Sunday 30th April 2023
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Saturday 29thApril
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor, Feast (In the Lady Chapel)
St. Catherine was born in Sienna (Italy) in 1347, entered the Third Order of Saint Dominic while an adolescent. She was on fire with love of God and neighbour; she brought peace and harmony between her fellow citizens, fought for the rights and liberty of the papacy, and worked to renew religious life. She died in 1380.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter and Crowning Our Lady
Sunday 30thApril
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter and Crowning Our Lady
Tuesday 2nd May
9:40am Funeral Service for James Michael Finn RIP at Accrington Crematorium
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Votive Mass of Saint Joseph
'In this month of May, I would like to recall the importance and beauty of the prayer of the Holy Rosary. Reciting the Hail Mary, we are led to contemplate the mysteries of Jesus, that is, to reflect on the key moments of his life, so that as with Mary and St. Joseph, he is the centre of our thoughts, of our attention and our actions.' - Pope Francis
6:30pm – 6:45pm Devotions to Saint Joseph
(At the foot of the parish statue of St. Joseph, see below for more details)
Wednesday 3rd May
9:15 am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, Saints Philip & James, Apostles (Feast)
St. Philip was born in Bethsaida. Formerly a disciple of John the Baptist, he became a follower of Jesus. St. James, son of Alphaeus and cousin of the Lord led the Church of Jerusalem and was martyred in 62 A.D.
Thursday 4th May
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass, The English Martyrs (Feast)
On this day in 1535 A.D there died at Tyburn three Carthusian monks, the first of many martyrs. Of these, 42, have been canonised and a further 242 declared blessed, but the number of those who died on the scaffold, perished in prison, or suffered harsh persecution for their faith over a century and half cannot be reckoned. They came from every walk of life; among them rich and poor, married and single, women and men. They are remembered for the example they gave of constancy in their faith, and courage.
Friday 5th May
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass for His Majesty King Charles III on his Coronation
Saturday 6th May
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Easter Weekday Mass (In the Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sunday 7th May
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (29th April - 6th May), the Sanctuary Lamp is for The People of St. Mary's Parish, Oswaldtwistle.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£716.02 Thank you for your kind generosity.
"Bring Flowers of the Rarest..." The month of Mary
This weekend marks the ending of April and 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, 29th April 6:30pm Vigil Mass and 30th April10am Sunday 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.
"All generations will call me blessed": "The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship. "The Church rightly honours "the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honoured with the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs.... This very special devotion ... differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration. "The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, an "epitome of the whole Gospel," express this devotion to the Virgin Mary. - Catechism of the Catholic Church #971
Good News!!!
Last weekend I passed on the good news that Sara Williams, who works for the diocese looking into grants and writing bids, successfully applied to the Benefact Trust on our behalf. We will be receiving £4,500 towards repair works at St Mary's. Our thanks to Sara who is continuing to look into more grants for us. She passes on her thanks to all the volunteers and participants at the St. Mary's Warm Welcome who were very hospitable when she visited.
Parish Collection for the Ecclesiastical Education Fund
This weekend 29th/30th April, there will be a special collection for the Ecclesiastical Education Fund, which supports the formation of seminarians (trainee priests) and candidates for the permanent diaconate.
Mass for Vocations to the Priesthood
People across the diocese are being invited to pray for the future of the priesthood in our diocese in a series of vocations Masses. The next Mass will take place at 7pm on Thursday 25th May at St Mary's church, Bamber Bridge. All are very welcome to attend. To find out more about our Vocations Masses, please visit www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/monthly-vocations-masses/
Devotions to Saint Joseph
On Tuesday the 2nd May the 6pm Mass will be a Votive Mass of St. Joseph the Worker followed by devotions to him at 6:30pm (at the foot of his statue at the back of church). The devotions will include praying the Litany of St. Joseph, the Memorare of St. Joseph and the Prayer of the Holy Cloak Novena. In these devotions, at the start of May, our prayer is to ask St. Joseph to pray for our parish family and for those who have wandered away from Church, that they may return and find a warm welcome.
Young Christian Workers Mass for St Joseph the Worker
YCW (Young Christian Workers), Impact, and St Antony's Centre invite you to celebrate the feast of St Joseph the Worker on Tuesday 2nd May 2023. Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 at St Antony's Church followed by a light lunch at YCW HQ, St Antony's House, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, Manchester. M17 1JF.
Salford Diocesan Synod
The Bishop has announced the launch of a Diocesan Synod to prayerfully discern how we can address the needs of our diocesan community in a post-pandemic world. The Synod was formally decreed at this year's Chrism Mass, which took place on Wednesday 5th March during Holy Week.
In his homily, Bishop John reflected on the considerable changes our Church has witnessed over recent years, remarking that the time has come to envisage a new future for the Church in our diocese.
He said: "So, it's time for us to see a challenge. A challenge as to what we need to be now in a changing world. What our people expect of us and for which they are so grateful to us in our ministry. How might we rethink things?
"Pope Francis is so clear, isn't he, about each and every one of us having our part to play, but we are in a changing world, where we need to think globally.
"We need to see where do the Gospel values fit in this 21st century? How are we best able to promote and encourage people in faith?"
Our diocesan synod seeks to provide an answer to these questions by calling us to prayerfully discern what kind of Church the Spirit is calling us to be, to reflect on the needs of our diocesan community today, and to understand more about the opportunities we have to build up the Church in our part of Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Bishop John is clear that the process is not solely for Church leaders but must be a journey we embark on together to ensure each and every voice is represented in this new generation of our diocesan Church. It will be a collaborative and participatory journey by which the people of Salford, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, can together set the future direction and priorities of the life and mission of our diocese.
Diocesan Synod Information Sessions - Save the Date
Bishop John has recently announced the launch of our own Diocesan Synod, inviting us all to prayerfully discern how we can best address the changing needs of our diocesan community. To help us begin this journey, the Diocese of Salford's Department for Formation will be holding a series of information sessions to help you find out more about the synod and how you can get involved. The programme will be the same across all events and will take place on the following dates:
Thursday 11th May 2023, 7pm-9pm
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School, Swinton, M27 9QP
Register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/621695878107
Saturday 13th May 2023, 10am-12pm
Newman Catholic College Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9QY
Register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/621729970077
Tuesday 16th May 2023, 7pm-9pm
Mount Carmel RC High School, Accrington, BB5 0LU
Register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/621737402307
For more information, please contact: Synod, Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Tel: 0161 817 2214 Email: synod@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Parish Synod Representatives
I contacted the department in the diocese facilitating the Synod to ask about what was expected of each parish. They would like at least two parishioners to represent St. Mary's and help pass on our reflections and thoughts to the larger discussions taking place within the diocesan Synod so that everyone is represented. As you will see above in the last item, there are information sessions taking place to help people understand more fully what the Synod is about and how it will be practically done.
'A Synod member is a baptized, committed, prayerful Catholic who is prepared to listen carefully to the views of others concerning the role of faith and the Church, especially in our Diocese, and to faithfully and non-judgmentally feed those views back. The candidate should be willing (with guidance and support) to be part of group discussions, and, putting aside personal agendas, is able to listen prayerfully to discern what they sense the Holy Spirit is asking of us as Salford Diocese. Full support and training will be offered. Those who fulfilled this role in the recent Liverpool Archdiocesan Synod report that they found it an incredible experience. We hope that you will be in a position to forward to us by the end of May, which is a revised deadline.' (Salford Diocesan Communication Department)
If you would like to be one of the parish Synod Representatives for St. Mary's then please contact see me after Mass or email sean.obrien@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Devotions to Our Lady during the month of May
At St. Mary's there will be the opportunity to honour Our Lady during the month of May in a variety of ways:
The Angelus Prayer
Before each of the weekend Masses in May (6:30pm Vigil and 10am Sun) we will pray the Angelus to remind us of Mary's faith filled 'Yes' to God and His great gift to us in the Word becoming flesh.
V. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary……..
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord: R. Be it done to me according to your word.
Hail Mary……..
V. And the Word was made flesh: R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary……..
V. Pray for us O holy Mother of God. R. That we made be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Hail Mary……..
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross + be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Holy Rosary
Why not come to church a little earlier and join us for the The Rosary asking Our Lady's intercession for the struggles and challenges that our world faces.
6pm Saturday evenings
9:30am Sunday mornings
Saturday Morning Mass
The 10am Saturday morning Mass is held each week in the Lady Chapel where we thank God for the gift of Mary and ask her prayers to help us imitate her as a disciple and pray for our parish, families and friends. In this month of May why not come to an extra Mass to honour the Mother of God and come closer to her Son in the Blessed Sacrament.
St. Oswald's School Rosary Rally
At the back of church (under the crucifix) from the weekend of the 6th/7th May the school will have a petition box for any prayers and intentions that parishioners would like to place in it. The box will be taken to school for Friday 26th May when the school will have their Rosary Rally. I've been invited by Miss Collinge to teach the children the Glorious Mysteries over May so that at their Rosary Rally, when we crown Our Lady's statue, the Glorious Mysteries will be prayed for all those parishioners intentions in the petition box. Everyone is invited on the 26th May to join the school for the Rally, times are to be confirmed soon.
Survivors Mass
St Patrick's Catholic Church, Livesey Street, Manchester, M4 5HF
This month, we unite with people across the globe in taking part in a worldwide day of prayer for survivors of abuse. We will be marking the day in our diocese with a Mass at St Patrick's in Collyhurst on Tuesday 9th May at 7pm. All are welcome to take part in this celebration of Mass with Bishop John, members of our Diocesan Safeguarding Team, and others.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham, Saturday 20th May, 2023
The Diocese of Salford's annual pilgrimage to Walsingham will be returning on Saturday 20th May.
This year's pilgrimage has a number of places available to join the Day Pilgrimage and a very limited number of places for the overnight stay. The cost is £45 for the day trip and £134 for an overnight stay in a Standard room, and £150 for an overnight stay in an En-Suite room. For more information, email walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2214.
Alongside the main pilgrimage, we will also have our Youth Pilgrimage. For more information please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Cancer Research Fundraising Night
A fundraising event in aid of Cancer Research will be held at Enfield Cricket Club from 7:30pm Friday 19th May. The Accy Rockers headlining (60's music + possibly 50's & 70's). There will also be bingo and raffles taking place. It's £5 a ticket. If you like to attend, please see Marie Leaver for tickets or leave your details at the steward's desk to pass on to her.
Coronation of King Charles III
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales have sent out prayer cards, for each parish, in response to the Coronation of King Charles III. Please feel free to take one of these cards from the steward's desk in the Narthex.
The Bishops' Conference has also requested that on Friday 5 May 2023 each parish
celebrates Mass for His Majesty the King to mark his Coronation. At the end of
Mass (after the Prayer after Communion and before the Final Blessing) the Prayer
for the King is said. Our Mass for the King will be the Friday 6pm Mass.
On the Sunday Mass (7th May) an intention in the bidding prayers will be included for the
King and at the end of Mass (after the Prayer after Communion and before the Final Blessing) the Prayer for the King will be said.
You can find the prayer for the King on the prayer cards that the Bishops Conference have sent out.
Afternoon Tea at Cathedral Centre Café
Do you have a special occasion on the horizon? Are you looking for a wonderful way to celebrate? Our Cathedral Centre Cafe is now offering a delicious afternoon tea for two for just £20. With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, this mouthwatering treat is the idea way to celebrate a special occasion or simply catch up with a friend. Special offers are also available for groups of eight people or more. Email catering@dioceseofsalford.org.uk for more information or to book now.
Young Adults Mass
Join us for an evening of prayer, reflection, and community as our Young Adults Mass returns to St Augustine's Church in Manchester this May. The Mass will take place at 5.30pm on Sunday 14th May. As always, the Sacrament of Confession is available between 4.45-5.15pm and we also invite you to join us after Mass for a bite to eat and a chance to catch up. All are very welcome to attend.
Society of St Gregory Summer School - Joyful Proclamation of the Gospel
26 - 29 July, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park Campus, Childwall, L16 1JD
Join the Society of St Gregory this July for a fascinating Summer School that delves a little more into the importance of liturgy. The workshops will explore practical ideas for parish ministry, such as how we plan music in our liturgy, how to be more creative in planning our liturgy, how to help young people in liturgical ministry, and how to find deeper meaning in our celebrations. The course will welcome a number of guest speakers to help explore these topics, including Bishop John Arnold.
Find out more and register at https://www.ssg.org.uk/summer-school-2023
Job Vacancies
Responsible Investment Intern - Diocese of Salford
Appointment type: Full time, fixed term (12 months)
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £19,838 - £20,850 (depending on experience)
Closing Date: 12 noon Friday 19th May 2023
To find out more and apply, please visit 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