29th May 2022
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Saturday 28th 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 Seventh Sunday of Easter
Sunday 29thMay
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Seventh Sunday of Easter
Tuesday 31stMay
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Feast)
This feast goes back to the 13th/14th century. It was established widely throughout the Church to pray for unity. Like most feasts of Mary, it is closely connected with Jesus and his saving work. The more visible actors in the visitation drama (see Luke 1:39-45) are Mary and Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a hidden way. Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages.
Wednesday 1st June
10am Mass, St. Justin, Martyr (Memoria)
St. Justin was born in Samaria in 110A.D. On becoming a Christian he wrote two great works in defence of Christianity – the "Apology" and the 2Dialogue with Trypho". These give us information on the earliest Christian communities. In 165 A.D. Justin was arrested and condemned to death.
Thursday 2nd June
10am Mass, Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs (Memoria)
Ss. Marcellinus and Peter were martyred in the persecution of Diocletian c.300 A.D. Peter, in prison, invited the priest Marcellinus to baptise his gaoler, whom he had converted; the authorities had the two men executed. Their names appear in the Roman Canon at Mass.
Saturday 4th June
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 Pentecost
Sunday 5th June
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Pentecost
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (28th May - 4th June ) the Sanctuary Lamp is burning in prayer before the Tabernacle for The Burton & Clayton Families.
Return of the Sunday Obligation at Pentecost (Sunday 5th June 2022)
At the end of this week's 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….
Parish Walk
After the great success of our last three parish walks the next one will be on Sunday 12th June at 1:30pm.
Holcombe Moor 12th June
We walk partly in the footsteps of an ancient pilgrim path to Whalley Abbey, marked with the stone base of a 12th century cross. The views are breathtaking!!! You are able to see Pendle Hill to the north, Winter Hill to the west, and to the south horizon you can see the beginnings of the Peak District followed by the Welsh Hills. The final leg of the walk passes Peel Tower.
Meeting at Lumb Carr Road Car Park, Holcombe, BL8, 1:30pm
Distance 4 ½ miles (7.3km)
Height gain 690 feet (210m)
Approx 2 ½ hours
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.
Sacred Heart School
Memorial Service
On Friday morning the school community came together, with family and friends of the late Mrs Welch, to bless the school reflection garden in her memory. There was a beautiful procession with the statue of Mary and all the children carrying flowers into the garden. Thank you to all those who came to pray for Sarah and remember all the energy and joy she brought to the school as our Headteacher.
Saint Oswald's School
May Day Procession
On Wednesday the children who are part of the Faith Council led the school in a liturgy giving honour to Our Lady and crowning her statue. Over the last two weeks the pupils have been reflecting on the Five Joyful Mysteries which the Faith Council presented as a series of meditations at the service. I was impressed with their understanding of these mysteries and how they help us to live and come closer to God. When was the last time you prayed the Rosary reflecting on the The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation and finally the Finding of the child Jesus in the Temple?
St. Mary's School
Feast of St. Bede
Mrs Roberts and Mr Crompton's classes joined us for our parish Mass on Wednesday morning in honour of St. Bede, monk and teacher. One of St. Bede's most memorable lessons was at his death. Seeing the sadness of his brother monks he shared out one of the few possessions he had – Peppercorns! Then he asked could he face the place where he prayed daily and chanting the 'Glory Be' entered the Kingdom of Heaven. Let's pray for all our teachers that they continue to witness to our Faith in Jesus in the practice of their daily lives.
Crowning Our Lady
On Wednesday afternoon the children brought flowers and plants as prayers to Our Lady, asking for her intercession. After the statue of Our Lady was crowned there were hymns and bidding prayers.
Prayer Rose
When you come to Mass this weekend you will find, at the stewards desk, paper roses made by the children with a prayer on each one. These gifts have been made by the children for the parishioners at St. Mary's to remind us to pray for each other.
Platinum Jubilee
The Bishops' Conference establishes that, at all Sunday Masses on 4–5 June 2022, each parish prays for Her Majesty the Queen to mark her Platinum Jubilee by including an intention in the Prayer of the Faithful and by reciting at the end of Mass (after the Prayer after Communion and before the Final Blessing) the Prayer for the Queen.
Prayer for the Queen (Following the Prayer after Communion)
V. O Lord, save Elizabeth, our Queen.
R. And hear us on the day we call upon you.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come before you.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
Almighty God, we pray,
that your servant Elizabeth, our Queen,
who, by your providence has received the governance of this realm,
may continue to grow in every virtue,
that, imbued with your heavenly grace,
she may be preserved from all that is harmful and evil
and, being blessed with your favour
may, with the royal family,
come at last into your presence,
through Christ who is the way, the truth and the life
and who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
Prayer for the conversion of England by Cardinal Wisemann
O BLESSED Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England thy "Dowry" and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee. By thee it was that Jesus our Saviour and our hope was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more. Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross, O sorrowful Mother. Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the supreme Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God, together with thee, in our heavenly home. Amen.
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
Meeting for Diocesan Musicians
The Cathedral Director of Music, Alex Patterson, is inviting all those involved in parish music throughout the Diocese of Salford to an online meeting to be held on Monday 20 June, 7.30pm via Zoom. This will be an opportunity to hear more about the work of the Diocesan Schools Singing Programme currently reaching over 650 children and young people across the Diocese and to share your own thoughts about what is needed to help you in running music in your own parish.
Please RSVP via: http://eepurl.com/h0I8Sj
Mass to celebrate 40th Anniversary of Papal Visit
This month marks 40 years since Pope St John Paul II visited our diocese. On 31st May 1982, this much-loved pope celebrated Mass in Heaton Park and visited Nazareth House in Prestwich. To celebrate this 40th anniversary, on Tuesday 31 May 2022 at 7pm there will be a Mass in Our Lady of Grace church, Prestwich, M25 1AS - the parish in which the Mass in Heaton Park took place. A reception in the parish hall will follow. Bishop Tom Neylon, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, was one of the twelve priests ordained in the park, and will be the main celebrant, accompanied by Bishop John Arnold, Bishop Mark Davies and some of the other priests ordained that day.
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/
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.
Diocese of Salford Jobs
Interim Safeguarding Co-ordinator
Appointment type: 6-12 months, fixed-term contract
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP. travel around the diocese will be required, along with occasional overnight travel to support aligned organisations.
Salary: £46,350 – £49,651 dependent on skills and experience.
Closing Date: 12 noon on Friday 10 June 2022
To find out more and apply, please visit https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
Safeguarding Officer
Appointment type: Full-time, permanent
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP. travel around the diocese will be required, along with occasional overnight travel to support aligned organisations.
Salary: £41,200 – £44,134 dependent on skills and experience.
Closing Date: 12 noon on Friday 10 June 2022
To find out more and apply, please visit https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
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/
Prayers for Joan Hogan RIP
We keep the family and friends of Joan Hogan who died recently in our prayers. The family have organised a funeral service to be held at St. Mary's on Tuesday 7th June at 10am.
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