Sixth Sunday of Easter - Sunday 9th May

+

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 May

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

 

Masses & Liturgies for the following week ...

 

Saturday 9^th May

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

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

 

Sunday 10^th May

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

10am Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

Wednesday 13^th May

10am Requiem Mass for Marion Eccles RIP

 

Thursday 14^th May

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

This is a Holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics

"Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. Listen to the words of the Apostle: If you have risen with Christ, set your hearts on the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God; seek the things that are above, not the things that are on earth." - St. Augustine of Hippo

10am Mass, The Ascension of the Lord (Solemnity)

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

6pm Mass, The Ascension of the Lord (Solemnity)

 

Friday 15^th May

10am Requiem Mass for Roman Jakubowski RIP

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

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

 

Saturday 16^th May

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

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

 

Sunday 17^th May

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

10am Mass for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

 

Our Lady’s Lamp

This Week (9^th May – 15^th May), Our Lady’s Lamp is for Martin Dwyer.

 

Last Week's Offertory Collection

£594.68. Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

The Ascension of the Lord – Holy Day of Obligation

On Thursday 14th May, the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord, when Jesus returned to the Father in heaven, entrusting His mission to the Apostles and to the Church. This is a Holy Day of Obligation, and all faithful Catholics are encouraged to take part in the celebration of Mass. At St Mary’s, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am then later in the day there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:00pm, followed by Mass at 6:00pm. We look forward to gathering together to celebrate this great feast.

 

 

New Statue of Saint Carlo Acutis

This weekend, parishioners will have the opportunity to view our new statue of Saint Carlo Acutis, which has been generously funded through the kindness and support of our parish community. The statue, beautifully carved from wood and crafted in Italy, will be formally blessed by the Bishop on Tuesday 30th June at 7:00pm. All parishioners are warmly invited to attend this special occasion and to join in celebrating this important addition to our church. We are also delighted that the Bishop has kindly offered to bring a relic of Saint Carlo for veneration. This relic has been gifted by the family and support network of St Carlo, making this a particularly grace-filled moment for our parish. I would like to extend a Thank You on behalf of the parish to Glen Leyland, who sharing his gifts as a carpenter generously, has made a plinth for the statue for St Carlo to go on that will be situated between by the column between the Lady Chapel and the sanctuary.

 

 

Deanery Corpus Christi Procession – Sunday 7th June

Many of our parishioners will remember the beautiful Corpus Christi processions that were once such a familiar and cherished part of Catholic life. These were wonderful occasions when we came together publicly to give glory to God and to witness to our faith in the Eucharistic Lord. Sadly, in many places, this tradition has waned over the years. Following the visit of the relics of St Carlo Acutis to the Diocese in February, many people were inspired anew by the deep Eucharistic faith of this young saint, who reminded us that: “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” Since then, there has been a real desire among the faithful to respond to this call to rediscover the centrality of the Eucharist in our lives. In response, the St John Vianney Deanery is organising a Corpus Christi Procession on Sunday 7th June at 3.00pm at St Mary Magdalene’s RC Church, Burnley. The afternoon will include the Blessed Sacrament procession, devotions, reflections from some of the deanery priests, and the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession. What makes such an occasion truly prayerful—what makes it a moment of grace where faith is deepened and love for the Lord renewed—is simply this: that we come. That we accept the invitation.

The Lord himself beckons us:

“Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Matthew 26:40)

and again, in the mystery of the Eucharist:

“Do you also wish to go away?” (John 6:67)

He calls each of us personally. All are warmly welcome. The Lord is calling—will you come and be with Him?

 

 

Our Lady of Walsingham

This week, the children and staff of Sacred Heart and St Oswald’s Schools celebrated some beautiful liturgies in honour of Our Lady during this month of May, traditionally dedicated to Mary. This year, we introduced the children to the image and devotion of Our Lady of Walsingham (last May we reflected on Our Lady of Fatima). This was an opportunity not only to help the children learn about another important place of Christian pilgrimage in our country, but also to deepen their understanding of Mary and her example as a faithful disciple of the Lord. The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham has its origins in the year 1061, when Richeldis de Faverches, the Lady of the Manor, received a vision in which Our Lady asked her to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth — the home of the Holy Family. It was within this holy home that Mary welcomed the Lord with her “yes” to God: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word.” It was there that Jesus was loved, cherished, and adored. Fr O’Brien encouraged the children to reflect on how we might imitate the Holy House of Nazareth in our own lives. How do we welcome the Lord each day — at school, in the playground, in the park, and within our homes and families? Through kindness, prayer, patience, and love of one another, we too can make room for Christ in our hearts and daily lives.

 

 

Free energy bill advice from Caritas

If you are worried about rising energy costs, our diocesan charity Caritas Salford runs a range of free drop-in advice sessions to help with everything from energy debt to making your home more energy efficient.  You can find out more about these and other ways the team can help people across Greater Manchester and Lancashire on the Caritas website at www.caritassalford.org.uk/energysupport

 

 

 

Sunday 3rd May- Fifth Sunday of Easter

                                                                                                        Sunday 3rd May- Fifth Sunday of Easter

Masses & Liturgies for the following week ...

Saturday 2nd 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 3rd May

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

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

Tuesday 5th May

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

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

Wednesday 6th May

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

7pm Parish Bible Study (See below for details)

Thursday 7th May

9:30am  Easter Weekday Mass

Friday 8th May

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

6pm Easter Weekday Mass

Saturday 9th May

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

10am Easter Weekday Mass

6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World

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

Sunday 10th May

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

10am Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sanctuary Lamp

This Week (2nd May – 8th May), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Sadie & James Pickles.

Last Weekend's Collection

£618.62. Thank you for your generosity.

Ecclesiastical Education Fund

Last weekend we raised £283.97 towards the training of our current seminarians and future priests of our Diocese of Salford. Thank you.   

May – Month of Our Blessed Mother

As we enter the month of May, we are reminded that this is a special time in the Church dedicated to Our Blessed Mother Mary. In this season of spring, we see flowers begin to bloom and new life all around us. This beauty of creation points us to Mary, who brought forth the greatest “flower” of all—Jesus Christ, the source of new life for the world. Throughout this month, we honour her in a particular way and seek her loving intercession. Parishioners are warmly invited, if they wish, to bring flowers this weekend (2nd/3rd May) and place them at the feet of the statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle on the sanctuary. In this way, flowers can become a simple but meaningful offering—an act of love and devotion. You may wish to offer flowers in memory of a loved one, as a prayer for someone in need, or as an intercession for those who are sick or struggling. Like a candle, they can be a visible sign of prayer, laid before Our Lady with trust and hope. May this month help us to grow closer to Mary, and through her, closer to her Son.

God bless, Fr O’Brien

Deepening Our Love for Our Lady

During this month of May, dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, you might consider taking up some spiritual reading to deepen your understanding and love of Mary. Good spiritual reading can help us grow in devotion, prayer, and appreciation of Our Lady’s role in leading us to her Son. Here are a few recommended titles that are both faithful and spiritually enriching:

True Devotion to Mary · A classic guide to Marian consecration and devotion by St Louis de Montfort. Written by St Louis de Montfort, this is widely regarded as one of the greatest works on devotion to Our Lady, teaching how Mary leads us more deeply to Christ.

Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross. A Scripture-based reflection on Mary’s life and role in salvation history. This book helps you encounter Mary through Scripture, tracing her journey from Nazareth to Calvary.

The Glories of Mary. A devotional classic exploring Mary’s role as our spiritual mother and intercessor. By St Alphonsus Liguori, this work reflects deeply on Mary’s love and intercession.

Even just a few minutes of reading each day can help us grow closer to Our Lady—and through her, closer to Jesus.

Parish Safeguarding Update

We would like to thank Vinette Davitt, our Parish Safeguarding Representative, for her continued dedication in helping to update our safeguarding records. Her work, together with the cooperation of so many parish volunteers, helps to ensure that St Mary’s remains a welcoming and safe place for all—a true home and “other family” for our community. We are also very grateful to all those volunteers who have given their time so generously and shared their gifts and talents in the life of the parish. Your contribution is deeply valued and makes St Mary’s what it is. There is still some work to be done to ensure full compliance with the diocesan safeguarding requirements. Ciara, our Parish Administrator, and Vinette will be in touch with anyone who has not yet been contacted, to offer support and guidance in completing the necessary processes for their role. Thank you once again for your ongoing cooperation and commitment.

The Ascension of the Lord – Holy Day of Obligation

On Thursday 14th May, the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord, when Jesus returned to the Father in heaven, entrusting His mission to the Apostles and to the Church. This is a Holy Day of Obligation, and all faithful Catholics are encouraged to take part in the celebration of Mass. At St Mary’s, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am then later in the day there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:00pm, followed by Mass at 6:00pm. We look forward to gathering together to celebrate this great feast.

Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Abuse. Message from the Formation and Safeguarding Departments:

Each year the Catholic Church in England and Wales holds a Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Abuse. This year it falls on Tuesday 5th May. Whilst we usually mark the Day of Prayer with a Diocesan Mass, this year we will postpone it until the Cathedral reopens, so that we may gather together in reflection, support, and hope. This year we pray particularly for those affected by Domestic Abuse and Violence. The physical danger domestic abuse presents to life is clear. A woman is murdered by a partner or ex-partner every five days in the UK. Between three and 10 women die by suicide each week due to domestic abuse. It is important to recognise, too, that men can be and are victims of domestic abuse. Abusers can also perpetrate spiritual and coercive abuse, disrupting their victims’ relationships with God and the Church. This can lead victims – adults and children – to feel guilt and shame that push them away from the support that the Church has to offer. At its best, the Church can and should be a safe haven where support is available for victims and survivors so that they can live life without fear and begin to experience the life in abundance Jesus came to bring. This hope is what we pray for this year.

"O God, you sent us your Son as source of all consolation and hope. Be the refuge and guardian of all who suffer from abuse and violence.

Comfort them and send healing for their wounds of the body, soul and spirit. Help us all and make us one with you in your love for justice as we deepen our respect for the dignity of every human life. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen."

Parish Bible Study

Our next Bible Study will take place on Wednesday 6th May from 7:00pm–8:00pm, where we will be looking at Acts chapters 20 and 21. The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the early Church—how the message of Christ spread after the Resurrection, often in the face of great challenge and persecution. It is a powerful witness to the faith, courage, and perseverance of our first brothers and sisters in Christ. In these chapters, we follow St Paul as he continues his missionary journey, guided by the Holy Spirit, even as he faces uncertainty and hardship. Why not come along and discover more about the life of the early Church? It may well affirm and inspire our own faith and witness today.

Everyone is very welcome—just bring a Bible.

New Statue of Saint Carlo Acutis

Next weekend, parishioners will have the opportunity to view our new statue of Saint Carlo Acutis, which has been generously funded through the kindness and support of our parish community. The statue, beautifully carved from wood and crafted in Italy, will be formally blessed by the Bishop on Tuesday 30th June at 7:00pm. All parishioners are warmly invited to attend this special occasion and to join in celebrating this important addition to our church. We are also delighted that the Bishop has kindly offered to bring a relic of Saint Carlo for veneration. This relic has been gifted by the family and support network of St Carlo, making this a particularly grace-filled moment for our parish.

Please do come along and be part of this joyful celebration.

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Sunday 26th April 2026

+

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