade of war, which has claimed an estimated 3 million lives.
(Source: ActionAid 2009)
JOINT CHURCHES
From July 2007 Holy Cross and SS Philip and James churches were joined and Father Tony Brennan became the Parish Priest in both parishes.