29 March 2020
| Mass Intentions: Our Lady’s | Mass Intentions: Ss Peter & Paul |
|---|---|
| Martin McDaid RIP | Parishioners |
| Foundation Mass | Harry Tonks RIP |
| Michael Anthony Kelly RIP | Peter Mawdsley RIP |
| Parishioners | Roy Boyle RIP |
| UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE |
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OUR LADY’S and Ss PETER & PAUL’S – No Masses or services. Church can no longer be open for private prayer. Fr Anders will continue to say Mass for the intentions as listed above. |
| This Week | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ministry |
E. Minister | Reader |
| Saturday | ||
| Sunday |
| Next Week | ||
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| Ministry | E. Minister | Reader |
| Saturday | ||
| Sunday |
JOINT PARISH NEWSLETTER
DURING THIS HEALTH CRISIS WE CAN…
1. Follow Mass online.
2. Make a Spiritual Communion (see below)
3. Stay in touch using the telephone or email
4. If you need food delivering, please contact Diane on 01772 815508 or email the Parish Office
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL REFLECTION: John 11: 1 – 45
Today’s Gospel is a remarkable experience of the power of faith. On another occasion, Jesus said that faith can move a mountain, but few, even of his closest disciples, really believed that. Once again, we see the beauty of the relationship between Jesus and the two sisters, Mary and Martha. True to form, it is Martha who rushes off to meet Jesus and Mary who stays behind. At first it seems that Jesus doesn’t want to perform any miracle, but when he sees the grief of the sisters he is moved to tears. This is an important moment in this episode: Jesus is not a cool, somewhat detached divine being, who is insulated from human feelings of grief and sadness. He weeps and then prays to the Father to ask for Lazarus to be brought back to life.
When we are suffering, especially from the loss of a loved one, we need to remind ourselves of the compassion that Jesus has for us. If we ask us to help him in our distress, and ask in faith, then we can be sure that he is right there with us – just as he was for the two sisters.
From ‘Faith on Sunday’
TIPS FOR SAFEGUARDING MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
• Avoid continuous watching of news reports and TV programmes; instead listen to some music or catch up on reading
• Make a timetable each day to avoid letting the day drift by; try and mix practical /active sessions with more sedentary ones
• Plan a little treat for yourself
• Take the opportunity to learn some exercises or a relaxation technique
• Think about how you might help others in a similar situation eg a friendly phone call
• Aim to stay connected to others by messaging or using Skype, WhatsApp video calls etc
• Maintain your spiritual life and make time to pray / read a gospel passage / research your favourite saint – or a saint you know little about.
HOW DO I MAKE A SPIRITUAL COMMUNION?
Alone or together with others in your household
Make the sign of the cross
You could read the Gospel of the day
Then share prayer intentions quietly or aloud
Say the Lord’s Prayer
Then make an 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.
(St. Alphonsus Liguori)
Close with the sign of the cross
MASSES ONLINE
https://www.vaticannews.va/en Pope Francis
https://www.churchservices.tv/whats-on-now/ for a great selection of Masses and other Church services
https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes/ Mass and daily at 2pm, the Rosary in English
https://www.livemass.org Extraordinary Form (1962 Missal)
Sky Channel 588 – for daily Mass at 1pm
Use the website links to EWTN, or the Archdiocese to access daily Masses
On the radio: Catholic Radio 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
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.
THE RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND AS MARY’S DOWRY: This Sunday 29 March the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales celebrate the Re-dedication of England as the Dowry of Mary. The first dedication was made by King Richard II in 1381 in Westminster Abbey, when he sought the protection of Our Lady in the face of great political turmoil. So this Re-dedication is a timely moment in the midst of current turmoil and fear – when so many are greatly troubled or afraid – we once again turn to the one that God called Mother, seeking her guidance and protection. Our entrustment unites us in prayer as we renew the vows of dedication made to Mary by our ancestors.
Our personal promise brings us closer to Mary, the first disciple of Christ. Let us follow her example by imitating her openness to God’s call. When we open ourselves to God’s Spirit, we find that all things are possible for God. At the Annunciation, Gabriel’s message to Mary included the words” Do not be afraid.” These words gave Mary the confidence to say” Let it be done to me according to your Word”. This brought joy to Mary, and she wishes to share it with us.
Why not pray the Rosary that day? More information on the Re-dedication website: www.behold2020.com where you can also discover how to play a virtual part in this special moment and the vows of dedication.
A PRAYER IN TIME OF DANGER AND ILLNESS: 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 our Lord, Amen.