There is NO MASS HERE THIS WEEKEND (5th JULY) - it is going to take another few weeks to get ready for opening. I need more volunteers to help with the opening.
The message below arrived yesterday and is a much longer letter from the Cardinal and his three Arch Bishops. Please take the time to read it. I have left the original correspondence from Bishop John below.
A Message from the Metropolitan Archbishops
of the Catholic Church in England
Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
On Tuesday we heard the announcement that, from the 4th July this year, places of
worship will be able to reopen for prayer and services. We welcome this news with
great joy. Since the lockdown began, members of all faiths have faced restrictions on
how they have been able to celebrate important religious festivals. Our own
experience of Easter was unlike any other we have known. Now, in our churches,
and with our people, we can look forward again to celebrating the central mysteries
of our faith in the Holy Eucharist.
The recent reopening of our churches for individual private prayer was an important
milestone on our journey towards resuming communal worship. Our churches that
have opened have put in place all the measures needed to ensure the risks of virus
transmission are minimised. This includes effective hand sanitisation, social
distancing, and cleaning. We remain committed to making sure these systems of
hygiene and infection control meet Government and public health standards.
We want to thank everyone within the Catholic community for sustaining the life of
faith in such creative ways, not least in the family home. We thank our priests for
celebrating Mass faithfully for their people, and for the innovative ways in which
they have enabled participation through live-streaming and other means. We are
grateful for the pastoral care shown by our clergy to those for whom this time of
lockdown has been especially difficult, and, in particular, towards those who have
been bereaved. We recognise too the chaplaincy services that have played a vital role
in supporting those most in need. Gaining from the experience of all that we have
been through, and bringing those lessons into the future, we must now look forward.
With the easing of restrictions on worship with congregations, we tread carefully
along the path that lies ahead. Our lives have been changed by the experience of the
pandemic and it is clear that we cannot simply return to how things were before
lockdown. We remain centred on the Lord Jesus and His command at the Last
Supper to “do this in memory of me.” We must now rebuild what it means to be Eucharistic communities, holding fast to all that we hold dear, while at the same time exploring creative ways to meet changed circumstances.
It is important to reaffirm that, at present, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass
remains suspended. A significant number of churches may remain closed as they are
unable to meet the requirements for opening for individual prayer. Fulfilling these
requirements is a precondition for any church opening after the 4th July for the
celebration of Mass with a congregation.
Please be aware that there will be a limit on the number of people who can attend
Mass in our churches. This will determined locally in accordance with social
distancing requirements. We therefore need to reflect carefully on how and when we
might be able to attend Mass. We cannot return immediately to our customary
practices. This next step is not, in any sense, a moment when we are going ‘back to
normal.’
We ask every Catholic to think carefully about how and when they will return to
Mass. Our priests may need to consider whether it is possible to celebrate additional
Masses at the weekends. Given there is no Sunday obligation, we ask you to consider
the possibility of attending Mass on a weekday. This will ease the pressure of
numbers for Sunday celebrations and allow a gradual return to the Eucharist for
more people.
Moving forward, there will still be many people who cannot attend Mass in person.
We therefore ask parishes, wherever possible, to continue live-streaming Sunday
Mass, both for those who remain shielding and vulnerable, and also for those unable
to leave home because of advanced age or illness.
When we return to Mass there will some differences in how the celebration takes
place. For the time being, there will be no congregational singing and Mass will be
shorter than usual. None of this detracts from the centrality of our encounter with
the Risen Christ in the Eucharist. We ask everyone to respect and follow the guidance
that will be issued and the instructions in each church.
“As I have loved you,” said the Lord Jesus, “so you must love each other.” (Jn 13:34) The
lockdown has brought forth remarkable acts of charity, of loving kindness, from
Catholics across our communities as they have cared for the needy and vulnerable.
We have seen love in action through charitable works, and through the service of
many front-line keyworkers who are members of our Church. Now we can begin to
return to the source of that charity, Christ himself, present for us sacramentally,
body, blood, soul and divinity, in Holy Communion. As we prepare to gather again
to worship, let us, respectful of each other, come together in thanksgiving to God for
the immense gift of the Holy Eucharist.
Yours devotedly in Christ
✠ Vincent Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
✠ Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool
✠ Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham
✠ John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark
This letter is addressed to the Catholic Community in England; the opening of the Catholic Churches in Wales
is devolved to the Welsh Assembly who are still evaluating their position on opening Places of Worship.
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Please read the following carefully. I will let you have more information as soon as it becomes available.
A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP JOHN ARNOLD OF SALFORD
We welcome the news that we can once again start to gather for public worship. I know that this will be news received with great joy by my fellow brothers and parishioners.
We await the guidelines from the Bishops Conference to see what this will mean practically for us. There will still be a need to continue with some restrictions and our worship may feel a little different. It may also be that not all our churches can open and that there is a reduction in the number of services.
We will issue more information to parishes as we receive it and will provide support to assist parishes as we approach the 4th July.
These are unprecedented times and we must recognise that this is the next step in the journey we are on together back to normality, however that may look.
+John (Bishop of Salford).
Statement from Cardinal Vincent Nichols
on the resumption of collective acts of worship
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales writes:
I welcome the statement by the Prime Minister earlier today, that places of worship are now able to resume collective acts of worship from 4 July. This is welcome news for members of all religions in England. I thank all who have worked hard to bring this about, not least my fellow religious leaders.
As Catholics we now look forward to being able to celebrate Mass together again from 4 July. We have waited with patience and longing for this moment, understanding the importance of protecting the health of people in our society. Now we are full of anticipation that we will be able again to take part together in the Eucharist, which lies at the centre of our faith.
It is important that we continue to abide by the guidance, given by the Government, on appropriate social distancing and the other measures to avoid all unnecessary risk. Our own detailed guidance will be distributed around dioceses and parishes so everyone can be confident that they may come to Mass securely and understand the part they are to play in protecting each other from any remaining risk of infection.
The past few months have been a time of fashioning new patterns of prayer, new ways of exploring and enriching our faith and vigorous ways of reaching out to those in need. We can build on these, forgetting nothing of the graces we have been given. Yet now, with the experience of opening our churches for individual prayer already gained, this return to the more normal patterns of worship will be of great importance to all Catholics.
This time of our ‘Eucharistic fast’ has made our hearts grow in longing for that moment when we can come together and receive again the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. That moment is now very near and for that we thank God.
+Vincent (Archbishop of Westminster)
Churches and Times They are Open (Only for Private Prayer)
This list will be continually updated as more churches open.
Salford Cathedral
St Anne’s Crumpsall will be opening this Monday, please phone them for times of opening.
Monday – Saturday – 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Holy Cross, Eccles
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 3pm – 6pm
St Cuthbert, Withington
Monday-Saturday: 10.00am -12.00noon
St Joseph’s, Longsight
Monday 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Wednesday 11am – 12 Noon & 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Friday 4.30pm – 6.30pm
St Mary’s, Burnley
Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 12.30pm
St Mary’s, Bamber Bridge
Monday to Saturday – 10am-12nn and 5pm-7pm
St Osmund, Bolton
Monday – 9.30am – 11.30am
Tuesday – Saturday – 2pm – 4pm
St Peter’s, Middleton
Monday – 1pm-3pm
Tuesday – 10am-12noon
Wednesday – 1pm-3pm
Thursday – 10am-12noon
Friday – 1pm-3pm
St William of York, Bolton
Monday – 9.30am – 11.30am
Wednesday – 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Saturday – 10.30am – 12.30pm
Bishop John's Pastoral letter
Today's pastoral letter can be found on the button above "Pastoral Letter", where there is a sound link, so you can listen to the letter again given by the Bishop, or the script, if you would like to read it at your leisure.
Opening of Churches
Work is progressing with plans to re-open our churches, but it will be slow and in stages. Some churches have been chosen to open before others, so that we can try to put into place the very strict rules that have been given to us by the government. I will be saying more about this tomorrow, at Sunday Mass. But it is enough here to say that the churches will open firstly for allotted times of private prayer, and later for Mass, we have no dates yet as to when this might happen. Some churches are expected to open on 4th July (maybe even earlier, but we will have to wait for guidance from the bishop.) Things have indeed changed as of this morning. The new date for those first churches to open fort private prayer is now 15th June.
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Some people have asked if it's possible to set up a standing order to give their weekly offerings to the Church. The answer is yes of course. You need to copy and paste the following form to a word document, and then follow the instructions.
& Afterwards if you would like.
7. Thank you very much.
STANDING ORDER FORM
Date: __________________
Amount (in words) ________________________________ £ _________________
*Payments are to continue until _______________________________ (including date of last payment)
Signature _______________________________________________________________
*Delete as applicable
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THIS?
I hope and pray that you are all keeping well in these difficult days. Stay safe.
The Church, like everyone else is now looking towards a strategy of what will happen at the end of this lock down. Our Church leaders have made it clear that they will be guided by what the Government has to say, and will adhere to all the government guidelines when that time arrives.
WATCH THIS SPACE
A Call for financial Help
As with every part of industry, the church is also missing your weekly contributions. After the next three weeks of lockdown, St Patrick's and St Malachy's will be down about £12,000.
I am hoping people are putting their weekly donation in their envelopes and will appear once the churches are re-opened - I can only hope!
Welcome
It is wonderful to see so many people taking the chance to pop onto the web site over the past week. Now that we seem to have worked out the sound issues, I hope that you are able to enjoy the live streamed mass wherever you are. It is great to know that so many are watching. (Last Sunday there were 175 people online and on Tuesday this week there were 95 people).
Just a reminder that on Sunday this week thee are 2 masses, one at 9:30am and one at 11:30am which will be in sign language, we would be delighted if you are able to join us for either of these two Masses.
Sound & live streaming
Some people are having problems with the sound when Mass is being live streamed, you need to go to the bottom right of the picture with your mouse and turn on the volume. It cannot be seen until you put the mouse over the point on the bottom right of the picture. Hope this helps.
This coming Sunday, there will be 2 masses live streamed. The usual 9:30am Mass and then an 11:30am Mass in sign language.
Prayer for a 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
Salford Diocese pilgrimage to Lourdes 2020
This years pilgrimage has been cancelled.
Morning prayer
I have ceased with morning prayer via video, as not a single person had joined in over the past week. It was worth a try!
The Lords Day at Home
the PDF file below is a liturgy which has been put together by the Bishops. They hope it will help you with celebrating your faith at home.
Including the prayer for a spiritual communion, that I will be using everyday at Mass.
|
LDAH Lent 5A.pdf Size : 117.775 Kb Type : pdf |
Something new
Morning prayer of the church
Due to these odd times, I thought it might be a nice idea to start the day with the morning prayer of the church. This prayer is said by millions of priests, nuns, brothers and lay people round the world.
If you would like to join in, on Monday morning you will find a video of me praying the morning prayer of the church, and if we could say it together at 8:30am this will unify our prayers.
You can find the prayers on line, try universalis and see all the prayers there.
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I was hoping to be able to live stream masses from St Patrick's, but this cannot happen as my broadband is too weak. there are alternatives with those with interned access, you can go to heavensroadfm.com, masses are streames almost every half hour during the day.
OR
Fr Simon Firth
Fr Simon is on Facebook, Catholic Ashton Facebook group,
and bless him, he has a full spiritual programme running everyday. With morning prayer, mass, rosary and novena, and also in the evening ay 9pm, a chance to ask him questions live, all those questions you have always wanted to ask.......
why not drop in and see what is going on?
Dear Father,
Please find below the guidance on celebrations of all the Sacraments from the CBCEW website. The website itself is crashing at the moment due to high volumes of traffic.
CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES
Liturgical Advice in the light of the COVID-19 Pandemic
18th March 2020
This advice will be reviewed and developed as necessary weekly.
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, having consulted the Ordinaries of the Dioceses, has agreed that the cessation of public liturgies should begin from Friday evening 20th March 2020. Because of the situation the Church finds herself in, the obligation for the faithful to attend Holy Mass on a Sunday or Holy day of Obligation is removed, until further notice.
The following instruction is now given for the celebration of the Sacraments and sacramentals of the Church at this time.
Celebrations of Holy Mass
Priests (parish priest and assistant priests) who hold parochial office should continue to celebrate Mass in a church within their parish without the faithful on a daily basis. Other priests (i.e. retired from office or entrusted with a non-parochial ministry) may celebrate Mass without the faithful in a church, chapel or their private home. Deacons should not participate in these celebrations.
The continuing celebration of Mass ensures that the faithful can join in spiritual communion with the priests of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states (1364): As often as the sacrifice of the Cross by which 'Christ our Pasch has been sacrificed' is celebrated on the altar, the work of our redemption is carried out. Daily liturgical resources for those at home, including those for making a “Spiritual Communion” with the priest, will be available on the CBCEW website.
Information about the live-streaming of the celebration of Mass will be made widely available in our dioceses so that the faithful can participate in the prayers of the priest at Mass at home. A fine example of this is from The National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham will continue its full liturgical programme and this will be available to all via the Internet (www.walsingham.org.uk)
Wherever possible, during this period, churches will remain open, especially on Sundays, for individual private prayer, without any organised services, and offering prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Baptisms
Baptisms should be deferred until such time that the public health advice is that congregations can gather safely. In case of necessity, baptisms should be celebrated with all the hygiene precautions that have been laid down by the Church in its COVID-19 advice.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Confession may be offered on request as long as hygiene and social distancing requirements are observed (eg a physical barrier between the penitent and the priest such as a grille and cloth). The use of Rite II and Rite III of the Rite of Penance is not permitted as this, by necessity, requires the gathering of people in our churches.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
These celebrations should be postponed until a time that allows for families and friends to gather safely within our churches.
Confirmation
The celebrations of Confirmation should be deferred until such time that the public health advice is that congregations can resume public worship.
Matrimony
If possible, the celebration of the sacrament of Matrimony should be deferred until such time that people can gather in numbers safely. However, if this is not possible and only in the most pressing of circumstances, then those present for the marriage should be restricted to the celebrant, bride and groom and immediate family, and if necessary, the legal Registrar.
Anointing of the Sick
No pastoral visits should be made to people who are self-isolating until the isolation period ends. However, do offer phone support. When anointing the sick, the Oil of the Sick can be applied using a cotton bud which can be burned afterwards (one end for the head and the other for the hands) and the priest extend his hands over the sick person for laying on of hands, without physical contact. This has been confirmed as a valid mode of celebrating the sacraments which involve “laying on of hands.” Visits to people in care homes or hospitals should follow advice from the staff on infection control.
Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil
This will be dependent on the forthcoming decisions of the Bishops for the Holy Week ceremonies.
Funerals
There must be great pastoral sensitivity to this issue. The funeral service should take place at the graveside or at a crematorium, subject to the conditions laid down by the cemetery or crematorium authorities. Arrangements should be made for a Mass to be celebrated in memoriam when congregations are allowed to gather.
St Patrick's night Celebration on Friday
20th March IS CANCELLED!
This year Ash Wednesday is 26th February (1.5 weeks away!)
There are a number of things happening around the diocese, as well as at the Brothers house at St Malachy’s.
Why not try and plan something extra into your week, especially for Lent?
Scripture is at the centre of everything the Church does. The word of God shapes our prayer and worship. The Bible shows us how to understand the world, how we are called to live and relate to each other. In 2020, we are celebrating the Year of the Word and the God Who Speaks. There are lots of exciting things happening across our diocese to help us celebrate this special year.
Lenten Retreat at Wardley Hall
The Bishops of England and Wales have challenged us to read the entire Gospel of Matthew as part of The God Who Speaks year on Scripture. The Lenten programme at Wardley Hall will focus on this challenge. Using Scripture, poetry, art and/or music, we will pray with Matthew’s Gospel. Sessions, led by Sr Joan Kersley FMSJ and Maria Kidd, will include talks, individual prayer time and sharing. Find out more on our diocesan website.
God who Speaks in the City
In this speaker series, audiences will get to hear about a huge range of different issues at the God who Speaks in the City. The events will take place at the St Mary's (the Hidden Gem) over the next year and cover topics such as Dialogue, Creation, Art and Mass. Find out more on our diocesan website.
Katherine House Retreats
Throughout 2020, Sr Teresa Brittain and Marie Pattison, Director of Katherine House, will be exploring how God spoke to people in the scriptures and speaks to you today. Each month will have a different focus, with the first focus being on Moses. There will be two opportunities each month to attend this, one on a Wednesday at 2pm and the second on a Thursday at 7pm.
Six-week Introductory Meditation Course
Cloisters, Cathedral of St John, Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5LE
Friday 7th February 2020, 11am
Meditation is an ancient form of prayer. Its aim is to bring the distracted mind to silence and stillness, and rest in the presence of God. Even in our modern busy lives and changeable times, this is possible.
We invite you to come along and try this form of prayer which is simple and peaceful. The course is free and will run on Fridays from 7th February to 13th March 2020. For more information, call Joanne on 07776426911
Gala Dinner in aid of Salford Lourdes
St John Henry Newman Parish Centre, Urmston
Saturday 22nd February, 7pm
A gala dinner featuring a four course meal, welcome drink, grand auction and raffle in aid of the Salford Diocesan Lourdes pilgrimage.
Tickets are £40 or £375 per table of 10. Payable by BACS to Salford Lourdes Pilgrimage Fund
Call Filippa on 07866583870 for more information and to book
Catholic Hub
Cathedral of St John, Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5LE
Saturday 8th February 2020, 7.30pm
The Catholic Hub is an event for Young Adults (18+) which takes place on the Second Saturday of every month, 7:30pm at Salford Cathedral. All are welcome to attend.
The Two Popes
I don't usually recommend films, but this is something a little different. The Two Popes (available only on Netflix) is the extraordinary story of our current Pope Francis and Benedict, Pope emeritus. It a very touching insight into the lives of two ordinary men, called to do something very extraordinary. If you are able to track it down, I would recommend it to your viewing.
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LOURDES 2020
St Chad’s Deanery Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2020
In conjunction with the Diocese of Salford
One day longer than the Diocese
31st July — 7th August inclusive
There is a meeting for anyone interested in finding out more.
Meeting Tuesday 21st January at St Patrick’s Church at 7pm
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Monday No mass
Tuesday - Christmas Eve 6:15pm Carols by candle light
7:00 Vigil Mass of Christmas
Wednesday - Christmas Day 9:30am Mass at St Malachy’s
11:00am Mass at St Patrick’s with
the deaf community
Thursday Mass 9:15am St Bridget’s Room
Friday Mass 9:15am St Bridget’s Room
Saturday No Exposition Mass 9:15am St Bridget’s Room
NO CONFESSIONS THIS WEEK
The Fair this year will take place on Sunday 24th November, more information to follow. Also raffle tickets will be available next week. There is a notice looking for help with prizes for the raffle, if you can help we would be most grateful.
Deanery Candle for Lourdes -
NEXT SUNDAY is the last chance to get your prayer slips in.
There is only one week left before we head off to Lourdes for this years pilgrimage. As always, if you would like to have someone prayed for specifically, would you please add their name to the slip below, cut the slip off the newsletter, and give it to Fr. Jim next week. We will be having a large candle, and all the names of the people will be added to it as it is left burning opposite the Grotto in Lourdes. We ask a donation of £1 towards the cost of the candle, or whatever you would like to give. Thank you.
Sign Class
We have now finished our classes, I hope thaty you have enjoyed them and that you have learned a little of what it is to communicate with someone who is deaf. Thanks to all who joined in the class.
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Learning sign language.
On one of the buttons at the top of this page (intro to BSL) you will find a 10 week course on learning sign language, (we have just finished week 5). Each week there is a video, along with instructions and vocabulary. If you follow this course and are prepared to practice; by the end, you will be able to hold a conversation with a deaf person. Why not join in?
....When the Missionaries of Charity Brothers opened a house in a remote part of Ethiopia in 2018, the first person they took in was an 8 year old child. He arrived very ill and severely malnourished. He died soon after. His name, translated from the local language, was: “I HAVE FOUND MY BROTHER”. Brothers Marc and Ruben and our friend Cal in Manchester have composed this song for all those for whom we have become brothers, and whom we love as the brothers and sisters that God gave us through our mission. The song is about three true stories of extraordinary people. The first one is Steven, a 12 year old child in Kolkata who even terminally ill with AIDS could not stop dancing. The second is our Harry here in Manchester , whose dementia has erased every memory from his mind... but a song that we sing together every time we visit him. The last one is one of our boys in the young offenders prison in Lima, Peru. He was completely broken by his being in a gang, but our circus group brought him back to the joy of living. To them and countless others, all our love and admiration.
Organ recital
sure you will recognise them all. The acoustics in our church are made for this kind of organ recital, so put the date in your diary! Entry is free, but there will be a retiring collection to help raise money to have our organ overhauled. See the poster at the back of church for more information on what Stephen will be playing.
St Patrick's Night Do
Thanks to all who came to the St Patrick's Celebration on Friday. I think everyone enjoyed themselves, and Tony to the right was in fine form!
Thanks also to those who helped to put together a great evening entertainment.
For those who came to the coffee morning on St Patrick's day....what can I say? A fantastic turn out and a real community atmosphere. Thanks Also to those who provided food and helped out with getting the hall ready and the big clean up afterwards!
St Chad’s Deanery Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2019
St Chad’s Deanery Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2019
The cost of the Pilgrimage this year is £780 and is an 8 day Pilgrimage (the Diocese is only 7 days, please take this into consideration when comparing price) which includes everything except insurance.
For more information Please speak with Fr Jim.
Funeral arrangements for the Late Anne Dunne
The Funeral for the Late Anne Dunne will be on Tuesday 29th January at 10.00am in Church followed by internment at Moston Cemetery at 11:30am.
People have asked! So. here is Early Notice of Station Masses for Lent!!
March 13th, St Anne’s higher Openshaw, March 20th St Anne’s Crumpsall, March 27th St Margaret Mary New Moston, April 3rd Christ The King Newton Heath, April 10th Parish of the Holy Spirit. All Masses start at 7:30pm April 17th Penitential Service St Clare’s Blackley @ 7pm
Lourdes 2019
It will soon be time to sign up for the Pilgrimage to Lourdes for September this year. Please watch the newsletter for when the information about dates and costings become available. But now is the time to think about whether you would like to come or not. If it has been a while, or if you have never been to Lourdes before, why not think about coming along and joining in this wonderful experience of a pilgrimage crossed with a happy holiday!
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We have returned!!
Salford Diocese 86th Lourdes pilgrimage - 2018
St Chads Deanery group
To see more, please go to the "Parish Pilgrimage" button at the top of this page!
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Pope Francis explains the Hail Mary phrase by phrase.
And he remembers a mother who had an amazing gift of counsel. Here's the advice she gave her son: We all recite the Hail Mary, but how many of us know its true meaning? What is the prayer really saying? In the book, "Mary, Mother of All" ("María, Mamma di tutti"), Pope Francis himself teaches us the meaning of the words of this essential prayer.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace - The Angel Gabriel calls Mary "full of grace" (Lk 1:28); in her, the pope explains, "there is no room for sin, because God has chosen her from all eternity to be the mother of Jesus, and has preserved her from original sin." "The Word became flesh in her womb. We, too, are asked to listen to God, who speaks to us, and to accept His will. The Lord always speaks to us
."The Lord is with you - What happened in a unique way in the Virgin Mary, Francis says, "happens on a spiritual level in us as well when we welcome the Word of God with a good and sincere heart, and put it into practice. It happens as if God were to become flesh in us; He comes to live in us, because He makes His home in those who love Him and obey His Word. It's not easy to understand this, but, yes, it's easy to feel it in your heart." "Do we think that the incarnation of Jesus is only a past event, that it doesn't affect us personally? Believing in Jesus means offering Him our body, with the same humility and courage as Mary."
Blessed are you among women - How did Mary live her faith? "She lived it," the pope answers, "in the simplicity of the many daily occupations and worries of every mom, such as providing food and clothing, and taking care of the house... Precisely this normal existence of the Virgin was the ground on which a singular rapport and profound dialogue between her and God, between her and her Son, developed."
Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Mary is receptive, but not passive, Francis explains. - "Just as she receives the power of the Holy Spirit at a physical level, but then gives flesh and blood to the Son of God who takes form in Her, so also on a spiritual level, she receives grace and responds to it with faith. For this reason, Saint Augustine says that the Virgin 'conceived in her heart before in her womb.' She conceived faith first, and then the Lord."
Holy Mary, Mother of God - The Mother of the Redeemer, the pope continues, "precedes us and constantly confirms us in the faith, in our vocation, and in our mission. With her example of humility and readiness to obey God's will, she helps us to translate our faith into a joyful proclamation of the Gospel, without borders.”
Pray for us sinners - In order to explain the meaning of this passage of the prayer, Francis relates an anecdote: "I remember how once, at the Shrine of Luján, I was in the confessional, in front of which there was a long line. There was also a young man who was very modern, with earrings, tattoos, all those things... And he had come to tell me what was going on with him. It was a big problem, very difficult. And he said to me, 'I told my mom all of this, and my mom said: Go to the Blessed Virgin and she will tell you what to do.' Now, that's a woman who had the gift of counsel. She didn't know how to solve her son's problem, but she pointed out the right path: go to the Blessed Virgin, and she will tell you. This is the gift of counsel. That humble, simple woman gave her son the best advice. In fact, the young man said to me, 'I looked at the Blessed Virgin and I felt that I should do this, this, and this...' I didn't need to talk; his mom and the young man himself had already said everything. This is the gift of counsel. You moms, who have this gift: ask that it be given to your children. The gift of counseling your children is a gift of God."
Now, and at the hour of our death - Let us entrust ourselves to Mary, Pope Francis says, "so that she, as the Mother of our first-born brother, Jesus, can teach us to have the same maternal spirit towards our brothers, with a sincere ability to accept, to forgive, to strengthen, and to infuse confidence and hope. And this is what a mom does." Mary's path towards Heaven began "with that 'yes' she spoke in Nazareth, in reply to the heavenly Messenger who announced to her God's will for her. In reality, that's exactly how it is: every 'yes' to God is a step toward Heaven, toward eternal life."
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My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last summer we agreed a period of experimentation with a new parish Mass schedule in the hope that we might avoid the closure of St Malachy’s church. I am very grateful to all those who have assisted the celebration of the Saturday evening Mass. I write now to tell you that, at least for the foreseeable future, I am pleased to confirm that the Saturday evening Mass will continue. However, it is important that everything that takes place at St Malachy’s needs to done in collaboration with St Patrick’s, the Parish Church, and with the approval of Fr Jim the Parish Priest. It is equally important that the whole parish begins to engage in our pastoral initiative “Hope in the Future”, inviting individuals to take responsibilities that will develop ministries and allow Fr Jim to carry out the pastoral and sacramental ministry, free of additional administration. There is much that members of the community can undertake, both in administration and in pastoral ministry, and we must develop these responsibilities as we grow as “mission parishes”. I am particularly grateful to the members of the community who have taken a lead role in the “Hope in the Future programme” at St Malachy’s and I would ask you to assist them in developing the pastoral ministry. In the near future a major housing development is due to take place in Collyhurst and you will have the opportunity of welcoming newcomers. I hope that you can see this time as a privileged moment of preparation for your “mission”.
With my prayers and blessing
Bishop John Arnold
Early Notice regarding the Easter Service Times 2018
Easter Services 2018 – All services will be at St Patrick’s Church (except Sunday)
Holy Thursday – Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00pm
Good Friday – Stations of the Cross 11:00am
Good Friday – Service of the Lord’s Passion 3:00pm
Easter Saturday – Vigil Mass of the Resurrection 6:30pm
Easter Sunday – Mass of Easter 9:30am ST MALACHY’S
Easter Sunday – Mass of Easter 11:00am ST PATRICK’S with SJMDP
Lenten station Masses 2018
It's Our turn to host the Station Mass
Please come if you are able to come!!
Wed 14th – St Patrick’s Livesey St. @ 7:30pm
Wed 21st – St Dunstan’s Moston @ 7:30pm
Wed 28th – Penitential Service, St Clare’s @ 7pm
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In October representatives from all parishes in the diocese met at the cathedral with Bishop John, to launch the programme Hope in the future. Each parish received this beautifully framed Icon of the Saint Damiano Cross, Cath Jones received it on behalf of St. Malachy's and it now stands in front of our lectern.
Saint Francis was praying in front of the Saint Damiano Cross when he received a commission from the Lord, to rebuild the Church. Not with bricks and mortar but to rebuild the Church spiritually and make its strong and steadfast.
Hope in the future is an initiative designed to develop and prepare the Church for future generations and answer the call of Pope Francis for all to be missionary disciples. The programme is an invitation to every parish in the diocese to recognise its potential and develop its missionary identity
Missionary parish, what could it mean in practical terms?
How we as a parish can work together to support Fr. Jim in his mystery as our parish priests, and help to strengthen and develop the good work which is already underway, for example, the work of the presentation sisters, the Brothers of Charity, St. Malachy’s school and the Lalley centre.
A small group of parishioners met to discuss/ think about how we could get this initiative underway here at St. Malachy’s. The first thing we need is help, your help and ideas, so how can you as a family/ individual continue to support the growth and the development of the parish?
If you are good at odd jobs, or DIY.
If you could help with church cleaning.
If you would like to be a reader or take up the offertory.
If you can help out in any other way that hasn’t been mentioned, we would like to hear from you.
Please do think about what has been said through the coming week. Next week there will be paper and pencils available for you to jot down what you would like to help us with. If you feel you cannot help physically, you can still help by praying for the success of Hope in the future.
Fr Christopher Lough will lead an introduction to this earliest and shortest of the Gospels, outlining some of the main themes and ideas to look out for over the coming weeks and months. There will also be an opportunity to work in a relaxed way with some of the stories that Mark sets before us.
On Monday 22nd January 2018 at St Anne’s Parish Hall, 1537 Ashton Old Road, Higher Openshaw, Manchester M11 1GR from 7.30 to 9.00 pm.
All welcome. Refreshments available from 7.00 pm. There is no charge for the evening. Ample parking. Bus 219 stops at the door.
Fr Eugene Dolan R.I.P
It is with sadness that the Diocese announces the death of Canon Eugene Dolan, who went home to the Lord at 8pm on 7th December. Eugene died peacefully at home in Derry. He had been priest at St Edward's, Lees in Oldham since 1970 and Parish Priest there since 1974. We extend our sympathy to his family, his friends and of course to his extended family of the parishioners of St Edward's.
Please can you advertise the following in your parish noticeboards, newsletters and prayer groups:
St Mary’s Catholic shrine
Smith Street
Warrington
WA1 2NS
Tuesday 12th December 2017
‘Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe’
Church open 9am-5pm
11:30am: Holy Rosary (English) and Litanies of Our Lady
11:40am onwards: Confessions
12:10pm: Holy Mass in honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn
(Mass in Latin, with English translation and homily on the sanctity of human life)
Wednesday 13th December 2017
1:00pm: Advent talk about Our Lady of Guadalupe
Thank you!
Thanks to all who helped out in any way with the fair last Sunday, the total was a staggering £1768.00, well done to everyone involved.
Christmas masses as follows
Please Note – Funeral details - This week
The funeral details for the late James John Kennedy are – a service at Blackly Crematorium on Tuesday 21st November at 1pm.
Friday Requiem for Marie Hindle at 9:30am in Church
Friday also - Funeral service for the late John Neill at 12:30pm in Church
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Congratulations!!
Our congratulations go to Marion & John Dalton, on their 60th Wedding anniversary. What an achievement, and what a wonderful example to the young. May God continue to bless them in their married life together.
The photograph shows them cutting the cake in St Bridget's room, as part of the community celebration of their anniversary.
St Patrick's Old Boys Association
The Old Boy's will be joining us for Mass next Sunday (19th November), where we remember all those past students of St Patrick's who have been taken home by the Lord.
We welcome the Association, and pray for all their members, living and deceased.
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You are invited to a series of talks for Advent!
JOURNEYING WITH ADVENT FAMILIES
What can a penniless foreign widow, an elderly barren woman and a young Virgin mother tell us today about welcoming Jesus, God-with-us?
Join us at Wardley Hall for our Advent series:
Dates:
1st December: Ruth, Naomi and Boaz: Promise Foretold
8th December: Zechariah, Elizabeth and John the Baptist: Promise Foreshadowed
15th December: Mary, Joseph and Jesus: Promised Fulfilled
Time: 10:30 – 12:30 (Tea and coffee provided)
Format: Prayer and Lectio Divina; reflection on Scripture passages and their relevance for today; discussion.
Presenters: Sister Joan Kerley, FMSJ and Maria Kidd
Contact: 1. Marie Sartini, Bishop’s PA, Wardley Hall, Worsley M28 2ND; 0161 794 2825 E: Marie.sartini@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
2. Sister Joan Kerley, FMSJ; 0161 9717842; E: joankfmsj@gmail.com
- St Christopher, Ashton, and St Mary of the Angels, Ashton will form the new parish of Holy Cross and St Helen, Ashton under Lyne.
- St Mary’s, Levenshulme, and St Richard, Longsight will form the new parish of St Robert of Newminster.
- St Willibrord, Clayton, and St Anne and St Bridgid, Ancoats and Bradford will form the new parish of The Holy Spirit, Manchester.
- St Anne, Accrington, and St Joseph, Accrington will form the new parish of St Anne and St Joseph, Accrington.
- St John the Evangelist, Bromley Cross, St Brendan, Harwood, and St Columba, Tonge Moor will form the new parish of Corpus Christi, Bolton.
Cathy Fitzpatrick's report on the opening of "Hope in The Future"
Given to St Patrick's Parish Sunday 8:10:17
Wednesday 4th October – Call to the Cathedral for the launch of the programme “Hope in The Future”.
On Wednesday night I, along with Father Jim and parishioners from St Patrick’s and St Malachy’s churches went to the cathedral for the launch of the Bishop’s new Programme, “Hope in The Future”.
Each church was presented with a display of St. Damion’s Cross – St Damiano.
This is the cross that St Francis used in his daily prayer. While he was at prayer one day, he received the message from God to rebuild my Church. Realising sometime after, the message was much bigger than simply building churches, it was about the building up of faith, witness and people, and to bring new energy and spirit into the universal Church. This was the birth of the Franciscan spirit, and Francis spent the last twenty years of his life spreading the message of simplicity, prayer, poverty, kindness, fraternity and community. throughout the world.
No wonder our present pontiff chose the name “Francis".
It is this same spirit we wish to nurture in our own Diocese of Salford, so that we can rebuild our churches, not with bricks and mortar, but with faith, prayer and charity.
The “Hope in the future” programme is a challenge to build on the good work already being accomplished in all our parishes. The programme is very much, building upon what we already have, serving the particular needs of the local community, reaching out to parishioners who do not regularly attend church, and caring for our own local community.
“Hope in the future” is inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis in developing a missionary parish.
To achieve this, I am asking for volunteers to help form a parish team – this is an invitation to set out on a journey with the Lord, as a missionary disciple, as Fr. Jim and our other diocesan priests cannot do this on their own.
If you think –
You have a deep interest in the parish, and have a commitment of the church
Have an understanding to grow in the understanding of the mission
Have time and the willingness to make an effective contribution
Have ability to listen, with respect for others opinions
Have a love for people, with the ability to inspire others who are not members of the team
And are able to work as part of a team
We would like you to volunteer.
See Either Cathy Fitzpatrick or Fr Jim.
The first steps, once we have a team in place, is to meet together, may be a few times before Christmas, and each meeting will be no more than an hour in length.
Members of the Parish Team, must see their roll as partners with the Parish Priest, working closely together for the good of the whole parish.
The parish team will keep everyone informed through the newsletter.
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Our Conversation Matters
When: Monday evenings.
Where: St. Sebastian’s Community Centre.
Time: 19.15 – 20.45
Dates: October - 16th, 23rd and 30th.
November - 6th, 13th, 20th.
Our Conversations will include:
Songs that hold meaning for me.
Prayer and my lived experience.
Living in our world with a sense wonder.
Celebrating Family life.
- Sessions are a mix of input, conversation and reflection.
- The atmosphere aims to be relaxing, reflective and conversational.
- We are all on a journey. When we journey together we support each other and learn from each other.
- Anyone who is Open to LISTENING, to LEARNING, and to SHARING will enjoy and benefit from these sessions.
- If you wish to attend some or all of the Conversations please ring or text Theresa Davis at 07 415 713 274.
Friday 20 October 2017 7.30 p.m, Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SX
Names are read out, candles lit and prayers said in memory of those whom we love but see no more.
The service is organised by supporters of SAMM (Support After Murder and Manslaughter),
a national network who offer support and help for families and friends bereaved through homicide.
We have been asked to circulate to parishes a survey on Modern Slavery. Full details can be found in the Letter from Bishop Patrick Lynch and the Santa Marta Group.
Background
In 2016, Pope Francis called Modern Slavery a ‘true crime against humanity’ and urged the Catholic Church to assist in the fight to eliminate it. The eradication of Modern Slavery was included in the United Nations Sustainable Development goals in 2015. As a Church we are in a privileged position as many of those exploited look to the church and come to the Church for help. In this survey we are asking you to help us identify these vulnerable communities – who they are, where they are, what they need, and what you need to support them effectively.
The purpose of the survey is to understand the awareness level of Modern Day Slavery / Human Trafficking and to decide the best form of action to prevent it. The deadline is 16th October.
To access the survey online, please go to the link below and input the password: Bakhita https://stmarys.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/informational-survey-2017-modern-slavery
