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
HORIZONS OF HOPE TALK: “How to be Human in the Age of A.I.” An introduction to Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical 'Magniica Humanitas’ led by Austen Ivereigh. Join us for an engaging introduction to this landmark document. Saturday, 11th July 10.00am – 12.30pm in The Chapterhouse, Belmont Abbey.
WALSINGHAM ROSARY FOR PEACE: Takes place on the first Tuesday of the month in the Abbey Church. Everyone is welcome to 21, Woodfield Gardens, Belmont for tea afterwards. The next meeting is Tuesday, 7th July at 3.00pm.
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.
DOWNSIDE ABBEY FESTIVAL 2026: A series of concerts this Summer in the magnificent setting of Downside Abbey, 16th-19th July. Artists include David Bednall and the Bristol Brass Consort, the Choir of St Mary’s, Wimbledon and the Tenebrae Associate Artists. The highlight of the four-day festival will be a ‘Come and Sing’, directed by Sir John Rutter. Tours of the Abbey Church will take place and there will be an opportunity to see the exhibition ‘Everyday Lives’. More information is available at: https://www.downsideabbey.co.uk/downside-abbey-festival-2026/
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 : 24th June, both in the Parish Centre, 22nd July in The Chapterhouse (all three are major feasts of the English Church). 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.
WOW @ BELMONT: Our next meeting is Tuesday, 7th July at 11.00am in the Parish Centre. A warm welcome to any widows or widowers who would like to join us for a cuppa, cake and friendly chat.
THE BIBLE: MYTH OR HISTORY?: A free illustrated lecture series in Biblical Archaeology with David Rohl. Session 5 - Kadesh-Barnea - The location of Kadesh-Barnea. Aaron’s tomb on Mount Hor. The journey to Abel-Shittim. The death of Moses on Mount Nebo. Saturday, 11th July 2.00pm to 4.00pm, location within Belmont Abbey to be conirmed. Free parking, Free entry. Monthly lectures on the second Saturday of each month.
Dear friends in Christ, You will have noticed that the sound system is up and running again. Thankfully, it did not take the engineers too long to replace the faulty mixer and reprogram the new one. There may still need to be some tweaks done here and there with the different levels. There should be a loop system present for those who use hearing aids; I would be grateful to hear from those who use the loop system if it is functioning correctly. It is with great sadness that I announce the news of the death of Abbot Charles, the 10th Abbot of Downside, who died last Saturday night (27th June). Abbot Charles arrived with the rest of his brethren here at Belmont in July last year but soon declined to the point where he was resident at Hampton Grange Nursing Home, where he died. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. His Requiem Mass will take place here at Belmont Abbey on Thursday, 16th July at 2.30pm. His body will be taken to Downside Abbey to be buried. Next Saturday, to coincide with the feast of St Benedict, the Parish of St Benedict’s, Stratton on the Fosse (the Parish Church next to Downside Abbey) will be visiting Belmont Abbey and the Downside brethren. They will also be present at the 4.00pm Vigil Mass. Hopefully this will be the start of a ‘twinning’ of sorts between our two parishes who share a monastic heritage. Next weekend we celebrate Sea Sunday. Where churches around the world come together to pray for seafarers and fishers and thank them for the vital role they play in all of our lives. There will be a second collection to support the work of Stella Maris (formerly the Apostleship of the Sea).
