Sunday 17th March 2024
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Friday 15th March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
6pm Mass, Lent Weekday
6:30pm Stations of the Cross
Saturday 16th March
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
10am Mass, Lent Weekday (celebrated in the Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Lent
Sunday 17th March
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Lent
Tuesday 19th March
9am Mass, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary
'For several years I have asked some particular favour on his [St. Joseph's] feast day and have never been disappointed. If on account of some imperfection my request did not have God's glory in view, he always obtained for me something else which was more important.' - St. Teresa of Avila
Wednesday 20th March
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Lent Weekday
7pm – 8pm Parish Bible Study Group (see below for details)
Thursday 21st March
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Lent Weekday
Friday 22nd March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
6pm Mass, Lent Weekday
6:30pm Stations of the Cross
Saturday 23rd March
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
10am Mass, Lent Weekday (celebrated in the Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Sunday 24th March
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (16th March - 23rd March), the Sanctuary Lamp is for the Hughes & Shorrock Family.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£669.07. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Offertory Envelopes, Gift Aid & Direct Debit
Thank you for your continued generosity and financial support towards St. Mary's, especially during these days of rising costs. Thank you also to Berni McGuinness who facilitates this important part of our parish's life. During the next few weeks the new offertory envelopes will be available. Please ask one of the stewards at the back of church for yours. Any envelopes that are not collected by Sunday 21st April will not be re-ordered as the cost of ordering and printing envelopes is expensive. Berni will available at the back of church this weekend to help answer any questions about paying via Direct Debit/Standing Orders or signing up to the Gift Aid scheme which is always a significant financial boost. For more info contact: berni.mcguinness@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum Dates & Times
Saturday 23rd March
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Sunday 24th March
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Tuesday of Holy Week 26th March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Holy Week Mass
Wednesday of Holy Week 27th March
Today the Mass of the Sacred Chrism is celebrated at St. Patrick's, Collyhurst. At this Holy Week Liturgy all the priests gather, from around the diocese, to renew their priestly promises before the Bishop. It is also at the Liturgy that the Sacred Oils are blessed by the Bishop for the coming year.
Maundy Thursday 28th March
7:30pm Mass of the Lord's Supper
8:30pm Watching at the Altar of Repose
9:30pm Compline (Night Prayer)
Good Friday 29th March
9am – 9:45am Confessions
10am Stations of the Cross
3pm Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion
Holy Saturday 30th March
8:30pm The Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday 31st March
9:30am The Holy Rosary
10am Mass
Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025
Pope Francis has announced that 2025 will be a Year of Jubilee – an event that happens every 25 years. The theme for the upcoming Jubilee is "Pilgrims of Hope". To find out more about the Jubilee and this preparatory Year of Prayer, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/jubilee-2025/
Our Father Prayer Resources
During this season of Lent, the Diocese of Salford has been sharing a series of short video reflections to help us further explore the words of the Our Father, in response to Pope Francis' invitation to go back to the basics of prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee. Head to https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/lent-2024-rediscovering-prayer/ to find out more.
Salford Diocesan Synod
The parish synod reps have given an update about what is taking place in regards the feedback from The Big Listen that took place here at St. Mary's, just before and after Christmas.
'The next phase of the 'Big Listen' Synodal journey will be for all the responses from all the parishes in our diocese to be collated together and reviewed to determine themes. This is on Saturday 18th May and the outcomes will be then relayed to our parish members via our Synod team some time after this date.'
Our thanks again to Sharon, Mike and Joel for representing our parish at the Diocesan Synod and keeping us updated.
Funeral Planning
The Bishop recently announced that he wanted to help individuals and families in preparation with funeral liturgies by producing a guide that would give relevant information and clear guidance.
"I mentioned a form for use by people wanting to plan their funerals. I am grateful to those who have adapted a form which is available in some other dioceses, for use here in Salford. I would see this as an entirely optional service for people and it would be good to make its availability known through your newsletter or by information in the church porch. It may take a little time for people to begin to want to use the form. There is a second information leaflet with a list of suggested options for the liturgy. I hope these prove a helpful resource particularly for the next of kin in their responsibilities of planning for the funeral in a time of their bereavement."Bishop Arnold
This weekend you will find the funeral forms and information leaflets at the back of church (under the large crucifix). Please feel free to take one and use if you'll find it helpful.
Knitted Easter Chicks
Lynne Pilkington and a team of talented individuals have once again been very generous with their time and skills to knit Easter chicks, each ready to lay a chocolate egg, Easter Bunnies and Easter Lambs. They will be available to buy at the back of church for £2 each, all monies going towards the church building costs.
Parish Easter Egg Raffle
We are hoping to begin our Parish Easter Raffle next weekend and it would be great if parishioners could donate only Easter eggs as prizes. If you are able to kindly donate an Easter egg then please pass them to one of the stewards at the back of church. Tickets will be available from the weekend of 9th/10th March (£1 a ticket or £5 a strip).
Easter Flowers
As you know our church is beautifully decorated each Easter, and throughout the year, in part by the gifts and talents of Maureen and the team but also in part to the kind donations of parishioners. There has been a significant increase to the cost of flowers so if people would like to donate money for flowers in general during the Easter season then please put your donation in an envelope marked 'Flower Money'. Thank you.
St. Mary's Warm Welcome
This parish initiative, now in it's second year, has been such a success over the last few cold winter months. The aim was to bring people together in a warm space, to break up the dark days with music, company and a decent brew and cake. A number of people have commented that it really has been a warm welcome and made a difference to a depressing winter. The last Warm Welcome for this current season took place last Tuesday afternoon. Thank you to the band, Anthony, Dylan, Eric and Michael, for keeping us all singing and doing requests. Thanks to Jennifer, Karen, Maureen and other helpers for the endless supply of refreshments. Finally a BIG THANK YOU to all those who have come and made it such a warm welcoming atmosphere.
We hope to resume the St. Mary's Warm Welcome at the start of autumn 2024 when the temperature drops and the dark days return.
Date for you Diary!
On Tuesday the 23rd April - Saint George's Day - we are hoping to do an afternoon tea with entertainment. Watch this space for more info.
Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel
The next session is Wednesday 20th March from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better.
St. Oswald's School
On Wednesday morning the pupils in the lower school came to church for a "tour" around St. Mary's. They had the opportunity to see up close the Altar and Tabernacle, experience standing by the font where baptisms take place and the lectern where the Word is proclaimed. The greatest gift of the morning was that the children were able to be in His Real Presence in the Tabernacle, and that is always a grace filled time.
Lent 2024
This year Lent began on Ash Wednesday 14th February. Over the next six weeks we are called to re-direct our hearts and minds towards Jesus through fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Lent is our spiritual spring clean that allows us to become aware of those things in life that stop us living for the Lord and loving Him. Throughout this penitential period there will be, as always, plenty of opportunity for prayer and meditation.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
"The Eucharist bathes the tormented soul in light and love. Then the soul appreciates these words, 'Come all you who are sick, I will restore your health." - St. Bernadette Soubirous
Tuesdays 5pm – 5:50pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays (unless there is a funeral) 9:15am – 9:50am,
Fridays 5pm – 5:50pm, Saturdays 9am – 9:50am
Confessions
"There are people who are afraid to go to confession, forgetting that they will not encounter a severe judge there, but the immensely merciful Father." - Pope Franics
Fridays 5pm – 5:45pm; Saturdays 9am – 9:45am
Stations of the Cross
"In difficult moments, I will fix my gaze upon the silent Heart of Jesus stretched on the Cross, and from the exploding flames of His merciful Heart, will flow down upon me power and strength to keep fighting." – St. Faustina
Each Friday after the 6pm Mass (approx 6:30pm)
Lent resources
During Lent, the diocese will be sharing a range of resources to accompany people in prayer over the coming weeks. The resources have been created to support our journey throughout this Year of Prayer, as we prepare for the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee in 2025. Resources can be accessed via the diocesan social media channels or by visiting the website at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/lent-2024-rediscovering-prayer/
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in our Centenary Year
Bookings are now being taken for this year's diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, marking our centenary year. The pilgrimage, led by Bishop John Arnold, will take place between 26th July and 1st August. Find out more and book online at https://www.salfordlourdes.co.uk/travel-accommodation
Diocese of Salford's Annual Pilgrimage to Walsingham
There are still places available for this year's diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham, taking place on Saturday 4th May, for both overnight and day options. We welcome applications for individuals and groups and would be interested in hearing from anyone who would like to volunteer. Please fill out a booking form, available at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/walsingham-2024 or you can get in touch by calling 0161 817 2214 or emailing walsingham@pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Walsingham
Salford Youth and Young Adults Ministry is delighted to once again offer a dedicated youth pilgrimage to Walsingham, aimed for students in Years 7,8 and 9. This pilgrimage runs alongside the main diocesan pilgrimage and will leave on Friday 3rd May and return on Saturday 4th May 2024. For further details please contact: youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Caritas Salford Appeal for Volunteers
Caritas Salford, our diocesan charity, is appealing for volunteers to support its work across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Even a few hours can have a huge impact on the lives of others locally. To find out more about the huge range of opportunities available - from gardening to van driving, supporting their services to becoming a Caritas parish rep or accessibility advocate - visit their website now: www.caritassalford.org.uk/volunteer
Bishop John's message for Caritas Salford campaign - Why Every Step Matters
Bishop John Arnold has recorded a special video message about Caritas Salford's 2024 campaign, which is asking us to do something this year that pushes us out of our comfort zone. You can watch the video and find out more about how you can take on a challenge to support people in your local community here: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/bishop-john-every-step/
John Stainer's The Crucifixion
A special performance of John Stainer's The Crucifixion is heading to St Patrick's Church in Collyhurst this Lent. Taking place on Saturday 23 March at 4pm, this poignant piece will be performed by Salford Cathedral Choir, Salford Cathedral Girls' Choir and the Cambiata Boys' Choir. All are welcome to attend.
Job Vacancies
Deputy Director for Schools' Systems - The Diocese of Salford (replacement role)
Appointment Type: Full time, permanent
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon - Fri, some flexibility in working patterns sometimes required
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £62,000 - £82,000 per annum, depending on current salary/experience
Find out more and apply at https://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