Our Lady's Primary School

Dear friends in Christ, This week our Juniors, Brothers Meinrad and Gildas, were approved by the Belmont Community to make their Solemn Profession and lifelong vows as Benedictine monks. Their professions will take place on 29th September, the Solemnity of St Michael and All Angels. Next weekend we will welcome Fr Gerry Hastie MHM to give a Red Box Appeal. Through the Red Box we care for our Church family around the world. Thank you to all parishioners who already give to the Pope’s official charity for overseas mission – Missio – and Britain’s own missionary order, the Mill Hill Missionaries, through the Red Box. Please do consider supporting this important cause by taking a Red Box or signing up to give via Direct Debit. Recently, the Annual Chapter of the English Benedictine Congregation took place in Kylemore Abbey in the Republic of Ireland. It is a meeting with all the Abbots and Abbesses of the Congregation along with delegates from each monastic community. It is at the Chapter that the important business of the Congregation is discussed and approved, along with the election of the Abbot President. We pray for Abbot Robert Igo of Ampleforth Abbey, who was newly elected to this role. May the Congregation flourish under his guidance.  Thank you for giving to Sea Sunday last weekend. Our parish raised £346.15. Your generous gifts will ensure that Stella Maris chaplains can continue to be a friend for seafarers and fishers in times of need. To find out more about how your support helps those who live and work at sea, please visit www. stellamaris.org.uk

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 re􀁊lecting 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.

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 Of􀁊ice: 03306 600541 - www.bit.ly/Pickwick-Belmont

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.

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.