Sunday 12th March 2023 - Third Sunday of Lent
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Saturday 11th March
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Lenten Weekday Mass (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Third Sunday of Lent
Sunday 12th March
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for The Third Sunday of Lent
Tuesday 14th March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass for the Pope, Celebrating Pope Francis' Tenth Year as Pontiff
(Details below)
Wednesday 15th March
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Lenten Weekday Mass
7pm Consecration to St. Joseph (Days 9 - 14)
Thursday 16th March
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blesses Sacrament
10am Lenten Weekday Mass
Friday 17th March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Mass, Saint Patrick, Bishop & Missionary (Feast)
St. Patrick, born in 385 A.D, was taken, in his youth, as a captive to Ireland where he worked as a herdsman. Having escaped he became a priest and Bishop and returned to Ireland where he preached the Gospel and won many to the Faith. He died in 461 A.D.
6:30pm Stations of the Cross
Saturday 18th March
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Lenten Weekday Mass (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for The Fourth Sunday of Lent
Sunday 19th March
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for The Fourth Sunday of Lent
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (11th March - 18th March), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Joe & Sadie McGowan.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£634.10. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Hospital Call
From Thursday to Saturday this week (16th March - 18th March) I've offered to help the Catholic chaplaincy at the Royal Blackburn Hospital by going on the emergency 'on call' rota. As you'll appreciate an emergency is never planned and so it may mean that certain visits, appointments, liturgies and Masses I've made will be either delayed or postponed. Thank you to all our stewards in advance, whose invaluable help means that, even if I can't make it in time for a Mass the church is open for prayer. Let's pray for all the sick and those who care for them. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for them.
Words of Wisdom
Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811 – 1868), wrote some beautiful reflections on the Blessed Sacrament. During Lent let's take a few minutes to read those words of wisdom on the Real Presence and appreciate the sacrifice and gift of Jesus in the Eucharist. This week St. Peter Julian writes about the third miracle of the Eucharist – it's multiplication.
"In the desert Jesus took five loaves of bread. He blessed them, and the Apostles had enough to feed five thousand men. This was but a faint idea of the third wonder of the Eucharist, the miracle of its multiplication.
Jesus loves all men. He wishes to give Himself personally and in His entirety to everyone of them. Everyone will have his share of the manna of life. He must therefore multiply Himself as many times as there are communicants desirous of receiving Him, and as often as they shall so desire it. The Eucharistic Table must, so to speak, cover the world. Through His power this marvel becomes a reality. All receive Him whole and entire, with all that He is. Every consecrated Host contains Him. Divide a Sacred Host into as many fragments as you like; Jesus is present whole and entire in each fragment. Instead of dividing Him, the breaking of the Host multiplies Him.
Who can tell the number of Hosts which Jesus has placed at the disposal of His children since the Cenacle (The room where the Last Supper was eaten)!
(Taken from The Real Presence, The Wonderful Work of God by St. Peter Julian Eymard)
Parish Lenten Walk
After the success of last years Lenten and Easter walks there will be the opportunity this year to do the same. It's a chance to get out into the Lancashire countryside, enjoy some spectacular vistas and thank God the Creator for the blessing of having such peaceful and beautiful landscapes on our front doorstep.
Lenten Walk I: Darwen Moor: 12th March
A walk that I discovered, on a clear day, took in the full width of Lancashire from Pendle Hill to Blackpool Tower. The history of the area where people fought for ancient rights of access across the moors is inspiring and when you reach Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) you can see why.
We'll begin the walk by meeting at Roddlesworth Information Centre, Tockholes Rd, Tockholes, Darwen BB3 0PA at 1:30pm
Route Terrain: Moorland, Farmland, Hills
Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Height gain: 755 feet (230 m)
Lenten Walk II: The Huncoat Trail: 26th March
Thanks to Marie Leaver for helping suggest this local walk. We'll begin at the stocks/memorial garden in Huncoat at 1:30pm. It passes over the railway track in the village and makes its way to the motorway. Crossing over this (by bridge) we walk along the canal for a while. The path then has to go back across the railway and the motorway, through woods and back to the parked cars. It is about 4 to 5 miles of fairly easy walking.
Directions: travel up Burnley road to the Griffin pub, turndown Higher Gate Road till you come to the memorial garden BB5 6LJ.
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.
Deanery Station Mass – Thank You
A big THANK YOU to all those who braved the ice cold weather on Thursday evening to come to the Deanery Station Mass. As always so many parishioners gave up time and shared their gifts and talents to make it a prayerful occasion. From repairing floor boards, gritting paths, welcoming visitors, reading and singing, altar serving and praying, brewing up and serving cakes and much more. The next Deanery Station Masses will be:
St Peter's, Chapel Street, NewChurch, Rossendale, BB4 9EE, on Thursday 16th March at 7pm.
Christ Church, 15 Cross St, Nelson, BB9 7LE, on Thursday 23rd March at 7pm.
St. Mary's Warm Welcome
The next St. Mary's Warm Welcome is on Tuesday 21st March from 1pm – 3pm. Everyone and anyone is welcome! We have some talented parishioners who dispel the cold winter blues with live upbeat music that everyone can sing along to plus there's unlimited brews and fantastic homemade cake in a warm space. Why not come along and experience something different.
Offertory Envelopes, Gift Aid & Direct Debit
Thank you for your continued generosity and financial support towards St. Mary's, especially during these days of rising costs. Thank you also to Rob Harrison and Berni McGuinness who are continuing to facilitate this important part of our parish's life. Throughout this month of March the new offertory envelopes will be available. Please ask one of the stewards at the back of church for yours. Any envelopes that are not collected by Sunday 2nd April will not be re-ordered as the cost of ordering and printing envelopes is expensive.
Rob and Berni are usually available at the back of church to help answer any questions about paying via Direct Debit/Standing Orders or signing up to the Gift Aid scheme which is always a significant financial boost. For more info contact: berni.mcguinness@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Easter Raffle
We are hoping to begin an Easter Raffle, to help raise money for our church, and it would be great if parishioners had any Easter eggs to donate as prizes. If you are able to kindly donate an Easter egg then please pass them to one of the stewards at the back of church. You will also be able to begin buying tickets for the raffle from this weekend (£1 a ticket or £5 a strip).
Easter Chicks
Thanks to Lynne Pilkington and the ladies there will be handmade 'Easter chicks' on sale at the back of church with all the proceeds kindly going to church funds.
Sponsor a Sanctuary Lamp
Prayer is so important and it works! One of the traditions at St. Mary's is to sponsor the sanctuary lamp, that burns for seven days continuously, before the Real Presence of the Lord in the Tabernacle. The prayers behind each lamp are varied and different. Sometimes it burns in memory of a loved one, other times its for somebody who is sick or waiting for results and at other times its a prayer of thanksgiving or help for a particular situation or person. If you would like to sponsor a lamp to burn in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament then please see one of the stewards at the back of church. They will have a list of dates from the beginning of May until the end of December where you can choose to sponsor a £5 lamp for the week. I will bless each lamp and light it before the Vigil Mass on a Saturday and it will burn for the whole week. Please give your £5 to the stewards on duty when you choose your week. The new list will be available from the Vigil Mass (Saturday 11th March)
His Holiness Pope Francis Tenth Anniversary
On March 13, Pope Francis will be celebrating ten years of his pontificate. To highlight this milestone anniversary the Bishop has asked for Masses to be offered for the Holy Father on Monday 13th March or Tuesday 14th March.
"The Petrine ministry is a great grace that Jesus granted to His Church and we must always be grateful for it. Therefore, prayer must be our best gift, so that God may support the service of the one He has chosen for this ministry because on this rock He builds His Church in time and history". (vaticannews.va)
On Tuesday 14th March the usual parish 6pm Mass will be a Mass for the Pope – Everyone is welcome to come and pray for our Holy Father.
St. Mary's Parish Centre Exhibition
To mark the last weekend of St. Mary's Parish Centre the 6pm Friday Evening Mass on the 10th March will be in Thanksgiving for all volunteers who have served the centre over the years.
The Parish Centre has been more than just a building for many parishioners and their families, it's been a place of celebration, happy memories and a second home. It is important that this is recognised and we give thanks to God for all those who have volunteered in all kinds of ways to the life of the Parish Centre from its beginning. During the final weekend (Friday 10th to Sunday 12th March) we would like to invite parishioners to bring photos of memories and celebrations they have had at the Parish Centre and are willing to share with others. From the Friday evening there will be a number of display boards you can attach your photos to at the back of church. You may want to make copies of your photos so that they don't get lost or write your name and contact details at the back.
St Oswald's RC Nursery School, Hartley Ave, Accrington
Did you know that St Oswald's is able to offer a free nursery education for your child?
Our nursery is well staffed and resourced, providing a secure, caring learning environment for your child. Our staff are very experienced, friendly and approachable and we can promise you a warm welcome. The school's website, www.stoswaldsromancatholicprimaryschool.com/nursery has more information about what the children learn whilst they are there.
The Nursery has two classes :
* Class 1 - session times run from 8.55 a.m. to 11.55 a.m.
* Class 2 - session times run from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
Everyone is entitled to 15 hours of free education and eligible families are entitled to 30 hours.
Please check the Lancashire County Council website to see if you are eligible for 30hrs.
We offer a Breakfast Club from 8 a.m. which costs only 50p and children receive breakfast and activities. We also have links with childminders in the area who mind children from 3 p.m. onwards if this is required. Please ask for details.
Children must be three years of age to start and out of nappies.
If you would like to visit our nursery and / or put your child's name down on our Admission list for when they have their 3rd birthday, please do not hesitate to call Mrs. Lee on 01254 234924.
Mass for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Sunday 19th February, 5.30pm, Salford Cathedral. Join us for our annual Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Mass, which will take place on Sunday 19th February, 5.30pm at Salford Cathedral. The Mass will officially open the 2023 pilgrimage. Bishop John will celebrate Mass and the wonderful Lourdes choir will provide music. All are welcome!
Young Adults Day Trip to York
Join the Diocese of Salford's Youth Ministry Team on a fascinating journey of faith history as we travel to the city of York to discover more about how it has shaped the religious fabric of our nation, as well as learning more about inspirational religious figures such as St Margaret Clitherow. The trip will take place between 8am and 5pm on Saturday 18th March, with pick up points at Manchester University Chaplaincy and Salford Cathedral. The cost of the visit is £20pp. For more information and to register, email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Caritas Salford Lent Appeal
This Lent, will you make a change to change a life? Whether you're making a change to your diet, fasting, amending your behavior or adapting your thoughts and focus...as you pray, fast and give this Lent the change you're making could also help to change a life. By remembering Caritas Salford during Lent, your donations and prayers will make a real difference to the lives of the local people in Greater Manchester and Lancashire that the team supports - people in our local communities facing poverty, disadvantage, homelessness and isolation. There are lots of ways you can help:
• Keep Caritas Salford and the people they work alongside in the local community in your prayers this Lent
• Join their Lent appeal and collect change to help change lives (you can pay online at www.caritassalford.org.uk/service-view/lent2023/ )
• Help Caritas reach even more people by sharing news of the appeal on social media, with friends, family and other loved ones, colleagues and wider networks.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien