Latest News
You can find the latest important parish news on this page or you can read the full weekly newsletters in PDF format, which will contain additional notices of interest from our local community, the diocese and beyond. And don’t forget to take a look at the What’s On page too, to see any events that are coming up in the parish.
Published on: 21 March 2024
Join us for a four-week singing project for all ages and abilities with funds raised for two homeless organisations: Keystage Housing and Noah. When: Tuesdays April 16/23/30 and May 14th7.30pm – 9.30pm Where: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Harpenden Cost £40 per singer, includes all rehearsal sessions and final performance. Contact Katie Metcalfe by email: […]
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Published on: 20 March 2024
Try something new? Rekindle an old hobby? Exercise your entire being? You are invited to join in an exciting parish-and-beyond choral journey – rehearsing Vivaldi’s Gloria and the Nelson Mass by Haydn. You will be singing and learning alongside experienced choral singers and performing with Alison Langer, Lawrence Thackeray and other soloists for the final […]
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Published on: 10 February 2024
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an opportunity to sit together in two listening sessions for our Parish community. You can see the amalgamated responses from the meetings here: OLOL Harpenden Reflections from Synodal listening Feb24 final
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Published on: 27 February 2024
You can read the DWG’s Annual Report HERE.
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Published on: 10 February 2024
There are 2 collection boxes in the wall at the back of the church (near the Repository), one of them being the POOR AND NEEDY BOX. Donations to this box are used by the parish for any parishioner in need. It will now also be possible to donate via the card reader in the church […]
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Published on: 8 February 2024
Fantastic news from our Developing World Group: Some 19 months ago Rotary in Harpenden took on a project to raise funds to equip a new operating theatre being built at the Kyengera Women’s hospital in Wakiso, near Kampala, Uganda. You can read more about it here: https://rotaryinharpenden.org.uk/…/02/ready-to-receive/… Well done everyone for making this project possible.
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Published on: 5 February 2024
FRIDAY MASS & STATIONS: Each Friday during Lent, there will be Mass at 7.00pm, followed by the Stations of the Cross. This could be a good Lenten Practice to adopt – giving an hour each week to attend an extra Mass and to follow Jesus’ journey to Calvary, by making the Stations of the Cross. […]
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Published on: 5 January 2024
Do consider joining our next Sing For Project – Sing For Seven – starting Tuesday January 16th 7.30 – 9.00pm in the Undercroft. It only costs £40 per person for hours of singing and a sense of achievement as the weeks progress! Money raised, and donations collected will be sent to Keystage Housing and NOAH. […]
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Published on: 11 December 2023
Thank you to everyone who donated items for the Keystage Housing Christmas gift packs for their service users. They were very gratefully received.
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Published on: 11 December 2023
Thank you to everyone who supported, helped and donated at the Christmas Fair last Saturday – we raised £2,270 which will be split between CAFOD Holy Land Appeal and the Parish Building Fund.
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Published on: 11 December 2023
The Developing World Group want to share their wonderful news that, thanks to the great generosity of the parishioners, we have raised nearly £5,000 from the two latest fundraisings events alone: The Quiz and the Tring Auction of our “Lolly in the Loft”. This puts us well on track for the latest project, supplemented by […]
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Published on: 11 December 2023
Click here to download: Advent & Christmas Calendar of Events & Times
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Published on: 27 November 2023
The ‘Noodle Box’ continues to be available inside the Church for anyone who needs a hot snack. The box is full of pot noodles, instant pasta cups and instant soups along with takeaway cups. They are FREE to take! Please spread the word, especially as the cold weather is upon us. This is just a […]
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Published on: 27 November 2023
Christmas is an incredibly busy period at the Welfare Centre, and we work hard to provide a warm and welcome space for our clients to spend the holiday. Each year, we are blessed to receive a number of requests for volunteering over the Christmas period. This year, we are unable to accept any requests for […]
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Published on: 23 November 2023
During Advent, the Travelling Crib will be making its way around the parish, beginning with a blessing in Church at the 9.45am mass on 3rd December. It will then be taken home by a family who plays host to the figures of Mary, Joseph and the donkey for the night, sharing a short act of […]
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Published on: 28 November 2023
As we begin the season of Advent, we prepare for the birth of the baby Jesus. There are lots of lovely Advent resources available for families to use during this joyful time: Watch this short video by Busted Halo about the meaning of Advent Set up a Nativity in a prominent place in your home. […]
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Published on: 11 October 2023
“The world sings of an infinite love, how can we fail to care for it?” (Laudate Deum #65) Pope Francis has today, on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, published Laudate Deum: to all people of good will on the climate crisis, his new Exhortation on the environment, a follow up to his encyclical, Laudato Si’. The Pope says that “climate […]
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Published on: 23 October 2023
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our CAFOD Harvest Fast Day. £2,760 was donated. If you haven’t yet made a donation, it is not to late to do so. CAFOD envelopes are available in the porch, in which you can place your offering, and return to the parish office. The CAFOD envelopes should also […]
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Published on: 13 September 2023
CELEBRATE Trust is a Catholic ministry that inspires and equips people of all ages to live an authentic Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit, in support of the family, to form the next generation and encourage local community. Take a look at the online sessions which will be running later in the […]
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Published on: 14 August 2023
🎶 Sing for 6… 🎶 Back for their 6th season! ‘Sing For’ is a 4 week singing project designed to raise fonds for Keystage Housing and NOAH, while giving participants an opportunity to learn new pieces of music and have some respite from the norm. 📆 Rehearsal dates: Wednesday 13 September – 7:30pm – 9pm […]
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Published on: 2 August 2023
Youth friendly masses will resume in the Autumn, once a month, on Saturdays at 6pm. Dates to be shared after the summer. Young people from Year 7 to Year 13 and beyond are all very welcome to join and take an active role in this mass: we invite any readers, welcomers, musicians, altar servers to […]
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Published on: 29 July 2023
The Parish Office is open throughout the Summer Holidays Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 12.30pm for all enquiries. Please note next week’s newsletter will be for the whole of August.
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Published on: 24 July 2023
St Dominic Catholic Primary School is a vibrant and caring school where children are valued and we aspire to excellence. The governing body of this outstanding school, wish to appoint a dedicated and energetic teaching assistant to join our team. The position is part time during term time with a working pattern of 5 days, […]
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Published on: 24 July 2023
Preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, for young people in year 9 or above, will be commencing after the summer holiday. Application forms are available for collection, by the candidates after all Weekend Masses. Completed forms and copies of Baptismal Certificates, if not Baptised at Our Lady of Lourdes, should be returned to the […]
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Published on: 24 July 2023
Registration for First Holy Communion, next summer, is now taking place. To participate in the preparation children should be in year 3, or above, from September 2023. It is also expected that the children, and their parents, are attending Mass each Sunday. Over the years it has become a source of concern, that quite a […]
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Published on: 10 June 2023
Our shops need your help! If you’re refreshing your summer wardrobe, please consider donating your unwanted items to NOAH where they can be used to continue the vital services in your community. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 Open Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm 20-22 High Town Road, Luton, LU2 0DD T: 01582 736751 𝗟𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 Open Mon […]
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Published on: 19 June 2023
Grateful thanks from the Developing World Group for supporting Tea in the Garden last Saturday. It was a happy, sunny event which raised £700 for our future projects. The Group has recently donated £9,425 to projects in Uganda: £5,425 to Just Small Change to set up a goat livelihood scheme and associated village loans and […]
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Published on: 28 April 2023
Thank you to everyone who supported our Parish Family Quiz Evening on Saturday 22nd April. It was indeed a fun evening, thanks to our lovely Quizmistress. Thanks also go to Peter Metcalfe for his sound system and to Marva’s marvellous team for their very appropriate Simple supper. It was especially lovely to see so many […]
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Published on: 25 April 2023
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Priests Training Fund over the last few weeks: £2,114 has been donated to date. This is a very important collection, as the proceeds are used to train those who will serve as priests in our Diocese in the future. In other words, it is one of the […]
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Published on: 18 April 2023
Here is the latest Developing World Group report. We are pleased to share with you which projects the DWG has supported thanks to the generosity of our Parishioners. Also, we will be collecting the DWG Green Boxes at all the masses this weekend, Sat 22nd and Sunday 23rd April. DWG Project Report 2022
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Published on: 23 March 2023
In Holy Week the Church celebrates the mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ in the last days of his earthy life, from his messianic entry into Jerusalem, until his blessed Passion and glorious Resurrection. Please note the times of events during Holy Week: Holy Week & Easter Schedule of Times 2023
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Published on: 10 March 2023
The Parish Flower Arrangers will have their annual Easter Flower Collection after all Masses this weekend. Donations can also be made via the card machine in the porch. In addition, a Lily may be purchased (at £5) in memory of a loved one. Please write clearly the name of the loved one in CAPITAL LETTERS […]
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Published on: 24 February 2023
Thank you for supporting the CAFOD Lent Fast Day last weekend. £2,139.20 was contributed. If you haven’t yet made a contribution, it is not too late to do so. CAFOD envelopes will be found in the porch, and can be returned to the Parish Office. You can also donate online, direct to CAFOD, https://cafod.org.uk/fundraise/family-fast-day
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Published on: 24 February 2023
As part of the Parish Renewal programme, and as you know from the recent requests seeking area volunteers, we have been working on and are now ready to launch “Good Neighbours’. This initiative answers the call to become a more open and welcoming parish, as highlighted in the feedback from the parish survey, exemplified by, […]
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Published on: 22 February 2023
We begin the Season of Lent; 40 days when we are called to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. During these days we are called to deny ourselves, in order to share the life of Jesus more deeply, and to make ourselves ready for our celebration of the great feast of Easter. The Cardinal writes in today’s […]
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Published on: 22 February 2023
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the CAFOD Appeal for Syria and Turkey appeal over the last two weekends. A total of £1,805.90 has now been donated. Your generosity will help to provide for some of those basic needs, such as food, shelter water and warmth. If you have yet to make a donation, […]
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Published on: 7 February 2023
As in previous years there will be groups meeting throughout Lent to reflect, share ideas and pray. The sessions this Lent will be based on Praying the Our Father, by Carl E. Olson which is described by one theologian as “the best collection of Lenten reflections she has seen.” The booklet is available from CTS […]
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Published on: 11 January 2023
This week, with the Church, throughout the world, we remember, and pray for Pope Emeritus, Benedict XI, who led the Church for almost eight years, until his resignation in 2013. Cardinal Nichols has described him as ‘through and through a gentleman, through and through a scholar, through and through a pastor, through and through a […]
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Published on: 23 December 2022
The Luton Catenians have published their Christmas Newsletter featuring an article written by Fr. Stephen Wang. Download a copy here.
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Published on: 4 December 2022
In recent weeks we have been inviting our younger parishioners, to volunteer to serve at Mass. The response to date has been underwhelming, and that is disappointing! Altar Servers carry out an important ministry during Mass and contribute to the dignified celebration of the Liturgy. More offers, from boys and girls, who have made their […]
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Published on: 29 November 2022
Following the delivery of the donation bins for NOAH and Keystage, we wanted to let you all know of another way to support these amazing organisations if you are able to, via Amazon wish lists. The link to Keystage’s is https://amzn.eu/3HSwWDw: our contact there has chosen to make it more Christmas focused but has said that […]
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Published on: 26 November 2022
Some of the Harpenden churches are responding to the Government request to offer warm spaces, for those who may struggle to have sufficient heat, as the weather gets colder. The hope is that there can be at least one warm space available each day. It would be good if we could offer such a space, […]
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Published on: 16 November 2022
We are delighted to announce that both NOAH and Keystage donation bins have arrived and can be found in the courtyard of the Church. For NOAH, (Blue Bins) they ask for men’s clothing (no undergarments, unless they are brand new and packaged); men’s coats and jackets; men’s shoes; toys; and bric-a-brac. You can also Gift […]
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Published on: 12 November 2022
Many of you will be aware that since the Pandemic there has been a big drop in the numbers exercising the ministry of Altar Serving. Altar Servers carry out an important ministry during Mass and contribute to the dignified celebration of the Liturgy. More offers, from boys and girls who have made their First Communion, […]
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Published on: 26 October 2022
CAFOD have published 26 green ideas – from simple, practical steps to crucial goals to shoot for – to show the world you’re serious about protecting the planet. Please view them here.
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Published on: 26 October 2022
A chance to join the 9:45 music team and swell the joyous praise to our Lord and God! We are looking to bring in any youngsters and adults who either play an instrument or just love singing along to the hymns and mass settings. Music is circulated during the week and we have a quick […]
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Published on: 6 October 2022
Years 4 and above. Weekly term time rehearsals, on THURSDAY 7-8pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. They sing at Mass every other Sunday, 11.30am, with rehearsals 11.00am. The choristers also sing a Weddings, Remembrance Sunday on Church Green, Advent Service, Candlelight Carol Service and at Concerts throughout the year. It is a very traditional […]
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Published on: 24 September 2022
Are you a student or about to start, at one of the universities or colleges in London, or in Hatfield? Our Catholic Chaplaincy is for you! It’s based at Newman House, 111 Gower Street, WC1E 6AR. We have Sunday Masses for students and regular events during the week. And in many of the universities and […]
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Published on: 24 September 2022
Preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, for young people in Year 9 or above, will commence soon. Application forms are available for collection by the candidates after all Weekend Masses. Completed forms and copies of Baptismal Certificates must be returned to Melanie in the parish office by Sunday 23rd October.
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Published on: 24 September 2022
Thank you very much for your contributions last weekend for the CAFOD appeal following the floods in Pakistan. £1,090.01 has now been donated. It’s not too late to make a donation, envelopes for contributions will be found in the porch, and can be returned to the presbytery. Contributions can also be made via the card […]
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Published on: 30 August 2022
“May the Lord hear this cry and grant mankind a new heart, capable of showing compassion to the whole of creation…” These were the words of the Catholic Bishops of Europe on 20 August as they promoted the Season of Creation. The “cry” they refer to is the “cry of the Earth” which was highlighted […]
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Published on: 21 July 2022
With the schools now closed for the summer, it seems that holiday time, for many, is finally here. As St Dominic’s closes it is an opportunity to thank the Headteacher and staff, for their dedication, and good work, in what has been another challenging year. We wish them all a restful and happy holiday, as […]
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Published on: 17 July 2022
The new PPC began meeting in February, and has been meeting monthly since then. Following on from the Parish Survey, members have been considering how to take some of the suggestions forward and, as well, have been thinking about the responses made in the Synodal process, a good number of which overlap. One repeated concern […]
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Published on: 7 July 2022
Over three Masses last weekend 32 young people from our parish, as well as 8 from the parishes of Redbourn and Wheathampstead received the sacrament of Confirmation, from Bishop Paul McAleenan and Canon Dwyer. Each of the Masses was a happy and joyful celebration, thanks to all those who contributed, choir, servers, flower arrangers and […]
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Published on: 7 July 2022
THANK YOU very much to the wonderful Ladies Group for our enjoyable Strawberry Social last Sunday which raised the magnificent sum of £700. Thank you to all who came and also the many parishioners who bought tickets even though they were not free to attend. You really make a difference to the lives of our […]
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Published on: 27 June 2022
Our friends at NOAH (New Opportunities & Horizons) have told us of a number of volunteering opportunities they have: Catering – working in our kitchen in support of our chef at breakfast, lunch or evening meal times Welfare – engaging with our service users in conversation, listening to their issues, providing friendship, engaging them in […]
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Published on: 6 June 2022
Many hands make light work! Would you consider volunteering your time to join the Church Cleaning Team? Volunteers are needed to clean the Church on either Tuesday or Thursday morning. The rota would be on a four weekly basis and would only take approx. 40 minutes after morning Mass on Tuesday or Thursday. Please contact […]
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Published on: 16 May 2022
The Diocese of Westminster recently shared its Bishops Report reflecting the input from the all its Parishes, link below. It is encouraging to read that the ideas and experiences from our Parish resonated with many others, and the Bishops report is very much in the spirit of the views shared in our own Parish. The […]
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Published on: 16 May 2022
At their meeting a couple of weeks ago, the Bishops of England and Wales, decided that the obligation to attend Mass, every Sunday, is to be restored, from the feast of Pentecost, Sunday June 5th. Of course, they recognise for reasons of health, there are those who do not feel safe enough to return to […]
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