Sunday 16th February 2025
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the coming week...
Friday 14th February
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Saints Cyril & Methodius, Bishops, Patrons of Europe (Feast)
With Blessing of those in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony (see below for details)
Ss Cyril and Methodius were brothers and missionaries, who carried the Gospel into the Slavonic countries. They translated the liturgical books into the Slavonic language (inventing a new script, Cyrillic, to do do). Cyril died in 869 A.D, Methodius in 885 A.D.
Saturday 15th February
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
10am Votive Mass of Our Lady, (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass of The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Sunday 16th February
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass of The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Tuesday 18th February
3pm Funeral Service for Susan Dawson RIP at Accrington Crematorium
5pm – 5:50pm – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Wednesday 19th February
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Weekday Mass (Feria)
7pm Parish Bible Study (See below for details)
Thursday 20th February
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Weekday Mass (Feria)
Friday 21st February
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 22nd February
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
10am Mass, The Chair of Saint Peter (Feast) (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
St. Peter and his successors, the popes, were chosen as the "visible and principal signs of unity", a point of reference so as to embark on the journey of faith confidently and securely. The Feast of the "Chair" of Peter, therefore, is a recognition of the spiritual significance of St. Peter and his successors, as well as a privileged manifestation of God's love who is our good and eternal Shepherd who wants to gather His entire Church and guide it on the path of salvation.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass of The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Sunday 23rd February
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass of The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (16th February – 22nd February), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Andrew Georgy.
Our Lady's Lamp
This week (16th February -22nd February), Our Lady's Lamp is for George + Maureen + Bill.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£691.39. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Hospital Emergency Call
This week I'll be helping out the Fr. Samson Ojekunle, the Catholic Chaplain at the Royal Blackburn Hospital by going on the emergency 'on call' rota. As you'll appreciate, an emergency is never planned and so it may mean that certain visits or appointments I've made will be either delayed or postponed. Thank you to all our stewards in advance, whose invaluable help means that, even if I can't make it in time for a Mass, the church is open for prayer. Let's pray for all the sick and those who care for them. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for them.
Our Lady of Lourdes: Healing Service
Thank You to all those who helped towards making the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes such a prayerful occasion here at St. Mary's last Tuesday. The opportunity for Confession, Adoration, Mass and the Sacrament of the Sick were gratefully appreciated by the many visitors who came. My thanks for the pastoral care and prayers from the priests who came – Fr. Gerard Kelly, Fr. Stephen Adedji and Fr. Pat Tansey.
Security Patrol
The contractors have now employed a security company who you will probably see during these next few weeks of continued building work. They are called Leisure Guard Security (UK) Ltd, a Bolton based company. Their staff are all fully certified, SIA-accredited and will carry identification.
Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel
The next session is Wednesday 19th February from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better.
Racial Justice Sunday
This weekend, we mark Racial Justice Sunday with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope: Our Journey Together Towards Racial Justice." The theme celebrates both the Jubilee Year and the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday, inviting the Catholic community to reflect on the journey towards racial justice - past, present, and future. For prayers and resources, head to https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday/
Pilgrim's Passport
Create new family traditions this Jubilee year by picking up our family-friendly guide to Jubilee churches in the Diocese of Salford. With fast facts, thought-provoking questions, and different activities, our Pilgrim's Passport is the ideal companion to help families pray and journey together this Jubilee Year. Find out more at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/pilgrims-passport/ or visit one of our Designated Churches to begin.
Jubilee for Communications
In celebration of the Holy Year, we are having a Jubilee of Jubilees to shine a light on a number of different themes represented in our diocese. We begin with our Jubilee for Communications, in which we explore this month's Gospels to reflect on how we can share the Good News in our world today. Access the resources now at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/jubilee-2025/calendar/
Jubilee Book Signing Event
A special book signing and reading event is due to take place to celebrate the launch of two new books about our diocese by Mgr John Allen - 'A popular history of the Diocese of Salford' and 'Pilgrims of Hope: Out and About in Salford Diocese'. It will be held on Monday 3 March at 5pm at St Patrick's Church, in Collyhurst. You can book your free place now at www.caritassalford.org.uk/booksigning. All proceeds from book sales go to Caritas Salford.
Silent Retreat
Join the Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre team for a peaceful day of prayer this February. This one-day Silent Retreat invites you to spend time with the Lord in silent prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, attend outdoor Mass, and explore the beautiful grounds of the Centre. Find out more and register your attendance at https://laudatosicentre.org.uk/events/silent-retreat
Are you aged between 18 and 35 or know someone who is?
Our diocesan charity Caritas Diocese of Salford is looking for young adult volunteers to join their governance committee as co-opted members to help shape the charity in the coming months and years. Find out more about how you can help tackle poverty, homelessness, disadvantage, and displacement in our parish communities at www.caritassalford.org.uk/youngadultboard
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham 2025
Our diocesan pilgrimage office is now taking bookings for its next annual pilgrimage to Walsingham. Our pilgrimage in this Holy Year of Jubilee will take place on Saturday 3 May 2025, with an option to extend your visit by staying overnight on Friday 2 May. For more information, prices, and details on how to book, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/walsingham-pilgrimage-2025 or call 0161 817 2209
Job Vacancy
Parish Administrator – St. Mary's, Oswaldtwistle
Appointment Type: Part-time, permanent Working hours: 5 hours per week - Work pattern
to be agreed with Parish Priest Location: St Mary's Presbytery, Catlow Hall Street,
Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3EZ Salary and benefits: £13.23 Per hour, 25 holidays, plus statutory
bank holidays and 5 Diocesan closure days (subject to pro-rata).
About: The parish of St Mary's Oswaldtwistle are looking for a Parish Administrator to
provide administrative support to the parish including office administration, secretarial and
basic accounting duties.
What we are looking for: We are looking for a person with excellent organisational skills who
is able to work well and effectively within a small team, including volunteers. They will be
able to undertake a variety of administrative tasks competently and efficiently and be able
to prioritise activities to meet deadlines.
What you will need: The successful candidate will have experience of Microsoft Office and
ideally have experience as a Secretary/Administrator in a responsible position. They will be
trustworthy with the ability to work with complete discretion and confidentiality and have a
friendly and professional manner.
Safeguarding: The Diocese of Salford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare
of children and young people. The post-holder will be expected to contribute to a positive
culture of safeguarding within the organisation. This post is subject to check by the
Disclosure and Barring Service. All employees of the Diocese are expected to work to
promote the safeguarding of vulnerable groups. They must familiarise themselves with and adhere to the procedures on how to deal with allegations or concerns of abuse and the Church's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures which can be found at http://www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/national[1]safeguarding-standards/national-safeguarding-policy
Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 24th February 2025
Please contact the HR department for an application pack or if you have any queries about
the role: Telephone: 0161-817-2203 Email: HR@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Salford Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered Charity - Registered Charity No. 250037
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien