Sunday 16th August 2026 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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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 16^th August 2026

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

Friday 14^th August

10am Requiem Mass for Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Burton RIP

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

6pm Mass, Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Priest & Martyr (Memoria)

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894. He became a Franciscan in 1910. Arrested by the invading German forces in 1939 and sentenced to heavy labour in the extermination camp at Auschwitz. When a married man was chosen to be executed, Maximilian volunteered to take his place. He was killed by lethal injection on 14th August 1941. He was canonised in 1982 in the presence of the man whose life he saved.

 

Saturday 15^th August

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

10am Votive Mass of Our Lady (In the Lady Chapel)

"Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor."- Saint Teresa of Kolkata

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

Sunday 16^th August

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Holy Day of Obligation

'It was fitting that she, who had kept her virginity in childbirth, should keep her own body free from all corruption even after death. It was fitting that she, who had carried the Creator as a child at her breast, should dwell in the divine tabernacles… it was fitting that God's Mother should possess what belongs to her Son and that she should be honoured by every creature as the Mother and the Handmaid of God." - St John Damascene

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

10am Mass for The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

Tuesday 18^th August

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Weekday Mass

 

Wednesday 19^th August

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

10am Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Friday 21^st August

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

6pm Mass, Saint Pius X, Pope (Memoria)

St. Pius X was born in Riese (Italy) into a poor family in 1835, he was ordained and worked as parish priest for 17 years before bring made spiritual director at the seminary, then bishop of Mantua, patriarch of Venice and finally Pope in 1903. He sought to renew Christian life, by emphasising charity and the Eucharist; he worked to avoid war in 1914, but died shortly after its outbreak.

 

 

Saturday 22^nd August

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

10am Votive Mass of Our Lady (In the Lady Chapel)

"Mary means Star of the sea, for as mariners are guided to port by the ocean star, so Christians attain to glory through Mary's maternal intercession." - St. Thomas Aquinas

 6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Memoria)

'This is why the Blessed Virgin is called Powerful—nay, sometimes, All-powerful, because she has, more than anyone else, more than all Angels and Saints, this great, prevailing gift of prayer. No one has access to the Almighty as His Mother has; none has merit such as hers. Her Son will deny her nothing that she asks; and herein lies her power. While she defends the Church, neither height nor depth, neither men nor evil spirits, neither great monarchs, nor craft of man, nor popular violence, can avail to harm us; for human life is short, but Mary reigns above, a Queen for ever.' - St. John Henry Newman

 

Sunday 23^rd August

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

10am Mass for Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£542.48 Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

The Sanctuary Lamp

This Week (15^th August – 21^st August), The Sanctuary Lamp is for Gattei & Bevan Family.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This Week (15^th August – 21^st August), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Michael Salmon.

 

 

The Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this great feast, we rejoice in the truth that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into the glory of Heaven. The Assumption reminds us that Mary, who faithfully shared in the life, death and resurrection of her Son, now shares fully in His glory. For us as Catholics, this feast is also a sign of hope: what God has accomplished in Mary points towards our own destiny. We too are called to share in the resurrection and eternal life promised to us through Christ. As we honour Our Lady, may she pray for us and lead us ever closer to her Son.

 

 

Keep the Date Free – Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle

Tuesday 8th September 2026

I would like to encourage every parishioner to keep Tuesday 8th September free in your diary if at all possible, as we celebrate the Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle. Many people are unaware that when our church was solemnly dedicated in 1948, it was consecrated on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady's Birthday). Since that day, our parish has been placed under Our Lady's loving care and protection. It is therefore fitting that, each year, we celebrate this feast together and entrust ourselves once again to Mary, asking her to lead us ever more closely to her Son, Jesus Christ. This year we will mark our Parish Feast with a special Day of Healing and Prayer, offering opportunities throughout the day to receive the Lord's grace through prayer, the sacraments and fellowship.

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 the Sacrament of 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

During Mass there will also be the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

7.00pm – Evening Healing Service

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

Whether you are seeking healing in body, mind or spirit, wishing to return to the Sacrament of Confession, or simply wanting to spend time in prayer with Our Lord and Our Lady, I warmly invite you to join us for all or part of this special day. Please keep this date free and pray that our Parish Feast may be a day of abundant grace, healing and renewal for our whole parish community. Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

God Bless. Fr O'Brien

 

 

Save the Date – Annual Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle Sunday Afternoon Tea

As part of our celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, there will be the Annual Parish Afternoon Tea on Sunday, 6th September. At the 10.00am Parish Mass, our beautiful statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle will once again be carried in procession around the church as we honour Our Blessed Lady and entrust our parish to her loving care. In the afternoon, we will gather for our much-loved Parish Afternoon Tea, which starts at 2.00pm—a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together, enjoy good company, and strengthen the friendships that make our parish such a welcoming community. There are 40 tickets available at £15 each. As this event is always very popular and sells out quickly, tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Parishioners are asked to pay when booking to secure their ticket. The deadline for booking and payment is 23rd August. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please let us know before 23rd August, as we may not be able to accommodate requests received after this date.

 

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/

 

 

Open Afternoon at the Lalley Centre

There will be a special open afternoon at the Lalley Community Allotment run by our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford, on Tuesday 18 August from 12:00-3:30PM. For more information please contact the team at lalleycentre@caritassalford.org.uk or simply pop along on the day to Caritas Lalley Community Allotment, St Malachy's RC Primary School, Eggington Street, Collyhurst, Manchester, M40 7RG

 

 

 

 

Sunday 9th August 2026 - Nineteenth 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 9^th August 2026

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Friday 7^th August

3.00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

5.00pm Opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession

6.00pm Holy Mass

6.30pm – 9.00pm Continued Eucharistic Adoration

8.50pm Solemn Benediction

 

Saturday 8^th August

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

10am Mass, Saint Dominic, Priest (Memoria)

St. Dominic, born in 1170 in Spain, Dominic became a priest and after strenuous preaching against the Albigensians he founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) to continue his work. He died in 1221.

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 9^th August

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

10am Mass for Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Tuesday 11^th August

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Mass, Saint Clare (Memoria)

St. Clare was born in Assisi in 1193, followed St. Francis in his life of poverty and was the founder of an order of nuns (Poor Clares). She led a very austere life, abounding in works of piety and charity. She died in 1253.

 

Wednesday 12^th August

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

10am Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Thursday 13^th August

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

10am Weekday Mass (Feria)

 

Friday 14^th August

10am Requiem Mass for Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Burton RIP

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

6pm Mass, Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Priest & Martyr (Memoria)

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894. He became a Franciscan in 1910. Arrested by the invading German forces in 1939 and sentenced to heavy labour in the extermination camp at Auschwitz. When a married man was chosen to be executed, Maximilian volunteered to take his place. He was killed by lethal injection on 14th August 1941. He was canonised in 1982 in the presence of the man whose life he saved.

 

Saturday 15^th August

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

10am Votive Mass of Our Lady (In the Lady Chapel)

"Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor."- Saint Teresa of Kolkata

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

Sunday 16^th August

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Holy Day of Obligation

'It was fitting that she, who had kept her virginity in childbirth, should keep her own body free from all corruption even after death. It was fitting that she, who had carried the Creator as a child at her breast, should dwell in the divine tabernacles… it was fitting that God's Mother should possess what belongs to her Son and that she should be honoured by every creature as the Mother and the Handmaid of God." - St John Damascene

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

10am Mass for The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£605.11 Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

A Book Recommendation – Forgiveness

In my homily last weekend, I spoke about the remarkable story of Immaculée Ilibagiza, the Rwandan genocide survivor who, despite experiencing unimaginable suffering, was eventually able to pray with sincerity the words of the Our Father: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." A number of parishioners asked me afterwards could I recommend a book to learn more about her extraordinary witness of faith, hope and forgiveness. The book is entitled Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, written by Immaculée with Steve Erwin. It is Immaculée's autobiographical account of surviving the 1994 Rwandan genocide. During the violence, she spent 91 days hiding with seven other women and throughout her ordeal, she drew strength from constant prayer, especially the Rosary. Her story is a powerful testimony to God's grace and to the transforming power of forgiveness, demonstrating how faith can overcome even the deepest hatred and suffering. If you are looking for a spiritually inspiring and deeply moving read, I can warmly recommend this book. It is a profound witness to the truth that, with God's grace, forgiveness is possible even in the face of the greatest evil. God Bless, Fr. O’Brien

 

 

Building & Maintenance Update

The drainage repair project at St Mary's has now begun. Following approval of the works by the Diocesan Property Committee, contractors from Metro Rod formally commenced work on Monday 3rd August. These essential works will repair the deteriorated sections of the drainage system serving both the church and presbytery, as identified during the CCTV drainage survey carried out earlier this year. The project is being overseen on behalf of the Diocese by Lee Sloan from the Diocesan Property Department. As with any major programme of works, there may be some temporary disruption around parts of the church and presbytery while the repairs are underway. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses and significant milestones are reached.

 

 

Please contact your MP to oppose assisted suicide

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is back in the House of Commons and seeks to legalise assisted suicide. It will have its Second Reading and vote on Friday, 11^th September 2026. Please write to your MP to make your voice heard and oppose the Bill. “This bill is wrong in principle,” says Archbishop Richard Moth, President of the Bishops’ Conference, “It is also deeply flawed and, if passed, could lead to vulnerable people feeling pressured into ending their lives. The Bill has a serious lack of protection for health and social care staff and risks putting many wonderful hospices and care homes in the position of no longer being able to operate. I urge you to write to your Members of Parliament to petition them to vote against the Bill at Second Reading.”

You can support the Archbishop’s call and contact your MP now as a matter of urgency. Even if you have already done so in the past, please speak up and voice your opposition. The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to do this. It takes little more than a few minutes to enter your postcode, make sure the suggested text suits your viewpoint and submit your message to ask your MP to stop this flawed Bill progressing through parliament.

For more information and resources, visit:

cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide

righttolife.org.uk/Sept11vote

 

 

Keep the Date Free – Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle

Tuesday 8th September 2026

I would like to encourage every parishioner to keep Tuesday 8th September free in your diary if at all possible, as we celebrate the Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle. Many people are unaware that when our church was solemnly dedicated in 1948, it was consecrated on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady's Birthday). Since that day, our parish has been placed under Our Lady's loving care and protection. It is therefore fitting that, each year, we celebrate this feast together and entrust ourselves once again to Mary, asking her to lead us ever more closely to her Son, Jesus Christ. This year we will mark our Parish Feast with a special Day of Healing and Prayer, offering opportunities throughout the day to receive the Lord's grace through prayer, the sacraments and fellowship.

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 the Sacrament of Confession

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

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

During Mass there will also be the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

7.00pm – Evening Healing Service

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

Whether you are seeking healing in body, mind or spirit, wishing to return to the Sacrament of Confession, or simply wanting to spend time in prayer with Our Lord and Our Lady, I warmly invite you to join us for all or part of this special day. Please keep this date free and pray that our Parish Feast may be a day of abundant grace, healing and renewal for our whole parish community. Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

God Bless. Fr O'Brien

 

 

Save the Date – Annual Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle Sunday Afternoon Tea

As part of our celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, there will be the Annual Parish Afternoon Tea on Sunday, 6th September. At the 10.00am Parish Mass, our beautiful statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle will once again be carried in procession around the church as we honour Our Blessed Lady and entrust our parish to her loving care. In the afternoon, we will gather for our much-loved Parish Afternoon Tea, which starts at 2.00pm—a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together, enjoy good company, and strengthen the friendships that make our parish such a welcoming community. There are 40 tickets available at £15 each. As this event is always very popular and sells out quickly, tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Parishioners are asked to pay when booking to secure their ticket. The deadline for booking and payment is 23rd August. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please let us know before 23rd August, as we may not be able to accommodate requests received after this date.

 

Services to Support Local People

Caritas Salford runs a wide range of community and outreach services to help people in our diocesan communities who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, isolation and discrimination.  If you, or someone you know, might benefit from their support, you can find details on their website: www.caritassalford.org.uk/services

 

 

Love Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing or Making?

Our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford, is looking for creative parishioners who might be able to help them raise funds to help support people in our parish communities who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.  They're looking for people who can either make items to sell in aid of the charity, or groups of people from our parishes who can be paired with local schools to help knit hats and scarves for pupils to wear in their Big Sleep Out fundraisers.  If you can help, please get in touch with the team at fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2250.

 

 

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.

 

 

Sunday 2nd August 2026 - Eighteenth 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 2^nd August 2026

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Friday 31^st July

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions

6pm Mass, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest (Memoria)

St. Ignatius was born in 1491. After life in the army, he converted to a deep spiritual life. He studied in Paris and gathered companions around himself, who later became the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). They were effective in teaching and evangelising. He died in 1556.

 

Saturday 1^st August

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

10am Mass, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (Memoria)

St. Alphonsus Liguori, after a career as a lawyer, he became a priest and founded the Redemptorists. He wrote on Moral Theology and was vigorous in combating Jansenism. He died in 1787

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 2^nd August

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

10am Mass for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Tuesday 4^th August

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Mass, Saint John Mary Vianney, Priest (Memoria)

St. John Mary Vianney was born in Lyons in 1786. After years of struggle he was ordained and sent to Ars, where by preaching and holiness he drew people back to the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Confession. He died in 1859.

 

 

Wednesday 5^th August

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

10am Mass, Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Memoria)

The doctrine of Mary, Mother of God was proclaimed as the Council Ephesus (431 A.D.); Pope Sixtus III erected a Basilica on the Esquiline Hill in Rome to honor her which became later known as Saint Mary Major.

10:35am Devotions to Saint Joseph

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

 

Thursday 6^th August

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

10am Mass, for the Transfiguration of the Lord

 

Friday 7^th August

3.00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

5.00pm Opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession

6.00pm Holy Mass

6.30pm – 9.00pm Continued Eucharistic Adoration

8.50pm Solemn Benediction

 

Saturday 8^th August

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

10am Mass, Saint Dominic, Priest (Memoria)

St. Dominic, born in 1170 in Spain, Dominic became a priest and after strenuous preaching against the Albigensians he founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) to continue his work. He died in 1221.

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 9^th August

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

10am Mass for Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£488.06.

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (1^st August – 7^th August), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Audrey Keane.

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This Week (1^st August – 7^th August), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Raymond Davitt.

 

Devotions to Saint Joseph

On Wednesday 5^th August, 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.

 

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

Earlier this summer, during the month of June, we introduced extended Eucharistic Adoration each Friday in response to the many parishioners who had expressed a desire for more opportunities to spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I am delighted to say that the response was wonderful. Throughout the month, many people came to pray, to find peace and stillness, to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession and above all to spend time with the Eucharistic Jesus in His Real Presence. It has been a source of many quiet graces, with parishioners speaking of a renewed closeness to the Lord and a deeper appreciation of the gift of the Holy Eucharist. Because of this encouraging response, I am very pleased to announce that extended Eucharistic Adoration will now take place on the First Friday of every month, beginning on Friday 7th August, following the same timetable:

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

5.00pm — Opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession

6.00pm — Holy Mass

6.30pm – 9.00pm — Continued Eucharistic Adoration

8.50pm — Solemn Benediction

For this beautiful ministry to continue, we do need your help. The Church asks that the Blessed Sacrament is never left unattended, so we are looking for at least two parishioners to commit to each hour of Adoration. If you would be willing to offer just one hour each month to keep watch with the Lord, I would be most grateful. A First Friday Adoration sign-up sheet is now available on the noticeboard at the back of church. Whether you are able to come regularly or only occasionally, your generosity will help ensure that this important time of prayer can continue. The forthcoming First Friday dates are: Friday 7th August, Friday 4th September, Friday 2nd October, Friday 6th November, Friday 4th December

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked His disciples, "Could you not watch one hour with me?" (Matthew 26:40). Those words remain His invitation to each of us today. In the midst of busy lives, an hour spent before the Blessed Sacrament is never wasted. It is an opportunity to rest in His presence, to entrust our burdens to Him, to pray for our families and our parish, and simply to be with the One who waits for us in love. As St John Vianney beautifully said: "He is there. He is waiting for you." I hope many more parishioners will discover the peace, strength and joy that come from spending time before Our Eucharistic Lord. God Bless, Fr O'Brien

 

 

Please contact your MP to oppose assisted suicide

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is back in the House of Commons and seeks to legalise assisted suicide. It will have its Second Reading and vote on Friday, 11^th September 2026. Please write to your MP to make your voice heard and oppose the Bill. “This bill is wrong in principle,” says Archbishop Richard Moth, President of the Bishops’ Conference, “It is also deeply flawed and, if passed, could lead to vulnerable people feeling pressured into ending their lives. The Bill has a serious lack of protection for health and social care staff and risks putting many wonderful hospices and care homes in the position of no longer being able to operate. I urge you to write to your Members of Parliament to petition them to vote against the Bill at Second Reading.”

You can support the Archbishop’s call and contact your MP now as a matter of urgency. Even if you have already done so in the past, please speak up and voice your opposition. The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to do this. It takes little more than a few minutes to enter your postcode, make sure the suggested text suits your viewpoint and submit your message to ask your MP to stop this flawed Bill progressing through parliament.

For more information and resources, visit:

cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide

righttolife.org.uk/Sept11vote

 

 

Keep the Date Free – Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle

Tuesday 8th September 2026

I would like to encourage every parishioner to keep Tuesday 8th September free in your diary if at all possible, as we celebrate the Parish Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle. Many people are unaware that when our church was solemnly dedicated in 1948, it was consecrated on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady's Birthday). Since that day, our parish has been placed under Our Lady's loving care and protection. It is therefore fitting that, each year, we celebrate this feast together and entrust ourselves once again to Mary, asking her to lead us ever more closely to her Son, Jesus Christ. This year we will mark our Parish Feast with a special Day of Healing and Prayer, offering opportunities throughout the day to receive the Lord's grace through prayer, the sacraments and fellowship.

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 the Sacrament of Confession

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

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

During Mass there will also be the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

7.00pm – Evening Healing Service

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

Whether you are seeking healing in body, mind or spirit, wishing to return to the Sacrament of Confession, or simply wanting to spend time in prayer with Our Lord and Our Lady, I warmly invite you to join us for all or part of this special day. Please keep this date free and pray that our Parish Feast may be a day of abundant grace, healing and renewal for our whole parish community. Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.

God Bless. Fr O'Brien

 

 

Save the Date – Annual Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle Sunday Afternoon Tea

As part of our celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, there will be the Annual Sunday Afternoon Tea on the 6th September. At the 10.00am Parish Mass, our beautiful statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle will once again be carried in procession around the church as we honour Our Blessed Lady and entrust our parish to her loving care. In the afternoon, we will gather for our much-loved Parish Afternoon Tea—a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together, enjoy good company, and strengthen the friendships that make our parish such a welcoming community. Further details, including information about tickets for the Afternoon Tea, will be available soon. Watch this space!

 

 

Services to Support Local People

Caritas Salford runs a wide range of community and outreach services to help people in our diocesan communities who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, isolation and discrimination.  If you, or someone you know, might benefit from their support, you can find details on their website: www.caritassalford.org.uk/services

 

 

Love Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing or Making?

Our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford, is looking for creative parishioners who might be able to help them raise funds to help support people in our parish communities who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.  They're looking for people who can either make items to sell in aid of the charity, or groups of people from our parishes who can be paired with local schools to help knit hats and scarves for pupils to wear in their Big Sleep Out fundraisers.  If you can help, please get in touch with the team at fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2250.

 

 

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.

 

 

Sunday 26th July 2026 - Seventeenth 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 26^th July 2026

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

Friday 24^th July

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions

6pm Weekday Mass

 

Saturday 25^th July

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 26^th July

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

10am Mass for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Tuesday 28^th July

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

6pm Weekday Mass

 

Wednesday 29^th July

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

10am Mass, Ss Martha, Mary and Lazarus (Memoria)

St. Martha received the Lord into her house and provided for his needs while Mary hung on his every word. Lazarus was raised from death by Jesus.

 

Thursday 30^th July

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

10am Weekday Mass

 

Friday 31^st July

5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions

6pm Mass, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest (Memoria)

St. Ignatius was born in 1491. After life in the army, he converted to a deep spiritual life. He studied in Paris and gathered companions around himself, who later became the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). They were effective in teaching and evangelising. He died in 1556.

 

Saturday 1^st August

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

10am Mass, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (Memoria)

St. Alphonsus Liguori, after a career as a lawyer, he became a priest and founded the Redemptorists. He wrote on Moral Theology and was vigorous in combating Jansenism. He died in 1787

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

6:30pm Vigil Mass for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Sunday 2^nd August

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

10am Mass for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£619.47. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

Sanctuary Lamp

This week (25^th July – 31^st July), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Fussell & Beveridge Family.

 

 

The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Last weekend, I spoke in my homily about the Brown Scapular and the rich spiritual tradition associated with this well-loved Catholic devotion. The Brown Scapular has its origins in the Carmelite Order and has been worn by Catholics for centuries as an outward sign of love for Our Lady and a desire to follow Christ more faithfully. According to Carmelite tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Simon Stock in the thirteenth century, encouraging this devotion as a sign of her maternal care and protection. The Brown Scapular is not a charm or a superstition. Rather, it is a sacramental of the Church, reminding those who wear it of their commitment to live the Gospel, to pray regularly, to receive the sacraments faithfully, and to entrust themselves to the loving care and intercession of Our Blessed Lady. The Church teaches that those who wear the Brown Scapular with faith and devotion, striving to live a Christian life, may confidently hope for Our Lady's maternal assistance throughout life and especially at the hour of death. The scapular is a beautiful reminder of Mary's constant invitation to draw closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. If you would like to begin wearing the Brown Scapular, a number are available to purchase from the piety stall at the back of the church. If you have not previously been enrolled in the Brown Scapular, please speak to me, as the Church provides a simple rite of enrolment which is celebrated only once. God Bless Fr. O’Brien

 

 

World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly: 26 July 2026

"The celebration of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is an opportunity to rediscover that the Church is called to be a mother to all and that at any age it is always possible to recognize ourselves as sons and daughters of God.  May this day, therefore, be an inspiration for everyone, especially the young, to revive the beautiful custom of visiting their grandparents, the elderly members of the family, and even those who have no-one to visit them." Pope Leo XIV.

As World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly approaches, take a look at a free resource from Caritas Salford, on celebrating and developing relationships with older family members and older people within our parish and wider communities: www.caritassalford.org.uk/OlderPeopleResource

 

 

Cause for the Beatification of Pedro Ballester

The Diocese of Salford has formally opened the Cause for the Beatification and Canonisation of Pedro Ballester, a young man from Manchester who died in 2018 aged just 21. For more information about the cause, please go to the diocesan website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/cause-for-beatification-of-pedro-ballester/

As part of this process, the Diocese is inviting anyone who knew Pedro, or who has memories, testimonies or writings relating to him, to come forward to help build a fuller picture of his life and character. To contribute, please contact the Diocesan Tribunal.

Email: tribunal@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

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

 

 

Services to Support Local People

Caritas Salford runs a wide range of community and outreach services to help people in our diocesan communities who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, isolation and discrimination.  If you, or someone you know, might benefit from their support, you can find details on their website: www.caritassalford.org.uk/services

 

 

Love Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing or Making?

Our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford, is looking for creative parishioners who might be able to help them raise funds to help support people in our parish communities who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.  They're looking for people who can either make items to sell in aid of the charity, or groups of people from our parishes who can be paired with local schools to help knit hats and scarves for pupils to wear in their Big Sleep Out fundraisers.  If you can help, please get in touch with the team at fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2250.

 

 

Free Catholic Social Teaching webinar

Catholic Social Teaching has been referred to as 'the Catholic Church's best kept secret' (Mark Shea).  Many people are unaware of the depth of the Church's teaching on social justice, which applies the Gospel to current social issues impacting our communities.  With the by-election for the Mayor of Greater Manchester set to take place on Thursday 30 July, the time is right to raise our awareness of Catholic Social Teaching and reflect on how it can help to inform the decisions and choices we make in life.  Caritas Salford, our diocesan charity, is running a free webinar to introduce you to the basic principles in an accessible way.  Book your free place now: www.caritassalford.org.uk/event/cst-webinar

 

 

A Night of Music and Fun

The African Priests and Religious of the Diocese of Salford are inviting you to a concert in celebration of African Liturgical and folk music. This is to be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Failsworth, M35 0NN on 31 July 2026 at 7PM. This promises to be a night of good music (by the invited choir) and laughter (by the priests and religious who also try to sing!). Let us come with our parishioners to have a fun evening.

 

 

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.