The Parish of Our Lady and St Patrick Oldham

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: NOVEMBER 3RD - NOVEMBER 9TH 2019

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.”

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; Milagrosa Moleta; Josephine McLaughlin;   Rita Lowe; Doris Wild; Anna Sexton; James Whelan.
LATELY DEAD:    John Worthington;    Veronica Dunachie.
ANNIVERSARIES: Samantha Deakin;   Monica McCormick; Felimon Templo;   Jerry Templo;   Paz Batac Templo; Cheidel Hernandez.
May They Rest in Peace.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £695.27; Loose £312.59; Total: £1,007.86. Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £2.86; Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £14.23 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Cornerstone £20.00.

PARISH NEWS

Pitt Street Mosque& St Patrick's Women's Group. A group of eleven women from St. Patrick's have joined this new enterprise in building up community relations. This is a great effort as the women from St. Patrick's will meet socially with a group of women from the Mosque to discuss any subject religious or social that they decide. We agreed to ask the Pitt Street women to arrange the first meeting and they chose 10am Tuesday 12th November. Only five of our group are able to make it, because of work commitments. Therefore, we have the option of cancelling or we need to recruit a few more who are able to make it on the Tuesday morning. We really do not want to cancel, so ANY VOLUNTEERS please let Colin or Fr. Phil know as soon as possible.
Our Book of Remembrance will remain in the sanctuary during the month of November.
Will Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please take a copy of the next rota for November, December and January from the sacristy after Mass, if you have not already done so.
The Christmas stock is now on display – cards, calendars, Advent calendars, diaries, gifts, small nativity sets etc. There are no larger nativity sets due to a large range of prices and designs. However, if you wish to purchase one, please ask the staff to show you the Christmas catalogue.
Hooray! It's Christmas Draw Time!! The Christmas Draw tickets are available at the back of church. They 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.
Another HURRAY! 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 to the Christmas Fayre. 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!.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TUESDAY: Oldham Walsingham Association - Mass at 12 noon then lunch (please bring your own), then a short meeting, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, closing at 2.15pm.
FRIDAY: A Family Retreat here at St. Patrick's, organized by our Charismatic Prayer Group, 7.00pm until 11.00pm, led by Fr. Jude. A service of Praise and Worship: talk on Marriage and Family; Blessing of Water; Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Mass. Everyone Welcome!
SATURDAY: Ministers of the Word, Training Day, with Marian Tolley, at Our Lady and St. John Catholic College, Blackburn, 10am - 3pm. To register for a place call: 0161 817 2214. Followed, the next week by:
Music Ministry; Training Day, with Stephen Dean - Saturday 16th November, St Mary's Catholic Church, Eccles, M30 0LU - 10am until 3pm. To register - see above.

SALFORD CATHOLIC SAFEGUARDING COMMISSION CONFERENCE:
This event will be held on Saturday 16th November at the Cathedral Centre, Salford. RSVP by Wednesday 6th November to Madeline Wheeler, Safeguarding Office, Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford St., Salford M3 6DP – 0161 817 2206- email : safeguarding@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Thursday 14th November in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm.
2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Saturday 16th November in the Parish House at 10.00am.
Sacramental Programme celebration “We are People Who Celebrate” – Mass in church at 10.00am on Sunday 17th November.
6th International Music Festival on Saturday 23rd November at 2.30pm.
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. Charles Borromeo: born in 1538, after gaining a doctorate in civil and canon law, he was made a cardinal and Bishop of Milan. He visited his diocese, called synods and worked for Christian morality. He greeted and blessed the English martyrs returning from Rome.
St. Willibrord: born in Yorkshire in 658, after ordination he evangelised Frisia, was ordained bishop and founded the See of Utrecht. He founded monasteries in the Netherlands.
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica: commemorates the dedication of the Pope Cathedral in Rome in honour of the basilica which is called “Mother and Head of all the Churches of the City and the World”. Observed through all the Church as a sign of unity with the Holy See.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 24TH

International Music Festival: It was decided by the choir leaders that the Festival will be brought forward to 2.30pm on 23rd November in order to make it possible for those not wishing to go out at night to attend. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Camping on church lawn: The homeless people camping on the church lawn have now moved on and they expressed their appreciation to Fr. Phil, for the patience and kindness they had been shown by parishioners.
Pit Street Mosque: Eleven of our ladies have volunteered to join the women’s group, but unfortunately only four/possibly five are able to make the first meeting because of work commitments. This has left us in the unfortunate position of either having to cancel what is a great inter community meeting, or getting further volunteers. It was agreed to put this problem to parishioners in the newsletter.
Christmas Fayre. Tina reported that the Christmas Fayre team would be getting together this next week, and that an advertising poster will soon be ready.
Health and safety: Following a Health and Safety Briefing he attended at Cathedral Centre, Fr. Phil informed the team that we are going to have to tighten up our Health and Safety procedures in the parish. The diocese is setting up an online app that will show our compliance compared to requirements. Several measures will be implemented shortly to ensure that we do comply with any requirements.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey"

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30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: OCTOBER 27TH - NOVEMBER 2ND 2019

30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“I thank you, God, that I am not grasping, unjust, adulterous like the rest of mankind, and
particularly that I am not like this collector here.”

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

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; David Daka;   John Green; Ann Frost; Nawaz Aziz; Milagrosa Moleta; Josephine McLaughlin.
LATELY DEAD:   Susan Boothroyd;   John Worthington;   Fortunato Caso;   Joan Owen.
ANNIVERSARIES: Stephen David Hilton;   Paul Higson;   Catherine Ryan;   Arthur Haines;   Victor Gnahoui;   Pat McGinn;   Joe Beswick;   Rose McGladdery.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £565. 77; Loose £300.81; Total: £866. 58.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £4.77; Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £17.02; Oldham Food Bank £10.00 and £5.00; Missio £30.00.

PARISH NEWS

Pitt Street Mosque & St Patrick's Women's Group. A group of eleven women from St. Patrick's have joined this new enterprise in building up community relations. This is a great effort as the women from St. Patrick's will meet socially with a group of women from the Mosque to discuss together differences and similarities on any subject religious or social that they decide. However we agreed to ask the Pitt Street women to arrange the first meeting. They chose 10am Tuesday 12th November for the first meeting. Only four, possibly five of our group are able to make it, because of work commitments. Therefore, we have the option of cancelling or we need to recruit a few more who are able to make it on the Tuesday morning. We really do not want to cancel, so ANY VOLUNTEERS please let Colin or Fr. Phil know as soon as possible.
Parish Team: both Christine Wilson and Margaret Larrad were re-elected onto the Team. There being no other nominations, there is no need for an election.
Children's Mass Sheets: As part of the Hope in the Future programme, children's Mass sheets have been produced which will be given to our children today. Parents / responsible adults are requested to help the children, if required, to understand the different parts of the Mass.
Our Book of Remembrance is placed on the table at the back of church for the annual Mass for the Recently Deceased (which is on Saturday 2nd November at 12 noon). If you have someone who died in the last 12 month (November 2018 – November 2019) and would like their names to be announced for prayerful remembrance at this Mass, please fill in the slip provided at the back of church and either put it into the suggestion box or hand it in at the piety shop.All other names of deceased (before November 2018) may be written in the Book of Remembrance, if not already included, and will remain in the sanctuary during the month of November.
Will Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please take a copy of the next rota for November, December and January from the sacristy after Mass.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“As we celebrate the Extraordinary Missionary Month, we ask the Holy Spirit to enable us to open the doors of the Gospel to all peoples and to be authentic witnesses of divine love”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
SATURDAY: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 - 11.45am.
ALSO, Mass for the Recently Deceased - please see the details on the opposite page.

SALFORD CATHOLIC SAFEGUARDING COMMISSION CONFERENCE: MENTAL HEALTH, WELLBEING AND INCLUSION.
This event will be held om Saturday 16th November at the Cathedral Centre, Salford. RSVP BY Wednesday 6th November to Madeline Wheeler, Safeguarding Office, Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford St., Salford M3 6DP – 0161 817 2206- email : safeguarding@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
Timetable: 9.30 to 10.00am registration and coffee; lunch (which will be provided 12.00 – 13.00. Close at 16.00.

OLDHAM WALSINGHAM ASSOCIATION
On Tuesday 5th November Mass at 12 noon then lunch (please bring own), then a short meeting, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, closing at 2.15pm.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Thursday 14th November in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm.
2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Saturday 16th November in the Parish House at 10.00am.
Sacramental Programme celebration “We are People Who Celebrate” – Mass in church at 10.00am on Sunday 17th November.
6th International Music Festival on Saturday 23rd November at 2.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: Reconciliation Service and First Confession on Saturday 30th November at 2.00pm in church.
Christmas Fayre on Sunday 1st December.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
Saints Simon & Jude: the name of Simon is placed 11th in the list of apostles and nothing is known of him, except that he was born at Cana and was known as the Zealot. Jude, also known as Thaddaeus was the apostle who, at the Last Supper, asked the Lord why he showed himself only to his disciples and not to the whole world.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN OCTOBER
International Music Festival: An e-mail from Steve Owen, our organist, suggesting several changes that we might wish to make to what will be our sixth Music Festival. He suggested that the changes would help prevent the sometimes chaotic nature of last year’s programme eg. microphones being moved about willy-nilly causing problems for subsequent acts. It was agreed that improvements could and would be made to make the event more smooth running, but with the realization that it is never going to be as slick as some professional events. It was agreed that the event should be both enjoyable and relaxing for those watching and it seems to have fulfilled those aims. However it was agreed to take better control of the production side of things. The team agreed that the date of the next festival should be brought forward to 23rd November, so as not to conflict with the Christmas Fayre. It was also decided that the leaders of all the different groups should be asked to get together after the Sunday Morning Mass (11.30am in the Parish Office) to discuss the starting time of the event (2pm or 7pm was suggested by the team members). This would also be an opportunity for the leaders to discuss ways of making the event run smother.

SMILE – A – WHILE

One Sunday a pastor told his congregation that the church needed some extra money and asked the people to prayerfully consider giving a little extra in the offering plate. He said that whoever gave the most would be able to pick out three hymns.After the offering plates were passed, the pastor glanced down and noticed that someone had placed a $1,000 bill in offering.He was so excited that he immediately shared his joy with his congregation and said he'd like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate.A very quiet, elderly, saintly lady all the way in the back shyly raised her hand. The pastor asked her to come to the front. Slowly she made her way to the pastor. He told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much and in thanksgiving asked her to pick out three hymns. Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation, pointed to the three handsomest men in the building and said,"I'll take him and him and him."

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: OCTOBER 20TH - OCTOBER 26TH 2019

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obediencebut do all with patience and with the intention of teaching.

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; David Daka;   John Green; Ann Frost;    Susan Fox;   Irene Xavier;   Nawaz Aziz; Milagrosa Moleta;   Josephine McLaughlin.
LATELY DEAD:   John Worthington;   Thelma Locke;   Sue Boothroyd;   Mrs. Rourke.
ANNIVERSARIES: William Fitzpatrick;   Michael Ruffle;   Jack & Peggy Reddish;   Ann Devaney;   Mary Whittaker;   John Taylor;

IN THANKSGIVING FOR the 17th Wedding Anniversary of David and Brendalyn Niala; also for a new job and for a Baptism.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £339.58; Loose £538.67; Total: £878.25. Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £4.10; Gift Aided: £0.00 CAFOD: £19.09; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; £10.00; £10.00; Altar Flowers £10.00; Missio £7.24.

PARISH NEWS

Apologies for the poor quality of recent newsletters. This was due to faults with the computer / printer!
Nomination Forms for Parish Team Election: following the resignations of Margaret Larrad and Sharon Teefy, having completed their three year term, you are invited to nominate any member of our church community as a member of the Parish Team for the next three years. The person nominated must agree to be nominated. Dependant on the number of nominations received an election may be held. Margaret and Sharon have indicated their willingness to stand for re-election. The nomination forms are on the table in the narthex and should be handed in to the piety shop or sacristy when completed. Nominations close on Sunday 20th October.
Masquerade Ball Night: for stroke awareness. Evening dress – on Saturday 26th October at 5.30pm– at Peruga, Stockport SK6 5RX. Price £50 including 3 course meal, wine & champagne. Please see poster on church notice board.
During the week, our Book of Remembrance will be placed at the back of church for the annual Mass for the Recently Deceased (which is on Saturday 2nd November at 12 noon). If you have someone who died in the last 12 month (November 2018 – November 2019) and would like their names to be announced for prayerful remembrance at this Mass, Please fill in the slip provided at the back of church and either put it into the suggestion box or hand it in at the piety shop.All other names of deceased (before November 2018) may be written in the Book of Remembrance , if not already included , and will remain in the sanctuary during the month of November.
Will Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please take a copy of the next rota for November, December and January from the sacristy after Mass.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: is the last day for nominations for the Parish Team (see details on the page opposite).
TUESDAY: Oldham Interfaith Forum – a discussion on Music and Faith at Madina Institute, Carlson House, Mount Pleasant Business Centre, Jackson St., Oldham OL4 1HU at 7.00pm. Refreshments at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Book free place on oldhaminterfaith.org.uk or tel. 0161 624 6733.
THURSDAY: Parish Team meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
SATURDAY: Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 – 11.45am.

SMILE – A – WHILE
One morning a man came into the church on crutches. He stopped in front of the holy water, put some on both legs, and then threw away his crutches. An altar boy witnessed the scene and then ran into the vestry to tell the priest what he'd just seen. "Son, you've just witnessed a miracle!" the priest said. "Tell me where is this man now?" "Flat on his back over by the holy water," the boy informed him.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Mass for the Recently Deceased on Saturday 2nd November at 12 noon.
2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Thursday 14th November in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm.
2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Saturday 16th November in the Parish House at 10.00am.
Sacramental Programme celebration “We are People Who Celebrate” – Mass in church at 10.00am on Sunday 17th November.
6th International Music Festival on Saturday 23rd November at 2.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: Reconciliation Service and First Confession on Saturday 30th November at 2.00pm in church.
Christmas Fayre on Sunday 1st December.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS

St. John Paul II: Charles Joseph Wojtyla was born in Poland in 1920. In 1978 he was elected pope and took the name John Paul II. His apostolic zeal for families, young people and the sick, led to many pastoral visits throughout the world. He died in Rome in 2005.
St. John of Capistrano: born in 1386, after a career as a lawyer, he entered the Franciscan Order and travelled throughout Europe preaching.
St. Anthony Mary Claret: born in 1807, he was ordained and preached throughout Spain. He founded the Claretians and became bishop of Santiago, Cuba, where he overcame 15 assassination attempts. He returned to Spain before dying in France.
Ss. Chad and Cedd: Chad, who died at Lichfield in 672 and Cedd, who died in Yorkshire in 664, were brothers educated at Lindisfarne under St. Aidan. Cedd was founder of monasteries and sent as bishop to evangelise the East Saxons and established his See in Essex, dying at his monastery at Lastingham, where Chad was abbot when chosen Bishop of Northumbria. He founded the See of Lichfield.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN OCTOBER

Details of the Sacramental Programme will appear in the newsletter.
Confirmation: Fr Calum Brown, (St. Edward’s, Lees) is preparing a possible deanery programme for young people, who wish to take part in the confirmation programme ending probably in June 2021. It is hoped that the programme will be adopted, by at least a few of the parishes in the Deanery, as a basis/guide for instruction. The parish team will then decide how or if the programme shall be tailored to our needs. Formal instruction and preparation for confirmation is expected to start September next.
Stained Glass Window: The new window has received all necessary faculties and permissions and the contract has been given for manufacture. Therefore, the window should be installed in time for our Jubilee Celebration on Sunday 7th June 2020.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: OCTOBER 13TH - OCTOBER 19TH 2019

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

Were not all ten lepers made clean? The other nine where are they?” And he said to the man, “Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.”

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; David Daka;   John Green; Ann Frost;    Barbara Crowther;   Susan Fox;   Irene Xavier;   Nawaz Aziz;   John Worthington.
LATELY DEAD:   Sue Boothroyd;   Nicholas Baker;   Margaret Millett;   Sheila Rourke;   Janet Ryan;   Giuseppi Giordano;   Amelia Mary Savage.
ANNIVERSARIES:   John Joceylin;   Robert McFall;   Alice Buckley;   Michael Ruffle;     Fr. Michael Fleming;    Jack & Peggy Reddish.

BIRTHDAY MEMORIES of Nellie Hilton and Michael Hywel.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £641.90; Loose £366.62; Total: £1,008.52. Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fun d: £31.60; £17.40; £20.00; £14.35 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £19.01 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Altar Flowers £10.00; Missio £7.24.

PARISH NEWS

On the church notice board is a letter of thanks from the St. Patrick’s Mission Appeal for your grateful donation of £569.54.
Nomination Forms for Parish Team Election: following the resignations of Margaret Larrad and Sharon Teefy, having completed their three year term, you are invited to nominate any member of our church community as a member of the Parish Team for the next three years. The person nominated must agree to be nominated. Dependant on the number of nominations received an election may be held. Margaret and Sharon have indicated their willingness to stand for re-election. The nomination forms are on the table in the narthex and should be handed in to the piety shop or sacristy when completed. Nominations close on Sunday 20th October.
Catholic Hub is a new monthly event featuring prayer, music and fellowship for young people 18+, held at the Cathedral on the second Saturday of every month. Come along to spend some time before the Lord in prayer, hear and join in praise and grow in your faith with other young people. Starting October 12th at Salford Cathedral 7.30pm to 10pm.
Masquerade Ball Night: for stroke awareness. Evening dress – on Saturday 26th October at 5.30pm– at Peruga, Stockport SK6 5RX. Price £50 including 3 course meal, wine & champagne. Please see poster on church notice board.
During the week, our Book of Remembrance will be placed at the back of church for the annual Mass for the Recently Deceased (which is on Saturday 9th November at 12 noon). If you have someone who died in the last 12 month (November 2018 – November 2019) and would like their names to be announced for prayerful remembrance at this Mass, Please fill in the slip provided at the back of church and either put it into the suggestion box or hand it in at the piety shop.All other names of deceased (before November 2018) may be written in the Book of Remembrance , if not already included , and will remain in the sanctuary during the month of November.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: Sacramental Programme celebration – Mass of Presentation at 10.00am in church.
ALSO, Cardinal John Henry Newman will be canonised.

SMILE – A – WHILE
A man dies and arrives at Heaven. As he’s standing at the Pearly Gates, he notices a huge wall of clocks behind St. Peter. He asks, “What are all those clocks?” St. Peter replied, “Those are Lie Clocks. Every time someone tells a lie the hands on their clock move.” “Whose clock is that?” he says, pointing. “That’s Mother Teresa’s clock. It’s hands never moved,” says St. Peter. “Wow,” says the man. “And who’s clock is that?” “That’s Abraham Lincoln’s clock. It’s hands have only moved twice,” says St. Peter. “Where’s Boris Johnson’s clock,” asks the man. St Peter replies, “We’re using it as a ceiling fan!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Parish Team meeting on Thursday 24th October at 7.30pm.
2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Thursday 14th November in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm.
2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Saturday 16th November in the Parish House at 10.00am.
Sacramental Programme celebration “We are People Who Celebrate” – Mass in church at 10.00am on Sunday 17th November.
6th International Music Festival on Saturday 23rd November at 2.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: Reconciliation Service and First Confession on
Saturday 30th November at 2.00pm in church.
Christmas Fayre on Sunday 1st December.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS

St. Callistus 1: a slave who became a deacon and later Pope – martyred in 222.
St. Teresa of Jesus (of Avila): born in 1515, became a Carmelite and reformed the Order against great opposition. Died in 1582.
St. Hedwig: born in Bavaria in 1174, she married and had 7 children. Built hostels for sick and poor. On death of husband, retired to a monastery where she died.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque: born 1647, she became a nun and spread devotion to the Sacred Heart.
St. Ignatius of Antioch: Bishop of Antioch but sentenced to death and deported to Rome where he was fed to wild beasts. Wrote 7 letters to Churches, stating Christian doctrine.
St. Luke: born to a pagan family but converted to the Faith and a companion of St. Paul. Wrote a Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles.
Ss. John de Brebeuf & Isaac Jogues: both Jesuitswho preached in N.America, working among the Huron and Iroquois tIndians and in 1649 were brutally killed.
St. Paul of the Cross: Paul Danel was born in 1694 and started the Passionist Order.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN OCTOBER

Camping on church lawn: The homeless people camping on the church lawn have apparently been given notice to quit by Oldham Council. Apparently, if they stay more than 28days, we should have to apply for a camp site licence, which would involve supplying running water and toilet facilities on the site.
Suggestion Box: A member of the team raised the subject of people finding it difficult to make their views known. It was thought that the present Suggestion Box, located on the narthex table, could be used for this purpose. Any questions, suggestions or other ideas which any parishioner wishes to raise with the Parish Team, should be written down and put in the box, which is checked and emptied on a regular basis.
It was agreed that the Christmas Fayre will be on Sunday 1st December. The Fayre organizers will be asked to make the arrangements again.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: OCTOBER 6TH - OCTOBER 12TH 2019

27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

The apostles said to the Lord, “increase our faith”. The Lord replied, “Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.

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; David Daka; John Green; Ann Frost; Gizella Kiss; David Atherton (Snr); Barbara Crowther; Susan Fox; Irene Xavier. LATELY DEAD: Mavis Wild.
ANNIVERSARIES: Bessis Beswick; May Boyle; Marjorie Cartwell; Ernest & Winefred Kitto; Donald White. May they Rest in Peace

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £553.85; Loose: £346.72; Total: £900.57.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £0.00 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £16.95 and £10.00;; Oldham Food Bank £50.00; Cornerstone £50.00.

PARISH NEWS

The Pastoral Letter from the Bishop is available in print as you leave the church today.
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children’s White Flower Appeal thanks parishioners for their donation of £132.47.
Women at Pitt Street Mosque want to form a group with women from this parish to meet/discuss any items of interest. If anyone is interested, please write your name on the notice on the table at the back of church. Further details will be given depending on the interest shown.
“Women Growing Together” – (as part of the Oldham Interfaith Forum). Celebrating and empowering local women of different faiths and no faiths – on Tuesday 15th October at 6.00pm in the Chadderton Suite, Civic Centre, West St., Oldham. Registration 6.00 – 6.30pm then main event and complementary buffet 6.30 – 9.00pm. Please register your attendance beforehand.
Nomination Forms for Parish Team Election: following the resignations of Margaret Larrad and Sharon Teefy, having completed their three year term, you are invited to nominate any member of our church community as a member of the Parish Team for the next three years. The person nominated must agree to be nominated. Dependant on the number of nominations received an election may be held. Margaret and Sharon have indicated their willingness to stand for re-election. The nomination forms are on the table in the narthex and should be handed in to the piety shop or sacristy when completed. Nominations close on Sunday 20th October.
CATHOLIC HUB: is a new monthly event featuring prayer, music and fellowship for young people 18+, held at the Catheral on the second Saturday of every month. Come along to spend some time before the Lord in prayer, hear and join in praise and grow in your faith with other young people. Starting October 12th at Salford Cathedral 7.30pm to 10pm.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
It's not just about migrants, it's about all of us, about the human family, called to build together a world more in accord with God's plan.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
THURSDAY: 1st meeting of Sacramental Programme for children and parents in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm.
SATURDAY: 1st meeting of Sacramental Programme for children and parents in St. Patrick’s Parish House at10.00am.
NEXT SUNDAY: Sacramental Programme celebration – Mass of Presentation at 10.00am in church.
ALSO, Cardinal John Henry Newman will be canonised.
ALSO, A Mass celebrated by the bishop for LGBT+ Catholics, friends and families at 3.00pm in the church of the Holy Name , 336 – 9, Oxford Rd., Manchester (next door to the Catholic chaplaincy).

SMILE – A – WHILE

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."
Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 24th October at 7.30pm.
2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Thursday 14th November in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm.
2nd meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Saturday 16th November in the Parish House at 10.00am.
Sacramental Programme celebration “We are People Who Celebrate” – Mass in church at 10.00am on Sunday 17th November.
6th International Music Festival on Saturday 23rd November.
Sacramental Programme: Reconciliation Service and First Confession on Saturday 30th November at 2.00pm in church.
Christmas Fayre on Sunday 1st December.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
Blessed John Henry Newman: beatified by Pope Benedict XV1 in 2010 in Birmingham. He was born in London in 1801 and died in 1890. Educated at Oxford he was the most notable Catholic convert of the age. He became a member of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri and made Cardinal by Leo X111.
St. Paulinus of York died in 644. He was among the second group of monks sent to England by Pope Gregory. After working in Kent he was ordained bishop and sent to Northumbria. He baptised the king and many of his nobles. He returned to Kent where he served as Bishop of Rochester until his death.
St. John XX111: born in Italy in 1881, after a diplomatic career he was elected pope in 1958. He desired the Church to communicate more efficiently with the modern world, calling the second Vatican Council and presiding at its opening.
St. Wilfrid was born in Northumbria about 634. As Bishop of York, he was the first English bishop to appeal to the pope after his diocese had been divided without reference to him. Although reinstated in York, he fell out again with the king and other bishops and went to the East Midlands and then to Hexham.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN OCTOBER

Stage 3 of Hope in the Future will be launched at the Cathedral on Friday 4th October. Colin Riley will be our parish representative. There are four other tickets available in the piety shop, for any parishioners who might wish to attend.
The text of the Faith of our Fathers 2 booklet has been sent for proof reading and printing (subject to a ‘contents’ page being provided). The cost of the print run will be in the region of £200, considerably less than an earlier quotation.
It was agreed that the Summer Fun Day had been a most enjoyable day, particularly for the younger members of our congregation (and ‘the twins’!!). It was suggested that older members could have been better catered for. Efforts will be made to remedy this.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: SEPTEMBER 29TH - OCTOBER 5TH 2019

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

It is the Lord who keeps faith forever, who is just to those who are depressed. It is he who gives bread to the hungry, who sets prisoners free. It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind, who raises up those who are bowed down. It is the Lord who loves the just, the Lord who protects the stranger.

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;   David Daka;    John Green; Ann Frost;   Patricia Haines;   Tony Hulme;   Christine O’Brien;   Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes;   Peter Gartside;   Gizella Kiss;   David Atherton (Snr),   Barbara Crowther.
LATELY DEAD: Frank Booth;   Mathew,   Niall Laverty (aged 18).
ANNIVERSARIES:    Demitri Michaeluk;   Bessie Beswick;   P. J. Varghese;   Kathleen Cartwright. May they Rest in Peace

IN THANKSGIVING FOR a successful operation (Peter).

BIRTHDAY WISHES to Fr. Raymond McKee, Pauline Ellis and Kevin Minnock.

COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £496.35;    Loose: £330.11;   Total: £826.46.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £30.00, £25.00, £20.00, £13.98, £7.19       Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £50.00, £16.10, £10.00 and £5.00;   Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Kiltegan Fathers £20.00;    Cornerstone £50.00; Missio £27.40 AND £6.76.

PARISH NEWS

Women at Pitt Street Mosque want to form a group with women from this parish to meet/discuss any items of interest. If anyone is interested, please write your name on the notice on the table at the back of church. Further details will be given depending on the interest shown.
“Women Growing Together” – (as part of the Oldham Interfaith Forum). Celebrating and empowering local women of different faiths and no faiths – on Tuesday 15th October at 6.00pm in the Chadderton Suite, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham. Registration 6.00 – 6.30 then main event and complementary buffet 6.30 – 9.00pm. Please register your attendance by Tuesday 1st October.
HOPE IN THE FUTURE (Stage 3). The launch of this new stage of the Bishop's initiative will take place at the Cathedral on Friday 4th October at 7.30pm followed by light refreshments in the cloisters. There are 4 free tickets for the event available from the piety shop. These are available on a first come - first served basis.
NOMINATION FORMS FOR PARISH TEAM ELECTION: Following the resignations of Margaret Larrad and Sharon Teefy, having completed their three year term, you are invited to nominate any member of our church community as a member of the Parish Team for the next three years. The person nominated must agree to be nominated. Dependent on the number of nominations received an election may be held. Margaret and Sharon have indicated their willingness to stand for re-election. The nomination forms are on the table in the narthex and should be handed in to the piety shop or sacristy when completed. Nominations close Sunday 20th October.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: is World Day for Migrants and Refugees. The Church has been celebrating this day since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for many different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for the challenges and increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers. This year, Pope Francis has chosen the theme “It is not just about migrants” to show up our blind-spots and make sure no one remains excluded from society, whether a long-time resident or someone newly-arrived
HOLY HOURS FOR VOCATIONS: Luke Bradbury, one of three seminarians for the diocese, and who is currently on placement with Fr. Simon Stamp for six months, is putting on Holy Hours for the diocese to pray for vocations. The following locations are the nearest: St. Margaret Marys, New Moston, M40 0JE – 8TH October, 7 – 8pm.
St. Ann’s, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DJ 10TH December, 7 –8pm.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Let us learn to call people by their name, as the Lord does with us, and to give up using adjectives.”
“In today's Gospel, Jesus assures us that we are always in time to right our wrongs by doing good. Whoever has caused tears, make someone happy; whoever has misappropriated, give to someone in need.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
A Mass celebrated by the bishop for LGBT+Catholics, friends and families on Sunday 12th October at 3.00pm at the church of the Holy Name 336 – 339, Oxford Rd., Manchester (next door to the Catholic chaplaincy)
First meeting for Parish Sacramental Programme on Thursday 10th October in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm & on Saturday 12th October in St. Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am.
Sacramental Programme Mass of Presentation on Sunday 13th October at 10.00am in church.
6th International Music Festival on Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Jerome: born in Dalmatia in 340, he studied in Rome and became secretary to Pope Damasus I, when he set about translating the Bible into Latin and promoting the monastic life. He studied in Bethlehem, trained others in Scriptural studies and died aged 80.
St. Therese of the Child Jesus: born in France in 1873, she entered the Carmelite monastery at Lisieux at an early age. By her words and example, she taught humility, simplicity and faith in God. She died aged 24.
The Holy Guardian Angels: in the 15th & 16th centuries the feast of the Guardian Angels began to be celebrated in Austria, Spain and Portugal until Pope Paul V made it a universal feast. It celebrates God’s constant care for each of His children.
St. Francis of Assisi: born in 1182, he was a light-hearted youth, but changed giving up his inheritance, offering his life to God and embracing poverty. He gathered followers around him instituting a Rule that was approved by Pope Innocent III. The result was the Franciscan Order, known for preaching and for the love of poverty.

SMILE – A – WHILE

During an impassioned sermon about death and final judgement, the pastor said forcefully, "Each member of this church is going to die and face judgement." Glancing down at the front pew, he noticed a man with a big smile on his face. The minister repeated his point louder. "Each member of this church is going to die and face judgement!" The man nodded and smiled even more. This really got the preacher wound up. He pounded the pulpit emphatically when he came to the ultimatum: "Each member of this church is going to die and face judgement!!!" Though everyone else in the congregation was looking sombre, the man in front continued to smile. Finally the preacher stepped off the platform, stood in front of the man and shouted, "I said each member of this church is going to die!" The man grinned from ear to ear. After the service was over, the preacher made a beeline for the man. "I don't get it," the preacher said in frustration. "Whenever I said, 'Each member of this church is going to die,' your smile got bigger. Why?" "I'm not a member of this church," the man replied.
Late one night, a preacher was driving on a country road and had a crash. A farmer stopped and said, "Sir, are you okay?" The preacher said, "Yes, I had the Lord riding with me." The farmer said, "Well, you better let him ride with me, because you're gonna kill him."

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: SEPTEMBER 22ND - SEPTEMBER 28TH 2019

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“No servant can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or treat the first with respect and the second with scorn. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.”

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;   Dennis Turner;   David Daka;    John Green; Ann Frost;   Patricia Haines;   Tony Hulme;   Christine O’Brien;   Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes;   Peter Gartside;   Gizelda Kiss;   David Atherton (Snr).
LATELY DEAD: Roman Ochmann;   Lilian Nelson;   Brian Hemsley;   Norah Howard;   Ria Mathews.
ANNIVERSARIES:    Stephen McEntee;   Veronica Guilfoyle;   Anthony Flatley; Peter Farrelly; James & Agnes Killeen.   May they Rest in Peace

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £589.62; Loose: £324.74; Total: £914.36.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £13.08 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £22.66 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Kitegan Fathers £5.00, Cornerstone £5.00; Missio £1.86.

IN THANKSGIVING FOR the Golden Jubilee of Teresa & Stefan Poplata; and the Birthday Anniversaries of William & Ellen Shepherd.

PARISH NEWS

Vouchers for schools: ALDI supermarket is issuing vouchers for schools . Our schools are collecting these (and any others), so please hand them in at the Piety Shop or Sacristy should you get any.
Women at Pitt Street Mosque want to form a group with women from this parish to meet/discuss any items of interest. If anyone is interested, please write your name on the notice on the table at the back of church. Further details will be given depending on the interest shown.

THE FOLLOWING APPEARED IN OTHER CHURCH BULLETINS

The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water” The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus.”
Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
Don’t let worry kill you off. Let the church help.
Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again,” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
The rector will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing “Break forth into Joy”.
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So ends a friendship which began in their school days.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. //At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
THURSDAY: Parish Team meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
SATURDAY: the wedding of Anthony James Breame and Mercede Vona Farrelly takes place at 3.30pm. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.
NEXT SUNDAY: is World Day for Migrants and Refugees. The Church has been celebrating this day since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for many different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for the challenges and increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers. This year, Pope Francis has chosen the theme “It is not just about migrants” to show up our blind-spots and make sure no one remains excluded from society, whether a long-time resident or someone newly-arrived.

HOLY HOURS FOR VOCATIONS

Luke Bradbury, one of the three seminarians for the diocese, and who is currently on placement with Fr. Simon Stamp for six months, is putting on Holy Hours for the diocese to pray for vocations. The following locations are the nearest:
St. Margaret Marys, New Moston, M40 0JE – 8TH October, 7 – 8pm.
St. Ann’s, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DJ 10TH December, 7 – 8pm.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“St Paul asks us to pray "for all in authority" (1 Tim 2:2). We must learn to do this, even for politicians with whom we disagree. Christians must pray for all people in government, that they may work for the common good”.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Pius of Pietrelcina: born in 1887, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars and was ordained priest. He was devoted to prayer and the sacraments and committed himself to relieving the pain of many families.
Our lady of Walsingham: in 1061, according to tradition, the lady of the manor of Walsingham was told by a vision of Mary to build a replica of the house in Nazareth in which the Annunciation had taken place.
Ss. Cosmas and Damian were doctors, , martyred in Syria, around 300 AD.
St. Vincent de Paul: born in France in 1851, he was a parish priest in Paris, where he founded the Vincentians, for the formation of the clergy and relief of the poor. His work inspired the formation of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
St. Wenceslaus: born in Bohemia in 907, he was a Christian in a pagan land. He became king and began to encourage the faith, bringing back priests, building churches and caring for the poor. His brother became jealous and had him killed.
St. Lawrence Ruiz: born in Manila (Philippines) in 1600, he became a Dominican and went to Japan. He was arrested and executed, the first Filipino martyr.

SMILE – A – WHILE
An elderly man lay dying in his bed. Suddenly death's agony was pushed aside as he smelled the aroma of his favourite homemade chocolate chip cookies wafting up the stairs. Gathering his remaining strength, he lifted himself up from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with intense concentration, supported himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands. In laboured breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing wide-eyed into the kitchen. There, spread out on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favourite chocolate chip cookies! Was it heaven? Or, was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man? Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table, landing on his knees in a rumpled posture, one hand on the edge of the table. The aged and withered hand quiveringly made its way to a cookie near the edge of the table; feeling the warm soft dough actually made the pain of his bones subside for a moment. His parched lips parted; the wondrous taste of the cookie was already in his mouth; seemingly bringing him back to life. What, then, was this sudden stinging that caused his hand to recoil? He looked to see his wife, still holding the spatula she had just used to smack his hand. "Stay out of those!" she said, "they're for the funeral."

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: SEPTEMBER 15TH - SEPTEMBER 21ST 2019

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C

“Rejoice with me, I have found my sheep that was lost. There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.”

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;   Dennis Turner;   David Daka;    John Green; Ann Frost;   Patricia Haines;   Tony Hulme;   Christine O’Brien;   Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes.
LATELY DEAD:   Nicholas David John;   John Patrick Baker.
ANNIVERSARIES:    Sr. Aida Moniza RVM. May they Rest in Peace

COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £609.83;    Loose: £358.39;   Total: £968.22.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £20.00; £15.76, £2.37, 67p  Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £17.26 and £10.00;   Oldham Food Bank £10.00 and £10.00; altar flowers £10.00; Kitegan Fathers £20.00, £5.00, 35.00, £5.00, £2.00. Grateful thanks to our Polish Community for their donation of £705.00.

CLIMATE CRISIS:
For the past year, we’ve been inspired by over two million students around the world who have been striking from school to bring attention to the climate emergency. On Friday 20 September, three days before world leaders meet in New York to discuss the climate crisis, the students are inviting adults to join them in any way they can. Children of this generation do not have the chance to imagine a future that is not overshadowed by the prospect of a climate emergency. Not everyone is able to strike but there are other ways of getting involved e.g. discussing the strikes at work during your lunch break, share information on climate change through work newsletters on notice boards. Maybe you can join a strike for half an hour in your lunch break. It all shows the Government the public want urgent action. In Manchester the meeting place is outside the Central Library. Show support on social media Use your social media to amplify the message of the strikes. You could do this by engaging with content from the strikes and by posting about why you want to see urgent action on climate change. Make sure you use the hashtag #ClimateStrike. You could even create signs with your colleagues and post photos of these to show your solidarity. You can write to your MP and ask them to support the ambitious policies and investment we need to end the UK’s contribution to climate change.

HOLY HOURS FOR VOCATIONS
Luke Bradbury, one of the three seminarians for the diocese, and who is currently on placement with Fr. Simon Stamp for six months, is putting on Holy Hours for the diocese to pray for vocations. The following locations are the nearest:
St. Ann’s, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DJ 10TH December, 7 – 8pm.
St. Margaret Marys, New Moston, M40 0JE – 8TH October, 7 – 8pm.

PARISH NEWS

Vouchers for schools: ALDI supermarket is issuing vouchers for schools. Our school is collecting these (and any others), so please hand them in at the Piety Shop or Sacristy should you get any.
Due to the high expense of keeping it open, the bishop has now decided that St. Anne’s church at Greenacres will be closed and that St. Michael’s church at Abbeyhills will be reopened. No dates have been given for when the change will take place.
CONGRATULATIONS to parishioner Alice Lees as you celebrate your 90th birthday this week. Love and best wishes from the parish community.
Women at Pitt Street Mosque want to form a group with women from this parish to meet/discuss any items of interest. If anyone is interested, please write your name on the notice at the back of church. Further details will be given depending on the interest shown.
A paper bag containing prayer leaflets etc. has been found in church recently. If you think it may be yours, please enquire at the piety shop.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September at 7.30pm.
A Mass celebrated by the bishop for LGBT+Catholics, friends and families on Sunday 12th October at 3.00pm at the church of the Holy Name 336 – 339, Oxford Rd., Manchester (next door to the Catholic chaplaincy)

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
Ss. Cornelius and Cyprian: both lived in a time of great turbulence in the Church and were at the forefront of the debate on reconciling those who had denied the faith under persecution. Together, they struck a middle course and guided the Church by their writing and preaching Cornelius died in exile in 253, Cyprian was martyred in 258.
St. Robert Bellarmine: born in Italy in 1542, he became a Jesuit and was made cardinal and Bishop of Capua, and advised five popes on the questions and problems of that age. He died in 1621.
St. Theodore of Canterbury: born around 601, he was a monk in Italy and was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. He reorganised and reformed the life of the Church, holding visitations and synods, establishing new dioceses and reconciling divisions between the Celtic and Roman traditions.
Ss. Andrew Kim Tae-gon and companions: Andrew, Paul and 101 other Korean martyrs were canonised in 1984, representatives of the 10,000 Catholics, of all ages and social status, martyred in Korea before 1882. Andrew was the first native Korean priest to be martyred.
St. Matthew: born at Capernaum, he was a tax-gatherer when called by Jesus. He wrote his Gospel in the Hebrew language and tradition has it that he preached the faith in the East.

SMILE – A – WHILE

A Sunday School teacher of pre-schoolers was concerned that his students might be a little confused about Jesus Christ because of the Christmas season emphasis on His birth. He wanted to make sure they understood that the birth of Jesus occurred for real. He asked his class, "Where is Jesus today?" Steven raised his hand and said, "He's in heaven." Mary was called on and answered, "He's in my heart." Little Johnny, waving his hand furiously, blurted out, "I know, I know! He's in our bathroom!!!" The whole class got very quiet, looked at the teacher, and waited for a response. The teacher was completely at a loss for a few very long seconds. Finally, he gathered his wits and asked Little Johnny how he knew this. Little Johnny said, "Well...every morning, my father gets up, bangs on the bathroom door, and yells, "Good Lord, are you still in there?!"
A young couple invited their pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having."Goat," the little boy replied."Goat?" replied the Pastor, "Are you sure about that?""Yes," said the youngster. "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'We might as well have the old goat for dinner today as any other day."

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: SEPTEMBER 8TH - SEPTEMBER 14TH 2019

23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“If anyone comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £548.11; Loose: £312.01; Total: £860.12.
Retiring collection for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society: £540.68
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £6.80 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £30.00 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Missio £18.93.

PARISH NEWS:
The following statement was released August 29, 2019, by Bishop John Arnold, lead Catholic Bishop for the Environment in England and Wales. Sunday 1st September marks the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.” This day of prayer was instituted in the Catholic Church in 2015 by Pope Francis, although it has been celebrated in the Orthodox Church since 1989. It also marks the start of the “Season of Creation,” which unites Christians in prayer and action for the protection of our common home. The Season of Creation ends on 4 October, the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. During this season we are encouraged to deepen our relationship with God, our neighbour, and the earth we share, being ever more attentive to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Especially at this time, with attention on the fires in the Amazon Rainforest, we pray for those in positions of power and influence to be effective ‘guardians of God’s creation,’ which includes all of us who exercise influence as consumers. We also pray for those who are involved in the preparations for the Synod on the Amazon, that their discussions will be fruitful in highlighting the challenges faced in the region and bringing more people to the Good News of Jesus Christ. We all have our part to play in caring for our common home, and in our recent statement, “Guardians of God’s Creation” we encourage a Christian spirituality of ecology, and a call to a new lifestyle, beginning in personal and family life. As disciples, we are invited to be part of the redeeming mission of Christ and to approach our task with joy and gratitude. “Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise [Laudato Si’, 12].”We invite you to pray with us, especially on 1 September, but throughout the Season of Creation.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: We welcome back Fr. Phil and hope that he enjoyed his well-earned break.
We thank Fr Joseph Archibong of St Patrick's Missionary Society (the Kiltegan Fathers)) who offered the Sunday Masses for us and made an appeal on behalf of his community. Fr. Phil will keep the appeal open for two weeks for the benefit of those who might not have had money with them on the day. Any donations should be put in an envelope marked 'Appeal' and put in the collection plate as usual. Any cheques should as always be made out to 'St. Patrick's Church'. At the end of the 10.00am Mass, he thanked the Indian choir and our organist Steve, then serenaded us with the Abba hit “Thank you for the Music” which all the congregation joined in with enthusiastically, before giving him rapturous applause.
Today (September 8th) is celebrated by most Christians as Our Lady's Birthday. However, it is not kept this year as it falls on Sunday which like all Sundays is a Solemnity in honour of the Resurrection of the Lord, and therefore takes precedence. However, a member of the Indian community has donated the special floral arrangement on our Lady's altar, which is a fine tribute in honour of Mother Mary. Thank you.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September at 7.30pm.
A Mass celebrated by the bishop for LGBT+ Catholics, friends and families on Saturday 12th October at 3.00pm at the church of the Holy Name, 336-339 Oxford Road, Manchester (next door to the Catholic Chaplaincy).

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Peter Claver: born in Spain in 1580, he studied at Barcelona university and became a Jesuit. He joined the Jesuit mission in Columbia and ministered to the slaves arriving from Africa in the most dreadful conditions. He referred to himself as the “servant of the slaves” and continued this work until his death in 1654.
St. Ambrose Barlow: born in 1585 at Barlow Hall in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, he became a Benedictine after studies at Douai and Valladolid, before returning to Manchester to work for the Catholics of this region. He was famed for his preaching and love of the poor, walking long distances in order to fulfil his ministry. He was imprisoned at least four times before his final arrest and execution at Lancaster in 1641. His skull is preserved at Wardley Hall and his jaw-bone at St. Ambrose, Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
St. John Chrysostom: given the name Chrysostom (“Golden Mouth”), because of his excellent preaching, He was born in Antioch in 349 and after a glowing career as priest was made Bishop of Constantinople. Here, because of his preaching and care for justice he faced opposition from the Imperial court and was twice exiled.

SMILE – A – WHILE
Did you hear about the about the Southern Baptist who was in the habit of sneaking to the race track to bet on the horses? One day he was losing badly when he saw a priest step onto the track, walk up to line-up and bless one of the horses on the forehead. The horse was a long shot, but the Southern Baptist thought, "With the priest's blessing, surely this horse will win." He placed a small bet and, sure enough, the horse came in first. At the next race, the priest stepped onto the track and blessed another horse's forehead. Even though this horse was also a long shot, the Southern Baptist was a little bolder this time and placed a larger bet on that horse. Again, it won. A third time, the priest stepped onto the track and blessed a horse on the forehead. Like the others, this horse was also a long shot. The Southern Baptist placed an even larger bet this time and, sure enough the horse won. This pattern continued throughout the day with the priest blessing the forehead of a long shot horse, the Southern Baptist placing larger and larger bets and the horse always winning. At the last race of the day, the Southern Baptist thought, "I have got to go for broke here." With great anticipation, he watched as the priest stepped onto the field one more time, walked up to the line-up and blessed the forehead, eyes, ears and hooves of one of the horses. The Southern Baptist ran to the ticket counter and bet all he had on that horse. The horse came in dead last! As he was walking out, he saw the priest. Walking up to him, he demanded, "What happened? All day long you blessed horses and they won, even though they were long shots. Then at the last race you blessed a horse, I bet everything and the horse lost.""That's the problem with you Protestants," said the priest. "You can't tell the difference between a simple blessing and the Last Rites.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: SEPTEMBER 1ST - SEPTEMBER 7TH 2019

22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“... when you have a party invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again."

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;  Dennis Turner;   David Daka;  Frank Booth; John Green; Rita Lowe; Linda Coulter; Theresa Murtagh; Paddy Boland; Maureen Smith.
LATELY DEAD: Marjorie Christopher; Maura Higgins; Paula Pitilla; Perla Josol Umusig.
ANNIVERSARIES: John Chorley, Czeslaw Tyl; Regina Wisniewski.
May they Rest in Peace
IN THANKSGIVING FOR A NEW JOB; Sara Daniel
COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £530.60;    Loose: 374.58;   Total: £905.18.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £11.12 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £21.16; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Missio £16.69; Caritas; £10.00

PARISH NEWS

A rosary in a perspex case was found in church last Sunday - enquire at the piety shop.
Many thanks to the Polish lady who brought back two large Lourdes candles from the pilgrimage and donated them to our church. They can be seen on the Lady altar.
The CHRISTMAS STOCK is now in the piety shop (I kid you not!). Christmas cards, Mass bouquet cards and overseas cards, Advent and yearly calendars, candles, diaries, small nativity figures etc. Please order to avoid disappointment. However, there are no larger cribs/ nativity sets as there are so many types and prices – if you would like to order one, please ask the staff to show you the catalogue.
A notice regarding a significant step forward for our region in terms of LGBT+ Pastoral Outreach. There will be a Mass celebrated by Bishop John Arnold for LGBT+ Catholics their friends and families on Saturday 12th October at 3.00pm. The venue is: Universities - Church of the Holy Name. 336-339 Oxford Road (next door to the Catholic Chaplaincy).There will be a socail gathering with refreshments immediately afterwards in the chaplaincy building.
This is a significant event for many of us who are working towards making the Church's pastoral outreach in our region - a living reality. Quiet planning has been taking place for some months now to facilitate this taking place. This venture is highly symbolic as it marks a public statementthat words and actions should be in sync with one another. It also should be seen in the context of similar ventures in Dioceses of Middlesborough, Westminster, Nottingham, and lately, Clifton. As such it would be a great act of support and witness to make sure this inauguaral MAss for LGBT+ Catholics, friens and families is a success.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: We welcome Fr Joseph Archibong of St Patrick's Missionary Society (The Kiltegan Fathers) who will be offering the Sunday Masses for us and also making an appeal on behalf of his community. The community was founded in 1932 in Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, Ireland and works mostly in Africa and South America. They are and international organisation bringing the faith to places where Christ is not known as well as growing Churches. I am certain that we will be giving Fr Joe our usual warm welcome and will be as generous as we can for his appeal. Fr Joe will keep the appeal open for a further two weeks for the benefit of those who might not have money on them on the day.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Whoever draws near to God will not stumble, but strives ahead: beginning anew, trying again, rebuilding.”
“We ask for the grace not to be lukewarm Christians, living on half measures, letting love grow cold”
“Saint John the Baptist who bore witness to the Messiah by dying for the truth, pray for us!”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September at 7.30pm.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Gregory the Great: born in Rome in 540, he became a civil servant and eventually Prefect of the City. He entered the Abbey of St. Andrew and was ordained deacon. Elected Pope in 590, he was skilled in preaching, writing and caring for the poor. He is called the “Apostle of England” because he sent Augustine to minister there after encountering English slaves in the Forum.
St. Cuthbert: born about 634 in Northumberland, by tradition, a shepherd boy he became a monk and prior at Melrose. After the Synod of Whitby, he became prior of Lindisfarne and won over the community to Roman customs. He left the monastery to live in solitude on the island of Inner Farne. For his last two years, he was bishop of Lindisfarne but returned to his island to die. He is remembered as the most popular of the Anglo-Saxon saints of N. England.

SMILE – A – WHILE
On their way to get married, a young Catholic couple is involved in a fatal car accident. The couple found themselves sitting outside the Pearly Gates waiting for St. Peter to process them into Heaven. While waiting, they began to wonder: Could they possibly get married in Heaven? When St. Peter showed up, they asked him. St. Peter said, "I don't know. This is the first time anyone has asked. Let me go find out,'" and he left. The couple sat and waited, and waited. Two months passed and the couple were still waiting. While waiting, they began to wonder what would happen if it didn't work out; could you get a divorce in heaven? After yet another month, St. Peter finally returned, looking somewhat bedraggled. "Yes," he informed the couple, "You can get married in Heaven." "Great!" said the couple, "But we were just wondering, what if things don't work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?" St. Peter, red-faced with anger, slammed his clipboard onto the ground. "What's wrong?" asked the frightened couple. "OH, COME ON!" St. Peter shouted, "It took me three months to find a priest up here! Do you have any idea how long it'll take me to find a lawyer?"

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!"

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: AUGUST 25TH - AUGUST 31ST 2019

190825

“... men from the east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last."

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;   Peter Gartside;   Michael O’Connor;   Maura Higgins; Dennis Turner;   David Daka;  Frank Booth; John Green;Rita Lowe; Linda Coulter; Theresa Murtagh; Paddy Boland; Maureen Smith.
LATELY DEAD: Marjorie Christopher; Vincent Stott.
ANNIVERSARIES: Edward Wild; Patrick & Mary Coen; Louisa Smith; Fermina R. Moniza; Joho Luiz Silva James & Mary Bowman.      May they Rest in Peace
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY of Robbie & Ena Sweeney
COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £530.60;    Loose: 374.58;   Total: £905.18.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £100.00 and £5.94 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £21.06 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Cornerstone £50.00 and £20.00; Missio £16.85

PARISH NEWS

A rosary in a perspex case was found in church last Sunday - enquire at the piety shop.
Many thanks to the Polish lady who brought back two large Lourdes candles from the pilgrimage and donated them to our church. They can be seen on the Lady altar.
The CHRISTMAS STOCK is now in the piety shop (I kid you not!). Christmas cards, Mass bouquet cards and overseas cards, Advent and yearly calendars, candles, diaries, small nativity figures etc. Please order to avoid disappointment. However, there are no larger cribs/ nativity sets as there are so many types and prices – if you would like to order one, please ask the staff to show you the catalogue.
A notice regarding a significant step forward for our region in terms of LGBT+ Pastoral Outreach. There will be a Mass celebrated by Bishop John Arnold for LGBT+ Catholics their friends and families on Saturday 12th October at 3.00pm. The venue is: Universities - Church of the Holy Name. 336-339 Oxford Road (next door to the Catholic Chaplaincy).There will be a socail gathering with refreshments immediately afterwards in the chaplaincy building.
This is a significant event for many of us who are working towards making the Church's pastoral outreach in our region - a living reality. Quiet planning has been taking place for some months now to facilitate this taking place. This venture is highly symbolic as it marks a public statementthat words and actions should be in sync with one another. It also should be seen in the context of similar ventures in Dioceses of Middlesborough, Westminster, Nottingham, and lately, Clifton. As such it would be a great act of support and witness to make sure this inauguaral MAss for LGBT+ Catholics, friens and families is a success.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
On Monday 26th August, Mass will be celebrated at 11.00am in St. Mary’s R.C cemetery (Wardley) and St. Joseph’s R.C. cemetery (Moston)
SATURDAY; Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 - 11.45am.
NEXT SUNDAY (SEPT 1ST): We welcome Fr Joseph Archibong of St Patrick's Missionary Society (The Kiltegan Fathers) who will be offering the Sunday Masses for us and also making an appeal on behalf of his community. The community was founded in 1932 in Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, Ireland and works mostly in Africa and South America. They are and international organisation bringing the faith to places where Christ is not known as well as growing Churches. I am certain that we will be giving Fr Joe our usual warm welcome and will be as generous as we can for his appeal. Fr Joe will keep the appeal open for a further two weeks for the benefit of those who might not have money on them on the day.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September at 7.30pm.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: AUGUST 11TH - AUGUST 17TH 2019

19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“.......if the householder had known at what hour the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his house. You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

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;   Peter Gartside;   Michael O’Connor;   Maura Higgins;   Leslie Hayes;   Veronica Short;   Anne Frost;   David Atherton (Snr);   Dennis Turner;   David Daka;  Mathew M. J.
LATELY DEAD: Anna Rausz;     Bernard Fernandes;   Burtie Barrows;   Irene Simm.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Mary Whittaker;    Mary Frances Park;   Noel Lyons; Carthage Minnock;   James & Mary Bowman.      May they Rest in Peace
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY MASS for Catherine Brown.

COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £616.56;    Loose: £391.16;   Total: £1,007.72.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £20.00 and £11.12 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00;   Cornerstone £20.00; altar flowers £20.00;

PARISH NEWS

DEFIBRILLATOR: Thanks to the generous donation of £800 from Oldham District Lion's Club and a donation from a parishioner, we have now been able to purchase a defibrillator for installation in the church. This will be done in the near future. Many thanks for the kind donations.
THE TUESDAY CLUB: consists of a few people (usually retired) who are prepared to spend a couple of hours on Tuesday mornings performing minor maintenance work and cleaning around the church and grounds. The club originated out of the partial redecoration of the church and the other preparation work for our Jubilee back in 2008, but now, the membership has reduced to one - most of the former members having moved on to their eternal reward. John Kitto, who is currently in charge of the club, being the only survivor, would be very grateful to have company. Anyone interested, please just turn up in church Tuesday morning 9.45am - 11.30am
Will MISS M. A. CARRAGHER who recently made a donation to Cornerstone, please make herself known to Colin in the Parish Office..
APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our Finance and Administration team as a junior administrator, with a specific emphasis on supporting the Property team. Alongside this, the successful candidate will work towards completing the Business and Administration Level 2 Qualification. What you'll need: A minimum Grade C/4 GSCE in Maths & English; Good literacy & numeracy skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Excellent organisational & administrative skills; High level of communication skills, including written and spoken communication. To request an application pack, contact personnel@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or visit the vacancies page on our website.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY sees the reception into Church of Daniel Jones during the 10.00am Mass. Welcome into our parish community and we wish you many future blessings.
On Monday 26th August, Mass will be celebrated at 11.00am in St. Mary’s R.C cemetery (Wardley) and St. Joseph’s R.C. cemetery (Moston)

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“The Lord invites all of us to conquer resentment with love and forgiveness, and to live the Christian faith with consistency and courage.”
“Thank you for the joy with which you have offered your lives. Thank you for all the times you welcomed those who have fallen, caring for their wounds and showing tenderness and compassion.” To My Brother Priests
“Indigenous peoples, with their variety of languages, cultures, traditions, and ancestral knowledge, remind us that we are all responsible for the care of Creation, which God has entrusted to us.”
“In the midst of all those passing things in which we are so caught up, help us, Father, to seek what truly lasts: your presence and that of our brother or sister.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September at 7.30pm.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was born in Dijon in 1572, and was married with six children. After the death of her husband she entered religious life and founded the Visitation Order.
Ss. Pontian and Hippolytus: Pontian the Pope, and Hippolytus, a priest, had disagreed on matters of Church Law, but were reconciled to each other when they were both exiled to the mines of Sardinia in 235. They died there and their bodies were returned to Rome where their cult began in the fourth century.
St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe: born in Poland in 1894 he became a Franciscan and was arrested by the invading German forces in 1939 and sentenced to heavy labour in the extermination camp at Auschwitz. When a married man was chosen to be executed, Maximilian volunteered to take his place. He was killed by lethal injection in 1941. He was canonised in 1982 in the presence of the man whose life he served.
St. Stephen of Hungary: crowned as King in the year 1000, he was just, peaceful and religious, and dedicated to spreading Christianity in his realm. He established dioceses and strengthened the life of the Church. He died in 1038.

SMILE – A – WHILE

A newly married Alan goes to meet Father George. He greets the priest and says, 'Father, I need to talk to you.' The priest asks, 'Is it a confession, my son?' Alan replies, 'No, Father! I need to clarify something.' The priest takes Alan to his private chamber and says, 'Tell me, Alan. What is it?' Alan asks, 'Father, why do the kindest of girls begin their quest to change men after marriage?'The priest smiles and replied, 'Alan, my son; as the bride walks down the long aisle, her brain registers 3 stimuli. The altar, the choir and the sound of the hymn being sung. Aisle, altar, and hymn. She becomes mesmerized. Aisle, altar, hymn. Aisle, altar, hymn. Aisle, altar, hymn. And finally, as she stops beside the groom, she is already saying to herself -I'LL ALTER HIM.'
Two men with the same name lived next door to each other in Alaska. One was a preacher and the other was a salesman. The preacher died at about the same time the salesman took a business trip to Florida. When the salesman arrived he sent a telegram to his wife to let her know he had arrived safely. By mistake, the message was delivered to the deceased minister’s house. It read: “Arrived safely. Heat here awful.”
A wife comes home late one night and quietly opens the door to her bedroom. From under the blanket, she sees four legs instead of just her husband’s two. She reaches for a baseball bat and starts hitting the blanket as hard as she can. Once she’s done, she goes to the kitchen to have a drink. As she enters, she sees her husband there, reading a magazine. He says, “Hi darling, your parents have come to visit us, so let them stay in our bedroom. Did you say hello?”
When I was a kid my dad would say, "Emo, do you believe in the Lord?" I'd say, "Yes!" He'd say, "Then stand up and shout Hallelujah!" So I would ... and I'd fall out of the roller coaster.

”Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: AUGUST 4TH - AUGUST 10TH 2019

18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

"Watch and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs.........So it is when a man stores up treasure for himself in place of making himself rich in the sight of God.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;   Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Roy Eaton;    Angela Spencer;   Peter Gartside;   Michael O’Connor;   Leslie Hayes;   Veronica Short;   Anne Frost;   David Atherton (Snr).
LATELY DEAD:    Rose Hough;   Beryl Knipe;   Michael Tierney;   Margaret Hewetson;   Anthony Smith;     Anna Rousz;   Jean Raymond.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Nellie Hilton;  Tony Martin; Monica Sullivan.
May they Rest in Peace

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £528.79; Loose: £306.23; Total: £835.02 Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £30.00, and £12.60 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £16.25, £10.00 and £7.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00.

PARISH NEWS

Will all READERS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS please collect a copy of the latest rota (for August, September and October) from the sacristy after Mass, if you have not already done so.
DEFIBRILLATOR: Thanks to the generous donation of £800 from Oldham District Lion's Club and a donation from a parishioner, we have now been able to purchase a defibrillator for installation in the church. This will be done in the near future. Many thanks for the kind donations.
THE TUESDAY CLUB: consists of a few people (usually retired) who are prepared to spend a couple of hours on Tuesday mornings performing minor maintenance work and cleaning around the church and grounds. The club originated out of the partial redecoration of the church and the other preparation work for our Jubilee back in 2008, but now, the membership has reduced to one - most of the former members having moved on to their eternal reward. John Kitto, who is currently in charge of the club, being the only survivor, who be very grateful to have company. Anyone interested, please just turn up in church Tuesday morning 9.45am - 11.30am.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
SATURDAY: the wedding of Michael Bernard Cawley and Millie Rose Marie Cawley takes place at 3.00pm. Congratulation and best wishes to the happy couple.
NEXT SUNDAY: sees the reception into Church of Daniel Jones during the 10.00am Mass.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Let us pray that the Lord will free the victims of human trafficking and help us to respond actively to the cry for help of so many of our brothers and sisters who are deprived of their dignity and freedom.”
“The Lord does not perform wonders with those who believe themselves to be just, but with those who know they are in need and are willing to open their hearts to Him.”
“As a young soldier, St Ignatius of Loyola, whom we remember today, thought of his own glory. But then he was attracted by the glory of God, which gave meaning to his life.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September at 7.30pm.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major: the doctrine of Mary, Mother of God, was proclaimed at the Council of Ephesus in 43i. Afterwards, Pope Sixtus III erected a basilica on the Esquiline Hill in Rome to honour her, known as St. Mary Major.
St. Sixtus II and Companions; he became Pope in 257. Celebrating Mass in the catacombs, he and his deacons were arrested and executed there and then.
St. Cajetan: a brilliant lawyer, he founded the Congregation of Clerks Regular to work with the poor and needy. The Order spread and its work embraced the earliest “credit unions” to assist the poor. He died in 1547.
St. Dominic: born in 1170 in Spain, he became a priest and after preaching against the Albigensians he founded the Dominicans to continue his work.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross: born in 1891, Edith Stein was killed in Auschwitz gas chamber in 1942. A convert from Judaism, she became a Discalced Carmelite and embraced in her life the cross of Christ. Canonised by Pope John Paul II in 1998, she was declared a Patron of Europe.
St. Lawrence was a deacon in Rome in the time of Sixtus II. He was responsible for the charitable work of the Church. When arrested, he was asked for the Church’s treasure: his answer was to point to the poor he served.

SMILE – A – WHILE

Little Johnnie desperately wanted a bright red wagon for Christmas. His friends were writing letters to Santa Claus, but Johnnie decided to go one better. “Dear Jesus,” he wrote. “If I get a red wagon for Christmas, I won’t fight with my brother Jake for a year.” Then Johnnie thought, “Oh no, Jake is such a brat, I could never, ever keep that promise”. So Johnnie threw away the letter and started again. “Dear Jesus, if I get a red wagon for Christmas, I will eat all my vegetables for a year.” Then Johnnie thought, “Oh, no, that means spinach, broccoli and asparagus. Yuck! I could never ever keep that promise”. Suddenly Johnnie had an idea. He went downstairs to the living room. From the mantel above the fireplace, he grabbed the family’s statue of the Virgin Mary. Taking the statue to the kitchen he wrapped it in newspapers and stuffed it into a grocery bag. He took the bag upstairs to his room, opened the door and placed the package in the farthest, darkest corner. He then closed the door, took a new sheet of paper and wrote, “Dear Jesus, if you ever want to see your mother again…”

A pious man, who had reached the age of 10suddenly stopped going to the synagogue. Alarmed by the old fellow's absence after so many years of faithful attendance, the Rabbi went to see him. He found him in excellent health, so the Rabbi asked, "How come after all these years we don't see you at services anymore?" The old man lowered his voice. "I'll tell you, Rabbi," he whispered. "When I got to be 90, I expected God to take me any day. But then I got to be 95, then 100, then 105. So, I figured that God is very busy and must have forgotten about me, and I don't want to remind Him.

A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem.A small child replied: "They couldn't get a baby sitter."

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: JULY 28TH - AUGUST 3RD 2019

17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;   Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Roy Eaton;   Eddie Day;   Angela Spencer;   Peter Gartside;   Michael O’Connor;   Leslie Hayes;   Veronica Short;   Rose Hough.
LATELY DEAD: Michael Tierney;   Canon Paul Mitcheson;   John Burke;   Gerard Glynn;   Eileen Rigby.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Barbara Doyle;   Ellen Brierley;   in memorium of the 60th anniversary of the marriage of Dorothy (nee Sexton) and John Fogg. May they Rest in Peace

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £611.20; Loose: £302.93; Total: £914.13. Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £30.00 and £11.61 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £33.75; and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Sea Sunday £10.00; Cornerstone £20.00; grateful thanks to the parishioner who donated £800.00 towards the cost of a church defibrillator.

PARISH NEWS

Will all READERS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS please collect a copy of the latest rota (for August, September and October) from the sacristy after Mass.
DEFIBRILLATOR: Thanks to the generous donation of £800 from Oldham District Lion's Club and a donation from a parishioner, we have now been able to purchase a defibrillator for installation in the church. This will be done in the near future. Many thanks for the kind donations.
THE TUESDAY CLUB: consists of a few people (usually retired) who are prepared to spend a couple of hours on Tuesday mornings performing minor maintenance work and cleaning around the church and grounds. The club originated out of the partial redecoration of the church and the other preparation work for our Jubilee back in 2008, but now, the membership has reduced to one - most of the former members having moved on to their eternal reward. John Kitto, who is currently in charge of the club, being the only survivor, who be very grateful to have company. Anyone interested, please just turn up in church Tuesday morning 9.45am - 11.30am.

SMILE – A – WHILE
Sister Marry was truly a religious woman. Besides for her duties as a nun, she was also very active in various hospitals visiting sick patients and taking care of all their needs. So it was no surprise that one day when she ran out of gas, the only container she could find to put the gas into was a bedpan. Sister Mary happily walked two blocks to the closest gas station filled up the bedpan with gas and headed back to her car. Luck would have it that as Sister Mary started tipping the gas into the fuel tank, the traffic light turned red and she had quite a large audience witnessing the spectacle. Just when she finished pouring in the last drops of gas a fellow opened up his window and hollered, “I swear! If that car starts I’m becoming a religious man!”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
WEDNESDAY: Day of Prayer for Vocations for the parish.
Prayer For Vocations: God our Father, You have chosen to call men and women in every age to reveal your love and make known the reality of the Incarnation. You invite ALL people to follow You in a life of love and service in Your Church. Enkindle in us a true sense of vocation. Grant, Lord, that those whom You call to enter the priesthood may accept generously so that the Sacrifice of the Mass will continue to be offered throughout the world. May priests and religious be constantly be given to Your Church so that people in need will always enjoy, through them, Your ministry of healing and find your help. Give us Your grace to recognise the path You are inviting us to take and the courage to respond. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Jesus looks for witnesses who say to Him every day: "Lord, you are my life".”
“Today's Gospel reminds us that the wisdom of the heart lies in knowing how to combine contemplation and action. Let us ask for the grace to love and serve God, and our brothers and sisters, with the hands of Martha and the heart of Mary.”
“Today, the Feast of OurLady of Mount Carmel, we contemplate the Virgin who stands beside the Cross of Christ. That is also the place of the Church: close to Christ.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September at 7.30pm.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Martha is the sister of Mary and Lazarus who received the Lord into her house.. At her request Jesus raised her brother from the dead.
St. Peter Chrysologus: Bishop of Ravenna in the early 5th century. He used short homilies as a way of instructing the faithful and wrote texts.
St. Ignatius of Loyola: born in 1491. After life in the army, he pursued a spiritual life. He studied in Paris and gathered people around him who later became the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). They were effective in teaching.
St. Alphonsus Liguori: after being a lawyer, he became a priest and founded the Redemptorists. He wrote texts and combated Jansenism, dying in 1787.
St. Eusebius of Vercelli: a 4th century bishop who preached and worked against Arianism but was exiled for his for this and suffered greatly.
St. Peter Julian Eymard: born in France in 1811, he was ordained and founded the “Priests of the Blessed Sacrament”. He died in 1868.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN JUNE
Stained Glass Window. It is understood that subject to the approval of the Historic Churches Commission, which is anticipated, the window will be installed by June 4th, the 150th anniversary of the opening of the present church. Sunday 7th July will be a celebration at which the Bishop is to be invited to celebrate the Mass and to bless the window. Unfortunately, the cost of the window has increase by £2,000 to £12,000. This is probably because the design is rather more complex to create than previous windows have been.
Homeless Support in Oldham: A notice concerning a support group for homeless people requesting support and donations was presented to the team. Whilst some support for the scheme was expressed it was not thought appropriate to pursue the matter further as we already support Caritas, Cornerstone Catholic charities, and the Oldham Food Bank. Also, there are Christian and Muslim Charities working together in action to provide accommodation for the homeless in Oldham.

”Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: JULY 21ST - JULY 27TH 2019

16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary.
Jesus said that Mary has chosen the better part.

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;   Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Roy Eaton;   Eddie Day;   Angela Spencer;    Peter Gartside; Michael O’Connor;        Maura Higgins;    Mr. M. T. Jose;   Christal Abraham;   Andrew Hamilton;   Ann Freakly, .Leslie Hayes, Veronica Short,Michael Tierney
LATELY DEAD: Vanessa Denny,
ANNIVERSARIES: Alice Veronica Chorley, Juanito Moniza Jn.,Rose McGladdery,Antonietta Hordynski, Elizabeth Mc Grane, Fatima Pitra,
Carlos and Rosita Varela Pinto, Joseph Mathew, Robert and Mary McFall,
Joe Grenfield.

COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £555.71; Loose: £377.84;   Total: £933.55.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
SEA SUNDAY:£303.13 Redecoration Fund: £.5.28 CAFOD: £30; £10 Oldham Food Bank £10.00 and £30.00 Missio: £12.67 Cornerstone: £25.00

PARISH NEWS

Annual Rosary & Hymns with gospel singer Tom McCourt in Platt Fields, Manchester, (Grangethorpe Road) on Saturday 7th September at 3.00pm. Free refreshments & Ice Cream; marquee with chairs provided. Contact Sarah Mitchell on 0161 431 0410.

SMILE AWHILE:
Charity Begins at Church
After the church service, seven year old Brian said to the preacher: 'When I grow up, I'm going to give you some money.' 'Well, thank you, 'the preacher replied, 'but why?' 'Because my daddy says that you're one of the poorest preachers we've ever had.'
Father O'Malley was driving down to Blackpool when he got stopped for speedimg just as he arrived. 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.'

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
It’s Holiday Time!!
CONGRATULATIONS!! To all those who graduated from the various Universities this last week. Well done!!

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
"To live joyfully we must let go of anger, wrath, violence, and revenge."
"It is by loving that the God-who-is-Love is proclaimed to the world."
"Lord Jesus, cast forth the shadow of your cross over peoples at war: may they learn the way of reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July. (NEXT WEEK)
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Mary Magdalene: Disciple of Christ and first to see the Risen Lord
St. Bridget of Sweden: Born 1303. Mother of eight children. After the death of her husband, she founded the Bridgettine Order.
Saint Sharbel Makhluf: Son of a Lebanese peasant who at the age of 23 joined a monastery, later becoming a hermit. Had a reputation for holiness, and was much sought for council and blessing.
St James: Son of Zebedee and brother of John. First bishop of Jerusalem and martyred there by Herod. Relics venerated at Compostela in Spain.
Saint Joachim and Saint Anne: An old tradition dating from the second century gives these as the names of the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN JUNE

Eucharistic Ministers: It was agreed that it is good to see the younger people in the parish involved in Eucharistic ministry in church. The work done by Jaqui Clements in organizing the young people was recognised by the whole team as outstanding. It was suggested that some of the young ministers should be given further instruction regarding reposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle after communion; recently there have been moments of confusion on the correct procedure.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Two Eucharistic Ministers, Frank Wisniewski, and Jim Taylor will continue the tradition of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the last Saturday of each month.
Confirmation: At least two of our candidates for confirmation were able to attend the half day retreat held in Bolton and they said that it was both helpful and enjoyable. Fr Calum Brown, (St. Edward’s, Lees) is preparing a possible deanery programme for young people, who wish to take part in the confirmation programme ending probably in June 2021 . We await the completion of his work.
Y.C.S. (Young Christian Students) , who met for the first time a few weeks ago, will meet again on Sunday July 21st. Monsignor John Marsland (St. Edward’s Lees) will be taking the lead.
PLEASE NOTE: This YCS meeting has been transferred to 4th August.
Servery in church: It was reported that there is a shortage of cups for the Coffee Get-together after the 10.am Sunday Mass. More will be ordered.

”Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: JULY 14TH - JULY 20TH 2019

15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

A priest and a Levite both passed him by but a Samaritan bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them then carried him to the inn and looked after him. He proved himself a neighbour to the man and Jesus told the lawyer, “Go, and do the same yourself.”

THANKSGIVING: Steph Keogh (birthday), Bridie Murphy (birthday),
Sr M. Agnieszka (Agnes) Giborowska (diamond jubilee religious profession).
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £614.60; Loose: £408.50; Total: £1,023.10.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £5.05, ££4.40 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £19.51, £10.00, £20.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00 and £30.00
Missio: £10.11, £50.00

PARISH NEWS

Annual Rosary & Hymns with gospel singer Tom McCourt in Platt Fields, Manchester, (Grangethorpe Road) on Saturday7th September at 3.00pm. Free refreshments & Ice Cream; marquee with chairs provided. Contact Sarah Mitchell on 0161 431 0410.

SMILE – A – WHILE
A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter.
Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: “I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.”
When he returned, he found a parking ticket from a police officer along with this note: “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.”

A vicar is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street. However, the boy is very small and the doorbell is too high for him to reach. After watching the boy’s efforts for some time, the vicar moves closer to the boy’s position. He steps smartly across the street, walks up behind the little fellow and, placing his hand kindly on the child’s shoulder leans over and gives the doorbell a solid ring. Crouching down to the child’s level, the vicar smiles benevolently and asks, “And now what, my little man?” To which the boy replies, “Now we run!”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: is ‘Sea Sunday’, when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Without them, we would not have most of the items we buy in the shops. Today’s second collection is for Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), the Church’s official maritime welfare agency. It supports seafarers both practically and spiritually. This collection is vital to enable it to continue its work, so please give generously and remember seafarers in your prayers. Thank you. To donate online please visit www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
We pray for the sick who are left to die. A society is human if it protects life, every life from its beginning to its natural end, without choosing who is worthy to live or who is not. (12.30pm. 10th July 2019).

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July
.Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Bonaventure: born in Italy in 1218, he entered the Franciscan Order and obtained a Master’s degree in Philosophy in Paris. He eventually became Minister General of the Order and Cardinal Bishop of Albano near Rome. He is remembered for his spiritual work and teaching.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the principal Patron of the Diocese and our church. The Sacred Scriptures speak of the beauty of Mount Carmel, where the prophet Elijah defended the faith of the people of Israel in the living God. In 1156 a group of hermits settled there and afterwards set up the Carmelite Order to live a contemplative life under the patronage of the Mother of God.
St. John Plessington; the family came from Plessington, near Burnley. He was born in 1634, studied for the priesthood at Valladolid, then worked at Holywell in North Wales, before moving to Cheshire. He was arrested, tried and executed in Cheshire in 1679.
St. Apollinaris was thought to be a disciple of St. Peter and the first bishop of Ravenna (Italy), dying near the end of the first century.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN JUNE

Hope in the Future: Fr. Gasper Oladoso (Parish of Divine Mercy i.e. St Herbert and Corpus Christi) is the deanery priest representative on the diocesan Hope in the Future committee. David Daka agreed to represent our parish.
Fr. Phil reported that the Faith of our Fathers 2 booklet is ready to go to the printers as soon as a final article has been received from Terrence Cavanagh, a former member of Holy Rosary parish who is currently on holiday.
It was agreed that the Prayer of the Faithful on Sunday 21st July, will be offered by younger members of the various communities. They should represent the different concerns of each community. Older members will be asked to contribute similar type prayers at a later date.
Defibrillator: The search for financial support towards the cost of purchase and installation of a defibrillator in church is ongoing and appears to be optimistic.
Car Parking: The new barrier to the car park is proving to be a very worthwhile investment. Not only is car parking easier but the problem of litter has been greatly reduced.

”Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: JULY 7TH - JULY 13TH 2019

14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan; Dominic Boardman; Andrea Spencer; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Roy Eaton; Eddie Day; Angela Spencer; Peter Gartside; Michael O’Connor; Maura Higgins; Leslie Hayes; Mr. M. T. Jose; Christal Abraham; Andrew Hamilton; Ann Freakly.

LATELY DEAD: Mary Grogan; Mychailo Semko; Michael Patterson; Mary Slater; Martin Heslin.

ANNIVERSARIES: Marta Lourdes Barros; Mick McGinn; Herbert Hilton; William & Helen Shepherd; Cliff Bridgehouse; Patricia Mainwaring; Kathleen O’Donnell; Badirou Bachabi; Gordon Mills.

BIRTHDAY MEMORIES FOR Mary Frances Park, Amy Sexton and Pauline Weeks.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £687.41; Loose: £350.02; Total: £1,037.43.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £28.50 and £14.45 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £30.00; £16.13; £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00 and £10.00; altar flowers £10.00.

PARISH NEWS

Will the lady who ordered a framed picture of Our Lady please collect it from the piety shop – we have been unable to contact you by phone.
Copies of the Tablet are now on sale at the piety shop at a cost of £3.60. This is for a trial period to see if there is any interest. Please order from the piety shop.
The Summer Fun Day went very well and everyone seemed to be enjoying the day. The weather remained fine and thankfully not as hot as the previous day. The Barbeque raised £481.46, a magnificent effort! The games were enjoyed by all who took part, including some of the 'oldies' who showed that they have still got 'it'! There were an amazing number of people walking around wearing 'Winner's Medals' at the end. All in all, the whole event was a great get together.
Annual Rosary & Hymns with gospel singer Tom McCourt in Platt Fields, Manchester, (Grangethorpe Road) on Saturday7th September at 3.00pm. Free refreshments & Ice Cream; marquee with chairs provided. Contact Sarah Mitchell on 0161 431 0410.

SMILE – A – WHILE
An atheist complained to a friend, "Christians have their special holidays, such as Christmas and Easter; and Jews celebrate their holidays, such as Passover and Yom Kippur; Muslims have their holidays. EVERY religion has its holidays. But we atheists," he said, "have no recognized national holidays. It's an unfair discrimination." His friend replied, "Well,...why don't you celebrate April first?"

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
FRIDAY: “Life in Spirit Seminars” in the church every Friday evening from 7.00 – 9.00pm for seven weeks. Speakers: Fr. Phil, Fr. Jude and David Booth. All welcome.
SATURDAY: An afternoon Deanery Music Workshop in church.
NEXT SUNDAY is Sea Sunday, when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. There will be a retiring collection for Stella Maris, Apostleship of the Sea, the official maritime welfare agency of the Catholic Church. It provides practical and spiritual support to seafarers visiting our ports. As it is dependent on voluntary donations, please give generously. For more information about its work, visit www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“In difficult times, even more than in times of peace, the priority for believers is to be united to Jesus, our hope.”
“We all go through difficult days at times, but we must always remember that life is a grace. It is the miracle that God drew forth from nothing.”
“Through your attention to the little ones and to the poor, you can kindle stars in the night for those who suffer.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

Parish Team meeting on Thursday 26th September.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Augustine Zhao Rong & Companions: this feast also celebrates the 119 Chinese martyrs who died between 1648 to 1930. Augustine was a Chinese pries. Having first been a soldier who accompanied a priest to Beijing, he was moved by his patience and had asked to be baptised. He was sent to the seminary and ordained a priest. Arrested, he suffered the most cruel tortures and died in 1815.
St. Benedict: the “Father of Western Monasticism”. Born in Italy in 480, he gathered followers before moving south to Monte Cassino where he founded his most famous monastery and composed his Rule, still the most indispensable guide of the Benedictine Order.
St. Henry was born in 973. After succeeding his father as Duke of Bavaria, he was elected Holy Roman Emperor at the age of 41. He concentrated on the good of his people, building monasteries and helping the poor. He was also dedicated to fostering missionary activity, dying in 1024.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN JUNE

Eucharistic Ministers: It was agreed that it is good to see the younger people in the parish involved in Eucharistic ministry in church. The work done by Jaqui Clements in organizing the young people was recognised by the whole team as outstanding. It was suggested that some of the young ministers should be given further instruction regarding reposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle after communion; recently there have been moments of confusion on the correct procedure.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Two Eucharistic Ministers, Frank Wisniewski, and Jim Taylor will continue the tradition of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the last Saturday of each month.
Communion from the chalice: It was reported that some of the chalices used during the 10am Mass on Sunday are running out before communion is completed. One of the reasons suggested was that some communicants are perhaps taking large quantities of the Precious Blood when in fact only a sip is necessary.
Y.C.S. (Young Christian Students), who met for the first time a few weeks ago, will meet again on Sunday July 21st. Monsignor John Marsland (St. Edward’s, Lees) will be taking the lead.
Servery in church: It was reported that there is a shortage of cups for the Coffee Get-together after the 10.am Sunday Mass. More will be ordered.

(to be continued next week)

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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SAINTS PETER AND PAUL (YEAR C)
WEEK: JUNE 30TH - JULY 6TH 2019

ST. PAUL: “I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give it to me on that Day.”

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL (YEAR C)

ST PETER: “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;   Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Roy Eaton; Eddie Day;   Angela Spencer;   Peter Gartside;   Joan Mullany;   Maureen & Christie Smith;   Paddy & Peter Boland;   Mila Moleta;   Michael O’Connor;   Jacqueline Green;    Betty Curran & friend;     Leslie Hayes;   Mr. M. T. Jose;
Christal Abraham.
LATELY DEAD:    Mary Grogan;   Terrance Woods;   Audrey Cosgrave;   Patrick Ayr.
ANNIVERSARIES:    Herbert Hilton;    Kathleen Street;   John Cartmell;           Jimmy Fogg;   Eileen & Esther Parkinson;   Michael McGladdery (Snr);   Patricia Mainwaring. May they Rest in Peace

IN THANKSGIVING FOR prayers answered.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £685.42; Loose: £287.02; Total: £972.44.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £6.45 Gift Aided: £8.00
CAFOD: £30.00; £20.00; £15.10.; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Ecclesiastical Education Fund £10.00; Cornerstone £20.00.

PARISH NEWS

Will the lady who ordered a framed picture of Our Lady please collect it from the piety shop – we have been unable to contact you by phone.
Copies of the Tablet are now on sale at the piety shop at a cost of £3.60. This is for a trial period to see if there is any interest. Please order from the piety shop.

HOPE IN THE FUTURE PRAYER
God, our loving Father, we thank you for blessing our parish with all that we need to respond to our vocation to be a missionary community in our locality. We thank you for all our parish members who, in response to your call give of themselves so freely to enrich our parish life in the ways of love and service. We ask you now to pour out afresh the gifts of your Spirit upon each one of us that we may be inspired to serve you in new and creative ways as missionary disciples, bringing your Light to the world. We ask your blessing upon us as we journey together in hope, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Pray for all Priests and for my Petrine Ministry, that every pastoral action may be sealed with the love that Christ has for every person.”
“Jesus looks at us, loves us and awaits us. He is all heart and all mercy. Let us go with confidence to Jesus. He always forgives us.”
“How many times, in prayer, do we limit ourselves to asking for gifts and listing requests, forgetting that the first thing we should do is praise God’s name, adore Him, and then go on to acknowledge His living image in our brothers and sisters.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: Summer Fun Day at St. Patrick’s School, Lee Street at 1.00pm. There will be fun games, barbeque, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and cold drinks. Entrance fee: Family of 4- £1.50; Adult- 50p.; Child-25p.
ALSO, Polish Confirmations take place during the 12.30 Polish Mass, celebrated by a Polish bishop.
WEDNESDAY: a discussion: “The Dignity of Human Life” at 7.30pm in Christ Church Parish Hall, Block Lane, Chadderton OL8 7QB. Entrance is free by booking in advance and can be made on website www.oldhaminterfaith.org.uk, or by telephone 0161 624 6733.
FRIDAY: “Life in Spirit Seminars” in the church every Friday evening from 7.00 – 9.00pm for seven weeks. Speakers: Fr. Phil, Fr. Jude and David Booth. All welcome.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Oliver Plunkett was born in Ireland in 1625 and died at Tyburn in 1681. Ordained in Rome, he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh. He held synods and promoted the reforms initiated by the Council of Trent. Imprisoned in Dublin, he was tried, condemned and executed in London, a victim of the “Popish Plot” and the last person to be executed for his faith in England.
St. Thomas: unfairly remembered as “Doubting Thomas”, tradition has it that he then preached in India and was martyred there.
St. Elizabeth of Portugal: born into the royal family of Aragon in 1271, she is known for her care of the poor. After the death of her husband, she gave away her worldly goods and joined the Third Order of St. Francis. She died in 1336.
St. Anthony Zaccaria: born in Italy in 1502, he was ordained priest and founded the Barnabites to imitate the work of Paul and Barnabas in preaching. He died in 1539.
Als“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
St. Maria Goretti: born into a poor family in Italy in 1890, she spent her childhood helping her mother. She was much given to prayer, and while defending her chastity against a neighbour trying to rape her, she was fatally stabbed. She forgave her attacker before she died, the following day.

SMILE – A – WHILE
Seamus and Michael, two boyos from County Clare, Ireland went on holiday to Rome. After a quick look around the Vatican they made for the nearest bar. Seamus asked the barman for two pints of “heavy”. “Heavy, we don't stock that”, said the barman. Michael chipped in, 'We've just seen where the Pope lives, what does he drink?” The barman sensing a sale after all says, 'He likes a glass of Crème de Menthe whenever he drinks here'. 'That'll do us', says Seamus, 'give us two pints of that, then'. Two large glasses of Crème de Menthe duly arrive. 'What do you think? Michael asks his drinking companion. 'It's a bit like drinking Polar Mints', his companion replies. 'Ah well, who cares? Another two pints of Crème de Menthe please.' Michael says to the barman. They wake up in the morning, in a terrible state. Sometime later Seamus ponders, 'They say the Pope drinks that green stuff, no wonder they carry him around in a chair.'

A college drama group presented a play in which one character would stand on a trap door and announce, “I descend into hell!”A stagehand below would then pull a rope, the trapdoor would spring, and the actor would drop from view. The play was well received. When the actor playing the part became ill, another actor who was quite overweight took his place. When the new actor announced, “I descend into hell!” the stagehand pulled the rope, and the actor began his plunge, but became hopelessly stuck.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (YEAR C)
WEEK: JUNE 23RD - JUNE 29TH 2019

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, and said the blessing over them; then he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute among the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted, and when the scraps remaining were collected they filled twelve baskets

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;   Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Roy Eaton; Eddie Day;   Angela Spencer;   Peter Gartside;   Joan Mullany;   Maureen & Christie Smith;   Paddy & Peter Boland;   Mila Moleta;   Michael O’Connor;   Jacqueline Green;    Betty Curran & friend;     Leslie Hayes.
LATELY DEAD:   James Meaney;   Terence Macdonagh;   Mary Grogan;   Terence Woods.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Michael McGladdery (Snr);   Annie Brierley;   Jack Mullin. May they Rest in Peace

IN THANKSGIVING FOR favours received from the Blessed Virgin Mary.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £652.01; Loose: £469.81; Total: £1, 121.82.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £8.68 Gift Aided: £8.00
CAFOD: £29.01; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Ecclesiastical Education Fund £20.00; altar flowers £20.00.

PARISH NEWS

Several parishioners have enquired about a popular monthly booklet called Day by Day. We have now ordered 5 of these at a cost of £1.00 per booklet. Please ask the staff for details and if you would like to have a regular order.
Will the lady who ordered a framed picture of Our Lady please collect it from the piety shop – we have been unable to contact you by phone.
Copies of the TABLET (Fr Phil's favourite Catholic newspaper) are now on sale at the piety shop at a cost of £3.60. This is for a trial period to see if there is any interest. Please order from the piety shop.
The Polish nun, Sr. M. Agnieszka Ciborowska is celebrating her 60th Jubilee Anniversary on Sunday 7th July with a Mass at 12.30pm celebrated by a Polish bishop. We send her our congratulations and thank her for all that she does for the church.
“New Dawn in the Church”: a Catholic family pilgrimage conference – Monday 5th – Friday 9th August at Walsingham. See the poster on the notice board.
What a corrie on! Two past parishioners and pupils at St. Patrick’s school both appearing in Coronation Street this week – Rita (Barbara Mullaney) the newsagent of the Cabin, who was at school with present parishioner as Betty Granelli, and there was a brief appearance in Roy’s cafe by Angela Curran, who played Alice Parrot and who was a member of St. Patrick’s Operatic and Dramatic Society. Haven’t they done well?
Y.T.S. – the young people’s meeting takes place in the Parish House on the last Sunday of the month, after the 6.00pm Mass.
Summer Fun Day: HELP REQUIRED to set up the Parish Hall on Saturday 29th June from 10.30am. Just turn up at the school.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: If you still wish to make a donation to the Ecclesiastical Education Fund, please put your offering in an envelope labelled EEF and hand it in at church. The Collection will remain open for a further 1 week.
TUESDAY: the wedding of Dominic Patrick McDonagh and Ellie May Cawley takes place at 1.30pm. Congratulations and Best Wishes to the happy couple.
THURSDAY: Parish Team meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
FRIDAY: “Life in Spirit Seminars” in the church every Friday evening from 7.00 – 9.00pm for seven weeks. Speakers: Fr. Phil, Fr. Jude and David Booth. All welcome.
SATURDAY: the wedding of Mark Thomas Wadsworth and Joanna Drela takes place in the afternoon. Congratulations and Best Wishes to the happy couple.
NEXT SUNDAY: Polish Confirmations during the 12.30pm Mass.
ALSO: Summer Fun Day at St. Patrick’s School, Lee Street at 1.00pm. There will be fun games, barbeque, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and cold drinks. Entrance fee: Family of 4- £1.50; Adult- 50p.; Child-25p.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Cyril of Alexandria: born in Alexandria in 370, he became Patriarch of the city and fought against heresies and presided over the Council of Ephesus.
St. John Southworth: Salmesbury, in the north of the diocese, was the seat of the Southworth family, and John was born there in 1582. He trained in Douai, and returned to England, carrying out his missionary work in Lancashire. He was arrested and imprisoned in Lancaster Castle, before being moved to London. There he was released on condition he left the country, but was found ministering to plague victims. Arrested again, aged 72, he was executed at Tyburn. His body is in Westminster Abbey.

SMILE – A – WHILE
Whilst driving through Wales, I came across a farmer selling goods by the roadside. He had carrots, onions, potatoes, paracetamol and cough medicine. I asked him why was he selling paracetamol and cough medicine. He replied “I'm a farmer see!”

I would give my dad what he really wants on Father's Day, but I can't afford to move out yet.

My uncle had his back covered in lard. After that, he went down hill fast

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (YEAR C)
WEEK: JUNE 16TH - JUNE 22ND 2019

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (YEAR C)

Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, the God who is, who was, and who is to come. Alleluia!

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;   Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Peter Gartside;   Alice Lees;   Patrick Ayr;   Tohon Hermann;   Tarcicius A. Gnanhoui;    Joan Mullany;   Maureen & Christie Smith;   Paddy & Peter Boland;   Mila Moleta;   Michael O’Connor;   Jacqueline Green;   Betty Curran & friend.
LATELY DEAD:   Bernard Richardson;   Badirou Bachabi;   Vanessa Denny;   Maria Lourdes Barbosa.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Marie Polis; Terry Mills (Snr); Terry Mills (Jnr);   Marie Bell;   Bernard Guzman;   Kathleen & Andrew Curran;   Raymond Wood;   Fermina Moniza;   Alan Redvers Whitehed. May they Rest in Peace

IN THANKSGIVING FOR the 40th birthday of Koffi Brou Diane.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £710.57; Loose: £351.08; Total: £1,061.65.
Thank you all for your continued generosity

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £20.00; £20.00; £5.00; £4.00 Gift Aided: £8.00
CAFOD: £30.00 and £11.50; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Ecclesiastical Education Fund £10.00.

PARISH NEWS

The piety shop now has a new range of cards entitled “I Lit a Candle For You” (only 60p each).
Several parishioners have enquired about a popular monthly booklet called Day by Day. We have now ordered 5 of these at a cost of £1.00 per booklet. Please ask the staff for details and if you would like to have a regular order.
Will the lady who ordered a framed picture of Our Lady please collect it from the piety shop – we have been unable to contact you by phone.
Summer Fun Day will be on the 30th of June, 1.00-3.00pm at St Patrick’s school. There will be fun games, barbeque, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and cold drinks. Entrance fee: Family of 4- £1.50; Adult- 50p. Child-25p. Hoping for the sun to come out that day – book it in your diaries, i-pads, calendars, phones etc!
Copies of the TABLET (Fr Phil's favourite Catholic newspaper) are now on sale at the piety shop at a cost of £3.60. This is for a trial period to see if there is any interest. Please order from the piety shop.
The Polish nun, Sr. M. Agnieszka Ciborowska is celebrating her 60th Jubilee Anniversary on Sunday 7th July with a Mass at 12.30pm celebrated by a Polish bishop. We send her our congratulations and thank her for all that she does for the church.
“New Dawn in the Church”: a Catholic family pilgrimage conference – Monday 5th – Friday 9th August at Walsingham. See the poster on the notice board.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Holy Spirit, our harmony, You who make us one body, infuse your peace in the Church and in the world!”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: If you still wish to make a donation to the Ecclesiastical Education Fund, please put your offering in an envelope labelled EEF and hand it in at church. The Collection will remain open for a further 2 weeks.
FRIDAY: “Life in Spirit Seminars” in the church every Friday evening from 7.00 – 9.00pm for seven weeks. Speakers: Fr. Phil, Fr. Jude and David Booth. All welcome.
SATURDAY: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament : 10.30 – 11.45.
ALSO, the wedding of Calum James Mulryan and Kayleigh Linda Louise Cox takes place in church. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.
ALSO, International Mass in Salford Cathedral at 2.00pm. – everyone welcome.

This is a small copy of the new “parish” stained glass window. Copies of the coloured version are on display at the back of church.
We are aware that the dates are wrong; for St Patrick’s, it should read 1858, not 1852, but that will be changed, and a date added for St. Mary’s (1836).

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

Parish Team meeting on Thursday 27th June at 7.30pm.
Summer Fun Day on Sunday 30th June.
Polish Confirmations on Sunday 30th June during the 12.30pm Mass.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Romuald: when his father killed a man, Romuald lived life doing penance for the crime. He was a hermit, founding monasteries and restoring solitary religious life. He died, aged 75 in 1027.
St. Alban: Britain’s first saint. He died in a persecution in the mid 3rd century. He was a pagan soldier who sheltered a priest and was converted. He dressed as the priest, and was executed in his place.
St. Aloysius Gonsaga: born into a noble Italian family in 1568, he became a Jesuit aged 17. He helped the victims of the Roman plague in 1591, but contracted it and died at the age of 23.
Ss. John Fisher& Thomas More: John was born at Beverley in 1469 and died at London in 1535. He was Bishop of Rochester and combined pastoral ministry with study and writing in defence of Catholic doctrine. Thomas was born in London in 1478 and died there in 1535. An Oxford scholar, he became Speaker and Lord Chancellor. Both were drawn into conflict with Henry VIII over his remarriage and papal supremacy. Both were imprisoned and beheaded for treason.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN MAY
Hope in the Future: The final part of Hope in the Future (Part 2) concerns the setting up of Parish Shared Leadership Teams and a Finance Committee. However, as we have had both in the parish (i.e. Parish Team and Finance Committee) for the last 20 years, both of which seem to work perfectly well, it was not felt that further discussion on this aspect of Hope in the Future (Part 2) was needed. Two members of the team – Sharon and Margaret, offered to resign, according to the requirements of the constitution, having come to the end of their three year period. Therefore nominations for the vacancies will be put to people of the parish in the next week or two. Both Sharon and Margaret have indicated that they will put themselves forward for re-election if a ballot is required. All candidates will need another member of the parish as a sponsor.

I would give my dad what he really wants on Father's Day, but I can't afford to move out yet.

My uncle had his back covered in lard. After that, he went down hill fast.

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PENTECOST SUNDAY (YEAR C)
WEEK: JUNE 9TH - JUNE 15TH 2019

PENTECOST SUNDAY (YEAR C)

Pentecost Day came round, the apostles had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven..
.....and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them.

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Peter Gartside;   Dominic Kabaku;   Bernard Richardson;   Alice Lees;   Patrick Ayr;   Tohon Hermann;   Tarcicius A. Gnanhoui;    Joan Mullany;   Maureen & Christie Smith;   Paddy & Peter Boland.
LATELY DEAD:     Badirou Bachabi;   Vanessa Denny.
ANNIVERSARIES: Margaret & Edgar Lees;   Paul Lees;   Jeff Wright;   Joseph Boyle;   Gerard McConville;   Brigid McConville;   Marian Mundy;   Patricia Churchill;   V. V. Thomas;     Mr. & Mrs. George;   Terry Mills (Snr);   Terry Mills (Jnr). May they Rest in Peace

IN THANKSGIVING FOR Georgie Mae’s baptism and the many favours granted.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £886.14; Loose: £320.32; Total: £1, 206.46. Thank you all for your continued generosity

CONGRATULATIONS to Philip Thomas Sumner who celebrates his 43rd anniversary to the Sacred Priesthood on Wednesday (June 12th). He was ordained on June 12th 1976. The day before, on Tuesday, he celebrates his 60 something birthday. Best wishes Fr. Phil and many grateful thanks for all that you do for our church.

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £20.43; £10.19; £8.47 Gift Aided: £0.00. CAFOD: £30.00 and £22.85; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Missio £98.07 and £5.14; Ecclesiastical Education Fund £25.00; £20.00; 10.00; £1.00.

PARISH NEWS

"Church Car Park - to restrict the number of unauthorised users of the car park a barrier has been installed across the entrance which will open automatically 30 minutes before Mass and close 30 minutes after the end of Mass. It is proposed to keep the barrier open all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Any one requiring access when the barrier is closed should use the intercom which will be sited at the lower end of the barrier.
The piety shop now has a new range of cards entitled “I Lit a Candle For You” (only 60p each).
Several parishioners have enquired about a popular monthly booklet called Day by Day. We have now ordered 5 of these at a cost of £1.00 per booklet. Please ask the staff for details and if you would like to have a regular order.
Will the lady who ordered a framed picture of Our Lady please collect it from the piety shop – we have been unable to contact you by phone.
Summer Fun Day will be on the 30th of June, 1.00-3.00pm at St Patrick’s school. There will be fun games, barbeque, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and cold drinks. Entrance fee: Family of 4- £1.50; Adult- 50p. Child-25p. Hoping for the sun to come out that day – book it in your diaries, i-pads, calendars, phones etc!

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“May you be witnesses of freedom and mercy, allowing fraternity and dialogue to prevail over divisions.”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: If you still wish to make a donation to the Ecclesiastical Education Fund, please put your offering in an envelope labelled EEF and hand it in at church. The Collection will remain open for a further 3 weeks.
FRIDAY: “Life in Spirit Seminars” in the church every Friday evening from 7.00 – 9.00pm for seven weeks. Speakers: Fr. Phil, Fr. Jude and David Booth.
*A sketch of our new stained glass window has arrived – there will be a small black and white copy in next week’s newsletter and there is a coloured version in the narthex. We are aware that the dates are wrong; for St Patrick’s, it should read 1858, not 1852. but that will be changed, and a date added for St. Mary’s (1836).

SMILE – A – WHILE
I am not a believer in seances, but I went to one just to see what they are like. The psychic was doing his thing and grinning from ear to ear. I assumed his merriment was due to the fact that he was fooling a gullible public and gave him a poke in the nose. You can probably guess the rest. I was arrested for striking a happy medium.

"Madame Fortune Teller, tell me: Are there golf courses in heaven?" "I have good news, and I have bad news." "What's the good news?" "The good news is that the golf courses in heaven are beautiful beyond anything you could imagine!" "That's wonderful." "And you'll be teeing off at 8:30 tomorrow morning."

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

International Mass in Salford Cathedral on Saturday 22nd June at 2.00pm.
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 27th June at 7.30pm.
Summer Fun Day on Sunday 30th June.
Polish Confirmations on Sunday 30th June during the 12.30pm Mass.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Barnabas: born in Cyprus, he was a companion of St. Paul on his journeys, before returning to Cyprus, to preach the Gospel. His name means “Son of Encouragement.”
Dedication of the Cathedral: in celebrating this feast, we remember that it is the Mother Church of the whole diocese, containing the cathedra which is the symbol of the pastoral leadership and authority of our bishop. St. John’s was built in 1847, and named as Cathedral on the formation of the Diocese in 1850.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN MAY

Summer Fun Day: The date of the Annual Fun Day was set as Sunday 30th June. The Social Events Group who made such a success of the event last year agreed to organise the event again.
Confirmation: It was announced that Year 6 students and older candidates will be invited to a half day retreat as a start of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the near future. The Bishop will celebrate the Sacrament in one of the churches of each Deanery as will be announced.
Y.C.S. (Young Christian Students) A group of young people have met at a provisional meeting as an activity group for 16-25 year olds in the parish. It was well attended and further events are planned.
Faith of our Fathers 2: Sr. Eileen has sent an article for the booklet outlining her time in the parish. This has been accepted and will appear in the booklet. Quotations for the printing of the booklet have been received, one of which seems likely to be chosen.
Prayers of the Faithful: It was agreed that the Prayer of the Faithful on Pentecost Sunday will be offered by members of the various communities in the parish and will be spoken in their own language (with translation). This was thought to be most appropriate for this day, signifying one of the most important aspects of Pentecost – the Universality of the Church, speaking in many tongues.
Defibrillator: Colin told the team that he had been approached by several members of the parish concerning the need for a defibrillator. They disagreed with him when he suggested it wasn’t needed. He thought again, and changed his mind. This was made easier when Frank Wisniewski informed the team that he had been in touch with a local charity, which might be able to assist in the purchase. The team agreed to wait upon the outcome of this. (to be continued next week)

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)
WEEK: JUNE 2ND - JUNE 8TH 2019

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but to those also who through their words will believe in me. May they all be one.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Peter Gartside;   Dominic Kabaku;   Bernard Richardson;   Alice Lees;   Patrick Ayr;   Tohon Hermann;   Tarcicius A. Gnanhoui.
LATELY DEAD:   Anthony Mills;   Emily Wright.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Dorothy Fitzpatrick;    Bessie Beswick;   Susi Ihln. May they Rest in Peace

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £619.28; Loose: £303.27; Total: £922.55.
Retiring Collection for Ecclesiastical Education Fund: £84.85
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £7.96 Gift Aided: £0.00. CAFOD: £20.00, and £10.36; Oldham Food Bank £15.00; altar flowers £10.00.

PARISH NEWS

"Church Car Park - to restrict the number of unauthorised users of the car park a barrier has been installed across the entrance which will open automatically 30 minutes before Mass and close 30 minutes after the end of Mass. It is proposed to keep the barrier open all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Any one requiring access when the barrier is closed should use the intercom which will be sited at the lower end of the barrier.
The piety shop now has a new range of cards entitled “I Lit a Candle For You” (only 60p each).
Several parishioners have enquired about a popular monthly booklet called Day by Day. We have now ordered 5 of these at a cost of £1.00 per booklet. Please ask the staff for details and if you would like to have a regular order.
Will the lady who ordered a framed picture of Our Lady please collect it from the piety shop – we have been unable to contact you by phone.
Hope in the Future: an afternoon/evening with Sherry Weddell – “Forming Intentional Disciples” on Thursday 20th June at St. Bernadette’s Parish Centre, Whitefield M45 7SX. From 5.30pm to 9.00pm.
Apologies if the printing of the newsletter is not up to its usual standards - we are waiting for the man to repair the photo-copier!

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“In our lives there are crosses, there are difficult moments. But in these difficult moments we feel that the Holy Spirit helps us to go forward and to overcome the difficulties.”
“Tomorrow I will go to Romania as a pilgrim, to walk together with our brothers of the Romanian Orthodox Church and with the Catholic faithful. I ask you, please, to pray for me.”
“With His ascension the risen Lord draws our gaze to Heaven, to show us that the goal of our journey is the Father.”

SMILE – A – WHILE
“I said to the gym instructor: ‘Can you teach me to do the splits?’ He said: ‘How flexible are you?’ I said: ‘I can’t make Tuesdays’.”
A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: “Ugh, that’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen!” The woman walks to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: “The driver just insulted me!” The man says: “You go up there and tell him off. Go on, I’ll hold your monkey for you.”
Two aerials meet on a roof - fall in love - get married. The ceremony was rubbish - but the reception was brilliant.
A priest, a rabbi and a vicar walk into a bar. The barman says, "Is this some kind of joke?"

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

International Mass in Salford Cathedral on Saturday 22nd June at 2.00pm.
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 27th June at 7.30pm.
Summer Fun Day on Sunday 30th June.
Polish Confirmations on Sunday 30th June during the 12.30pm Mass.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Charles Lwanga: the ruler of Uganda (1885-7) persecuted Christians of all denominations – among those were Charles and 21 companions, pages at the court, and for refusing to acquiesce to the impure desires of the ruler. All aged under 25, the 22 Catholic martyrs were burned or beheaded.
St. Boniface: born in Devon about 675, and was killed in the Netherlands in 754. After years as monk and teacher, he went to evangelise the Germanic people. Ordained bishop, he founded monasteries and established dioceses, presided at synods and liaised with kings. He was a determined missionary, church organiser and reformer.
St. Norbert: born in Germany in 1080, he led a life of empty pleasures. About 1115 he had an experience after which he became a priest and began preaching. He began the Norbertine Order, became Archbishop of Magdeburg, and died in 1134.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD IN MAY

Car Parking: The new barrier to the car park has been installed and is working well. The barrier is opened half an hour before services and closed half an hour afterwards. At the moment the barrier will be open all day Saturday and Sunday.
First Communion: It was agreed that despite a few chaotic moments, and considering the large number present, the First Communion Mass was a great success.
Security: Despite the success of the First Communion Mass, there was one unfortunate incident. Afterwards, during the photograph time, someone (there is an image of the suspect on CCTV) entered the parish house and stole Fr. Phil’s i-pad and £120 in cash. It was agreed that we should all be more vigilant. Furthermore the glass door leading to the house will in future be locked when Mass is being offered.
Eucharistic Ministers: It was agreed that all Ministers (Readers or Eucharistic) should be reminded again that if they are unable to serve on any particular day, they should inform Colin Riley, or in his absence David Daka who will make the alternative arrangements. Obviously, if there is an unforeseen absence, Ministers should present themselves to serve. It was also agreed that Ministers administering the chalice should return to the sanctuary immediately the Precious Blood has been consumed, put the chalice and purificator ready for the ablutions, and then return to their seat immediately, so as to avoid congestion at the side of the altar.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the last Saturday of the month will cease after May 25th unless a minister is prepared to make the regular commitment.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)
WEEK: MAY 26TH - JUNE 1ST 2019

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)

Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him. Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Vanessa;    Peter Gartside;   Dominic Kabaku.
LATELY DEAD:   Mary Graham.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Dorothy Fitzpatrick;    Eliza Bell;   Charlie Bell;   Patrick Joseph McGrady;   Susan Anne Kennealey;   Kenneth John Chorley. May they Rest in Peace

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £566.55; Loose: £696.75; Total: £1,263.30.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £9.15 and £5.00. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £30.00, £22.45 and £4.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Cornerstone £20.00 and £10.00..

PARISH NEWS

Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage: Thursday 25th – Wednesday 31st July 2019. Prices from £749.00 for 6 nights full board accommodation – return flights from Manchester airport. £10.00 discount for booking online at www.joewalshtours.co.uk. For general enquiries phone 0161 817 2209 or email lourdespilgrmage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
The piety shop has a large range of cards and gifts for First Holy Communion.
"Church Car Park - to restrict the number of unauthorised users of the car park a barrier has been installed across the entrance which will open automatically 30 minutes before Mass and close 30 minutes after the end of Mass. It is proposed to keep the barrier open all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Any one requiring access when the barrier is closed should use the intercom which will be sited at the lower end of the barrier.
Several parishioners have enquired about a popular monthly booklet called Day by Day. We have now ordered 5 of these at a cost of £1.00 per booklet. Please ask the staff for details and if you would like to have a regular order.
Hope in the Future: an afternoon/evening with Sherry Weddell – “Forming Intentional Disciples” on Thursday 20th June at St. Bernadette’s Parish Centre, Whitefield M45 7SX. From 5.30pm to 9.00pm.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Every creature has a function, none is superfluous. The whole universe speaks the language of God's love, of His boundless affection for us: soil, water, mountains, everything is God's caress.”
“We pray for those who live with severe illness. Let us always safeguard life, God's gift, from its beginning until its natural end. Let us not give in to a throwaway culture.”
“We pray for the Catholics in China. May Our Lady of Sheshan help them witness to the faith, in communion with the universal Church, and to persevere in unity despite the wounds and the trials, trusting in the hope that does not disappoint.”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: the Polish children make their First Holy Communion during the 12.30pm Mass.
SATURDAY: the wedding of Courtney André Samms and Chisolum Constance Anakwenze takes place at 2.00pm. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following

Polish Confirmations on Sunday 30th June during the 12.30pm Mass.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Augustine of Canterbury: in 597 Pope Gregory the Great sent Augustine, then a monk of the monastery of St. Peter on the Celian Hill in Rome, to evangelise the people of Britain. Despite turning back once, he succeeded in converting King Ethelbert, and founding the See of Canterbury. He died in 605.
St. Justin was born in Samaria in about 110, and on becoming a Christian wrote two works in defence of Christianity - the Apology and the Dialogue with Trypho which give us much information on the practices of the earliest Christian communities. In an age when Christianity sought to keep itself to itself, he stands out as one brave enough to speak the truth to pagans, boldly and uncompromisingly. In about 165, he was arrested and condemned to death.

SMILE – A – WHILE
Each Wednesday I visit Mrs Evans, an elderly lady who cannot make it to Sunday services. She blesses me, and I often mention her in my sermons. On this particular Wednesday I wanted to get her thoughts on heaven for the Sunday message. After our normal greetings and having some tea I asked her if she thinks about the hereafter. She relied "Oh yes Father, I think of it quite often." Considering her age I was not taken aback by her response but asked her if she thought about it more upon waking up in the morning or at night before retiring? She responded "Neither, I think about it throughout the day, but usually in the hallway leading to the bedroom. I stop halfway down the hall and wonder, what am I here after?"

A small boy is sent to bed by his father. Five minutes later...."Da-ad...."
"What?" "I'm thirsty. Can you bring a drink of water?" "No. You had your chance. Lights out." Five minutes later: "Da-aaaad....." "WHAT?" "I'm THIRSTY. Can I have a drink of water??" "I told you NO!" If you ask again, I'll have to spank you!!"
Five minutes later......"Daaaa-aaaad....." "WHAT!" "When you come in to spank me, can you bring a drink of water?

A minister parked his car in a no-parking area in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windscreen wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses." When he returned, he found a summons from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I‘ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."

A priest waited in line to have his car filled with petrol just before a long Bank Holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Father," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business.”

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FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)
WEEK: MAY 19TH - MAY 25TH 2019

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)

“I shall not be with you much longer, I give you a new commandment: love one another, just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;     Cecile Kouaye;   Helen Roy;   Kathy Brock.   Vanessa.
LATELY DEAD:     Michael O’Donnell;    Edobor Morgan Otoghile.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Mark Tesz;   James Fogg;   Alfred N’Gouary.
May they Rest in Peace

IN THANKSGIVING FOR the birthday of Ivan Lokadi.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £566.81; Loose: £351.86; Total: £918.67.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £9.11 and £5.44. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £40.00 and £15.19; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; altar flowers £5.00.

PARISH NEWS

Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage: Thursday 25th – Wednesday 31st July 2019. Prices from £749.00 for 6 nights full board accommodation – return flights from Manchester airport. £10.00 discount for booking online at www.joewalshtours.co.uk. For general enquiries phone 0161 817 2209 or email lourdespilgrmage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
The piety shop has a large range of cards and gifts for First Holy Communion.
"Church Car Park - to restrict the number of unauthorised users of the car park a barrier has been installed across the entrance which will open automatically 30 minutes before Mass and close 30 minutes after the end of Mass. It is proposed to keep the barrier open all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Any one requiring access when the barrier is closed should use the intercom which will be sited at the lower end of the barrier.
Several parishioners have enquired about a popular monthly booklet called Day by Day. We have now ordered 5 of these at a cost of £1.00 per booklet. Please ask the staff for details and if you would like to have a regular order.
Hope in the Future: an afternoon/evening with Sherry Weddell – “Forming Intentional Disciples” on Thursday 20th June at St. Bernadette’s Parish Centre, Whitefield M45 7SX. From 5.30pm to 9.00pm.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“God proposes Himself, He never imposes Himself; He enlightens us, but never blinds us.”
“God has placed this plan in our hearts and in all creation: to love Him, our brothers and sisters, and the whole world, and to find true happiness in this love.”
“Let yourself be transformed and renewed by the Holy Spirit, in order to bring Christ into every environment and to give witness to the joy and youthfulness of the Gospel!”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: the children on the Sacramental Programme will make their First Holy Communion at 2.30pm.
THURSDAY: Parish Team Meeting in the Parish House at 7.30pm.
SATURDAY: after the 12 noon Mass, there will be the public praying of the Holy Rosary.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Polish First Holy Communions on May 26th during the 12.30pm Mass.
Polish Confirmations on Sunday 30th June during the 12.30pm Mass.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Bernardine of Siena: born in Italy in 1380, he became a Franciscan and was ordained priest in 1404. He gained a reputation as a great preacher, and propagated devotion to the holy name of Jesus. He died in 1444.
St. Christopher Magallanes: born to a Mexican farming family, he worked as a shepherd in his youth. He was ordained priest, and helped to found schools, a newspaper, catechism centres for children and adults, carpentry shops and an electric plant. He was arrested and shot without trial on his way to celebrate Mass in 1927.
St. Rita of Cascia: despite an early desire to enter religious life, she was married at the age of 18. After the violent death of her abusive husband, and the death of her children, she joined the Augustinian monastery of Cascia, Italy, at the age of 36. She lived as a wife, mother, widow, and nun, buried her family and helped bring peace to her city.
St. Bede the Venerable was born in north-east England in 673, and was educated by the Benedictines. He joined the monastery and began a life of great erudition, producing many writings. He particularly worked on the interpretation of the Scriptures and the history of the Church in Britain. He died in 735.

SMILE – A – WHILE
An Airbus 380 is on its way across the Atlantic. It flies consistently at 800 km/h in 30,000 feet, when suddenly a Eurofighter with Tempo Mach 2 appears. The pilot of the fighter jet slows down, flies alongside the Airbus and greets the pilot of the passenger plane by radio: "Airbus flight, boring flight isn’t it? Take care and have a look here!” He rolls his jet on its back, accelerates, breaks through the sound barrier, rises rapidly to a dizzying height, only to swoop down almost to sea level in a breathtaking dive. He loops back next to the Airbus and asks, "Well, how was that?"The Airbus pilot answers: "Very impressive, but now have a look here!" The jet pilot watches the Airbus, but nothing happens. It continues to fly stubbornly straight, with the same speed. After five minutes, the Airbus pilot radioed, "Well, what are you saying now?" The jet pilot asks confused: "What did you do?" The other laughs and says, "I got up, stretched my legs, went to the back of the plane to the bathroom, got a cup of coffee and a cinnamon cake and made an appointment for the next three nights - in a 5 Star hotel, paid for by my employer. " The moral of the story is: When you are young, speed and adrenaline seem to be great. But as you get older and wiser, comfort and peace are not to be despised either. This is called S.O.S.:
Slower, Older, Smarter.

How long did Cain hate his brother? As long as he was Abel.

BBC NORFOLK
Stewart White: Who had a worldwide hit with What A Wonderful World?
Contestant: I don't know.
White: I'll give you some clues: what do you call the part between your hand and your elbow?
Contestant: Arm.
White: Correct. And if you're not weak, you're...?
Contestant: Strong.
White: Correct - and what was Lord Mountbatten's first name?
Contestant: Louis.
White: Well, there we are then. So who had a worldwide hit with the song What A Wonderful World?
Contestant: Frank Sinatra?

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)
WEEK: MAY 12TH - MAY 18TH 2019

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)

“The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me. The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father. The Father and I are one.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;     Cecile Kouaye;   Helen Roy;   Kathy Brock.   Vanessa.
LATELY DEAD:       Norman & Austin Hussey & Judith;   Joanne Hemsley;   Ann McShane;   Luis Silva.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Frank Wisniewski (Snr);   Robert Hendrick;   Robert Lomax; Terence Charles Higgins;   Jenny Stubbs;   Tony Martin;   James Fogg. May they Rest in Peace.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £665.28; Loose: £305.37; Total: £970.65.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £65.66 and £11.74. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £11.80; £40.00; £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £20.00 and £10.00; Cornerstone £20.00; Missio £14.15 and £7.72; £65.66 in donations in memory of Austin Hussey RIP.

PARISH NEWS

Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage: Thursday 25th – Wednesday 31st July 2019. Prices from £749.00 for 6 nights full board accommodation – return flights from Manchester airport. £10.00 discount for booking online at www.joewalshtours.co.uk. For general enquiries phone 0161 817 2209 or email lourdespilgrmage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
The piety shop has a large range of cards and gifts for First Holy Communion.
"Church Car Park - to restrict the number of unauthorised users of the car park a barrier has been installed across the entrance which will open automatically 30 minutes before Mass and close 30 minutes after the end of Mass. It is proposed to keep the barrier open all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Any one requiring access when the barrier is closed should use the intercom which will be sited at the lower end of the barrier.
Several parishioners have enquired about a popular monthly booklet called Day by Day. We have now ordered 5 of these at a cost of £1.00 per booklet. Please ask the staff for details and if you would like to have a regular order.
There is a letter from CAFOD on the notice board thanking Our Lady and St. Patrick’s church for their latest donation of £2, 202.43 – “please accept my thanks once again for your continuing support and generosity.” Another fantastic amount – well done

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Mother Teresa, we ask you to intercede with Jesus, that we too may obtain the grace to be attentive to the cry of the poor, the sick, the outcast and the least of our brothers
and sisters.”“May St Joseph, the humble workman of Nazareth, direct us toward Christ, support the sacrifice of those who do good, and intercede for those who have lost their job or who are not successful in finding a job.”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. A mandatory retiring collection will be taken for the Ecclesiastical Education Fund (EEF).
SATURDAY: Sacramental Programme: parents’ meeting & children’s lesson at 10.00am in church.
ALSO, on all Saturdays in May, after the 12 noon Mass, there will be the public praying of the Holy Rosary.
ALSO, the wedding of Ryan Anthony O’Donnell and Alison Marie O’Connor will take place at 3.00pm. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.
NEXT SUNDAY, the children on the Sacramental Programme will make their First Holy Communion at 2.30pm.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Parish Team Meeting on Thursday 23rd May in the Parish House.
Polish Confirmations on Sunday 30th June during the 12.30 Mass.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
Our Lady of Fatima: Our Lady appeared 6 times to 3 shepherd children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta between May 13th and October 13th 1917, in the little village of Fatima (Portugal). The message given is one of repentance, so that the world may be transformed into a place of grace and peace willed by Almighty God.
St. Matthias: chosen by the apostles to take the place of Judas so that the number of apostles might remain as 12. Tradition has it that he went to preach in Ethiopia.
St. John I: Pope at the start of the 6th century when the Roman Empire was split. He was accused of plotting and imprisoned for the rest of his life, so is honoured as a martyr.

FINAL MINUTES FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING IN APRIL
Stained Glass Window. No further information available. John Green to be asked to pursue the matter with the window specialists
Vegetarian meals: The first of the menus for vegetarian meals has been received and has been printed in the newsletter. More are required. They should be easy and tasty and preferably inexpensive. The idea being to encourage a reduction in meat eating, as this is the most environmentally unfriendly form of food preparation.
Photographs of children from St. Patrick’s on the sacramental programme have not been taken. It was noted that this was because of the large number of children and it had been left too late to make a display possible now. The possibility of holding two First Communion Masses was considered, but in the end it was decided that there should be enough seating in church for just one Mass although it might be a little bit ‘cosy’.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Colin announced that after Exposition on Saturday 27th May, he will no longer be able to take this service as he feels he is becoming increasingly unsteady. It is hoped to be able to train a replacement(s) before the end of June.

SMILE – A – WHILE
One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake up her son. 'Wake up, son. It's time to go to Church!' ‘But why, Mother? I don't want to go.’ ‘Give me two reasons why you don't want to go.' 'Well, one they all hate me at Church, and two the sermons are boring!' 'Those are not good reason for not to going to Church. Get up and get ready.' 'Give me two reasons why I should go to Church.' 'Well, for one, you're 55 years old. And for another, you're the Pastor!'

What excuse did Adam give his children about why he no longer lived in Eden? Your mother ate us out of house and home!

What did Adam say the day before Christmas? It’s Christmas, Eve!

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)
WEEK: MAY 5TH - MAY 11TH 2019

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)

Jesus called out, “Have you caught anything, friends?” And when they answered, “No”, he said, “Throw the net out to starboard and you’ll find something.” So they dropped the net, and there were so many fish that they could not haul it in. The disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;   Peter Wakerley;   Adam Tattersall;   Christine Plummer; Cecile Kouaye;   Helen Roy;   Kathy Brock.
LATELY DEAD:     Margaret Woodcock;   Bridget Lamb;   Son Patterson;   Michael;   Ann McShane.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Danny McGarrigle;   Aaron;   Catherine Duddy;   Mary Bowden;   Anes & James Killeen;   Mary Joceylin;   Duncan Deva;   James Andrew Fogg;   Billy Murphy;   Francis Connolly;   Terry Mills (Snr);   Michael & Catherine McGladdery. May they Rest in Peace.

IN THANKSGIVING TO: the Blessed Virgin Mary for favours received.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £516.35; Loose: £419.45; Total: £935.80.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £19.75. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £16.20 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £40.00; Cornerstone £50.00; CARITAS £40.00.

PARISH NEWS

The Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (July 25th – 31st) makes an appeal for volunteer nurses and health care assistants. Financial support, obtained through a special bursary fund may be available for those involved in healthcare, to assist with the cost of travel and accommodation. Contact 0161 817 2209 or email Lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage: Thursday 25th – Wednesday 31st July 2019. Prices from £749.00 for 6 nights full board accommodation – return flights from Manchester airport. £10.00 discount for booking online at www.joewalshtours.co.uk. For general enquiries phone 0161 817 2209 or email louirdespilgrmage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Salford Diocesan Almanacs are available from the piety shop at £3.50 each.
The piety shop has a large range of cards and gifts for First Holy Communion.
Church Car Park - to restrict the number of unauthorised users of the car park we are installing a barrier across the entrance which will open automatically 30 minutes before Mass and close 30 minutes after the end of Mass. It is proposed (at this stage) to keep the barrier open all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Anyone requiring access when the barrier is closed should use the intercom which will be sited at the lower end of the barrier. The installation of the barrier is scheduled for Friday 10th May 2019
Several parishioners have enquired about a popular monthly booklet called Day by Day. We have now ordered 5 of these at a cost of £1.00 per booklet. Please ask the staff for details and if you would like to have a regular order.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“In many countries May is the month of Mary. May the Mother of God accompany us and protect Christians in fighting against the forces of evil. Let us entrust ourselves to her and pray for the Church and for peace in the world.”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
SATURDAY: on all Saturdays in May, after the 12 noon Mass, there will be the public praying of the Holy Rosary.
ALSO, the wedding of Steven Richard Raczkowski and Clare Suzanne Lucy Bowskill. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.

SMILE – A – WHILE
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office."Is it true," she wanted to know, that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?"
"'Yes, I'm afraid so,"' the doctor told her. There was a moment of silence
before the senior lady replied, "I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition
because this prescription is marked 'NO REFILLS'.."

An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to get the anaesthesia, he asked to speak to his son. "Yes, Dad, what is it?" "Don't be nervous, son; do your best, and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife..."

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Parish Team Meeting on Thursday 23rd May in the Parish House.
Sacramental Programme: parents’ meeting & children’s lesson on Saturday 18th May at 10.00am in church.
First Holy Communion on Sunday 19th May at 2.30am in church.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

MINUTES FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING IN APRIL

Lenten Station Masses: It was thought that the Lenten Station Mass here at St. Patrick’s had been a great success. Reports of many compliments were received from visitors and parishioners alike. Particularly, comments were made on the music; so many different styles combining into a coherent whole.
Faith of our Fathers 2: Sr. Eileen was asked and has agreed to make a contribution to the booklet, and Bernard Madden of Holy Rosary advised that there is a short history of Holy Rosary on the website of Holy Family church, Hollinwood that might be of use to us.
Prayers of the Faithful: It was agreed that the Prayer of the Faithful offered by the young people of the parish was well received. It was agreed that the experiment would be repeated on other occasions, and adults as well as young people be asked to prepare and deliver the prayers.
The minutes of the meeting held to discuss the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter were read. Some interest had been shown in converting Fr. Phil’s lawn into a parish vegetable plot, more interest is required.
Communion by Intinction: Communion under both kinds, when the laity dip the Sacred Host into the Precious Blood, cannot be encouraged. Advice from Rome officially forbids it.
Car Parking: It has been decided that a new automatic barrier, capable of number plate recognition, will be installed to prevent college students taking over the car park.
Eucharistic Ministers: Following a mix-up in the sanctuary on Sunday, when too many Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion presented themselves to administer the chalice, it was agreed that all Ministers (Readers or Eucharistic) should be reminded that if they are unable to serve on any particular day they should inform Colin Riley or in his absence David Daka, who will make the alternative arrangements. Obviously, if there is an unforeseen absence, ministers should present themselves to serve.
Defibrillator: The cost and feasibility of installing a defibrillator in the church was said to be in the region of £1000. Colin questioned the need for any such device. However, it was stated that help towards the cost might be available from the Rotary Club or the Lions Club. Frank Wisniewski agreed to look into the possibility.

(to be continued next week)

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)
WEEK: APRIL 28TH - MAY 4TH 2019
(DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY)

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

“Peace be with you. Thomas, put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer, but believe. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;    Bridie Murphy;   Lyne   Middleton.;   Peter Wakerley;   Adam Tattersall;   Christine Plummer.
LATELY DEAD:     Patricia Abrantes Semedo;    Margaret Woodcock;   Tom Parkinson.
ANNIVERSARIES: Brenda Taylor;   James Fogg (Jnr.);   V. L.Thomas;
Peter Jennings;     T. Philip;   Dawn Cookson-Martinez & baby Robbie.May they Rest in Peace.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £935.42; Loose: £634.34; Total: £1,569.76.
Good Friday Retiring Collection for the Shrines of Palestine: £63.64 Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £10.32. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £140.00; £25.47; £20.00; £10.00; £5.00; Missio £16.82; Cornerstone £20.00.

CONGRATULATIONS , best wishes & love to parishioner Margaret Emsis as she celebrates her 80th birthday. A Mass will be offered for your intentions.

PARISH NEWS

The Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (July 25th – 31st) makes an appeal for volunteer nurses and health care assistants. Financial support, obtained through a special bursary fund may be available for those involved in healthcare, to assist with the cost of travel and accommodation. Contact 0161 817 2209 or email Lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
Salford Diocesan Almanacs are available from the piety shop at £3.50 each.
Will Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please take a copy of the new rota for May, June and July from the sacristy after Mass.
The piety shop has a large range of cards and gifts for First Holy Communion.
Recipe: Vegetable Curry:

Ingredients: 1 large onion (finely diced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 teaspoons tomato puree, 1 tin chopped tomatoes; chopped garlic cloves and curry powder to taste; any vegetables you prefer (root vegetables, peas or beans, courgettes etc. spinach to garnish if required.

Method: Prepare vegetables of choice by peeling and chopping as required (put aside). Prepare sauce: 1) Sweat off onion until soft (without colour). 2) Add spices , chopped tomatoes and tomato puree – cook for a couple of minutes. 3) Add half pint water or vegetable stock. Add prepared vegetables, root veg. first by about 10 minutes (they take longer to cook). 4) Simmer for about 20 minutes. A few minutes before serving, add a little chopped spinach, if you like.

Enjoy! Cook’s Tip: By changing spices and herbs it is possible to make a pasta or chilli sauce!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Parish Team Meeting on Thursday 23rd May in the Parish House.
Sacramental Programme: parents’ meeting & children’s lesson on Saturday 18th May at 10.00am in church.
First Holy Communion on Sunday 19th May at 2.30am in church.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

Hope in the Future: It was noted that much of the minutes of the last meeting regarding Hope in the Future had not appeared in the newsletter. The particular part referred to the use of the app ‘Universalis’ as a means of improving both our private and public prayer life. Peter will be asked to remedy this before the next meeting, as the team felt that Fr. Phil should let people know about this app
In the Future: Frank Wisniewski explained that the next stage of the Hope in the Future programme suggested that we reflect on several aspects of our spiritual life and development in line with the Hope in the Future programme:
Vigour: It was thought that whilst we care very much for the success of the Hope in the Future project, it is difficult to get massively enthusiastic about things suggested in the programme, which as a parish, we do already, and have done for some time.
Prayer life: It was thought that there was a great variety of opportunities for development of our prayer life in the parish: i) The church is open every day for private prayer and meditation. Ii) Terence said that he had been to the 6pm Mass on Sunday for the first time and that he had found it to be a good experience, complementing the 10am Parish Mass and giving everyone a choice of liturgical styles.. The May and October Rosary Devotions were given as an example of our shared prayer life, and the Charismatic Prayer Group as a further example of variety and choice. Iii) The daily prayer app ‘Universalis’ was suggested as a way of combining personal and public prayer time. The app provides for the text of the Divine Office throughout the day, as well as the order of the Mass and readings for the day. All information about the day e.g. regarding saint’s days etc. can also be found. It was suggested as a good way to pray Morning and Evening Prayer together or privately and an awful lot cheaper and convenient than a Missal or Breviary.
Service / Ecumenism: There is an active interfaith group within the parish. This work is more prevalent that ecumenism in this parish, probably because of our town centre location and particular circumstances.
Aggiornamento: The nature of our social events has changed over time. The best example being the Christmas and Summer Fayres, which are no longer purely money raising events. Today they tend to be entertaining and an opportunity for people to have fun together.

SMILE – A – WHILE
Why didn’t they play cards on the Ark? Because Noah was always standing on the deck

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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EASTER SUNDAY (YEAR C)
WEEK: APRIL 21ST - APRIL 27TH 2019

EASTER SUNDAY (YEAR C)

Simon Peter went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. He saw and he believed.

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;     Alison Smith;   Billy Connolly;   baby Ethan;   Maria Ochmann;   Bridie Murphy;   Lyne   Middleton.;   Peter Wakerley;   Adam Tattersall;   Christine Plummer.
LATELY DEAD:     Tom Parkinson; Eileen Godkin.
ANNIVERSARIES:   William & Maureen Sumner;   Lorna Phillips;   Christopher Frankland;   Martin Lucas;   Michael Rubacha;   Daniel & Sarah Breslin; T. Philip. May They Rest in Peace

EASTER MASS FOR Mary Frances Park.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £620.50; Loose: £458.66; Total: £1,079.16.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £100.00, £10.00 and £7.60. Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £20.11 and £10.00; Altar Flowers £30.00; £20.00; £5.00; £20.00; £10.00; £20.00; £5.00; £13.49; Missio £17.11; Cornerstone £20.00.

PARISH NEWS

The Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (July 25th – 31st) makes an appeal for volunteer nurses and health care assistants. Financial support, obtained through a special bursary fund may be available for those involved in healthcare, to assist with the cost of travel and accommodation. Contact 0161 817 2209 or email Lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
Salford Diocesan Almanacs are available from the piety shop at £3.50 each.
Will Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please take a copy of the new rota for May, June and July from the sacristy after Mass.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Today we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us.
“In the Eucharist you really meet Jesus, share His life, feel His love; there you experience that His death and resurrection are for you”.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
SATURDAY: the wedding of parishioners Franciszek Walter Wisniewski and Lynn Marie Nicholls takes place at 3.00pm. With love and best wishes to the happy couple from members of the Parish Team and the church choir.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”
Lionel phones his mother living in Leeds, Yorkshire, UK.'Mum, how are you?' he asks. 'Not too good,' answers Lionel's mother, 'I've been very weak.' Lionel, concerned asks, 'Why are you so weak, mother?'
She says, 'Because I haven't eaten in 23 days' Lionel stammers, 'That's terrible. Why haven't you eaten in 23 days?' His mother replies, 'Because I didn't want my mouth to be filled with food if you should phone.'

While assembling furniture, Liz asked her friend's six-year-old son, Ricky, to bring her a screwdriver. 'Do you want a 'Daddy' screwdriver or a 'Mummy' screwdriver?' Ricky politely inquired. Confused by the question, Liz responded with, 'Bring me a 'Mummy' screwdriver.' Ricky returned and handed her a butter knife.

What do you get if you pour boiling water down a rabbit hole? A hot cross bunny.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Parish Team Meeting on Thursday 23rd May in the Parish House.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

EASTER TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Known in Spain as Semana Santa, or Holy Week, Easter is observed for an entire seven days on the Iberian peninsula. Celebrations begin during the last week of Lent, and it is marked by huge and elaborate religious processions in nearly every single town and village across the country. People parade through the streets in costumes or in hooded robes, carrying intricate religious floats depicting difference scenes from the bible, while often accompanied by live music.
Much like in Spain, many of France's Easter customs stem from Catholic tradition and as such the holiday is usually a more religious affair than the UK's. One such tradition dictates that church bells stop ringing around Easter as a mark of respect for Jesus' death, and to explain their silence children are told the bells have flown to Rome to be blessed by the Pope. On the morning of Easter Sunday - Jesus' resurrection - the bells then fly back to France loaded with sweet treats which they drop into gardens for the children. Once the bells have begun to rung, the Easter egg hunt - or "chasse aux oeufs" - begins.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are both public holidays in Germany, and they celebrate by lighting bonfires around sunset on Holy Saturday. Some places have turned the "osterfeuer" (Easter bonfire) into mini festivals with stands selling sausages, wine and funfair rides while other communities stuff huge bales of straw into a wooden wheel, set it on fire and roll it down a hill (known as the Osterrad). Other traditions include decorating an "Easter tree" with hand painted eggs, known as the Ostereierbaum.
Unsurprisingly the Pope leads the Easter celebrations in Italy, holding a huge mass on Good Friday at St. Peter's Basilica where the Via Crucis, or Station of the Cross, is celebrated. During the mass, a huge crucifix made out of burning torches is raised in the night sky.
Devout Catholics in the Philippines will volunteer to be "crucified" on Good Friday to reenact Jesus' suffering, in a particularly gruesome practice that has been condemned by the church. Thousands watch the reenactment, known as the San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites, in the province of Pampanga, in which believers are nailed to crosses to atone for their sins or pray for others. Penitents volunteer to have nails measuring two inches long hammered into their palms and feet by people dressed as Roman centurions and nailed to a cross. They are only taken down from the cross once they feel atoned of their sins. The practice, which is believed to date to the 1950s, also sees other penitents flagellate themselves using bamboo sticks tied to a rope.

WISHING A HOLY AND HAPPY EASTER TO READERS OF THE NEWSLETTER

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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PALM / PASSION SUNDAY (YEAR C)
WEEK: APRIL 14TH - APRIL 20TH 2019

PALM / PASSION SUNDAY (YEAR C)

.....and as he rode along they spread their garments on the road and began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Breda Barret;     Alison Smith;   Billy Connolly;   baby Ethan;   Maria Ochmann;   Bridie Murphy;   Lyne   Middleton.
LATELY DEAD:     Austin Hussey;   Morgan Woods;   Palma Garnes.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Clementine Ndikumana;   Eric Emsis;   Laura Silva;   Jeff Wright;   Kevin Minnock;   William Brian Bergin;   Thomas O’Brien;   George Brierley;  Mmoniemang Zechner. May They Rest in Peace

EASTER MASSES FOR Margaret Green; Michael & Lorraine; Beatrice Tucker; Sophie Royales; Christine & Roy; Margaret Wright; Cora Overton; Mary & Denis O’Grady; Judith Howe (on the occasion of her being received into the Church).

CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to two former parishioners who celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary - Gerard Guilfoyle and Rosemary McGladdery were married at St. Patrick’s in 1969 by Fr. Devany. A Mass will be offered for your intentions. Also, for the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Ian and Martha Smith.

COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £622,25;    Loose: £376.52;   Total: £998.77.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £100.00, £20.00 and £9.45. Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £18.00 and £10.00; Altar Flowers £10.00; £10.00; £5.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Missio £19.92; Cornerstone £20.00.

PARISH NEWS

GETTING READY FOR EASTER: Help needed! Anyone with an hour or so to spare from 9.30 – 11.30 am on any day, Tuesday to Saturday, before Easter to help with general cleaning and polishing brasses etc. please turn up to the sacristy to help. Free brews provided.
DONATIONS towards the cost of flowers for Easter will be gratefully received.
The Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (July 25th – 31st) makes an appeal for volunteer nurses and health care assistants. Financial support, obtained through a special bursary fund may be available for those involved in healthcare, to assist with the cost of travel and accommodation. Contact 0161 817 2209 or email Lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.
Salford Diocesan Almanacs are available from the piety shop at £3.50 each.
There are 3 tickets available for the Mass of the Sacred Chrism in the Cathedral on Wednesday 17th April (this coming Wednesday!). If interested, ask at the piety shop – first come, first served!

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Lent invites us to look upward with prayer, which frees us from a horizontal, flat life, where we find time only for our ego, but forget God.”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY, is Palm / Passion Sunday. The 10.00am service will start in the Parish House garden and the people will then process into church with their palms.
GOOD FRIDAY: a mandatory retiring collection will take place after the service for the Holy Places of Palestine.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”
"Madame Fortune Teller, tell me: Are there golf courses in heaven?" "I have good news, and I have bad news." "What's the good news?" "The good news is that the golf courses in heaven are beautiful beyond anything you could imagine!" "That's wonderful." "And you'll be teeing off at 8:30 tomorrow morning."

Father explaining beginning of world to son.-In the beginning of the world, Adam was born. Was he born in the morning? No, a little before Eve. A rib was taken from his side while he slept, and that was Eve.Didn´t he need the rib? It was a spare rib. Boy starts to cry.
-I´ve got a pain in my side. Oh daddy, I think I´m going to have a wife.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

ITEMS FROM MEETING TO DISCUSS BISHOP’S LETTER ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Property insulation: It was agreed that all possible means of reducing energy costs: gas/electricity etc have been investigated and often implemented on parish property. The question of Solar Panels was raised and it was explained that we have been refused permission to put solar panels on the church by the Historic Churches Commission. It was suggested that the Bishop might be asked to approach them, as he is the representative of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales on Environment matters, to suggest that they reconsider. The possibility of Solar Tiles was discussed and John Green agreed to investigate. The question was asked, if there was anyone amongst the congregation who might be able to give advice, without pressure or prejudice, on the question of Domestic Solar Panels. It was not known, but was agreed to put the question in the newsletter.
Replacing light bulbs: It was stressed that the energy saving made by replacing spent light bulbs with LED lamps was well worth the investment. The cost of the lamps is more than that of the old tungsten lamps or the many florescent types, but is well worth doing because of the saving in fuel costs. The parish is pursuing this practice already.

HOLY WEEK, the most solemn week of the Christian year, begins today. Palm Sunday, we celebrate the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The following three days we hear at Mass the salient parts of Isaiah’s song of the Suffering Servant and in the Gospel readings the events leading to the Lord’s arrest: Mary, sister of Lazarus anoints Jesus (for burial) with expensive ointment – Judas makes the decision to betray Jesus – Judas takes the money, the other disciples prepare for the Passover meal.
The SACRED TRIDUUM ends the week: Holy (Maundy ) Thursday, The Mass of the Lord’s Supper, marks the institution of the Holy Eucharist when we are reminded of the Lord’s command to ‘Serve one another’.
Good Friday, probably from the Old English for ‘God’s Friday’ marks our solemn celebration of our Lord’s death on the Cross, when we walk with Him on the Via Dolorosa, leading to His sacrifice for our sins.
Holy Saturday is a ‘dead’ day. There are no sacraments celebrated today. The church is open, but the tabernacle is empty. A time for thinking, a time for prayer, a time for wondering …….. then in the evening, the light appears and all is revealed! He is Risen!!
The Easter Vigil Mass explains it all.
The Sacred Triduum should be celebrated as one event. It involves an awful lot of churchgoing, but what a wonderful and meaningful way to end Lent, and begin our celebration of the ‘Feast of all Feasts’.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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5TH SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: APRIL 7TH - APRIL 13TH 2019

5TH SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you” “No one, sir” she replied. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus.

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan; Dominic Boardman; Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Alison Smith; Billy Connolly; baby Ethan; Maria Ochmann.
LATELY DEAD: Austin Hussey; Fr. Myles Sheahan; Morgan Woods. ANNIVERSARIES: Harry Doran; James Cavannagh; Myron Patra; Timothy Killeen.
May They Rest in Peace.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £579.70; Loose: £307.86; Total: £887.56.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £14.55 and £2.30. Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £24.39; £20.00; £10.00; Altar Flowers £50.00; £14.30; £10.00.

PARISH NEWS

Will Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please collect a copy of the Easter Ministries from the sacristy after Mass today.
Will the Filipino lady who ordered large crucifixes please collect them from the piety shop.
GETTING READY FOR EASTER: Help needed! Anyone with an hour or so to spare from 9.30 – 11.30 am on any day, Tuesday to Saturday, before Easter to help with general cleaning and polishing brasses etc. please turn up to the sacristy to help. Free brews provided.
DONATIONS towards the cost of flowers for Easter will be gratefully received.
The Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (July 25th – 31st) makes an appeal for volunteer nurses and health care assistants. Financial support, obtained through a special bursary fund may be available for those involved in healthcare, to assist with the cost of travel and accommodation. Contact 0161 817 2209 or email Lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”

A Bible group study leader says to his group, “What would you do if you knew you only had four weeks left before the great Judgment Day?” A gentleman says, “I would go out into my community and minister the Gospel to those that have not yet accepted the Lord into their lives.” “Very good!” says the group leader. One lady speaks up and says enthusiastically, “I would dedicate all of my remaining time to serving God, my family, my church, and my fellow man with a greater conviction.” “That's wonderful!” the group leader comments. One gentleman in the back finally speaks up loudly and says, “I would go to my mother-in-laws house for the four weeks.” The group leader asks, “Why your mother-in-law’s home?” “Because that will make it the longest four weeks of my life!”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY, Reconciliation Service in church at 3.00pm.
TUESDAY: Deanery Station Mass at Our Lady and St. Patrick’s church, Oldham, at 7.30pm. The car park at the Sixth Form College will be open for the benefit of parishioners and visitors from 5.00pm on the day of the Deanery Lenten Station Mass.
THURSDAY: Parish Team meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
NEXT SUNDAY is Palm / Passion Sunday. The 10.00am service will start in the Parish House garden and the people will then process into church with their palms.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“When we pray, let us recall that we do so with Jesus. Jesus is our courage. Jesus is our security, who in this moment intercedes for us.”
“If you are young in years, but feel weak, weary or disillusioned, ask Jesus to renew you. With him, hope never fails.”
“Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Stanislaus became Bishop of Krakow in Poland in 1071, and immediately took a stand against the brutality of King Boleslaus, eventually excommunicating him. Boleslaus replied by killing Stanislaus himself in 1097.
St. Martin I: born in Italy, having become Pope he called the Lateran Council in 649 to decree against the Monothelite heresy, but was abducted by the Emperor and died in exile in the Crimea in 655.

ITEMS FROM MEETING TO DISCUSS BISHOP’S LETTER ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Dietary Changes: It was noted that one way of reducing greenhouse gasses would be to encourage a reduction in the amount of meat produced and eaten as food. It was suggested that a pure vegetarian diet would, at the moment, be difficult to achieve because it is thought by many to be unappetizing and difficult to prepare. One of those present, Clare, who works preparing school meals said that these were misconceptions. She and others offered to produce a few vegetarian and other non-meat recipes which could be printed in the parish newsletter. This was agreed by all present. It was also mentioned that fish could be used to reduce the consumption of animal meat. It was pointed out that the cooking of vegetables and fish needs much less energy and time than cooking meat. It was also agreed that a ‘tasting session’ for some of the proposed vegetarian recipes could be organized at the back of church after one of the 10am Masses on Sunday.
Allotments: It was suggested that the parish schools should be asked to consider planting vegetables in the school grounds.
Fr Phil said that he would be willing to turn his back garden lawn into a couple of allotments if parishioners could be found to tend them.
Plastic usage: Every effort should be made to reduce plastic usage. It was noted that we as a parish have already started to use less plastic e.g. We now use paper rather than plastic bags for the Christmas/Summer Fayres, our disposable cups and plates are now recyclable. (We still have a few plastic coffee cups but they will be replaced by recyclable ones).
Car-sharing: It was agreed that parishioners should be encouraged to share their cars with other car drivers where possible. It was recognised that this is not always easy.
(to be continued next week)

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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4TH SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: MARCH 31ST - APRIL 6TH 2019

4TH SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)

“My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it is only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell; Dorothy Fogg;      Roy Eaton;   Breda Barrett.
LATELY DEAD:   Bernard Doran;
ANNIVERSARIES: William Melia;   May They Rest in Peace.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £673.92; Loose: £325.10; Total: £999.02.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £40.00; £32.81; £12.76; £7.99. Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £38.18; £10.00; £10.00; £5.00; £2.00; Altar Flowers £10.85; Cornerstone £20.00; Missio £100.00.

PARISH NEWS

Will the Filipino lady who ordered large crucifixes please collect them from the piety shop.
The Easter rota of Readers and Eucharistic Ministers is due to be completed soon. John Green has prepared the usual form, copies of which are available at the back of church. Please complete a form indicating the days when you will be available and return it to John, Colin or the Piety Shop. The completed forms are needed for 31st March latest in order that the rota can be available for collection the Sunday before Palm Sunday.
GETTING READY FOR EASTER: Help needed! Anyone with an hour or so to spare from 9.30 – 11.30 am on any day, Tuesday to Saturday, before Easter to help with general cleaning and polishing brasses etc. please turn up to the sacristy to help. Free brews provided.
DONATIONS towards the cost of flowers for Easter will be gratefully received.
CARPARKING: The Car Park at the Sixth Form College will be open for the benefit of parishioners and visitors from 5.00pm on the day of the Deanery Lenten Station Mass at St Patrick's, on Tuesday, 9th April.
We have been asked if parishes would publish the newsletter insert below on behalf of the heritage research project working for the Holy Name Church, Manchester. Do you have memories, stories or photographs of events that happened at the Holy Name Church when it was a Parish, from the years 1940-1990? We are looking for stories to explore the rich heritage of the Church and to better understand the connection it had with the local community. If you have anything at all to share please get in touch with Amy holynamestory@gmail.comor 07960 975 133.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY, is also known as Laetare Sunday. “Laetare” means “Rejoice” was considered a day of relaxation from the normal rigours of Lent. This Sunday gets its name from the first few words of the traditional Latin entrance (Introit) for the Mass of the day. "Laetare Jerusalem" ("Rejoice, O Jerusalem") is Latin from Isaiah 66:10. Flowers are allowed on the altar and the priest can wear rose-coloured vestments. This year, it is also Mothering Sunday.
TUESDAY: Deanery Station Mass at St. Anne’s church, Ashton, at 7.30pm.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Lenten Station Mass at Our Lady & St. Patrick’s church, Oldham, on Tuesday 9th April at 7.30pm.
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 11th April at 7.30pm.
A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Francis of Paola: born in Italy in 1416, he founded a congregation of hermits.
St. Isidore: born in Spain in 560, he became a bishop. He was a great teacher & writer
St. Vincent Ferrer: born in 1350, he became a Dominican, preaching in Spain.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN MARCH

Hope in the Future: Frank Wisniewski explained that the next stage of the Hope in the Future programme suggested that we reflect on several aspects of our spiritual life and development in line with the Hope in the Future programme:
Vigour: It was thought that whilst we care very much for the success of the Hope in the Future project, it is difficult to get massively enthusiastic about things suggested in the programme, which as a parish, we do already, and have done for some time.
Prayer life: It was thought that there was a great variety of opportunities for development of our prayer life in the parish: i) The church is open every day for private prayer and meditation. (i) Terence said that he had been to the 6pm Mass on Sunday for the first time and that he had found it to be a good experience, complementing the 10am Parish Mass and giving everyone a choice of liturgical styles.. The May and October Rosary Devotions were given as an example of our shared prayer life, and the Charismatic Prayer Group as a further example of variety and choice. (ii) The daily prayer app ‘Universalis’ was suggested as a way of combining personal and public prayer time. The app provides for the text of the Divine Office throughout the day, as well as the order of the Mass and readings for the day. All information about the day e.g. regarding saint’s days etc. can also be found. It was suggested as a good way to pray Morning and Evening Prayer together or privately and an awful lot cheaper and convenient than a Missal or Breviary.
Service / Ecumenism: There is an active interfaith group within the parish. This work is more prevalent that ecumenism in this parish, probably because of our town centre location and particular circumstances.
Aggiornamento: The nature of our social events has changed over time. The best example being the Christmas and Summer Fayres, which are no longer purely money raising events. Today they tend to be entertaining and an opportunity for people to have fun together.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”
Centuries ago, God came down, went to the Germans and said, "I have Commandments that will help you live better lives." Germans ask, "What are Commandments?" And the Lord says, "Rules for living.” "Can you give us an example?" God says, "Thou shalt not kill." "Not kill? We're not interested."
So God went to the Italians and said, "I have Commandments..." The Italians wanted an example and the Lord said, "Thou shalt not steal." “Not steal? We're not interested." Next the Lord went to the French saying, "I have Commandments..." The French wanted an example and the Lord said, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife." And the French were not interested. God then went to the Jews and said, "I have Commandments..." "Commandments," said the Jews, "How much are they?” "They're free." "We'll take 10."

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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3RD SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: MARCH 24TH - MARCH 30TH 2019

3RD SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)

“.....for three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none.
Cut it down; why should it be taking up the ground?

“.....leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it; it may bear fruit next year, if not, then you can cut it down

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell; Dorothy Fogg;      Roy Eaton;   Breda Barrett.
LATELY DEAD:   Bernard Doran;   Norman Hussey;   Kathleen Grady;   Alison Maria Do Ceu Reis Fonseca;   Chris Michael Lennox.
ANNIVERSARIES: Regina Wisniewski;   Michael Street;   Vera Melia; Michael Hywel;   Romain Kibiti;   John & Mary Fogg. May They Rest in Peace.

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF Barry & Trevor Williams.

COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £673.92;    Loose: £325.10;   Total: £999.02.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £40.00; £32.81; £12.76; £7.99.  Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £38.18; £10.00; £10.00; £5.00; £2.00; Altar Flowers £10.85; Cornerstone £20.00; Missio £100.00.

PARISH NEWS

Will the Filipino lady who ordered large crucifixes please collect them from the piety shop.
The Easter rota of Readers and Eucharistic Ministers is due to be completed soon. John Green has prepared the usual form, copies of which are available at the back of church. Please complete a form indicating the days when you will be available and return it to John, Colin or the Piety Shop. The completed forms are needed for 31st March latest in order that the rota can be available for collection the Sunday before Palm Sunday.
GETTING READY FOR EASTER: Help needed! Anyone with an hour or so to spare from 9.30 – 11.30 am on any day, Tuesday to Saturday, before Easter to help with general cleaning and polishing brasses etc. please turn up to the sacristy to help. Free brews provided.
DONATIONS towards the cost of flowers for Easter will be gratefully received.
CARPARKING: The Car Park at the Sixth Form College will be open for the benefit of parishioners and visitors from 5.00pm on the day of the Deanery Lenten Station Mass at St Patrick's, on Tuesday, 9th April.
We have been asked if parishes would publish the newsletter insert below on behalf of the heritage research project working for the Holy Name Church, Manchester.
Do you have memories, stories or photographs of events that happened at the Holy Name Church when it was a Parish, from the years 1940-1990? We are looking for stories to explore the rich heritage of the Church and to better understand the connection it had with the local community. If you have anything at all to share please get in touch with Amy holynamestory@gmail.com , 07960 975 133.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TUESDAY: Deanery Station Mass at St. Edward’s church, Lees, at 7.30pm.
THURSDAY: There should have been a meeting last Thursday to discuss our Parish response to the bishop’s pastoral letter on the environment, but this was not put in the newsletter last week. So, it has been transferred to this evening at 7.30pm in the dining room of the Parish House.
SATURDAY: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 – 11.45am.
ALSO it is the start of British Summer Time. Don’t forget to move your clocks and watches FORWARD ONE HOUR.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“If we abandon the law of love, the law of the strongest over the weakest will be asserted”
“Today we think of people with Downs Syndrome. May they be welcomed, appreciated, and never discarded, right from their mother's womb.”
“Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary, watch over the whole Church always, and protect Her in every moment.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Lenten Station Mass at St Anne’s church, Ashton, on Tuesday 2nd April at 7.30pm.
Lenten Station Mass at Our Lady & St. Patrick’s church, Oldham, on Tuesday 9th April at 7.30pm.
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 11th April at 7.30pm.
A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN MARCH

Stained Glass Window. Fr Phil reported that we are still awaiting a new proposed design from the stained glass specialist.
Lenten Station Masses: It was agreed that Terence Cavanagh would do the first readings and that Fr Phil would arrange for people from the various communities for other ministries.
Faith of our Fathers 2: It was agreed to ask Rose and Miranda as representatives of the Indian Community to contribute an article for the booklet. Sister Eileen will also be asked to provide memories of her time here as a pastoral assistant. A short article from Alexis, representing the African Community has been received and accepted.
Prayers of the Faithful: It was agreed that for a trial period young people from the African Community will be asked to read the Prayer of the Faithful on the last Sunday of the month. It was recognised that they would need help and this will be provided. Then, perhaps other communities would offer something similar.
Defibrillator: It was agreed to look into the cost and feasibility of installing a defibrillator in the church.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”

Centuries ago, God came down, went to the Germans and said, "I have Commandments that will help you live better lives." Germans ask, "What are Commandments?" And the Lord says, "Rules for living.” "Can you give us an example?" God says, "Thou shalt not kill." "Not kill? We're not interested."
So God went to the Italians and said, "I have Commandments..." The Italians wanted an example and the Lord said, "Thou shalt not steal." “Not steal? We're not interested." Next the Lord went to the French saying, "I have Commandments..." The French wanted an example and the Lord said, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife." And the French were not interested. God then went to the Jews and said, "I have Commandments..." "Commandments," said the Jews, "How much are they?” "They're free." "We'll take 10."

Late one night, a preacher was driving on a country road and had a crash. A farmer stopped and said, "Sir, are you okay?" The preacher said, "Yes, I had the Lord riding with me." The farmer said, "Well, you better let him ride with me, because you're gonna kill him.

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2ND SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: MARCH 17TH - MARCH 23RD 2019

2ND SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)

“This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him “

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;    Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Dorothy Fogg;   Chris Lennox;   Roy Eaton.
LATELY DEAD:   Bernard Doran;   Norman Hussey;   Judith Warburton.
ANNIVERSARIES: Lesley Duffy;   John Patrick Duffy;   George Brooks;   Bridget Sheeny.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £633.95; Loose: £338.48; Total: £972.43.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £11.25 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £40.00; £19.00; £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00.

PARISH NEWS

A Quiet Day here at St. Patrick’s organised by the Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May, 10.00am – 3.00pm. Bring your own lunch – tea and coffee provided. The leader of the Quiet Day will be Fr. Andrew Pastore of the Schoenstatt Fathers. Price £7.50 – places can be booked via Colin Riley, but if you wish to pay by cheque please make it payable to Oldham Walsingham Association. See the church notice board for full details.
The Easter rota of Readers and Eucharistic Ministers is due to be completed soon. John Green has prepared the usual form, copies of which are available at the back of church. Please complete a form indicating the days when you will be available and return it to John, Colin or the Piety Shop. The completed forms are needed for 31st March latest in order that the rota can be available for collection the Sunday before Palm Sunday.
Congratulations and very best wishes to a group of our young Indian ladies: Asha, Shanti, Ryina, Riya, Nivya, Neena, Geetha Anu, Geetha Baby, Trisa, Delbi and Blessing, who have all passed their OSLE Nursing Exam. Unfortunately they will be leaving the parish to work in hospitals in Bury and Salford - we will miss them. They have asked for our prayers. May they have great success in their calling, and they can be assured that they will indeed be in our prayers.
New Offertory Envelopes will be available at the back of church before and after Mass today and next week. Please make sure you collect yours. If you would like envelopes for the first time see Colin who will make the arrangements and give you any information you may require. Remember, if you pay tax, GIFT AID your donation so that Colin can claim a further 25% back from the government which goes towards church funds.
GETTING READY FOR EASTER: Help needed! Anyone with an hour or so to spare from 9.30am on the remaining Tuesday mornings before Easter to help with general cleaning and polishing brasses etc. please turn up to the sacristy to help.
DONATIONS towards the cost of flowers for Easter will be gratefully received.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church. It is also the feast day of St. Patrick, one of the patrons of our church.
TUESDAY: Deanery Station Mass at St. Joseph’s church, Shaw, at 7.30pm.
Holy Name Church Research
We have been asked if parishes would publish the newsletter insert below on behalf of the heritage research project working for the Holy Name Church, Manchester.
Do you have memories, stories or photographs of events that happened at the Holy Name Church when it was a Parish, from the years 1940-1990? We are looking for stories to explore the rich heritage of the Church and to better understand the connection it had with the local community. If you have anything at all to share please get in touch with Amy holynamestory@gmail.com , 07960 975 133.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“I ask everyone to remember in prayer both myself and my collaborators in the Roman Curia, who this evening will be beginning the week of Spiritual Exercises.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Lenten Station Mass at St. Edward’s church, Lees, on Tuesday 26th March at 7.30pm.
Lenten Station Mass at St Anne’s church, Ashton, on Tuesday 2nd April at 7.30pm.
Lenten Station Mass at Our Lady & St. Patrick’s church, Oldham, on Tuesday 9th April at 7.30pm.
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 11th April at 7.30pm.
A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Patrick: born in Scotland in about 385, as a youth he was taken captive to Ireland as a slave and worked as a herdsman. After making his escape, he became a priest and after becoming Bishop for \Ireland, he preached the Gospel and converted many to the faith. He died in about 461 and was buried at Downpatrick. He used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, is the Patron Saint of Ireland and one of our church’s patrons also.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem became Bishop of Jerusalem in 348. He is famed for the catechetical instructions he gave to candidates for baptism. He was vigorous in the defence of the faith during the Arian heresy, being exiled three times. He organised the liturgy of Jerusalem, especially in the observation of Holy Week.
St. Turibius of Mongrovejo: born in 1538, he trained as a lawyer and became professor at the University of Salamanca. In 1580 he was chosen to be Archbishop of Lima (Peru). Despite his initial resistance, he went on to be an excellent choice, controlling the abuses of the clergy and using his authority to protect the poor from oppression. He made special efforts to learn the native Indian dialects, so that as he visited his diocese he could talk directly with his people. He died in 1606.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”
There was a preacher who fell in the ocean and he couldn’t swim. When a boat came by, the captain yelled, “Do you need help, sir?” The preacher calmly said “No, God will save me.” A little later, another boat came by and a fisherman asked, “Hey, do you need help?” The preacher replied again, “No God will save me.” Eventually the preacher drowned & went to heaven. The preacher asked God, “Why didn’t you save me?” God replied, “Fool, I sent you two boats!”

Richard, my friend's little grandson came home from Sunday School and I asked him what they had studied. His reply was, 'Nothing.' So I asked him, 'Didn't you study Jesus?' Richard's reply was, 'No, he wasn't even there.'

LA FHEILE PADRAIG 2019 – MASS AGUS SEISIUN
at 7.00pm in Salford Cathedral on Monday 18th March.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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1ST SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: MARCH 10TH - MARCH 16TH 2019

1ST SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)

If you are the Son of God,
tell this stone to turn into a loaf
Man does not live on bread alone
....I will give you all this power
and the glory of these kingdoms
You must worship the Lord your God
and serve him alone
....throw yourself down from here,
He will put his angels in charge
You must not put the Lord your God
to the test

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK:   Sr. Catherine; Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins;Elizabeth Flanagan; Dominic Boardman;Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer; Sarah Bell;    Brenda Linn; Billy Connolly.
LATELY DEAD:   Bernard Doran;   Norman Hussey;   Edna Moore.
ANNIVERSARIES: Sidolyne Chiappi;   Robert Hendrick;   Josephine Craven;   James & Ann Whelan;   Patricia Locke;   John Fogg.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £518.31; Loose: £382.67; Total: £900.98.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £8.85 and £5.00 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £21.00; £20.00; £10.00; altar flowers £5.00; Oldham Food Bank £40.00; Cornerstone £20.00 and £20.00.

PARISH NEWS

A Quiet Day here at St. Patrick’s organised by the Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May, 10.00am – 3.00pm. Bring your own lunch – tea and coffee provided. The leader of the Quiet Day will be Fr. Andrew Pastore of the Schoenstatt Fathers. Price £7.50 – places can be booked via Colin Riley, but if you wish to pay by cheque please make it payable to Oldham Walsingham Association. See the church notice board for full details.
The Easter rota of Readers and Eucharistic Ministers is due to be completed soon. John Green has prepared the usual form, copies of which are available at the back of church. Please complete a form indicating the days when you will be available and return it to John, Colin or the Piety Shop. The completed forms are needed for 31st March latest in order that the rota can be available for collection the Sunday before Palm Sunday.

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH, THE PATRON OF THE MONTH OF MARCH
Saint Joseph, pattern of all who are devoted to toil, obtain for me the grace to toil in the spirit of penance, order thereby to atone for my many sins; to toil conscientiously,
putting devotion to duty before my own inclinations; to labour with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honour to employ and to develop, by my labour, the gifts that I have received from Almighty God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with a pure intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill-spent, of talents unemployed, of good undone, and of my empty pride in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of thee, O Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my motto in life and in death. Amen.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“At the beginning of Lent, it would do us good to ask for the grace to preserve the memory of all that the Lord has done in our lives, of how He has loved us.”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TUESDAY: Deanery Station Mass at Corpus Christi church, Hollinwood, at 7.30pm.
WEDNESDAY: Oldham Interfaith Forum cordially invites you to the screening of 'The Sultan & the Saint'. Based on the book titled 'The Saint and the Sultan' by Paul Moses. The movie is a documentary which tells the story of a meeting between St. Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt on a bloody battlefield during the crusades. The screen time is 56 minutes which will be followed by a discussion. Refreshments will be available from 7.00 to 7.30pm. Time: 7.00 - 9.00pm. at The Honeywell Centre, Hadfield Street (Off Ashton Road) Oldham OL8 3BP. Entry is FREE but please book your place via our website:www.oldhaminterfaith.org.uk
THURSDAY: Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm.
SATURDAY: Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am.
NEXT SUNDAY: Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Lenten Station Mass at St. Joseph’s church, Shaw, on Tuesday 19th March at 7.30pm.
Lenten Station Mass at St. Edward’s church, Lees, on Tuesday 26th March at 7.30pm.
Lenten Station Mass at St Anne’s church, Ashton, on Tuesday 2nd April at 7.30pm.
A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”

A young priest was sitting in a restaurant eating lunch. He opened a letter he’d just received that morning from his mother. As he opened it a twenty pound fell out. He thought to himself, “Thanks, Mum, I sure needed that right now.” As he finished his meal, he noticed a beggar outside on the pavement leaning against the lamp post. Thinking that the poor man could probably use the twenty pounds more than he, he crossed out the name on the envelope and wrote across the top in large letters, PERSEVERE! So as not to make a scene, he put the envelope under his arm and dropped it as he walked past the man. The man picked it up and read the message and smiled. The next day, as the priest enjoyed his meal, the same man tapped him on the shoulder and handed him a big wad of notes. Surprised, the young priest asked him what that was for. The man replied, “This is your half of the winnings. Persevere came in first in the fourth race at the race track yesterday and paid thirty to one.”
An Englishman, Irishman and a Scotsman go for the same job. The manager says he wants each of them to go into his office one at a time to take a test. The Englishman goes in and is presented with a potato, a lettuce and a knife. The manager asks him which is the odd one out. The Englishman says, "The knife, that’s mineral and the other two are vegetables." "Well done," says the manager, "send the Scottish guy in." The Scotsman is presented with the same test. He says, "The knife - you can eat the other two." "Fair enough," says the manager, "send in the Irish chap." The Irishman goes in, and is again faced with the same test. He answers, "The lettuce" "How have you reached that conclusion?" the manager asks. The Irishman says, "Come on, it's dead easy! You can make chips with the other two".
Father Murphy was walking down the street when a well dressed man got out of brand new Mercedes, rushed up to him and shook his hand. "Father Murphy, my name is Paddy Sullivan a I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart." "Oh?" said Father Murphy. 'Why's that?' "It's like this," said Paddy. "Three years ago I was on the verge of bankruptcy and divorce when I went to one of your sermons about temperance. It was the one about the alcoholic who spent all his money in the pub while his wife and children went about barefoot, but the family of the pub owner are dressed in the finest silks and linens." "Ah, yes, I remember that one well," said Father Murphy. "Are you telling me that you gave up the drink there and then and turned to the narrow path of righteousness, is that it?" "Not at all," replied Paddy. "I'm telling you that I opened a pub."

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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8TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: MARCH 3RD - MARCH 9TH 2019

8TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

....... never admit defeat; keep on working at the Lord’s work always, knowing that, in the Lord, you cannot be labouring in vain.

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK:   Sr. Catherine;    Allison Wild;      Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;     Ezbilto Bulioieseclue;   Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;    Brenda Linn;    Billy Connolly.
LATELY DEAD:   Una Lester;   Norman Hussey;   Theresa Hart;   Maria Capuno;    Celso Padua;    John Fitsimmons.
ANNIVERSARIES: Joao Luiz Lopes;   Claudia Moreira;   Shaun Caine;     Hannah Sexton;   Catherine (Kitty) Finnegan;   Peter Crosby;   Gertrude Ndagijimana. May they Rest in Peace.

COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £425.46;    Loose: £359.50;   Total: £784.96.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £18.83; £17.35; £12.05 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £60.00; £16.22; £10.00;   altar flowers £10.00.

PARISH NEWS

A Quiet Day here at St. Patrick’s organised by the Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May, 10.00am – 3.00pm. Bring your own lunch – tea and coffee provided. The leader of the Quiet Day will be Fr. Andrew Pastore of the Schoenstatt Fathers. Price £7.50 – places can be booked via Colin Riley, but if you wish to pay by cheque please make it payable to Oldham Walsingham Association. See the church notice board for full details.
A donation was received in an envelope marked HRHH. This address is not known. Will the donator please inform Colin Riley to whom the payment is to be made.

“BITS & PIECES”
Oldham Interfaith Forum cordially invites you to the screening of 'The Sultan & the Saint'. Based on the book titled 'The Saint and the Sultan' by Paul Moses. The movie is a documentary which tells the story of a meeting between St. Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt on a bloody battlefield during the crusades. The screen time is 56 minutes which will be followed by a discussion. Refreshments will be available from 7.00 to 7.30pm.
Time: 7.00 9.00pm
Date: Wednesday 13th March
Venue: The Honeywell Centre,
Hadfield Street (Off Ashton Road) Oldham OL8 3BP
Entry is FREE but please book your place via our website:www.oldhaminterfaith.org.uk

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
THURSDAY: Parish Team meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish House.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“All abuse is always an eyesore. In the justified rage of the people, the Church sees the reflection of the wrath of God. We have a duty to listen attentively to this silent cry.”
“Lord, focus our gaze on what is essential, make us strip ourselves of everything that does not help to make the Gospel of Jesus Christ transparent”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Deanery Station Mass at Corpus Christi church, Hollinwood, on Tuesday 12th March at 7.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 16th March.
Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 17th March.
A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Casimir: the son of the King of Poland, Casimir was born in 1458, and became known for his practice of the Christian virtues, especially chastity and the love of the poor. He died aged 26 of a lung disease and is especially remembered for the love of the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ss. Perpetua and Felicity: these two martyrs died in Carthage in 203, in the persecution under Septimus Severus. The account of their lives, partly written by the saints themselves, and by eyewitnesses, survives.
St. John of God: another saint like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Ignatius of Loyola, who gave up a promising military career to serve God and the poor. Portuguese, he founded a hospital in Seville, where he was outstanding in his love for the sick and needy. He died in 1550.
St. Frances of Rome was born in Rome in 1384, was married and had three children. She was known for her love of the sick, ministering to the victims of the frequent epidemics among the poor. She founded a congregation to continue this work.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN FEBRUARY

A publisher has been found to print hard copies of Faith of our Fathers 2. About 100 copies was suggested. An article has been received from Colin Riley giving his perspective of events at St. Patrick’s over the past 20 years, and others are expected from representatives of the various choirs. Terence Cavanagh agreed to write a piece, as a member of the former Holy Rosary Parish, with regard to his experience of our newly amalgamated parish of Our Lady and St. Patrick.
Parish History/Archives: Fr. Phil reported that the Log Book for Holy Rosary Church has been found. It is in the possession of Mr. Bernard Madden who is writing a ‘History of Holy Rosary’. Fr Phil has given permission to Mr. Madden to keep the log until the work is finished. When this is completed it could be posted on our parish web site if all parties are in agreement.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: FEBRUARY 24TH - MARCH 2ND 2019

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

Do not judge and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned; give and there will be gifts for you..... because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK:   Sr. Catherine;    Allison Wild;      Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;     Ezbilto Bulioieseclue;   Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;    Brenda Linn;    Billy Connolly.
LATELY DEAD:   Una Lester;   Norman Hussey;   Theresa Hart;   Maria Capuno;    Celso Padua;    John Fitsimmons.
ANNIVERSARIES: Joao Luiz Lopes;   Claudia Moreira;   Shaun Caine;     Hannah Sexton;   Catherine (Kitty) Finnegan;   Peter Crosby;   Gertrude Ndagijimana. May they Rest in Peace.

PARISH NEWS

A Quiet Day here at St. Patrick’s organised by the Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May, 10.00am – 3.00pm. Bring your own lunch – tea and coffee provided. The leader of the Quiet Day will be Fr. Andrew Pastore of the Schoenstatt Fathers. Price £7.50 – places can be booked via Colin Riley, but if you wish to pay by cheque please make it payable to Oldham Walsingham Association. See the church notice board for full details.
A donation was received in an envelope marked HRHH. This address is not known. Will the donator please inform Colin Riley to whom the payment is to be made.

MINUTES OF ST. PATRICK’S FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Cyril Clarke, the Parish Bookkeeper, gave an overall view of the parish finances as shown on the Annual Financial Statement, presented to the diocese for the year ending 31st December 2018. The following points were raised:
Total cash in the bank at the start of the year: £37,348.62
Total cash in the bank at the end of the year:        £69,792.33
Difference:        £32,443.71.
This positive balance was attributed mainly to the VAT reclaimed by John Green on eligible works. John explained that there was still more VAT to be reclaimed from payment of the monies retained for the lighting and the architectural contracts. The analysis of income and expenditure were approved as a true record. The foreseeable planned spending for 2019, i.e. i) The new stained glass window. Ii) Church roof maintenance. Iii) Work on the conservatory in the presbytery garden, amounting to approximately £20,000 in total was approved.
Special thanks were given to John Green for his excellent work reclaiming VAT, and to Cyril Clarke for his careful and efficient preparation of the Parish Accounts.

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY:   The National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, along with Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco will visit the Cathedral (yesterday and today). A whole series of events and services are planned across the two days. Devotions are encouraged between services and all are welcome to celebrate this once in a lifetime visitation.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“I invite you to pray during these days for the Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church, an event that I want to be a powerful gesture of pastoral responsibility in the face of an urgent challenge of our time.”
“Christians promote peace, starting with the community in which they live.”
“Lord, deliver us from the temptation to want to save ourselves, and our reputations; help us to acknowledge our guilt and to seek humble and concrete answers together, and in communion with all the People of God.”
“We ask the Holy Spirit to support us these days and to help us transform this evil into an opportunity for consciousness and purification.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Parish Team meeting on Thursday 7th March at 7.30pm.
Deanery Station Mass at Corpus Christi church, Hollinwood, on Tuesday 12th March at 7.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 16th March.
Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 17th March.
A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. David was born in Cardigan (Wales) around 520. According to tradition, David was the son of King Sant of South Wales and St. Non. He was ordained a priest and later studied under St. Paulinus. He founded monasteries, known for their austerity of life until being made a bishop and primate of Wales. He settled his see at Mynyw (Menevia) in south-west Wales and died there in about 588.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN FEBRUARY

The team began to study the first part of Stage 2 of the Bishop’s project ‘Hope in the Future’. In it, it was suggested that all parishes should prepare a Mission Statement, or review any such statement that might already exist. The team took a look at our Parish Mission Statement and agreed that it fairly stated our aims as a parish. However it was agreed to add the words “in communion with the wider Church” to the preamble, in order to express and confirm the universality of our mission. The Mission Statement can be found on our website. A series of questions was proposed, reviewing aspects of our church life ranging over many subjects. It was found that we can and do respond positively to most of these. It was thought though, that there was room for the development of further ongoing formation for young people and adults by way of a bible or catechism study group. We agreed to discuss this again. When the question of parish ‘outreach’ was considered, the team recognised the need for a parish representative for Caritas. We have parishioners who work tirelessly for Cafod and Missio, but no one representing the diocesan charity Caritas. It was agreed to seek out a suitable volunteer to fill this gap.
Lenten Station Masses: Fr Phil will approach the various choirs regarding availability for the Station Mass at St. Patrick’s on 9th April.
Prayers of the Faithful: It was suggested that lay people should pray the prayer of the Faithful at the Parish Mass. It was agreed that this is the ideal situation and that we should look for people who could be invited to write down and read suitable prayers. The prayers should not be overlong, and should be relevant to the scripture reading of the day and have an awareness of current affairs. We agreed to look for potential candidates to form a team of writers and readers of these prayers.

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6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: FEBRUARY 17TH - FEBRUARY 23RD 2019

6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

"A blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord for his hope. He is like a tree by the waterside that thrusts its roots to the stream: its foliage stays green; it has no worries in a year of drought, and never ceases to bear fruit.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK:   Sr. Catherine;    Allison Wild;      Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;     Dominic Boardman;   Mary Garvey;   Theresa Hart;   Norman Hussey;    Ezbilto Bulioieseclue;   Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell.
LATELY DEAD:    Una Lester;   Duncan Crawford;   Ray Hart;   Sam Ward;   Anna O’Connor;   Alice Karpasides;   Tina Da Damo.
ANNIVERSARIES: Brenda Hanson;   Zofija Jan Ivan Jadinga Albert. May they Rest in Peace.
IN THANKSGIVING FOR favours received.

COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £516.53;    Loose: £381.14;   Total: £897.67.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £12.10 and £10.00  Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £60.00; £33.00; £20.00; £10.00   Cornerstone: £40.00 and £20.00; Oldham Food Bank: £40.00 and £20.00.

PARISH NEWS

A Quiet Day here at St. Patrick’s organised by the Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May, 10.00am – 3.00pm. Bring your own lunch – tea and coffee provided. The leader of the Quiet Day will be Fr. Andrew Pastore of the Schoenstatt Fathers. Price £7.50 – places can be booked via Colin Riley, but if you wish to pay by cheque please make it payable to Oldham Walsingham Association. See the church notice board for full details.
The National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, along with Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco will visit the Cathedral on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th February. A whole series of events and services are planned across the two days. Devotions are encouraged across the two days between services and all are welcome to celebrate this once in a lifetime visitation.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”
(The visiting Bible school supervisor asks little Johnny during Bible class, "Who broke down the walls of Jericho?" Little Johnny replies, "I dunno, but it wasn't me!" The supervisor, taken aback by Johnny's lack of basic Bible knowledge goes to the school principal and relates the whole incident. The principal replies, "I know Little Johnny as well as his whole family very well and can vouch for them; if Little Johnny said that he did not do it, then I, as principal is satisfied that it is the truth." Even more appalled, the inspector goes to the regional Head of Education and relates the whole story... After listening he replies: "I can't see why you are making such a big issue out of this; just get three quotes and fix the blinking wall!"

If Mary had Jesus, and Jesus is the lamb of God, does that mean Mary had a little lamb?

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY is Racial Justice Sunday. Prayer for those facing exploitation:
O God, gracious God, from your abundance all gifts and skills are bestowed, making us participants in your work of creation. By the word of your Son, confront our greed, challenge us when we treat people as means of profit, or discriminate unjustly against our fellow human beings. Raise us up to new life in your service that in all our works begun, continued and ended in you we may glorify your holy name. Through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen
Do you want to transform refugees’ lives and and galvanise your parish? Why not answer Pope Francis’s call and sponsor a refugee family?.
SATURDAY: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 – 11.45am.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“A generous attitude towards the sick is salt of the earth and light of the world. May Our Lady of Lourdes help us to practice it, and obtain peace and comfort for all those who suffer.”
“Thousands of children, forced to fight in armed conflicts, are robbed of their childhood. Let us stop this abominable crime.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Parish Team meeting on Thursday 7th March at 7.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 16th March.
Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 17th March.
A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Peter Damian: born in 1007, he became a hermit before taking part in a great reform of the Church. He was made Bishop of Ostia and on his death in 1072 was immediately venerated as a saint.
The Chair of St. Peter: this feast of the See of Rome has been kept from the 4th century. It celebrates the unity of the Church gathered around Peter, the Prince of the Apostles.
St. Polycarp was one of the “second-generation” Christians – a disciple of the Apostles. He became Bishop of Smyrna, but was arrested in Rome and burned to death for his faith.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN FEBRUARY

Fr. Phil reported that a meeting had been held with the designer of the new stained glass window, who had been informed of the negative views of the majority of the team regarding the design. It had been intended that the designer of the Filipino window should be in attendance but she was unable to travel from Scotland because of the snow. However, she has agreed to prepare a more suitable design, having been made aware of our feelings. A design suggested by a team member was given to her and she will bear that in mind as she attempts to satisfy our requirements. A response is expected in the next couple of weeks.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP): Fr Phil has received a letter from CAP suggesting that we as a parish might wish to engage in the work of CAP. This is a Christian Debt Charity, in good standing, which works to help people with financial problems, debt counselling and the like. They are offering a one day training course in Bradford on Saturday 2nd March. The course includes the days training, lunch, all the resources needed for the course and ongoing support at a cost of £45. It was agreed that the parish would fund the course if a suitable person could be found to go.
Mission Appeal: It was agreed that St Patrick’s Missionary Society (Kiltegan Fathers) should be invited to make this year’s appeal. The date will probably be early September.

(to be continued next week)

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: FEBRUARY 10TH - FEBRUARY 16TH 2019

5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch”.....they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear.....”Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK:   Sr. Catherine;    Allison Wild;      Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;
Fr. Lionel Devaney;   Emily McGladdery;    Dominic Boardman;   Mary Garvey;   Theresa Hart;   Norman Hussey;   Sr. Collette;   Ezbilto Bulioieseclue;   Michelle Hanson; Andrea Spencer;   Sarah Bell;   Duncan Crawford.
LATELY DEAD:    Arthur Bowskill;   Mary Catherine Ward;   June Cave; Shaun.
ANNIVERSARIES:    Henryk Sobieralski;   John Kendrick;   Czestaw Bulioieseclue;   Romeo Tee;   Herminio Moleta. May they Rest in Peace.
BIRTHDAY MEMORIES OF Arthur Haines and Irene Watson.
COLLECTION:   Envelopes: £571.77;    Loose: £343.99;   Total: £915.76.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £7.53 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £60.00; £11.87; £10.00;   Cornerstone: £20.00; Caritas: £5.00; Oldham Food Bank: £10.00 and £10.00.

PARISH NEWS

A Quiet Day here at St. Patrick’s organised by the Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May, 10.00am – 3.00pm. Bring your own lunch – tea and coffee provided. The leader of the Quiet Day will be Fr. Andrew Pastore of the Schoenstatt Fathers. Price £7.50 – places can be booked via Colin Riley, but if you wish to pay by cheque please make it payable to Oldham Walsingham Association. See the church notice board for full details.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”
Johnny was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. "Well, mum, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. "When he got to the Red Sea he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and saved the Israelites." "Now, Johnny, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked. "Well, no, mom, but if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it."

There was an old woman on a plane, sitting next to the Pope. It was stormy outside, and the plane was being rocked by some severe turbulence. So this kindly old lady looked upon Death's door, and said to her papal neighbour. 'Father, surely you can do something about this...' To which the Pope replied, 'Sorry lady, I'm in
sales, not management.'

The priest was preparing a man for his long day's journey into night.
Whispering firmly, the priest said, "Denounce the Devil! Let him know how little you think of his evil!" The dying man said nothing. The priest repeated his order. Still the dying man said nothing. The priest asked, "Why do you refuse to denounce the Devil and his evil?" The dying man said, "Until I know where I'm heading, I don't think I ought to aggravate anybody!"

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: the baptism and christening of Eva Wearing takes place during the 10.00am Mass. We welcome her into our parish community and wish her many future blessings.

NEXT SUNDAY is Racial Justice Sunday.

Prayer for those facing exploitation:
O God, gracious God, from your abundance all gifts and skills are bestowed, making us participants in your work of creation. By the word of your Son, confront our greed, challenge us when we treat people as means of profit, or discriminate unjustly against our fellow human beings. Raise us up to new life in your service that in all our works begun, continued and ended in you we may glorify your holy name. Through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“ I am about to leave for the United Arab Emirates. I am visiting that Country as a brother, in order to write a page of dialogue together, and to travel paths of peace together. Pray for me!”
“Human trafficking is a terrible violation of human dignity. Let us open our eyes to this shameful scourge and commit ourselves to fighting it.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Parish Team meeting on Thursday 7th March at 7.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 16th March.
Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 17th March.
A Quiet Day organised by Oldham Walsingham Association on Wednesday 1st May.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
Our Lady of Lourdes: in 1858Our Lady appeared to a poor peasant girl called Bernadette Soubirous near Lourdes in France, in the grotto of Massabielle at the foot of the Pyrenees. Through the poor child, Mary called sinners to penance and thereby there arose in the Church a marvellous spirit of prayer and charity, especially in helping the poor and the sick.
St. Cyril and St. Methodius: brothers and missionaries who carried the Gospel into the Slavonic countries. They translated the liturgical books into the Slavonic language, inventing a new script, Cyrillic, to do so. Cyril died in 869, Methodius in 885.

EXCERPTS FROM A LETTER RECEIVED BY MRS. HALLIWELL
We would like to congratulate you, your staff and your pupils on the very high level of progress that pupils in your school demonstrated in the reading, writing and mathematics key Stage 2 assessments last year. Your school’s results show progress scores of 4,7, 5.6 and 4.9 – this means that your pupils make is amongst the top 3% of schools in England. Thank you for producing such high standards through your hard work and professionalism.
With best wishes, yours sincerely
Rt. Hon. Damian Hinds (Secretary of State for Education)
Rt. Hon. Nick Gibb (Minister of State for School Standards.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN FEBRUARY

St. Patrick’s School: The Secretary of State for Education has written to Mrs Halliwell congratulating the school for being in the top 3% of schools nationwide in raising standards, particularly in English reading, writing, and mathematics. It was agreed that this is a magnificent achievement.
Coffee after Masses: It was agreed that the storage place for everything necessary will be the piety shop.
Exterior Church Notice Board: It was agreed to replace and update the notice board including using the name of the New Parish.

(to be continued next week)

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: FEBRUARY 3RD - FEBRUARY 9TH 2019

4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.

LATELY DEAD: Calleen McAllister; Fr. Daniel O’Leary; Colette Garratt;
Monica Hyland; Redmond Tully.

ANNIVERSARIES: Patricia Joceylin; Joe Jacewicz; John Kendrick.
May they Rest in Peace.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £588.90; Loose: £346.75; Total: £935.65.
Retiring Collection for Caritas Diocese of Salford: £408.68
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £7.27 and £5.59 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £60.00; £20.00; £20.00; £21.05; £10.00; £6.64; Cornerstone: £50.00

PARISH NEWS
The Charismatic Prayer Group meets every Friday for praise and worship in church from 7.00 – 9.00pm. Contact 079701 88673. Everybody is welcome.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”
A Jewish lady named Mrs. Rosenberg who many years ago was stranded late one night at a fashionable resort - one that did not admit Jews .The desk clerk looked down at his book and said, "Sorry, no room. The hotel is full." The Jewish lady said, "But your sign says that you have vacancies." The desk clerk stammered and then said curtly, "You know that we do not admit Jews. Now if you will try the other side of town..." Mrs. Rosenberg stiffened noticeably and said, "I'll have you know I converted to your religion." The desk clerk said, "Oh, yeah, let me give you a little test. How was Jesus born?" Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born to a virgin named Mary in a little town called Bethlehem." "Very good," replied the hotel clerk. "Tell me more." Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born in a manger."
“That's right," said the hotel clerk. "And why was he born in a
manger?" Mrs. Rosenberg said loudly, "Because a jerk like you in the hotel wouldn't give a Jewish lady a room for the night!"

While I was in hospital I had to go for an x-ray. As I was sitting waiting to be seen, the lad next to me says," Fair fae yer honest sonsieface! Great chieftain o' the puddin race!!" I was like, eh? I turned my head round to the lady sat on my other side, she said, "Wee, sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie, O, what a panic's in thy breastie!". As I grabbed the next doctor walking past I said, "Here, doc, is this the psychiatric ward?" He says," No this is the burns unit!” (Burn’s night was on Friday Jan. 25th)

A mother was teaching her three year old daughter The Lord's Prayer. For several evenings at bedtime, she repeated it after her mother. One night she said she was ready to solo. The mother listened with pride, as she carefully enunciated each
word right up to the end..."And lead us not into temptation", she prayed, "but deliver us some e-mail, Amen."

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TUESDAY: is Chinese New Year and is also known as the Spring Festival. This is the year of the pig and pigs are a symbol of wealth. So, to our Chinese friends -
Xin nian kuai le (Happy New Year).
THURSDAY : Parish Team meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
NEXT SUNDAY: the baptism and christening of Eva Wearing takes place during the 10.00am Mass. We welcome her into our parish community and wish her many future blessings.

“TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“May the Lord give us the grace of memory and of hope, in order to go forward with perseverance on the journey of our life.”
“Don Bosco had the courage to look at reality with human eyes and with the eyes of God. May every priest imitate him by seeing reality with human eyes and with the eyes of God.”
“The secret to navigating life well is to invite Jesus on board. The helm of life should be given to Him, so that He can direct the route.”

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 16th March.
Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 17th March.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Agatha was martyred in Sicily in the persecution under Emperor Decius (240 – 251). Devotion to her was strong from the earliest times.
St. Paul Miki and Companions were Japanese martyrs. Towards the end of the 16th century, the Emperor Hideyoshi began a persecution of the Catholic Church and among those arrested were Paul Miki, a young Jesuit, and 25 others, some as young as 13. They were taken to Nagasaki where they were crucified in 1597.
St. Jerome Emiliani: like other saints, Jerome started adult life as a soldier, but after capture and imprisonment he left his military career and began to serve the poor and needy by founding the “Order of Clerks Regular of Somaschi”. He died in 1537.
St. Josephine Bakhita: born in Sudan in 1869, she was kidnapped, sold as a slave and taken to Italy. There she became a Catholic and entered the Institute of St. Mary Magdalene of Canossa, where she took part in the community life of prayer, cooking sewing, embroidery and attending to the poor. Her humility, simplicity and constant smile won the hearts of all the citizens. She died in 1947.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN JANUARY

Lenten Station Masses: The dates for the Station Masses this year:

12th March: Corpus Christi, Hollinwood
19th March: St Joseph’s, Shaw
26th March: St Edward’s, Lees.
2nd April: St. Anne’s, Ashton.
9th April: Our Lady and St Patrick’s, Oldham.
All Masses are on Tuesday and start at 7.30pm

Parish History/Archives: It was noted that we have found no written evidence of the history of Holy Rosary parish, by way of log books etc. It was agreed that Fr. McKie and other former parish priests should be consulted to determine if these documents existed when he was there. Also, parishioners could be approached for memories and memorabilia.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 2ND 2019

3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, To proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine;   Frank   Norcliffe; Sr. Magdalena;   Allison Wild; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan;   Fr. Lionel Devaney;   Emily McGladdery.
LATELY DEAD: Fr. Tom Cullinan OSB;   Michael O/Reilly;   Ernest Cotton; Carmela Giglio-Ferrara; Margaret Tindall.
ANNIVERSARIES: Margaret Rainsford;   Joe Rimmer;   Michael King;   Peter & Antonietta Hordynski;   Laura Marie Dabrowski; Terry Mills; Frank Turner; Trish Connolly;   Michael McGladdery;Catherine & Lewis Laverty. May they Rest in Peace.

IN THANKSGIVING FOR: the blessing of a home; birthday memories of Susan Anne Kenneally and also of Alfonso Ferrara and Antonietta Hordynski.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £528.46; Loose: £332.16; Total: £860.62
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £200.00; £12.02; 62p Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £60.00; £20.00; £19.89; £10.00; Food Bank: £20.00.

PARISH NEWS

Will Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please collect a copy of the new rota for February, March and April from the sacristy after Mass today.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”
It seems that there was a little old church out in the countryside: painted white and with a high steeple. One Sunday, the pastor noticed that his church needed painting. He checked out the Sunday ads and found a paint sale. The next day, he went into town and bought a gallon of white paint. He went back out to the church and began the job. He got done with the first side. It was looking great. But he noticed he had already used a half gallon. He didn't want to run back in town and being the creative person that he was, he found a gallon of thinner in the shed out back, and began to thin his paint. It worked out great. He finished the remaining three sides with that last half gallon of paint. That night, it rained: it rained hard. The next morning when he stepped outside of the parsonage to admire his work, he saw that the first side was looking great, but that the paint on the other three sides had washed away. The pastor looked up to the sky in anguish and cried out, "What shall I do?"
A voice came back from the heavens saying, "Repaint, and thin no more!"

The Baptist preacher just finished his sermon for the day and proceeded toward the back of the church for his usual greetings and handshaking as the congregation left the church. After shaking a few adult hands he came upon the seven year old son of one of the Deacons of the church. "Good morning, Jonathan," the preacher said as he reached out to shake Jonathan's hand. As he was doing do he felt something in the palm of Jonathan's hand. "What's this?" the preacher asked. "Money," said Jonathan with a big smile on his face, "It's for you!" "I don't want to take your money, Jonathan," the preacher answered. "I want you to have it," said Jonathan. After a short pause Jonathan continued, "My daddy says you're the poorest preacher we ever had and I want to help you."

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY there will be a mandatory retiring collection at both Masses for Caritas Diocese of Salford. Caritas Diocese of Salford is the official charity of the Diocese. Our vision is that the lives of all people should be free from poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. Our purpose is to help the most vulnerable children, young people and adults in our communities to transform their lives and fulfil their potential. In 2008, Caritas Diocese of Salford was created by Bishop Terence Brain and in April 2010, incorporated the work of CCRS, CWS and Catholic Family Care in order to bring together the work of individual charities created over the past 125 years. In 2011, St Joseph’s Mission to the Deaf, Justice and Peace and Racial Justice also joined Caritas, widening the remit of the charity’s work.
ALSO, in the UK and around the world, today has become known as Holocaust Memorial Day, a day when we remember all those countless numbers of people who have been affected by genocide. Why January 27th? This is the date when, in 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the concentration camps, was liberated from the Nazis.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 16th March.
Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 17th March.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Thomas Aquinas was born of wealthy parents in Italy in 1225. He was a brilliant student and became a Dominican against his parents’ wishes. He received a Doctorate and wrote many important books. He died in 1274 and is the patron of students and universities.
St. John Bosco was born in Italy in 1815. Having lost his father, the family was poor and he worked on the family farm. He left home and got a job at a vineyard before studying for the priesthood and was ordained in 1841. He worked tirelessly for poor boys who were employed as apprentices before dying in 1888.

ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MINUTES HELD IN JANUARY

An e-mail has been received from Steve Owen suggesting that the design of the stained glass window was not up to the standard as that of the Filipino window produced by the same company. This was generally agreed. It was also pointed out that the cotton industry was far more important than the coal mining, which was in fact relatively insignificant. It was mentioned the fact that the Maple mill, Hathershaw was where the people of Holy Rosary parish held their Masses before the church was built. In any event it was agreed that the design, which looks very much like appliqué work, is not right as it is, and improvements will have to be made.
It was agreed that there had been a good atmosphere at the Christmas Fayre and that things had generally gone well. The Fayre raised £1,528 before deductions, which was a very good effort.
Once again, the Music Festival was a great success. It was suggested that this year the date should be brought forward to 23rd November so as not to clash with the Christmas Fayre.
Children’s’ Liturgy: It was agreed that the 3-11 group will in future be known as the Children’s Liturgy. However it was made clear that we do not want to encourage children over 11 to attend unless they are helping siblings or assisting the catechists.
It was agreed that a publisher for a limited number of hard copies of the booklet ‘Faith of our Fathers 2’ should be available as soon as possible.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

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2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)
WEEK: JANUARY 20TH - JANUARY 27TH 2019

2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

“People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort till the guests have had plenty to drink; but you have kept the best wine till now.”

YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK:   Sr. Catherine;   Frank   Norcliffe;   Sr. Magdalena;   Allison Wild;   Patricia Haines;   Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan.
LATELY DEAD:   Frances Atkinson.
ANNIVERSARIES:   Kit Auyfung Sur Chong Hsw;   Olga Tyl; Michael & Margaret Mahady;   Joe Rimmer;   Mrs. Hui Lee Yuet Ying;   Victoria Otoghile. May they Rest in Peace.

COLLECTION: Envelopes: £587.55; Loose: £409.90; Total: £997.45
Retiring Collection for SPUC: £132.47
Thank you all for your continued generosity.

DONATIONS/COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £16.00 and £13.15 Gift Aided: £0.00
CAFOD: £60.00; £15.01 and £10.00; Food Bank: £20.00; grateful thanks to our esteemed Polish community for the latest donation of £800.00.

IN THANKSGIVING FOR: the blessing of a home.

PARISH NEWS

Will Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please collect a copy of the new rota for February, March and April from the sacristy after Mass today.
Jim McMahon MP has sent the following letter to Mrs. Halliwell, the head mistress of St. Patrick’s Primary School about its Key Stage 2 results:

“The Schools’ Minister Nick Gibb MP has been in contact with me explaining that several schools in Oldham have increased the proportion of pupils achieving standards in reading, writing and mathematics at KS2.
Your school received a particular mention and that’s why I am writing to congratulate you and your staff. I know schools are finding it difficult to balance their books and teachers don’t always receive the praise they deserve, but I would like to offer my thanks to everyone involved on behalf of pupils and parents.”

The following is extracts sent out by Mrs. Halliwell to parents of pupils of the school:

“I am writing to let you know of my intention to retire from my post as Head Teacher at St Patrick’s at the end of this academic year. This has been a difficult decision but I do feel it is the right one. It has been a privilege to have been Head Teacher at St Patrick’s and I will take with me many fond memories. It has been an honour to lead such a wonderful school. The children here are delightful and their enthusiasm and boundless energy make the job so rewarding. I am also grateful to you, the parents at St Patrick’s, who have treated me with great respect and kindness and supported me in my endeavours. I have enjoyed being part of the journey that St Patrick’s has been on but I could not have done it without the team of hard working and committed professionals we have in school. I know they will continue to work hard to enable St Patrick’s to continue on its successful path.

“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”

“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
SATURDAY: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 – 11.45am.

THE DESIGN FOR THE NEW WINDOW
It will be in colour and represent the history of the three churches which are now the parish of Our Lady and St. Patrick. i.e. St. Mary’s, Holy Rosary and Our lady of Mount Carmel and St. Patrick. The design shows the three church buildings, the mosaic from Holy Rosary, the Pieta from St. Mary’s and the Royal Oldham Hospital (now the site of the 6th Form College) with nurses and miners who frequented the churches in the past.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:

3s – 11s Children’s Liturgy Group meet during the 10.00am Mass on Sunday 17th February.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Holy Rosary school at 3.00pm on Thursday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parent’s lesson in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Parish House at 10.00am on Saturday 16th March.
Sacramental Programme: celebration – ‘We Celebrate God’s Gifts’ at the 10.00am Mass in church on Sunday 17th March.
Day of Prayer for Vocations on Wednesday 31st July.

THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Agnes of Rome was born in 291 AD and raised in a wealthy Christian family. Agnes was very beautiful and her hand in marriage was highly sought after. She was condemned to death for being a Christian and was beheaded at the age of 12 or 13. She was buried beside the Via Nomentana in Rome. Her bones are currently conserved beneath the high altar in the church of Sant'Angese fuori le mura in Rome, which was built over the catacomb that held her tomb.
St. Vincent: Born at Huesca, Spain, he became a deacon and served St, Valerius at Sarsgossa until their martyrdom at Valencia during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian, St Valerius was exiled, but Vincent was cruelly tortured because he would not surrender the holy books
St. Francis de Sales was born to a noble family near Geneva in 1567. He was both intelligent and knew for years he had a vocation to the priesthood, but kept it from his family. He was ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva before becoming Bishop of Geneva.
Ss. Timothy and Titus: Timothy was a friend of St. Paul and travelled widely. According to tradition, he went to Ephesus, became its first bishop, and was stoned to death there when he opposed a pagan festival in honour of Diana. Titus was a disciple of St. Paul who was sent to Greece, where he successfully reconciled the Christian community and was later left on Crete to help organize the Church, although he soon went to Dalmatia, Croatia. He served as the first bishop of Crete and was buried there.

“SMILE – A – WHILE”

Julio Iglesias was on UK television with British TV host Anne Diamond. He used the word “manyana” (pronounced “”man-yana”). Diamond asked him to explain what it meant. He said that the term means;; “Maybe the job will be done tomorrow; Maybe the next day; Maybe the day after that, or perhaps next week; Next month; Next year. Who really cares?” The hgost turned to speak to Albert Yatapingu from the Aboriginal Gumbaingeri Tribe who was also on the show. She asked him if there was an equivalent term in his native language. “Nah”, he replied, “In Auistralia we don’t have a word to describe that degree of urgency.”

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THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (YEAR C)
WEEK: JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 12TH 2019

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

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 window

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.'

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FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY (YEAR C)
WEEK: DECEMBER 30TH - JANUARY 5TH 2019

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

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.”

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

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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.

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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: DECEMBER 16TH - DECEMBER 23RD 2018

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)

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?"

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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)
WEEK: DECEMBER 9TH - DECEMBER 15TH 2018

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)

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

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)

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.

HISTORY OF THE ADVENT WREATH
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

CHRIST THE KING (YEAR B)

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessings on him who comes
In the name of the Lord!

Blessings on the coming kingdom of our father David. Alleluia

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,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?"

READERS SSunday 10th November
10.00am	Nadia & A. Auxtero
6.00pm	C. Dodd

Sunday 17th November
10.00am	Naomi & Maybella
6.00pm	A. McGlade

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AT 10.00AM MASS
Sunday 10th November
1	M. Larrad
2	Nadia
3	J. Taylor
4	B. Auxtero
5	R. Estrellona
Sunday 17th November
1	Grace
2	Joe
3	Angela
4	Gayle
5	Rose

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA
This week
Week 2 - Indian Community
Next week
Week 3 - Joyce and David Daka & Friends (African)

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