Update from Holy Cross Leicester
It has been a time of significant transition in Leicester as we approach the 200th anniversary in 2019 of the opening of a Dominican church at Holy Cross.
As this milestone draws near, we have been looking for ways to rejuvenate our vision and commitment to the mission in Leicester.
Mission to the Poor
Holy Cross was founded to preach the Gospel to the poor, and place the riches of the Word of God at the service of those who need to experience God’s mercy most urgently. Our preaching is marked by the compassion of Christ, and He is always our inspiration. As we build on the firm foundations that previous generations established, we’re seeking to express this mission in a contemporary way.
Upgrading the Facilities to Support the Mission
Much work has already gone into upgrading the priory and church buildings, so that they are ready for the next 200 years. Meeting and office space has been enhanced, with more works in the pipeline, and new lighting is currently being installed in the church, a fitting celebration of the Diamond Jubilee in May 2018 of its final consecration.
Pastoral Apostolates
Efforts to restructure our apostolate are now bearing fruit. Our commitment to chaplaincy at HMP Leicester has seen provision grow significantly, with more opportunity to work with prisoners and share with them the Word of God, assisted by a strong team of volunteers. In addition, a much valued partnership with the Leicester ‘City of Sanctuary’ project reaches out to refugees and asylum seekers. They hold a weekly drop-in session at Holy Cross which signposts helpful organisations, and raises awareness of threats such as trafficking, while ‘spin-off’ events include an art class and a creative-writing group.
Meanwhile, Fr Matthew Jarvis OP has been helping Leicester students (pictured top) communicate the Church’s story to their peers, with specialist input from Brenden Thompson of Catholic Voices on ‘How to defend the faith, without raising your voice’. Brenden is an alumnus of Blackfriars Hall, Oxford.
Supported by your Prayers
As our third century at Holy Cross beckons, we must be attentive to the signs of the times, and bring the fruits of our contemplation to the people most in need. Please keep us in your prayers, and we will keep you posted.
Fr David Rocks OP, Prior and Parish Priest
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A Website Visitor
Congratulations and best wishes to all at Holy Cross!
A Website Visitor
I’ve been reading about the Dominican Order as part of my preparation for Mass on Sunday 29th April, a Mass at which representative pupils from the three Catholic schools of the Hinckley and surrounding areas, known as Saint Dominic’s Community, will be participating and leading. I started my research based on the fact that the Mass will be on the feast of St. Catherine of Sienna, of who I know very little, and I wanted to give the pupils in my two Chaplaincy Teams, some information on which to base their composition of the day’s Prayers of the Faithful during their Mass. You may be aware that all of the Catholic Schools in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area will be operating under the umbrella of the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) of St. Thomas Aquinas, from September this year. I work as a part-time Lay Chaplain at two of the Catholic schools in our area and wondered if schools could be involved in your centenary celebrations in 2019? I look forward to hearing from you about my idea and will, of course, make the MAT CEO, Mr. Neil Lockyer, currently headteacher of St. Paul’s Catholic Secondary School, Leicester, aware of my approach to you. Best wishes and God bless! Jean Connor