2 January 2022 – 2nd Sunday of Christmas
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Peter Maloney RIP – Sat. 1 January
Therese Laybats RIP – Sun 2 January
Parishioners (6 Jan – Epiphany)
Joe Keeley
Parishioners
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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 wait for the stewards to direct you when going up to receive Holy Communion
QR CODE: Please continue to register your attendance at church by using the NHS QR code, displayed as you enter / leave the building.
PRIVATE PRAYER: Church is open every Thursday between 11am and 1pm.
THURSDAY MORNING MASS: 10.00am (Feast of the Epiphany)
READINGS FOR 2 JANUARY
1st Reading: Ecclesiasticus 24:1-2, 8-12, From eternity, in the beginning, God created wisdom
Psalm 147, The Word was made flesh and lived among us
2nd Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6,15-18, Before the world was made, God chose us in Christ
Gospel: John 1:1-18 The Word was made flesh and lived among us
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Glory be to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the pagans. Glory to you O Christ, believed in by the world. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: To all who would accept him he gave the power to become children of God.
REFLECTION FOR THE 2nd SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
“Just say the word and my servant will be healed”, the centurion said the Jesus. He spoke to truth far more than he realised. Jesus IS the Word, the Word of God. St John tells us that Jesus is the Word by which the Father created everything. He is the One in whom and by whom everything has its being.
St John also tells us that Jesus is “the Son who is close to his Father’s heart”. In becoming flesh and blood (a child), the Son is making his Father’s love for us known by all believers. At the Last Supper, Jesus says, “It is the Father living in me who is doing his works”: works of healing, and of forgiveness; works of the Spirit of Love and the Spirit of creation.
Jesus alone has power over all creation – to create and to mend. “Indeed”, says St John, “from his fullness, we have all of us received… grace and truth through our Lord Jesus Christ”.
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 January:
For true human fraternity
We pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognized, which originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family.
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
3 January – Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (The word ‘Jesus’ means ‘God Saves’ and that therefore our salvation comes through Christ alone)
6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord
COVID TEST KITS
Parishioners are asked to ring 119 in order to reserve one, or go online at https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/collect-lateral-flow-kits to secure a code which will enable you to collect a kit from your local pharmacy.
COVID UP-DATE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE THIS CHRISTMAS
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 3rd dose – or booster – 12 weeks after the 2nd 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, especially if mixing with others over the Christmas period.
- 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
- Wear a face mask at all times in enclosed spaces – especially in church, throughout the services
- Ensure churches and other venues, including private houses, are always well-ventilated. This might mean wrapping up with extra layers.
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 -l with a range of chemical medicines!
WORLD DAY OF PEACE – 1 JANUARY 2022
Pope Francis calls for more investment in education and less in weaponry in his 2022 World Peace Day message.
He says that the world had witnessed a “significant reduction” in education funding in recent years, while military spending had soared beyond Cold War levels.
“It is high time, then, that governments develop economic policies aimed at inverting the proportion of public funds spent on education and on weaponry.”
The World Day of Peace is celebrated each year on 1 January, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The Pope’s message is sent to foreign ministers around the world.
In this year’s message, Pope Francis outlined three “paths for building a lasting peace”: promoting dialogue between generations, investing in education, and improving working conditions.
Amongst other things, the Pope called for a new alliance between the young and elderly to address the problems of isolation and self-absorption heightened by the coronavirus pandemic
REFLECTION FOR EPIPHANY
First Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6: Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Second Reading – Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6: It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12: Where is the new-born king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.
We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts, but the Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a saviour. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.
We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death.
The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Historically several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana. We shall hear more about these events in the coming weeks and months.
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
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” “All that gold” and Final Scene Part II – YouTube
In 1951, a televised recording was made of Gian-Carlo Menotti’s mini opera, ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’.
It tells the story of a disabled boy and his impoverished mother, who provide shelter for the three kings – on their way to visit the Christ child. A miracle happens and the boy (Amahl) is able to walk and join the kings on their journey, in order to thank the Lord for this miracle.
This scene (from the 1951 recording) shows the dramatic moment when Amahl realises that he’s been cured.
WITH EVERY BLESSING FOR A HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR FOR PARISHIONERS & FAMILIES!
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.
YEAR OF ST JOSEPH
With his apostolic letter, ‘Patris Corde’ (‘With a Father’s heart’), Pope Francis has proclaimed a ‘Year of St Joseph’ running from 8 December 2020 (Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) to December 2021.
At the end of the letter, he asks us to pray the following prayer to St Joseph:
Hail Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you, God entrusted his only Son,
In you, Mary placed her trust,
With you, Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
Show yourself a father
And guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage
And defend us from every evil.
Amen
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.
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 18s – 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