Sunday 1st June 2025
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Masses & Liturgies for the next week...
Friday 30th May
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Easter Weekday Mass
Saturday 31st May
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Feast)
This feast goes back to the 13th/14th century. It was established widely throughout the Church to pray for unity. Like most feasts of Mary, it is closely connected with Jesus and his saving work. The more visible actors in the visitation drama (see Luke 1:39-45) are Mary and Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a hidden way. Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Seventh Sunday of Easter
Sunday 1st June
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Seventh Sunday of Easter
Tuesday 3rd June
5pm – 5:30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
5:45pm Mass, Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Mwanga, the ruler of Uganda in 1885-1887, persecuted Christians of all denominations; among those executed were Charles and 21 companions, court pages, for being Christians and refusing to acquiesce in the kings desires.
Wednesday 4th June
10am Requiem Mass for Margaret Barnes RIP
7pm Parish Bible Study (see details below)
Thursday 5th June
9:30am Mass, Saint Boniface (Memoria)
Born in Devon about 675 and killed in the Netherlands in 754. After years as a monk and teacher, he went to evangelise the Germanic peoples. Ordained bishop, he was given wide ranging papal commissions throughout Germany and Gaul. He founded monasteries and established dioceses, presided at Synods, and liaised with kings. He is remembered as a determined missionary, and as a church organiser and reformer, whose work shaped the future of Europe.
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
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (31st May – 7th June), the Sanctuary Lamp is for All the Souls in Purgatory.
Our Lady's Lamp
This week (31st May – 7th June), Our Lady's Lamp is for Barbara Murray, Mullen Family.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£735.63. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
V. Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
R. And enkindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And you shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray
O God, who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that by the gift of the same Spirit, we may be always truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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
It is great news that Adam will soon be ordained to the priesthood. The date, God willing, is Saturday 5th July at Shrewsbury Cathedral. We are hoping to organize a coach from the parish however this is all depends on the numbers of parishioners who would like to go. Initially the 47seat coach would leave St. Mary's at 8:30am for the 12noon Ordination Mass. It would depart approx 3pm/3:30pm. The cost would be £20. There is a list for people to put their names and contact details along with their £20. If we are not able to cover the cost of the coach by the start of June, then all monies will be refunded. Let's continue to keep Adam in our prayers.
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/
Jubilee for Vocations
The Diocese of Salford's Jubilee of Jubilees calendar of resources continues with a special focus on Vocations. Visit their website for updates from our diocesan vocations team, resources from the National Office for Vocations, and a challenge from Bishop John. Head to https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/jubilee-2025/calendar/
Congratulations -First Holy Communion
Congratulations to Adrian, Brandon, Harley, Justina and Lottie who have received Our Lord in Holy Communion for the first time over the last couple of weekends. As always, it's been a joy, as their parish priest, to accompany them and their families on this part of their faith journey. Let's pray for all our young people that they will always appreciate the Sacraments of Confession and the Holy Eucharist which lead them uniquely and personally to Jesus Christ, Our Lord, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. For more information regarding catechism and preparation for the sacraments please contact Father O'Brien at the end of a weekend Mass.
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 4th 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.
Message from Annie Scharwatt from Stella Maris
Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea) is seeking one volunteer from this parish to help with Sea Sunday (which falls on 12/13 July this year). This is the day when the Church comes together to pray for seafarers, fishers and their families, and takes a retiring to support the work of Stella Maris. The volunteer will read out the appeal (which Stella Maris will provide) at the end of Masses that weekend. If you can kindly do this, please contact roland.hayes@stellamarismail.org or call 07887 893 763. Related to that, all parishioners are warmly invited to an online webinar being run by Stella Maris on Thursday 19th June from 7:30pm to 9pm. You will hear about the work that Stella Maris has been doing with seafarers and fishers over the past year or so, including the use of the funds kindly donated on Sea Sunday last year. To attend this webinar, please sign up at: www.stellamaris.org.uk/thankyouwebinar
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
Mass for Married Couples
Are you celebrating a special anniversary this Jubilee year? Join us on Tuesday 3 June at 7pm at St Bernadette's in Whitefield for a special celebratory Mass. Friends and family are welcome and everyone is invited to join for refreshments after Mass. We ask you to please register your attendance as soon as possible to help our team anticipate numbers and prepare a special souvenir card for each couple. To register, please https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/mass-married-couples-2025/ or call 0161 817 2214.
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
Job Vacancies
Parish Administrator - Parish of Our Lady & St Joseph, Heywood
Appointment Type: Part- time/Permanent
Working Hours: 10 hours per week (Work pattern to be agreed with Parish Priest)
Location: : St. Joseph's Presbytery, Mary Street, Heywood, Lancashire OL10 1EG
Salary: £13.23 per hour, 25 holidays, plus statutory bank holidays and 5 Diocesan closure days (Pro-rata for part-time)
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