The Parish of St Joseph and The Parish of St Charles Borromeo, Sheffield

The Parish of St Joseph and
The Parish of St Charles Borromeo
Sheffield

Latest Letter from Mgr Mark McManus 20th March

Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles,

The following statement was issued by Bishop Heskett today:

'Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

With a heavy heart but with trust in Divine Providence, I write to you today to announce that in accordance with the prescriptions of the Code of Canon Law, (Canon 402 § 2), I recently submitted my resignation from the office of Bishop of Hallam to Pope Leo XIV.

This decision was prompted by a sense of my declining health, which I judged was beginning to impede my ability to exercise fully the pastoral responsibilities entrusted to me. I can now inform you that the Holy Father has accepted my resignation and that he offered me and you his blessing and prayers at this time.

For almost twelve years it has been my immense privilege and joy to serve as your shepherd. Your unwavering support, prayers, and collaboration have sustained me, reminding me daily of the words of Christ: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (Jn 10:11). I am deeply grateful to the Lord for each of you - my brother priests who have shared the burdens of the flock; the deacons, religious, and consecrated persons whose witness inspires us all; and you, the lay faithful, whose holiness in ordinary life builds up the Body of Christ.

This moment of transition calls us to deeper faith and hope. Resignation does not mark the end of my love for this diocese or my commitment to pray for you unceasingly. As the Second Vatican Council teaches, when a bishop offers his resignation for serious reasons, provision is made for his suitable support while ensuring the Church's mission continues without interruption. Accordingly, Pope Leo has Appointed Bishop Marcus Stock, the Bishop of Leeds, as Apostolic Administrator.

Let us entrust this time of change to the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, our diocesan patron and embrace the challenges it may bring with the same spirit of openness and joy that has characterized our diocese.

As I prepare to step aside, I carry with me the memory of your kindness and the assurance of your prayers. May the Lord bless you abundantly and keep you always in His love.

In communion with the Holy Father and united in the one flock of Christ,

Yours sincerely in Christ, the Redeemer,

+ Ralph

The following statement was then issued by Bishop Marcus Stock:

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Following the resignation of the Right Reverend Ralph Heskett C.Ss.R. as Bishop of Hallam, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed me as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Hallam. This appointment is in addition to my office as Bishop of Leeds and my responsibilities as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Middlesbrough.

I feel very humbled by the trust which His Holiness has placed in me with these appointments.

The Holy Father has requested that I begin a consultation with the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Hallam about a possible reunification with the Diocese of Leeds, from part of which Hallam was created in May 1980.

While the potential changes that we are being asked to study together may present us with challenges, they will also offer us opportunities to strengthen our service of the mission which Christ has entrusted to His Church and to renew our vigour in responding to the work of evangelisation.

Let us give thanks to Almighty God for the ministry that Bishop Heskett has given so devotedly as Shepherd of the Diocese of Hallam over the past twelve years and pray that the Lord will grant him health and strength as he begins his retirement from office as a Diocesan Ordinary.

I ask you kindly to keep me in your prayers and pray too for all the people of our Dioceses. As we explore together the future for our local Churches, may Christ Our Lord send the Holy Spirit into our minds and hearts to guide us and grant us the gift of wisdom.

With the assurance of my prayers and every blessing, I remain,

Yours in the Lord Jesus Christ,

+ Marcus Stock
Bishop of Leeds
Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Hallam

Let us keep both bishops in our prayers!

Change of today's Mass time

Unfortunately, the Mass this morning, 20 March, will have to be celebrated at 9.00am with the recitation of the Divine Mercy prayers then taking place afterwards. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Comings & Goings - Visitors

Canon Michael Docherty, the Catholic Chaplain at the University of Lancaster and Episcopal Vicar for Education and Formation in the Diocese of Lancaster, will be joining us for the celebration of the Easter Triduum.

Father Craig Fitzpatrick is returning to the diocese after Easter, having served in the Diocese of Leeds for the past five years. He will be living here at St Joseph's for around six-to-eight weeks before taking up his new appointment at St William's here in Sheffield.

Here is this week's newsletter, and intercessions.

Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us.
St Charles Borromeo, pray for us.

With my prayers,
Mgr. Mark McManus
Parish Priest