27 February 2022 – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday 26th Foundation
Sunday 27th Foundation
ASH WEDNESDAY Foundation
Thursday 3rd Harry Dunleavey RIP
Saturday 5th Foundation
Sunday 6th Parishioners
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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 – Thursdays, 10.00am
ASH WEDNESDAY: 2 March. A day of Fasting and Abstinence, which marks the start of Lent. Mass at Ss Peter & Paul’s is at 10.00am and Mass at Our Lady’s Tarleton is at 6.45pm.
READINGS FOR 27 FEBRUARY
1st Reading: Ecclesiasticus 27:4-7, Do not praise a man before he has spoken
Psalm 91: It is good to give you thanks, O Lord
2nd Reading: I Corinthians 15:54-58, He has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
Gospel: Luke 6:39-45, A man’s words flow out from what fills his heart
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Open our heart O Lord, to accept the words of your Son. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me, sing psalms to the name of the Lord Most High.
REFLECTION FOR THE 8th SUNDAY IN OT
This Sunday’s Gospel continues the tough love message from Jesus. It’s very easy to make judgements about others: their appearance, behaviour, attitudes.
A lady boarded a crowded train on the London Tube, when a young man with tattoos, eye make-up and nose rings shocked her when he stood up to offer her his seat. Her initial judgement had led her to think that this kindness and courtesy were the last things she could expect from him.
We are all guilty of making snap judgements without being fully informed about a person’s character or background. Finding fault in others helps to distract us from the faults that we know, deep down, exist in our own behaviour and words. Ironically, we can spot the same faults in others, with much more precision.
Jesus was clear on this: in judging others, we bring judgement on ourselves. Acknowledging this and asking Jesus’ help to be less judgemental is crucial in allowing us to become ‘perfect, like our heavenly Father’.
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
1 March – St David, a bishop saint of Pembrokeshire, recognised as the patron of Wales
4 March – St Casimir, patron of Lithuania
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
Lenten Fast Day: Friday 11 March
The Lenten Alms Box will be available in the porch for donations throughout Lent.
MESSAGE FROM OUR ARCHDIOCESE: PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
Appeal of His Beatitude Sviatoslav to the Sons and Daughters of the Ukrainian People in Ukraine and Abroad, and to all People of Good Will
We are convinced that the world cannot develop and find answers for the challenges of today by resorting to might and violence, by showing disdain for shared human values and the truth of the Gospel. I call upon all people of good will to not ignore the suffering of the Ukrainian people, brought on by Russian military aggression. We are a people who love peace. And precisely for that reason we are ready to defend it and fight for it.
Today we call out in prayer to the Almighty Creator, with a special appeal for wisdom for those entrusted with making important decisions for society, in whose hands lies the fate of humanity. We ask the Heavenly Father for assistance in restoring a just peace on Ukrainian land.
We pray especially for those who defend Ukraine, who in these days are for us an example of loving sacrifice and dedicated service to their people. May the merciful Lord protect them from every danger and crown their efforts with the victory of truth and good.
We call for the gracious blessing of a loving God and Creator upon Ukraine and its people!
The blessing of the Lord be upon you.
+Sviatoslav
Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Kyiv, Ukraine
DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES: WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2022
All are welcome to attend this year’s World Day of Prayer, at St Peter’s C of E Church, Mawdesley on Friday 4 March at 2pm. The theme this year is “I know the plans I have for you” and is based on the letter that the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylonia. The exiles were experiencing suffering, uncertainty, and opposing views on how to respond to significant events facing them. In the midst of all the uncertainties we are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WDP 2022 theme encourages us to be confident in God’s loving care for us.
It is an irresistible invitation for us to place our trust in God in times of suffering.
LOTTERY WINNERS – FEBRUARY
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1st |
Mrs P Harvey, Heskin |
£50 |
123 |
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2nd |
Mrs K Wilkinson, Rufford |
£30 |
10 |
|
3rd |
Mrs K Cooper, Heskin |
£20 |
124 |
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 24 February, 18 people tested positive – an increase of 1 since last week.
Chorley Council released vaccination figures as follows:
11% have yet to receive any vaccine at all.
32% have yet to receive a booster (to protect against hospitalisation) – no change from last week
34 people are receiving hospital treatment (a fall of 9) and sadly, 2 people have died in the last week (same as last week).
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MpQvUzwH5w
A well-known Ukrainian hymn in both Catholic and Orthodox Churches in Ukraine and abroad. This version of Our Lady of Sorrows is sung by the Vydubychi Church Chorus.
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