Saturday 2nd May
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Athanasius (Memoria)
St. Athanasius (296 A.D – 373A.D) led a tumultuous but dedicated life of service to the Church. He was the great champion of the faith against the widespread heresy of Arianism, the teaching by Arius that Jesus was not truly divine. The vigour of his writings earned him the title of doctor of the Church
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter with Crowing of Our Lady
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter with Crowing of Our Lady
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Easter Weekday Mass
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Easter Weekday Mass
7pm Parish Bible Study (See below for details)
9:30am Easter Weekday Mass
5pm – 5:50pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & confessions
6pm Easter Weekday Mass
9am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Easter Weekday Mass
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
This Week (2nd May – 8th May), the Sanctuary Lamp is for Sadie & James Pickles.
As we enter the month of May, we are reminded that this is a special time in the Church dedicated to Our Blessed Mother Mary. In this season of spring, we see flowers begin to bloom and new life all around us. This beauty of creation points us to Mary, who brought forth the greatest “flower” of all—Jesus Christ, the source of new life for the world. Throughout this month, we honour her in a particular way and seek her loving intercession. Parishioners are warmly invited, if they wish, to bring flowers this weekend (2nd/3rd May) and place them at the feet of the statue of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle on the sanctuary. In this way, flowers can become a simple but meaningful offering—an act of love and devotion. You may wish to offer flowers in memory of a loved one, as a prayer for someone in need, or as an intercession for those who are sick or struggling. Like a candle, they can be a visible sign of prayer, laid before Our Lady with trust and hope. May this month help us to grow closer to Mary, and through her, closer to her Son.
God bless, Fr O’Brien
Deepening Our Love for Our Lady
During this month of May, dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, you might consider taking up some spiritual reading to deepen your understanding and love of Mary. Good spiritual reading can help us grow in devotion, prayer, and appreciation of Our Lady’s role in leading us to her Son. Here are a few recommended titles that are both faithful and spiritually enriching:
True Devotion to Mary · A classic guide to Marian consecration and devotion by St Louis de Montfort. Written by St Louis de Montfort, this is widely regarded as one of the greatest works on devotion to Our Lady, teaching how Mary leads us more deeply to Christ.
Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross. A Scripture-based reflection on Mary’s life and role in salvation history. This book helps you encounter Mary through Scripture, tracing her journey from Nazareth to Calvary.
The Glories of Mary. A devotional classic exploring Mary’s role as our spiritual mother and intercessor. By St Alphonsus Liguori, this work reflects deeply on Mary’s love and intercession.
Even just a few minutes of reading each day can help us grow closer to Our Lady—and through her, closer to Jesus.
We would like to thank Vinette Davitt, our Parish Safeguarding Representative, for her continued dedication in helping to update our safeguarding records. Her work, together with the cooperation of so many parish volunteers, helps to ensure that St Mary’s remains a welcoming and safe place for all—a true home and “other family” for our community. We are also very grateful to all those volunteers who have given their time so generously and shared their gifts and talents in the life of the parish. Your contribution is deeply valued and makes St Mary’s what it is. There is still some work to be done to ensure full compliance with the diocesan safeguarding requirements. Ciara, our Parish Administrator, and Vinette will be in touch with anyone who has not yet been contacted, to offer support and guidance in completing the necessary processes for their role. Thank you once again for your ongoing cooperation and commitment.
On Thursday 14th May, the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord, when Jesus returned to the Father in heaven, entrusting His mission to the Apostles and to the Church. This is a Holy Day of Obligation, and all faithful Catholics are encouraged to take part in the celebration of Mass. At St Mary’s, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am then later in the day there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:00pm, followed by Mass at 6:00pm. We look forward to gathering together to celebrate this great feast.
Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Abuse. Message from the Formation and Safeguarding Departments:
Each year the Catholic Church in England and Wales holds a Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Abuse. This year it falls on Tuesday 5th May. Whilst we usually mark the Day of Prayer with a Diocesan Mass, this year we will postpone it until the Cathedral reopens, so that we may gather together in reflection, support, and hope. This year we pray particularly for those affected by Domestic Abuse and Violence. The physical danger domestic abuse presents to life is clear. A woman is murdered by a partner or ex-partner every five days in the UK. Between three and 10 women die by suicide each week due to domestic abuse. It is important to recognise, too, that men can be and are victims of domestic abuse. Abusers can also perpetrate spiritual and coercive abuse, disrupting their victims’ relationships with God and the Church. This can lead victims – adults and children – to feel guilt and shame that push them away from the support that the Church has to offer. At its best, the Church can and should be a safe haven where support is available for victims and survivors so that they can live life without fear and begin to experience the life in abundance Jesus came to bring. This hope is what we pray for this year.
"O God, you sent us your Son as source of all consolation and hope. Be the refuge and guardian of all who suffer from abuse and violence.
Comfort them and send healing for their wounds of the body, soul and spirit. Help us all and make us one with you in your love for justice as we deepen our respect for the dignity of every human life. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Our next Bible Study will take place on Wednesday 6th May from 7:00pm–8:00pm, where we will be looking at Acts chapters 20 and 21. The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the early Church—how the message of Christ spread after the Resurrection, often in the face of great challenge and persecution. It is a powerful witness to the faith, courage, and perseverance of our first brothers and sisters in Christ. In these chapters, we follow St Paul as he continues his missionary journey, guided by the Holy Spirit, even as he faces uncertainty and hardship. Why not come along and discover more about the life of the early Church? It may well affirm and inspire our own faith and witness today.
Everyone is very welcome—just bring a Bible.
New Statue of Saint Carlo Acutis
Next weekend, parishioners will have the opportunity to view our new statue of Saint Carlo Acutis, which has been generously funded through the kindness and support of our parish community. The statue, beautifully carved from wood and crafted in Italy, will be formally blessed by the Bishop on Tuesday 30th June at 7:00pm. All parishioners are warmly invited to attend this special occasion and to join in celebrating this important addition to our church. We are also delighted that the Bishop has kindly offered to bring a relic of Saint Carlo for veneration. This relic has been gifted by the family and support network of St Carlo, making this a particularly grace-filled moment for our parish.
Please do come along and be part of this joyful celebration.