Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle
Lancashire
BB5 3EZ
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. S D O'Brien
Parish Administrator: Ciara Kelly
Tel: 01254-232433
Email: stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Sunday 15th February 2026
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday 14th February
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saints Cyril & Methodius, Bishops, Patrons of Europe (Feast)
Ss Cyril and Methodius were brothers and missionaries, who carried the Gospel into the Slavonic countries. They translated the liturgical books into the Slavonic language (inventing a new script, Cyrillic, to do do). Cyril died in 869 A.D, Methodius in 885 A.D.
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Sunday 15th February
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Tuesday 17th February
10am Requiem Mass for Patricia Stephenson RIP
5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass
Wednesday 18th February
ASH WEDNESDAY
(Day of Fasting & Abstinence)
9:15am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass with the distribution of Ashes (Followed by Stations of the Cross)
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Sacrament of Confession
6pm Mass with the distribution of Ashes
Thursday 19th February
9am Lenten Weekday Mass
Friday 20th February
5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Lenten Weekday Mass (followed by Stations of the Cross led by Parishioners)
Saturday 21st February
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Lenten Mass
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for First Sunday of Lent
Sunday 22nd February
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the First Sunday of Lent
2:30pm Rite of Election at St Patrick's Church, Manchester
Sanctuary Lamp
This week (7th February – 13th February) the Sanctuary Lamp is for Bill Moorhouse.
Our Lady's Lamp
This week (7th February – 13th February) Our Lady's Lamp is for George, Maureen & Families.
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£630.32. Thank you for your kind generosity.
Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes – World Day of Prayer for the Sick
On Wednesday 11th February, the parish marked the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of Prayer for the Sick with a day of prayer, healing and fellowship. The day included Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions, followed by the Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes, during which the Sacrament of the Sick was celebrated. Many parishioners, especially those who are sick, elderly or in need of encouragement, were supported by the prayer and presence of the parish family. Refreshments afterwards provided a welcome opportunity to gather together. In the evening, a Prayer and Healing Service offered further time for quiet reflection and prayer. The parish was grateful to be joined by Fr Michael Doody and Gill Atkinson from the Diocese of Leeds, who kindly prayed privately with individuals in the Lady Chapel. Sincere thanks are offered to all the priests who assisted, the people of prayer, readers and musicians, those who helped with refreshments, and to everyone in the parish family who contributed. Through their faith and generosity, the church truly became a mini Lourdes for the day, bringing comfort, encouragement and a sense of healing in mind and body to many.
Ash Wednesday – Day of Fast and Abstinence
Ash Wednesday will be observed on Wednesday 18th February and marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Masses with the distribution of ashes will be celebrated at:
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mass
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
6pm Mass
Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence, and all parishioners are encouraged to attend Mass if possible as we begin our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Parish Lenten Retreat 2026
We are delighted to announce that Angela McMorrow, facilitator and organiser of the Irish National Women's Conference "Abide in His Love", has kindly accepted our invitation to lead our Parish Lenten Retreat 2026. Angela will accompany us as we begin the holy season of Lent, offering time for reflection, prayer, and renewal of faith over three evenings.
Monday 23rd February
5.00pm – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6.00pm – Mass
7.00–7.45pm – Talk: Faith - Angela will share her own faith journey.
8.00–8.15pm – Refreshments
8.15pm – Liturgy: Adoration & Prayer with Individuals
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, with a kneeler placed before the Lord in the monstrance. Those who wish may come forward to surrender themselves to the Lord. The priests will gently lay hands on individuals and pray with them, asking the Holy Spirit to encourage, renew, and strengthen them in their daily Christian life.
Tuesday 24th February
5.00pm – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6.00pm – Mass
7.00–7.45pm – Talk: Our Lady, Spouse of the Holy Spirit & Disciple of Christ
8.00–8.15pm – Refreshments
8.15pm – Liturgy: Adoration & the Rosary
We will pray the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament, fitting beautifully with the theme of Mary, allowing us to remain rooted in prayer before the Lord while meditating with Our Lady.
Wednesday 25th February
5.00pm – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6.00pm – Mass
7.00–7.45pm – Talk: Our Lady and the Holy Eucharist
8.00–8.15pm – Refreshments
8.15pm – Liturgy: Adoration & Healing Service
The final evening will include Adoration in the form of a Healing Service. The priest will walk among those gathered with the Blessed Sacrament, and people will be invited to reach out and touch the humeral veil. We will proclaim the Gospel of the woman with the haemorrhage from Saint Mark, highlighting this moment of faith, trust, and healing encounter with Christ.
Update: Statue of Saint Carlo Acutis
Following the recent appeal, the parish is delighted to share that, through the generous donations of parishioners, a total of £1752.50 has now been raised towards the purchase of a statue of Saint Carlo Acutis. This is a wonderful response and a clear sign of the love and concern of the parish for our young people, both those known to us and those yet to come. The donation box will remain at the back of the church, beneath the large crucifix and donations can also be made using the Dona machine at the back of the church. Once the remaining £520.26 has been raised, the parish will be able to proceed with the purchase of the statue. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so generously and prayerfully. Please continue to ask Saint Carlo Acutis for his intercession for our young people and their families.
St Valentine and the Meaning of True Love
It was a great joy for the parish to be represented at Sacred Heart School on Tuesday morning, where Fr. O'Brien was invited to take part in the school's St Valentine Liturgy. The children led the celebration prayerfully, using scripture, prayer and reflection to explore the meaning of love and how genuine love is expressed in daily life. During the liturgy, the children reflected on how love is not simply about words or special occasions, but is shown through kindness, sacrifice, forgiveness and care for others, following the example given to us by Jesus Christ. Fr. O'Brien was then asked to share a brief outline of the life of St Valentine, reflecting on how his love for Christ shaped everything he did. One of the stories associated with St Valentine tells of how, through faith and compassion, he changed the lives of a young woman and her father, who was his jailer—demonstrating how love rooted in Christ has the power to transform hearts.
Fr O'Brien was also invited by St Oswald's School to visit the younger children and speak with them about how they can imitate St Valentine's love for Jesus in their own lives. The children were encouraged to see that love is shown not only in words, but through actions—by choosing kindness, generosity and care for others. Both visits served as a reminder that Christian love is not something celebrated on just one day of the year, but a way of life to be lived each day. The parish is grateful to the staff and children of both schools for their warm welcome and for the strong witness of faith shown through these celebrations.
Safeguarding and Our Parish Volunteers
The parish would like to take this opportunity to express sincere thanks to all our volunteers, whose generosity of time, talents and commitment makes such a vital contribution to parish life. Everything that happens in the parish is supported by people who give freely and faithfully, and this is deeply appreciated by both the parish and the Diocese. As part of diocesan safeguarding procedures, all parish volunteers across the Diocese are being asked to complete a volunteer information form. Many have already completed this process. The purpose is to ensure that volunteers are properly supported, that accurate emergency contact details are held, and that everyone can continue their role with confidence and peace of mind. In recent weeks, a number of volunteers have kindly been coming to the parish office on Fridays to share their details with the parish safeguarding representative, Vinette Davitt. This has been greatly appreciated. The Diocese is grateful for the time and cooperation shown, and wishes to emphasise that every volunteer is valued and supported. Vinette Davitt and Ciara Kelly, the parish administrator, have already begun contacting volunteers and assisting them with completing the necessary forms. Over the coming weeks, it is hoped that this process will be completed. If you have not yet been contacted, please do not worry—no one has been overlooked, and Vinette or Ciara will be in touch in due course. Thank you once again to all our volunteers for everything you do and for your continued generosity in serving the parish.
Stations of the Cross During Lent
As we prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, the parish is pleased to share that the Stations of the Cross will once again be prayed together during this important time of reflection and renewal. Following requests from parishioners last year, the Stations will continue to be offered after the Wednesday morning Mass, led by Fr O'Brien. There will also be an opportunity to pray the Stations on Friday evenings after the 6.00pm Mass, led by parishioners. This provides a simple and prayerful way to walk with the Lord on His journey to Calvary and to deepen our Lenten observance. If any parishioners would be willing to volunteer to help lead the Friday evening Stations, please contact the parish office: ☎ Tel: (01254) 232 433
✉ Email: stmarysoswaldtwistle@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Permanent Diaconate 'Come and See' Event
Could you be called to serve the church as a Permanent Deacon? If you are a Catholic man interested in learning more about the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Salford, please come along to our 'Come and See' event. This is a chance to discuss and learn more about the ministry.
This event takes place from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday 7 March at St Mary's Church, Hall Burnley, BB10 4AU.
For more information about the Diaconate, please email diaconate@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or visit the diocesan website here: www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/faith/vocations/permanent-diaconate/
Exploring our Lenten Gospels
Each Tuesday during our Lenten period, a series of reflections will be given online by various speakers, exploring the meaning of our Lenten Gospels and their implications for our lives today. The series will begin on Tuesday 17 February with Fr. Michael Deas reflecting on The Temptations of Jesus and will conclude with Bishop John on the Palm Sunday readings.
For more information on how to book your free place, please visit the diocesan website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/online-readings-for-lent/