3 April 2022 – 5th Sunday of Lent

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Saturday 2nd     People of Ukraine

Sunday 3rd       Parishioners

Monday 4th       David Banks RIP

Thursday 7th    Garth Owen RIP

Saturday 9th     Francis Welch RIP

Sunday 10th      LISCF (Palm Sunday)

LATEST  UP-DATE 

WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE FOR SS PETER & PAUL, MAWDELSEY!
 Please ring or email to book places for weekend Masses on Fridays between 10.30am and 3pm if you wish to sit in the social-distancing areas. 


 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.
The Archdiocese continues to recommend the wearing of face masks, out of consideration for others.   Thank you

CHURCH IS OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER: Fridays, 11am to 1pm

HOLY MASS:  MONDAYS and THURSDAYS – 10.00am
Also on Thursdays: Eucharistic Exposition & Benediction – 10.25am to 11am

CONFESSION : last Saturday of the month: 4.15pm to 4.45pm

READINGS FOR 3 APRIL
1st Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21, See, I am doing a new deed, and I will give my chosen people drink
Psalm 125, What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad
2nd Reading: Philippians 3:8-14, Reproducing the pattern of his death, I have accepted the loss of everything for Christ.
Gospel: John 8:1-11, If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.
Gospel acclamation: Praise to you O Christ, king of eternal glory!  Seek good and not evil, so that you might live, ad that the Lord God of hosts may be really with you.  Praise to you O Christ, king of eternal glory! 
Communion antiphon: Has no one condemned you, woman?  No one, Lord.  Neither do I condemn you.  From now on, sin no more.

REFLECTION FOR THE 5th SUNDAY OF LENT
As we can see from the news, women are still regarded as second-class citizens in many parts of the world, including our own country. In Jesus’ day, things were no different – and possibly even worse.  Therefore, Jesus caused an absolute scandal by associating with a woman regarded as a prostitute, yet it was the women in the gospels who often understood, better than the men (including his disciples), who he really was.  It was the women who followed Jesus all the way to his crucifixion, and who stood at the foot of the cross.  It was the women who went out to the tomb to anoint his body, whilst his disciples hid behind closed doors.
And it was this poor woman in today’s gospel reading, who enabled Jesus to give the scribes and Pharisees a much-needed lesson in compassion, understanding and mercy.  (No mention is made of the man she was with – who was clearly as guilty of committing adultery as she was).
Jesus’ message is clear: do not judge others, or you risk condemning yourself.  Only God can judge and God is “quick in mercy”.  It’s a lesson we all need to take to heart.

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
4 April – St Isidore of Seville
5 April – St Vincent Ferrer
7 April – St John Baptist de la Salle, patron of teachers
8 April – St Julie Billiart, founder of the Order of Notre Dame de Namur

NUGENT CARE COLLECTION: last weekend:  £23.00.  Thank you.

WELCOME & THANKS
This weekend, we welcome Fr Simon Henry, celebrating the 5pm Vigil Mass and Fr Barry Matthews celebrating the Sunday Mass.  Many thanks to them both.

EASTER LISTS:  Please record the names of those you wish to be included in the Easter Lists for Mass on Easter Sunday and place in an envelope.  These can be handed in via the offertory basket, or popped through the presbytery door.  Thank you.

EASTER SERVICES AT SS PETER & PAUL’S
Maundy Thursday 14 April, 7pm – watching until 9pm (No morning Mass)
Good Friday 15 April, 3pm – Passion of Our Lord
Easter Vigil Mass 16 April, 8pm at Our Lady Help of Christians, Tarleton  (No Vigil Mass here)
Easter Day 17 April, 11.15am
Easter Monday 18 April, 10am

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES 2022-23
New boxes are now available for collection from the narthex.
Please leave a message at the Parish office (phone / email /letter) if you no longer wish to use these envelopes.  Many thanks.

OUR LENTEN FOODBANK APPEAL
So much is being asked of us at the moment, with any number of appeals, but it’s important that we also remember those suffering members of our own local communities, who are still in desperate need.  We are therefore asking generous parishioners to donate non-perishable foodstuffs and toiletries over the next few weeks of Lent.
Your kindness will be much appreciated by the foodbank volunteers at St Mary’s in Leyland – and even more so by the families who really need it.  Thank you.

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. 

NEWS FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE ON THE UKRAINE APPEAL
After travelling for three days, for 1,400 miles and through six countries, our drivers arrived at the Polish border on Tuesday and successfully delivered the donated goods for the people of Ukraine. The four drivers – Mike Sharkey, Andy Coley, Dave Lyon and Chris Joynt – met Bishop Gregory Komar, and students for the priesthood from the Holy Spirit Seminary in the Ukrainian diocese of Sambir-Drohobych, who will take the goods for distribution in the Lviv region of western Ukraine. In terms of financial donations, we have now raised over £60,500 for the #Liverpool4Ukraine appeal.
Thank you all for your continued support, we are truly grateful for everyone’s overwhelming generosity throughout this appeal.

UKRAINE APPEAL
The International Aid Trust no longer requires clothing, but would be grateful for non-perishable foodstuffs, toiletries and medical supplies eg plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauzes, antiseptics, paracetamol, ibuprofen.  The depot is at Lostock Hall, Sherdley Road.
Please Note: The Archdiocese is now closing all collection points, including St Joseph’s in Chorley, as they are at full capacity and unable to take any more donations. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED!

RED MISSION BOXES
Please bring them to church when you attend Mass next weekend, or drop them off at the presbytery on Friday, between 10am and 4pm. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like someone to collect your box for you.  

CATHOLIC WOMEN: INTERNATIONAL SYNOD SURVEY
Catholic Women Speak is an international forum for dialogue, theological discussion and awareness-raising around issues to do with women in the Catholic Church. They have produced a survey for the synod link below: https://catholicwomenspeak.com/catholic-women-international-synod-survey/

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE: ONLINE RESOURCES FOR LENT
This month we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation on the 25th March, so we’ve gathered together articles and resources about the role our Lady plays in Scripture and in our faith.
godwhospeaks.uk/celebrating-our-lady
Fleur explores some less commonly known symbols in art and scripture related to Our Lady, and their wider meanings for our faith and spirituality: godwhospeaks.uk/our-lady-and-the-thread-of-life  
Share the key Bible verses about Mary with our free posters.godwhospeaks.uk/our-lady-in-scripture-posters
Sr Hyacinthe considers various ways in the Scriptures that Mary can be our hope today.
godwhospeaks.uk/how-is-mary-our-hope
Amégée Olongo shares a short reflection on a stained glass window designed by Evie Hone.
godwhospeaks.uk/the-feast-of-the-assumption-a-reflection
Fr Michael Hall considers why the vision of the Woman in Revelation is believed by Catholics to be a reference to Our Lady, Queen of Heaven. godwhospeaks.uk/sun-moon-and-stars-the-role-of-mary-in-the-book-of-revelation
Have you listened to the Women in Scripture Podcast series yet? Listen to Episode 5 on the Virgin Mary (birminghamdiocese.org.uk/women-in-scripture) and read the accompanying art reflection (godwhospeaks.uk/art-and-culture/women-in-scripture/mary/

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!

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.

WEEKLY COVID UP-DATE: Mawdesley & Croston
As of  30 March,  55 people tested positive – an increase of 22 in this last week.
Chorley Council released vaccination figures as follows:
11% have yet to receive any vaccine at all.
33% have yet to receive a booster (to protect against hospitalisation) – no change from last week
93 people are receiving hospital treatment -an increase of 9 in the 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
The WORLD BLESSING 2022 – 154 Nations incl. Ukraine & Russia PRAY FOR GOD’S PEACE in 257 Languages! – YouTube
In these turbulent days, Christians in every part of the world are praying, praying for Ukraine, also for Russia, and the whole world. This is a compilation of the blessing that was sent out at the start of the pandemic.  It’s now received contributions from 154 countries, including Ukraine and Russia.  We can all join in this uplifting and heartfelt piece: “one voice, one heart, one people”.

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