THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (YEAR C)
WEEK: JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 12TH 2019
The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they gave him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Mary Egan; Sr. Catherine; Daniel Marshall; Norman Hussey; Vivien Higgins; Fereshteh Shadpour; Ann Eastell; Kathy Brock; Helen Roy..
LATELY DEAD: Agnes Drew; Joan Buckley; Juliet Lazaga; Josephine Vickerstaff. .
ANNIVERSARIES: Robert and Mary McFall; Paddy Joe Canny; Sergio Auxtero; James Fogg. Myron Patra; Margaret Grudzien; Judith Dwyer.
Charles Barnes. May they Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £468.00; Loose: £314.09; Total: £782.09
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
CAFOD: £60; £10; £27.20. Food Bank: £20; £5.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which begins on Friday this week, is an international Christian ecumenical observance kept annually between 18 January and 25 January. It is an octave, that is, an observance lasting eight days.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began in 1908 as the Octave of Christian Unity, and focused on prayer for church unity. The dates of the week were proposed by Father Paul Watson, cofounder of the Graymoor Franciscan Friars.
Pope Pius X officially blessed the concept, and Benedict XV "encouraged its observance throughout the entire Roman Catholic Church”.
New Stained Glass Window: A picture of the proposed new stained glass window has been put on the notice board in the narthex. It represent a celebration of all the people who have contributed to our community at St. Patrick’s from the early days right up to the present time and the joining together of St. Mary’s, Holy Rosary and St. Patrick’s. Images of the three churches are included, as well as the mosaic crucifix by the Hungarian, George Mayer-Marton, such a feature of Holy Rosary church, and the Pieta much loved by the parishioners of St Mary’s. The old Oldham Royal Infirmary is included together with an image of a nurse, representing the many health workers from the parish throughout the years. Other local industries, cotton and coal mining, are also represented although some changes have been asked for regarding these: the picture of the miners’ lamp will be smaller and the pit-head bigger. An image of the Whit Processions from times past has also been included. These will be remembered by many of our older parishioners. All in all, it is thought that this window will be a welcome and fair depiction of parish life throughout the years, and the unity of our new parish of our Lady and St. Patrick.
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
THURSDAY: Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting – children’s & parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm.
ALSO, Parish Team meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
SATURDAY: Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting - children’s & parent’s lesson in the Parish House at 10.00am.
NEXT SUNDAY: Sacramental Programme: celebration – “We are People who Celebrate God’s Word” at the 10.00am Mass in church.
“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
May Mary, Mother of God protect and accompany us during this New Year, and bring the peace of her Son into our hearts and the world.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
- Week of prayer for Christian Unity begins Friday 18th January
- Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Raymond of Penyafort was born in Spain and was a relative of King James of Aragon. From childhood he had a tender love and devotion to Our Lady. He finished his studies at an early age, and became a famous teacher. He then gave up all his honours and entered the Order of the Dominicans. He died aged 100. St. Raymond is recognised as the patron saint of canon lawyers.
St. William, an English priest who had come to Denmark to evangelize the country, became bishop of Roskilde in 1044. Denmark was then ruled by a nominally Catholic king, Sweyn Estridsen. After a bitter confrontation, the two became best friends.
St. Aelred of Rievaulx (1109-1167) early showed signs of promise. The son of a Saxon priest, he was educated at Roxburgh, the ancient Scottish capital, where he was known for his intellectual talents. . When he finished his schooling, he became the steward to King David of Scotland. He left his job to join the Cistercian community at Rievaulx and was the first abbot of Rievaulx’s daughter house in Revesby, Lincolnshire, but he returned to Rievaulx in 1147 to be abbot. During the last ten years of his life, his health deteriorated, and he suffered from gout and a bad cough. He also penned lives of St. Ninian and of Edward the Confessor, in addition to a rule for recluses and a genealogy of the kings of England.
“SMILE – A – WHILE”
A priest and a taxi driver both died and went to heaven. St. Peter was at the Pearly gates waiting for them. 'Come with me,' said St. Peter to the taxi driver. The taxi driver did as he was told and followed St Peter to a mansion. It had everything you could imagine from a bowling alley to an Olympic size pool.'Oh my word, thank you,' said the taxi driver. Next, St. Peter led the priest to a rough old shack with a bunk bed and a little old television set. 'Wait, I think you are a little mixed up,' said the priest. 'Shouldn't I be the one who gets the mansion? After all I was a priest, went to church every day, and preached God's word.' 'Yes, that's true.' St Peter rejoined, ' But during your sermons people slept. When the taxi driver drove, everyone prayed.'
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY (YEAR C)
WEEK: DECEMBER 30TH - JANUARY 5TH 2019
O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practising the values of family life and in the bonds of charity.”
YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: F. Norcliffe; Mary Egan; Sr. Catherine; Daniel Marshall; Norman Hussey; Vivien Higgins; Fereshteh Shadpour; Ann Eastell.
LATELY DEAD: Sr. Wendy Becket; Agnes Drew; Joan Buckley; Jean Pelypek.
ANNIVERSARIES: Irene Dodd; Wilfred & Raymond Brooks; Frances Michailuk; Edith Mary Connelly; Denis Buckley. Dorothy & Keith Taylor – Holroyd. May they Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £627.37; Loose: £333.64; Total: £961.01
Christmas Eve & Day: Envelopes: £379.30; Loose: £811.11; Total: £1,190.41
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: Loose: £9.02; Gift Aided: £0.00
Also: £1000.00; £60.00; £40.00; £20.00; £19.07; £4.00 for CAFOD; £40.00; £40.00; £10.00; £10.00; £10,00 for the Oldham Food Bank; £60.00 and £20.00 for Cornerstone.
“SMILE – A – WHILE” for the New Year
Dear Lord So far this year I've done well. I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I'm very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help. Amen.
On New Year's Eve, Marilyn stood up in the local pub and said that it was time to get ready. At the stroke of midnight, she wanted every husband to be standing next to the one person who made his life worth living. Well, it was kind of embarrassing. As the clock struck - the barmaid was almost crushed to death.
On New Year's Eve, Daniel was in no shape to drive, so he sensibly left his van in the car park and walked home. As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman. 'What are you doing out here at four o'clock in the morning?' asked the police officer. 'I'm on my way to a lecture,' answered Roger. 'And who on earth, in their right mind, is going to give a lecture at this time on New Year's Day?' enquired the constable sarcastically. 'My wife,' slurred Daniel grimly.
Jemima was taking an afternoon nap on New Year's Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, 'I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year's present. What do you think it all means?' 'Aha, you'll know tonight,' answered Max smiling broadly. At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jemima and handed her small package. Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: 'The meaning of dreams'.// Dear God, my prayer for 2019 is a FAT bank account and a THIN body. Please don't mix it up like you did this year.
“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Let us welcome God’s love in the Christ Child, and let us commit ourselves to making the world more humane and worthy for the children of today and tomorrow”.
“The Church grows with the blood of the martyrs, men and women who give their lives for Jesus. Today there are many, even if they do not make the headlines.”
The New Year can often bring a mixed bag of emotions and memories for many of us. Some may have just experienced the best year ever and look forward to an even greater one looming ahead. Others may have just trudged through one deep struggle after another. The fresh calendar year brings desperate hope for things to be better, with an ache for the still-fresh wounds to slowly begin their process of healing.
Whether you’ve just walked through the greatest year of your life, or are incredibly glad to see this one finally over, one truth still rings clear amidst it all. You are not alone. Not ever.
Our God is a “with us" God. On the heels of the celebration of the birth of our King, that reminder has the power to carry us right into a fresh, new start. He is Emmanuel, God with us. And though things and people around us shift and change, our God never changes.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
-
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 10th January at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
-
Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting – children’s & parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 10th January.
-
Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting - children’s & parent’s lesson in Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 12th January.
-
Sacramental Programme: celebration – “We are People who Celebrate God’s Word” at 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 13th January.
-
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Sylvester I was born in Rome and was Pope for 25 years, dying in 335. The Council of Nice was assembled during his reign, in the year 325, but not being able to assist at it in person, on account of his great age, he sent his legates.
Ss. Basil and Gregory: St. Basil the Great was born at Caesarea of Cappadocia in 330. He was one of ten children of St. Basil the Elder and St. Emmelia. Several of his brothers and sisters are honoured among the saints. He attended school in Caesarea, as well as Constantinople and Athens, where he became acquainted with St. Gregory Nazianzen in 352. A little later, he opened a school of oratory in Caesarea and practiced law. Eventually he decided to become a monk and found a monastery in Pontus which he directed for five years. He wrote a famous monastic rule which has proved the most lasting of those in the East. After founding several other monasteries, he was ordained and, in 370, made bishop of Caesaria. In this post until his death in 379, he continued to be a man of vast learning and constant activity, genuine eloquence and immense charity. This earned for him the title of "Great" during his life and Doctor of the Church after his death.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Born two years before the American Revolution, Elizabeth grew up in the upper class of New York society. She was a prolific reader, and read everything from the Bible to contemporary novels. In spite of her high society background, her early life was quiet, simple, and often lonely. As she grew a little older, the Bible was to become her continual instruction, support and comfort -and she would continue to love the Scriptures for the rest of her life. In 1794, she married the wealthy young William Seton and became a Catholic in 1805. In1809, she pronounced her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, binding for one year. From that time she was called Mother Seton and established two schools and orphanages. She died in 1821 at the age of 46, only sixteen years after becoming a Catholic and was canonized in 1975 by Pope Paul VI.
A HOLY, HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR IS WISHED FOR ALL READERS OF THE NEWSLETTER
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: DECEMBER 23RD - DECEMBER 29TH 2018
Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: F. Norcliffe; Mary Egan; Sr. Catherine; Daniel Marshall; Norman Hussey; Sr. Wendy Becket; Vivien Higgins; Fereshteh Shadpour; Ann Eastell.
LATELY DEAD: John Newton; Joan Buckley; Brian Kenworthy; Stephen Fitzpatrick; Jeff Wright; Liam Browne; Lila Szylak; Esperanza Chavaria Nalda.
ANNIVERSARIES: Herbert & Nellie Hilton; Clarita Jamora; Margaret Hywel; Luke Ivers; Nancy Pimlott; Dawn Cookson – Martinez & baby Robbie. May they Rest in Peace.
CHRISTMAS MASSES FOR: Brian Short; Patricia Mainwaring; Margaret Docksey; Irene Watson; Fr. R. McKee; Mary Frances Park; Anthony Flatley; Bridie & Bridget Murphy; Barbara Booth.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £473.43; Loose: £336.38; Total: £809.81
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: Loose: £7.15; Gift Aided: £0.00
Also: £60.00 and £31.10 for CAFOD; £40.00 for the Oldham Food Bank; £20.00 for altar flowers; £20.00 for the Retired Priest’s Fund.
PARISH NEWS
- Donations towards the cost of flowers for Christmas will be gratefully received. Remember if you are a tax payer you can Gift Aid your donation by using one of the brown gift aid envelopes on the table at the back of the church.
- Anyone with an hour or so to spare on Monday Morning (Christmas Eve!!) to help get the church ready for Christmas will be most welcome from 9am.
- Over the Christmas period there will be no brews on Monday 24th and 31st December. The service will return on Monday 7th January.
“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Advent is a time for us to prepare for the coming of Jesus, Prince of Peace. It's a time to make peace with ourselves and our neighbours.”
“Jesus knows well the pain of not being welcomed. May our hearts not be closed as were the houses in Bethlehem.”
“May the symbols of the nativity scene and the Christmas tree allow a reflection of God's light and tenderness to enter into family life.”
“May the Nativity and the tree, symbols of Christmas, bring to the families a reflection of the light and the tenderness of God.”
Lord, as we celebrate the wonder of your birth among us: may our children be blessed, safeguarded by your protective hand. May our families be blessed, guided by your loving care. May all those of goodwill be blessed, heartened by the Christmas message. May refugees and all the homeless be blessed, all so precious to you. May our departed loved ones be blessed and know the wonder of your presence. May we rejoice and be glad that you are not far from any one of us this Christmas. Amen
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
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, 3s – 11s Offertory procession, youth Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and Offertory collection.
FOURTH SUNDAY (if any) Parish choir.
LAST SUNDAY: African choir and Offertory procession.
A VERY HAPPY AND HOLY CHRISTMAS TO ALL READERS OF THE NEWSLETTER
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
- Parish Team meeting on Thursday 10th January at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
- Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting – children’s & parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 10th January.
- Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting - children’s & parent’s lesson in Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 12th January.
- Sacramental Programme: celebration – “We are People who Celebrate God’s Word” at 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 13th January.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Stephen: the first martyr to shed blood for Christ, he was one of the first deacons of the Church. He was accused of blasphemy, put on trial and eventually stoned to death.
St. John: his Gospel is another form of witness to the Word made flesh. As we read his Gospel, we are once more presented with the mystery of the Christmas Season.
The Holy Innocent: this feast remembers the thousands of children ordered to be killed on the orders of King Herod after the birth of Christ.
St. Thomas (Becket) of Canterbury was born in London in 1118. He became Chancellor of London then was chosen to be Archbishop of Canterbury. He so strenuously defended the rights of the Church that he made an enemy of King Henry II, who exiled him to France. On his return the followers of the King murdered him in his cathedral.
CHRISTMAS “SMILE – A – WHILE”
It was the Sunday after Christmas at St Peter and Saint Paul's Church in Borden, Kent, England. Father John was looking at the nativity scene prior to packing away the figures when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the scene. Immediately, Father John turned towards the vicarage in order to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Harry with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus. Father John walked up to Harry and said, 'Well, Harry, where did you get the little infant?' Harry replied honestly, 'I took him from the church, Father John.' 'And why did you take him?' With a sheepish smile, Harry said, 'Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it.'
A boy wanted to be Joseph in the Sunday School pageant. He was cast as the landlord and objected loudly, but to no avail. When the pageant was presented, Mary and Joseph knocked on the door and asked him if he had a room for them. The boy smiled and said, "Yes, sure. Lots of room. Come on in!"
Did you hear about the St Michael's Primary School nativity play?Two children are dressed as Mary and Joseph, and they are on their way to the inn at Bethlehem. Meanwhile on the other side of the stage, a lad in a shepherd's outfit is on a mobile phone. He is calling the inn to make a reservation.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD 2018
John declared before them all, “I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: our parishioners, relatives and friends. (Because of the recent changes to Data Protection Law, we are no longer permitted to print the names of those people who are sick in the newsletter, unless the sick person assures us that he/she wish their name to be printed. However, Masses requested for sick persons will still be offered.)
LATELY DEAD: Trent Warburton; Joanne Milton.
ANNIVERSARIES: Bertha Doran; Timothy Walkden; Joan Walkden; Mavis McGuinness; Vincent & Ethel Concannon; Christopher Ryan; Patricia Traynor. May they Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £672.97; Loose: £342.26; Total: £1,015.23
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: Loose: £13.10; £40.00, £10.00; £5.00; 17.26; Gift Aided: £0.00
Also: £30.00; £10.00; £22.11 for CAFOD; £20.00 for the Oldham Food Bank; £53.91 in memory of Barbara Booth.
PARISH NEWS
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
MONDAY 24TH DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS EVE
MASS AT 10.00AM
SERVICE OF CAROLS at 7. 30PM
FIRST MASS OF CHRISTMAS WITH BLESSING OF THE CRIB AT 8.00PM (Followed by mulled wine and mince pies)
TUESDAY 25TH DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS DAY
MASS AT 10.00AM (No evening Mass)
WEDNESDAY 26TH DECEMBER - BOXING DAY
EUCHARISTIC SERVICE AT 12 NOON
- Please take a copy of the leaflet Advent and Christmas Services which is available on the table at the back of church.
- Over the Christmas period there will be no brews on Monday 24th and 31st December. The service will return on Monday 7th January.
“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Let us pray today for bishops so that they may always be what Saint Paul calls them to be: humble, gentle, servants.”
“You cannot love only as long as it is “advantageous”. Love manifests itself when it goes beyond one’s own self-interest, and when it is given without reservation.”
“This is the first step in order to grow on our journey of faith: listening. Before speaking, listen.”
“The beginning of faith is feeling the need for salvation: this is the way that prepares us to meet Jesus.”
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: the 3s – 11s Children’s Liturgy Group meet during the 10.00am Mass.
ALSO, the parish Advent Service of Reconciliation takes place in church at 3.00pm.
THE SALT CELLAR
A 3 course Christmas meal with coffee on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30pm Starters: soup, prawn cocktail, pate;
Main Course: turkey, lamb, salmon, mozzarella bake;
Desert: Christmas pudding, fudge cake, trifle, cheesecake. Phone 628 2426
BLESS MY FAMILY
I ask you to bestow your blessing on my family this Christmas.
Bless each and every one of them, those near, those I don’t see very often and those far away.
Keep them in your loving care and protect them from harm.
Bless all our loved ones departed, those we miss so much!
May they all know the wonder of your love,
Revealed to us so tenderly in a new born child. Amen
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
- Parish Team meeting on Thursday 10th January at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
- Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting – children’s & parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 10th January.
- Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting - children’s & parent’s lesson in Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 12th January.
- Sacramental Programme: celebration – “We are People who Celebrate God’s Word” at 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 13th January.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Peter Canisius was a Dutch Jesuit, active in Germany during the Counter – Reformation, when he wrote a famous catechism. He died in 1597 and is called the “second apostle of Germany.
“SMILE – A – WHILE”
- Seymour was a good and pious man, and when he passed away, the Lord himself greeted him at the pearly gates of heaven. "Hungry, Seymour?" the Lord asked. "I am starving," said Seymour. The Lord opened a can of tuna, and they shared it. While eating this humble meal, Seymour looked down into Hell and noticed
the inhabitants devouring enormous steaks, pheasant, pastries and vodka. The next day, the Lord again asked Seymour if he were hungry, and Seymour again said, "I could eat." Once again, a can of tuna was opened and shared, while down below Seymour noticed a feast of caviar, champagne, lamb, truffles, brandy, and chocolates. The following day, mealtime arrived and another can of tuna was opened. Meekly, Seymour said, "Lord, I am very happy to be in heaven as a reward for the good life I lived. But, this is heaven, and all I get to eat is tuna. But in the Other Place, they eat like Kings. I just don't understand." "To be honest, Seymour," the Lord said, "for just two people, does it pay to cook?" - One afternoon a little boy was playing outdoors. He used his mother's broom as a horse and had a wonderful time until it was getting dark. He left the broom on the back porch. His mother was cleaning up the kitchen when she realized that her broom was missing. She asked the little boy about the broom and he told her where it was. She then asked him to please go get it. The little boy informed his mom that he was afraid of the dark and didn't want to go out to get the broom. His mother smiled and said 'The Lord is out there too, don't be afraid'. The little boy opened the back door a little and said 'Lord if you're out there, hand me the broom'.
- What do you get when you cross a Jehovah's witness with a
business man? A door to door salesman! - And Jesus said unto his disciples, "Whom do men say that I am?"And His disciples answered unto Him, "Master, thou art the supreme eschatological manifestation of omnipotent ecclesiastical authority, the absolute, divine,
sacerdotal monarch." And Jesus said, "What?"
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: DECEMBER 9TH - DECEMBER 15TH 2018
YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: our parishioners, relatives and friends. (Because of the recent changes to Data Protection Law, we are no longer permitted to print the names of those people who are sick in the newsletter, unless the sick person assures us that he/she wish their name to be printed. However, Masses requested for sick persons will still be offered.)
LATELY DEAD: Margaret Rainsford; Grace Edogiawerie; Peter Dawson; Sally Hanratty; Julie Jobey; Trent Warburton.
ANNIVERSARIES: Brian Short; Ivy Whelan; Michael McGrother; Robbie Sweeney; Mary Dillamore. May they Rest in Peace.
CHRISTMAS MASSES FOR: Mary & Denis O’Grady; Sophie Royales; Lorraine & Michael; Joan Coop; Marilyn Sheret; Margaret Green; Margaret Wright; Fr. Derek Woodhead.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £491.79; Loose: £310.52; Total: £802.31
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: Loose: £13.10; Gift Aided: £0.00
Also: £60.00; £26.34; £10.00 for CAFOD; £40.00 for the Oldham Food Bank;
£20.00 for sanctuary flowers; £30.00 for Missio; £192.62 for Cornerstone; £100.00; £30.00; £20.00 for Christmas Fayre donations.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE PRIZE RAFFLE
1 |
FOOD HAMPER |
436 - 440 |
2 |
TOWER OF TREATS |
456 - 460 |
3 |
BOTTLE OF RED WINE |
31 - 35 |
4 |
BOX OF QUALITY STREET |
416 - 420 |
5 |
BAYLIS AND HARDING PAMPER KIT |
441 - 445 |
6 |
BOTTLE OF WHITE WINE |
61 - 65 |
7 |
MORRISON’S TEA AND BISCUIT SET |
446 - 450 |
8 |
ROYAL JELLY BEAUTY SET |
321 - 325 |
9 |
BOX OF ROSES CHOCOLATES |
141 - 145 |
10 |
MAGIC SET |
51 - 55 |
11 |
GLAM NAILS MANICURE SET |
336 - 340 |
12 |
SHOWER GEL SET |
126 - 130 |
13 |
ISIS BLUE ENERGY MEN’S PAMPER KIT |
91 - 95 |
14 |
RINGTON’S HAMPER |
241 - 245 |
15 |
SLIMLINE DVD PLAYER |
401 - 405 |
Many thanks to all the people who, in any way, helped to make our Christmas Fayre yet another success, especially those who contributed to the bottle stall, tombola, cakes, prize draw etc; those who helped to set up and clean up afterwards; those who manned the various stands and attractions on the day. The profit was approx. £1,500 so a good effort and congratulations to all involved. Please claim any unclaimed prizes from the piety shop – otherwise they will be “recycled” in the New Year.
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: the 3s – 11s Children’s Liturgy Group meet during the 10.00am Mass.
NEXT SUNDAY, the parish Advent Service of Reconciliation takes place in church at 3.00pm.
PARISH NEWS
Over the Christmas period there will be no brews on Monday 24th and 31st December. The service will return on Monday 7th January.
“IN ALL THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE”
Lord, at Christmastime we can be so busy about this and that,
The shopping, the presents, the cards, meals to prepare and meals to attend.
Life can become a little bit frantic.
Yet you patiently wait for us to turn to you, to find space
In all the hustle and bustle for a moment to share with you.
Thank you for your patience, Lord. Amen.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following: Parish Team meeting on Thursday 10th January at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Damasus 1: born in Spain, he became Pope in 366 and encouraged devotion to the Roman martyrs, writing verses to adorn their resting places.
Our Lady of Guadalupe: the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Juan Diego on a Mexican mountain in 1531, miraculously leaving her image on his cloak which is still venerated today. Through St. Juan, she calls all people to the love of Christ.
St. Lucy: a Sicilian martyr who died in the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian, she is an example of innocence and faithfulness, and her cult was popular early on.
St. John of the Cross: born in 1542, he was a Carmelite friar and friend of St. Teresa of Avila who encouraged him to work for the reform of the Order, which he did despite great suffering. A remarkable poet and mystic, he died in Andalusia in 1591.
ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN NOVEMBER
- Mission Appeal: A request has been received from the St Patrick’s Missionary Society to hold an appeal. It was agreed to withhold a decision until after Christmas
- Lenten Station Masses: It is thought that St. Patrick’s church may be asked to hold one of the Station Masses this year as it is some time since we have done so.
- Faith of our Fathers 2: Preparation of the booklet Faith of our Fathers 2 , celebrating the twenty years leading up to the Jubilee of the opening of the present church, and since the first ‘Faith of our Fathers’ booklet was produced, is well underway. It is hoped to get commentaries from the various communities that make up the parish, expressing their thoughts about the parish over the period. It was originally proposed to make Faith of our Fathers 2 an online copy, but after further thought and requests from some people without internet access, it has been decided to look into the cost of producing about 50 hard copies.
“SMILE – A – WHILE”
There's this cathedral that's still being worked on, and the workers have rigged a "cage elevator" inside so they can get material up and down to the upper floors. A characteristic of these "cage elevators" is that the doors (gate) must be closed manually for them to be "called" to another floor. One day one of the workers, Peter by name, takes the elevator to the top floor, and it is subsequently needed on the first floor by the sexton. Unfortunately, Peter forgot and left the door open. After the sexton rings for the elevator a couple times, to no avail, he yells up for the worker to send the lift back down. Visitors to the cathedral were treated to this sight: The sexton of the cathedral, head tipped up, yelling up to the heavens: "Peter! CLOSE THE GATES!!!"
NOTICE ANYTHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER? IT INCLUDES THE NEW NAME OF THE CHURCH CHOSEN BY THE BISHOP –
“OUR LADY AND SAINT PATRICK”
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: DECEMBER 2ND - DECEMBER 8TH 2018
YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: our parishioners, relatives and friends. (Because of the recent changes to Data Protection Law, we are no longer permitted to print the names of those people who are sick in the newsletter, unless the sick person assures us that he/she wish their name to be printed. However, Masses requested for sick persons will still be offered.)
LATELY DEAD: Barbara Booth; Paul Dearnley; Marie Françoise Boyi.
ANNIVERSARIES:Margaret & Edgar Lees; Paul Lees; Ian Roy; Chinnamma Philip; Colin Pritchard; Christopher Alan Whitehead; Patricia Heslin; Denis Guilfoyle; Maggie Moores. May they Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £437.77; Loose: £303.27; Total: £741.04 Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: Loose: £ 9.17; Gift Aided: £0.00
Also: £30.00; £13.50; £1.57 for CAFOD; £20.00 for the Oldham Food Bank;
£20.00 for sanctuary flowers; £30.00 for Missio; £30.00 for Cornerstone.
PARISH NEWS
- There is a letter on the notice board thanking you for the latest donation of £777.45 and it further says: “Thank you from Missio’s APF and Mill Hill. As a red box holder or an Annual Member you are a missionary, helping spread God’s word and share God’s love for all his people. Thank you for your time, your gifts and your prayers for our brothers and sisters across the world. As a member of the APF-Mill Hill family you will be held in prayer at Mass each day by the Mill Hill community and at Missio’s chapel in London. Find out more about what your gift contributes to at mission.org.uk. Thank you again for all you do.”
- Over the Christmas period there will be no brews on Monday 24th and 31st December. The service will return on Monday 7th January.
The Advent wreath is a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. On that wreath, four candles are typically arranged – 3 purple and one pink. During the season of Advent, one candle on the wreath is lit each Sunday as a part of the Advent services. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The lighting of an Advent wreath is a custom that began in 16th-century Germany among Lutherans and Catholics. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life.
“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“This week the Church invites us to ask ourselves: what state do I want the Lord to find me in when He calls?”
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: there will be no refreshments in the narthex after the 10.00am Mass because of the Annual Christmas Fayre: at 12 noon in the Parish Hall, Lee St. All the usual attractions plus international cuisine – please return your donations for the bottle stall and tombola in the brown paper bag.
Oldham Festival of Light: a celebration of four different faith festivals - Christmas, Channukah, Mawlid an nabi and Deepawali in the Queen Elizabeth Hall at 6.30 pm. Entrance FREE, with ticket, available on website: oldhaminterfaith.org.uk or by e-mail -
An amazing and informative event. Don't miss it!
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
- 3s – 11s Children’s Liturgy Group on Sunday 16th December.
- Advent Service of Reconciliation in church on Sunday 16th December at 3.00pm.
- Parish Team meeting on Thursday 10th January at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN NOVEMBER
- Stained Glass Window. A further design has been received which is more acceptable than the last. When a few changes have been made it is thought that it should be suitable.
- Hope in the Future: The Resource Pack for Stage two has been received and will be dealt with as required after initial study.
- Christmas Fayre. It was reported by the sub-committee for the Parish Fayre that preparations were going well. It was agreed that no coffee will be served after the Parish Mass on December 2nd as the Fayre begins shortly after the Mass ends.
- Christmas Draw: Because of an administrative error, it is too late to have the tickets printed. It was decided to have a Summer Draw instead.
- Music Festival: : Preparations are well underway for the Festival, and it was confirmed that the highly regarded Iranian group who have appeared at previous events will be able to make a return visit,
- Hymn Books. 50 more new hymnbooks have been ordered. Delivery is expected imminently.
- Redecoration: A member of our Polish community has been engaged to decorate the sacristy and the dining room in the parish house. It was agreed that the work has been done well. It was also agreed that the hall, stairs and first landing in the parish house together with Fr. Phil’s sitting room and bedroom should be redecorated next time Fr. Phil takes his September holiday.
- Coffee after Mass: Concerns were again raised about the danger of unaccompanied children running around in the narthex whilst parishioners are drinking hot drinks. It was agreed that parents should once again be made aware of the problem and the need to keep their children away from possible danger areas.
(to be continued next week)
“SMILE – A – WHILE”
A new immigrant to California asks a question of his parish priest (translated from Spanish): Father, I've always been a good Catholic. I go to Mass, I say the rosary, and I study the lives of the saints. Here in California, I see the names of saints everywhere. I know who San Francisco, San Diego, and San Fernando were, but tell me, Father - who is San Dwiches?"
Did you know all the animals came on the ark in pairs?
-All except worms and they came in apples.
CHRIST THE KING (YEAR B)
WEEK: NOVEMBER 25TH - DECEMBER 1ST 2018
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: our parishioners, relatives and friends. (Because of the recent changes to Data Protection Law, we are no longer permitted to print the names of those people who are sick in the newsletter, unless the sick person assures us that he/she wish their name to be printed. However, Masses requested for sick persons will still be offered.)
LATELY DEAD: Barbara Booth; Margaret Rainsford; Sally Hanratty; Michele Batman; David Pithers.
ANNIVERSARIES: John & Elsie Granelli; James & Ann Whelan; Ellen & Bernadette Gaughan; Melecia Bolocon; Frank Farrell; Elizabeth Lucas; Rev. Ken Livesey. May they Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £469.90; Loose: £434.42; Total: £904.32
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: Loose: £ 13.81; Gift Aided: £0.00
Also: £60.00; £10.00; £19.76 for CAFOD; £40.00 and £20.00 for the Oldham Food Bank; £60 00 for sanctuary flowers. A special big thank-you to Westwood Muslim High School for Girls for their kind donation of a food hamper for our Christmas Fayre.
PARISH NEWS
- On the notice board there is a letter from CAFOD thanking parishioners for their latest donation of £1,119.02. Well done, everyone!
- Oldham Festival of Light: A celebration of four different faith festivals - Christmas, Channukah, Mawlid an nabi and Deepawali. Queen Elizabeth Hall, 6.30 pm. 4th December 2018. Entrance FREE, with ticket, available on website: oldhaminterfaith.org.uk or by e-mail - oif1events@gmail.com. An amazing and informative event. Don't miss it!
A NOVEMBER PRAYER
Lord, Father and Protector of all You have created, we raise our hearts to You today for those who have passed out of this mortal life. In Your loving mercy, be pleased to receive them in Your heavenly company, and forgive the failings and faults they may have done from human frailty. Your only Son, Christ, our Saviour suffered so cruelly that He might deliver them from the second death. By his merits may they share in the glory of His victory over sin and death. For all the faithful who have died we pray, but in particular for those dear to us, parents, relatives and friends. nor do we forget all who did good to us while on earth, helped us by their prayers, sacrifice and example. We pray also for any who may have done us harm, and stand in special need of Your forgiveness.
“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“In the eyes of God human life is precious, sacred and inviolable. No one can despise the lives of others or one’s own life.”
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: the baptism and christening of Wisdom Gbule will take place during the 10.00am Mass. We wish him many future blessings.
ALSO, there will be a retiring collection for the Catholic Youth Service.
SATURDAY: Reconciliation Service and First Confession for those children on the Sacramental Programme at 2.00pm in church. Please pray for them.
ALSO, the 5TH Annual International Music Festival will be held in church at 7.30pm. An evening of splendid music and song presented by our parishioners. A great night out! Suggested donation on the night of £2.00. All proceeds to Cornerstone, the diocesan charity for the homeless.
NEXT SUNDAY: Annual Christmas Fayre: at 12 noon in the Parish Hall, Lee St. All the usual attractions plus international cuisine – please return your donations for the bottle stall and tombola in the brown paper bag. Volunteers are urgently needed to set up the hall, help on the day and clean up afterwards (Friday 30th November at 2.00pm and Saturday 1st December at 10.00am.). Donations of cakes etc. to sell during the day would be much appreciated.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
- 3s – 11s Children’s Liturgy Group on Sunday 16th December.
- Advent Service of Reconciliation in church on Sunday 16th December at 3.00pm.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Andrew was a fisherman, born at Bethsaida, who introduced his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus, and became one of the first to follow 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 went on to preach the Good News around the shores of the Black Sea and was martyred by crucifixion in Patras. He was bound, rather than nailed, to a cross, and was crucified on a cross form known as "crux decussata," which is an X-shaped cross or a "saltire." Today this is commonly referred to as "St. Andrew's Cross." It is believed Andrew requested to be crucified this way, because he deemed himself "unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus. He became recognised as patron saint of Scotland because, according to legend, some of his bones were taken there and buried in the place that now bears his name.
“SMILE – A – WHILE”
Father O'Malley was driving down to Boston when he got stopped for speeding in Medford. The highway patrol officer smelled alcohol on the priest's breath and then saw an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car. He said, 'Father, have you been drinking?' 'Only water', replied Father O'Malley. The policeman asked, 'Then how come I can smell wine?' The priest looked at the bottle and said, 'Good Lord! He's done it again.'
Little Philip was spending the weekend with his grandmother after a particularly trying week in infant school. His grandmother decided to take him to the park on Saturday morning. It had been snowing all night and everything was beautiful. His grandmother commented, 'Doesn't it look like an artist painted this scenery? Did you know God painted this just for you?' 'Yes, 'replied Philip, 'God did it and he did it left handed.' This confused his grandmother so she asked him, 'What makes you say God did this with his left hand?' 'Well, 'said Philip, 'we learned at Sunday School last week that Jesus sits on God's right hand.'
It was about a month ago when a man in Amsterdam felt that he needed to confess, so went to his priest: "Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. During WWII I hid a refugee in my attic." "Well," answered the priest, "that's not a sin.""But I made him agree to pay me 20 Gulden for every week he stayed." "I admit that wasn't good, but you did it for a good cause." "Oh, thank you, Father; that eases my mind. I have one more question..." "What is that, my son?" "Do I have to tell him the war is over?"