Sunday 24th November 2024
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King
Masses & Liturgies for the coming week...
Friday 22nd November
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Mass, Saint Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr (Memoria)
St. Cecilia suffered martyrdom with her husband and brother in the second century.
Saturday 23rd November
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Votive Mass of Our Lady (celebrated in the Lady Chapel)
'In trial or difficulty, I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear.' - St. Therese of Lisieux
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King "Christ the King" (Year B)
Sunday 24th November
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King "Christ the King" (Year B)
Tuesday 26th November
10am Requiem Mass for Agnes Gardner RIP
5pm – 5:50pm Led Holy Hour with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the
Dignity of Human Life (see below for details)
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Wednesday 27th November
10:30am Requiem Mass for Marie 'Denise' McCaughran RIP
12:20pm Funeral Service for Terrence 'Terry' Campbell RIP at Accrington Crematorium
Thursday 28th November
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Weekday Mass (Feria)
Friday 29th November
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 30th November
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Andrew, Apostle (Feast) (celebrated in the Lady Chapel)
St. Andrew was born at Bethsaida, a fisherman with his brother, Simon, whom he introduced to Jesus (in John's Gospel). He is the patron saint of Scotland.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the First Sunday of Advent (Year C)
Sunday 1st December
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the First Sunday of Advent (Year C)
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (23rd November - 30th November), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Geraldine Curran.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£586.81. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Sanctuary Lamp & Our Lady 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. From January 2025 there will also be the opportunity of sponsoring a lamp in the Lady Chapel by the statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle The prayers behind each lamp are varied and different. Sometimes they burn in memory of a loved one, other times for somebody who is sick or waiting for results and at other times it's 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 or in the Lady Chapel then please see one of the stewards at the back of church. They will have a list of dates from January until December next year where you can choose to sponsor a £7 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 £7 to the stewards on duty when you choose your week. The lists will be available from the weekend beginning Friday 29th November, Saturday 30th November, Sunday 1st December
Holy Hour: A Holy Hour for the Dignity of Human Life
Cardinal Nichols has asked that the bishops should come together at the Plenary Assembly to pray for the Dignity of Human Life. He also asked if all the bishops might be able to encourage such an hour of prayer in all our parishes across England and Wales. In response to the Cardinal's request and in light of the Assisted Suicide debate taking place at government level there will be a directed Holy Hour here at St. Mary's on Tuesday 26th November at 5pm with Scripture readings and reflections to help direct our prayer. The Holy Mass will be at 6pm.
Take Action to Oppose Assisted Suicide
Catholics across England and Wales are being called to unite in prayer and compassionate action in opposition to a new Bill on assisted suicide. The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales has pulled together a range of resources with more information, a pastoral letter from Cardinal Nichols, and a link to an online tool to contact your MP to voice your opposition to the bill. Find out more at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide
St. Mary's Warm Welcome
The next warm welcome will be on Tuesday 10th December from 1pm – 3pm and will have a pre-Christmas twist!!!. Everyone and anyone is welcome! We have some talented parishioners who will dispel the coming winter blues with live upbeat music that everyone can sing along to. Plus there's unlimited brews in a warm space. Why not come along and experience something different.
New Lectionary Resources
With the new edition of the Lectionary for Mass coming into use on the First Sunday of Advent, the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales has signposted us to some useful resources introducing the new edition, what changes have been made, and why. Find out more at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/lectionary/
Advent is Coming!!!
Next Sunday is the beginning of the Advent season. Four weeks of preparation before the celebration of Christmas with its solemnities and feasts. Have you thought how you are going to prepare to come closer to Our Lord during the Advent season and greet Him on Christmas Day? I hope the information below helps with thinking about prayer, reflection and resources to prepare for
Our Lord's birth.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during Advent
Take some time each week to be with Our Lord in Adoration. Sacrifice a few minutes each week to pop into church and simply be in His presence before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. No words are required, no actions are asked but to be simply present to Him. To have that silence in church to listen to Him. During each time of Adoration there will be a table of resources at the back of church to help people in prayer. Please feel free to use and read whatever you find useful. For times of Adoration look at the parish newsletter.
"If Jesus stays with us wherever there is a consecrated Host, what need is there to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem to visit places he lived two thousand years ago?
If only people visited tabernacles with the same devotion!" - Blessed Carlo Acutis
"Know also that you will probably gain more by praying fifteen minutes before the Blessed Sacrament than by all the other spiritual exercises of the day. True, Our Lord hears our prayers anywhere, for He has made the promise, 'Ask, and you shall receive,'
but He has revealed to His servants that those who visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament will obtain a more abundant measure of grace." - St. Alphonsus Liguori
Confessions
Over the season of Advent there will be extra opportunities for Confession. Many people still become anxious when they hear the term 'Confession', but as we know Our Lord's words of forgiveness from the Cross give us such hope and courage to live and live with joy. Jesus' mercy is boundless and I can tell you as a penitent myself, to receive his forgiveness is the most freeing and peaceful experience you can ever have. I came across this article written by a priest called Fr. Patrick Briscoe O.P. in 2021. I think he hits the nail on the head and I would like to share it with you.
There's really no reason to *not* start Advent with a good confession!
1 NEW YEAR, NEW START
Advent opens the Church's liturgical calendar. The First Sunday of Advent sets the cycle in motion, beginning a new year. Pope Benedict XVI writes, "The first Sunday of Advent, the Church begins a new Liturgical Year, a new journey of faith that on the one hand commemorates the event of Jesus Christ and, on the other, opens to its ultimate fulfilment."
Every confession is a fresh beginning, a new start. As the prophet Isaiah puts it, "Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow."
In confession Christ wipes away our sins, opening the door to new life with him.
2 PREPARATION
Pope John Paul II says, "Preparing ourselves to receive him requires first and foremost an attitude of intense and trusting prayer. Making room for him in our hearts demands a serious commitment to convert to his love."
The sacrament of penance is a powerful prayer, a very great prayer which drives out sin. Casting out the shadows of darkness, we give our hearts over to Christ's light and love.
3 MEDITATING ON THE LAST DAY
Pope Francis writes, "During Advent we do not just live in anticipation of Christmas; we are also called to rekindle the anticipation of the glorious return of Christ, when he will return at the end of time , preparing ourselves, with consistent and courageous choices, for the final encounter with him. We remember Christmas, we await the glorious return of Christ, and also our personal encounter: the day in which the Lord will call."
For Christians thinking of Jesus "coming" has a double meaning, a double perspective. We think of Christ's first coming in Bethlehem. Traditionally, too, we also think of his "coming again in glory" as we say in the Creed.
Confession readies us to meet Christ, who will come again as our judge. Will we be ready to stand before Jesus and make an account of our lives?
4 PENITENTIAL
For many Catholics, confession is a purely penitential exercise. In many places it's difficult to find convenient, available confessors. Confession demands an examination of conscience, an honest look into the dusty corners of the soul. The priest might not offer any helpful advice, or worse yet, he might be distant or dismissive.
And yet we believe that God works through the sacrament anyway. In Advent all of these aspects of confession can be offered up, given over to God as penance. It suits the character of the season!
5 JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
How do we walk with Jesus and Mary again to the manger? The most important way is by imitating their closeness to God.
In confession, God draws us very near, pouring out his merciful love. In confession we are brought close to God, we might even say, as if we were standing in the midst of the Holy Family in Bethlehem!
6 DON'T WAIT!
Last-minute Advent confessions are as painful as last-minute Christmas shopping. The best reason to begin Advent with a confession is that you won't be scrambling in the mad rush before Christmas!!! You too can avoid long lines by taking the time to confess today!
Advent Spiritual Reading
Below are a list of book titles that you might find to be interesting reading over Advent and Christmas. www.amazon.co.uk
Jesus of Nazareth, The Infancy Narratives by Pope Benedict XVI
God With Us: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew by Edward Sri
Forming Intentional Disciples, The Path to knowing and following Jesus by Sherry A. Weddell
Into His Likeness, Be transformed as a Disciple of Christ by Edward Sri
Habits for Holiness, Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress by Fr. Mark Mary Ames CFR
Befriending Silence, Discovering the Gifts of Cistercian Spirituality by Carl McColman
Toward God, The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer by Michael Casey
Journeying with Jonah, The struggle to find yourself by Denis McBride CSsR
Christmas Window Displays
Maureen Mullen with her team of helpers have offered to produce some Christmas window displays (not flower displays) for the nine windows in church and other areas. If you would like to sponsor a display for your family/friends or in memory of a loved one then please see the list at the stewards desk. The donation is £20. Any monies for general flower donations over Christmas will be gratefully appreciated, please enclose them in an envelope marked Christmas Flowers or pass it to one of the stewards.
Appeal: Parish Christmas Raffle Prizes
At the start of Advent (30th Nov/1st Dec) we are hoping to sell tickets for our annual St. Mary's Christmas Raffle and are asking parishioners for any items they would be happy to donate. Do you work for a company/business who would be happy and open to offering vouchers, treatments, meals, or gift tokens etc. as prizes? Any donations that people can generously give, please leave with the stewards at the back of church.
St. Mary's School
On Thursday Mrs Duckworth's class visited church to learn more about baptism. The children brought with them baby Jasmine-Jayne (class doll) to be baptised and learn more about the symbols and prayers of the liturgy - Holy Oils, Candles, Promises etc. Let's pray for all the families in the parish.
Carol Services
The Diocese of Salford is delighted to announce the return of its Salford Schools Singing Programme (SSP) Carol Services, which will take place in churches across the diocese this December. For a full list of dates and locations for our services, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/ssp-carol-services-24/
Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel have emailed inviting senior parishioners to their annual Christmas party. They haven't sent any dates through but have asked that people sign up before the 25th November. You can put your name forward by contacting the school directly on Tel: (01254) 233458
The school are having a Christmas Tombola Event on Friday 29th November from 6pm-8pm with a Raffle, Children's Games, Refreshments and a Santa Visit. Entry is free.
Laudato Si' Centre - Advent Wreath Workshop
Join the Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre team on Friday 6 December for the return of its Advent Wreath Workshop, where you will have the opportunity to learn how to create your own wreath from natural materials under the guidance of our skilled team. Find out more and book at https://laudatosicentre.org.uk/events/wreath-workshop
Salford Diocese Big Listen - Session 3 - Enabling Access
Sadly, this week the weather set us a temporary knock back as we did not have any attendees at the Big Listen session on Wednesday 20 November. However, we would still like to get your feedback on this really important issue. At the back of the church you will find three documents providing you with all of the information on this theme together with a sheet of paper asking for you to provide your thoughts. There is also a document providing you with an example of how you could provide your answer. We would be really grateful if you could place your feedback in the box at the back of the church by the end of Sunday 8 December.
Caritas is buzzing about new launch...
Have you seen the special short animation and new campaign for Advent from our diocesan charity Caritas Salford? This year they are asking people to make a real difference this Christmas and not make it all about the tinsel, the parties, and the supermarket queues. Watch the specially created animation, find out more, donate, or take part in the appeal in another way: www.caritassalford.org.uk/beethere
Mens' Spiritual Exercises, 31 March – 5 April 2025
A 5-day version of the Ignatian Exercises offered specifically for men (whether lay or ordained), this retreat will be preached by the Benedictine Monks of St Joseph's Abbey, France. Founded in 1988, this community has retained its charism of a specific apostolate to men and of engaging them through a shortened version of the Ignatian Exercises. One-to-one direction will be offered alongside the talks. Priests are welcome to attend and concelebrate or celebrate their own Mass. For more information and to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-spiritual-exercises/
Job Vacancies
Cleaner - Parish of Corpus Christi (replacement role)
Appointment Type: Part-time, permanent
Working Hours: 4 hours per week, working pattern to be agreed with Parish Priest
Location: St John's Presbytery, The Crescent, Bromley Cross and St Brendan's Church, Harwood.
Salary: £12 per hour.
Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies
Project Administrator - Diocese of Salford
Appointment Type: Full-time, permanent, part-time considered
Working Hours: 28 hours per week or 35 hours per week
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £24,983
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