5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A)
WEEK: FEBRUARY 9TH - FEBRUARY 15TH 2020
“A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.”
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; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden; Peter Hilton; Paul Carroll; Ian Curley; Michael Guilfoyle; Lilian Watt; baby Noah Kenneally.
LATELY DEAD: Marie Jubb; Mary McDermott; Edu Dumadapat, William Cooke; Kath Teirney; Terence Kenneally.
ANNIVERSARIES; Arthur Haynes; Margaret Mahady; Una Lester; Romeo Tee;
Henrique Novais; Louis de Melchor; Elizabeth and John Riley.
(May they rest in peace)
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £483.55; Loose: £423.68; Total: £907.23.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £0.00 Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £10.00, £7.00 and £3.00; Oldham Food Bank: £10.00; Cornerstone: £10.00; Caritas: £5.00.
MISSIO: Anyone wishing to assist the work of APF World Missions, by using the Red Missionary Boxes, please feel free to take one of the red boxes from the table at the back of church. Just leave your name at the piety shop or sacristy.
PARISH NEWS
- CAFOD DONATIONS: Please note that the Wall Box for donations, at the back of the church has been damaged by thieves and cannot now be opened. DO NOT USE THIS BOX. All donations should be put in a CAFOD envelope (on the table at the back of church) and handed in to the piety shop or sacristy.
- Apologies again for the mistake in last week’s bulletin, indicating the Mass on Tuesday to be at 10am. This applies especially to the members of the Walsingham Association whose meeting day it was. Nevertheless, the Mass was offered for the intentions of the W.A.
FROM THE DIOCESE
Safeguarding Officer Appointment Type: Full time, permanent.
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, flexible working will be required to include evening and weekend work. Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary: £42,000- 45,000 per annum based on skills and experience
The Diocese is seeking to recruit a suitably experienced and qualified practitioner to join our Safeguarding Team. They will be a highly motivated and well-organised professional, able to contribute to the development and implementation of safeguarding policies and strategies throughout the Diocese. They will have a practical working knowledge and experience of safeguarding and the ability to relate this experience to providing advice and support.
The closing date for this role is 12 noon on Friday 21st February 2020
To find out more about the role and how to apply, please visit our vacancies page: www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: is a Day of Prayer for Racial Justice and there will be a basket at the back of church if you wish to make a donation. The beneficiary is the Catholic Association for Racial Justice.
SMILE – A – WHILE
- A man walked into a church one day and knelt down to pray. "Lord," he said, "I’ve made mistakes, but I’m determined to change. If you let me win the lottery, I promise to be a good servant and never bother you again." Nothing happened. So the next week the man tried again. "Please, God, let me win the lottery, and I’ll come to church every week." Again nothing happened. So the man decided to try one last time. "Lord," he implores, "why haven’t I won the lottery? Have you abandoned me?" Suddenly a deep voice booms down from above. "My son, I have not abandoned you, but at least meet me halfway—buy a ticket!"
- Wife: “I have blisters on my hands from that broom.” Husband: “Next time, take the car, silly.”
- What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down? It gets toad away.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 27th February at 7.30pm.
CAFOD Family Fast Day on Friday 6th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parents’ lesson at 3.00pm in Holy Rosary school on Thursday 12th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting - children’s and parents’ lesson at 10.00am in the Parish House on Saturday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme : Mass at 10.00am in church on Sunday15th March with the topic of “We Celebrate God’s Gifts”.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Scholastica: the sister of St. Benedict, was born about 480 in Italy. She dedicated her life to God, forming a community of contemplative religious. She died at Monte Cassino.
Our Lady of Lourdes: in 1858, Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous near Lourdes (France). Through her, Mary called sinners to penance and there arose a spirit of prayer and charity in helping the poor and the sick.
Ss. Cyril and Methodius: were brothers and missionaries who took the Gospel to the Slavs, translated liturgical books into the Slavonic language. Both died in the late 9th century.
ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING ON JANUARY 23RD
- First Mass of Christmas: It was agreed that the Christmas Masses had been well organized and attendances were very good. The soloist (Justine) was commended on her solo singing of ‘O Holy Night’. It was thought that the first hymn, ‘Gaudate’ in the Carol Service, before the First Mass, should have been a congregational song rather than being sung by the choir; as the congregation had arrived early with the intention of singing carols. ‘Gaudate’could have been sung later. The team took note, but it was left to Steve, the choir master, to decide, having been made aware of the concern.
- Pitt Street Mosque: Following the visit of some of our women to Pitt Street Mosque, it was agreed that: a return visit of the mosque women to us will be arranged soon, probably next month. It was also agreed that the parish would facilitate the event, paying for food etc. which will be organized by our women. Incidentally it was mentioned that some of our young men are in the process of organizing an ‘open age’ football team (Colin has volunteered to be goal keeper). It was suggested that if this comes to pass, some kind of match with Pitt Street Mosque might be arranged.
- Mass for Sick and Housebound: It was agreed to revive the Mass for the Sick and Housebound. The suggestion was accepted that this should be held on the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes (World Day for the sick) in 2021. It is too late to organise for this year as the feast falls on February 11th.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (YEAR A)
WEEK: FEBRUARY 2ND - FEBRUARY 8TH 2020
Simeon: “Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see; a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.”
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; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden; Peter Hilton; Paul Carroll; Terence Kenneally; Ian Curley; Michael Guilfoyle; Lilian Watt; baby Noah Kenneally.
LATELY DEAD: Kath Tierney, Marie Jubb; Madeline Summerscales, Dennis Walsh; Anthony Jordon,; Celine McGratton;
ANNIVERSARIES: Peter Crosby; Maria Marrone; Tina Dadamo; Michelle Kowel; Terry Mills; Michael McGladdery; Patricia Joceylin; Ofelina Vieira; Herminio Moleta; Avelineo, Alice and Alsino Batista. Sue Kemmeally.
May They Rest in Peace.
A THANKSGIVING MASS will be offered for the intentions of Akhil Abraham and 'For all God's Blessings'.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £527. 23; Loose: £318.45; Total: £845.68
Retiring collection for Caritas: £383.76
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £0.00 Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £10.00 and £5.00; Oldham Food Bank: £10.00; Cornerstone: £10.00; Flowers: £10.00.
PARISH NEWS
- CAFOD DONATIONS: Please note that the Wall Box for donations, at the back of the church has been damaged by thieves and cannot now be opened. DO NOT USE THIS BOX. All donations should be put in a CAFOD envelope (on the table at the back of church) and handed in to the piety shop or sacristy.
- On the front of the Mass Offering envelope, will parishioners please carefully check that they have ticked the correct intention i.e. sick, lately dead, anniversary or private intention..
- Faith of our Fathers 2: A history of the developments in the parish over the last 20 years, containing photographs, testimonies and articles. Now available at the piety shop. Suggested donation of £5.00 to defray the cost of printing. An on-line copy is available, free of charge, on the parish web-site in ‘parish histories’ section.
- “If we lose our memory, we destroy our future. May the anniversary of the Holocaust, the unspeakable cruelty that humanity learned of 75 years ago, serve as a summons to pause, to be still and to remember. We need to do this, lest we become indifferent.”
- “The Beatitudes are the "identity card" of a Christian. They are not about the joy that passes, but about happiness that knows how to live side by side with suffering.”
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas day, since the blessing of candles is included in today's liturgy. It is also the anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop John.
NEXT SUNDAY is a Day of Prayer for Racial Justice and there will be a basket at the back of church if you wish to make a donation. The beneficiary is the Catholic Association for Racial Justice.
SMILE – A – WHILE
- Frank went to a psychiatrist and said, I keep thinking I’m a horse.” “I’m sure I can cure you,” the psychiatrist replied, “but it’ll cost you a lot of money.” “Well, money’s no object, Frank replied, “because I’ve just won the Grand National!”
- Advertisement in the gardening section of an Irish newspaper: Don’t kill yourself in your garden. Let us do it for you.
- Mother: “Be quiet! You two children are always quarrelling. Why can’t you agree once in a while?” Mary: We do agree. Jimmy wants the biggest apple – and so do I”.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 27th February at 7.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parents’ lesson at 3.00pm in Holy Rosary school on Thursday 12th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting - children’s and parents’ lesson at 10.00am in the Parish House on Saturday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme : Mass at 10.00am in church on Sunday15th March with the topic of “We Celebrate God’s Gifts”.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Blaise: little is known about him except that he was Bishop of Armenia in the 4th century and is associated with the healing of throats.
St. Ansgar: the missionary of Scandinavia who set out in 826 to preach the Gospel in Denmark, despite great difficulties but he persevered in his mission until he died in 865.
St. Agatha: martyred in Sicily in the persecution of Decius (240 – 251).
St Paul Miki & Companions are Japanese martyrs. Towards the end of the 16th century there began a persecution of the church in Japan. Among those arrested were Paul Miki, a young Jesuit, and 25 others some as young as 13 and sent to Nagasaki where they were crucified.
St. Jerome Emilani: started adult life as a soldier but after capture and imprisonment he left his military career and began to serve the poor. He founded the “Order of Clerks Regular of Somaschi to serve the poor and needy. He died in 1537.
St. Josephine Bakhita: born in Sudan in 1869, she was kidnapped, sold as a slave and taken to Italy where she entered the Institute of Mary Magdalene of Canossa, and took part in the community life of prayer, cooking, sewing, and attending to the door. She died in 1947.
ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING ON JANUARY 23RD
- Hope in the Future: The team studied the leaflets prepared by Colin and approved them to be used at the meeting of lay ministers in a few weeks time. This was after the following additions were made to the leaflet for Eucharistic Ministers: i) Ministers should take their place in the sanctuary during the Sign of Peace in order to be in position in time for the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). ii) Ministers should wipe the chalice on both sides – inside and out – when giving communion with the chalice. iii) Ministers taking communion to the sick should not keep the Blessed Sacrament at home overnight before taking communion. (This is an instruction from the Bishop).
- The team then considered the Ministry of Music. Generally it was thought that the music at the Parish Mass, hymns etc.) is enjoyed and sung well. It was suggested that we might consider singing the Responsorial Psalm. It was agreed that this might take place, but not every week, and after consultation with Steve, the parish organist.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A)
WEEK: JANUARY 26TH - FEBUARY 1ST 2020
“This is the one I spoke of when I said : A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me ....... he is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit”
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; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Roy Eaton; Angela Spencer; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden, Peter Hilton, Paul Carroll; Marie Jubb; Kath Tierney; Terrence Kenneally.
LATELY DEAD: Madeline Mary Summerscales; Kenneth Winger; Rita Lowe; Jack Lawton; Tim McCormack.
ANNIVERSARIES: Catherine & Lewis Laverty; Joao Luis Silva; Joe Rimmer; Victoria Otoghile.
May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £611.66 Loose £423.37 Total: £1,035.03
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund:.£8.78; CAFOD £10.00; £7; £1.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00 and £10.00; Cornerstone £10.00; Missio £34.64.
PARISH NEWS
- Will all Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please collect a copy of the new rota for February, March and April from the sacristy after Mass today (if you have not done so already).
- Faith Of Our Fathers 2: A history of the developments in the parish over the last 20 years. Containing photographs, testimonies and articles. Now available at the piety shop. Suggested donation: £5.
TWEET FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Ecumenical hospitality requires a willingness to listen to other Christians, paying attention to their personal stories of faith and to the history of their community.”
“This year, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was dedicated to the theme of hospitality.”
SMILE – A – WHILE
- When my husband, James Rowles, was in the seminary, he was invited to preach at a small rural church. However, the man who was to introduce him to the congregation had trouble pronouncing his name. So James offered this verbal clue: “Remember rolls, like hot buttered rolls.” It worked. When it came time for the introduction, the man announced, “We are pleased to have with us the Reverend James Biscuits.”
- A priest and a pastor are standing by the side of a road holding up a sign that reads “The end is near! Turn around now before it’s too late!”
- A passing driver yells, “You guys are nuts!” and speeds past them. From around the curve, they hear screeching tyres—then a big splash. The priest turns to the pastor and says, “Do you think we should just put up a sign that says ‘Bridge Out’ instead?”
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY is Caritas Sunday and there will be a retiring collection after each Mass for Caritas Diocese of Salford. Formerly the Catholic Children’s Rescue Society (founded in 1886), Caritas Diocese of Salford has now expanded to respond to many areas of need in our parishes, from our work with the homeless, with children, families and the wider community, and in welcoming refugees. This time last year, thanks to your help, our appeal raised £29,833, which went directly to fund where the need was greatest; namely work with Children and Families in our Bolton Young Parents’ Home; work with Homeless people at Cornerstone Day Centre; and their work with Refugee education and integration.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parents’ lesson at 3.00pm in Holy Rosary school on Thursday 12th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting - children’s and parents’ lesson at 10.00am in the Parish House on Saturday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme : Mass at 10.00am in church on Sunday15th March with the topic of “We Celebrate God’s Gifts”.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Angela Merici: born in Italy around 1470, she entered the Order of St. Francis and gathered girls around her to share the work of charity. She founded the Ursulines (who were devoted to education of poor girls in Brescia in 1535 and died in 1540.
St. Thomas Aquinas: born in Italy around 1225, entered the Dominican Order and studied under St. Albert the Great in Cologne, an outstanding writer and teacher of philosophy.
St. John Bosco: born near Turin in 1815, he was ordained priest and laboured to improve the education of young people, founding a religious congregation (the Salesians) for this purpose.
YEAR OF THE WORD: Pope Francis has designated today as the start of this special year., when we are asked to pay special attention to the Word of God in the Scriptures. The Parish Team are in the process of organising an event, later in the year, in order to help parishioners join in this celebration.
WORLD HOLOCOST DAY is on 27th January. Many Christians will be keeping this in their thoughts and prayers at this time.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A)
WEEK: JANUARY 19TH - JANUARY 25TH 2020
“This is the one I spoke of when I said : A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me ....... he is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit”
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; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Roy Eaton; Angela Spencer; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden, Sr. Regina, Doris Wild, Baby Ruby Lee Farrow, Peter Hilton, Marie Jubb; Sister Eileen, Kath Tierney
LATELY DEAD: Richard Teefy, Carole Barnes, Anthony Richard Warburton, Teresa Flannigan, Christtine Barnes (former teacher at St. Alban’s and St. Augustine’s schools); Teresa, Maureen and Veronica Crane and Sue Boothroyd.
ANNIVERSARIES; Joe Rimmer, Olga Tyl, Michael Mahady. May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes £564.01 Loose £519.58 Total: £1083.59
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
CAFOD £10; Oldham Food Bank £10; Cornerstone £10.
PARISH NEWS
- Will all Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please collect a copy of the new rota for February, March and April from the sacristy after Mass today.
TWEET FROM POPE FRANCIS:
“The Lord has so much compassion, He involves Himself in our problems. Let us often repeat this simple prayer: Lord, I am a sinner, have mercy on me, have compassion for me.”
“Jesus had authority because there was consistency in what he taught and what he did, in how he lived. Authority is seen in this: consistency and witness”
SMILE – A – WHILE
Father Michael, of St Mary's church began his sermon with this story: 'I was on a plane last week, from Edinburgh to London, when we ran into some very severe weather which resulted in turbulence. As it got worse, the passengers became more and more alarmed, and even the airline stewards began to look concerned. Finally, one of them noticed that I had 'Reverend' in front of my name on the passenger list, so she approached me, and said, 'Sir, this is really frightening. Do you suppose you could, I don't know.........do something religious?' So I took up a collection,' said Father Michael with a grin.
Father Phil (not that one), told the congregation, 'Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you all understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark, chapter 17.' The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon; Fr Phil asked for a show of hands, he wanted to know how many people had read Mark 17. Almost every hand went up. ‘That’s great’ he said, ‘except, St Mark’s Gospel only has 16 chapters ...... NOW, about lying!
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY is a Day of Prayer for Peace.
THURSDAY: Parish Team meeting on at 7.30pm in the Parish House.
SATURDAY: End of Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity.
NEXT SUNDAY is Caritas Sunday and there will be a retiring collection after each Mass for Caritas, Diocese of Salford. Formerly Catholic Children’s Rescue Society (founded in 1886), Caritas, Diocese of Salford, has now expanded to respond to many areas of need in our parishes, to include our work with the homeless, with children, families and the wider community, and in welcoming refugees. This time last year, thanks to your help, our appeal raised £29,833, which went directly to fund where the need was greatest; namely work with Children and Families in our Bolton Young Parents’ Home; work with Homeless people at Cornerstone Day Centre; and their work with Refugee education and integration.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parents’ lesson at 3.00pm in Holy Rosary school on Thursday 12th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting - children’s and parents’ lesson at 10.00am in the Parish House on Saturday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme : Mass at 10.00am in church on Sunday15th March with the topic of “We Celebrate God’s Gifts”.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Fabian: chosen as Bishop of Rome in 236, he gave leadership when the Emperor Decius decided to restore pagan worship and he died a martyr being buried on the Via Appia.
St. Sebastian; a native of Milan, he was martyred in Rome and buried on the Appian Way.
St. Agnes; martyred at age of 12 or 13 around the year 300.
St. Vincent: a deacon from Spain who died in the persecution of Diocletian.
St. Francis de Sales: born in 1597, he was ordained priest and worked for the Church by distributing printed essays on the Catholic faith. As Bishop of Genoa, he was exemplary in his pastoral care.
THANK YOU
We have had letters of thanks from both the Oldham Food Bank and Cornerstone for our recent donations, totalling over £2000. Our help is so greatly appreciated by those on the front line, fighting against poverty and homelessness on our own door step.
UNCLAIMED CHRISTMAS DRAW PRIZES
| 3 | £50 |
Marie Williams |
1761 |
7 |
Box Roses Chocs |
J. Leach |
1599 |
Unclaimed Prizes will be kept until February 1st 2020 after which they will be recycled.
JUST A PRAYER
Just a little word of kindness, just a little word of love,
Just a little smile of tenderness are all blessings from above.
Just a little thought of comfort, just a token that you care,
Just a little gesture of sympathy may be answer to a prayer.
Just a little smile of happiness and a little song of peace.
Just a word of praise at eventide will give the soul release.
For the little bit of kindness and the little bit of care.
The little bit of tenderness are the essence of a prayer.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (YEAR A)
WEEK: JANUARY 12TH - JANUARY 18TH 2020
A voice spoke from heaven
’This is my Son, the Beloved;
My favour rests on him”
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; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Roy Eaton; Angela Spencer; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden, Sr. Regina, Doris Wild, Baby Ruby Lee Farrow, Peter Hilton, Paul Carroll. Marie Jubb.
LATELY DEAD: Richard Teefey, Maureen Arthur, Michael Winterburn.
Rita Lowe (Walsingham Association)
ANNIVERSARIES Margaret Grudzien, Judith Dwyer, Sergio Auxtero, Margaret Blachburn, Joe Beswick, Anthony Holland, Paddy Joe Canny, Alan Henthorn, Myron Patra, Ron Kain, Mary and Robert McFall,.
May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £610.90; Loose £361.75; Total: £972.65.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund:.£0.00. Christmas Donation from Polish Community £750.58 CAFOD £22.03, £10; Oldham Food Bank £10; Cornerstone £20.
PARISH NEWS
Shop sale: all 2020 Catholic calendars and children’s books have been reduced to less than half price.
TWEET FROM POPE FRANCIS:
Salvation is in the name of Jesus. We must testify to this. He is the only Saviour.
SMILE – A – WHILE
Two beggars were sitting on a park bench in Ireland. One was holding a cross and the other a Star of David. Both were holding hats to collect contributions. People walked by, lifted their noses at the man with the Star of David and dropped money into the hat of the man with the cross. Soon, the hat of the man with the cross was filled and the hat of the man with the Star of David was empty. Father O'Malley, the priest, was watching for a while and then approached the men. He said to the man with the Star of David, 'Don't you realize that this is a Catholic country? You'll never get any contributions holding a Star of David.' The man turned to the one with the cross and said, 'Moishe, can you imagine, this guy is trying to tell us how to run our business?'
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, (End of the Christmas Season)
: Sacramental Programme: Mass in church at 10.00am with the theme: “We Are People Who Celebrate God’s Word”.
SATURDAY: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins.
THANK YOU
We have had letters of thanks from both the Oldham Food Bank and Cornerstone for our recent donations, totalling over £2000. Our help is so greatly appreciated by those on the front line, fighting against poverty and homelessness on our own door step..
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 23rd January at 7.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parents’ lesson at 3.00pm in Holy Rosary school on Thursday 12th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting - children’s and parents’ lesson at 10.00am in the Parish House on Saturday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme : Mass at 10.00am in church on Sunday15th March with the topic of “We Celebrate God’s Gifts”.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St Hilary (Bishop and Doctor of the Church). : Born of pagan parents in Poitiers in France in 315; he and his family were baptised, and shortly afterwards Hilary was chosen as bishop of Poitiers; he fought strenuously against Arianism, being exiled to Phrygia for this. He died in 367, after publishing works outstanding in their doctrine.
St. Anthony (Abbot): Inspired by the words of the Lord “Sell everything you own and give it to the poor” Anthony retired to the Egyptian desert at the age of twenty; he attracted many followers, who shared his ascetic life, and bequeathed to the Church an example of life spent in solitude and total devotion to prayer. He died in the year 356, aged about 105
2020 AT ST PATRICKS
2020 looks like it is going to be a full and exciting year, as usual, for our parish community.
We began the year with Holy Mass with around 200 people meeting to seek God’s blessing on the year and to celebrate the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. In the early part of the year the Parish Team, together with Fr. Phil, will be planning our next Ten Year Plan, as required by our Parish Mission Statement. The main event planned for 2020 is of course our 150th anniversary of the opening of this church in June. Plans are already underway, which involve the installation and dedication by the bishop of the new ‘Unity’ Window. The booklet ‘Faith of our Fathers 2’ which gives details of the changes and development of the parish over the last 20 years should be out in about a month or so. We expect that our practice of a fundamental option for the poor, as stated in our Mission Statement will continue. Our charitable giving last year was exceptional. All in all it looks as though we are going to be busy about the Lord’s work ........ again.
UNCLAIMED CHRISTMAS DRAW PRIZES
| 3 | £50 | Marie Williams | 1761 |
| 7 | Box Roses Chocs | J. Leach | 1599 |
Unclaimed Prizes will be kept until February 1st 2020 after which they will be recycled.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (YEAR A)
WEEK: JANUARY 5TH - JANUARY 11TH 2020
“.......they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. 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: 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; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden; Rita Wells, Sr. Regina, Doris Wild, Baby Ruby Lee Farrow, Peter Hilton.
LATELY DEAD: Richard Teefey, Lucy Thornhill, Christopher Eames
ANNIVERSARIES: James & Hannah Sexton; James Fogg (Snr.); Dorothy & Keith Taylor - Holroyd; Janet Shaw; Patrick and Margaret Kelley, Laura Silva, Joanna Felismina Jesus, Frances Atkinson, Nathan McLean. May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £477.17; Loose £426.91; Total: £904.08.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £20. CAFOD £21, £10; Oldham Food Bank £10;
PARISH NEWS
- Shop sale: all 2020 Catholic calendars and children’s books have been reduced to less than half price.
TWEETS FROM POPE FRANCIS:
Let us ask for the Grace to live this New Year with the desire to take others to heart and to care for them.
SMILE – A – WHILE
After Quasimodo's death, Bishop Thomas of the cathedral of Notre Dame sent word through the streets of Paris that a new bell ringer was needed. The bishop decided that he would conduct the interviews personally and went up into the belfry to begin the screening process. After observing while several applicants demonstrated their skills, he decided to call it a day. Just then a lone, armless man approached him and announced that he was there to apply for the bell ringer's job. Bishop Thomas was incredulous. 'You have no arms..’ No matter,' said the man, 'observe!' He then began striking the bells with his face, producing a beautiful melody on the carillon. The bishop listened in astonishment, convinced that he had finally found a suitable replacement for Quasimodo. Suddenly, while rushing forward to strike a bell, the armless man tripped and plunged headlong out of the belfry window to his death in the street below. The stunned bishop immediately rushed down the stairways. When he reached the street, a crowd had gathered around the fallen figure, drawn by the beautiful music they had heard only moments before. As they silently parted to let the bishop through, one of them asked, 'Bishop, who was this man?' 'I don't know his name,' the bishop sadly replied, 'but his face rings a bell.'
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY is the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, a Holyday of Obligation, which has been transferred from January 6th.
THURSDAY: Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting – children & parents’ lesson at 3.00pm in Holy Rosary school.
SATURDAY: Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting – children & parent’s lesson at 10.00am in the Parish House.
SUNDAY: Sacramental Programme: Mass in church at 10.00am with the topic “We Are People Who Celebrate God’s Word”.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 23rd January at 7.30pm.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting – children’s and parents’ lesson at 3.00pm in Holy Rosary school on Thursday 12th March.
Sacramental Programme: 4th meeting - children’s and parents’ lesson at 10.00am in the Parish House on Saturday 14th March.
Sacramental Programme : Mass at 10.00am in church on Sunday15th March with the topic of “We Celebrate God’s Gifts”.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Raymond of Penyafort: at the age of 47, he became a Dominican and then confessor to the pope and collated the decrees of popes and councils. He also wrote a book on the Sacrament of Penance for the use of priests. He died, aged about 100, in 1275.
St Raymond is recognised as the patron saint of canon lawyers.
THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY is also known as ‘The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles’ There are several times in the scriptures when Christ is manifest or shown to unbelievers. The first we celebrate is this feast of the Epiphany. Next week, another manifestation: ‘The Baptism of the Lord’ and there are other times too such as the Wedding at Cana in Galilee..
The Epiphany also marks ‘twelfth night’ the end of the Christmas Season ..... or does it? Well , it did before Pope Saint Paul VI altered the General Calendar of the Roman Church on February 14th 1969 when the official end to the Christmas Season became the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
In the Middle Ages, the Christmas Season went on until Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2nd). There would be a few buckets full of pine needles if we still had to keep our Christmas Trees up that long now!
UNCLAIMED CHRISTMAS DRAW PRIZES
| 3 | £50 |
Marie Williams |
1761 |
7 |
Box Roses Chocs |
J. Leach |
1599 |
12 |
Btl Schloer Grape Juice |
Cathy J. B. |
4509 |
Unclaimed Prizes will be kept until February 1st 2020 after which they will be recycled.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH (YEAR A)
WEEK: DECEMBER 29TH 2019 - JANUARY 4TH 2020
“.......when Joseph learnt that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as ruler of Judaea, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he left for the region of Galilee. There he settled in a town called Nazareth.”
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; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden; Rita Wells
LATELY DEAD: Mary McDermott; Peter Gartside.
ANNIVERSARIES: Markijanas Sokolovas; Dennis Buckley; Margaret Daley; Margaret Hywel. May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £1,105.27; Loose £1,416.30; Total: £2,521.57 (including Christmas) Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £100.00 (from the Filipino Dance Group) and £11.77 Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD £20.00; £10.00; £7.10; Oldham Food Bank £50.00; £10.00; £10.00; Cornerstone £27.29; £20.00; £10.00.
PARISH NEWS
- PARISH CHRISTMAS DONATION: We have had a receipt and letter of thanks from the President of the Council of Administration of the Association of Hope for Young People in Bujumbura-Burundi, Republic of Congo, for our donation of £600 towards the cost of a water purification Plant. We have been asked to pass on these thanks to the members of this parish.
- A traditional House Mass Set for sick communions has been given to the church to pass on to any interested parishioner. Anyone who would like it please see Colin. First come, first served.
- St. John Ambulance are holding an Open Day on Saturday 4th January from 10.00am – 4.00pm at Busk Rd., Oldham OL9 6QY - hoping to get more volunteers.
- A big Thank You to all the people who worked tirelessly to prepare the church for the Christmas season – cleaners, those who donated towards the cost of flowers and those who arranged the floral and holly displays, the various choirs, the ladies in the server and the ones who cleaned up afterwards – your efforts are much appreciated.
- There are a number of free church diaries (with a green cover) on the table in the narthex – there are only a limited number, so please just take one per family.
- The Christmas Draw was again a big success. Our thanks go to the many people who both sold and bought tickets - the profit came to £871.00 for church funds.
TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
“Dear brother, dear sister, if your hands seem empty, if you think your heart is poor in love, this night is for you. The grace of God has appeared to shine forth in your life. Accept it and the light of Christmas will shine forth in you.”
“The nativity scene reminds us how important it is to stop and contemplate. Because only when we recollect ourselves can we embrace what counts in life. Only if we leave the noise of the world outside can we open ourselves to listening to God, who speaks in silence.”
SMILE – A – WHILE
- A family moves into a new neighbourhood, one day the family overslept and their six-year-old daughter missed her school bus. The father, though late for work himself, had to drive her. Since he did not know the way, he said that she would have to direct him to the school. They rode several blocks before she told him to turn the first time, several more before she indicated another turn. This went on for 20 minutes - but when they finally reached the school, it proved to be only a short distance from their home. The father, much annoyed, asked his daughter why she'd led him around in such a circle. The child explained, "That's the way the school bus goes, Daddy. It's the only way I know."
- An Irishman goes into the confessional box after years of being away from the Church. There's a fully equipped bar with Guinness on tap. On the other wall is a dazzling array of the finest cigars and chocolates. Then the priest comes in. "Father, forgive me, for it's been a very long time since I've been to confession, but I must first admit that the confessional box is much more inviting than it used to be." The priest replies: "Get out. You're on my side."
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting – children & parents’ lesson at 3.00pm in Holy Rosary school on Thursday 9th January.
Sacramental Programme: 3rd meeting – children & parent’s lesson at 10.00am in the Parish House on Saturday 11th January.
Sacramental Programme: Mass in church at 10.00am on Sunday 12th January with the topic
“We Are People Who Celebrate God’s Word”.
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 23rd January at 7.30pm.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Sylvester I: became Pope in 314 in the reign of the Emperor Constantine and fought against heresies.
Ss. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen: close friends and of the Eastern church in the 4th century. Basil was Bishop of Caesarea and promoted the monastic life. Gregory was Bishop of Constantinople – he retired to a monastery.
The Most Holy Name of Jesus: the greatest promoters of this devotion were St. Bernardine of Siena and St. John of Capistrano. As the devotion was new, he was accused before the pope but was successfully defended by John.
CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW
| 1 | £200 CASH |
3911 |
NIGE YEO |
2 |
£100 CASH |
1615 |
M. FERRARA (TERESA) |
3 |
£50 CASH |
1761 |
MARIE WILLIAMS |
4 |
1 LT. BTL FAMOUS GROUSE WHISKY |
2135 |
E. GRANELLI |
5 |
RINGTON’S XMAS HAMPER |
6431 |
ANGELA AGUSTIN |
6 |
BOTTLE OF RED WINE |
2516 |
SUSAN LEES |
7 |
BOX OF ROSES CHOCOLATES |
1599 |
MR. J. LEACH |
8 |
BOTTLE OF WHITE WINE |
3435 |
M. McGLADDERY |
9 |
BOX OF QUALITY STREET |
6656 |
LISA LEE |
10 |
BOTTLE OF RED WINE |
4000 |
YVONNE ASHWORTH |
11 |
PACK OF CHRISTMAS CHUTNEYS |
10 |
P. HIGSON |
12 |
BTL SCHLOER GRAPE JUICE |
4509 |
CATHY J - B |
13 |
FOX’S BISCUIT SELECTION |
2401 |
AIMEE MASON |
14 |
TRAD. ENGLISH TEA & CADDY |
6221 |
LOUISE CLARKE |
15 |
SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD SELECTION |
5321 |
E. P. |
Prizes can be collected from church on receipt of the winning counterfoil. Those not claimed by January 31st will be “re–cycled”.
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)
WEEK: DECEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 28TH 2019
The angel said: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.”
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; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden; Rita Wells.
LATELY DEAD: Mary McDermott; Peter Gartside; Joan Mullaney; Dale Kremner-Wood; Kathleen McBegarty.
ANNIVERSARIES: Henriett Monteiro; Destoliano Carvalho; Mary Dillamore; Wilfred & Raymond Brooks; Frances Michailuk; Herbert & Nellie Hilton; Robert & Kathleen Shepherd; Nick Kuczeresky; Julie White. Claire Higham. May They Rest in Peace.
IN THANKSGIVING FOR: recovery from sickness within the family.
CHRISTMAS MASSES FOR: Anthony Flatley; Jeff Wright; the Doyle family.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £602.28; Loose £365.08; Total: £967.36.
Thank you all for your continued generosity.
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £32.00; £100.00; £10.00; £8.16. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD £16.39 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; £10.00; Sanctuary flowers £10.00; Cornerstone £30.00 and £10.00.
PARISH NEWS
- CORNERSTONE: are making a special appeal for bags! Yes, BAGS: Full of used / new hats /gloves / sanitary & hygiene products / hand gel / tissues / wipes etc. They will hand them on to women and men who are homeless. If over the next week you can drop them off at the church, we will get them to Cornerstone. Many thanks.
- PARISH CHRISTMAS DONATION: We have had a receipt and letter of thanks from the President of the Council of Administration of the Association of Hope for Young People in Bujumbura-Burundi, Republic of Congo, for our donation of £600 towards the cost of a water purification Plant. We have been asked to pass on these thanks to the members of this parish.
- PARISH GIVING: This week we have sent the following donations, on your behalf, to various charities: CAFOD: £1326.27; MISSIO: £509.07; Cornerstone: £803.61; Food Bank £1041.00. This is a magnificent effort, you are a very generous lot! Thank you.
- A traditional House Mass Set for sick communions has been given to the church to pass on to any interested parishioner. Anyone who would like it please see Colin. First come, first served.
- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday 28th December has been cancelled. The next service of Exposition will be on Saturday 25th January 10.30 until 11.45am.
- The floral displays on the altar during the Christmas season are always amazing but, as you would expect, flowers are rather expensive. So we are always grateful for donations to cover their cost. Also, if you know where we might obtain some cheap (or free) holly, please let us know.
- St. John Ambulance are holding an Open Day on Saturday 4th January from 10.00am – 4.00pm at Busk Rd., Oldham OL9 6QY - hoping to get more volunteers.
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: the Christmas Draw will take place after the 10.00am Mass. Please make sure that you hand in your completed counterfoils before the start of Mass
LIVE SIMPLY: RECIPES: Our plan to publish easy 'living simply' recipes seems to have been neglected over the weeks, so we have decided to revive it. Parishioners with favourite recipes of of their own can forward them to the office for possible inclusion in the newsletter. We begin our series with: Bishop John's Rice and Veg.
Ingredients: Rice (enough), chopped onion, squashed garlic clove, leftover vegetables, veg. stock, olive oil.
Method: Heat onion and garlic in the oil. After a couple of minutes add the vegetables. Remove from pan and add the rice, heating it until it absorbs the oil. Add vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Put the vegetables back in, then transfer to a casserole dish. Cook in the oven at 180 degrees, covered, for about 35 minutes, until the rice is cooked through. When rice is ready, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Enjoy!
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 23rd January at 7.30pm.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. John of Kanty: born in Poland in 1390, after ordination he taught at university and was a good example of learning, erudition, charity and holiness.
St. Stephen: the first Christian martyr, a Jew and was stoned to death.
St. John: the son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of apostle James, he wrote a Gospel and was the longest living apostle and the only one not to die a martyr.
The Holy Innocents: Christian feast in remembrance of the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus. The slain children were regarded by the early church as the first martyrs,
ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 28TH
- Stained Glass Window: The manufacturers of the new window informed John Green that the window will be ready in time for our Jubilee celebrations.
- Annual Mission Appeal: The Bishop has agreed to the Spiritans (Holy Ghost Fathers) to make an appeal in the parishes of the diocese in 2020. The team agreed to ask them to come here, probably in early September.
- Kneelers in Church are badly in need of repair. If anyone is available to help repair them please let Colin know. All the necessary stuff and equipment will be provided.
- Parish Charitable Donation: It was agreed to revive the practice of donating 1% of parish income to charity. This year it has been agreed to donate £600 to provide a clean and safe drinking water system through Association Espair Jeunesse to a place in Kabindula, Uganda.
SMILE – A – WHILE
- What does Santa do when his elves misbehave? He gives them the sack!
- What did Santa say to the smoker? Please don't smoke, it's bad for my elf!
- How will Christmas dinner be different after Brexit? No Brussels!
- What's the difference between Santa Clause and a knight? One slays a dragon, the other drags a sleigh!
- Which football team did the baby Jesus support? Manger-ster United!
- What's worse than Rudolph with a runny nose? Frosty the Snowman with a hot flush!
- Theresa May has asked Santa for a home makeover this year. First thing on the list was a new Cabinet!
- Why did Donald Trump continuously decorate the Christmas tree? Because people kept saying “moron” to him!
- Which TV Christmas special is being filmed in Brussels this year? Deal Or No Deal!
A HAPPY, HOLY, AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS TO READERS OF THE NEWSLETTER
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)
WEEK: DECEMBER 15TH - DECEMBER 21ST 2019
“.......the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.”
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; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson; Emma Golden.
LATELY DEAD: Mary McDermott; Maureen Teresa Wroe; Eileen Rankin; Hilda Coles; Jaden Okoye; Joseph Sebastian.
ANNIVERSARIES: Vincent & Ethel Concannon; Patrick & Mary Glenfield; Patricia Locke. May They Rest in Peace.
IN THANKSGIVING FOR: the birthdays of Fred Dyson and Anna Biczo.
CHRISTMAS MASSES FOR: Dawn Cookson – Martinez 7 baby Robbie; Sophie Royale; Fr. R. McKee; Fr. Derek Woodhead; Margaret Wright; Michael Laverty; Michael & Lorraine; Cora Overton; Steph Keogh; Beatrice Tucker.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £557.74; Loose £480.09; Total: £1,037.83.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £20.00, £12.86 and £10.45. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD £10.00 and £7.39; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Missio £51.00, £6.16 and £5.79; Cornerstone £20.00.
PARISH NEWS
- Appeal for Toys: Caritas Schools Service are short of 95 sacks of toys for children who would otherwise receive nothing on Christmas Day. They would be grateful for any donations of new unwrapped toys by 17th December. Please contact Schools' Admin Team on 0161 817 2276 for collection/delivery details.
- The Christmas Draw tickets are still available at the back of church. They cost only £1.00 per book of 5 tickets. This is an opportunity to help church finances, by selling as many as possible to family and friends (over 16 years old!). Please take some and return the counterfoils with the name of the purchaser filled in on each counterfoil, together with the money to Colin or to the Piety Shop.
- CORNERSTONE: are making a special appeal for bags! Yes, BAGS: Full of used / new hats /gloves / sanitary & hygiene products / hand gel / tissues / wipes etc. They will hand them on to women and men who are homeless. If over the next two weeks you can drop them off at the church, we will get them to Cornerstone. Many thanks.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE |PRIZE RAFFLE
All numbers are white / yellow tickets and of the 15 prizes, there are only five unclaimed. These will be kept in the piety shop until January 1st after which they will be “recycled”.
3 RINGTON’S CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST SET |
139 |
|
|
6 ROSES CHOCOLATES |
216 |
|
7 CHRISTMAS PRESERVES |
258 |
|
10 FOX’S BISCUITS |
253 |
|
12 SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD |
262 |
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: The Parish Advent Reconciliation Service at 3.00pm.
NEXT SUNDAY: the Christmas Draw will take place after the 10.00am Mass. Please make sure that you hand in your completed counterfoils before the start of Mass.
LIVE SIMPLY: RECIPES: Our plan to publish easy 'living simply' recipes seems to have been neglected over the weeks, so we have decided to revive it. Parishioners with favourite recipes of of their own can forward them to the office for possible inclusion in the newsletter. We begin our series with: Bishop John's Rice and Veg.
Ingredients: Rice (enough), chopped onion, squashed garlic clove, leftover vegetables, veg. stock, olive oil.
Method: Heat onion and garlic in the oil. After a couple of minutes add the vegetables. Remove from pan and add the rice, heating it until it absorbs the oil. Add vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Put the vegetables back in, then transfer to a casserole dish. Cook in the oven at 180 degrees, covered, for about 35 minutes, until the rice is cooked through. When rice is ready, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Enjoy!
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Christmas Services: the First Mass of Christmas will be at 8.00pm on Christmas Eve, preceded by a Carol Service starting at 7.30pm. The Parish Mass of Christmas will be at the usual time of 10.00am. There will be no evening Mass.
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 23rd January at 7.30pm.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Peter Canisius: 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”.
ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 28TH
- The Bishops of England and Wales have designated 2020 as ‘the Year of the Word’, under the slogan of ‘The God who Speaks’. The aim is to encourage more, the reading and understanding of Sacred Scripture. After considerable discussion on ways that we as a parish could support this, it was decided that for a period of 4 consecutive weeks a series of talks/discussions will be held. This will not be until after Easter and First Communion times. Each week a different part of the scriptures will be discussed: The Pentateuch, the Prophets; the Psalms and the New Testament. Each subject would be covered by a different leader, probably different members of the Deanery clergy.
- The Bishops of England and Wales have designated 2020 as ‘the Year of the Word’, under the slogan of ‘The God who Speaks’. The aim is to encourage more, the reading and understanding of Sacred Scripture. After considerable discussion on ways that we as a parish could support this, it was decided that for a period of 4 consecutive weeks a series of talks/discussions will be held. This will not be until after Easter and First Communion times. Each week a different part of the scriptures will be discussed: The Pentateuch, the Prophets; the Psalms and the New Testament. Each subject would be covered by a different leader, probably different members of the Deanery clergy.
- After considerable work and revision following advice from the proof readers, the final content of the Faith of our Fathers 2 magazine is almost ready for print.
- First Mass of Christmas: VOLUNTEERS are required on Christmas Eve to help distribute service sheets / candles etc. and to clear away after the Mass. Please see Colin or Marie McGladdery.
(to be continued next week)
SMILE – A – WHILE
- At the Christmas Eve service at my church, the priest, quizzing some children about the nativity, asked, “What gifts did the three wise men give the Christ child?”“Gold!” one child yelled. “Frankincense!” shouted another. After a pause, a third asked, “Gift cards?”
- My sister-in-law was teaching Sunday school class. The topic for the day: Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ.“What did Jesus do on this day?” she asked. There was no response, so she gave her students a hint: “It starts with the letter R.”One boy blurted, “Recycle!”
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)
WEEK: DECEMBER 8TH - DECEMBER 14th 2019
“I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry 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: 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; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mark Wilson.
LATELY DEAD: Mary McDermot; Nick Walmsley.
ANNIVERSARIES: Elizabeth Lucas; Michael McGrother; Piotr & Anna Kopacz; Charlie Kopacz; Zofia Fillingham; Richard Charles Alty. May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £554.06; Loose £400.25; Total: £954.31.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £4.51. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD £44.53 and £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Missio £3.12; Retired Priests’ Fund £20.00.
PARISH NEWS
- Will parishioners please note that there is no guarantee that any items of interest or names intended for the newsletter e.g. sick, anniversaries, which are received after noon on Friday will be able to be included in that week’s newsletter. This is because of the amount of work that needs to be done including printing and folding etc.
- The Christmas Draw tickets are available at the back of church. They still cost only £1.00 per book of 5 tickets. This is an opportunity to help church finances, by selling as many as possible to family and friends (over 16 years old!). Please take some and return the counterfoils with the name of the purchaser filled in on each counterfoil, together with the money to Colin or to the Piety Shop.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Many thanks to the organisers, stall holders, volunteers and supporters for an enjoyable afternoon which raised a wonderful profit of £1,240 for church funds. The entertainment was excellent - possibly a few 'Britain's Got Talent' contestants there!
PRIZE RAFFLE
All numbers are white / yellow tickets and of the 15 prizes, there are only five unclaimed. These will be kept in the piety shop until January 1st after which they will be “recycled”.
| 3 | RINGTON’S CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST SET |
139 |
6 |
ROSES CHOCOLATES |
216 |
7 |
CHRISTMAS PRESERVES |
258 |
10 |
FOX’S BISCUITS |
253 |
12 |
SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD |
262 |
CORNERSTONE: are making a special appeal for bags! Yes, BAGS: Full of used / new hats /gloves / sanitary & hygiene products / hand gel / tissues / wipes etc. They will hand them on to women and men who are homeless. If over the next two weeks you can drop them off at the church, we will get them to Cornerstone. Many thanks.
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
NEXT SUNDAY: The Parish Advent Reconciliation Service will be at 3.00pm.
TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
The Church exists to keep alive in people’s heart the memory that God loves them. It exists to tell everyone, even those furthest away: “God doesn’t forget you, He cares about you”.
Today the Church praises stability. “Trust in the Lord forever, because the Lord is an eternal Rock” (Isa 26:4). Those who trust in the Lord will always be safe, because their foundations are sunk into the Rock.
Let us pray for all the pastors of the Church, that they might guide the flock entrusted to them with the same firmness and tenderness of the Good Shepherd.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
Christmas Services: the First Mass of Christmas will be at 8.00pm on Christmas Eve, preceded by a Carol Service starting at 7.30pm. The Parish Mass of Christmas will be at the usual time of 10.00am. There will be no evening Mass.
Parish Team meeting on Thursday 23rd January at 7.30pm.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Damasus I: born in Spain, he became pope in 366 and encouraged devotion to the Roman martyrs, writing verses to adorn their resting places.
St. Lucy: a Sicilian martyr who died in the persecution of Diocletian. An example of innocence and faithfulness, her cult was popular in the early Church.
St. John of the Cross: born in 1542, he was a Carmelite friar who reformed the Order.
SMILE – A – WHILE
A husband is advised by a psychiatrist to assert himself. "You don't have to let your wife henpeck you. Go home and show her you're the boss." The husband takes the doctor's advice. He rushes home, slams the door, shakes his fist in his wife's face, and growls, "From now on, you're taking orders from me. I want my supper right now, and when you get it on the table, go upstairs, and lay out my best clothes. Tonight, I'm going out with the boys, and you are going to stay at home where you belong. And another thing, guess who's going to comb my hair, give me a shave, and tie my necktie?" His wife says calmly, "The undertaker."
ITEMS FROM THE PARISH TEAM MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 28TH
- The need for altar servers to clear up in the sacristy after Mass was raised. This was dealt with in more detail in the following item.
- The team continued to discuss the next part of the Hope in the Future programme. This continued the theme of ministries at Mass. The ministry of the Server and the ministry of Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers) were discussed. After considerable debate it was agreed that some of our ministers in both categories may be unsure of exactly what their duties are. It was agreed that Colin would prepare a leaflet describing the basic essentials for ministers in both cases. This would then be provided to the ministers, after approval by Fr. Phil, at a meeting of ministers in a few weeks time.
- The women of Pitt Street Mosque have indicated that the first meeting between themselves and several of the women from our parish was a great success. A return visit when they will visit us will be arranged in the near future. This will probably be on a Saturday when more of our women will be able to attend.
- It was agreed that the International Music Festival had been a great success. It was difficult to decide if the change of time had seen an increase in the attendance, but there were at least as many people there as usual. It was suggested that the venue and time could be changed by incorporating the Festival into the Summer Fun Day. It was agreed that the choir leaders should consult together on the suggestion. (to be continued next week)
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”
1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)
WEEK: DECEMBER 1st - DECEMBER 7th 2019
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob that he may teach us his ways so that we might walk in his paths; since the Law will go out from Zion, and the oracle of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
YOUR CHARITABLE PRAYERS are requested for our parishioners and friends, especially those whose names appear below.
SICK: Sr. Catherine; Vivien Higgins; Elizabeth Flanagan; Dominic Boardman; Andrea Spencer; Sarah Bell; Breda Barret; Roy Eaton; Angela Spencer; Michael O’Connor; Harry & Margaret Lawless; Lesley Hayes; Peter Gartside; John Green; Ann Frost; Anne Devlin; Mary McDermott; Mary Malone; Roseanne McDonagh; Emma Golden; Marie Wilson.
LATELY DEAD: Dennis Massey; Paul Ostapowycz.
ANNIVERSARIES: Peter Hordynski; Alfonso Ferrara; Jan Dabrowski; Paul Lees; Margaret & Edgar Lees; John & Elsie Granelli; Christopher Alan Whitehead; Romeo Tee; Fermina Moniza; Juanito Moniza; Clementi Terso; Elvira Terso; Sarah Russo; Denis Guilfoyle; Maggie Moores; Marie Francoise Boyi.
May They Rest in Peace.
COLLECTION: Envelopes: £583.60; Loose £363.99; Total: £947.59.
Thank you all for your continued generosity
DONATIONS / COLLECTIONS: many thanks for the following donations:
Redecoration Fund: £8.20. Gift Aided: £0.00.
CAFOD: £10.00; Oldham Food Bank £10.00; Altar Flowers £20.00; Cornerstone £100.00 and £243.61 (the latter amount due to donations made during the Music Festival).
PARISH NEWS
- Will parishioners please note that there is no guarantee that any items of interest or names intended for the newsletter e.g. sick, anniversaries, which are received after noon on Friday will be able to be included in that week’s newsletter. This is because of the amount of work that needs to be done including printing and folding etc.
- The Christmas Draw tickets are available at the back of church. They still cost only £1.00 per book of 5 tickets. This is an opportunity to help church finances, by selling as many as possible to family and friends (over 16 years old!). Please take some and return the counterfoils with the name of the purchaser filled in on each counterfoil, together with the money to Colin or to the Piety Shop.
- Christmas cards, calendars, candles, diaries, small nativity sets etc. all on sale at the piety shop. If you want something special, please ask the staff to see the Christmas catalogue.
A PRAYER FOR ADVENT
God of patience and constancy, be with us in this time of waiting. Though pressures mount and distractions increase, keep our eyes open to your beauty, our minds open to your wisdom, our ears open to your word. Help us to guide those in our care, as your star led the Magi, so that we might journey to your Son together, inspired by truth and love. Amen.
TWEETS” FROM POPE FRANCIS
My apostolic journey to Thailand and Japan was a gift for which I am so grateful to the Lord. This visit increased my closeness and affection for these peoples: may God bless them with prosperity and peace in abundance.
“WHAT’S ON” THIS WEEK”
TODAY: Christmas Fayre starting at 12.30pm in the school.
ALSO, it is the start of Advent and the beginning of Liturgical Year A in the churches’ calendar.
SATURDAY: Filipino Mass at 2.00pm.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
CHRISTMAS FAYRE: Don't forget, the Fayre is TODAY, in the Parish Hall at the school on Lee Street, starting at 12.30pm until 3.30pm. The hall will be open at 12 noon, but the stall holders WILL NOT be selling items until 12.30pm. Cakes and buns (home made or not) are requested for the cake stall. Please deliver to school before 12.30pm.
There has been a good response for the tombola, but we are a little short for the bottle stall. Any donations of bottles please deliver between noon and 12.30pm today.
Thanks to everyone involved for a remarkable effort, to make the Fayre a great success. I am sure the organizers will as usual have some great entertainment for us too.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Please see the church notice board for further details of the following:
The Parish Reconciliation Service before Christmas will be at 3.00pm on Sunday 15th December.
Christmas Services: the First Mass of Christmas will be at 8.00pm on Christmas Eve, preceded by a Carol Service starting at 7.30pm. The Parish Mass of Christmas will be at the usual time of 10.00am. There will be no evening Mass.
THIS WEEK’S FEASTS
St. Francis Xavier: a friend of Ignatius Loyola and one of the first members of the “Company of Jesus”. He preached in India and Japan and died in China in 1552.
St. John Damascene: from Damascus, a monk, philosopher and theologian. He sprang to the defence of Sacred Art in the iconoclast crisis in the 8th century.
St. Nicholas: Bishop of Myra (in Turkey). He died in the 4th century – in Eastern Europe, St. Nicholas distributes presents to children on this day.
St. Ambrose: born about 340, he was a surprising choice to be Bishop of Milan , renowned for his charity and his eloquence. It is said that St. Augustine returned to the faith after hearing him preach. A great writer oh hymns, some of which survive to this day.
SMILE – A – WHILE
- In the foyer of a church, a young boy was looking at a plaque with the names of men and women who had died in various wars. He asked the priest, “Who are these people?” The priest said, “Those are members from our church who died in the service.” The boy asked, “The early service or the second service?”
- My sister-in-law was teaching Sunday school class. The topic for the day: Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ. “What did Jesus do on this day?” she asked. There was no response, so she gave her students a hint: “It starts with the letter R.” One boy blurted, “Recycle!”
- Three guys are fishing when an angel appears. The first guy says, “I’ve suffered from back pain for years. Can you help me?” The angel touches the man’s back, and he feels instant relief. The second guy points to his thick glasses and begs for a cure for his poor eyesight. When the angel tosses the lenses into the lake, the man gains 20/20 vision. As the angel turns to the third fellow, he instantly recoils and screams, “Don’t touch me! I’m on disability!”
- On a sunny Sunday afternoon, two young church members were going door to door to invite people to visit their services. When they knocked on one door, it was immediately clear the woman who answered was not happy to see them. She told them in no uncertain terms that she did not want to hear their message, and before they could say anything more, she slammed the door in their faces. To her surprise, however, the door did not close; in fact, it bounced back open. She tried again, really putting her back into it, and slammed it again with the same result - the door bounced back open. Convinced these rude young people were sticking their foot in her door, she reared back to give it a slam that would teach them a lesson. Just then, one of them said quietly: "Ma'am, before you do that again, you really need to move your cat."
“Stay With Us Lord On Our Journey”