20 March 2022 – 3rd Sunday of Lent
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday 19th – Parishioners
Sunday 20th – Wright Family
Monday 21ST – Harry Dunleavy RIP
Thursday 24th – John Danson Cobham RIP
Saturday 25th – Foundation Mass
Sunday 26th – Foundation Mass
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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)
CHURCH IS OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER: Fridays, 11am to 1pm
HOLY MASS: MONDAYS and THURSDAYS – 10.00am
Also on Thursdays: Eucharistic Exposition & Benediction – 10.25am to 11am
CONFESSION NEXT SATURDAY (26 March): : last Saturday of the month: 4.15pm to 4.45pm
READINGS FOR 20 MARCH
1st Reading: Exodus 3:1-8 I Am has sent me to you
Psalm 102: The Lord is compassion and love
2nd Reading: I Corinthians 10:1-6, The life of the people under Moses in the desert was written down to be a lesson for us.
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9, Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.
Gospel acclamation: Glory to you O Christ, you are the Word of God! Repent, says the Lord, for the Kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Glory to you O Christ, you are the Word of God! Repent
Communion antiphon: The sparrow finds a home and the swallow finds a nest for her young: by your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, forever singing your praise.
REFLECTION FOR THE 3rd SUNDAY OF LENT
Recently, someone visiting the south of England saw a fig tree, with figs growing on it. This was a tremendous surprise – not only because of the time of year, but also because fig trees have a reputation for poor fruiting.
Sometimes we may feel rather like a barren, unproductive fruit tree: that no amount of religious observance and praying will help us to change. But God never sets impossible tasks. He made us, to be fit for heaven to live with him and (thankfully) he will do everything he can to enable us to get there.
Our problem is that we don’t always allow enough room for God I our lives, to effect the changes we need to make to ourselves. In John’s gospel, Jesus tells us, “Without me you an do nothing”, so the key is clearly to do things with Jesus.
The trick is to remember when to stop battling with problems on our own and step aside to allow Jesus to help us. If we could succeed under or own steam, then why did he have to die on a cross to save us? Jesus’ suffering and death allow us to enter into a special and very close relationship with God. As St Thérèse of Lisieux said to a novice who was worrying about a member of her family: “If you worry about this, then God won’t interfere and you will therefore deprive your family of the graces you would have obtained for them by leaving it to God.”
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 March:
The dignity of human life
We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges: may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.
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
23 March – St Turibius of Mongrovejo, champion of the rights of native Americans and the poor
25 March – The Annunciation of the Lord
MESSAGE FROM THE FAMILY OF THE LATE PEGGIE O’KANE
Thank you to everyone who who travelled to Lathom for her Requiem Mass and for their kind donations to Dementia UK – and everyone in the parish who brought her Holy Communion, visited her and prayed for her.
NUGENT CARE COLLECTION: Next weekend – 26 / 27 March
OUR LENTEN SEASON
During Lent we are asked to pray for these intentions:
Candidates for the sacraments, women, the needy and hungry, penitents and wanderers
The Lenten Alms Box will be available in the porch for donations throughout Lent.
OUR LENTEN FOODBANK APPEAL
So much is being asked of us at the moment, with any number of appeals, but it’s important that we also remember those suffering members of our own local communities, who are still in desperate need. We are therefore asking generous parishioners to donate non-perishable foodstuffs and toiletries over the next few weeks of Lent.
Your kindness will be much appreciated by the foodbank volunteers at St Mary’s in Leyland – and even more so by the families who really need it. Thank you.
UKRAINE APPEAL
The International Aid Trust – and our Archdiocese – no longer require clothing, but would be grateful for non-perishable foodstuffs, toiletries and medical supplies eg plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauzes, antiseptics, paracetamol, ibuprofen.
If you wish, you can leave donations at St Joseph’s Harpers Lane, Chorley, PR6 0HR. Tel: 01257 275137, between 7pm and 11pm every day, but please ring first to check that they are open.
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.
CATHOLIC WOMEN: INTERNATIONAL SYNOD SURVEY
Catholic Women Speak is an international forum for dialogue, theological discussion and awareness-raising around issues to do with women in the Catholic Church. They have produced a survey for the synod link below: https://catholicwomenspeak.com/catholic-women-international-synod-survey/
LOTTERY WINNERS FOR MARCH
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1st |
Mr T Philbin Mawdesley |
£50 |
142 |
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2nd |
Mr P Fletcher Hesketh Bank |
£30 |
94 |
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3rd |
Mr B Smith Heskin |
£20 |
47 |
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE: ONLINE RESOURCES FOR LENT
This month we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation on the 25th March, so we’ve gathered together articles and resources about the role our Lady plays in Scripture and in our faith.
godwhospeaks.uk/celebrating-our-lady
Fleur explores some less commonly known symbols in art and scripture related to Our Lady, and their wider meanings for our faith and spirituality: godwhospeaks.uk/our-lady-and-the-thread-of-life
Share the key Bible verses about Mary with our free posters.godwhospeaks.uk/our-lady-in-scripture-posters
Sr Hyacinthe considers various ways in the Scriptures that Mary can be our hope today.
godwhospeaks.uk/how-is-mary-our-hope
Amégée Olongo shares a short reflection on a stained glass window designed by Evie Hone.
godwhospeaks.uk/the-feast-of-the-assumption-a-reflection
Fr Michael Hall considers why the vision of the Woman in Revelation is believed by Catholics to be a reference to Our Lady, Queen of Heaven. godwhospeaks.uk/sun-moon-and-stars-the-role-of-mary-in-the-book-of-revelation
Have you listened to the Women in Scripture Podcast series yet? Listen to Episode 5 on the Virgin Mary (birminghamdiocese.org.uk/women-in-scripture) and read the accompanying art reflection (godwhospeaks.uk/art-and-culture/women-in-scripture/mary/
THE UKRAINE CRISIS – HOW TO HELP
LIVERPOOL ARCHDIOCESE
The Archdiocese has set up text numbers for anyone wanting to make a financial donation. All donations will be sent to the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London.
The text numbers are:
- Text HELPUKRAINE to 70085 to donate £2
- Text HELPUKRAINE to 70450 to donate £3
- Text HELPUKRAINE to 70460 to donate £5
- Text HELPUKRAINE to 70470 to donate £10
(Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.)
More information can be found on our website: http://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/ukraine-s
Donations can be made by bank transfer to: Account name: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Sort code: 40-29-12 Account: 01551493 Reference: Help Ukraine
Or by cheque made payable to “Archdiocese of Liverpool” and with “Help Ukraine” written on the reverse. Please post to Finance Department: St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Liverpool Archdiocesan Office, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA
OTHER FORMS OF HELP
- First and most important is prayer and fasting, that God may strengthen and protect the Ukrainians and other persecuted peoples, and thwart their aggressors. Prayer cards available in the narthex plus Info Sheets detailing more local help and prayers.
- On the website of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in London, details are available of the appeal by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (augb.co.uk ).
- The Polish shop U Miska, 27 Steeley Lane, Chorley PR6 0RD (opposite Kingprint) T. 01257 273676 is collecting clothing, footwear, blankets, nappies, women’s hygiene products, baby milk and other humanitarian help for refugees.
- Donations can be made directly on the crowdfunding website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpukraine or Direct to the central appeal fund – Barclays Bank, Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Limited, 80038237, 20-65-89, with reference HelpUkraine. This is a joint undertaking of:
The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London, [Ukrainian Cathedral House, 22 Binney Street, London, W1K 5BQ – cheques could be sent here too]Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Great Britain
Association of Ukrainians (AUGB)
Association of Ukrainian Women (AUW)
Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM)
Plast Ukrainian Scouts in Great Britain
Association of Ukrainian Teachers (AUT)
MESSAGE FROM CAFOD IN UKRAINE
https://cafod.org.uk/News/Emergencies-news/Ukraine-crisis
We are part of one of the largest aid networks in the world – Caritas Internationalis, and because of our global reach and local presence, we are there when an emergency hits. Our Ukrainian and neighbouring Caritas local aid workers and volunteers are part of the communities they work with and so understand people’s immediate needs.
“I am truly proud of our team that are working hard to look to the needs of the most vulnerable, while managing their own circumstances as well. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our partners and people of good will from abroad.”
Tetiana Stawnychy, President of Caritas Ukraine
Caritas organisations are already on the ground responding to this humanitarian crisis:
- Caritas Ukrainehas 19 centres across the country. They are extremely experienced, having been active for 30 years and have been responding to the conflict in eastern Ukraine since 2014. They are already helping by:
- Running warm and safe ‘collective centres’ which provide beds, food, washing facilities and safe spaces for children. Displaced families can also receive up-to-date information, referrals to local services and psychosocial support.
- Transporting people to friends, family, or the collective centres for shelter and support;
- Organising Child-Friendly-Spaces where children can play sports and do arts and crafts as a means of coping with their experiences.
- Caritas SPES, a charity of the Religious Mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, is helping children and families to reach safe locations.
- Caritas Poland, Caritas Romania and Caritas Moldova are all supporting people who have fled Ukraine and are in need of food, water, shelter and means to continue their journeys to safety.
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.
CURRENT 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 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.
- 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!
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 22 to 29 JULY 2022
The rock, the light, the water, the crowd, the sick and those who take care of them: these are the signs of Lourdes.
Led by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon; organised by Joe Walsh Tours. Prices range from £599 to £879 and include flights, accommodation and 3 meals every day.
CAN YOU HELP? They urgently need: doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, adult helpers (age over 18, no experience required), musicians and singers. Please email lourdespilgrimage@rcaolp.co.uk or ring 0808 1890468.
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 14 March, 51 people tested positive.
Chorley Council released vaccination figures as follows:
11% have yet to receive any vaccine at all.
33% have yet to receive a booster (to protect against hospitalisation) – no change from last week
71 people are receiving hospital treatment.
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
Malinda Kathleen Reese – Mary Did You Know (cover) – YouTube
In honour of the Annunciation this week, our focus must be on Mary and her meeting with God’s messenger – something that would change her life for ever and of course, make her the mother of us all. There are many versions of this lovely song, but the simplicity of this one is perhaps particularly appropriate for this occasion.
WITH EVERY BLESSING FOR PARISHIONERS & FAMILIES THIS NEXT WEEK
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.
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