MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Saturday 12^th – Michael & Rosemary Davies RIP

Sunday 13^th – Foundation

Thursday 18^th – LISCF

Saturday 19^th – Parishioners

Sunday 20^th – Foundation

LATEST  UP-DATE
WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE FOR SS PETER & PAUL, MAWDELSEY!  Please ring or email to book places for weekend Masses on Fridays between 10.30am and 3.00pm if you wish to sit in the social-distancing areas.

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 PARISH NEWSLETTER
THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & MASS READINGS 

IMPORTANT – PLEASE CONTINUE TO BOOK
You only need to pre-book if you wish to sit in the designated section (side pews) for social-distancing.  Contact the parish Office on Fridays, between 10.30am and 3pm.  Thank you.
DURING MASS: Please continue to wear face masks (inc. children over 11 years)

QR CODE: Please continue to register your attendance at church by using the NHS QR code, displayed as you enter / leave the building.

CHURCH IS OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER: Fridays, 11am to 1pm

THURSDAY MORNING MASS: 10am

REQUIEM MASS FOR THE LATE PEGGY O’KANE
Thursday 17 February, 3pm at St John the Evangelist, Burscough; followed by committal at West Lancs Crematorium at 4pm.  Light refreshments will be served after the Requiem Mass at Rufford Village Hall.

READINGS FOR 13 FEBRUARY
1^st Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8, A curse on the man who puts his trust in man, a blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord.
Psalm 39: Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord
2^nd Reading: I Corinthians 15:12, 16-20, If Christ has not been raised, your believing is useless
Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20-26, How happy are you who are poor.  Alas for you who are rich
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but have everlasting life.

REFLECTION FOR THE 6^th SUNDAY IN OT
In the Book of Jeremiah, God bemoans the evil lives of his children and asks, “Is it really me they spite?  Is it not in fact themselves, to their own confusion?”  God is the God of Love and when he is angry with his people, it is always on their behalf.  Why otherwise did he send His Son to be their Saviour – and our Saviour?
In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that he always speaks to his Father; he even says, “It is not I who speak.  My Father who lives in me speaks his Word.”  And he expands on this in today’s Gospel – trying to encourage people to look for a deeper level of happiness and to look beyond the trappings, frivolities and distractions of everyday life.  Instead of speaking to us through a prophet (Jeremiah), God sends us a gift of his precious Son – a fellow creature – to bring us back to God’s perfect Truth, based on service and love.  These Beatitudes are God’s ‘letter’ to us on how to find him and how to find perfect happiness

PRAYER INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Archbishop Malcolm has asked us to pray the following at this time of crisis:
God Our Father, each person is precious to You.
You are the Giver of life.
Have mercy on us and protect us at this time, as the coronavirus threatens health and life.
You are an ever-present Helper in time of trouble.
Watch over those who are suffering, give strength to those who are aiding the sick and give courage to all in this time of anxiety.
We ask this of you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for February:
For religious sisters and consecrated women
We pray for religious sisters and consecrated women; thanking them for their mission and their courage; may they continue to find new responses to the challenges of our times.

Let us pray…
That all Christians may strive for holiness by repenting of past sins;
That all who doubt or distrust the Gospel message may recognise the risen Christ in the goodness and kindness of others and learn to turn to God in faith and love;
That the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ for all people may teach us that there is no such thing as a worthless life, or a person God does not love;
That as Covid restrictions are lifted and more people receive their vaccinations, may the bonds of our relationships be renewed and strengthened

We pray now in the words Jesus gave us:
Our Father, who art in heaven…

SPECIAL FEASTS THIS WEEK
14 February – Ss Cyril & Methodius
17 February – Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

MASS INTENTIONS
Mass offerings may also be made for important family occasions such as anniversaries and weddings, successful outcomes (exams / operations) as well as for our dear departed.  Please write your intention and place with your offering in an envelope in the offertory basket, or pop it through the presbytery door. Please note that that the intention may not be able to celebrated on the day specified as another intention may have already been booked, or there may not be Mass on that particular day. Thank you for your understanding.

ASH WEDNESDAY: 2 March.  A day of Fasting and Abstinence, which marks the start of Lent.  Mass at 10.00am

DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES: WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2022
All are welcome to attend this year’s World Day of Prayer, at St Peter’s C of E Church, Mawdesley on Friday 4 March.  The theme this year is “I know the plans I have for you” and is based on the letter that the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylonia. The exiles were experiencing suffering, uncertainty, and opposing views on how to respond to significant events facing them.  In the midst of all the uncertainties we are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WDP 2022 theme encourages us to be confident in God’s loving care for us.                                            
It is an irresistible invitation for us to place our trust in God in times of suffering.

PRAYING FOR PEACE IN THE UKRAINE
Catholic bishops in Europe have expressed support for Ukraine and appealed to Christians to pray for peace. “At this extremely delicate time, we ask Christians to pray for the gift of peace in Ukraine so that those responsible may be filled with, and radiate, a peace that is ‘contagious’ and that the crisis will be overcome exclusively through dialogue,” a Council of European Bishops’ Conferences communique said. Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, the president of the CCEE, issued the statement on behalf of the council on Jan. 21. He said that Catholic bishops in Europe wished to express closeness to the people of Ukraine “in this dramatic moment of tension.” “While the entire international community interprets the actions of the Russian military forces as a real threat to peace throughout the world, we embrace — in this time of fear and uncertainty for the future of the country — our brothers and sisters in the faith and all the people of Ukraine.”

LGBTQ+ CATHOLICS
The next meeting will be held on Sunday 20th February 2022 beginning at 2.00pm with Mass, followed by a social gathering at:  St Richard’s, Mayfield Street, Atherton M46 0AQ
If you are attending please let Fr Maloney know for catering purposes.
Fr Maloney (0151 287 8787)  frsmaloney@aol.com

COULD YOU BE A DEACON?
Having received our Synod Pastoral Plan, which sets out concrete actions to change our ways of working, so that our Church becomes more inclusive, more welcoming and more engaged with those on the margins, the ministry of deacons will continue to evolve alongside the presbyteral ministry in the service of the priesthood of all the baptised.
If you would like to hear how this is working out and you feel this may be your calling too, please join Archbishop Malcolm and the diaconate team in an evening meeting for men who may be wondering if they are called to serve as deacons and what the formation involves.
Wives and supporting priests or deacons are also welcome on Tuesday 22 February 2022, 7.30-9pm (refreshments from 7pm) St Gregory’s Parish House Weldbank Lane, Chorley PR7 3NW.
If you are interested in the diaconate but unable to attend this evening, please email diaconate@rcaol.org.uk  for more information.

NEW COVID GUIDANCE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
The Archdiocese remains cautious in its most recent guidance and advises the following:

• Parishioners are asked to continue to wear face masks, out of consideration for others
• Churches should continue to be well-ventilated, as Covid is an airborne disease
• Parishioners who wish to sit in a socially-distanced area should be enabled to do so
• Singing during Mass can be restored
• Holy water will be available in the stoups

In addition, anyone who has not yet received any vaccine is strongly encouraged to start now.  To be effective against the new, highly contagious Omicron virus, a course of 3 vaccines is required (a first dose, followed by a second dose, after 8 weeks, then a 3^rd dose – or booster – 12 weeks after the 2^nd dose).  This applies to everyone over the age of 18 years.  It will take 2 weeks for booster immunity to build up, so the sooner, the better.

• Take regular LFT tests (2 or 3 a week), particularly before going out and mixing with others.
• Avoid going out if you feel unwell or test positive

It’s worth remembering that anyone hesitating to start the course of vaccines because they are concerned about the chemicals used, could potentially end up being treated in hospital –  with a range of chemical medicines!

VOLUNTEER FOR CAFOD
A vital aspect of church is people being willing to share their talents, experience and energy. Could your New Year’s resolution be volunteering for CAFOD? We have lots of different ways you can get involved such as:

• In the parish – where you will be highlighting CAFOD’s work to support communities globally who are living with injustices and in poverty. 
• In local schools – where you will deliver assemblies and workshops about CAFOD’s work.  No experience necessary. Full support, resources and regular training provided.
• Coordinating volunteers to help us support, encourage and bring together a small group of volunteers.

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with sfarnell@cafod.org.uk tel: 07779804241

WEEKLY COVID UP-DATE: Mawdesley & Croston
As of  9 February  56 people tested positive – a fall of 18 since last week.
Chorley Council released vaccination figures as follows:
12% have yet to receive any vaccine at all.
36% have yet to receive a booster (to protect against hospitalisation) – no change from last week
63 people are receiving hospital treatment (a fall of 10) and sadly, 5 people have died in the last week (same as last week).
For daily updates, please use the following link: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/search?postcode=L40%202PA

LET’S KEEP TALKING – SUPPORT FOR ANYONE SUFFERING IN ANY WAY AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC
Please pick up a leaflet on your way into/out of church, from Lancs & S Cumbria Mental Health Support.  Help is out there if you’re struggling to cope, or you know someone who is struggling.

MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
Stainer: God so loved the world | Easter from King’s 2021 – YouTube
A complete treat this week from the choristers of King’s College Cambridge, singing with the King’s Singers (of course).  This famous motet / hymn by John Stainer is often sung at Easter, but in fact the words Stainer uses are taken from John’s Gospel (3:16), which is today’s Communion Antiphon.  They sum up, very accurately, the whole theme of today’s readings, so this is a perfect way to conclude our Sunday reflections.

WITH EVERY BLESSING FOR PARISHIONERS & FAMILIES THIS NEXT WEEK

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MASS ON SUNDAYS REGULAR WEEKLY NOTICES

As you may be aware, our Bishops have lifted the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
To keep Sundays holy, it might be helpful to spend some time reading the Scriptures.  Besides your Bible, 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 less than £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
Masses will continue to be live-streamed and televised for many months yet, so you can still take part in Sunday worship and the Act of Spiritual Communion will continue to be an important part of people’s worship for the foreseeable future. 
If you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

THE ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. 
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. 
Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

MASSES ONLINE
Locally, there is St Clare’s, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood: www.saintclares.co.uk which streams Mass daily at 9.30am.  Please follow the easy links on the website. 
https://www.vaticannews.va/enPope Francis
https://www.churchservices.tv/whats-on-now/  Great selection of Masses and other Church serviceshttps://www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes/ Mass and daily at 2pm, the Rosary in English
https://www.livemass.org Extraordinary Form (1962 Missal)
Use the website links to EWTN (Sky Channel 588)) or the Archdiocese to access daily Masses
On the radio: Catholic Radio Sky Channel 0147
Also, you may wish to try the Pray as you Go phone app:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.foxcode.prayasyougo&hl=en
PRAYERS from the Archdiocese, for Stations of the Cross etc: https://www.liverpoolcatholicresources.com/

Please email the Parish Office with details of any other online services you know of that may help parishioners at this very difficult time.  We will try to include them in next week’s Newsletter.

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

THE UNIVERSE CATHOLIC WEEKLY
The Universe Catholic Weekly has launched their new online newspaper with the full support of their first subscriber, none other than His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Order your Digital copy by going to www.universecatholicweekly.co.uk or ring 0743661 7650 and ask for Michelle.
Special offer: Only £20 for 3 months

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

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OFFERTORY DONATIONS DURING THE LOCKDOWN
Many thanks to generous parishioners who continue to support the parish during this extremely challenging year.
Instead of putting money in offertory envelopes each week, those who are able to make an offering are asked to either:

• Write a monthly cheque (payable to ‘Ss Peter & Paul Church’) and post to the presbytery with a covering letter and one offertory envelope for gift aid purposes.
• Contact the office (by phone or email) to request a Standing Order mandate for your bank –

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.

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 HELP DURING THE PANDEMIC

COVID VACCINES – IMPORTANT

IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE, PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BOOSTER VACCINE & EVERYONE SHOULD CONTINUE TO WEAR FACE MASKS, IN ORDER TO PROTECT OTHERS.

1st & 2nd DOSE VACCINES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ALL
BOOSTER VACCINES ARE NOW BEING GIVEN TO ALL OVER 12s – THEY CONFER OVER 75% PROTECTION AGAINST SEVERE ILLNESS, including from Omicron
Please note that the Catholic Church has given its full support to the vaccine (all  of them) and is keen to assure Catholics that there are no moral issues linked to the science of the vaccines, whatsoever.  The vaccines are safe. The Archbishop of Liverpool is anxious to dispel any myths and urges Catholics to have the vaccines. 
Unfortunately some people are trying to exploit the fears of others, so be on the alert for so-called vaccine scammers, who will try and charge you for a vaccine. 
There is NO CHARGE.
The vaccines are free. 
GP surgeries are not paid.  The government is paying for the whole programme.

Please also note that there are some scammers pretending to be the NHS.  There is only one official NHS email address, which is www.nhs.uk

The NHS will never ask for details like family maiden names of bank accounts / credit & debit cards.  Nor will they require you to pay anything for the vaccines.  If you are contacted by a group claiming to be the NHS and they’ve asked for these details, it is a scam and you must ignore it.  Then report it!

It is essential to continue to observe the ‘basics’: hand hygiene, face masks, social-distancing – and lots of good ventilation – at all times

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR NEED ANY HELP, PLEASE CONTACT FR ANDERS AT THE PRESBYTERY IN TARLETON ON 01772 812242, OR EMAIL THE MAWDESLEY OFFICE (ssppm@rcaol.org.uk)

WISHING ALL PARISHIONERS AND THEIR FAMILIES EVERY BLESSING FOR THE COMING WEEK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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