"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire" St Catherine of Siena
We all have to discern our path in life and here at St Catherine's, you're welcome to join us in prayer, in witnessing to the Gospel, in service to those in need and in growing God's kingdom here in Didsbury. We are an inclusive community, welcoming all.
Parish Priest: Father John Hitchen | Assistant Priest: Father Michael Deas
We all have to discern our path in life and here at St Catherine's, you're welcome to join us in prayer, in witnessing to the Gospel, in service to those in need and in growing God's kingdom here in Didsbury. We are an inclusive community, welcoming all.
Parish Priest: Father John Hitchen | Assistant Priest: Father Michael Deas
Masses and services this week
Although we are currently in a national lockdown, Church services are allowed to continue, provided that everyone continues to follow the guidelines. The guidance for those wishing to attend remains as previously - please see here for a reminder. Face-coverings must be worn unless you are exempt on medical grounds or for children aged under 11 years.
Although we are currently in a national lockdown, Church services are allowed to continue, provided that everyone continues to follow the guidelines. The guidance for those wishing to attend remains as previously - please see here for a reminder. Face-coverings must be worn unless you are exempt on medical grounds or for children aged under 11 years.
Church will be open at the following times:
Third Sunday of Easter 18th April: 7pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am & 11am Masses. Mass online from 9.30am
Monday 19th April: 8.45am Exposition, 9.15am Mass
Tuesday 20th April: 8.45am Exposition, 9.15am Mass
Wednesday 21st April: 8.45am Exposition, 9.15am Mass
Thursday 22nd April: 8.45am Exposition, 9.15am Mass
Friday 23rd April: 11.30am Exposition, 12noon Mass
Saturday 24th April: 11am - 11.50am Confessions, 11am Exposition, 12noon Mass
Fourth Sunday of Easter 25th April: 7pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am & 11am Masses. Mass online from 9.30am
Third Sunday of Easter 18th April: 7pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am & 11am Masses. Mass online from 9.30am
Monday 19th April: 8.45am Exposition, 9.15am Mass
Tuesday 20th April: 8.45am Exposition, 9.15am Mass
Wednesday 21st April: 8.45am Exposition, 9.15am Mass
Thursday 22nd April: 8.45am Exposition, 9.15am Mass
Friday 23rd April: 11.30am Exposition, 12noon Mass
Saturday 24th April: 11am - 11.50am Confessions, 11am Exposition, 12noon Mass
Fourth Sunday of Easter 25th April: 7pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am & 11am Masses. Mass online from 9.30am
Father Michael's Thought of the Week
The theme running through our 3 readings this weekend is repentance and forgiveness of sins. So it is appropriate to think about the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation.
This sacrament is an amazing, wonderful gift from Jesus to his Church. But there are lots of people who do not feel like it’s a gift. Perhaps you are one of those people and may identify with some of the reasons people feel that way. Some feel scared or nervous, maybe because they were only taught about Confession as young children and felt like they were in trouble or an experience made them feel bad about themselves. Maybe the idea of going in with a shopping list of your sins does not appeal! Some people feel awkward about saying some things in front of their priest. And some feel that it’s enough to simply confess our sins in our hearts to God and then we are forgiven (which of course is not wrong).
We have a clue why we need this sacrament in the Gospel. While the disciples are still struggling to comprehend that Jesus is risen from the dead, he offers them tangible, physical signs to help them. He’s not a ghost because he has flesh and wounds. And then that weird but wonderful fact is recorded that he eats grilled fish in front of them. Jesus knows that we need tangible, real signs so that we know his grace is working in our lives. This is what the sacraments are. And that’s why he has given us this gift where we say out loud with the priest as witness where we need to be forgiven in our lives. Saying things out loud is a very healthy thing to do. Instead of bottling things up, we rather release and unburden ourselves of those things, and in a sense those things become diminished. And this is done in the safe environment of the sacrament.
But most importantly this is the sacrament of love. A person has humbly turned back to God, is humble enough to overcome the embarrassment of saying their sins out loud and is then forgiven. All we say when we go to Confession is, ‘I’m not perfect, and these are the areas in my life I need to grow, and only you, God can help me.’ And then comes the most amazing thing. The moment the words of absolution are said by the priest, but really by Jesus, and that person is definitely forgiven. God says to them, ‘I love you no matter what.’ And by going to the sacrament, we have the guarantee that all this has happened and can enjoy a wonderful sense of peace of mind.
Finally, don’t worry about it being awkward with the priest. He is not bothered what you have done. He simply wants to see another human person reconciled to God and experiencing his profound love. For me, it’s one of the most privileged times of my ministry. To see so intimately how God’s love and grace is working in someone’s life.
What the children often say at First Confessions sums it all up very well. It feels so good to say sorry and to hear that I am definitely forgiven. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone did this?!
If you're unable to attend Mass in person, you can join us here.
The theme running through our 3 readings this weekend is repentance and forgiveness of sins. So it is appropriate to think about the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation.
This sacrament is an amazing, wonderful gift from Jesus to his Church. But there are lots of people who do not feel like it’s a gift. Perhaps you are one of those people and may identify with some of the reasons people feel that way. Some feel scared or nervous, maybe because they were only taught about Confession as young children and felt like they were in trouble or an experience made them feel bad about themselves. Maybe the idea of going in with a shopping list of your sins does not appeal! Some people feel awkward about saying some things in front of their priest. And some feel that it’s enough to simply confess our sins in our hearts to God and then we are forgiven (which of course is not wrong).
We have a clue why we need this sacrament in the Gospel. While the disciples are still struggling to comprehend that Jesus is risen from the dead, he offers them tangible, physical signs to help them. He’s not a ghost because he has flesh and wounds. And then that weird but wonderful fact is recorded that he eats grilled fish in front of them. Jesus knows that we need tangible, real signs so that we know his grace is working in our lives. This is what the sacraments are. And that’s why he has given us this gift where we say out loud with the priest as witness where we need to be forgiven in our lives. Saying things out loud is a very healthy thing to do. Instead of bottling things up, we rather release and unburden ourselves of those things, and in a sense those things become diminished. And this is done in the safe environment of the sacrament.
But most importantly this is the sacrament of love. A person has humbly turned back to God, is humble enough to overcome the embarrassment of saying their sins out loud and is then forgiven. All we say when we go to Confession is, ‘I’m not perfect, and these are the areas in my life I need to grow, and only you, God can help me.’ And then comes the most amazing thing. The moment the words of absolution are said by the priest, but really by Jesus, and that person is definitely forgiven. God says to them, ‘I love you no matter what.’ And by going to the sacrament, we have the guarantee that all this has happened and can enjoy a wonderful sense of peace of mind.
Finally, don’t worry about it being awkward with the priest. He is not bothered what you have done. He simply wants to see another human person reconciled to God and experiencing his profound love. For me, it’s one of the most privileged times of my ministry. To see so intimately how God’s love and grace is working in someone’s life.
What the children often say at First Confessions sums it all up very well. It feels so good to say sorry and to hear that I am definitely forgiven. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone did this?!
If you're unable to attend Mass in person, you can join us here.
Listen to Mass by phone: for anyone who is unable to watch the weekly Mass, we also offer a dial-in service where you can listen to Mass over the phone. This starts at 9.30am each Sunday morning and can be accessed by dialling 0203 051 2874. When prompted for the Meeting ID enter 959 382 246# using the phone's keypad. Press # when asked for your Participant ID.
This week's newsletter
Follow us on social media
We have a Parish YouTube channel, a Facebook page and a Twitter account - click on the buttons below to keep up to date with regular Parish news and updates. We also have a weekly e-newsletter which is sent out by email - click here to register your details if you'd like to receive a copy.
We have a Parish YouTube channel, a Facebook page and a Twitter account - click on the buttons below to keep up to date with regular Parish news and updates. We also have a weekly e-newsletter which is sent out by email - click here to register your details if you'd like to receive a copy.
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Click on the logo to keep up to date with latest news on our Facebook page |
Click on the logo to watch videos of our Masses, services & reflections |
Click on the logo to visit our Parish Twitter account |
St Catherine's Parish
We have put together lots of information about parish life at St Catherine's and about the various groups which are part of our extended community.
We have put together lots of information about parish life at St Catherine's and about the various groups which are part of our extended community.
- Click here to find more about the parish (including our history, how to volunteer for reading at Mass and the children's liturgy group).
- Click here to find out about some of our parish groups, such as the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, the CAFOD group and our Prayer groups.
- Click here to watch a tour of St Catherine's and the Community Centre.
- Click here to view the commemorative booklet from the laying of the original parish foundation stone.
The Sacraments and Liturgy
We have put together some information which explains more about each of the sacraments and related liturgies (Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Priesthood and Religious Life, Anointing of the Sick and Funeral Liturgies).
Please click here to visit these pages and get in touch by emailing parish@st-catherines-didsbury.co.uk if you have any questions.
We have put together some information which explains more about each of the sacraments and related liturgies (Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Priesthood and Religious Life, Anointing of the Sick and Funeral Liturgies).
Please click here to visit these pages and get in touch by emailing parish@st-catherines-didsbury.co.uk if you have any questions.
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Supporting the Parish
We are all experiencing challenges at the moment and without our usual services in church or weekly collections, our parish income is significantly reduced. If you would like to make a regular or one-off donation to support St Catherine's parish, however small, it would be very appreciated. Full details can be found here. Thank you very much in advance. |
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St Catherine's Community Sponsorship Group: Update
The Group has posted an update at the end of its formal two year commitment to the resettled family - please see here for their full report. Once again many thanks to everyone involved including all the volunteers who got involved in a practical way with the family and all who supported the family financially and with their prayers. |
St Catherine's Community Centre
We have a thriving and recently refurbished Community Centre but due to the coronavirus pandemic the facilities are currently closed. Please contact 07779 963535 for further information. Refunds are offered for anything booked and paid for.
We have a thriving and recently refurbished Community Centre but due to the coronavirus pandemic the facilities are currently closed. Please contact 07779 963535 for further information. Refunds are offered for anything booked and paid for.
And finally...
Our Parish website is being continuously updated to provide more resources and information - please keep checking back over the coming weeks. We would welcome contributions - get in touch via the parish email address: parish@st-catherines-didsbury.co.uk
If you, or anyone you know needs help, advice or someone to support them, please fill in the contact form below and we will do our best to assist.
Our Parish website is being continuously updated to provide more resources and information - please keep checking back over the coming weeks. We would welcome contributions - get in touch via the parish email address: parish@st-catherines-didsbury.co.uk
If you, or anyone you know needs help, advice or someone to support them, please fill in the contact form below and we will do our best to assist.