Parish News

Lent 2010

There have been various activities within the parish which have enabled the faithful to adopt a spirit of Lenten renewal. To appreciate the Resurrection of Our Lord at Easter it is necessary to have this period of 40 days in LENT to reflect on our lives and our relationship with Almighty God and our fellow human beings. In addition, this should be a period of meditation and reflection on the Gospel message. We have that wonderful set of stained glass windows in the outer porch in St. Mary’s. They show Christ sending forth His apostles to teach all nations. In the same way, they remind us as we leave the church, having heard the Good News at Mass, to go out into the streets of Ryde and to spread the Gospel message in our everyday lives, - in our homes, our neighbourhood and our workplace.

We were fortunate here in Ryde that, once again, we had the traditional three days of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Cecilia’s Abbey immediately before Lent, and, like last year, we have the 40 Hours Exposition at St. Mary’s at the start of Passiontide (March 19th – 21st). This provides a wonderful opportunity to be present before the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the altar. The 40 Hours Exposition, once a common and popular event in most parishes, is now making a gradual return. People are once again beginning to appreciate the value of being with Our Lord and Saviour, and being able to worship and adore Him. We list below other events taking place in the parish during Lent:

At St. Michael's, Bembridge there are Ecumenical Discussion Groups around the village. This is an opportunity to meet with fellow Christians to share and celebrate our Christian Faith and to reflect on the Gospels.
The Stations of the Cross are held three times each week. In St. Mary's the Monday Stations have taken an ecumenical sphere, with the Vicar of All Saints, Ryde, Fr. Jonathan Redvers-Harris together with Fr. Eddie Butcher leading the Stations. (See "Gallery" for photograph). It is often forgotten that some Anglicans pray the Stations of the Cross. This Ecumenical gesture, and others like it, in the Diocese, will offer support to those who are interested in Pope Benedict's charitable offer to Anglo-Catholics who feel compelled to make this spiritual journey, (or are contemplating this course of action) The Faith Study Group (the parish's largest prayer / discussion group) have reflected on the characters that appear in the Stations, - Pontius Pilate, Mary, Simon and Veronica. At their recent meeting they discussed the thoughts and feelings of these people, and looking at their courage, their faith, their frailty etc, while seeing how the sufferings of Christ on the journey to Calvary affected them and how it affects us and our attitude to the sufferings of others.
The children of the parish have been learning about LENT in the Children's Liturgy Group. They brought their Lenten promises to Father during Mass on the First Sunday of Lent. The following Sunday 35 children sat on the sanctuary steps during the sermon at the Children’s Mass while Fr. Glaysher spoke to them on the significance on Lent and the importance of Christ in their lives.
Almsgiving has always been an integral part of Lent. Hence our Justice and Peace Group have been promoting the Lenten Fast in aid of CAFOD. Likewise, the Faith Study Group held a Lenten Lunch on 6th March for "Aid to the Church in Need"; an important Catholic charity which gives assistance to the persecuted Church abroad, where there is not the freedom to worship that we enjoy in England. Through our prayers and financial support we show our solidarity with the persecuted Church. A profit of £145-00 was realized.
St. Mary's Parish were invited to contribute the FOREWORD to the monthly Bembridge Parish magazine for March. This opportunity is always welcome. It allows a Catholic input into the village life. Gill and Peter Clarke wrote: "During the Season of LENT we are invited to spend some time reflecting on the gospels and what obstacles to God's Word exist in our own life. We used to think of LENT in terms of giving something up for forty days as a penance. What we are to give up more than anything else is sin, which is to say we are to give up whatever keeps us from living out our baptismal promises fully. We all need to approach the season of Lent asking ourselves what needs to change in our lives if we are to live the gospel values that Christ taught us. Our journey through these forty days should be a movement ever closer to Him and to the way of life He has exemplified for us".
Our celebration of the Liturgy reflects the Lenten Season. The colour changes to purple. There are no flowers and the ceremonies are more simple. The prayers and the hymns also reflect Lent. In our web site hymn for this month (see "Invocations" page) we see in "My song is love unknown" (3rd verse) how the people changed from praising Christ on Palm Sunday to shouting for Him to be crucified five days later:

Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then "Crucify!" is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Confession (or Reconciliation) has always been a prominent Sacrament in this Lenten Season. Turning back to Almighty God, means seeking forgiveness for our sins. Confessions are heard every Saturday in St. Mary's (10-15am to 11-00am) and there is a Penitential Service in St. Mary's at 7-00pm on Tuesday, 23rd March. Children's Confessions will be held on Holy Saturday in St. Mary's from 9-30am.

Feast of the Annunciation

The Annunciation of Our Blessed Lady is one of the oldest Marian feasts and has special significance in St. Mary's. Elizabeth, Countess of Clare, who founded this Church in 1844-46 was born on this feast day in 1793 and she had a great devotion to Our Blessed Lady. On her 75th birthday she attended Solemn High Mass in the presence of His Holiness Pope Pius IX, with her niece and family at the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. To commemorate the centenary of her birth in 1893 the painting (copy) of Guido Reni's Annunciation was donated to the Church by a benefactor. You can see it over the sacristy door. The original is in the Quirinal Palace in Rome. It was on this day in 1858 that Our Blessed Lady uttered the immortal words to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, "I am the Immaculate Conception".

Mass (Ordinary Form) will be offered at the Lady Chapel in St. Mary's at 10-00am followed by Devotions in honour of Our Blessed Lady. Mass (Latin – Old Rite) will be offered in the Countess of Clare's Chapel at 6-00pm.

On this Day - the Feast of the Annunciation – 25th March:

St. Catherine of Siena was born on 25th March 1347.
St. Margaret Clithero was martyred on 25th March 1586, - Same year as our own Island Martyrs
Blessed John Bird was executed at Winchester on 25th March 1593.
Rev. Henry Edward Manning resigned as the Anglican Archdeacon of Chichester on 25th March 1851.
Within 14 years he was to become the Archbishop of Westminster.
Mgr. James Danell was consecrated as the second Bishop of Southwark on 25th March 1871.
Mgr. Peter Amigo was consecrated as the sixth Bishop of Southwark on 25th March 1904.
Pope Pius XII published his Encyclical "Sacra Virginitas" on 25th March 1954.
The first Mass at the Church of the Holy Cross at Seaview was offered on 25th March 1957.
Pope John-Paul II consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on 25th March 1984.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross at St. Mary's during Lent are on Mondays at 7:00pm followed by Benediction and on Fridays at 11:30am followed by Mass.

Forty Hours Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

The greatest gift to our Church is the presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. The Christ we receive in the Eucharist at the Table of the Lord is the same Christ we meet in our brothers and sisters. That same Christ is present with us in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. During the days from Friday, 19th March until Sunday, 21st March, we will have the honour to spend some time with our Lord in what is called the 'Forty Hours Devotion'. For forty hours, the Eucharist will be exposed on the altar in St. Mary's. During that time, you are invited to come and pray. There will be communal prayer services, but also plenty of quiet time, where you may come just to spend time praying before the Real Presence of our Lord and Saviour. If you have never done this before, do not worry. There is not a lot you need to "do". You just need to come and "be" in the presence of the Lord. You may bring a Rosary, Bible or any other devotional aid of your own you find helpful. Will you commit to be present in front of the Blessed Sacrament for a period during the 40 Hours? Please sign the list in the porch.

Friday 27th March

7-00pm	Start of Exposition. Solemn Mass and Procession
9-00pm	Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
12 midnight	Latin Mass (Extraordinary Rite)

Saturday 28th March

6-00am	Mass
9-00am	Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
11-00am	Confessions
12 noon	Mass
3-00pm	Divine Mercy Chaplet
6-00pm	Vigil Mass of Sunday
9-00pm	Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
12 midnight	Mass

Sunday 29th March

8-00am	Mass
9-00am	Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
11-00am	Solemn Mass, Procession, Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Please sign the list in the porch to "commit" for watching during the 40 hours Exposition before the Blessed Sacrament.

Visit of the Isle of Wight Embroiderers' Guild

This group came to St. Mary's on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. After morning Mass and Marian Devotions at the Shrine of Our Lady, the guild came to view some of the church vestments. A variety of chasuables, with matching stoles, maniples, burses and veils were exhibited as well as copes and humeral veils. This also attracted a number of parishioners as well. (See "Photo Gallery for photographs.) Tea was served afterwards in the church crypt.

Lenten Lunch

Lenten Lunch will be held at St. Mary's Hall, Ryde on Saturday, the 6th of March from 11:35am. Come and support this important Catholic charity organised by the Faith Study Group in conjuction with the Isle of Wight Catholic History Society. The event will consist of lunch, a quiz, a bric-a-brac stall and a raffle. Deepen your Faith in solidarity with the persecuted Church through up-to-date information, inspiration stories and testimonies of faith and courage. Proceeds go to "Aid to the Church in Need", a charity that gives a voice to the suffering church today. We are privileged that these humbling examples of Witness to Christ not only inspire action but also help us to deepen our own Faith through prayer in solidarity with them. To help put Christ at the heart of your daily life, Aid to the Church in Need encourages us to grow in the Faith. Please support this Lenten Lunch.

First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

Twenty-one children who wish to make their First Confession and Communion in June 2010 were enrolled by Fr. Glaysher during Mass on 17th January. (This is the highest number for eight years). The lessons have now commenced and Father had an informative meeting with the children's parents last week. This year there are new catechists, who will be led by Sarah Dixon. The first lesson was both enjoyable and successful. Father welcomed the children and led prayers. After starting their First Communion books, the children were taken into the church to pray and to learn how to bless themselves, to genuflect and to look at some of the vessels and vestments used by the priest.

All parishioners are asked to pray for the children as they commence their First Communion lessons, that the children will grow to know and to love Our Lord and to understand His great gift of the Eucharist, which He has provided for His children. Photographs of the children can be seen on the church noticeboard. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by His Lordship the Bishop in June. Application forms are now available at the back of our churches.

First Communion Dates:

Date(s)	Event(s)

February 6	Lesson
February 27	Lesson
February 28	Children's Mass at 11am
March 13	Lesson
April 10	Lesson
April 11	Children's Mass at 11am
May 1	Lesson
May 11	Parents Meeting
May 15	Lesson
May 16	First Confessions
June 1	Parents Meeting
June 5	Lesson and Practice in Church
June 6	First Holy Communion at 11am Mass

The lessons and the meetings are compulsory. Please make a note of them in your diary / family calendar. The lessons are in the church hall (9:00am to 11:00am). The Parents meetings are in the convent at 7:00pm.

Divine Mercy Chaplet

This Service of adoration and repentance for the sins of mankind, as promoted by St. Faustina, is held quarterly on the Island. (The dates and venues of these Services can be found in the "Calendar" page). The January Service was held for the first time at St. Michael's, Bembridge in January. A congregation of approximately thirty people were present. The Service was led by Fr. Anthony Glaysher and Deacon David Croucher.

St. Mary's Crypt

This is the only "open" church crypt on the Island. Conveniently situated underneath St. Mary's Church in Ryde High Street, it has a tea room, charity shop (with books, bric-a-brac, household objects, etc.) and an interesting little museum which gives a pictorial history of the Christian and the Catholic Faith on the Island. It has recently been renovated and the displays upgraded. There are photographs and reports of many parish events and activities. The crypt is usually open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Why not call in?

Faith Study Group

Now in its sixth year, this successful group grew from the "grassroots"; a small group of parishioners who wanted to learn more about their Faith and to develop their spirituality. With over twenty members, it is the largest prayer / discussion group on the Island that meets on a regular (monthly) basis. In the recent past the group has discussed the catechism, symbols in the church, Marian devotion, Our Lord's Passion, the Holy Souls, Advent, Lent and the liturgical year, The Eucharist and the Real Presence, the life of St. Therese of Lisieux, First Friday and Saturday Devotions and various extracts from the bible. Why not come along? Meetings are advertised in the church newsletter or contact Carolyn Holbrook (875744) or Gill or Peter Clarke (566740). The Faith Study Group are arranging a Lenten Lunch for "Aid to the Church in Need" (in conjunction with the IoW Catholic History Society) on Sat. 6th March (from 12 noon).

Mass in the Extraordinary Form

From Monday 11th January, Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Latin Tridentine) will be offered in St. Mary's every Monday at 12 noon. Fr. Glaysher has made this decision in response to His Holiness Pope Benedict's appeal in his encyclical, "Summorum Pontificum", (which became operative on 14th September 2007), for a wider use of this Form of the Roman Mass to enable the faithful to appreciate the richness of this Rite which was in general use throughout the world in Pre-Vatican II days.

New Year Masses

Father has announced that there will be an opportunity to see in the New Year with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 11:30pm on New Year's Eve. This will be followed immediately by Mass at midnight (Ordinary Form). During the day there will be Mass at St. Michael's (Ordinary Form) at 10:00am and at St. Mary's (Extraordinary Form) at 12 noon. This will be followed by the usual First Friday Holy Hour with Exposition, Rosary and Devotions.

St. Mary's Advent Carol Service

Many thanks to all who were responsible for the enjoyable and splendid candlelit service on Advent Sunday 29th December; to the choirs, quintet, soloists and flautist who provided a well sung and varied selection of Advent carols and music; to the readers for their efficiency and clarity in proclaiming the word of God; to the servers and those who gave the worship movement and procession; to our congregation with its several visitors for attending our worship on a windswept evening and for giving a spirited account of the hymns; to those providing the most welcome mince pies and mulled wine after the service; to those who solved the many logistical problems involved in such an event: and, of course to Fr. Anthony for his help and vision and enthusiasm in making the whole act of worship possible. Andrew Duxson, Director of Music.

Christmas

There were good attendances at all the Christmas Masses. Father blessed the cribs at our three churches. There were the usual carols before the midnight Mass at St. Mary's and the Christmas morning Mass at St. Michael's. The Children's Service on Christmas Eve was well attended. (See "Photo Gallery for photographs.) The children processed around the church with candles and left some of their toys at the crib. This year, at the suggestion of Fr. Glaysher, the crib was situated in the baptistery. Children were encouarged to walk in and around the font to view the babe with Mary and Joseph and the shepherds.

Gaudete Sunday

On the third Sunday of Advent, the Rev. Deacon Stephen Morgan (Financial Secretary for the Diocese) came to Ryde. He spoke to the congregation at all the Masses and informed them of the position with regard to our church and convent site. The bishop has decided that the church and presbytery will remain together with a hall / community centre. After that all other church property will be included in plans for the development and therefore could be demolished or renovated.

Deacon Stephen preached to the children at the 11:00am Mass. (See "Photo Gallery for photographs.) He reminded them that Advent was a time of preparation for Christmas. He also spoke about the importance on understanding the meaning of the Incarnation and congratulated the parish on reciting the Angelus before every Mass, as this prayer emphasised the Incarnation when we say "the Word was made Flesh".

Martyrs Mass

On 15th December the Island celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Beatification of the two Isle of Wight martyrs, Blessed Robert Anderton and Blessed William Marsden. Concelebrated Mass was held at St. Mary's and this was offered for their future canonisation. (See "About us" page for the life of the two martyr-priests). The Prior Administrator of Quarr Abbey, Fr. Finbar Kealy, was the preacher. In his sermon he reminded the congregation that Christian martyrs follow the example of Jesus Christ. "Their giving of their lives, their sacrifice of them selves, is founded on the love of God and the love of their fellow human beings. Their love is brought about by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and nourished by prayer and self-denial. How deprived this country would be today had martyrs such as Robert Anderton and William Marsden taken the easy way out and failed to declare their faith and their priesthood. How deprived this country will be in years to come if we succumb to pessure and give in. With the grace of God we can conquer hatred with love and make our world, our island, a better place."

Enid Eastwood's 90th birthday

Congratulations to Enid Eastwood who was presented with a papal blessing at Mass on Sunday, 6th December on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Enid and her two daughters, June and Glynnis, are well known parishioners of St. Mary's. They always attend the Sunday 11:00am Mass. (See "Photo Gallery for photographs.)

The Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation at West Grinstead

This is the most important shrine in honour of Our Lady, south of London. The church was built in 1876 but Mass was offered in the attic chapel above the presbytery (originally a barn) throughout the penal times by recusant priests; some of whom became martyrs for the Faith. Hence we can say that in this beautiful rural setting south of Horsham, not only was the Faith never lost, but it is very evident today. Fr. Glaysher went to the shrine on the Feast of St. John of the Cross, and offered Mass in the attic chapel. (See "Photo Gallery" for photographs.) It was here that our own Isle of Wight martyrs, Blessed Robert Anderton and Blessed William Marsden, were probably heading when they were caught in a storm in the Solent in 1586 and subsequently martyred for the Faith here on the Island. The parish-priest / custodian of the shrine, Fr. David Goddard is well known to many of us in the parish. He came to advise us on the removal of the old pipe organ in St. Mary's in 2006. He also talked to the Catholic History Society about the history of the Shrine at West Grinstead. It was Fr. Goddard's son, Matthew, who came to Ryde on the Feast of St. John the Baptist 2009, to celebrate the Solemn High Mass, within only a few weeks of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. On several occasions St. Mary's Parish has travelled on pilgrimage to West Grinstead to pray at this historic shrine. In 2003 a coach of 50 people went for Solemn High Mass on 16th July, which marked the 50th anniversary of the death of the great Catholic literary figure, Hilaire Belloc, who is buried in the adjacent churchyard.

There are similarities between West Grinstead and Ryde. Both have beautiful, historic churches dedicated to Our Lady. When England was re-dedicated to Our Lady in 1893 and consequently churches were encouraged to develop chapels, shrines and grottoes in honour of Our Lady; it was West Grinstead that was the first to have a Shrine solemnly dedicated to Our Lady (the first such solemn crowning and dedication in England in the post Reformation era). Likewise it was Ryde in 1893 that was one of the first to have a separate chapel constructed in honour of Our Lady. Today it is one of the finest Lady Chapels in the Diocese. For further information on West Grinstead visit http://consolation.org.uk.

St Mary's, Ryde

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