28 February 2021 – 2nd Sunday of Lent

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Holy Souls NDL

Alice & John Molyneux RIP

Parishioners

Mary Siney RIP

 

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PARISH NEWSLETTER

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & MASS READINGS / REFLECTIONS

CAUTIOUS RE-OPENING OF OUR CHURCHES:
Since the recent Government announcement of a ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown, the re-opening of our churches is currently being discussed at deanery level.
More details are to follow.

 LIVING LENT DURING LOCKDOWN
Here are a few of the ways in which, as individuals and as a parish, we can mark the season of Lent this year:
Almsgiving: We seek out opportunities to give money to charity or time to help those in need. Even a phone call to someone who is lonely – this is giving!
Fasting: We deny ourselves some food or luxury during Lent, and so remind ourselves that our deepest need is for God, not material things.
Private Prayer: During Lent we should all try to make a little more time for quiet prayer with God.
Stations of the Cross: An opportunity to meditate on our Lord’s last journey, when he shows such deep love for us.  Many churches will be streaming their Stations during this Lenten ‘lockdown’.
Attending a virtual weekday Mass: Many local churches are holding weekday Masses anyway and particularly so during Lent.
Confession: This sacrament is available by appointment, so please ring to arrange a time. 
Talks: The Archdiocese and other churches / organisations are holding online talks and presentations during Lent.  Look out for details in the Newsletter over the coming weeks.  Or, if you hear of any, please contact the office (email of phone) with the details.
Spiritual Reading: Pick up a good spiritual book and feed your soul during Lent!.  CTS LENT READING: Pick up some good reading for Lent (physical books or e-books) from the Catholic Truth Society: https://www.ctsbooks.org

READINGS FOR 28 FEBRUARY
1st Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9—13, 15-18 The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith
Psalm 115: I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living
2nd Reading: Romans 8: 31-34, God did not spare his own Son
Gospel: Mark 9: 2-10, This is my Son, the Beloved
Gospel acclamation: Glory and praise to you O Christ!  From the bright cloud, the Father’s voice was heard, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him!’  Glory and praise to you O Christ!
Communion antiphon: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.  Listen to him.

 SPIRITUAL REFLECTION FROM ‘OUR FAITH ON SUNDAY’ – 28 FEBRUARY
At first glance it seems rather strange that the Gospel recounting the Transfiguration should be read during Lent, but on reflection, it is actually very appropriate.  Jesus is revealed in glory, to the amazement and also the fear of Peter, James and John.  It seems like a very brief event during which the apostles were told by the Father to listen to the Son.  They must have been feeling very confused as they found themselves going back down the mountain with Jesus.
They see Jesus transformed into glory and then he is talking about rising from the dead.  Jesus makes various attempts to explain to his disciples that he will be condemned to death and will rise again – and they struggle to understand.
Maybe they were in denial.  Even when Jesus does die and then rises from the dead, they still struggle to comprehend the enormity and significance of what has happened.
Today, we have the benefit of hindsight and therefore a much better understanding of Jesus’ mission, his dying and his rising, though often we live as though it never happened.  Today’s Gospel is an encouraging reminder of what God has done for us, through his Son, and enables us to find comfort and courage in that tender love, particularly when life is hard.

GOSPEL REFLECTION FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
This reflection is from MaryAnne FCJ who is based at the FCJ Centre at St Hugh’s, Wavertree.
On this second Sunday of Lent we are presented with the Gospel account of the Transfiguration. The Gospel begins with the intriguing ‘six days later’ making me wonder what went before; Jesus speaking of the self-sacrificing love required by the Gospel and teaching his disciples of his coming Passion.
So now we meet three of the disciples who have been taken aside, up a high mountain and away from the crowd. They have been shocked, maybe even shattered by Jesus’ statement that he is going to suffer in Jerusalem, but here Jesus invites them to encounter and understand something new as he is revealed to them in a new way.
But something significant is revealed to Jesus too; On this mountain top he encounters both Moses, the law giver, and Elijah, the prophet, and Jesus hears the voice of his Father confirming his mission and identity. He is affirmed not only as the one who fulfils the Law and the Prophets but as the beloved Son of God. Jesus is affirmed in who he is, and in the direction he has chosen. He knows the essential rightness of the cross.
For the disciples this is something breath taking, dazzling not only to the eye but to their understanding – they are both terrified and amazed at what they see. They are witnesses to what the whole of the Jewish history and faith has longed and hoped for. They will indeed bear witness after the resurrection, but first they have to hold the experience for themselves, letting it deepen, understanding it further, pondering it until the time is right.
What might this Gospel say to us today, on the second Sunday of Lent in 2021, part way through a pandemic? We have certainly had opportunity in the past year to understand more deeply the challenging experience of self-sacrificing love – the small and dramatic ways of putting the needs of others first. We have seen the power of love revealed in carers putting their lives on the line, families enduring separation for the sake of the most vulnerable, parents holding down jobs whilst schooling their children, each of us encountering isolation for the common good of society.
And when we meet that strong love, we recognise its transforming power. We understand something anew about humanity, and we encounter that affirming love of God ourselves.

Take a few moments to receive and reflect on this poem by Andrew King entitled, The Light We’ve Begun to Know.
We think we know light’s movements –
the way sun’s rays can play across the surface of the water,
the way it falls from candle flame,
or softly sifts through leaves to lift the petals on their stems,
opening up each blossom like a blessing.

We think we know light’s gradients –
the way it can take the shade of rain or break into the colours of the rainbow;
the way it burns a hole in blue from the blazing summer sun;
or reddens clouds before it gives night’s gift of stars and moon.

We think we know light’s stories –
like the glow that shone from Moses’ skin
as he brought the law in stone down from the mountain;
or the brilliance of the fire of the chariot and riders
that swept to heaven the prophet named Elijah.
But today the light we thought we knew
has taken on new radiance,
has made an unexpected move,
 is telling a new story;
it dazzles the eyes but more our hearts,
for this is the light embodied:
this is the light of the knowledge of God that shines in the face of Jesus.

Nor is this the final story
that the light in Christ will tell:
the veil that is lifted so briefly upon his unseen glory drops again;
the tale to remain untold until his rising from the dead –
when the light we’ve begun to know
makes its home in the church,
to reveal his glory in us,
and transfigured will be me and you.
Love is the waking life, and you are the dream.’

As a result of your reflection, offer some prayers of intercession for the people and situations in our world today that seem to you to be most in need.

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.

We join Pope Francis in his prayer intention for February:
We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded.

Let us pray…
For leaders of nations, for economists and for politicians …
that God’s radiant light will shine on them and that they will bring true peace, with justice, to their people.
For all who have material, political or spiritual power …
that they may resist any lure of corruption.
For the work of CAFOD, our Catholic aid agency …
that through its service, people in need all over the world will experience our support.
For all in particular need in our neighbourhoods and parish communities …
that they may receive sufficient support to live hopefully in these difficult times.

We pray now in the words Jesus gave us:
Our Father, who art in heaven…

FEASTS THIS WEEK
Special Days of prayer this week
Sunday 28 February – 2nd Sunday in Lent & CAFOD Family Fast Day
1 March – St David, Patron Saint of Wales (1st C)
5 March – Women’s World Day of Prayer (see more details later in the newsletter)

NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
This will take place from 10th– 18th March 2021 at St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead.  In this Year dedicated to St. Joseph, the Mill Hill Missionaries are preparing for the Feast of St Joseph, their patron, with a special Novena of Masses and prayers to ask for God’s blessing on their Society’s missionary outreach, and for the intentions of all those who support their work.  
Masses are on Wednesday to Friday (10-12 March), at 7.30pm, Saturday, 13 March at 10am, Sunday, 14 March at 11.00am, Monday –Thursday (15-18 March) at 7.30pm.
If you would like to join in from home, for the first time this year, Masses from St. Joseph’s Church will be available to follow on Zoom and YouTube via the parish website: stjosephsparish.co.uk and the Mill Hill website: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena, where you will also find the Novena prayer leaflet.   
You can also join in by praying the daily Novena prayer.  You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a printed Novena prayer leaflet.  Please write to the Novena Director, 41 Victoria Road, Liverpool, L37 1LW, or email novenamhm@gmail.com

CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY – FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY / SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY
“Oh come to the water, all you who are thirsty, and drink deeply” Isaiah 55:1
This Lent, CAFOD invites you and the whole Catholic community of England and Wales to join their ‘Big Walk for Water’ virtual event.
Abdella lives in a mountainous region of Ethiopia.  He walks ten hours a day, every day, to fetch safe water for his family.  He has no time to himself or to do any of the things he wants to do.

There are a number of activities you might wish to consider taking part in – or you might be happy to support someone you know who could do them on your behalf:
Help give the boot to water poverty by walking a 5-mile route on Saturday 20 February at 2pm.
Alternatively, you might like to ‘Walk for Water’ as a personal challenge by walking 10,000 steps every day, for 40 days.
£10 can by sturdy water containers so families can store water safely.
£40 can bring safe drinking water to a hard-to-reach school
£750 can provide a whole community with a safe supply of water.
Any amount, no matter how small, will help to make a difference.
For more information and ideas, please see www.cafod.org.uk/walk

Donate online at www.cafod.org.uk/give or by using a CAFOD envelope – please contact the parish office to arrange to collect / or for the envelope to be dropped off  at your house.

You can also donate via text; text LENT 10 to 70460 to donate £10. Or add the amount you’d like to donate eg LENT 20, to donate £20 and LENT 30 to donate £30 etc.  (If you do not wish to receive any marketing communications, please text LENTNOINFO to 70460)
THE LENTEN PRAYER FOR CAFOD
Loving God,
We hear your call to all who thirst
For a brighter future:
Come to the water.
Pour out your Spirit upon us
And lead us to walk
Alongside one another.
Let a desire for change well up within us.
May we overflow with
Compassion and love.
And as a stream
Wears away stone,
May we re-shape
Our world together
To reflect your kingdom
Of hope for all.
Amen

LENTEN REFLECTIONS WITH FR CHRIS THOMAS
Fr Chris Thomas offers a series of reflections on Lent, starting with ‘The Mystery of the Forgiveness of God’.
A series of three reflections, approx. 30 minutes in length.
Please use the following link Lent Reflections | Liverpoolcatholic (liverpoolcatholicresources.com)

ARCHDIOCESAN COURSES – HELPING US TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
The Global Catholic Movement invites you to “Global Healing.”
In 2015, Pope Francis published his ground-breaking letter on the  environment Laudato Si’. Since then, millions of people worldwide have joined the global movement to address the environmental crisis our world is facing. This Lent, we are inviting YOU to join us for a series of reflective evenings with inspiring speakers, prayer and discussion, using the film-based resource “Global Healing”. These engaging documentaries will inform and challenge people to respond to Pope Francis’ call to Care for Our Common Home. Suitable for all who are concerned about what is happening to our world and who want to take action.
When? Six Thursdays from 18th February – 25th March 2021, 7.30pm – 8.30pm
How to join? To register please click HERE
or email jane@catholicclimatemovement.global

Hosted by GCCM ‘Laudato Si’ Animators in the UK.
“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience…Truly, much can be done!” (Laudato Si’, 217, 180

LENTEN RETREAT WITH FR DENIS MCBRIDE
Fr Denis will be leading an online retreat this Lent, based on his two books Reflecting with Paintings Vol 1 and Vol 2.  There is no charge.
Each video will be uploaded to the site first thing on each given date for you to watch. Once released, you can choose to watch each video at a day/time that suits you. Each video, once released, will stay on the webpage. 

  1. First week in Lent – Wed 24 Feb
    Praying the Rosary – Old Woman Praying the Rosary by Paul Cézanne
  2. Second week in Lent – Wed 3 Mar
    Growing up hyphenated – Jojo by J W Miller
  3. Third week in Lent – Wed 10 Mar
    Food for thought – The Promenade by Fernando Botero
  4. Fourth week in Lent – Wed 17 Mar
    Facing the truth – Logo for Frankfurt Book Fair, 1998
  5. Fifth week in Lent –  Wed 24 Mar
    Bearing up – Peasant Woman with Buckets and a Child by Kasimir Malevich
  6. Palm Sunday – Sun 28 Mar
    Hat trick – Pilate’s Wife by Sebastien Champion
  7. Good Friday – Wed 31 Mar
    Letting go – Pieta by Vincent Van Gogh
  8. Easter – Sun 4 April
    When words are not enough – The Reconciliation of Peter by Iain McKillop
    https://www.rpbooks.co.uk/reflecting-with-paintings-retreat?utm_source=RP+Newsletter+2020&utm_campaign=97b751061c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_20_12_24_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_61d90c626e-97b751061c-217588871&mc_cid=97b751061c&mc_eid=0cffa36b05

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE: CARING FOR CREATION & BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MP ON CLIMATE CHANGE
The Archdiocese has arranged for a workshop session for all those keen to involve the local their local MP in the urgent need to preserve and protect our ‘Perfect Planet’.  The workshop is run by Hope for the Future and will be delivered on Tuesday 9 March, 7pm to 9pm.
Please use the link to register.  There is no charge.
file:///C:/Users/Church/AppData/Local/Temp/Liverpool%20Archdiocese_HFTFTraining%20Workshop_2%20dates.pdf

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER – 5 MARCH:
World Day of Prayer, is a worldwide, women-led, ecumenical prayer movement. On the first Friday in March every year a service is held where a chosen country produces materials for the world to worship. 
This year, the women of Vanuatu have put together prayers and resources for services that will be taking place all round the world.  Due to the pandemic, most will be held virtually via Zoom, Skype, or Teams. 
We should be hosting a service here in Mawdesley this year, but for obvious reasons, we will be postponing it until the end of April – when, hopefully, most people have been vaccinated.
Further news and details will follow over the next few weeks.
In the meantime, you may like to find out more about the WWDP and this year’s prayer theme (‘Build on a Strong Foundation’) by using the following link: www.wwdp.org.uk

ACN VIRTUAL SUNDAY LUNCH: 21st March
Find out more about the work of Aid to the Church in Need and support them at www.acnuk.org
More details about the virtual Sunday lunch can be found at  https://acnuk.org/event/acn-virtual-sunday-lunch/

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – WITH BROTHER FRANCIS
You Tube animated stories and songs each week.  This week: Noah’s Ark
https://brotherfrancis.com/

MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
Value for money this week, with the recently released album from the Poor Clares of Arundel: 16 traditional chants with modern accompaniment.  A soothing balm for the soul in today’s challenging world.
The Poor Clares of Arundel – Light For The World (album visualiser) – YouTube
One more chance to hear last week’s treat, a particularly lovely version of the popular hymn, Be Not Afraid.  The images that accompany the video are powerful reminders of the beauty of our world – in spite of everything.  A feast for the ears and the eyes (and specially our wellbeing).   Be not afraid I go before you always lyrics. – YouTube

WEEK 25 – ARMCHAIR RETREATS DURING LOCKDOWN: ‘LET ME LOVE YOU’
Denis Blackledge SJ, Jesuit Parish Priest of Saint Francis Xavier’s Church in Liverpool delivers a series of armchair retreats.
​Each week Fr Denis chooses a couple of scripture passages to break open the living word in a homely way to give fresh encouragement, and deepen the daily living of folk as friends and followers of Jesus.
Please use this link: Armchair Retreats | Liverpoolcatholic (liverpoolcatholicresources.com)

SS PETER & PAUL LOTTERY WINNERS FOR FEBRUARY
Congratulations to this month’s winners:
1st – Mrs P O’Keefe
2nd – Mrs H Boardman
3rd – Mr S J Thompson

 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!

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.
THIS MONTH’S CATHOLIC PICTORAL Please use this link to access a really user-friendly (and free!) version of the Catholic Pic: https://issuu.com/merseymirror/docs/catholic_pic_february_2021

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – SEE THIS NEW INITIATIVE! ‘The Mark 10 Mission’
Please click on the link below and identify this Sunday’s video.
https://www.themark10mission.co.uk/theepisodes/seriestwo
The Mark 10 Mission team is passionate to see the Gospel shared with children and to help them grow in their relationship with Christ. The website is updated each Friday morning with a new episode, so happy viewing!

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

It is important that we all follow the rules for the Tier 5 National Lockdown in order to protect all age groups, but especially the most vulnerable.
Check out the government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home to find out what the restrictions (and exceptions) are, and to keep abreast of changes in the future
The good news, though, is that the Covid-19 vaccination programme started in  Lancashire on 15th December. The NHS contacts those eligible for a vaccine to arrange an appointment.

COVID TESTING
Residents can book an appointment if they are experiencing symptoms of Covid19 via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

COVID VACCINES – IMPORTANT
Many parishioners have already received notification about their vaccine – or have received the first dose.
It is important to wait to be contacted. 
Change of Advice: Please contact your local surgery if you are over 70 and have not yet been given a date for your vaccination.
Please also 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!

QUICK GUIDE
Only essential food shops remain open (and post offices)
Leave home to exercise once a day only
No meeting of groups, even outside
No mixing of households
Travel allowed for key / essential workers only
Follow instructions to self-isolate if alerted by Track and Trace
Take regular Covid tests (whenever possible), especially if you’re not displaying symptoms.

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