22 August 2021 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Special Intention

Parishioners

Special Intention

Thomas Arnold RIP

 

LATEST  UP-DATE 

WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE FOR SS PETER & PAUL, MAWDELSEY!

Church is now open for public Masses / Service.  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.  Thank you.

 


 

 
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PARISH NEWSLETTER

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & MASS READINGS / REFLECTIONS

BOOKING FOR MASS
The Archdiocese has stipulated that we should all continue to wear face masks/coverings in our churches for the time being, due to rising infections. 
You will still need to pre-book if you wish to be seated in the designated section for social-distancing. 
To book: telephone or email the Parish Office on Fridays, between 10.30am and 3.00pm.  Thank you.

QR CODE: Please continue to register your attendance at church by using the NHS QR code, displayed as you enter / leave the building.  Infection rates are extremely high, so helping to support the Track & Trace programme is more important than ever now.  Thank you.

READINGS FOR 22 AUGUST
1st Reading: Joshua 24:1-2; 15-18, We will serve the Lord for he is our God
Psalm 33: Taste and see that the Lord is good
2nd Reading: Ephesians 5:21-32, This mystery has many implications for Christ and his Church
Gospel: john 6: 60-69, Whom shall we go to?  You have the message of eternal life.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Your words are spirit Lord, and they are life; you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, says the Lord, and I will raise him up on the last day.

REFLECTION FOR THE 21st  SUNDAY
One might assume, after all the healing miracles that Jesus performed, that everyone who witnessed them or benefitted from them would automatically become a follower.  But as we learn from today’s Gospel reading, “many disciples left him and stopped going with him”.
Some may have gone away because they didn’t like the things he had been saying: that he was the Bread of Life – or having to eat his flesh and drink his blood.  Others may have stopped following him when they realised that it required a serious commitment – possibly suffering – and even death.
So many abandoned him, that even Jesus wonders if the Apostles (those closest to him), also wanted to leave.  Peter however, takes the lead and affirms Jesus’ message of eternal life and being the ‘Holy One of God’.
Today, Jesus asks us the same question: “Do you also wish to leave?”  If we decide to stay with Jesus, than we need to decide how we can go about showing that we really are followers of Jesus.

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 August:
The Church
Let us pray for the Church, that she may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel.

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 August – St Rose of Lima / St John Wall of Preston
24 August – St Bartholomew, Apostle
25 August – St Louis  /  St Joseph Calasanz
26 August – St Dominic Barberi – received St John Newman into the Catholic Church, 1845
27 August – St Monica, , mother of…
28 August – St Augustine

CAFOD’S RESPONSE TO CURRENT WORLD EMERGENCIES
CAFOD is responding to significant crises across the world this week.
We are working with local Church organisations in Haiti to deliver emergency aid to people affected by the catastrophic earthquake and tropical storm.
In the tragic situation in Afghanistan, we are working to ensure the safety of our local partners and their communities.
We are supporting local aid workers to deliver urgent food and water supplies to hundreds of thousands of people facing extreme hunger in Tigray in Ethiopia, South Sudan and north-east Nigeria.
You can read more about how we can all express solidarity with our sisters and brothers affected by these emergencies on the CAFOD website: https://cafod.org.uk/News/Emergencies-news. Your compassion, generosity and prayers have helped us to stand together and enable us to continue to support communities in these difficult times. Thank you.
Loving Lord,
For those who have died, give them eternal rest. For those who are bereaved, comfort and console them. For those who are hurt, heal and strengthen them.
Lord God, enable us to help our suffering brothers and sisters in whatever way we can.
Heavenly Father, be with us now and always.
Amen.

LOTTERY WINNERS FOR AUGUST 

1st

Mrs McNulty    Hesketh Bank

£50

229

2nd

Mr B Smith        Heskin

£30

  47

3rd

Mr M Ainscough    Dalton

£20

  46

A NEW BISHOP FOR LIVERPOOL
On 3 September, Canon Tom Neylon will be ordained as the ninth Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool.  Canon Neylon was born in Warrington and served at a number of diocesan parishes, including St Julie’s in Eccleston.  He then served as Dean of St Helens and Vicar-General for the Archdiocese, before joining St Wilfrid’s in Widnes.  His appointment is warmly welcomed, coming as it does in the lead-up to the publication of our Synod’s Pastoral Plan, and as we – hopefully – begin to emerge from the worst effects of the pandemic, looking forward to a new and better future.
More information about Canon Neylon and his appointment can be found in this month’s edition of the Catholic Pic: www.catholicpic.co.uk or phone 0151 733 5492 to request a free copy.

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  

NEWS FROM AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED (ACN)
Piano Recital: ‘From Mourning to Dancing, from Tears to Joy’  on 9th September, 2021, 7pm – 9pm at St Wilfrid’s Hall, Brompton Oratory, Brompton Road, London SW7 2RP
If you are in London on the day, please join us for a late summer evening musical meditation with poetry on the joyful witness of Faith shown by our persecuted brothers and sisters.
World-class pianists, Imma Setiadi and Nigel Clayton bring us a programme of pieces for four hands by Debussy, Dvorak, Brahms and Chabrier, inspired by song and dance. The evening will also premiere a piece, inspired by Psalm 126, written specially for the occasion by Dr Philip Wilby.
Entrance is free and a collection will be taken for ACN’s work in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. Due to COVID guidelines and more limited capacity, please reserve your places via Eventbrite at www.acnuk.org/piano21
ACN Shop
A Heart Like Mary’s
As the month of August is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, ‘A Heart like Mary’s’ is the perfect book for all Catholics wishing to begin or deepen their devotion to Mary. Author and Marian theologian Rev. Edward Looney guides us through thirty-one daily meditations on the unique characteristics of Mary’s heart. This easy-to-read and engaging monthly devotional is full of practical lessons that address the personal challenges we all face as Mary’s fellow pilgrims walking the path of faith. Buy it here Aid to the Church in Need | A Heart Like Mary’s (acnuk.org)

APPLICATIONS FOR BISHOP RAWSTORNE ACADEMY
One of the entry requirements of C of E schools requires evidence of the commitment of one of the parents or guardians of the prospective pupil to the Christian faith, ie fortnightly worship for a period of at least one year. Please note that the Church is contacted to verify attendance for the year preceding entry.  For pupils hoping to enter in Sept 2022 the period of assessment started on 1 Sept 2020. Therefore, for entry in Sept 2023, the period of assessment will begin this September. Please pass this info on to parishioners who may not always manage to see the Newsletter.  Please check this link on the school’s website for further details: https://files.schudio.com/bishopr/files/Admissions/3.__Admissions_Policy_for_Sept_2022_Intake_-_Ratified_by_Full_Governors_July_2020.pdf

THE AUGUST EDITION OF THE CATHOLIC PIC…
… is now available in print and online.
The latest edition is available to download here: https://bit.ly/37eU5jE 

COVID VACCINE POP-UPS FOR EVERYONE!
Vaccination pop-up clinics / vaccine bus for over 18s will be held at these venues over the next few weeks: https://www.westlancs.gov.uk/news/get-vaccinated-at-the-covid-19-pop-up-sites-and-bus.aspx 
Please pass on this important information to younger friends / family.

MESSAGE FROM NUGENT CARE
We are delighted to invite you to the 15th Annual Phil Thompson Golf Classic on Thursday 16th September 2021. The event will be held at Houghwood Golf Club and will provide attendees with a ‘par’-fect opportunity for you to come together with pals and colleagues to enjoy a great game of golf with panoramic views over the Lancashire plain and the Welsh hills.
Tickets are priced at £450 (for teams of 4). This includes a hearty breakfast barm, a ‘tee’-riffic day of golf, snacks and refreshments plus a wholesome evening meal with anecdotes shared by Phil and a brilliant guest speaker. All net proceeds from this event will be used to help secure Nugent’s future and the vital services we provide across Merseyside.
COVID-19 has brought huge challenges for our society and particularly for Merseyside. Children and families experiencing complex social issues are facing even greater risks. At such a difficult time, Nugent, which has deep and longstanding roots in the communities it serves, has never been more needed – this is why we need your support. For more information, or to book your place today, please see the attached flyer or contact: Ainsley Briscoe, Fundraiser – Corporate Partnerships and Major Gifts at Nugent: E: ainsley.briscoe@wearenugent.org or M: 07833091852.

HELP TO PROTECT OUR RESIDENTS: FREE COVID LATERAL FLOW TESTS KITS ARE AVAILABLE
Local councils are asking all residents to take 2 Covid tests a week so that they can accurately monitor the number of cases in the borough.  They are able to help people who test positive to self-isolate – and there is funding available to help if that means that someone is unable to go in to work for the required period.
Free test kits will be distributed at Mass over the next two weekends.  They can also be dropped off at your home if you’re unable to get to Mass.  Please contact the office.

MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
This week, Vaughan Williams’ lovey entrance anthem, ‘O Taste and See How Gracious the Lord is’, based on Sunday’s Psalm 33.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFM2IkZQSJE
Bath Spa University Choir performing at the opening night of the Bath International Music Festival 2016 at Bath Abbey.

 


 REGULAR WEEKLY NOTICES

MASS ON SUNDAYS
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
PRAYER CARDS FOR THE YEAR OF ST JOSEPH: Prayer cards are available – please notify the Parish Office and we will send one out to you so that you can say the prayer to St Joseph during the week.  We know we can rely on his guidance and protection in every difficulty and challenge.  And his intercessions are certainly much-needed by us all at the moment!

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.

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS: These are available to order directly from the publisher (www.thecatholicuniverse.com  or 0161 820 5722). It can be posted to you each week. Introductory offers: printed copies for three months – £25; twelve months – £99; or digital copy £55 for twelve months.

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 TESTING
FREE test kits are available from your local chemist.  Each kit contains 7 tests (2 per week, plus 1 extra in case there’s a problem with one of the tests.
Residents can also book an appointment if they are experiencing symptoms of Covid19 via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

COVID VACCINES – IMPORTANT
Please note that the Catholic Church has given its full support to the vaccine (all three 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.  Cardinal Vin Nichols has had his first vaccine.  So has the Pope  – and hospital chaplains have also received their first doses.

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