Thursday 24th February 2022
Mass of Peace on Friday
One of the bonuses of technology and parish e-newsletters is that information can be corrected, updated and passed around quickly. There will be Mass Friday evening (25th Feb) at 6pm following Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 5pm onwards. It will be a Mass of Peace which seems appropriate in the current climate. If you can, do join us for this prayer where we will be asking God to bring wisdom, understanding, discernment and most importantly peace to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
'We do not have to talk very much in order to pray well. We know that God is there in His holy tabernacle; let us open our hearts to Him; let us rejoice in His Presence: This is the best prayer.'
St. John Vianney
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.
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien