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 5th July
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Friday 3rd July
3pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and The Divine Mercy Chaplet
5pm Confessions
6pm Mass, Saint Thomas (Feast)
6:30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
8:50pm Benediction
Saturday 4th July
9am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Votive Mass of Our Lady
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 5th July
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tuesday 7th July
5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm Weekday Mass
Wednesday 8th July
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Weekday Mass
Thursday 9th July
9:15am – 9:50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Weekday Mass
Friday 10th July
9am Sacred Heart Leavers Liturgy
5pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions
6pm Weekday Mass
Saturday 11th July
9am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10am Mass, Saint Benedict (Feast)
6pm The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
6:30pm Vigil Mass for Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 12th July
9:30am The Holy Rosary for Peace in the World
10am Mass for Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Last Week's Offertory Collection
£669.87. Thank you for your kind generosity.
The Sanctuary Lamp
This Week (4th July – 10th July), The Sanctuary Lamp is for Joseph Keane.
Our Lady’s Lamp
This Week (4th July – 10th July), Our Lady’s Lamp is for John and Jean Dwyer.
Thank You…
I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who helped make Bishop Arnold’s visit to St Mary's on Tuesday evening such a prayerful, joyful and memorable occasion for our parish family and all who joined us from across the deanery. Our congratulations and prayers go especially to the ten young people who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Their witness of faith brought us together for a truly grace-filled celebration. We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and strengthen them throughout their lives as faithful disciples of Christ. My heartfelt thanks also go to their families, sponsors, catechists and all who accompanied them with their prayers, encouragement and support throughout their preparation. Many people worked quietly behind the scenes to ensure that the evening was such a success. Thank you to our altar servers, readers, musicians, stewards, flower arrangers, those who organised and served the refreshments, those who assisted with car parking, and our cleaners, who worked so hard to have the church looking its very best. I also wish to thank our dedicated parish volunteers who faithfully care for our church grounds and gardens throughout the year. Your generosity and commitment are greatly appreciated and do so much to enhance the welcome and beauty of our parish. A special word of thanks to Glen Leyland for crafting the beautiful plinth on which our new statue of St Carlo Acutis now rests. It is a fine piece of craftsmanship and provides a fitting place for this inspiring young saint to be honoured in our church. The plinth has been dedicated to the memory of Andrew Leyland, who was known and loved by so many, and it is a touching and lasting tribute to his memory. Finally, thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us, especially those who travelled from other parishes and the deanery priests who came. The presence of our Bishop, the blessing of the statue of St Carlo Acutis, the opportunity to venerate his relic, and the celebration of Confirmation made for a truly memorable evening in the life of our parish. Thank you, one and all, for your kindness, generosity and prayers. God bless, Fr O'Brien
Marriage in Difficulty? There is Hope
Every marriage experiences challenges from time to time. If your relationship is going through a difficult period, Retrouvaille offers a practical and confidential programme that has helped thousands of couples rediscover hope, improve communication and rebuild their marriage. The programme is open to couples of all faiths and none and is designed to provide support in a private and respectful setting. The next residential programme takes place 2nd–4th October. For more information, in complete confidence, telephone 07887 296983 or visit Retrouvaille UK.
Who are Retrouvaille? Retrouvaille UK is the England and Wales branch of an international Catholic marriage ministry that helps couples whose marriages are experiencing serious difficulties. The name Retrouvaille is a French word meaning "rediscovery" or "finding each other again." The movement began in Canada in 1977 and now operates in many countries. It offers hope and practical support to couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. The programme is open to couples of all faiths and none and provides a confidential opportunity to rebuild communication, trust and hope.
Year 6 Leavers' Liturgies
This week I had the great pleasure of visiting our Year 6 pupils at Sacred Heart, St Mary's and St Oswald's Primary Schools as they prepare to leave at the end of the summer term and begin the next stage of their education in a variety of secondary schools. When planning this year's Leavers' Liturgies, I wanted the children themselves to have a much greater input into these important celebrations. Rather than simply taking part in a liturgy prepared for them, I invited them to reflect on the many graces, blessings and opportunities they have received during their years in our parish schools. We also spent time thinking about the legacy they would like to leave behind. What values do they hope they will be remembered for? What words of encouragement, wisdom and advice would they like to pass on to the younger pupils who will continue the life of their schools? I also wanted the liturgies to be a joyful celebration of all that the children have experienced throughout their time in our Catholic schools. They reflected on the friendships they have formed, the faith they have nurtured, the lessons they have learned and the many opportunities they have been given to grow academically, spiritually and personally. The pupils embraced this opportunity with great enthusiasm. They chose their own Scripture readings, hymns, prayers and symbols, making each liturgy a truly personal expression of thanksgiving. Every Year 6 pupil also had the opportunity to nominate and vote for classmates to undertake the various ministries within the liturgy, ensuring that everyone had a voice in shaping these special celebrations. I came away from each visit deeply encouraged by the maturity, thoughtfulness and faith of our young people. Their reflections were filled with gratitude for all they have received, together with a sincere desire to leave a positive example for those who follow them. As our Year 6 pupils prepare to begin this exciting new chapter of their lives, I ask you to keep them in your prayers. May St Carlo Acutis watch over them and inspire them to keep Christ at the centre of their lives. May they continue to grow in faith, hope and love, and may they always know that the doors of St Mary's Parish are open to welcome them home. God bless, Fr O'Brien
Help end Child Poverty in our Parishes
Child poverty is increasing in our area, with latest statistics from the government showing almost one in three children are growing up in poverty. Our diocesan charity Caritas Salford supports local families facing crisis and is asking us to join them in taking action to help. There are lots of different ways you and your parish can get involved. Please visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/endchildpoverty to find out more.
A Night of Music and Fun
The African Priests and Religious of the Diocese of Salford are inviting you to a concert in celebration of African Liturgical and folk music. This is to be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Failsworth, M35 0NN on 31 July 2026 at 7PM. This promises to be a night of good music (by the invited choir) and laughter (by the priests and religious who also try to sing!). Let us come with our parishioners to have a fun evening.
Vacancies - Teaching and Learning Delivery Support
The Diocese of Salford is looking for a friendly, enthusiastic and organised person to support the delivery of environmental learning activities at the Laudato Si’ Centre, based at Wardley Hall. This is a rewarding opportunity to help pupils, school groups, parishes and community visitors connect with nature, explore creation and take part in meaningful outdoor activities. Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Tuesday 30th June 2026. For more information please see https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
New Volunteering Role at Caritas Salford
Our diocesan charity Caritas Salford has a team of almost 200 amazing volunteers, all of whom support their work with people in our parishes who are experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination. The team is looking for suitable volunteers who would be interested in giving a little time to work alongside families at their young parent accommodation in Blackburn - supporting and facilitating activities with the babies and their parents. All roles will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring check. To find out more about this or other volunteering opportunities with the charity, visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/volunteer or contact Matt Yates: m.yates@caritassalford.org.uk
Fancy a Walk?
Caritas Salford is organising a 6-mile scenic, circular sponsored hike in Lancashire, along the delightful Downham Trail. Taking place on 5 September, the walk is an undulating route with the potential for expansive views from the summit of Beacon Fell.
Visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/LancsWalk for more information or to register for your free place.