Welcome to the Catholic parishes of

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SAINT THOMAS MORE Sisters of St Joseph of Peace 54 New Street Oadby Leicester LE2 4LJ

Primary School: Saint John Fisher CVA 0116 288 2203 Head Mr A Gallagher

Parish Priest: Fr Michael Moore Assistant Priest: Fr John Owens

0116 221 8385 stthomasmoreknighton

@gmail.com Deacon: Vince Kelly

Secondary School: Saint Paul’s 0116 241 4057

Principal Mrs S Conaghan Parishes Website

http://www.le2catholicparishes.info

75 Knighton Road Knighton

Leicester LE2 3HN

Primary School: Saint Thomas More CVA

0116 270 6365 Head Mrs C Crosse

Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2nd August 2020

Holy Mass The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed during these emergency circumstances of the lockdown, and for as long as they last. This pandemic is the serious reason why this obligation does not apply at this time.

The Vatican II document Lumen Gentium (“Light of the Nations”) describes our homes as “the Domestic Church” for this is the first place we learn about our

faith and continue our journey of faith through our daily living. We are encouraged to develop ways in which we can renew

and deepen still more our spiritual relationship with God in our homes at this time when we are unable to gather or pray in our Churches.

Sacrament of Reconciliation The Congregation for Sacred Worship, speaking about the pandemic, reminds the faithful who cannot receive sacramental absolution, that ‘perfect contrition, rooted in love of God who is to be loved above all things, expressed in a sincere request for forgiveness, insofar as the penitent is able to make it at that moment, and accompanied by the firm intention to go to confession as soon as is possible, obtains forgiveness of all sins, including grave sin (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1452). Confessions cannot be heard over the telephone. Services of General Absolution cannot be held as this involves travel and the gathering of people.

All liturgies, parish activities and meetings are postponed until further notice.

Leicester Churches previously opened for private prayer only

have been closed in line with the local lockdown

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

Entrance Antiphon Ps 69: 2, 6 O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me! You are my rescuer, my help; O Lord, do not delay. The Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Collect Draw near to your servants, O Lord, and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness, that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide, you may restore what you have created and keep safe what you have restored. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading Isaiah 55:1-3 Thus says the Lord: Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty; though you have no money, come! Buy corn without money, and eat, and, at no cost, wine and milk. Why spend money on what is not bread, your wages on what fails to satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat and rich food to enjoy. Pay attention, come to me; listen, and your soul will live. With you I will make an everlasting covenant out of the favours promised to David. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 144(145):8-9,15-18

You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.

The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures.

You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.

The eyes of all creatures look to you and you give them their food in due time. You open wide your hand, grant the desires of all who live.

You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.

The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds. He is close to all who call him, who call on him from their hearts.

You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.

Second reading Romans 8:35,37-39 Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us. For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord. Gospel Acclamation cf.Lk19:38,2:14 Alleluia, alleluia! Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens! Alleluia! Gospel Matthew 14:13-21 When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick. When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five

thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.

The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, At the words that follow, up to and including ‘and became man’, all bow. and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen Prayer over the Offerings Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray, and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice,

make of us an eternal offering to you. Through Christ our Lord. Communion Antiphon Jn 6: 35 I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me will not hunger and whoever believes in me will not thirst. Prayer after Communion Accompany with constant protection, O Lord, those you renew with these heavenly gifts and, in your never-failing care for them, make them worthy of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Scripture Readings from The Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday and Company Ltd. Excerpts from the English translation and chants of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved

Please remember in your prayers… Cycle of prayer during Ordinary Time (Summer)

A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer Persecution, Oppression and Denial of Human Rights; Europe; Human Life; Seafarers

The names of our sick and housebound parishioners

as placed by the statue of our Parish Patrons… Immaculate Conception, Oadby

Patricia Briner, Barry Dobson, Rita Dobson, Tessa Ellis, Jean Farmer, Dr Mary Ginger, Bridget Harrigan

St. Thomas More, Knighton

Derek Allen, Jamie Cardwell, Natalie Ellis, Barbara Henry, Philomena Joyce, Geraldine McGlynn, Brian Neill, Patrick Maughan, Fr Michael Moore,

Kathleen Quinn, Patrick Quinn, Val Ratcliffe, Margaret Spence

Please note that we are only be able to publish in the newsletter/website/social media and display by our Patronal statues the names of those we have evidence of giving consent to do so. During the current situation please can the nearest relative or family member email the

Parish Office with consent to publish names if individuals are unable to do so.

Those whose anniversaries occur at this time… Vera Askew, Kathleen Bruce, Christopher Collis, Alma Cooke, Elizabeth Dalby, Angelo Fasulo,

Henryk Fladrowski, Kevin Godwin, Alan Hardy, Grace Haynes, Maria Lawson, Jack McGuinness, Ernest Mollekin, John Moran, Anne Mortimer, Jack O’Callaghan, Michael O’Connor,

Andrew Owens, Maud Pickworth, Cyril Shaw, Norma Simpson, Julia Snowden, Mary Sutherland, Martin Torpey, Eileen Walker, Agnes Ward, Maureen Westoby, Myroslaw Zurawczak

Those who have died recently… Kathleen Ingram RIP

To Kathleen’s family and friends we offer our sympathy and the support of our prayer at this time.

May the angels lead them to paradise

HOW TO JOIN THE MASS ONLINE AT SAINT THOMAS MORE

Mass is streamed at 9.00am every Sunday on YouTube from St. Thomas More Church, Knighton

You can use either of the following ways to join the Mass –

Go to YouTube and search for “Saint Thomas More Leicester” and the page will appear. Press the “Subscribe” button. If you also click on the little Bell Symbol you will receive notifications from the page that will let them know when a new video or stream is happening

Use the link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrZu39_vJOmfp5OcVR4INiQ/ Press the “Subscribe” button. If you also click on the little Bell Symbol you will receive notifications from the page that will let them know when a new video or stream is happening

Catherine Danaher is suggesting an after Mass drink and chat taster session- just to say hello. Let's see if it's feasible for those who would like to meet over Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88961844469?pwd=VFhuZmNnMGlhcm9PRnUwMWd0OWpvQT09 Meeting ID: 889 6184 4469 Passcode: 473826 More details, including more about Zoom if you're unsure, on https://www.facebook.com/groups/parishchat

Opening of our Churches …

Following the local lockdown in Leicester, the decision has been taken that our Churches will remain locked at all times within the lockdown area. Bishop Patrick said that he considers it best

that we suspend the opening of Churches in the affected area for the foreseeable future. As I have previously said the Dean will then decide on which Churches will re-open in the first instance for private prayer in Leicester, so that there will be a reasonable distribution of

Churches across the city. Until then no Church in Leicester will be open for private prayer until further notice.

Mass Intentions…

If you would like a Mass celebrated for a particular intention, please let me know of the intention by post or email. If you require a Mass Card signing please indicate this on your request and I will organise collection by prior arrangement or post the card to you, which ever is convenient.

Appointments by Bishop Patrick… Reverend Canon Christopher O’Connor, from St Mary’s, Grantham to Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough and St Mary’s, Husband’s Bosworth as Parish Priest. We are delighted to welcome Canon Chris as our new neighbour at Market Harborough and wish

Canon Owen every good wish for his retirement. May he enjoy a long and relaxing retirement.

We warmly welcome back Fr Clement Orango who continues as Parish Priest to Infant Prague, Syston and St. Gregory, Sileby

Father Paul Newman, from Our Lady and St Edward’s, Thorneywood to Our Lady of Good Counsel, Eastwood as Parish Priest and also Chaplain to The Briars Youth Retreat Centre in addition to his ongoing responsibility as Diocesan Vocations Director. Father John St John, from the Divine Infant of Prague, Syston and St. Gregory’s, Sileby to Our Lady of Lincoln, Lincoln as Parish Priest from the weekend 22nd/23rd August.

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WITHIN THE LEICESTER LOCKDOWN ZONE

offered by the Church Leaders of Churches Together in Leicester and Leicestershire

Loving God, ever-present with your people

through the highs and lows of life, we cry out to you for Leicester

in the face of prolonged suffering and hardship as a result of lockdown.

Grant us peace in our frustration; strength to our NHS and all who are called to care and help;

wisdom to our city leaders; and discernment for our churches in offering the medicine of your gospel.

Bless all caught in the grip of Covid-19 and comfort the grieving. In the name of the One who gives us hope,

Jesus Christ. Amen.

Parish Finances…

All contributions made by parishioners are very much appreciated at any time, but the generosity of those of you who have continued to give via online banking and standing order, during this difficult time, has been valued greatly. We also realise that the current emergency is affecting many people’s income and they may not be able to continue their level of offerings. If this is the case, we fully understand.

Many parishioners contribute through Planned Giving Envelopes or loose plate and we are asking you, if your circumstances allow, to re-consider your way of giving and use either Online Banking or, if you are not online, the paper standing order method.

Thank you to all those who have changed to a standing order! Your support is very much appreciated

The advantages to this are:

Usually free of charge for both payer and payee

Quick and easy to set up

Useful for making recurring contributions

Helps the Parish to have a reliable income each month to assist in forward planning

You can increase or decrease your offering at any time by contacting your bank

Less cash handling within the parish

Increased security as less cash being kept on Church premises and being taken to the bank

Setting up a Standing Order with Online Banking If you have internet access and your bank account is online you can set up your standing order with the Parish bank details which can be given to you by the relevant Parish Office on the telephone or emailed to you on request. Please use as the reference your surname and first name with the prefix Z if you Gift Aid e.g. ZSMITHJANET with Gift Aid or SMITHJANET without Gift Aid. Please remember if you are a taxpayer gift aid can be claimed from your donations. If you donate £20.00 per month this would become £25.00 at no extra cost to yourself. If you wish to Gift Aid as a taxpayer, you will need to sign a Gift Aid declaration, again available from the Parish Office or downloaded from the Diocesan Website.

If you do not have access to Online Banking but still wish to contribute by standing order, please request a form from the Parish Office

If you would like your new supply of envelopes posting to your home address please contact Fr. Michael by email or telephone and we will arrange this for you

The Oadby Food Bank have thanked the Tuesday Coffee Club at the Immaculate Conception for their donation of £248.25 and say it is very much appreciated.

National Justice and Peace Conference Report…

Thank you to Catherine Danaher for a written summary of the mini conference held by Zoom. The report is attached as a separate document to this newsletter

LACY (Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth…

… Due to the recent challenges of lockdown in Leicester and parts of Leicestershire, and also into the holiday season, LACY have decided to reschedule the celebration of “A Moment With Mary” to the date of Sunday 4th October at 4.00 p.m.

From Peter Hendrick…

Peter Hendrick and family would like to thank Fr Michael and Fr Anthony for all their help and support over the past few weeks.

We were overwhelmed with all the Mass Intentions, cards and prayers for dear Bente and would like to thank everyone most sincerely in our time of sadness at Bente’s passing.

Liturgical Calendar and Mass Intentions week commencing 2nd August 2020 Sunday Readings Year A Weekday Readings II Prayer of the Church Week 2

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Saturday 1st August Mass Redemptorist Community, Limerick (Thanksgiving) Sunday 2nd August Mass All Parishioners

Monday 3rd August Feria Mass Waldemar Wisniewski RIP

Tuesday 4th August Saint John Vianney, Priest Michael O’Connor RIP

Wednesday 5th August Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major Mass John, Helena, Edward, Anthony and William Norwell RIP

Thursday 6th August Transfiguration of the Lord Mass Wellbeing of a dear brother

Friday 7th August Feria Mass Rosaleen Carroll RIP

Saturday 8th August Saint Dominic, Priest Mass Alan Peter Lester RIP

NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

Sunday 9th August Mass All Parishioners

With every good wish for the coming week Fr Michael

Prayer for the Year of the Word…

Living God, you walk alongside us and speak to us throughout the Scriptures.

Your Son, Jesus Christ, listens to our hopes and fears and shows us how to live for one another.

Send us the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds so that we may be your witnesses throughout the world. Amen.

NRCDT Company Number: 7151646 & Charity Number: 1134449