1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)
WEEK: DECEMBER 1st - DECEMBER 7th 2019
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob that he may teach us his ways so that we might walk in his paths; since the Law will go out from Zion, and the oracle of the Lord from Jerusalem.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan; Dominic Boardman; Andrea Spencer; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Roy Eaton; Angela Spencer; Michael O’Connor; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Peter Gartside; John Green; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mary McDermott; Mary Malone; Roseanne McDonagh; Emma Golden; Marie Wilson.
LATELY DEAD: Dennis Massey; Paul Ostapowycz.
ANNIVERSARIES: Peter Hordynski; Alfonso Ferrara; Jan Dabrowski; Paul Lees; Margaret & Edgar Lees; John & Elsie Granelli; Christopher Alan Whitehead; Romeo Tee; Fermina Moniza; Juanito Moniza; Clementi Terso; Elvira Terso; Sarah Russo; Denis Guilfoyle; Maggie Moores; Marie Francoise Boyi.
May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £583.60; Loose £363.99; Total: £947.59.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £8.20. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Altar Flowers £20.00; Cornerstone £100.00 and £243.61 (the latter amount due to donations made during the Music Festival).
PARISH NEWS
- Will parishioners please note that there is no guarantee that any items of interest or names intended for the newsletter e.g. sick, anniversaries, which are received after noon on Friday will be able to be included in that week’s newsletter. This is because of the amount of work that needs to be done including printing and folding etc.
- The Christmas Draw tickets are available at the back of church. They still cost only £1.00 per book of 5 tickets. This is an opportunity to help church finances, by selling as many as possible to family and friends (over 16 years old!). Please take some and return the counterfoils with the name of the purchaser filled in on each counterfoil, together with the money to Colin or to the Piety Shop.
- Christmas cards, calendars, candles, diaries, small nativity sets etc. all on sale at the piety shop. If you want something special, please ask the staff to see the Christmas catalogue.
A PRAYER FOR ADVENT
God of patience and constancy, be with us in this time of waiting. Though pressures mount and distractions increase, keep our eyes open to your beauty, our minds open to your wisdom, our ears open to your word. Help us to guide those in our care, as your star led the Magi, so that we might journey to your Son together, inspired by truth and love. Amen.
TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
My apostolic journey to Thailand and Japan was a gift for which I am so grateful to the Lord. This visit increased my closeness and affection for these peoples: may God bless them with prosperity and peace in abundance.
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: Christmas Fayre starting at 12.30pm in the school.
ALSO, it is the start of Advent and the beginning of Liturgical Year A in the churches’ calendar.
SATURDAY: Filipino Mass at 2.00pm.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
CHRISTMAS FAYRE: Don't forget, the Fayre is TODAY, in the Parish Hall at the school on Lee Street, starting at 12.30pm until 3.30pm. The hall will be open at 12 noon, but the stall holders WILL NOT be selling items until 12.30pm. Cakes and buns (home made or not) are requested for the cake stall. Please deliver to school before 12.30pm.
There has been a good response for the tombola, but we are a little short for the bottle stall. Any donations of bottles please deliver between noon and 12.30pm today.
Thanks to everyone involved for a remarkable effort, to make the Fayre a great success. I am sure the organizers will as usual have some great entertainment for us too.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
The Parish Reconciliation Service before Christmas will be at 3.00pm on Sunday 15th December.
Christmas Services: the First Mass of Christmas will be at 8.00pm on Christmas Eve, preceded by a Carol Service starting at 7.30pm. The Parish Mass of Christmas will be at the usual time of 10.00am. There will be no evening Mass.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Francis Xavier: a friend of Ignatius Loyola and one of the first members of the “Company of Jesus”. He preached in India and Japan and died in China in 1552.
St. John Damascene: from Damascus, a monk, philosopher and theologian. He sprang to the defence of Sacred Art in the iconoclast crisis in the 8th century.
St. Nicholas: Bishop of Myra (in Turkey). He died in the 4th century – in Eastern Europe, St. Nicholas distributes presents to children on this day.
St. Ambrose: born about 340, he was a surprising choice to be Bishop of Milan , renowned for his charity and his eloquence. It is said that St. Augustine returned to the faith after hearing him preach. A great writer oh hymns, some of which survive to this day.
SMILE – A – WHILE
- In the foyer of a church, a young boy was looking at a plaque with the names of men and women who had died in various wars. He asked the priest, “Who are these people?” The priest said, “Those are members from our church who died in the service.” The boy asked, “The early service or the second service?”
- My sister-in-law was teaching Sunday school class. The topic for the day: Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ. “What did Jesus do on this day?” she asked. There was no response, so she gave her students a hint: “It starts with the letter R.” One boy blurted, “Recycle!”
- Three guys are fishing when an angel appears. The first guy says, “I’ve suffered from back pain for years. Can you help me?” The angel touches the man’s back, and he feels instant relief. The second guy points to his thick glasses and begs for a cure for his poor eyesight. When the angel tosses the lenses into the lake, the man gains 20/20 vision. As the angel turns to the third fellow, he instantly recoils and screams, “Don’t touch me! I’m on disability!”
- On a sunny Sunday afternoon, two young church members were going door to door to invite people to visit their services. When they knocked on one door, it was immediately clear the woman who answered was not happy to see them. She told them in no uncertain terms that she did not want to hear their message, and before they could say anything more, she slammed the door in their faces. To her surprise, however, the door did not close; in fact, it bounced back open. She tried again, really putting her back into it, and slammed it again with the same result - the door bounced back open. Convinced these rude young people were sticking their foot in her door, she reared back to give it a slam that would teach them a lesson. Just then, one of them said quietly: "Ma'am, before you do that again, you really need to move your cat."
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING (YEAR C)
WEEK: NOVEMBER 24TH - NOVEMBER 30TH 2019
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming kingdom of our father David! Alleluia!

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan; Dominic Boardman; Andrea Spencer; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Roy Eaton; Angela Spencer; Michael O’Connor; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Peter Gartside; John Green; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mary McDermott; Mary Malone; Roseanne McDonagh.
LATELY DEAD: Joan Littlefair; Glen Gilbert.
ANNIVERSARIES: Jack Millett; Eileen Hall; Mathew Varkey; Suzanne Tchokomakoua; Maria Mathew; Alex Fernandes; Margaret Fernandes; Sidolyne Chiappi; Arthur Haines; Christopher Febrero; Peter Hordynski; Alfonse Ferrara; Jan Dabrowski. May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £586.70; Loose £409.24; Total: £995.94.
Retiring Collection for the Retired Clergy Fund: £170.59
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £10.30; £4.15. Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £12.00 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Cornerstone £20.00; Christmas Fayre £16.00.
PARISH NEWS
- The Christmas Draw tickets are available at the back of church. They still cost only £1.00 per book of 5 tickets. This is an opportunity to help church finances, by selling as many as possible to family and friends (over 16 years old!). Please take some and return the counterfoils with the name of the purchaser filled in on each counterfoil, together with the money to Colin or to the Piety Shop.
- Christmas cards, calendars, candles, diaries, small nativity sets etc. all on sale at the piety shop. If you want something special, ask the staff to see the Christmas catalogue.
TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Without prayer, our life and mission loses all its meaning, strength and fervour.”
“God will not be the only one who welcomes us into Heaven. There will also be those with whom we have shared all the Lord has placed in our hands, after administering it well.”
“The secret to a happy heart is the security we find when we are anchored, rooted in Jesus: in his life, in his words, in his death and resurrection”.
“Let us go out to meet Christ the Lord for he is coming! Do not be afraid of the future or allow yourselves to be intimidated. Rather know that the Lord is waiting for you there in order to prepare and celebrate the banquet of his kingdom.”
WHAT HAPPENS EACH SUNDAY IN CHURCH
FIRST SUNDAY: Indian choir and Offertory procession.
SECOND SUNDAY: Filipino choir and Offertory procession.
THIRD SUNDAY: “Youth Sunday” - Parish choir, youth Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and Offertory collection.
FOURTH SUNDAY (if any) Parish choir.
LAST SUNDAY: African choir and Offertory procession.
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: is Youth Day, a day of special prayer for young people. If you still wish to donate to last week’s collection for the Retired Clergy Fund, place your offering in an envelope and hand it in at church.
THURSDAY: Parish Team Meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
SATURDAY: Sacramental Programme: Reconciliation Service and First Confession at 2.00pm in church. ALSO, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 - 11.45.
NEXT SUNDAY: Christmas Fayre starting at 12.30pm in the school.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
CHRISTMAS FAYRE: Don't forget, the Fayre is next Sunday, in the Parish Hall at the school on Lee Street, starting at 12.30pm until 3.30pm. The hall will be open at 12 noon, but the stall holders WILL NOT be selling items until 12.30pm. VOLUNTEERS to help are needed to set up the stalls on Saturday 30th November from 10am until 'job done'.
Cakes and buns (home made or not) are requested for the cake stall. Please deliver to school either Saturday between 10am and 12 noon or on the day before 12.30pm.
There has been a good response for the tombola, but we are a bit short for the bottle stall. Any donations of bottles please between 10am and 12 on Saturday or 12 -12.30pm on the day.
Thanks to everyone involved for a remarkable effort, to make the Fayre a great success. I am sure the organizers will as usual have some great entertainment for us too.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
The Parish Reconciliation Service before Christmas will be at 3.00pm on Sunday 15th December.
Christmas Services: the First Mass of Christmas will be at 8.00pm on Christmas Eve, preceded by a Carol Service starting at 7.30pm. The Parish Mass of Christmas will be at the usual time of 10.00am. There will be no evening Mass.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Catherine of Alexandria: tradition tells us that she was a noble lady learned in science and oratory who became a Christian after receiving a vision. When she was 18 years old, she offered to debate with the pagan philosophers, who were convinced by her arguments. The Emperor ordered her execution and she was beheaded.
St. Andrew: born at Bethsaida (Galilee), he was a fisherman and perhaps a disciple of John the Baptist. He introduced his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus, and became one of the first to follow Christ. He is mentioned a few times in the Gospels, for example, in introducing some Gentiles to Christ. Widely venerated since ancient times, he is remembered as one of the twelve who bore witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. He became recognized as patron saint of Scotland because, according to legend, some of his bones were brought there and buried in the place that now bears his name.
SMILE – A – WHILE
- When our minister and his wife visited our neighbour, her four-year-old daughter answered the door. "Mom!" she yelled toward the living room. "God’s here, and he brought his girlfriend."
- Sam shows up at a revival meeting, seeking help. "I need you to pray for my hearing," he tells the preacher. The preacher puts his fingers on Sam’s ears and prays and prays. When he’s done, he asks, "How’s your hearing now?" "I don’t know," says Sam. "I don’t go to court till next Tuesday."
- The funeral directors of the mortuary where I am a receptionist were asked by a grieving family if they could place a golf club in the casket alongside their uncle, who had been an avid golfer. "Of course," was the answer.
- On the day of the funeral, as the pallbearers descended the steps toward the hearse, a loud rattling and rolling came from the coffin. "Sounds like a pinball machine," murmured one startled director. Later a family member of the deceased came to the chapel office to apologize. At the last minute, they had decided to place in the casket, along with the club, a half-dozen golf balls.
- At an ecumenical round-table discussion, various religious leaders tried to answer the question "When does life start?" "At conception," said the Catholic priest. "No, no," said the Presbyterian minister. "It begins at birth." "It’s in between," said the Baptist. "Life begins at 12 weeks when the foetus develops a functional heartbeat." "I disagree with all of you," said the rabbi. "Life begins when your last child leaves home and takes the dog with him."
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: NOVEMBER 17TH - NOVEMBER 23RD 2019
“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.” (Malachi)

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan; Dominic Boardman; Andrea Spencer; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Roy Eaton; Angela Spencer; Michael O’Connor; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Peter Gartside; John Green; Ann Frost; Rita Lowe; Doris Wild; Anna Sexton; James Whelan; Anne Devlin.
LATELY DEAD: Thelma Smith; Harold Farrah; Mama Suzanne Ngoussi.
ANNIVERSARIES: Michael & Catherine McGladdery; Edith Brooks; Melicia Bolocon; Michael Slicker; Chinnamma Philip.
May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £551.25; Loose £320.08; Total: £871.33.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £14.80; £5.27. Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £12.65 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00 and £10.00; Cornerstone £50.00; Missio: £125.32; £42.52; £21.14; in memory of Susan Boothroyd £73.92.
PARISH NEWS
- Many thanks to the women who went to the meeting at the Pitt Street Mosque. The feedback from the Mosque was that it was a very successful and useful first event.
- Hooray! It's Christmas Draw Time!! The Christmas Draw tickets are available at the back of church. They still cost £1 per book of 5 tickets. This is an opportunity to help church finances, by selling as many as possible to family and friends (over 16 years old!). Please take some and return the counterfoils with the name of the purchaser filled in on each counterfoil, together with the money to Colin or to the Piety Shop. I hope you win.
- Christmas Fayre: The paper carrier bags (note, not plastic) have arrived! Therefore, if you wish, you can pick one up after Mass if you have any goodies to donate. Any spare bottles of wines or spirits will be gratefully accepted for the Bottle Stall or gifts that you might have received which, are surplus to your needs, for the Tombola Stall. Indeed anything that is in good condition that could be sold on the stalls. No broken toys or jumble please!
- We will no longer be accepting “used stamps” as Dr. Kershaw’s hospice and “Guide Dogs for the Blind” will not accept them.
Youth Ministry Vacancy
Deanery Confirmation & Youth Ministry Coordinator - Full Time, 35 hours per week at
St Mark’s Presbytery, Pendlebury; Salary: £20,000-25,000 per annum
The diocese is currently seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual to coordinate the implementation of the Diocesan Confirmation Programme in the Deanery of St John and develop ministry to young people more generally in each parish. The successful candidate will have an ability to engage others, deliver effective training and demonstrate a clear passion for sharing the Catholic faith with the younger generation. Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 11th November 2019 To request an application pack or for more information on this post please contact Human Resources Manager, Hannah Howard, Department of Human Resources Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP. Telephone: 0161-817-2222 or email HR@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: Sacramental Programme celebration “We are People Who Celebrate” – Mass in church at 10.00am. There is a retiring collection after both Masses for the Retired Clergy Fund.
SATURDAY: 6th International Music Festival in church at 2.30pm. A great way to spend a restful afternoon listening to splendid music.
NEXT SUNDAY: is Youth Day, a day of special prayer for young people.
TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“God has entrusted us with His greatest gifts: our life, the lives of others, and so many different gifts for each person. He invites us to make these talents bear fruit with audacity and creativity.”
“Prayer always arouses feelings of fraternity, it breaks down barriers, crosses borders, creates invisible but real and effective bridges, and opens horizons of hope.”
“Let us ask the Lord to pour His Spirit upon Christian couples and families, so that, as they generously open their doors to Christ and to their brothers and sisters, they may bear authentic witness to a life of faith, hope and charity.”
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team Meeting on Thursday 28th November at 7.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: Reconciliation Service and First Confession on Saturday 30th November at 2.00pm in church.
Christmas Fayre on Sunday 1st December.
The Parish Reconciliation Service before Christmas will be at 3.00pm on Sunday 15th December.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Cecilia: is the patron saint of musicians and she was martyred with her husband and brother in the 2nd century.
St. Clement I: was the third pope after St. Peter at the end of the 3rd century. He wrote a letter to the Christians of Corinth to preserve peace among them.
St. Columban: born in Ireland in the 6th century he was a monk and went to France where he founded many monasteries. He was exiled and went to Italy where he died.
ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 24TH
- Stained Glass Window: John Green is to be asked to check on manufacturing progress.
- It was agreed to take out insurance on the recently installed defibrillator.
- Christmas Services: It was agreed that the First Mass of Christmas will be at 8pm on Christmas Eve, preceded by a Carol Service starting at 7.30pm. The Parish Mass of Christmas will be at the usual time of 10.00am. There will be no evening Mass.
- The Parish Reconciliation Service before Christmas will be at 3pm on Sunday 15th December.
SMILE – A – WHILE
- A Woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. "What Denomination?" Asked the clerk. "Oh, my goodness! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well give me 50 Protestant and 50 Catholic!"
- As the storm raged, the captain realized his ship was sinking fast. He called out, "Anyone here know how to pray?" One man stepped forward. "Aye, Captain, I know how to pray." "Good," said the captain, "you pray while the rest of us put on our life jackets - we're one short."
- The story of Adam and Eve was being carefully explained in the children's Sunday School class. Following the story, the children were asked to draw some picture that would illustrate the story. Little Bobby drew a picture of a car with three people in it. In the front seat was a man and in the back seat, a man and a woman. The teacher was at a loss to understand how this illustrated the lesson of Adam and Eve. Little Bobby was prompt with his explanation. "Why, this is God driving Adam and Eve out of the garden!
- Little Johnny's new baby brother was screaming up a storm. Johnny asked his mom, “Where’d he come from?” “He came from heaven, Johnny.” Johnny responded: “Wow! I can see why they threw him out!”
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”