16 January 2022 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Sat 15 Jan – Jean Cliffe RIP

Sun 16 Jan – Parishioners

Friday 21st –  James & Edith Hooper RIP

Sat 22nd  –  William Clarkson RIP

Sun 23rd  – Peter Bond RIP

REGULAR MASSES

THE CHURCH IS NOW 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.  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 Saturday or Sunday Masses.  Thank you.

DURING MASS: Please wait for the stewards to direct you when going up to receive Holy Communion. 

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

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.

CORRECTION: Mass intention for 9 January was for Dec members of the Cookson / Hooper families.  Our apologies for the error and any distress caused.

READINGS FOR  16 JANUARY
1st Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5, The Bridegroom rejoices in his bride
Psalm 95: Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples
2nd Reading: I Corinthians 12:4-11, One and the same Spirit who distributes gifts to different people, just as he chooses
Gospel: John 2:1-11, This was the first sign given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Your words are spirit Lord and they are life: you have the message of eternal life.  Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: You have prepared a table before me, and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst

 REFLECTION FOR THE 2nd SUNDAY IN OT
“Do whatever he tells you.”  Our Lady’s advice to the servants at the Cana wedding feast is crucial advice for all of us, of course.  Jesus picks up on this himself when, on another occasion he said, “My mother and brethren are those who hear the Word of God and put it into practice” (or in another version, “keep it”).
St Luke tells us that Mary kept “in her heart” all that happened to her and to her Son – not just in her mind or memory – but as a part of every breath she took and everything she did.
It was Mary who, better than anyone else, understood that her Son was the Word of God and that he had been sent to help people find love, peace and happiness.  She understood that no-one could come to the Father except through the loving redemption of Our Lord – and that is why she tells us all to “Do whatever he tells you.” 

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 January:
For true human fraternity
We pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognized, which originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family.

 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
17 January – St Anthony (healer of people and animals)
19 January – St Wulstan, Bishop of Worcester
20 January – St Fabian (Pope)
21 January – St Sebastian, martyr
21 January – St Agnes, child martyr
22 January – St Vincent, martyr

1st COMMUNION PREPARATION
Our children and their parents will be meeting again this Sunday after 9.30am Mass, in order to continue their preparation for making their 1st Holy Communion in June.  Please remember them and their families in your prayers.

PEACE SUNDAY, 16 JANUARY
Next Sunday, 16 January, is PEACE SUNDAY and this year Pope Francis asks us to think about ‘Education, work and dialogue between generations: tools for building lasting peace’.
The need for peace in the world is obvious. People are struggling against violence and conflict, growing inequalities, the effects of climate change and the Covid pandemic. How can we harness the gifts and energy of all generations in the work of peace-making? Which ‘tools for building lasting peace’ do you think Pope Francis might be talking about?
In this country we have an active Catholic peace movement in Pax Christi, which does a great deal of good work to promote peace and nonviolence through parishes, schools and social media.
Their website suggests many ways we can all become better peacemakers. There are activities for families to do at home, including a peace liturgy for young children. https://paxchristi.org.uk/peace-sunday-2022 
Pax Christi needs our support to keep going. If you’d like to make a donation, small or large, here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/yxfcw67x  Or send a cheque payable to ‘Pax Christi’ to:
Pax Christi, St Joseph’s, Watford Way, London NW4 4TY  Tel: 0208 203 4884

OCTAVE OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY: 18 to 25 January
The Walking Day Committee has organised a special Service on January 23rd for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at Holy Trinity in Tarleton, at 3pm. Please feel free to come along and join in a truly ecumenical service with our fellow Christians.  All local churches in Tarleton and Hesketh Bank will be taking part.
Whilst they are unable to cater for social-distancing, please be aware that Covid-secure arrangements will be in place and worshippers are asked to wear face masks throughout. 

ORDINARY TIME (WINTER)
During Ordinary Time in winter – up to Lent – we are asked to pray for the following intentions:
Peace of earth
Openness to the Word of God
Christian Unity
Victims of trafficking and those who work to combat it
The sick and those who care for them
The unemployed

THE UNIVERSAL SYNOD – MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
Archbishop Malcolm is calling us to take part in the listening phase of the Universal Synod on synodality 2023, which Pope Francis has invited the whole Church to join. Although we have already engaged with the synodal process in the archdiocese as part of Synod 2020, which initially generated 27,000 responses, we may find ourselves in a different place on our journey. This may include fresh insights, which will be submitted to the Bishops’ Conference together with the summary of the listening phases of Synod 2020. To participate in this world wide listening process, you can access and download the discussion questions from Monday 10 January 2022, as well as submit your responses online at www.liverpoolcatholicresources.com/synod2023]www.liverpoolcatholicresources.com/synod2023 .  The deadline for submissions is 10 March 2022.  For queries: vaticansynod@rcaol.org.uk

COVID UP-DATE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
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 18 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
  • Wear a face mask at all times in enclosed spaces – especially in church, throughout the services
  • Ensure churches and other venues, including private houses, are always well-ventilated. This might mean wrapping up with extra layers.

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!

COVID UP-DATE FOR TARLETON & HESKETH BANK
203 cases reported in Tarleton and Hesketh Bank by 8 January (a fall of 17 from the previous week).  This means we currently have cases two-thirds higher than the national average.  55 people were in Southport Hospital .
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
VOCES8: Ave Maria, Virgo Serena (Josquin des Prez) – YouTube
In honour of Our Lady, this wonderful, sublime setting of the Renaissance musical master, des Prez’s motet to Mary.  Sung utterly beautifully by the peerless VOCES8 – and such a treat.

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)