Parish Newsletters

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 25^th July (17^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Message from Fr Richard 

As we know, the COVID social restrictions that we have been living with for many months, formally came to an end on July 19^th.  However, when it comes to church attendance, our Bishop John has recommended caution.  He has written to the priests of the Diocese advising them to keep doing certain things which have ensured that our churches have been safe places and to assure the priests of his support in the way they interpret this advice.  Here at St Mary’s, we will seek to return to our ‘normal’ practice of the Mass and church attendance gradually and each step will take us in the right direction.  However, we will not dispense with the measures we have in place all at once.  In fact we won’t change anything this weekend or next, but as we enter the month of August, that will be a good time to begin to return to normal practice.  You will be fully informed of each step that is taken and hopefully the return to normal will go smoothy. The measures we use may be slightly different at Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, but this is to accommodate the particular needs of those occasions.  Thank you for your patience throughout this difficult time. 

Mass this week

Tuesday 27th July               – 10am YouTube Mass

Wednesday 28th July          – 10am Public Mass

Thursday 29th July              – 10am YouTube Mass (St Martha)

Friday 30th July                   – 10am Public Mass followed by Confessions                 

Saturday 31st July               -  9.30am Public Mass (St Ignatius of Loyola)

                                                   12 noon Wedding of Timothy Hodgson and Emma Monk                       

Sunday 1st Aug                   -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

18^th in Ordinary Time                                                                                                         

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door.

Prayer List

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison, Robert Sale, Anne Houghton.

Lately Dead: Canon Frank Deeney, Catherine Hallam, Edith Cunningham, Ann Schofield.

Anniversaries: Brian Devine Hughes, Georgina Mary Jankay.

Parish Secretary

Ruth is working from home keeping to her usual office hours: 9:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  She can still be contacted during these hours by email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com or by telephone (01204 468209).  Please leave a message and Ruth will get back to you.  Fr Richard’s email is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk You can contact him on the same telephone number. 

Prayer Cycle July to September

The latest version of the Prayer Cycle from the Diocesan Formation Department for July-September can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. LDAH 

Lourdes at Home - live-streamed Mass

We invite you to join us online for a special pilgrimage Mass celebrated by Bishop John from Sacred Heart Church, Rochdale this Sunday 25th July at 2pm. Mass will be accompanied by a small number of our wonderful pilgrimage choir.  The Mass is online only but all are welcome. You can join us by clicking here. 

Sunday Collection Counters

In the next few weeks, we will begin to organise a new rota for Counters after Sunday Mass.  If you were previously a counter before the lockdown, please contact Ruth to let her know if you would be willing to continue.  Likewise, if you have not done so before, but are willing to help as a Counter, please contact Ruth.  The more volunteers we get, the less frequently you will have to do it!  Counting the Sunday Collection is not a difficult job, but it is a big help to the Parish and much appreciated. 

Sunday Collection

Despite the continued social restrictions, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

St Mary's Parish Lunch Club

We are taking steps to prepare for the reopening of St Mary's Lunch Club.  If you were previously a volunteer helper with the Lunch Club and would like to continue, or if you have not done so before, but would like to start volunteering, then please contact Ron Adamson. Tel no: 07858 504840 or email: ronliz2012@hotmail.co.uk 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

Stella Maris

We have received a letter from Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), thanking us for our kind contribution of £75.00 collected last year, which will assist seafarers and fishers in need.  We have also collected a further £90.00 this year which we will send to Stella Maris in due course after any further donations come in.  Thank you for supporting this important ministry. 

The Common Good Events

There is a new series of four events exploring the common good. The events are a collaboration between the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University, Twickenham; Together for the Common Good; Caritas Social Action Network; and the Centre for Social Justice. They are kindly supported by the CCLA. Future events will be held on 13th July, 29th September and 16th November (at St Mary’s, Putney). Booking information will be sent out in due course. 

Laudato Si Focus Group

As part of the Diocese of Salford's work to establish the Laudato Si centre, the Diocese is conducting research to hear the opinions of the local community. The purpose of this is to ask if you would like to take part in a focus group to better guide plans for the centre.  It is important to understand how local parishes can work with the Laudato Si project organisers to respond and educate about the climate crisis. Please click here to sign up 

Three Job Opportunities at Salford Cathedral Centre.

PA/Senior Administrator – COO Office.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability experienced individual to provide office management and oversight of the administration of the COO Office. This role will have responsibility for providing robust administrative and secretarial support to the COO and her team across all areas but particularly in relation to the IT, telephony, and Data Protection.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

Personal Assistant to the Vicars General and the Secretary to the Trustees.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability experienced individual to provide high quality administrative support to the Vicars General and the Secretary to the Trustees to enable them to fulfil their specific roles and wider responsibilities for the governance of the diocese. The role will require regular interaction with a wide and diverse range of individuals and the incumbent must understand that they are an ambassador for the Diocese in all their encounters.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

Receptionist

The Cathedral Centre is the office base for diocesan curial staff and houses the Cathedral Bookshop, Café, and conference rooms. A large number and wide variety of visitors, contractors and personnel come to the Cathedral Centre and the wider estate as a whole. The Cathedral House is adjacent to the Centre and houses some of our retired clergy.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

For more information and application packs, please visit the website here.

If you have any queries, questions can be sent to hr@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

Caritas Summer Appeal

This summer, Caritas Salford will support over 5,000 families experiencing challenges and crisis. We will give practical support to those living in insecure accommodation, help alleviate poverty and provide food packs, shopping vouchers and ‘in-crisis’ grants to those in need.  We will be there for people who need housing support, tenancy assistance and help with applications for benefits and for the high cost of school uniforms. Click here to view the poster   If you can, please click here to support our work today. Gifts by post

It costs us a little more due to administration time, but if you prefer to send a cheque, please mark your envelope Caritas Summer Appeal and include your full name and address and how you prefer Caritas to be in contact with you.  Please make cheques payable to Caritas Diocese of Salford and send to Cathedral Centre 3 Ford Street, Salford M3 6DP.   If you can Gift Aid your donation, it is worth 25% more to us, at no extra cost to you.  Tick the box online or let us know by post with your cheque.  Thank you for donating to Caritas today to help children, families and those affected by poverty across the Diocese of Salford.

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2021 – Sunday 25th July

The inaugural World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly falls on Sunday 25 July 2021, instituted by Pope Francis. it has been given the theme “I am with you always” from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 28: 30).  Identifying with the more senior members of our society, he says: “The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!”  For more information click here. 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Online Retreat for Married Couples

The organisers of the online prayer resource ‘Pray As You Go’, in partnership with the Westminster Diocese’s Marriage and Family Life Team, offer an Audio Retreat for Married Couples. It uses as its basic ingredients Scripture, the Ignatian tradition and other Christian insights to provide a simple recipe, which you can then enjoy blending together to make a tasty, exciting and balanced meal to feed your marriage. Further information can be found here. 

Salford Cathedral’s Choral Family

Following a period of restructuring and reauditions, Salford Cathedral now offers a range of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to sing: 

Children’s Choir – for children ages 7 – 12 with rehearsals on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 4.15-5.30pm in Cathedral House (no auditions)

Youth Choir – for young people ages 12 – 18, with rehearsals on Tuesdays, 5.45-6.45pm in Cathedral House (no auditions)

Music Group – for singers and instrumentalists of all ages and abilities, with rehearsals at 8.40am for the 9.15am Mass on Sundays (no auditions)

Voluntary Choir – for adults of all abilities who enjoy singing in a mixed-voice choir, with rehearsals at 4.30pm for the 5.30pm Mass on Sundays (informal audition)

Cathedral Choir – for experienced choral singers with good sight-reading skills. Rehearsals on Thursdays 7.30-9pm and 10am for the 11am Mass on Sundays (formal audition)

Choral Scholarships – worth up to £1,200 for students ages 18+ in full time education. Rehearsals as for the Cathedral Choir and also for 5pm Vespers on Thursdays (formal audition). 

For more information and to enquire about joining any of these groups, please get in touch with the Director of Music, Alex Patterson by email: alex.patterson@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or ‘phone: 0161 817 2210. 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Exodus 16:2-4. 12-15

Responsorial Psalm 77

Second Reading: Ephesians 4:17. 20-24

Gospel: John 6:24-35

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 18^th July (16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Mass this week

Tuesday 20th July               – 10am YouTube Mass

Wednesday 21st July          – 10am Public Mass

Thursday 22nd July             – 9.30am Year 6 School Leavers Mass (St Mary Magdalen)

   6.30pm Thanksgiving Mass (Invitation Only)

Friday 23rd July                   – 10am Public Mass (St Bridget of Sweden)                  

Saturday 24th July               - 11am Public Mass followed by Confessions                      

Sunday 25th July                 -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

17^th in Ordinary Time                                                                                                         

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door.

Prayer List

Last week we welcomed into the Catholic Church by Baptism Noah Jack Hoyle.  Congratulations to him and his family.  Please keep in your prayers all our parents preparing for the baptism of their child.

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison, Robert Sale, Anne Houghton.

Lately Dead: Ann Schofield, Catherine Hallam, Edith Cunningham, Canon Frank Deeney.

Parish Secretary

Ruth is working from home keeping to her usual office hours: 9:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  She can still be contacted during these hours by email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com or by telephone (01204 468209).  Please leave a message and Ruth will get back to you.  Fr Richard’s email is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk You can contact him on the same telephone number. 

First Holy Communion Mass

Due to the unforeseen need to self-isolate, our Year 3 children who were due to make their First Holy Communion today are unable to do so.  Please continue to pray for them, especially as they face this disappointment. We will re-arrange their celebration of First Holy Communion for the earliest next possible Sunday. 

Bishop John

All the Parishes in the Diocese have been contacted this week with the following message: “Bishop John is urging all adults, who are able to do so, to be vaccinated. Pope Francis has reminded people of the duty to be vaccinated if they are able. The Church is clear that all Catholics can take any of the vaccines on offer with a clear conscience. Even if you are at a low risk of becoming seriously ill, being vaccinated will lower the risk of transmitting the virus to somebody else who might then have a severe reaction or even die. It is particularly important that those in our parishes, clergy and lay-people who visit those who are housebound or otherwise vulnerable are vaccinated.” 

Prayer Cycle July to September

The latest version of the Prayer Cycle from the Diocesan Formation Department for July-September can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. LDAH 

St Mary's Parish Lunch Club

We are taking steps to prepare for the reopening of St Mary's Lunch Club.  If you were previously a volunteer helper with the Lunch Club and would like to continue, or if you have not done so before, but would like to start volunteering, then please contact Ron Adamson. Tel no: 07858 504840 or email: ronliz2012@hotmail.co.uk 

Sunday Collection

Despite the continued social restrictions, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

Urban Outreach

The next collection for Urban Outreach will be on Monday 19^th July at St Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue from 11.00am till 1pm. If anyone would like to donate but is unable to get to St Elizabeth's, arrangements can be made to collect from your doorstep. To arrange collection please ring Mary Durkan on 07786 033449. 

The Common Good Events

There is a new series of four events exploring the common good. The events are a collaboration between the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University, Twickenham; Together for the Common Good; Caritas Social Action Network; and the Centre for Social Justice. They are kindly supported by the CCLA. Future events will be held on 13th July, 29th September and 16th November (at St Mary’s, Putney). Booking information will be sent out in due course. 

Laudato Si Focus Group

As part of the Diocese of Salford's work to establish the Laudato Si centre, the Diocese is conducting research to hear the opinions of the local community. The purpose of this is to ask if you would like to take part in a focus group to better guide plans for the centre.  It is important to understand how local parishes can work with the Laudato Si project organisers to respond and educate about the climate crisis. Please click here to sign up 

Three Job Opportunities at Salford Cathedral Centre.

PA/Senior Administrator – COO Office.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability experienced individual to provide office management and oversight of the administration of the COO Office. This role will have responsibility for providing robust administrative and secretarial support to the COO and her team across all areas but particularly in relation to the IT, telephony, and Data Protection.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

Personal Assistant to the Vicars General and the Secretary to the Trustees.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability experienced individual to provide high quality administrative support to the Vicars General and the Secretary to the Trustees to enable them to fulfil their specific roles and wider responsibilities for the governance of the diocese. The role will require regular interaction with a wide and diverse range of individuals and the incumbent must understand that they are an ambassador for the Diocese in all their encounters.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

Receptionist

The Cathedral Centre is the office base for diocesan curial staff and houses the Cathedral Bookshop, Café, and conference rooms. A large number and wide variety of visitors, contractors and personnel come to the Cathedral Centre and the wider estate as a whole. The Cathedral House is adjacent to the Centre and houses some of our retired clergy.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

For more information and application packs, please visit the website here.

If you have any queries, questions can be sent to hr@dioceseofsalford.org.uk 

Caritas Job Vacancy

Support Workers  The Support Workers will work as members of the team providing support, supervision and practical assistance to young women who are vulnerable and their children in residential accommodation.

Support Worker (Morning Star & Emergency Accommodation)  As a Support Worker you work as part of a team to provide support within our Supported Accommodation hostel to residents who are experiencing vulnerability. You will provide practical and emotional support to residents that will promote independence and will assist and support other involved parties, to ensure positive outcomes for all residents.  For more information from the Caritas careers page, Click here 

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2021 – Sunday 25th July

The inaugural World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly falls on Sunday 25 July 2021, instituted by Pope Francis. it has been given the theme “I am with you always” from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 28: 30).  Identifying with the more senior members of our society, he says: “The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!”  For more information click here. 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Online Retreat for Married Couples

The organisers of the online prayer resource ‘Pray As You Go’, in partnership with the Westminster Diocese’s Marriage and Family Life Team, offer an Audio Retreat for Married Couples. It uses as its basic ingredients Scripture, the Ignatian tradition and other Christian insights to provide a simple recipe, which you can then enjoy blending together to make a tasty, exciting and balanced meal to feed your marriage. Further information can be found here. 

Salford Cathedral’s Choral Family

Following a period of restructuring and reauditions, Salford Cathedral now offers a range of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to sing: 

Children’s Choir – for children ages 7 – 12 with rehearsals on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 4.15-5.30pm in Cathedral House (no auditions)

Youth Choir – for young people ages 12 – 18, with rehearsals on Tuesdays, 5.45-6.45pm in Cathedral House (no auditions)

Music Group – for singers and instrumentalists of all ages and abilities, with rehearsals at 8.40am for the 9.15am Mass on Sundays (no auditions)

Voluntary Choir – for adults of all abilities who enjoy singing in a mixed-voice choir, with rehearsals at 4.30pm for the 5.30pm Mass on Sundays (informal audition)

Cathedral Choir – for experienced choral singers with good sight-reading skills. Rehearsals on Thursdays 7.30-9pm and 10am for the 11am Mass on Sundays (formal audition)

Choral Scholarships – worth up to £1,200 for students ages 18+ in full time education. Rehearsals as for the Cathedral Choir and also for 5pm Vespers on Thursdays (formal audition). 

For more information and to enquire about joining any of these groups, please get in touch with the Director of Music, Alex Patterson by email: alex.patterson@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or ‘phone: 0161 817 2210. 

Eco Thought of the Week 18^th July 2021

16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel, Jesus took the apostles to a lonely place to rest for a while.

Might we find time and space in these weeks to rest for a while and enjoy the beauty of God’s gift of creation? 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (17^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: 2 Kings 4:42-44

Responsorial Psalm 144

Second Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6

Gospel: John 6:1-15

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 11^th July (15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Mass this week

Tuesday 13th July               – 10am YouTube Mass

Wednesday 14th July          – 10am Public Mass

Thursday 15th July              – 10am YouTube Mass St Bonaventure

Friday 16th July                   – 10am Public Mass Our Lady of Mount Carmel

                                                            (Principal Patron of the Diocese of Salford)                      

Saturday 17th July               - 11am Public Mass followed by Confessions                      

Sunday 18th July                 -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

16^th in Ordinary Time                                                                                                         

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door.

Prayer List

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison, Robert Sale

Lately Dead: Tony Wilkieson, Peter Healy, Ann Schofield.

Parish Secretary

Ruth is working from home keeping to her usual office hours: 9:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  She can still be contacted during these hours by email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com or by telephone (01204 468209).  Please leave a message and Ruth will get back to you.  Fr Richard’s email is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk You can contact him on the same telephone number. 

First Holy Communion Masses

We are delighted to continue our celebration of First Holy Communion today as we welcome our second group of children who have recently completed the Sacramental Programme.  The remaining children will be making their First Holy Communion at next Sunday’s 10:30am Mass (18^th July).  Thanks again to all the families who have participated in the Sacramental Programme and to all our parishioners who have acted as ‘prayer sponsors’ for the children during the last months. 

Prayer Cycle July to September

The latest version of the Prayer Cycle from the Diocesan Formation Department for July-September can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. LDAH 

Sunday Collection

Despite the continued social restrictions, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

Urban Outreach

The next collection for Urban Outreach will be on Monday 19^th July at St Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue from 11.00am till 1pm. If anyone would like to donate but is unable to get to St Elizabeth's, arrangements can be made to collect from your doorstep. To arrange collection please ring Mary Durkan on 07786 033449. 

The Common Good Events

There is a new series of four events exploring the common good. The events are a collaboration between the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University, Twickenham; Together for the Common Good; Caritas Social Action Network; and the Centre for Social Justice. They are kindly supported by the CCLA. Future events will be held on 13th July, 29th September and 16th November (at St Mary’s, Putney). Booking information will be sent out in due course. 

Laudato Si Focus Group

As part of the Diocese of Salford's work to establish the Laudato Si centre, the Diocese is conducting research to hear the opinions of the local community. The purpose of this is to ask if you would like to take part in a focus group to better guide plans for the centre.  It is important to understand how local parishes can work with the Laudato Si project organisers to respond and educate about the climate crisis. Please click here to sign up 

Cathedral Centre Job Opportunities

The Salford Cathedral Centre is recruiting for two new roles:

Communication and Marketing Officer (Cathedral)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Diocese of Salford as a Communications and Marketing Officer to work with the Communications Manager and Cathedral Dean. This role will be key in supporting the Cathedral to tell its story, past, present & future in a busy, dynamic environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering a variety of multimedia communications to assist the Cathedral team in raising awareness of the Cathedral among external audiences while encouraging greater engagement with the Cathedral Community. As a member of the Diocesan Communications Office, the incumbent will also play a part in supporting the team’s work around the diocese, its projects, and parishes. Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 16th July 2021.

Cathedral Campus Estate & Facilities Manager.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability qualified individual to provide leadership and oversee all facilities management aspects of the Cathedral Campus to develop and sustain excellence in all areas. The Cathedral, Cathedral House and Cathedral Centre are of great significance to the Church in Salford and this role will be responsible for delivering the highest standards of safety, hygiene, hospitality and service across this diverse setting through effective facilities management.  Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 16th July 2021. More information and application packs can be found by clicking here.  Questions can be sent to hr@dioceseofsalford.org.uk  

Three Job Opportunities at Salford Cathedral Centre

PA/Senior Administrator – COO Office.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability experienced individual to provide office management and oversight of the administration of the COO Office. This role will have responsibility for providing robust administrative and secretarial support to the COO and her team across all areas but particularly in relation to the IT, telephony, and Data Protection.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

Personal Assistant to the Vicars General and the Secretary to the Trustees.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability experienced individual to provide high quality administrative support to the Vicars General and the Secretary to the Trustees to enable them to fulfil their specific roles and wider responsibilities for the governance of the diocese. The role will require regular interaction with a wide and diverse range of individuals and the incumbent must understand that they are an ambassador for the Diocese in all their encounters.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

Receptionist

The Cathedral Centre is the office base for diocesan curial staff and houses the Cathedral Bookshop, Café, and conference rooms. A large number and wide variety of visitors, contractors and personnel come to the Cathedral Centre and the wider estate as a whole. The Cathedral House is adjacent to the Centre and houses some of our retired clergy.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 26th July 2021.

For more information and application packs, please visit the website here.

If you have any queries, questions can be sent to hr@dioceseofsalford.org.uk 

Caritas Job Vacancy

Support Workers

The Support Workers will work as members of the team providing support, supervision and practical assistance to young women who are vulnerable and their children in residential accommodation.

Support Worker (Morning Star & Emergency Accommodation)

As a Support Worker you work as part of a team to provide support within our Supported Accommodation hostel to residents who are experiencing vulnerability. You will provide practical and emotional support to residents that will promote independence and will assist and support other involved parties, to ensure positive outcomes for all residents. For more information from the Caritas careers page, Click here 

Caritas Salford – ‘Business Buddies’ for Refugees

Caritas Salford has teamed up with TERN (The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network) and Ben & Jerry’s (the well-known ice cream manufacturer) to launch the Ice Academy for the first time in Manchester.  This is a project to support refugees in developing business ideas and starting their own business in Greater Manchester by connecting them to the experts, programmes and support they need to move forward.  As a result, Caritas is searching for 15 volunteer ‘business buddies’ interested in social innovation and with some business/public sector experience or a professional services background.  You will offer your expertise, guidance and advice as our entrepreneurs develop and test their business ideas.  For more information and to express an interest, please contact Amir by email at: a.raki@caritassalford.org.uk or call/text to 07477 926517.  You can also register your interest here. 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Online Retreat for Married Couples

The organisers of the online prayer resource ‘Pray As You Go’, in partnership with the Westminster Diocese’s Marriage and Family Life Team, offer an Audio Retreat for Married Couples. It uses as its basic ingredients Scripture, the Ignatian tradition and other Christian insights to provide a simple recipe, which you can then enjoy blending together to make a tasty, exciting and balanced meal to feed your marriage. Further information can be found here. 

Eco Thought of the Week 11^th July 2021

15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In Mark’s Gospel today Jesus sends out the Twelve, warning them ‘to take nothing for the journey except a staff- no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses.’

How simply to we journey through life in terms of what we use, what we consume? 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6.

Responsorial Psalm 22

Second Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18.

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34.

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 4^th July (14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Mass this week

Tuesday 6th July                 – No Mass

Wednesday 7th July            – 10am Public Mass

Thursday 8th July                – No Mass

Friday 9th July                      – 10am Public Mass                        

Saturday 10th July               - 11am Public Mass followed by Confessions                      

Sunday 11th July                 -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

15^th in Ordinary Time                                                                                                         

Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door.

Prayer List

Last week we welcomed into the Catholic Church by Baptism Lucy Blunt.  Congratulations to her and his family.  Please keep in your prayers all our parents preparing for the baptism of their child.

Please keep in your prayers this week:

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison.

Lately Dead: Angela Kelly, Anne Connolly (née McManus), Tony Wilkieson, Peter Healy.

Anniversaries: Mick Walsh.

Parish Secretary

Ruth returns to work this week.  She is working from home but keeping to her usual office hours: 9:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  She can still be contacted during these hours by email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com or by telephone (01204 468209).  Please leave a message and Ruth will get back to you.  Fr Richard’s email is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk You can contact him on the same telephone number. 

First Holy Communion Masses

Our 27 children have completed their Parish Sacramental Programme. They will now celebrate First Holy Communion at the following Sunday morning Masses: 27^th June, 11^th July and 18^th July.  When these dates were organised, we anticipated that all social restrictions would have finished.  Unfortunately this won’t be the case, but we anticipated that numbers might still be restricted in church so each child making their First Holy Communion will be accompanied by up to 6 people, taking up one pew each in church.  Likewise the children are spread out across the three Masses.  On the other hand, we thought that it would be nice to give the prayer sponsors the chance to come to the same Mass as the child they have prayed for throughout the Sacramental Programme.  Our Summary Newsletter will have more details about this.  To help ensure that the church is not overcrowded, we would invite you to attend the Saturday Vigil Mass (or another weekday Mass) if you can rather than the Sunday morning Mass to leave sufficient space for the children and their families plus their prayer sponsors.   

Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle

An updated version of the Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle from April - July can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. LDAH 

Sunday Collection

Despite the continued social restrictions, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

MISSIO and the Mill Hill Missionaries

Fr Anthony Chantry has written to us thanking everyone for the monies collected and recently sent in for the work of Missio.  He writes: “Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your parish gift of £755.38 towards the work of Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries.” 

CARITAS Salford

Rachel Taylor from Caritas Salford has contacted us with a message of thanks: “Thank you so much for sending in the recent cheque for £135.00.  This generosity means that the services operated by Caritas Diocese of Salford can continue to offer a much-needed response to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, loneliness and marginalisation across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.” 

St Joseph’ School fundraiser

Hanging baskets will arrive in school on Monday next week and are being sold to raise money for school funds. Please click here for further information. 

Urban Outreach

The next collection for Urban Outreach will be on Monday 5^th July at St Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue from 11.00am till 1pm. If anyone would like to donate but is unable to get to St Elizabeth's, arrangements can be made to collect from your doorstep. To arrange collection please ring Mary Durkan on 07786 033449. 

The Common Good Events

There is a new series of four events exploring the common good. The events are a collaboration between the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University, Twickenham; Together for the Common Good; Caritas Social Action Network; and the Centre for Social Justice. They are kindly supported by the CCLA. Future events will be held on 13th July, 29th September and 16th November (at St Mary’s, Putney). Booking information will be sent out in due course. 

Laudato Si Focus Group

As part of the Diocese of Salford's work to establish the Laudato Si centre, the Diocese is conducting research to hear the opinions of the local community. The purpose of this is to ask if you would like to take part in a focus group to better guide plans for the centre.  It is important to understand how local parishes can work with the Laudato Si project organisers to respond and educate about the climate crisis. Please click here to sign up 

Cathedral Centre Job Opportunities

The Salford Cathedral Centre is recruiting for two new roles:

Communication and Marketing Officer (Cathedral)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Diocese of Salford as a Communications and Marketing Officer to work with the Communications Manager and Cathedral Dean. This role will be key in supporting the Cathedral to tell its story, past, present & future in a busy, dynamic environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering a variety of multimedia communications to assist the Cathedral team in raising awareness of the Cathedral among external audiences while encouraging greater engagement with the Cathedral Community. As a member of the Diocesan Communications Office, the incumbent will also play a part in supporting the team’s work around the diocese, its projects, and parishes. Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 16th July 2021.

Cathedral Campus Estate & Facilities Manager.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability qualified individual to provide leadership and oversee all facilities management aspects of the Cathedral Campus to develop and sustain excellence in all areas. The Cathedral, Cathedral House and Cathedral Centre are of great significance to the Church in Salford and this role will be responsible for delivering the highest standards of safety, hygiene, hospitality and service across this diverse setting through effective facilities management.  Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 16th July 2021.

More information and application packs can be found by clicking here.

Questions can be sent to hr@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

Caritas Job Vacancy

Caritas is looking to hire a bank counsellor to provide a counselling and family support service in schools across the Diocese of Salford according to each school’s formal agreement.  The position will require working with pupils referred to the Caritas Schools’ Service on a variety of issues, providing a non-judgemental, caring and confidential environment for them to work through their problems and difficulties. To apply, please visit the website: www.caritassalford.org.uk for an application pack or contact Rebecca Anderson on 0161 817 2264 or by email r.anderson@caritassalford.org.uk 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Online Retreat for Married Couples

The organisers of the online prayer resource ‘Pray As You Go’, in partnership with the Westminster Diocese’s Marriage and Family Life Team, offer an Audio Retreat for Married Couples. It uses as its basic ingredients Scripture, the Ignatian tradition and other Christian insights to provide a simple recipe, which you can then enjoy blending together to make a tasty, exciting and balanced meal to feed your marriage. Further information can be found here. 

Eco Thought of the Week 4^th July 2021

14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Each week the Eucharistic Prayer begins with one of a number of Prefaces. In Ordinary Time one such Preface prays:

“You have laid the foundations of the world

and have arranged the changing of times and seasons;

You formed man in your own image

and set humanity over the whole world in all its wonder,

to rule in your name over all you have made

and for ever praise you in your mighty works,

through Christ our Lord.”

How have succeeding generations exercised that ‘rule’ over all creation?

How will we do so? 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Amos 7:12-15.

Responsorial Psalm 84:9-14.

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14.

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13.

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com 

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 27^th June (13^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Mass this week

Tuesday 29th June             – 10am YouTube Mass SS PETER & PAUL

Wednesday 30th June        – 10am Public Mass

Thursday 1st July                – 11am Requiem Mass for Angela Kelly (Family only)

Friday 2nd July                     – 10am Public Mass                        

Saturday 3rd July                 - 11am Public Mass followed by Confessions                      

Sunday 4th July                   -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time                                                                                                       

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door.

Prayer List

Last week we welcomed into the Catholic Church by Baptism Jayla-Mae Edwards.  Congratulations to her and his family.  Please keep in your prayers all our parents preparing for the baptism of their child.

Please keep in your prayers this week:

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison.

Lately Dead: Angela Kelly, Anne Connolly (née McManus).

Parish Secretary

Ruth is on annual leave for the next two weeks; returning to work on Tuesday 6^th July.  Particular messages for Ruth can still be left on her answer ‘phone: (01204) 468209, or via email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com but please direct all Parish enquiries to Fr Richard.  You can contact him on the same ‘phone number and his email address is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk Out of office hours his mobile is: 07816 467948. 

First Holy Communion Masses

Our 27 children have completed their Parish Sacramental Programme. They will now celebrate First Holy Communion at the following Sunday morning Masses: 27^th June, 11^th July and 18^th July.  When these dates were organised, we anticipated that all social restrictions would have finished.  Unfortunately this won’t be the case, but we anticipated that numbers might still be restricted in church so each child making their First Holy Communion will be accompanied by up to 6 people, taking up one pew each in church.  Likewise the children are spread out across the three Masses.  On the other hand, we thought that it would be nice to give the prayer sponsors the chance to come to the same Mass as the child they have prayed for throughout the Sacramental Programme.  Our Summary Newsletter will have more details about this.  To help ensure that the church is not overcrowded, we would invite you to attend the Saturday Vigil Mass (or another weekday Mass) if you can rather than the Sunday morning Mass to leave sufficient space for the children and their families plus their prayer sponsors.   

Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle

An updated version of the Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle from April - July can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. LDAH 

Sunday Collection

Despite the continued social restrictions, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

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.  Please could any cheques now be made payable to 'St Mary's RC Church, Horwich' and APF be noted on the back of the cheque.  If you have any queries, please contact Paula Rowlinson, tel. 01204 770378 or mobile 07565 555502. 

St Joseph’ School fundraiser

Hanging baskets will arrive in school on Monday next week and are being sold to raise money for school funds. Please click here for further information. 

New Director Caritas Diocese of Salford

The trustees of Caritas Diocese of Salford are pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick O’Dowd, as its next Director, appointed to succeed Mark Wiggin, who retires after 11 years of service in July.  Bishop John said: “I am grateful for the service and leadership of Mark Wiggin who has helped to establish Caritas in the heart of the Diocese.  I welcome the appointment of Patrick O’Dowd whose knowledge, commitment and values will take forward the charity’s mission in the coming years”.  All in the diocese wish Mark a happy retirement and look forward to continuing to support the work of Caritas alongside Patrick. 

The Common Good Events

There is a new series of four events exploring the common good. The events are a collaboration between the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University, Twickenham; Together for the Common Good; Caritas Social Action Network; and the Centre for Social Justice. They are kindly supported by the CCLA. Future events will be held on 13th July, 29th September and 16th November (at St Mary’s, Putney). Booking information will be sent out in due course. 

Unity Alliance ‘Walk and Talk’ Initiative

The Bolton Unity Alliance (Bolton Christian Community Cohesion, Bolton Wanderers community Trust, Bolton Solidarity Community Association, Bolton Interfaith Council, Bolton Hindu Forum and Bolton Council of Mosques) will be hosting a series of walks in the Bolton area on Thursday afternoons (2pm start), hopefully starting on 24th June, aimed at bringing people from different backgrounds in the Bolton community together. Numbers are limited to small groups of 12 for each walk and strict social distancing procedures will be in place but if you would like to participate, or find out further information, please contact Keith Armstrong at: tcc@bolton.gmim.org.uk 

Laudato Si Focus Group

As part of the Diocese of Salford's work to establish the Laudato Si centre, the Diocese is conducting research to hear the opinions of the local community. The purpose of this is to ask if you would like to take part in a focus group to better guide plans for the centre.  It is important to understand how local parishes can work with the Laudato Si project organisers to respond and educate about the climate crisis. Please click here to sign up 

Cathedral Centre Job Opportunities

The Salford Cathedral Centre is recruiting for two new roles: Communication and Marketing Officer (Cathedral)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Diocese of Salford as a Communications and Marketing Officer to work with the Communications Manager and Cathedral Dean. This role will be key in supporting the Cathedral to tell its story, past, present & future in a busy, dynamic environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering a variety of multimedia communications to assist the Cathedral team in raising awareness of the Cathedral among external audiences while encouraging greater engagement with the Cathedral Community. As a member of the Diocesan Communications Office, the incumbent will also play a part in supporting the team’s work around the diocese, its projects, and parishes. Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 16th July 2021.

Cathedral Campus Estate & Facilities Manager.

The Diocese of Salford is seeking to recruit a suitability qualified individual to provide leadership and oversee all facilities management aspects of the Cathedral Campus to develop and sustain excellence in all areas. The Cathedral, Cathedral House and Cathedral Centre are of great significance to the Church in Salford and this role will be responsible for delivering the highest standards of safety, hygiene, hospitality and service across this diverse setting through effective facilities management.  Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 16th July 2021.

More information and application packs can be found by clicking here.

Questions can be sent to hr@dioceseofsalford.org.uk 

Caritas Job Vacancy

Caritas is looking to hire a bank counsellor to provide a counselling and family support service in schools across the Diocese of Salford according to each school’s formal agreement.  The position will require working with pupils referred to the Caritas Schools’ Service on a variety of issues, providing a non-judgemental, caring and confidential environment for them to work through their problems and difficulties. To apply, please visit the website: www.caritassalford.org.uk for an application pack or contact Rebecca Anderson on 0161 817 2264 or by email r.anderson@caritassalford.org.uk 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Online Retreat for Married Couples

The organisers of the online prayer resource ‘Pray As You Go’, in partnership with the Westminster Diocese’s Marriage and Family Life Team, offer an Audio Retreat for Married Couples. It uses as its basic ingredients Scripture, the Ignatian tradition and other Christian insights to provide a simple recipe, which you can then enjoy blending together to make a tasty, exciting and balanced meal to feed your marriage. Further information can be found here. 

Eco Thought of the Week 27th June 2021

The Old Testament Book of Wisdom addresses us with these inspiring words today:

Death was not God’s doing;

He takes no pleasure in the extinction of the living.

To be – for this he created all;

The world’s created things have health in them,

In them no fatal poison can be found.

How can we value the health which is found in the world’s created things and ensure their benefit for future generations? How can we keep ‘fatal poisons’ of discarded plastics and emissions and other pollutants from our lands and our seas and our skies? 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5.

Responsorial Psalm: 122.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6.

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com 

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 20^th June (12^th Sunday in Ordinary Time) 

Mass this week

Tuesday 22nd June             – 10am YouTube Mass SS John Fisher & Thomas More

Wednesday 23rd June        – 10am Public Mass

Thursday 24th June            – 10am YouTube Mass THE NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST

Friday 25th June                  – 10am Public Mass                        

Saturday 26th June             - 11am Public Mass followed by Confessions                      

Sunday 27^th June                -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

13^th Sunday in Ordinary Time                                                                                                       

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door. 

Prayer List

Please keep in your prayers this week:

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison.

Lately Dead: Angela Kelly.

Anniversaries: Mary Darbyshire, John Egan. 

Parish Secretary

Ruth is on annual leave for the next two weeks; returning to work on Tuesday 6^th July.  Particular messages for Ruth can still be left on her answer ‘phone: (01204) 468209, or via email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com but please direct all Parish enquiries to Fr Richard.  You can contact him on the same ‘phone number and his email address is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk Out of office hours his mobile is: 07816 467948. 

Day for Life (Second Collection)

This Sunday is ‘Day for Life’ with the title of: ‘Caring for the Sick and Dying: The Respect Owed to Life’.  There will be a Second Collection for those who would like to make a donation.  As we know, all second collections this year are voluntary, however a special emphasis was asked by The Bishops Conference to be placed on the Day for Life as it helps to fund organisations which support the dignity of human life and our Catholic teaching.  

First Holy Communion Masses

Our 27 children have completed their Parish Sacramental Programme. They will now celebrate First Holy Communion at the following Sunday morning Masses: 27^th June, 11^th July and 18^th July.  When these dates were organised, we anticipated that all social restrictions would have finished.  Unfortunately this won’t be the case, but we expected that numbers might still be limited in church so each child making their First Holy Communion will be accompanied by up to 6 people only, taking up one pew each in church.  Likewise the children are spread out across the three Masses.  On the other hand, we thought that it would be nice to give the prayer sponsors the chance to come to the same Mass as the child they have prayed for throughout the Sacramental Programme.  Our Summary Newsletter will have more details about this.  To help ensure that the church is not overcrowded, we would invite you to attend the Saturday Vigil Mass (or another weekday Mass) if you can rather than the Sunday morning Mass to leave sufficient space for the children and their families plus their prayer sponsors.

Friends of the Holy Land

Friends of the Holy Land would like to thank all parishioners who donated to the Crib Offerings, raising £90.00 for Christians in the Holy Land. Conditions in the Holy Land are extremely challenging at this time. Please continue to remember FHL and those we support in your prayers.’ 

Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle

An updated version of the Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle from April - July can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. LDAH 

Sunday Collection

Despite the continued social restrictions, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

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.  Please could any cheques now be made payable to 'St Mary's RC Church, Horwich' and APF be noted on the back of the cheque.  If you have any queries, please contact Paula Rowlinson, tel. 01204 770378 or mobile 07565 555502. 

Urban Outreach

The next collection for Urban Outreach will be on Monday 21st June at St Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue from 11.00am till 1pm. If anyone would like to donate but is unable to get to St Elizabeth's, arrangements can be made to collect from your doorstep. To arrange collection please ring Mary Durkan on 07786 033449. 

St Joseph’ School fundraiser

Hanging baskets will arrive in school on Monday next week and are being sold to raise money for school funds. Please click here for further information. 

Message from CAFOD

CAFOD has written to our Parish thanking everyone at St Mary’s for our latest donation of £375.00.  Michelle Oakford, Head of Supporter Relations writes: “It means so much to us that you have reached out to our brothers and sisters around the world…Thank you so much for being there for our global family”. 

Caritas: Help with food shopping

Caritas is delighted to have been able to secure two grants to be spent on shopping vouchers - the National Lottery (diocesan-wide) and the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran (‘intended for the poor of Manchester.’) There is just £2,200 left of the grant available diocesan-wide (enough for 7 families to receive help for 6 weeks).  Head teachers and parish priests can still access support for Manchester-based families (that’s those living in a postcode in the wards of the city council) from the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran, with enough for 25 families. The application form is available from the website here. 

The Common Good Events

There is a new series of four events exploring the common good. The events are a collaboration between the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University, Twickenham; Together for the Common Good; Caritas Social Action Network; and the Centre for Social Justice. They are kindly supported by the CCLA. Future events will be held on 13th July, 29th September and 16th November (at St Mary’s, Putney). Booking information will be sent out in due course. 

Unity Alliance ‘Walk and Talk’ Initiative

The Bolton Unity Alliance (Bolton Christian Community Cohesion, Bolton Wanderers community Trust, Bolton Solidarity Community Association, Bolton Interfaith Council, Bolton Hindu Forum and Bolton Council of Mosques) will be hosting a series of walks in the Bolton area on Thursday afternoons (2pm start), hopefully starting on 24th June, aimed at bringing people from different backgrounds in the Bolton community together. Numbers are limited to small groups of 12 for each walk and strict social distancing procedures will be in place but if you would like to participate, or find out further information, please contact Keith Armstrong at: tcc@bolton.gmim.org.uk 

Salford Interfaith Forum: Faith in the Environment.

Salford interfaith forum is running an event on Zoom. Faith in the Environment is an online conference examining the response of faith communities to the climate crisis, the event will take place on Wed, 23 June 2021 18:30 – 20:00. Bishop John will be speaking at the event alongside, Andrea Passe from Eco Synagogue and the Board of Deputies and Zahid Hussain a Manchester City Councillor and Community Activist. For information please click here. 

Laudato Si Focus Group

As part of the Diocese of Salford's work to establish the Laudato Si centre, the Diocese is conducting research to hear the opinions of the local community. The purpose of this is to ask if you would like to take part in a focus group to better guide plans for the centre.  It is important to understand how local parishes can work with the Laudato Si project organisers to respond and educate about the climate crisis. Please click here to sign up 

Caritas Job Vacancy

Caritas is looking to hire a bank counsellor to provide a counselling and family support service in schools across the Diocese of Salford according to each school’s formal agreement.  The position will require working with pupils referred to the Caritas Schools’ Service on a variety of issues, providing a non-judgemental, caring and confidential environment for them to work through their problems and difficulties. To apply, please visit the website: www.caritassalford.org.uk for an application pack or contact Rebecca Anderson on 0161 817 2264 or by email r.anderson@caritassalford.org.uk 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Online Retreat for Married Couples

The organisers of the online prayer resource ‘Pray As You Go’, in partnership with the Westminster Diocese’s Marriage and Family Life Team, offer an Audio Retreat for Married Couples. It uses as its basic ingredients Scripture, the Ignatian tradition and other Christian insights to provide a simple recipe, which you can then enjoy blending together to make a tasty, exciting and balanced meal to feed your marriage. Further information can be found here. 

Eco Thought of the Week 20th June

In our first reading God asks Job:

Who pent up the sea behind closed doors, when it leapt tumultuous out of the womb,

when I wrapped it in a robe of mist

and make black clouds its swaddling bands;

when I marked the bounds it was not to cross

and made it fast with a bolted gate?

Come thus far, I said, and no farther,

here your proud waves shall break.

God is Creator and Lord of Creation. Can we harness the mighty power of the elements for the common good? How do we ensure our energy sources are natural and sustainable? 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (13^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Responsorial Psalm: 29

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 13^th June (11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Mass this week

Tuesday 15th June             – 10am YouTube Mass

Wednesday 16th June        – 10am Public Mass

Thursday 17th June            – 10am YouTube Mass

Friday 18th June                  – 10am Public Mass                        

Saturday 19th June             - 11am Public Mass followed by Confessions                      

Sunday 20^th June                -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

12^th Sunday in Ordinary Time                                                                                                       

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door.

Prayer List

Last week we welcomed into the Catholic Church by Baptism Casey Paul Jones.  Congratulations to him and his family.  Please keep in your prayers all our parents preparing for the baptism of their child.

Please keep in your prayers this week:

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison.

Lately Dead: Sheila Shannon, Sr Sheila McCourt, Barbara Pearl, Tony Prescott, Bill Green.

Parish Secretary

Ruth is working from home keeping to her usual office hours: 9:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  She can still be contacted during these hours by email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com or by telephone (01204 468209).  Please leave a message and Ruth will get back to you.  Fr Richard’s email is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk You can contact him on the same telephone number. 

Climate Sunday

Bishop John has asked us to mark ‘Climate Sunday’ on this, the 11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  This is a day to remember our Christian belief in Creation and the call to reflect on our commitment to God’s plan of salvation as it extends to the visible world and everything in it. Our Bidding Prayers today have been composed by pupils at our High School St Joseph’s. 

Next Sunday: Day for Life (Second Collection)

Next Sunday is ‘Day for Life’ with the title of: ‘Caring for the Sick and Dying: The Respect Owed to Life’.  There will be a Second Collection for those who would like to make a donation.  As we know, all second collections this year are voluntary, however a special emphasis was asked by The Bishops Conference to be placed on the Day for Life as it helps to fund organisations which support the dignity of human life and our Catholic teaching.  

Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle

An updated version of the Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle from April - July can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. LDAH 

Sunday Collection

Despite the continued social restrictions, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

Parish Film Club

The Film Club is enjoyed by various parishioners and has been on hold during lockdown but is now able to re-start in the Rosary Room.  Josie will be glad to continue running the club but she needs an extra pair of hands to help set up etc.  If you are willing to help in this way, please contact Ruth the Parish Secretary. 

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.  Please could any cheques now be made payable to 'St Mary's RC Church, Horwich' and APF be noted on the back of the cheque.  If you have any queries, please contact Paula Rowlinson, tel. 01204 770378 or mobile 07565 555502. 

Urban Outreach

The next collection for Urban Outreach will be on Monday 21st June at St Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue from 11.00am till 1pm. If anyone would like to donate but is unable to get to St Elizabeth's, arrangements can be made to collect from your doorstep. To arrange collection please ring Mary Durkan on 07786 033449. 

Caritas: Help with food shopping

Caritas is delighted to have been able to secure two grants to be spent on shopping vouchers - the National Lottery (diocesan-wide) and the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran (‘intended for the poor of Manchester.’) There is just £2,200 left of the grant available diocesan-wide (enough for 7 families to receive help for 6 weeks).  Head teachers and parish priests can still access support for Manchester-based families (that’s those living in a postcode in the wards of the city council) from the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran, with enough for 25 families. The application form is available from the website here. 

International Refugee Week - 14th - 18th June.

Caritas is proud to have supporters, staff and volunteers who are walking in solidarity and in the ‘virtual’ footsteps of so many people who have fled war and conflict and seek a new life on these shores and in Greater Manchester and Lancashire in particular.  Miles that Matter is running from 1st May until International Refugee Week 14th – 18th June.  If you are interested in finding out more, or wish to participate call Rachel Taylor 0161 817 2285 or visit the website: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/miles-that-matter/. 

The Common Good Events

There is a new series of four events exploring the common good. The events are a collaboration between the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University, Twickenham; Together for the Common Good; Caritas Social Action Network; and the Centre for Social Justice. They are kindly supported by the CCLA. The first event will be on the subject of “The Common Good: What does it mean?” Philip Booth, Sam Bruce and Jenny Sinclair will be in conversation with Professor Ruth Kelly. It will be held at 6.30-8pm, Tuesday 15 June 2021, online via Zoom. For more information about the first event, please click here. For full details and booking please click here. 

Caritas Refugee Week Webinar

Caritas, with support from Social, is pleased to be hosting their next webinar: Towards An Ever Wider “We” on Tuesday 15 June, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, during this year’s International Refugee Week. The webinar takes its title from the published theme chosen by Pope Francis in advance of the 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday 26 September. Please register your interest here. 

Salford Interfaith Forum: Faith in the Environment.

Salford interfaith forum is running an event on Zoom. Faith in the Environment is an online conference examining the response of faith communities to the climate crisis, the event will take place on Wed, 23 June 2021 18:30 – 20:00. Bishop John will be speaking at the event alongside, Andrea Passe from Eco Synagogue and the Board of Deputies and Zahid Hussain a Manchester City Councillor and Community Activist. For information please click here. 

Caritas Job Vacancy

Caritas is looking to hire a bank counsellor to provide a counselling and family support service in schools across the Diocese of Salford according to each school’s formal agreement.  The position will require working with pupils referred to the Caritas Schools’ Service on a variety of issues, providing a non-judgemental, caring and confidential environment for them to work through their problems and difficulties. To apply, please visit the website: www.caritassalford.org.uk for an application pack or contact Rebecca Anderson on 0161 817 2264 or by email r.anderson@caritassalford.org.uk 

Greater Manchester Churches Together Job Vacancy

GMCT are recruiting for a Churches Together Facilitator. The main purpose of the role is to facilitate and support the churches of Greater Manchester in their relationships with one another and in their wider mission in the world, by encouraging and developing the principles and practices of Christian Unity throughout the City Region. Please click here for Job Description.  Click here for Person Specification. 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Eco Thought of the Week13th June.

A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. How can we celebrate the beauty and creativity of nature and resolve to play our part in God’s ongoing creation? 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (12^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Job 38:1. 8-11

Responsorial Psalm: 106

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 6^th June (The Body & Blood of Christ)

Mass this week

Tuesday 8th June                – No Mass

Wednesday 9th June          – 10am Public Mass

Thursday 10th June            – 10am YouTube Mass

Friday 11th June                  – 10am Public Mass followed by Confessions THE MOST SACRED

                                              HEART OF JESUS                      

Saturday 12th June             - 11am Sacramental Programme Mass (Children & their families only) 

                                              The Immaculate Heart of Blessed Virgin Mary                        

Sunday 13^th June                -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time                                                                                                       

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door.

Prayer List

Please keep in your prayers this week:

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison.

Lately Dead: Sheila Shannon, Sr Sheila McCourt, Barbara Pearl, Tony Prescott, Bill Green.

Anniversaries: Susan Elizabeth Howard, Robert Aston.

Parish Secretary

Ruth is working from home keeping to her usual office hours: 9:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  She can still be contacted during these hours by email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com or by telephone (01204 468209).  Please leave a message and Ruth will get back to you.  Fr Richard’s email is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk ‘Phone messages can be left for him on the same telephone number. 

Sacrament of Confirmation

Eligible Year 8 children who live in St Mary’s Parish can be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation through our High School St Joseph’s, which has offered to deliver a course of preparation using the Diocesan “Empowered” resources. If you are a Year 8 pupil at a different, or non-Catholic High School, you can still take part.  For those children who successfully complete their preparation, we could aim to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation later this year. Please speak to Fr Richard if you would like to join the preparation course. 

Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle

An updated version of the Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle from April - July can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. 

LDAH 

Home Celebration 5 – Corpus Christi – The Body & Blood of Christ

The Wisdom Group have produced a series of Home Celebrations for children and their families on the Sacramental Programme which can take place in the home. Each Celebration will include a time of prayer, some scripture, discussion, an activity and a symbolic action. Please share these with your families preparing for Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Please click here. 

Sunday Collection

Despite the present lockdown, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Caritas: Help with food shopping

Caritas is delighted to have been able to secure two grants to be spent on shopping vouchers - the National Lottery (diocesan-wide) and the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran (‘intended for the poor of Manchester.’) There is just £2,200 left of the grant available diocesan-wide (enough for 7 families to receive help for 6 weeks).  Head teachers and parish priests can still access support for Manchester-based families (that’s those living in a postcode in the wards of the city council) from the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran, with enough for 25 families. The application form is available from the website here. 

Message from CAFOD

Thanks to your support, CAFOD has been helping communities around the world cope with the pandemic. Just in Zambia, in the past year, reports show that CAFOD has been able to reach 1,234,200 people with messages on COVID-19, provide 13,312 people with access to safe water, train 392 frontline health workers from Zambia’s 11 dioceses on how to prepare and respond to COVID-19 in their local communities and donate over 1000 handwashing hygiene stations in communities to support handwashing measures. Thank you for standing alongside people in Zambia, for supporting people in more than 30 other countries worldwide and for continuing to keep them all in your prayers. 

Gift-Aid Statements

Thank you to all our parishioners who give to the Parish as ‘Gift-Aid donors’.  The Diocese is required to issue statements to every parishioner who is on the Gift Aid scheme, detailing the monies that we have been able to claim back from the government during the last financial year.  If you would like to receive your own personal statement, please contact the Parish Secretary who will post it to you.  If you pay tax and would like to join the Gift-Aid scheme, please likewise contact the Parish Secretary. Her email address: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

Urban Outreach

The next collection for Urban Outreach will be on Monday 7^th June at St Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue from 11.00am till 1pm. If anyone would like to donate but is unable to get to St Elizabeth's, arrangements can be made to collect from your doorstep. To arrange collection please ring Mary Durkan on 07786 033449. 

Ignatian Year 2021 – 2022

This year is ‘Ignatian Year’ (after St Ignatius of Loyola). This Ignatian Year should first and above all be an opportunity for an experience. The Society of Jesus has organised various events and projects during this year, inviting people to live an experience of conversion.  For example, on 23rd May at 7.00pm there is a worldwide live prayer broadcast called: “Pilgrims with Ignatius”.  The invitation is to

“Connect and pray with us!” during 35-minutes of prayer from across the world.  This can be accessed at the following website:  https://ignatius500.global/live  

Further Jesuit Ignatian Resources are available from Jesuits in Britain at: https://pathwaystogod.org

and from the Jesuits in North America at: https://www.jesuits.org/spirituality/ignatian-year/

The God who Speaks through Mark

As we return to Ordinary Time after Pentecost, the Department for Formation is pleased to offer four online evenings on the Gospel according to Mark.

Wednesday 9 June 2021 – The Disciples in Mark (with Fr Michael Deas)

Wednesday 16 June 2021 – The Little People in Mark (with Fr Michael Winstanley SDB)

Each presentation will be from 7.00 to 8.30 pm and will include time for discussion and questions. They are offered free of charge.  To reserve a place on one or all the evenings and to receive the Zoom link in advance, please email: formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

Reminder: 40 Hours of Devotion

The parish of St Margaret Citherow will be holding a Quarant’ Ore Devotion at Sacred Heart Church on the week of the 8th of June. To find out more or to buy a candle for a devotion, please visit: https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/40-hours-devotion/

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

International Refugee Week - 14th - 18th June.

Caritas is proud to have supporters, staff and volunteers who are walking in solidarity and in the ‘virtual’ footsteps of so many people who have fled war and conflict and seek a new life on these shores and in Greater Manchester and Lancashire in particular.  Miles that Matter is running from 1st May until International Refugee Week 14th – 18th June.  If you are interested in finding out more, or wish to participate call Rachel Taylor 0161 817 2285 or visit the website: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/miles-that-matter/.

Caritas Refugee Week Webinar

Caritas, with support from Social, is pleased to be hosting their next webinar: Towards An Ever Wider “We” on Tuesday 15 June, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, during this year’s International Refugee Week. The webinar takes its title from the published theme chosen by Pope Francis in advance of the 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday 26 September. Please register your interest here. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Mapping Swift Activity in Parishes

The RSPB have invited us to share any activities of Swifts in churches and schools around the Diocese. You can do this via their app.  Find out more information here. 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24

Responsorial Psalm: 91

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com 

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 30th May (The Most Holy Trinity)

Mass this week

Tuesday 1^st June                 – No Mass (St Justin)

Wednesday 2^nd June          – 10-11am Private Prayer

Thursday 3^rd June               – No Mass (St Charles Lwanga & Companions)

Friday 4^th June                     – 10-11am Private Prayer

Saturday 5^th June                -  11am Public Mass followed by Confessions St Boniface

Sunday 6^th June                   -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

The Body and Blood of Christ.                                                                                                      

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door. 

Prayer List

Last week we welcomed into the Catholic Church by Baptism Arthur Crosthwaite.  Congratulations to him and his family.  Please keep in your prayers all our parents preparing for the baptism of their child.

Please keep in your prayers this week:

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison.

Lately Dead: Mora Mellor, Ann Watkinson, Sheila Shannon, Sr Sheila McCourt.

Anniversaries: Eamon Lynch

Parish Secretary

Ruth is working from home keeping to her usual office hours: 9:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  She can still be contacted during these hours by email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com or by telephone (01204 468209).  Please leave a message and Ruth will get back to you.  Fr Richard is away from the Parish Tuesday 1^st until Friday 4^th June.  Please direct enquiries first to Ruth or email Father at: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk ‘Phone messages can be left for him on the same telephone number. 

Sacrament of Confirmation

Eligible Year 8 children who live in St Mary’s Parish can be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation through our High School St Joseph’s, which has offered to deliver a course of preparation using the Diocesan “Empowered” resources. If you are a Year 8 pupil at a different, or non-Catholic High School, you can still take part.  For those children who successfully complete their preparation, we could aim to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation later this year. Please speak to Fr Richard if you would like to join the preparation course. 

Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle

An updated version of the Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle from April - July can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. LDAH 

Sunday Collection

Despite the present lockdown, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Caritas: Help with food shopping

Caritas is delighted to have been able to secure two grants to be spent on shopping vouchers - the National Lottery (diocesan-wide) and the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran (‘intended for the poor of Manchester.’) There is just £2,200 left of the grant available diocesan-wide (enough for 7 families to receive help for 6 weeks).  Head teachers and parish priests can still access support for Manchester-based families (that’s those living in a postcode in the wards of the city council) from the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran, with enough for 25 families. The application form is available from the website here. 

CAFOD

As coronavirus brings devastation across India, CAFOD is working with experienced local Church agency, Caritas India, to provide vital support to poor and marginalised communities. Donations to CAFOD’s Coronavirus Appeal will help Caritas India distribute PPE kits to frontline health workers, promote COVID & vaccine awareness campaigns, and set up safely run isolation & quarantine centres. You can donate online here: cafod.org.uk/give.  Please keep praying for the people of India and all those affected by the pandemic.  

Gift-Aid Statements

Thank you to all our parishioners who give to the Parish as ‘Gift-Aid donors’.  The Diocese is required to issue statements to every parishioner who is on the Gift Aid scheme, detailing the monies that we have been able to claim back from the government during the last financial year.  If you would like to receive your own personal statement, please contact the Parish Secretary who will post it to you.  If you pay tax and would like to join the Gift-Aid scheme, please likewise contact the Parish Secretary. Her email address: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

Urban Outreach

The next collection for Urban Outreach will be on Monday 7^th June at St Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue from 11.00am till 1pm. If anyone would like to donate but is unable to get to St Elizabeth's, arrangements can be made to collect from your doorstep. To arrange collection please ring Mary Durkan on 07786 033449. 

Ignatian Year 2021 – 2022

This year is ‘Ignatian Year’ (after St Ignatius of Loyola). This Ignatian Year should first and above all be an opportunity for an experience. The Society of Jesus has organised various events and projects during this year, inviting people to live an experience of conversion.  For example, on 23rd May at 7.00pm there is a worldwide live prayer broadcast called: “Pilgrims with Ignatius”.  The invitation is to “Connect and pray with us!” during 35-minutes of prayer from across the world.  This can be accessed at the following website:  https://ignatius500.global/live  Further Jesuit Ignatian Resources are available from Jesuits in Britain at: https://pathwaystogod.org and from the Jesuits in North America at: https://www.jesuits.org/spirituality/ignatian-year/ 

Praying the Rosary during May with Pope Francis

Together with the prayer of the Holy Rosary, each day of the month has a prayer intention for those most affected by the pandemic: e.g. for those who have not been able to say goodbye to their loved ones, for all health care personnel, for the poor, the homeless and those in economic difficulty and for all the deceased.  Every Marian Shrine around the world is invited to pray for the resumption of social life, work and the many human activities that were suspended during the pandemic.  This common appeal seeks to create a constant intercession around the world, which rises continuously from the entire Church to the Father through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  For this reason, the Shrines are calling the Faithful to participate as much as possible, so that everyone can devote a moment to daily prayer, wherever they are, requesting the end of the pandemic and the resumption of social and work activities.  The list of shrines and daily intentions can be found here. 

Walsingham's May Rosary

Walsingham invite people from Dioceses across England and Wales to pray the May Rosary for the following intentions:

1. Protecting our families and the family of nations, especially in this Year of St Joseph 2. A deepening of faith, hope and love and the protection of life 3. Peace in the world 4. Deliverance from Coronavirus; for those working for a cure; for those who have died; for those who are suffering and those who care for them.

The designated Rosary Hour for the Diocese of Salford for the National Rosary Relay Rally on Sunday May 30th is from 1pm to 2pm. All are welcome to join along in prayer.

The God who Speaks through Mark

As we return to Ordinary Time after Pentecost, the Department for Formation is pleased to offer four online evenings on the Gospel according to Mark.

Wednesday 26 May 2021 – Mark Time – some of the main themes and ideas to look out for in our Sunday Gospels over the coming weeks and months (with Fr Christopher Lough)

Wednesday 2 June 2021- The Humanity of Jesus in Mark (with Fr Eamonn Mulcahy CSSp)

Wednesday 9 June 2021 – The Disciples in Mark (with Fr Michael Deas)

Wednesday 16 June 2021 – The Little People in Mark (with Fr Michael Winstanley SDB)

Each presentation will be from 7.00 to 8.30 pm and will include time for discussion and questions. They are offered free of charge.  To reserve a place on one or all the evenings and to receive the Zoom link in advance, please email: formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

A Cardinal Bea Event: Toward a Teaching of Respect

This is an interfaith event on: 2nd June 2021, 4:30-6:30 via Zoom.  Dr Mary Boys is joined in conversation by Archbishop Donald Bolen and Rabbi Jeremy Parnes. The event will explore how Christians might develop a "teaching of respect" for Jews and Judaism. Concepts and vocabulary that could make such a teaching accessible to those with minimal theological background will be offered.  To sign up email: sioncentrefordialogue@gmail.com

Reminder: 40 Hours of Devotion

The parish of St Margaret Citherow will be holding a Quarant’ Ore Devotion at Sacred Heart Church on the week of the 8th of June. To find out more or to buy a candle for a devotion, please visit: https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/40-hours-devotion/

Weekly Eco-Thought

The Department for Formation have produced a weekly eco thought for use in your parish newsletters.

Trinity Sunday

In our Psalm we hear ‘by his word the heavens were made, by the breath of his mouth all the stars. He spoke; and it came to be. He commanded; it sprang into being.’

Our God is a Creator God. God has created all that is by his Word and by his Breath (the same word as Spirit). The Lord is God on earth as in heaven, as Moses proclaims in the First Reading.

 How can we care for God’s creation which he has entrusted to us? 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

International Refugee Week - 14th - 18th June.

Caritas is proud to have supporters, staff and volunteers who are walking in solidarity and in the ‘virtual’ footsteps of so many people who have fled war and conflict and seek a new life on these shores and in Greater Manchester and Lancashire in particular.  Miles that Matter is running from 1st May until International Refugee Week 14th – 18th June.  If you are interested in finding out more, or wish to participate call Rachel Taylor 0161 817 2285 or visit the website: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/miles-that-matter/. 

Loreto Centre, Llandudno Summer School

The Loreto centre at Llandudno is hosting a Living Theology Summer School in July, online. This will make it safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.  Living Theology is a summer school, initiated by the Jesuits, and takes place in various places across the country every year. The courses continue to provide opportunities for Christians to deepen their understanding of their faith and develop their personal reflection on Christian living and belief.   No prior theological knowledge is required, just an open mind and willingness to engage.  To apply for this event please email loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk. Donations are welcome. 

Mapping Swift Activity in Parishes

The RSPB have invited us to share any activities of Swifts in churches and schools around the Diocese. You can do this via their app.  Find out more information here. 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (The Body and Blood of Christ)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Exodus 24:3-8

Responsorial Psalm: 115

Second Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15

Gospel: Mark 14:12-16. 22-26

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com 

St Mary's Parish Horwich

Weekly Newsletter

Sunday 23rd May (Pentecost Sunday)

Mass this week

Tuesday 25^th May                – 10am YouTube Mass St Bede the Venerable

Wednesday 26^th May          – 10am Public Mass St Philip Neri

Thursday 27^th May               – 10am YouTube Mass Our Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest

Friday 28th May                   – 10am Public Mass

Saturday 29th May              -  11am Public Mass followed by Confessions

Sunday 30th May                 -  6:30pm Sat. Vigil Mass & 10:30am Sunday Mass

The Most Holy Trinity                                                                                                         

To access Masses on YouTube, please click on the following link: St Marys YouTube channel.   Fr Richard is still accepting Mass Intentions. Simply put them in an envelope in the normal way and post them through the Presbytery door.

Prayer List

Please keep in your prayers this week:

Our sick and housebound: Evelyn Smith, Stan Ellison.

Lately Dead: Marie Butler, Mora Mellor, Ann Watkinson.

Anniversaries: Lisa Matthews, Bridget Kelleher, David Simpson. 

Parish Secretary

Ruth is working from home keeping to her usual office hours: 9:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  She can still be contacted during these hours by email: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com or by telephone (01204 468209).  Please leave a message and Ruth will get back to you.  Fr Richard’s email address is: richard.howard@dioceseofsalford.or.uk and can be reached on the same telephone number. 

Sacrament of Confirmation

Eligible Year 8 children who live in St Mary’s Parish can be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation through our High School St Joseph’s, which has offered to deliver a course of preparation using the Diocesan “Empowered” resources. If you are a Year 8 pupil at a different, or non-Catholic High School, you can still take part.  For those children who successfully complete their preparation, we could aim to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation later this year. Please speak to Fr Richard if you would like to join the preparation course. 

Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle

An updated version of the Hope in the Future Prayer Cycle from April - July can be found by clicking here. 

Sunday Prayer Resource – “The Lord's Day at Home”

For those still at home and not attending Mass the Liturgy Office has prepared a service called "The Lord's Day at Home", based on the Sunday Scriptures, that you can pray on your own or with your family. It is particularly aimed at those not able to follow a Mass on the internet. 

LDAH - Pentecost

Pentecost Pastoral Letter

A Pastoral Letter for this weekend from the Bishops of England and Wales can be found here. (Scotland will have the same from their Bishops). There is also a children’s version for your information which will be going out to our schools this week. You can listen to Bishop John reading the Pastoral Letter here. 

Sunday Collection

Despite the present lockdown, the Parish still survives on the generosity of parishioners.  Please therefore continue to put your offering through the Presbytery letter box at your convenience, either in your normal offertory envelopes, or in any kind of envelope if you don't use offertory envelopes.  This can of course be done anonymously; simply write 'Sunday Collection' on the front.  Thanks again to those who have posted financial offerings through the Presbytery door during the last few months. This is much appreciated. 

Caritas: Help with food shopping

Caritas is delighted to have been able to secure two grants to be spent on shopping vouchers - the National Lottery (diocesan-wide) and the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran (‘intended for the poor of Manchester.’) There is just £2,200 left of the grant available diocesan-wide (enough for 7 families to receive help for 6 weeks).  Head teachers and parish priests can still access support for Manchester-based families (that’s those living in a postcode in the wards of the city council) from the Charity of Mary Patricia O’Halloran, with enough for 25 families. The application form is available from the website here. 

CAFOD

As coronavirus brings devastation across India, CAFOD is working with experienced local Church agency, Caritas India, to provide vital support to poor and marginalised communities. Donations to CAFOD’s Coronavirus Appeal will help Caritas India distribute PPE kits to frontline health workers, promote COVID & vaccine awareness campaigns, and set up safely run isolation & quarantine centres. You can donate online here: cafod.org.uk/give.  Please keep praying for the people of India and all those affected by the pandemic.  

Gift-Aid Statements

Thank you to all our parishioners who give to the Parish as ‘Gift-Aid donors’.  The Diocese is required to issue statements to every parishioner who is on the Gift Aid scheme, detailing the monies that we have been able to claim back from the government during the last financial year.  If you would like to receive your own personal statement, please contact the Parish Secretary who will post it to you.  If you pay tax and would like to join the Gift-Aid scheme, please likewise contact the Parish Secretary. Her email address: secretary.stmaryshorwich@gmail.com 

Parish “Donate” website function

In light of the ongoing social restrictions, the Diocese is making it easier for anybody 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. 

Ignatian Year 2021 – 2022

This year is ‘Ignatian Year’ (after St Ignatius of Loyola). This Ignatian Year should first and above all be an opportunity for an experience. The Society of Jesus has organised various events and projects during this year, inviting people to live an experience of conversion.  For example, on 23rd May at 7.00pm there is a worldwide live prayer broadcast called: “Pilgrims with Ignatius”.  The invitation is to “Connect and pray with us!” during 35-minutes of prayer from across the world.  This can be accessed at the following website:  https://ignatius500.global/live  Further Jesuit Ignatian Resources are available from Jesuits in Britain at: https://pathwaystogod.org and from the Jesuits in North America at: https://www.jesuits.org/spirituality/ignatian-year/

Pentecost Novena on Care for Creation

This Novena of readings and prayer are drawn from the Bible and recent Papal teaching on the care of creation and the environment.  You are invited to pray these nine days reflecting on the account of creation given in the book of Genesis. This Novena can be used on its own or to complement and focus the prayers and reflections of the ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ global prayer movement to the Care of Creation theme. Access the Novena Here 

Litany of St Joseph

On Saturday, 1st May, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the Holy See added seven new invocations to the Litany of St. Joseph. In addition, provision was made for other intercessions to be added at a local level, via the Bishops’ Conference. Until the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales approves a translation of the new invocations, an unofficial translation is attached. Bishop John has added two further invocations to be used within the Diocese to reflect St. Joseph’s role as one of the Principal Patrons of our Diocese and our Diocese’s commitment to caring for Creation as our Common Home.  The Litany can be found by clicking here.  

Praying the Rosary during May with Pope Francis

Together with the prayer of the Holy Rosary, each day of the month has a prayer intention for those most affected by the pandemic: e.g. for those who have not been able to say goodbye to their loved ones, for all health care personnel, for the poor, the homeless and those in economic difficulty and for all the deceased.  Every Marian Shrine around the world is invited to pray for the resumption of social life, work and the many human activities that were suspended during the pandemic.  This common appeal seeks to create a constant intercession around the world, which rises continuously from the entire Church to the Father through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  For this reason, the Shrines are calling the Faithful to participate as much as possible, so that everyone can devote a moment to daily prayer, wherever they are, requesting the end of the pandemic and the resumption of social and work activities.  The list of shrines and daily intentions can be found here.

Walsingham's May Rosary

Walsingham invite people from Dioceses across England and Wales to pray the May Rosary for the following intentions:

1. Protecting our families and the family of nations, especially in this Year of St Joseph 2. A deepening of faith, hope and love and the protection of life 3. Peace in the world 4. Deliverance from Coronavirus; for those working for a cure; for those who have died; for those who are suffering and those who care for them.

The designated Rosary Hour for the Diocese of Salford for the National Rosary Relay Rally on Sunday May 30th is from 1pm to 2pm. All are welcome to join along in prayer.

The God who Speaks through Mark

As we return to Ordinary Time after Pentecost, the Department for Formation is pleased to offer four online evenings on the Gospel according to Mark.

Wednesday 26 May 2021 – Mark Time – some of the main themes and ideas to look out for in our Sunday Gospels over the coming weeks and months (with Fr Christopher Lough)

Wednesday 2 June 2021- The Humanity of Jesus in Mark (with Fr Eamonn Mulcahy CSSp)

Wednesday 9 June 2021 – The Disciples in Mark (with Fr Michael Deas)

Wednesday 16 June 2021 – The Little People in Mark (with Fr Michael Winstanley SDB)

Each presentation will be from 7.00 to 8.30 pm and will include time for discussion and questions. They are offered free of charge.  To reserve a place on one or all the evenings and to receive the Zoom link in advance, please email: formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

40 Hours of Devotion

The parish of St Margaret Citherow will be holding Quarant’ Ore Devotions at Sacred Heart Church on the week of the 8th of June. To find out more or to buy a candle for a devotion, please visit: https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/40-hours-devotion/

Let us Dream – Easter reflections

The Spirituality Committee, under the stewardship of Bishop Ralph Heskett, has produced a series of reflections based on the Holy Father’s book Let us Dream for individual and parish use.  You can find the reflections by clicking here. 

Lent Weekly Eco-Thought

The Department for Formation have produced a weekly eco thought for use in your parish newsletters throughout Lent and Easter. Pentecost: In the Entrance Antiphon today we hear from the Book of Wisdom ‘the Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world.’ The response to the psalm prays for the sending forth of the Spirit ‘to renew the face of the earth.’ On the evening of Easter Sunday the Risen Lord breathed on the Eleven.  How can we work with the Spirit of Jesus living in us ‘to renew the face of the earth? 

Christian Heritage Centre Event

Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration. A short, residential summer course exploring the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. Particularly helpful for catechists and teachers fielding commonly-asked questions around Catholicism, besides anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Runs 5th – 8th August. For more info and registration click here. 

International Refugee Week - 14th - 18th June.

Caritas is proud to have supporters, staff and volunteers who are walking in solidarity and in the ‘virtual’ footsteps of so many people who have fled war and conflict and seek a new life on these shores and in Greater Manchester and Lancashire in particular.  Miles that Matter is running from 1st May until International Refugee Week 14th – 18th June.  If you are interested in finding out more, or wish to participate call Rachel Taylor 0161 817 2285 or visit the website: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/miles-that-matter/. 

Mass for the forthcoming Sunday (The Most Holy Trinity)

If you would like to prepare for next Sunday by meditating on the Scripture readings, the texts are:

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-34. 39-40

Responsorial Psalm: 32

Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

To view the daily and Sunday Mass Readings for up to a week in advance, go to: www.universalis.com