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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
Parish Administrator: Ciara Kelly
Tel: 01254-232433
Email: stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Sunday 28th September 2025
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the following weeks ...
Friday 26th September
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass Saints Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs (Memoria)
Ss. Cosmas & Damian were doctors who were martyred in Syria around 300 A.D. There is evidence that their tomb was at Cyrrhus, where a basilica was built in their honour.
Saturday 27th September
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
12noon Ordination Mass of Dean Theo Shorrocks to the Priesthood, St Lukes, Irlam
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 28th September
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tuesday 30th September
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Saint Jerome, Priest & Doctor of the Church (Memoria)
St. Jerome, born in Dalmatia in 340A.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 420A.D.
Wednesday 1st October
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Saint Thérese of the Child Jesus, Virgin & Doctor (Memoria)
St. Thérese of Lisieux, also known by many as the Little Flower, was born in France in 1873, entered the Carmelite monastery at Lisieux at 15 years old. By words and example, she taught humility, simplicity and faith in God. She died in 1897, aged 24. Her autobiography, "The Story of a Soul" records her immense love of God and personal determination to grow in prayer.
10:35am Devotions to Saint Joseph
(At the foot of the parish statue of St. Joseph, see below for more details)
Thursday 2nd October
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, The Holy Guardian Angels
'Beside each believer stands an angel protector and shepherd leading him to life' St. Basil
Friday 3rd October
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 4th October
9am – 10 am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
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.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 5th October
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (27th September – 3rd October), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Gattei and Bevan Family.
Our Lady's Lamp
This week (27th September – 3rd October), Our Lady's Lamp is for Tony Kaye.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£451.71. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Home Sunday Collection
£41.07. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Supporting St. Mary's in Challenging Times
I have always admired the parishioners of St. Mary's for your generosity — with your time, your talents, and your financial support. It's a testament to the strength of our parish family and your love for this church. I need to address a current challenge. As we all know, the rising cost of living is affecting everyone. From energy bills to groceries, we're all feeling the strain. Here at St. Mary's, we're facing similar financial pressures. Like many households, we are feeling the impact of rising utility bills:
- Gas Bill
- 6th December 2024 – £646.02
- 8th January 2025 – £640.89
- Electric Bill
- 22nd November 2024 – £727.28
- 10th December 2024 – £759.33
These are essential costs — heating the church, keeping the lights on — and they must come first.
There are many things we would love to do: decorate the church, repair the entrance porches, re-wallpaper the Sacred Heart Chapel, and replace the 40-year-old sanctuary carpet. But until we can consistently meet our basic running costs, such projects will need to be put on hold.
That said, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued generosity. Everything you give — financially, practically, and spiritually — is deeply appreciated and goes a long way in helping to sustain our beautiful parish. My request at this time is that we each take a moment to reflect on what we are able to give, and whether it's possible to support the church in any additional way during these challenging times. Thank you again for all that you do.
God bless, Fr. O'Brien
Devotions to Saint Joseph
On Wednesday 1st 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.
Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood – Deacon Theo Shorrocks
We are delighted to share that Deacon Theo Shorrocks will be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on Saturday 27th September at 12 noon at St Luke's Roman Catholic Church, Irlam on the Heights, Salford. Although Deacon Theo is currently based at St Mary's, Burnley, many of us here at St Mary's, Oswaldtwistle have had the pleasure of meeting him—he joined us for Fr Adam's First Mass in July and again for our Healing Mass in September. Let us keep Deacon Theo in our prayers as he prepares for this sacred and joyful moment. We also continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood, and for all men currently in formation—discerning, studying, and praying for the ministry to which God may be calling them.
"The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few." (Luke 10:2)
Fr. Theo will celebrate his first Mass in the diocese on Monday 29th September, 7pm at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Ivy Street, Burnley. All are welcome.
Vigil Mass Time Review
Since the beginning of June, the parish has been considering whether moving the Vigil Mass on Saturdays from 6:30pm to 5:30pm would be a helpful change — particularly for older parishioners during the darker evenings and for families with young children.
While there was some initial support for the earlier time, no new volunteers have come forward to assist with stewarding or reading at a 5:30pm Mass. As a result, and with the strength of opinion now less certain, the Vigil Mass will remain at 6:30pm for the time being. I'm always happy to review this again in the future if that is the wish of the parish community. God bless, Fr. O'Brien
Annual Mass Count
The Bishop's Office has informed us that the Annual Mass Count will take place over the following four weekends:
- 20th–21st September
- 27th–28th September
- 4th–5th October
- 11th–12th October
During these weekends, the number of people attending Mass at both the Saturday Vigil (6:30pm) and Sunday Morning (10:00am) will be recorded and sent to the Bishop. We thank you for your continued presence and support as these numbers help provide an accurate picture of parish life across the diocese.
October: The Month of the Holy Rosary
October is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady and invites us to deepen our devotion through the prayer of the Rosary. Why the Rosary in particular? Because the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary falls on 7th October, reminding us of this powerful prayer entrusted to the Church. Throughout the month, there will be several opportunities to pray the Rosary together before Mass. Everyone is warmly encouraged, if they are able, to sacrifice a little time and arrive earlier to join the parish family in praying for the intention of peace.
Rosary Before Mass
We are all aware of how fragile and broken our world is at this moment. But God, in His love, gives us a powerful weapon of peace — the Holy Rosary. Praying with Our Blessed Mother, we can be instruments of hope, healing, and reconciliation. Please consider coming early to one of the following Masses, not only to strengthen the community in prayer, but as an act of love to Our Lady.
Saturday 4th October – 6:00pm
Sunday 5th October – 9:30am
Saturday 11th October – 6:00pm
Sunday 12th October – 9:30am
Saturday 18th October – 6:00pm
Sunday 19th October – 9:30am
Saturday 25th October – 6:00pm
Sunday 26th October – 9:30am
Rosary in Our Parish Schools
Throughout October, I'll be visiting each school at Sacred Heart, St. Mary's, and St. Oswald's schools to teach the children about the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. At the end of the month, each school will hold a Rosary Rally, where classes will present the mystery they have focused on and then join together with the whole school community in prayer. Please pray for our young people. And if you have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or godchildren, consider not only giving them a rosary this month, but teaching them how to use it — a gift that could accompany them their whole life.
Recommended Books on the Rosary
Here are a few helpful books if you're looking to deepen your own devotion or learn more about the power and beauty of the Rosary:
Praying the Rosary Like Never Before – Edward Sri
Pocket Guide to the Rosary: Reflections from the Bible and the Saints – Matt Fradd
The Holy Rosary Through the Visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich – Edited by Fr. Mark Higgins
10 Wonders of the Rosary – Donald H. Calloway
Of Men and Mary: How Six Men Won the Greatest Battle of Their Lives – Christine Watkins
Rosary Prayer Group – Volunteers Welcome
Many parishes have a Rosary group that meets regularly — in person or online — to pray for the needs of the parish, the Church, and the world. Often, parishioners will send in intentions for the group to pray for. Would anyone here at St. Mary's be interested in helping to establish such a group? It could meet weekly, monthly, online or in church — whatever suits those involved. If you're interested in supporting or helping to facilitate this prayer initiative, please contact the parish office: stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
First Confession & First Holy Communion Preparation
Families living in the parish of St. Mary's with children aged 7 years and above are warmly encouraged to approach Fr. O'Brien regarding preparation for First Confession and First Holy Communion. No child in the parish ever misses out, as Fr. O'Brien runs a continuous sacramental programme throughout the year. If you would like your child to receive these important sacraments, please speak to Fr. O after the weekend Mass you attend—either the 6:30pm Vigil Mass on Saturday or the 10:00am Mass on Sunday. Let us continue to nurture the faith of our young parishioners as they grow in love for the Lord and His Church.
Mount Carmel
Thanks to St Mary's Parish for allowing Mount Carmel the opportunity to speak about Education Sunday following last weekend Masses. Families with pupils currently in Year 5 or Year 6 are warmly encouraged to visit our school during the school day to experience the learning environment first-hand. Should you wish to arrange a personal tour, please contact Mrs Fielding on 01254 233458.
Volunteer Van Driver needed for Caritas Salford
Our diocesan charity Caritas Salford is in urgent need of a volunteer van driver. Could you please spare a few hours to help them to transport donations in their electric van? Van drivers are vital to Caritas services supporting people experiencing poverty and homelessness, and are essential to their day-to-day running. To find out more, please contact volunteer coordinator Matt on m.yates@caritassalford.org.uk or visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/volunteer
The Mercy Brothers
Enjoy a family-friendly night of musical entertainment with clergy band, The Mercy Brothers. The concert will raise funds for our Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Fund, which supports our sick pilgrims and medical team. The concert takes place on Friday 3rd October at St Michael's RC Parish, Whitefield. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for 16-21 year olds, and free for under 16s. Food will be provided and included in the cost. Book now by emailing Lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or phone the pilgrimage office on 0161 817 2209.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham 2026
We are delighted to announce the date for our 2026 diocesan pilgrimage to Our Lady's Shrine at Walsingham. Next year's pilgrimage will take place on Saturday 2nd May, with the option to extend your pilgrimage with an overnight stay on Friday 1st May. You can now register your interest by calling our pilgrimage office on 0161 817 2209 or emailing walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Job Vacancies
Parish Administrator - St Joseph's, Reddish
Appointment Type: Part-time, permanent
Working Hours: 12 hours per week over 3 days, with some flexibility
Location: St Joseph's Presbytery, 23 Gorton Road, Reddish, Stockport, SK5 6AZ
Salary: £13.23/hour, 60 hours holiday (equates to 5 weeks), plus bank holidays and 5 closure days (subject to pro-rata for part-time employees)
Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies