“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
With the care of St Ambrose Church, Chorlton
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
With the care of St Ambrose Church, Chorlton
Mass and services
In line with new guidance issued by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales in response to the current coronavirus pandemic, we are unfortunately unable to celebrate a public Mass until further notice. Instead Mass will be held in private. In these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed. Watch the video of Archbishop Vincent Nichols explaining the situation.
However, to keep our community united, a Sunday Mass will be recorded and available from 9.30am each Sunday, so that we can all share in the worship, even if not in person. Father John and Father Michael will also record other services and messages for us when they are able to. We have set up a Parish YouTube channel and 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 newsletter with updates which will be sent out by email - click here to register your details if you'd like to receive a copy.
In line with new guidance issued by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales in response to the current coronavirus pandemic, we are unfortunately unable to celebrate a public Mass until further notice. Instead Mass will be held in private. In these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed. Watch the video of Archbishop Vincent Nichols explaining the situation.
However, to keep our community united, a Sunday Mass will be recorded and available from 9.30am each Sunday, so that we can all share in the worship, even if not in person. Father John and Father Michael will also record other services and messages for us when they are able to. We have set up a Parish YouTube channel and 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 newsletter with updates which will be sent out by email - click here to register your details if you'd like to receive a copy.
CLICK TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH OUR LATEST NEWS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
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CLICK TO WATCH VIDEOS OF OUR MASSES, SERVICES & REFLECTIONS
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CLICK TO VISIT OUR PARISH TWITTER ACCOUNT
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UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ST CATHERINE'S AND ST AMBROSE CHURCHES WILL REMAIN CLOSED TO VISITORS.
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Parish Newsletter and Children's Worksheet (Palm Sunday):
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Thought for this week (Palm Sunday):
Hosanna means ‘help!’ ‘save!’ ‘rescue!’ At this time, we need to ask God to help those suffering, those caring, those working. To help all of us. Let us all cry out and sing with one voice ‘Jesus, Hosanna!’
Hosanna means ‘help!’ ‘save!’ ‘rescue!’ At this time, we need to ask God to help those suffering, those caring, those working. To help all of us. Let us all cry out and sing with one voice ‘Jesus, Hosanna!’
Holy Week Services
Although we cannot take part in our traditional services during Holy Week this year, we are going to video as many of them as possible so that we can all share in the experience. You will be able to watch the following Masses and services by clicking here (videos will be available from the time shown and will remain on our YouTube channel if you miss them):
Although we cannot take part in our traditional services during Holy Week this year, we are going to video as many of them as possible so that we can all share in the experience. You will be able to watch the following Masses and services by clicking here (videos will be available from the time shown and will remain on our YouTube channel if you miss them):
- Maundy Thursday - 8.15pm
- Good Friday - Family Stations of the Cross at 10am / 3pm Service of the Lord's Passion
- Holy Saturday - 8.30pm Easter Vigil Mass
- Easter Sunday - 9.30am Easter Mass
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Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
In light of the government directive on staying at home, the message about Confessions must now be revised. Pope Francis has issued the following statement: “I know that many of you go to confession before Easter … many will say to me: ‘But Father ….. I cannot leave the house and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want Him to embrace me ….. How can I do that unless I find a priest?’ Do what the catechism says. It is very clear. If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He is your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord, I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God’s grace immediately. You yourself can draw near, as the catechism teaches us, to God’s forgiveness, without having a priest at hand.” |
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A message from Pope Francis:
“Tonight before falling asleep, think about when we will return to the street. When we will hug again, when all the shopping together will seem like a party. Let’s think about when the coffees will return to the bars, the small talk, the photos close to each other. We think about when it will be all a memory but normalcy will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift. We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us. Every second will be precious. Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter. We will go back to laughing together. Strength and courage. See you soon!” #Papafrancesco |
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Donating to the Parish
During these challenging times some of you have been asking how you can make a donations to parish funds as there is no weekly collection. We are always very appreciative of anything that can be offered and suggest that a one-off donation could be made, or a standing order set up with your bank if you wanted to organise more regular giving. Full details can be found here and thank you in advance! |
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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 currently being updated to provide more resources and information as we are currently unable to meet in person as a community. 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 if they need to self-isolate, please fill in the contact form below and we will do our best to assist.
Our Parish website is currently being updated to provide more resources and information as we are currently unable to meet in person as a community. 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 if they need to self-isolate, please fill in the contact form below and we will do our best to assist.