THE PICKWICK PAPERS: Join the lovable Mr. Pickwick and his eccentric band of companions as they bumble their way on a rollicking journey through confusing courtships, courtroom shenanigans, questionable duels, and carriage rides gone terribly wrong. Pack your picnic, secure your seat and prepare for an uproarious adventure with The Pickwick Society—where the only certainty is a thoroughly good time will be had by all! Belmont Abbey grounds, Saturday, 8th August at 7.00pm-9.30pm Tickets: adults £18, children (under 16yrs) £8 Box Ofice: 03306 600541 - www.bit.ly/Pickwick-Belmont
THE BIBLE: MYTH OR HISTORY?: A free illustrated lecture series in Biblical Archaeology with David Rohl. Session 6 - Conquest: The arrival of Joshua and the Israelite tribes in the Promised Land. The destruction of Jericho. The discovery of Ai. Joshua’s Long Day. King Jabin of Hazor. Joshua’s Covenant Stone at Shechem. Saturday, 8th August 2.00pm to 4.00pm, in The Chapterhouse, Belmont Abbey. Free parking, Free entry. Monthly lectures on the second Saturday of each month.
HEALING SERVICE: The next monthly service of prayers for healing takes place in the Abbey Church at 6.45pm on Friday, 7th August, led by Fr Michael Clothier from the Community of Saint Gregory the Great. There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions will be available. All are most welcome.
Dear friends in Christ, This weekend we will welcome Fr Liam Durrant MHM to give a Red Box Appeal. Thank you to all parishioners who already give to the Pope’s charity for World Mission. Your generous donations either through the Red Box or Direct Debit support the Church around the World where it is young or in need. There will not be a second collection, as the appeal is for membership to the Red Box scheme. Please keep the work of Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries in your prayers. You can find more information or set up a Direct Debit online at missio.org.uk. I have been asked to pass on the message that due a few of cancellations there are now 5 places available to join the SFX’s Rome Pilgrimage from Monday, 5th to Saturday, 9th October. A fully escorted pilgrimage with expert guides and staying in a 4 * hotel right by the Vatican. For further details, please contact the SFX office on hereford2@cardiffmenevia.org. The Parish has recently made a donation of £250 to Food for Families who, help support families in the Golden Valley who rely on free school meals within eight local primary schools. The number of families identified by the schools has increased to 70 from 65 when we made our last donation; the need is still very great.
OUR LADY'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL: Currently has places available in nearly all year groups. Families seeking a caring, nurturing environment with high expectations, excellent teaching, and a strong Catholic ethos are warmly invited to visit. Our recently published Ofsted report recognises that "A positive and inclusive culture is at the heart of Our Lady's RC Primary," relecting a school where children are safe, valued, and supported to achieve their very best. If you are considering a place for your child, or would simply like to ind out more about everything Our Lady's has to offer, please contact the school ofice on 01432 274814 or email: admin@our-ladys.hereford.sch.uk to arrange a personal tour of the school.
CAFOD - DAY OF CREATION: On Tuesday, 1st September the season of creation commences. This is an ecumenical celebration uniting Christians in prayer for and in praise of God's glorious creation. The theme for this year is living waters. Please join us on this day for a meditative walk around the Abbey grounds pausing and relecting at beautiful visual displays centred on the immersion of living waters-and then for a light lunch in the Parish Centre. Please see the CAFOD board in the porch for full details of the day. Please sign the book in front of the board if interested and take an invitation. P
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE GRAVE OF ST JOHN KEMBLE � SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST 2026 9.15am Mass at St Mary’s Church, Monmouth. 10.15am Pilgrims set off to walk to Welsh Newton - bring a packed lunch. 3.00pm Rosary, readings and prayers at St John Kemble’s Grave, Welsh Newton Churchyard. 4.15pm Benediction at St Mary’s Church, Monmouth. Everyone welcome.
REQUEST FOR READERS: We are looking for additional readers to read at Holy Mass, both Sundays and weekdays especially at the 4pm Vigil Mass. If you would like to be involved in this ministry then please contact Fr Augustine or Michael Hall at mjhall1948@outlook.com.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN: Fr Patrick Lobo is the Catholic Chaplain who makes regular visits. If you or a loved one wants him to visit while in hospital please let him know. Telephone: #07922 323603. In an emergency, or if Fr Patrick is unavailable, please contact Fr Augustine on the parish telephone number. He is always happy to visit.
Meetings are on Wednesdays 11am–12noon : LECTIO DIVINA: Meetings are on Wednesdays 11am–12noon, the next is on 22nd July in The Chapterhouse. This is a way of opening our hearts to reading scripture in the Holy Spirit. It is an ancient practice, commended by St Benedict in his Rule. Lectio, whether in a group or on your own, begins with prayer, and then focuses on a brief passage of scripture. Read it several times, silently or aloud, and just allow yourself to sit with it. Be open to the Holy Spirit and to the Word of God - allowing yourself to be moved by it. Let it resonate with you and think about what it is saying to you. This helps us grow in love of scripture, and is a way of growing into prayer.
