Newsletter for 31 December/1 January - Mary, the Holy Mother of God

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For fifty years, January 1st has been kept by the Church as the World Day of Peace. Here is this year's message from Pope Francis. It starts:



At the beginning of this New Year, I offer heartfelt wishes of peace to the world’s peoples and nations, to heads of state and government, and to religious, civic and community leaders. I wish peace to every man, woman and child, and I pray that the image and likeness of God in each person will enable us to acknowledge one another as sacred gifts endowed with immense dignity. Especially in situations of conflict, let us respect this, our “deepest dignity”, and make active nonviolence our way of life.

Happy Christmas

I pray that the peace of the Christ Child may be in your hearts and homes this Christmas. Here is a reminder of the programme for the weekend:

Our Lady of Lourdes, Ashby 
Christmas Eve
9.30am Confessions (until 10.30am)
4.00pm Confessions (until 4.30pm)
5.30pm Carols
6.00pm Mass
9.00pm Carols
9.30pm Mass
Christmas Day
10.00am Mass

St Charles Borromeo, Measham:
Christmas Eve
9.30pm Mass

For reflection, here is a lovely gentle Christmas piece. Lyrics, and another performance here.



Or for something a bit more lively, try this. An interesting commentary including the lyrics can be found here.

Newsletter for 24/25 December - Nativity of the Lord

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Remaining Confession times before Christmas
at OLOL:
Thursday: after 9.30am Mass and 6.30pm - 7pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30-10.30am & 4 - 4.30pm





In these last days of Advent the Church reflects on the place of Mary in our salvation. You might like find some time to listen to this modern setting of a mediaeval carol to prepare to celebrate the birth of the Lord:




There is no rose of such virtue
As is the rose that bare Jesu,
Alleluia.

For in this rose contained was
Heaven and earth in little space,
Res miranda. (wonderful thing)

By that rose we may well see
There be one God in persons three,
Pares forma. (Equal in form)

The angels sungen the shepherds to:
Gloria in excelsis Deo:
Gaudeamus. (Let us rejoice)

Leave we all this worldly mirth,
And follow we this joyful birth,
Transeamus. (Let us go [across]. - It is used in St Luke's Gospel where the shepherds say "Let us go to Bethlehem.")

Fr Adrian Chatterton RIP

This morning, I visited the Cemetery at Rearsby Convent where Fr Adrian Chatterton, former parish priest of St Charles, was laid to rest earlier this year. The simple stone marking his grave was put in place. His nephew and two of the Rearsby Sisters joined me as the stone was blessed, and together we prayed for his soul.
Please remember Fr Adrian in your prayers this Christmas.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

This week in our parishes

Here are all the Mass and for Confession times for the last week of Advent, and for Christmas:

Newsletter for 17/18 December - Advent 4(A)

Click here to read the latest newsletter. You will find full details of the special confession times before Christmas, and of the Christmas Masses.

And for reflection here is a lovely version of Veni Veni Emmanuel.

Wednesday evening at OLOL

This Wednesday, 14th December Our Lady of Lourdes  Church will be open for you from 6.30pm - 8.00pm. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed during this time. Please feel free to come when you can and leave when you must. This is a lovely opportunity to:

• Spend a time of quiet with the Lord in preparation for Christmas.
• Go to Confession - two priests available throughout the time.
• Pray for Vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life in response to our Bishop's call.

Newsletter for 10/11 December - Advent 3(A)

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This Sunday is known as "Gaudete Sunday" from the traditional Entrance Antiphon for the day: "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." The Chant club at St Charles School have learnt a simple English setting of this and will lead us in singing it on Sunday morning.

Here is the traditional chant setting. You might like to relax, listen to it, and prepare to Rejoice in the Lord always this Sunday.



Also this Sunday, we are invited to bring the figures of the Infant Jesus which we will put into our cribs at home this Christmas to the 10am Mass. These will be blessed at the end of Mass.

Newsletter for 3/4 December - Advent 2(A)

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As we prepare to hear the message of John the Baptist this Sunday and next, you might like to listen to this work by the seventeenth century English composer, Orlando Gibbons.

Remembrance Sunday

OLOL was represented at the Remembrance Sunday observance in Ashby by Lewis and Oliver laying a wreath on behalf of the parish.

Pastoral Letter on Vocations

Click here to read Bishop Patrick's Pastoral Letter on Vocations. People throughout our diocese are hearing these words this weekend.

New Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Bernadette Westmoreland with Catherine and Martin.

Bishop Patrick has commissioned Mrs Ruth Elmore, head teacher at St Charles School, and Mrs Bernadette Westmoreland as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. We thank them both for their willingness to undertake this ministry, and take this opportunity to thank all our Extraordinary Ministers for their contribution to the life of our parish communities.

Ruth Elmore

It is also worth mentioning that six of our musicians from OLOL sang with the Diocesan Choir for the Commissioning Mass.

Newsletter for 26/27 November - Advent 1(A)

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Our Annual OLOL Advent Gift Day/Coffee Morning is this Saturday in the crypt, 10am - 12noon. Please drop in with your Gift Day envelopes and enjoy refreshments with your fellow parishioners. Feel free to bring friends and family. Spare envelopes will be available if you have lost yours!!

Thought for the feast day of the Patron Saint of Musicians

Many people of my generation will have read "The Screwtape Letters" by C S Lewis. The book is written in the form of imagined letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, who writes from headquarters to his nephew, Wormwood, who is a tempter on active service on earth. On this feast day of St Cecilia, I have been remembering this vivid passage in which Screwtape tells us how much the forces of darkness detest music and silence, and love noise. I think it has a lot to teach us today...

“My dear Wormwood: Music and silence–how I detest them both! How thankful we should be that ever since our Father entered Hell–though longer ago than humans, reckoning in light years, could express, no square inch of infernal space and no moment of infernal time has been surrendered to either of those abominable forces, but all has been occupied by Noise–Noise, the grand dynamism, the audible expression of all that is exultant, ruthless, and virile–Noise which alone defends us from silly qualms, despairing scruples, and impossible desires. We will make the whole universe a noise in the end. We have already made great strides in this direction as regards the Earth. The melodies and silences of Heaven will be shouted down in the end. But I admit we are not yet loud enough, or anything like it. Research is in progress.”

I can't post any silence. You'll have to find that yourself! But as we pray for all musicians today, here are two contrasting pieces of music for this day, both by English composers:

Close of Jubilee of Mercy

Our Parish and St Charles School are being well represented at Diocesan Celebrations to close the Jubilee of Mercy. On Friday seven pupils and two members of staff attended the Bishop's Mass for schools with four of the pupils serving at the Mass, a wonderful honour. You can still watch the Mass here. There is around an hour of introductory material before the Mass starts.

On Sunday evening, we have two parish representatives and one of our young people attending the Diocesan Mass for the end of the Jubilee Year, the latter with a Loughborough University CathSoc contingent. I gather the students are having cakes with the Bishop!

Newsletter for 19/20 November - Christ the King (C)

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Newsletter for 12/13 November - Sunday 33(C)

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Invitation from Bishop Patrick

As  the  Year of Mercy comes to a close on Christ the King Sunday, I would like to invite all young adults to the Closing Mass at Our Cathedral. I hope that there will be students from all of the universities throughout the diocese, and young adults from as many parishes as possible. So I ask you to be particularly generous in inviting other young adults to travel with you.

I would like the opportunity to meet with you, to spend some time with you and to listen to what you would like to see happen for young adults in our diocese. So please do come along and join me for as little or as much as you are able to. The schedule is as follows:

4pm Cathedral Hall for tea, cake, some presentations from young people and some workshops on how we can build on the legacy for the Year of Mercy.

530pm Moving over to the Cathedral to prepare for Mass

6pm Closing Mass for the Year of Mercy

After Mass, you are again invited to the Cathedral Hall for light refreshments.

I look forward to meeting you, and I would like to thank you for being an active member of your parish or chaplaincy community.

Bishop Patrick

Newsletter for 5/6 November - Sunday 32(C)

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A new resource from our Bishops

The Catholic Church has 2000 years’ worth of experience of helping people to die in peace and a treasury of resources and reflections on death, dying and eternity that the Bishops of England and Wales would like to open up to everyone. Inspired by the comfort provided by this popular work, they have produced an innovative new digital space on the subject of ‘Dying Well’.

The Art of Dying Well is a new website that offers a helping hand to those grappling with issues around death and dying. Based in the Catholic tradition but open to all, it features real-life stories about the highs and lows of dealing with the final journey. Professionals in palliative care, ethics, chaplaincy and history have informed the site content.

The month of November in the Catholic Church is dedicated to praying for the dead and is the traditional time to visit the graves of loved ones. It is commonly known as the Month of the Dead. We are invited most particularly during this month to remember and pray for our friends and family who have died and for those who have no one to remember them.

A thought for all Saint's Day.

Last year I posted this reflection for All Saint's Day. A number of people told me at the time that they appreciated it, so I thought it worth linking to it again.

Just a reminder of the Masses over these next important Days.

All Saints - Holy Day of Obligation
Mon 31 7.00pm    Mass OLOL
Tue 1     9.00am    Mass OLOL
              10.30am  Mass St Charles School

All Souls
Wed 2   9.00am     Mass OLOL
             10.30am    Mass St Charles' Church/Hall
             7.00pm      Mass OLOL

Newsletter for 29/30 October - Sunday 31(C)

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New document on burial and cremation

Pope Francis has approved a new instruction on burial and cremation. You can read the full text here.

Among the main points are:

• In memory of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord, the mystery that illumines the Christian meaning of death, burial is above all the most fitting way to express faith and hope in the resurrection of the body.
• In circumstances when cremation is chosen because of sanitary, economic or social considerations, this choice must never violate the explicitly-stated or the reasonably inferable wishes of the deceased faithful. The Church raises no doctrinal objections to this practice, since cremation of the deceased’s body does not affect his or her soul, nor does it prevent God, in his omnipotence, from raising up the deceased body to new life. 
• When, for legitimate motives, cremation of the body has been chosen, the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place, that is, in a cemetery or, in certain cases, in a church or an area, which has been set aside for this purpose, and so dedicated by the competent ecclesial authority.
• ... the conservation of the ashes of the departed in a domestic residence is not permitted.
• ...it is not permitted to scatter the ashes of the faithful departed in the air, on land, at sea or in some other way, nor may they be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewellery or other objects. 

World Mission Sunday

World Mission Sunday falls on the penultimate Sunday in October. Donations are collected at Mass and they go, in their entirety, to support churches, hospitals, schools and vocations in countries where the Church is new, young or poor. World Mission Sunday is our chance to show love and solidarity to our brothers and sisters overseas who share our faith. In offering our prayers, we join with missionaries everywhere in communion and compassion to support them in spreading the Good News, and by giving a donation we respond to Christ's call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.

Missio is responsible for coordinating World Mission Sunday and provides new, young or poor dioceses with the essential support they need on their journey to becoming self-sufficient.
Missio works through local bishops, churches and missionary congregations to ensure that resources are distributed equitably and justly – on the basis of need. The money goes directly from England and Wales to the bishops in the mission territories - local church directly helping local church!
The short film below demonstrates the importance of World Mission Sunday, please watch it and share it with friends who are also passionate about their faith.

Thirty-eight years ago today, the papacy of St John Paul II was inaugurated. In his homily, the new Pope said this:

Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Help the Pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and with Christ's power to serve the human person and the whole of mankind. Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid. Christ knows "what is in man". He alone knows it.
So often today man does not know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt which turns into despair. We ask you therefore, we beg you with humility and trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, of eternal life.
Precisely today the whole Church is celebrating "World Mission Day"; that is, she is praying, meditating and acting in order that Christ's words of life may reach all people and be received by them as a message of hope, salvation, and total liberation.

Newsletter for 22/23 October - Sunday 30(C)

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This weekend's readings...

...speak of prayer. Throughout the week, as I have reflected on them, I have constantly thought of a hymn which was familiar and precious to me in my Anglican days. It is actually by a 18/19th century Scot, James Montgomery, a member of the Moravian community. You might like to reflect on it as we think about prayer this weekend.

Lord, teach us how to pray aright,

with reverence and with fear;

though dust and ashes in thy sight,

we may, we must draw near. 

We perish if we cease from prayer,

O grant us power to pray!

And when to meet thee we prepare,

Lord, meet us by the way. 

God of all grace, we bring to thee

a broken, contrite heart;

give, what thine eye delights to see,

truth in the inward part.

Faith in the only sacrifice

that can for sin atone;

to build our hopes, to fix our eyes,

on Christ, on Christ alone; 

Patience to watch and wait and weep,

though mercy long delay;

courage our fainting souls to keep,

and trust thee though thou slay*. 

Give these, and then thy will be done;

thus strengthened with all might,

we through thy Spirit and thy Son,

shall pray, and pray aright.

* The challenging words at the end of the penultimate verse are based on a great cry of trust from the thirteenth chapter of the book Job.

Newsletter for 15/16 October - Sunday 29(C)

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Music night in the crypt.

Music in the Crypt on Friday 14th October at 19:30.
Folk group Tangent will be performing. Fine music and vocals.
Please bring your own beverages.

Advance notice of a further Music night on Friday 28th October.

Newsletter for 8/9 October - Sunday 28(C)

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A new view of OLOL

Newsletter for 1/2 October - Sunday 27(C)

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Human life and "the world's most dangerous philosopher".

"If you could say to somebody, you're going to have a child who will magically bring about social cohesion, will bring joy and encourage all the people around him or her not to take life too seriously, who will enjoy simple things in life, who will literally do a dance if there is ice cream in the freezer, who is able to enjoy life', that's a whole new value system, isn't it? That's a whole new way of assessing what is and isn't valuable."

One of many thought provoking quotes in the segment here from BBC's Frank Skinner on demand featuring Bridget Jones's Diary / Miranda star Sally Phillips talking about ‘the world’s most dangerous philosopher’ (Peter Singer) and Down's syndrome screening.

Newsletter for 24/25 September - Sunday 26(C)

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Catholic? At Uni?

Visit www.cathchaps.co.uk

German Students In Ashby

Please click here to read an article by Rev Tim Phillips of Holy Trinity, Ashby, about a proposed visit from German students in 2017.

Blessed Robert Sutton Open Evening

Update

I have been away for a few days, celebrating Mass for the enclosed Benedictine nuns at Minster Abbey, and finding plenty of time for prayer myself. Every priest needs times of retreat for the sake of his own soul, and so that the well doesn't run dry when he tries to share the faith with his people.

I also found time to make a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral, with it's associations with St Augustine and St Thomas Becket, and to St Augustine's Abbey in Ramsgate, which Pugin believed to be his ideal Church, his greatest work.

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral

St Augustine's Abbey

Because of my absence there was a double newsletter last week. Everything there still applies, except that on Friday, 23rd September, there will be a service of the Word & Holy Communion rather than Mass at 9.30am. This is because I am celebrating the Funeral Mass for Rev Deacon Brendan Campbell at Mount St Bernard Abbey that morning. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Click here for this week's porch notice with an updated list of times.

Apologies...

...if you have tried to phone the presbytery over the last couple of days. There is a problem with the BT line. I hope it will be fixed soon. Please contact me by email if possible.

Latest news! Fault resolved. Deo gratias!

Canonisation of St Teresa of Calcutta - OLOL represented!

Our Lady of Lourdes parishioner, Jacob, was in Rome the weekend Mother Teresa was canonised. He has sent me these lovely pictures. Click on the pictures to see a bigger version.

Double Issue Newsletter - Sundays 24(C) and 25(C)

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Today's homily

Read Deacon Andrew's homily on today's challenging Gospel here.

St Teresa of Calcutta

In his homily this morning, Deacon Andrew referred to the address Mother Teresa gave to the National Prayer Breakfast (Sponsored by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives) February 3, 1994. As she is officially recognised by the Church as a Saint, you might like to read her address here.

Alternatively, here is the video of the address:

Young Catholic Adult Weekend @ Douai Abbey 28th -30th Oct 2016

Young Catholic Adult Weekend @ Douai Abbey 28^th -30^th Oct 2016

Are you 18-40, do you want to deepen your knowledge of the Catholic  faith, learn its devotions and meet like minded people? Young Catholic Adults are organizing a weekend at Douai Abbey in Berkshire) led by Fr. Thomas Crean O.P. You’ll be able to hear catechetical talks, learn how to sing Gregorian Chant, say the Rosary, socialize and have fun. Book soon as places are limited!

This weekend has been going for over 10 years, it is a unique experience, which brings the Catholic faith to a new generation!

To book goto:- https://v1.bookwhen.com/yca-douai-2016

 For updates goto:- http://youngcatholicadults-latestnews.blogspot.co.uk/. For more details goto:- http://www.youngcatholicadults.co.uk/events.htm. Prices start from £12.

Newsletter for 3/4 September - Sunday 23(C)

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Canonisation of Mother Teresa of Calcutta - Sunday 4th September

Millions of Angels

Sunday's second reading gives us a picture of the glory of heaven:

...what you have come to is Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem where the millions of angels have gathered...

As I read it, I keep thinking of the Sanctus from Bach's B minor Mass. Few other pieces of music speak to me so vividly of the glory of heaven.



However, the first reading, psalm, and gospel readings remind us of our duty to care for the poor and remind us:

…great though the power of the Lord is, he accepts the homage of the humble.

I remember a comment I read somewhere about another setting of the Sanctus, this time by the 20th century French composer, Poulenc: "Here the angels seem to take themselves lightly and dance on tiptoe!" See what you think.

Newsletter for 27/28 August - Sunday 22(C)

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I am coming to gather the nations of every language...

A couple of pictures to illustrate the first reading for this weekend - as mentioned in my homily...

Rio

Krakow

And you can find Bishop Robert Barron's homily for this Sunday, to which I also referred in my own homily, here.

Newsletter for 20/21 August - Sunday 21(C)

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Newsletter for 13/14 August - Assumption of Our Lady

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Today the Virgin Mother of God
was assumed into heaven
as the beginning and image
of your Church’s coming to perfection
and a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people;
rightly you would not allow her
to see the corruption of the tomb
since from her own body she marvellously brought forth
your incarnate Son, the Author of all life.
From the Preface of this weekend's Solemnity

Newsletter for 6/7 August - Sunday 19(C)

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Newsletter for 30/31 July - Sunday 18 (C)

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Newsletter for 23/24 July - Sunday 17 (C)

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Newsletter for 16/17 July - Sunday 16(C)

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The changed format of the newsletter is a temporary measure to make production easier during the peak summer period. The customary format with all the usual information will resume towards the end of August.

Newsletter for 9/10 July - Sunday 15(C)

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This weekend is also Sea Sunday when we pray for all seafarers and support the work of the Apostleship of the Sea.

Ask the Lord of the harvest...

...to send labourers to his harvest.

Thank God for answering our prayers and sending a new labourer into the harvest for the Diocese of Nottingham. Yesterday, Saturday, Bishop Patrick ordained Father Daniel Palmer to the priesthood at St Bernadette's, Scunthorpe.

We also rejoice today, Sunday, that it is the first anniversary of our Bishop's Episcopal Ordination. I'm sure it brought Bishop Patrick great joy to ordain a new priest for his Diocese this anniversary weekend.

Please, please, please, keep praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Newsletter for 2/3 July - Sunday 14(C)

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This weekend's Gospel contains the familiar words: The harvest is rich but the labourers are few. With this in mind you might like to visit the National Office for Vocation Website for prayer, reflection, and inspiration.

Newsletter for 25/26 June - Sunday 13(C)

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Teacher of Religious Education - De Lisle

Details of a vacancy for a Teacher of RE (maternity cover) can be found here.

Holy Hours of Prayer for our country

Since I printed the newsletter, I have come to feel that we should provide a special space for parishioners to unite in prayer before the referendum this week. With this in mind there will be two Holy Hours. In each case there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, and Benediction. Feel free to come and go during these times as you will:

• Tuesday: 8:15 - 9.15am — OLOL, Ashby
• Wednesday: 5.30 - 6.30pm — St Charles, Measham

Newsletter for 18/19 June - Sunday 12(C)

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This weekend in the annual Day for Life. You can find more information here.

Vacancies at Blessed Robert Sutton

BLESSED ROBERT SUTTON CATHOLIC SPORTS COLLEGE

Bluestone Lane, Stapenhill

Burton on Trent

DE15 9SD

      Tel: 01283 749450

                                                                      Fax: 01283 749461

e-mail claire.mills@robertsutton.staffs.sch.uk

TEACHER OF SCIENCE
Required September 2016
MS

The Governors are seeking to appoint an outstanding practitioner with the ability to achieve good external examination outcomes in Science. We encourage applicants from individuals who share our values whether they come from a faith or non-faith background.

We are looking to appoint an outstanding teacher, regardless of their particular area of Science specialism. Applications are welcome from teachers of any of the three Sciences. The successful candidate will be able to model, share and develop the highest possible standards of teaching throughout KS3-KS5.  The Governors are seeking to appoint teachers who will be able to make a positive contribution to a department which is improving rapidly. A part-time appointment would be considered.

We are an 11-18 Catholic comprehensive school serving Burton on Trent and the surrounding community. We are continuously developing and improving the school which has Specialist Sports College status and we are committed to providing stimulating, challenging and high quality teaching and learning. We have a wide range of extra-curricular activities in school and the successful applicant will be expected to play a major part in the broader life of the school.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and therefore the appointment for this post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Please contact the school or visit our website at www.robertsutton.staffs.sch.uk for further details and an application form.

Deadline for receipt of applications: Midday Monday 27th June
Interview date: w/b Monday 27th June


TEACHER OF HISTORY  
Required September 2016
MS

The Governors are seeking to appoint an outstanding Teacher to join this popular and thriving area of the school. This post represents an ideal opportunity for a teacher who is joining the profession from September although applications from more experienced teachers are also welcome. We encourage applicants from all individuals who share our values whether they come from a faith or non-faith background.

We are looking to appoint an outstanding teacher. The successful candidate will be able to model and promote the highest possible standards of teaching throughout KS3-KS5.  The Governors are committed to improving student outcomes in external examinations in History and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to this.

We are an 11-18 Catholic comprehensive school serving Burton on Trent and the surrounding community. We are continuously developing and improving the school which has Specialist Sports College status. We are committed to providing stimulating, challenging and high quality teaching and learning. We have a wide range of extra-curricular activities in school and the successful applicant will be expected to play a major part in the life of the whole school.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and therefore the person appointed will be expected to support the life of the school.
Appointment for this post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Please contact the school or visit our website at www.robertsutton.staffs.sch.uk for further details and an application form.

Deadline for receipt of applications: Midday Friday 24th June
Interview date: Week Beginning Monday 27th June


STUDENT SUPPORT ASSISTANT (2 Posts)
Temporary Contract to August 2017
Required September 2016
Grade 5, Actual Salary £14,671 per annum
37 hours per week Term Time only

The Governors are seeking to appoint two well qualified and enthusiastic Student Support Assistants to join our SEND Department which is committed to removing barriers to learning. We encourage applicants from individuals who share our values whether they come from a faith or non-faith background.

The school is committed to improving the outcomes in external examinations for students with SEND and the successful candidates will have the exciting opportunity to contribute to provision at the school to support this vision. The successful applicants appointed will work as a member of the school’s Team Around the Child and Personalisation Teams to help ensure that the individual learning needs of all students are met on a day to day basis.


DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY TECHNICIAN (with Pupil Support):
Required September 2016
Grade 4, Actual Salary £7,450 per annum
20 hours per week over four days, Term Time only

The Governors are seeking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic technician with the ability to support the teaching staff in achieving good external examination outcomes in Design and Technology. We encourage applicants from individuals who share our values whether they come from a faith or non-faith background.

We are looking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic technician to work alongside the department staff in Design and Technology at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. The subject area is very popular with students and consistently produces good external examination results. The Governors are seeking to appoint a technician who will be able to make a positive contribution to the day to day departmental operations and support the planning, preparation and delivery for all aspects of Design and Technology provision at the school, particularly in the specialist areas of Resistant Materials and Graphics.


We are an 11-18 Catholic comprehensive school serving Burton on Trent and the surrounding community. We are continuously developing and improving the school which has Specialist Sports College status and are committed to providing stimulating, challenging and high quality teaching and learning. We have a wide range of extra-curricular activities in school and the successful applicants will be expected to play a part in the broader life of the school.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and therefore the appointment for this post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Please contact the school or visit our website at www.robertsutton.staffs.sch.uk for further details and an application form.

Deadline for receipt of applications:  Midday Friday 24th June
Interview date: Week Beginning Monday 4th July

First Holy Communion Day

The rain didn't dampen our spirits are our children received the Lord in Holy Communion for the first time on Sunday. Thanks to all who made it such a special day.

Key Stage 2 Teacher vacancy at Newark

Holy Trinity Catholic Voluntary Academy, Newark seek in either a full time capacity or 2 days per week as part of a job share, a  Key Stage 2 Teacher for September 2016.  Applications from NQT’s and experienced candidates welcome.  Closing date 1 July 2016.  Contact office@holytrinity.notts.sch.uk or telephone 01636 689177.

Newsletter for 11/12 June - Sunday 11(C)

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Please pray for our children as they make their first Holy Communion this weekend.

The EU Referendum

Our Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission has published this statement:

Pope Francis has urged us to ask ourselves “Who is my neighbour?” He reminds us that peace and solidarity were among the ideals which began to shape the EU from the end of World War II. As a people called by God to reflect his love in the world, we are challenged to be generous and welcoming to all others. As a nation we value mutual respect and tolerance and care about the future of our nation in the world.
The Justice and Peace Commission urge you to pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit as we approach the EU referendum on 23rd June. We ask that, having weighed both sides of the argument, you will keep the following at the forefront of your minds as you make your decision on which way to vote:
Does my decision reflect the commandment to love my neighbour as myself?
Is my decision rooted in Gospel values?
How can I use my vote to promote the human dignity of all the people of Europe?
Does my decision promote justice and peace in the world?
 How can I use my vote to best serve the common good of all peoples?

You may also like to take another look at the statement from the Bishops of England and Wales which I posted a couple of months ago.

Deacon Andrew...

... is cycling coast to coast on the "Way of the Roses" to raise funds for LOROS.
You can donate here.

Briars Open Day

The place to be on a Tuesday afternoon

On Tuesday afternoons in term time, St Charles Church/Hall is open from 2.30 - 3.30pm. Those collecting children from our school pop in, as do a number of other parishioners. They are treated to  a feast of cakes, baked by Lynne, and a cuppa.

Usually some of the children from the chaplaincy team at St Charles School visit us to present a scripture reading and lead us in a short prayer.

There is no charge, but some people like to leave an offering for CAFOD.

Please come. You will be made very welcome.

Click to pray

clicktopray to link your prayers with the intentions of Pope Francis, to find daily reflections, to join an online community of praying people around the world.
This link can also be found in the list of links on the right of this site.

Administrative Vacancy in Newark

Holy Trinity Catholic Voluntary Academy, Newark (01636 689177): School Finance Manager and Administrator required for September 2016 or earlier.  Term time only £21,745 pro rata. The position could be suitable for either two part time or one full time position: Finance Manager 2 days per week; Administrator 3 days per week.  Closing date 17th June 2016

Jubilee of Mercy event in Nottingham

Double issue newsletter - Corpus Christi and Sunday 10(C)

Click here to read the latest newsletter.

A lovely May afternoon at St Charles school

We said the Rosary in Procession, sang our Aves to our Lady, and the May Queen crowned our school statue. Tea and cakes followed. 

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

This Sunday there has been a lot to get our head around. I thought it worth posting some reminders of some of the things we have been thinking about.

The three points about the Holy Trinity that we looked at were:

• There is only one God.
• The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is each God.
• The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not the same.

They are set out in this form in the book, “The Trinity: How Not to Be a Heretic” by Stephen Bullivant. You will notice it is available both as a paperback and as a Kindle book.

Here is the Bishop's Pastoral Message about the Retired Priests Appeal.

Lastly, for something a bit more reflective, here is a lovely meditation for the feast we have been celebrating this weekend.