12 February 2023 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday 11th – Lucy Glover
Monday 13th – Philip Molyneux RIP
Thursday 16th – Nicholas Weldon RIP
Saturday 18th – Parishioners
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MASS TIMES: SATURDAY VIGIL MASS at 5pm SOCIALLY-DISTANCED SEATING: As far as possible, the side benches will be available for those who wish to remain cautious. **OFFICE HOURS : FRIDAYS, 10am to 4pm** |
PARISH NEWSLETTER
MASSES THIS WEEK
MONDAYS, 10am
THURSDAYS: 10.00am; 10.25am-11.00am: Exposition & Benediction
VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT & PRAYER / REFLECTION: Fridays 11am to 1pm
CONFESSIONS: last Saturday of the month ( 25 February): 4.15pm-4.45pm
A PRAYER FOR THE TURKISH / SYRIAN PEOPLE
Lord, at times such as this, when we realise that the ground beneath our feet is not as solid as we had imagined, we plead for your mercy.
As life crumbles about the people in Turkey, help us realise how small we all truly are on this ever-changing, ever-moving, fragile planet we call home. Give us the strength to hear, to care, to act.
Today, so many people are hurt and afraid.
Yet, you are the God who hears the cries of your people. And you have promised never to forget us.
So, comfort them, Lord, in this disaster. Be their rock when the earth refuses to stand still and shelter them when their homes no longer exist.
Embrace in your arms those who have died. Console the hearts of those who mourn and ease their pain. Pour your healing balm on the injured.
Pierce, too, our hearts with compassion,
we who watch from afar, safe in our homes.
Move us to act swiftly, to give generously, to help.
Give us grace to pray unceasingly for those without hope. Let us not forget that we are all your children, and they our brothers and sisters.
We are all the work of your hands, and our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever.
Amen
CAFOD Syria-Turkey Earthquake Appeal
CAFOD is responding with support of provision of food, water, shelter, medical assistance and winter kits for survivors. Your donations in recent months have made that quick response possible. Let us join CAFOD in praying for our sisters and brothers affected by the earthquakes and the winter weather. Your support for CAFOD throughout the year allows our Catholic agency to act quickly when disasters strike. For more details visit CAFOD’s Syria Turkey Emergency Appeal online at https://cafod.org.uk/give.
COVID / ‘FLU AWARENESS & THE SUNDAY OBLIGATION
If you have a cough / sore throat / feel generally unwell with cold-like symptom, please take a Covid test right away. If it’s positive, then please stay at home, keep it to yourself and get better soon!
Whilst the Sunday Obligation has been restored, the Archdiocese advises parishioners to celebrate Mass at home, if they are unwell with coughs and colds – especially at the moment, with so many infections doing the rounds.
READINGS FOR 12 FEBRUARY
1st Reading: Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20, He never commanded anyone to be godless
Psalm 118: They are happy who follow God’s law!
2nd Reading: I Corinthians 2:6-10, God predestined wisdom to be for our glory before the ages began
Gospel: Matthew 5:17–37, You have learned how it was said to our ancestors; but I say this to you
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Speak Lord, your servant is listening: you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: They ate and had their fill and what they craved, the Lord gave them; they were not disappointed in what they craved.
INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
We join Pope Francis’ prayer intention for February
For parishes
We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
SPECIAL FEASTS THIS WEEK
14 February – Ss Cyril & Methodius
17 February – Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
DAYS OF SPECIAL PRAYER THIS MONTH
19 February – Day for the Unemployed
22 February – Ash Wednesday: Day of Fasting & Abstinence
HOW TO DONATE TO THE CHURCH
Standing Orders – Many find this an easier alternative to trying to remember to bring cash along each week. Forms are available in the porch / from the Parish Office. You can determine the amount and when it is deducted each month. Please post compoleted forms to your bank.
Envelopes – easy, because they can be prepared before coming to church. They afford some ‘privacy’ for the amount donated. Please contact the Parish Office so we can arrange this.
Cash / cheque donations each week and very gratefully received.
Gift Aid: If you don’t gift aid donations, then the parish loses 20% of your donation. Filling in a simple form, registering your name and address means we can reclaim the money that had been donated. So instead of it going to HMRC, it can support church funds! Please collect a form from the porch on your way out today, complete and return to the Parish Office.
THANK YOU for your continuing support and generosity in these very challenging times.
Pathways to social action: Supporting refugees and asylum seekers
“This is church…”, Participant in SHARe Knowsley event
From Pablo Guidi at the Archdiocese
My work this month has taken me to Support and Helping Asylum seekers and Refugees (SHARe) Knowsley. This project started at St Aidan’s when parishioners started helping asylum seekers in the Hayton area. They’ve gone from volunteers serving hot drinks, to 5 staff seeing hundreds of people a week. They offer English classes, welfare support and a warm welcome to people of all faiths and none. While they don’t press any faith, one participant said, “this is what church feels like”. If you would like to find out how you can get involved in refugee work, join our “Refugee network event for parishioners”: 6.30pm, 29th March 2023 – please get in touch with me, Pablo Guidi, at p.guidi@rcaol.org.uk, to register.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2023
The World Day of Prayer will be help on Friday 3 March. This year the service has been organised by the Christian women of Taiwan. This year’s theme: I have heard about your faith. There will be more information on this in next week’s newsletter.
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY – Friday 3 March
Envelopes will be available next week.
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE: COURSES & RESOURCES
COST OF LIVING CRISIS: Warm and Cosy spaces in our parish centres
Venues continue to be open 1pm to 3.30pm across the archdiocese: more details here https://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/news/warm-and-cosy-with-the-archdiocese-of-liverpool
AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS PODCAST
Please find below the link to January’s ‘At the Foot of the Cross’ podcast from the Bishops’ Conference.
Benedict XVI Rest in Peace | Episode 10
SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS TRAINING COURSE
The Spirituality Network is offering an Introduction to Spiritual Direction Course beginning on 20th April 2023. In order to discern the right people for this course, they would like to meet in person with those applying for an interview. These will be held at The Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Liverpool L15 6TW. If you are interested, please send application forms to ann.goddard@liverpool.anglican.org by 10am on Monday 6th March 2023
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND – Online
An opportunity to deepen your life and faith as a couple through this retreat. The next date available is 13 and 14 May 2023. The programme is delivered by experienced laity couples and a priest and is supported by the Bishops Conference. Full details of these experiences can be found on their website: https://wwme.org.uk.
UKRAINE APPEAL – INTERNATIONAL AID TRUST IS NOW IN HESKETH BANK
The IAT has recently moved from its depot in Lostock Hall to Hesketh Bank. It’s now based at The Barn, behind the bungalow at 255 Moss Lane. However, the move has meant that some volunteers are unable to relocate due to transport difficulties. The new depot is open from 10am to 4pm every weekday and they would love to hear from anyone who can help out for a couple of hours every week (or every other week).
As well as dried and tinned foodstuffs, plus toiletries and especially sanitary products, they are also in need of torches (as a result of blackouts due to Russian bombing of power supplies).
They are always very grateful for donations, which can be taken directly to the Moss Lane depot, or you can leave them at church on a Saturday and we’ll take them along.
Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to find out more about this vital, life-saving work. Thank you.
COST OF LIVING CRISIS
The Archdiocese has created a network of warm and cosy spaces for winter with hot drinks, TV and internet access. Please see the list at http://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/index.php?p=2561
Everyone will find warm & cosy parish centre, a warm cup of tea or coffee, biscuits or cakes and a chance to meet some new friends you haven’t met yet. Please spread the word. If you would like to get more involved or to find out more, please contact p.guidi@rcaol.org.uk
Our nearest churches are:
St Teresa’s, Penwortham PR1 0DS – Mondays, 1pm to 3.30pm
St Mary’s, Chorley PR7 2SR – Tuesdays, 1pm to 3.30pm
Please notify the Parish Office if you know of any other, more local, Warm Spaces, so that we can mention them in next week’s newsletter. Thank you.
OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED IN THE PARISH
Now that parish activities are starting up again, there are a number of opportunities to become a bit more involved in parish life, particularly: stewarding/welcomers, driving deliveries to St Mary’s foodbank every other week, singing with the choir, flower arranging, church cleaning, altar serving, fund-raising. Help is welcome from all ages! Please contact the Parish Office by email or ring on Fridays, in order to find out more.
MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq_wmkl07bE
A very lovely version of Roger Quilter’s beautiful hymn, Non Nobis Domine (Not unto us O Lord), sung by the excellent Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida. It was extremely popular at schools throughout the country in the 1960s and 70s especially.
For Simon, RIP
WITH EVERY BLESSING THIS WEEK FOR PARISHIONERS & FAMILIES
MAGNIFICAT
The Magnificat publication can be a wonderful aid to prayer and of course, you also get the readings for Mass for every day of the week! At a cost of a £1 a week, you may be interested in subscribing now: tel. 020 7448 3618; email: uk@magnificat.com or visit the website: www.catholic-herald.myshopify.com
ARCHDIOCESE RESPONSE TO UKRAINE
The fourth consignment of aid for Ukraine travelled last weekend taking dried food, thermal clothing, tools and generators. Please pray for peace https://www.cbcew.org.uk/pray-for-peace-in-ukraine/
RED MISSION BOXES
Please bring them to church when you attend Mass next weekend, or drop them off at the presbytery on Friday, between 10am and 4pm. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like someone to collect your box for you. Alternatively, please contact Sandra Cobham to arrange collection on 01704 821609. Thank you.
DON’T FORGET! PARISH FOODBANK – DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
Thank you for donations already received, which have been taken to the foodbank centre at St Mary’s in Leyland. During Advent, we will be collecting Christmassy food items.
SS PETER & PAUL CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, MAWDESLEY
RESPECT BELIEVE INSPIRE: Learning through Jesus. Opportunities for all to reach their full potential. Valuing all in our school family and the wider world. Encouraging everyone to be unique. Please ring the school office on 01704 822216 to find out about Open Days/Evenings, or check the website on https://www.sspeterandpaulsschoolmawdesley.co.uk/
CLOTHING DONATIONS FOR AFGHAN REFUGEES
Donations to Care4Calais are being collected in Aughton L39 5DW: Please email mcevoyden@gmail.com to arrange drop-off time / venue. Care4Calais is specifically asking for the following items, which must be in good condition: baby / children’s clothes & shoes (trainers), jeans and leggings, t-shirts, hoodies, & other winter clothes / shoes. You may wish to donate directly to Care4Calais: Care4Calais | Refugee Crisis Charity | Fundraise Donate Volunteer
EWTN – GLOBAL CATHOLIC TV & RADIO
Getting connected is easier than you might think. EWTN is free, there’s no subscription. You can stream live and on demand via the website: www.ewtn.co.uk/get-ewtn or get the app for your mobile (EWTN APP), or Amazon’s Echo Auto.
Every day: daily Mass at 1pm and Children’s Rosary every day, at 7.30pm
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES ON EWTN
Children’s religious programmes, based on the teachings of Jesus, are available on EWTN every week day, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm – and on Saturday mornings, from 9am to 10am.
WEEKLY MASS FOR CHILDREN: FREE RESOURCE BOOKLET
Redemptorist Publications is pleased to introduce Celebrate: an initiative designed to help children grow in their faith.
Each week they will provide a Children’s Liturgy in the form of a video of the week’s Gospel reading, a reflection and a final prayer.
Fun, engaging and practical worksheets/resources will also be provided to help children continue to practise their faith during this time. Please ring 01420 592974 or check the following link for the RP KidZone: https://www.rpbooks.co.uk/celebrate-following-your-faith?utm