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Upcoming Events in the Diocese of Nottingham and Nearby Parishes

Parish of the Annunciation Rushcliffe
6 days ago
8 min read
Catechist Formation - Three Online Course from Thursday 5th November

Catechist Formation The Diocese of Nottingham is offering three courses about being a catechist: if you are interested in being a catechist, or are just starting out, or if you have been a Catechist for a long time, there is a course for you. All courses are on Zoom on Thursday evenings, with the first course, Encounter Catechesis, exploring four big questions about the foundations of catechesis, from Thursday 5th November. Speak to your parish priest, or email formation@dioceseofnottingham.uk

The Live Simply Group at Holy Family Parish, Nottingham, and Gedling Climate Change group invite anyone interested to a free screening of the ‘People's Emergency Briefing’.  Nine leading UK scientists and experts explain what's happening with climate and nature and what it means for everyday life.  After the screening will be a discussion about how the community can come together to address the local impacts of climate change and nature loss. The screening is suitable for ages 16 and over; to reserve a free ticket, go to https://buytickets.at/pebnotts/2417002.  Support is also available for parishes wishing to host their own screening, at caritas@dioceseofnottingham.uk.

AI, Security and Peace: What kind of future are we creating? Artificial intelligence is transforming our world at extraordinary speed, raising questions about human dignity, ethics, freedom and the common good. How do we ensure that technology remains at the service of humanity, and contributes to peace rather than undermining it? Join Pax Christi for a free online on Thursday 12th November, at 7.00pm – 8.30pm for a thought-provoking presentation with Aaron Humphriss and Emmanuel Fisseha, exploring the ethical challenges posed by AI and its growing impact on human dignity. Register at https://paxchristi.org.uk/event/ai-security-and-peace/?instance_id=1647

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is holding a Retreat Day at Harvington Hall, near Kidderminster, on Saturday 14th November.  Two inspiring speakers, Father Stephen Ojapah, who survived being kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria, and Timothy Cho, who escaped from North Korea, will give input, together with a private tour of the Hall, Benediction, and Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Timothy Menezes.  The day runs from 10.30am–5pm and costs £25 per person.  More details are on the poster at the back of church.

Saint Mary's University, Twickenham, in partnership with Saint Joseph's Hospice, Hackney, is offering a funded PhD studentship (full fees and stipend) investigating ‘Care at a Distance: Hospice at Home, Virtual Palliative Care and Faith Communities’.  How do people decide whether to accept Hospice at Home, virtual wards and telehealth services at the end of life?  Whom do they trust to explain them?  How can hospices communicate these services more effectively within ethnically diverse faith communities?  The deadline for submissions is Friday 20th November, and more information is available from careathomephd@stmarys.ac.uk

ADVENTure 2026, a weekend at The Briars, Crich, for young people in school years 10-13 as Advent begins, from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November. The diocesan youth service opens the centre for prayer, honest conversation, Mass, reconciliation and an Advent party! Young people can come alone or with a friend (plenty do), and first-timers are especially welcome. The cost is £50, covering accommodation, meals and the whole weekend. Book through the form at ndcys.com by 13th November, or email events@ndcys.com with any questions. Bursaries are available.

Nottingham Catholic Medical Association (CMA) warmly invites all in healthcare (working, students and retired) to its Annual Mass celebrated by Canon Chris Thomas on Monday 30th November at 7.30pm in Sacred Heart Church, Carlton NG4 1FP (large car park and on the lilac bus line).  Afterwards please stay to meet others over drinks and light refreshments in the church hall, where Professor David Paton will say a few words about Saint Colette's Pregnancy Support Centre.  Friends and family are very welcome.  For more information contact Caroline 07757 285 888.  Booking is not essential but helps with planning.

The Saint Colette’s Pregnancy Support Centre, Nottingham, our centre for supporting pregnant women and their families, marks five years since it was opened. All are welcome to join the celebration on Wednesday 9th December, with veneration of the Poor Clare Colettine’s Veil of Saint Colette from 6.30pm, and Mass offered by Bishop Patrick at 7.00pm, in Saint Paul's church, Lenton Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 2BY. After Mass there will be refreshments and live music in the social centre. For more information contact pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk

All are warmly invited to celebrate the beautiful feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the unborn, on Saturday 12th December at Saint Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham NG1 5AE.  Mass will be celebrated at 12.00 noon, followed by a talk (12.45pm) by Father Patrick Lynch MIC about the incredible story of the apparition of Our Lady in 1531, the image which she left for us, and the enormous impact of this event upon Catholicism.  At 1.15pm refreshments and games on a Mexican theme (bring a dish to share), finishing at 3.30pm.  There is no cost, although donations are welcome.  For more information, contact pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk

Encounter England is a two-day experience of Spirit-filled worship, transformational teaching, the Eucharist, and prayer ministry, designed to awaken a desire for more of God. Taking place on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th December, at Holy Cross Church, Leicester, current Encounter students receive a discounted ticket, as do any clergy; there’s also a clergy lunch on Friday before the event, and a discount available for 18–35s (message directly for details). Early bird pricing is also available for the next couple of weeks! Visit https://encounterministries.regfox.com/uk-launch-december-11-12-2026

Flame is the national Catholic youth gathering, run by CYMFed (the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation). Every two years Catholic young people from across England and Wales fill Wembley Arena for a day of music, speakers and prayer. For many young people it’s the first time they see how big the Church they belong to actually is and how alive it feels. The Diocesan Youth Service has 400 passes for school and parish groups, with ticket-only or coach packages available. To book email bookings@ndcys.com or visit www.ndcys.com/flame/

Vacancies / Appeal for Volunteers  


Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust Vacancies: https://www.ololcatholicmat.co.uk/work-with-us/vacancies/


The Hearts in Search of God project - Recurit One or Two diocesan promoters for Nottingham Diocese

The Hearts in Search of God project promotes walking pilgrimages in England and Wales by developing Pilgrim Ways in every Catholic Diocese.  The project is looking to recruit one or two diocesan promoters for Nottingham Diocese.  Anyone interested in finding out more is asked to contact simon.gillespie@dioceseofnottingham.uk for further details.

The Diocese is looking to appoint a DBS Administrator and Safeguarding Support as a one-year fixed-term full time (37.5 hours) appointment, co-ordinating online and paper DBS re-check applications; checking, countersigning and tracking applications; maintaining accurate records and monitoring renewal dates; liaising with parish safeguarding representatives, HR, clergy, employees and volunteers;

resolving queries; and providing general administrative support to the Safeguarding Department. The salary is £29,000 per annum, based at the Diocesan Office, Castle Quay, Nottingham, NG7 1FW, with hybrid working considered. To request an application form and job description email office@dioceseofnottingham.uk the closing date is Sunday 1st November.


Other Information

CAFOD World Gift

Love your neighbour and share the joy of Christmas with a CAFOD World Gift, from safe water to school supplies! A meaningful way to bless loved ones while putting your faith into action in solidarity with families around the world. Collect a catalogue from church, call 0300 777 0030 or visit www.worldgifts.cafod.org.uk.


Do you know someone on low-income and in financial crisis?  You, or a household you know, may be able to benefit from the Crisis and Resilience Fund, an emergency grant scheme administered by your county or city council.  For further details visit Turn2Us: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/crisis-and-resilience-fund/what-is-the-crisis-and-resilience-fund

Parents of Pre-School Children: Apply for your Child's Reception Place. If your child was born between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023, he or she will be due to start Reception in September 2027. You must apply for a primary school place through your home Local Authority by 15th January 2027. Even if your child currently attends the nursery or pre-school attached to your preferred primary school, you must still submit a Reception Application through your Local Authority. Attendance at a nursery does not guarantee or automatically secure a Reception place.

If you would like your child to be considered for a Catholic primary school under a Catholic faith admission criterion, there is an additional step:

  • Complete the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF).

  • Send the completed SIF directly to the school.

  • Send the required supporting evidence (for example, a copy of your child's Baptism Certificate) directly to the school.

The Supplementary Information Form and supporting evidence must be sent to the school, NOT to the Local Authority. The Local Authority application and the school's Supplementary Information Form are separate processes. Both must be completed by the deadline if you wish your child to be considered under the school's faith-based admissions criteria. If the school does not receive the Supplementary Information Form and supporting evidence by the deadline, your child may be placed in a lower admissions category, which could affect their chance of securing a place. If you do not have a copy of your child's Baptism Certificate, please contact the parish where your child was baptised as soon as possible to request a replacement.

St Colette's Pregnancy Support Centre

The Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme takes place between 25th June and 1st September, with a temporary reduction on VAT from 20% to 5% on children's meals in restaurants, children and family tickets to cinemas, theatres, concerts, exhibitions and a wide range of other attractions.  In addition, there is to be free bus travel during August for children aged 5 to 15 in England.  Full details can be found at: https://summersavings.gov.uk

Are you looking to connect your Catholic faith with the realities of work, parenting, and daily life? If so, check out the weekly blog at www.everymantheology.com Written by Geoff, a Diocesan Catholic RE teacher, husband, and father of two, each weekly post offers thoughtful, relatable reflection designed for everyday men and women seeking God in the middle ground between basic introductions and heavy academic theology. Find God in the real world, the real mess, the real stresses of everyday life.

The Catholic Student Network hosted the Catholic Students Leadership Summit 2026 which gathered 72 students, 8 Chaplains, and 7 partner organisations from across England and Wales for a weekend of leadership training, faith formation, community and prayer.  Sessions covered discipleship, Catholic leadership, teamwork, culture, hospitality, outreach, and role specific training from speakers such as Abbot Hugh Allan, equipping students with the tools needed to uphold positions of leadership in a confident and Christ-centred way.  There is time for Mass, prayer, Adoration and Confession, as well as opportunities for students to network with each other and with missional organisations.  As students receive fruitful formation in their faith and have opportunities for impactful leadership training, they can pass this on whilst on campus and bring about new generations of faithful young Catholic leaders.


 
 
 

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