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Friday, 27 June 2025

Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles - Sunday 29th June 2025

 
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Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle
Lancashire
BB5 3EZ
 
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. S D O'Brien
Tel: 01254-232433
Sunday 29th June 2025
Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles
 
 
Masses & Liturgies for the following week...
 
Friday 27th June
7pm Thanksgiving Mass to mark the centenary of St. Anne's Church, Accrington,
celebrated by Rt. Rev. John Arnold, Bishop of Salford.
 
Saturday 28th June
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles
"Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles' blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labours, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith". - St. Augustine of Hippo
 
Sunday 29th June
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles
"There are the gates of our true country, the two lights of the immense world. There Paul's voice is heard like thunder; there Peter withholds or hurls the bolt. The former opens the hearts of men, the latter opens Heaven. Peter is the Foundation-stone, Paul the Architect of the temple where stands the Altar by which God is propitiated. Both together form a single Fountain, which pours out its healing and refreshing waters." St. Venantius Fortunatus
 
Tuesday 1st July
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
5:45pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
 
Wednesday 2nd July
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Weekday Mass (Feria)
 
Thursday 3rd July
10am Requiem Mass for Margaret Claire Hilton RIP
7pm Celebration of Sacrament of Confirmation ( At St Joseph's, Accrington)
 
 
Fr. Adam's First Mass at St Mary's.
Everyone is welcome to come on Monday 7th July as our brand new priest - Fr. Adam Bamber - will celebrate his first Mass at St. Mary's. This is truly a blessing for us as a parish. Over the last 7 years we have accompanied, supported and prayed for Adam on the journey towards priesthood. It is fitting then and a grace filled moment that we are able to be present when he offers up the sacrifice of the Mass for us. Mass will begin at 7pm followed by refreshments - All are invited and welcome.
 
 
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (28th June – 4th July), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Jean Dwyer.
 
 
Our Lady's Lamp
This week (28th June – 4th July), Our Lady's Lamp is for Stan Bateson.
 
 
 
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£617.45. Thank you for your kind generosity.
 
 
Deacon Adam's Ordination to the Priesthood
 
For those parishioners travelling to Adam's ordination at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Saturday 5th July, please ensure you arrive to Church no later than 8:15am to allow time for seating and preparations for departure by 8:30am. If you have any questions or require assistance on the day, please contact parish secretary Ciara on 07719063876 or via email at Ciara.kelly@dioceseofsalford.org.uk. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.
 
 
Parish Bible Study – The Book of Revelation
The next session is Wednesday 9th July from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better. Come and join us.
 
 
WeBelieve – Festival of Catholic Life
Celebrate the Jubilee at WeBelieve, a festival of Catholic Life gathering the Church to share the hope that we have in Christ. From 25th-28th July, join us for four days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship at St Mary's College, Oscott, Birmingham. Featuring Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray, Msgr Michael Nazir-Ali, AnMari, The Southwell Consort, Fr Toby Lees & many more. Early Bird Tickets available now at www.webelievefestival.com
 
 
Salford Lourdes Pre-Departure Mass
The Diocese of Salford Lourdes Pilgrimage Team invites you to join them for this year's Pre-Departure Mass.  Mass will be celebrated by Bishop John, along with clergy from the diocese, with music for our wonderful Lourdes choir. Whether you're travelling with us to Lourdes, or are looking to accompany us in prayer at home, you're most welcome to join us at 5.30pm on Sunday 27 July at St Patrick's, Collyhurst.
 
 
Fancy a Walk?
Our diocesan charity Caritas Diocese of Salford invites you to take part in a leisurely 7-mile walk for adults (18+) to raise money for people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and disadvantage in our diocese. The walk takes place on Saturday 13 September and takes in the beautiful sights of the Tolkien Trail in the Ribble Valley. Find out more at
www.caritassalford.org.uk/lancswalk
 
 
 
Jubilee for Children and Families
This month, we join Catholics around the world in celebrating the Jubilee for Children and Families. As we come together in this Holy Year, we invite you to pray for all families in our diocese. May we look to the love of the Holy Family to guide us in our vocation to family life; praying for the grace to love with peace, gentleness, and hope in the face of all our challenges.
 
 
Synod Implementation Update - June 2025
Our Diocese continues its journey of renewal and listening, begun by the Synod process. A Synod Implementation Team has been formed to guide the four key areas identified at our voting day in March. Each grouping of Leadership and Collaboration, Community and Outreach, Young People and Schools, and Spirituality and Formation, have their own dedicated subgroup.
As these teams begin their work, two recommendations are already developing.
The Community and Outreach group is recommending the establishment of Welcome Teams in every parish. Parishes are encouraged to share their good practice on Welcome and are asked to form Teams by the First Sunday of Advent.
Ideas and opinions are being gathered which may promote appropriate support structures for our clergy.
Let us continue to pray that we may discern what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church, and to our Diocese, in these times.
Stay with us Lord, on our journey
With my thanks for your support on our Synodal journey as a Diocese and for all that you are achieving.
Bishop of Salford
 

Friday, 13 June 2025

The Most Holy Trinity - Sunday 15th June 2025

 
 
 
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Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church 
Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle 
Lancashire 
BB5 3EZ 
 
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. S D O'Brien 
Tel: 01254-232433 
 
 
Sunday 15th June 2025 
 The Most Holy Trinity  
 
Happy Father's Day Prayer 
To all dads in the parish Happy Father's Day! Below is a prayer that Pope St. John XXIII composed asking for the intercession of Saint Joseph… 
 
St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, 
you passed your life in loving fulfilment of duty. 
You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. 
Kindly protect all the fathers who trustingly come to you. 
You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. 
They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labour and weariness. 
But amid the worries of material life your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his tender Mother. 
Assure those you protect that they do not labour alone. 
Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over him faithfully as you have done. 
 
 
Masses & Liturgies for the next TWO WEEKS... 
 
Friday 13th June 
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 
6pm Mass, Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest & Doctor of the Church (Memoria) 
St. Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon in 1195. He first joined the canons regular of St. Augustine but after being inspired by the stories of Franciscan martyrdoms in Morocco he joined the Friars Minor, though he desired to preach in Africa, he ended up in Italy, where he established a reputation as a great preacher and theologian. He died in Padua in 1231, aged 36. 
 
Saturday 14th June 
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World 
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Most Holy Trinity 
 
Sunday 15th June 
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World 
10am Mass for The Most Holy Trinity 
 
Friday 20th June 
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 
6pm Mass Saint Alban, Martyr (Memoria) 
St. Alban, Britain's first saint, died in a persecution in the middle of the 3rd century. According to the story, he was a pagan solider who sheltered a priest and was converted. He dressed as the priest, and was executed in his place. 
  
Saturday 21st June 
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World 
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Corpus Christi 
 
Sunday 22nd June 
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World 
10am Mass for Corpus Christi followed by Solemn Benediction 
 
Tuesday 24th June 
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 
6pm Mass, The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 
Jesus himself said, "Amen, I say to you, among those both of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist" (Mt. 11:11). He was the last of the great prophets of Israel, the first to testify to Jesus, who initiated a baptism for the forgiveness of sins and, in this context, baptized Jesus; he was a martyr who died defending the Judaic law. 
 
Wednesday 25th June 
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 
10am Weekday Mass (Feria)  
7pm Parish Bible Study  
 
Thursday 26th June 
9:30am Weekday Mass (Feria) 
 
Friday 27th June 
10am The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Solemnity) 
This Mass will be an opportunity to celebrate the Jubilee Year with Sacred Heart School, St. Mary's School & St. Oswald's School – All are welcome  
7pm Thanksgiving Mass to mark the centenary of St. Anne's Church, Accrington, 
 celebrated by Rt. Rev. John Arnold, Bishop of Salford.  
 
Saturday 28th June 
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World 
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles 
"Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles' blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labours, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith". - St. Augustine of Hippo 
 
Sunday 29th June 
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World 
10am Mass for Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles 
"There are the gates of our true country, the two lights of the immense world. There Paul's voice is heard like thunder; there Peter withholds or hurls the bolt. The former opens the hearts of men, the latter opens Heaven. Peter is the Foundation-stone, Paul the Architect of the temple where stands the Altar by which God is propitiated. Both together form a single Fountain, which pours out its healing and refreshing waters." St. Venantius Fortunatus 
 
     
 
Sanctuary Lamp  
This week (14th June – 21st June), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Colette & Simon Westwell. 
The following week (21st June – 28th June) the Sanctuary Lamp is for Teresa Hoyle RIP.  
 
 
Our Lady's Lamp 
This week (14th June - 21st June), Our Lady's Lamp is for M. Hester & C. Hester. 
The following week (21st June – 28th June) the lamp is for Teresa Hoyle RIP. 
 
 
Last Week's Offertory Collection 
£627.39 Thank you for your kind generosity. 
 
 
Priests Retreat  
I'm going on the Intercession for Priests Retreat at Hinsley Hall, Leeds this week to listen and pray, to be spiritually refreshed and renewed and continue to discern the Lord's will in my life as His priest and disciple. At the back of church, there is a box with paper and pens to which you can write any petitions, prayers, people or situations that you would like me to pray for. I'll take them with me on Sunday afternoon and pray with them during the week. My thanks to Fr. Ethelbert Arua, based at St. Wulstan's, Great Harwood, for being available to support anyone who should require a priest. St. Wulstan's – (01254) 884211. 
 
 
Bishops Conference of England and Wales: Day for Life 
Every year, the Catholic Church in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland marks the Day for Life as a reminder of the need to respect and protect the inherent value and dignity of each life. This year there will be a basket (under large crucifix at the back of church) that people are invited to give any financial donations for the Day for Life Fund. Every year, the fund allocates over £200,000 in grants to organisations which promote respect for life in various ways. Donations can be also made online via the Catholic Bishops' Conference website, where you will find out more information about Day for Life, www.cbcew.org.uk 
  
 Deacon Adam's Ordination to the Priesthood  
For those parishioners travelling to Adam's ordination at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Saturday 5th July, please ensure you arrive to Church no later than 8:15am to allow time for seating and preparations for departure by 8:30am. If you have any questions or require assistance on the day, please contact parish secretary Ciara on 07719063876 or via email at Ciara.kelly@dioceseofsalford.org.uk. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you. 
 
Saturday Evening Mass Consultation 
Thank you to all those who came and shared their preferences and thoughts about the Saturday evening Vigil Mass last weekend. Some families thought an earlier time would be beneficial for younger children; Some senior members of the parish shared their worries that darker nights made them anxious especially when Mass was finishing at 7:30pm; Other parishioners preferred 6:30pm because of work shifts etc. During the next three months (June, July and beginning of August) please continue to speak to Fr. O'Brien about your thoughts in regards the Saturday evening Mass time so that we can get a better picture of the pastoral needs of the parish.         
 
 
WeBelieve – Festival of Catholic Life  
Celebrate the Jubilee at WeBelieve, a festival of Catholic Life gathering the Church to share the hope that we have in Christ. From 25th-28th July, join us for four days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship at St Mary's College, Oscott, Birmingham. Featuring Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray, Msgr Michael Nazir-Ali, AnMari, The Southwell Consort, Fr Toby Lees & many more. Early Bird Tickets available now at www.webelievefestival.com 
 
 
Parish Bible Study – The Book of Revelation 
The next session is Wednesday 25th June from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better. Come and join us.       
 
 
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Ladyewell 
The Diocese of Salford's Pilgrimage Office is delighted to announce a prayerful pilgrimage to Our Lady's shrine at Ladyewell, taking place on Saturday 28th June. Join us as we take up the Jubilee call to pilgrimage by visiting this beautiful shrine right on the doorstep of our diocese. For more information and to register, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/ladyewell-pilgrimage-2025 
 
 
Refugee Week 
This year's Refugee Week takes place between 16th and 22nd June and our diocesan charity, Caritas Diocese of Salford, has prepared lots of information and resources to help you find out more about how to support people in our communities. Find out more at www.caritassalford.org.uk/campaign/refugees/ 
 
 
Madonna Del Rosario Procession 
The annual Madonna Del Rosario procession, organised by the Manchester Italian Association, will take place on Sunday 6 July. The procession will begin at 1.15pm from The Halle St Michael's, George Leigh Street, in Ancoats. It will continue through Manchester City Centre to St Peter's Square, where Mgr Anthony Kay will lead a short service. All are welcome to join this wonderful celebration. 
 
 
God Bless and keep praying. 
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us. 
Saint Joseph, pray for us. 
 
Fr. O'Brien 

Friday, 6 June 2025

Pentecost Sunday - Sunday 8th June 2025

 
 
 
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Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle
Lancashire
BB5 3EZ
 
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. S D O'Brien
Tel: 01254-232433
 
 
Sunday 8th June 2025
 Pentecost Sunday
 
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
 
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.
 
Let us pray.
O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in his consolation.
Through Christ our Lord.
 Amen.
 
Masses & Liturgies for the next week...
 
Friday 6th June
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Easter Weekday Mass
 
Saturday 7th June
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Easter Votive Mass of Our Lady
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Pentecost Sunday
 
Sunday 8th June
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Pentecost Sunday
 
Tuesday 10th June
5pm – 5:30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
5:45pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
 
Wednesday 11th June
10am Requiem Mass for June McMyler RIP
 
Thursday 12th June
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Eternal High Priest (Feast)
The Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, on the first Thursday after Pentecost, focuses on Jesus' Priestly Office. Jesus is considered the model for believers, and for the clergy in particular, with priests acting in persona Christi ("In the person of Christ"). The laity are thus urged to pray that priests would be more like Christ, the compassionate and trustworthy high priest ever- living to intercede for humanity before The Father.
 
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest & Doctor of the Church (Memoria)
St. Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon in 1195. He first joined the canons regular of St. Augustine but after being inspired by the stories of Franciscan martyrdoms in Morocco he joined the Friars Minor, though he desired to preach in Africa, he ended up in Italy, where he established a reputation as a great preacher and theologian. He died in Padua in 1231, aged 36.
 
Saturday 14th June
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Most Holy Trinity
 
Sunday 15th June
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for The Most Holy Trinity
 
 
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£707.11. Thank you for your kind generosity.
 
 
Bishops Conference of England and Wales: Day for Life
Every year, the Catholic Church in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland marks the Day for Life as a reminder of the need to respect and protect the inherent value and dignity of each life. This year it will be celebrated on 15th June, Trinity Sunday. On 15th June, parishes will have a second collection for the Day for Life Fund. Every year, the fund allocates over £200,000 in grants to organisations which promote respect for life in various ways. Donations can be also made online via the Catholic Bishops' Conference website, where you will find out more information about Day for Life, www.cbcew.org.uk
 
 
Deacon Adam's Ordination to the Priesthood
Thank you to all those who have put their names down to travel to Adam's ordination on Saturday 5th July and to all those who have kindly donated towards the cost of the coach. By the end of this weekend, we should know for definite if we have the money to book the coach. There will be a mid-week e-newsletter sent out to update parishioners or visit the website. 
 
 
Newsletter from Diocesan Vocations Team
To celebrate the Jubilee for Vocations, our diocesan vocations team is delighted to share its latest newsletter, including case studies from diocesan clergy and updates regarding vocations to the priesthood and permanent diaconate. Read now at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/faith/vocations/
 
 
Piety Stall
The new official prayer cards for Pope Leo XIV are now available to purchase from the piety stall at the back of church for 20p each. There are also other devotional items from Rosaries, Crucifixes, Statues of Our Lady, Ordination Cards, and many children's prayer books, bibles and missals.    
 
 
Saturday Evening Mass Consultation
Thank you to all those who came and shared their preferences and thoughts about the Saturday evening Vigil Mass last weekend. Some families thought an earlier time would be beneficial for younger children; Some senior members of the parish shared their worries that darker nights made them anxious especially when Mass was finishing at 7:30pm; Other parishioners preferred 6:30pm because of work shifts etc. During the next three months (June, July and beginning of August) please continue to speak to Fr. O'Brien about your thoughts in regards the Saturday evening Mass time so that we can get a better picture of the pastoral needs of the parish.       
 
 
WeBelieve – Festival of Catholic Life
Celebrate the Jubilee at WeBelieve, a festival of Catholic Life gathering the Church to share the hope that we have in Christ. From 25th-28th July, join us for four days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship at St Mary's College, Oscott, Birmingham. Featuring Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray, Msgr Michael Nazir-Ali, AnMari, The Southwell Consort, Fr Toby Lees & many more. Early Bird Tickets available now at www.webelievefestival.com
 
 
Youth Ministry Job Opportunity: CASTLERIGG MANOR
Castlerigg Manor is a Catholic retreat Centre in the Lake District run by the Diocese of Lancaster Youth Service. They are looking for a Programme Leader to help look after the residential team of young interns and to lead programmes both at Castlerigg and occasionally around the area. Competitive salary, as well as accommodation and food provided. Anyone interested can contact jack@castleriggmanor.co.uk
 
 
Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne
Young pilgrims in Years 7, 8, and 9 are invited to join the Diocese of Salford's Youth Ministry Team for a faith-filled pilgrimage to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The pilgrimage will be led by Bishop John Arnold and will take place between 20-22 June. To find out more, please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2214.
 
 
Diocesan Mass for Young Adults
Young adults across the diocese are once again invited to join our next Diocesan Mass for Young Adults. The Mass will take place at 5.30pm on Sunday 8 June at St Augustine's, Manchester. Confessions are available between 4.45pm - 5.15pm and please join us after Mass for a short talk exploring more about our Catholic faith.
 
 
Parish Bible Study – The Book of Revelation
The next session is Wednesday 25th June from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better. Come and join us.     
 
 
Marriage Problems: Retrouvaille England and Wales
Alone or bored in your marriage? Considering separation or are already divorced? If you are open to try again – Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get back on track. Retrouvaille is a marriage ministry, run by Catholics, to support marriages in trouble. We run 3 programmes a year, catering to about 75 couples who need help to find hope and healing in their relationship. Sadly, couples separate or divorce, when actually they just needed help in dealing with conflicts ('Divorce Regret' is as high as 50%).
Call to find out more  www.retrouvaille.org.uk +44 797 338 0443
 
 
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Ladyewell
The Diocese of Salford's Pilgrimage Office is delighted to announce a prayerful pilgrimage to Our Lady's shrine at Ladyewell, taking place on Saturday 28th June. Join us as we take up the Jubilee call to pilgrimage by visiting this beautiful shrine right on the doorstep of our diocese. For more information and to register, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/ladyewell-pilgrimage-2025
 
 
Refugee Week
This year's Refugee Week takes place between 16th and 22nd June and our diocesan charity, Caritas Diocese of Salford, has prepared lots of information and resources to help you find out more about how to support people in our communities. Find out more at www.caritassalford.org.uk/campaign/refugees/
 
 
Madonna Del Rosario Procession
The annual Madonna Del Rosario procession, organised by the Manchester Italian Association, will take place on Sunday 6 July. The procession will begin at 1.15pm from The Halle St Michael's, George Leigh Street, in Ancoats. It will continue through Manchester City Centre to St Peter's Square, where Mgr Anthony Kay will lead a short service. All are welcome to join this wonderful celebration.
 
 
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
 
Fr. O'Brien