HOLY WEEK MASSES / SERVICES
From 4 Septmber: Wednesday at 6pm, followed by Exposition, Confessions and Benediction

READINGS FOR 11 AUGUST
1^st Reading: I Kings 19:4-8, Strengthened by the food, he walked until he reached the mountain of God.
Psalm 33: taste and see that the Lord is good
2^nd Reading: Ephesians 4:30-5:2, Follow Christ by loving as he loved you.
Gospel Reading: John 6:41-51, I am the living bread which has come down from heaven
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: The bread that I will give, says the Lord, is my flesh for the life of the world.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR AUGUST
For political leaders
We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.

SAINTS & FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
12 August – St Jane Frances de Chantal, worked with St Francis de Sales to found the Visitation Order
13 August – Ss Pontian & Hippolytus
14 August – St Maximilian Kolbe – a very holy priest, even before giving up his life to save another in Auschwitz
15 August – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
16 August – St Stephen of Hungary

WELCOME & THANK YOU to Fr Michael Barrett, who is saying Mass for us on Sunday, whilst Fr John is away.  It’s always a pleasure to see you, Fr Michael.

STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENTS OF CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ENGLAND
Please see this extract from their longer statement, published on 6 August:
“…. Regrettably, we have witnessed violent, racist attacks and intimidation on our streets. Mosques have been attacked, hotels housing people seeking asylum set on fire and individuals set upon simply because of the colour of their skin. Racism has no place on our streets or in society and should not be stirred up in communities or online. The police have faced unacceptable levels of violent disorder and rioting in their quest to keep the peace on the streets. We are grateful for the work of the emergency services who put themselves in danger to protect the public. We are grateful for communities who have come together to help with the clear up, demonstrating a determination to serve the good of all.  
We are also grateful to the many local churches across the country who provide a place of worship and sanctuary for people and who help build stronger communities through action at the grassroots level, including initiatives like Street Pastors and Response Pastors. Let us all work together to put an end to this violent disorder, restore peace and heal our nation”.

BISHOP HABILA’S SCHOOL PROJECT
Thank you to our very generous parishioners, who have contributed the magnificent sum of £953.00 towards Bishop Habila’s school in Nigeria.   We are joining forces with St Teresa’s /St Oswald’s in our support.  A little of our money goes a long way, so we’re hopeful that this donation will be a massive help to the children in Bishop Habila’s diocese.
The £44.13 donated at last Sunday’s Coffee Morning was added to the school project ‘pot’, so thank you to all who donated.  Many thanks also to Emma O’Hare (+ Connie) and Joanne Eland for running the coffee morning and to those who kindly supplied the additional quiche and scones – all greatly appreciated.
Our next Coffee Morning is Sunday 8 September.

1^st COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2024-25
Parents / Guardians are invited to register their child for our 1^st Communion programme which will begin in September.  The children must be about to start in Yr 4 in September.  Application forms are in the porch.  Please pass on to families who are Catholic but who do not always attend regularly.  Deadline: Saturday 31 August.

AUGUST DATES
15 August: Assumption of Our Lady – Mass at 7pm, with hymns.  Holy day of Obligation.  Wine & nibbles after Mass in church.  All welcome.
24 August:  Parish Pilgrimage to Ladyewell, Shrine of Our Lady. 
Meet at the parish church 11.00am for a short service of dedication. Walk to Shrine (if able) for Mass at 12noon.  There’s a picnic lunch afterwards.  Then at 2.30pm Sprinkling, 3.30pm Benediction and departure.
Please sign the list in the porch.

LITTLE THEATRES & MENTAL HEALTH / WELL-BEING
Chorley and Southport have their own theatres and Southport’s in particular, has just brought out its new season pamphlet of plays and productions for 2024-25.  Visiting the theatre can provide a welcome form of relaxation and enjoyment, and at Southport, the volunteers are very good at putting people at their ease. You will be sure of a grand welcome.  The season opens in September with ‘Allo ‘Allo – featuring characters from the very popular BBC comedy series. Tickets (including Saturday matinees) are very reasonably priced and have not been increased at all since before the pandemic.  In addition, there is news of a number of special packages available, that afford real value for money.
The pamphlets, containing full details, are available in the porch.

THE HALL IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Our church hall is the envy of the area, for its size, its sprung dance floor and of course, its managed, licensed bar.
We now have vacant slots every evening, apart from Mondays and also during the day / evening on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.  Other times may also be available, on enquiry.
Hire charges = £20 an hour (inc. ‘get-in/out’).  If you know of anyone, or any group that is looking for accommodation, please let them know to contact the Parish Office on Thursdays.

MASS INTENTONS
Mass intentions are welcome, not just for our dear departed, but for any other occasion eg in thanksgiving, successful outcome (exams / operation), wedding / anniversary blessings. Please write your name and intention, with the preferred date – if applicable – on a piece of paper and place in an envelope, along with your offering, either in the weekly offertory basket or through the presbytery door.  Every effort will be made to find a date as near as possible. 

DISUSED GLASSES / SPECTACLES
Please have a rummage at home and bring old prescription glasses along.  They can be used by opticians in Africa to help local communities. 

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES + GIFT AID
If you are a taxpayer then you can easily help the parish to claim 25% extra on top of every donation you make.  Eg: a donation of £5 per week would result in £6.25 going to the church. Filling in a simple form to register your name and address means we can claim an additional 25% of your gift.  If you are able to help, please collect a form from the porch on your way out today, complete and return to the Parish Office.
In addition, you may wish to consider using an offertory envelope (they are free and use re-cycled paper) in which to make your weekly donation.  It’s akin to ‘wrapping up your gift’ for Our Lord!  Again, please contact the Parish Office if you’d like to start using them.

CATHOLIC PICTORIAL
Keeping you up to date with all the news from around the Archdiocese online: www.catholicpic.co.uk
Postal subscriptions are available: 3 issues = £9.50, 6 issues = £19 and 12 issues = £37.50.
Email enquiries@cpmmmedia.com or ring 0151 709 7567.
Digital copies are also available.  Please use the phone number / email address above