15th May 2022 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Saturday 14th May
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sunday 15th May
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Tuesday 17th May
Day of Prayer for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Easter Weekday Mass
The Bishops have chosen Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter as the Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse — 17 May 2022. There were two connected reasons for moving the Day of Prayer from Lent to Easter: this is not a penitential day for the failure of the Church and others to respond to the scourge of abuse but a day of prayer for those who have been abused in a season of hope and new life.
Wednesday 18th May
10am Easter Weekday Mass
Thursday 19th May
10am Easter Weekday Mass
Friday 20th May
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Easter Weekday Mass
Saturday 21st May
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions
10am Easter Weekday Mass (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
Sunday 22nd May
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
Sanctuary LampThis week (14th May - 21st May) the Sanctuary Lamp is burning in prayer before the Tabernacle for Martin Dwyer RIP
Return of the Sunday Obligation at Pentecost (Sunday 5th June 2022)At the end of this weeks e-newsletter is the full text of the Bishops of England and Wales Statement in regards returning to Mass at Pentecost.
...Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, until the present time, we have shared with you
our judgment that the situation of the last two years has meant that the Sunday Obligation
has been impeded and has needed to be fulfilled in other ways. We thank God that this
situation has now changed. The pressing challenges of the pandemic have lessened
significantly. Most people have resumed the wide range of normal activities, no longer
restricted by the previous Covid measures. We therefore believe that the reasons which have
prevented Catholics from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation no
longer apply….
May: The month of Mary
I've been asked would I recommend any books about Our Lady to help people understand her better and further their relationship and devotion towards her. Below are some titles that I have found helpful and easily found on Amazon.
Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre
Rethinking Mary in the New Testament by Edward Sri
10 Wonders of the Rosary by Fr. Donald Calloway MIC.
Mary Most Holy, Meditating with the Early Cistercians by Cistercian Publications.
Mary: Mirror of the Church by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa
33 Days to Morning Glory. A Do-it-Yourself Retreat in preparation for Marian Consecration by
Fr. Michael Gaitley MIC.
Vocation to the Permanent Diaconate
Last weekend I preached about the vocation to the permanent diaconate. Again, if there are any men of the parish who would like to talk about it or ask any further questions do get in contact.
The permanent deacon, who may be single or married, dedicates his life to serving others. His ministry of service focuses on three areas: assisting at the altar in the celebration of the sacraments; preaching the Word of God and leading people in prayer; and reaching out in loving service to the practical and spiritual needs of others, especially of the poor and those outside the normal confines of the Church. Traditionally the permanent deacon works closely with his diocesan bishop. Most permanent deacons, in practice, serve the greater part of their time within their home parish. But there are many who work as chaplains in schools, prisons, hospitals, etc. Others are in full-time employment where their work is itself 'diaconal': teachers, social workers, nurses, doctors, etc. Their ordination brings a specific grace that allows their life of service to be consecrated in a special way.
What are the signs of a calling to the permanent diaconate?
The permanent diaconate is open to both single and married men in some dioceses. Where there is the practice, then some signs of a calling to that life are discernible.
Discussion with wife
If a married man is thinking about the permanent diaconate it is essential that he discerns this vocation with his wife, so that it is a decision made within the unity of one's marriage. For the married man ordination to the diaconate is meant to grow out of and complement his marriage. These are just some signs that God might be calling you to the permanent diaconate, some of the ways that God might be guiding you in your life. It is the overall pattern that is important. The paragraphs about marriage obviously apply only to those who are married. If you are interested in finding out more about the permanent diaconate then talk to your parish priest or get in touch with the Director for Permanent Deacons in the diocese.
A stable and supportive marriage
No marriage is perfect, but you and your wife must have a solid and supportive relationship. There are no major issues in your marriage that make it hard for you to communicate with each other or live your Catholic faith with integrity. You are able to make this decision about ordination together in a mature way. You both believe that the commitment to the diaconate, in the time of formation and in the ministry itself, will not be an unnecessary burden for your marriage and family, but rather an enrichment.
A commitment to your Catholic faith and to your prayer life
You love your faith and it has been an important part of your life for a long time. You treasure it for yourself, you have made time to grow in your understanding of the faith, and you long to share it with others. You try to pray within the circumstances of your working life. You value prayer. You appreciate in a personal way the importance of the sacraments, especially of the Mass.
A commitment to family and work
You love and care for your wife and family, despite the inevitable struggles. You are faithful to your responsibilities at work and you are able to give generously of your time and yourself whenever there is need.
A desire to serve
You have already shown a commitment to serve others in different ways, in the parish or in other voluntary situations. You have the time and energy and proven capacity to work for others and to work willingly. You have a desire to serve others more wholeheartedly, as a vocation. You are drawn especially to the service you see in the lives of deacons: assisting at the altar in the sacramental celebrations, preaching and teaching God's Word, leading people in prayer, and serving others in the ministry of charity. This will extend especially to the poor and the marginalized; and one of your particular responsibilities as a deacon will be to bring their needs to the notice of your parish and the wider church.
Human qualities
You have all the human qualities that will allow you to be a worthy minister in God's Church. You have the emotional and psychological maturity to take on a new and demanding role. You are able to take the lead, and you have experience in different leadership roles. You can work well with others and win their respect.
The encouragement of others
Other people in the parish encourage you to think about the diaconate, or support you when you discuss the idea. They can see you in this ministry; they can imagine that you would do it well and that you would find happiness in it.
The encouragement of your parish priest
A key person in your discernment and in supporting you will be your parish priest. If he believes that you are being called to the permanent diaconate, and if he supports you in your application, then this is a very positive sign.
The place of celibacy
A single man commits himself to lifelong celibacy from the moment of his ordination as a permanent deacon. A married man does not – he continues to live the fullness of his marriage – but he makes a promise that if his wife dies before him he will remain celibate and will not remarry. This is a very serious commitment, especially if there are young children in the family and there is an anxiety about how they might be brought up or cared for should their mother die.
Fr. Mark Paver (Vocations Director)
St. Luke's Presbytery, Swinton Park Road, Salford, M6 7WR
Tel: 0161 736 2696
Diocesan Prayer for Vocations
Heavenly Father,
we ask you to send labourers into your harvest.
Inspire, in the hearts of your people,
vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.
Bless our families with a spirit of generosity,
so that those whom you call have the courage to give themselves
to your Church in faith.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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. A fitting colour and a fitting present to give Our Blessed Mother in the month of May. Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
St. Oswald's School
This week I visited Mrs Collinge's class to talk about the Rosary. We not only looked at the practicalities of saying this prayer on our beads but also reflecting on the Joyful mysteries. I explained that each mystery is an episode in Our Lord's life and the more we take time to think about these episodes the better we know and understand Jesus. Plus, it's also while reflecting on a mystery that quite often God speaks to us, to guide, challenge, heal and reassure.
I'd like to thank Mrs Warburton and the children in the St. Oswald's Cross Stitch Club for the beautiful gift they gave me on Thursday. It's a framed cross stitch image of the Blessed Sacrament and Chalice. I'll leave it at the back of church for parishioners to see over the next week. Thanks again St. Oswald's.
St. Mary's Coffee Morning: 10:30am Wednesday 8th June
The next parish coffee morning will be after the 10am Mass on Wednesday 8th June. 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
Update: The Three Kings!!!
Since appealing for donations to help restore our final parish crib figures – The Three Kings – parishioners have generously given £275. We only need to raise a further £720 to reach our target. If you would like to make a donation please place it in an envelope marked 'Three Kings' and put it in the offertory basket. Thank you as always for your generosity.
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
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham
A sincere word of thanks to the nearly 500 pilgrims who joined us on our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham last Saturday. It was particularly good to welcome a group of young people from across the diocese. We also had a group that stayed overnight as well as coaches from all parts of the diocese. Thank you to Bishop John for leading us and the team of coach leaders and other helpers.
Saturday May 6 2023: Save the Date.
If you would like to explore taking a parish group, or arranging an overnight stay near Walsingham please email Walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
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/
St Euphrasia's Care Home
St Euphrasia's Care Home in Blackley, Manchester, is extending its offer of a respite and day care service to wider members of the community. The all-female home currently provides care for the Good Shepherd Sisters but is now taking enquiries from all ladies looking for day care. Visitors can enjoy a warm home cooked meal, an assisted bath or shower, good company, daily Mass, and a friendly, peaceful environment to recharge their and their carer's batteries.
For more information, please email euphrasia116@gmail.com
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/
Mass for Young Adults
Sunday 12th June, 5.30pm, St Augustine's Church, Grosvenor Square, Manchester
Salford Youth Ministry is delighted to be celebrating another Mass for Young Adults on Sunday 12th June - Trinity Sunday. Our monthly Mass for Young Adults takes place on the second Sunday of every month at St Augustine's Church in Manchester and is followed by an informal social.
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
Diocese of Salford Jobs
Heritage Project Manager for St John the Baptist RC Church, Rochdale
Appointment type: Part-time, fixed-term contract until 30/12/2023. 14 hours per week, to be worked flexibly.
Location: St John the Baptist RC Church, Rochdale, with travel in the local area. Some work will be conducted remotely.
Salary: £33,670 per annum subject to pro rata (approx. £13,648 per annum)
Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday 23rd May 2022
To find out more and apply, please visit https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
Heritage Volunteer Activity Coordinator for St John the Baptist RC Church, Rochdale
Appointment type: Part-time, fixed-term contract until 30/12/2023. 21 hours per week, to be worked flexibly.
Location: St John the Baptist RC Church, Rochdale, with travel in the local area. Some work will be conducted remotely.
Salary: £23,000 per annum subject to pro rata (approx. £13,800 per annum)
Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday 23rd May 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
Returning to Mass at Pentecost
This is the bread come down from heaven (John 6:58)
A beautiful hallmark of the Catholic faith is the profound desire to participate in the Holy
Mass and share in the Eucharist. We do so with deep gratitude and joy. The Eucharist gives
the Church her identity - "The Eucharist makes the Church, and the Church makes the
Eucharist." It enables us to worship Almighty God, to support each other on our journey of
faith, and to be a visible sign of faith in the world. This hallmark is supported and
strengthened by the precept that our fundamental Christian duty is to worship God by
participating in the celebration of Mass. Attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is the
greatest of all privileges, sometimes referred to as "the Sunday Obligation."
Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, until the present time, we have shared with you
our judgment that the situation of the last two years has meant that the Sunday Obligation
has been impeded and has needed to be fulfilled in other ways. We thank God that this
situation has now changed. The pressing challenges of the pandemic have lessened
significantly. Most people have resumed the wide range of normal activities, no longer
restricted by the previous Covid measures. We therefore believe that the reasons which have
prevented Catholics from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation no
longer apply.
We understand there will still be some members of our congregations who, for reasons of
health, do not feel safe enough to return to Mass. It has always been the understanding of
the Church that when the freedom of any Catholic to attend Mass in person is impeded for
a serious reason, because of situations such as ill health, care for the sick or legitimate fear,
this is not a breach of the Sunday Obligation.
Our Catholic people and parishes have benefitted during these difficult times from the
online streaming of Mass and other services. "Virtual viewing" of Mass online does not fulfil
the Sunday Obligation. It may, however, be a source of continual spiritual comfort to those
who cannot attend Mass in person, for example those who are elderly and sick, for whom
the obligation does not apply. In this context, we recognise gratefully the ministry of those
who administer Holy Communion to the elderly, sick and housebound.
We are grateful to our clergy, religious and lay faithful who have served our parishes,
schools and communities with dedication and distinction throughout this pandemic. Now
we look forward with renewed faith and confidence.
In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Lord's Supper, the Lord Jesus entrusted to us the
precious gift of Himself. With humility, we glory in being a Eucharistic people for whom
attendance at Mass is essential. Looking forward to the forthcoming feast of Pentecost, we
now invite all Catholics who have not yet done so to return to attending Mass in person.
As the Church needs the witness of the presence of each person, so too each believer needs
to journey in faith and worship with their fellow disciples. Nourished by our encounter with
the Risen Lord Jesus, fed with His Word and His Body and Blood in Holy Communion, and
supported by the presence of each other, we receive strength week by week, to serve the
Lord and glorify Him with our lives.
Approved by the Plenary Assembly of the Bishops' Conference
Friday 6th May 2022