Please see below for information about services to help victims and survivors of church-related abuse:
Please follow the link to download this leaflet: Hurt by Abuse
[Read more…] about Safeguarding: Resources for Victims and SurvivorsBedford Prayer Line
Do you have worries or problems that are getting you down?
Bedford Prayer Line is a new phone line for anyone who feels overburdened or in need of prayer and would like our Catholic Church communities to pray for them.
Simply phone the number 07835 571333 and leave a message. A church volunteer will check the messages and our local Catholic Church communities will pray for those leaving messages and their requests.
SmartLoving Fertility
SmartLoving Fertility is an online course for learning how to manage fertility naturally in the context of the Catholic faith.
Based on the Sympto-Thermal method, the course incorporates a unique blend of scientific insights, relationship frameworks and Catholic Theology.
Please visit their website for more information: www.smartloving.org/fertility
EVC Uganda: A Good News Story
Many of you are generously sponsoring young children in Uganda in their education. Ted Fawcett, parishioner at St Joseph’s and chairman of EVC Uganda, gives us an update on the achievements of the charity during 2020:
EVC Uganda Chairman’s new year message
As I look back on 2020, with all its disruptions, I am pleased to report much positive news about our work in Uganda. The building of a boys’ and a girls’ dormitory at one of our primary schools has been completed and work has commenced there on the building of a five-classroom block, which will be used for the teaching of IT and vocational skills. This is due for completion in April and all of this work is a great step forward for the school. Regular inspections are carried out by qualified people on all EVC building work and the standard is consistently very high.
With the closure of schools in March, due to the virus, our team in Uganda has worked tirelessly and successfully to provide outreach education to the EVC sponsored children in their homes. On 15th October, those children due to sit their Primary Leaving Examination and those secondary students due to sit GCSE and A level exams returned to school. We hope to see the schools reopen for the remaining children in early January.
[Read more…] about EVC Uganda: A Good News StoryA Message of Hope
Canon Seamus has recorded a video message, inviting us to trust in God and to find hope and peace in daily prayer. He reminds us that, despite current uncertainties, the Lord is with us.
If we are comfortable, he also extends an invitation to attend Sunday Mass. Please see our latest newsletter for Mass Times.
Recognising the pain of Catholics unable to receive the Sacraments
A Message from the Metropolitan Archbishops
of the Catholic Church in England and Wales
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The radiance of the risen Lord shines upon us. At a time when so many shadows are cast into our lives, and upon our world, the light of the resurrection shines forever to renew and restore our hope. In the words of our Holy Father, Pope Francis: ‘In the midst of isolation when we are suffering from a lack of tenderness and chances to meet up, and we experience the loss of so many things, let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: he is risen and is living by our side.’ (27 March 2020)
The impact of Covid-19, both nationally and internationally, has been immense. So much of what we take for granted has changed. Our health and physical interaction, our capacity to travel and gather, have all been affected. There is uncertainty in our future, especially with work and the country’s economy. As we know, very sadly, large numbers of people have died because of the coronavirus, and others have been or remain seriously ill. Keyworkers, not least in the National Health Service and care sectors, are serving selflessly to sustain the life of our nation. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone who is suffering because of Covid-19, and to all those battling to overcome its effects. May those who have died rest in peace and those who are bereaved find comfort.
[Read more…] about Recognising the pain of Catholics unable to receive the Sacraments