Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Friday 29th November, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 will be given its Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Bill, tabled by Kim Leadbeater MP, will as its long title states, “allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life; and for connected purposes.” Many of us have experienced the distress of seeing our loved ones endure some degree of pain or suffering when they have been mentally infirm, severely ill or dying. Our natural desire is to try and help alleviate that pain or suffering as quickly as possible. No one wishes those they care for to be in any kind of anguish, particularly when that person is nearing their death. What the Bill before parliament will create is not the relief of that pain or suffering, but the legal right of someone who is terminally ill to intentionally commit suicide and to be assisted by others to do so. The justification for this is that a person’s life has been judged by themselves, or been judged by others, to be not worth living. The better and more compassionate way to assist anyone facing the end of their life is to advocate excellent palliative care for all, so that our loved ones can be assured that their life will end with dignity and their pain be managed. Dame Cicely Saunders, considered one of the pioneers of palliative care, stated, “You don’t have to kill the patient in order to kill the pain”. She noted that most requests for assisted suicide recede once patients are given access to appropriate, whole-person care. There have been strong and emotive arguments put for and against such legislative changes in the past. This Bill may appear to promote personal autonomy but cannot negate the fact that an act of assisted suicide is never autonomous in nature; it will always have an impact upon others, an individual’s family, their friends, and indeed the healthcare professionals who will be expected actively and deliberately to assist them in ending their life. The Catholic Church affirms the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. Our faith teaches us that life is a sacred gift from God; that we are stewards, not owners, of our lives. This faith calls us to protect and care for the most vulnerable amongst us. It is important to understand too, that our Catholic faith does not demand that life be prolonged at all costs. Death is part of our God-given life. The Catholic Church’s tradition affirms that a person does not have to accept treatment for a terminal illness when they judge that this will not be in their best interests. What is perhaps less widely known is that the Church also accepts that some medications which may have the likely effect of hastening death can be administered with the consent of a person or, if they are incapable of expressing a view, their next of kin, when this is done with the primary intention of alleviating their pain or suffering. This does not constitute ‘assisted suicide’ or euthanasia and needs no change to existing legislation. Page 2 of 2 We now know too, given the developments of such legal provisions in other countries, just how arbitrary and unreliable the eligibility ‘safeguards’ are in similar legislation where assisted suicide has been introduced. Its provision seems inevitably to have been extended beyond the limits given as the basis for its justification, to those with disabilities, those with mental illnesses, and in some jurisdictions even to children. In this Sunday’s Gospel passage, we hear how Our Lord Jesus Christ united into a single precept the commandments ‘To love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength’ and to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. We demonstrate our love for God by cherishing the gift of life He has given to us. We demonstrate love for our neighbour by honouring and protecting the gift of life He has given to others. I ask that the clergy, religious and lay faithful of our diocese unite in prayer and compassionate action to oppose the passage of this Bill and the legalisation of assisted suicide. This we should do out of a ‘concern for the good of every person in society, the protection of this good in law, and the spiritual and pastoral care of the sick and dying’i . I urge you to consider writing to your MP to express your opposition or concerns about the Bill now before parliament (please see belowii the online resources which can help you to do this). May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of Unfailing Help intercede for us and be the comforter of all those who suffer and all those afflicted in any way.

Marcus Bishop of Leeds

More parishioners are now taking up the option to donate regularly through Standing Order or Direct Debit.

This greatly helps with planning our financial affairs if the level of income is more regular.  St Joseph's Catholic Church Sort Code:20-55-34 Account Number:30992119

You can also ask for Gift Aid to be added to your Standing Order. Please contact Fr Jim if you need a gift aid form.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Please call in for a cuppa after Sunday morning Mass!

Click the link in green.

Stations of the cross voice over and in sign language.

(36) Marys syations of the cross - YouTube

Preparing for my funeral

One thing in life is certain - one day we shall all die. As Christians, we believe that death is not the end but, because of Christ’s victory over death and his Resurrection, we may hope for eternal life. As Catholics, our funeral should be a time which reflects our hope and our Faith.

Practically speaking, the planning of a funeral can be a difficult challenge for our next of kin when they are already dealing with the grief and loss they will experience at our death. They may be especially hard-pressed to prepare the funeral if they do not share our Faith.

It can, therefore, be a real help to others when we give thought to our own funeral arrangements ahead of time, and let them know what our preferences are so that, when the time comes, they can be taken in to account to the fullest degree practicable. Making such preparations can also give us peace of mind and be an occasion for finding reassurance in our Faith by reflecting on, in particular, the various passages from scripture and the hymns which the Church provides for funerals. These offer comfort and encouragement at anytime, but they are perhaps especially important for us as we enter old(er) age.

This information has been prepared to assist you with a consideration of your preferences with regard to your own funeral liturgy.  It outlines several options that you might like to consider. Many of the decisions may seem straightforward but it may be helpful to meet with your parish priest to discuss various aspects of the liturgy. Together, you can ensure that everything is within the tradition of the Church, appropriate for you and those who will gather to pray for you.

+ John Arnold

Bishop of Salford

My Funeral Service

The purpose of the Funeral Liturgy to offer worship and thanksgiving to God, the author of all life; to pray for the deceased, and to offer support to the bereaved.

The Church encourages us to celebrate a funeral 

 The Funeral Service, which may be a Mass or a Service outside Mass.

 The Committal at the cemetery or crematorium.

The Funeral Service

This is the Church’s main time of prayer for the deceased person.  The Funeral Service usually takes the form of the celebration of Mass, the highest form of prayer n which the Sacrifice of Christ himself is made present.  In offering this Sacrifice, we commend to God the soul of the deceased in union with Christ himself. Alternatively the Funeral Service may take place outside Mass, with most of the same prayers, rites and Scriptures, but without the Eucharistic Prayer and Holy Communion.

The Funeral Service normally takes place in a parish church but it may sometimes be appropriate to hold it in the chapel of a cemetery or crematorium.

1.        I would like my funeral liturgy to take place at

..............................................................................

I would like my funeral service to be:

              A requiem Mass

or        

A  Service outside Mass

   (i.e. a service of readings and prayers only)

2.        Scripture passages I would like at my funeral:

The full selection of scripture readings approved for use at funerals can be found at www.rcdow.org.uk/liturgy

FirstReading  …......................................................

Psalm   ...............................................................

Gospel   ...............................................................

NB Sometimes the readings used at a funeral are specific to a liturgical season. In such a case the priest will give the fullest respect to your wishes that he can.

3.        Hymns I would like at my funeral are:

Please note that music in the Funeral Service should be religious: secular songs and music should be used at the committal or reception. You will find a list of suitable hymns in your parish hymn book.

..............................................................................

..............................................................................

..............................................................................

..............................................................................

4.        Words of Remembrance and Farewell:

You may wish someone to speak at the Funeral Service, though this is not obligatory.

Yes       No               Pleasetick

5.        Flowers:

My preferences for flowers are:

..............................................................................

.............................................................................. 

6.        Donations/collection

I would like a collection to be taken for:

..............................................................................

..............................................................................

or       

I would not like a collection to be taken.

C: The Committal

The final act of saying farewell takes place in a brief service at the graveside or at the crematorium. When a body is cremated it is encouraged that there also be a further brief service, sometime later, for the burial of the ashes. 

    I wish to be buried.

If so, I wish to be buried at:

..............................................................................

(If you already own a grave, please attach the necessary paperwork to this document)

or        oI wish to be cremated.

If so, I wish my ashes to be interred at:

..............................................................................

Other Considerations

7.        Reception after the funeral

I would like the reception to take place at:

.............................................................................. 

8.        Funeral Directors

I have a pre-paid funeral plan with:

..............................................................................

Address              ………………………...……………………

Telephone    ……………………………………...………

or     

 I would like

..............................................................................

Address              ………………………...……………………

Telephone    ……………………………………...………

to be used as my undertakers.

or     

  I leave the choice of undertakers

to my next-of-kin.

9.    My Will

My will is lodged with my solicitor:

Name            …………...…………………………………

Address              ………………………...……………………

Telephone    ……………………………………...………

10.    My next of kin is

Name            …………...…………………………………

Address              ………………………...……………………

Telephone    ……………………………………...………

12.      Power of attorney (if applicable)

Power of attorney has been granted to

Name            …………...…………………………………

Address              ………………………...……………………

Telephone    ……………………………………...………

Signed by me................................................................

Please print name _________________________

Signature     ……………………………………………...

Date                          ..…………………………………………….. 

Please keep this form with your papers at home, and a copy with:

(1) your will at your solicitors,

(2) your parish priest,

(3) your next of kin and

(4) (if you have

a prepaid funeral plan) with your nominated funeral director.

Fancy an afternoon out?

My home parish of St John's Rochdale is really worth a visit.

Based on St Haggi Sophia in Istanbul

It is a large church with the most magnificent mosaic, it's well worth a visit, only 5 minutes from the town centre.

 I have worried for years about what we as adults, are dong to our children....Then I came across this video, which I think is one of the most sensible adults i have ever seen, when it comes to children. She prety much says everything that needs to be said.

You are invited to AN EVENT

Love in Action – Reducing Hate Crime (Disability)

Where:

Sacred Heart Parish Centre, Levensulme Road, Gorton, M18 7WJ

When:

12 noon to 2.30pm on 11 February

Research shows that:

• More than one in five of us will be affected by disability at some point in our lives.

• Half (50%) of all people in poverty live in a family that includes a disabled person.

• 1 in 5 disabled people avoid going out to ‘social’ gatherings because of negative attitudes and behaviour.

• In 2021-2022 there were 14,242 disability hate crimes recorded – an increase of 46% on the previous year.

• Approximately 45% of pension age adults (UK) are disabled.

• More than 260 million children in the world still do not go to school. An estimated one-third of all out-of-school children at primary level have a disability.

• 1 in 5 (19%) employers say they would be less likely to hire someone with a disability.

LOURDES 2024

If you would like to go to Lourdes next year, 2024, the 100th anniversary of our diocesan pilgrimages, you need to get in touch with me this week.  I already have over 60 names and I need to sort out the room allocation with the hotel in Lourdes.  Thanks

Our new DONA machines

Thanks so much to those people who have taken to using the new machines at the back of church.  Form what has come in, it looks like people are liking the ease of use.

If you have not yet had a look, why not give it a try?

Also please remember, the Church too is suffering with the cost-of-living increase, how long is it since you increased your gift to the church? - Just a thought.

For those who may ask........

But Father what do you do all day?

Written by a parish priest who has since - perhaps understandably! – retired

Leader of people, wisest of guides; diplomat, elder, who never takes sides. Inspirer, Confessor, forgiver of sins; caretaker, cleaner and emptier of bins. Welcome baptizer of infants in arms; counter of candles and filler of forms,

Father and teacher, chaplain to schools; chairman of governors, maker of rules.

Guide of the juniors, infants and staff with time to be serious, time for a laugh.

Counselor, preacher, entertainer at times; ever available till midnight chimes,

Parish accountant and administrator; typist and banker, and news duplicator.

Signer of mass cards, reference composer, certificate writer and passport endorser.

Digger of gardens, inspector of drains, checker of roofs every time that it rains.

Re designer of churches, to fill empty pews, re-glazier of windows, repairer of loos.

Visitor, caller, knocker on doors, target of gossips and cadgers and bores.

Chaplain to hospital, long or short stay, ‘please don’t forget, my Mum’s in for the day’. the doctors and’ nurses all merit a call, smile kindly at everyone - keep on the ball,

Sayer of masses and liturgy leader, celebrant, sacristan, cantor and reader.

Marshal of servers, collectors and choir; of hymn books and papers  - both seller and buyer.

President of Eucharist, calm as you like - “but did I remember to switch on the mic!

Celebrant of masses, devotions and prayers, patient receiver of everyone’s cares. Marriage encounter and parish renewal; Journeys of Faith and liturgical jewels.

Shepherd to prayer groups, prophet and pastor; spiritual director and guru and master. Front line evangelist, missioner, catalyst; guardian of faith and converter and catechist,

Supporter of cafod and Christian Aid, with boxes and envelopes of all shapes and shades, Friend of the Anglicans, Methodists, Jews, Muslems and Buddhists - and everyone’s views.

Joint schemes and services, unity prayers, civic occasions and parties and fayers.

Blesser of Rosaries, of houses and homes, the power and the glory still stretching from Rome.

Help of the sick and anoint-er and healer; support for the dying and final appealer,

Conductor of funerals, comfort of mourners, called to give solace to even the scorners.

By bingo enthusiasts and drinkers, he’s seen, as the beginning and end of the social life scene.

Drawer of Raffles, Jumble Sales, Stalls - now rushing to Court to re-license the Hall.

Minister of marriage, the guide of young love, adviser of couples who need help from above.

Provider of insight into all life connubial; collector of forms for the marriage tribunal.

Man of prayer and reflection, of study and thought, but still finding time for the news and the

 sport. Looker after of the parish next door, when their priest is sick and down on all fours, worries about wedding preparation and whether he has the right information.

Something for everyone you might exclaim, but when things go wrong who is it they blame?

Why isn’t Father available – 

he’s never there when I want him!

Offertory ENVELOPES

The gift aid list for the parish is very out of date, and I am trying to get things in order. Could I ask..

1 If you gift aid to the parish, would you please take a gift aid form and return it as soon as possible.

If you gift aid, and would like to do so via standing order, please fill in the appropriate form (both available today) and take it to your bank. (This can also be done on your smart phone, using your bank’s online “App”.

2 If you are not a gift aider, but do pay tax, please think about gift aiding your contributions to the parish, its worth a great deal of extra income for us.

If you usually use an envelope, and are not a gift aider, please take an envelope with no number on it.

THANK YOU.

What is the Catholic Church doing regarding the Environment?

Please look at the link below to see what we are up to!

Environment - Catholic Bishops' Conference (cbcew.org.uk)

Live streaming

ITS HAPPENED

SEE ABOVE!