6 June 2021 – Corpus Christi

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Parishioners

Peter Carroll RIP

Evelyn Fletcher RIP

Dec members of the Dilworth family

LATEST  UP-DATE 

 

THE CHURCH IS NOW OPEN FOR WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday Vigil: 6.45pm and Sunday, 9.30am.  PLEASE PHONE / EMAIL ON THURSDAYs, 10.30am to 3pm to book a place

 

 

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PARISH NEWSLETTER

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & READINGS / REFLECTIONS

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE REGARDING THE RECENT LIFTING OF COVID RESTRICTIONS
As a consequence of the prevalence of the Indian variant of the virus – and with so much uncertainty about its ultimate impact on hospital admissions – the Archdiocese has advised that there will be only minor changes to our current practices.

  • Places will still be limited, depending on the size of the church, so booking on Thursdays (10.30am to 3pm) is still a requirement.
  • Sanitising, wearing face masks and remaining socially distant still apply
  • No singing of hymns – responses should continue to be made quietly

READINGS FOR 6 JUNE
1st Reading: Exodus 24:3-8, This is the blood of the Covenant that the Lord had made with you.
Psalm 115: The cup of salvation I will raise; I will call on the Lord’s name
2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15, The blood of Christ can purify our inner self from dead actions
Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26, This is my body.  This is my blood.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living bread which has come down from heaven, says the Lord.  Anyone who eats this bread will live forever. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Lord Jesus Christ, you give us your body and blood in the Eucharist as a sign that, even now, we share your life.  May we come to possess it completely in the kingdom where you live for ever and ever

REFLECTION FOR SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST – adapted from Nick Kelly (Ignite Youth)
Have you ever been asked to go ahead and set up something? I know when I was younger, my parents would ask me to set the table or clean up around the house before we had guests over. Often, I would be very hasty in this task, cleaning up by hiding things away out of sight and out of mind, to be fixed when the guests had gone, or more truthfully, probably just forgotten.
The Gospel today is about the Last Supper, a critical moment in the ministry of Jesus, offering the blessing of bread and wine as the institution of the Eucharist which we still celebrate in Mass today! When I read this, I mostly notice the intentionality Jesus shows in using the symbols of unleavened bread in a new way to foreshadow His gift to us on the cross by reminding us of this sacrifice, and how He will always be present, after the consecration, in his body, blood, soul and divinity under the appearances of bread and wine, as our spiritual food in holy communion. 
I am struck today with the preparation, Jesus sending two disciples ahead to prepare the meal by following a man carrying a jug of water and following him home. There are several motivations suggested as to why Jesus may have done this but for me, it shows the intentionality of going ahead and carefully preparing for others. It reminds me of a quote from Mother Teresa; “We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love”
My parents no longer tell me to clean up, but now as an adult, I need to be self-motivated in being thoughtful and prepared. Next time I have people over for a meal or am preparing to host an event, I hope that I can prepare the way for the Lord ahead of me, in the practical as well as the spiritual. How much better can we serve the Lord if when the opportunity comes to go ahead we faithfully obey and carefully prepare for His coming. We are often not asked to do the miraculous, but instead, serve in simple yet thoughtful ways in the everyday moments of our lives.

Jesus, today invite me to go ahead and prepare Your way. Help me to humbly serve You, and do small things with great care. Amen.

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 June:
Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.

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
9 June – St Colomba  /  St Ephraem
11 June – Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

SYNOD 2020-21 – MESSAGE FROM LIVERPOOL ARCHDIOCESE:
Many thanks to our parishioners who have offered their thoughts and reflections on the 19 Recommendations from the Synod Office. 
On this great feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ we renew our gratitude for this precious gift. 
In our celebrations of this Holy Sacrament we are the witnesses of the self-giving love of God revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus. 
The presence of Christ within us is renewed and we become more deeply the members of the Body of Christ alive and at work in our world.
Our Synod is just two weeks away now. Once again we ask for God to bless the work of the Synod. 
We are the Body of Christ. Through the work of the Synod may our Church reflect more faithfully the beauty and mercy of Christ in all that we do in His name. 
Merciful Father,
We humbly thank you for the love you have revealed 
in the precious gift of the Body and Blood of your Son.
May our Synod be an instrument in your hands.
As you have fed us, so may we work to feed our hungry brothers and sisters.
As you have blessed us, so may you make us a blessing to the people you call us to serve.
You have shown us your great mercy, 
help us to bring your forgiveness and love into the world today.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

OPENING FOR PRIVATE PRAYER, THURSDAYS 11am to 1pm
In order to remain Covid-secure, please observe the following rules when you come:

  • No need to book
  • Wear a face mask, as usual
  • Sanitise hands when you come in
  • Sign in – a sheet will be on the table in the porch. (Use your own pen but if you have to borrow one, please ensure you’ve sanitised your hands before using the pen)
  • Take a sheet with a ‘X’ on it
  • Observe social distancing (1m-2m) at all times
  • Sit in an empty pew (no ‘X’ sheet)
  • When you leave, place the sheet with a ‘X’ on the spot where you were sitting, to warn others that they cannot sit there

CAFOD & CLIMATE CHANGE 2021 – POPE FRANCIS’ PLEA TO THE WORLD
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 next week’s G7 conference.
Heads of government from seven of the world’s richest countries will meet to discuss plans for a global recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. 
This G7 meeting will be a key moment for world leaders to cancel unjust debts and tackle the climate crisis.
What can we do?
Go to the CAFOD website (www.cafod.org.uk) 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!

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  

WEST LANCS APPEAL FOR HELP WITH SURGE-TESTING
West Lancashire Borough Council is currently outlining plans for carrying out potential surge-testing should there be an outbreak of the new variant in the borough (very similar to what we have seen take place in neighbouring boroughs and districts over the last few weeks). 
Part of this process, should it be required, would be to enlist help from groups or individuals for such things as posting leaflets through doors, dropping off / collecting test kits, or sharing on social media.
Please complete the following survey if you are interested in helping out in your particular area:
https://westlancs.citizenspace.com/engagement/6d533301
Thank you!

A MESSAGE FROM CAFOD REGARDING THE COVID EMERGENCY IN INDIA
As Covid-19 brings devastation across India, CAFOD is working with experienced local Church agency, Caritas India, to provide vital support to poor and marginalised communities. Donations to CAFOD’s Coronavirus Appeal will help Caritas India distribute PPE kits to frontline health workers, promote COVID & vaccine awareness campaigns, and set up safely run isolation & quarantine centres. You can donate online here: cafod.org.uk/give.  Please keep praying for the people of India and all those affected by the pandemic.

MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
In honour of the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, this week’s music is a haunting version  of Mozart’s famous motet, Ave Verum Corpus Natus.  The balance of the choir is perfect (although there are more ladies, you’d never guess) and their breathing and phrasing is sublime. 
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Ave Verum Corpus – YouTube
The Romanian Foundation for Excellence in Music Sibiu/Hermannstadt International Music Festival 2014 MOZART KAMMERPHILHARMONIE

 

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.

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 – 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

COVID VACCINES – IMPORTANT
Please 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