18 OCTOBER – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK – Both parishes
Michael Anthony Kelly RIP
Tony Cheetham RIP
Foundation Mass
Parishioners
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OUR LADY’S and Ss PETER & PAUL’S – Both churches are now open for Sunday Vigil and Sunday Masses only. There are no weekday Masses currently, nor are the churches able to open for private prayer as yet. Social distancing rules require all parishioners wishing to attend, to contact the relevant parish office in order to reserve their place at Mass each week. Please wear a mask. |
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JOINT NEWSLETTER
THE RE-OPENING OF OUR CHURCHES
Please continue to contact the parish office on Thursdays to reserve your place(s) at Our Lady’s on 01772 812242 between 10.30am and 3pm – or email olhct@rcaol.org.uk – and on Fridays to reserve your place(s) for Ss Peter & Paul on 01704 822618 between 10.30am and 3pm, or email ssppm@rcaol.org.uk
Please note that, due to social-distancing rules, stewards may struggle to accommodate anyone who has not reserved a place at Mass. Contact the parish office on Thursdays and Fridays (10.30am – 3pm).
Your help on this is greatly appreciated – it helps us to keep everyone safe.
MASS ON SUNDAYS
Don’t forget that 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. Please remember that the Sunday obligation remains lifted. This is especially important for those over 70 and those with underlying health issues, who may be wary of attending public events.
If you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
READINGS FOR 18 OCTOBER
1st Reading: Isaiah 45:1-6, I have taken Cyrus by his right hand to subdue the nations before him
Psalm 95: Give the Lord glory and power
2nd Reading: I Thessalonians 1:1-5, We constantly remember your faith, your love, your hope
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21, Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God, what belongs to God.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! You will shine in the world like bright stars, because you are offering it the word of life. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, who hope in his merciful love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION FROM ‘OUR FAITH ON SUNDAY’ – 18 OCTOBER
“The scribes and Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses,” Jesus said. “Do not be guided by what they do…everything is done to attract attention.”
The Pharisees are using ‘smarm and charm’ to attract Jesus’ attention and lead him into trouble. Of course, they are unsuccessful. In spite of all they have seen and heard – miracles and teaching – they have not recognised the calibre of the person they are attacking.
Jesus is well aware of their purpose. Today, he calls them hypocrites; only a chapter later, he develops this theme with a vengeance. He is deeply distressed and angry that those who are the privileged leaders of God’s people, are neglecting their duty of care for the ‘sheep’ and are “shutting the Kingdom of Heaven in their faces.”
Our Lord’s concern and anger is not only directed at leaders of his own time: by baptism he has joined all believers to himself, making them sharers in his priesthood and consequently also, in responsibility for their fellows.
Jesus’ concern looks ahead to future generations: “But when the Son of man comes”, he asks, “will he find any faith on earth…?”
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL REFLECTION FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
This reflection is from Fr Simon Gore, Director of Animate Youth.
One of the things that always amazes me about Jesus is his way with words. I have always appreciated a good turn of phrase and I enjoy verbal sparring and clever word play, and when you read the Gospels it seems we are often given a better lesson in how to use language than we might get by studying Shakespeare for a year.
I do often wonder how accurate the Gospels are in this regard? Was Jesus really so quick with his answers when he was asked difficult questions? Was he like a good stand-up comedian with his responses lined up and waiting for any would-be heckler? Or are we given a slightly redacted version of events and there was actually a lot more ‘umm-ing and ahh-ing’? It doesn’t really matter, of course, but I would still like to know. And I would especially like to know how he came up with this classic line that we hear today, ‘Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’.
At the start of American presidential debates and as our own politicians are grilled over pandemic responses you could not ask any one of them to come up with a more brilliant political answer that shuts the opposition down and gives you the high ground. The pharisees and Herodians had approached Jesus with malice in their hearts. They were not innocently asking a question to aid their own moral and spiritual life. It was a trap. But Jesus sees through the trap and sends them on their way, slinking back from whence they came. A lot of ink has been spilt trying to ascertain what exactly Jesus might have meant for us when he says to give to Caesar and to give to God. There has often been a tendency to use this phrase as a basis for the separation of Church and State, that is to say that they are two separate entities and so obedience to the state must be absolute. But I am always a little guarded about being so definitive about Jesus offering us political lessons for modern living. If Jesus wanted to give us political guidance he had plenty of opportunities, and this was one such opportunity when he could have been far more forthright if he wished to leave a lasting political message for us to follow. Indeed, it seems to me that it rather demeans the message of Jesus by having him bandy words in a tawdry political circus. Surely Jesus was above such things, and so the words he offers are intended to elevate us above such things as well?
Taken out of the obvious political background to the question and its possible repercussions Jesus seems, to me at least, to be reminding me that although I live in the world I should not forget about God. A fairly simple message really. I am reminded that I can live in this world and in this society and give and take from that world, the realm of Caesar. But while I live and move and have my being here I should not forget about God and should always take the time to reflect on where God is in this realm and in my life: I should give to God. Hardly ground-breaking, I think. But I must confess that this passage of scripture has come at an opportune time for me as I wonder if I have forgotten this fairly simple message recently.
The reason I say this is because I have become slightly obsessed with the newest government pandemic guidelines: which country is now on the red-list, can I meet my mates for a pint or will I get arrested if I set foot outside the door? I have certainly paid attention to what is of the world, what is of Caesar. And of course, to keep up to date with the news and that which can help keep us safe is the sign of a good citizen so I do not worry too much about that. But I do worry that I could quote you statistics about transmission rates in Belarus but cannot quite remember what I read in the Office of Readings this morning. That can’t be right.
Jesus’ clever word play reminds me, at least, of a very simple fact. I cannot allow myself to devote all my time and energy to the world at the risk of losing time with God. I should make more time and create more space to give to God what is, ultimately, his: my life.
PRAYER INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
We pray for those who are striving to protect everyone during the pandemic: health workers, transport workers, educators, policy-makers and clergy that they will receive the strength and wisdom to help those who are in need,
Lord, in your mercy…
We pray for those people who are caring for those who are confused and frightened during this period of crisis, that they may be comforted, guided and strengthened by the Spirit
Lord, in your mercy….
We pray for our parish and our local community: that through the grace of God we may hear the urgent cry of the poor and be inspired to respond at this crucial time.
Lord, in your mercy…
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR OCTOBER: We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church.
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.
OFFERTORY DONATIONS DURING THE LOCKDOWN
Many thanks to generous parishioners who have sent in donations to our churches. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.
Instead of putting money in offertory envelopes each week, those who are able to make an offering are asked to complete a Standing Order Mandate for your bank, from either your parish office. We can email the document to you, if you wish, so that you can print off, complete and send to your bank.
Alternatively, you may still wish to write a cheque (payable to either ‘Our Lady Help of Christians Church’ or ‘Ss Peter & Paul Church Mawdesley’) and post to the presbytery with a covering letter and one offertory envelope for gift aid purposes.
Donating by text / online: Please check the May Newsletters and use the links provided
MASSES ONLINE WILL CONTINUE TO BE STREAMED INDEFINITELY
Locally, there is St Clare’s, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood: www.saintclares.co.uk which streams Mass daily at 10am. Please follow the easy links on the website.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en Pope Francis
https://www.churchservices.tv/whats-on-now/ Great selection of Masses and other Church services https://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, those who have Sky can tune in on Channel 588, or the Archdiocese to access daily Masses
On the radio: Catholic Radio 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.
HOLY SOULS: NOVEMBER DEAD LISTS: Please place your list and offering in an envelope and leave in the basket, before Mass or post it through the presbytery door. Several Masses in November will be offered for our faithful departed.
SYNOD SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER: The Archdiocese is now inviting all parishioners to respond to the proposals on each of the four themes:
• All Called and Gifted by God
• Sharing the Mission of Jesus
• How we Pray Together
• Building Community, Nurturing Belonging
Over the next few weeks, you will have the opportunity to look at these proposals and give your views on them. More information and details next week!
You can see all the proposals on the Synod website if you wish: www.synod2020.co.uk
JOINT PARISH CALENDAR – VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTO: Please collect a sheet of all the lovely photos that our parishioners (from the age of 6 upwards) have submitted and either email the parish office with your choice for the cover or fill in the slip and send to the presbytery. Deadline = SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER, 6pm
LAST WEEK – OUR LADY’S RED MISSION BOXES: Red Mission Boxes can be brought in for counting. Please contact the office (phone or email) if you’d like your box to be collected. Many thanks to those who have already brought in their boxes.
TWO MORE WEEKS – HARVEST SEASON / PARISH FOODBANK: If you are able to donate non-perishable foodstuffs, please bring them with you to Mass on Saturdays or Sundays and leave in the labelled box in the porch.
NHS COVID-19 APP: If possible, please use your phone app to scan in our QR code when you come to Mass.
OUR LADY’S FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CHILDREN: Please pray for our nine children, whose preparation programme has been disrupted by the pandemic. They have recently re-commenced their preparations via Zoom and it is hoped that they will be able to make their 1st Communions during regular Masses over the next few months. They are very keen to embark on this important step in their faith journey and your prayers will mean a great deal to the children and their families
RECOVERY FROM DIVORCE & SEPARATION
The Archdiocese is running a 6-week course, on Zoom to help anyone currently going though – or who has gone through – a relationship breakdown. Topics will cover facing the effects of what has happened, communication and conflict resolution, managing other relationships, legal issues, being single and moving forward. The course is in small groups and is confidential, informative and affirming. Dates: Monday 12 October to 16 November.
For further details and to book a place on the course, please email Maureen O’Brien on m.obrien@rcaol.org.uk
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR NEED ANY HELP, PLEASE CONTACT FR ANDERS AT THE PRESBYTERY IN TARLETON ON 01772 812242, OR EMAIL EITHER OFFICE.
WITH EVERY BLESSING FOR THE COMING WEEK