Sunday 11th May 2025 Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum;
habemus papam

Pope Leo XIV…

We pray for our new Holy Father and give thanks to God that we have a new shepherd and successor of St Peter

Masses & Liturgies for the next two weeks...

Saturday 10^th May

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter & Columban Missionaries Appeal

Sunday 11^th May

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

10am Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter & Columban Missionaries Appeal

Tuesday 13^th May

5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

Friday 16^th May

5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

Saturday 17^th May

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sunday 18^th May

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

10am Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

Tuesday 20^th May

5pm – 5:30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

5:45pm Easter Weekday Mass

Wednesday 21^st May

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

 7pm Parish Bible Study (see below for details) 

Thursday 22^nd May

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

Friday 23^rd May

5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

Saturday 24^th May

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sunday 25^th May

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

10am Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (10^th May – 17^th), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Martin Dwyer RIP.

The following week (17^th May – 24^th May), the Sanctuary Lamp is for The Flanagan Family.

Our Lady's Lamp

This week (10^th May – 17^th May), Our Lady's Lamp is for Michael Duggan RIP.

The following week (17^th May – 24^th May), Our Lady's Lamp is for Terry Coogan RIP & Family.

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£750.08 Thank you for your kind generosity.

Columban Missionaries Appeal – 10^th/11^th May

Each year the Bishop gives permission for a Religious Order to make an appeal throughout the diocese to raise awareness of the charitable works they do and to request financial support in donations from parishes. This year the Columban Missionaries have been allocated the opportunity to make their appeal throughout Salford Diocese. This weekend (10^th/11^th May), here at St. Mary's, Fr. Patrick O'Beirne SSC will celebrate the Masses:

"The principal purpose of the weekend visit to you is to raise awareness of our missionary vocation. to encourage people to be more involved in the missionary work of the church,

to thank our loyal supporters. to seek greater support for our mission magazine, "The Far East" and with your permission, to take up a Mission collection at all Masses."

There will be a collection basket under the large Crucifix at the back of church should people wish to make a donation towards the work of the Columban Missionaries.             

Deacon Adam's Ordination to the Priesthood

It is great news that Adam will soon be ordained to the priesthood. The date, God willing, is Saturday 5^th July at Shrewsbury Cathedral. We are hoping to organize a coach from the parish however this is all depends on the numbers of parishioners who would like to go. Initially the 47seat coach would leave St. Mary's at 8:30am for the 12noon Ordination Mass. It would depart approx 3pm/3:30pm. The cost would be £20. The following weekend (17^th/18^th May) there will be a list for people to put their names and contact details along with their £20. If we are not able to cover the cost of the coach by the start of June, then all monies will be refunded Let's continue to keep Adam in our prayers.                 

Good Shepherd Sunday - Prayer for Vocations
As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday today, we invite you to join us in praying for priestly vocations to our diocese as we say: Heavenly Father, in the great love you have for your people, we ask you to inspire men in our diocese to respond to your call to priestly life. Mould their hearts, Lord, after the Sacred Heart of your Son, so that they may grow in love and serve with joy. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

"Come and See" Day for the Permanent Diaconate
On Saturday 17th May, our diocesan vocations team will be holding a "Come and See" event for anyone interested in learning more about the permanent diaconate. Whether you're discerning a possible vocation to this wonderful ministry or would just like to learn more about the work of a permanent deacon and how that supports our parishes, our vocations team is on hand to help you discover more. Join us for our drop-in session at St Patrick's Church, Collyhurst, any time after 10am Mass and before 3pm. Email diaconate@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more. 

Hospital Emergency Call

I'll be helping out the Fr. Samson Ojekunle, the Catholic Chaplain at the Royal Blackburn Hospital by going on the emergency 'on call' rota from the 22^nd May until the 24^th May. As you'll appreciate, an emergency is never planned and so it may mean that certain visits or appointments I've made will be either delayed or postponed. Thank you to all our stewards in advance, whose invaluable help means that, even if I can't make it in time for Mass, the church is open for prayer. Let's pray for all the sick and those who care for them. Our Lady of Lourdes pray for them.

Parish Social Media: St Mary's Facebook & Instagram 

Thanks to Jacqueline who has been maintaining our parish presence on social media and allowing others beyond the church walls to feel connected and experience our Catholic Faith in the Lord Jesus. If you haven't yet, then do check out the photos and videos that have been posted of our celebrations over the Easter Triduum at St. Mary's.

Facebook (St Marys RC Church Oswaldtwistle)

https://www.facebook.com/share/164UHbBSuw/

Instagram (stmarysrcoswaldtwistle) https://www.instagram.com/stmarysrcoswaldtwistle?utm_source=qr&igsh=MTl5cHhqdm9yOWtp

Parish Bible Study – The Book of Revelation

The next session is Wednesday 21^st May from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better. Come and join us.     

 

Parish Walk Sunday 18th May 1.30pm

This walk is a circular route along the old railway lines from Stubbins, Ramsbottom to Irwell Vale, passing over Lumb Viaduct. The walk is easy to moderate and will take aprox 1.5 hours. It is mostly flat with one very short, steep decline and one slightly longer incline. You will need suitable footwear as the incline is uneven and is unsuitable for prams. We will meet just after the factory on Stubbins Vale Road. Be careful of factory vehicles crossing the road (forklifts etc). Parking is available as you turn onto Stubbins Vale Road or just after the factory on the roadside.

Starting/meeting point address: Melba Swintex Factory Stubbins Vale Road Ramsbottom

BL0 0NT. Contact Vinette 07714207971 

Holy Day of Obligation Reminder: The Ascension of the Lord

On Thursday 29^th May we celebrate The Ascension of the Lord which is a Holy Day of Obligation for all faithful Roman Catholics. There will be opportunity at St. Mary's for prayers, devotions and Mass:   

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

10am Mass

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

6pm Mass

Prayer Visitors

Thank you to those who came to Tuesday's meeting and those who have seen me subsequently about the parish Prayers Visitors initiative. Now that we have the principles in place about exactly what the role is – a prayer visitor/ a fellow believer praying with another believer and not a social worker/therapist/counsellor – we will prepare the safeguarding policies and practices.            

Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne
Young pilgrims in Years 7, 8, and 9 are invited to join the Diocese of Salford's Youth Ministry Team for a faith-filled pilgrimage to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The pilgrimage will be led by Bishop John Arnold and will take place between 20-22 June. To find out more, please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2214.

Ecological Rosary at the Laudato Si' Centre 
Join us at the Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre on Friday 9th May as we gather together to pray the Ecological Rosary. There will be a gathering at the woodland to pray an ecological-focussed Rosary together, surrounded by the beauty of nature. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in prayer and enjoy the tranquillity of the outdoors. Email laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more and to register.

God Bless and keep praying.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Fr. O'Brien

newsletter

Good Afternoon

Please see the attached newsletter for this week.

Kind Regards

Ciara Kelly

Third Sunday of Easter -Sunday 4th May 2025

Sunday 4th May 2025

 Third Sunday of Easter

Masses & Liturgies for the coming week...

Friday 2nd May

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

6pm Mass, Saint Athanasius (Memoria)

St. Athanasius (296 A.D – 373A.D) led a tumultuous but dedicated life of service to the Church. He was the great champion of the faith against the widespread heresy of Arianism, the teaching by Arius that Jesus was not truly divine. The vigour of his writings earned him the title of doctor of the Church

Saturday 3rd May

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

10am Mass Saints Philip & James, Apostles (Feast) 

St. Philip was born in Bethsaida. Formerly a disciple of John the Baptist, he became a follower of Jesus. St. James, son of Alphaeus and cousin of the Lord led the Church of Jerusalem and was martyred in 62 A.D.

6pm The Holy Rosary for THE ELECTION OF THE NEXT POPE

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter

Sunday 4th May

9:30am The Holy Rosary for THE ELECTION OF THE NEXT POPE

10am Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter

Tuesday 6th May

5pm – 5:30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

5:45pm Easter Weekday Mass

Wednesday 7th May

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

7pm Parish Bible Study (see below for details)  

Thursday 8th May

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

Saturday 10th May

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter & Columban Missionaries Appeal

Sunday 11th May

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

10am Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter & Columban Missionaries Appeal

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (3rd May – 10th May), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Edmund Georgy.

Our Lady's Lamp

This week (3rd May – 10th May), Our Lady's Lamp is for The Hanratty Family.

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£661.70. Thank you for your kind generosity.

May: Crowning Our Lady

We will Crown the statue of our Lady of Oswaldtwistle this weekend (3rd/4th May). Parishioners and their families are warmly welcome to bring flowers to the 6:30pm Vigil Mass or the 10am Mass and place them before Our Blessed Mother in devotion and thanks for her prayers.

"All generations will call me blessed": "The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship. "The Church rightly honours "the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honoured with the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs.... This very special devotion ... differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration. "The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, an "epitome of the whole Gospel," express this devotion to the Virgin Mary. - Catechism of the Catholic Church #971

Divine Mercy Sunday

Thank You to all those involved in making last Sunday's devotions and Mass such a prayerful opportunity to reflect and experience God's Divine Mercy.

   

Columban Missionaries Appeal – 10th/11th May

Each year the Bishop gives permission for a Religious Order to make an appeal throughout the diocese to raise awareness of the charitable works they do and to request financial support in donations from parishes. This year the Columban Missionaries have been allocated the opportunity to make their appeal throughout Salford Diocese. On the weekend of the 10th/11th May, here at St. Mary's, Fr. Patrick O'Beirne SSC will celebrate the Masses:

"The principal purpose of the weekend visit to you is to raise awareness of our missionary vocation. to encourage people to be more involved in the missionary work of the church, to thank our loyal supporters. to seek greater support for our mission magazine, "The Far East" and with your permission, to take up a Mission collection at all Masses."

There will be a collection basket under the large Crucifix at the back of church should people wish to make a donation towards the work of the Columban Missionaries.            

Parish Social Media: St Mary's Facebook & Instagram  

Thanks to Jacqueline who has been maintaining our parish presence on social media and allowing others beyond the church walls to feel connected and experience our Catholic Faith in the Lord Jesus. If you haven't yet, then do check out the photos and videos that have been posted of our celebrations over the Easter Triduum at St. Mary's.

Facebook (St Marys RC Church Oswaldtwistle)

https://www.facebook.com/share/164UHbBSuw/

Instagram (stmarysrcoswaldtwistle) https://www.instagram.com/stmarysrcoswaldtwistle?utm_source=qr&igsh=MTl5cHhqdm9yOWtp

Parish Bible Study – The Book of Revelation

The next session is Wednesday 7th May from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better. Come and join us.      

Prayer Visitors

At the start of the year, I mentioned about creating a group in the parish – Prayer Visitors – who would visit people and pray alongside them. Many housebound and vulnerable parishioners are blessed with good caring families but often lack spiritual accompaniment. They long to have another believer simply just visit and pray with them. I think this is a need that we can help fulfil at St. Mary's with volunteers, going out in at least twos, prayer visiting those who are isolated for all kinds of reasons. As a priest I visit many people ministering the sacraments but I'm not always able to spend quality time with them so Parish Prayer Visitors would be a great help towards the life of the parish. On Tuesday at 1pm there will be a preparation session in church where potential volunteers can come and learn more about the practicalities and safeguarding.      

"Come and See" Day for the Permanent Diaconate

On Saturday 17th May, our diocesan vocations team will be holding a "Come and See" event for anyone interested in learning more about the permanent diaconate. Whether you're discerning a possible vocation to this wonderful ministry, or would just like to learn more about the work of a permanent deacon and how that supports our parishes, our vocations team is on hand to help you discover more. Join us for our drop-in session at St Patrick's Church, Collyhurst, any time after 10am Mass and before 3pm. Email diaconate@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more.

St. Mary's School

On Thursday 8th May, the school will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. As part of the celebrations, the school council will be holding tea and cake for any grandparents/ great grandparents of pupils. Mrs Wolstenholme would like to extend that invite to parishioners- any who wish to come for tea and cake are very welcome to from 2.30pm in school. It will be an opportunity to share stories and memories.

Diocesan Mass for Young Adults

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 11 May at St Augustine's, Manchester. Confessions are available between 4.45pm - 5.15pm and please join us after Mass for a short talk exploring more about our Catholic faith.

Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne

Young pilgrims in Years 7, 8, and 9 are invited to join the Diocese of Salford's Youth Ministry Team for a faith-filled pilgrimage to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The pilgrimage will be led by Bishop John Arnold and will take place between 20-22 June. To find out more, please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2214.

The Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion together with the East Lancashire Concert Band and a few other special guests bring you a shared moment of celebration with an evening of entertainment and reflection to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, Thursday 8th May 2025, at 7.30pm, at Immanuel Parish Church, New Lane, Oswaldtwistle. Tickets £5.00. Admission strictly by ticket only (due to the popularity of the D-Day 80 Concert). Tickets available from Sarah Barton on 07412647168.

Ecological Rosary at the Laudato Si' Centre

Join us at the Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre on Friday 9th May as we gather together to pray the Ecological Rosary. There will be a gathering at the woodland to pray an ecological-focussed Rosary together, surrounded by the beauty of nature. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in prayer and enjoy the tranquillity of the outdoors. Email laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more and to register.

God Bless and keep praying.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Fr. O'Brien

Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday 27th April 2025

Sunday 27th April 2025

 Divine Mercy Sunday

 

On the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Franics:

 

So many people, both within the Church and beyond, will be greatly saddened by the death of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace. Please mark these days with Masses for the repose of his soul, with thanksgiving for his ministry and pastoral leadership of the Church in our fractured and fast-changing world. May his teaching live on so that the dignity of every person may be valued and protected and that there be peace in our world and care for our common home.

+John

(Bishop John Arnold, Salford Diocese)

 

Masses & Liturgies for the coming week...

 

Easter Friday 25th April (No Abstinence)

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

6pm Easter Mass

6:30pm – 7:30pm Vigil for His Holiness Pope Francis I

(Adoration, Prayers and the Holy Rosary)    

 

Easter Saturday 26th April

8am Mass for the Intention of His Holiness Pope Francis I

9am All welcome to watch the Requiem Mass of the late Pope Francis   

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

 

Sunday 27th April

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

10am Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

2pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

2:45pm Divine Mercy Chaplet & Act of Consecration

3:05pm Benediction followed by Holy Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter

 

Monday 28th April

10am Mass, Saint George, Martyr & Patron of England (Solemnity)

St. George was martyred at Lydda (Israel) around 303 A.D, in the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian. His cult, which predates the legend of his slaying the dragon, spread quickly through the East and West. King Richard I of England placed his army under his protection and in 1222 his feast was proclaimed a national holiday.

Followed be refreshments      

 

Tuesday 29th April

5pm – 5:30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

5:45pm Easter Mass Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor, (Feast)

St. Catherine was born in Sienna (Italy) in 1347, entered the Third Order of Saint Dominic while an adolescent. She was on fire with love of God and neighbour; she brought peace and harmony between her fellow citizens, fought for the rights and liberty of the papacy, and worked to renew religious life. She died in 1380.  

 

Wednesday 30th April

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

7pm Parish Bible Study (see below for details)  

 

Thursday 1st May

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

10am Mass, Saint Joseph the Worker (Memorial)

This feast was officially instituted by Pope Pius XII on 1 May 1955, in order to ensure that workers not lose this Christian understanding of work; but earlier Popes had already prepared the ground. Blessed Pius IX in a certain way had recognized the importance of Saint Joseph as a labourer, when he proclaimed him Patron of the Universal Church. The principle of work as a means to eternal salvation would be taken up again by St John Paul II in his encyclical Laborem exercens, where he refers to "the Gospel of Work". 

10:25am – 10:35am Devotions to Saint Joseph

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

 

Friday 2nd May

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

6pm Mass, Saint Athanasius (Memoria)

St. Athanasius (296 A.D – 373A.D) led a tumultuous but dedicated life of service to the Church. He was the great champion of the faith against the widespread heresy of Arianism, the teaching by Arius that Jesus was not truly divine. The vigour of his writings earned him the title of doctor of the Church

 

Saturday 3rd May

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

10am Mass Saints Philip & James, Apostles (Feast) (In the Lady Chapel)

St. Philip was born in Bethsaida. Formerly a disciple of John the Baptist, he became a follower of Jesus. St. James, son of Alphaeus and cousin of the Lord led the Church of Jerusalem and was martyred in 62 A.D.

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter

 

Sunday 4th May

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

10am Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter

 

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (26th April – 3rd May), the Sanctuary Lamp is for His Holiness Pope Francis RIP.

 

 

Our Lady's Lamp

This week (26th April – 3rd May), Our Lady's Lamp is for Gregory & Audrey Heyes.

 

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£864.87. Thank you for your kind generosity.

Good Friday Collection

The diocesan mandatory collection was taken for the Holy Places, which supports the work of the Church in the Holy Land. Thank you for your generosity of £372.86.

 

Easter Donations

Thank you to Keeley who raised £120.20 with all her homemade Easter Cards and gifts, to those who returned their Easter donation boxes that came to £128.95 and to those who helped to knit the Easter chicks that raised £25.37.

     

 

Easter Blessings & Thanks

Thank you to everyone who made this Easter such a prayerful and joyous celebration. The faith and love that have made people go above and beyond has truly been inspiring. From the beautiful flower displays and Lychgate, the commitment shown by the altar servers, the talents of the musicians and singers who came on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, the faithfulness of the stewards, the buffing, polishing and dusting of the cleaners, the dedication of the readers, the behind the scenes work of anonymous volunteers…Thank you! But also a huge Thank You to all who came to the various Masses, Liturgies and prayers during the Triduum. May God continue to bless you in your faith and witness to the Risen Lord.

 

 

Parish Social Media: St Mary's Facebook & Instagram  

Thanks to Jacqueline who has been maintaining our parish presence on social media and allowing others beyond the church walls to feel connected and experience our Catholic Faith in the Lord Jesus. If you haven't yet, then do check out the photos and videos that have been posted of our celebrations over the Easter Triduum at St. Mary's.

Facebook (St Marys RC Church Oswaldtwistle)

https://www.facebook.com/share/164UHbBSuw/

Instagram (stmarysrcoswaldtwistle)

 https://www.instagram.com/stmarysrcoswaldtwistle?utm_source=qr&igsh=MTl5cHhqdm9yOWtp

 

 

Devotions to Saint Joseph

On Thursday 1st May June, after the 10am Mass, there will be our parish 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.  

 

 

Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel

The next session is Wednesday 30th April from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better. Now we've read through St. John's Gospel we will start with the Book of Revelation (Chaper 1) which often fills some people with dread but it's actually full of hope. Come and join us.      

 

 

Divine Mercy Sunday

Join us for Divine Mercy Devotions, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions and Holy Mass on Sunday 27th April at 2pm.

 

 

The Divine Mercy Devotion

Devotion to the Divine Mercy involves a total commitment to God as Mercy. It is a decision to trust completely in him, to accept his mercy with thanksgiving, and to be merciful as he is merciful. The devotional practices proposed in the diary of Saint Faustina and set forth in here are completely in accordance with the teachings of the Church and are firmly rooted in the Gospel message of our Merciful Saviour. Properly understood and implemented, they will help us grow as genuine followers of Christ.

 

The Divine Mercy Message:

The message of mercy is that God loves us "all of us" no matter how great our sins. He wants us to recognise that his mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon him with trust, receive his mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share his joy. It is a message we can call to mind simply by remembering ABC.

 

A — Ask for his Mercy. God wants us to approach him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking him to pour his mercy out upon us and upon the whole world.

 

B — Be merciful. God wants us to receive his mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to extend love and forgiveness to others just as he does to us.

 

C — Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know the graces of his mercy are dependent upon our trust. The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will receive.

 

The Chaplet of Mercy

The Lord revealed to Saint Faustina a powerful prayer that He wanted everyone to say – the Chaplet of Mercy. Saint Faustina prayed the Chaplet almost constantly, especially for the dying, and the Lord urged her to encourage others to say it, too, promising extraordinary graces to those who would recite this special prayer. The Chaplet can be said anytime, but the Lord specifically asked that it be recited as a novena, especially on the nine days before the Feast of Mercy.

 

​Our Lord said to Saint Faustina:

Encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given you. … Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death. … When thy say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the Merciful Saviour. … Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy. … Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will. (Diary, 687, 1541, 1731).

 

HOW TO PRAY THE CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCY

The Chaplet of Mercy is recited using ordinary rosary beads of five decades and could be preceded by two opening prayers from the Diary of Saint Faustina and followed by a closing prayer.

 

1. The Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

 

2. The Our Father: Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

 

3. The Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

 

4. The Apostles' Creed: I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen

 

5. On the "Our Father"bead before each decade: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

 

6. On the "Hail Mary"beads of each decade: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

 

7. Repeat "Eternal Father" and "For the Sake of His sorrowful Passion": Numbers 5 & 6 Prayers for four more decades.

 

8. After 5 decades, the concluding prayer (three times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

 

For more information about the Divine Mercy devotion please see the following website: https://divinemercyapostolate.co.uk/

 

 

Saint George's Day

This year the Solemnity of St George, which falls in Easter week (23rd April), has been transferred to Monday 28th April. As St. George is the patron Saint of our country Mass will be at 10am followed by a late morning breakfast of coffee and croissants, very traditionally English refreshments! Don't worry, there will be tea as well. St. George patron saint of England pray for us.       

 

 

Parish Easter Egg Raffle

The parish raffle will be drawn next week and all winners will be able to collect their Eggs from the stewards desk at the weekend Masses (26th/27th April). There is still time to buy tickets from the stewards desk at the back of church - £1 a ticket or £5 a strip.

 

 

 

God Bless and keep praying.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

 

Fr. O'Brien