Sunday 5th December 2021
Second Sunday of Advent
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Tuesday 7th December
5pm -5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
'In Confession, Jesus welcomes us with all our sinfulness, to give us a new heart, capable of loving as he loves.' - Pope Francis
6pm Mass, Saint Ambrose, Bishop & Doctor (Memoria)
St. Ambrose was born in 340 A.D. He was a surprising choice as the Bishop of Milan. Renowned for his charity and eloquence, a great hymn-writer and preacher. He baptised St. Augustine of Hippo. He died in 397 A.D.
Wednesday 8th December
10am Mass, The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity)
'The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the saviour of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.' - Pope Pius IX
Thursday 9th December
10am Mass, Advent Weekday
'Advent is the season of the seed: the seed, Christ said, is the word of God sown in the human heart.' - Caryll Houselander
Friday 10th December
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
'Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to
the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.' St. John Paul II
6pm Mass, Advent Weekday
Saturday 11th December
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
'Confession is the sacrament of the tenderness of God, his way of embracing us.'
- Pope Francis
10am Mass, Advent Weekday
6pm The Holy Rosary
6:30pm Vigil Mass, Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday 12th December
9:30am The Holy Rosary
10am Mass, Third Sunday of Advent
Following guidance from the diocese, we are still strongly encouraged to wear face masks in church Thank you for continuing to make St. Mary's a safe and prayerful place for the Glory of God.
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (4th Dec - 11th Dec) the Sanctuary Lamp is burning in prayer for the Simpson Family.
Advent 2021: Prayers & Devotions
To help us embrace this season of preparation for the coming of the Lord there will be a number of opportunities for prayer.
The Holy Rosary
There was such a positive response by parishioners about having the space to pray the Rosary before each weekend Mass in October that we will be doing it again during Advent. It would be wonderful if members of the parish could come forward and help lead us in this prayer. It can seem quite daunting leading the Rosary but there will be a printed script on the lectern to read from, taking away any worry about what to say. If any parishioner would like to help lead the Rosary before the weekend Masses during Advent email sean.obrien@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
The Sacrament of Confession
'Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin, all hope consists in confession; in confession there is a chance for mercy.' St. Isidore of Seville
Come home to the Lord this Advent, so that when Christmas arrives and the Lord knocks at the door to our heart's, He will find room at the Inn. Never be afraid or worried about Confession, His love and forgiveness is real.
Tues 7th Dec 5:00–5:45pm
Fri 8th Dec 5:00–5:45pm
Sat 11th Dec 9:00 – 9:45am
Tues 14th Dec 5:00pm–5:45pm
Fri 17th Dec 5:00–5:45pm
Sat 18th Dec 9:00 – 9:45am
Tues 21st Dec 5:00pm–5:45pm
Friday 24th Dec 10:30am – 11:15am
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
The music of Advent is silence. Silence that enables reflection and space to both talk and listen to the Lord. A wonderful way to do this is spending time before the Blessed Sacrament; actually being in the Real Presence of Jesus Himself. Why not, during this season of preparing and listening, make time to come to Adoration and simply be with Our Lord, for as long or a short as you can.
Tuesday's 5pm – 5:50pm
Friday's 5pm – 5:50pm
Saturday's 9am – 9:50am
(check updates on e-newsletter for any changes to times)
'In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering.'
Pope Benedict XVI
Weekday Masses
At St. Mary's there are Masses throughout the week, at different times, to allow parishioners the opportunity to worship and adore the Lord at the Altar. Why no take advantage of this during Advent and come closer to God. What a wonderful way to begin the weekend with Friday evening Mass at 6pm or a mid week morning Mass at 10am. The door is always open.
Volunteer Gardeners
Autumn is definitely here with the nights drawing in, temperatures getting cooler and leaves on the trees dropping. As always if there are any kind volunteers who would be prepared to help clear the church paths and grounds of leaves then please do get in contact with Navada at keenannavada@gmail.com
Sacred Heart School
On Friday I was invited to Sacred Heart school to bless their Advent wreath during the weekly assembly. Advent is a wonderful time that isn't just a countdown to Christmas Day but a reminder that Jesus will come again. His Second Coming is something we should all look forward to, whether young or old, because He is love and who doesn't want to receive Love!
St. Mary's School
Each week a class from St. Mary's school join us for either a Wednesday or Thursday Mass. Let's continue to pray for all our young parishioners that they will experience the reality of Jesus Himself, radiating from the Real Presence in the Tabernacle.
Caritas Salford's Advent Appeal 2021: #Loved
Caritas Salford's work with children and families is at the heart of our Love in Action as much as it ever was, and is just one aspect of their diverse work supporting those facing crisis and challenge.
As the principal domestic social action agency of the Catholic Diocese of Salford, and in this Year of St Joseph and the Family, Caritas is asking for your support to continue this transformative work.
Please visit http://www.caritassalford.org.uk/advent-2021 to see the difference your donations have made in the past 12 months to over 5,000 families*. For example, you've helped provide:
A safe place to live for young parents with their infant child with 24/7 support
Food parcels and shopping vouchers
Essential household items and toiletries
School uniform, shoes and Christmas treats/presents
Financial grants to families facing a crisis, illness or poverty
1:1 advice sessions with our trained staff for as long as it takes
*2019/20 Caritas Salford's Impact Report
Online donations, via the website, save the charity the cost of administration and eases the claim for 25% extra in Gift Aid. Setting up a direct debit can also be done in this way.
Alternatively, call Rachel Taylor during office hours on 0161 817 2285. Cheques made payable to Caritas Diocese of Salford, marked FAO Rachel Taylor: ADVENT APPEAL to: Caritas House, Nobby Stiles Drive, Collyhurst, Manchester M4 4FA. Please include your full name, address and postcode, and whether you wish to gift aid the donation.
Thank you for your support. Please continue to keep our teams of staff and volunteers in your prayers, as well as those who need our support, so that they know they are loved.
Universal Synod
Pope Francis has called a Universal Synod which is taking place in every Catholic diocese across the world. The Synod is themed: "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission". We want to hear from as many people as possible, those involved in the church and those who are not. You can take part by completing an online submission using the QR code or following this link.
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3D3FXJ2. Please share this link with family and friends. We have until 1st March 2022 to make our submissions then, after national and continental gatherings, the Synod of Bishops will gather in Rome in 2023 to reflect on what has been heard. Please remember the Synod in your prayers. Your contribution is invaluable and will make a considerable difference to the future of the Church in our diocese and across the world.
Diocese of Salford Vacancies
Re-advertisement: Parish Development Coordinator (with responsibility for Synod)
Appointment type: Full-time, permanent (35 hours per week. Some evening and weekend work will be required).
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £26,000 - £28,000
Closing Date: 12 noon on Friday 22nd October
The Diocese of Salford are looking to recruit a suitably qualified individual to play a key role in coordinating the Diocese's Synodal Journey. To achieve this, the post holder will be required to assist the Bishop, clergy and lay-people of the Diocese to discern carefully together what the Spirit is saying to the Church across the diocese and agree on common goals and actions for the coming years.
Chancery & Tribunal Senior Administrator (replacement role):
Appointment type: Permanent, full-time or part-time (35 hours per week full time, or 30 hours per week will also be considered).
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £26,000 - £28,0000 per annum.
For further information and to apply, please visit www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
The Covid Vaccine
"Bishop John is urging all adults, who are able to do so, to be vaccinated. Pope Francis has reminded people of the duty to be vaccinated if they are able. The Church is clear that all Catholics can take any of the vaccines on offer with a clear conscience. Even if you are at a low risk of becoming seriously ill, being vaccinated will lower the risk of transmitting the virus to somebody else who might then have a severe reaction or even die. It is particularly important that those in our parishes, clergy and lay-people who visit those who are housebound or otherwise vulnerable are vaccinated."
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien