Sunday 17th September 2023
Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Friday 15th September
6pm Mass Our Lady of Sorrows (Memoria)
'Turn your eyes incessantly to the Blessed Virgin; she, who is the Mother of Sorrows and also the Mother of Consolation, can understand you completely and help you. Looking to her, praying to her, you will obtain that your tedium will become serenity, your anguish change into hope, and your grief into love.' - St. Pope John Paul II
Saturday 16th September
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 17th September
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tuesday 19th September
1pm – 3pm St Mary's Warm Welcome (Details below)
Wednesday 20th September
10am Mass (Feria)
Friday 22nd September
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass (Feria)
Saturday 23rd September
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest (celebrated in the Lady Chapel)
St. Pius of Pietrelcina, born 25th May 1887, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars aged 16 and was ordained priest in 1910. He lived a remarkable devotion to prayer and the sacraments. He committed himself to relieving the pain of many families, chiefly through the foundation of the "House for the Relief of Suffering". He died in 1968.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 24th September
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (16th September - 23rd September), the Sanctuary Lamp is for June & Gerald McCaffrey
Last Week's Offertory Collection
The total Offertory last week was £617.30 Thank you for your kind generosity.
Pastoral Care: Priests
As I finish the second part of my holidays Fr. Stamp has generously offered to be the emergency contact priest while I'm away. He's based at St. Peter's, Newchurch, Chapel Street, Rossendale, BB4 9EE; Tel: 01706 614 532.
As always thanks to all the priests who are supplying and the parishioners who have made it possible for me to have a break.
God Bless Fr. O
The Miraculous Medal
Designed and revealed by Mary, the Medal is unique among all medals. It was almost midnight when St. Catherine Labouré was awakened by a soft voice, whispering, "Sister, sister, sister." Mysterious events led her to the chapel where the Blessed Mother appeared and sat down near the altar. St. Catherine knelt at her feet, rested her hands in Mary's lap, looked into her eyes, and had a heart-to-heart conversation with her. Later, St. Catherine would refer to that night as "the sweetest moment of my life."
Four months later, in November of 1830, Mary again appeared to St. Catherine at the Rue de Bac Chapel. This time, our Blessed Mother was standing on a globe, with dazzling rays of light streaming from her outstretched hands. Framing the apparition was an inscription: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." When Mary spoke to St. Catherine, she said "Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck. Those who repeat this prayer with devotion will be, in a special manner, under the protection of the Mother of God. Graces will be abundantly bestowed upon those who have confidence."
With approval of the Catholic Church, the first medals were made in 1832 and distributed in Paris. Almost immediately, the blessings that Mary promised showered down on those who wore her medal, and soon all of France was clamoring for what the people referred to as the "Miraculous Medal." Use of the Medal spread from country to country, and, at the time of St. Catherine's death in 1876, more than a billion medals had been made. Today, the Medal is still drawing down from God blessings for body and soul.
Symbolism of the Miraculous Medal
The Miraculous Medal was originally called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, but, because of the numerous accounts of miracles by those who wore it, people began to call it the Miraculous Medal, and the name stuck. The Medal is a visual reminder of our salvation through Jesus Christ.
Front Side:
The front side of the Miraculous Medal depicts Mary Immaculate, her hands open, full of light. St. Catherine Labouré saw Our Lady appear like this and heard her say, "Have a medal made according to this model. Everyone who wears it around their neck will receive great graces." Mary stands upon the globe as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her feet crush the serpent to proclaim that Satan and all his followers are helpless before her (Gn. 3:15). The year 1830 on the Miraculous Medal is the year the Blessed Mother gave the design of the Miraculous Medal to St. Catherine. The reference to "Mary conceived without sin" supports the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary — referring to Mary being sinless, "full of grace," and "blessed among women" (Lk. 1:28). The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed 24 years later in 1854, and then confirmed when Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858.
Reverse Side:
On the reverse side, the Cross and the letter M symbolize the close relationship of Mary to the suffering, passion, and death of her Son. The cross can symbolize Christ and our redemption, with the bar under the cross a sign of the earth and the Altar, for it is on the Altar at Mass that the Sacrifice of Calvary continues to be present in the world today. The M signifies "Mary" and "Mother." The interweaving of Mary's initial and the cross shows Mary's close involvement with Jesus and our world. In this, we see Mary's part in our salvation and her role as Mother of the Church. Beneath the Cross, bar, and the M are two hearts side‐by‐side: the Sacred Heart of Jesus crowned with thorns and the Immaculate Heart of Mary pierced by a sword. The two hearts represent the love of Jesus and Mary for us. The twelve stars signify the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, who represent the entire Church as it surrounds Mary. They also recall the vision of Saint John, writer of the Book of Revelation (12:1), in which "a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars."
Ursula has ordered 50 miraculous medals for our piety shop, at the back of church, and they should be arriving in the next few weeks. For prices and more details please see the volunteers who look after the piety stall.
Evangelii Gaudium – Preparing for the Jubilee Year in Faith and Prayer
Sunday 17th September is Evangelii Gaudium Sunday in England and Wales. Fr Jan Nowotnik, Director of Mission at Bishops' Conference, has asked that the attached be circulated to all parishes for its promotion.
Evangelii Gaudium Sunday calls us to be joyous in proclaiming our faith. "Evangelii Gaudium" is Latin for "Joy of the Gospel". The day supports the work carried out by the Mission Directorate on behalf of the Bishops' Conference. A key focus of work for the next few years is responding to Pope Francis' calling of a Jubilee Year in 2025 with the theme Pilgrims of Hope. The Holy Father has invited the whole Church to prepare for the Jubilee in the two years prior through:
· Reflecting on the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council in 2023.
· Deepening our prayer life, with a special focus on the Lord's Prayer, in 2024.
To support the Church in England and Wales in this important initiative the Mission Directorate has produced a series of videos on the four Constitutions which reflect on the Liturgy, the Word of God, the Church and on its role in the modern world. https://www.cbcew.org.uk/evangelii-gaudium-sunday
A range of resources are being prepared for the Year of Prayer in 2024 which include a course on the Lord's Prayer from small groups for Lent, encouragement to try different ways of praying from the tradition of the Church. The Mission Directorate will be supporting the Jubilee co-ordinator appointed by each diocese.
Please support the Mission Directorate through prayer and giving to the second collection. However much you give, big or small, it will go directly to support this important work to bring the joy of the Gospel to all.
There will be a retiring collection (basket under the large crucifix at the back of church) at St. Mary's at the weekend Masses of 24th/25th September – next weekend.
BIG THANK YOU: Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle
To everyone who was involved in making our parish festal weekend such a success – THANK YOU. From the Altar Servers Pizza night on the Friday in the garden, through to the Afternoon Tea in church on the Sunday, and not to mention all the participation and prayers throughout the weekend – Thank You to everyone. It was such a joyous and happy occasion. Please see the noticeboard in the Narthex for the raffle prize winners.
St. Mary's Warm Welcome
Back by popular demand... The next warm welcome is on Tuesday 19th September from 1pm – 3pm. Everyone and anyone is welcome! We have some talented parishioners who will dispel the coming autumn 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. Dates for the Warm Welcome: 19th Sept, 3rd Oct, 17th Oct, 31st Oct, 14th Nov, 28th Nov
12th Dec
Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel
"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ!" - St. Jerome
A strong statement from St. Jerome yet true. One of the simplest ways to come close to Our Lord, to know him better, is to pick up our bible yet this can be a daunting thing. Where do we start? How are we meant to read this or understand that? This autumn/winter there will be the opportunity for scripture study in the parish – open to everyone. No prior knowledge is expected, no biblical or theological training is needed. Simply bring yourself, your bible, and the desire to know God more. I thought we could begin journeying through St. John's Gospel. I'll be using a CTS (Catholic Truth Society) Bible. You can order these from Amazon or ask me.
The Parish Bible Study group will meet every two weeks on a Wednesday from 7pm – 8pm. Even if you can only make one session it's worth doing:
4th Oct, 18th Oct, 1st Nov, 15th Nov, 29th Nov, 13th Dec – Everyone is welcome.
Sacred Heart School
On Tuesday the school community came together for their opening liturgy for the New Academic Year. It was a beautiful liturgy that, through scripture and music, reminded both staff and students that Our Lord is our constant companion on the journey of life, both in school and out. A crucifix for each classroom was then blessed.
I was then invited back in the afternoon to talk to the teachers about the gift of God the Holy Spirit who imparts so many miracles for each and everyone of us to be a faithful disciple.
St. Mary's School
On Tuesday morning I was invited to Mrs. Lomberg's class to talk about St. Catherine Labouré and the Miraculous Medal. Throughout the new school year, Year 6, will adopt St. Catherine as their patroness and learn more about her during the next few months.
On Monday afternoon I had the opportunity to spend some time with the teaching staff and talk about God the Holy Spirit. I shared with them how the Spirit has been so helpful and needed in the challenges of my own life.
Parish Social at Franco's: Update
A message for Tony Alveston, one of the organizer's:
Please note, we've had considerable activity on the social front, and with the seminary visit to follow, we have decided to transfer our afternoon at Franco's until November. This will give all concerned some breathing space, and allow us time to replenish our never-ending raffle prizes. Details of the new date will be published soon.
Sacramental Preparation for Young People
If there are any young people, ages 7+. who are baptised Roman Catholics, live in the parish boundaries and would like to begin preparing to receive God's mercy in the Sacrament of Confession and His love in First Holy Communion, then please see Fr. O'Brien at the end of the Mass you usually come to.
Confirmation Preparation
If there are any young parishioners, ages 12 +, who are baptised Roman Catholics, live in the parish boundaries and would like to know more about the Sacrament of Confirmation please see Fr. O'Brien.
Hope in the Future Celebration Event
Join the Diocese of Salford's Formation Department for a special event celebrating our six-year Hope in the Future journey. The event will include inspiring talks from Bishop John Arnold and lay missionary Pippa Baker, music from One Hope Project, opportunities for small-group discussions and idea sharing, and a quiet time of prayer led by the Bishop. The event is free of charge and open to all and is ideal for those who have been involved in Hope in the Future in their parish, deanery, or school, those who would like to learn more about it or begin their own journey, and for individuals seeking to grow as Missionary Disciples. Tuesday 3rd October 2023, 6:30pm – 9pm The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan WN3 5AB
Register your place at www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/hope-in-the-future-celebration-event/
Season of Creation
Season of Creation returns for another year, inviting Christians across the globe to come together in prayer and action for the good of our common home. Running from 1st September (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to the feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4th October, this month-long celebration offers us time to reflect on the needs of our planet and what we can do in our communities to make a difference. For further information, resources, and prayers, please visit www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/season-of-creation-2023/
Mount Carmel High School
The School's Annual Open Evening takes place on Thursday 21st September from 4.00pm – 7.30pm. It is an opportunity for parents of pupils currently in Yr 5 and Yr 6 to visit school and have a good look around, but the opportunity is open to all the community. Other dates for your diaries are our very popular annual Christmas Fayre which takes place on Friday 1st December and Community Christmas Party that will take place on Monday 11th December, where we will once again look forward to welcoming the sick and housebound from the parishes for a Christmas lunch and an afternoon of festive entertainment.
Caritas Diocese of Salford's Big Sleep Out
The annual Caritas Big Sleep Out is back! This autumn, people across the diocese are being challenged to sleep out under the stars for one night only to raise funds and awareness of people experiencing homelessness in our diocese. Taking place on Friday 13th October, this is one of the most important events in the Caritas annual calendar, helping our diocesan charity make a very real impact on the lives of local people. Find out more and register at www.caritassalford.org.uk/big-sleep-out-2023/
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham - Save the date
The Diocese of Salford is delighted to announce the date for our next annual pilgrimage to Walsingham. Next year's day pilgrimage will take place on Saturday 4th May. We are also pleased to once again offer an overnight option, following the popularity of this year's two-day pilgrimage. To register your interest, please email walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Job Vacancies
Diocese of Salford - Safeguarding Administrator (replacement role)
Appointment Type: Part-time, 12-month fixed-term contract
Working hours: 28 hours per week, with some flexible working required
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £19,838 - £21,279 FTE, depending on skills and experience
Find out more and apply at www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
Diocese of Salford - Communications Assistant
Appointment Type: Full time, 12-month fixed-term contract
Working hours: 35 hours per week - normally worked weekdays though will include one Sunday per month
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £19,838 - £23,936, depending on skills and experience
Find out more and apply at 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