Today we tackle the issue of marriage and divorce; Jesus is asked an awkward question about the legality of divorce. He lays down very clearly that what God intends for marriage is what is found in Genesis (where the “two become one” for all time) rather than the dispensation granted through Moses (permitting a writ of divorce) which was an exception, not the rule. Here it is clear that Jesus abrogates this Old Testament procedure – a point emphasised when the disciples press him further on this issue on getting back home. While it is important for us to be sensitive and understanding towards those whose marriages have gone awry, we must be careful to let the teachings of the Lord speak for themselves.
Parish Administrator
We are seeking a positive, self-motivated and organised individual with excellent interpersonal skills for the role of Parish Administrator. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting the Parish Priest by overseeing all the administrative aspects of running the parish. The position requires a good foundation in office management and IT skills. It is a multi-faceted role that also involves being the first point of contact for both parishioners as well as external parties, and dealing with queries and concerns sympathetically, discreetly and professionally. Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-2pm. Salary: £12.50-£14 per hour. A DBS check will be required for this role. A job description and application form can be downloaded from the parish website https://www.stjohnthebaptisttrowbridge.co.uk/ or by contacting the Parish Office trowbridge.stjohnthebaptist@cliftondiocese.com Deadline for applications: 8th November.
Application form Job Description – Parish Administrator
46 Day Marian Consecration
We would like to invite you to join our Mary’s Mantle prayer community. Starting on 28th October we will individually pray a daily rosary until 12th December when we will consecrate ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Please see the parish website for further details. We will be united in our shared intentions and through our WhatsApp group.
October : Month of The Holy Rosary
On Sunday 6th October you are invited to join the Children’s Rosary group in St John’s Church from 9.45am-10.15am where the children will lead us in praying the rosary. If you would like to join us in the Parish Centre for the rest of October you would be so welcome. Everyone is welcome to join us on Mondays and/or Wednesdays to pray the Healing Rosary for Families at 9am.
Flower Arrangers – St John’s
Would you be able to help out with the flower arranging at St John’s? More volunteers are needed, either to go on to the flower arranging rota or just to help with watering during the week. If anyone is interested, please contact Joan Boorer on 07815 753542.
Confirmation
Bishop Bosco will be coming to Saint John’s to celebrate this year’s Confirmation Mass on Tuesday 19th November. Application forms are now available, and a programme of preparation will begin in September. Copies of the form are available in all of the churches and have been sent out with the newsletter. Anyone who will be in Year 9 (current
Year 8) or above can apply for the programme. Please return completed application forms to the presbytery,
or email to richard.elson@cliftondiocese.com
The form is also available to download Confirmation Application Form 2024
APPEAL FOR CATECHISTS
I will need some help from catechists with running this year’s Confirmation programme, and with next year’s First Holy Communion programme. Many thanks for those who have already replied; if anyone else feels that they may be able to help out, please let me know.
Fr Richard.
Calling Musicians
If you can play a musical instrument and would like to be part of the Music group within the Parish, then PLEASE make yourself known. Come along and say Hello after the 10.30 Sunday Mass at St. John’s.
Music worship within the Parish has always been a central part of the services, we do not ask for lots of commitment just that you would like to thank and Praise God though the talents that you have and come along and join in and play when you are available. You may be new to the parish and have musical ideas to share which would be very welcome. We look forward to meeting you whoever you are.
Trowbridge Food Bank
As always, a massive thankyou to all who have contributed to the Trowbridge Foodbank Collection each month. Many people rely on your generosity. Collections are on the last weekend of the month. Please leave you donated goods in the Church Porch at St. John’s and St. Bernadette’s.
300 Club
If you wish to join the 300 Club, please ask Fr. Richard or Mike Heather for an application form. They are also available on this website.
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