14th March 2022
Monday, Second Week of Lent
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Just an update, correction and reminder for events taking place this week -
Tuesday 15th March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Lenten Weekday Mass
7pm – 8pm Passing on the Faith Course (Details below)
Parish Lenten & Easter Walks
Over 50 parishioners turned up for the Sawley Abbey Lenten walk last Sunday. The weather was perfect and the views spectacular. Some fantastic groups photos –
The next walks are as follows:
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 footware, 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.
How do I pass on the Faith to my children and grandchildren?
This is a question many parents, grandparents and godparents ask, especially in light of our secular world. Over the next coming months I'm offering the opportunity to help give ideas and content about how the Faith can be passed on.
Tuesday 15th March 7pm – 8pm
Tuesday 22nd March 7pm – 8pm
Tuesday 12th April 7pm – 8pm
Tuesday 19th April 7pm – 8pm
Tuesday 26th April 7pm – 8pm
Parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, parishioners, teachers – anyone is welcome who wants to get some ideas to help pass on the Faith.
St. Mary's Prayer Group
Dear Parishioners,
As we hit the grim milestone of 20 days of war, we continue to bear witness to unspeakable atrocities committed across Ukraine. Innocent people trapped in city of Mariupol face bombs, starvation and disease. Women in the throes of labour, sick children and newborn babies were brutally attacked at a maternity hospital. Volunteers trying to get supplies to those in need were murdered. People trying to flee the besieged city are running targets. They can't even bury their dead with dignity for fear of being shot.
Mariupol means the 'City of Mary'. Let's just think about that for a second. The city of our Holy Mother. Here at St Mary's parish that must surely take on a grim, disturbing significance.
Of course, the violence is not limited to Mariupol. The world looks on whilst cities and towns across Ukraine are blasted beyond recognition. Our hearts are breaking from the sidelines.
What can we do? What can be done? We are so small in the face of these seismic geopolitical events and unimaginable tragedy. Well, we can pray. We MUST pray. It is the only thing we can do. The antidote must come from one man's love - Jesus' love. And this starts with ourselves, we need to change from within. This is not new information all of this is in the Gospels. Pray, fast, forgive, love, repeat. We may be small but if we sow the seeds of love, then, like a tiny mustard seed, God's miracle will grow into something large and magnificent.
So please, please join us on Saturdays at 6pm to pray the Rosary for peace in Ukraine and the world. We are so small, but the power of our prayers will echo up to Heaven. And if you are unable to join us in person, please do pray the Rosary at home, at 6pm, in solidarity with us.
Sian sianclaireowen30@gmail.com
Job Vacancies
DBS Administrator for the Diocese of Salford
Appointment type: Full time (35 hours per week), 12-month fixed-term contract, subject to review and consideration for a permanent position. Part-time hours could be considered.
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Closing date: Monday 28 March 2022, 12 noon
Salary: £19,000 - £22,000 per annum.
Find out more and apply: www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
Communications Manager for Caritas Diocese of Salford
Appointment type: Full time (37.5 hours per week), part-time considered
Location: Caritas House, Manchester, with the opportunity to work flexibly
Closing date: Friday 18 March, 10am
Salary: £31,770 - £34,239
Find out more and apply: www.caritassalford.org.uk
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien