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Welcome to Woodhall Spa Parish
Welcome to Woodhall Spa Parish
Our Lady and St Peter Woodhall Spa
click on the picture above to see inside and here to see the garden
Sunday 10am Mass and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10.00am
Serving Woodhall Spa, Horncastle, Coningsby and Metheringham
Parish Priest Fr John O'Donnell
Our Lady and St Peter
15 Cromwell Avenue, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6TH
Tel 01526 352245
e-mail catholic.church.woodhallspa@gmail.com
The Catholic Church in England and Wales
Daily Readings - read the entire New Testament over a 2 year period
(reading plan courtesy of Gideon International)
St Mary's Church of England Church, Horncastle
click on the picture of the church to see inside
Saturday 6pm Mass
Notices
Cake Sunday next weekend 07.09.25, come and enjoy cake with your coffee and chat.
Cuppa & Chat this Tuesday 02.09.25 after Mass in the hall - it would be good to see you.
Live and recorded Masses at St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham
Please click on the picture link below
For todays Mass Readings and for the Readings for the Week
click on the Universalis link below
Live and recorded liturgies and addresses of Pope Leo with English commentary
Please click on the picture link below
ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION PRAYER
Offered as an example of a suitable prayer for use by home viewers wishing to participate in a Live Streaming of the Mass
After the celebrant has received Holy Communion himself, the celebrant reads aloud the Act of Spiritual Communion, and invites the home viewers to say the words of the prayer with him.
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen
Pope Leo August 2025
Pope Leo August 2025
For mutual coexistence
For mutual coexistence
Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.
Jesus, Lord of our history,
Faithful companion and living presence,
You who never tire of coming to meet us,
Here we are, in need of Your peace.
We live in times of fear and division.
Sometimes we act as if we were alone,
Building walls that separate us from one another,
Forgetting that we are brothers and sisters.
Send us Your Spirit, Lord,
To rekindle within us
The desire to understand one another, to listen,
To live together with respect and compassion.
Give us the courage to seek paths of dialogue,
To respond to conflict with gestures of fraternity,
To open our hearts to others without fear of differences.
Make us builders of bridges,
Able to overcome borders and ideologies,
Able to see others through the eyes of the heart,
Recognizing in every person an inviolable dignity.
Help us create spaces where hope can flourish,
Where diversity is not a threat
But a richness that makes us more human.
Amen.
Thank you, Francis
Every month, you have invited us to pray with you for the challenges of humanity and the mission of the Church, teaching us to learn compassion for others from the heart of Christ. Thank you, Francis, for your life and your witness.
Your Worldwide Prayer Network.
For “Churches Without Walls” and "Community of Enquiry" meetings, programme and information click here
"Talking Philosophy & Theology: a Carmelite Perspective - Reading & Discussion Zoom Group - Open to All" - A group of Third Order Carmelites, a lay organisation, are offering a course via Zoom on the philosophy that is woven into the spirituality of Ss Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Sr. Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). Meeting via Zoom as follows: 1st & 3rd Wednesday evenings at 7.45 pm for 8.00 -10.00 pm. Philosophy & Theology Combined with “Formal” reading and discussion of Edith Stein. -- 2nd & 4th Thursday afternoons at 12.45 pm for 1.00 -3.00 pm. Philosophy & Theology Combined -- NB Since this is not a “time-limited course”, as such, with no strict “beginning” or “end” other than “in God”, we always welcome new members and old returners, at any time! Should anyone be interested please contact james.hunter200@btinternet.com Click here for more details
Israel's total disregard for Palestinian self-determination blocks path to lasting peace in the Holy Land 22.08.25
The Holy See has long advocated for Palestinian self-determination and a Two-State Solution as the only viable option to bring security and peace to Israelis and Palestinians.
On 20 August, Israel’s Higher Planning Council gave final approval for 3,753 housing units for its settlement project in the occupied West Bank, including 3,401 in the E1 neighbourhood of Ma’ale Adumim. The project seeks to link settlements and separate the West Bank from East Jerusalem, effectively killing off any hope of a contiguous Palestinian State.
The Bishops of the International Affairs department who lead the Bishops’ Conference’s work on the Holy Land have condemned the move and appealed for the international community to assert pressure to stop further settlement expansion and settler violence.
Mission Lab
An exciting evangelistic initiative has been launched in the Diocese of Nottingham to equip parishes for mission, in 2025 and beyond.
Caritas Nottingham and the Department for Adult Formation for Mission have collaborated to launch a series of ‘Mission Lab’ online workshops, to share inspiring ideas between parishes on how to reach out beyond the parish walls.
The following talks are planned to take place on:
Monday 8 September - Engaging volunteers
Tuesday 14 October - Fundraising for outreach
Monday 10 November - Global parish
Monday 12 January - Parish as synod
Tuesday 10 February - Cell groups
Monday 9 March - Mission Enabling Fund
Sign up here: dioceseofnottingham.uk/events
Formation for Mission Update
Year of Jubilee 2025
The Holy Father has decided that 2025 will be a year of Jubilee, something which happens every 25 years. The theme is “Pilgrims of Hope
Weekly Newsletter
The Catholic Diocese of Nottingham
3rd August 2025
The suffering in Gaza must end, says Bishop Curry 22.05.25
The Lead Bishop for the Holy Land for the Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Jim Curry, has echoed Pope Leo XIV’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza1:“This is a humanitarian disaster. Desperately needed aid supplies must be allowed into Gaza to be urgently distributed to civilians. The human cost is intolerably high with tens of thousands of weary, regularly displaced people threatened with starvation. We need an immediate ceasefire to end the suffering.
Street Pastors in Lincoln
Seventeen towns and cities in Nottingham Diocese have a Street Pastors scheme which reaches out to young people..
Lincoln Street Pastors are looking for people who are willing to offer up their time and their prayers for the Night Time Economy streets of Lincoln and become one of the team of Lincoln Street Pastors.
To find out more about what's involved follow the links below.
CAFOD
Israeli-Palestinian Crisis
How you can help
We have all been shocked and saddened by the devastating conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Our local partners are actively responding and providing urgent humanitarian aid to those in need.
Your gift today goes a long way. CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales.
We work with local experts across the world, bringing hope, compassion and solidarity to communities, standing side by side with them to end poverty and injustice.
We work with people of all faiths and none.
War in Gaza must be ended not increased
Cardinal Nichols 09.08.25
Excerpt below, click on picture link above for full statement
Today, and in these days, I weep for the people of Gaza as they face not just a continuation of their immense suffering but an escalation in their hardship and desperation. “To increase the destruction of Gaza City and then the rest of its territory, in order to defeat a terrorist organisation and movement, is a development that is rightly being condemned around the world. There must be a better way, one that does not heap yet further suffering and misery on so many people who are not combatants but defenceless in face of the perpetrators of violence in their midst. Already too much innocent blood has been shed; too many lives destroyed; too much hunger and starvation. This war must be ended not increased.
09.08.25
Cardinal Nichols responds to Third Reading of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 20.06.25
Excerpt below, click on picture link above for full statement
On Friday 20th June, Cardinal Vincent Nichols issued the following response after the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons by just 23 votes:
‘The vote in the House of Commons in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is a watershed moment in the history of our country. It fundamentally changes society’s long held values and relationships on matters of life and death.
Statement on the passing of Crime and Policing Bill amendment on abortion 17.06.25
Excerpt below, click on picture link above for full statement
Archbishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has commented on MPs passing an amendment on the decriminalisation of abortion during the debate on the Crime and Policing Bill on Tuesday, 17 June:“Today, Parliament passed an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, that effectively decriminalises abortion in England and Wales. We are deeply alarmed by this decision. Our alarm arises from our compassion for both mothers and unborn babies.
Ukraine
Pray for Peace in Ukraine
Click on the picture link above for details
Good news for prospective hosts
of Ukrainian refugees
October 2022
We are happy to announce a new matching service under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, supported by the nationwide Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) in England and Wales.
St John of God Hospitaller Services in partnership with CSAN are offering a matching pathway, training and support programme for sponsors and individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine. We aim to support people on their journey and provide opportunities to integrate into our community in the UK.
After months of the brutal Russian war in Ukraine, the number of people fleeing the war and in need of shelter remains high and will continue to rise as winter is fast approaching.
We are very conscious that so much of our attention is rightly focused on those at home who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. There will be those in our communities less affected by that who may be able and willing to open their hearts and homes to displaced people from Ukraine. Can you help?
CAFOD Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
At least 3 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine. Your donations will reach families who are in urgent need of help.
Parishes of Welcome
The war in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, and its people are continuing to flee. Would you like to help your parish extend a welcome to refugees? Are you seeking to host a family or individual - or do you already have a guest and experience you'd like to exchange with fellow hosts?
We have received numerous expressions of interest in hosting refugees from the conflict in Ukraine. Compassion and solidarity are alive and well in the Diocese of Nottingham. That's why we're opening a Parishes of Welcome scheme, to help you find the support you need as a welcomer, locally and nationally, within the Church and beyond.
Even if you don't have spare accommodation, there are already plenty of opportunities to develop the care, support and accompaniment that will help those who have fled Ukraine to find a place of safety.
Pope Francis Message for the 58th World Peace Day 01.01.25
Pope Francis Message for the 58th World Peace Day 01.01.25
Click on the picture link above to read the message
Sponsorship to all Ukrainian refugees
Click on the picture link above for details
Caritas in Ukraine
Caritas Ukraine and Caritas-Spes are working on the ground to help about 13.000 people in different parts of the country, and especially in critical areas such as Mariupol, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv and Odessa. Caritas Internationalis have launched a campaign to support their work, especially for the most vulnerable people, such as the elderly and children in the conflict zones.
#HelpUkraine
Organisations in Derby serving the Ukrainian community have come together to launch the #HelpUkraine appeal. The national launch was hosted by the Ukrainian Parish Church of St Michael the Archangel, near the Arboretum. It is introduced in the video above by Fr David Senyk, parish priest of communities the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in the area of our diocese.
You are invited to donate to this appeal, which is managed by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain with the Church's support. It represents the efforts of Ukrainians here in Nottingham Diocese and across the UK, and is the perfect way to show solidarity with our own neighbours, and their efforts for their compatriots, in this crisis.
youth2000uk Youth 2000 seeks to draw young people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, lived at the heart of the Catholic church. www.youth2000.org
Marriage Week 2025
7-14 February
Marriage Week is an annual celebration offering the opportunity to support and promote marriage and family life. It is celebrated from 7-14 February.
The Joy of Love
Reflection document on Marriage and Family Life
Click on the picture link above for details
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 28 July 2024
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly falls on Sunday 28 July 2024. Pope Francis has given the day the theme "Do not cast me off in my old age" c.f. Psalm 71:9
Pope Francis Message for the third world day for Grandparents and the Elderly 22.07.23
Click on the picture link above for details
Pope Francis Letter to Married Couples December 2021
Pope Francis Message for the first world day for Grandparents and the Elderly 25.07.21
Click on the picture link above to read the letter
Novena on the Care of Creation
The 'God Who Speaks' team offers this Novena of readings and prayers as tangible action to respond to the urgent climate change issues we all face.
please click on the picture link
A Father's Heart - A Podcast for Catholic Dads
This new podcast series from the Diocese of Nottingham for the Year of St Joseph will explore what does it mean to be a Catholic Dad , taking St Joseph as our model. Each month a section of the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde will be explored through conservation with two dads from the Diocese of Nottingham sharing their thoughts and experiences.
'Being a Disciple'
The 'Being a Disciple' series was run in conjunction between the Diocese of Nottingham and Catholic Voices over four evenings on Zoom in January 2021.
Brenden Thompson, CEO of Catholic Voices presented in each session a fundamental principle of being a Catholic disciple. Session 1 explores the Word of God and how as disciples we are called to internalise it that means to live it, to share it and to seek to know it better.
This course was aimed at both those who would like to grow in their personal discipleship and those who want to help others grow.
The recordings are presented here for you to access and use this course to help you grow as a disciple or to help others in your community.
Let us pray for peace, and let us bring it about, starting in our own homes!
May we help people to discover the joy of the Christian message: a message of love and mercy. Pope Francis
Pope Francis: our path is to take care of others
Pope Francis 03.02.15 - Daily contemplation of the Gospel
Daily contemplation of the Gospel helps us to have true hope. The Pope again urged people to take 10 minutes out of their day to pick up the Gospel and talk to the Lord, rather than waste it on TV soap operas or listening to other peoples’ gossip.
Take up the Gospel, read and imagine the scene, imagine what happens and talk to Jesus, from the heart. And with this we allow hope to grow, because we have our gaze fixed, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
We should all carry out this contemplative prayer. 'But I have so much to do!'. At home, 15 minutes, pick up the Gospel, a small passage, imagine what happened and talk with Jesus about it. So your gaze will be fixed on Jesus and not so much on a TV soap opera, for example. Your ears will be focused on the words of Jesus and not so much on your neighbourhood gossip ... ".
Hope comes from this prayer, he said, adding "our Christian life unfolds in that context, between memory and hope": "Memory of our past journey, memory of so many graces received from the Lord. And hope, looking at the Lord, who is the only one who can give me hope. And in order to gaze at the Lord, to know the Lord, we pick up the Gospel and carry out this contemplative prayer.
Today, for example, try for 10 minutes - 15, no more – to read the Gospel, picture it and say something to Jesus. And nothing more. And so your knowledge of Jesus will be bigger and your hope will grow.
Bishop Patrick recommends the new Pocket Gospels
Pope Francis has said "Everyone should carry a small Bible or a pocket edition of the Gospels and should find at least a few minutes every day to Read the Word of God"
Priced £4.99 from the Bible Society
Daily Readings - read the entire New Testament over a 2 year period
(reading plan courtesy of Gideon International)
Sunday & daily Mass live streamed at
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Thoughts from Elston Hermitage on Angels
Thoughts from Elston Hermitage on Angels
Of all things visible and invisible angels then are part of that invisible side of God's creation and so worthily deserve our attention.
Angels are God's messengers not only for great occasions but we can be assured they are constantly looking after us too as promised by the Psalmist 'The Lord will command his Angels to guard you in all your ways, they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone' (Ps. 91 11-12). Angels then are body and soul guards, and each of us has a guardian angel to watch over us.
Pope Francis: Guardian angels our companions on life’s journey
Pope Francis at Mass at Casa Santa Marta. "Guardian angels exist, they are not the fruit of imaginative doctrine, but companions that God has placed beside us on our life’s journey."
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