Cause for the Canonisation of Mary Ward

We were delighted to welcome Sr Ann Stafford CJ of the Bar Convent to speak after Mass about the life cause for the canonisation of the foundress of the Congregation of Jesus, Mary Ward. She encouraged us to pray for the cause. Prayer leaflets are still available at the back of the church. Sr Ann also urged us to visit the Living Heritage Project at the Bar Convent and reminded us that volunteers are always needed to welcome the many visitors who come.

The biographical details below are taken from the Living Heritage Website and  can be read in full here.

Mary Ward was born in 1585 at Mulwith, near Ripon, of staunchly Catholic stock. Her two maternal uncles  were Gunpowder Plotters. Mary herself possessed all the qualities of a true Yorkshire woman: courage, tenacity, deep faith, cheerfulness and a forthright common sense. Much of her childhood was spent with relatives, where her spirituality matured in these devout Catholic households.

In 1609 Mary dared to found an order of religious women modelled on the Society of Jesus, with a freedom from religious enclosure and a readiness for apostolic works which would put them at the direct service of the Church. She set up communities and schools in many cities on the European continent, and her members were sent under cover on the English Mission to support the priests.

After her many journeys and struggles in support of her Institute, Mary Ward returned to her native Yorkshire, and lived with a few of the original companions at Heworth. She died on January 30th 1645, and was buried in the churchyard at Osbaldwick where her tombstone, now in a place of honour inside the church, can still be seen.

Interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith?

Our next Evangelium Course begins with an introductory session on Monday, 19 September starting at 7:30pm in the Upper Room at St Wilfrid's. Refreshments are available from 7:15pm. The course is offered for anyone interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith. It is suitable for those curious to find out about Catholicism, those who may be considering joining the Church through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and also for Catholics who would like to learn a little more about their faith. Everyone is welcome.

First Holy Communion Preparation

Preparation for First Holy Communion next year will begin in October. There is an introductory meeting for parents or guardians at 7:30pm on Wednesday, 28 September in the Upper Room. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from the parish website or found at the back of church. Please fill one in for each child. The First Holy Communion Mass will be on Sunday, 18 June at 10:30am.

A significant anniversary

There is an interesting article in the York Press about the appointment of Lord Esher, 50 years ago today, to prepare a report on the regeneration of York's historic centre.Not all of the report's proposals were implemented, but  some of those that were - the closure of High Petergate and Duncombe Place to through traffic and the regeneration of Aldwark and Bedern to bring residents back to the city centre - had a profound and beneficial impact on St Wilfrid's Parish. There is also an excellent online photographic archive of York in the 1960s. On the whole things have improved!

Channel Swimming Parishioner

Chris Bond, a parishioner who was received into full communion with the Catholic Church last Easter here at St Wilfrid's, is undertaking a sponsored cross-channel swim to support raise funds for breast cancer research. Please read about his reasons here and consider sponsoring his efforts....

Pilgrimage to Fatima

We are having a pilgrimage to Fatima next year for the centenary of the apparitions. Fr Daniel Seward, the Provost of the Oxford Oratory, and Fr Richard will be the leaders. Application forms can be found at the back of the church but you can also make enquiries to Tangney Tours, our travel agents.

Solemn Mass of the Assumption of Our Lady

Many thanks to Fr Bill Charlton, Parish Priest of Stokesley for coming to celebrate the Solemn Mass of the Assumption of Our Lady last Monday. Thanks also to the St Austin's Choir of Wakefield for providing such splendid music. Fr Richard was in Rome with other parishioners and doubts they heard better in Santa Maria Maggiore where they were  that day! It was a pleasure also to welcome ecumenical guests, among them an Anglican Bishop and an Orthodox Monk.Thanks to Rita Barker for the photographs.

High Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption

There will be a Sung High Mass in the Extraordinary Form for the Solemnity of the Assumption at 6pm on Monday, 15th August.

Fr William Charlton, Parish Priest of Stokesley, will be the celebrant, and the music will be sung by the St Austin's Singers from Wakefield.

MUSIC

Hassler - Missa dixit Maria

Victoria - Ave Maria

Victoria - Gaude Maria Virgo

Traffic restrictions in Gillygate

A large hole has opened up in Gillygate and the street is closed in both directions. This will also make driving into York from the north even more frustrating than usual. Please allow extra time if you are coming in to church from that direction. Here is a fuller account from the York Press.  Updated information can be found by clicking here.

Our Dean's Silver Jubilee

Members of St Wilfrid's Parish and the Oratorian Community enjoyed Canon Alan Sheridan's Silver Jubilee of Ordination last Wednesday evening. There was a Mass followed by a party in the Tramways Club. Many congratulations to Canon Alan on the occasion and thanks to the people of St George's for the lovely celebrations. Thanks to Lars Karlsson for the photographs.