5 January – Epiphany of the Lord
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Saturday 4th 5.00pm Parishioners
Monday 6th 10.00am A Sick Person
Thursday 9th 10.00am Holy Souls NDL
Saturday 11th 5.00pm Jonathan Ainscough RIP
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MASS TIMES: SATURDAY VIGIL MASS at 5pm PARISH OFFICE IS OPEN ON FRIDAYS from 10am to 4pm |
PARISH NEWSLETTER
MASSES THIS WEEK
Monday at 10am
Thursday at 10am followed by Exposition and Benediction, 10.25am
CHURCH OPEN Church is open on Fridays from 11am to 1.00pm for prayers before the Blessed Sacrament
CONFESSIONS: Next confessions: last Saturday of the month – 27 January, 4.15pm to 4.45pm
READINGS FOR 5 JANUARY
1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6, The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Psalm 72: All the nations of the earth shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.
2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:2-6, It has now been revealed that Gentiles are fellow heirs of the promise.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12, We have come from the East to worship the King.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship the Lord. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: We have seen his star in the East, and have come with gifts to adore the Lord.
POPE’S INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY
For the right to an education
Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
SAINTS & FEASTS DAYS THIS WEEK
7 January – St Raymond of Penyafort
SSPPM FUNDRAISING GROUP CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2024 – THANK YOU!
I am delighted to report all the donations have been collected and counted and the results are amazing: £1645.00. Thank you to everybody for your huge generosity. When added to the extra monies pledged by gift aid (which so many were able to complete – thank you), plus the Double Your Money scheme from Mary’s Meals supporters, this will inflate our total to £3655.00.
Again, I can’t thank you all enough for this wonderful effort for Mary’s Meals. This will mean more children can be given a daily meal.
Happy New Year!
Ged Tyrer & all the Fundraising Group
CRIB OFFERINGS
This year, offerings will be sent to Nugent Care (Archdiocesan Social Services). Thank you.
NEW YEAR MESSAGE AND THANK YOU
First of all a very heartfelt Thank You to everyone who prepared the church and the Mass for Christmas: the flowers, the crib and then the wonderful music and readings, the readers, acolytes, welcomers, collectors and counters. The church looked and sounded magnificent – and truly worthy of the sacred celebration of Christ’s Nativity.
Many thanks for your kind gifts and cards – they are much appreciated.
May I wish all parishioners and visitors a very happy and blessed New Year. May God be with you, always.
REFLECTION FOR THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
The Magi came from many miles to worship. Their prophetic gifts symbolised kingship (gold), divinity (frankincense) and suffering (myrrh). On reaching their goal, they bowed low and worshipped. They set us an example: our purpose in life is to worship and praise the living God, both now and in our heavenly home. Worshipping God in ‘spirit and in truth’ is exactly what St John reminds us to do: John 4:23. Let us try to be as bold and courageous as the Magi in proclaiming the wonders and glory of the Lord.
LOST PROPERTY – MANY PAIRS OF GLASSES!
Over the last few weeks we have acquired a number of pairs of glasses and their cases. Please collect them from the table in the narthex. Thank you.
CHURCH FLOWERS
We’re always grateful to our flower arrangers, Ann & Tony and Shirley & Paul, who makes sure our church is filled with beautiful flower arrangements every week. Many of the flowers are sourced from their garden and also the grounds of the church, but inevitably many flowers also need to be bought and this incurs costs. Any donations therefore are particularly welcome and will help to ensure that our altars continue to provide a fitting tribute to Our Lord.
DON’T FORGET! PARISH FOODBANK – DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
Thank you for donations already received, which have been taken to the foodbank centre at St Mary’s in Leyland. They are particularly short of tinned pasta, tinned meat / fish and puddings.
Please check that donations are well before their BB date!
Thank you all for your kind-hearted generosity. It makes such a big difference.
CATHOLIC PICTORIAL
Keeping you up to date with all the news from around the Archdiocese online: www.catholicpic.co.uk
Postal subscriptions are available: 3 issues = £9.50, 6 issues = £19 and 12 issues = £37.50.
Email enquiries@cpmmmedia.com or ring 0151 709 7567.
Digital copies are also available. Please use the phone number / email address above.
THE UNIVERSE CATHOLIC WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS
These are available to order directly from the publisher (www.thecatholicuniverse.com or call Michelle on 0743 661 7650. ). It can be posted to you each week. A 3 months print subscription is £42.00 – 6 months is £75.00 and the year at £140.00.
HOW TO DONATE TO THE CHURCH
Standing Orders – Many find this an easier alternative to trying to remember to bring cash along each week. Forms are available in the porch / from the Parish Office. You can determine the amount and when it is deducted each month. Please post compoleted forms to your bank.
Envelopes – easy, because they can be prepared before coming to church. They afford some ‘privacy’ for the amount donated. Please contact the Parish Office so we can arrange this.
Cash / cheque donations each week and very gratefully received.
Gift Aid If you are a taxpayer then you can easily help the parish to claim 25% extra on top of every donation you make. Eg: your donation of £10 per week could become £12.25 going to the church. Filling in a simple form to register your name and address means we can claim an additional 25% of your gift
Please collect a form from the narthex on your way out today, complete and return to the Parish Office.
THANK YOU for your continuing support and generosity in these very challenging times.
MUSICAL TREAT FOR THE WEEK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMCvOX6W9j0
You’ll struggle to find a better rendition of Cornelius’ anthem, ‘Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar’. The baritone soloist is exceptionally easy on the ear and the choir of King’s College hit just the right tempi throughout. A delight from start to finish.
WITH EVERY BLESSING FOR A VERY HAPPY AND PEACE-FILLED NEW YEAR