1st May 2022 - Third Sunday of Easter
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Saturday 30th April
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter & Crowning of Our Lady
Sunday 1st May
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter & Crowning of Our Lady
Tuesday 3rd May
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass Saints Philip & James, Apostles (Feast)
Philip was born in Bethsaida. Formerly a disciple of John the Baptist, he became a follower of Jesus. James, son of Alphaeus and cousin of the Lord led the Church of Jerusalem and was martyred on 62 A.D.
Wednesday 4th May
Feast Day of the English Martyrs
On this day in 1535 A.D there died at Tyburn three Carthusian monks, the first of many martyrs. Of these, 42, have been canonised and a further 242 declared blessed, but the number of those who died on the scaffold, perished in prison, or suffered harsh persecution for their faith over a century and half cannot be reckoned. They came from every walk of life; among them rich and poor, married and single, women and men. They are remembered for the example they gave of constancy in their faith, and courage.
11:30am Requiem Mass for Peter Lee RIP
Thursday 5th May
10am Easter Weekday Mass
Friday 6th May
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Easter Weekday Mass
Saturday 7th May
Confessions on Friday evening this week (see above)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Vocation Sunday)
Sunday 8th May
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Vocation Sunday)
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (30th April - 7th May) the Sanctuary Lamp is burning in prayer before the Tabernacle for Florence Hamer RIP.
May: The month of MaryThis weekend marks the beginning of May, the month dedicated to Our Lady. As is our parish custom, parishioners are more than welcome to bring flowers to place at the feet of Mary during the weekend Masses, 30th April 6:30pm Vigil Mass and 1st May 10am Sun Mass. If any young people would like to join the procession at the start of Mass with flowers, please gather at the back of church.
CongratulationsCongratulations to Hero, Mica & Princess who will be receiving Our Lord in Holy Communion for the first time this weekend. Over the last few months these young parishioners, have been meeting with me for weekly catechism lessons. Its been a joy to accompany them and their families on this part of their faith journey. Let's pray for all our young people that they will always appreciate the Sacraments of Confession and the Holy Eucharist which lead them to Jesus Christ, Our Lord, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
First Holy Communion and ConfessionIf there are any young people 7+ who would like to know more about the power of God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession and prepare to receive Jesus in Holy Communion then please come with a parent/guardian to see me in the sacristy at the end of Mass. The parish sacramental programme is an ongoing event throughout the year so nobody ever misses out.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
If there are any younger members of the parish family who are 12years + and would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or know more about it then please see me at the end of a weekend Mass. It's a sacrament that is life changing.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle
Thanks to the Bury Family for their help in laying down a new carpet in the Chapel of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle. You will notice the chapel floor is stripped and in the next week or so Paul and his sons will lay down the new blue carpet – a fitting colour and a fitting present to give Our Blessed Mother in the month of May. Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Parish Walks
Again there was another great turn out for our parish walk last Sunday when we met at Clough Head Visitor Centre. Thanks to all those who came and especially the younger members of our parish who by their presence and enthusiasm gave the walk a joyful atmosphere. The numbers who have turned out for our Lent & Easter walks has surprised me as well as the amount of requests to continue with more future walks. Therefore, with a date to be confirmed, there will be another parish walk on a Sunday afternoon in early June. Watch this space for more details.
St. Mary's Coffee Morning: 10:30am Wednesday 11th MayThe next parish coffee morning will be after the 10am Mass on Wednesday 11th May. It's a great time just to meet up for a brew and chat, something that Covid has all made us appreciate. If you would like to help out or get more information please contact Ciara Kelly at cjk2988@gmail.com
Prayers for Vocations
We welcome Adam Bamber back to the parish for the Easter holidays. Adam continues his formation, studies and discernment for the diocese of Shrewsbury at Oscott College. Next Sunday is also Vocation Sunday where we pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. There will be a basket at the back of church for people to donate to the Ecclesiastical Education Fund which helps to pay for the training of our students at seminary. Let's pray for all candidates for the priesthood and those who are discerning God's calling.
Blessed St Joseph,
You listened in the depth of your heart to the call of God for you
to participate in his plan for the salvation of the world,
you responded with faith to that invitation.
Help me listen for the call of God in my life,
help me understand what the Holy Spirit is asking of me,
and help me be open to follow that invitation,
with courage and a trusting heart.
May your fatherly hand guide me and keep me safe.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The parish finance committee (Sean Keenan, Michael Partington & David Neville) met recently to review the parish finances in the light of the Covid Pandemic. Our current income is only 50% of what it was in 2019. The biggest drop has been the loose collection. The committee has advised me about making better use of the collection baskets at Masses and therefore following their guidance I have made the decision to re-introduce the collection baskets at the offertory. This will begin next weekend (7th/8th May). During the weekday Masses there will still be baskets on the table at the back of church and at the front by the Sacred Heart Chapel. Paying by Direct Debit has become a popular way of supporting the parish. If you would like to know more about this of Gift Aid then please contact Rob Harrison or Berni McGuinness berni.mcguinness@dioceseofsalford.org.uk Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
We are delighted to bring you the details for the 88th Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2022. We have worked extremely hard to ensure that the pilgrimage will be a very safe and fulfilling experience for all who attend. The pilgrimage will be led by Rt Rev. John Arnold, Bishop of Salford. It leaves on 29th July and returns on 4th August 2022. Booking via Joe Walsh Tours Ltd. www.joewalshtours.co.uk , further enquiries email: lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Reminder: The final date for submission of Medical Assessment Form 2022 is Saturday 7th May 2022. All details and forms can be found from the Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage website https://www.salfordlourdes.co.uk/travel-accommodation
The Three Kings!!!Our parish Nativity Set is almost fully restored apart from the Three Kings. Lewis & Lewis who have so beautifully restored our crib figures and Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle have sent through the following costs for the last statues:
'Degrease and prepare all surfaces; King 1 – repair to head and neck, breaks in gown edges; King 2- repair small chips; King 3- repairs to head and neck, fingers. Remove irreparable amateur repairs and re-assemble figure as required. Repaint all figures and add protective coating. £995.'
It would be wonderful to have our Kings fully restored and back at St. Mary's for Christmas this year. Any donations towards the costs would be gratefully appreciated. Just place any monies in an envelope marked 'Three Kings' and place it in one of the collection baskets around church or hand it to a steward. Thank you as always for your kind generosity. God Bless.
Ukraine Crisis
We are all shocked and appalled at the devastating scenes of the invasion of the Ukraine. Catholic agencies are at the centre of the response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis and supporting those whom have been displaced. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and all those against war. There are regular updates on the Caritas website on the various ways parishes and schools can support the aid effort. Please go to: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/ukraine-crisis/
The Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst: Christian Leadership Formation Programme
The Christian Heritage Centre is delighted to announce that the Christian Leadership Formation programme is running for a second consecutive year and is currently open to applications from students in Lower Sixth. The application deadline is Friday 3rd June 2022, although references will still be accepted after that date for applications that have already been submitted. The programme is for students who are actively committed to their faith, who are intellectually gifted and who are committed to shaping a Christian society through their careers. It provided a spiritual and philosophical/theological formation in the Catholic tradition around themes relating to the common good, as well as workshops in skills pertaining to public life. Part- to full sponsorships are available to students who are unable to meet the costs, though we students are asked to attempt to fundraise £140 (10% of the course's costs) as a minimum contribution. Information and application forms are available here: https://christianheritagecentre.com/clf/
Ancient Byzantine Iconography course
A full, seven-day immersion in the spirituality and discipline of writing an icon in the Byzantine style, led by Deacon Nikita Andreyev, of the Prosopon School of Iconograph. Residential and non-residential options, with the course taking place from Saturday 25th June to Friday 1st July at the Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst. For more info and to book, https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/iconography-course/
Caritas Diocese of Salford JobWe have a number of career opportunities available right now for excellent candidates with a passion for social justice. Please visit our website for more details https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/careers/
Parish & Communities Engagement Officer for Caritas Diocese of Salford
Appointment type: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Caritas House, M4 with opportunity to work flexibly
Closing date: Monday 16 May 2022, 10am
Salary: £29,568 - £33,241
Advocacy, Policy & Research Co-Ordinator for Caritas Diocese of Salford
Appointment type: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Caritas House, M4 with opportunity to work flexibly
Closing date: Monday 16 May 2022, 10am
Salary: £33,241 - £36,863
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