18 April 2021 – 3rd Sunday of Easter

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Carole Ann Moore RIP

Private Intention

Parishioners

Robert Towers RIP

LATEST  UP-DATE 

 

THE CHURCH IS NOW OPEN FOR WEEKEND MASSES: saturday Vigil: 6.45pm and Sunday, 9.30am.  PLEASE PHONE / EMAIL ON THURSDAY 22 APRIL, between 12 noon and 3pm TO BOOK A PLACE

 

 

This Week    
Ministry       
E. Minister Reader
Saturday    
Sunday        
Next Week    
Ministry E. Minister Reader
Saturday    
Sunday    

 

PARISH NEWSLETTER

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & READINGS / REFLECTIONS

OPENING CHURCH FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP
The same Covid-secure measures still need to be in place for some time yet, in order to protect everyone, so please bear with us by…

  • Booking a place(s) on Thursdays, between 10.30am and 3pm ONLY. 
  • Minimal speaking
  • Remembering to dress warmly – the church doors have to remain open throughout the service (regardless of the weather!)
  • Remembering not to block the doors on leaving church after receiving Holy Communion and avoid congregating in groups to talk outside church. Please remember to say a prayer of thanksgiving following your reception of Holy Communion. 

READINGS FOR 18 APRIL
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 3:13-15, 17-19, You killed the prince of life.  God however, raised him from the dead.
Psalm 4: Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord
2nd Reading: 1 John 2:1-5, He is the sacrifice that takes our sins away, and not only ours, but the whole world’s
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48, So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day, rise from the dead.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia!  Lord Jesus, explain the scriptures to us.  Make our hearts burn within us as you talk to us.  Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: The Christ had to suffer and on the third day rise from the dead; in his name repentance and remission of sins must be preached to all the nations, alleluia.

REFLECTION FOR THIS SUNDAY – OUR FAITH ON SUNDAY
‘He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures.’  These men and women of the Gospel are the people of the Scriptures.  The Scriptures are their own ancestors and in a sense of their own lives, which have, on the human level at least, been formed by the Scriptures.  But their history has not just a human history: God is at work and always present.
Their Scriptures show that God as chosen Abraham’s family and descendants for a particular purpose, making them ‘his’ people.  He is also at work among all the nations.  Whether the nations recognise it or not, they all serve God’s final and loving purpose.
‘Yahweh is the true God, there is no other!’  Psalm 17 exclaims.  ‘Praise Yahweh all you nations, extol him all you peoples, for his faithful love is strong and his constancy never-ending.’
Recognition of this truth requires faith.  The disciples had faith.  Faith is something that grows – it is the seed of the parables.  Our Lord ‘opens the minds’ of the disciples so that their faith may grow.  It had to grow and bear fruit and flourish – we see this happen throughout the Acts of the Apostles

PRAYER INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Archbishop Malcolm has asked us to pray the following at this time of crisis:
God Our Father, each person is precious to You.
You are the Giver of life.
Have mercy on us and protect us at this time, as the coronavirus threatens health and life.
You are an ever-present Helper in time of trouble.
Watch over those who are suffering, give strength to those who are aiding the sick and give courage to all in this time of anxiety.
We ask this of you in the name of your Son. Jesus Christ.
Amen.

We join Pope Francis in his prayer intention for April:
We pray for those who risk their lives while fighting for fundamental rights under dictatorships, authoritarian regimes and even in democracies in crisis.

Let us pray
That all Christians may strive for holiness by repenting of past sins;
That all who doubt or distrust the Gospel message may recognise the risen Christ in the goodness and kindness of others and learn to turn to God in faith and love;
That the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ for all people may teach us that there is no such thing as a worthless life, or a person God does not love;
That as Covid restrictions are lifted and more people receive their vaccinations, may the bonds of our relationships be renewed and strengthened

We pray now in the words Jesus gave us:
Our Father, who art in heaven…

SPECIAL FEASTS THIS WEEK
21 April – St Anselm of Canterbury
23 April – St George, Roman soldier and martyr
24 April – St Adalbert of Prague / also St Fidelis (Capuchin friar and martyr)

1st HOLY COMMUNION CHILDREN
Our 1st Communion children will be making their 1st Communions over the next few weeks, starting with Charlie next Monday evening. Sisters, Soraia and Jessica will make their the following week and finally cousins, William and Natasha the week after that.  Please remember them and their families in your prayers.

OUR LITTLE CHURCH GROUP
Our children have continued to meet up regularly via Zoom during the pandemic and our Little Church seems to be happily thriving. If anyone is interested in attending, or knows any children who would like to be involved, you are more than welcome to join in the fun!  Please contact Emma O’Hare on 07813275574.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY – WITH BROTHER FRANCIS
You Tube animated stories and songs each week.  
https://brotherfrancis.com/

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – NEW BOOK!
‘Thank God for Mass!’ is an interactive book to help children understand Mass and it is hoped by the author that, as we return to Church after lockdown, this book can galvanise children to enjoy the whole experience helping them along on their spiritual journey.
A proportion of the profits from sales will go to the SVP Society (England & Wales) to help them with the great work they do with Youth SVP and Mini-Vinnies. If you would like to buy this book for children aged 5 to 10 years, or require more information, contact Sue Ellis on sueellisbooks@btinternet.com  or the publisher Quacks Books, York, Tel: 01904 635967. It can also be purchased from any good bookshop using the ISBN: 978-1-912728-20-6.
Cost £8.50, schools/churches, 10 books for £6 each, or 20 books for £5 each.

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE IS NOW ACTIVE!
John O’Hare has kindly re-activated our Facebook page so please encourage friends and family who use social media to follow us on ‘Our Lady Help of Christians Tarleton’.

MESSAGE FROM AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED
On behalf of Aid to the Church in Need UK, we ask you to join us in prayer for the repose of the soul of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and to pray for Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time.
The Christian faith of Prince Philip, with his Orthodox background, was one of the reasons for his engagement in so many important matters. On a personal level, it has been a privilege to attend faith meetings at St George’s House, which Prince Philip founded in the grounds of Windsor Castle, and also to be made welcome to speak at Buckingham Palace. In recent times, Aid to the Church in Need has greatly appreciated the engagement and support of HRH The Prince of Wales – who has provided vital help to persecuted Christians.
Masses are being arranged through ACN for the repose of the soul of Prince Philip RIP. We offer our sincere condolences and the assurance of prayers to HRH Queen Elizabeth and The Royal Family

MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE REGARDING SUPPORT FOR MARY’S MEALS
We are going to be contacting all churches across the Archdiocese over the coming weeks and asking them to consider praying for the work of Mary’s Meals during the month of May
We would be extremely grateful for your support in this outreach as we try to spread the story of Mary’s Meals as far as possible. They have recently announced that their feeding figure has increased now to reaching over 1.8 million children, feeding them in their place of education for just £15.90 a year and they are very grateful to those parishes who have worked hard to help achieve this milestone.
Thank you for any support you can give to help feed the next hungry child.

LOCAL NEWS: COVID UP-DATE IN TARLETON & HESKETH BANK
West Lancs Council continue to conduct mass testing at All Saints Church at the following times:
Tuesdays (12 noon to 6pm) – for anyone whether they are exhibiting symptoms or not.  No Appointment necessary
Thursday and Friday mornings – for those with symptoms.  Please ring 119 (translation service is available) or book at www.westlancs.gov.uk/covid19test
IMPORTANT: Our area has registered a higher number of Covid cases than usual over the last few weeks.  This is because more people who test positive are struggling to self-isolate, perhaps because of work or because they are carers or they believe they are unable to access help.  West Lancs CVS is anxious to reassure local residents that help really is at hand.  They can arrange for food / medication to be delivered; they can arrange for temporary health / social care if you’re unable to continue caring for someone, they can help you apply for a government Emergency Grant if there are financial problems due to the pandemic.  They can even supply dog-walkers for your pooch, if you should be staying at home.
If you know you should be self-isolating and want to know what help is available for free, then please ring West Lancs CVS on 01695 733737 or check online at West Lancashire CVS – West Lancashire Borough Council (westlancs.gov.uk)
They want to help you to protect our local community!

LOCAL RESIDENTS’ MONTHLY INFORMATION SHEET: ‘HELPING HANDS’
This week sees the delivery of ‘Helping Hands’ Newsletter 6, which, as with the previous five newsletters – brings residents of Hesketh Bank and Tarleton up-to-date help, advice and information on how to cope during the pandemic.  The small group of volunteers that puts this together each month hopes that residents will find something useful in it, and in order to continue the service, they ask that residents provide feedback on the newsletter, so that improvements can be made in the future.
Please contact Diane at the parish office with your thoughts, or let her know if you would like to receive a printed copy of a very short questionnaire that will help the Group to focus on issues that really matter to you, in their future editions. This is YOUR local newsletter and the Group is keen that it reflects the issues that matter most to YOU, so thank you for your assistance on this!

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE CENTRE COURSES
The Christian Heritage Centre, based at Stonyhurst, offers regular webinars and courses on a variety of topics. For more information, please see www.christianheritagecentre.com  

RECOMMENDED ADULT READING – BY THE ARCHDIOCESE
Seeing the Pandemic with Eyes of Faith – Seven Prophets of Our Time by Fr Ivano Millico
Fr Millico offers a contemplative and faith-filled analysis in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the help of saints who have lived through moments of great personal and societal crisis.
Price £5.95, available at www.ctsbooks.org

“THE CHOSEN” – FILM SERIES
Highly recommended dramatization of the ministry of Christ.  Also available on Google Play and the Apple Store
The Chosen TV Series (angelstudios.com)

BBC4: ‘BROTHERHOOD – THE INNER LIFE OF MONKS’
Available on iPlayer, this one-off programme on the Cistercian brothers of Mount St Bernard in Leicestershire.  A really beautiful and uplifting visit to this unique monastery.
BBC Four – Brotherhood: The Inner Life of Monks

CAFOD & CLIMATE CHANGE 2021 – POPE FRANCIS’ PLEA TO THE WORLD
This year, two very important world conferences will be taking place, against the backdrop of the pandemic and the spiralling crisis of our global environment that is struggling to survive the demands imposed on it by us.
CAFOD is pledging to help us make our voices heard at these conferences, both conferences are being hosted by the UK:
11 – 13 June – the G7 Summit, when heads of government from seven of the world’s richest countries will meet to discuss plans for a global recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. 
The G7 meeting will be a key moment for world leaders to cancel unjust debts and tackle the climate crisis.
1 – 12 November – The UN Climate Conference or COP26.  A ‘COP’ means ‘conference of parties’.
Governments and negotiators from across the world will travel to the meeting to discuss how to keep temperature rises below dangerous levels and prevent the climate crisis from causing even worse catastrophes for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
What can we do?
Go to the CAFOD website and click on the Latest News links which will take to on-line petitions / letters, urging Boris Johnson and his government to speak up for the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged.
The Pope has urged us not to forget the plight of the poor in our rush to get back to ‘normal’ life after the pandemic.  He wants us to remain focussed on helping our spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ, wherever they may be.  We have a duty of care for all of God’s creation.
Why 2021 is a huge year for a green recovery from coronavirus | CAFOD

MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
In honour of our cohort of 1st Holy Communion children who will be taking this special step over the next few weeks, here is a delightful recording of Cesar Franck’s sublime Panis Angelicus:
Panis Angelicus – King’s College, Cambridge – YouTube

 

REGULAR WEEKLY NOTICES

MASS ON SUNDAYS
As you may be aware, our Bishops have lifted the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
To keep Sundays holy, it might be helpful to spend some time reading the Scriptures.  Besides your Bible, the Magnificat publication can be a wonderful aid to prayer and of course, you also get the readings for Mass for every day of the week!  At a cost of less than £1 a week, you may be interested in subscribing now: tel. 020 7448 3618; email: uk@magnificat.com or visit the website: www.catholic-herald.myshopify.com

Masses will continue to be live-streamed and televised for many months yet, so you can still take part in Sunday worship and the Act of Spiritual Communion will continue to be an important part of people’s worship for the foreseeable future.  
If you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

THE ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

MASSES ONLINE WILL CONTINUE TO BE STREAMED INDEFINITELY
Locally, there is St Clare’s, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood: www.saintclares.co.uk which streams Mass daily at 9.30am. Please follow the easy links on the website.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en Pope Francis
https://www.churchservices.tv/whats-on-now/ Great selection of Masses and other Church services https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes/ Mass and daily at 2pm, the Rosary in English
https://www.livemass.org Extraordinary Form (1962 Missal)
Use the website links to EWTN, those who have Sky can tune in on Channel 588, or the Archdiocese to access daily Masses
On the radio: Catholic Radio Sky Channel 0147
Also, you may wish to try the Pray as you Go phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.foxcode.prayasyougo&hl=en

PRAYERS from the Archdiocese, for Stations of the Cross etc: https://www.liverpoolcatholicresources.com/

Please email the Parish Office with details of any other online services you know of that may help parishioners at this very difficult time. We will try to include them in next week’s Newsletter.

YEAR OF ST JOSEPH (Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Liverpool): With his apostolic letter, ‘Patris Corde’ (‘With a Father’s heart’), Pope Francis has proclaimed a ‘Year of St Joseph’ running from 8 December 2020 (Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) to December 2021.
At the end of the letter, he asks us to pray the following prayer to St Joseph:
Hail Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you, God entrusted his only Son,
In you, Mary placed her trust,
With you, Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
Show yourself a father
And guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage
And defend us from every evil.
Amen
PRAYER CARDS FOR THE YEAR OF ST JOSEPH: Prayer cards are available – please notify the Parish Office and we will send one out to you so that you can say the prayer to St Joseph during the week.  We know we can rely on his guidance and protection in every difficulty and challenge.  And his intercessions are certainly much-needed by us all at the moment!

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS:  These are available to order directly from the publisher (www.thecatholicuniverse.com  or 0161 820 5722). It can be posted to you each week. Introductory offers: printed copies for three months – £25; twelve months – £99; or digital copy £55 for twelve months.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – SEE THIS NEW INITIATIVE! ‘The Mark 10 Mission’
This is a brand new project created by a small team of young lay people to share the Gospel with children. The video episodes are completely free and have been used in many primary schools across the country each week since September. Please click on the link below to see the latest episodes.
https://www.themark10mission.co.uk/theepisodes/seriestwo
The Mark 10 Mission team is passionate to see the Gospel shared with children and to help them grow in their relationship with Christ. The website is updated each Friday morning with a new episode, so happy viewing!

OFFERTORY DONATIONS DURING THE LOCKDOWN 
Many thanks to generous parishioners who have sent in donations to our churches. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.
Instead of putting money in offertory envelopes each week, those who are able to make an offering are asked to complete a Standing Order Mandate for your bank, from either your parish office. We can email the document to you, if you wish, so that you can print off, complete and send to your bank.
Alternatively, you may still wish to write a  cheque (payable to ‘Our Lady Help of Christians Church’ ) and post to the presbytery with a covering letter and one offertory envelope for gift aid purposes.
Donating by text / online: Please check the May Newsletters and use the links provided

 

HELP DURING THE PANDEMIC

Check out the government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home  to find out what the restrictions (and exceptions) are, and to keep abreast of changes in the future.
The NHS contacts those eligible for a vaccine to arrange an appointment.

Many residents have now received their first dose of the vaccine, but it is important to note that protection doesn’t kick in for a number of weeks after the vaccine, so it is vital that everyone remains vigilant and ensures that they follow all the rules to keep themselves and everyone else safe.
The number of positive cases in W Lancs is now falling, thanks to people observing restrictions more carefully!

COVID VACCINES – IMPORTANT
Many parishioners have already received notification about their vaccine – or have received the first dose.
It is important to wait to be contacted. 
Those over 50: Please contact your local surgery now, if you have not yet been contacted about the vaccine
Please also note that the Catholic Church has given its full support to the vaccine (all three of them) and is keen to assure Catholics that there are no moral issues linked to the science of the vaccines, whatsoever.  The vaccines are safe. The Archbishop of Liverpool is anxious to dispel any myths and urges Catholics to have the vaccines.  Cardinal Vin Nichols has already had his first vaccine.  So has the Pope!  – and hospital chaplains have also received their first doses.
Unfortunately some people are trying to exploit the fears of others, so be on the alert for so-called vaccine scammers, who will try and charge you for a vaccine.  There is NO CHARGE.
The vaccines are free. 
GP surgeries are not paid.  The government is paying for the whole programme.

Please also note that there are some scammers pretending to be the NHS.  There is only one official NHS email address, which is www.nhs.uk

The NHS will never ask for details like family maiden names of bank accounts / credit & debit cards.  Nor will they require you to pay anything for the vaccines.  If you are contacted by a group claiming to be the NHS and they’ve asked for these details, it is a scam and you must ignore it.  Then report it!

It is essential to continue to observe the ‘basics’: hand hygiene, face masks, social-distancing – and lots of good ventilation – at all times.

HELP IS AT HAND! Don’t forget that local volunteers from Hesketh Bank and Tarleton Helpers stand ready to help anyone who needs support – with errands, shopping, collecting prescriptions – and friendly telephone calls for those who are feeling isolated. Please call Diane Mackley (one of the HH Team members) on 01772 815508. 

OTHER HELP AVAILABLE TO US IN WEST LANCS
Citizens Advice Lancashire West – Advice on housing, employment, debt, benefits, consumer problems, energy advice (billing, supply, switching etc.) and much more.
Contact: Guy Simpson – gsimpson@calw.org.uk or Sarah Bennett – sbennett@calw.org.uk Tel. 0344 245 1294

South West Lancashire ICAN [South West Lancashire Independent Community Advice Network]
Provides free independent and confidential advice from specialists regarding redundancy, welfare rights, employment law, disability living allowance, tribunal appeals, personal independence payments, IT and digital support, debt, those in work-low income (including for the self-employed or small business owners during the pandemic), furloughing.
Contact: Paul McConnell or Jan Fitzsimons admin@swlican.org. Tel. 01695 726269

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR NEED ANY HELP, PLEASE CONTACT FR ANDERS AT THE PRESBYTERY IN TARLETON ON 01772 812242, OR EMAIL THE OFFICE (olhct@rcaol.org.uk)

WISHING ALL PARISHIONERS AND THEIR FAMILIES EVERY BLESSING FOR THE COMING WEEK