Sunday 20th September 2026 - Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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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 20^th September 2026

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

Friday 18^th September

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Saturday 19^th September

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

10am Votive Mass of Our Lady

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty- Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 20^th September

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

10am Mass for Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Tuesday 22nd September

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Wednesday 23rd September

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

10am, Mass, Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest (celebrated in the Lady Chapel)

St. Pius of Pietrelcina, born 25th May 1887, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars aged 16 and was ordained priest in 1910. He lived a remarkable devotion to prayer and the sacraments. He committed himself to relieving the pain of many families, chiefly through the foundation of the "House for the Relief of Suffering". He died in 1968.

 

Thursday 24th September

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

10am Mass, Our Lady of Walsingham

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

 

Friday 25th September

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Saturday 26th September

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

10am, Mass, Saints Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs (Memoria)

Ss. Cosmas & Damian were doctors who were martyred in Syria around 300 A.D. There is evidence that their tomb was at Cyrrhus, where a basilica was built in their honour.

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty- Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 27th September

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

10am Mass for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£657.68. Thank you.

 

The Sanctuary Lamp

This Week (19^th September – 25^th September), The Sanctuary Lamp is for June & Gerald McCaffrey.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This Week (19^th September – 25^th September), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Nora Pickles RIP.

 

Home Mission Sunday – Sunday 20^th September

This Sunday we celebrate Home Mission Sunday, a day when Catholics across England and Wales come together to pray for and support the mission of the Church in our own communities. This year’s theme, “Magnifica Humanitas”, reminds us of the dignity and beauty of our humanity, and that we find our true fullness in Christ. It is an opportunity to reflect on how we can share the joy of knowing Jesus with those around us. There will be a donation basket at the back of church, beneath the large crucifix, for those who would like to support the work of the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate, which supports evangelisation and mission throughout England and Wales. Please keep this important work in your prayers and give as generously as you can.

 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Pantasaph Monastery

We are pleased to announce our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Pantasaph Monastery in North Wales for the Year of St Francis of Assisi, taking place on Saturday 17 October 2026.

The day coach will leave from St Mary’s, Oswaldtwistle at 8:30am and will return at around 6:00pm.

The cost of the trip is £38 per person, which includes:

• Coach travel, Lunch, Tea/coffee, Donation to the monastery

To book your place, a booking form must be completed and returned, and payment of £38 must be made by cash by Sunday 27 September 2026.

We look forward to sharing this special day of pilgrimage and fellowship together.

 

 

Could you be called to serve the church as a Permanent Deacon?

If you are a Catholic man interested in learning more about the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Salford, please come along to the next ‘Come and See’ event, which takes place on Saturday 3^rd October 2026 between 10am and 2pm. The event will be held at St John Henry Newman Parish, 5 Roseneath Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5AX. There will be opportunities to talk to some of our deacons and find out more about their journey and the ministry without committing to anything further. For more information please email diaconate@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

Mount Carmel Open Evening & Year 7 Welcome Mass

Mount Carmel Catholic High School warmly invites families of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils to their Open Evening on Thursday 24th September 2026, 5.00pm–8.30pm. Families can explore their facilities, tour classrooms, meet staff and pupils, and enjoy interactive activities across all subject areas. At 8.00pm, our Headteacher will give a presentation about life at Mount Carmel. They also warmly invite parents, carers, grandparents and parishioners to our Year 7 Welcome Mass on Friday 2nd October at 2.00pm, taking place in school. Everyone is very welcome to join us.

 

Marriage Help

Communication failure is a major cause of marital breakdown - 1,000's of couples have found Retrouvaille helped their relationship. Retrouvaille is not counselling but a programme to help married couples work through conflicts more effectively. We focus on helping restore trust and hope. Bookings close 18th Sept. www.Retrouvaille.org.uk +44 7887 296 983

 

Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham

Bishop John Arnold will celebrate Mass in honour of Our Lady of Walsingham on Thursday 24 September 2026 at The Church of St. John the Evangelist, Salford Cathedral, 250 Chapel Street, Salford M3 5LE. Mass will start at 7PM and will be followed by refreshments.

 

 

Caritas Conference: Tackling poverty and injustice in the Diocese of Salford

Caritas Salford invites you to join them for a free day of learning and reflection on the social teaching of Pope Leo XIV. This conference will be held on Saturday 10 October from 11AM to 3.30PM. Guest speakers will be present with a free lunch provided. For more information and to book your place please visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/CaritasConference

 

 

Big Sleep Out

Caritas Salford invite you to join people from across our diocese in ‘The Big Sleep Out’ to raise funds for hundreds of people in our area currently experiencing homelessness. So dust off your sleeping bag and get ready to wrap up warm whilst we spend the night in the great outdoors for a great cause. For more information and to register please click the following link: www.caritassalford.org.uk/BSO

 

 

Latest Vacancies Within the Diocese

Cathedral Receptionist and Administrator

Cathedral Business Manager

Choral Director: Schools Singing Programme

Please find more information about these jobs and how to apply on the Diocese website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 13th September 2026 - Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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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 13^th September 2026

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

Friday 11^th September

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Saturday 12^th September

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

10am Mass, Most Holy Name of Mary

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty- Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 13^th September

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

10am Mass for Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Tuesday 15^th September

10am Requiem Mass Joseph ‘ Joe’ Harrison RIP

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Mass, Our Lady of Sorrows (Memoria)

'Turn your eyes incessantly to the Blessed Virgin; she, who is the Mother of Sorrows and also the Mother of Consolation, can understand you completely and help you. Looking to her, praying to her, you will obtain that your tedium will become serenity, your anguish change into hope, and your grief into love.' - St. Pope John Paul II

 

Wednesday 16^th September

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

10am Mass, Saint Cornelius, Pope and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr

Ss. Cornelius and Cyprian both lived in a time of turbulence in the Church: they were at the forefront of the debate on reconciling those who had denied the faith under persecution. Together they struck a middle course and guided the Church onward by writing and preaching. Cornelius died in exile in 253A.D. Cyprian was martyred in 258A.D.

12:45pm Funeral Service for Bernard Doyle RIP

 

Friday 18^th September

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Saturday 19^th September

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

10am Votive Mass of Our Lady

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty- Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 20^th September

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

10am Mass for Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£619.35. Thank you.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This Week (12^th September – 18^th September), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Bill Moorhouse.

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

A very sincere thank you to everyone who helped to make our Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle such a beautiful and memorable occasion. I would particularly like to thank all those who supported our Afternoon Tea on Sunday 6th September. Thank you to everyone who helped with the refreshments, music and all the practical preparations, to those who gave their time in so many different ways, and to everyone who simply came along and helped to make it such a warm and joyful occasion. Your generosity and presence made the afternoon very special. I would also like to thank everyone who helped to make Tuesday 8th September such a prayerful and grace-filled day. From the children leading us in the Rosary, to those who helped with the Adoration, Confessions, Mass, refreshments and evening Healing Service, there were many people whose quiet work and generosity made the day possible. Most of all, thank you to everyone who came to pray. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together as a parish family and, through the loving care of Our Blessed Mother, having the opportunity to encounter her Son, Jesus, in prayer, in the Sacraments and in a particular way through the healing ministry of the day. I am very grateful to everyone who played a part, in whatever way, in making these days such a blessing for our parish. May the graces and blessings we have received continue to bear fruit in our lives and in the life of our parish.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, pray for us.

God Bless, Fr O’Brien

 

 

Home Mission Sunday

On Sunday 20th September, we will celebrate Home Mission Sunday, a day for us as the Catholic community in England and Wales to celebrate our faith in these lands, and our shared commitment to communicate the beauty and the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. Celebrating the Holy Father’s first encyclical, the theme for this year is “Magnifica Humanitas” as the heart of mission. We can celebrate together the call the Holy Father has placed before us to live out our authenticate humanity which finds it’s fullness in Christ. More details about this can be found on the Bishops’ Conference website - Home Mission Sunday - Catholic Bishops' Conference. The Second Collection on this weekend is to support the work carried out by the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate. Through the Mission Directorate we support our Church in a wide field of service and mission here in England and Wales. Please hold this important work in your prayers and give as generously as you can. Thank you.

 

 

Could you be called to serve the church as a Permanent Deacon?

If you are a Catholic man interested in learning more about the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Salford, please come along to the next ‘Come and See’ event, which takes place on Saturday 3^rd October 2026 between 10am and 2pm. The event will be held at St John Henry Newman Parish, 5 Roseneath Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5AX. There will be opportunities to talk to some of our deacons and find out more about their journey and the ministry without committing to anything further. For more information please email diaconate@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Pantasaph Monastery

We are pleased to announce our diocesan pilgrimage to the Pantasaph Monastery in North Wales for the Year of St Francis of Assisi, which takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026. The day coach will leave the 1st pick up point at 9am and will be returning at around 6pm. The cost of the trip is £35pp, which includes the following:

Coach travel

Lunch

Tea/coffee

Donation to the monastery

For more information and to book your place, please contact the pilgrimage office by telephone on 0161 817 2209 or email: walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

Marriage Help

Communication failure is a major cause of marital breakdown - 1,000's of couples have found Retrouvaille helped their relationship. Retrouvaille is not counselling but a programme to help married couples work through conflicts more effectively. We focus on helping restore trust and hope. Bookings close 18th Sept. www.Retrouvaille.org.uk +44 7887 296 983

 

 

Caritas Conference: Tackling poverty and injustice in the Diocese of Salford

Caritas Salford invites you to join them for a free day of learning and reflection on the social teaching of Pope Leo XIV. This conference will be held on Saturday 10 October from 11AM to 3.30PM. Guest speakers will be present with a free lunch provided. For more information and to book your place please visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/CaritasConference

 

 

New Volunteering Role at Caritas Salford

Our diocesan charity Caritas Salford has a team of almost 200 amazing volunteers, all of whom support their work with people in our parishes who are experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination. The team is looking for suitable volunteers who would be interested in giving a little time to work alongside families at their young parent accommodation in Blackburn - supporting and facilitating activities with the babies and their parents.  All roles will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring check. To find out more about this or other volunteering opportunities with the charity, visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/volunteer or contact Matt Yates: m.yates@caritassalford.org.uk

 

 

Caritas Fundraising Concert - Friday 18th September, 7pm

Mercy Brothers Concert with string Quartet for Caritas at St Ambrose Barlow High School Swinton M27 6QP. This event will include Solanus string quartet, the Mercy Brothers band performing music to sign and dance to, as well as the school’s steel band and their rock band.  It will certainly be a night to enjoy and remember! Solanus members include newly ordained diocesan priest Fr Theo, Fr Chris, and Hannah and Holly who work in roles across the diocese. The Mercy Brothers, formed in the Year of Mercy 2013, now includes Fr Mark as lead singer and rhythm guitar, Fr Joe on lead guitar, Fr Nick on bass guitar, Fr Chris on keyboard, and Tom the drummer.

For tickets please visit: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/fr-gorton-silver/

 

 

Latest Vacancies Within the Diocese

Cathedral Business Manager

Choral Director: Schools Singing Programme

Please find more information about these jobs and how to apply on the Diocese website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 6th September 2026 - Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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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 6^th September 2026

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

Friday 4^th September

3.00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

5.00pm Sacrament of Confession

6.00pm Holy Mass, Saint Cuthbert, Bishop (Memoria)

St. Cuthbert was born 643A.D, died on Farne 20th March 687 A.D. A shepherd boy, he became a monk at Melrose. After the Synod of Whitby in 664 A.D, he became prior of Lindisfarne and won over the community to Roman customs. In 676 A.D. he left the monastery to live in solitude on the island of Farne. For the last two years of his life he served as bishop of Lindisfarne but returned to his island to die.

6.30pm – 9.00pm Continued Eucharistic Adoration

9pm Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament

 

Saturday 5^th September

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

10am Weekday Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 6^th September

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

10am Mass for Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

with the procession of the statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle around church.

2pm St. Mary's Celebratory Afternoon Tea

 

Tuesday 8^th September

10.00am – The Holy Rosary

12.00 noon – Eucharistic Adoration and Confession

1.00pm – Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

7.00pm – Evening Healing Service

 

Wednesday 9^th September

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

10am Weekday Mass (Feria)

1:30 Funeral Service for Monica Connolly RIP

 

Thursday 10^th September

10am Requiem mass for Stephen Metcalfe RIP

 

Friday 11^th September

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Saturday 12^th September

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

10am Mass, Most Holy Name of Mary

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty- Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 13^th September

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

10am Mass for Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£706.10. Thank you.

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This Week (5^th September – 11^th September), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Irene Bridges.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This Week (5^th September – 11^th September), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Linda Usbourne.

 

Our Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle - Tuesday 8th September 2026

The day is almost here!

As we approach Tuesday 8th September, I would like to warmly invite every parishioner to make a special effort, if at all possible, to join us for our Parish Feast - Our Lady’s Birthday. As I mentioned last week, our church was solemnly dedicated in 1948 on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Our Lady's Birthday. From that time, our parish has been placed under Our Lady's loving care and protection. It is therefore a beautiful tradition for us to come together each year on this feast, entrusting ourselves and our parish once again to Mary and asking her to lead us ever more closely to her Son, Jesus. This year, we will mark our Parish Feast with a special Day of Healing and Prayer. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to pray together, spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, receive the Sacraments, and enjoy fellowship with one another.

Programme for the Day

10.00am – The Holy Rosary

Children from our three parish primary schools – Sacred Heart, St Mary's and St Oswald's – will lead us in praying the Rosary as we honour Our Blessed Lady.

12.00 noon – Eucharistic Adoration and Confession

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoration, and several visiting priests will be available throughout this time to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession.

1.00pm – Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

We will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady together with a Solemn Mass. There will also be an opportunity during the Mass to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

7.00pm – Evening Healing Service

We will conclude our day with a simple and prayerful service of healing, including the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and to receive individual prayer ministry.

Whether you are carrying a particular burden, seeking healing in body, mind or spirit, longing to return to the Sacrament of Confession, or simply wishing to spend some quiet time with Our Lord and Our Lady, there is a place for you on this special day.

You do not need to come for the whole day. Please come for whatever part of the programme you can manage. What matters is that, as a parish family, we take this opportunity to come together in prayer and place our lives, our families and our parish into the loving hands of Our Blessed Mother.

Please continue to pray for our Parish Feast, that Tuesday 8th September may be a day of abundant grace, healing and renewal for our whole parish community. I very much look forward to celebrating this special feast with you.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us. God bless, Fr O'Brien

 

 

Could you be called to serve the church as a Permanent Deacon?

If you are a Catholic man interested in learning more about the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Salford, please come along to the next ‘Come and See’ event, which takes place on Saturday 3^rd October 2026 between 10am and 2pm. The event will be held at St John Henry Newman Parish, 5 Roseneath Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5AX. There will be opportunities to talk to some of our deacons and find out more about their journey and the ministry without committing to anything further. For more information please email diaconate@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Pantasaph Monastery

We are pleased to announce our diocesan pilgrimage to the Pantasaph Monastery in North Wales for the Year of St Francis of Assisi, which takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026. The day coach will leave the 1st pick up point at 9am and will be returning at around 6pm. The cost of the trip is £35pp, which includes the following:

Coach travel

Lunch

Tea/coffee

Donation to the monastery

For more information and to book your place, please contact the pilgrimage office by telephone on 0161 817 2209 or email: walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

 

 

Caritas Conference: Tackling poverty and injustice in the Diocese of Salford

Caritas Salford invites you to join them for a free day of learning and reflection on the social teaching of Pope Leo XIV. This conference will be held on Saturday 10 October from 11AM to 3.30PM. Guest speakers will be present with a free lunch provided. For more information and to book your place please visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/CaritasConference

 

 

New Volunteering Role at Caritas Salford

Our diocesan charity Caritas Salford has a team of almost 200 amazing volunteers, all of whom support their work with people in our parishes who are experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination. The team is looking for suitable volunteers who would be interested in giving a little time to work alongside families at their young parent accommodation in Blackburn - supporting and facilitating activities with the babies and their parents.  All roles will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring check. To find out more about this or other volunteering opportunities with the charity, visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/volunteer or contact Matt Yates: m.yates@caritassalford.org.uk

 

 

Caritas Fundraising Concert - Friday 18th September, 7pm

Mercy Brothers Concert with string Quartet for Caritas at St Ambrose Barlow High School Swinton M27 6QP. This event will include Solanus string quartet, the Mercy Brothers band performing music to sign and dance to, as well as the school’s steel band and their rock band.  It will certainly be a night to enjoy and remember! Solanus members include newly ordained diocesan priest Fr Theo, Fr Chris, and Hannah and Holly who work in roles across the diocese. The Mercy Brothers, formed in the Year of Mercy 2013, now includes Fr Mark as lead singer and rhythm guitar, Fr Joe on lead guitar, Fr Nick on bass guitar, Fr Chris on keyboard, and Tom the drummer.

For tickets please visit: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/fr-gorton-silver/

 

 

Latest Vacancies Within the Diocese

Cathedral Business Manager

Choral Director: Schools Singing Programme

Please find more information about these jobs and how to apply on the Diocese website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/

 

 

Sunday 30th August 2026 - Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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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 30^th August 2026

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

Friday 28^th August

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

6pm Mass, Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Memoria)

St. Augustine was born in 354, and thanks to the prayers of his mother Monica, he became a Christian and was chosen as bishop of Hippo, in North Africa. Here his pastoral care, teaching and writings were exemplary. He died in 430, leaving many works most famous of which was his "Confessions".

 

Saturday 29^th August

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

10am Votive Mass of The Passion of Saint John the Baptist (Memoria)

'The king promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.' (Mark 6:17-29)

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 30^th August

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

10am Mass for Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Tuesday 1^st September

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Wednesday 2^nd September

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

10am Weekday Mass (Feria)

10:35am Devotions to Saint Joseph

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

 

Thursday 3^rd September

9:30am Mass, Saint Gregory the Great, Pope, Doctor of the Church (Feast)

St Gregory the Great was born in Rome in 540A.D; he became a civil servant and Prefect of the City. He entered the Abbey of St. Andrew, and was ordained deacon in 578A.D. In 590A.D Gregory was elected Pope, showing pastoral care in preaching, writing, care for the poor and working for the welfare of Rome. He is the "Apostle of England" because it was he who sent Augustine to minister there, after encountering English slaves in the Forum.

 

Friday 4^th September

3.00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

5.00pm Sacrament of Confession

6.00pm Holy Mass, Saint Cuthbert, Bishop (Memoria)

St. Cuthbert was born 643A.D, died on Farne 20th March 687 A.D. A shepherd boy, he became a monk at Melrose. After the Synod of Whitby in 664 A.D, he became prior of Lindisfarne and won over the community to Roman customs. In 676 A.D. he left the monastery to live in solitude on the island of Farne. For the last two years of his life he served as bishop of Lindisfarne but returned to his island to die.

6.30pm – 9.00pm Continued Eucharistic Adoration

9pm Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament

 

Saturday 5^th September

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

10am Weekday Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 6^th September

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

10am Mass for Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

with the procession of the statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle around church.

2pm St. Mary's Celebratory Afternoon Tea

 

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£476.76. Thank you.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This Week (29^th August – 4^th September), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Bee Adeyaba.

 

Devotions to Saint Joseph

On Wednesday 2^nd September, after the 10am Mass, there will be our first Wednesday 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.

 

Our Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle - Tuesday 8th September 2026

The day is almost here!

As we approach Tuesday 8th September, I would like to warmly invite every parishioner to make a special effort, if at all possible, to join us for our Parish Feast - Our Lady’s Birthday. As I mentioned last week, our church was solemnly dedicated in 1948 on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Our Lady's Birthday. From that time, our parish has been placed under Our Lady's loving care and protection. It is therefore a beautiful tradition for us to come together each year on this feast, entrusting ourselves and our parish once again to Mary and asking her to lead us ever more closely to her Son, Jesus. This year, we will mark our Parish Feast with a special Day of Healing and Prayer. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to pray together, spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, receive the Sacraments, and enjoy fellowship with one another.

Programme for the Day

10.00am – The Holy Rosary

Children from our three parish primary schools – Sacred Heart, St Mary's and St Oswald's – will lead us in praying the Rosary as we honour Our Blessed Lady.

12.00 noon – Eucharistic Adoration and Confession

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoration, and several visiting priests will be available throughout this time to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession.

1.00pm – Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

We will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady together with a Solemn Mass. There will also be an opportunity during the Mass to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

7.00pm – Evening Healing Service

We will conclude our day with a simple and prayerful service of healing, including the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and to receive individual prayer ministry.

Whether you are carrying a particular burden, seeking healing in body, mind or spirit, longing to return to the Sacrament of Confession, or simply wishing to spend some quiet time with Our Lord and Our Lady, there is a place for you on this special day.

You do not need to come for the whole day. Please come for whatever part of the programme you can manage. What matters is that, as a parish family, we take this opportunity to come together in prayer and place our lives, our families and our parish into the loving hands of Our Blessed Mother.

Please continue to pray for our Parish Feast, that Tuesday 8th September may be a day of abundant grace, healing and renewal for our whole parish community. I very much look forward to celebrating this special feast with you.

Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us. God bless, Fr O'Brien

 

 

First Friday Eucharistic Adoration- “Could You Not Watch One Hour With Me?”

Friday 4th September – 3.00pm–9.00pm

This Friday our church will be open from 3.00pm until 9.00pm for our monthly First Friday Eucharistic Adoration. The First Friday devotion has a long tradition in the Church and is especially associated with devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At its heart is a simple invitation: make time for Jesus. In the midst of our busy lives, we are invited to come before the Blessed Sacrament, to pray, to be still, and simply to spend time with Our Lord. When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, Jesus is truly present. What a wonderful opportunity to come into His presence, bring Him our prayers and concerns, and allow Him to speak to our hearts.

Friday's Programme

3.00pm — Divine Mercy Chaplet and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

5.00pm — Opportunity for Confession

6.00pm — Holy Mass

6.30pm -  9pm — Eucharistic Adoration

9pm Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament

 

You don't need to come for the whole evening. Come for an hour, half an hour, or simply call into church when you can. The important thing is to take the opportunity to spend some time with Jesus.

Could You Give One Hour to the Lord?

To ensure that the Blessed Sacrament is never left unattended, we need two parishioners for each hour to act as our First Friday “watchers”. If you can commit to one hour, please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the noticeboard at the back of church. Everyone is welcome to come and pray, whether or not you are signed up as a watcher. Jesus is waiting. Come and spend some time with Him. God bless, Fr O'Brien

 

Urgent: Stop assisted suicide - postcards available

The vote on assisted suicide is on 11 September.

Not Dead Yet UK have provided postcards you can send to your MP to ask them to vote NO to assisted suicide in the vote in the House of Commons on 11 September.

Please take action now - collect a red and white postcard, fill out your details, add a stamp and post it to your MP today!

 

New Volunteering Role at Caritas Salford

Our diocesan charity Caritas Salford has a team of almost 200 amazing volunteers, all of whom support their work with people in our parishes who are experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination. The team is looking for suitable volunteers who would be interested in giving a little time to work alongside families at their young parent accommodation in Blackburn - supporting and facilitating activities with the babies and their parents.  All roles will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring check. To find out more about this or other volunteering opportunities with the charity, visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/volunteer or contact Matt Yates: m.yates@caritassalford.org.uk

 

 

Fancy a Walk?

Caritas Salford is organising a 6-mile scenic, circular sponsored hike in Lancashire, along the delightful Downham Trail.  Taking place on 5 September, the walk is an undulating route with the potential for expansive views from the summit of Beacon Fell.

Visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/LancsWalk for more information or to register for your free place.

 

 

Parish Administrator Role

The parish of Our Lady & St Alphonsus Moss Side are looking for a Parish Administrator to provide a broad range of support to the parish including communications, coordinating the liturgical calendar and parish events, parish administrative tasks and liaising with volunteer and community groups. To find out more about the role and how to apply, please visit the diocesan website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/