Sunday 27th February 2022 – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Saturday 26th February
6pm Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 27th February
10am Mass for The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday 28th February
10:30am Parish Tea & Coffee Morning. All are welcome.
Tuesday 1st March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Feast of Saint David, Bishop & Patron of Wales
St. David was born in Cardigan 520A.D. He founded monasteries and became Bishop and Primate of Wales. He settled his See at Mynyw (Menevia) where he died in 588A.D.
Wednesday 2nd March: Ash Wednesday, Day of Fasting & Abstinence
'Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may go to heaven.' - St. Rose of Lima
9:30am The Holy Rosary
10am Mass, with the distribution of Ashes
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Mass, with the distribution of Ashes
Thursday 3rd March
10am Lent Weekday Mass
Friday 4th March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Lent Weekday Mass
6:30pm Stations of the Cross
'The cross is the school of love.' – St. Maximilian Kolbe
Saturday 5th March
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Lent Weekday Mass (Celebrated in the Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary
6:30pm Vigil for First Sunday of Lent
Sunday 6th March
9:30am The Holy Rosary
10am Mass for the First Sunday of Lent
1:30pm Parish Walk – Sawley Abbey
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (27th Feb - 5th March) the Sanctuary Lamp is burning in prayer before the Tabernacle for Nikki Duhan RIP.
New! St. Mary's Prayer Group
Dear Parishioners,
As you will have seen this week, Russian forces have invaded Ukraine. Troops have rallied, tanks are rolling and soldiers are on the move. But remember, there is more than one type of soldier. We are called to be Prayer Warriors, and we too are mobilising... for peace.
Jesus told us, 'Do not be afraid', so we refuse to despair, we reject fear and we pray to the Lord our God for a peaceful and rapid resolution to these terrible events. We pray in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. And we pray that the Holy Spirit inspires a sense of compassion and humanity rather than greed and self-interest in our leaders.
So every Saturday in church, at 6pm, we will be praying The Rosary - our weapon of choice - to pray for peace. Please join us. Prayers said in faith can move mountains. Even if we never see the outcome of our prayers, we can be assured that God has heard us - and our prayers will have been answered.
Sian sianclaireowen30@gmail.com
Here's also a link to a Vatican article, calling for people to pray and fast for peace: www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2022-02/war-after-the-pandemic-a-threat-to-humanity.html
Parish Lenten & Easter Walks
This Lent and Easter there will be an opportunity to go for some walks with the parish family, not only to enjoy the beauty and rich Catholic history of Lancashire, but to reconnect with people after the restrictions during the Covid Pandemic.
Sawley Abbey Sunday 6th March (Lent)
Walk in the footsteps of the medieval Cisterican monks who prayed amongst these Lancashire hills and were inspired, by God's creation, to discern His will for them.
Meeting at outside St. Leonard's Church, Downham 1:30pm
Distance 6 ¾ miles 10.8km
Approx 3 hours
Tolkein Trail Sunday 20th March (Lent)
The Lord of the Rings reminds us of the power of Good over Evil. It was this landscape in the Ribble valley, around Stonyhurst College, that was meant to have shaped Tolkein's imagination when writing about the home of the Hobbits – The Shire.
Meeting at Hurst Green village car park by the Bayley Arms, 1:30pm
Distance 6 ½ miles 10.5km
Approx 3 hours
Haslingden Grane Sunday 24th April (Easter)
The shortest walk – well it is Divine Mercy Sunday! Beautiful scenic views.
Meeting at Clough Head Information Centre, 1:30pm
Distance 3miles 4.8km
I hope that many parishioners and families will join me and Mr Crompton (St. Mary's School RE Yr 2 Teacher RE Co-ordinator) as well as other familiar faces on these walks for the simple joy of getting out into the fresh air, enjoying the peaceful and prayerful countryside, meeting others and having fun!
It is important to note that each person who joins us will be responsible for themselves and those in their family group. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared for muddy hillsides and fells. Bring appropriate footwear, clothing and food and drinks for the journey. If you would like to ask more questions or get a copy of the route do see me in the sacristy at the end of the Mass.
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 .
St. Oswald's School
This week I was invited to Mrs Barlow's Class to talk about the vocation of a bishop and how he is called to be a shepherd and a teacher to those under his care. We looked at the various symbols a bishop has, like the Crozier to show his pastoral care to those in his diocese. The Mitre that reminds us he has been chosen and anointed by God. His ring that is the symbol of his authority that comes from his communion with the Pope in Rome. The pupils then asked about my vocation as a priest and what flavour crisps and pizza I prefer! This is the joy of the young people in our parish.
St. Mary's School
On Wednesday I was with Year 6 to talk about the importance of the Bible and how God speaks to us through the sacred Scripture. I talked about how St. Antony of Egypt heard the Gospel story of the rich young man who wanted to follow Jesus, but couldn't because of his wealth. After hearing this St. Anthony sold all his material goods and went into the Egyptian desert to be with God and grow in holiness. I also told the pupils about Blessed Karl Leisner, who despite the impossible, trusted in the Word of God and was ordained a priest in Dachau.
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.
Doreen Pinder RIP
Many parishioners have been asking about Doreen's Requiem Mass. This will take place on Thursday 10th March at 10am.
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