Fifth Sunday of Lent - Sunday 22nd March 2026

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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 22^nd March 2026

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Saturday 21^st March

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

Sunday 22^nd March

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

10am Mass for Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

Wednesday 25^th March

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

10am Mass, The Annunciation of the Lord (Solemnity)

The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the most important in the Church calendar. First, it celebrates the actual Incarnation of Our Savior -- the Word made flesh in the womb of His mother, Mary. Second, it is a principal Marian feast. Two other feasts honouring Our Lord's mother, the Assumption (August 15th), and the Immaculate Conception (December 8th). New Year's Day, January 1st, is observed as a Solemnity of Mary.

(followed by Stations of the Cross led by Fr O’Brien)

 

Thursday 26^th March

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

10am Lenten Mass

 

Friday 27^th March

10am Requiem Mass for Christopher ‘Chris’ Allen RIP

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Lenten Mass (followed by Stations of the Cross led by Parishioners)

 

Saturday 28^th March

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

10am Lenten Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass of Palm Sunday

 

Sunday 29^th March

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

10am Mass of Palm Sunday

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (21^st March – 27^th March) the Sanctuary Lamp is for Michael Salmon.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This week (21^st March – 27^th March) Our Lady’s Lamp is for Jack & Andrew Hargreaves.

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£609.99. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

Use of Votive Candles

We wish to remind parishioners that the votive candle stands in the Sacred Heart Chapel and the Lady Chapel are designed for use only with the safety candles provided by St Kilian’s. These stands are carefully made to reduce the risk of fire when used with the appropriate candles. Please do not bring or use any other type of candle on these stands, as this presents a serious fire risk. If you notice that non-safety candles have been placed or lit, we kindly ask that you extinguish them and inform Fr O’Brien or one of the stewards. St Mary’s Church is our shared spiritual home, and we are all called to treat it with care, respect, and responsibility. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

 

Passiontide

This weekend marks the beginning of Passiontide, a time when the tone of the liturgy deepens and turns more directly towards the events leading to Our Lord’s Passion and death on the Cross. During this time, the statues and sacred images in the church are veiled in purple. This visible sign helps to focus our minds and hearts on the unfolding mystery of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice, as it is made present to us in the liturgy. Let us continue to ask for God’s grace in this sacred season, that we may draw closer to the Lord and walk more faithfully in His footsteps of love.

 

The Sacrament of Confession

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” — Ephesians 5:14

Having heard these words of St Paul at last Sunday’s Mass, we are reminded of our call to “awake” — to rise from spiritual darkness and not remain under those “spiritual duvets” that keep us from the Lord. In this Lenten season, Christ invites us into the light of His love and mercy, where He renews and strengthens us. One of the greatest gifts of this season is the Sacrament of Confession. Though we may sometimes feel hesitant, it is a place of mercy, healing, and new beginnings. The Lord is never tired of forgiving us, it is us who get tired of asking for His forgiveness. When we come to Him with honesty and humility, He restores our peace and gives us the grace to begin again. Thanks to Fr. O’Brien there will be additional opportunities for Confession in preparation for Holy Week:

Thursday 26 March — 9:15am–9:50am

Friday 27 March — 5:00pm–5:50pm

Saturday 28 March — 9:00am–9:50am

Tuesday 31 March — 5:00pm–5:50pm

Good Friday — 8:00am–9:30am

If it has been some time since your last Confession, do not be afraid — the Lord is waiting for you with mercy and love.

 

 

Holy Week at St Mary’s

Thursday 2^nd April – 7:30pm

Mass of the Lord’s Supper. We commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. The Washing of Feet recalls Christ’s call to loving service. Following Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be taken to the Altar of Repose, with time for quiet prayer until Night Prayer at 8:30pm.

Friday 3^rd April – Good Friday

8:00am – 9:30am – Confessions

10:00am – Family Stations of the Cross

3:00pm – Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

On this day we remember the saving death of Christ through the reading of the Passion, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.

Saturday 4^th April – 8:30pm

The Solemn Easter Vigil. The most important liturgy of the year, beginning in darkness with the blessing of the Easter Fire and Candle as we celebrate Christ’s victory over death.

Sunday 5^th April – Easter Sunday

9:30am – The Holy Rosary

10:00am – Easter Sunday Mass

We celebrate with great joy the Resurrection of the Lord.

 

Acknowledgement and Thanks

Tom and Mary Jordan wish to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to all parishioners for the kindness and support they received following the sad loss of their son, Tony.

As many will remember, Tom and Mary were a much-loved part of our parish community before moving south last September to be closer to their family. They have been deeply touched by the prayers, Masses offered, cards, and messages of sympathy received from St Mary’s. They ask for your continued prayers at this time and send their gratitude and love to all.

 

Thank You from Caritas

Thank you to everyone who has supported our diocesan charity Caritas Salford in recent months and that is doing so during Lent as we pray, fast and give. The demand for their services has continued to increase and all of your prayers, kindness and generosity make a huge difference to the lives of people in our parish communities.  Find out how your support has helped, and see some special thank you messages at: www.caritassalford.org/thankyou

 

Young Adults Hub

The diocesan Youth Team are delighted to share news of the Young Adults Hub, created especially for those aged 18–35 across the Diocese of Salford. The Hub offers a welcoming space for young adults to deepen their faith, build authentic friendships, and grow together through prayer, formation, and social gatherings. If you would like more information, please reach out to Mikey hub.president@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk and Edward hub.chair@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

Youth pilgrimage to Lindisfarne

Following on from the success of last years pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, we are offering young people in Years 7, 8 and 9 another opportunity to go to Lindisfarne from Friday 22 May – Sunday 24 May 2026. The cost is £120 which includes travel by coach and full board accommodation. We will be staying on the island at the SVP Camp. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact outh@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

Laetare Sunday - Sunday 15th March 2026

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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 15^th March 2026

Laetare Sunday

**** Happy Mother’s Day****

A very happy Mother’s Day to all the mums in our parish. We thank God today for the love, care, sacrifice, and faith that mothers bring into our families and our lives. We also remember in prayer all those mothers who are no longer with us. Through our faith in Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we trust that death is not the end and that one day we shall be reunited again in the joy of the Kingdom of Heaven. Today we also honour Our Blessed Mother Mary, asking her to watch over all our families, to intercede for us, and to keep us safe beneath her loving mantle.

 

Saturday 14^th March

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

10am Lenten Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

 

Sunday 15^th March

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

10am Mass for Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

 

Tuesday 17^th March

5pm- 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Mass, Saint Patrick, Bishop & Missionary (Feast)

St. Patrick, born in 385 A.D, was taken, in his youth, as a captive to Ireland where he worked as a herdsman. Having escaped he became a priest and Bishop and returned to Ireland where he preached the Gospel and won many to the Faith. He died in 461 A.D.

 

Wednesday 18^th March

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

10am Lenten Mass (followed by Stations of the Cross led by Fr O’Brien)

7pm Parish Bible Study

 

Thursday 19^th March

10am Mass, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary

'For several years I have asked some particular favour on his [St. Joseph's] feast day and have never been disappointed. If on account of some imperfection my request did not have God's glory in view, he always obtained for me something else which was more important.' - St. Teresa of Avila

10:35am – 10:45am Devotions to Saint Joseph

(At the foot of the parish statue of St. Joseph, see below for more details)

 

Friday 20^th March

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Lenten Mass (followed by Stations of the Cross led by Parishioners)

 

Saturday 21^st March

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

Sunday 22^nd March

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

10am Mass for Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (14^th March – 20^th March) the Sanctuary Lamp is for Veronica Anderton.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This week (14^th March – 20^th March) Our Lady’s Lamp is for Connor Currie.

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£601.21. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

 

In the Footsteps of St Paul

So far this Lent, at the weekend Masses, I have been preaching from the Second Reading, which has been taken from various letters of St Paul. I must admit that over the years I have rarely focused my preaching on these readings, tending instead to concentrate on the Gospel. This Lent, however, I decided to make a more conscious effort to reflect on the writings of the Apostle to the Gentiles. One of the reasons for this is that at Easter I will be going on pilgrimage to visit several places connected with the life and mission of St Paul. I hope to visit some of the places where he preached the Gospel, founded Christian communities, and wrote many of the letters that we now hear proclaimed at Mass. St Paul is one of the most remarkable figures in the history of the Church. Once a persecutor of Christians, his dramatic encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus transformed his life completely. From that moment on, he dedicated himself tirelessly to preaching Jesus crucified and risen, travelling great distances, enduring hardship, persecution and imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel. Many of the places I’ll be visiting — such as Thessalonica, Philippi, and Ephesus — are communities to whom Paul wrote letters that now form part of the New Testament. When we hear these readings at Mass, we are listening not simply to ancient texts, but to the voice of a pastor encouraging, correcting, and strengthening the early Christian communities in their faith. My hope is that this pilgrimage will help me to understand St Paul’s writings more deeply and to bring something of that experience back to the parish. God bless, Fr O’Brien

 

 

The Sacrament of Confession

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall become white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18

Lent is a special time of grace when the Church invites us to return to the Lord with all our hearts. One of the most beautiful ways we can do this is through the Sacrament of Confession. Sometimes people feel anxious about going to Confession or worry about what to say. But we should remember that this sacrament was given to us by Christ as a gift of mercy and healing. The Lord is never tired of forgiving us. When we come to Him with honesty and humility, He lifts our burdens, restores our peace, and gives us the grace to begin again. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we can sort everything out by ourselves. Yet it is the Lord alone who forgives sins and gives us the strength to live a new life. Many people experience a real sense of freedom, peace, and joy after making a good confession. To help parishioners make use of this great sacrament during Lent, Fr O’Brien will be increasing the opportunities for Confession in the weeks leading up to Holy Week:

Tuesday 17 March — 5:00pm–5:50pm

Wednesday 18 March — 9:15am–9:50am

Friday 20 March — 5:00pm–5:50pm

Thursday 26 March — 9:15am–9:50am

Friday 27 March — 5:00pm–5:50pm

Saturday 28 March — 9:00am–9:50am

Tuesday 31 March — 5:00pm–5:50pm

Good Friday — 8:00am–9:30am

If it has been a long time since your last Confession, please don’t be afraid — the Lord is waiting for you with mercy and love.

 

Devotions to Saint Joseph

On Thursday 19^th March, after the 10am Mass, there will be our devotions to St. Joseph (at the foot of his statue at the back of church). The devotions will include praying the Litany of St. Joseph, the Memorare of St. Joseph and the Prayer of the Holy Cloak Novena. In these devotions our prayer is to ask St. Joseph to pray for our parish family and for those who have wandered away from Church, that they may return and find a warm welcome.

 

Holy Week at St Mary’s

Holy Week is the most sacred time of the Church’s year, when we accompany the Lord through His Passion, Death and Resurrection. Parishioners are warmly encouraged to take part in as many of these liturgies as possible.

Saturday 28 March – 6:30pm

Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday. Mass begins Holy Week as we recall the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Sunday 29 March – 10:00am

Palm Sunday Mass. We receive blessed palms and hear the Passion of the Lord as we begin the journey towards Calvary.

Wednesday 1 April – 11:00am

Chrism Mass – Temporary Cathedral. The Bishop blesses the holy oils used in the sacraments, and priests renew their priestly promises.

Thursday 2 April – 7:30pm

Mass of the Lord’s Supper. We commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. The Washing of Feet recalls Christ’s call to loving service. Following Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be taken to the Altar of Repose, with time for quiet prayer until Night Prayer at 8:30pm.

Friday 3 April – Good Friday

8:00am – 9:30am – Confessions

10:00am – Family Stations of the Cross

3:00pm – Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

On this day we remember the saving death of Christ through the reading of the Passion, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.

Saturday 4 April – 8:30pm

The Solemn Easter Vigil. The most important liturgy of the year, beginning in darkness with the blessing of the Easter Fire and Candle as we celebrate Christ’s victory over death.

Sunday 5 April – Easter Sunday

9:30am – The Holy Rosary

10:00am – Easter Sunday Mass

We celebrate with great joy the Resurrection of the Lord.

 

First Confession and First Holy Communion Preparation

If there are families in the parish with children aged 7 or above who would like to begin preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion, please do speak to Fr O’Brien. The sacraments are precious gifts from the Lord. Through them, we are drawn into the real and living supernatural life of grace — a life that brings us closer to the Heart of God, where true love, peace and lasting joy are found. Confession teaches us the beauty of God’s mercy; Holy Communion nourishes us with the very presence of Christ. Preparation for these sacraments is not simply about completing a programme or reaching a single day of celebration. It is the beginning — or deepening — of a lifelong relationship with the Lord in the heart of His Church. For this reason, it is so important that families are ready to walk this journey together, supporting one another in prayer, Sunday Mass attendance, and in living the faith at home. If you feel your child is ready to begin this important step, please make yourself known to Fr O’Brien after Mass or email the parish office at stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.

 

St Mary’s RC School SVP Heart to Heart Coffee Morning

St Mary’s RC Primary School is supporting the SVP Heart to Heart campaign this Lent, which aims to tackle loneliness and encourage connection within our communities. As part of this initiative, the school will be holding a Coffee Morning on Wednesday 25th March from 9.30–10.30am. Parishioners are warmly invited to come along, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and spend some time in friendly conversation with others. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support the campaign and help build stronger, more caring community links during the Lenten season.

 

Parish Easter Egg Raffle

We are hoping to begin our Parish Easter Raffle next weekend and it would be great if parishioners could donate only Easter eggs as prizes. If you can kindly donate an Easter egg, then please pass them to one of the stewards at the back of church. Tickets are available from the steward’s desk at the   back of church - £1 a ticket or £5 a strip.

 

Easter Flowers

Due to the significant increase in the cost of flowers, we invite parishioners who can donate towards the flowers used to decorate the church during the Easter season. These beautiful arrangements help to enhance our celebrations and create a fitting setting for this important time in the Church’s year. If you would like to contribute, please place your donation in an envelope marked “Flower Money” and hand it to one of the stewards. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

 

Handmade Easter Crafts by Keeley

Keeley has been busy again creating her wonderful Easter crafts, and they will be available to buy at the back of the church after weekend Mass. Each piece has been lovingly handmade, and it’s a lovely way to celebrate the season while supporting her hard work and creativity. If you’d like to pick something up, please remember to bring some cash. Your support is always greatly appreciated and helps encourage all the time and care she puts into making these beautiful items.

 

Caritas Salford - Pray, Fast, Give

This Lent, visit Caritas Salford's website for a range of free resources and information for your parish community as you pray, fast and give this Lent: www.caritassalford.org.uk/Lent

 

Young Adults Hub

The diocesan Youth Team are delighted to share news of the Young Adults Hub, created especially for those aged 18–35 across the Diocese of Salford. The Hub offers a welcoming space for young adults to deepen their faith, build authentic friendships, and grow together through prayer, formation, and social gatherings. If you would like more information, please reach out to Mikey hub.president@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk and Edward hub.chair@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Sunday of Lent - Sunday 8th March 2026

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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 8^th March 2026

Third Sunday of Lent

Saturday 7^th March

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

10am Lenten Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Third Sunday of Lent

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Sunday 8^th March

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

10am Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent

 

Tuesday 10^th March

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Lenten Mass

 

Wednesday 11^th March

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

10am Lenten Mass (followed by Stations of the Cross led by Fr O'Brien)

 

Thursday 12^th March

10am Requiem Mass for Lynne Pilkington RIP

 

Friday 13^th March

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Lenten Mass (followed by Stations of the Cross led by Parishioners)

 

Saturday 14^th March

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

10am Lenten Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

 

Sunday 15^th March

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

10am Mass for Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (7^th March – 13^th March) the Sanctuary Lamp is for Richard and Gertrude Henry.

 

Our Lady's Lamp

This week (7^th March – 13^th March) Our Lady's Lamp is for Ken Le Pla.

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£695.39. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

 

Message of Encouragement

As we began Lent on Ash Wednesday, many of us did so with generous hearts. We made resolutions, formed plans, and embraced practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving with real determination. Yet it is often the case that, after a strong beginning, we can run out of steam. The momentum fades. Spiritual enthusiasm can give way to spiritual fatigue. If that has happened to you this Lent, do not worry — and above all, do not give up. The Christian life is not about never faltering; it is about always beginning again. Paul the Apostle reminds us in his Second Letter to the Corinthians: "Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:2). Now is the favourable time. Not yesterday, when we were full of energy. Not tomorrow, when we hope we might do better. But now. Let today be our "now". Our moment to start again. Our moment to renew a simple commitment to prayer. Our moment to fast with love. Our moment to give generously and quietly. And if we have not yet really begun, then let today be the beginning. It is through these Lenten practices — sometimes small, sometimes hidden, sometimes imperfect — that the Lord gently reshapes our hearts. And if we persevere, even quietly and humbly, we will find that when Easter comes and we welcome the Risen Lord, there will be a deep and lasting joy within us.

Now is the favourable time. Let us begin again. God Bless Fr. O'Brien

 

 

Schools Lenten Mass

It was a great joy to welcome the children and staff of our three parish primary schools — Sacred Heart, St Mary's and St Oswald's — to the Lenten Mass on Wednesday 4th March. During the homily, Fr O'Brien spoke to the children about ancient Greek actors. In Greek, an actor was called a hypokritēs — someone who wore a mask and played a part. Jesus uses this word in the Gospel when He warns His disciples not to be "hypocrites" in their almsgiving, prayer and fasting. In other words, we are not to put on a show or wear a mask, but to practise these things with sincerity, genuinely desiring to grow closer to the Lord. At the Offertory, each school brought forward a special box containing the children's own Lenten promises and prayers — heartfelt commitments of how they hope to pray, fast and give this Lent. It was a moving sign of their desire to live their faith not just outwardly, but from the heart. Please keep our children and their families in your prayers during this holy season, that all of us may practise our Lenten disciplines with sincerity and joy, drawing ever closer to the Lord as we journey towards Easter.

 

 

First Confession and First Holy Communion Preparation

If there are families in the parish with children aged 7 or above who would like to begin preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion, please do speak to Fr O'Brien. The sacraments are precious gifts from the Lord. Through them, we are drawn into the real and living supernatural life of grace — a life that brings us closer to the Heart of God, where true love, peace and lasting joy are found. Confession teaches us the beauty of God's mercy; Holy Communion nourishes us with the very presence of Christ. Preparation for these sacraments is not simply about completing a programme or reaching a single day of celebration. It is the beginning — or deepening — of a lifelong relationship with the Lord in the heart of His Church. For this reason, it is so important that families are ready to walk this journey together, supporting one another in prayer, Sunday Mass attendance, and in living the faith at home. If you feel your child is ready to begin this important step, please make yourself known to Fr O'Brien after Mass or email the parish office at stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.

 

 

Parish Easter Egg Raffle

We are hoping to begin our Parish Easter Raffle next weekend and it would be great if parishioners could donate only Easter eggs as prizes. If you can kindly donate an Easter egg then please pass them to one of the stewards at the back of church. Tickets are available from the steward's desk at the   back of church - £1 a ticket or £5 a strip.

 

 

Easter Windows

Each year at Easter, we offer parishioners the opportunity to sponsor a flower display in the Church in memory of a loved one who has died, or for deceased family and friends. We are blessed to have Maureen and other volunteers who generously share their time and talents to decorate the church.

If you would like to sponsor a window display for £20, please see Maureen Mullen personally this year with your money (Maureen is usually available at church on Wednesday mornings, Friday mornings and Sunday mornings).

 

 

Easter Flowers

Due to the significant increase in the cost of flowers, we invite parishioners who are able to donate towards the flowers used to decorate the church during the Easter season. These beautiful arrangements help to enhance our celebrations and create a fitting setting for this important time in the Church's year. If you would like to contribute, please place your donation in an envelope marked "Flower Money" and hand it to one of the stewards. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

 

 

Handmade Easter Crafts by Keeley

Keeley has been busy again creating her wonderful Easter crafts, and they will be available to buy at the back of the church after weekend Mass. Each piece has been lovingly handmade, and it's a lovely way to celebrate the season while supporting her hard work and creativity. If you'd like to pick something up, please remember to bring some cash. Your support is always greatly appreciated and helps encourage all the time and care she puts into making these beautiful items.

 

 

Caritas Salford - Pray, Fast, Give

This Lent, visit Caritas Salford's website for a range of free resources and information for your parish community as you pray, fast and give this Lent: www.caritassalford.org.uk/Lent

 

 

Lourdes - Diocesan Youth Group

Are you a young person looking to take part in a pilgrimage this year? Do you want to make new friends, build community and grow in your faith? Why not join the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. It's simple to sign up and you can join a new "group" led by the Diocesan Youth Department. The pilgrimage and travel dates are 29th July to 6th August. The cost is £695 and this includes coach travel and full board hotel accommodation (Astoria Hotel). Young people can join in 3 age groups 13-15 (aspiring volunteers), 16-17 and 18+. If you are interested, please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk for details of how to register.

 

 

Young Adults Hub

The diocesan Youth Team are delighted to share news of the Young Adults Hub, created especially for those aged 18–35 across the Diocese of Salford. The Hub offers a welcoming space for young adults to deepen their faith, build authentic friendships, and grow together through prayer, formation, and social gatherings. If you would like more information, please reach out to  Mikey hub.president@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk and Edward hub.chair@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

Youth pilgrimage to Lindisfarne

Following on from the success of last years pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, we are offering young people in Years 7, 8 and 9 another opportunity to go to Lindisfarne from Friday 22 May – Sunday 24 May 2026. The cost is £120 which includes travel by coach and full board accommodation. We will be staying on the island at the SVP Camp. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact outh@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Second Sunday of Lent - Sunday 1st March 2026

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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 1^st March 2026

Second Sunday of Lent

 

Saturday 28^th February

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for First Sunday of Lent

 

Sunday 1^st March

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

10am Mass for the First Sunday of Lent

 

Wednesday 4^th March

10am Lenten Mass with St Oswald’s, Sacred Heart and St Mary’s Schools.

(Followed by Stations of the Cross)

7pm Parish Bible Study

 

Thursday 5^th March

9:30am Lenten Mass

7pm Deanery Lenten Station Mass with Bishop John Arnold

at St John’s RC Church, Padiham with

 

Friday 6^th March

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Lenten Mass (followed by Stations of the Cross led by Parishioners)

 

Saturday 7^th March

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

10am Lenten Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Third Sunday of Lent

 

Sunday 8^th March

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

10am Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (28^th February – 6^th March) the Sanctuary Lamp is for Catlow and Simpson Family.

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£643.96. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

 

Parish Lenten Retreat 2026 – A Word of Thanks

Following our three grace-filled evenings together at the beginning of Lent, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Angela McMorrow for the beautiful way she led our Parish Lenten Retreat. Angela’s gentle style and deep serenity were truly palpable throughout the three days. Through her reflections on Faith and on Our Lady as Spouse of the Holy Spirit and Woman of the Eucharist, she inspired many of us to encounter the Lord in fresh ways — yet always in ways deeply rooted in our Catholic tradition and culture: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary, Confession, and Holy Mass.

The atmosphere of prayer each evening was a real testament to the openness of our parish community to the grace of the Holy Spirit. My heartfelt thanks also go to everyone who helped make the retreat such a prayerful and welcoming experience: the parishioners and visitors who supported it by their presence; our musicians and singers who enriched the liturgy; our stewards, readers, and altar servers; and those who so generously organised refreshments and tea breaks each evening. Thank you for the generosity of your time, service, and prayer. May the fruits of these days continue to unfold in our parish throughout this holy season of Lent. God bless, Fr O’Brien

 

 

Welcome

This weekend we warmly welcome Fr Ethelbert (St Wulstan’s, Great Harwood), who will be celebrating our weekend Masses. Fr Ethelbert is well known to us here at St Mary’s, and we are grateful for his continued generosity in supplying for the parish. Please be sure to give him a warm St Mary’s welcome. Fr O’Brien is away at the St Thomas Centre in the Diocese of Northampton undertaking a School of Encounter Ministries – Healing weekend. Encounter Ministries is a Catholic organisation dedicated to helping people unleash the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in the world. Through teaching, equipping, and activating disciples, it seeks to enable Catholics to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit within their own spheres of influence. Please keep Fr O’Brien and all those attending the weekend in your prayers as they learn new skills to convey the Gospel to us their parish families.

 

 

Parish Bible Study – The Acts of the Apostles

Wednesday 4th March:  7.00–8.00pm

All are warmly invited to our next Parish Bible Study as we continue our journey through the Acts of the Apostles. So far, we have explored Acts chapters 1–15 — an extraordinary account of how the early Church was born and began to grow. Among the dramatic moments we have reflected on:

The Ascension of the Lord and the choosing of Matthias

Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit

Peter’s powerful preaching and the rapid growth of the Church

Miracles, healings, and bold witness despite persecution

The martyrdom of Stephen

The dramatic conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus

The missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas

The baptism of Cornelius and the opening of the Church to the Gentiles

The Council of Jerusalem and the decision that shaped the Church’s future

On Wednesday 4th March, we will move on to Acts chapters 16 and 17, following St Paul’s missionary travels into Europe — including imprisonment, conversion, and courageous preaching in new lands. Whether you have attended from the beginning or would like to join for the first time, you are most welcome. No prior knowledge is needed — just bring your Bible and an open heart.

 

 

Deanery Lenten Station Mass

On Thursday 5th March, our Deanery of St John Vianney — comprising the parishes of Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale — will gather for our traditional Lenten Station Mass. This year the Mass will be celebrated at St John’s Church, Padiham, at 7.00pm, with the Bishop celebrating the Mass. The Station Mass is a beautiful Lenten tradition within the Diocese, bringing together the clergy and faithful of our deanery for prayer, penance, and renewal during this holy season. All are warmly encouraged to attend.

 

 

Permanent Diaconate 'Come and See' Event

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 our ‘Come and See’ event. This is a chance to discuss and learn more about the ministry. This event takes place from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday 7 March at St Mary’s Church, Hall Burnley, BB10 4AU.

For more information about the Diaconate, please email diaconate@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or visit the diocesan website here: www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/faith/vocations/permanent-diaconate/

 

 

Safeguarding and Our Parish Volunteers

The parish would like to take this opportunity to express sincere thanks to all our volunteers, whose generosity of time, talents and commitment makes such a vital contribution to parish life. Everything that happens in the parish is supported by people who give freely and faithfully, and this is deeply appreciated by both the parish and the Diocese. As part of diocesan safeguarding procedures, all parish volunteers across the Diocese are being asked to complete a volunteer information form. Many have already completed this process. The purpose is to ensure that volunteers are properly supported, that accurate emergency contact details are held, and that everyone can continue their role with confidence and peace of mind. In recent weeks, a number of volunteers have kindly been coming to the parish office on Fridays to share their details with the parish safeguarding representative, Vinette Davitt. This has been greatly appreciated. The Diocese is grateful for the time and cooperation shown and wishes to emphasise that every volunteer is valued and supported. Vinette Davitt and Ciara Kelly, the parish administrator, have already begun contacting volunteers and assisting them with completing the necessary forms. Over the coming weeks, it is hoped that this process will be completed. If you have not yet been contacted, please do not worry—no one has been overlooked, and Vinette or Ciara will be in touch in due course. Thank you once again to all our volunteers for everything you do and for your continued generosity in serving the parish.

 

 

The Catholic Post

This weekend, The Catholic Post has kindly supplied the parish with complimentary copies of its publication, available at the back of church. Please do take a copy home with you. If you would like to receive future editions, further information and subscription details can be found at: www.CatholicPost.co.uk

 

 

Caritas Salford - Pray, Fast, Give

This Lent, visit Caritas Salford's website for a range of free resources and information for your parish community as you pray, fast and give this Lent: www.caritassalford.org.uk/Lent

 

 

Lourdes - Diocesan Youth Group

Are you a young person looking to take part in a pilgrimage this year? Do you want to make new friends, build community and grow in your faith? Why not join the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. It's simple to sign up and you can join a new "group" led by the Diocesan Youth Department. The pilgrimage and travel dates are 29th July to 6th August. The cost is £695 and this includes coach travel and full board hotel accommodation (Astoria Hotel). Young people can join in 3 age groups 13-15 (aspiring volunteers), 16-17 and 18+. If you are interested, please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk for details of how to register.

 

 

Laudato Si' Centre Parish Awards 2026

The inaugural Laudato Si’ Centre Parish Awards will take place this year - the Year of St Francis. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, the awards are open to parish communities who take part in practical action that supports environmental stewardship and/or social justice, showing faith-filled care for God's creation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a presentation at Wardley Hall where they will receive a certificate in recognition of their work, presented by Bishop John. Please email laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk for a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is Friday 27 March.