Lent

Mass for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Year B

John Howes Easter, Lent, Service times , ,

Here is Mass for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: Hosanna to the Son of David.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest.  

The Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem.

Introduction and Blessing of Palms (to be distributed as you leave Mass). 

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 11:1-10. Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord. 

The Mass: First Reading; A reading from the prophet Isaiah 50:4-7. I did not cover my face against insult and spittle 

Response: Psalm 21. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?   

Second Reading: The reading from the letter to St Paul to the Philippians 2:6-11. He humbled himself but God raised him high.

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! Christ was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all names. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!

Gospel: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. Shorter Version. Please pick up your palms as you leave Church. 

Mass Times and Intentions

Saturday 27th: Mass at Sacred Heart 5pm ( Damien Stewart RIP)  Live streamed. 

Sunday 28th: Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30pm (People of the Parishes), Live streamed. 

Mass at English Martyrs 11am (David Sheehan RIP). Live streamed.  

Monday 22nd: 10am  Mass from Sacred Heart. Live steamed

Tuesday 23rd: 1oam  Mass from Sacred Heart. Live Streamed.

Wednesday 24th 7pm: Public Mass from Sacred Heart. Live streamed. 

UPDATE ON STREAMING FROM SACRED HEART; Despite our best efforts and blood, sweat and tears, we are still having problems bringing a live stream from Sacred Heart. Mainly to do with cabling. Please bear with us while we try and find a solution. Sorry for inconvenience. Not sure whether we will be able to stream the Triduum and Easter Sunday. Please check with the parish website for the latest update. You can always use English Martyrs or St Joseph’s, Monks Kirby or St Marie’s.  

HOLY WEEK TRIDUUM: Please check Sacred Heart livestream may not be available. 

Holy Thursday – Mass of the Last Supper

6pm at English Martyrs (Carmen John RIP) Live streamed 

7.30pm at Sacred Heart. Live streamed check

7.30pm at St Joseph’s Monks Kirby. Live streamed

No Washing of Feet. Eucharistic Procession and Altar of Repose. 

Good Friday –  Celebration of the Lords Passion

3pm at English Martyrs. Live streamed.

7pm at Sacred Heart.   Live streamed. Check.

3pm at Monks Kirby.   Live steamed.

Simple Adoration of the Cross. Short Version of St John’s Passion.

Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord. 

Saturday 6.30pm at English Martyrs. Live streamed.

Saturday 8pm at Sacred Heart. Live streamed. Check.

Saturday 8.30pm at Monks Kirby. Live streamed 

No Blessing of Fire and Candle.

Sunday 9.30am at Sacred Heart (Clare Harford). Live streamed. Check. 

Sunday 11am at English Martyrs. Live streamed. 

Please book in with the Stewards if you are intending to come to the Triduum Services. The Services will be modified and shorted in line with the guidelines issued by our bishops. If you cannot attend the local services, you are invited to join the Archbishop online for the services at St Chad’s Cathedral.

Rest in Peace: Allan Hughes, Funeral Mass Tuesday April 6th at 1pm.Patrick Lennon, Service at Rainsbrook Friday 9th April at 1pm. Numbers restricted to family members. 

GIFT AID ENVELOPES AND PARISH GIVING – Your Envelopes are available for Collection this weekend at English Martyrs. Please collect them. If you would like to use Envelopes, please ask for a set. Sacred Heart envelopes have been delayed and will be made available when they arrive, hopefully soon. 

If you need a record of your Gift Aided donations e.g. for tax purposes, please contact

English Martyrs ; Caroline Deery Caroline.deery@btinternet.com 07768171146   

Sacred Heart: Diane Davies: sacredheart.bilton@rcaob.org.uk 01788813263

Please consider giving by Standing Order and Gift Aid if you can. Forms will be available.  Thank you for your generous financial support of our Parishes.

Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year B

John Howes Lent, Service times ,

Here is Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Lent from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength.  

First Reading; A reading from the prophet Jeremiah 31:31-34. I will make a new covenant and never call their sin to mind.  

Response: Psalm 50. A pure heart create for me, O God.    

Second Reading: The reading from the letter to the Hebrews. He learnt to obey and became for all the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel Acclamation: Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God! If a man serves me, says the Lord, he must follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too. Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!

Gospel: John 12:20-30. If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest.      

Mass Times and Intentions .

Saturday 20th: Mass at Sacred Heart 5pm ( Eileen Deery RIP)  Livesteam and Recorded on   YouTube. 

Sunday 21st: Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30pm (People of the Parishes),

Mass at English Martyrs 11am (Anthony Chisakuta RIP). Livestreamed on YouTube. 

Monday 22nd: 10am Livestream Mass from Sacred Heart.

Tuesday 23rd 10am Livestream Mass from Sacred Heart

Day of prayer and reflection on the Pandemic.

Wednesday 24th 7pm; Livestreamed Public Mass from Sacred Heart. 

Thursday 25th 11am Public Mass at English Martyrs Livestream. 

No Mass from Sacred Heart

Friday 26th 10 am Livestream Mass from Sacred Heart.

The Livestream Masses can be viewed later on YouTube.

PALM SUNDAY- Palms will be distributed at the end of Mass. No Procession.

Saturday 27th Mass at Sacred Heart 5pm Live.

Sunday 28th Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30am. 

Mass at English Martyrs 11 am. Live. 

HOLY WEEK TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday – Mass of the Last Supper

6pm at English Martyrs

7.30pm at Sacred Heart

7.30pm at St Joseph’s Monks Kirby.

Good Friday –  Celebration of the Lords Passion

3pm at English Martyrs

7pm at Sacred Heart

3pm at Monks Kirby

Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday

The Resurrection of the Lord. 

Saturday 6.30pm at English Martyrs

Saturday 8pm at Sacred Heart

Saturday 8.30pm at Monks Kirby

Sunday 9.30am at Sacred Heart

Sunday 11am at English Martyrs 

Please book in with the Stewards if you are intending to come to the Triduum Services. The Services will be modified and shorted in line with the guidelines issued by our bishops. If you cannot attend the local services, you are invited to join the Archbishop online for the services at St Chad’s Cathedral.

Rest in Peace: Alan Hughes, Funeral Mass Tuesday April 6th at 1pm. 

GIFT AID ENVELOPES AND PARISH GIVING – Your Envelopes will be available for Collection this weekend at English Martyrs and next weekend at Sacred Heart. Please collect them. If you would like to use Envelopes, please ask for a set.

The Gift Aid office has informed us that this year they are unable to provide the Certificate of Donation sent to each donor as usual. If you need a record of your donations eg for tax purposes, please contact

English Martyrs ; Caroline Deery Caroline.deery@btinternet.com 07768171146   

Sacred Heart: Diane Davies: sacredheart.bilton@rcaob.org.uk 01788813263

Please consider giving by Standing Order and Gift Aid if you can. Forms will be available.  Thank you for your generous financial support of our Parishes.

Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B

John Howes Lent, Service times , ,

Here is Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Lent from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning. Exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.  

First Reading; A reading from the second book of Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-21. The wrath and mercy of God are revealed in the exile and in the release of his people. 

Response: Psalm 136:  O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!    

Second Reading: The letter of St Paul to the Ephesians 2: 4-10. You who were dead through your sins have been saved through grace.

Gospel Acclamation: Glory and praise to you, O Christ! God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son; Everyone who believes in him has eternal life. Glory and praise to you, O Christ!

Gospel: John 3:14-21. God sent his Son so that through him the word might be saved.     

Mass Times and Intentions

SATURDAY 13th: Mass at Sacred Heart 5pm (Anthony Kelly.) Recorded on YouTube. 

SUNDAY14t : Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30pm (People of the Parish ),

Mass at English Martyrs 11am (Bridie Dempsey RIP). Live streamed on YouTube. 

MONDAY: Recorded Mass from Sacred Heart

TUESDAY: Recorded Mass from Sacred Heart

WEDNESDAY 17th St Patrick: Public Mass at Sacred Heart 7pm

THURSDAY 18th: Mass at English Martyrs 11am. (Tom Henry) Recorded Mass from Sacred Heart. 

FRIDAY 19th March  St Joseph. Recorded Mass from Sacred Heart

SATURDAY 20th March: Vigil Mass from Sacred Heart 5pm  ( People of the Parishes)

SUNDAY 21st March: Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30am( Eileen Deery RIP). English Martyrs 11am ( Anthony Chisakuta RIP) 

Update: We have been wrestling with the technology to be able to livesteam from Sacred Heart. We have upgraded the broadband at Sacred Heart Church and have invested in a new camera and miles of cable and hope to be able to livestream very soon. Meantime there are recorded Masses available as usual. 

St Joseph’s Monks Kirby are now livestreaming their Masses on YouTube at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Monks Kirby.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SUNDAY:  There will be modified public celebration of the liturgies during this special time. More details soon.  

GIFT AID: Thank you to you for your continued financial support of the Parishes during this difficult time. We are encouraged by those who have been able to sign a Standing Order and Gift Aid their contributions assuring the Parish of a regular income. We fully appreciate that there are individuals and families suffering financial difficulties at this time. 

The Gift Aid envelopes for next year will be available soon hopefully next weekend for you to pick them up at Mass. There will be Standing Order and Gift Aid forms available if you wish to contribute in this way. 

The Gift Aid office has informed us that this year they are unable to provide a Certificate of Donation sent to each donor as usual. If you need a record of your donations eg for tax purposes, please contact

English Martyrs ; Caroline Deery Caroline.deery@btinternet.com 07768171146 

Sacred Heart: Diane Davies: sacredheart.bilton@rcaob.org.uk 01788 813263

They will be happy to provide the information you need.

Message from Maria Canale-Parole, our most senior Parishioner at Sacred Heart.

Her son Dr Adrian writes: 

On her 99th birthday, Ma would like to pass on her thanks to Fr Gerry for his lovely card and mass intention, and to all those parishioner friends who have also sent beautiful cards and flowers. She is looking forward to the day when Covid restrictions are lifted, and she might be able to see you all again. She also says she can thoroughly recommend the Mediterranean diet (mainly pasta and red wine)!

Pope Francis Prayer to St Joseph.

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.

Understand the Bible from start to finish, the Old and New Testament, with this FREE OF CHARGE, worldwide-famous course delivered online LIVE by Mauro Iannicelli. Starts on 7th April 2021 at 7pm (Eight Wednesday evening sessions).Info & Registration: www.comeandsee.org Part of the Catholic New Evangelisation. Warmly recommended by a parishioner. 

Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent, Year B

John Howes Lent, Service times , ,

Here is Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent, Year B, from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: When I prove my holiness among you, I will gather you from all the foreign lands; and I will our clean water upon you and cleanse you from all your impurities, and I will give you a new spirit, says the Lord.  

First Reading; A reading from the book of Exodus 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17. The Law was given through Moses. 

Response: Psalm 18: You, Lord, have the message of eternal life.    

Second Reading: First letter of St Paul to Corinthians 1:22-25. Here we are preaching a crucified Christ, an obstacle to men, but to those who are called, the wisdom of God. 

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son; Everyone who believes in him has eternal life. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!

Gospel: John 2:13-25. Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.    

Masses Intentions for next weekend 13/14 March .

SATURDAY: Mass at Sacred Heart 5pm (Anthony Kelly.) Available in recorded form on YouTube. 

SUNDAY: Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30pm (People of the Parish), Mass at English Martyrs 11am (Bridie Dempsey RIP). Live streamed on YouTube. 

WEDNESDAY 10 March; Mass at Sacred Heart in the main Church 7pm.

THURSDAY 11th March: Mass at English Martyrs 11am No Mass at Sacred Heart.

Funeral Mass for Helen Treacy at St Marie’s on Friday, live streamed. May she rest in peace.

Weekday Masses Sacred Heart on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. We have upgraded the broadband at Sacred Heart Church and will be livestreaming Mass at 10am on Weekdays Mon, Tues, Fri this week. They will also be available in recorded form as usual.  We hope to livestream at the weekend soon.

If you watch Sacred Heart or English Martyrs on YouTube, please subscribe to the channel you watch. It doesn’t cost you anything but gives us an idea of how many people we are reaching. Since we started, there have been 6,200 views on Sacred Heart. 

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SUNDAY: It is expected that there will be modified public celebration of the liturgies during this special time. More details later.  

Mass for the Second Sunday of Lent, Year B

John Howes Cafod, Lent, Social events , , ,
Mass for the Second Sunday of Lent from Sacred Heart Church.

Here is Mass for the Second Sunday of Lent from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: Of you my heart has spoken: seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me.  

First Reading; A reading from the book of Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18. The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith. 

Response: Psalm 115: I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.    

Second Reading: St Paul to the Romans 8:31-34. God did not spare his own Son.

Gospel Acclamation: Glory and praise to you, O Christ! From the bright cloud the Father’s voice was heard: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him’. Glory and praise to you, O Christ!

Gospel: Mark 9: 2-10. This is my Son, the Beloved.   

Masses Intentions for next weekend 6/7 March .

SATURDAY : Mass at Sacred Heart 5pm ( Maria Canale-Parola 99th Birthday.) Available in recorded form on YouTube. 

SUNDAY: Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30pm (People of the Parish), Mass at English Martyrs 11am (Sick Members of the Parishes). Live streamed on YouTube. 

WEDNESDAY 3rd March; Mass at Sacred Heart in the main Church 7pm.

THURSDAY 4th March: Mass at English Martyrs 11am.

Recorded Masses from Sacred Heart on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings available after about 11.30 am on the day.

CAFOD LENTEN APPEAL Walk for Water. Family Fast Day Friday 26th February. Please support and give  ONLINE  via cafod.org.uk/lent or through the RETIRING COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND. Please use the envelopes to Gift Aid your offering if you can. Thanks.

(Formerly Women’s) WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 5th March 10.30am. No local services but there is an online service at www.wwdp.org.uk  led by the women of Vanuatu. Afterwards a Zoom Meeting , meeting ID 884 5196 2211 Passcode pray21 . You can find lots of information on ww.wwdp.org.uk. Please join this important ecumenical occasion. 

Mass for the First Sunday of Lent, Year B

John Howes Cafod, Lent, Service times , , ,

Here is Mass for the First Sunday of Lent from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory , I will grant him length of days. 

First Reading; A reading from the book of Genesis 9:8-15. God’s covenant with Noah after he had saved him from the waters of the flood. 

Response: Psalm 24: Your ways, Lord are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.    

Second Reading:  First Letter of St Peter 3:18-22. That water is a type of the baptism which saves you now.

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory. We do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory.

Gospel: Mark 1: 12-15. Jesus was tempted by Satan, and the angels looked after him.  

Masses Intentions for next weekend.

SATURDAY: Mass at Sacred Heart 5pm ( People of the Parishes). Available in recorded form on YouTube. 

SUNDAY: Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30pm (Private Intention). Mass at English Martyrs 11am (William Volkman). Live streamed on YouTube. 

WEDNESDAY: Mass at Sacred Heart in the main Church 7pm.

THURSDAY: Mass at English Martyrs 10 am. (Sally Shaw RIP)

Recorded Masses from Sacred Heart on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings available after about 11.30 am on the day.

CAFOD LENTEN APPEAL Walk for Water. Family Fast Day Friday 26th February. Abdella lives in a remote and mountainous part of Ethiopia. He walks 10 hours a day to find water for his family. What a way to spend your life! Let us walk beside him this Lent and help with our prayers and contributions to the Appeal. We can help him and many others in a similar situation. 

Please give via https://cafod.org.uk/Give/Donate-to-CAFOD/Lent-Appeal or through the retiring collection next weekend. Please use the envelopes to Gift Aid your offering if you can. Thanks.

Parish diary this week

John Howes Lent, Liturgy, Service times ,
Image result for jesus at the well in art
Jesus and the Woman at the Well is this Sunday’s Gospel reading by Barbieri.

This is the parish diary this week:
Monday March 9th
Mass at 7pm.
Exposition until 8pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
Tuesday March 10th
No Mass today.
Wednesday March 11th
Mass at 7pm
Thursday March 12th 
Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion at 9.30am
Finance Committee at 2.30pm, Presbytery.
Friday March 13th
Mass at 7pm
Stations of the Cross at 7.30pm
Saturday March 14th
Confessions at 4.40pm
Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent at 5pm.
Sunday March 15th
Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent at 9.30am.

Forthcoming events
Friday March 20th
5.30pm, Catholic Healing Prayer, Sacred Heart Church. Mass, Praise and Worship, Rosary, Talks, Adoration and Confession.
Thursday March 26th
Lent lunch at 12.30pm after Mass at 12pm.
Sunday May 3rd
Confirmation, 9.30am at Sacred Heart Church.
Sunday, 14th June
First Communion at 9.30am Mass.

Parish diary this week

John Howes Confirmation, First Communion, Funerals, Lent, Service times , , ,
people monument statue soldier station religion church cross christian crown sculpture religious catholic christ art temple faith head thorns hope passion jesus christianity easter sacred carving crucifixion gospel halo jesus christ catholicism lent suffering savior mocking mockery station of the cross ancient history
Lent begins this week on Wednesday (Public domain image)

This is the parish diary this week:
Monday February 24th
First Communion programme at 6pm in the hall.
Mass at 7pm.
Exposition until 8pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
Tuesday February 25th
No Mass today.
Wednesday February 26th (Ash Wednesday)
Mass at 7pm
Thursday February 27th 
Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion at 9.30am
Open Door, 1.45pm in the hall
Confirmation programme at 6pm in the hall.
Friday February 28th
Mass at 7pm
Stations of the Cross at 7.30pm
Saturday February 29th
Confessions at 4.40pm
Mass for the First Sunday of Lent at 5pm.
Presentation on Orthodox Iconography on Mount Athos, 6pm followed at 7pm by Vespers at the Orthodox Church of the Ascension, Clifton Road, Rugby.
Sunday March 1st
Mass for the First Sunday of Lent at 9.30am.

Forthcoming events
Thursday March 5th
Requiem for Elsie Elizabeth Lawrence at 10am
Lent lunch, church hall at 12.30pm
Friday March 6th
Praying with Zimbabwe. World Day of Prayer, St Mark’s Church, Bilton at 10.30am and Rogers Hall, Hillmorton at 2 pm.
Sunday May 3rd
Confirmation, 9.30am at Sacred Heart Church.
Sunday, 14th June
First Communion at 9.30am Mass.

Parish diary this week

John Howes Lent, Service times ,

Image result for palm sunday in art
Assisi frescoes. Entry into Jerusalem by Pietro Lorenzetti. Assisi, Lower Basilica, San Francesco, southern transept. (Public Domain)

This is the parish diary this week:
Monday April 8th
Mass at 7pm
Exposition until 8pm.
Tuesday April 9th
No Mass
Wednesday April 10th
Mass at 7pm
Thursday April 11th
Mass at 9.30am
Confirmation Group, 6pm to 7.30pm, hall.
Penitential Service, St Marie’s Church, Rugby, 7pm.
Friday April 12th
Mass at 9.30am
Stations of the Cross, 7pm
Passover meal, 7pm in the hall.
Saturday April 13th
Mass of Palm Sunday at 5pm.
Sunday April 14th
Mass of Palm Sunday at 9.30am

Forthcoming events
Wednesday April 24th
Everyone welcome to join fellow parishioners and members of the local community for Tea and a chat from 1.45pm. Sue Melia from Bwengu Projects will show slides on the latest developments in Malawi during the afternoon.
Sunday June 2nd
Confirmation
Thursday June 6th
Parish meeting, 7.30pm in the hall
Sunday June 16th
First Communion
Thursday October 3rd
Parish meeting, 7.30pm in the hall

Easter Services
Holy Thursday – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Sacred Heart: 7.30pm English Martyrs 6pm
Good Friday – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
Sacred Heart: 7pm English Martyrs: 3pm
Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil
Sacred Heart 8.30pm English Martyrs: 6.30pm
Easter Sunday
Sacred Heart 9.30am English Martyrs: 11am

Join us for Sunday worship

John Howes Lent, Liturgy, Service times ,

File:Guercino - The Woman taken in Adultery - Google Art Project.jpg
The Woman taken in Adultery by Guercino, c1621 (Public domain)

You are welcome to join us to celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C at Sacred Heart Church. Mass will be on Sunday April 7th at 9.30am. There will be an anticipated Mass on Saturday evening at 5pm. This is what we will be singing on Sunday:
Gathering: 934 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
Penitential Rite: 523 Pershore
Gloria: Not in Lent
Psalm: What marvels the Lord worked for us (Ps125)
Acclamation: Praise to you, Christ our Lord, King of eternal glory
Gifts: 605 Take our bread
Holy Holy: 579 Pershore
Mem Acclamation: 580 Pershore
Lamb of God: 589 Pershore
Communion: 193 Return to God
Going forth: 941 There is a longing in our hearts
We will be using the Pershore Mass during the season of Lent.