THE SEASON OF LENT
Begins on 17 February, Ash Wednesday

THE HOLY FATHER will visit our country later this year. The Pope told the bishops of England.  “I am thinking, for example, of the enthusiasm generated by the visit of the relics of St Thérèse, the interest aroused by the prospect of Cardinal Newman’s beatification, and the eagerness of young people to take part in pilgrimages and World Youth Days. On the occasion of my forthcoming Apostolic Visit to Great Britain, I shall be able to witness that faith for myself and, as Successor of Peter, to strengthen and confirm it.  ...During the months of preparation that lie ahead, be sure to encourage the Catholics of England and Wales in their devotion, and assure them that the Pope constantly remembers them in his prayers and holds them in his heart.”  Let’s us keep the Pope in our prayers, that his visit may bring many blessings on our Church and to all people of good will.

THE CONGREGATION for Divine Worship and the Sacraments (CDW) have a final version of the English translation of the complete Roman Missal, the book of prayers used at Mass.  English-speaking bishops hope people will begin using it in parishes by Advent 2011.  From article by CINDY WOODEN IN ROME 

YEAR 5 OF ‘COME & SEE’ our diocesan process for renewal, focuses on Mission & Evangelisation
and invites us to Go, Make Disciples. Who influenced and inspired you on your journey of faith? Who can you share faith with this Lent? More details to follow...

Churches Together in Silsden St James' Church have invited both our Church and the Methodist Church to join their Lent course. Called 'When I Survey - Christ's Cross and Ours', it is a 5 session ecumenical discussion course for small groups. It will be held either during the day or evening in different homes. If you would like to take part, please see the notice in the church porch or see Mary or Pam for more information

BBC RADIO 3 will broadcast (live) Sung Vespers from the Cathedral Wednesday, 10 February, at 4.00pm. All are welcome, congregation will need to be in place by 3.30pm.

School of Prayer Leeds Trinity is offering an event for catechists and all involved in parish ministry,
on Saturday 20 March, from 9.30am - 3.30pm. Further details from Mrs Janine Garnett on (0113) 261
8040; e-mail: janine.garnett@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

Diocese of Leeds - Plea For Realistic Giving For months now the Finance sub-committee of the Diocese has been exploring ways in which the Diocese could balance its books and avoid the Year End deficits, see below... At the Presbyteral Council meeting in June (2008) Diocesan Finances and particularly the annual deficit was on the agenda. A series of regional Deanery meetings were set up for the priests to address issues that had been raised. There were meetings with the staff at the Curia offices and it was announced that 20% had to be cut from the ‘non parish' expenditure- and new targets were set. During the course of these meetings it became evident to the committee and the trustees of the Diocese that there would have to be an appeal to the Parishes of the Diocese to encourage everyone to give more at the offertory and to gift aid this money. On Wednesday night January 27 the Diocese, in the first of two meetings, invited lay people to listen to the presentations of the facts and figures...  David Damant, Property Administrator, gave an outline of the situation with schools ...also explaining the cost involved in just maintaining the Parish plant. David Herd, Director of Finance, spoke about the money needed to run the different departments and the Parishes. Mgr Heskin then went on to voice the fact that no matter what was done there was a needed to generate more money coming into the Parishes: - in Biblical times it was believed that a tenth of what people made should be given, ...the suggestion was that if everyone, who could, gave £2.50 of every £100 of net income. He outlined that there will be a Pastoral letter on the Sunday before Lent followed over  two subsequent  weekends with literature and explanations asking people to think of what they are giving... more to follow.

The Diocese of Leeds’s financial situation worsened last year, with a deficit of £1 million recorded in its latest accounts – the sixth year in a row that spending has exceeded income. The diocesan finance report said the diocese had £10.4 million in outstanding loans and must repay £6 million by December 2009, with trustees admitting it was “another difficult year”. The trustees hope not to borrow any more money, as they were unable to raise money by selling properties due to the poor state of the housing market. Spending by the Curia, based at Hinsley Hall in Leeds, increased by almost £100,000 last year

First Communion 2010 
7 Feb / 14 Feb / 21 Feb no meeting half term
28 Feb Gift of Baptism
7 March Gift of the Word
14 March Gift of Forgiveness
21 March Gift of Forgiveness
27 March Sacrament of Reconciliation
Break for Easter
18 April Gift of Friendship
25 April Gift of Peace
2 May no meeting
9 May Gift of Joy
16 May Greatest Gift
23 May Greatest Gift
29 May  Practise for 1st Communion day
30 May 1st Communion

The Hospital no longer informs the Chaplain of patients in hospital. It is important that you inform the chaplaincy on 01535 294088 if you would like a visit.

Silsden Methodist Ladies' Circle Due to demolition of the Methodist Church at Wesley Place, the ladies will meet in Carmel House. All meetings are on Tuesday evenings for a guest speaker and/or discussion Next meeting; 9 February 2010 / 9 March / 6 April / Session Times 1900 - 2100

Vandalism Be vigilant of the Parish property at Silsden and Cross Hills and report anything suspicious to the police on the Non-Emergencies West Yokshire [Silsden] Tel: 0845 606 0 606 and for St.Joseph's the Non-Emergencies North Yorkshire [Cross Hills]Tel: 0845 60 60 24 7 or by email safercraven@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk