"He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps."

The Diocese of Norfeld

This Diocese of TESSAC is dedicated to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The reason being that we feel that as brothers and sisters of Christ, we all belong to one family.

Please feel free to contact us if you require any information, remember we do not cover a geographical area and welcome enquiries from anywhere.

Love and Blessings in Christ’s name,

+Robert Norfeld

Diocesan Bishop: Rt. Rev'd. Robert Lees

Titular Bishop of Norfeld

e-mail: bishopofnorfeld@tessac.co.uk

Parishes

SS John Vianney & Mary Magdalene - Birmingham

Contact No: 0121 604 9188

Clergy: The Rt. Rev Robert Lees

Assistant Clergy: The Rev'd. Pam Lees e-mail: reverendpam@tessac.co.uk

We will travel anywhere to administer the sacraments. Please contact us if you need a baptism, wedding blessing etc. Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) by appointment.

Mass is celebrated each Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation at least. Unless other ministerial duties dictate a daily mass may be celebrated. As times may vary to fit in with other duties, please contact the clergy for details.

Recent Events

Epiphany and Reception of Rev'd Pam Lees

On Sunday 8th January 2012 during the Mass at St. Francis, Southampton on the Feast of the Epiphany, Bishop Martyn welcomed Bishop Rob and Rev'd. Pam Lees to the Service. Pam was then received into Membership of the Province and given a Licence to Officiate. Pam will serve in the Diocese of Norfeld under the supervision of Bishop Rob. Everyone enjoyed refreshments after Mass, and some members had lunch together with our guests later. Pictures of the day can be found here.

Bishop Rob in Gloucestershire

Bishop Rob has known the Sinar family for almost 50 years now; consequently he was delighted to be asked to bless John and Donna’s marriage following the legal ceremony. The blessing service took place on Saturday 30th July, in the garden at the home of John and Donna in Gloucestershire – which is something any gardener would be proud of, and many guests commented on. The weather was perfect – something that had been of concern to Donna throughout the planning process. After the service everyone enjoyed food and drinks – along with plenty of good conversation.

Christmas at Ss John Vianney & Mary Magdalene

Once again, Bishop Rob spent Christmas Eve evening converting the living room at home to a chapel for the now traditional gathering of neighbours for the Solemn First Mass of Christmas (Midnight Mass). The Crib was blessed and the figure of the Christ child was put in place at the appropriate time during mass.

After Mass a few Christmas drinks were imbibed before going home.

This is now an annual event – eagerly anticipated by the neighbours, who usually start discussing the service early in November.

However this year, an ‘away’ fixture has already been arranged at the home of some neighbours’ parents in Smethwick as they now find travelling a little difficult.

The other seasonal masses were celebrated in the usual small chapel in the flat.

Sunday 26th September

On Sunday 26th September Bishop Rob and Canon Pam visited the Parish of St. Francis. Bishop Rob presided at the Mass and Fr. Tony preached. Bishop Martyn was away for a much earned break for the weekend with Paul. Bishop Rob and Canon Pam also kindly donated a Legilium (lectern), they had made, to the Parish. Some pictures of the day can be found here.

Bishop Rob was delighted to be contacted by Louise Skull earlier this year asking if he would be able to baptise their youngest daughter, Grace. It was particularly special as he had previously baptised Louise and Robert Skull’s other children Lauren & Bailey.

The service on Saturday 14th August, held in the family garden, had been prepared with large gazebos and protective flooring which ensured the rain showers did not spoil the occasion.

At the beginning of the service Bailey and Grace released a balloon whilst Louise read a poem (that was also attached as a card to the balloon) in memory of relatives who are no longer with us, at the same time Canon Pam lit the Paschal (Easter) Candle, reminding everyone of the light of Christ shining in the world.

When Lauren read a poem during the service, Bishop Rob told everyone he was feeling old, as Lauren was the first of the children he baptised and now she was reading a poem at a baptism!

Bishop Rob and Canon Pam were invited once again to share refreshments with family and friends after the Baptism – which was a lovely time of catching up with familiar faces and hearing all their news.

This was the poem attached to the balloon and read by Louise Skull:

Missing You.

A sight, a sound or time of year,

Awakens memories held within,

Your face, a smile, a silly look

Or perhaps your voice calling

Reminders of what used to be in days

Locked in past times,

Sometimes bringing tears for those now left behind.

I embrace these thoughts with tenderness

when they come to mind

For your presence then is all around