Sunday 1st October 2023
Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Friday 29thSeptember
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass Saints Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels (Feast)
Today celebrates God's constant care for his people and intervention in their lives. The names of the angels reveal the aspect of God's care: Michael means "Who is like God?", Gabriel means "Strength of God" and Raphael "God has healed".
Saturday 30thSeptember
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Jerome, Priest & Doctor of the Church (celebrated in the Lady Chapel)
St. Jerome, born in Dalmatia in 340 A.D, studied in Rome and was baptised; he became secretary to Pope Damasus I, and set about translating the Bible into Latin and promoting the monastic life. He settled in Bethlehem where he trained others in Scriptural studies and died in the year 420 A.D at the age of 80.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 1st October
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tuesday 3rd October
1pm – 3pm St. Mary's Warm Welcome (Details below)
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Votive Mass for All Angels
"Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." - St. Basil
Wednesday 4th October
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Saint Francis of Assisi (Memoria)
St. Francis was born in Assisi in 1182. After a profound conversion he embraced poverty and turned to God. Preaching the love of God, he gathered brothers around him who became Friars Minor. He bore in his body the wounds of Christ and died in 1226.
10:25am – 10:35am Devotions to Saint Joseph
(At the foot of the parish statue of St. Joseph, see below for more details)
7pm – 8pm Parish Bible Study (At the back of church, see below for more details)
Thursday 5th October
9:15 am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Saint Faustina Kowalska (Memoria)
St. Faustina was born in Poland in 1905. Aged 20 she entered religious life. For many years, while suffering ill health, she received visions of Jesus as the Divine Mercy. She died in Krakow on 5th October 1938.
Friday 6th October
11am Funeral Service for Avis Speers RIP at Accrington Crematorium Chapel, followed by burial at Dill Hall Cemetery
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Saint Bruno, Priest (Memoria)
St. Bruno of Cologne, Confessor, ecclesiastical writer, and founder of the Carthusian Order. He was born at Cologne about the year 1030; died 6 October, 1101.
"For the devil may tempt the good, but he cannot find rest in them; for he is shaken violently, and upset, and driven out, now by their prayers, now by their tears of repentance, and now by their almsgiving and similar good works." - St. Bruno
Saturday 7th October
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Our Lady of the Rosary (celebrated in the Lady Chapel)
'Some people are so foolish that they think they can go through life without the help of the Blessed Mother. Love the Madonna and pray the rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. All graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother.' -St. Padre Pio
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 8thOctober
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (30th September - 7th October), the Sanctuary Lamp is for all the Holy Souls.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£593.43. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Last weekend's retiring collection
Thank you to all those who donated to the Mission Directorate. £79.80.
St. Mary's Warm Welcome
The next warm welcome is on Tuesday 3rd October from 1pm – 3pm. Everyone and anyone are welcome! We have some talented parishioners who will dispel the coming autumn blues with live upbeat music that everyone can sing along to. Plus, there's unlimited brews and fantastic homemade cake in a warm space. Why not come along and experience something different. Dates for the Warm Welcome: 3rd Oct, 17th Oct, 31st Oct, 14th Nov, 28th Nov, 12th Dec
Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel
"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ!" - St. Jerome
A strong statement from St. Jerome yet true. One of the simplest ways to come close to Our Lord, to know him better, is to pick up our bible yet this can be a daunting thing. Where do we start? How are we meant to read this or understand that? This autumn/winter there will be the opportunity for scripture study in the parish – open to everyone. No prior knowledge is expected, no biblical or theological training is needed. Simply bring yourself, your bible, and the desire to know God more. I thought we could begin journeying through St. John's Gospel. I'll be using a CTS (Catholic Truth Society) Bible. You can order these from Amazon or ask me.
The Parish Bible Study group will meet every two weeks on a Wednesday from 7pm – 8pm. Even if you can only make one session it's worth doing:
4th Oct, 18th Oct, 1st Nov, 15th Nov, 29th Nov, 13th Dec – Everyone is welcome.
Devotions to Saint Joseph
On Wednesday 4th October there will be the first Wednesday devotions to St. Joseph after the 10am Mass (at the foot of his statue at the back of church). The devotions will include praying the Litany of St. Joseph, the Memorare of St. Joseph and the Prayer of the Holy Cloak Novena. In these devotions our prayer is to ask St. Joseph to pray for our parish family and for those who have wandered away from the Church, that they may return and find a warm welcome.
October: The Month of the Holy Rosary
The month of October is traditionally dedicated to the Rosary because the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary falls on the 7th October. Throughout this month there will be plenty of opportunity to pray the Rosary and spend time in prayer with Our Lady.
The Holy Rosary prayed publicly in church:
Sunday 1st October 9:30am
Saturday 7th October 6pm
Sunday 8th October 9:30am
Saturday 14th October 6pm
Sunday 15th October 9:30am
Saturday 21st October 6pm
Sunday 22nd October 9:30am
Saturday 28th October 6pm
Sunday 29th October 9:30am
Books to help with praying the Rosary
Praying The Rosary Like Never Before by Edward Sri
Pocket Guide to the Rosary: Reflections from the Bible and the Saints by Matt Fradd
The Holy Rosary through the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
edited by Fr. Mark Higgins
10 Wonders of the Rosary by Donald H. Calloway
Of Men and Mary. How Six Men Won The Greatest Battle Of Their Lives by Christine Watkins
A letter to the parishioners of St. Mary's from St. Oswald's School
Dear Parishioners,
Throughout the month of October, the children will be learning to pray the rosary. Our special month of prayer will finish with our 'Rosary Rally' on Friday 20th October.
If you would like us to pray for you, your loved ones, your worries or hopes, please place your petitions in the box at the back of church and at our Rosary Rally on Friday 20th October at 2:15pm, our whole school will pray together for those intentions in the box.
From all at St. Oswald's R.C Primary School
Votive Candle Free Trial for October
During the summer I was contacted by St. Killians UK, a company who sell votive candles and stands, and asked would we like to test and try their product for a one month FREE trial! Many of you will have seen their votive candle stands in other churches from St. Alban's, Blackburn to St. Mary's, Burnley and as far as the Cathedral at Sacre Coeur, Paris. Some of the benefits of trying out St. Killians candles for the month are:
No more plastic waste or aluminum cups
No more unprotected flames
Environmentally friendly
No more wax spillage on the floors
Revenue generator for the parish
Lifetime Guarantee
Self-extinguishing candles helping with health and safety
There are blue lights in front of Our Lady's Chapel and Red lights in front of the Sacred Heart Chapel. Lighters are provided on each stand. On the trial votive stands there is a sign with the word SUGGESTED donation. This means it is not an order, a directive from on high, the undisputed law but simply a guide, a suggestion. I've noticed many churches who have these candles permanently ask for a donation of at least 30p which seems fair. Over the month do let me know your thoughts about the candles and I'll feed it back to the company. If the majority of parishioners feedback is positive, then I'm happy to continue with St. Killians but if the majority is negative then the old votive candle stands will return for the start of November.
Sacred Heart, St. Mary's & St. Oswald's Primary Schools
Last Wednesday the pupils in the upper years joined us for the parish 10am Mass. We gave thanks to God at this celebration for His saint – Vincent De Paul – who by his words and actions, to those suffering around him, showed the tangible love of God. 'Whatever you do to the least of my brothers you do to me.' As always children's singing was perfect and never fails to raise the spirits.
A Message from The Friendship Club
The Friendship Club are happy to say that we are now back to normality after the great loss of many members during the pandemic. We actually have only one member from St. Mary's so we would love to hear from anyone who would enjoy an afternoon of chat and entertainment and every fourth months visits and meals out. None of this will cost anything, all is provided by lottery money. We have good people who will bring you and take you home. If you would like more details ring me, Margaret on 01254 233 070. I look forward to hearing from you. If you leave a message on my land line, please speak slowly and clearly. Thank you.
The Diocesan Synod
Over the next few weeks, we will hear more about the Synod and the practical ways in which our experiences as a parish will now be heard and recorded. Our parish Synod Reps are Mike Cowley, Joel Garrigan and Sharon Keenan-Siddle.
The Synod was formally launched by Bishop John at the Chrism Mass on during Holy Week 2023. In his decree he said:
Pope Francis calls us to listen to the Spirit more attentively to discern how we can better be God's Church, given the challenges and opportunities that we face.
Having sought the necessary advice, and consulted with the Presbyteral Council (c.f. Canon 461 §1) I have decided to convoke a Synod of the Diocese (Canons 460-468), to run alongside the remaining aspects of the Universal Synod. A Diocesan Synod is a formal gathering of the People of God, lay women and men, consecrated religious, deacons and priests with me, your Bishop.
As the Church of Salford, in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, we will embark upon a more intense listening to what the Spirit is saying to the Church in our Diocese so as to discern God's plan for our journey in the years to come.
In convoking the Diocesan Synod, I am calling us to be bold and creative in listening to how the Spirit may be speaking to us today in Scripture, Tradition, and in the voices or those within and beyond our Catholic community.
As we begin the Diocesan Synod we entrust our journey to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Patron, with St. Joseph, of our Diocese. She is the mother and first disciple of Jesus and reminds us to be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
In accord with Canon Law and the Instruction on Diocesan Synods, I hereby decree the Convocation of the Synod for the Diocese of Salford which is now in existence, and which will continue until the Final Synod Gathering in 2025.
Never has it been more necessary, sisters and brothers, for us to call upon the Lord with that simple and most necessary prayer "Stay with us, Lord, on our Journey."
LOURDES 2024 - OUR CENTENARY PILGRIMAGE
This coming year 2024 marks the Centenary of our first Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. We are hoping to organise a Deanery Group to join with the Diocesan Pilgrimage -26th July to 1st August. We also have some fundraising ideas to help defray the costs for any of our young people who want to join us. If you are interested in coming to Lourdes with us, then please register your interest by contacting Fr Francis Wadsworth at St Anne's in Accrington by email: francis.wadsworth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or Tel 01254 232920. Once we have an idea of how many are interested, we will be back in touch with prices and further details.
Hope in the Future Celebration Event
Join the Diocese of Salford's Formation Department for a special event celebrating our six-year Hope in the Future journey. The event will include inspiring talks from Bishop John Arnold and lay missionary Pippa Baker, music from One Hope Project, opportunities for small-group discussions and idea sharing, and a quiet time of prayer led by the Bishop. The event is free of charge and open to all and is ideal for those who have been involved in Hope in the Future in their parish, deanery, or school, those who would like to learn more about it or begin their own journey, and for individuals seeking to grow as Missionary Disciples. Tuesday 3rd October 2023, 6:30pm – 9pm The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan WN3 5AB
Register your place at www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/hope-in-the-future-celebration-event/
Season of Creation
Season of Creation returns for another year, inviting Christians across the globe to come together in prayer and action for the good of our common home. Running from 1st September (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to the feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4th October, this month-long celebration offers us time to reflect on the needs of our planet and what we can do in our communities to make a difference. For further information, resources, and prayers, please visit www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/season-of-creation-2023/
Have you seen the new Caritas website?
Caritas Salford, our diocesan charity, has launched a brand new website, packed full of information on how you can support people in your local community, as well as useful free resources, events and other ways to get involved. You can visit the website now at www.caritassalford.org.uk and you can also sign up to their e-newsletter by filling in the box at the bottom of the website homepage if you'd like to receive regular news on their activities in communities across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Volunteering opportunities - Caritas Diocese of Salford
As we head into a new season, now might be the perfect for a new challenge! Our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford, is looking for more volunteers to support its work across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. There are a range of different opportunities available to meet individual needs and skillsets, and full training and support is given every step of the way. If you're interested in finding out more, please contact Matt Yates: m.yates@caritassalford.org.uk or visit the Caritas website: www.caritassalford.org.uk.
Caritas Diocese of Salford's Big Sleep Out
The annual Caritas Big Sleep Out is back! This autumn, people across the diocese are being challenged to sleep out under the stars for one night only to raise funds and awareness of people experiencing homelessness in our diocese. Taking place on Friday 13th October, this is one of the most important events in the Caritas annual calendar, helping our diocesan charity make a very real impact on the lives of local people. Find out more and register at www.caritassalford.org.uk/big-sleep-out-2023/
Job Vacancies
Diocese of Salford - Communications Assistant (replacement role)
Appointment Type: Full time, 12-month fixed-term contract
Working hours: 35 hours per week - normally worked weekdays though will include one Sunday per month
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £19,838 - £23,936, depending on skills and experience
Find out more and apply at https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
Diocese of Salford - Financial Accountant (replacement role)
Appointment Type: Full time, permanent
Working hours: 35 hours per week - to be worked Mon-Fri, though some flexibility is required.
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £43,260 - £53,178 depending on skills and experience
Find out more and apply at https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
Diocese of Salford - Accounts Payable Officer (replacement role)
Appointment Type: Full time, permanent
Working hours: 35 hours per week - to be worked Mon-Fri
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £23,793 - £29,248 per annum depending on skills & experience
Find out more and apply at https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
Parish of St Augustine's, Manchester - Cleaner
Appointment Type: Part-time, permanent
Working hours: 15 hours per week to be worked on a flexible basis as agreed by the Parish Priest.
Location: St Augustine's Presbytery, Grosvenor Square, All Saints, Manchester, M15 6BW
Salary: £10.90 per hour
Find out more and apply at https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien