26 December 2021 – The Holy Family
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Parishioners – Sun 26 December
Peter Maloney RIP – Sat. 1 January
Therese Laybats RIP – Sun 2 January
Please note: No Mass on Thursday 30 December
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PARISH NEWSLETTER
THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & MASS READINGS
Private Prayer: Church will be closed on Friday 31 December
PARISH OFFICE – OPENING TIMES OVER CHRISTMAS
The Parish Office is open on Wednesday 29 December, from 9.30am to 2pm, over the Christmas period to take bookings for Masses on 1 and 2 January. Thank you.
Thank you very much for the greetings and gifts. I pray that you are all enjoying a happy Christmas . I am very grateful to you all for supporting our mission at both Ss Peter & Paul’s, Mawdesley and Our Lady Help of Christians in Tarleton. A special thanks to Diane and to our many caring and generous volunteers for their ongoing commitment, time and energy, during this challenging year.
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 26 DECEMBER
1st Reading: 1st Book of Samuel 1:20-28, Samuel is made over to the Lord for the whole of his life
Psalm 83, They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord
2nd Reading: 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24, We are called God’s children and that is what we are
Gospel: Luke 2:41-52 Jesus is found by his parents, sitting among the doctors
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Our God has appeared on the earth and lived among us.
REFLECTION FOR THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
We know very little about Jesus’ childhood and adolescence – all we have is in today’s Gospel.
We have a 12-year old Jesus (the year before his Bar Mitzvah) – his coming of age, with his mind already set on doing the will of his Father.
No wonder though, that Mary and Joseph were mystified when they heard him talk about having to “be busy with my Father’s business”… It was very hard for them to fully appreciate the divine love that drew Jesus to his heavenly Father: he was the youthful incarnation of Divine Love. He was and is the Eternal Bridge of Divine Love linking the Father with us, his children.
What is also remarkable about this incident is the quiet acceptance with which Mary and Joseph received their son’s talk about his “Father’s house”. It says much for the love that they had both for Jesus and for Almighty God – and their faith – that they accepted and respected Jesus’ words without challenging them.
A perfect family example, demonstrating love, faith and mutual respect.
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 December:
Catechists
Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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
27 December – St John, apostle and brother of James
28 December – Holy Innocents
29 December – St Thomas Becket
31 December – St Sylvester, Pope
OUR CHRISTMAS APPEAL
This year we are raising funds for the CAFOD Water Project, which aims to provide clear, pure running water for all those in desperate need. Letters are available from the narthex – with Gift Aid envelopes.
Our target is to raise £750. Your help is much appreciated!
COVID TEST KITS
West Lancs CVS have secured a few more Lateral Flow test kits (which give results in 15 minutes, so please read the instructions as they are slightly different to the 30 minute tests) – available for parishioners (1 per household) in the narthex. Unfortunately there’s no guarantee that we can get any more. 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
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
Canterbury Cathedral Girls’ Choir – Silent Night – YouTube
A visit to Canterbury Cathedral, in memory of St Thomas Becket, to hear the Girls’ Choir (formed only four years ago). As well as the sublime singing of this beautiful carol, there are some uplifting and cheering scenes of the girls working and playing together.
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