24 April 2022 – Divine Mercy Sunday
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday 23rd – Harry Dunleavy RIP
Sunday 24th – Parishioners
NO MIDWEEK MASSES / SERVICES
Saturday 30th – Martin O’Connor RIP
Sunday 1 May – The Wright family
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PARISH NEWSLETTER
THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & MASS READINGS
WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY AND PEACE-FILLED EASTER
Christ is Risen! Alleluia, Alleluia!
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.
The Archdiocese continues to recommend the wearing of face masks, out of consideration for others. Thank you
PRIVATE PRAYER: Church is open for private prayer on Fridays, between 11am and 1pm.
THERE ARE NO MIDWEEK MASSES THIS WEEK
CONFESSION : last Saturday of the month: 4.15pm to 4.45pm: Saturday 30 April
READINGS FOR 24 APRIL
1st Reading: Acts 5:12-16, The numbers of men and women who came to believe in the Lord grew steadily
Psalm 117, Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end
2nd Reading: Apocalypse 1:9-19, I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever
Gospel: John 20:19-30, Eight days later, Jesus came
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus said, you believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen, yet believe. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Bring your hand and feel the place of the nails, and do not be unbelieving, but believing, alleluia.
REFLECTION FOR 2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER / SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY
Unless he saw the holes made by the crucifixion, Thomas struggled to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. And we can certainly understand his hesitation.
When he appeared to his disciples, Jesus made a point of drawing their attention to the wounds in his hands and feet – an obvious means of identification. These wounds are also symbols of our redemption and saving from sin, through the love of a God who was prepared to suffer death for us – the ultimate offering of one life for another.
In seeing these wounds, Thomas made the leap of faith in his exclamation: ‘My Lord and my God!’ – a recognition not just of the human person of Jesus, but the saving love of God himself. ‘By Jesus’ wounds, we are healed’: healed from sin which deprives us of a loving God and therefore restored to ‘new life’ through a loving Saviour. Alleluia!
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 April:
For health care workers
We pray for health care workers who serve the sick and the elderly, especially in the poorest countries; may they be adequately supported by governments and local communities.
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
25 April – St Mark – patron saint of Venice and founder of the Church of Alexandria
26 April – St George – patron saint of England
27 April – St Maughold – patron saint of the Isle of Man
28 April – St Peter Chanel
28 April – St Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort
29 April – St Catherine of Siena – a contemplative and aesthetic
30 April – St Pius V – a model of total commitment to prayer and kindness to the poor and the sick
SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY
Divine Mercy Sunday focuses on the gift of mercy and love given through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. As Pope John Paul II stated, “Divine Mercy reaches human beings through the heart of Christ crucified”.
You are invited to a special day of celebration at St Mary’s in Leyland. Prayers start at 3pm, the Chaplet is recited, then Exposition followed by Reconciliation, benediction and Mass at 5pm. There will be a piety stall and refreshments are provided. All are welcome!
MISSIO NEWS – OUR MISSION BOXES
Even during the pandemic and various lockdowns, we were able to send £442.00 to Mission for 2021. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously.
PARISH FOODBANK
Parishioners have been extremely generous in donating vital foodstuffs to local families who are struggling, so we will be continuing to collect every week, on a permanent basis: the need is particularly great at the moment – and for the foreseeable future. Thank you in anticipation.
THE CATECHISM AT EASTER
126: What place does the Resurrection of Christ occupy in our faith?
The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ and represents, along with his cross, an essential part of the Paschal Mystery.
127: What are the signs that bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus?
Along with the essential sign of the empty tomb, the Resurrection of Jesus is witnessed to by the women who first encountered Christ and proclaimed him to the apostles. Jesus then appeared to Cephas / Peter and then to the twelve. After that, he appeared ”to more than 500 of the brethren at one time” (I Cor. 15:5-6) and to others as well. The apostles could not have invented the story of the Resurrection, since it seemed impossible to them. In fact, Jesus himself upbraided them for their unbelief.
LOTTERY WINNERS – APRIL
|
1st |
Mr J Mercer, Euxton |
£50 |
122 |
|
2nd |
Mrs J Harrison, Croston |
£30 |
145 |
|
3rd |
Mrs P Ramsey, Croston |
£20 |
36 |
EASTER COURSES RUN BY THE ARCHDIOCESE: THE GOD WHO SPEAKS
This month we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection Hope as we stand in solidarity with the People of Ukraine.
https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/resurrection-hope/
The third article in the Meaning of Life series by Bp David Evans explores Adaptability: being and becoming – godwhospeaks.uk/the-meaning-of-life-part-3-adaptability
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES 2022-23
New boxes are now available for collection from the narthex. Please can you help, by delivering boxes to any parishioners who live close to you.
Please leave a message at the Parish office (phone / email /letter) if you no longer wish to use these envelopes. Many thanks.
MASS INTENTONS
Mass intentions are welcome, not just for our dear departed, but for any other occasion eg in thanksgiving, successful outcome (exams / operation), wedding / anniversary blessings.
Please write your name and intention, with the preferred date – if applicable – on a piece of paper and place in an envelope, along with your offering, either in the weekly offertory basket or through the presbytery door. Every effort will be made to ensure that a Mass is said on the day requested, or as close to it as possible, should that date have already been booked.
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)
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!
WEEKLY COVID UP-DATE: Mawdesley & Croston
As of 19 April, 48 people tested positive – an in since last week, and we are still well above the national average in this area, so please be careful when mixing with others.
90 people are receiving hospital treatment again, a fall of 32, but deaths have increased by 2 this week, to 3.
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
An Easter Hallelujah Cassandra Star & her sister Callahan – YouTube
Another opportunity to sing along with this popular version of ‘Hallelujah’
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
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.
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