St Mary's Parish Horwich
Weekly Newsletter
Sunday 14th January (2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Mass this Week
Tuesday 16th January - 10am Eucharistic Service
Wednesday 17th January - No Service
Thursday 18th January - 10am Eucharistic Service
Friday 19th January - No Service
Saturday 20th January - 11am Eucharistic Service
Sunday 21st January - 6:30pm Vigil Mass; 10:30am Sunday Mass
Prayer List
Our sick and housebound: Stephen Tootill, Stan Ellison, Gordon Mellor, Simon Taylor,
Geoff Ratcliffe, Paul Davis, Adele Memon, Betty Keenan, Paul Murray, Deirdre Croft, Tim Travis, Steven Welch, Eileen Abram. Lately Dead: Philomena Johnson, Kay Turner, Valerie Holt. Anniversaries: Josephine Sale, John Sale, Norah Kenyon, Kenneth Kershaw.
Today: Peace Sunday
Every year on the second Sunday in Ordinary Time, ‘Pax Christi’ promotes Peace Sunday with the support of the International Affairs Department of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. This year, Peace Sunday is today (14th January), and the theme is that chosen by Pope Francis for the World Day of Peace: ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace’. You can find a letter explaining more, written by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon by clicking here.
Christmas Crib Collection 2023
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to our Crib Collection for ‘Friends of the Holy Land’. The total amount collected is £481.02. Your generosity is much appreciated.
St Mary’s ‘Big Listen’
Thanks to everyone who already participated in our Parish ‘Big Listen’ meetings. There is a final opportunity to take part today (Sunday) in the Rosary Room after Mass.
St Mary’s Sacramental Programme 2024
To prepare for the Sacramental Programme, all parents/carers of their children are invited to a meeting on Tuesday 30th January at 5:30pm in the Rosary Room. Here we will outline the details of the programme and give chance to answer any questions. The children will also be presented to the Parish on Sunday 4th February during the 10:30am Mass. Please keep the children and their families in your prayers.
Reminder: Churches Together in Horwich and Rivington – Covenant Service
Today at 4pm, CTHR is holding its annual Covenant service hosted this year by the Bridge Church, Rock Street, Horwich. The speaker is Rev Nicola Butterworth. All are welcome.
APF Mill Hill Red Mission Boxes
The Winter Collection of red mission boxes is now due and the ‘Mission Today’ calendars will soon be delivered by promoters. If you have any queries, please contact Paula Rowlinson, tel. 01204 770378 or mobile 07565 555502.
Urban Outreach
The next Urban Outreach collection will be on Monday 22nd January at St Elizabeth's, Cedar Avenue, from 11.00 - 13.00.
St. Mary's Volunteers
Earlier this year; an invitation went out to all parishioners asking if anyone would like to join our team of helpers, here at St. Mary's in a variety of roles. Happily, several new volunteers came forward and they are now a vital part of our team. However, due to a variety of reasons, our Rosary Room team is depleted. We are asking if anyone would like to join us. The duties involve being available to make and serve drinks after Sunday morning Mass. Before taking on the role full training will be given, and any newcomers will always be with an experienced volunteer. If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to stmaryshelpers@yahoo.com Include your name and phone number and either Hilary or Patti will contact you to explain more about the role. The more volunteers we have, the fewer times each person is needed. Usually, the commitment is approximately once every 4 weeks. Thanks in anticipation. Hilary and Patti.
Contactless Card Donations
We recently introduced a new way of donating to the Parish via a contactless card device. This is now a permanent fixture at the back of church and will be available every day to make donations. If you would like any assistance or more information, please speak with Fr Richard or a member of the Parish Finance Team.
Parish “Donate” website function
It is now easier than ever to make a financial donation to our Parish. If you would like to do this at home and you have access to the internet, simply visit the St Mary’s Parish website (www.stmaryshorwich.com) and click on the ‘Donate’ icon on the homepage. This will give you instructions on how to set up a Standing Order or make a one-off donation to the Parish.
CAFOD – The Big Lent Walk
Will you walk 200km in 40 days to help fight global poverty? We're excited to invite you to take part in CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk, our challenge to walk 200km over 40 days to help people overcome poverty. That’s right – that's 5km a day, and you’re in good time to get in plenty of training. You can walk, run, skip, or stroll your 200km, when and where you choose, alone or with friends. You’ll be among thousands of people up and down Great Britain conquering your 200km targets in time for Easter. The money you raise will help people as they overcome poverty. Remember: every step you take is a step closer to a fairer world. Let’s tell poverty to jog on! To Sign up click here.
Donations made to Charities by Cheque
You can make a donation to a particular charity at any time by putting it in the Parish Collection (e.g. CAFOD, Caritas Diocese of Salford etc.). If you do this by cheque, please make it payable to: ‘St Mary’s RC Horwich’ and write the name of the charity you wish to support on the back. Thank you.
Reminder: Homes for Ukraine Gathering
Caritas Diocese of Salford invites you to an event that explores a little more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Organised by St John of God Hospitaller Services and the Caritas Social Action Network, the event aims to shed light on the impact the scheme has made on families and individuals affected by the invasion and how you can continue to support them today. The event takes place between 2 and 3.30pm on Saturday 3 February at Salford Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, M3 6DP. Find out more at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/homes-for-ukraine/
Liturgy of Blessing for Engaged Couples
On Saturday 17th February, the Saturday nearest to St Valentine’s Day, Bishop John invites
those getting married in the churches of our Diocese, or who are being prepared in our
parishes for marriages elsewhere, to come to a Liturgy of Blessing. In this celebration, we will seek
God’s blessing on them as they begin their married life. The Service will take place at
St. Patrick’s Church, Livesey St, Manchester at 2:30pm.
Day Retreat Programme: Introduction to Christian Meditation
The Diocese of Salford's Day Retreat Programme returns in 2024 with a particular focus on Christian Meditation. The retreat takes place on Saturday 10th February 2024 between 11.30am and 3pm at Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella's in Lostock Hall. Places are limited, so please book ahead by calling 01772 335387 or emailing: office@saintgerards.org.uk
Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Centenary Year Fundraiser - The Mercy Brothers
Join us for a family-friendly night of musical entertainment with the fabulous 'Mercy Brothers' band on Friday 9th February, 8pm (doors 7.30pm), at The Hough End Centre, Mauldeth Road West, Chortlon-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 7SX. The band is made up of members of the clergy from around the diocese. Tickets are priced at £15 (over 16s) and free for under 16s. Money raised will go to the Centenary Pilgrimage Fund and in support of our sick pilgrims and medical team. To book please visit www.salfordlourdes.co.uk/fundraising or phone the pilgrimage office on 0161 817 2209.
Pilgrimage to Walsingham
The Diocese of Salford is now accepting bookings for our 2024 pilgrimage to Walsingham. If you would like to join next year's pilgrimage, bring along a group, or help as a volunteer, please fill out a booking form, available at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/walsingham-2024. You can get in touch by calling 0161 817 2214 or emailing walsingham@pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Youth Pilgrimage to Walsingham
Salford Youth and Young Adults Ministry is delighted to once again offer a dedicated youth pilgrimage to Walsingham, aimed for students in Years 7,8 and 9. This pilgrimage runs alongside the main diocesan pilgrimage and will leave on Friday 3rd May and return on Saturday 4th May 2024. For further details please contact: youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Hope in the Future - Cycle of Prayer Over the coming months, we will be praying for the parishes, schools, and people of St. Chad's Deanery. Please click here to download the latest cycle now.
Hospital Chaplaincy Volunteers Wanted
Are you interested in visiting Catholic patients at the Royal Bolton Hospital? The commitment is modest; just half a day a week - morning or afternoon to suit your availability. Full support and any necessary training will be given. For more information about volunteer chaplains contact the Catholic Chaplain Fr Bob Hayes at the Chaplaincy Office: email robert.hayes@boltonft.nhs.uk or phone 01204 390770.
Your travel to church
As the Diocese of Salford works to reach its goal of being net zero by 2038, we're looking to find out more about the travel patterns of people across the diocese. Our diocesan environment team has put together a short survey to find out more about how people travel to and from church and would be very grateful for your response. The survey can be found at https://forms.gle/skCHYCknBzhDrvbn9
Volunteering at the Laudato Si' Centre
The Diocese of Salford's environment hub - the Laudato Si' Centre - is looking for new recruits to join its team of volunteers. This flexible, rewarding opportunity can be on a regular or ad hoc basis as the team works to develop the Centre's beautiful walled garden and woodland areas, set within the grounds of Wardley Hall. Email laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more!
Craft Events at The Laudato Si' Centre
This autumn, the Diocese of Salford's environment hub - The Laudato Si' Centre - is inviting people across the diocese to reconnect with nature through a series of craft workshops. Taking place within the beautiful grounds of the Centre - based at Wardley Hall in Worsley - these fantastic workshops include felting and wreath making. Email laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk for upcoming dates and further information.
Hope in the Future Legacy Booklet
Thank you to everyone who joined the diocesan Department for Formation for its Hope in the Future Celebration last week and to all who have been involved in the programme. We are delighted to share with you our Hope in the Future Legacy Booklet, which follows our journey over the past six years and provides resources and information for parishes wishing to continue or begin their own project. You can view a copy of the booklet online at https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Hope-in-the-Future-Legacy-Booklet.pdf
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham - Save the Date
The Diocese of Salford is delighted to announce the date for our next annual pilgrimage to Walsingham. Next year's day pilgrimage will take place on Saturday 4th May. We are also pleased to once again offer an overnight option, following the popularity of this year's two-day pilgrimage. To register your interest, please email walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
"Love for a Lifetime" - Marriage Preparation 2023 and 2024
Our diocesan Marriage Preparation team invites you to join them in their next Marriage Preparation Course. The course - taking place at St John Fisher's in Kearsley - is open to couples preparing for marriage across the diocese and will take place over two Saturday afternoon seminars. Please visit https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/faith/sacraments/marriage/ for dates and further information.
Women Saints and Spirituality
Dates can be found on the link below. Join us as we continue our fascinating series of talks exploring the life and spirituality of women in the Church throughout history. Contact Sister Joan Kerley at joankfmsj@gmail.com or 07934 816 796 to reserve a place. Find out more at https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/women-saints-and-spirituality/
Family is Sacred Course
The Department of Formation for the Diocese of Salford is introducing the second course of 'Family is Sacred’, where you are invited to join us on a course offered to families interested in enrichment in married and family life. The course can be attended via Zoom or in person at St John Fisher Parish, Manchester Road, Kearsley, Bolton, BL4 8QQ. Find out more by visiting https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/family-is-sacred-course/
Discover more about our Diocesan Synod Over the coming weeks and months, the Diocese of Salford is carrying out the first key stage of our diocesan synod. But what is a synod? And what does it mean for our diocese and the future of the Church in Greater Manchester and Lancashire? Scan the QR code below to find out more:
CARITAS
Caritas Salford Every Step Campaign
If you're looking for a new challenge for the New Year, why not check out the Caritas Salford website? Their brand new Every Step campaign is encouraging us all to pledge to do something this year that pushes us out of our comfort zone, and there are lots of ways you can get involved. Whether you take on a baking challenge, a 10k run or the ultimate quiz-a-thon, there's something for everyone, and the charity also has places in the Great Manchester Run and Manchester Half Marathon as well as a range of other runs available. Visit the website https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/campaign/every-step/ for more information.
Volunteering opportunities - Caritas Diocese of Salford
As we head into a new season, now might be the perfect for a new challenge! Our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford, is looking for more volunteers to support its work across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. There are a range of different opportunities available to meet individual needs and skillsets, and full training and support is given every step of the way. If you're interested in finding out more, please contact Matt Yates: m.yates@caritassalford.org.uk or visit the Caritas website: www.caritassalford.org.uk.
Caritas Diocese of Salford Newsletter
Did you know that our diocesan charity, Caritas Diocese of Salford, now has a monthly e-newsletter providing update, news and event details? To join the mailing list, please email Rachel Taylor: comms@caritassalford.org.uk
Compassion - Welcoming Communities
Caritas Salford has produced a toolkit on Welcoming Communities and Compassion. Refugees who use their services have shared what this means to them and what this looks like in action. Take a look at what you can do in your parish or wider community to show your support and help create a more welcoming community for all: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/news/refugee-week-2/
Clothing Donations for Caritas Diocese of Salford
Caritas Salford is appealing for donations of unwanted, clean clothing to help support people in the area experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination. The charity will give appropriate donated items to people experiencing homelessness who access their services in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, with other items being used to raise much-needed funds to help Caritas Salford continue its work. Clothing can be donated at the charity’s Caritas House building in Collyhurst from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Tuesday to Friday: Caritas House, Nobby Stiles Drive, Collyhurst, Manchester, M4 4FA.
Job Vacancy
Parish Administrator - Our Lady of Hope, Salford.
Appointment Type: Part-time, permanent
Working hours: 12 hours per week, worked Tuesday to Friday.
Location: St Luke's Presbytery, 13 Swinton Park Road, Irlam o' th' Height, Salford, M6 7WR.
Salary: £12.60 per hour.
Find out more and apply at https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/
Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)
If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 24(25):4-6, 7b-9
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com