Sunday 15th September 2024
Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the Coming Week…
Friday 13th September
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop & Doctor (Memoria)
St. John Chrysostom, 'golden mouth', was born in Antioch in 349A.D. He became Bishop of Constantinople in 397 A.D, but because of his steadfast preaching faced opposition from the Empress. He died in exile in 407 A.D.
Saturday 14th September
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Feast) (In the Lady Chapel)
The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates two historical events: the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, in 320AD under the temple of Venus in Jerusalem, and the dedication in 335AD of the basilica and shrine built on Calvary by Constantine, which mark the site of the Crucifixion. However the feast, more than anything else, is a celebration and commemoration of God's greatest work: his salvific death on the Cross and His Resurrection, through which death was defeated and the doors to Heaven opened.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Sunday 15th September
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Tuesday 17th September
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Wednesday 18th September
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Votive Mass of St Joseph
'Make him [St. Joseph] responsible for the protection of your person, he who saved the life of his Saviour. May he take charge of the affair of your salvation. Just as he led the Son of God in his travels, may he be your guide on the voyage of this life until you arrive at the haven of eternal happiness." - Blessed William Chaminade
7pm Parish Synod I: Nurturing Faith for Tomorrow's World (see below for more details)
Friday 20th September
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 21st September
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Feast) (In the Lady Chapel)
St. Matthew, born at Capernaum, was a tax gatherer when called by Jesus. He wrote his Gospel in Hebrew, and tradition has it that he preached the Faith in the East.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Sunday 22nd September
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (15th September - 21st September), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Bill Moorhouse.
Last Week's Easter Offertory Collection
£679.32. Thank you for your kind generosity.
THANK YOU!!!
Thank you to all those who volunteered, supported, shared their gifts and talents and most importantly offered up their prayers for our parish feast last weekend. From the Healing Service to the Afternoon Tea it was a really grace filled time for our parish family. THANK YOU to everyone who was involved in making it such a joyful and prayerful occasion.
Sacrament of the Sick
Last Saturday's Healing Service was a wonderful reminder of the power of the Sacrament of the Sick and the peace and consolation we receive from Our Lord through it. A priest can never force anyone to receive it, the individual must freely ask. If you would like the Anointing please contact Fr. O'Brien on (01254 232 433) or alternatively sean.obrien@dioceseofsalford.org.uk . If you are in hospital ask one of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain who will come and visit you.
The Miraculous Medal
Many parishioners, since last weekend, have been asking to know more about the Miraculous Medal. I hope the following is helpful:
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."
There are Miraculous Medals available from the piety stall and please do see Fr. O'Brien to bless them after Mass in the sacristy.
Diocesan Synod: Parish Update
REMINDER - Big Listen Synod Meeting - Wednesday 18 September - 7.00pm-8.00pm - St Mary's Church
Just a short reminder that the first of the Big Listen workshops takes place this Wednesday at 7.00pm here at St Mary's Church. Sharon and Mike will be there to help us work through the first of our themes: Nurturing Faith for Tomorrow's World. As a reminder, at the workshop we will be able to consider a range of topics such as the role of women and young people, Church leadership, care for our clergy, Church teaching in the modern world, and more.
Everyone's thoughts and opinions count, so please make sure that you join Sharon and Mike on Wednesday evening. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.
St. Mary's Warm Welcome
Back by popular demand... The next warm welcome is on Tuesday 1st October 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: 1st Oct, 15th Oct, 29th Oct, 12th Nov, 26th Nov, 10th Dec
Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel
The next sessions will begin at near the end of October. Watch this space for future dates
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.
Sacred Heart School
On Tuesday I was invited, after the whole school prayer liturgy, to bless every classroom's crucifix at the start of the new school year. It was also an opportunity to remind the children how we can copy Jesus and offer little sacrifices each day to make the classroom a place of love and respect. Let's pray for all the school community at Sacred Heart as they begin the new academic year.
St. Oswald's School
Earlier this week I was invited to celebrate the opening liturgy for the new school year. The focus was on Guardian Angels, God's gift to each and everyone of us, that reveals His love and protection. The children were all given a Guardian Angel prayer card and blessing. Let's pray for the school community at St. Oswald's.
World Youth Day Rome 2025
Are you aged 16-35? Are you looking for an unforgettable opportunity to share your faith with other young Catholics? Pope Francis has announced a special World Youth Day in Rome next summer to celebrate the Church's Year of Jubilee and our diocesan Youth Ministry team invites you to be part of this once-in-a-25-year event! The pilgrimage will take place between 28 July and 3 August. For more information and to register your interest, please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Mount Carmel High School, Accrington
The school has an open evening on 19th September 2024 for prospective students and families. This weekend staff will speak at the end of the weekend Masses to share more information.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne
Discover the fascinating history of our Northern Saints with this one-off pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, Ripon, and Durham in celebration of our 2025 Year of Jubilee. Led by Bishop John, the pilgrimage will take place between 15th-17th May 2025. Find out more about this and all of our pilgrimages during our Jubilee year at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/jubilee-2025/pilgrimages/
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome 2025
The Diocese of Salford is delighted to announce a number of pilgrimages to celebrate the 2025 Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee, including a pilgrimage to Rome in September. Bookings for the pilgrimage, led by Bishop John, will open on Monday 5th August. Please email info@northernstartravel.com or call 0161 773 2115 to book your place. Please note, places are extremely limited. For more information on our other pilgrimages at home and overseas, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/jubilee-pilgrimages/.
Season of Creation
This September, our diocese joins Christians across the globe in celebrating Season of Creation - a month-long campaign inviting us to renew our relationship with God and His Creation. This year, we will be celebrating by sharing updates on key diocesan projects, as well as top tips to support your efforts at home. Follow our news pages at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news to stay up to date.
Online Prayer Series: Walking in God's Creation
This autumn, Steve Hoyland of the Jesuit Institute is working with the Diocese of Salford on a special online prayer series with the theme of pilgrimage and Creation. These themes will be woven together with the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola to form a unique online prayer journey. The next session takes place on Wednesday 18th September between 8pm and 9pm. Find out more: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/online-prayer-series-walking-in-gods-creation
Prayer and Action: A Camino Challenge
Bolton priest, Fr Chris Gorton, is set to embark on an incredible 924km running pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago to raise funds for diocesan charity, Caritas Salford. Inviting each and every one of us to be part of his journey, Fr Chris has shared a range of tools and resources to help us join him in prayer and action over the coming weeks. Find out more at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/a-camino-challenge/
Catholic Association for Racial Justice 40th Anniversary
To mark the important milestone of their 40th anniversary, the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) is holding a free conference in Oldham on Saturday 21st September.
The 'Agenda for Change' conference will build on the experiences and learning of the past 40 years and put forward a strategy for bringing about greater equality and creating a racially-just Church and society. Find out more at www.carj.org.uk
Job Vacancies
Cleaner - Diocese of Salford
Appointment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: 21.15 hours per week to be worked Monday to Friday, 7.45 am – 12 pm.
Location: Cathedral Centre 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £12 per hour
Find out more and apply at https://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