November for Requiem Masses across the diocese All Young Adults  are warmly invited to meet across the diocese in November for Requiem Masses  celebrated in remembrance of those who have died.  Please bring with you the names of anyone you wish to pray for this month which will be added to our Mass intentions.  Arrivals from 6pm, Mass and social time finishing for 8pm. ·         Thursday   6 th  at Saint Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham; Mass at 6.30pm ·         Thursday 13 th  at Saint Hugh of Lincoln Church, Lincoln; Mass at 6.30pm ·         Thursday 20 th  at Saint Joseph’s Church, Burton Road, Derby; Mass at 7.00pm ·         Thursday 27 th  at Holy Cross Church, Leicester; Mass at 6.10pm Inviting Your Voice: A Faith-Based Study on Neurodiversity The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales and Birmingham Newman University are conducting research into Neurodiversity and our Faith . If you are an adult neurodivergent Catholic or a Caregiver of a neurodivergent Catholic, we want to hear from you. Your experiences will help us to become more inclusive and responsive to your needs. To find out more and to fill in our short surveys look here: www.godwhospeaks.uk/neurodivergent-catholic-surveys/ Dominican Young Adults Study Day – Dragons, Beasts, & Visions: Understanding Biblical Apocalyptic on Saturday 15th November A day for students and young adults (20s & 30s) exploring the Apocalyptic literature in the Bible, at The Frassati Centre, Leicester LE1 6HW, from 10.00am-4.30pm on Saturday 15 th  November .  There is no cost to attend but please register.  More information and registration details can be found at: www.english.op.org/godzdogz/dya-study-day-dragons-beasts-and-visions/ Be Still and Know that I am God on Friday 14th and Monday 17th November   Be Still and Know that I am God a three-days’ retreat led by Father Roger Dawson SJ, aiming to help participants find a greater attentiveness and disposition to God’s presence in their lives through a disciplining of the mind and awareness of the present moment.  The retreat will be held between Friday 14 th  and Monday 17 th November , at the Christian Heritage Centre, Lancashire.  More details can be found at: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god     Reimagining Baptism Conference Following the very successful conferences in London, Reimagining Baptism Conference is taking place on Friday 27 th  November  for clergy, and repeated on Saturday 28 th  November  others, at Saint Joseph's Church, Stockport, SK1 1EJ, with the keynote talk given by Abbot Hugh Allen O.Praem.  Details about the Conference are on the attached poster. A Day Advent Retreat: Figures of Advent on Saturday, 29 November 2025 As we enter the beautiful season of  Advent , you are warmly invited to take some quiet time for reflection, prayer, and renewal with  Fr. Chris Thomas  — Priest of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, Director of the Irenaeus Project, author, and inspirational speaker. Together, we will reflect on the  Figures of Advent  — the prophets, Mary, Joseph, and John the Baptist — whose faith, courage, and hope prepared the way for Christ’s coming. Through their example, we are invited to open our hearts to God’s promise and rediscover the gentle joy and hopeful waiting of this holy season. In this  Jubilee Year: “Pilgrims of Hope” , let us draw closer to the mystery of the Incarnation and renew our anticipation for the light of Christ who comes to dwell among us. Come and share in a day of  prayer, scripture, and fellowship , as we prepare together for the celebration of Christmas. All are very welcome! 📅  Date:  Saturday, 29 November 2025 ⏰  Time:  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Mass at 3:00 PM) 📍  Venue:  Presentation Sisters Convent, Matlock 🏠  Address:  Chesterfield Road, Matlock DE4 3FT (Please use the entrance for St. Joseph’s School) 💰  Suggested Donation:  £10 (or what you can afford) Please bring a packed lunch. Traditional tea and coffee will be provided, and if you prefer alternative drinks, please feel very welcome to bring your own. To register: 📧 Email:  associates@pbvmengland.co.uk Organised by  Friends of Nano Core Group (Presentation Sisters). Advent Online Retreat between Sunday 7th and Thursday 11th December The Jesuit Institute is offering an Advent Online Retreat between Sunday 7 th  and Thursday 11 th  December , giving participants   an opportunity to spend more time with God and listen to how God as at work in their lives in the lead up to Christmas.  Details, and booking information, is at:  www.jesuitinstitute.org/events/online-individually-guided-retreat---advent A Christmas Story: The Coming of the Lord on Friday 19th December in Saint Teresa's Catholic Church, Nottingham (NG8 3EP) The African Catholic Community Choir, Nottingham, warmly invites you to its Christmas Carol service A Christmas Story: The Coming of the Lord  on Friday 19 th  December  at 7.00pm, in Saint Teresa's Catholic Church, Nottingham (NG8 3EP).  Come and experience the beauty of the season through scripture, music, and reflection as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ.  All are welcome to share in this evening of faith, song, and community spirit. Men’s Retreat on either Wednesday 4th or Wednesday 11th February A Men’s Retreat  to experience Saint Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises in a 5-day, shortened form.  The retreat will be guided by the monastic community of Saint Joseph’s Abbey, Flavigny (France), founded with the charism of offering this version of the Exercises to men.  The retreat is open to men in all states of life, who wish to seek God’s will through a deepened detachment from the world, and is being held at the Christian Heritage Centre, Lancashire, starting on either Wednesday 4 th  or Wednesday 11 th  February.  More details can be found at: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-retreat-spiritual-exercises-of-st-ignatius   Vacancies A part-time, permanent Parish Administrator at The Parish of All Saints, Nottingham (NG8 3EP) The Parish of All Saints, Nottingham (NG8 3EP) is seeking to appoint a part-time, permanent Parish Administrator  working 10 hours per week (Mondays and Fridays), from a date to be agreed, and for £14.17 per hour (Band 4).  The parish is looking for someone with proven experience in administration and finance, ideally within parish, school, or charity settings.  The successful applicant will play a key role in supporting parish operations and financial processes.  For an informal conversation about the role contact Canon Stanley Ofoegbu stanley.ofoegbu@dioceseofnottingham.uk  or for an application form email office@dioceseofnottingham.uk   The closing date is Monday 17 th November

Contributed by a visiting university student from France When Saint Thomas Aquinas was a student, his classmates nicknamed him the “Dumb Ox.” This meant that he worked hard but quietly, never seeking attention, appearing even slow and silent. His teacher, Saint Albert the Great, replied: “You call him the dumb ox, but one day he will bellow so loudly that his voice will resound throughout the world.” That prophecy came true: Thomas became the greatest of all scholastic theologians. Do you know what Saint Aloysius (Louis) Gonzaga answered when someone asked him what he would do if he were to die within a quarter of an hour, while he was playing during recreation time? He simply replied that he would continue playing. Would we have answered the same way? Wouldn’t most of us have rushed off to confession? Both anecdotes happened during the childhood of two great saints—both of whom are invoked by students for their studies. So how can a student become a saint in today’s world? By building his life on three pillars: 1. The first pillar: the spiritual life A Catholic today cannot live without a spiritual life if he wishes to resist all the temptations that surround him. This spiritual life should be built upon morning and evening prayer, Sunday Mass, and the Rosary. If possible, we should also add daily Mass and spiritual reading. Our soul needs to be nourished. The Samaritan woman asked Jesus for water: “Give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty. “That should be our attitude: we must draw strength from Our Lord. Let us also strive to sanctify our day through ejaculatory prayers—they help us to make the present moment holy. Saint Francis de Sales described them as “arrows of love.” They are short prayers such as: “Lord, I love you,” or “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you. “These will help us to maintain fervour throughout the day. 2. The second pillar: study Study is our duty of state, and we must not fail in it. Let us remember the parable of the two sons sent by their father to work in the vineyard (Matthew 21):one refused but later obeyed out of fidelity to his father. The duty of state is what God asks of each of us, and for students, it is the faithful pursuit of our studies. Let us not be mediocre! Let us also take time to study what the Church teaches—for example, by reading the papal encyclicals. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Quas Primas, the encyclical of Pope Pius XI on Christ the King. By reading it, we can discover many concrete and practical counsels that apply even to us students. By following them, we can grow in holiness—and make good use of our time. When we arrive in Heaven, God will ask us to account for every moment of our lives: “How was your time spent? “What a grace it will be if we can render an account of time well used! 3. The third pillar: friendship Student life is a privileged time to form true friendships. We will not go to Heaven alone.We must choose carefully the friends we spend time with. If they are good examples, solid Catholics, and help us grow in virtue, our path to Heaven will be much easier. But if, on the contrary, they drag us down, then we must part ways. A friend should be someone with whom we can relax in a wholesome way. Indeed, a student must have recreation—but he must do it well! A true friend will help him to do just that.

We are delighted to share the wonderful news of our recent diocesan pilgrimage to Rome for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. A group of 28 pilgrims from our diocese — including 14 young parishioners, Fr. Evarist, and Fr. Deogratias  — travelled together on this faith-filled 4-day journey. Our pilgrimage began in Assisi, where we visited the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Basilica of St. Francis, learning about their unwavering faith and deep love for God. On 7th September, a beautiful and sunny day, we joined the Canonisation Mass together with 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, hundreds of priests, and an estimated 80,000 faithful from around the world. It was a powerful moment of prayer and joy for all of us. We concluded our pilgrimage with visits to the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Mary Major, where we had the privilege of walking through the Holy Doors at both basilicas and praying for our beloved late Pope Francis. These moments were deeply moving, symbolising grace, renewal, and the universal call to faith. This was truly a fruitful and inspiring journey, especially for our young pilgrims who returned home filled with excitement and renewed faith. A special thanks to Giorgia for keeping everyone connected and sharing updates on social media throughout the trip — it helped bring the pilgrimage experience to our wider parish family. Thank you once again for your generosity and support in making this pilgrimage possible. Femke - Year 10 at The South Wolds Academy and Sixth Form I feel ever since I took this journey to the holy city, something has truly shifted spiritually in my ideologies of what we, as humans- made in the image of God and the pinnacle of creation, should strive for. The holy atmosphere presented before my person made me aware that mankind should not be fooled by the feeble image of consumerism and materialistic depictions of "the next best trends" or money, but should pursue in something more dependable and fulfilling- like relationships with not only new people, but Christ himself. The lament embodied by statues and paintings within these glorious basilicas and historic landmarks I feel unites the community of Christianity and helps us as individuals to overcome the pain and turmoil we may face in society, attempting to steer us away from the correct path in hunger and urges of vengeance. The symbolism of gold and beauty conveyed through these picturesque structures emphasises that our trust and faith in the Lord will lead to strength and resilience, in learning how to be compassionate and loving towards our neighbours and enemies, as difficult as it may be, just as the Son did for each and every one of us. Recalling the day of the canonisation, I find myself overcome with gratitude to all the Fathers and Ceci :) for all making the visit so memorable. Being at the gates of St. Peter's square while waiting to witness the occasion, hearing the sounds of  harmonisation, illustrating the sacred portrayal of the Pope and the congregation as a whole, felt personally that we were in the presence of the Holy Spirit and Angels from God's kingdom from above. For the most part, if I were to summarise this journey into one sentence, it would be "life-changing". Louis - Year 9 at West Bridgford School, preparing to receive Sacrament of Baptism and Eucharist I found the trip to Rome and Assisi very good and also very moving. I was very excited when we all got onto the coach outside of the Holy Spirit Church and was still very excited when we got off the plane and onto the coach to Assisi. The hotel there was very nice apart from when me and Tristan had to put towels inside of the air conditioner because it stopped working and it was leaking water everywhere. When we got to Assisi it was great because the views from there were really good. Going into Saint Clare's Basilica was really moving, especially seeing Saint Clare and the Cross that Jesus spoke to Saint Francis through. When we saw Saint Carlo Acutis's body it quite strange because his body was preserved so well he looked like I could have seen him in one of my classes at school. It was quite strange seeing someone who was practically the same age as me becoming a Saint but it was a great reminder that anyone can achieve Sainthood. When we went to St Francis's Basilica for mass in one of the Chapels it was a really good mass and walking around it afterwards was great. Then leading the Rosary on the Coach ride back to Rome with the rest of the young people was great so was getting to tell people the coach how I found the trip so far was good too. When we got to Rome it was about 7 in the afternoon so we all had dinner in the hotel which was nice. When me and Tristan woke up in the morning on Sunday we had to rush to get downstairs for breakfast because we slept through our alarms at 5.45 and I had gotten woken up by a fire truck at 7 oclock so we had to rush getting dressed and brushing our teeth we then ran downstairs too breakfast. Waiting outside of the walls of the Vatican was quite good because we got into the Vatican in less time than I had expected then once we got in the mass was just about to start. When the mass had started I didn't really understand what was going on because I don't know any Latin but I also felt I knew what was going on a little. Going around Rome was nice seeing the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon was great The Colosseum was great to especially because we came there at night but the best place I went when I was walking around Rome was the Spanish Steps and the Trinita dei monti was great to not only because I won the race up the steps or because it's beautiful in there but also because me and all the young people there had a really good long talk outside of the Church which was good because I could really relate to the things that they were saying. On the last day I didn't oversleep, in fact I woke up early because I had set my alarm wrong. Going to St Peter's Basilica was really nice, especially carrying the Cross there. What I also found great was the St Mary Major Basilica because the Mass in one of the Chapels with the 3 Priests and the 5 Franciscan Friars was really good. Also seeing the tomb of Pope Francis was really moving, so was seeing the Manger Jesus was born in. Going to Rome and Assisi was amazing and I am so grateful for the people who donated for the trip so that me and other young people could go. I will never forget going there and it really helped me grow my Faith and get closer to God. Tinashe, Year 9 at the Becket School / Altar Server at Holy Spirit I had the privilege of joining the pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi in September 2025 for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Our journey began in Nottingham, travelling to Stansted and then on to Italy. We first visited Assisi, where we attended Mass, bought souvenirs, and prayed at the resting place of Blessed Carlo. From there, we made our way to Rome.                     The highlight of the pilgrimage was the grand Canonisation Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Standing among tens of thousands of faithful, I felt part of a truly historic moment — one I will never forget. During our time in Rome, we also visited many beautiful churches, enjoyed sightseeing, and of course, tasted plenty of delicious Italian food! I am deeply grateful to God, our benefactors, priests, and all the supporters who made this pilgrimage possible. St. Carlo’s example of faith and service continues to inspire me — and I hope many other young people — to live selflessly and stay devoted to God. Tawana, Year 4 from St Peter’s Jnr School. My favourite part about the pilgrimage was going inside of St Peter’s basilica through the Holy door, but also seeing St Carlo Acutis, St Clare and St Francis’ tombs. I enjoyed seeing the Vatican the most and saying prayers together with the group.                                                  Seb and Tinashe, Year 11 and Year 9 at the Becket School

“[Love for the poor] is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation: contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history. In the poor, he continues to speak to us.” (Pope Leo XIV) More Resources The text of Dilexi Te   [Download Link] An Infographic outlining the Exhortation. [Download Link] A presentation of Dilexi Te from Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. [Download Link] A presentation from Father Frédéric-Marie Le Méhauté. [Download Link] A presentation from Sister Clémence. [Download Link] A Synthesis of the Exhortation. [Download Link]

Prayer 📖 Carlo's Official Website Prayer booklet 🌐 Explore More About Carlo   📖 Carlo’s Eucharistic Miracles Website:  http://www.miracolieucaristici.org   🎥 EWTN Documentary: I am With You - A Documentary on Carlo Acutis   🎥 Formed.org :  The Boy From Milan (watch the trailer ) 📰 Vatican News: Miracles attributed to Carlo Acutis YouTube 🎥 The Life of Carlo Acutis Saints in Seven: Carlo Acutis 🎥 Lego Short Film on Carlo Acutis 🎥 EWTN Cartoon About Carlo Acutis 🎥 What’s The Story of Blessed Carlo Acutis?

We are deeply grateful for the care and thought so many of you gave to our recent parish consultation. The response was truly remarkable — a sign of the love you have for our Church and our shared mission. From your feedback, we know the process was not perfect and had some shortcomings. We have listened and learned from these. What you shared is both important and valuable: it reveals the strength of our faith, the vitality of our communities, and our shared desire to be missionary disciples. It also points us towards key questions and new directions for the future. Full Consultation Report The full report is 14 pages — clear, easy to read, and a fascinating picture of where we are as a parish and as local communities. Download the full report [CLICK HERE] . If you need a printed copy, please contact the Parish Office . Summary Version A 2-page summary with key headlines is available at the back of the church. Download the summary [CLICK HERE] . We want to thank especially our volunteer team who analysed the data for their careful data analysis, and the Parish Mission  Group (PMG) and Local Church Group (LCG) for their tireless effort in reaching this important milestone. Your hard work has made this consultation possible. We’re delighted to share this report with you promptly, so everyone has space to read, pray, and reflect on what it shows us. In the weeks ahead, we will continue discerning together and consult with the Diocese and the Bishop as we plan the way forward. Please take some time over the next couple of weeks to read the report, share and discuss it in your local communities, and continue this spirit of listening and hope. Let us give thanks that so many voices have been heard — voices that express concerns but also deep hope for our future. Together, guided by the Holy Spirit, we move forward with faith and confidence. Related post Missionary Discipleship Lived Out: Roadshow 2025 Report:

Update - 3rd September, 2025 Bishop Patrick asks that parish priests encourage their parishioners to write to Peers in the House of Lords (and that parish priests write themselves) about the Assisted Suicide legislation which is being considered by the House of Lords.  Included with this Roundup are: The Statement of Archbishop John Sherrington ; Some suggestions about How to write to a Pee r ; Questions and Answers   about the proposed legislation prepared by the Catholic Union. Cardinal Nichols responds to Third Reading of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Archbishop Sherrington statement on the Third Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Assisted Suicide The Catholic Church supports and upholds a compassionate response to those in the last stages of their life. However, there can be no safe or limited assisted suicide law. The Church, consistent with the nature of her mission, is clear that “we cannot directly choose to take the life of another, even if they request it.” For the terminally ill patient, “incurable cannot mean that care has come to an end.”

The Parish Finance Statements are now available.   If you would like to get more details about this report, please contact Cecilia Cheung (Parish Finance Administrator), cecilia.cheung@dioceseofnottingham.uk

Services marking the death and celebrating the life of Pope Francis Vespers for the Dead | Holy Spirit, West Bridgford Friday 25th April at 7.00PM Adoration at 6.30pm and followed by Vespers and then Mass at 7.30pm Solemn Vespers | Saint Barnabas Cathedral Friday 25th April at 7.00PM Live Stream Link Diocesan Requiem Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis | Saint Barnabas Cathedral Saturday 26th April at 6.30PM Live Stream Link Parish Requiem Mass | St Margaret Clitherow, Keyworth Sunday 27th April at 9AM Jubilee Churches with Books of Remembrance Cathedral Church of Saint Barnabas | 7AM - 7PM Good Shepherd, Woodthorpe | 7AM - 8.30PM Saint Philip Neri, Mansfield Our Lady of Lincoln, Lincoln Our Lady and Saint Norbert, Spalding Saint Mary, Derby Saint Joseph, Matlock Holy Cross Priory, Leicester | 7.30AM - 7.30PM Saint Mary of the Annunciation, Loughborough Our churches with Books of Remembrance Holy Spirit: open daily | 9AM - 4PM St Anne, Radcliffe on Trent | open daily St Margaret Clitherow, Keyworth: Thursday and Friday 24th and 25th April | 9AM - 12 NOON Our Lady of Grace, Cotgrave: Thursday and Friday 24th and 25th April | 10AM - 12 NOON Prayers for the late Holy Father, and for the Church Official Prayer Card prepared by the Liturgy Office Diocese of Nottingham - Online book of remembrance, as well as the biography, statement and information relating to the death of Pope Francis Read more

We congratulate nineteen members of our community who were baptised and confirmed or received into the Church this Easter.   Catherine (Merryn)   I am deeply grateful for the guidance, kindness, and support I received from everyone involved in the RCIA program. It was a truly enriching experience to explore the Bible readings and delve into the Catechism, which helped prepare me for this beautiful new chapter in my life. Our parish is filled with some of the warmest and most caring people I've ever met, and their encouragement has meant so much to me on my journey to baptism. I'm especially thankful to Fr. John and Fr. Evarist for their time and patience. Since being received into the Catholic Church, I've experienced a profound peace and joy in my heart — something I never knew was possible. This has truly been the best decision of my life. To anyone seeking deeper meaning and purpose, I wholeheartedly encourage you to come and see!  Anne (Sponsor and Helpers)   It was a wonderful opportunity for myself as a helper to share in the  candidates’ journey to joining the community of the Annunciation Parish. Their love and joy at receiving the sacraments permeated the atmosphere. Catherine Laboure (Sarah)    I have received so much support on my journey to being received for full communion in the Catholic faith. It has been informative, at times challenging, but overall enlightening. Everyone facilitating and participating in the RCIA course has been welcoming and non judgemental. I have really enjoyed the journey of discovery and becoming part of the Catholic family.  Cecilia (Catechist) Having been in the UK for three years, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue assisting with the catechumenate in the parish, nurturing new Catholics. Walking alongside the catechumens and accompanying them on their journey of faith truly depends on God's guidance. Baptism is not the end, but the beginning. Faith is a lifelong commitment. I hope that the new Catholics will continue to actively participate in Mass, engage in parish activities, frequently receive the sacraments, and together experience the grace of the Lord. Joseph (Vincent) & Alice (Shadow) 信仰耶蘇基督，是我們一家的決定，當由我們為大兒子選讀天主教幼稚園開始。移居英國後，很高興從認識第一個家庭帶領之下來到這個教會。這裏的感覺很好，很舒服，不會有壓迫感。 不知道是不是神的安排，兩三個月之後，我們一家總算是安定下來，我們參加彌撒時就知道很快會有RCIA，有機會更加了解這個信仰。 還記得導師Pat在第一堂第一個分享，她個人希望有朝一日所有基督徒都是天主教徒。但最令我深感震撼的是，當她解釋約瑟聽到聖靈的說話去埃及時。她說：「你們可能都是因為相信，所以移民英國」。 另一方面，我們很難想像一個五歲和一兩歲的小孩子，可能安安靜靜地上完整個彌撒，也沒有搗蛋地完成所有RCIA。事實上他們做到了。 可以說一路上我們深深感受到神的陪伴與帶領。當受浸的那一刻來臨，我深刻體會到神無比的恩典與愛，讓我真正明白什麼是真正的平安與滿足。 我感謝神賜下這份恩典，也盼望能將這份平安與喜悅分享給你們。願我們都能在神的愛中同行，經歷祂的豐盛祝福。 Believing in Jesus Christ was a decision made by our whole family, beginning when we chose to enrol our eldest son in a Catholic kindergarten. After moving to the UK, we were delighted to be introduced to this church by the first family we got to know here. The atmosphere felt welcoming and comfortable—never overwhelming or pressured. Looking back, it almost feels as though it was all part of God's plan. Just two or three months after settling in, we found some stability as a family, and around that time, we heard during Mass that the RCIA programme would be starting soon—an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the faith. I still remember our catechist Pat’s very first sharing in the first session. She said that, personally, she hoped that one day all Christians would be Catholics. But what struck me the most was when she described how Joseph responded to the Holy Spirit’s message and fled to Egypt. She said, “Perhaps you, too, moved to the UK because of your faith.” On a practical level, we could hardly imagine how a five-year-old and a toddler could sit quietly through an entire Mass—let alone make it through the entire RCIA process without causing a fuss. Yet, by God’s grace, they did. Throughout the journey, we have truly felt God’s presence and guidance. When the moment of baptism came, I experienced God’s immense grace and love in a profound way. It gave me a deep sense of peace and fulfilment that I had never known before. I am grateful to God for this gift and hope to share that same peace and joy with you. May we all walk together in God’s love and continue to experience His abundant blessings. Luke (Ciao)    很高興自己在教會及導師的幫忙下終於接受領洗，在這個慕道班裏認識到很多教友和導師.很多謝每一位的付出。在領洗的當晚其實有一點緊張，但當想到接受領洗時會將過往所犯的錯被天主赦免，感覺像所有的事情都重新開始。 I’m very grateful to have finally received baptism, with the support of the Church and our catechists. Through the RCIA programme, I’ve come to know many fellow parishioners and mentors, and I truly appreciate everything each person has contributed. I was a little nervous on the evening of the baptism, but when I thought about how my past sins would be forgiven by God through the sacrament, it felt like a fresh start—as though everything in life was beginning anew. Mark (Kirk)     I am truly grateful to have completed my baptism under God's guidance. This day holds deep meaning for me, marking the beginning of my new journey of faith as a child of God. During my preparation, I faced difficulties due to a back injury, which at times made me feel helpless. However, many brothers and sisters in the parish showed me great care — praying for me and offering help without hesitation. Their warmth and support gave me the strength to persevere and allowed me to truly experience how God's love flows through the people around us. I am deeply thankful to the parish and all the catechists for their continuous guidance and encouragement. Moving forward, I will strive to grow in faith and live out the love and hope that God has given me. Sylvia In the past, I believed in God, and it is no doubt on God’s love and salvation. However, I had the impressions on Catholics that all teachings are bounded by rigid rules and very formal as well as so many statues. It stopped me to step in more.  Over ten years later, it is so amazing that God brings me and my family to join the Catholic community in UK and even my family are baptised in April 2025. Through the teachings from RCIA helpers at Holy Spirit Church and supporting from sponsors/godparents, it makes me more understanding on Catholics. I reacquaint myself with faith in Catholic church.  When Fr John anointed me with the oil of salvation, I felt my shoulder and head were warm and my headache was gone. I experienced the healing from God. I kept on praying before baptism and I trust that it is the path which God has already planned for me and my family. After baptism, I have peace in my heart and will continue to work hard to walk through the faith journey together with my family.                                                             Zechariah   (Ben)   Having just been baptised, my heart is filled with gratitude and joy. I decided to begin this journey of faith because my wife and son had already become Catholics, and I hoped to grow together with them spiritually. This desire to walk with my family in faith became the first step that led me closer to God. During the catechumenate, I felt truly blessed to be able to attend classes with a big group of friends who, like me, had come from Hong Kong to the UK. We shared our thoughts, encouraged each other, and created a warm and supportive environment. What touched me most was learning about Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbour as yourself.” His example helped me reflect deeply and rediscover who I am and how I want to live. On the day of my baptism, I felt like I was being welcomed into a big, loving family. I was a bit nervous, but even more so, I was excited and hopeful. It was a moment of peace and deep emotion. Now that I’m baptised, I hope to learn to love the people around me even more. I want to turn to God in prayer regularly, and strive each day to become a better person — little by little, more like Christ. I’d also like to express my thanks to all the catechists and helpers who dedicated their time to guide us, especially Pat, Cecilia, and Ceci. Their care and commitment helped me gain a much deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and drew me closer to God. May God bless everyone on their journey — no matter where you are along the path, if your heart is seeking, God will surely lead the way. Zoe   Recently, I received the Sacrament of Baptism and I wanted to share a few words from my heart. It was a quiet and sacred moment. When the water was poured and the words were spoken, I felt a deep sense of peace and stillness as if God was gently embracing me. Baptism, for me, was not the end but a beginning - a starting point of a lifelong journey with Christ, held by the love of God and guided by the light of His presence. I am deeply grateful to be part of this faith community and I look forward to walking this journey with all of you. Thank you for your prayers and your presence. Alice (Helper) As an RCIA helper, I was especially moved to see how sincerely and wholeheartedly our catechumen(s) embraced this life-changing sacrament. Their faith journey—filled with questions, prayer, and deep reflection—has been an inspiration to all of us walking alongside them. Baptism marks not an end, but a beginning—a beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship, nourished by the sacraments, supported by community, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Let us as a parish community continue to pray for and encourage our newly baptized as they continue growing in faith and living out the Gospel Ceci (Faith Formation Coordinator) This is my second year supporting the RCIA, and it’s a joy to accompany the candidates on their faith journey. It’s been a meaningful experience for me as well—their passion and faith constantly inspire and remind me of God’s work in our lives. I’m truly grateful for the amazing things God is doing among us. Let us continue to keep them and their vocations in our prayers.

The  2025 Jubilee Year   ‘Pilgrims of Hope’  is fast approaching and the  2024 Year of Prayer  is about to conclude. The Jubilee Year will run from the opening of the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, on  Tuesday 24 December 2024  to the  Feast of Epiphany 2026. Pastoral Letter from Bishop Patrick More details: Diocese of Nottingham | Year of Jubilee Resources: Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales Jubilee 2025 Official Site Jubilee Prayer Card Podcast Watch Bishop Patrick’s Message for the Opening of the Jubilee Year Year of Prayers Live Talks: A pilgrimage towards the Jubilee Year 2025