On January 6, 2026, the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Leo ceremoniously closed the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica ending the Jubilee Year of Hope.

At St Gregory’s we had many occasions to reflect on ourselves as Pilgrims of Hope through a variety of talks, events, prayers and of course, the colourful banners that displayed the logo of this special year.

So it was fitting that in Advent we concluded the programme with an inspiring talk by Fr Michael Winstanley on the theme of Hope. A Scripture scholar, author and experienced retreat giver all over the world, he said that this was only the second time he had been asked to speak specifically about Hope. The parishioners who gathered appreciated his rich insights and the opportunity to step aside from the busyness of the season.

We were invited to be aware of the things we hope for in our own situations and to notice feelings and emotions both positive and negative that might be present.  Who and what helps us when things don’t go as we hoped or prayed?

Fr Michael traced the threads of hope running through the Old Testament with the yearning of the people for the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in the New Testament and the promise that He will return- “the same Jesus who is with us in the Eucharist.”

He highlighted Jesus’ words at the Last Supper in John’s gospel: “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me…I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

July: Scripture reflection

Pope Francis highlighted Rest and Worship as one of the themes for this Jubilee Year.  

We all know the benefits of taking time out of our busy lives. Several parishioners met for scripture reflection.

June: Just-Ice talk

Just-ice  is an ethical ice cream café on the main street in Poynton.  They have been supporting victims of modern slavery for many years.  The café employs survivors to help them gain skills, participate in education courses and engage with the local community.  

Modern slavery is one of the key themes that Pope Francis incorporated into the Jubilee Year. In Biblical times of Jubilee, slaves were freed. Modern slavery is often hidden and out of sight but is nonetheless alarmingly extensive in the UK and even locally.

Some of the team from Just-Ice came to St Gregory's to give a talk, click here to read about the event. 

May: Pilgrimage to Cathedral in Shrewsbury 

April: Parish Reconciliation Service 

Forgiveness is an important theme during this Jubilee Year and the season of Lent is traditionally the time to take a good look at ourselves.  It’s an opportunity to reassess our relationship with God and one another.  In what ways have we fallen short in carrying out Jesus’s commandment to 'love one another as I have loved you'.  When we are truly sorry God always forgives us.  If we try to excuse our weaknesses, he will give us every chance to change.

No one becomes fully human overnight, and as we mature, we need to experience the healing, reconciling action of the Holy Spirit.  The Church celebrates this action of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of reconciliation and it is completed when we return our forgiveness to our families and friends.  The more we grow in our understanding of God’s everlasting love for each and every one, the more we will recognize our need for forgiveness and healing.  

The sacrament of reconciliation is above all an act of God’s love, it is a personal moment to be lived in a relationship of love with God.  It is not a routine or an ordeal to be gone through, but very much part of the personal renewal which takes place in each person.

March: Pilgrimage to St Joseph's Shrine, Stockport

• Pray in the Church, either St Joseph’s Stockport or the Cathedral (if possible, pray for vocations to the priesthood but this is not obligatory) 
• Pray for the Pope’s intentions when you are there 
• Receive Holy Communion 
• Go to Confession within 20 days before or after the visit 
• Detach yourself from all sin