Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Saturday 19th February
6pm Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 20th February
10am Mass for The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tuesday 22nd February
5pm – 6pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
'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
Wednesday 23rd February
10am Mass, Saint Polycarp, Bishop & Martyr
St. Polycarp was one of the 'second generation' Christians, disciples of the Apostles. He became a Bishop of Smyrna but was arrested in Rome and burned to death for his faith.
Thursday 24th February
10am Mass (Feria)
3pm Funeral Service for Mary Greaves RIP (Accrington Crematorium)
Friday 25th February
5pm – 6pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
'The faith I have when I am in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is so strong that I find it impossible to express what I feel... When the time comes to leave I must force myself to overcome the inclination to prolong my stay with Jesus.' - St. Anthony Mary Claret
Saturday 26th February
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Votive Mass of Our Lady (Lady Chapel)
'Love our Lady. And she will obtain abundant grace to help you conquer in your daily struggle.' - St. Josemaria Escriva
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 27th February
10am Mass for The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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 (19th Feb - 26th Feb) the Sanctuary Lamp is burning in prayer before the Tabernacle for a private intention.
Lent & Ash Wednesday 2022
This year the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on the 2nd March 2022. As we know Ash Wednesday is a day of Fasting and Abstinence. On this day the following opportunities for prayer will be available at church:
9:30am The Holy Rosary
10am Mass (With Ashes)
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
5pm – 5:45pm Confessions
6pm Mass (with Ashes)
New! St. Mary's Prayer Group - volunteers needed!
With growing troubles at home and abroad it is hard today to watch the news. The drums of war are beating from Ukraine across Europe; we are seeing increasingly extreme weather events due to climate change; and closer to home financial hardship looms for many because of rising energy prices and cost of living. It is very easy to feel helpless - even hopeless, but we must not forget the priceless gift we have been given by God - the power of prayer. Prayer with faith works. It is infinitely more powerful than the biggest nuclear bomb or the strongest hurricane. It can avert catastrophe, stop wars and bring peace, love and healing where they are needed the most. But we must come together in faith and worship, and ask our Father, creator of the universe, for His help. Because we really, really need it.
So I call you to join me this Saturday before Mass at 6.00pm to say a Rosary for world peace.
And if you are interested in forming a regular prayer group please email me and we can get organised! Sian Owen (St. Mary's parishioner)
Email: sianclaireowen30@gmail.com
St. Mary's Parish Lenten Retreat 7th- 9th March 2022
This year's parish Lenten retreat will be led by Fr. Samuel Burke OP, a Domincan based at St. Albert's, University Catholic Chaplaincy, Edinburgh. The theme of the retreat will be 'Hope', something we all need to hold on to in these trying and uncertain times! Everyone is welcome to come to the retreat. If you can come to all the events on all the days – wonderful! If you can come to some of the events on some of the days – wonderful! The purpose of the retreat is to give space for people to come closer to Our Lord. Do feel free to invite friends, family, neighbours etc.
Monday 7th March
6:30pm Mass
7pm Talk & Meditation
7:45pm Break Tea/Coffee
8pm Questions & Reflection
8:15pm – 8:30pm Closing prayer with Benediction
Tuesday 8th March
6:30pm Mass
7pm Talk & Meditation
7:45pm Break Tea/Coffee
8pm Questions & Reflection
8:15pm Confessions
Wednesday 9th March
6:30pm Mass
7pm Talk & Meditation
7:45pm Break Tea/Coffee
8pm Questions & Reflection
8:15pm Closing prayer
St. Mary's Coffee Morning
On Monday 28th February at 10:30am there will be a coffee morning in church. A chance to catch up with old friends and meet others who you may not have seen since the start of Covid. Everyone is welcome. If you know neighbours or friends who would simply just appreciate getting out to have some social time then do invite them – the more the merrier. For more information contact Ciara Kelly at cjk2988@gmail.com .
Parish & School Lenten Walks!!!
1pm Sunday 6th March & 1pm Sunday 20th March – more information to follow. Watch this space!
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.
Salford Young Adults Retreat
Join other young adults from across our diocese with a weekend of prayer and reflection to help us better prepare for Lent. On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th February, young adults will be coming together at Theodore House, Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe for a special retreat to help focus the mind ahead of the Lenten season. The cost of the retreat is £40 (this has been partially subsidised) and will include bed, breakfast, lunch, and evening meal. To find out more and register your interest, please email salfordyoungadults@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Job Vacancies
Parish of St. Mary, Horwich – Parish Administrator
Appointment type: Part-time, permanent (12 hours per week, working pattern to be agreed with parish priest).
Location: St Mary's Presbytery, 86 Chorley New Road, Horwich, BL6 5QJ
Salary: £10.23 per hr
Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday 28th February 2022
To find out more and apply, please email HR@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with St John Bosco, Blackley – Housekeeper
Appointment type: Part-time, permanent (6 hours per week)
Location: Parish House, Wilson Road, Blackley, Manchester, M9 8BG
Salary: £9.90 per hour
Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday 28th February 2022
To find out more and apply, please email HR@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Health and Safety Business Partner - Diocese of Salford (Replacement Role)
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: £41,200 - £50,645 per annum
Closing Date: 12 noon on Friday 25th February 2022
To find out more and apply, please visit https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien