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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 12th October 2025
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the following weeks ...
Friday 10th October
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 11th October
2pm Wedding Service of Mr Paul Hamer & Miss 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
Tuesday 14th October
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Wednesday 15th October
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin & Doctor (Memoria)
St. Teresa was born in 1515, entered the Carmelite Order, making progress in the way of perfection and receiving mystical revelations. She undertook the reform of the Order, against great opposition. She died in 1582.
Thursday 16th October
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (Memoria)
followed by the veneration of her relic
St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) was born at Verosvres in Burgundy (France) and joined the Order of the Visitation at Paray-le-Monial. She received mystical revelations concerning the Sacred Heart of Jesus and, with the help of her Jesuit confessor, St Claude de la Colombière, spread this devotion® throughout the world. She was canonised in 1920.
Friday 17th October
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr (Memoria)
St. Ignatius of Antioch, second Bishop of that city was sentenced to death in 107A.D and deported to Rome, where he was thrown to wild beasts.
Saturday 18th October
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Luke, Evangelist (Feast)
St. Luke, born into a pagan family and a convert to the faith, was a companion of St. Paul. He composed the third Gospel and its sequel, the Acts of the Apostles.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 19th October
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (11th October – 17th October), the Sanctuary Lamp is for The Sick of the Parish.
Our Lady's Lamp
This week (11th October – 17th October), Our Lady's Lamp is for Alan Clark.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£662.74. Thank you for your kind generosity.
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.
Our Lady Home Visits
A heartfelt thank you to all the parishioners who have signed up to welcome the statue of Our Lady into their homes and pray the Rosary for the intentions of our parish family. The response has been truly overwhelming. Several people have also asked if they can still sign up to receive the statue after the Immaculate Conception consecration date on 8th December—the answer is yes! If you would like to take part, please contact the parish office to book a date: stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Thank you also to those who have spoken to me, emailed, or been in touch to say that they, too, will be offering Rosaries for St. Mary's parish throughout the month of October. What a powerful gift of prayer! As we were reminded in last weekend's Gospel, even the smallest seed of faith can do great things:
"If you had faith like a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." (Luke 17:6)
Let us continue to entrust our parish to Our Lady's care, confident in the strength of prayer and the power of even the smallest act of faith.
Parish Bible Study
Since September, our parish Bible Study group has been journeying through the Book of Acts, exploring — chapter by chapter — the people, events, and prayers that shaped the first thirty years of the Church. We've reflected on the first "conclave," where St. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas; the healing power of the name of Jesus; the tragic story of Ananias and Sapphira, whose dishonesty before God cost them dearly; and the bold witness of St. Peter and the apostles, who faced persecution, imprisonment, and beatings — yet continued to proclaim the Gospel without fear. Each session reminds us of the richness of God's Word, and how it continues to challenge, nourish, and inspire us today. Why not come and see for yourself? Our next session is on Wednesday 22nd October, from 7.00–8.00pm. All you need is yourself and a Bible — and a warm welcome awaits you!
Mini Hearts – Sacred Heart School
On Tuesday morning, Fr. O'Brien had the joy of joining Mrs Mashiter and the school community to celebrate a special Welcome Liturgy for the new Reception pupils and their families. During the service, each child was given a Mini Sacred Heart—a small symbol to remind them that throughout their time at Sacred Heart School, they will always be loved, cherished, and valued. This heart also serves as a sign that, in their journey at school, their own hearts will be formed to become more like Jesus'—sharing His love with others through their words and actions.
Schools Rosary
This week, Fr. O'Brien visited Sacred Heart School and St. Oswald's School to lead sessions on the Five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. He guided the children in reflecting on how each mystery invites us to think about the life of Jesus—and how these sacred moments can shape not only our prayer lives but also the way we treat others each day.
One pupil at St. Oswald's shared: "I didn't know that Jesus got lost when he was little and Mary shouted and told him off!" Moments like these remind us how the Rosary continues to inspire faith, even in the youngest hearts.
Young Adult Service Day - St Vincent de Paul Youth Society
The St Vincent de Paul Society Youth Team will be holding a service day on 1 November, and would like to invite those aged 18-35 to join. Beginning at 11am, following 10am Mass, the day will offer a chance to give back to the community with kindness. The service day will be taking place at St Vincent's Centre in Leeds and a travel bursary is available to support those who wish to get involved. To register, please email KeziaH@svp.org.uk or call on 07917 923605.
Diocese seeks volunteers for new survivor-led safeguarding panel
The Diocese of Salford is looking for volunteers to join a new safeguarding panel, which seeks to ensure the voice of survivors plays an integral role in how we safeguard against all forms of Church-based abuse, and how we continue to provide meaningful support and healing to those affected. Details of all panellists will be confidential, and volunteers can choose to engage anonymously. To find out more or to enquire about becoming a volunteer panellist, please contact the diocesan Department for Safeguarding by emailing safeguarding@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or calling 0161 817 2206. Read more at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/survivors-panel-announced/
The Catholic Experience of Pilgrimage Medieval to Modern
Dr Kathyrn Hurlock from Manchester Metropolitan University will give a talk on 'The Catholic Experience of Pilgrimage Medieval to Modern' at St Ann's Parish Centre (M32 8LF). The talk, which had been postponed, will now take place on Saturday 18th October starting at 10.30am. More details from Fr Ged Murphy: Gerald.Murphy@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
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