SSR & HITL May Magazine

Quoniam tu Dominus al ssimus super omnem terram

THE PARISH MAGAZINE of St Saviour Ravensthorpe and

Holy Innocents Thornhill Lees

May 2015

50p

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Parish Priest

Father Paul Atkinson SSC

The Vicarage,

Church Street,

Ravensthorpe,

Tel: 01924 672103

Email: [email protected]

For all the latest informa on about services and events within our Parishes please see the Parish Website:

www.stsaviourwithholyinnocents.weebly.com 

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Fr Paul writes A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to you during one of my Homilies about how we have put the founda ons in place, an odd thing to say you might think considering how long I have been here. Surely, something so simple should only take a few days or a few weeks at the outside. However, when dealing with building things spiritually it takes as long as it takes and a few days will certainly never do, because in order to grow and build spiritually we as the 1st Le er of St Peter reminds us need to ‘...Rid our-selves, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like  newborn infants, we must long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it we may grow into salva on, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.’ (1 Peter 2:1-3) It is this, that takes the me and it can only ever happen if we choose to make it happen and it can only happen in the power of the Holy Spirit. Towards the end of May the 24th to be exact, we will celebrate what some of you may call Whitsunday; however, to the church it is the Feast of Pentecost, Pentecost a word that simply means fi y. However, fi y in the Bible is a significant number o en associated with the Holy Spirit. The feast of Pentecost is significant not only because it signifies the end of Easter, it also significant because it signifies the beginning of the Church, the day when those who were called received the gi s of the promised Spirit and it was these gi s that enabled them to go out confidently to begin their mission. Knowing this, should enable you and me as well, because it should give us the confidence to go and do whatever God asks us to do both personally as individual Chris ans and as a Chris an community, in the pow-er of the Spirit. However, before this can happen we need to ask a ques on or two, for instance, do you know and experience in your own life the gi and power of the Holy Spirit? This is where the importance of those spiritual founda ons comes into play, because without them we can do nothing, something Jesus knows only to well. A er his death and resurrec on, Jesus promised to give his disciples the gi of the Holy Spirit. He said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit! (John 20:22) Jesus knew that his disciples would need the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them. The gi of the Holy Spirit was condi onal upon the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father, because it was from this posi on of power that he would bestow the power of the Holy Spirit. That is why Jesus instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem un l you are clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Why did they need power from on high? They and we need it because as the Gospels tell us Jesus himself needed it, he was filled with the Holy Spirit when he was bap sed at the Jordan River and John bore witness, 'I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him... this is he who bap ses with the Holy Spirit'" (John 1:32,33; Mark 1:8; Ma hew 3:11). "And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit for forty days in the wilderness... and Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee" (Luke 4:1,14). Just as Jesus was anointed with the Spirit at the beginning of his ministry, so the disciples needed the same anoin ng of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them by Jesus and it is exactly the same for you and me

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The Holy Spirit is given to all who are bap sed into Jesus Christ to enable us to live a new way of life, a life of love, peace, joy, and righteousness. (Romans 14:17) Because it is the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with the love of God, and it is he who also gives us the strength and courage we need in order to live as faith-filled disciples. The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26), and enables us to grow in spiritual freedom, freedom from doubt and fear. The Spirit instructs us in the ways of God, and guides us in living according to God's will. The Spirit is the source and giver of all holiness. The Prophet Isaiah foretold the seven-fold gi s that the Spirit would give: wisdom, understanding, counsel, for tude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). The gi of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual gi s and blessings of God are made possible through the death, resurrec on, and ascension Jesus. A er his resurrec on, Jesus "breathed" on his disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit. Just as God breathed life into Adam, so the gi of the Holy Spirit is an imparta on of new life for his people. With the gi of the Holy Spirit, a new cre-a on begins. God recreates us for his glory. Jesus' gi of peace to his disciples was more than an absence of trouble. His peace included the forgiveness of sins and the fullness of everything good. Do you want power to live a faith-filled life as a disciple of Jesus? Ask the Father to fill you with the power of his Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). Basil the Great (329-379 AD), an early church father, explains the role of the Ho-ly Spirit in our lives. "The Spirit restores paradise to us and the way to heaven and adop on as  children of God; he ins ls confidence that we may call God truly Father and grants us the grace of Christ to be children of the light and to enjoy eternal glory. In a word, he bestows the fullness of blessings in this world and the next; for we may contemplate now in the mirror of faith the promised things we shall  someday enjoy.  If this is the foretaste, what must the reality be? If these are the first fruits, what must be the harvest?"  (From the trea se by Basil on The Holy Spirit) Jesus offers each one of us the gi and power of his Holy Spirit. He wants to make our faith strong, to give us hope that endures, and a love that never grows cold. He never refuses to give his Spirit to those who ask with expectant faith. Jesus instructed his disciples to ask confidently for the gi of the Spirit. "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gi s to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask..." (Luke 11:13). Do you thirst for God and for the abundant life he offers through the gi of his Spirit? I do hope so, and so I urge you as we prepare for The Feast of Pentecost, to pray. Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gi of Pentecost and for the new life, you offer in the Holy Spirit. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with the fire of your love that I may serve you in joy, building your Kingdom in every aspect of my life as your disciple. Amen. With love and prayers

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HOLY DAYS IN MAY

Friday 1st May

St Joseph the Worker

St Philip and St James

Thursday 14th May

The Feast of the Ascension

Sunday 24th May

Feast of Pentecost

Wednesday 27th May

St. Augus ne

Sunday 31st May

Holy Trinity

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PARISH OFFICERS

St Saviour Church Wardens Miss Pauline Denton 495136 Mr Michael Lister 468812

PCC Secretary & Deanery Synod Representative Miss Anne Blackburn 498387 PCC Treasurer Mr Tony Longstaff 462647 Stewardship Recorder Mr Tony Longstaff 462647 Electoral Roll Officer Miss Kathleen Thornton Sunday School & Safeguarding Officer Mrs Tracy Atkinson 672103 Organist Mr Tony Longstaff 462647 Church Flowers Miss Kathleen Thornton

Dewsbury West Community Centre Bookings: Anne Thornton 493551 Uniformed Organisations Group Scout Leader Sarah Haigh 07926 291877 Beavers -Charli Laverick 07919 0847862 Cubs - David Laverick 524490 Scouts - Paul Hadley - 457725

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PARISH OFFICERS

Holy Innocents

Church Wardens Mrs Mavis Idle 490457 Mrs Sharon Parker 488538 PCC Secretary & Deanery Synod Representative Mrs Linda Carruthers PCC Treasurer & Deanery Synod Representative Mrs Sylvia Dudding 460111

Stewardship Recorder Mrs Sylvia Dudding 460111

Electoral Roll Officer Linda Windle 506392

Safeguarding Officer Mrs Tracy Atkinson 672130 Organist Mr Tony Longstaff 462647 Church Flowers Mrs Marion Coy 464743 Uniformed Organisations

Brownies Linda Windle 506392

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St Joseph the Worker

Joseph has two feast days on the liturgical calendar. The first is March 19th Joseph, the Husband of Mary. The second is May 1st Joseph, the Worker.

“Saint Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith, not because he speaks his own words, but above all because he listens to the words of the Living God. He listens in silence. And his heart ceaselessly perseveres in the readiness to accept the Truth contained in the word of the Living God,” Pope John Paul II had once said.

There is very li le about the life of Joseph in Scripture but s ll, we know that he was the chaste husband of Mary, the foster father of Jesus, a carpenter and a man who was not wealthy. We also know that he came from the royal lineage of King David.

We can see from his ac ons in scripture that Joseph was a compassionate man, and obedient to the will of God. He also loved Mary and Jesus and wanted to protect and provide for them.

Since Joseph does not appear in Jesus' public life, at his death, or resurrec on, many historians believe Joseph had probably died before Jesus entered public ministry.

Joseph is the patron of many things, including the universal Church, fathers, the dying and social jus ce.

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Philip the apostle with common sense Is there someone in church whom you respect for their spirituality and common sense combined, someone you feel easy about approaching to ask ques ons? That person’s patron saint should be Philip. Philip came from Bethsaida, and was a disciple of Jesus from early on. He knew how to lead others to Jesus he brought Nathanael (or Bartholomew) to him in a calm, kindly way. He knew how to do some financial forecas ng: at the feeding of the 5,000 it was he who pointed out that without divine help, even 200 pennyworth of bread wasn’t going to feed that crowd. He was the one whom the Greeks approached when they wanted to ask Jesus to show them the Father, but didn’t quite have the nerve to approach Jesus directly. People had confidence in Philip’s spirituality, common sense and kindliness. Such a person is a gi to any church! In art, the Apostle Philip has been represented either with a cross, or with loaves of bread.

James the Less – quiet son of Alphaeus

One thing for sure: the apostles were not self-obsessed. In fact, many a church historian has wished that they had le us just a few more personal details about themselves in the New Testament. James the Less is an excellent example. This is the name we give to James the son of Alphaeus, but – beyond that, who was he? Some mes he is iden fied as the James whose mother stood by Christ on the cross. Some mes he is thought to be the James who was ‘brother of the Lord’. Some mes he is thought to be the James who saw the risen Christ. He has also, and o en, been called the first bishop of Jerusalem. And finally, some mes James the Less has been thought of as the author of the Epistle of James. But who knows? If none of these iden fica ons are correct, we know prac cally nothing about James the Less. So perhaps on this day we can simply recall ‘all’ of the James’ above, and thank God for the mother who stood by the cross, the brother that supported Jesus, the apostle who saw his risen Lord and gave his life to proclaiming the truth, the first bishop of Jerusalem, and the author of the marvellous epistle of James. Wheth-er it was one James or several, they were all faithful to Jesus, and proclaimed him as the Messiah. So perhaps that should make them James the More! James the Less has been given an unusual iconographic emblem: a fuller’s club. Tradi on has it that he was beaten to death with one, a er being sentenced by the Sanhedrin in AD62. In England there are only 26 churches which are dedicated to James the Less.

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Ascension Day ‐ 40 Days with the Risen Christ 40 days a er Easter comes Ascension Day. These are the 40 days during which the Risen Christ appeared again and again to his disciples, following his death and resurrec on. The Gospels give us li le of Christ’s teachings and deeds during those forty days. Jesus was seen by numerous disciples: on the road to Emmaus, by the Sea of Galilee, in houses, etc. He strengthened and encouraged his disciples, and at last opened their eyes to all that the Scriptures had promised about the Messiah. Jesus also told them that as the Father had sent Him, He was now going to send them - to all corners of the earth, as his witnesses. If you want to add more detail to Christ’s appearances, the stories can be found in Ma hew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20.  More notes on Ascension Day Surely the most tender, moving ‘farewell’ in history took place on Ascension Day. Luke records the story with great poignancy: “When Jesus had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he li ed up his hands - and blessed them.” As Christmas began the story of Jesus’ life on earth, so Ascension Day completes it, with his return to his Father in heaven. Jesus’ last act on earth was to bless his disciples. He and they had a bond as close as could be: they had just lived through three tumultuous years of public ministry and miracles – persecu on and death – and resurrec on! Just as we part from our nearest and dearest by s ll looking at them with love and memories in our eyes, so exactly did Jesus: “While He was blessing them, He le them and was taken up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-1) He was not forsaking them, but merely going on ahead to a kingdom which would also be theirs one day: “I am ascending to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God...” (John 20:17) The disciples were surely the most favoured folk in history. Imagine being one of the last few people on earth to be face to face with Jesus, and have Him look on you with love. No wonder then that Luke goes on: “they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed con nually at the temple, praising God ” (Luke 24:52,53) No wonder they praised God! They knew they would see Jesus again one day! “I am going to prepare a place for you... I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2,3) In the mean me, Jesus had work for them to do: to take the Gospel to every na on on earth.

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The Day of Pentecost ‐ Whit Sunday Pentecost took place on the well-established Jewish fes val of First fruits, which was observed at the beginning of the wheat harvest. It was exactly 50 days a er the Passover, the me of Jesus’ crucifixion. A feast day to celebrate the country’s wheat harvest does not sound exactly world-changing, but that year, it became one of the most important days in world history. For Pentecost was the day that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit - the day the Church was born. Jesus had told His apostles that something big was going to happen, and that they were to wait for it in Jerusalem, instead of returning to Galilee. Jesus had plans for his apostles – but He knew they could not do the work themselves – they would need His help. And so the apostles and disciples waited in Jerusalem, praying together for several days. And then on that fateful morning there was suddenly the sound as of a mighty rushing wind. Tongues of flame flickered on their heads, and they began to praise God in many tongues – to the astonishment of those who heard them. The curse of Babel (Genesis 11: 1- 9) was drama cally reversed that morning. That morning the Holy Spirit came to indwell the apostles and disciples of Jesus: and the Church was born. The Chris ans were suddenly full of life and power, u erly different from their former fearful selves. The change in them was permanent. Peter gave the first ever sermon of the Chris an Church that morning: proclaiming Jesus was the Messiah. His boldness in the face of possible death was in marked contrast to the man who had denied that he even knew Jesus just 50 days earlier. Now he is bold, confident and 3,000 people responded, were converted, and were bap sed. How’s that for fast church growth! Of course Pentecost was not the first me the Holy Spirit had acted in this world. All through the Old Testament there are accounts of how God’s Spirit guided people and strengthened them. But now, because of Christ’s death and resurrec on, he could INDWELL them. From now on, every Chris an could have the confidence that Jesus was with them constantly, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

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Augus ne of Canterbury ‐ apostle to the English

Augus ne, a 6th century Italian prior, holds a unique place in Bri sh history. He became the ‘apostle to the English’ – although it was with great reluctance. In 596 Augus ne was chosen by Pope Gregory to head a mission of monks whom he wanted to send to evangelise the Anglo-Saxons. Au-gus ne was not a bold man, and by the me he and his band of priests reached Gaul, they wished to turn back. But Gregory would not hear of it – and bolstered their confidence by sending some more priests out to them, and by consecra ng Augus ne bishop. Finally, the party, now 40 in number, landed at Ebbsfleet, Kent in 597. It would be fascina ng to have a detailed descrip on of that first mee ng between Bishop Augus ne and Ethelbert, powerful King of Kent. Whatever Augus ne said, it must have been effec ve, for Ethel-bert granted the 40 priests permission to stay in a house in Canter-bury. He even allowed them to preach to his people, while he himself considered their message of Chris anity. His wife, Bertha, was a Chris-

an princess from Paris, but she does not seem to have played any role in the conversion of Kent. By 601 Ethelbert and many of his people had been bap sed Chris ans. The mission to the English was well underway. More cler-gy, some books, a few relics and several altar vessels arrived from Rome. At Gregory’s wise urging, Augus ne decided to consolidate the mission in one small area, rather than try and reach all of Kent. So Augus ne stayed in Canterbury, where he built the ca-thedral and founded a school. He le only temporarily to establish a see in London. Also at Gregory’s wise urging, Augus ne did not destroy the pagan temples of the people of Kent, but only the idols in them. In this way, innocent rites were taken over and used for the celebra on of the Chris an feasts. Meanwhile, before his death in 604, Augus ne helped Ethelbert to dra the earliest Anglo-Saxon wri en laws to sur-vive – and so influenced Bri sh law for centuries to come.

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Trinity Sunday celebra ng our God who is Three Persons

Trying to explain the doctrine of the Trinity has kept many a theologian busy down the centuries. One helpful picture is to imagine the sun shining in the sky. The sun itself way out there in space, unapproachable in its fiery majesty, that is the Father. The light that flows from it, and which illuminates all our lives, is the Son. The heat that flows from it, and which gives us all the energy to move and grow, is the Holy Spirit. You cannot have the sun without its light and its heat. The light and the heat are from the sun, are of the sun, and yet are also dis nct in themselves, with their own roles to play. The Bible makes clear that God is One God, who is disclosed in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit. For example: Deuteronomy 6:4 ‘Hear O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is one..’ Isaiah 45:22 ‘Turn to me and be saved… for I am God, and there is no other’ Genesis 1:1-2 ‘In the beginning God created…. And the Spirit of God was hovering…’ Judges 14:6 etc ‘The Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power…’ John 1:1-3 ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ’Luke 24:49 actually manages to squeeze the whole Trinity into one sentence. Jesus tells his disciples: ‘I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city un l you have been clothed with power (the Holy Spirit) from on high.’ In other words, the sun eternally gives off light and heat, and whenever we stand in its brilliant light, we find that the warmth soon follows.

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Smile Lines When Children and RE mix… When children meet the Bible, the result can be unpredictable. As in these answers to a school chaplain’s efforts to teach RE…. The main purpose of the prophets was to set up the lights for when Jesus came on the stage. The Kingdom of God is no ordinary place like the bathroom at home. Jesus said: If you want to divorce your wife leave a note for her on the table. Jesus healed a man with a weathered hand. Some of the seed from the Sower was curried off by Satan. The last verses of Mark’s gospel were wri en later by a unanimous person. Jesus first proclaimed the gospel to the Jews: He told them to make love to each other. An altar is a stall for candles. An example of Holy Orders are the Ten Commandments. An epistle is the wife of an apostle. Five exercises that clergy should avoid at all costs Bea ng your head against the wall; climbing the walls; bea ng your own drum; dragging your heels; jumping to conclusions; grasping at straws; fishing for compliments; throwing your weight around; passing the buck; using clichés. Night‐ me How come it takes so li le me for a child who is afraid of the dark, to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

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HOLY DAYS in MARCH

Monday 2nd March St. David

Thursday 19th March

St. Joseph

Wednesday 25th March Feast of the Annuncia on

PARISH NOTICES

Saturday 2nd May Wedding 12 noon St Saviour

Mr Christopher Pearson & Miss Donna Cur s Christopher's family have been members of St Saviours church for as long as anyone can remember, therefore if you would like to support

him his bride and family on this wonderful day you will be most welcome. Please be in church 15 minutes before the service begins.

John Hudson

15th May 2015 6:30pm The well know and renowned local po er will be visi ng St Saviour to talk about his life and work, wine and cheese will also be served, ckets priced

at £6 available soon, please see the pews sheet for more details.

Dewsbury West Community Centre AGM Thursday 20th May 8pm

Future dates for you diary

Saturday 13th June

Lunch with the Lightowler’s Tony and June will be hos ng a lunch at home , more details on the

Pew Sheet nearer the date.

Saturday 4th July Summer Fair St Saviour

Tuesday 21st July

Pauline’s Coffee Day

Sunday 13th September Service of thanksgiving for the Queens Diamond Jubilee , St Saviour

Sunday 20th September St saviour Gi Day

Saturday 26th September Scouts Centenary Celebra ons

14th November St Saviour’s Christmas Fair

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On why people should ALWAYS sit in the same pew

The Rectory

St. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren

I have to say that the couple who complained that you never no ced they had been missing from church for a month had a point. There is a simple way of no cing when someone is absent: everyone sits in the same pew. Every Sunday. Always.

Li le Miss Margison sits in the pew a er the third pillar on the right here at St. James the Least. As she walks up the aisle, you can sense her coun ng the pillars un l she reaches the right one, which then allows her to sit in front of it. I have speculated that if I ever had that pillar removed, then the following Sunday, she would have a complete mental collapse.

One Sunday a visi ng family arrived early and sat down; three people in an empty church sea ng 200. Colonel Wainwright and his wife were the first of our regulars to arrive and froze in horror. The Colonel said in a deafening whisper to his wife: “There’s someone si ng in our pew.”

At least they had the grace – no ma er how reluctant – for one week, to sit somewhere else. Unlike the Pren ce family of husband, wife and three children, who arrived to discover that a visi ng family of husband, wife and four children were si ng in their pew; six people in a pew that held eight. Or, it normally holds eight. That Sunday, it held thirteen.

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We at least have one iconoclast in Miss Pemberton, who makes a point of si ng in a different place every week. This thoroughly unse les the rest of the congrega on, who fear she may sit in their seats during her nomadic wanderings. I some mes wonder if she has a chart at home with all the pew spaces marked on it and she strikes one off each week as she returns home a er Ma ns.

Occasionally the unexpected can happen. Mrs Cholmondeley arrived one week in good me, se led herself in her accustomed place, but half-way through the Service suddenly ran out of the building. Ten minutes later, she was back and in her usual place once again. It was only when the church filled with the smell of burned bacon that we understood. That is why re-placing pews with chairs in your church was a mistake. Pews can never be moved. You know where everybody is – or should be! Your loving uncle, Eustace

Thank You

Frank and Lilian Dransfield would like to thank everyone who sent cards gi s and flowers on the occasion of their Golden Wedding

celebra ons

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CALENDAR and INTENSIONS FOR MAY

F 1 St Joseph the worker

All who work

S 2 St Athanasias, Bp Perseverance

S 3 EASTER 5

THE PARISH Father Paul

M 4 English saints and martyrs Faithfulness

T 5 Feria Cross St, Dale St and Day St

W 6 Feria Those preparing for examina ons

T 7 Feria

Dearnley St, Douglas St and Douglas St

F 8 Julian of Norwich, spiritual writer Chris an writers

S 9 Feria Love

S 10 EASTER 6 THE PARISH Father Paul

M 11 Feria Joy

T 12 Feria Duke St, Edward Close and Eyre St

W 13 Feria

Peace

T 14 ASCENSION DAY A vision of Christ’s glory

F 15 Feria

Falcon Rd, Fiddler Hill and Field Lane

S 16 Feria

Pa ence

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S 17 EASTER 7 THE PARISH Father Paul

M 18 Feria Kindness

T 19 Feria Field St, Fir Avenue and Fir Grove

W 20 Feria Gentleness

T 21 Feria Fir Parade, Fir Walk and Forge Lane

F 22 Feria The homeless

S 23 Feria Those who do volun-tary work

S 24 PENTECOST THE PARISH Father Paul

M 25 The Venerable Bede Theologians

T 26 Feria Foundry St, Fox St and Garden St

W 27 St Augus ne of Canterbury, Bp The Archbishop of Canterbury

T 28 Feria Self – control

F 29 Feria

Garden Terrace, Gar-dens Crescent and Gardens Drive

S 30 Feria

Sacrificial living

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31 TRINITY SUNDAY THE PARISH Father Paul

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Across 1 ‘Therefore let us — passing judgment on one another’ (Romans 14:13) (4) 3 ‘I — — these persons here present’ (Marriage service) (4,4) 9 According to a prearranged metable (Numbers 28:3) (7) 10 Group of eight (5) 11 The cell into which the Philippian jailer put Paul and Silas (Acts 16:24) (5) 12 — Taylor, pioneer missionary to China (6) 14 Otherwise known as the Eucharist, Breaking of Bread, the Lord’s Table (4,9) 17 ‘So that a er I have preached to others, I — will not be disqualified for the prize’ (1 Corinthians 9:27) (6) 19 A end to (3,2) 22 Approximately (Acts 4:4) (5) 23 Tea rite (anag.) (7) 24 Rule of sovereign (8) 25 Test (anag.) (4) Down 1 The name of the street where Judas lived in Damascus and where Saul of Tarsus stayed (Acts 9:11) (8) 2 ‘The playing of the merry — , sweet singing in the choir’ (5) 4 ‘We have been saying that — — was credited to him as righteous’ (Romans 4:9) (8,5) 5 Dr Martyn — Jones, famous for his ministry at Westminster Chapel (5) 6 Port at which Paul landed on his way to Rome (Acts 28:13) (7) 7 Observe (Ruth 3:4) (4) 8 Minister of religion (6) 13 ‘I am — of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility’ (Ma hew 27:24) (8) 15 ‘Greater love has no one than this, that he — — his life for his friends’ (John 15:13) (3,4) 16 Archbishop who calculated that the world began in 4004BC (6) 18 ‘No one can — the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit’ (John 3:5) (5) 20 Establish by law (5) 21 Product of Gilead noted for its healing proper es (Jeremiah 46:11) (4)

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Find the following words in the grid below once you have found them

all check your answers on page 34.

Ascension, Blessed, Taken, Jerusalem, Wait, Prayer, Power, One, Room, Disciples, Tongues, Flame, Joy, Praise, Confusion, Languages, Earth, Peter, Holy, Spirit, Trinity, Father, Son, triune

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DEWSBURY WEST COMMUNITY CENTRE

Church Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury WF13 3LA The Community Centre consists of a Large Func on Hall with a Small Lounge area to the side. With facili es for serving light refreshments and drinks kitchen with large cooker, fridge freezer and crockery PLEASE NOTE: The Community Centre is not licensed for the sale of alcohol.

The Centre can accommodate up to 100 people. Enquiries—please contact Anne Thornton 01924 493551

This blank space is available for adver sing either this size

or split into two.

If you know of any body interested please let Fr Paul or

myself know.

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The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 3 The number 3 is used 467 mes in the Bible. It pictures completeness, though to a lesser degree than 7. The meaning of this number derives from the fact that it is the first of four spiritually perfect numerals (the others being 7, 10 and 12). The 3 righteous patriarchs before the flood were Abel, Enoch and Noah. A er the deluge there was the righteous "fathers" Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (later renamed Israel). There are 27 books in the New Testament, which is 3x3x3, or completeness to the third power. Jesus prayed three mes in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest. He was placed on the cross at the 3rd hour of the day (9 a.m.) and died at the 9th hour (3 p.m.). There were 3 hours of darkness that covered the land while Jesus was suffering on the cross from the 6th hour to the 9th hour. Three is the number of resurrec on. Christ was dead for three full days and three full nights, a total of 72 hours, before being resurrected on Saturday, April 8, just before sunset. Appearances of the number three There were only three individuals who witnessed Jesus’ transfigura-

on on Mount Hermon. Those who saw Jesus' glory on the mount were John, Peter and James. The three words that appear only once in Scripture are Reverend (Psalms 111:9), Eternity (Isaiah 57:15) and Grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Only three people were allowed to ask God ANYTHING. They were Solomon (1 Kings 3:5), Ahaz (Isaiah 7:11) and, of course, Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:9). The three gi s given to Israel by God were his law, the land of their inheritance, and their calling (the world to come). The Bible only men ons the name of three angels (Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer).

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Na onal Doughnut Week 9‐16 May 2015

Jam, iced or cream What's your preference?

Wow!! Na onal Doughnut Week - a whole week celebra ng and encouraging us to eat doughnuts - heaven!

Doughnuts are usually deep fried and ring shaped with, or without a hole. They can be plain, with a dus ng of sugar or have a various toppings, such as chocolate, or an icing glaze with sprinkles. They can be filled with many things including jam, cream or custard.

However, there is a very serious reason for this indulgence - if you buy doughnuts between 9-16 May 2015 from par cipa ng bakeries then you will be helping to raise money for a very good cause - The Children's Trust.

Na onal Doughnut Week has raised over £755,000 in the past 22 years for children's chari es. And, it is hoped that at least £30,000 will be raised to make this the best year ever.

The Children’s Trust is a na onal charity working with children who have mul ple disabili es and complex health needs. The Children's Trust is based in Tadworth, Surrey, but their services are offered to children from across the UK. For more informa on about the charity, events and ways to raise money go to The Children's Trust website.

This year the organisers are hoping to have over 600 bakeries, cafes' and shops involved

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Nun Grading Papers THE GREATEST MIRACLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LI-AR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVID'S SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE. IT WAS A MIRACLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS. THE EPISTLES WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAX-IMAN. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY, WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRIAGE. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY. Aren't Children great!!

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Readings for May

May 3rd—5th Sunday of Easter

May 10th—6th Sunday of Easter

May 14th—The Ascension of the Lord

Reading 1 Acts 9:26-31 Barnabas explained how the Lord had ap-peared to Saul on his journey. 

Psalm Psalm 21:26-28, 30-32

You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly. 

Reading 2 1 John 3:18-24 His commandments are these: that we believe in his Son and that we love one another. 

Gospel John 15:1-8 Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty. 

Reading 1 Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

The Holy Spirit has been poured out on the pagans too. 

Psalm Psalm 97:1-4 The Lord has shown his salva on to the       na ons. 

Reading 2 1 John 4:7-10 God is love. 

Gospel John 15:9-17 A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. 

Reading 1 Acts 1:1-11 He was li ed up while they looked on. 

Psalm Psalm 46:2-3, 6-9 God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. 

Reading 2 Ephesians 1:17-23 He made him sit at his right hand in heaven. 

Gospel Mark 16:15-20 He was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place. 

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May 17th –7th Sunday of Easter

May 24th—Pentecost

May 31st—the Most Holy Trinity

Reading 1 Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 We must choose one of these to be a       witness to his resurrec on with us. 

Psalm Psalm 102:1-2, 11-12, 19-20

The Lord has set his sway in heaven. 

Reading 2 1 John 4:11-16 Anyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in him. 

Gospel John 17:11-19 That they may be one like us! 

Reading 1 Acts 2:1-11 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak. 

Psalm Psalm 103: 1. 24. 29-31. 34

Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth. 

Reading 2 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

In the one Spirit we were all bap sed. 

Gospel John 20:19-23 As the Father sent me, so am I sending you: receive the Holy Spirit. 

Reading 1 Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

The Lord is God indeed, in heaven above as on earth beneath, he and no other.

Psalm Psalm 32:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22

Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.

Reading 2 Romans 8:14-17 You received the spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out, 'Abba, Father!'

Gospel Ma hew 28:16-20

Bap se them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

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RECIPE

Scripture Cake Ingredients

12oz 1King’s 4.22 Plain Flour

8oz Judges 5.25 Bu er

8oz Jeremiah 6.20 Sugar

6oz 1 Samuel 25.18 Dried Fruit

6oz Nashua 3.12 Figs

3oz Numbers 17.8 Almonds

1 tbsp. 1 Samuel 14.25 Honey

Season to taste:-

Chronicles 9.9 Spices

111 Jeremiah 17.11 3 eggs

1 Pinch Levi cus 2.13 Salt

1/4 Pt Judges 4.19 Milk

1 1/2 tspns Amos 4.5 Baking Powder

Solomon’s prescrip on for the making of a good boy Proverbs 23.14 Beat well.

(Thanks to Rita Hillary for supplying this recipe)

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Ques ons for Chris ans con nued 6. Do Catholics believe the same as other Chris ans? 7. Was Eternal Life just a shop in Orpington? 8. Surely I can call myself Chris an, because I lead a good life? 9. Why do I have to go to church to be a Chris an? 10. How does one recognise a good Chris an? 6. There are ar cles in the Creed, an ancient statement of faith, which unite Chris ans. Rather than highligh ng the differences we should rejoice in the par al unity of our Bap sm. O en the theological differences, and the way in which language is used, are historically based. Fundamental to the differences is our understanding of the Church. 7. When these ques ons were first wri en ‘Eternal Life’ was a gi shop in Orpington. It no longer survives. Its existence was temporary. For those who believe, ‘Eternal Life’ is God-given to all who ask. Our share in eternal life begins with our Bap sm. When we die, life is changed not ended. This is what the Church reminds us in the Funeral Mass. Its existence is for ever. 8. To be a Chris an means to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ and develop one's rela onship with him. It is not sufficient just to lead a good life 9. To be a Chris an means to live in a community, ini ally in the community of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We enter this com-munity in our Bap sm. We share this rela onship in union with others in our communi es of faith, or churches. We are encouraged to live a good life but we cannot really call ourselves Chris ans if we are not in union with fellow Chris ans. It is not just a ma er of going to Church but of belonging to a community in which we worship God Our Father through his Son, Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. 10. Very simply by the love he or she shows.

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Service Rotas St Saviour

Sunday 3rd May Sidespersons: Maureen Rawson, June Lightowler Readers: Keith Rawson, Ann Blackburn Prayers: Ann Blackburn Coffee: Kathleen Thornton, Maureen Rawson

Sunday 10th May Sidespersons: Pauline Denton, Valerie Derry Readers: David Thornton, Anne Thornton Prayers: David Thornton Coffee: Ann Thornton, Gloria Faller

Sunday 17th May THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD Sidespersons: Richard Machin, Linda Machin, Ann Ta ersfield Readers: Keith Rawson, Gloria Faller Prayers: Father Paul Coffee: Moyra Walker, Valerie Derry

Sunday 24th May PENTECOST SUNDAY Joint Mass Holy Innocents Sunday 31st May Sidespersons: David Thornton, Ann Thornton Readers: Ann Blackburn, Kathleen Thornton Prayers: David Thornton Coffee: Kathleen Thornton, Maureen Rawson

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Service Rotas Holy Innocents

Sunday 3rd May Joint Mass at St. Saviour

Sunday 10th May

Sidespersons: Carol, Jeff Readings : Michael, Sylvia Coffee : Served in Church Hall

Sunday 17th May THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

Joint Mass St Saviour

Sunday 24th May PENTECOST SUNDAY Sidespersons: Carol, Chris ne Readings: Michael, Sharon Coffee : Served in Church Hall

Sunday 31st May Sidespersons: Sylvia, Mary Readings: Linda (C), Debbie Coffee : Served in Church Hall

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  QUIZ ANSWERS

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Smile Lines

The Confessional A Roman Catholic priest was called away on an emergency. Not wan ng to leave the confessional booth una ended, he asked his rab-bi friend to cover for him. The rabbi protested that he wouldn't know what to say, but the priest promised to show him. So the rabbi came over and joined the priest in the confessional booth. In a few minutes a woman came in and said, "Father, forgive me for I have sinned." The priest asked what she had done. "I stole some clothes from the local bou que." The priest asked how many mes she had done this. "Three mes." The priest thought a moment, then said: "Say two Hail Mary's, put £5 in the box and go and sin no more." A few minutes later a man entered the confessional. "Father, forgive me for I have sinned." The priest asked what he had done. "I stole some stuff from the garage where I work.” The priest asked how many

mes he had done this. "Three mes." The priest thought a moment, then said; "Say two Hail Mary's, put £5 in the box and go and sin no more." The rabbi told the priest that he thought that he got it, so the priest le . A few minutes later, another woman entered the confessional booth and said, "Father, forgive me for I have sinned." The rabbi asked what she had done. "I stole some make-up from the pharmacist." The rabbi asked how many mes she had done this. "One me." The rabbi thought a moment, then said: “Go do it twice more. We have a special offer this week - three for £5." Married How many women can one man marry? A li le boy who a ended his first wedding worked that one out pre y quick: the answer is 16. It is easy, if you think about it. Four be er, four worse, four richer, four poorer. Comes to 16.

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Regular Weekly Service Times

St Saviour Ravensthorpe

Sundays except for the first Sunday in the month Solemn Parish Mass 9:30am

Tuesdays Low Mass 7pm

Saturdays Mass of Our Lady 10am

Confessions 10:30am

Parish Office for those wishing to book Bap sms or Weddings 10:30am

Holy Innocents Thornhill Lees

Sundays except for the first Sunday in the month Solemn Parish Mass 11am

Wednesdays Low Mass 7pm

On the first Sunday of every month there will be a joint

Solemn Parish Mass, this will alternate between our Churches, the next one will be on:

Sunday 7th June 10.00am Holy Innocents Full details of all our Mass Times  will be published  on our weekly pew 

sheet and the Parish Website: 

www.stsaviourwithholyinnocents.weebly.com