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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 19th October 2025
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the following weeks ...
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
Tuesday 21st October
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Wednesday 22nd October
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Saint John Paul II, Pope (Memoria)
Charles Joseph Wojtyla was born in 1920 in Waowice, Poland. On 16th October 1978 he was elected pope and took the name John Paul. His concern particularly for families, young people and the sick led him to numerous pastoral visits throughout the world. He died in Rome on 2nd April 2005.
7pm Parish Bible Study.
Thursday 23rd October
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Weekday Mass (Feria)
Friday 24th October
5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 25th October
9am – 10 am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Votive Mass of Our Lady
'If you ever feel distressed during your day - call upon our Lady - just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit - this prayer has never failed me.'
- St. Teresa of Kolkata
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 26th October
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (18th October – 24th October), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Mary Le Pla.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£686.99. Thank you for your kind generosity.
World Mission Sunday
This weekend, parishes worldwide celebrate World Mission Sunday. By supporting Missio – the Pope's charity for world mission – we stand united as God's global family, in prayer, solidarity and action. We are called to be 'Missionaries Of Hope Among All Peoples'. We ask you to please remember the work of missionaries in your prayers this week. Find out more about the work of Missio and how to support the charity at missio.org.uk. There will be a collection basket under the large crucifix at the back of church for any donations you would like to give to Missio.
Dilexi te – "I Have Loved You" - New Apostolic Exhortation from Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV has released his first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi te ("I Have Loved You"), calling the Church to renew its love for the poor — not just in charity, but in deep, personal solidarity. He reminds us that Christ is found most powerfully in those who suffer, and that our love for Him is proven in how we care for those in need. This message continues the work of Pope Francis and calls each of us to examine our hearts and lifestyles in light of the Gospel. Read the full text at vatican.va.
How can we at St. Mary's play our part in response to the Holy Father's words? Raise money for a local charity over Advent and Christmas? If so which charity that would directly help others who are struggling and isolated?
Lord Jesus, teach us to love with Your heart — especially those who are overlooked or in need. May our parish be a place where all are welcomed, heard, and loved. Amen.
Extended Times for the Sacrament of Confession
In response to the growing number of parishioners coming for the Sacrament of Confession, Fr. O'Brien will be extending the regular times at St. Mary's. Confession will now be available at the following times:
Fridays: 5:00pm – 5:50pm
Saturdays: 9:00am – 9:50am
You are also very welcome to contact Fr. O'Brien directly to arrange a time outside these hours if you would prefer a longer conversation. The Sacrament of Confession is a beautiful opportunity to encounter the Lord's mercy and begin again. Whether it has been a few weeks or many years, know that you are always welcome.
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 Owen Family
The Radigan Family
The Burton Family
The Yates Family
The Davitt Family
The Flanagan Family
The Peake Family
The Whelan 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:
St Oswald's Foundation Governors
St Oswald's Roman Catholic School is currently seeking two dedicated Foundation Governors to join their 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 Kippax on c.lee@st-oswaldsrc.lancs.sch.uk
A Word of Thanks to Our Unsung Heroes
Each Wednesday, a dedicated team of volunteer gardeners gives their time and effort to keep the parish grounds of St Mary's beautifully maintained. They ensure our access points and pathways are clear and safe, offering a quiet but essential service to the life of our parish. Likewise, every Tuesday, another faithful group helps with the cleaning of the church, making sure our sacred space is ready and welcoming for all who come to pray and worship. These volunteers are the unsung heroes of our parish family—generous individuals who give their time freely, often without recognition, but always with love. On behalf of the whole parish, Fr O'Brien would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who serve in these quiet yet vital ministries. If you would be willing to offer your time and energy to support either of these efforts, please don't hesitate to get in touch:
For parish grounds and gardening: contact Navada at keenannavada@gmail.com
For church cleaning: contact Karen at jakey9998@aol.com
Your help would be greatly appreciated—and no experience is necessary! Let us continue to support one another, serve with joy, and build up the Body of Christ in Oswaldtwistle.
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!
Dates for Your Diary – November at St Mary's
As we approach the month of November, the Church invites us to remember and pray for all the saints and the faithful departed. Below are some important dates for your diary:
All Saints Day – Solemnity of All Saints
Vigil Mass: Saturday 1st November at 6:30pm
Morning Mass: Sunday 2nd November at 10:00am
Monday 3rd November - All Souls Day
This year, All Souls Day falls on Monday 3rd November.
To mark this solemn day, Fr O'Brien will offer Three Masses:
10:00am, 12 noon, and 6:00pm
Blessing of Graves
Sunday 2nd November at 2:00pm – Dill Hall Cemetery
Fr O'Brien will be available to bless individual graves.
Sunday 9th November at 2:00pm – Accrington Cemetery
Fr Wadsworth will be offering blessings of graves.
Let us unite in prayer, remembrance, and hope as we honour the holy men and women who have gone before us, and commend to God the souls of all the faithful departed.
Remembering our loved ones - A Moment of Prayer
The Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre is inviting people to remember loved ones who have died in a special way this November with the return of its Memorial Service. Taking place on Friday 7th November, between 9.30-10.30am, the memorial service provides a peaceful opportunity to remember and give thanks for our loved ones in the beauty of God's creation. Please register your interest and find out more by emailing laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
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/
Job Vacancies
Parish Administrator - Holy Cross and St Helen's, Ashton-under-Lyne
Appointment Type: Part-time, permanent
Working Hours: 11 hours per week, between Mon-Fri, with some flexibility, as agreed with parish priest.
Location: St Ann's Presbytery, 64-66 Burlington Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Lancs OL6 7D
Salary: £13.23 per hour, 60 hours holiday (equates to 5 weeks), plus bank holidays and 5 diocesan closure days (subject to pro rata)
Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies