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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 5th October 2025
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the following weeks ...
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
Tuesday 7th October
5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
5:30pm The Holy Rosary
6pm Mass, Our Lady of the Rosary (Memoria)
'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
Wednesday 8th October
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Weekday Mass (Feria)
7pm Parish Bible Study
Thursday 9th October
10am Requiem Mass for Austin Smith. RIP
Friday 10th October
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 11th October
2pm Wedding Service of Paul Hamer & Frankie Leonard
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 12th October
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (4th October – 10th October), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Joe and Agnes Duggan.
Our Lady's Lamp
This week (4th October – 10th October), Our Lady's Lamp is for Nora Pickles.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£586.09. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Supporting St. Mary's in Challenging Times
One thing I've always admired about the parishioners of St. Mary's is 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. However, as we all know, the rising cost of living is affecting everyone. From energy to shopping, we're all feeling the strain. To put things in perspective: in 2010, the average price of a pint in the UK was £2.48 — today, it can be as much as £5.20. A takeaway coffee cost around £1.50 back then — now, you'll pay at least £3.35. Here at St. Mary's, we're facing similar financial pressures. Like many households, we are feeling the impact of rising utility bills. For example:
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. I simply ask 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 small extra way during these challenging times. Thank you again for all that you do. God bless, Fr. O'Brien
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 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
Welcome to the Family of God
This week we joyfully welcomed Harriet Kornecki into the family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism here at St. Mary's, Oswaldtwistle. We give thanks for Harriet's life and the gift of faith, and we warmly welcome her into our parish family. Let us continue to pray for Harriet, her family, and friends, that they may be faithful witnesses who encourage and support her as she begins her journey of faith. If you would like to know more about receiving the Sacrament of Baptism—either for your child or for yourself—please speak to Fr. O'Brien or contact the parish office via email at: stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Prayers and Blessings of the Guardian Angels
On Thursday this week, I had the privilege of joining our parish schools—Sacred Heart, St. Mary's, and St. Oswald's—for their individual celebrations of the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Each school's liturgy beautifully combined Scripture, prayer, and music to remind the children (and all of us) that our Guardian Angels are a sign of God's personal love and care. It was a joy to witness their reverence and understanding as they reflected on how their Guardian Angel accompanies them each day. As adults, it's a helpful reminder that we are never alone. Our Guardian Angels continue to walk with us throughout life—interceding, protecting, and watching over us. Let us continue to pray for our young people and their families, entrusting them to the care of God and the guidance of their Guardian Angels. God bless, Fr. O'Brien
"Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen."
Saint Mary's Roman Catholic School
Saint Mary's Roman Catholic School is currently seeking two dedicated Foundation Governors to join our Governing Body. As a Foundation Governor, you will play a vital role in supporting the school's Catholic ethos, guiding its strategic direction, and ensuring the best outcomes for our pupils. We are looking for committed individuals who are practising Catholics, eager to contribute their skills and experience to help our school community continue to grow and flourish.
Please contact Mrs Wolstenholme at head@st-marys-oswaldtwistle.lancs.sch.uk
Saint Mary's Roman Catholic School warmly invites you to our Open Day on Wednesday, 8th October, at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit our school, meet staff and pupils, and see firsthand the welcoming, caring, and vibrant learning environment we provide. We look forward to welcoming you and showing you all that Saint Mary's has to offer.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees (4-5 October)
As we mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (4–5 October), Bishop John has written to remind us that migrants and refugees are messengers of hope, bringing resilience, faith, and cultural richness to our communities. In the face of rising hostility, we are called to respond with compassion, truth, and practical support, affirming the dignity of every person. You can read Bishop John's full statement at: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/migrants-and-refugees-25/
Celebration of Human Dignity - Free Event
Our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford is holding a free event on Sunday 26 October from 10.30am to 3pm at Sacred Heart Church and Parish Centre, Gorton, Manchester, M18
7WJ. The 'Celebration of Human Dignity' event, which is aligned with the memorial of St Pope John Paul II who championed human dignity and the value of human life in his many works, will include music, thought-provoking sessions and Sunday Mass celebrated by Bishop John Arnold. To find out more and book your free place at the event, visit: www.caritassalford.org.uk/event/humandignity/
Laudato Si' Centre Gardening Club
As we head into autumn, the Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre invites you to join its regular Friday gardening club to learn more about how to care for our common home over the coming months. For top tips on seasonal gardening, sustainable techniques, and how to care for the land and biodiversity during the winter months, sign up to our friendly sessions by emailing laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
Job Vacancies
Building Surveyor - Diocese of Salford
Appointment Type: Full-time, permanent
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri, with some flexibility
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 5DP
Salary: £47,664 – £58,628
Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies