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 27th September 2026
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Friday 25th September
5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 26th September
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am, Mass, Votive Mass of Our Lady
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty- Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 27th September
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tuesday 29th September
5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Saints Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels (Feast)
Today celebrates God’s constant care for his people and intervention in their lives. The names of the angels reveal the aspect of God’s care: Michael means “Who is like God?”, Gabriel means “Strength of God” and Raphael “God has healed”.
Wednesday 30th September
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am, 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.
Thursday 1st October
9:30am 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.
Friday 2nd October
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Chaplet & Exposition
5.00pm – Confessions
6.00pm – Holy Mass, The Holy Guardian Angels
'Beside each believer stands an angel protector and shepherd leading him to life' St. Basil
6.30–9.00pm – Eucharistic Adoration
8.50pm – Solemn Benediction
Saturday 3rd October
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Votive Mass of Our Lady
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 4th October
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£676.82. Thank you.
Retired and Sick Clergy Appeal: 26th & 27th September
Our diocesan Sick & Retired Clergy Fund helps to ensure that our retired priests can begin the next chapter of their vocation with confidence, knowing that the Church they have served so faithfully will continue to accompany and support them as they grow older. Every gift to the fund helps to provide the care, dignity and practical support our sick and retired priests deserve after their years of dedicated service to the people of our Diocese. Please remember our sick and retired clergy in your prayers and, if you are able, consider making a gift to the appeal. There are two ways you can donate.
- DONA card machine: Donations can be made using the card machine at the back of church.
- Collection basket: A basket will be available at the back of church, beneath the large crucifix, for cash donations.
Both options will be available for the next two weeks. Thank you for supporting our sick and retired clergy in this practical and meaningful way. God bless you for your generosity and prayers.
Stations of the Cross- Friday 16th October - 7.00pm
Many parishioners have signed up for our parish day pilgrimage on Saturday 17th October, when we will join pilgrims from across the Diocese of Salford at the former Franciscan Monastery of Pantasaph in North Wales. An important part of the pilgrimage is the walk up Calvary Hill, praying the Stations of the Cross. For those who are unable to join us on the pilgrimage, Fr O’Brien will offer the opportunity to pray the Stations here at St Mary’s on Friday 16th October at 7.00pm. As we heard in last week’s homily, our first parish priest, Fr John Brereton, a former Franciscan, had the Stations of the Cross installed in our church in May 1899. They were placed here to help people recognise God’s personal love for each of us, revealed so completely in the Passion and Death of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Cross is the greatest expression of God’s love — a love that brings us hope, peace and redemption. From 7.00pm–8.00pm, Fr O’Brien will lead us in praying the Stations, offering short personal reflections at each Station, similar to those given on Good Friday morning earlier this year. Everyone is warmly welcome. Whether or not you are able to join the pilgrimage to Pantasaph, come and spend this hour with Our Lord, walking with Him on the Way of the Cross and reflecting upon the great love He has for each one of us.
First Friday Eucharistic Adoration – 2nd October
Since introducing our extended Eucharistic Adoration in June, we have continued to gather on the First Friday of each month. It has been a great blessing to see parishioners coming to spend time in prayer before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. For many, this has become a precious opportunity to find peace and stillness, bring their prayers and intentions before the Lord, receive the Sacrament of Confession and simply spend time in the presence of Jesus. We would now like to ensure that this beautiful devotion can continue each month. The Blessed Sacrament must never be left unattended, and so we are asking parishioners to consider committing to just one hour of Adoration each month. Jesus asks each of us: “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Matt 26:40)
One hour each month is a simple but beautiful way of giving something back to the Lord — praying for our families, our parish and those who are in need, or simply resting in His presence. A First Friday Adoration sign-up sheet is available at the back of church. If you can commit to one hour each month, please add your name. If you are unable to commit every month but could help occasionally, you are very welcome to sign up too.
First Friday timetable:
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Chaplet & Exposition
5.00pm – Confessions
6.00pm – Holy Mass
6.30–9.00pm – Eucharistic Adoration
8.50pm – Solemn Benediction
Thank you to everyone who has already supported our First Fr
iday Adoration. Please consider helping us to keep this wonderful time of prayer going for our parish. God Bless, Fr O’Brien
Could you be called to serve the church as a Permanent Deacon?
If you are a Catholic man interested in learning more about the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Salford, please come along to the next ‘Come and See’ event, which takes place on Saturday 3rd October 2026 between 10am and 2pm. The event will be held at St John Henry Newman Parish, 5 Roseneath Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5AX. There will be opportunities to talk to some of our deacons and find out more about their journey and the ministry without committing to anything further. For more information please email diaconate@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Marriage Help
Communication failure is a major cause of marital breakdown - 1,000's of couples have found Retrouvaille helped their relationship. Retrouvaille is not counselling but a programme to help married couples work through conflicts more effectively. We focus on helping restore trust and hope. Bookings close 18th Sept. www.Retrouvaille.org.uk +44 7887 296 983
Caritas Conference: Tackling poverty and injustice in the Diocese of Salford
Caritas Salford invites you to join them for a free day of learning and reflection on the social teaching of Pope Leo XIV. This conference will be held on Saturday 10 October from 11AM to 3.30PM. Guest speakers will be present with a free lunch provided. For more information and to book your place please visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/CaritasConference
Latest Vacancies Within the Diocese
Cathedral Receptionist and Administrator
Cathedral Business Manager
Choral Director: Schools Singing Programme
Please find more information about these jobs and how to apply on the Diocese website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/