Fourth Sunday of Easter - Sunday 26th April 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 26^th April

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

 

Masses & Liturgies for the following week ...

 

Friday 24^th April

5pm – 5:45pm Adoration of Blessed Sacrament

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

 

Saturday 25^th April

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

10am Mass, St Mark (Feast)

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

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

 

Sunday 26^th April

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

10am Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Tuesday 28^th April

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

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

 

Wednesday 29^th April

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

10am 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.

 

Thursday 30^th April

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

 

Friday 1^st May

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

6pm 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".

 

 

Saturday 2^nd May

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

10am 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

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter with Crowing of Our Lady

 

Sunday 3^rd May

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

10am Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter with Crowing of Our Lady

 

Our Lady's Lamp

This week (25^th April – 1^st May) Our Lady's Lamp is for Harry & Rita Dullenty.

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£628.00. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

In the Footsteps of the Apostles

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been on pilgrimage, travelling in the footsteps of St Paul and St John through Greece and Turkey. It has been a truly enriching experience, one that has brought so much of the New Testament to life for me. To see the landscapes, roads, and ports that St Paul himself travelled through has made a profound difference. When I now read his letters—to the Philippians, Thessalonians, Corinthians, and Ephesians—they are no longer just names on a page, but real places filled with real people and living faith. I have come to admire St Paul even more deeply—his courage in witnessing to Jesus as the Risen Lord, and his bold proclamation that Christ is the Good News. Despite hardship, rejection, and persecution, he never gave up, because the message he carried was too important, too life-giving, to be silenced. He reminds us that a relationship with Jesus truly enriches our lives and fills them with faith, hope, and love. I also had the grace of staying on the island of Patmos, where St John the Evangelist was exiled. There, in a cave overlooking the sea, he received the vision that became the Book of Revelation. To be in that place was deeply moving—to stand where the beloved disciple stood, the one who rested on the breast of Christ at the Last Supper and heard the heartbeat of God. He is the one who passed on the Lord’s profound teaching on the Eucharist: “My body is real food, and my blood is real drink.”

It was an inspiring and prayerful time. I have returned physically tired, but spiritually renewed. What struck me most from both St Paul and St John was the central importance of Scripture and the Blessed Sacrament—the Word and the Eucharist—so fundamental to our daily lives as believers. This pilgrimage has reaffirmed for me the importance of these great gifts. And finally, it is good to be home—because, as you all know, no matter how holy the pilgrimage, you still can’t get a decent cup of tea away from home! God bless, Fr O’Brien

 

 

Good Shepherd Sunday

This weekend is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday, reflecting the Gospel in which Jesus reveals himself as the Good Shepherd who knows and cares for his flock. It is also a special time in the Church’s year when we are asked to pray for vocations— especially to the priesthood. We pray that more men will generously respond to the Lord’s call to serve His Church. As you leave church this weekend, there will be a basket placed beneath the large crucifix for anyone who would like to make a financial contribution towards the training of future priests for our Diocese of Salford. This is known as the Ecclesiastical Education Fund. Thank you, as always, for your generosity and your prayers.

Please go to https://donate.mydona.com/diocese-of-salford and select ‘Clergy Fund’.

 

 

Priesthood

A vocation to priesthood is a beautiful invitation to love and to serve the people of God.

Through sacramental ordination, men called to the priesthood are transformed; sharing in the sacred priesthood of Christ in a special way – representing Him, the Good Shepherd, in the communities in which we live. From preaching, to ministering the Sacraments, to walking with people on their journey of faith, priests are the very representation of Christ in the daily lives of the faithful. To find out more about the priesthood or to explore the idea of a vocation to the priesthood, please contact:

Fr Michael Deas, Vocations Director

St Cuthbert’s Presbytery, 3 Palatine Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 3LH, UK

Tel: 0161 445 1080, michael.deas@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

Fr Mark Paver, Vocations Director

St Winifred’s Presbytery, Mauldeth Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, SK4 3NB

Tel: 0161 432 4412, mark.paver@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

Prayer for Vocations

Lord of the harvest,

bless your Church with holy and generous vocations

to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life.

Inspire men and women to respond with courage and joy

to your call.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

May – Month of Our Lady

May is traditionally dedicated to Our Blessed Lady, a time to honour Mary in a special way. As spring brings new life and flowers into bloom, we are reminded of Mary, who brought Christ, the source of all life, into the world. Next weekend (2nd/3rd May), we will have our parish crowning of the statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle. Parishioners are warmly invited to bring flowers to place before Our Lady’s statue on the sanctuary as a sign of love and devotion.

 

 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham will take place on Saturday 2nd May 2026. There are a few spaces left for the day trip picking up in Salford, Collyhurst and Oldham

The cost is £40. To book your place please contact the pilgrimage office at: walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or on 0161 817 2209 by Monday 27th April. No bookings can be taken after this date.

 

 

Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

Caritas Salford is offering a free online webinar to introduce the basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) in an accessible way, with a particular focus on building hope, homes and a positive future for all. This will take place on Thursday 30th April 2026 from 6PM to 7:15PM With local elections approaching in May, the time is right to raise our awareness of CST and reflect on how it can help to inform the decisions and choices we make in life. Register for your free place or find out more at: www.caritassalford.org.uk/events

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Sunday of Easter - Sunday 19th April

+

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 19^th April

Third Sunday of Easter

 

Newsletter for next week….

 

 

Saturday 18^th April

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

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

 

Sunday 19^th April

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

10am Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter

 

Wednesday 22^nd April

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

 

Thursday 23^rd April

12:30pm 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.

1:30pm – 3pm Jacobs Join

 

Friday 24th April

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

6pm Easter Friday Mass

 

Saturday 25^th April

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

10am Mass, St Mark (Feast)

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Sunday 26^th April

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

10am Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This week (18^th April – 24^th April), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Joanne & Karen Hughes.

 

Gift Aid Envelopes

Gift Aid envelopes are now available at the back of the church for those parishioners who have not yet collected theirs. We would also ask that whoever has envelope number 52 please speak to one of the stewards as soon as possible, as the wrong Gift Aid envelope has been collected and any donations placed in it cannot be claimed for Gift Aid until this is corrected. If you are a taxpayer, you are able to use Gift Aid envelopes for your offertory contributions. If you do not pay tax, old envelopes are available for you to use for your weekly offertory instead.

 

Mass Readers

We are currently seeking parishioners who may be available to serve as readers at the Saturday Vigil Masses. If you would be willing to help with this important ministry, please complete the form available at the back of the church. Ciara Kelly, the Parish Administrator, will then be in contact with you with further details.

 

Solemnity of St George – Thursday 23rd April

On Thursday 23rd April, we celebrate the Solemnity of St George, patron saint of England. According to the well-known legend, St George courageously faced and defeated the dragon—a powerful symbol of the triumph of good over evil. His story reminds us that, with faith in Jesus, we too can face the “dragons” in our own lives, whatever they may be, with courage and trust. Mass will be celebrated at 12:30pm, followed by a ‘Jacob’s Join’ from 1:30pm–3pm as we come together to celebrate our patron saint. To help with organising the Jacobs Join, there is a list at the back of church to guide what people might like to bring. All are warmly invited and welcomed.

 

Volunteer checks

We are sincerely grateful to all who give their time in service to our parish community. Your generosity and willingness to volunteer are greatly appreciated and help our church to remain a welcoming and vibrant place for all. If you are currently volunteering in any capacity, we kindly ask you to contact Vinette, our Safeguarding Representative, on 07714 207971 or see her after Mass to complete the necessary volunteer checks. Thank you for all that you do for our parish.

 

Parish Bible Study Group

Our Parish Bible Study Group will begin again on Wednesday 22nd April from 7:00pm–8:00pm. We will continue our journey through the Acts of the Apostles, a powerful book of the New Testament which tells the story of the early Church after the Resurrection of Jesus. It shows how the Holy Spirit guided the apostles, gave them courage, and helped the Good News to spread to all nations. It is a story of faith, mission, and the growth of the Christian community—one that still speaks to us today. During this Easter season, you are warmly invited to come along and deepen your faith through prayer and Scripture. Everyone is welcome—whether you have attended before or are coming for the first time. All you need to bring is a Bible.

 

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 youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday 12th April

+

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 12^th April

Divine Mercy Sunday

 

Newsletter for the next two weeks….

 

Saturday 11^th April

2pm Wedding Liturgy for Miss Victoria Limberger & Issac Whelan

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

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

 

Sunday 12^th April

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

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

 

Tuesday 14^th April

11am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

12pm Easter Weekday Mass

 

Saturday 18^th April

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

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

 

Sunday 19^th April

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

10am Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter

 

Wednesday 22^nd April

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

 

Thursday 23^rd April

12:30pm 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.

1:30pm – 3pm Jacobs Join

 

Friday 24th April

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

6pm Easter Friday Mass

 

Saturday 25^th April

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

10am Mass, St Mark (Feast)

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Sunday 26^th April

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

10am Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (11^th April – 17^th April), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Anthony Decicco.

Our Lady’s Lamp

This week (11^th April – 17^th April) Our Lady’s Lamp is for Doreen Robinson.

Next Week (18^th April – 24^th April), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Joanne & Karen Hughes.

 

Missionary Appeal – Divine Mercy Sunday (11th/12th April)

This weekend, Divine Mercy Sunday, we warmly welcome Fr Pius Duke MSP of the Missionary Society of St Paul, who will be celebrating Mass with us and making the annual missionary appeal. The Missionary Society of St Paul serves in many parts of the world, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and supporting communities in need. We are grateful to Fr Pius for joining us and giving us the opportunity to support this important work. There will be a basket at the back of church (underneath the crucifix) for those who wish to contribute. If you would like to support the mission further, donations can also be made by direct debit or cheque using the details below:

Account Name: The Missionary Society of St Paul

Sort Code: 20-29-63

Account Number: 73306224

Bank: Barclays Bank

We extend a warm welcome to Fr Pius and hope he feels very much at home here at St Mary’s.

 

 

Congratulations

We warmly congratulate Miss Victoria Limberger and Isaac Whelan, who were married at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon (11th April). May God richly bless them in their vocation as husband and wife in the Sacrament of Matrimony, and may they continue to be a witness to the love and faithfulness of God to all whom they meet.

 

 

Solemnity of St George – Thursday 23rd April

On Thursday 23rd April, we celebrate the Solemnity of St George, patron saint of England. According to the well-known legend, St George courageously faced and defeated the dragon—a powerful symbol of the triumph of good over evil. His story reminds us that, with faith in Jesus, we too can face the “dragons” in our own lives, whatever they may be, with courage and trust. Mass will be celebrated at 12:30pm, followed by a ‘Jacob’s Join’ from 1:30pm–3pm as we come together to celebrate our patron saint. To help with organising the Jacobs Join, there is a list at the back of church to guide what people might like to bring. All are warmly invited and welcomed.

 

 

Parish Bible Study Group

Our Parish Bible Study Group will begin again on Wednesday 22nd April from 7:00pm–8:00pm. We will continue our journey through the Acts of the Apostles, a powerful book of the New Testament which tells the story of the early Church after the Resurrection of Jesus. It shows how the Holy Spirit guided the apostles, gave them courage, and helped the Good News to spread to all nations. It is a story of faith, mission, and the growth of the Christian community—one that still speaks to us today. During this Easter season, you are warmly invited to come along and deepen your faith through prayer and Scripture. Everyone is welcome—whether you have attended before or are coming for the first time. All you need to bring is a Bible.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 5th April - Easter Sunday

+

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 5^th April

Easter Sunday

 

Saturday 4^th April

8:30pm The Solemn Easter Vigil

 

Sunday 5^th April – Easter Sunday

9:30am – The Holy Rosary

10am – Easter Sunday Mass

 

Tuesday 7^th April

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

 

Wednesday 8^th April

10am Easter Weekday Mass

 

Saturday 11^th April

2pm Wedding Liturgy for Miss Victoria Limberger & Issac Whelan

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

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

 

Sunday 12^th April

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

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

 

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (4^th April – 10^th April) the Sanctuary Lamp is for Dawn Livesey.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This week (4^th April – 10^th April) Our Lady’s Lamp is for Thomas Anderton.

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£611.73. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

Thank You – Holy Week & Easter

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all who helped to make Holy Week and Easter here at St Mary’s such a prayerful and welcoming time, especially for the many visitors who joined us. There is always a danger, when thanking individuals, of unintentionally leaving someone out. So to each and every one of you — thank you. From our cleaners, readers, gardeners, flower display team, altar servers, singers and musicians, stewards, and those who donated Easter eggs and gifts; to all who supported the raffle, and to everyone who came to pray and worship — your contribution, in whatever way, helped make this a truly special and grace-filled time. Thank you all for your generosity and dedication. God bless you, and a very Happy Easter to you all. Fr O’Brien

 

 

Welcome to the Family

At the Easter Vigil, we are delighted to welcome Victoria, who will be baptised, and together with Glen, will be confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion. Their witness of faith is a great joy and encouragement to us all as a parish family. It reminds us that others continue to see the truth and beauty of the Lord, and come to encounter Him within His Church. Let us keep Victoria and Glen in our prayers, and also remember all our new brothers and sisters who have become part of the Catholic family this Easter. God bless them all as they begin this new chapter in their journey of faith.

 

Gift Aid Envelopes Available This Weekend

Our new Gift Aid envelopes will be available at Mass this weekend. If you are already signed up, please collect your envelopes. If you have not yet registered for Gift Aid, forms will also be available for you to complete. Please ensure that all sections of the form are filled in fully and clearly, as incomplete forms will prevent us from being able to claim Gift Aid on your donations. Thank you for your continued support.

Parish Office Hours

Please note that for this week only the parish office will be open on Tuesday and Friday from 9:00am until 1:00pm. Office hours will then resume as normal on Wednesdays and Fridays (9:00am–1:00pm) from next week. If you need assistance, Mass intentions, certificates, or general enquiries, our Parish Administrator, Ciara, will be happy to help. Please visit or contact us during these times.

Missionary Appeal – Divine Mercy Sunday (11th/12th April)

Next weekend, Divine Mercy Sunday, we will welcome Fr Pius Duke MSP, of the Missionary Society of St Paul (MSP), who will make the annual missionary appeal at all Masses. The MSP is a religious congregation working in various parts of the world, dedicated to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and sharing in the saving work of God the Father in the Holy Spirit. There will be a basket at the back of church (underneath the crucifix) for all those who would like to donate and support The Missionary Society of St Paul. If you wish to support the mission further, donations can also be made by direct debit or cheque using the details below:

Account Name: The Missionary Society of St Paul

Sort Code: 20-29-63

Account Number: 73306224

Bank: Barclays Bank

 

 

Parish Audit: Great News

Each year, the Diocesan Finance Department commissions an independent audit of five parishes across the Diocese. This process ensures accountability, transparency, and the highest standards of financial stewardship in the care of parish resources. For the financial year 2025–2026, St Mary’s was one of the five parishes selected for audit. The Diocese works with Crowe UK, a leading firm in audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services, to carry out this important work. We are delighted to report that the audit of St Mary’s resulted in a very positive outcome. The auditors commended the parish on the careful and thorough way in which income is collected, counted, and banked, and noted that the accounts for 2025–2026 are maintained to a meticulous standard. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ciara Kelly, our Parish Administrator, for her dedicated and conscientious work in overseeing the parish finances. I am also very grateful to parishioners Catherine Richardson and Kathryn Harrison for their commitment and generosity in giving their time to assist with counting and banking.

We also acknowledge with thanks the support and guidance provided by the Diocesan Finance Department, especially Helen Whall and Katarzyna Chadwick. This excellent report reflects the strong sense of responsibility and care within our parish community. Thank you to everyone who contributes in any way to the life and mission of St Mary’s.

 

 

Date for Your Diary

As Fr O’Brien mentioned recently, we are delighted to welcome the Bishop to St Mary’s on Tuesday 30th June at 7:00pm to celebrate Confirmations in the deanery. On this special evening, the Bishop will bless our new statue of St Carlo Acutis, generously funded by parishioners, and will also bring with him the diocesan relic of St Carlo for veneration. It would be wonderful to see as many parishioners as possible present—to support and encourage our young people, and to give a strong witness that the faith in Oswaldtwistle is alive and vibrant. Please keep this date free if you can.

 

 

Sacred Heart School

Fr O’Brien was invited to Sacred Heart School this week to celebrate a Holy Week liturgy with the children. The focus of the liturgy was the Agony in the Garden, where Jesus turns to his disciples in prayer, yet finds them asleep. In speaking to the children, Fr O’Brien reflected on how we can all experience moments of feeling alone or let down, especially when others are not there to support us. He encouraged the children not to be like the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, but to be awake and alert—not just during Holy Week and Easter, but in everyday life. The children were invited to stay close to Jesus through simple acts of love: looking out for others, showing kindness and generosity, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and reaching out to those who may feel alone. As we enter the Easter break, let us keep all our young people in our prayers, that they may be safe and that many will join us in celebrating the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Sunday 29th March 2026 - Palm Sunday

+

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 29^th March 2026

Palm Sunday

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 (Year A)

 

Sunday 29^th March

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

10am Mass of Palm Sunday (Year A)

 

Tuesday 31^st March

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

6pm Mass

 

Wednesday 1^st April

Today the Mass of the Sacred Chrism is celebrated at St. Patrick's, Collyhurst. At this Holy Week Liturgy all the priests gather, from around the diocese, to renew their priestly promises before the Bishop. It is also at the Liturgy that the Sacred Oils (Catechumen, Chrism, Infirm) are blessed by the Bishop for the coming year.

 

Maundy Thursday 2^nd April

7:30pm Mass of the Lord's Supper & Washing of Feet

8:30pm Watching at the Altar of Repose

9:30pm Night Prayer (Compline)

 

Good Friday 3^rd April

(Day of Fasting & Abstinence)

8:00am – 9:30am – Confessions

10:00am – Family Stations of the Cross

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

 

Saturday 4^th April

8:30pm The Solemn Easter Vigil

 

Sunday 5^th April – Easter Sunday

9:30am – The Holy Rosary

10:00am – Easter Sunday Mass

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (28^th March – 3^rd April) the Sanctuary Lamp is for Martyn Dwyer.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This week (28^th March – 3^rd April) Our Lady’s Lamp is for Catlow and Simpson Family.

 

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£605.88. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

 

Holy Week at St Mary’s, Oswaldtwistle

As we enter into Holy Week, you are warmly and personally invited to join us for these sacred and beautiful days. This is the most important week of the year for us as Catholics. In these liturgies, we do far more than remember events from long ago—we are drawn into them. We walk with Jesus through His Passion, we stand at the Cross, and we rejoice in the joy of His Resurrection. Whether you come to Mass every week or have been away for some time, you are very welcome. Holy Week is a special opportunity to return, to pray, and to encounter the love of Christ in a deeper and more personal way. Even if you can only come to one of the liturgies, I encourage you to make the time. These are powerful moments of grace, peace, and hope.

 

Thursday 2^nd April - Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7:30pm

We remember the gift of the Eucharist and the priesthood and are called to follow Christ in loving service. During this Mass, the Washing of Feet will take place, as twelve men from the parish recall the example of Jesus, the Servant King, who said: “Do this as an example.” After Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be taken in procession to the Altar of Repose. There, we are invited to remain and keep watch with the Lord in quiet prayer, just as the disciples were asked to watch with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. This time of silent adoration will continue until Night Prayer (Compline) at 8:30pm.

 

Friday 3rd April – Good Friday

8:00am – 9:30am – Confessions

10:00am – Family Stations of the Cross

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

At 3:00pm, we gather in silence. The liturgy begins in a striking and solemn way as the priest enters and prostrates himself before the stripped bare Altar. This powerful gesture sets the tone for what follows, reminding us of the depth and seriousness of Christ’s suffering and death. On this day, we listen to the Passion, venerate the Cross, and receive Holy Communion, as we reflect on the immeasurable love of Christ poured out for us.

 

Saturday 4th April – The Easter Vigil - 8:30pm

The most important and beautiful liturgy of the whole year begins in darkness outside the church with the blessing of the Easter Fire and the lighting of the Paschal Candle. From darkness, we are led into light as we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death.

During this Mass, we rejoice to welcome Victoria into the Church through Baptism, and to celebrate the Confirmation of both Victoria and Glenn. Please keep them in your prayers as they take this important step in their journey of faith.

 

Sunday 5th April – Easter Sunday

9:30am – The Holy Rosary

10:00am – Easter Sunday Mass

On Easter Sunday, we gather with great joy to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. Christ is risen, and with Him comes new life, hope, and renewal for us all. This is a day of great celebration for the whole Church, as we rejoice in the triumph of life over death.

 

You are warmly invited to come and take part in these sacred days—whether for the first time in a while or you are a “regular”. Come and experience the beauty, prayer, and hope of Holy Week. We gather with great joy to celebrate that Christ is risen!

 

 

The Sacrament of Confession

The Sacrament of Confession is a place of healing, peace, and new beginnings. The Lord never tires of forgiving us; He is always ready to welcome us back with love.

Additional opportunities for Confession this week:

Tuesday 31 March — 5:00pm–5:50pm

Good Friday — 8:00am–9:30am

If it has been a while, do not be afraid—come and encounter His mercy.

 

 

Date for Your Diary

As Fr O’Brien mentioned recently, we are delighted to welcome the Bishop to St Mary’s on Tuesday 30th June at 7:00pm to celebrate Confirmations in the deanery. On this special evening, the Bishop will bless our new statue of St Carlo Acutis, generously funded by parishioners, and will also bring with him the diocesan relic of St Carlo for veneration. It would be wonderful to see as many parishioners as possible present—to support and encourage our young people, and to give a strong witness that the faith in Oswaldtwistle is alive and vibrant. Please keep this date free if you can.

 

 

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

 

 

Deaf Awareness and Conversational British Sign Language Course
Caritas Salford has developed a brand new 12-week course for parishioners, to equip them with basic British Sign Language skills and greater awareness of accessibility and inclusion in parish life.  The course will commence on 14 April, and sessions will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings at St Patrick's Church, Livesey Street, Collyhurst, Manchester, M4 5HF (with parking available in the Caritas Salford car park adjacent to the church). Places for the course are strictly limited.  To find out more and book a place, visit: www.caritassalford.org.uk/event/deaf-awareness-bsl