25 April 2021 – 4th Sunday of Easter – Vocations Sunday
MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Parishioners
Robert Towers RIP
Holy Souls NDL
Dec members of the Dilworth family
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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
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE WORLD DAY OF VOCATIONS – 25 APRIL: 58th annual world day of prayer
“The Lord’s call is not an intrusion of God in our freedom; it is not a “cage” or a burden to be borne. On the contrary, it is the loving initiative whereby God encounters us and invites us to be part of a great undertaking. He opens before our eyes the horizon of a greater sea and an abundant catch.”
https://www.worlddayofprayerforvocations.com/
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.
READINGS FOR 25 APRIL
1st Reading: Acts 4:8-12, This is the only name by which we can be saved
Psalm 117: The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone
2nd Reading: 1 John 3:1-2, We shall see God as he really is
Gospel: John 10:11-18, The good shepherd is the one who lays down his life for his sheep
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my own sheep and my own know me. Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: The Good Shepherd is risen! He who laid down his life for his sheep, who died for his flock, he is risen, alleluia.
REFLECTION FOR THIS SUNDAY – OUR FAITH ON SUNDAY
Our Lord tells us in today’s Gospel passage that “I lay it” (his life) “down of my own free will and as I have power to lay it down, so I have power to take it up again.”
During his agony in the Garden of Olives, before his passion – and also on an earlier occasion – Jesus made clear his fear of that Passion. Nonetheless he prayed, “Father, if this cup cannot pass by, but I must drink it, then your will be done.” It was in his power to avoid suffering, yet he chose not to, because of his love for the Father. And the reward for us is great: this is the Good Shepherd, who with that same love for his Father, also loves us!
This Good Shepherd stays with us, whenever we have need of him – to teach us, to lead us, to ‘feed’ us; to feed all those who will “listen to my voice.”
On one occasion, during his teaching ministry, a woman in the crowd cried out, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that fed you!” Jesus answered, “More blessed are those who” (like Mary), “hear the word of God and keep it!”
All this so that we “may have life, and have it to the full.”
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
27 April – St Maughold – patron saint of the Isle of Man
28 April – St Peter Chanel
St Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort
29 April – St Catherine of Siena
30 April – St Pius V
1 May – St Joseph, the worker
1st HOLY COMMUNION CHILDREN
Charlie made his 1st Communion last Monday and this week, it’s the turn of sisters, Soraia and Jessica. Please remember them and their families in your prayers.
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’.
RED MISSION BOXES
Please bring in Mission Boxes for counting over the next few weeks. They can be left in the porch before Mass, or dropped off during office hours on Thursdays (10am to 4pm). Please contact the Parish office if you’re unable to come and we’ll arrange collection for you. Many thanks.
SYNOD 2021
As we approach our Archdiocesan Synod, taking place online on 19th June, Synod Members are currently discerning how they will vote on the recommendations that have emerged. If you haven’t seen them yet, there are three places you can find them:
1. Printed in the April edition of the Catholic Pic (www.catholicpic.co.uk)
2. On our Synod Recommendations Website (www.synod2020recommendations.org.uk) alongside theological reflections on the topics
3. Printed in our Synod book ‘Together on the Road’ which also includes resources for discernment and the theological reflections (available for £3 from Pauline Books and Media, and the Synod Office, email: synod2020@rcaol.co.uk, tel: 0151 486 1206).
Please continue to keep the Synod in your prayers in the coming months.
Diane will be preparing paper copies next week, which can be collected at Mass, so that you can offer feedback and thoughts / reflections.
MARY’S MEALS ‘PRAY IN MAY’ CAMPAIGN
Our Archdiocese is supporting this campaign in aid of Mary’s Meals, which aims to encourage us all to unite in prayer so that 1.8m children can be fed a decent meal every day. There are lots of activities and ideas available on their website for May and there will be further up-dates next week on how we can support this essential work.
www.marysmeals.org.uk/prayinmay
Prayer for Mary’s Meals
Our Father give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us for the times
when we take more than our share
of the bread that belongs to all.
Let us help You fill the starving with good things,
not with scraps from our table.
Teach us how to share what is not ours to keep.
Clothe us with Your love
that we may complete each good work
you created us to do.
Place in our hearts Your compassion
for each starving child and
use our little acts of love
so that they starve no more.
Amen
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
ECHOES OF ISAIAH – ZOOM TALKS
Following on from Echoes of God, as part of the “God who Speaks”, you are invited to join for the next Zoom sharing “Echoes of Isaiah” which looks at Isaiah chapter 43 and links it to the Gospel using clips from “The Chosen”. You are invited to explore scripture further facilitated by Jo Wallace and Helen Jones, Pastoral Associates, and is suitable for all levels of engagement in this very welcoming and open group. Starting on Monday 26 April at 7-8pm it will run until the proposed end of Covid restrictions on Monday 21 June. Register for the Zoom link at www.thegodwhospeaks2020.org.uk.
“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)
MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
This week, a lovely very early piece of Christian music composed by Palestrina. Best sung unaccompanied in order to appreciate the beauty of the harmonies.
Adoramus Te (Palestrina) – Christopher Wren Singers – Christmas 2011 – 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.
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
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
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