Leigh Pastoral Area

Friday, January 29, 2010

HOSPITAL STAY

Many of you will know that with fewer priests it is difficult for us to visit you while you are in hospital.  However, each hospital now has a Roman Catholic Chaplain as part of a Chaplaincy Team.  If you are admitted to hospital as a patient, you should make sure that the hospital staff record your religion and note your explicit request that the Roman Catholic Chaplain is informed.  Those responsible for children, or for those who are unconscious when admitted to hospital, should do likewise.  If you don’t do this, the Chaplain is unlikely to know that you are in hospital.

Leigh Infirmary
The priests of Leigh Pastoral Area provide on-call cover for Leigh Infirmary.  So, if you are admitted to Leigh Infirmary and want to see a priest, simply ask the staff to page us.  In an effort to provide better support at the Infirmary, we are conducting an audit of those presently involved at Leigh Infirmary, i.e. taking communion or visiting.  So, if you currently undertake any ministry at the Infirmary, or would be willing to help in the future, please contact Fr John or Fr Dave.  Many thanks.

SUNDAY & WEEKDAY SCRIPTURES

If you want to make the Word of God part of your daily prayer, then a good way can be to read the parts of the bible that are read at Mass each day all over the world.  You can find these readings in a Sunday and/or Weekday Missal.  You can also find them online at the following addresses:

Sunday & Weekday Readings
http://www.catholicireland.net
Guided Prayer using the Daily Gospel
http://sacredspace.ie
Daily Prayer for your MP3 Player
http://www.pray-as-you-go.org

BOYCE & STANLEY

Popular singing/songwriting duo Joanne Boyce and Mike Stanley will perform a concert of contemporary Christian music incorporating dynamic praise and soulful worship on Sunday 28th February at 6.00 pm at St Anthony’s RC Church, Manchester M22 0WR.  Tickets:  £7.50 (discounts available) from 0161 436 5622 or 01675 466 254 or book online at: http://www.cjmmusic.com/boxoffice

LIVING FAITH

A course offered by the Archdiocesan Pastoral Formation Department for those who have had little opportunity to reflect on their faith.  There will be three sessions:

Monday 22nd February
7.00 – 9.00 pm
“Knowing Who I Am”

Monday 1st March
7.00 – 9.00 pm
“Believing In God – How God Calls Us”

Saturday 20th March
10.00 am – 2.00 pm
“Believing In Jesus & Believing In Others”

The course will take place in the Parish Hall at Holy Family, Boothstown, and will be led by Maureen Knight and John Biggins.  There are only 20 places available.  For further information and to book a place, please contact Fr Dave (0161 790 2390 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)). 

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Madeleine McCann

This week marks a 1000 days since the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. On Wednesday, a number of people will be releasing 1000 Chinese Lanterns in Liverpool with Fr. Paul to remember Madeleine and to remind people not to give up on her, even though she has been missing for so long. Please spare a thought for her parents and family, and remember to pray for Madeleine and for ALL missing children this week and every week. There are too many missing children in our world today.

St Richard’s Parish Centre Vacancy

A Manger or Manageress is required take over the running of the St Richard’s Parish Centre. Experience of the Licensed Trade is preferred but is not essential as training will be given. The work involves six nights per week, with an excellent salary and good working conditions.  Further details can be obtained from the secretary at the Parish Centre or phone 01942 874928.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS

CINBADS are proud to present their latest production
GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS
This is a panto tale with a difference as we find an evil Queen Bee up to no good in a woodland, armed with her secret weapon - Hypno Honey!  Performances take place in Holy Family Scout and Guide Hall on:

Thursday 4th February at 7.30 pm
Friday 5th February at 7.30 pm
Saturday 6th February at 2.30 & 7.30 pm
Sunday 7th February at 3.00 pm

Ticket Prices - Thursday £3
Other dates - Adults £5 Children £3 

Do join us for what promises to be a fantastic show.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Support for Catechists
Wednesday 3rd February, 7.30 to 9.15 pm, at St Mary’s Lowe House, St Helens, WA10 2BE. 
Contact:  Mrs Julie Cassidy at The Pastoral Formation Dept., LACE, Croxteth Drive, L17 1AA, or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Choristers Wanted
Voice trials for admission to the Cathedral Choir (boys aged 7 - 10) in September will be held on Saturday 6th February.  An Open Afternoon on Sunday 31st January offers the chance to learn more about the life of a chorister. 

The Liturgy of the Easter Vigil led by Dom Daniel McCarthy OSB and Dom Alan Leachman OSB on Saturday 13th February at LACE:  10.30 am - 3.15 pm (including lunch).

Civic Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vincent Nichols on Sunday 14th February at 11.00 am in the Cathedral.

Divorced or Separated
The Pastoral Formation Departments offers six weekly meetings to support Catholics who are divorced or separated or experiencing the breakdown of a long-term relationship.  Christians of other denominations, or of none, are also welcome.  The next series will start on Monday evening, 15th February, in Aigburth.  There will also be a One Day Meeting on Saturday 13th February for those unable to attend the six meetings.  For further details, contact Frances (0151 727 2195) or Maureen (0151 722 1029).

Forthcoming Days of Prayer

Wednesday 27th January
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY

Sunday 31st January
EDUCATION SUNDAY
WORLD LEPROSY DAY

Thursday, January 14, 2010

St Martin Apostolate Trade Show

St Martin Apostolate invite you to visit their Trade Show (cards and gifts) at the Assembly Rooms, Salford Cathedral (250 Chapel Street, Manchester M3 5LL): Monday 25th January to Wednesday 27th January (10.00 am - 5.00 pm), and Thursday 28th January (10.00 am - 1,00 pm).

St Joseph’s Players 2010 Pantomime

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

20th January - 30th January
Includes 3 matinees on 23rd, 24th & 30th
St Joseph’s Hall, Chapel St, Leigh

£7 Adults, £4 for 16yrs and under
Available from Radcliffes Bike Shop, Leigh

Many thanks for your support

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Support for Catechists
Wednesday 3rd February 2010, 7.30 to 9.15 pm (Tea/Coffee at 7.00 pm)
St Mary’s Lowe House, St Helens, WA10 2BE
 
Please note that there is no charge for the evening, but as places are limited, bookings will be accepted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.  Contact:  Mrs Julie Cassidy at The Pastoral Formation Dept.  LACE, Croxteth Drive, L17 1AA, or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

EMERGENCY APPEAL FOR HAITI

Tens of thousands of people are feared dead after the earthquake in Haiti this week, and many thousands have been injured, bereaved and left homeless and hungry.  Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and is still struggling to recover from the devastating hurricanes of 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI has urged generous international aid for the victims of Haiti’s earthquake and has pledged concrete help from the Catholic Church.  There will be a Second Collection at each church this weekend for CAFOD who are already providing support in Haiti.  The money we give will help to supply water, food, medicines and shelter to the most vulnerable in the worst affected areas.

Other Ways of Giving
Call Freephone 0500 858 885; or send a cheque to CAFOD, Romero Close, Stockwell Road, London SW9 9TY; or donate online http://www.cafod.org.uk/giving/emergency-appeals

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Statement issued by the Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, Archbishop of Liverpool

We have good reason to be very grateful for all those in the media, particularly in Local Radio at this time.  I think we will be concerned above all for those who are sick and those who serve them.

The weather affects every aspect of our life.  I have spoke with Bishop Brian Noble of Shrewsbury and we together offer this advice: unless you are certain it is safe for you to do so, whether it is by foot, car, or public transport, do not attempt to go to Mass; if in doubt stay at home and pray there, especially for those most affected at this time.

I ought to be in the Holy Land today, but cancelled flights have made that impossible.  Also, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, the Epiphany celebration, planned for 1.45 pm tomorrow, Friday 8 January, and involving many schools, has been cancelled in the interest of the safety of the children who had hoped to take part.

I also encourage you at this time to be very understanding about funerals, if it is impossible, as many of you would wish, for the body to be carried into the church and the undertakers are only able to use their specially designed trolleys.

Care for one another is the priority in these days.

+ Patrick A Kelly
Archbishop of Liverpool

A Prayer by Fr Richard Rohr

Let us be present to the now.
It’s all we have
and it’s where God will always speak to us.
The now holds everything,
rejects nothing and,therefore,
can receive God, too.
Help us be present to the place we’re most afraid of,
because it always feels empty,
it always feels boring,
it always feels like it’s not enough.
Help us find some space within
that we don’t try to fill with ideas or opinions.
Help us to create inner space,
because you always show yourself best
where we are hungry and empty.
Keep us out of the way,
so there is always room enough for you.

(Richard Rohr in his book ‘Hope Against Darkness’)