24th April 2022 - Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Easter Saturday 23rd April
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
Sunday 24th April
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
1:30pm Parish Walk Meeting at Clough Head Information Centre (details below)
Tuesday 26th April
Transferred Feast of St. George, Martyr & Patron of England
St. George was martyred at Lydda (Israel) around 303A.D, in the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian. His cult, which predates the legend of his slaying the dragon, spread quickly through East and West. King Richard I of England placed his army under his protection, and in 1222 A.D his feast was proclaimed a national holiday.
5pm – 6pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday 29th April
5pm – 6pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Saturday 30th April
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions
10am Easter weekday Mass (In the Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday 1st May
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter
Sanctuary LampThis week (23rd April - 30th April) the Sanctuary Lamp is burning in prayer before the Tabernacle for The Bridges Family.
Parish Easter Walk
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
It is a shorter walk but there are some steep inclines.
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.
Legion of Mary: Divine Mercy Sunday Devotions
On Sunday 24th April there will be the Divine Mercy Devotions at St. Joseph's Church, Audley Range, Blackburn beginning at 2pm. It will start with Eucharistic Adoration, The Divine Mercy Chaplet, O'clock Prayer, Blessing and Procession of the Divine Mercy Image and Holy Mass at 3pm. For more information contact Peter Costello (01254) 262 952
May: The month of Mary
Next 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.
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. 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 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. Congratulations again to Maria, Olivia & Nico who were Confirmed last weekend at the Easter Vigil.
Hymn Books
From this weekend (23rd/24th April) hymn books will be available, at the back of church, for those parishioners who would like to join in singing. All we ask is that at the end of Mass you do not leave the books on the pews but return them to the stewards desk at the end. Thanks for your help with this.
Parish Schools
This week the school R.E Co-ordinators, Mrs Harling (Sacred Heart), Mr Crompton (St. Mary's) and Mrs Collinge (St. Oswalds), all met with myself at the presbytery to plan things for the next coming months. We have these meetings on a regular basis to share ideas and work out what is the best ways to engage both our pupils and their families with the faith. Thanks to these three members of staff there are some great events for the future. Let's continue to pray for all our young people.
First Holy Communion and Confession
If 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.
Parish Website: Deceased List Name Submission.
We have recently been getting a number of requests to include names on the website without the date being included. This makes it difficult to determine which are recent deaths and which are anniversaries, therefore in which column do we insert them? Please remember that the list is refreshed around the first of the month, so if your anniversary listing is anywhere within the required month please submit it early to ensure it is displayed throughout the whole month e.g. If the anniversary date is 27th and submitted on that date it may only be displayed until the end of the month. John Hughes, Parish Website Administrator.
Piety stall
Now things are getting back to normal, why not have a look at the refreshed piety stall as you leave church. Get your Easter 'Chicks' all of the money raised is for church funds, and check out our new stocks of rosaries, cards and much more.
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/
Formation Series: Fr Gerard Kelly - Personal Encounter with Jesus
Wednesday 27th April 2022, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Cathedral Centre, Salford, M3 6DP and via Zoom.
Throughout Stage Four of our Hope in the Future journey, we will have several opportunities to explore our faith and role as missionary disciples through our formation series. On Wednesday 27 April 2022, Fr Gerard Kelly will lead a reflection about having a Personal Encounter with Jesus.
Tea and Coffee will be available from 7:00pm. Following the talk there will be chance to ask questions. To register, please visit www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/personal-encounter-with-jesus/
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 Jobs
We 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
May God bless you, your family and all your friends during this Easter season.
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien