Sunday 2nd March 2025
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Masses & Liturgies for the coming week...
Friday 28th February
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
Saturday 1st March
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
10am Mass, Saint David, Bishop (Feast) (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
St. David was born in Cardigan in 520A.D. He founded monasteries and became Bishop and Primate of Wales. He settled his See at Mynyw (Menevia) where he died in 588A.D.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass of The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Sunday 2nd March
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Pope Francis
10am Mass of The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Tuesday 4th March
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed
6pm Weekday Mass (Feria)
ASH WEDNESDAY
5th March
(Day of Fasting & Abstinence)
10am Mass with the distribution of Ashes
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
6pm Mass with the distribution of Ashes
Thursday 6th March
9:30am Lenten Weekday Mass
Friday 7th March
1:40pm Funeral Service for Mary Frieda McNeill RIP at Accrington Crematorium
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Lenten Weekday Mass
6:30pm Stations of the Cross
Saturday 8th March
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
10am Lenten Weekday Mass (Celebrated in Lady Chapel)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass of The First Sunday of Lent
Sunday 9th March
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Pope Francis
10am Mass of The First Sunday of Lent
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (1st March – 8th March), the Sanctuary Lamp is for the Gattei Family & The Bevan Family.
Our Lady's Lamp
This week (1st March – 8th March), Our Lady's Lamp is for Ken Le Pla.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£634.90. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Second Collection Notice
Our Diocesan Retired Priests' Fund is a vital resource that provides accommodation, care, and support to our clergy during their retirement. When the fund was first established, it was practice having a specified second collection in parishes to help support the fund. These Second Collection dates were paused during Covid and, as yet, have not returned. The Vicars General have agreed that active collecting for the Fund should resume this year, and so there will be a Second Collection on the First Sunday of Lent (9th March).
Lent 2025
This year Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 5th March. Over the six weeks we are called to re-direct our hearts and minds towards Jesus through fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Lent is our spiritual spring clean that allows us to become aware of those things in life that stop us living for the Lord and loving Him. Throughout this penitential period there will be, as always, plenty of opportunity for prayer and meditation.
Ash Wednesday – 5th March
"Change your hearts and lives! Turn back to God so that your sins may be wiped away."
Acts 3:19
10am Mass with the distribution of Ashes
5pm -5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Mass with the distribution of Ashes
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
"The Eucharist bathes the tormented soul in light and love. Then the soul appreciates these words, 'Come all you who are sick, I will restore your health." - St. Bernadette Soubirous
Tuesdays 5pm – 5:50pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays (unless there is a funeral) 9:15am – 9:50am,
Fridays 5pm – 5:50pm, Saturdays 9am – 9:50am
Confessions
"There are people who are afraid to go to confession, forgetting that they will not encounter a severe judge there, but the immensely merciful Father." - Pope Franics
Ash Wednesday 5pm – 5:45pm; Fridays 5pm – 5:45pm; Saturdays 9am – 9:45am
Stations of the Cross
"In difficult moments, I will fix my gaze upon the silent Heart of Jesus stretched on the Cross, and from the exploding flames of His merciful Heart, will flow down upon me power and strength to keep fighting." – St. Faustina
Nobody has volunteered to lead the Stations of the Cross after the Friday Masses during Lent so far. If you would like to then please contact Fr. O'Brien: stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
I (Fr. O) can lead them on Friday 7th March but sadly not after. A number of parishioners have asked could I lead them after a Wednesday morning Mass and I'm able to do that from Wednesday 12th March.
Lancashire Martyr Talks – 13th March & 18th March
This Lent Fr. John Broadley, parish priest of St. Marie's, Haslingden and church historian has very kindly agreed to give two talks on some of the Lancashire Martyrs. In this Holy Year with the theme 'Pilgrims of Hope', it is a good time to reflect and celebrate those past pilgrims of our Church who have trod our county of Lancashire holding on to the Faith despite persecution.
7pm Thursday 13th March: Blessed Robert Nutter & Venerable John Nutter.
7pm Tuesday 18th March: Venerable Edward Rishton.
Refreshments will be available after each talk.
Parish Lenten & Easter Walks
It would be wonderful to have some parish walks again this year however to do that we need people who are willing to facilitate and lead them. If any parishioners would like to volunteer to undertake this then please contact the parish office stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.co.uk. In the meantime Fr. O'Brien will lead a walk along the Tolkein Trail
Tolkein Trail Sunday 23rd March (Lent)
The Lord of the Rings reminds us of the power of Good over Evil. It was this landscape in the Ribble valley, around Stonyhurst College, that was meant to have shaped Tolkein's imagination when writing about the home of the Hobbits – The Shire.
Meeting at Hurst Green village car park by the Bayley Arms, 1:30pm
Distance 6 ½ miles 10.5km, Approx 3 hours
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 footware, clothing and food and drinks for the journey.
Divine Mercy Sunday
On Divine Mercy Sunday, 27th April at 2pm, we will have Divine Mercy Devotions with Adoration, Confessions, Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Holy Mass. All are welcome. For more information please see Paddy Clayton
Building Update
As of today (2pm, Friday 28th February 2025) all major roofing work on the church and presbytery have now been completed. This is good news for us but not for the buckets who finally got evicted! Over the next few months there will be some superficial work and routine inspections to ensure the longevity of the roof work. The diocesan property department are now looking towards investigating further the drainage issues around the property as well as the wall along Catlow Hall Street.
Parish Bible Study – St. John's Gospel
The next session is Wednesday 12th March from 7pm – 8pm. All are welcome. All you need is a Bible and an openness to come to know Our Lord better.
Piety Stall
This weekend you will find a new order of A Simple Prayer Book (£3.95)on sale at the piety stall at the back of church. A Simple Prayer Book is the essential companion to prayer every Catholic needs, including the Order of Mass, a wide assortment of prayers, and simple explanations on key elements of the Catholic faith. Why not purchase one this Lent to help as an aid in prayer.
A Message from the Friendship Club
The Friendship Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month in St Joseph's Parish Hall, Belgarth Rd, Accrington. We seem to have lost many of our friends from St Mary's Parish and we would love to meet new ones. We meet between 1:30pm and finish about 4:30pm. All are welcome male or female, young or old. If you have mobility or transport problems, we can often help you out. With this in mind many of our drivers can no longer help due to age related problems, we would also welcome volunteers to ferry some of our members to and from. For more information call Susan McKeown 07910747347
Jubilee for Communications
In celebration of the Holy Year, we are having a Jubilee of Jubilees to shine a light on a number of different themes represented in our diocese. We begin with our Jubilee for Communications, in which we explore this month's Gospels to reflect on how we can share the Good News in our world today. Access the resources now at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/jubilee-2025/calendar/
Diocesan Synod
We are now approaching the last phase and important culmination of our Diocesan Synod, which we began in 2023. Next weekend we will be holding our Diocesan Voting Day, where clergy and lay synod members will come together to vote on recommendations that will form the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Please pray for all those involved in the Synod Process that the Holy Spirit may guide and inspire us as we work together to discern God's call for the Church in our diocese. The following day there is an opportunity to give thanks for the Synod and pray for guidance as we move into the planning and implementation phases. This Thanksgiving Service will officially close the Diocesan Synod and is open to all to attend.
When: Sunday 2nd March 2025
Venue: St Patricks RC Church, Livesey Street, Collyhurst, Manchester. M4 5HF
Time: 15:00 to 17:00
Parking: Available in Caritas House car park at the end of Nobby Stiles Drive and various car parks within easy walking around the Church.
Are you aged between 18 and 35 or know someone who is?
Our diocesan charity Caritas Diocese of Salford is looking for young adult volunteers to join their governance committee as co-opted members to help shape the charity in the coming months and years. Find out more about how you can help tackle poverty, homelessness, disadvantage, and displacement in our parish communities at www.caritassalford.org.uk/youngadultboard
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham 2025
Our diocesan pilgrimage office is now taking bookings for its next annual pilgrimage to Walsingham. Our pilgrimage in this Holy Year of Jubilee will take place on Saturday 3 May 2025, with an option to extend your visit by staying overnight on Friday 2 May. For more information, prices, and details on how to book, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/walsingham-pilgrimage-2025 or call 0161 817 2209
God Bless and keep praying.
Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. O'Brien