30 January 2022 – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday 29th – Holy Souls NDL
Sunday 30th – Holy Souls NDL
Thursday 3rd Feb – Gwyneth Andrew RIP (10am)
Saturday 5th – Michael & Rosemary Davies RIP
Sunday 6th – Parishioners
LATEST UP-DATE |
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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)
QR CODE: Please continue to register your attendance at church by using the NHS QR code, displayed as you enter / leave the building.
PRIVATE PRAYER: Church is open every Friday between 11am and 1pm.
THURSDAY MORNING MASS: 10am
READINGS FOR 30 JANUARY
1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19, I have appointed you as prophet to the nations
Psalm 70: My lips will tell of your help
2nd Reading: I Corinthians 12:31-13:13, There are three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30, Like Elijah and Elisha, Jesus is not sent to the Jews only.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one can come to the Father, except through me. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your merciful love. O Lord, never let me be put to shame, for I call on you.
REFLECTION FOR THE 4th SUNDAY IN OT
The people of Nazareth are “astonished” at Jesus’ teaching, yet at the same time, they also admire it. Their astonishment exceeds their admiration: this is Joseph the carpenter’s son, someone they all know very well. Jesus reads Isaiah’s prophecy to them, “The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me”. Their response is one of disbelief. Jesus is one of them and therefore very ordinary, so how can he possibly be able to claim that he is special, that he has been ‘sent’ to them.
They struggle to understand how Jesus is trying to stir in them the message that they are God’s Chosen People and that they therefore have a special responsibility to open their minds to God’s saving grace. It does not make for easy listening – to be reminded that other people, like ‘pagans’ and gentiles are just as special in God’s eyes, as his Chosen People.
This is a tough lesson for Jesus’ locals, but it’s a vital one and one that John emphasises in his first letter: “Those who do not love a brother or a sister who they have seen, cannot love God, who they have not seen”. (I John 4:20)
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 February:
For religious sisters and consecrated women
We pray for religious sisters and consecrated women; thanking them for their mission and their courage; may they continue to find new responses to the challenges of our times.
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
31 January – St John Bosco, a great orator
3 February – St Blaise / St Ansgar, patron of Denmark
2 February – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
5 February – St Agatha
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD – 2 FEBRUARY
Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
How to celebrate:
- Read Luke 2:22-35, the account of the presentation, including the Canticle of Simeon.
- Meditate on the constant fiat of Our Lady of Sorrows, who embraced the will of God even as Simeon predicted that a sword would pierce her heart.
- Light a candle, as your sign of faith in Christ as the light of the world
Please see this short reflection from Bishop Robert Byrne of the Hexham & Newcastle Diocese, on the significance of this special feast, that officially marks the end of Christmas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4qzfL-F0ac
PARISH CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING FOR CAFOD WATER AID
We have now got the final tally for our CAFOD Water Aid Programme! The total amount raised is £903.00, of which £695.00 has been Gift Aided, making a final total of £1076.75p. Thank you so much to everyone who donated, digging deep to enable such a sum to be realised. It is fantastic – and CAFOD are likewise delighted.
Ged Tyrer, Chairman, Fund-Raising Committee
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE, SOUTHPORT
Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the memories of those many millions (mainly Jews) killed during the Nazi Holocaust 1941-45 and those men, women and children who have been killed in other genocides since then. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust organises a series of local and national events every year and on Sunday 30 January a special service will be held at Christ Church in Southport, beginning at 1.30pm. This is an inter-faith event, where guest speakers include leaders from a range of communities; other speakers include the Mayor of Sefton, the High Sheriff of Merseyside and local MP Bill Esterson. All are welcome to attend. (A reminder that face masks must be worn throughout).
Please check the HMDT website for more news and online events: Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (hmd.org.uk)
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Any young person currently in year 8 (or above) is welcome to register to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Registration will close on Monday 21st March.
To register they should visit www.liverpoolcalled.co.uk and click ‘Register for Confirmation’ at the top right-hand side of the page.
Information about the preparation scheme that young people will follow can also be found on the Liverpool Called website.
Please spread the word around to parishioners who may not be aware of this.
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 20 January, 73 people tested positive – a fall of 36% since last week.
Chorley Council released vaccination figures as follows:
13% have yet to receive any vaccine at all.
37% have yet to receive a booster (to protect against hospitalisation) – no change from last week
93 people are receiving hospital treatment and sadly, 5 people have died in the last week (an increase of 4).
For daily updates, please use the following link: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/search?postcode=L40%202PA
COVID UP-DATE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
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
- 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 – with a range of chemical medicines!
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
Remembrance for Holocaust Memorial Day – Composed by Paul Farrer – YouTube
A lovely piece specially written to commemorate the lives of so many Jews, gypsies and many other ethnic minorities – of all ages – systematically killed during the Second World War, in an effort to destroy an entire race of people. Those targeted in this policy also included people with disabilities, trade unionists, Catholics and those whose political views were in direct contrast to Nazi ideology.
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