Leigh Pastoral Area

Thursday, July 30, 2009

HELPING HANDS - UGANDA PROJECT

Friday 7th August at 7.30 pm
United Reformed Church Hall, Leigh
Presentation by Sheila Cochrane of our area who has first-hand working experience in Uganda with her team to improve the lives of our sisters and brothers there. 
Refreshments,  raffle,  bring & buy.  All most welcome.  Good free parking. Tickets 50p, including refreshments, pay at door. 
Sister Megan at St. Gabriel’s will be pleased to receive donations,  prizes and/or gifts for the Bring and Buy stall.
The United Reformed Church Hall is In Union Street in Leigh Town Centre. 

Relics of St Theresa of Lisieux

The relics of St Theresa of Lisieux will be touring England between 16th September and 15th October 2009. 
They will be at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral 24th & 25th September,
Salford Cathedral 25th & 26th September
and Manchester University on 27th September. 
There are brochures at the back of church with full details.

Pastoral Letter

My dear People,

One summer in three we receive Sunday by Sunday the 6th Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John.  This would be a good title: “The Passover Feast of the Bread of Life”.  Matthew, Mark, Luke and Paul describe the words of our Lord when he took bread and wine in the atmosphere of the Passover meal; John, in his account of the Last Supper does not set out the actions and words of Jesus to do with bread and wine; instead, and at its heart it is all one deed, he describes our Lord, in full awareness of his coming from the Father and going back to the Father, choosing to be a slave and washing his disciples’ feet.

That action is truly the same action as surrendering himself to his body broken, his blood poured out so that sins may be forgiven.  And this is his chosen sign of who he is, what he is among us: bread and wine do not conceal him: once the sign was a baby, lying in a manger: poor, lowly: at the supper, kneeling to wash feet: bread and wine which in the words of the Jesuit poet and priest, Gerard Manley-Hopkins, “wear man’s smudge and share man’s smell”:  all of this is sign: makes him known as he really is, as God really is.

But some came to him not because they had seen, read, understood the sign of Emmanuel, God with even us in our frailty.  They wanted a king to provide food in abundance, plenty to consume; a king to lead us out in campaigns, to glorious successes and achievements: glory, renown, celebrity, idols and idolatry.

But he insists: - “This is working for God: you must believe in the one he has sent”.  Step by step over the coming weeks we will be asked with Simon Peter to recognise Jesus the Nazarene, the child of Mary who once sung of her lowliness and hunger and poverty: at the end of August’s journey we will acclaim with Simon Peter “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.”

A few weeks ago Christy Nolan died; I wrote to his mother and father with whose affection, labour, patience, respect, he was able to bless many from his paraplegic’s wheelchair that, in the obituary for him, the Economist described as his pulpit and his throne.  One challenge in his life was communion: he had no control over his mouth.  But a priest observed: Christy’s mouth always opens when he laughs.  So he came with Bible, Prayers, the Blessed Sacrament, and a joke.  Christy commented: So I met my servile God.  That surely is the servile God made known to us by Matthew, Mark, Luke John, and Paul: the Lord who gives his body for me: pours out his blood for us sinners; kneels to wash our feet.

I have often wondered if the words from the hymn of Saint Thomas Aquinas for the feast of Corpus Christi inspired Christy. I will have to wait now to find out when with Christy I rejoice in the life of the world to come of which every Mass is the foretaste, if it was one source of his “my servile God”.  Saint Thomas wrote:

“Panis angelicus fit panis hominum;
dat panis coelicus figuris terminum.
O res mirabilis! Manducat Dominum,
pauper, servus et humilis.”

If Monsignor Leo Alston were still among us he could translate those words worthily; strangely, the best I can do is do so literally, with no attempt to capture the lyricism, the beauty of Saint Thomas, theologian and outstanding poet.

“The bread of angels becomes the bread of mortals;
the bread from heaven brings to an end the foreshadowing;
O wonderful deed!
the poor and lowly servant eats the Lord”.

Besides the refreshing in body, mind, spirit, many like me thirst for in the summer months, may these August Sundays renew our hunger and thirst for our servile God.

Yours devotedly in Christ,
+ PATRICK KELLY
Archbishop of Liverpool

Thursday, July 23, 2009

ARCHDIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

NOVENA PRAYER

Lord, help us to be united in prayer with our pilgrims who have travelled to Lourdes in answer to Mary’s call to Bernadette. 
We pray that during these special days all of us may be drawn closer to you through the prayers of your Mother. 
“Bless us dear Lady with blessings from heaven,
and to our petitions let answer be given.”
Our Lady of Lourdes: pray for us.
St Bernadette: pray for us.

LOURDES ‘AT HOME’ PILGRIMAGE

The last day of the Lourdes ‘At Home’ Pilgrimage will take place in our Pastoral Area at Our Lady of the Rosary this Thursday with Bishop Tom Williams:

8.00 am Early Morning Mass  
8.30 am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (until 11.30 am)
12.00 noon Mass of Anointing of the Sick *
followed by lunch
8.00 pm Holy Hour

*The Mass of Anointing is particularly for those who are sick and housebound, but it is also an opportunity to re-affirm Eucharistic Ministers and others who care for the sick in their homes.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

SWINE FLU

The current ‘flu pandemic (H1N1 2009), more commonly known as ‘Swine Flu’, has so far caused a relatively mild illness in most people.  However, it is very easy to catch the ‘flu and pass it on to others.  The number of cases is expected to increase.  To minimize the risk of both infection and transmission:

1)  Most important: stay at home if you are ill.  ‘Flu is primarily an air-borne infection transmitted when groups of people breathe the same air in an enclosed space.  It is not a sin to stay away from Mass when you are ill or infectious (i.e. seven days after the onset of symptoms).

2)  Please be aware that asking the priest or a Eucharistic minister to make a routine visit would put them and others at risk and involve taking special precautions.

3)  Priests and ministers are requested to wash their hands before and after distributing communion.  Bottles of anti-bacterial hand gel are available at each of the churches.  Hand washing is recommended for everyone before touching your mouth.

4) As a temporary measure, the chalice will be withdrawn from communion.  Please remember that the Body and Blood of Christ are completely received when consumed under the appearance of either bread or wine.

5)  Communion received on the tongue involves the risk of contaminating the ministers’ fingers with virus-containing saliva.  So it is requested that all receive communion in the hand for the time being. 

6)  The “Sign of Peace” could be an occasion for viruses to be transferred from hand to hand.  If you are worried, it is perfectly acceptable to simply say the words “Peace be with youâ€? or bow to those around you.

7)  A leaflet is available at the back of churches with more details.  Please consult your own GP or NHS Direct (http://www.nhs.uk) if you have personal health concerns or symptoms.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Turnpike Community Theatre

It is 25 years since Turnpike Community Theatre first performed in the Leigh area.  Since then the group have supported and celebrated local history, and the work of local artists.  This year is no exception with the commissioning of the script, ‘Marsh Fever!’ which has been written by local playwright Julie McKiernan.

The production celebrates the history of Westleigh in a light-hearted way and sees members of the Westleigh community from the 1930’s come back to life to experience life in 2009.  The character of Miss Marsh is revived and the donation of the Marsh Fields to the people of Leigh is re-enacted by the cast. 

The 25th Anniversary production of ‘Marsh Fever!’ will be performed at XII Apostles Club on 11th and 12th June at 7:30pm and 13th June at 7pm.  The performances will involve a number of children from local schools.  Tickets cost £4.50 and £4 (concessions).  To order tickets please contact Gill on (01942) 603195.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

A PRAYER OF BLESSING

May God, who is present in sunrise and nightfall,
and in the crossing of the sea, guide your feet as you go.
May God, who is with you when you sit
and when you stand,
encompass you with love and lead you by the hand.
May God, who knows your path
and the places where you rest,
be with you in your waiting,
be your good news for sharing,
and lead you in the way that is everlasting.
(Iona Community)

WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

The Catholic Church around the world celebrates World Communications Day next Sunday. The Pope’s message on this special day is focused on new technologies and communication.  A collection for the Catholic Communications Network (CCN) will take place at the end of Mass. CCN provides support for the Bishops of England and Wales in promoting the gospel in the media.

NEW ARCHBISHOP OF WESTMINSTER

The Installation of Archbishop Vincent Nichols as the Eleventh Archbishop of Westminster will take place on Thursday 21st May at 12 noon in Westminster Cathedral.  The Mass will be broadcast on BBC 2.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

HAPPY EASTER

This is the day that God has made:
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

May the feast of Easter
touch the lives of those who are troubled
with peace and joy.

May it be a source of happiness for you
and kindle hope in your hearts.

May it strengthen your love for one another.

And may the risen Lord bless you all:
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

St Joseph’s Players Present The Ghost Train

St Joseph’s Players Present

The Ghost Train

by Arnold Ridley

Tuesday 21st April - Saturday 25th April

Curtain Up 7.30 pm

Tickets are available from Bang Bang or on the door priced at £6.00

Tickets purchased for the October Performances of this play are valid
for the April production dates.

Monday, April 06, 2009

THE EASTER TRIDUUM

St Richard’s & Sacred Heart, Atherton

Maundy Thursday
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30 pm
St Richard’s, Atherton

Good Friday
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00 pm
St Richard’s, Atherton

Holy Saturday
The Easter Vigil at 8.00 pm
St Richard’s, Atherton

St Ambrose Barlow, St Gabriel’s
& Holy Family

Maundy Thursday
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30 pm
St Ambrose Barlow, Astley
“Watching� at the Altar of Repose until 11.00 pm

Good Friday
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00 pm
Holy Family, Boothstown

Holy Saturday
The Easter Vigil at 7.30 pm
St Gabriel’s, Higher Folds
Please note:  there will be no 6.00 pm Mass

St Joseph’s, Our Lady of the Rosary,
Sacred Heart & Twelve Apostles

Maundy Thursday
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30 pm
Sacred Heart, Leigh

Good Friday
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00 pm
St Joseph’s, Leigh

Holy Saturday
The Easter Vigil at 7.30 pm
Twelve Apostles

Friday, April 03, 2009

ARCHBISHOP KELLY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS AS BISHOP

The Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, Archbishop of Liverpool, will celebrate the Silver Jubilee of his ordination as a Bishop with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 5.30 pm today in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool. It will be exactly twenty-five years since the Archbishop was ordained as Bishop of Salford by Bishop Thomas Holland in St John’s Cathedral, Salford. On 21 May 1996 it was announced that he was to become Archbishop of Liverpool and he was installed in the Metropolitan Cathedral on 3 July that year.

The Lord Lieutenant of Liverpool, Dame Lorna Muirhead, will read the First Reading at the Mass (Jeremiah 20:10-13) and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Steve Rotheram, will lead the Prayer of the Faithful. The Gospel (John 10:31-42) will be read by Deacon Dominic Curran who is to be ordained to the priesthood later this year. Among those present will be members of the Archbishop’s family who will take up the gifts at the Offertory Procession, and priests and people from Liverpool and from his former Diocese of Salford. The Archbishop’s ‘home’ Diocese of Lancaster will be represented, as will be St Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham, where he served as a lecturer and Rector with those studying for the priesthood.

The Choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral will be taking part in the music of the Mass under their Director, Timothy Noon. The music will include Gregorian Chant and a Mass setting by Louis Vierne. The motets ‘The Spirit of the Lord’ and ‘Ave Verum’ by Edward Elgar will be sung. The hymns include: ‘Praise to the holiest in the height’, ‘Ride on, ride on in majesty’, ‘O taste and see’, ‘Pange lingua gloriosi’, ‘O praise ye the Lord’, and ‘Hail Redeemer, King Divine’ a hymn written specially for the Metropolitan Cathedral.

CARDINAL WELCOMES ARCHBISHOP VINCENT

Archbishop Nichols will succeed Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, who has been Archbishop of Westminster since March 2000, becoming the 11th Archbishop of Westminster since the Restoration of the Hierarchy in 1850, when the diocesan structure was re-established.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor said: “I would like to welcome Archbishop Vincent back to the diocese, 17 years after he was ordained as an auxiliary Bishop in Westminster Cathedral by Cardinal Basil Hume. He has many friends and colleagues among the Bishops, priests, religious and lay people of the Diocese.“

“It will be a profound joy for me to celebrate Holy Week, Easter, and especially the Chrism Mass with the priests of the Diocese next week, content in the knowledge the Diocese is soon to be in the care of a hugely experienced and compassionate pastor.�

“Archbishop Vincent and I have shared much over many years and have been privileged to be members of a most united and harmonious Bishops’ Conference: sharing with all the Bishops in a steadfast loyalty to the Holy Father and a deeply held desire to promote the common good.�

“I have been blessed greatly in my ministry here and now above all I pray for God’s blessings on Vincent Nichols, the next Archbishop of Westminster.�

As Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor remains an active member of the College of Cardinals and retains the right to vote in a conclave until he reached the age of 80. He also remains eligible to be a member of Congregations, Councils and Commissions in the Roman Curia until he is 80.

In common with other Episcopal Sees throughout the world where the incumbent has usually been nominated by the Pope to join the College of Cardinals, it would not be expected that the Archbishop of Westminster be appointed as a Cardinal until after Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor has become 80.

NEW ARCHBISHOP OF WESTMINSTER

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has today appointed the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, who has been Archbishop of Birmingham since March 2000, as the next Archbishop of Westminster. Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor as Archbishop of Westminster. The Cardinal will now become the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Westminster until Archbishop Nichols is installed at Westminster Cathedral on Thursday 21 May 2009.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols said: “As the Cardinal so graciously says, it is for me something of a return. I spent 16 very happy years here in Westminster, eight of them as General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference and eight of them as an Auxiliary Bishop to Cardinal Hume in North London. I learnt a great deal from him, not least about the demands of the office of the Archbishop of Westminster and I am daunted by the task that lies ahead.�

“It’s sad departing from the Diocese of Birmingham which I have learnt to appreciate, cherish and love. I will miss the priests and the people of Birmingham very much indeed.�

“I would like to thank Cardinal Cormac, who has been an outstanding Archbishop of Westminster. He knows what it’s like to live through really hard times and he has come through them with great dignity and strength. He has been an outstanding public leader of the Catholic community in this country today and I know I speak for many when I express our steadfast admiration and thanks to him for all that he has done.�

“I feel a real need to acknowledge my openness to and dependence on God above all else. But in this I am not unique. Everyone who seeks to follow the ways of God learns to depend on the truth, love and compassion of God more than on their own strength. I know that as I prepare to take on this new office in the Church many people will pray to the Lord that I will be strengthened for this task – and that is what I definitely need.�

“We often hear of the challenges facing our country in finding cohesion in the face of great diversity. Our churches are places where people are from a wide variety of different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. They come together, work together and contribute together to the wider good of our society. The Church in this country has a great deal to offer and I hope to do my best to contribute to that project in this new role.�