NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE (from 5th August 2018)

Newsletter 30th December 2019

29/12/2018

Sat 29th December Syston     6.30pm     Mass (P. Savage) Vigil of The Holy Family
Sun 30th December Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Juszkiewicz Family deceased) THE HOLY FAMILY
Syston    11.00am     Mass (Pasternicki & Masters deceased)
Mon 31st December Syston NO SERVICE St Sylvester, Pope
Tue 1st January Syston NO SERVICE Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Wed 2nd January Barrow 7.30pm     Mass (Tommy & Bridie Reilly) Sts Basil & Gregory Nazianzen
Thu 3rd January Sileby 9.30am     Service of Word and Communion Christmas Feria
Fri 4th January Sileby 9.30am     Mass (Assunta Furno RIP) Christmas Feria
Sat 5th January Syston     6.30pm     Mass (Jenny Stanley RIP) Vigil of the Epiphany
Sun 6th January Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Hughes Family deceased) EPIPHANY
Syston    11.00am     Mass (K. Jones & M. Lyons)

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle, Beryl Ford.
Finances:Collection 23rd December: £192.15. Christmas Flowers: £93.80. Christmas Day Offerings: £409.55. Mass Offerings: £10.00.    Books: £3.50. Repository: £40.00. Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
Repository: many thanks to Barbara Heath for her stalwart work in organising the repository. Another £40 has been added to the parish funds from sales of items after Mass. Please have a look at the display in the glass cabinet in the School Room to see what is available.
Message from Fr John: Thank you all for the warm welcome I have received here at St Gregory’s and also for all the gifts and cards I received over the festive period. God bless to you all and your families.
Can you help?: can you help us to source (cheap/free?) a decent sized TV for a bedridden parishioner to improve their quality of life? Also needed: a tumble drier. Please see Fr John if you can help.
Thank you: to all who contributed in any way to our Christmas celebrations: the Carol Service (organised by our organist, Jean Prior); the children for their wonderful performance at the traditional Christmas Eve Nativity Mass and the adults for their planning; the ladies who arranged the beautiful altar flowers; the altar servers; the Justice and Peace Group for their thought-provoking reflections, reminding us of our Christian social obligations.
Mass next Sunday: next Sunday, Father Anthony will be saying Mass here at 9.00am and also at Syston at 11.00am. There will be a shared lunch at 12.30 in Syston to which we are invited. If anyone would like to attend, please let Peter Fryer know and he will pass on the details to the organiser at our sister parish.
A helping hand: if there is an area of parish life where you think you could help, please have a word with Fr John or Peter Fryer. No previous experience required! Perhaps you feel that you could be part of the group that helps with the Children’s Liturgy during Mass each week? Or the Church cleaning rota? Or reading at Mass? Or joining the Tea & Coffee rota? It is an obvious thing to say, but the more volunteers that we have, the less often you will be called upon!
After Mass: please come and join us in the Social Centre for a cup of tea/coffee/soft drink and a chat. If you are a newcomer or a visitor you are particularly welcome.
Used postage stamps: (for the “Helping Dogs Charity”) please put these in the box at the back of church.
St. Gregory's Advent Appeal 2018: this will continue into the early part of 2019 and are you are invited  to participate by: remembering the work of the charity in your prayers (prayer cards will be available); donating money (it costs just £13.90 to feed a child for a whole year); donating items so that we can send more backpacks. There is a donation box into which contributions can be put in front of the statue of Our Lady. Your donation can be “gift-aided”, thus generating additional income to the charity. Give before 1 March 2019, and the UK government will match donations, so for every £1 donated, Mary’s Meals will receive £2. It is worth noting that, for every £1 donated, the charity spends 93p on its charitable work, a figure unmatched by most charities. If you have a minute, please look at their website www.marysmeals.org.uk. You will not fail to be impressed. If you have any queries, please see Cath Jackson.
Sponsor a Mass Book: as we begin the new calendar year, please give some thought to the possibility of sponsoring a Mass Book or a set of Mass Books at £2 per book in memory of someone dear to you or requesting prayers for a special intention. Please see Kathryn Timmons who will advise on the wording to be used and arrange for inserts in the books.
Sun 30th December
Reader: Eric De Melo
Offertory: Paul Carroll & Rosemary McKee
Children’s Liturgy: Cath & Marie-Hélène
Tea & Coffee: Sheila & Muriel
Cleaners: Cathy & Marlene
Sun 6th January
Reader: Shirley Ratcliffe
Offertory: Brian & Shirley Ratcliffe
Children’s Liturgy: Roberta & Pam
Tea & Coffee:
Cleaners: Cathy & Marlene

Newsletter 23rd December 2018

21/12/2018

Sat 22nd December Syston 6.30pm Mass (Fr Clement) Vigil of 4th Sunday of Advent
Sun 23rd December Sileby 9.00am Mass (Serge Jesson RIP) 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Syston 11.00am Mass (Michelle Bock RIP)
Mon 24th December Sileby 6.00pm CHILDREN’S NATIVITY MASS Christmas Eve
Tue 25th December Sileby 9.00am Mass (Jim O’Dwyer RIP, John St John RIP) CHRISTMAS DAY
Syston     11.00am Mass (All those who help in the Parish)
Wed 26th December Barrow NO SERVICE   St Stephen
Thu 27th December Sileby NO SERVICE   St John the Apostle
Fri 28th December Sileby 9.30am Service of Word and Sacrament   The Holy Innocents
Sat 29th December Syston 6.30pm Mass (P. Savage) Vigil of The Holy Family
Sun 30th December Sileby 9.00am Mass (Juszkiewicz Family deceased)   THE HOLY FAMILY
Syston 11.00am Mass (Pasternicki & Masters deceased)

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle, Beryl Ford.
Finances:Collection 16th December: £158.38. Second collection for Poor and Needy Parishes: £106.58. Mass Offerings: £300.00. Books: £14.50. Smarties: £12.80 & £7.00 (9.12.18).  Donation from the Friends of St. Gregory’s to pay for hire of skip: £185.00. Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
Message from Fr John:I would like to thank you all for the warm welcome I have received here at St Gregory’s and also for all the gifts and cards I have received over this festive period. God bless to you all and your families. Fr John.
Can you help?: can you help us to source (cheap/free?) a decent sized TV for a bedridden parishioner to improve their quality of life? Also needed: a tumble drier. Please see Fr John if you can help.
Christmas Flowers: there will be a second collection today to help pay for the altar flowers at Christmas.
Happy Anniversary: congratulations and sincere thanks to Wilf who celebrates his 78thanniversary as an altar server on Christmas Day. One of Yorkshire’s best exports!
A helping hand:If there is an area of parish life where you think you could help, please have a word with Fr John or Peter Fryer. No previous experience required! Perhaps you feel that you could be part of the group that helps with the Children’s Liturgy during Mass each week? Or the Church cleaning rota? Or reading at Mass? Or joining the Tea & Coffee rota? It is an obvious thing to say, but the more volunteers that we have, the less often you will be called upon!
After Mass: please come and join us in the Social Centre for a cup of tea/coffee/soft drink and a chat. If you are a newcomer or a visitor you are particularly welcome.
Used postage stamps: (for the “Helping Dogs Charity”) please put these in the box at the back of church.
Smarties: if you want to join the scheme, please help yourself to a tube of Smarties at the back of church, eat the sweets (!), fill the empty tube with 20p coins and then return the tube to Wilf at any time - there is no time scale. The income from the Smarties Scheme helps to pay for the heating of the church. “Eat Smarties and stay warm.”
St. Gregory's Advent Appeal 2018: for the second year we are supporting the work of Mary's Meals during Advent 2018 and into 2019 and are inviting you to participate by: remembering the work of the charity in your prayers (prayer cards will be available); donating money (it costs just £13.90 to feed a child for a whole year); donating items so that we can send more backpacks. There is a donation box into which contributions can be put in front of the statue of Our Lady. Your donation can be “gift-aided”, thus generating additional income to the charity. Give before 1 March 2019, and the UK government will match donations, so for every £1 donated, Mary’s Meals will receive £2. It is worth noting that, for every £1 donated, the charity spends 93p on its charitable work, a figure unmatched by most charities. If you have a minute, please look at their website www.marysmeals.org.uk. You will not fail to be impressed. If you have any queries, please see Cath Jackson.
Mass Intentions: if you wish to have a Mass said, please use one of the special brown envelopes at the back of church. On it you should indicate the Mass intention, where you would like it to be said (normally here at St. Gregory’s) and the date you would like it to be said. Priority will be given to Masses being said for the sick or recently deceased, or for special anniversaries. In the latter case, it is helpful to request a special date as long in advance as possible. Envelopes can be given to Fr John or to Peter Fryer.
Sun 23rd December
Reader: John Dudley
Offertory: The Giacchino Family
Children’s Liturgy: Lorraine & Rebecca
Tea & Coffee: Lisa & Jo
Cleaners: Sheila & Veronica
Sun 30th December
Reader: Eric De Melo
Offertory: Paul Carroll & Rosemary McKee
Children’s Liturgy: Cath & Marie-Hélène
Tea & Coffee: Sheila & Muriel
Cleaners: Cathy & Marlene

Newsletter 16th December 2018

15/12/2018

Sat 15th December     Syston 6.30pm     Mass (Christy Doyle RIP) Vigil of 3rd Sunday of Advent
Sun 16th December     Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Beryl Ford) 3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Syston   11.00am     Mass (Patrick’s Intentions)
Mon 17th December     Syston 6.50pm     Padre Pio Prayer Group Advent Feria
Syston 7.30pm     Service of Word and Sacrament
Tue 18th December Syston 9.30am     Mass (Joseph Pinto RIP) Advent Feria
Wed 19th December     Barrow 7.30pm     Mass (Sick and housebound)   Advent Feria
Thu 20th December     Sileby NO SERVICE Advent Feria
Fri 21st December Sileby 9.30am     Service of Word and Sacrament     Advent Feria
Sat 22nd December     Syston 6.30pm     Mass (Fr Clement) Vigil of 4th Sunday of Advent
Sun 23rd December     Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Serge Jesson RIP) 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Syston   11.00am     Mass (Michelle Bock RIP)

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Muriel Barfield, Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle, Beryl Ford.
Finances:Collection 9thDecember: £118.85. Mass Offerings: £10.00. Books: £20.00. Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
Christmas Carol Service: this year’s Carol Service will take place here at St. Gregory’s this afternoon at 3.00pm.
Masses over the Christmas period:
Sunday 23rd December - Sileby 9.00am, Syston 11.00am
Monday 24th December - Sileby 6.00pm (Nativity Mass)
Tuesday 25th December - Sileby 9.00am, Syston 11.00am
Wednesday 26th December  - no evening Mass in Barrow.
Second Collection: there will be a second collection today for the “Poor and Needy Parishes” of the diocese. This is one of ten second collections that we are obliged to take yearly.
Christmas Flowers: there will be a second collection next week to help pay for the altar flowers at Christmas.
Thanks: to all those who turned up to help clear the clutter in the loft of the store-room in the Social Centre and from the area in and around the garage. It was another example of parishioners uniting to achieve something really worthwhile. Last Sunday the children eloquently listed the contributions made by many members of our community, much of it unseen, to the daily running of the parish. If there is an area where you think you could help, please have a word with Fr John or Peter Fryer. No previous experience required! Perhaps you feel that you could be part of the group that helps with the Children’s Liturgy during Mass each week? Or the Church cleaning rota?
After Mass: please come and join us in the Social Centre for a cup of tea/coffee/soft drink and a chat. If you are a newcomer or a visitor you are particularly welcome.
Used postage stamps: (for the “Helping Dogs Charity”) please put these in the box at the back of church.
Parish Pastoral Council: the PPC met on 6thDecember. The minutes of the meeting are available on the parish website (www.saintgregorysileby.org) and on the notice board at the back of church.
Smarties: if you want to join the scheme, please help yourself to a tube of Smarties at the back of church, eat the sweets (!), fill the empty tube with 20p coins and then return the tube to Wilf at any time - there is no time scale.
St. Gregory's Advent Appeal 2018: we shall again be supporting the work of Mary's Meals during Advent 2018 and into 2019 and are inviting you to participate by: remembering the work of the charity in your prayers (prayer cards will be available); donating money (it costs just £13.90 to feed a child for a whole year); donating items so that we can send more backpacks. Any queries to Cath Jackson.
Diocesan Year Book: copies of the new edition of the Diocesan Year Book are now available. There is a full article on Deacon Brendan Campbell who worked in this parish for many years. They cost £3.50 each. If you wish to purchase one, please see Wilf after Mass.
Mass Intentions: if you wish to have a Mass said, please use one of the special brown envelopes at the back of church. On it you should indicate the Mass intention, where you would like it to be said (normally here at St. Gregory’s) and the date you would like it to be said. Priority will be given to Masses being said for the sick or recently deceased, or for special anniversaries. In the latter case, it is helpful to request a special date as long in advance as possible. Envelopes can be given to Fr John or to Peter Fryer.
Sun 16th December
Reader: Sean Jinks
Offertory: Pat Gibson & Muriel Barfield
Children’s Liturgy: Roberta & Pam
Tea & Coffee: Monica & Marlene
Cleaners: Sheila & Veronica
Sun 23rd December
Reader: John Dudley
Offertory: The Giacchino Family
Children’s Liturgy: Lorraine & Rebecca
Tea & Coffee: Lisa & Jo
Cleaners: Sheila & Veronica

Newsletter 9th December 2018

8/12/2018

Sat 8th December Syston  6.30pm Mass (Sister Lucy RIP) Vigil of 2ndSunday of Advent
Sun 9th December Sileby 9.00am Mass (Richardson Family deceased)     2ndSUNDAY OF ADVENT
Syston 11.00am Mass (McFeeley & Munoz deceased)
Mon 10th December Syston 6.50pm Padre Pio Prayer Group Advent Feria
Syston 7.30pm Service of Word and Sacrament
Tue 11th December Syston 9.30am Mass (Halina Stephens RIP) Advent Feria
Wed 12th December     Barrow 7.30pm Mass (Sick and Housebound) Advent Feria
Thu 13th December Sileby 9.30pm Service of Word and Sacrament   St Lucy
Fri 14th December Sileby 9.30am Mass (Mary, Laurel & Beryl) St John of the Cross
Sat 15th December Syston 6.30pm Mass (Christy Doyle RIP) Vigil of 3rd Sunday of Advent
Sun 16th December Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Beryl Ford) 3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Syston   11.00am     Mass (Patrick’s Intentions)

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Muriel Barfield, Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle, Beryl Ford.
Finances:Collection 2nd December: £101.80. Mass Offerings: £35.00. Smarties: £14 & £10 (25.11.18) Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
Christmas Carol Service:this year’s Carol Service will take place here at St. Gregory’s on Sunday 16th December at 3.00pm.
Sponsor a Mass Book: as we use different Mass books at the beginning of the Church’s new year (Year C for Sundays and Year 1 for weekdays), please give some thought to the possibility of sponsoring a Mass Book or a set of Mass Books at £2 per book in memory of someone dear to you or requesting prayers for a special intention. Please see Kathryn Timmons who will advise on the wording to be used and arrange for inserts in the books you sponsor.
Smarties: many thanks to Wilf for his ongoing “Smarties campaign”. Since 2010 a total of £3,670.20 has been raised towards the cost of church heating. If you want to join the campaign, please help yourself to a tube of Smarties at the back of church, eat the sweets (!), fill the empty tube with 20p coins and then return the tube to Wilf at any time.
St. Gregory's Advent Appeal 2018: over the past year, our parish has supported the work of the UK charity 'Mary's Meals' which provides a nutritious meal for more that 1.2 million children every day in their place of learning in some of the world's poorest communities. During Advent 2017 we raised almost £200 and started collecting items for their Backpack Project. To date, we have filled and sent off 18 backpacks. Mary's Meals reports that, for many children, a backpack is the first gift they have ever received. We will again be supporting the work of Mary's Meals during Advent 2018 and into 2019 and are inviting you to participate by: remembering the work of the charity in your prayers (prayer cards will be available); donating money (it costs just £13.90 to feed a child for a whole year); donating items so that we can send more backpacks. Any queries to Cath Jackson.
SPUC: a small “Prayer Guide” booklet is available at the back of church. Please help yourself.
Diocesan Year Book: copies of the new edition of the Diocesan Year Book are available at the back of church. They cost £3.50 each. If you wish to purchase one, you can put the money in an envelope marked “Year Book” and put the envelope in with the normal collection. Alternatively, you can give the money to Wilf after Mass.
Leicestershire Active Youth Group (LACY):will be celebrating an Advent Youth Mass on Sunday 16th December 2018 - the Third Sunday of Advent - at St. Mary's Catholic Church, South Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 4PG. 6.00 p.m. Please refer to the small notice on the board at the back of church for more details.
Mass Intentions: if you wish to have a Mass said, please use one of the special brown envelopes at the back of church. On it you should indicate the Mass intention, where you would like it to be said (normally here at St. Gregory’s) and the date you would like it to be said. Priority will be given to Masses being said for the sick or recently deceased, or for special anniversaries. In the latter case, it is helpful to request a special date as long in advance as possible. Envelopes can be given to Fr John or to Peter Fryer.
Second Collection: there will be a second collection next Sunday for the “Poor and Needy Parishes” of the diocese.
Sun 9th December
Reader: Paul Carroll
Offertory: The Jinks Family
Children’s Liturgy: Cath & Marie-Hélène
Tea & Coffee: Veronica & Stefania
Cleaners: Joan W & Monica
Sun 16th December
Reader: Sean Jinks
Offertory: Pat Gibson & Muriel Barfield
Children’s Liturgy: Roberta & Pam
Tea & Coffee: Monica & Marlene
Cleaners: Sheila, Veronica & David

Newsletter 2nd December 2018

1/12/2018

Sat 1st December Syston  6.30pm Mass (Walling & Codling deceased) Vigil of 1st Sunday of Advent
Sun 2nd December     Sileby   9.00am Mass (Anthony H. Dawson RIP) 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Syston   11.00am     Mass (Fr Denis McGillicudy’s intentions)
Mon 3rd December Syston  6.50pm Adoration   St Francis Xavier
Syston  7.30pm Service of Word and Sacrament
Tue 4th December Syston  9.30am No Mass Advent Feria
Wed 5th December Barrow     7.30pm Service of Word and Sacrament   Advent Feria
Thur 6th December Sileby   9.30pm Service of Word and Sacrament St Nicholas
Fri 7th December Sileby   9.30am Mass (Sick and housebound)   St Ambrose
Sat 8th December Syston  6.30pm Mass (Sister Lucy RIP) Vigil of 2nd Sunday of Advent
Sun 9th December     Sileby   9.00am Mass (Richardson Family deceased) 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Syston   11.00am     Mass (McFeeley & Munoz deceased)

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Muriel Barfield, Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle.
Finances:Collection 25th November: £131.90. Mass Offerings: £55.00. Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
Thank you from the children and young people:  we would like to thank the friends of St Gregory's for our pizza party on Friday night. Seventeen children and young people came and everyone enjoyed themselves. We used the time to get ready for the Youth Mass on Sunday and spend some time together socialising. It was really good to have a social for the young people and we'd love to do it again!
Youth Sunday Mass: parishioners were so impressed by the thought and effort that went into making last Sunday’s Youth Mass such a conspicuous success. Thank you to all the participants and to Rebecca and her helpers for masterminding the preparation and to the Friends of St Gregory for their sponsorship of the Mass Books and pizzas.
Christmas Carol Service:this year’s Carol Service will take place here at St. Gregory’s on Sunday 16th December at 3.00pm.
Sponsor a Mass Book: as we use different Mass books at the beginning of the Church’s new year (Year C for Sundays and Year 1 for weekdays), please give some thought to the possibility of sponsoring a Mass Book or a set of Mass Books at £2 per book in memory of someone dear to you or requesting prayers for a special intention. Please see Kathryn Timmons who will advise on the wording to be used and arrange for inserts in the books you sponsor.
Parish Pastoral Council: the next meeting of the PPC is scheduled for this Thursday 6th December at 7.30. If you have an item that you wish to raise, please see one of the council members: Terry Breed, Veronica Brown, Bron Coleman, Paul Carroll, Marlene Corrall, Peter Fryer, Stephen Giacchino (jnr), Cath Jackson, Amy Jarkulisz, Rebecca Jinks, Pam Looi and Kathryn Timmons.
Volunteers needed:from 10.00am on Saturday 8th December to help fill a skip with rubbish/rubble from the old garage and unwanted items from previous Christmas Fayres that is cluttering the loft space in the Social Centre.
St. Gregory's Advent Appeal 2018: over the past year, our parish has supported the work of the UK charity 'Mary's Meals' which provides a nutritious meal for more that 1.2 million children every day in their place of learning in some of the world's poorest communities. During Advent 2017 we raised almost £200 and started collecting items for their Backpack Project. To date, we have filled and sent off 18 backpacks. Mary's Meals reports that, for many children, a backpack is the first gift they have ever received. We will again be supporting the work of Mary's Meals during Advent 2018 and into 2019 and are inviting you to participate by: remembering the work of the charity in your prayers (prayer cards will be available); donating money (it costs just £13.90 to feed a child for a whole year); donating items so that we can send more backpacks.
SPUC: a small “Prayer Guide” booklet is available at the back of church. Please help yourself.
Nativity Play 1937: a photo appeared in the Loughborough Echo of a Nativity Play that was performed at St. Gregory’s in 1937. In an amazing feat of recall, the mother of the owner of the photo has added names to the faces. There is a copy on the parish website and also at the back of church.
Sun 2nd December
Reader: Rosemary McKee
Offertory: Monica Hearn & Marlene Bartlett
Children’s Liturgy: Lorraine & Rebecca
Tea & Coffee: Dave & Cath
Cleaners: Joan W & Monica
Sun 9th December
Reader: Paul Carroll
Offertory: The Jinks Family
Children’s Liturgy: Cath & Marie-Hélène
Tea & Coffee: Veronica & Stefania
Cleaners: Joan W & Monica

Newsletter 25th November 2018

24/11/2018

Sat 24th November Syston 6.30pm     Mass (Melly & Allsop deceased) Vigil of 34th Sunday
Sun 25th November Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Young people of the parish) 34th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston   11.00am     Mass (Theo Monteiro) CHRIST THE KING
Mon 26th November     Syston 7.00pm     Padre Pio Prayer Group Feria
Syston 7.30pm     Service of Word and Sacrament
Tue 27th November Syston 9.30am Mass (Halina Stephens RIP) Feria
Wed 28th November     Barrow     7.30pm     Mass (Persecuted Christians) Feria
Thur 29th November Sileby 9.30pm     Service of Word and Sacrament Feria
Fri 30th November Sileby 9.30am     Mass (Holy Souls) St Andrew, Apostle
Sat 1st December Syston 6.30pm     Mass (Walling & Codling deceased) Vigil of 1stSunday of Advent
Sun 2nd December Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Anthony H. Dawson RIP) 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Syston 11.00am     Mass (Philbin, Hession, Greenwood, Vass deceased)

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Muriel Barfield, Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle.
Finances:Collection 18thNovember: £118.10. Smarties (11.11.18) £13.00. Mass Offerings: £10.00. Repository: £100. (sincere thanks to Barbara Heath for her stalwart work in organising the repository) Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
Christmas Fayre and Raffle: last Saturday was a wonderful parish occasion. So many parishioners contributed by their efforts in setting up and running the stalls, by their unstinting generosity in providing raffle prizes and goods to be sold and by attending on the day. The grand total raised was: £1,546.70 which, given these “difficult times”, is a terrific achievement. Sincere thanks to all involved. The bulk of this sum will be used to pay for the insurance of the church, the house and the social centre. There are lots of photos on the parish website.
Christ the King – Youth Sunday: today is Youth Sunday and our young people are going to play a significant role in Mass. As part of the service, the four young people who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion (Caitlin, Faith, Ben and Hugh) will be introduced to the rest of the parish. They will receive a small Mass book kindly bought by the Friends of St. Gregory who also provided the pizzas for a preparation evening on Friday. Please remember our young people in your prayers today and every Sunday.
New altar server: Caitlin will be making her début today as an altar server. We pray that she will be able to fulfil this important duty for many years to come.
Parish Pastoral Council: the next meeting of the PPC is scheduled for Thursday 6thDecember at 7.30. If you have an item that you wish to raise, please see one of the council members.
Volunteers needed:on the morning of Saturday 8th December to help fill a skip with rubbish/rubble from the old garage and unwanted items from previous Christmas Fayres that is cluttering the loft space in the Social Centre.
St. Gregory's Advent Appeal 2018: over the past year, our parish has supported the work of the UK charity 'Mary's Meals' which provides a nutritious meal for more that 1.2 million children every day in their place of learning in some of the world's poorest communities. During Advent 2017 we raised almost £200 and started collecting items for their Backpack Project. To date, we have filled and sent off 18 backpacks. Mary's Meals reports that, for many children, a backpack is the first gift they have ever received. We will again be supporting the work of Mary's Meals during Advent 2018 and into 2019 and are inviting you to participate by: remembering the work of the charity in your prayers (prayer cards will be available next week); donating money (it costs just £13.90 to feed a child for a whole year); donating items so that we can send more backpacks (details next week).
Red Wednesday – 28th November: The charity “Aid to the Church in Need” is launching a campaign where we are invited to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians and faith minorities who suffer unjustly for their peacefully held beliefs. The aim is to spread the word and use social media to make #RedWednesday 2018 a campaign that cannot be ignored. We will be then be doing something peaceful and positive to highlight the suffering – injustices, discrimination, violence, oppression, torture and death – of so many Christians and others today which goes largely unnoticed by the world. For more details, go the ACN website: www.acnuk.org
Sun 25th November
Reader: The Youth Group
Offertory: The Youth Group
Children’s Liturgy: Roberta & Pam
Tea & Coffee: David & Abigail
Cleaners: Lillian & Joan Ap Thomas
Sun 2nd December
Reader: Rosemary McKee
Offertory: Monica Hearn & Marlene Bartlett
Children’s Liturgy: Lorraine & Rebecca
Tea & Coffee: Dave & Cath
Cleaners: Joan W & Monica

Newsletter 18th November 2018

18/11/2018

Sat 17th November Syston 6.30pm     Mass (Holy Souls) Vigil of 33rd Sunday
Sun 18th November Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Holy Souls) 33rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston   11.00am     Mass (Paul Murphy RIP)
Mon 19th November     Syston 7.00pm     Padre Pio Prayer Group Feria
Syston 7.30pm     Service of Word and Sacrament
Tue 20th November Syston 9.30am     Mass (John Talbot RIP) Feria
Wed 21st November Barrow 7.30pm     Mass (Kinnear & McKee deceased)     Presentation of the BVM
Thur 22nd November Sileby 9.30pm     Service of Word and Sacrament St Cecilia
Fri 23rd November Sileby 9.30am     Mass (Holy Souls) St Clement
Sat 24th November Syston 6.30pm     Mass (Melly & Allsop deceased) Vigil of 34th Sunday
Sun 25th November Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Young people of the parish)     34th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston   11.00am Mass (Theo Monteiro) CHRIST THE KING

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Muriel Barfield, Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle.
Finances:Collection 11th November: £88.10. Smarties (4.11.18) £12.00. Mass Offerings: £35.00. Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
November Masses for the Dead: Please use the special November Mass envelopes which can be found at the back of church if you wish to request that a Mass be celebrated in our parish for the repose of the soul of an individual of your choice
Christ the King – Youth Sunday: next Sunday is Youth Sunday and our young people are going to play a large role in Mass. Prior to this, we have a pizza and planning evening booked for Friday 23rd November, for our young people to prepare for Mass. We are meeting between 6-7.30. Please see Cath or Rebecca if you'd like to come along. Many thanks to the Friends of St. Gregory for kindly supporting the young people by supplying the pizzas!
First Holy Communion:the children preparing for their First Communion have already begun their programme and they will be formally introduced to the parish on Youth Sunday. The planned day for them to make their First Communion is Pentecost Sunday, 9thJune. It is a wonderful blessing on our parish to have this group of children and you are asked to pray for them in their preparations.
Christmas Fayre & Raffle: sincere thanks to all those who helped to make the annual Fayre and Raffle a success. The total amount raised will be announced today at Mass.
Clutter: there is a large amount of clutter in the yard next to the garage. It is proposed to clear this area within the next fortnight. There are lots of plastic chairs and old bricks. Please help yourself if these can be of any use to you.
Nativity Play 1937: a photo appeared in the Loughborough Echo of a Nativity Play that was performed at St. Gregory’s in 1937. In an amazing feat of recall, the mother of the owner of the photo has added names to the faces. There is a copy on the parish website and also at the back of church.
Bishop’s Pastoral Letter:a copy of the Bishop’s recent Pastoral Letter can be found on the parish website and also at the back of church. If you would like a personal copy to take away and read, please ask.
Over 65s Christmas Party:Sunday 2nd December. See the notice at the back of church for more details.
Sun 25th November
Reader: The Youth Group
Offertory: The Youth Group
Children’s Liturgy: Roberta & Pam
Tea & Coffee: David & Abigail
Cleaners: Lillian & Joan Ap Thomas
Sun 2nd December
Reader: Rosemary McKee
Offertory:
Children’s Liturgy: Lorraine & Rebecca
Tea & Coffee: Dave & Cath
Cleaners: Joan W & Monica

Newsletter 11th November 2018

11/11/2018

Sat 10th November Syston 6.30pm     Mass (For the victims of war) Vigil of 32nd Sunday
Sun 11th November Sileby 9.00am     Mass (For the victims of war)   32nd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston   11.00am     Mass (James Noone RIP) REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Mon 12th November Syston 7.00pm Padre Pio Prayer Group Feria
Syston 7.30pm Service of Word and Sacrament
Tue 13th November Syston 9.30am     Mass (John and Mary Melly RIP) Feria
Wed 14th November Barrow 7.30pm     Mass (Holy Souls) Feria
The 15th November Syston 9.30pm     Mass (Holy Souls) St Albert the Great
Fri 16th November Sileby 9.30am     Mass (People of the parish) St Margaret of Scotland
Sat 17th November Syston 6.30pm     Mass (Holy Souls) Vigil of 33rd Sunday
Sun 18th November Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Holy Souls) 33rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston 11.00am     Mass (Paul Murphy RIP)

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Muriel Barfield, Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle.
Finances:Collection 4th November: £117.80. Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
Today 11th November is Remembrance Sunday : please place your slips with the names of those who perished in war in the basket at the back of church and these will be brought up and read out at the time of the Bidding Prayers. The slips will be left at the altar during services in the week.
Mass for parishioners’ deceased friends and relatives: next Sunday 18th November, Mass will be celebrated for the souls of our deceased relatives and friends. We hope to reach out to all those on the parish list who, for whatever reason, do not always join us for Sunday Mass. Addressed envelopes have been prepared which contain a Mass card. Parishioners have already delivered many of these envelopes. If you can help to deliver the rest, please drop in to the Social Centre after Mass today. Just pop the envelope through the door; there is no need to invite people personally, unless you particularly wish to do so. Don’t forget to take your own envelope, of course.
November Masses for the Dead: There are a further seven occasions during the month of November when it is possible to request that a Mass be celebrated in our parish for the repose of the soul of an individual of your choice. Please use the special November Mass envelopes which can be found at the back of church.
First Holy Communion:the children preparing for their First Communion began their preparations last Sunday after Mass and they will be formally introduced to the parish on Youth Sunday. The planned day for them to make their First Communion is Pentecost Sunday, 9thJune. It is a wonderful blessing on our parish to have this group of children and you are asked to pray for them in their preparations.
Christmas Fayre & Raffle: Christmas Fayre and Raffle Saturday 17th November starting at 10.00am. Please bring in your raffle ticket money and stubs as soon as possible. Preparations for setting up the Christmas Fayre will start after 9.30am Mass on Friday 16th November with the Social Centre open from 11.15am to about 1.00pm and from 5.00pm to 7.00pm for stall holders to set up and for donations to be brought. Obviously donations can also be brought anytime this week using the main Church entrance and putting them in the Old School Room. We still need all kinds of donations for the stalls, but particularly good quality fancy goods, toys, bottles, Christmas gifts, all kinds of chocolate and, of course, cakes. Please make every effort to attend and bring your family, friends and neighbours. Santa will also make an appearance and he loves to see lots of children and  to hear about their Christmas lists. Many thanks.
Bishop’s Pastoral Letter:a copy of the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter read out last Sunday can be found on the parish website and also at the back of church. If you would like a personal copy to take away and read, please ask.
Over 65s Christmas Party:Please see the notice at the back of church for more details.
Road Closure: the Leicestershire CC website indicates that Barrow Road in Sileby is scheduled to be closed next Sundayfor manhole cover replacement between Mountsorrel Lane and King Street. If you are affected by this you will need to allow extra time to get to and from Mass.
Parish Pastoral Council: the minutes of the most recent meeting of the PPC held on 11thOctober are posted at the back of church and on the parish website.
Sun 11th November
Reader: Michael Prior
Offertory: The Jarkulisz Family
Children’s Liturgy: Lorraine & Rebecca
Tea & Coffee: Steven & Roberta
Cleaners: Angela & Bron
Sun 18th November
Reader: Emma Bowley
Offertory: The Wiggins Family
Children’s Liturgy: Cath & Marie-Hélène
Tea & Coffee: Jon & Lorraine
Cleaners: Lillian & Joan Ap Thomas

Sunday 4th November 2018

8/11/2018

Sat 3rd November Syston  6.30pm Mass (Margaret Rauscher RIP) Vigil of 31stSunday
Sun 4th November Sileby   9.00am Mass (Private Intention) 31st SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston   11.00am     Mass (Maria’s intentions)
Mon 5th November Syston  6.50pm Adoration Feria
Syston  7.30pm Service of Word and Sacrament
Tue 6th November Syston  9.30am Mass (Private Intention) Feria
Wed 7th November     Barrow     7.30pm     Mass (Private Intention) Feria
The 8th November Syston  9.30pm Mass (People of the parish) Feria
Fri 9th November Sileby   9.30am Mass (People of the parish) Dedication of Lateran Basilica
Sat 10th November     Syston  6.30pm Mass (Sick and housebound) Vigil of 32nd Sunday
Sun 11th November     Sileby   9.00am Mass (For the victims of war) 32nd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston   11.00am     Mass (James Noone RIP)
Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Muriel Barfield, Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs,
Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle.
Finances:Collection 28th October: £128.80. Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
Remembrance Sunday 11th November:  next Sunday, parishioners are invited to write on slips of paper the names of those known to them who died as a result of war or who have been affected by war. If known, the place of death can be included. These slips should be placed in the basket at the back of church and will be brought up and read out at the time of the Bidding Prayers. The slips will be left at the altar during services in the week.
Mass for parishioners’ deceased friends and relatives: on Sunday 18th November, Mass will be celebrated for the souls of our deceased relatives and friends. We hope to reach out to all those on the parish list who, for whatever reason, do not always join us for Sunday Mass. Addressed envelopes have been prepared which contain a Mass card. Please could all parishioners help by delivering half a dozen envelopes to those who live close by. Just pop the envelope through the door. There is no need to invite people personally, unless you particularly wish to do so. Don’t forget to take your own envelope, of course. These are available in the Social Centre after Mass today.
November Masses for the Dead: November is the month when we remember particularly those who have died. On Sunday 11th November we remember those who have died or who have suffered as a result of war. On Sunday 18th November we remember collectively all those friends and relatives of parishioners who have died. There are a further nine occasions during the month of November when it is possible to request that a Mass be celebrated in our parish for the repose of the soul of an individual of your choice. Please use the special November Mass envelopes which can be found at the back of church.
First Holy Communion:the children preparing for their first communion will begin their preparations this Sunday after Mass, and then will meet roughly twice a month, as well as take the lead in some of the Masses of the coming year. They will be making their first communion during the summer. It is a wonderful blessing to our parish to have this group of children and I ask that you all pray for them in their preparations.
Christmas Fayre & Raffle: TWO WEEKS TO GO!Remember the date: Saturday 17th November. Bring a neighbour; bring a friend. Please return raffle tickets as soon as possible to Marie-Hélène or Sheila. More books are available if you want them. There are still some gaps on the lists of items needed for the hamper prize. Please see the list at the back of church if you can help.
Over 65s Christmas Party: we are hoping to hold our Over 65s Christmas Party this year at a different venue: “Beedles Lake Golf Club” on Sunday 2ndDecember. We are asking for a £5 deposit – the Friends of St Gregory will pay the balance. Please see the notice at the back of church for more details.
After Mass: please do come and join us in the Social Centre for a cup of tea/coffee/soft drink and a chat. Refreshments are also served after the Wednesday evening Mass in Barrow.
Parish Pastoral Council: the minutes of the most recent meeting of the PPC held on 11thOctober are posted at the back of church and on the parish website.
Sun 4th November
Reader: Sheila Breed
Offertory: The Breed Family
Children’s Liturgy: Roberta & Pam
Tea & Coffee: Sheila & Muriel
Cleaners: Angela & Bron
Sun 11th November
Reader: Peter Fryer
Offertory: The Jarkulisz Family
Children’s Liturgy: Lorraine & Rebecca
Tea & Coffee: Steven & Roberta
Cleaners: Angela & Bron

Newsletter 28th October 2018

27/10/2018

Sat 27th October Syston 6.30pm     Mass (Halina Stephens RIP) Vigil of 30th Sunday
Sun 28th October Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Private Intention) 30th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston 11.00am     Mass (Fr Vellacott’s intentions)
Mon 29th October Syston 7.00pm     Padre Pio Prayer Group Feria
Syston 7.30pm     Service of Word and Sacrament
Tue 30th October Syston 9.30am Mass (Private Intention) Feria
Wed 31st October   SILEBY   7.30pm Mass(Catherine & John Armstrong RIP)   Vigil of ALL SAINTS
The 1st November Syston 7.30pm     Mass (Sick and housebound) ALL SAINTS
Fri 2nd November Sileby 9.30am     Mass (People of the parish) ALL SOULS
Sat 3rd November Syston 6.30pm     Mass (People of the parish) Vigil of 31st Sunday
Sun 4th November Sileby 9.00am     Mass (Private Intention) 31st SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Syston 11.00am     Mass (Maria’s intentions)

Sick list: Please pray for the following members of our parish: Muriel Barfield, Assunta Furno, Bernard Moyers, Maurice Nixon, Irene Pallot, Mary Powell, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Terry Cantle, Ida De Melo, Angela Doyle.
Mass times this week: please note (above) the times of Masses for All Saints (Holyday of Obligation) and All Souls (The commemoration of all the faithful departed). The vigil Mass for All Saints will be here in Sileby on Wednesday evening at 7.30. There will be no Mass in Barrow on that day.
Finances:Collection 21st October: £118.00. Smarties (14.10.18) £24.20. Many thanks. (Cheques made payable to St. Gregory’s RC Church).
World Mission Day: the collection last Sunday raised £84.90.Many parishioners support Missio through the “little red box” scheme. In 2017 our parish raised £839.72. If you would like to join this scheme, please speak to Bron Coleman or Joan Wiggins.
Remembrance Sunday 11th November:  parishioners are invited to write on slips of paper the names of those known to them who died as a result of war or who have been affected by war. If known, the place of death can be included. These slips should be placed in the basket at the back of church and will be brought up and read out at the time of the Bidding Prayers. The slips will be left at the altar during services in the week.
First Holy Communion:a programme to prepare children for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion will commence in the next few weeks. Children of the parish who are in year 3 or above are welcome to join the group. For further details and to join the group please see Rebecca Jinks or Fr John after Mass.
Children’s Liturgy:a new rota for the Children’s Liturgy has been drawn up. We sincerely thanks Lisa and Jo for their many years of service to our children and young people.
Christmas Fayre & Raffle:THREE WEEKS TO GO!Remember the date: Saturday 17th November. Bring a neighbour; bring a friend. Please return raffle tickets as soon as possible to Marie-Hélène or Sheila. More books are available if you want them. There are still some gaps on the lists of items needed for the hamper prize. Please see the list at the back of church if you can help.
Over 65s Christmas Party:we are hoping to hold our Over 65s Christmas Party this year at a different venue: “Beedles Lake Golf Club” on Sunday 2nd December. We are asking for a £5 deposit – the Friends of St Gregory will pay the balance. Please see the notice at the back of church for more details.
Youth Retreat: Saturday afternoon 3rd November in Stamford, organised by LACY (Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth). Details on the poster at the back of church.
After Mass: please do come and join us in the Social Centre for a cup of tea/coffee/soft drink and a chat. Refreshments are also served after the Wednesday evening Mass in Barrow.
A sick man said to his doctor: “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.” The doctor replied very quietly: “I do not know.” The patient retorted: “You don’t know! You are a Christian and you don’t know what is on the other side?” The doctor was holding the handle of the door. From the other side came the sound of scratching and whining and as he opened the door a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with great happiness. Turning to his patient the doctor said: “Did you notice my dog? He has never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing … I know that my master is there and that is enough.”
Sun 28th October
Reader: Shirley Ratcliffe
Offertory: Children’s Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy: Cath & Marie-Hélène
Tea & Coffee: Lisa & Jo
Cleaners: Christine & Lorraine
Sun 4th November
Reader: Sheila Breed
Offertory: The Breed Family
Children’s Liturgy: Roberta & Pam
Tea & Coffee: Sheila & Muriel
Cleaners: Angela & Bron

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