Leigh Pastoral Area

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’)

Christmas Season Reflection

God’s sign is simplicity. God’s sign is the baby. God’s sign is that he makes himself small for us. This is how he reigns. He does not come with power and outward splendour. He comes as a baby – defenceless and in need of our help. He does not want to overwhelm us with his strength. He takes away our fear of his greatness. He asks for our love: so he makes himself a child. He wants nothing other from us than our love, through which we spontaneously learn to enter into his feelings, his thoughts and his will – we learn to live with him and to practise with him that humility of renunciation that belongs to the very essence of love. God made himself small so that we could understand him, welcome him, and love him.

Pope Benedict XVI
Christmas Homily 2006

Pastoral Area Lourdes Pilgrimage

Monday 7th to Friday 11th June 2010.
Departing from Manchester.
Accommodation at the Hotel St Georges on full board.
Price £465.00 (Insurance and single room extra). 
Please contact: Mary Barton (01942 889388) if you are interested.

Churches Together in Boothstown

Tuesday 19th January at 7.00 pm at Holy Family, Boothstown
‘Praying with Pictures’ - Pondering pictures of some inspirational sculptures of the family life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Nazareth

Thursday 21st January at 7.00 pm
Compline at St John’s, Mosley Common

Friday 22nd January at 9.30 am
Prayer Service at Boothstown Methodist Church

Sunday 24th January at 6.00 pm
Songs of Praise at St Mary’s, Ellenbrook

Astley Churches Together

To celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, ACT will be holding a number of joint services lasting about 30 minutes) as detailed below:

Monday 18th January at 7.00 pm at St Stephen’s Church
Tuesday 19th January at 7.00 pm at St Ambrose Barlow Church
Thursday 21st January at 7.00 pm at Astley Independent Methodist Chapel

The week will be brought to a close with a short service at St Ambrose Barlow on Sunday 24th January at 4.00 pm. Your attendance at any or all of these services will be most welcome.