The United Benefice of S. Hugh of Lincoln, New Cantley
& Holy Trinity, Doncaster in the Diocese of Sheffield.
Fr. Jeffrey Stokoe
St Hugh’s House
Levet Rd. Cantley
DN4 6JQ
01302 371256
075301894654
[email protected]
28/08/2021
Dear Parishioners.
Following the congregational meeting for Holy Trinity’s congregation on Thursday 26<sup>th</sup> August I am writing to inform each member of both congregations with an outline of what will be happening in the coming weeks and months.
From Sunday September 5<sup>th</sup> there will be one Sunday Mass at 10.00am for both congregations of the benefice. I am aware that for some, there has been a hope to maintain two Sunday Masses and the change will not be easy, but that for most people there is a desire to come together in one shared Sunday Celebration. I trust that we will all be mindful and sensitive towards each other as we begin this new chapter in the life of our benefice. Alongside this greater sharing as Covid restrictions are very much eased I would like to open a greater sharing of worship, serving at the altar, reading scripture, leading intercessions and any singers who might like to be part of a choir to those who have been involved before and those who might like to become involved in any of these areas of ministry. There are also opportunities for those who may be interested in working with children and young people at the monthly messy church meetings. Please speak to me if you are interested in any of these opportunities.
From the week beginning 5<sup>th</sup> September we will also begin increasing the number of midweek masses. From Friday 10<sup>th</sup> there will be an additional mass each week at 12 Noon. From Wednesday 15<sup>th</sup> September there will be an additional Mass each week at 6.30pm. From Wednesday 22<sup>nd</sup> September Bible study will begin again fortnightly, following the Mass, the change of day enables Chris to continue to lead this ministry while beginning his studies as an ordinand. Please see him for more details. From Sunday 26<sup>th</sup> September at 4.00pm we will celebrate Evening Prayer with Benediction on the last Sunday of each month.
Given reduced numbers of clergy and increases in the number of vacant parishes it will not always be possible to arrange full cover when I am away in the future, but I will try to always give notice of that and offer suggestions as to where you may join the Mass in local parishes.
We face a deal of change in the coming weeks and months so please keep one another in your prayers as you are all in mine. Let us pray that as the Lord calls us, we can respond, working together that His kingdom may come in our lives and in the lives of those we serve.
With love and prayers
Fr Jeffrey Stokoe.