6 February 2022 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Saturday 5th – Michael Mackley RIP

Sunday 6th – Dec Parish Priests of Our Lady’s

Friday 11th – Dec members of the Kelly family

Saturday 12th – Dec members of the Tuson family

Sunday 13th – Parishioners

REGULAR MASSES

CHURCH IS OPEN FOR WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday Vigil: 6.45pm and Sunday, 9.30am.  PLEASE PHONE / EMAIL ON THURSDAYS between 10.30am to 3pm to book a place if you wish to sit in the socially-distanced area of church on SUNDAYS (only)  – no need to book for the Saturday Vigil.
Face masks must be warn at all times in order to protect all who come to church. Thank you!

 

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

 

PARISH NEWSLETTER

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & READINGS / REFLECTIONS

IMPORTANT – PLEASE CONTINUE TO BOOK, TO RESERVE A SOCIALLY-DISTANCED PLACE AT MASS
You only need to pre-book if you wish to sit in the designated section for social-distancing. Please ring the Parish Office / email on Thursdays between 10.30am and 3pm to reserve places for the following  Sunday Mass.  Thank you.
DURING MASS: Please continue to wear face masks (inc. children over 11 years)

PRIVATE PRAYER: Church is open every Thursday between 11am and 1pm.

FRIDAY MORNING MASS: 9.30am

QR CODE: Please continue to register your attendance at church by using the NHS QR code, displayed as you enter / leave the building.  Infection rates are extremely high, so helping to support the Track & Trace programme is more important than ever now.  Thank you.

READINGS FOR 6 FEBRUARY
1st Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8, Here I am, send me.
Psalm 137: Before the angels I will bless you, O Lord.
2nd Reading: I Corinthians 15:1-11, Preach what they preach, and this is what you all believed.
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11, They left everything and followed him
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! I call you friends, says the Lord, because I have made known to you everything that I have learned from my Father. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Let them thank the Lord for his mercy, his wonders for the children of men; for he satisfies the thirsty soul, and the hungry he fills with good things.

REFLECTION FOR THE 5th SUNDAY IN OT
Fish and fishing play quite a significant role of Jesus’ ministry, as in today’s Gospel reading. A constant visitor of the fishing village of Capernaum, Jesus was very familiar with the Sea of Galilee; he knew the fishermen and he called many of them to join him on his mission, to become fishers of men; he performed miracles on Galilee (calming the storm, walking on water, filling the boats with fish) and finally appearing after his resurrection to his ‘lost’ disciples to prepare breakfast for them and encourage them to spread his Word to all men.
This was an environment that Jesus knew and understood – and was therefore one that his first followers would have known.
It’s no surprise therefore, that in the early days of the Christian Church, the image of a fish was chosen as a secret sign to represent Christ.  The word for ‘fish’ in Greek is ‘icthus’ and each letter of that word (i-c-t-h-u-s) represents the Greek word for ‘Iesous Christos, Theou Yios Soter’ (‘Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour’’).

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 February:
For religious sisters and consecrated women
We pray for religious sisters and consecrated women; thanking them for their mission and their courage; may they continue to find new responses to the challenges of our times.

 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
8 February – St Jerome Emiliani / St Josephine Bakhita
10 February – St Scholastica, sister of St Benedict
11 February – Our Lady of Lourdes

WORLD DAYS OF  PRAYER THIS WEEK
8 February – for the Victims of Trafficking and Those who Work to Combat it – seeking the intercession of St Josephine Bakhita – a child slave
11 February – for the Sick and those who Care for Them – seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.

DEMENTIA AWARENESS – IRENAEUS CENTRE, 8 February (7pm via Zoom)
This session will be approximately 45 minutes, led by Sr. Moira and will explore issues of Dementia and how can you help someone to live well with Dementia. For a link contact jenny@irenaeus.co.uk

MASS IN HONOUR OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
7.30pm on Friday 11 February 2022 at Christ the King Church, Queens Drive, Wavertree L15 6YQ.  All welcome!

PRAYING FOR PEACE IN THE UKRAINE
Catholic bishops in Europe have expressed support for Ukraine and appealed to Christians to pray for peace. “At this extremely delicate time, we ask Christians to pray for the gift of peace in Ukraine so that those responsible may be filled with, and radiate, a peace that is ‘contagious’ and that the crisis will be overcome exclusively through dialogue,” a Council of European Bishops’ Conferences communique said. Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, the president of the CCEE, issued the statement on behalf of the council on Jan. 21. He said that Catholic bishops in Europe wished to express closeness to the people of Ukraine “in this dramatic moment of tension.” “While the entire international community interprets the actions of the Russian military forces as a real threat to peace throughout the world, we embrace — in this time of fear and uncertainty for the future of the country — our brothers and sisters in the faith and all the people of Ukraine.”

LGBTQ+ CATHOLICS
The  next meeting will be held on Sunday 20th February 2022 beginning at 2.00pm with Mass, followed by a social gathering at:
St Richard’s, Mayfield Street, Atherton M46 0AQ.
If you are attending please let Fr Maloney know for catering purposes.
Fr Maloney (0151 287 8787)  frsmaloney@aol.com

COULD YOU BE A DEACON?
Having received our Synod Pastoral Plan, which sets out concrete actions to change our ways of working, so that our Church becomes more inclusive, more welcoming and more engaged with those on the margins, the ministry of deacons will continue to evolve alongside the presbyteral ministry in the service of the priesthood of all the baptised.
If you would like to hear how this is working out and you feel this may be your calling too, please join Archbishop Malcolm and the diaconate team in an evening meeting for men who may be wondering if they are called to serve as deacons and what the formation involves.
Wives and supporting priests or deacons are also welcome on Tuesday 22 February 2022, 7.30-9pm (refreshments from 7pm) St Gregory’s Parish House Weldbank Lane, Chorley PR7 3NW.
If you are interested in the diaconate but unable to attend this evening, please email diaconate@rcaol.org.uk  for more information.

NEW COVID GUIDANCE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
The Archdiocese remains cautious in its most recent guidance and advises the following:

  • Parishioners are asked to continue to wear face masks, out of consideration for others
  • Churches should continue to be well-ventilated, as Covid is an airborne disease
  • Parishioners who wish to sit in a socially-distanced area should be enabled to do so
  • Singing during Mass can be restored
  • Holy water will be available in the stoups

In addition, anyone who has not yet received any vaccine is strongly encouraged to start now.  To be effective against the new, highly contagious Omicron virus, a course of 3 vaccines is required (a first dose, followed by a second dose, after 8 weeks, then a 3rd dose – or booster – 12 weeks after the 2nd dose).  This applies to everyone over the age of 16 years.  It will take 2 weeks for booster immunity to build up, so the sooner, the better.

  • Take regular LFT tests (2 or 3 a week), particularly before going out and mixing with others.
  • Avoid going out if you feel unwell or test positive

It’s worth remembering that anyone hesitating to start the course of vaccines because they are concerned about the chemicals used, could potentially end up being treated in hospital – with a range of chemical medicines!

VOLUNTEER FOR CAFOD
A vital aspect of church is people being willing to share their talents, experience and energy. Could your New Year’s resolution be volunteering for CAFOD? We have lots of different ways you can get involved such as:

  • In the parish – where you will be highlighting CAFOD’s work to support communities globally who are living with injustices and in poverty. 
  • In local schools – where you will deliver assemblies and workshops about CAFOD’s work.  No experience necessary. Full support, resources and regular training provided.
  • Coordinating volunteers to help us support, encourage and bring together a small group of volunteers.

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with sfarnell@cafod.org.uk tel: 07779804241

WEEKLY COVID UP-DATE FOR TARLETON & HESKETH BANK
73 cases reported in Tarleton and Hesketh Bank up to 3 February (a fall of 10 on the previous week).  This means we are currently below the national average.  41 people are in Southport Hospital this week – 6 fewer than the previous week but sadly, the number of deaths in West Lancs has increased from 8 to 9 this last week.
The highest number of positive cases in West Lancs is  in the 2 to 11 year age range.
15% of residents in West Lancs have yet to have any vaccination at all
Re-infections are beginning to increase
To keep up-to-date with local figures, go to www.coronavirus.data.gov.uk and enter your postcode. There is also information on vaccinations.

COVID TEST KITS
Parishioners are asked to ring 119 in order to reserve one, or go online at https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/collect-lateral-flow-kits to secure a code which will enable you to collect a kit from your local pharmacy.

MUSICAL TREAT FOR THE WEEK
Will you come and follow me – YouTube
This week a lovely, up-beat version of the popular hymn, ‘Will you Come and Follow Me’.  This is performed by choristers of St Martins-in-the -Field, Trafalgar Square, during June in 2020.  The lyrics mean you can singalong as well!

WITH EVERY BLESSING FOR THE NEXT WEEK FOR PARISHIONERS & FAMILIES

LET’S KEEP TALKING – SUPPORT FOR ANYONE SUFFERING IN ANY WAY AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC
Please pick up a leaflet on your way into/out of church, from Lancs & S Cumbria Mental Health Support.  Help is out there if you’re struggling to cope, or you know someone who is struggling.

LATEST UPDATES  FROM WEST LANCS COUNCIL (w/e 10 January)
If you have been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine, you are less to become severely ill if you catch COVID-19. You are also less likely to spread COVID-19 to other people, but it is still possible for this to happen. Therefore:
1.  If you are aged 18 years 6 months or over and you are not fully vaccinated, and you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, you are legally required to stay at home and self-isolate
2. If you are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and 6 months, and you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, you are not legally required to self-isolate. However, you are strongly advised to take an LF test every day for 7 days, and to self-isolate if any of these test results is positive
3. You may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test & Trace Support Payment Scheme if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate or you are the parent or guardian of a child who has been told to self-isolate.
4. A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is available for everyone aged 12 and over, and some people aged 16 and over, who have had 2 doses of the vaccine at least 3 months ago. Book your booster vaccination appointment or find a walk-in vaccination site.
5.  Everyone aged 12 and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the vaccine (Including children who turn 12 on the date of the vaccination).
6. Household Support Fund – West Lancashire Borough Council are now receiving applications from residents who do not have enough resources to meet their immediate short-term needs and require assistance with essential items over the winter period. This grant can be used to help towards the cost of:
 food
 energy / water needs
 essentials linked to energy / water needs
 wider essentials such as household bills, clothing, and white goods.
 help towards transport costs for COVID-19/booster vaccinations
It is not intended to cover debt advice or general financial hardship support which is not linked to food, warmth and/or hygiene. The fund is not intended to cover housing costs as there are other benefits and support available to help with these for example Discretionary Housing Payments. Awards will be made where there is no alternative means of meeting the need. To find out if you are eligible, visit The Household Support Fund: Household Support Fund – West Lancashire Borough Council (westlancs.gov.uk)

LOCAL ACTIVITIES / CLASSES YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN…
In addition to the classes and activities in our own church hall, there are a range of activities taking place in Tarleton and Hesketh Bank, as follows…
FREE HEALTH AND FITNESS ACTIVITIES AT TARLETON LIBRARY
All activities are carried out by experienced tutors. There are limited places, and booking is essential.
You can book at the Library desk or by ringing 0300 123 6703
Mondays: Parent/Grandparent and Baby/ Child Yoga, 10am-11am, mats provided.
Tuesdays: Health Walks, 1.15pm -2.15pm and Chair Based Yoga 4-5pm
Thursdays: Qigong (benets similar to Tai Chi) 4-5pm
Fridays: Weight Management 11-12noon
LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES
No need to book.
Monday: Story Time, 9.30am-10am; and Family History Helpdesk on the first Monday of the month 10am-12noon
Thursday: Creative Writing Group from 10am -12 noon, Craft Group from 2-3.30 pm
Friday: Baby Bounce and Rhyme, 9.30am-10am
HESKETH BANK COMMUNITY CENTRE: offers Zumba Gold, Dance Classes (Adult/Children), Burlesque, Tai Chi, Chair-Based Exercises, Circuits, Dog Training, Gymskool, Nippon Martial Arts, Gardening Made Easy, Singing For All Ages, Slimming World.
More details on their website, which can be found at: https://www.heskethbankcommunitycentre.org.uk/

LOCAL HELP FOR AFGHAN REFUGEES
You’ll have realised that a lot of local areas are trying to work out how they can best support refugees from Afghanistan over the next weeks and months.  In Hesketh Bank and Tarleton, donations of clothes are being accepted by the Christian Centre (off Moss Lane) on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 11.30am.  The initial response from locals has been extremely encouraging, so the Christian Centre is currently storing a lot of items ready to hand over to Care4Calais, as and when they need it.  Care4Calais is specifically asking for the following items, which must be in good condition:

  • baby / children’s clothes & shoes (trainers)
  • jeans and leggings
  • t-shirts
  • hoodies

Donations are also being collected in Aughton L39 5DW: Please email mcevoyden@gmail.com to arrange drop-off time / venue.
You may wish to donate directly to Care4Calais: Care4Calais | Refugee Crisis Charity | Fundraise Donate Volunteer 

 

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.

EWTN – GLOBAL CATHOLIC TV & RADIO
Getting connected is easier than you might think.  EWTN is free, there’s no subscription.  You can stream live and on demand via the website: www.ewtn.co.uk/get-ewtn or get the app for your mobile (EWTN APP), or Amazon’s Echo Auto.
Every day: daily Mass at 1pm and Children’s Rosary every day, at 7.30pm

CLASSES IN OUR CHURCH HALL FROM SEPTEMBER
The relaxing of some restrictions means that our church hall can now be used by local groups.
Please contact the parish office if you would like to know more about the following:
Fizzical – adult workout to jazz (with Julie Kershaw) – Monday evenings, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Parents & Toddlers, (with Jade McCormick) – last Tuesday of the month, 10am-11.30am
Tai Chi  (with Mark Humphries)  – Tuesdays, 2pm to 3.30pm
Family Martial Arts (with Alex Molyneux) – Tuesdays, 6.15pm to 7.15pm

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/

WEEKLY MASS FOR CHILDREN: FREE RESOURCE BOOKLET
Redemptorist Publications is pleased to introduce Celebrate: an initiative designed to help children grow in their faith. 
Each week they will provide a Children’s Liturgy in the form of a video of the week’s Gospel reading, a reflection and a final prayer.  
Fun, engaging and practical worksheets/resources will also be provided to help children continue to practise their faith during this time.  Please ring 01420 592974 or check the following link for the RP KidZone: https://www.rpbooks.co.uk/celebrate-following-your-faith?utm 

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES ON EWTN
Children’s religious programmes, based on the teachings of Jesus, are available on EWTN every week day, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm – and on Saturday mornings, from 9am to 10am.

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 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  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)