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Friday 11 October 2024

Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sunday 13th October 2024

 Sunday 13th October 2024

Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time



Masses & Liturgies for the coming week...



Friday 11th October

5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)


Saturday 12th October

9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

10am Mass, Saint Wilfrid, Bishop (Memoria) (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)

St. Wilfrid was born in Northumbria 634 A.D. and died in 709 A.D. As Bishop of York he was the first English bishop to appeal to the Pope. Although reinstated in York, he fell out again with the King and other bishops, and ministered in the East Midlands and finally at Hexham.

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Sunday 13th October

9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

10am Mass for the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Tuesday 15th October

1pm – 3pm St. Mary's Warm Welcome (Details below)


Friday 18th October

1pm Requiem Mass for Tony Kaye RIP


Saturday 19th October

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Sunday 20th October

9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

10am Mass for the Twenty Seventh Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)




Sanctuary Lamp

This week (12th October - 19th October), the Sanctuary Lamp is for the Doherty Family.



Last Week's Easter Offertory Collection

£543.81. Thank you for your kind generosity.



Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales: Oppose Assisted Suicide

We are calling on Catholics in England and Wales to unite in prayer and compassionate action to oppose assisted suicide. In early September 2024, when parliament returned and a Bill on assisted suicide – so-called assisted dying – started its passage through the House of Lords, our Lead Bishop for Life Issues, Bishop John Sherrington, called for Catholics to unite in prayer and compassionate action. That call is renewed now as on Wednesday, 16 October, the House of Commons will hear the first reading of a new bill on assisted suicide tabled by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. This is another attempt to legalise assisted suicide and we need you to contact your MP to voice your opposition.


Act Now! Contact your MP

The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to do this. It takes little more than a few minutes to input your postcode, make sure the suggested text suits your viewpoint and submit your message to ask your MP to stop assisted suicide being rushed into law. https://righttolife.org.uk/ASthreat


Pray

We are a praying Christian community and, as Bishop Sherrington says, the legalisation of assisted suicide undermines the sanctity and dignity of human life. "The Catholic Church accompanies those suffering and nearing the end of their lives with hope and affection, but also reminds them that their life is precious until the very last breath," he says. "In preparation for these challenging debates, let us offer our prayers for those facing the end of their lives, that they may receive the care and support they need to live their final days with respect for their dignity."Let us also pray for our politicians and our country that wisdom and compassion may guide their decisions. I also urge all Catholics to become better informed about the serious problems associated with the legalisation of assisted suicide.


For more information and resources please see the bishops conference website:

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/



Thank You

My thanks to Fr. Samson Ojekunle for celebrating the weekend Masses while I enjoyed my holiday and to Fr. Francis Wadsworth who was available for any pastoral emergencies. Fr. Samson said he found our parish family to be a very uplifting and vibrant community. It's always good to hear how others recognise the joy of the Gospel when they visit St. Mary's.



Healing Ministry Course

In the coming week I'll be on a healing ministry training course for priests with Bishop Scott McCaig CC. The course is designed to help equip priests guide people into the healing transformation that Christ offers. As always I ask for your prayers for myself and all the priests on the course this week.



Parish Social at Franco's

Thanks to Tony Alveston for facilitating our next parish social which will a meal at Franco's on Sunday 27th October, 12:30pm for 1pm. The cost is £20 pp and people can sign up on the list by the stewards desk. Tony is also appealing for any prizes to put into a mini raffle on the day. If you could donate a prize please see him or one of the stewards at Mass.



Annual Mass Count

The Bishop's Office has emailed to remind us the that Annual Mass Count is to take place over these next four weekends: 21st-22nd September, 28th-30th September, 5th -6th October, 12th-13th October. The numbers of people who come to Mass over these weekends for the Vigil (6:30pm) & Sunday (10am) Masses will be recorded and sent to the Bishop.



St. Mary's Warm Welcome

The next warm welcome is on Tuesday 15th October from 1pm – 3pm. Everyone and anyone is welcome! We have some talented parishioners who will dispel the coming autumn blues with live upbeat music that everyone can sing along to. Plus there's unlimited brews and fantastic homemade cake in a warm space. Why not come along and experience something different.



A Day in Africa

The Salford Cathedral African Mass Community invites everyone to a lively fundraiser showcasing Africa's vibrant culture – music, food, stories and more! Taking place at Salford Cathedral Temporary Church on 19th October at 12.30pm. Find out more and register at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/a-day-in-africa-fundraiser



Sacramental Preparation for Young People

If there are any young people, ages 7+. who are baptised Roman Catholics, live in the parish boundaries and would like to begin preparing to receive God's mercy in the Sacrament of Confession and His love in First Holy Communion, then please see Fr. O'Brien at the end of the Mass you usually come to.



Confirmation Preparation

If there are any young parishioners, ages 12 +, who are baptised Roman Catholics, live in the parish boundaries and would like to know more about the Sacrament of Confirmation please see Fr. O'Brien.



Young Adults Mass

Young adults across the diocese are once again invited to join our next Diocesan Mass for Young Adults. The Mass will take place at 5.30pm on Sunday 13 October at St Augustine's, Manchester. Mass will be followed by a social and the next instalment of our fascinating series of talks on Catholic apologetics by delving into the world of G K Chesterton's Orthodoxy.



Sacred Heart School

On Tuesday I was invited into school for the official Reception Children's Welcome. This is a beautiful liturgy where the children and their families gather together in prayer. Each child was presented with a mini Sacred Heart to take home as a reminder of Jesus' love for them and their responsibility to share His love with others both at school and home.

After the liturgy I was able to talk to the rest of the school about St. Catherine Labouré and Our Lady commissioning her to promote the Miraculous Medal. The medal is not some magic token but a sacramental, a visual presentation of Our Faith revealed through Our Lord's Cross and the gift of His Mother to us all. The school provided a Medal for each of the children that I blessed.

The School is very proud this year to announce the following:

Every Day is an Open Day

Come and visit our amazing school

"Pupils know the importance of treating everyone with tolerance, dignity and respect." - Ofsted

"Staff have been trained well so that they can deliver the curriculum effectively" - Ofsted

"It is pleasing to see that the school promotes a love of reading right through from nursery to Year 6, that pupils are able to read words with increasing confidence and fluency, and talked excitedly about the different authors and books that they read." - Edwina Grant OBE

"An effective curriculum which allows pupils to gain a better understanding of life in modern Britain." - Ofsted

Please call the school office to arrange a visit at your convenience

"Let the Love of Christ show in all that we do."

Contact us 01254 233382 bursar@sacredheart-church.lanc.sch.uk

Bradshaw Row, Church, Accrington, BB5 4HG



St. Mary's School

On Monday morning I was invited into school to talk both to the infants and juniors about the Miraculous Medal. As well as the design of the medal I shared with the children about the lives that had been affected by the graces that God has bestowed upon it. From the conversion of the cynical Marie-Alphonse Ratisbonne in the 19th century to Claude Newman in a US prison cell in the 20th century. I brought Medals from church to distribute to each child that had been blessed.

On Wednesday the school held it's Gardeners and Seeds Liturgy where I was invited to give a blessing upon all the new reception children as they begin their journey over the next few years through the school.



St. Oswald's School

On Tuesday afternoon I spoke to both infants and juniors about the Miraculous Medal. I explained that we have books that teach us many things through words and calculations but the Miraculous Medal, given by Our Lady, teaches us about the Faith through all the symbols depicted on it. Every boy and girl received a Medal to wear and grow closer to Jesus and Our Lady.



Gregorian Chant Workshop for Singers

A popular choral workshop is returning to St Augustine's in Manchester with a particular focus on Our Lady. The event, led by Manchester University lecturer Dr Rosemarie Darby, will take place on Saturday 26th October between 11.30am and 4pm at St Augustine's church, Manchester. It is of particular interest to parish choirs who wish to expand their repertoire of Marian music. No prior experience is required but registration is essential by emailing stphilipnerisingers@yahoo.co.uk



Caritas Homelessness report

Our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford, is running a campaign in the coming weeks and months to shine a spotlight on issues around the increasing number of individuals and families who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. There are lots of really simple ways you can get involved to help in your area - please take a look at their website and help if you can: www.caritassalford.org.uk/endhomelessness



Ecological Rosary at Laudato Si' Centre

The Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre invites you to join the team for a peaceful hour of prayer and reflection this month. To celebrate the month of the Rosary, the team will be praying the Rosary, with ecological reflections, on Friday 18 October from 1.30pm. Please email laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more and register your attendance.



Job Vacancies


Senior Trust Fundraiser - Diocese of Salford (replacement role)

Appointment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Location: Cathedral Centre 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP

Salary: £36,338 - £40,289

Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies


Communications Team Administrator - Diocese of Salford (replacement role)

Appointment Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 28 or 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri. Some evenings and weekends required.

Location: Cathedral Centre 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP

Salary: £23,407 per annum (pro rata for part-time employees)

Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies



God Bless and keep praying.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.


Fr. O'Brien



Friday 27 September 2024

Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sunday 29th September 2024


 Sunday 29th September 2024 

Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 



We welcome Father Samson Ojekunle OMD, the chaplain at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, who will be celebrating the weekend Masses during my break. If there are any pastoral emergencies Fr. Francis Wadsworth, the parish priest at St. Anne & St. Joseph's, Accrington has very kindly offered to be available. He can be contacted at St. Anne's Presbytery, Accrington Tel: (01254) 232 920.



Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Two Weeks…



Friday 27th September

5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Saint Vincent De Paul, Priest (Memoria)

St. Vincent de Paul was born to a poor peasant family in the French village of Pouy on April 24, 1581. He was ordained in 1600. He spent his life preaching missions to and providing relief to the poor. He even established hospitals for them. This was at a time when there were not many priests in France and what priests there were, were neither well-formed nor faithful to their way of life. Vincent helped reform the clergy and the manner in which they were instructed and prepared for the priesthood. He was eighty years old when he died in Paris on September 27, 1660.


Saturday 28th September

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Sunday 29th September

9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

10am Mass for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Tuesday 1st October

1pm – 3pm St. Mary's Warm Welcome (Details below)


Saturday 5th October

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Sunday 6th October

9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

10am Mass for the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Tuesday 8th October

5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)


Wednesday 9th October

9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

10am Mass, Saint John Henry Newman, Priest (Feast)

St. John Henry Newman, born in London in 1801, was for over 20 years an Anglican clergyman and Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. His studies of the early Church led him towards Catholicism, into which in 1845, he was received and ordained in 1847. In 1879 he was created Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII. Praised for humility, care of souls and contributions to the intellectual life of the Church, he died in Birmingham on 11th August 1890.


Thursday 10th October

9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

10am Mass, Saint Paulinus of York, Bishop (Feria)

St. Paulinus dided in 644 A.D. He was among the second group of monks sent to England by Pope Gregory. After working for 20 years in Kent, he was ordained bishop and sent to Northumbria. By 627A.D he baptised the king and many of his nobles.

1pm Funeral Service for Margaret Merrin RIP


Friday 11th October

5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)


Saturday 12th October

9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

10am Mass, Saint Wilfrid, Bishop (Memoria) (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)

St. Wilfrid was born in Northumbria 634 A.D. and died in 709 A.D. As Bishop of York he was the first English bishop to appeal to the Pope. Although reinstated in York, he fell out again with the King and other bishops, and ministered in the East Midlands and finally at Hexham.

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Sunday 13th October

9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

10am Mass for the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)





Sanctuary Lamp

This week (28th September - 5th October), the Sanctuary Lamp is for The McGowan Family.

The following (5th October - 12th October) the sanctuary lamp is for Winnie Hogan.



Last Week's Easter Offertory Collection

£586.98. Thank you for your kind generosity.



Miraculous Medal

When I return from my break I'll be visiting all three parish schools over the month of October to share with the pupils at Sacred Heart, St. Mary's and St. Oswald's the story of the Miraculous Medal and St. Catherine Labouré. I would like to appeal to you all firstly for your prayers. Asking Our Lady to touch the hearts of the children so that they are aware of Mary's loving presence in their lives and that see the power of her intercession. Secondly I'm hoping to find/buy/beg enough Miraculous Medals so that I can give one to every child in all three schools. If any parishioners would like to contribute to this please let me know.



A Big Thank You

I'd like to thank the family of the late Paddy Gallagher for their fundraising even, at the Stanhill Social Club, that raised £450.35 in his memory for St. Mary's Church.



Date For Diary: Parish Social

Thanks to Tony Alveston for facilitating our next parish social which will a meal at Franco's on Sunday 27th October, 12:30pm for 1pm. The cost is £20 pp and people can sign up on the list by the stewards desk. Tony is also appealing for any prizes to put into a mini raffle on the day. If you could donate a prize please see him or one of the stewards at Mass.



Annual Mass Count

The Bishop's Office has emailed to remind us the that Annual Mass Count is to take place over these next four weekends: 21st-22nd September, 28th-30th September, 5th -6th October, 12th-13th October. The numbers of people who come to Mass over these weekends for the Vigil (6:30pm) & Sunday (10am) Masses will be recorded and sent to the Bishop.



St. Mary's Warm Welcome

Back by popular demand... The next warm welcome is on Tuesday 1st October from 1pm – 3pm. Everyone and anyone is welcome! We have some talented parishioners who will dispel the coming autumn blues with live upbeat music that everyone can sing along to. Plus there's unlimited brews and fantastic homemade cake in a warm space. Why not come along and experience something different. Dates for the Warm Welcome: 1st Oct, 15th Oct, 29th Oct, 12th Nov, 26th Nov, 10th Dec



Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel

The next sessions will begin at near the end of October. Watch this space for future dates



Sacramental Preparation for Young People

If there are any young people, ages 7+. who are baptised Roman Catholics, live in the parish boundaries and would like to begin preparing to receive God's mercy in the Sacrament of Confession and His love in First Holy Communion, then please see Fr. O'Brien at the end of the Mass you usually come to.



Confirmation Preparation

If there are any young parishioners, ages 12 +, who are baptised Roman Catholics, live in the parish boundaries and would like to know more about the Sacrament of Confirmation please see Fr. O'Brien.



Permanent Diaconate

The diocese are delighted to share with you a new leaflet on the permanent diaconate. Including an introductory message from Bishop John, FAQs, case studies on our deacons, and more, this is a great way to find out more about this remarkable vocation. Read now at https://tinyurl.com/permanent-diaconate



Take Action on Two-Child Benefit Cap

The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales is inviting you to join other Catholics in taking action on the government's two-child policy on Universal Credit payments for vulnerable, larger families. All you need to do is complete a short e-Action form that automatically contacts your MP to outline your opposition to the cap. Head to https://www.cbcew.org.uk/contact-mp-two-child-cap/ to find out more and complete the form.



Young Adults Mass

Young adults across the diocese are once again invited to join our next Diocesan Mass for Young Adults. The Mass will take place at 5.30pm on Sunday 13 October at St Augustine's, Manchester. Mass will be followed by a social and the next instalment of our fascinating series of talks on Catholic apologetics by delving into the world of G K Chesterton's Orthodoxy.



Gregorian Chant Workshop for Singers

A popular choral workshop is returning to St Augustine's in Manchester with a particular focus on Our Lady. The event, led by Manchester University lecturer Dr Rosemarie Darby, will take place on Saturday 26th October between 11.30am and 4pm at St Augustine's church, Manchester. It is of particular interest to parish choirs who wish to expand their repertoire of Marian music. No prior experience is required but registration is essential by emailing stphilipnerisingers@yahoo.co.uk



Caritas Salford Exhibition at HOME

A special exhibition of poetry written by people from our parishes who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless has opened at HOME in Manchester city centre. The exhibition will run until December, so please do visit if you're able. You can find out more about the exhibition and the project which was run by our diocesan charity Caritas Salford, here: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/poetryqa/



Job Vacancies


Senior Trust Fundraiser - Diocese of Salford (replacement role)

Appointment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Location: Cathedral Centre 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP

Salary: £36,338 - £40,289

Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies


Communications Team Administrator - Diocese of Salford (replacement role)

Appointment Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 28 or 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri. Some evenings and weekends required.

Location: Cathedral Centre 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP

Salary: £23,407 per annum (pro rata for part-time employees)

Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies



God Bless and keep praying.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.


Fr. O'Brien


Friday 20 September 2024

Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sunday 22nd September 2024

Sunday 22nd September 2024

Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time



Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…



Friday 20th September

5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)


Saturday 21st September

9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

10am Mass, Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Feast) (In the Lady Chapel)

St. Matthew, born at Capernaum, was a tax gatherer when called by Jesus. He wrote his Gospel in Hebrew, and tradition has it that he preached the Faith in the East.

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Sunday 22nd September

9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

10am Mass for the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Tuesday 24th September

5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Mass, Our Lady of Walsingham

The lady of the manor of Walsingham, Richeldis de Faverches, was instructed by a vision of the Virgin Mary to build in her village a replica of the house of Nazareth in which the Annunciation had taken place. The vision occurred, according to tradition, in 1061A.D. The original house was destroyed at the Reformation, but during the 19th and early 20th centuries pilgrimage to Walsingham was revived.


Wednesday 25th September

9:30am Funeral Service for Carole Carver RIP


Thursday 26th September

9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

10am 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.


Friday 27th September

5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Saint Vincent De Paul, Priest (Memoria)

St. Vincent de Paul was born to a poor peasant family in the French village of Pouy on April 24, 1581. He was ordained in 1600. He spent his life preaching missions to and providing relief to the poor. He even established hospitals for them. This was at a time when there were not many priests in France and what priests there were, were neither well-formed nor faithful to their way of life. Vincent helped reform the clergy and the manner in which they were instructed and prepared for the priesthood. He was eighty years old when he died in Paris on September 27, 1660.


Saturday 28th September

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Sunday 29th September

9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

10am Mass for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)





Sanctuary Lamp

This week (21st September - 28th September), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Richard Eddleston.



Last Week's Easter Offertory Collection

£643.80. Thank you for your kind generosity.



Sacrament of the Sick

Last Saturday's Healing Service was a wonderful reminder of the power of the Sacrament of the Sick and the peace and consolation we receive from Our Lord through it. A priest can never force anyone to receive it, the individual must freely ask. If you would like the Anointing please contact Fr. O'Brien on (01254 232 433) or alternatively sean.obrien@dioceseofsalford.org.uk . If you are in hospital ask one of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain who will come and visit you.



Date For Diary: Parish Social

Thanks to Tony Alveston for facilitating our next parish social which will a meal at Franco's on Sunday 27th October, 12:30pm for 1pm. Watch this space for more details.



Annual Mass Count

The Bishop's Office has emailed to remind us the that Annual Mass Count is to take place over these next four weekends: 21st-22nd September, 28th-30th September, 5th -6th October, 12th-13th October. The numbers of people who come to Mass over these weekends for the Vigil (6:30pm) & Sunday (10am) Masses will be recorded and sent to the Bishop.



St. Mary's Warm Welcome

Back by popular demand... The next warm welcome is on Tuesday 1st October from 1pm – 3pm. Everyone and anyone is welcome! We have some talented parishioners who will dispel the coming autumn blues with live upbeat music that everyone can sing along to. Plus there's unlimited brews and fantastic homemade cake in a warm space. Why not come along and experience something different. Dates for the Warm Welcome: 1st Oct, 15th Oct, 29th Oct, 12th Nov, 26th Nov, 10th Dec



Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel

The next sessions will begin at near the end of October. Watch this space for future dates



Sacramental Preparation for Young People

If there are any young people, ages 7+. who are baptised Roman Catholics, live in the parish boundaries and would like to begin preparing to receive God's mercy in the Sacrament of Confession and His love in First Holy Communion, then please see Fr. O'Brien at the end of the Mass you usually come to.



Confirmation Preparation

If there are any young parishioners, ages 12 +, who are baptised Roman Catholics, live in the parish boundaries and would like to know more about the Sacrament of Confirmation please see Fr. O'Brien.



Permanent Diaconate

The diocese are delighted to share with you a new leaflet on the permanent diaconate. Including an introductory message from Bishop John, FAQs, case studies on our deacons, and more, this is a great way to find out more about this remarkable vocation. Read now at https://tinyurl.com/permanent-diaconate



Mass in honour of Our Lady of Walsingham

To celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Walsingham, Bishop John will celebrate a special Holy Mass on Tuesday 24th September at St Patrick's church, Collyhurst, at 7pm. Refreshments will follow after the Mass.



World Youth Day Rome 2025

Are you aged 16-35? Are you looking for an unforgettable opportunity to share your faith with other young Catholics? Pope Francis has announced a special World Youth Day in Rome next summer to celebrate the Church's Year of Jubilee and our diocesan Youth Ministry team invites you to be part of this once-in-a-25-year event! The pilgrimage will take place between 28 July and 3 August. For more information and to register your interest, please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk



Mount Carmel High School, Accrington

This week the school secretary forwarded the following information: "If you wouldn't mind including a line in your newsletter advising parents that the deadline date for applications for a place at secondary school is 31 October and all applications are to be made online. If any parents/carers need help completing an application they can contact the primary school. Additionally if any parents / carers missed our Open Evening or would like a personalised tour of Mount Carmel this can be arranged by contacting the school office on 01254 233458."



Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne

Discover the fascinating history of our Northern Saints with this one-off pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, Ripon, and Durham in celebration of our 2025 Year of Jubilee. Led by Bishop John, the pilgrimage will take place between 15th-17th May 2025. Find out more about this and all of our pilgrimages during our Jubilee year at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/jubilee-2025/pilgrimages/



Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome 2025

The Diocese of Salford is delighted to announce a number of pilgrimages to celebrate the 2025 Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee, including a pilgrimage to Rome in September. Bookings for the pilgrimage, led by Bishop John, will open on Monday 5th August. Please email info@northernstartravel.com or call 0161 773 2115 to book your place. Please note, places are extremely limited. For more information on our other pilgrimages at home and overseas, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/jubilee-pilgrimages/.



Season of Creation

This September, our diocese joins Christians across the globe in celebrating Season of Creation - a month-long campaign inviting us to renew our relationship with God and His Creation. This year, we will be celebrating by sharing updates on key diocesan projects, as well as top tips to support your efforts at home. Follow our news pages at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news to stay up to date.



Online Prayer Series: Walking in God's Creation

This autumn, Steve Hoyland of the Jesuit Institute is working with the Diocese of Salford on a special online prayer series with the theme of pilgrimage and Creation. These themes will be woven together with the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola to form a unique online prayer journey. The next session takes place on Wednesday 18th September between 8pm and 9pm. Find out more: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/online-prayer-series-walking-in-gods-creation



Northern Diocesan Environment Group (NDEG)

The Northern Diocesan Environment Group is organising an online meeting to discuss 'Diocesan and schools Laudato Si' developments; responses to having a Diocesan Climate Strategy in Salford'. The meeting takes place on Thursday 26th September at 7pm and features a member of our diocesan environment team as one of the presenters. If you are interested in joining this online meeting, please email climate.ndeg@gmail.com and they will send you the link for the Zoom meeting.



Gregorian Chant Workshop for Singers

A popular choral workshop is returning to St Augustine's in Manchester with a particular focus on Our Lady. The event, led by Manchester University lecturer Dr Rosemarie Darby, will take place on Saturday 26th October between 11.30am and 4pm at St Augustine's church, Manchester. It is of particular interest to parish choirs who wish to expand their repertoire of Marian music. No prior experience is required but registration is essential by emailing stphilipnerisingers@yahoo.co.uk



Prayer and Action: A Camino Challenge

Bolton priest, Fr Chris Gorton, is set to embark on an incredible 924km running pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago to raise funds for diocesan charity, Caritas Salford. Inviting each and every one of us to be part of his journey, Fr Chris has shared a range of tools and resources to help us join him in prayer and action over the coming weeks. Find out more at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/a-camino-challenge/



Catholic Association for Racial Justice 40th Anniversary

To mark the important milestone of their 40th anniversary, the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) is holding a free conference in Oldham on Saturday 21st September.

The 'Agenda for Change' conference will build on the experiences and learning of the past 40 years and put forward a strategy for bringing about greater equality and creating a racially-just Church and society. Find out more at www.carj.org.uk



Job Vacancies


Cleaner - Diocese of Salford

Appointment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Hours: 21.15 hours per week to be worked Monday to Friday, 7.45 am – 12 pm.

Location: Cathedral Centre 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP

Salary: £12 per hour

Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies



God Bless and keep praying.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.


Fr. O'Brien