Invitation to the Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Reverend Stephen Bamber

Social Calendar 2025/26

Past Events

Easter Sunday

Inside a church during a religious ceremony, with priests and altar servers gathered around an altar. The background features a large stained glass window depicting religious figures and Jesus Christ on the cross, with candles and floral arrangements.

Inside a church during a religious service with sunlight streaming through a large stained glass window depicting Jesus on the cross and four saints or apostles. Three clergy members in white and gold vestments stand at the altar, which is decorated with candles and flowers.

A Christian church service with priests and altar servers inside a church, with stained glass windows, candles, and a baptismal font in the foreground.

Interior of a church during a religious ceremony with priests and congregation, stained glass windows depicting religious figures, altar with candles and flowers, and people praying.

Easter Vigil

A church interior during a candlelit religious ceremony with priests, altar servers, and congregants, with candles and religious icons.

Inside a church with high vaulted ceiling and wooden beams, people are gathered for a service or event, some standing and talking, with an ornate stained glass window behind the altar.

A Catholic baptism ceremony inside a church with priests and altar servers around a baptismal font, with religious symbols and decorations.

Interior of a church during a religious service. Several priests and altar servers dressed in white and gold robes are gathered around the altar, which is decorated with white flowers and lit candles. The background features large stained glass windows and religious symbols.

Good Friday

Inside a church during a religious service, with a priest in red vestments at the altar and several altar servers and attendees, stained glass window depicting religious figures in the background.

A religious service in a church with a priest kneeling at the altar, which is covered with a white cloth. The priest is wearing a red and gold vestment. Two people are standing on either side of the altar. There are tall candle holders with multiple white candles on either side of the altar. Behind, above the altar, is a large stained glass window depicting religious figures and scenes, including Jesus on the cross in the center.

Inside a church during a religious ceremony, with priests and congregation kneeling or standing on wooden pews facing the altar, in front of a stained glass window depicting religious figures and Jesus on the cross.

Interior of a church with a congregation gathered, priests at the altar, stained glass windows, and religious statues along the walls.

Maundy Thursday

A church service ceremony with clergy in white robes and altar servers in black and white robes, elderly congregants seated in pews, and priests standing near the altar, inside a church with stained glass windows and lit candles.

People gathered inside a church for a religious service, some wearing robes, facing the altar with stained glass windows and religious statues.

People participating in a church procession, some holding candles and a cross, during a religious service inside a church with wooden pews and an altar in the background.

Church interior during a religious service with clergy and congregation.

Palm Sunday

A church service is taking place inside a church with a stained-glass window depicting religious figures behind the altar. The congregation and clergy are gathered in front of the altar, some facing forward and others engaged in prayer or song.

A religious ceremony inside a church with clergy and altar servers. The clergy are dressed in red and white vestments, and one person is kneeling before them. Stained glass windows are visible in the background.

People gathering inside a church during a religious service, with clergy members in red robes leading the congregation.

Inside a church during a religious service, with a priest and a deacon in red robes, altar decorated with candles, people standing on the left, and a large stained glass window depicting religious figures and symbols in the background.

St Stephen’s Day Mass for our altar servers

Inside a church, four clergy members in white robes kneel in front of the altar during a religious service. The altar is adorned with lit candles, flowers, and religious items, with a priest gesturing or speaking. A large Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments stands to the right of the altar. Behind the altar, a tall stained glass window depicts religious figures and scenes, allowing colorful light into the church.

A church altar decorated for Christmas with a Christmas tree, candles, and a priest celebrating a service. Four clergy members are kneeling in front of the altar, and a stained glass window depicting religious figures and scenes is visible in the background.

Inside a church decorated for Christmas, with a large Christmas tree and a stained glass window depicting religious figures, during a religious service.

Inside a church decorated for Christmas with a decorated Christmas tree, lit candles, and stained glass windows depicting religious figures. Four men are kneeling in front of the altar, which is adorned with candles and religious items.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses

A Christmas church service with priests and altar servers gathered around the altar, decorated with candles and flowers, with a decorated Christmas tree nearby, inside a church with stained glass windows.

A priest officiating a church ceremony in front of a decorated Christmas tree, with hymnal boards displaying hymn numbers on the right side of the image.

Interior of a church decorated for Christmas, with a large Christmas tree adorned with ornaments and lights to the right of the altar. The altar is decorated with flowers, candles, and religious symbols. Large stained glass windows are above the altar, and various candles and religious items are arranged throughout the church.

Inside a church decorated for Christmas, priests and altar servers celebrate a religious service. A stained-glass window depicting religious figures is in the background, and a Christmas tree decorated with lights and baubles is on the right. Candles are lit on the altar and around the church.

A church altar during a religious service with two priests and two altar servers in front, lit candles, a decorated Christmas tree, and a large stained glass window depicting Jesus on the cross and saints.

Colorful stained glass church window depicting Jesus on the cross in the center, with three saints or apostles on either side, and an angel at the top. Altar with candles and a priest performing mass in front, with Christmas decorations including a Christmas tree on the right.

Inside a church during a Christmas service, with sunlight streaming through stained glass windows, a decorated Christmas tree, priests kneeling at the altar, and parishioners praying.

Adoration and Benediction with Deacon Stephen

A church altar scene during a Christmas service, featuring a priest in gold vestments. There are four priests or clergy members kneeling in white robes with black cassocks in front of the altar, which is decorated with flowers and lit candles. To the right, there is a decorated Christmas tree with lights and ornaments. Behind the altar, a stained-glass window depicts religious figures, including Jesus on the cross, surrounded by additional images of saints or biblical characters.

A priest standing at the altar with four kneeling acolytes during a Christmas church service. The scene features a decorated Christmas tree with ornaments, large lit candles, and stained glass windows depicting religious figures and scenes.

Inside a church during Christmas with a decorated Christmas tree to the right, a stained glass window above the altar depicting religious figures, and clergy members in white robes kneeling at the front during a religious service.

Church interior during Christmas with decorated tree, altar with candles lit, stained glass windows, and clergy kneeling in prayer.

As some of you know, I had the honour of assisting the Holy Father Pope Leo at the Mass proclaiming St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church in St. Peter’s Square. I am aware that some of you were watching it in the Newman Centre, and I can’t tell you what a privilege it was representing our parish, the diocese, and the Church in England and Wales on this great occasion. You were all very close to my heart throughout the service. There were so many incredible moments. We got to meet the Holy Father before the service. I told him I was from the Diocese of Lancaster, and his face lit up and he said, “Oh yes, I remember Michael Cambell (our previous bishop) – my Augustinian Brother”. Incensing the Holy Father during the Eucharist, and then incensing the congregation of St. Peter’s Square, was incredibly moving – as was receiving the kiss of peace from Pope Leo, and Holy Communion. The highlight, though, was elevating the chalice as he held the patten at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer – it was a moment frozen in time and one that I will never, ever forget. -Deacon Stephen Bamber

Proclaiming St John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church 01/11/25

Pope Francis shaking hands with a priest inside a church or cathedral, both smiling and wearing white ceremonial robes with gold accents.

Pope Francis and priests participating in a religious ceremony outdoors, with the Pope praying with hands joined, a priest sprinkling holy water, and an altar with golden candlesticks in the background, in front of a large crowd.

Three clergymen participate in a religious ceremony, with two wearing cream-colored robes with gold accents and one wearing a white robe with purple accents, indoors with a bright background.

Two men dressed in white robes are touching foreheads and embracing, creating an intimate and respectful moment.

Pope Francis praying with priests during a religious outdoor ceremony with a large crowd in the background.

Craft Morning

Photos from our craft morning on Thursday 13th November 2025. Participants had the opportunity to make Christmas cards, crystal art tree decorations, Christmas flower pots and Christmas tree papercraft.

Group of women creating holiday floral arrangements at a table in a community center. Decorated with greenery, berries, and flowers, with craft supplies scattered around.

An elderly woman with glasses and a beige sweater sitting at a table, sorting through assorted paper flowers and craft supplies for a craft project.

A woman in a blue sweatshirt is sitting at a wooden table, using a white pen or marker to decorate or write on a pink fabric heart. There are small plastic bags with beads or embellishments on the table in front of her. Behind her, a black bulletin board reads 'Playground' and 'March' in colorful letters, with some decorative paper shapes, on an orange and black background.

A collection of greeting cards and photographs arranged on a wooden surface, including cards with animals, flowers, and holiday themes.

Two elderly women with white hair working on crafting projects at a wooden table with various craft supplies, papers, and mugs.

Six colorful Christmas ornaments on a white surface, including a blue angel, a yellow angel, a purple snowflake, a yellow Christmas ball with red bow, a blue and gold ball, and a pink heart with a white snowflake design.

Several women, including elderly women, making Christmas floral arrangements at a long wooden table in a bright room with large windows.

An elderly woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a purple scarf is decorating a holiday ornament at a table in a room with wooden floors and blue chairs.

Multiple cone-shaped structures made from folded newspaper, arranged in a circular pattern on a white table.

International Mass
21st September 2025

Today we celebrate the international community and all the various cultures that make up this parish. We enjoyed a Jacob’s join with various dishes from across the world, as well as readings in different languages from our parishioners.

A long table with assorted appetizers and snacks on white and blue plates, set against a wall with three large windows with vertical blinds.

A table with various baked goods, including cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and pastries, arranged on plates and foil trays.

A buffet table with various breakfast foods including grapes, cheeses, meats, and fried items, with labels and utensils, set against a wall next to a window with blinds.

A smiling priest in a black clerical shirt standing next to a table with various desserts, including cake, cupcakes, and other treats, in a room with a wooden floor and a plain white wall.

Celebration of the Ordination of Deacon Stephen Bamber, who has been staying in the Parish during his studies at Rome. We ask you to keep him in your prayers as he continues his journey to the priesthood.

A chocolate birthday cake with a personalized cake topper that says 'Happy Birthday Stephen'. The cake is decorated with small white and chocolate-colored candies and sprinkles. Nearby are various baked goods and decorated cupcakes on a wooden table.

FLOWER FESTIVAL:
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of St Patrick’s Church, and the 130th Anniversary of St Mary’s Church

A colorful flower arrangement with pink, white, and purple flowers in a tall, wooden, rectangular vase on a wooden stand indoors.

Decorative flower arrangement with red gerbera daisies, yellow roses, and pink flowers on a white table with lace cloth against a plain wall.

A church altar with a floral arrangement of white lilies and roses, a hymnal book, a framed flower festival photo, a glass water container, and a wooden hymn board showing numbers 173, 164, 257, 259, in front of a stained glass window.

Two floral arrangements with pink, white, and purple flowers in a room with wooden flooring and furniture.

A floral arrangement with pink carnations, white roses, orange roses, green pom-pom flowers, and various green foliage in a white metal stand, placed on a wooden floor against a white wall.

An altar decorated for a wedding, with a white cloth, floral arrangements on either side, and a central bouquet of pink lilies and other flowers. Candles and religious items are also present.

A windowsill display with white flowers, green leaves, a framed sign, a vase with tall grass, a small bottle, and bread, set against patterned windows.

An altar decorated with purple and red floral arrangements, candles, and religious statues in a church, with carved stone details and a gold tabernacle in the center.

Flower arrangement with white flowers and greenery placed on a windowsill inside a church or chapel.

An indoor display on a window sill with a stained glass window in the background. There are two framed signs, one mentioning a flower festival and the other with handwritten text about herbal remedies like willow, eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary. Additionally, there is a pink pot with small green plants and a large arrangement of yellow and purple flowers.

Bouquet of deep red roses with decorative black and gold feather and leaf accents, wrapped in black and gold paper, placed in a black cylindrical container.

Arrangement of sunflowers, white gladiolus, and white daisies with green foliage placed in glass vases against a stone wall.

Christian church altar with white candle decorated with a cross, crown, and Greek letters, surrounded by green leaves, white flowers, and a small sunflower in a church with stained glass windows and a crucifix in the background.

Pink and white flowers with green and dark purple leaves arranged on a wooden altar or table.

Eucharist altar in a church with two floral arrangements and religious banners

A window decorated with white flowers and greenery, with a framed sign below it that reads "Flower Festival The Sacrament of Marriage."

Inside a church with wooden pews, stained glass windows, and high arched ceilings with black structural beams. Two men are standing at the front, one pointing towards the side while the other holds a paper.

A floral arrangement of white flowers and greenery with a candle and chalice at the center, placed on an octagonal stone altar inside a church.

Pink and white flower arrangement on a black metal stand inside a church, with a wooden pulpit, framed religious painting, and stained glass windows in the background.

Flower arrangement display with red roses, purple and white flowers, and green foliage, set against a stained glass window with a framed sign that reads 'Flower Festival, The Sacrament of Reconciliation.'

Religious altar with flower arrangement, a statue of Saint Patrick, and a framed sign that reads 'Flower Festival Saint Patrick,' in front of a decorative stained glass window.

A church altar scene during a religious ceremony with clergy and altar servers, lit candles, stained glass windows depicting biblical figures, and floral arrangements.

ST PETER & ST PAUL

A church altar with a stained glass window depicting religious figures, priests in red and white vestments performing a ceremony, and an elderly person sitting in the pews.

TRINITY SUNDAY: This was also Deacon Stephen’s first weekend with us as a newly-ordained Deacon. He proclaimed the Gospel and preached the Homily. Congratulations to him, as we all continue to keep him in our prayers as he continues his journey to the Priesthood.

Priests and altar servers inside a church during a religious service, with a decorated altar, floral arrangements, and lit candles.

A priest standing at a wooden pulpit delivering a sermon inside a church adorned with flowers and lit candles.

A priest standing at a pulpit inside a church, delivering a speech or sermon, surrounded by floral arrangements and candle decorations.

CORPUS CHRISTI

Two priests dressed in gold and white robes standing at an altar during a church service inside a church with stained glass windows depicting religious figures behind them. The altar is adorned with candles and gold-colored items, with a cross hanging above.

A Catholic church service with priests at the altar, one priest holding a chalice, surrounded by altar servers kneeling and holding candles, with members of the congregation in the pews.

A religious ceremony inside a church with a priest in gold vestments and altar servers holding candles and crosses, surrounded by congregants.

Two smiling women standing side by side indoors, one wearing a navy blue dress with a floral pattern, the other in a light green off-the-shoulder dress, with a yellow sign in the background that says 'SUITE'.

Two women standing side by side, smiling, in front of a yellow sign that reads 'Local Choice Suite.' They are dressed in summer dresses, with the woman on the left in a black and white patterned dress and the woman on the right in a light green dress with blue pattern.

Group of eight well-dressed people sitting around a round table during a formal event, with teacups, glasses, and a bottle of wine on the table, in a room with large windows and a wall-mounted TV.

Older adults sitting around a table at a social event, with drinks and coffee cups, some smiling and enjoying the gathering, at a banquet hall.

A group of elderly people sitting around a round table at a formal dining event, smiling and engaging in conversation, with a man dressed as a priest among them.

ANNIVERSARY MEAL 2025

Celebrating 130 years of St Mary’s Church and 100 years of St Patrick’s Church

Two women standing indoors, smiling, with a yellow sign reading 'Local Choice Suite' in the background.

A group of people gathered around a round dining table, having a meal in an indoor restaurant or banquet hall, with large windows and a view of an outdoor stadium or racing track.

Group of five people sitting around a table at a restaurant, smiling. The table has drinks, cups, glasses, and a jug with yellow liquid. In the background, a bar with bottles and glasses, and an exit sign above a door.

Four women standing together indoors near a large window with a view of a cloudy evening sky, dressed in elegant dresses and heels.

People seated around a table at a social event or conference in a meeting room.

A group of elderly women sitting around a round table in a restaurant or banquet hall. There are cups, glasses, and plates on the table. A waitress is serving or attending to the women. The background shows other tables with people dining.

Four women in formal dresses posing inside a building with large windows and a blue sky outside.

A priest in black clerical attire standing next to a young man in casual black shirt and shorts, outside a store with a purple and white sign.

A group of seven people seated around a round table in a banquet hall. The table has white tablecloths, yellow napkins, and place settings. A sign on the table reads 'Table 6.' Some people are laughing and talking, and one woman on the far right is gesturing with her hands. The hall has large windows with a view of a racetrack outside and a glass ceiling letting in natural light.

A group of seven older adults sitting around a round table at a social event in a restaurant or banquet hall. They are engaged in conversation and have drinks on the table. The background shows a bar area, and a yellow sign reads "Local Choice Suite."

Many of our altar servers represented our parish at the National Altar Servers' Mass which, this year, was celebrated at Lancaster Cathedral. See the link below to find out more.

Altar Servers' Mass

LIZZI COLLINGE – FEBRUARY 2025: In February 2025 Lizzi Collinge, our local MP, visited Warm Welcome to see the work that we do for our community. She spoke with some of our guests about their experiences. She also took the time to speak with volunteers about what is important to them in supporting our guests during their time with us on a Wednesday and through the week. She took on board the comments we had about the provision of affordable housing in Morecambe and promised to come back to us on this point in the future.

Three smiling people standing in a kitchen or break room, two women and one man, posing for the photo. The man is wearing a red sweater, and the women are dressed in professional attire, one with an apron. There are tables, cups, and kitchen appliances visible.

CHRISTMAS 2024: On Wednesday 18th December 2024 the Warm Welcome at St. John Henry Newman Parish ran a Christmas lunch for our Warm Welcome guests. All of our volunteers attended to help prepare the lunch and serve it to our guests. Due to the funding we obtained from the National Lottery we were able to provide a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, a selection of desserts, plus napkins and crackers. We were able to cater for the 12 guests who attended and gave out seconds or take outs to another eight guests. We were entertained by DJ John who played a selection of Christmas songs which added to the festive atmosphere.
The funding from the National Lottery has enabled us to make a real impact this year and has given us flexibility, for example, to help our guests with food parcels when they needed them. On average our numbers have increased from six to on average 10-12 guests per week this year. We have been able to support a new mum introducing her to the Parish playgroup. We have been able to spend time talking to guests offering them advice about whatever is worrying them. The space is now a real community with guests looking out for each other during the week and alerting us to any issues.

Father Darren has fed a number of people from the presbytery in the evenings. These are generally people who do not normally attend the Warm Welcome on a Wednesday.
The National Lottery has given us the time to publicise our Warm Welcome more than we did last year. Our co-ordinator has produced a piece for the Warm Welcome newsletter:
https://www.warmwelcome.uk/blog/becoming-part-of-the-fabric-of-its-community

as well as taking part in a podcast in which she acknowledged how helpful the National Lottery funding has been in podcast 2: Warm Welcome - The Hosts:
https://www.warmwelcome.uk/blog/warm-welcome-has-its-own-podcast

Group of women with festive attire and aprons standing behind a table with food and drinks in a bright room, celebrating Christmas.

A woman and an elderly man sitting at a desk, smiling at the camera, with a laptop, mouse, and tangled cables on the desk. The woman wears a Christmas hat and a sweater with a reindeer design. The man wears a red sweater with plaid accents.

Five women in Christmas sweaters and festive accessories standing together indoors with a table of baked goods and cups in front of them, celebrating Christmas.

A person holding a blue and white patterned plate with roasted potatoes, cooked vegetables, stuffing, sausages, and bacon-wrapped items, with a tray of cooked sausages and utensils on a wooden table in the background.

Two women preparing food at a buffet station with Christmas themed attire. One woman wears a Santa hat and the other wears a red shirt with a white apron. They are smiling and serving food from chafing dishes.

Three seniors, two women and one man, smiling and sitting at a table in a room decorated for Christmas. One woman has a red bow in her hair, and the other woman is wearing a black sweater with snowflake patterns.

Three women serving food from a cafeteria-style tray with chafing dishes, one woman smiling and wearing a red hoodie and plastic apron, another woman wearing gloves and a white sweater leaning over the food, and a third woman's arm partially visible on the right.

Four women in aprons and Christmas hats preparing food in a kitchen.

Six women wearing Christmas-themed clothing, aprons, and hats, standing in a room with a plain white wall, some smiling, participating in a holiday event.

Two women smiling at a holiday gathering, wearing Christmas-themed accessories and clothing, including reindeer antler headbands and a Santa hat, with other guests seated at tables in the background.

ST STEPHEN’S DAY MASS: This year we welcomed two new altar servers into the Guild of St Stephen.

Inside a church decorated for Christmas with a large decorated Christmas tree, stained glass windows of religious figures, priests and altar servers in robes, and lit candles.

A Christmas church service with clergy and choir members standing at the altar, Christmas tree to the right, stained glass windows behind depicting religious figures.

A church altar decorated with a Christmas tree, candles, and stained glass windows depicting religious figures, during a Christmas service with priests and altar servers.

A church service during Christmas with clergy and choir members standing at the altar, a decorated Christmas tree with lights to the right, stained glass windows with religious icons above, and lit candles on the altar.

People dressed in liturgical vestments standing in front of an altar inside a church with stained glass windows and a decorated Christmas tree.

Clergy and altar servers participating in a church service inside a church with an altar decorated with candles and flowers.

FEAST OF ST JOHN HENRY NEWMAN: Pie and pea supper with entertainment provided by the ukulele orchestra.

Group of elderly people gathered in a community center for a social event, sitting around tables with drinks, with international flags hanging on the wall.

A musical performance with a group of people playing ukuleles on a stage at an indoor event, with audience members seated at tables in front.

Inside a church with altar, stained glass windows, and people praying during a religious service.

A community gathering with mostly senior citizens seated at round tables, enjoying an indoor event with a musical performance by a choir or small orchestra at the front. The room is decorated with a string of international flags.

INTERNATIONAL MASS: On Sunday 22nd September we held a Mass at St Mary’s Church to celebrate the international community in our Parish, with various readings in peoples’ first languages. Afterwards, we held an international buffet with various dishes from across the world.

Interior of a building with flags of various countries hanging from the balcony, including Scotland, England, Pakistan, Australia, and Ireland, above the entrance to a room with decorative wooden sculptures on the walls.

Inside a church during a religious service, with priests and altar servers standing at the altar. The altar is decorated with candles and a white cloth. A stained glass window is visible in the background, depicting religious figures. Congregants are seated in the pews.

A religious statue of Jesus Christ holding a heart, placed in front of a stained glass window with two flags on either side. Flags include the Australian flag on the left and a flag composed of multiple European country flags on the right. Several other flags are displayed along a ledge below the statue, including the Moroccan flag, a black and white flag, and the Canadian flag.

A church congregation participating in a religious ceremony, with priests in green vestments and altar servers holding candles, inside a church with wooden pews and ornate religious decorations.

Two men dressed in traditional African attire standing side by side indoors.

A multicultural group of people gathered in a room decorated with international flags, sitting and standing around tables, engaging in conversation and socializing.

A long table set for a meal with various dishes, cheeses, snacks, and desserts including rice, bread, vegetables, and cold cuts, with someone serving food in the background.

An array of assorted baked goods and snacks on a buffet table, including cakes, cookies, and pastries, with people serving themselves.

A diverse group of people attending a social gathering in a community hall, with international flags hanging from the ceiling and large windows in the background.

A group of people gathered in a room with international flags hanging across the ceiling, some sitting at tables and others standing by a buffet table.

A community gathering with elderly and younger people in a room decorated with international flags and a colorful sign that reads "I am a child of God, Mary group."

Afternoon Cream Tea

Room with two round tables covered with white tablecloths, set with plates, cups, and utensils, and surrounded by blue chairs, with a row of stacked blue chairs along the wall.

A dining room set for a meal with white tablecloths, blue napkins, cups, saucers, bowls with food, and silverware. The room has multiple tables, some with chairs and some stacked, and a large colorful wall display that reads 'I am a child of God' with children playing around a tree.

On Saturday 14th September the Parish of St John Henry Newman held an Afternoon Cream Tea to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Over 40 people attended and they were treated to bottomless cups of tea and coffee, a variety of sandwiches, home made scones with jam and cream and a selection of delicious home made cakes followed by a glass of Prosecco. The afternoon was a great success. We look forward to the next Afternoon tea which is to be held Saturday 10th May 2025.

NEW CHANGES: with the closing of the Good Shepherd Church, we needed to relocate the statues from within the church. These have now all been relocated between St Mary’s and St Patrick’s. The Crucifix from Good Shepherd Church was put in its new home in St Mary’s Church. The original Crucifix has now been relocated above the Lady Altar.

Wooden religious statue of a saint holding a child in one arm and a book with the other. The saint is dressed in a long robe with a rosary hanging from the waist. The background includes ornate architectural details.

Wooden statue of Jesus Christ with hands raised, standing on a pedestal. Candles surround the statue on a black metal candle holder.

Religious statue of the Virgin Mary placed on a wooden altar next to a vase with white flowers and a blue candle, inside a church with a stained glass window to the left.

Crucifix with Jesus Christ on the cross inside a church, with stained glass windows in the background and ornate decorative features around.

Colorful religious sculpture of a man holding a staff, standing in front of stained glass windows in a church.

Wooden religious statue of a woman holding a child with a flower in one hand, standing on a wooden shelf with a vase of white flowers and a blue candle.

Wooden crucifix featuring a detailed sculpture of Jesus Christ on the cross, mounted on a decorative red and gold background inside a church.

A religious statue of Jesus Christ standing indoors near stained glass windows with sunlight shining through.

Religious statue of Saint Joseph holding baby Jesus, standing on a white shelf with a vase of white flowers, placed in front of a textured glass window.

In addition, we have now fitted a bike rack outside St Mary’s Presbytery so people visiting the church who wish to cycle here will have a secure place to store their bikes. As ever, this is at your own risk and we accept no responsibility for any theft or damage that may occur.

Two metal bike racks installed on a paved sidewalk next to a brick wall.

ST PATRICK’S NIGHT
15/03/24

Group of seven older women sitting around a dining table at a social gathering, smiling and holding drinks, with food and drinks on the table, in a decorated room with religious statues and balloons.

THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD FINAL MASS

Catholic priests conducting a church service at the altar. A crucifix of Jesus on the cross is mounted on the wall above them. Decorative trim with gold animals and a chariot design is visible behind the priests.

A priest in purple robes is standing at the altar of a church, handing a large red book to a man in a white robe with a black collar. The congregation is seated in wooden pews, with some women wearing head coverings. The church features a crucifix with Jesus Christ above the altar and a decorative Roman-style border with animal motifs in gold and blue.

People seated in pews inside a church, attending a religious service or mass, with a priest or minister at the altar.

A priest in purple vestments speaking at the altar in a church, with a congregation seated in pews. The church has religious statues and artwork, including a crucifix above the altar and a mural of animals in the background.

Roman Catholic priest and altar server standing at altar during a church service, with congregation seated in pews. Crucifix of Jesus Christ is hanging on the wall above.

The interior of a church with a crucifix, altar, and hymn numbers on the wall.

ST STEPHEN’S DAY MASS

Mass was offered today for the altar servers. Father Darren explained that our altar servers are enrolled into the Guild of St. Stephen and that 4 of them, Thomas, Alice, George and Adam will soon be receiving their silver medals for over 10 years’ of service. One of our servers, Hayley, will soon be enrolled into the Guild and will receive her bronze medal for her first year of service.

Inside a church decorated for Christmas with a decorated Christmas tree, candles, and stained glass windows depicting religious figures, with altar and altar girls in white robes.

Inside a church decorated with a Christmas tree and candles, children dressed in white robes are standing at the front during a religious ceremony.

A Christmas church service with clergy and choir members in robes, an altar with candles, a decorated Christmas tree, and stained glass windows depicting religious figures.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS FEAST DAY

A man leaning over to talk to an elderly woman at a dining table in a cafeteria or dining hall with other elderly people seated and eating.

A smiling elderly man wearing a white shirt and a black bow tie, holding a tray with bread rolls, at a social gathering with elderly people in the background.

Elderly people dining in a large room with white walls, round tables with white tablecloths, and pink chairs. There's a framed painting on the wall and a woman standing and serving food.

Three elderly people preparing glasses of white wine on a table in a room with vertical blinds, with one woman holding a wine bottle and smiling, another woman pouring wine, and a man in the background holding a camera.

Elderly people sitting at round tables in a room with large windows, engaged in conversations and activities, with some staff members attending to them.

Rectangular cake covered in white chocolate flakes, topped with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and green grapes.

On 16th September St Mary’s celebration of its Feast Day took place in the form of a cream tea afternoon in the Hall. Over 60 tickets for the event were sold at which cream tea and prosecco was served by serving staff. This was a tremendously successful event. It took an enormous amount of work by the Social Committee to organise the afternoon tea and I am grateful to them for their efforts. The hall looked fantastic. A big thank you to all those of you who volunteered to help in a variety of ways - by baking, making flower arrangements, providing crockery and cake stands, setting up the hall, making sandwiches and serving the afternoon tea. Thank you for the generous donation of prizes that were received for the raffle. I have received numerous compliments about the afternoon. Parishioners were appreciative of the work that was put into making this a fitting celebration for St Mary’s Feast Day. The cream tea afternoon raised an overwhelming £579.44.

Elderly people gathered around tables with food and drinks in a hall, with a painting on the wall depicting people near a body of water.

An elderly man with gray hair is cutting a large rectangular cake decorated with strawberries and other fruits, on a table in a room with vertical blinds.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AT ST MARY’S

Priest and altar boys kneeling at an altar in a church during a religious service.

Children dressed in formal white dresses and a boy in a suit standing in a church during a religious ceremony, with an altar, stained glass windows, and clergy present.

A priest in white robes with gold accents standing at the front of a church, holding a microphone, with children and adults seated in pews listening.

A priest and two altar servers, boys dressed in white robes, standing in front of the altar during a church service inside a church with stained glass windows and religious artwork.

A priest and altar servers conducting a religious ceremony at a church altar, with a woman kneeling in prayer in front of the altar, and stained glass windows in the background.

On Sunday 11th December we had our Carols and Lessons, which was lead by Deacon John, we are very grateful to our organist Chris and the choir for all the work they did in leading us in the carols. After the service Mulled wine and mince pies where served in the parish hall, many thank to Dorothy, Arial and Jackie for they work they did for the reception afterwards.

Inside a church with a stained glass window depicting religious figures behind an altar with lit candles and a priest in vestments.

On the 9th December we had our parish 10th Anniversary dinner at Heysham Golf Club, 92 people attended which was a great number, Cannon Cooper also came and joined us for the celebration. The anniversary dinner was a great success and every one enjoyed themselves. We are very grateful to Jackie, Sr Justyna and John Hayes for all the work they did in making the evening a great success.

Invitation graphic with gold text on a black background, announcing the Parish of St. John Henry Newman 10th Anniversary Dinner at Heysham Golf Club on December 9, 2022, at 7:00 pm, costing 20 pounds, with the date 10/04 displayed vertically.

An older man in a gray suit is cutting a rectangular cake decorated with a green cross and a rainbow ribbon, placed on a table with a red and white checkered cloth, in a room with a wooden door and a bulletin board in the background.

Buffet table with various food items, plates, and decorations, including flowers.

An elderly man in a gray suit and glasses speaking to a group of people in a room with wood paneling, a fire extinguisher, and bulletin boards, while others listen and watch.

DEACON JIM MURPHY’S RETIREMENT PARTY: Deacon Jim would like to express his grateful thanks to the Parish, Frs. Darren and Stephen for the celebration of the Mass, the many gifts including Mass Offerings, cards and best wishes and for all those who were able to attend on Wednesday evening. The sharing of the past with so many I found very touching and will stay with me for a long time. Last, but by no means least, thanks to those responsible for providing such a wonderful buffet!! Thank you all for your friendship and sharing in my Ministry. Holy Mass will be offered for the intentions of all.

PARISH FEAST DAY CELEBRATION: An update on the Parish Feast Day Celebration held on 7th October. We can now announce, although numbers were low, it was an excellent night and all those who attended had a really good time. The food was delicious and the drinks flowed. Thank you to everyone involved, including the amazing ukulele band!

A group of elderly people gathered in a room, sitting at round tables, drinking wine, and socializing. There are several more people in the background near a buffet or serving area.

A group of elderly musicians performing with guitars and other instruments in a room with tables and chairs, with some audience members enjoying the performance.

Long table set with plates of food, basket of utensils, napkins, and flowers in vases, in a room with hardwood floors and light-colored walls.

A group of elderly people sitting at round tables in a community hall, with some standing and serving food or drinks, and a band or group performing at the front.

LONDON MARATHON FUNDRAISER: Thank you so much to everyone who supported me in running the London marathon. We managed to raise £3,065. The money has been split between Blood Cancer UK and MDS UK. Julie will be so pleased you remembered her and have contributed to helping others affected by this awful disease. She will no doubt return your kindness in her own way. Deacon John

A man in running gear holding a medal, standing in front of a large truck and a crowd at a race event.