Leigh Pastoral Area

Thursday, September 01, 2011

RC Archbishop of Liverpool to visit Leigh to inaugurate two new Catholic Parishes on 8th September

Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool will visit Leigh on Thursday 8th September for a celebration at St Joseph’s RC Church, starting at 7.30pm, to inaugurate two new Catholic parishes in Leigh. The event will be attended by people from all nine existing RC parishes in the Leigh Pastoral Area which covers the townships of Leigh, Atherton, Hindsford, Tyldesley, Astley and Boothstown. All parishioners from within the area have been invited to come and celebrate this forward looking re-organisation of the Catholic Church structure in the area.

The Archbishop will inaugurate the two new parishes during Mass at 7.30pm. During the Mass, the new parishes will be presented with new Parish Seals and a new set of Parish Registers to record Baptisms, Confirmations, Marriages and Deaths.

All the RC parishes in the Leigh Pastoral Area have been working together for the last ten years to map out the best way forward in the light of fewer priests, ageing congregations, population movements and increasingly expensive building costs. It has been decided that the best option is to reform into two parishes, sharing resources on a wider basis across the new parishes so as to be more effective and to ease the administrative burden on the four priests who minister in the area.

The new parish of St Edmund Arrowsmith will cover the whole town of Leigh and will incorporate the church communities of Our Lady of the Rosary, Sacred Heart (Leigh), St Joseph’s, and Twelve Apostles. The new parish of St Margaret Clitherow will cover the church communities of St Ambrose Barlow (Astley), St Gabriel’s (Higher Folds), Holy Family (Boothstown), St Richard’s (Atherton) and Sacred Heart (Hindsford).

Father Stephen Cooper of St Joseph’s, Leigh said, “This is a historic moment in the life of the Catholic Church within this area, marking the biggest change for many years. However, Catholic church services are already co-ordinated across the geography of the new parishes so parishioners will not see a sudden change but an evolution as the different church groups start to work as one across the wider community, with the stronger units working with and supporting the smaller units. New voluntary groups are expected to spring up within the new parishes, where before there may not have been enough interested, active people in one parish to make them viable. The church’s charitable work in the area should be strengthened by the move. Schools will not be affected.”

The Leigh Pastoral Area is the first area in the RC Archdiocese of Liverpool to complete a review and re-organisation in this way and is likely to be the model for other areas to follow.

The four joint parish priests of the area, who form the Leigh Pastoral Area Team, are: Father Paul Seddon (based at S Richard’s), Father James Preston (based at Sacred Heart, Leigh), Father Dave Heywood (based at Holy Family) and Father Stephen Cooper (based at St. Joseph’s).

End.

For further information please contact:

Father Stephen Cooper
St Joseph’s Leigh
Tel: 01942 673517
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

or

Damian Roach
Acting Chair, Leigh RC Pastoral Area Forum
Tel: 01942 882728
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Thursday, June 09, 2011

‘CELEBRATE THE CHILD’

The Annual Children’s Mass will take place at the Cathedral on Sunday 26th June at 3.00 pm with the Archbishop.  There will be a special focus on children who have just celebrated First Communion - they might like to wear their First Communion clothes to the celebration.  There is a sign-up list at the back of each church to gauge if there is enough interest to put on a coach.  Further information from Fr Dave.

Evening Prayer at the Cathedral

3.00 pm Pentecost Sunday 2011

The Archbishop writes:  “At this evening prayer we will welcome Ged Callacher, Liam Collister, Paul Grady and Joe Kendall who will have been ordained deacons at Ushaw on the preceding day. Their ordination will be the last in Saint Cuthbert’s Chapel at this moment in the history of the college. The evening prayer will be an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings channelled to us through Ushaw. The prayer will also mark the beginning of the launch week of the revision of the pattern of preparation for the sacraments of initiation for children and young people. It is clearly a significant day for those received into the Church at Easter.” 

CYMFED FLAME YOUTH CONGRESS

Six coaches of young people from the Archdiocese went to the Papal Visit weekend in London last autumn.  To follow up the Papal Visit, and also to link a National Youth Gathering with the Olympics, a one-day Congress is being organised for 24th March 2012 at Wembley Arena.  It is hoped that there might be two representatives from each parish at the event.  So, if you are aged 15 or over, and would like to be one of the young people representing our Pastoral Area at Wembley Arena next March, please let Fr Dave know.  For further information:  http://www.cymfed.org/flame2012

LOURDES ‘AT HOME’ DAY

This year’s Lourdes ‘At Home’ Day, in which the whole of the Archdiocese join in prayer with those on pilgrimage in Lourdes, will take place on Friday 29th July. The day will be led by Bishop Tom Williams and will take place at St. Richard’s, Atherton. There will be an early morning Mass at 8.00 am, a Mass of Anointing at 12.00 noon followed by lunch, and a Holy Hour at 7.00 pm. During the day, we will need lots of help with car parking, stewarding, serving food, helping visitors, etc. In preparation for the day, we will inviting different groups of people to help prepare the day, such as flower arrangers, musicians, singers, and those interested in planning the liturgy.

FAMILY CATECHESIS LAUNCH WEEK

FAMILY CATECHESIS LAUNCH WEEK
11th - 19th June 2011

In recent years, most Catholics have been baptised as babies, made their First Communion around age seven and been confirmed as teenagers.

These three sacraments make up the process of belonging to the Church called ‘Christian Initiation’. The sacraments weren’t always in that order, and adults preparing for initiation have always received them in the original order: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (Communion).

From September 2012 in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, children who have been baptised will follow that same order. Those aged eight by the first of September 2012 will be invited to receive Confirmation and First Communion in the days between Ascension Sunday and the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) in 2013, and the same pattern will be followed each year after that.

The families of these children will be invited to explore and celebrate Reconciliation with them during Advent each year, while teenagers and their families will be invited to explore and celebrate Reconciliation during Lent each year.

At the same time, the way children are prepared for these sacraments will change. Instead of teachers, catechists and priests teaching children and parents about the sacraments, they will help the parents to hand on their own faith to their children, fulfilling the privileges and responsibilities expressed in the Rite of Baptism.  This is known as Family Catechesis.

These changes are meant to help us understand that sacraments are gifts of God’s grace, that parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith, and that we are all called to get to know Jesus better throughout our life’s journey.

This week marks the launch of the Family Catechesis element in the process, and includes the following events:

Explore Family Catechesis
Observe parents leading their own children in the faith with the support of catechists.  7.00 - 9.00 pm on Tuesday 14th June or Wednesday 15th June at six venues across the Archdiocese.  Open to anyone who is interested in understanding the changing roles of catechist, parent and child. See noticeboard for full details.  To book a place, please contact Fr Dave.

A New Resource for Baptism
Thursday 16th June, 7.00 - 9.00 pm at LACE and St Teresa’s, Upholland.  Open to all who are interested in preparing parents for the Baptism of their children.  See noticeboard for full details.  To reserve a place, please contact Mrs Julie Cassidy (0151 522 1040) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Inspiration Day for Family Catechesis
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Crypt on Saturday 18th June, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm. See noticeboard for full details. Please contact Fr Steve for an invitation.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

National Pastoral Letter on the New Translation of the Roman Missal

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

At the beginning of Advent this year, when we gather for Mass, we shall be using the new translation of the Roman Missal. This will be the case not only in England and Wales but throughout the English-speaking world. The Mass will remain the same but parts of it will
sound different.

Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has produced three Latin editions of the Roman Missal. At present, we are still using a translation of the first edition which was published in 1973. Although the texts we have been using have served us well, since that time there has been much development in the liturgical texts themselves and in our understanding of them.

We all become very accustomed to the words we hear; and the fact that we have been praying in a certain way for so long has imprinted that style of language and words upon our consciousness and made them very special. The changes in the language now to be
introduced, however, do not represent change for change’s sake, but are being made in order to ensure greater fidelity to the liturgical tradition of the Church. In the earlier translation not all the meaning of the original Latin text was fully expressed and a number of the terms that were used to convey the teachings of the faith were lost. This was readily acknowledged by the bishops of the Church, even back in the 1970s, and has become an increasing cause of concern since then.

There is an old adage in Latin which states that the way we pray forms the way we believe. So words and language are important for the teaching and the handing-on of the faith.

So what does this new translation offer us? First of all, there is a fuller expression of the content of the original texts. Then, there is a closer connection with the Sacred Scriptures which inspire so much of our liturgy. Also, there is a recovery of a vocabulary that enriches
our understanding of the mystery we celebrate. All of this requires a unique style of language and expression, one that takes us out of ourselves and draws us into the sacred, the transcendent and the divine.

The publication of the new translation of the Missal is a special moment of grace in the English-speaking world. It offers an opportunity to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the mystery we celebrate each week. This itself will help us to move towards that fuller and
more conscious and active participation in the liturgy to which the Church invites us. It will help us also to examine the dignity with which we celebrate the ‘source and summit’ of the Church’s life.

At the end of his visit last year, Pope Benedict asked us to use this moment for genuine renewal. He said: “I encourage you now to seize the opportunity that the new translation offers for in-depth catechesis on the Eucharist, and renewed devotion in the manner of its
celebration. ‘The more lively the Eucharistic faith of the people of God, the deeper is its sharing in ecclesial life in steadfast commitment to the mission entrusted by Christ to his disciples’” (Sacramentum Caritatis, 6).

In order to achieve this, the bishops have produced resources for all our parishes and, as from September, we will gradually begin to use the new liturgical texts at Mass and hear why certain changes have been made. Each diocese is already preparing its priests and deacons,
catechists and liturgical ministers. Programmes for schools are being developed and new musical settings are being composed. From September until Advent everyone will have the opportunity to study the new texts and familiarise themselves with the prayers and chants. In
addition, this period of preparation will allow us to pray these new texts.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is a gift, something we receive from God through the Church. Saint Paul spoke of it as coming from the Lord Jesus himself. Writing to the Church in Corinth, he said, “for I received from the Lord what I in turn also handed on to you” (1 Corinthians
11:23). So Eucharist is not something of our making but a gift received. Like Saint Paul, therefore, let us receive it with reverence and care, knowing that we are being faithful to what the Lord himself passed on to the Apostles, which has been handed on since, in
faithfulness, by their successors to every generation of the Church.

Let us welcome the new translation of the Roman Missal as a sign of our unity and a powerful instrument of God’s grace in our lives.

Published by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales
Thursday 12 May 2011

To be read on the Sixth Sunday of Easter, 29 May 2011

DAY OF PRAYER FOR TODDLERS

As part of this year’s National Family Week (30th May to 5th June), an alliance of Christian denominations and agencies are calling on churches to take part in the first ever prayer day for toddler groups next Sunday, 5th June 2011.  For further information:  http://www.passingonthefaith.org.uk/Toddlers

WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

Next Sunday is World Communications Day when we are asked to pray for communications professionals. The theme this year is ‘Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age’. The Catholic Communications Network (CCN) provides support for the bishops of England and Wales and the Church more widely in promoting the Gospel through the media, and was responsible for the Church’s media co-ordination of the Papal Visit. There will be a second collection to support CCN’s work. Please help the CCN to promote the Good News through the media, by your prayers and generosity. 

In the week leading up to World Communica tions Day, Facebook users are encouraged to post ‘Messages of Faith’ on their Facebook walls. The idea is to share photos, videos, words - anything you feel expresses the Gospel message - with your friends. You could post a prayerful reflection, an inspiring song, a sacred place, a pilgrimage journey or simply some words of encouragement.

CYMFED FLAME YOUTH CONGRESS

Six coaches of young people from the Archdiocese went to the Papal Visit weekend in London last autumn.  To follow up the Papal Visit, and also to link a National Youth Gathering with the Olympics, a one-day Congress is being organised for 24th March 2012 at Wembley Arena.  It is hoped that there might be two representatives from each parish at the event.  So, if you are aged 15 or over, and would like to be one of the young people representing our Pastoral Area at Wembley Arena next March, please let Fr Dave know.  For further information:  http://www.cymfed.org/flame2012

Northern Catholic Conference

PENTECOST 2011
A Catholic Conference for all ages: 10th to 12th June 2011 at Liverpool Hope University.  Speakers include Fr Pat Deegan, David Payne, Fr Denis McBride, John Vaughan-Neil, Tony Hickey and John Pridmore.  For more information or to register, please phone 07543 800812 or visit the website: http://www.northerncatholic.co.uk  (No fee - donation only).

‘CALLED TO A NOBLE ADVENTURE’

Saturday 9th July 9.45 am - 4.30 pm
De La Salle School, St Helens
Main Speaker: Danny Curtin    

In response to concerns raised by clergy and the Archdiocesan Assembly last autumn about the need for parishes and Pastoral Areas to continue to engage with young people, a three step process is being launched.

The first step begins in July with a conference day to assess the needs of parishes and Pastoral Areas and examine national goals for youth ministry. On this day, plenty of time will be given for Pastoral Areas groups to meet and discuss their individual situations.

The second step will take place in October, November and December when groups will meet locally in preparation for a second Archdiocesan Conference Day in February which will form the third step in the process. The purpose of the second Conference Day is to look at what resources, training, etc., may be needed to implement a Archdiocesan vision for Parish/Pastoral Area Youth Ministry.

If you would be interested in attending the July Conference, please let Fr Dave know by 30th May so that a place can be booked for you.

Thinking of Priesthood?

On Saturday 2nd July, the Archdiocese Vocations Team will be leading a day pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Ladyewell. The pilgrimage is aimed at young men aged between 13-18 who are considering a vocation to the Priesthood. The Pilgrimage will allow those who wish to explore their vocation to reflect, pray and socialise with other young men who wish to explore their Vocation. If you would like to attend this event or would like more information, then please contact Father James Preston on 01942 673320.

Confirmations for the parishes of St Margaret Clitherow

Confirmation for Years 7, 8 & 9
In September, we will be inviting those in Years 7, 8 and 9 at High School to be confirmed on Friday 4th November 2011.  Fr Paul and Fr Dave will speak to all the pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 at St Mary’s during assemblies at the beginning of September and offer application forms.  If there are parishioners at other high schools who would like to be confirmed in November, please let Fr Paul or Fr Dave know.  Deadline for applications:  September 2011.

Confirmation for Years 4, 5 & 6
After Christmas, we will be inviting those in Years 4, 5 and 6 at Primary School to be confirmed in May/June 2012.  We will do this through the parish primary schools.  So, if you have a child in Years 4, 5 & 6 at a non-Catholic primary school who would like to be confirmed in May/June 2012, please let Fr Paul or Fr Dave know.  Deadline for applications: January 2012.

Friday, April 29, 2011

New Translation of the Missal

As you probably know by now, the words we use at Mass are to change this year with the introduction of a new translation of the Roman Missal.  This will be the biggest change in the liturgy since the change from Latin to English following the Second Vatican Council nearly fifty years ago. 

It is planned to introduce the new people’s parts of the Mass in all the parishes of the Archdiocese from Sunday 2nd October 2011. The rest of the Missal will be introduced from the First Sunday of Advent 2011 in communion with the rest of the English speaking world.  Between now and then, there will be a twofold period of preparation. 

The first part of the preparation begins today with an extra newsletter.  These newsletters, which will be issued each week between now and July, seek to help us to understand the Mass at a deeper level as well as give us an overview of the new words we will be using from October. 

The second part of the preparation will take place in September and will comprise of a homily on the new Missal each weekend and times of prayer in the form of Holy Hours.

In addition, Fr Dave hopes to provide evening workshops in September for Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and Musicians.