From Sunday 16th July 2022, the 8:30am Sunday Mass is being held in the Methodist Church, London Road, Attleborough.
Ukraine
The Visit of the Relics of St. Bernadette - October 13-16
“I shall do everything for heaven, my true home. There I shall find my mother in all the splendour of her glory. I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus Himself.” St. Bernadette.
As you know the Relics of St. Bernadette arrived in this country earlier this month and have begun to visit the Dioceses of England and Wales. They will be welcomed to the Cathedral on October 13th and to the Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs on October 15th.
We encourage you to make a pilgrimage either to Norwich or Cambridge. Perhaps those driving may give a lift to someone who has no transport. There will be opportunity for Confession during these days and for the sick to be anointed at three special Masses. There will be talks around the message of Bernadette and the significance of Relics today. And of course, an opportunity for prayer and renewal, particularly during the all-night vigils on two of the days. Each day will have a torchlight procession of Our lady.
Please click here for the complete timetable
Synod National Synthesis report is released
A Synod National Synthesis report has been released by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, which looks at the main themes which have emerged from the listening conversations held in parishes and diocese across the country. For full details please see the diocesan website at https://www.rcdea.org.uk/synod-national-synthesis-report-is-released/
If you have any comments, please contact Fr. Pat, Fr. Denis or Anne Jackson. anne796@btinternet.com
12 July 2022
Presentation of Medal
At the weekend (18th September) , Fr. Kevin Hughes MHM presented a certificate and medal to Mrs Teresa Wiseman, in recognition of her work as local secretary for the Missio Red Box Appeal. Teresa has been the local secretary for the past ten years. We join with Missio in congratulating her and appreciate all she does in the parish.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been announced by Buckingham Palace at the age of 96 after a reign lasting 70 years. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster has paid the following tribute to The Queen:
On 21 April 1947, on her twenty-first birthday, Princess Elizabeth said, ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.
Now, seventy-five years later, we are heartbroken in our loss at her death, and so full of admiration for the unfailing way in which she fulfilled that declaration.
Even in my sorrow, shared with so many around the world, I am filled with an immense sense of gratitude for the gift to the world that has been the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
At this time, we pray for the repose of the soul of Her Majesty. We do so with confidence, because the Christian faith marked every day of her life and activity.
In her Millennium Christmas message, she said, ‘To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.
This faith, so often and so eloquently proclaimed in her public messages, has been an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many. The wisdom, stability and service which she consistently embodied, often in circumstances of extreme difficulty, are a shining legacy and testament to her faith.
Our prayer is that she is now received into the merciful presence of God, there to be reunited with her beloved Prince Philip. This is the promise of our faith, and our deep consolation.
Queen Elizabeth II will remain, always, a shining light in our history. May she now rest in peace.
We pray for His Majesty the King, as he assumes his new office even as he mourns his mother. God save the King.
Solemn Requiem Mass
There will be an diocesan Solemn Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 15th September at 11:00am in the Cathedral of St John The Baptist, Norwich.
Letters of condolence
Letters of condolence from Cardinal Arthur Roche can be found by clicking here and the Vatican letter to King Charles III can be found by clicking here.
COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR IS OFFICIALLY ‘OPENED’
A community defibrillator was officially declared operational at a ceremony led by the HM Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Lady Dannatt MBE, on Friday 17th September.
The life-saving facility was installed in February at Our Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury RC Church in Norwich Road, Wymondham. The defibrillator was part funded by Wymondham Town Council and Saffron Housing Community Foundation Trust. The Church’s Community Outreach Project organiser Arnie McConnell worked with the funders to obtain the device and successfully apply for a British Heart Foundation grant.
The Lady Dannatt was given a tour of the Outreach Community Project Foodbank at the Roman Catholic Church in Wymondham.
In her address, Lady Dannatt thanked everyone who took part in the initiative. She spoke about the importance of the defibrillator and she acknowledged the work of the Wymondham Community Outreach Project: “I can’t tell you how much pleasure it gives me to come to an event like this. You have achieved so much for others who may be struggling in the community. I see so many kind people here who are really getting out and helping others. I always say Wymondham is a special place and this confirms it for me.”
Project Co-ordinator Arnie McConnell also thanked the community volunteers: “This project depends on each and every one of you; your contribution makes the world of difference to those individuals and families experiencing hardship in our community. I particularly want to thank Canon Pat Cleary without whom this project just does not happen.”
Among the attendees were Wymondham’s Mayor, Cllr Kevin Hurn and James Francis CEO of Saffron Housing Trust. Also present were representatives from various community groups and organisations, including Andrew Clarke of ‘The Shed’, whose members made and installed the ceremonial plaque’s ‘reveal curtain’. Waitrose in Wymondham kindly provided refreshments for the guests.
Cllr Hurn said it was “very important that the town now has a good network of defibrillators available” while Mr Francis expressed his delight that Saffron’s Community Foundation “was able to link with the local community to part-fund this life-saving package”.
Canon Cleary told the volunteers, sponsors and guests that: “All of your contributions make a world of difference to our community”. He continued: “We are so grateful for Lady Dannatt for giving up her time for this wonderful occasion, where we are going to officially declare the defibrillator operational. Many of you have now received the training. Also, I would like to thank you for all for your help with the community project: the community working together, church and neighbour is just as it should be.”
For more information contact Arnie McConnell: community@wymondhamrcchurch.org.uk
COVID update - 8th September
The existing measures we have in place will continue for the foreseeable future:
people should not attend if they feel unwell or have been told to isolate
we are all encouraged to do regular lateral flow testing. Tests are available freely and can be done at home with the result in just 30 minutes.
Names will continue to be taken or the NHS app used to ‘check in’. Where possible people should download the NHS app as this will send an automatic alert if the phone owner is within close proximity to someone who subsequently tests positive. The government still recommends this as the most efficient way to support contact tracing.
Windows will be open to allow adequate ventilation whenever the Church is in use
Hand sanitiser will be available for all to use on entering and leaving the premises
Face masks are to be worn by all (except those who are exempt) when inside the Church and Narthex
The current spacing of the benches will continue
Stewards will continue to show people to a seat for Mass in order to maintain social distancing but at the same time maximise the number of people that can be accommodated – this is particularly the case for the 10 am Sunday Mass although we haven’t reached the maximum yet
Stewards will continue to direct people to communion
Collecting buckets will be available for those who wish to make a cash donation – please see the website for other ways to contribute financially to the Parish
At the end of Mass people should leave the building by either of the two access points and not congregate inside
Any chatting and socialising needs to be done outdoors; but even then respecting an individual’s need for space
If you are able to park at Central Hall (free on Sundays and after 6 on other days) then this will leave a safer space for socialising
The Church and Narthex will continue to be ‘fogged’ (or else seats and touch points wiped down) after every service
The main changes are as follows:
The Cantor will continue to lead the singing at the 10am Mass but the congregation is encouraged to join in provided they are wearing a face mask.
A small number of hymn books will be placed on every bench for you to pick up as you enter the bench. The books should be placed back in the same place at the end of the service. This will avoid the jostle of people trying to put hymn books back on the shelves as previously.
NB. If anyone took a hymn book home at the beginning of lockdown please can these be returned.
In order to continue to operate safely we want to continue to have people to act as welcomers and stewards at every Mass. If you are willing, and able, to join the existing group of parishioners currently undertaking this role then please can you email newsletter@wymondahmrcchurch.org.uk with your name, telephone no. and which mass you are prepared to help at. The more people who volunteer the less often you will have to undertake this duty.
Knights of St Columba - Young people's virtual Seminar
Click here for details.
Pastoral Letter for Pentecost 2021
The Pastoral Letter for Pentecost 2021 from the CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES is available by clicking the following link
Pentecost Novena - Creation 20'21
The River Does Not Divide Us:
Pentecost Novena on the Care of Creation
We invite all Catholics in England and Wales to respond in prayer and action to the urgent climate change issues that we all face. The God Who Speaks team offers this Novena of readings and prayers drawn from the Bible and recent Papal teaching. Between Ascension and Pentecost, the Scriptures tell us: “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers…” (Acts 1:14) while they awaited to be “clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49). We are invited to pray these nine days reflecting on the account of creation in the book of Genesis. This Novena can be used on its own or to complement the prayers and reflections of the global prayer movement - ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ with the Care of Creation theme.
The full document can be viewed by using this link
'The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have given the church the advice as we prepare to emerge from the current lockdown’
To read the advice please click here
Student and Pilgrim Cross
We have received a card from the Essex Leg of the Student Cross pilgrimage that walk to Walsingham each year during Holy Week. Since the first pilgrimage in 1948, the Essex Leg has walked as a group and spends one night in our parish hall at Wymondham where they have been welcomed and cared for by the CWL. Having arrived in Walsingham they meet with another 11 groups who have also made the pilgrimage. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic restrictions, this cannot happen and so this year the Essex Leg of the Pilgrimage invites us to engage with them online. More information on how to join the pilgrimage can be found by clicking on the link https://studentpilgrimcross.org
Icon of the Holy Family
This icon of the Holy Family is travelling round the diocese parish by parish to mark the year of St Joseph which is currently being marked by the universal church. The icon arrived at our church on Friday 19th March 2021.
A suggested prayer for us in connection with this is:
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 grew to maturity.
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.
The Icon will be going to Quidenham on Saturday 27 March 2021.
Statement of Financial Affairs for our Parish - 2020 Financial Year
Please find the accounts for 2020 by clicking here
National Day of Reflection on Tuesday March 23rd which marks the anniversary of the first lockdown in 2020
CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF
ENGLAND AND WALES
Statement from the Presidency of the Bishops’ Conference
on the National Day of Reflection for COVID-19
Tuesday 23rd March 2021
We welcome the designation of Tuesday 23rd March as a National Day of Reflection to mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown with a minute’s silence at midday and doorstep vigils of light at 8pm.
We ask you all to make this not only a Day of Reflection but also a Day of Prayer. In reflection we ponder on all that has taken place; in prayer we bring this to our Heavenly Father. For all who live by faith in God, reflection and prayer always go hand in hand. Prayer completes reflection. Reflection informs prayer. Prayer opens our life to its true horizon. Without prayer we live in a foreshortened world and are more easily swamped by its clamour and tragedy. Throughout this difficult year, so many have been inspired by prayer, so much effort sustained in prayer, in every place. So let us make the 23rd March truly a day of prayer.
March 2020 was the first time our churches had to be closed. It is our hope that on this day, every one of our churches will be open. We invite everyone to enter a church on this day, to reflect and pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. We know this will involve an extra effort, but this can be part of our important contribution to a significant moment in the life of our country. Indeed, we ask that you might invite a friend, neighbour or colleague to come to church with you as you make this visit.
There is so much on which to reflect and include in our prayer.
We reflect in sorrow on all those who have died, whether family members, friends or those unknown to us personally. We pray for them, asking our Father to welcome them into their heavenly home, the destiny for which God first gave us the gift of life.
We reflect with compassion on all those who have suffered during this last year, whether through illness, stress, financial disaster or family tensions. We pray for their ongoing resilience, courage and capacity to forgive. We reflect with thanksgiving for the generosity, inventiveness, self-sacrifice and determination shown by so many in this most difficult of times. We pray for them, thanking God for their gifts and dedication, whether they are scientists, politicians, health workers, public servants of every kind, community leaders or steadfast family members and friends who continue to show such love and compassion.
We reflect in hope that, as the pandemic is controlled and we open up our lives again, we will gather in the lessons we have learned and build our society into a better shape, more compassionate, less marked by inequalities, more responsive to needs and deprivation. We ask for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in this endeavour, whether we are focussing on overcoming family breakdowns, economic recovery, or building political consensus.
Christian prayer is, of course, centred on Jesus Christ, the one who is “lifted up” before us “so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 3.13). We pray with Jesus, in him and through him, for he is the one who carries us, and our prayers, into the embracing presence of his Father. He is our comfort in sorrow, our strength in the face of need, our rejoicing in the gifts we celebrate and our hope in the face of the weighty darkness of death.
May Tuesday 23rd March be a great day of prayer that this pandemic comes to an end and that the gift of God’s Holy Spirit will carry us all forward to a new and better life, both here and in the world to come.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols (President)
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP (Vice-President)
Brexit: Information about Applications for EU Settled Status
The Bishop, The Rt Rev Alan S Hopes, has asked us to make the following information about Brexit widely known among our communities.
Brexit: Information about Applications for EU Settled Status Please read this information sheet and help us to ensure that all European Nationals who wish to remain living in the UK after 30 June 2021 can do so, and retain their rights to work, rent, access free healthcare and benefits, and send their children to higher education after the 30 June 2021 deadline.
They are available at General Guidance on changes for EEA nationals . NCC - Applied for Status Poster and NCC - Applied for Status Poster - Multiple Languages.
Pastoral Letter for 1st Sunday in Lent February 2021
PASTORAL LETTER OF
THE RIGHT REVD ALAN HOPES
THE BISHOP OF EAST ANGLIA
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
To be read at all Masses during the weekend of February 20/21 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our observance of the Holy Season of Lent reflects the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert before He began his public ministry of teaching and healing. His ministry culminates in His Passion, Death and Resurrection – a life freely given for our salvation.
As we follow in Our Lord’s footsteps, our observance of the forty days of Lent also culminates in the sacramental celebration of His Passion, Death and Resurrection. Holy Week and Easter: a celebration which renews our lives with the fruits of forgiveness and eternal life.
That number 40 has a rich and mystical significance in the Sacred Scriptures. It is a period of testing and preparation. It is also a time that looks forward to reconciliation with God, and to new life lived according to His ways.
Noah spent 40 days in the ark when the whole earth was covered in flood – yet he, and all in the ark, were saved. Moses spent 40 days fasting on Mount Sinai before receiving the ten commandments, and a new covenant with God’s chosen people. This same people spent forty years of testing in the desert, before entering the promised land and the new life that God had promised them.
For Jesus, His time of fasting and prayer in the desert was a time of discipline and preparation for His mission of salvation.
For us, these 40 days are a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that enable us to give our particular attention to God – putting Him and our neighbour first – as we prepare for the new life of Easter.
For those among us who are preparing to be welcomed into the Church at Easter, through the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion – it is a time of intense prayer and reflection.
For all of us this past year has been a time of great testing and privation.
We remember in our prayers the tens of thousands who have died with the virus in our country alone, and all those who grieve for them. We continue to pray for all who are still suffering; and for those who work tirelessly among them in our hospitals, hospices and care homes.
However, we are also beginning to see light in the middle of the darkness. The global vaccination process is underway. Our support of this process, in the midst of the pandemic, reflects our Catholic obligation to work together for the common good.
So, we can look to the future with hope and embrace the possibility of things returning soon to some degree of normality.
But like our scriptural forbears, we need to prepare for that future.
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has been reflecting on precisely this. He has, therefore, proclaimed a Year of the Family within a year that also marks the 150th anniversary of St Joseph as the Protector of the Church.
During this past year, we have seen just how important the Family is. So many have experienced how vulnerable relationships within our families can be. Children who no longer live at home have been unable to visit their parents. Grandparents have not been allowed to hug or see their grandchildren. Journeys to visit friends have not been possible. Like our faith, our family life was not intended to be lived in isolation.
So this will be a year, when the pandemic is over, for coming together once more and renewing those essential and close family ties.
Plans are underway for each Diocese and each parish to be able to mark this important year. Our Diocesan Marriage and Family Life Commission have already been discussing how we might assist in this renewal of the Family. Over twenty people are being trained across the Diocese for a Prayer and Listening Ministry to discuss problems big and small.
There will be Masses and retreats to celebrate Marriage and the Family during the course of the year, together with occasions when those who have lost a child, or who cannot have children, can come together to share their griefs and hopes. Every parish will need to reflect on how it might celebrate this year, helping to strengthen family life and assisting those who have gone through difficulties.
Renewing those essential and close family ties will also be vital for the Family of God – the Church.
We also need to look towards that time when we all come together as the Church –
to celebrate and renew our common faith and friendship with God and with each other;
to celebrate our common need for the grace we receive in the Sacraments – especially the Eucharist. For the Mass is the foretaste of heaven – it is our Promised Land.
May the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us all as we begin our journey towards Easter.
With warmest good wishes and prayer for you all,
Yours devotedly in Jesus Christ,
+Alan S. Hopes
The Right Reverend Alan S Hopes
Bishop of East Anglia
KNIGHTS OF ST. COLUMBA Prize-winning Competitions
Here are details of three Young People’s Competitions from the Knights of St Columba. The competitions offer an opportunity for young people with various skills.
You may have the time to paint a good Easter picture which could be a general scene from the Easter narrative in the Gospel or a detailed close up picture of a recognisable biblical figure.
Written entries in the Prayer and Essay competitions need not be hand written but can be directly typed and emailed back.
If you decide to enter please email a copy to newsletter@wymondhamrcchurch.org.uk so that it can be posted on the churches website.
Remember, in addition to the important and popular scenes of the Last Supper, those recalling Christ’s Passion on the first Good Friday and the Resurrection, there are the Journey to Emmaus, Appearances in the Upper Room and on the Shore of the Sea of Galilee, the Ascension, and Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. Each tell a significant story for artists’ talents!
Entries may be sized A4 or A3, on paper of quality and colour of the entrant’s choice. With entrant name, address, age, school year, name and address of Parish attended shown legibly in full on the reverse of each entry. Entries should be sent by post addressed to Bro. Christopher J. Brooks, Past Prov. Grand Knight, East Anglia Province 27, c/o 356 London Road South, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0BQ, Tel (01502) 563208, to reach him by Friday 16th April 2021. It would be helpful if you contact Bro. Brooks if participating.
The awards after Provincial judging will be a Framed copies of the winning entries in each group, Certificates signed by the Provincial Great Knight and Cash Prizes of £7, £5 & £3 for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places respectively.
As in 2020, winning entries of groups KS3 & KS4 go forward to the National Final for judging. Please note the overall National Winner of KS3 & KS4 will be the better winning entry of these High School groups combined. The awards after National judging will be: Overall KS3 & KS4 Winner: Engraved Trophy (Held by the Parish or individual for approximately one year), Certificates signed by the Supreme Knight, Cash Prizes of £75.00, £50.00 and £25.00 respectively for the best three winners at KS3 & KS4. Results will be announced in early Summer of 2020 and awards will be presented by arrangement with the winning school or parish.
All entries will be returned in due course.
The criteria observed in judging entries will be:
a - Comprehensive linking of the basic elements expressed in the essay.
b - Composition skills.
c - Correct use of the English language.
It should have a minimum of 1,400 and a maximum of 1,600 words, typed or handwritten in ink. With entrant name, address, age, school year, name and address of Parish attended shown legibly in full on the reverse of each entry. Entries should be sent by email to christopherbrooks631@gmail.com or by post addressed to Bro. Christopher J. Brooks, Past Prov. Grand Knight, East Anglia Province 27, c/o 356 London Road South, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0BQ, Tel (01502) 563208, to reach him by Friday 16th April 2021. It would be helpful if you contact Bro. Brooks if participating.
The Awards after Local & Provincial judging in each age group will be:
First Prize – Provincial Certificate and £7.00
Second Prize – Provincial Certificate and £5.00
Third Prize – Provincial Certificate and £3.00
The National Awards after final judging will be:
Overall Winner: Engraved Trophy. (Held by the school or individual for approximately one year.)
Each Group Winners : Certificate signed by the Supreme Knight. Cash Prize of £75:00.
Each Group Runners Up : Certificate signed by the Supreme Knight. Cash Prize of £50:00.
Each Group Third Places: Certificate signed by the Supreme Knight. Cash Prize of £25:00.
A donation of £200 will be made to the school/parish attended by the winner of each group.
Note: The overall winner will be the better winning entry of Groups 1 and 2 combined.
The criteria observed in judging entries will be:
1. Spiritual content.
2. Composition.
3. Correct use of the English Language.
Prayer limit - 250 words, typed or handwritten in ink. With entrant name, address, age, school year, name and address of Parish attended shown legibly in full on the reverse of each entry. Entries should be sent by email to christopherbrooks631@gmail.com or by post addressed to Bro. Christopher J. Brooks, Past Prov. Grand Knight, East Anglia Province 27, c/o 356 London Road South, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0BQ, Tel (01502) 563208, to reach him by Friday 16th April 2021. It would be helpful if you contact Bro. Brooks if participating.
The Awards after Provincial judging in each age group will be:
First Prize – Provincial Certificate and £7.00
Second Prize – Provincial Certificate and £5.00
Third Prize – Provincial Certificate and £3.00
The National Awards after final judging will be:
The Group Winner : Certificate signed by the Supreme Knight. Cash Prize of £30:00.
The Group Runner Up : Certificate signed by the Supreme Knight. Cash Prize of £20:00.
The Group Third Place: Certificate signed by the Supreme Knight. Cash Prize of £15:00.
A donation of £200 will be made to the school / parish attended by the group winner.
Canon Pat Cleary
In the latest edition of the Diocesan newsletter “Catholic East Anglia”, you many have noticed an article about Fr Pat, as a result there was an interesting article in the magazine of the St Pancras Catholic Church, Ipswich by his sister that has been reproduced below:
Family fires with two canons
I was surprised to pick up the St Pancras Bell newsletter a few weeks ago to read the heading “Canon Patrick Cleary”. What on earth was he doing in the bulletin, I wondered.
To me that name meant our great-uncle, Canon Patrick Cleary, who was parish priest of St Alban’s Church, Macclesfield in the Shrewsbury diocese from 1910 until his death in 1937.
It took me a moment to realise that the Bell newsletter item referred to my brother, Fr Patrick Cleary, who was to be made a canon in our Diocese of East Anglia.
Fr Pat was baptised in St Pancras church and attended Mass these until St Mary Magdalen’s Church on Norwich Road was build [1956]. He and his two brothers, Joseph and Peter, all served on the alter there for many years.
Pat and Pete were later both active Scouts with Fr Leeder who ran a Catholic troop for years and many parishioners at St Pancras will remember.
Fr Pat was inaugurated into the cathedral chapter as a canon at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich in October, during a Mass with the Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt Rev Alan Hopes, and the other canons who help support and advise the bishop in running the diocese.
The official notification of Pat’s new status was read out and he was duly clothed in the garb of a canon,
We, his family, were present along with some of this parishioners from St Thomas of Canterbury, Wymondham, all please to see him receive this honour.
Rt Rev Alan Hopes, Bishop of East Anglia, and Canon Pat Cleary
Canon Patrick Cleary was a parish priest in Macclesfield and great-uncle of Canon Pat Cleary
Father Pat Cleary joins Chapter
Canon Patrick Cleary great uncle of Canon Pat Cleary
Newly installed Canon Pat Cleary
The Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt Rev Alan Hopes, installed Fr Pat Cleary as a canon at capitular Mass in Norwich. Canon David Paul, Dean of St John’s Cathedral, said: “I would like to welcome Canon Pat Cleary into the chapter of canons. He brings with him wisdom and great experience of the diocese.
”In addition, his tremendous work in encouraging vocations has been invaluable in the mission of the church in East Anglia. He will, I know, give great service to the chapter of canons and the diocese as a whole.”
The ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 21, and means that Fr Pat is now part of the college of consultors for the diocese, Canons fulfil the role of consultors until they reach the age of 75, at which point they become canons emeriti,
Fr Pat celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination in 2018, He initially studied at Campion House, run by the Jesuits, in Osterley, west London, then spent two years at seminary and did a degree course in Theology at All Hallows in Dublin.
When he was 40 Fr Pat went to Santa Cruz in Bolivia for three years with the St James’ Missionary Society. He became assistant director and spent five years in America, travelling to Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia where the society worked.
He is parish Priest of St Thomas of Canterbury in Wymondham.