5 September 2021 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Parishioners

Young people returning to schools

Special Intention

Rodney Cooper RIP

 

LATEST  UP-DATE 

WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE FOR SS PETER & PAUL, MAWDELSEY!

Church is now open for public Masses / Service.  Please ring or email to book places for weekend Masses on Fridays between 10.30am and 3.00pm if you wish to sit in the social-distancing areas.  Thank you.

 


 

 
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PARISH NEWSLETTER

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & MASS READINGS / REFLECTIONS

NEXT WEEK – PARISH OFFICE OPEN MORNING ONLY on Friday 10 September, 9.30am to 11.30am
PLEASE NOTE OTHER PARISH OFFICE OPENINGS DURING SEPTEMBER
The Office will be closed on both Friday 18 and Friday 24 September
The office will be open on Tuesday 14 September, 9.30am to 12.30pm for Mass bookings for both weekends: 18 & 19 September / 25 & 26 September (ie book for two weeks).
Apologies for any inconvenience

BOOKING FOR MASS: You will still need to pre-book if you wish to be seated in the designated section for social-distancing.  Please telephone or email the Parish office on Friday 10 Sept, between 9.30am and 11.00am. 
QR CODE: Please continue to register your attendance at church by using the NHS QR code, displayed as you enter / leave the building. 
The Archdiocese has stipulated that we should all continue to wear face masks/coverings in our churches for the time being, due to rising infections. 
You will still need to pre-book if you wish to be seated in the designated section for social-distancing.

QR CODE: Please continue to register your attendance at church by using the NHS QR code, displayed as you enter / leave the building.  Infection rates are extremely high, so helping to support the Track & Trace programme is more important than ever now.  Thank you.

READINGS FOR 5 SEPTEMBER
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7, The ears of the deaf shall be unsealed and the tongues of the dumb shall be loosed
Psalm 145: My soul, give praise to the Lord
2nd Reading: James 2:1-5, God chose the poor to be the heirs to the kingdom
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37, He makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom and cured all kinds of sickness among the people. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: I am the Light of the World, says the Lord, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

REFLECTION FOR THE 23rd  SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The stories of Jesus in Palestine, though they happened long ago – and so far away – still have great relevance and significance for us today.  The gospel reading is a case in point.
Jesus “puts his fingers into the man’s ears and touches his tongue with spittle”, demonstrating just how important physical touch and contact is in our story of redemption and salvation.  Through the crucifixion of his body, our Lord was able to gain us entrance to heaven and through our union with his body and blood during Holy Communion, we become part of his salvation.
All the gifts of Grace come to us in physical form: water is poured on us at baptism, sins are forgiven through the words we hear the priest say when we are granted absolution, the Holy Spirit is gifted to us through the anointing with oil.
How fortunate we are, that the Son of God came to earth, in a human body, like ours, so that we – who live so thoroughly and completely in the body – may find ourselves renewed when our bodies become a source of eternal life.
As St Paul says, “Do you not realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you and whom you receive from God?  You are not your own property then, you have been bought at a price.  So use your body for the glory of God.”

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 September:
An Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyle
We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this

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
8 September – Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary – the child of Ss Joachim and Anne
9 September – St Peter Claver, missionary who relieved the suffering of African slaves
10 September – St Ambrose Barlow – a local saint, born near Manchester and martyred in Lancaster, 1641

SPONSORED CYCLE: LAND’S END TO JOHN O’GROATS
Parishioner (and volunteer steward) Tom Molyneux, is raising much needed funds for the John Molyneux Foundation, to help young people with epilepsy, by cycling 1250 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats this month, over the course of 14 to 16 days. Donations can be given to Marie Molyneux or made via Tom’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/johnmolyneuxfoundation?utm
You can also follow Tom’s progress by visiting https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/ride-for-cjm-foundation/

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

DAY OF STUDY & PRAYER: Our Lady of Walsingham
A day of Study and Prayer will be held on Friday 24 September at St Joseph’s Church, Wrightington WN6 9PS.  The guest speaker is Dr Sarah Boss – an authority in Marian Studies and Director of the Marian Study Centre.  The day begins with Mass at 10am.  Please ring 01257 676027 or email stjwrightington@rcaolp.co.uk to book a place – and for further details.

CAFOD DAY OF ACTION: CLIMATE CRISIS – 11 SEPTEMBER
Wealthy nations, who bear the greatest responsibility for the crisis, need to urgently cut their emissions and stand in solidarity with those countries that have done the least to damage our common home.  But we know that the government will only ever act if enough people raise their voices for the values of solidarity and justice – for all.
The GREAT BIG GREEN WEEK: The Day of Action is part of the Great Big Green Week – a series of events throughout September, bringing communities together to protect the climate and nature: www.greatbiggreenweek.com
SIGN THE PETITION!: With the eyes of the world on the UK, we must urge the Prime Minister to make sure communities hardest hit by the climate change emergency are listened to at the COP26 summit.  Sign online at: www.cafod.org.uk/reclaim
During the Season of Creation, you might like to dip into Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Laudato Si’.  The title is taken from the first line of the encyclical, “Laudato si’, mi Signore” (“Praise be to you, my Lord”).   These words come from the beautiful Canticle of the Creatures by St Francis of Assisi.  The subtitle of the encyclical, ‘On Care for our Common Home’, explains what the letter is about. 
Pope Francis urgently appeals “for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet.  We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affects us all” (14).  He challenges us to consider the kind of world we want to leave to those who come after us. 
Although quite long, the encyclical is easy to read and can be downloaded from CAFOD’s website which has lots of helpful resources exploring the encyclical:
www.cafod.org.uk/Pray/Laudato-Si-encyclical

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  

APPLICATIONS FOR BISHOP RAWSTORNE ACADEMY
One of the entry requirements of C of E schools requires evidence of the commitment of one of the parents or guardians of the prospective pupil to the Christian faith, ie fortnightly worship for a period of at least one year. Please note that the Church is contacted to verify attendance for the year preceding entry.  For pupils hoping to enter in Sept 2022 the period of assessment started on 1 Sept 2020. Therefore, for entry in Sept 2023, the period of assessment will begin this September. Please pass this info on to parishioners who may not always manage to see the Newsletter.  Please check this link on the school’s website for further details: https://files.schudio.com/bishopr/files/Admissions/3.__Admissions_Policy_for_Sept_2022_Intake_-_Ratified_by_Full_Governors_July_2020.pdf

HELP TO PROTECT OUR RESIDENTS: FREE COVID LATERAL FLOW TESTS KITS ARE AVAILABLE
Local councils are asking all residents to take 2 Covid tests a week so that they can accurately monitor the number of cases in the borough.  They are able to help people who test positive to self-isolate – and there is funding available to help if that means that someone is unable to go in to work for the required period.
Free test kits will be distributed at Mass over the next few weekends.  They can also be dropped off at your home if you’re unable to get to Mass.  Please contact the office.

MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
Chun Bengaram – چون بنگرم (Afghan Christian Song) – YouTube
A Christian song from Afghanistan this week – to signify our thoughts and prayers for all Afghan refugees and especially their babies, children, the young and the elderly.

 


 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!

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.

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.

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 TESTING
FREE test kits are available from your local chemist.  Each kit contains 7 tests (2 per week, plus 1 extra in case there’s a problem with one of the tests.
Residents can also book an appointment if they are experiencing symptoms of Covid19 via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

COVID VACCINES – IMPORTANT
Please 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!

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