Sunday 15th January 2023 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Saturday 14th January
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Votive Mass of Our Lady (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 15th January
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wednesday 18th January
10am Votive Mass of Saint Joseph
'As he himself [Jesus] was subject to St. Joseph while on earth, recognizing in him the authority of foster father and guardian, so now in heaven he is pleased to grant all his requests.'
- St. Teresa of Avila
Thursday 19th January
10am Mass, Saint Wulstan (Memoria)
St. Wulstan was born in Warwickshire 1008 A.D and died in 1095 A.D. He became a Benedictine monk at the Cathedral Priory of Worcester. In 1062 A.D he was appointed Bishop, one of the few Anglo-Saxons to survive in high office following the Norman Conquest. He was renowned for his care of the poor and sick and the high standards he asked of his clergy.
Friday 20th January
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass
Saturday 21st January
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Agnes (Memoria) (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
St. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr, was martyred at the age of twelve or thirteen, according to St. Ambrose, around the year 300 A.D.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 22nd January
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (14th Jan - 20th Jan 2023), the Sanctuary Lamp is for the Higgins Family.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£663.10. Thank you for your kind generosity.
SPUC Appeal (Society for the Protection of Unborn Children)
This weekend (14th/15th January 2023) there will be the SPUC White Flower Appeal at St. Mary's. SPUC wants a world where abortion is unthinkable, and is raising awareness of the widespread problem of abortion coercion. According to an independent poll, 87% of GPs are concerned that the Government's "pills by post" scheme leaves women vulnerable to coerced abortion. SPUC is calling on the Prime Minister to condemn this abhorrent tragedy. The appeal next weekend is to raise awareness about the issues surrounding the sanctity of life, highlighting the defense of unborn babies and their mothers and to pray for those who are most vulnerable in our society. There will be a basket at the back of church, under the large crucifix, where people can financially donate monies towards SPUC and their work.
Caritas Collection
The Bishop has reminded parish priests about a number of mandatory collections that should take place each year. The first one of 2023 is next weekend of the 28th /29th January for Caritas. There will be a basket at the back of church, under the large crucifix, for anybody who wishes to donate monies to this charity.
Caritas Salford Mission Statement: Our mission is to help those across the Diocese of Salford, experiencing poverty, disadvantage and discrimination to transform their lives with dignity. We provide a practical response to those in crisis, suffering hardship or who are at risk. We rebuild lives for the long-term, enabling people to live in a safe, healthy and secure environment. We call for a better, more just world where the voices of the poor are heard and acted upon and positively influence the systems, decisions and resources that affect those in need.
St. Mary Warm Welcome
Thank you to everyone who came and made it a really enjoyable and successful afternoon. A special mention to Anthony, Dylan and Michael for sharing their voices and musical talents and Ciara, Karen and Maureen who, as always, were there when it came to the teas and coffees. The feedback was loud and clear from parishioners - 'When's the next one?'
Tuesday 24th January 1:30pm – 3pm.
Everyone is welcome from new tots to those wise in years.
Sacred Heart School: Prayers of Thanksgiving
On Saturday morning (14th Jan) at the 10am Mass we will be giving thanks for the work and services of Debbie Kenyon. A member of St. Joseph's parish in Accrington, Debbie has been chair of governors at our parish primary school, Sacred Heart, for over 16 years. Those of you who have been involved with schools as former governors, teachers and parents will know the amount of dedication, perseverance and sheer time that goes into the running of a school 'behind the scenes'. On behalf of the parish we thank Debbie for walking with our school both in the good times and the challenging and ask the Lord to continue to bless her for all her work.
Christmas Decorations
Thank you to all those who helped take down the Christmas decorations for another year – it was much appreciated.
Holy Water
In the church narthex there is the large ceramic holy water container. Please feel free to bring an empty bottle or other suitable container and take some home. Maybe at the start of this year you want to bless your home with it, sprinkle some on the grave of a loved one or pass it to a friend or family member who isn't physically able to get to church. Feel free to help yourself or ask one of the stewards.
'Nightly I sprinkle my room with holy water and invoke the Virgin and St. Michael. And I sleep, just as I go throughout the day, with the rosary in my hands.' – Msgr. Stephen Rosetti
'From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. The also flee from the cross, but return; so holy water must have great value. For my own part, whenever I bless myself with it, my soul feels a particular and most notable consolation.' - St. Teresa of Avila
Congratulations & Prayers
Last Sunday at the 10am Mass we welcomed Oluwasenu 'Olu' and her two daughters Elizabeth & Esther into the Church and our parish family here at St. Mary's. To be able to witness Our Lord and His grace working through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist was both edifying and a blessing. Let's continue to pray for our three new sisters and for others to hear that call and find a home in the Church.
A message from The Friendship Club
'After an excellent Christmas dinner which was enjoyed by all who attended, I'm afraid we start the year on a very sad note. Kevin Dean a committee member and the man who played the piano for us, died over the New Year period. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gail his wife who is also on the committee. Unfortunately this leaves the friendship struggling. Unless we find two or three people who are willing to serve on the committee we will probably be unable to continue. We have many helpers for which we are very grateful but we need committee members. Anyone who thinks that they could help us out please contact myself Margaret Duggan on (01254) 233 070 or my mobile 07845549112 or Susan McKeown on (01254) 384 694 or mobile 07910747347.
Update: Church Roof
You will have noticed the increase of buckets around church before and during this Christmas. From the Lady Chapel to the front block of pews on the right hand side of church, the water is dripping in. One of the entrance porches is still closed off and the other, as parishioners have pointed out to me is deteriorating. As you know in November 2019 I contacted the diocesan building department about these issues and I've now been informed that this month (January 2023), a report will be submitted to a diocesan trustees meeting for them to consider the possibility of undertaking re-roofing works. The proposed works by the building department are:
• Replacement of low-level flat roof coverings to both buildings including associated coping repairs.
• High-level pitched roof repairs to both Transept areas (Replacement / redressing of leadwork and associated slate / coping repairs).
• High-level coping stone repairs to main church roof (Lift, provide new lead flashing & re-bed).
• Chimney stack repairs to presbytery (Slate repairs, replacement lead back & replacement
flaunching to chimney pots)
• High-level gutter replacement works to isolated areas of main church roof.
• High-level ridge repair works to main church roof.
• Removal of water damaged / loose internal finishes to facilitate drying of the structure.
The estimated cost of the work is £138,412.43
Let's continue to pray that St. Mary's will be given the green light and work can begin to keep this House of God dry for a little longer. As soon as I hear any-more news I'll update you all. God Bless.
Church Flowers
We are blessed to have such talented people like Maureen Mullen and the ladies who transform our church with their amazingly beautiful flower displays. However, flowers do cost money and we are always ready to accept any donations towards the cost of these arrangements. If you would ever like to make a donation towards church flowers then it would be more than gratefully accepted. Place your money in an envelope marked 'church flowers' and pass it on to one of the stewards or through the presbytery letterbox. God Bless.
Sacred Heart Memorial Mass
Last weekend a parishioner reminded me that on the 27th June 2023 it will be twenty years since Sacred Heart Church in Accrington closed down and part of the parish was formally amalgamated with St. Mary's, Oswaldtwistle. So many people have fond memories of Sacred Heart. It was part of their family history; that special place where they received Our Lord in the Sacraments; that home where they felt supported and encouraged by fellow 'Sacred Hearters', who have long since died but whose prayers and friendship are still warmly remembered.
In June we will have a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the former parish of Sacred Heart and the many blessings people received from it. John Hughes will be producing an exhibition to tell the story of Sacred Heart parish that will be open to all in June (times and dates to be confirmed). If you have any photos (copies) you would like to pass on for the exhibition or you have some memories/experiences you would like to write down and share then please contact John at: hughes.john.d@gmail.com
Monthly Masses for Vocations to the Priesthood
A series of monthly Masses for Vocations is set to return this month to help inspire conversation and prayer around vocations to the priesthood. Our first Mass will take place at 7pm on Friday 20th January at St Bernard's RC Church, Burnage, Manchester, M19 1DR. All are very welcome to attend. To find out more about these Masses, please visit:
www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/monthly-vocations-masses/
World Youth Day - Last few places remaining!
There are still a few places left to join us for World Youth Day 2023! Join our Salford Youth Ministry team between 31 July and 7 August as they make their way to Lisbon to join other young Catholics from around the world in a joyous celebration of faith, culminating in an unforgettable Mass with Pope Francis himself! Find out more and register online at: www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/wyd-2023
Walsingham Pilgrimage 2023
Saturday 20th May 2023. You can now register your interest to join our annual diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham this May! The cost for a day pilgrim is expected to be between £35 and £45. Our overnight option has been well received and is now nearly full. The cost of this is expected to be between £130 - £150 (includes evening meal, breakfast, and packed lunch.) Due to increased transport costs, we may look to reduce the number of coaches this year, so we would be grateful if you could please register your interest by email walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or calling 0161 817 2214. Further information and booking forms will be made available soon.
Great Manchester Run - Free places with Caritas Diocese of Salford Team
Thinking of taking on a new challenge for 2023? Would you please consider running the Great Manchester Run in aid of Caritas Salford? The team has secured a limited number of free charity places for the 10km run on Sunday 21st May. To find out more or secure your place, please visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/every-step-you-take-helps-local-people-take-a-step-towards-transforming-their-lives or email fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien