5th Sunday of Easter (C)

Churches are open again for public Mass. The Sunday 9.30am Mass at Holy Family and the 11.00am Mass at St Ambrose Barlow will be broadcast on the internet and, for those who can access it, the video will remain to be watched anytime afterwards if you miss it live. (Click on the links below)
Where possible daily Masses will be broadcast and other prayer services which can also be watched and participated in at any time later.
Facebook and  YouTube.

The Sunday obligation to attend Mass is still suspended for the time being. Please be patient as our greatest concern is the safety of everyone.

The Redemptorists have Sunday Mass online available from 12pm on Saturdays, celebrated by Fr Denis McBride C.Ss.R.

There are several churches which live stream masses throughout the Archdiocese of Liverpool. These can be accessed here.

Other streamed masses are also available, click below for more

5th Sunday of Easter (C)

First Reading- Acts of the Apostles 14:21-27
The first Christians were badly treated, but Paul and Barnabas lifted their spirits.

Second Reading – Book of the Apocalypse 21:1-5
There is to be no more suffering in God’s new creation. Heaven will no longer be remote when God comes to dwell among his people.

Gospel Reading – John 13:31-35
Jesus helped his disciples to understand true glory. Selfless love was to be their rule of life.

 

Psalter: Week 1
Readings for Weekdays: Easter Week 5

 

CAFOD’S new campaign is called ‘Fix the Food System’.
“Over 800 million people go hungry each day. Yet the world produces over 4 billion tonnes of food and we only need 3.7 billion tonnes to feed everyone. From all this food produced, a third is wasted. As Pope Francis said, "Each of us has a role to play in transforming food systems for the benefit of people and the planet."”
See www.cafod.org.uk/food for more information..

There are four newsletters published weekly in the Deanery, you can access current and past editions here:

St Edmund Arrowsmith Newsletters (St Joseph's, Sacred Heart, Twelve Apostle, Our Lady's - Leigh)

St Margaret Clitherow Newsletters (Holy Family, Boothstown; St Ambrose Barlow, Astley; St Gabriel's, Higher Folds)

St Lewis, St Catherine's & All Saints Newsletters (Croft, Lowton & Golborne)

St John Rigby Newsletter (Sacred Heart, Hindley Green; St Richard's, Atherton; Sacred Heart Hindsford)

 

( Newsletters download as pdf files in a new window.)

 

In prayerfully being present at a Mass being broadcast to you, obviously physically receiving the Eucharist is not possible. However, Spiritual Communion is.

So what is Spiritual Communion? The common practice of making such a spiritual communion indicate our desire to join with the Lord when in a situation that makes unable to sacramentally receive the Body and Blood of the Lord in Holy Communion at Mass.

Holy Hour for Peace in Ukraine and the World
Please note the new time for the Holy Hours will be 2 00pm- 3.00pm on Wednesdays at St Joseph’s Church and Thursdays at Sacred Heart Church.
This is a special time to pray for peace, the people of Ukraine both inside the country and those who have to flee and for an end to the violence, bloodshed and destruction that war brings.

Act of Consecration

to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

25 March 2022

Ukraine Appeal Update
Last week at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Canon Aidan Prescott led a moment of prayer for peace for Ukraine and a prayer of blessing for what will be undertaken in the days ahead as our eight drivers are set to leave the archdiocese to deliver essential aid to the Polish border over the next couple of days.
The drivers include four archdiocesan staff: Jill Boggan, Nicky Hegarty, John McMahon and Aaron Kiely; two drivers who went on the first trip- Mike Sharkey and Chris Joynt; Ben Quayle who works for PSD who have supplied the vans for the trip and Anthony Horton from Greenmount Projects.
Fr Aidan also accepted a cheque from Mike as he has collaborated with people and organisations across Wigan to raise over £12,000 for the archdiocesan appeal.
Thank you to all for your continued support during this appeal.
Please keep the drivers in your prayers as they embark on their journey.

Please Note: The collection of goods for Ukraine has been suspended at present. This is due to the overwhelming response from people. Thank you to all who have donated items and those who have helped with collections

Archbishop Malcolm has approved the launch of an Archdiocesan urgent and major appeal to support Ukraine. Text numbers have been set up for anyone wan*ng to make a financial donation. All donations will be sent to the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London.
TO DONATE TEXT:
• HELPUKRAINE to 70085 to donate £2
• HELPUKRAINE to 70450 to donate £3
• HELPUKRAINE to 70460 to donate £5
• HELPUKRAINE to 70470 to donate £10
Texts will cost the donation amount, plus one standard network rate message

  • THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR MAY 2022:
    Faith-Filled Young People
    We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.
  • Dementia Action Week
    Next week is Dementia Action week. The Irenaeus Project is offering a Dementia Awareness Refresher Zoom session at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 17th May. If you would like to join this, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a link.
  • Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse
    On Tuesday 17th May the Church in England and Wales marks a Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse.
  • Confirmation Catechists:
    The next meeting of helpers will take place at St.Richard’s on Tuesday May 24th at 7pm. If you think you would like to help, please come along to the meeting. All welcome.
  • ROSARY FOR PEACE -
    Try to pray each day on your own or with family or friends.....even if it’s only one decade of the rosary you will make a difference to those who are suffering.....thank     you! (A useful website explaining the process is https://www.catholic.org/prayers/rosary.php)
  • Food Banks
    Stocks are rapidly diminishing and the number of families needing support has almost doubled. Please give generously to the food bank. Donations can be left at Holy Family.
  • Legion of Mary
    The Legion of Mary meet each week at 10.00am at Sacred Heart Church, Leigh. New members are welcome.
  • SVP
    ~There will be a weekly meeting of the older men in the parish for lunch and a chat at the Bull’s Head at 1pm on Wednesdays for about 2 hours. All welcome.
  • Stamp Collection:
    Please save your used postage stamps for the RNIB. A box will be available in Holy Family & St Ambrose Barlow churches.
  • The Pastoral Plan for the Archdiocese
    This has now been published and may be viewed online: Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan

Reflect

Today's passage continues almost straight after the washing of the Apostles feet at the Last Supper, interspersed only with the departure of Judas  from the room. Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment - to love one another.

Pray

Act of Love
O my God, I love you above all things with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love.
I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you.
I forgive all who have injured me and I ask pardon of those whom I have injured.
Amen.

Throughout May, traditionally the month of Mary, take time each day to say at least one decade of the rosary, offering it up for the people of Ukraine and for the conversion of Russia.
A useful website explaining the process is https://www.catholic.org/prayers/rosary.php

Act

Jesus has shown us how we should love each other. At the Last Supper, he knelt before the disciples to wash their feet. Throughout his life he put the needs of others before his own. His crucifixion was the ultimate demonstration of his love for all - a completely innocent person lay down his life for us all.
This week let us be more aware of the needs of others, considerate for their well being, even if we find our actions to help others difficult or outside our comfort zone.

Challenge

This month is often known as 'No mow May' in which people are asked not to cut their grass, but top allow it to grow thus encouraging the rowth of wildflowers, which in turn will provide food for insects. Can you leave your grass, or an area of your grass, uncut for the whole month?

About LiveSimply

LiveSimply Resources

Please refer to the individual Parish Newsletters for Mass and Service times.

Last week we received an update from the Archdiocese concerning the easing of Covid restrictions.

  • Face coverings are still strongly recommended at this time.
  • Opportunity to sanitize hands, before and after Mass, should continue.
  • A slow return to the normal mode of celebrating Mass – please note that Holy Communion will remain under ONE kind, the sacred Host, for the time being.
  • There is no need for social distancing in church, but it would still be good to have part of the church socially distanced for those who may feel vulnerable.
  • Good ventilation should continue – in other words, keep the windows open.
  • The use of Holy Water can now be reintroduced.


These guidelines will be reviewed again prior to Holy Week.

 

Most weeks there may well be a number of feast days. We don’t necessarily celebrate them all. Some saints are more important in certain parts of the country than others and will be celebrated more on a local level, whilst other saints will be celebrated everywhere. So each week we will comment on the feast-days that we should celebrate in our regional Church.

Sunday May 15th - 5th Sunday of Easter (C)

Monday May 9th -  Weekday of Easter

Tuesday May 10th - Weekday of Easter

Wednesday May 11th - St John I, Pope, Martyr

Thursday May 12th - St Dunstan, Bishop

Friday May 13th - Weekday of Easter

Saturday May 14th - Weekday of Easter

Sunday May 22nd - 6th Sunday of Easter (C)

Some resources for families who would like to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word with their children.

Martin at Ten: Ten is making available for free their daily prayers resources: https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/primary-subscription/prayers-for-home/daily-prayers-for-home/ and their Family Liturgy for Sundays: https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/primary-subscription/prayers-for-home/sunday-liturgy-for-families/

The God who Speaks now have a section on the Word at home: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/events/the-god-who-speaks/word-at-home/

CAFOD has several useful items to use with children -  updated weekly

There are several items of interest available from the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

New resources now available include:

 The Liverpool Catholic website also has up to date information on the Church's Policy regarding Coronavirus and lots of other useful information.

 

  • ARCHDIOCESAN SOCIAL MEDIA
    The Archdiocese has launched new social media pages on Facebook and Instagram

 

St Joseph's Centre - 01942 673517

Fr Paul Seddon - 01942 883395 (St Richard's & Sacred Heart.)
Fr Paul Grady - 0161 790 2390 (Holy Family, St Ambrose Barlow & St Gabriel's)
Fr Kieran O'Grady - 01942 673517 (Sacred Heart & St Joseph's)
Fr Gordon Abbs - 01942 273851 (St Lewis, St Catherine's & All Saints)

St Margaret Clitherow Enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

St Edmund Arrowsmith Enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

St John Rigby Enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

St Catherine of Sienna and All Saints, Golborne & St Lewis, Croft: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.