21 May 2023 – 7th Sunday of Easter
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday 20 May – Martin O’Connor RIP
Monday 22 May – LISCF
Thursday 25 may – Fr Michael O’Dowd RIP
Sat 27 May – Foundation Mass
LATEST UP-DATE |
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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. |
PARISH NEWSLETTER
MASSES THIS WEEK
MONDAY: 10am
THURSDAY: 10am followed by Exposition and Benediction
CONFESSIONS: Last Saturday of the month ( 27 May): 4.15pm-4.45pm
CHURCH WILL BE OPEN FOR VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT- Fridays, 11am to 1pm.
ARCHDIOCESE PRAYER FOR UKRAINE
Heavenly Father, hear our prayers for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
We ask for peace for those who need peace, reconciliation for those who need reconciliation and comfort for all who don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
We ask for you to be with all – especially children who are suffering as the crisis in Ukraine deteriorates. For those who are anxious and fearful. For those who are bereaved, injured or who have lost their lives. And for those who have lost loved ones. Lord, hear our prayers.
We also pray for wise actions from global leaders – who have the power not only to start wars, but to stop them too.
Father in heaven, we cry out for an end to this crisis and for mercy, peace, and truth – that the healing power of your love will restore peace, families and communities.
Amen
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 21 MAY
1st Reading: Acts 1:12-14, All joined in continuous prayer
Psalm 26: I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.
2nd Reading: 1 Peter 4:13-16, It is a blessing for you when they insult you for bearing the name of Christ
Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11 Father, glorify your Son.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord; I will come back to you and your hearts will be full of joy. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Father, I pray that they may be one, as we also are one, alleluia.
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR MAY
For church movements and groups
We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelisation each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.
SPECIAL FEASTS THIS WEEK
22 May – St Rita of Cascia
25 May – St Bede the Venerable
26 May – St Philip Neri
27 May – St Augustine of Canterbury
WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY 21 MAY – SPECIAL COLLECTION ON SATURDAY
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has designated Sunday 21 May as World Communications Day. A special collection will be taken after Mass today.
The theme comes from Ephesians 4:15, Speaking with the heart – ‘The truth in love’. In his message to mark the day, Pope Francis stresses the need to listen before speaking truth with a pure heart to “see beyond appearances and overcome the vague din which, in the field of information, does not help us discern in the complicated world in which we live.”
The Holy Father, warning against indifference and indignation, hails the example of the great Doctor of the Church, St Francis de Sales, in particular his commitment to patient, heartfelt dialogue. A gifted theologian, his phrase ‘Heart speaks to heart’ inspired many. None more so than the recently canonised Saint John Henry Newman, who chose the phrase as his cardinalatial motto, ‘Cor ad cor loquitur’. Catholics in England and Wales may remember that ‘Heart speaks unto heart’ was also the theme for Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the UK in 2010.
You will find information, resources, prayers and more on the Bishops’ Conference website: www.cbcew.org.uk/world-communications-day
AFTER-MASS REFRESHMENTS & TRAIDCRAFT THIS SATURDAY – 20 MAY
Everyone is very welcome to join us in the Parish Centre after 5pm Mass on Saturday for refreshments and a chance to catch up with friends – and make some new ones. We hope everyone will want to come along – especially if you’ve not been before. It will be lovely to see you! The final Traidcraft stall will be available – a last chance to purchase some beautiful and unusual items – and all for a good cause.
CARDS FOR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS
The Carmelite-made cards, including Mass cards, sympathy and get-well cards, are again on sale. They are available for purchase in the narthex (left-hand side, as you enter church). Please have a look at the range of designs available and stock up!
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE: CELEBRATION OF PENTECOST – 28 May 2023, 3pm
Join us at 3 pm on Sunday 28 May 2023, as we mark Pentecost.
The Pentecost event will start at Liverpool Cathedral, and we will then walk up Hope Street to the Metropolitan Cathedral. Weather permitting there will be a service on the plaza outside the Metropolitan Cathedral and a party on the steps.
The theme of the service is Many Nations, and Bishop John Perumbalath, the new Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, will be preaching. Please visit www.ctmr.org.uk for further details
10th ANNIVERSARY: THE SILVER LINE – FREE SERVICE FOR ALL OVER 55s
TV presenter and campaigner Esther Rantzen launched this helpline for anyone struggling with loneliness, isolation, depression in 2013. It’s a FREE, 24-hour service, so no matter what time of day or night, anyone can ring this number and will immediately be able to talk to a kind and sympathetic volunteer. No judgements made. Completely confidential. The volunteers are happy to listen and to chat. Many, many people (including some of our parishioners) have experienced the benefits of this wonderful service (it comes highly-recommended) so please pass these details on to anyone you think might also benefit.
Call 0800 4 70 80 90. https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
The Silver Line is also happy to train volunteers, so if you’re interested please contact them via the website. Thank you
FOR INFORMATION
As with all households at this time, some recent bills paid here at Ss Peter & Paul’s for heating and lighting January to March this year came to £3,627, which comes to approx. £279 per week.
Thank you all for your contributions, through standing orders / direct debits and the offertory basket at the Vigil Mass on Saturdays.
(If you haven’t already done so, making out a standing order is very easy: forms are available in the narthex. Gift Aid forms are also available: GA can help us re-coup another £4000 each year from HMRC!).
DON’T FORGET! OUR 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
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 – Important Clarification: If you are a taxpayer then you can easily help the parish to claim 25% extra on top of every donation you make. Eg: your donation of £10 per week could become £12.25 and a donation of £520per week would result in £25 going to the church. Filling in a simple form to register your name and address means we can claim an additional 25% of your gift
Please collect a form from the narthex 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.
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.
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 TREAT FOR THE WEEK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAxiN0egN-I
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind.
St Laurence’s church in Chorley provides this week’s ‘treat’. A very traditional but reflective arrangement of this popular hymn. The lyrics are on the screen for you to sing along with.
The beautiful images that accompany it are taken by a drone, over Scotland and the isles (Skye especially). True balm (and calm) for the soul.
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.
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