CONFESSIONS:  Wednesdays 5.45pm to 6.10pm and by appointment 

CHURCH IS CLOSED ON THURSDAY 5 SEPT

MIDWEEK MASS 
The next Wednesday Mass is on 3 September, however, there will not be a Mass on Wednesday 10 September, as Fr John will be away on retreat. Thank you.

READINGS FOR 31 AUGUST
1^st Reading: Sirach 3:17-29, Humble yourself so you will find favour in the Lord.
Psalm 68: In your goodness O God, you provided a home for the poor.
2^nd Reading: Hebrews 12:18-24, You have come to Mount Sion and the city of the living God.
Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1-14, Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exulted.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia. Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. Alleluia.
Communion antiphon: How great is the goodness Lord, that you keep for those who fear you.

HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR AUGUST
For Mutual Co-existence
Let us pray that societies where co-existence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER
For our relationship with all of creation
Let us pray that, inspired by St Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.

SAINTS / FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
3 September – St Gregory the Great

SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT SATURDAY/SUNDAY – 6 SEPTEMBER
There will be a special retiring collection for Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm, in thanksgiving for his services to the archdiocese since his appointment in 2014.

COFFEE MORNING NEXT WEEK: 7 SEPTEMBER
Our first Coffee Morning of the ‘new’ academic year is after Mass next Sunday.  All parishioners and their families are very welcome to come along after Mass to enjoy the lovely home-baked cakes and range of sandwiches, but especially to enjoy a bit of friendly company.  Do join us if you can.

GDPR FORMS
We are legally obliged to destroy all contact details of our parishioners every 3 years, in order to protect private information.  That time has come again, so please help us to continue to keep in touch with you by completing the GDPR form (in the porch).  There is a labelled box for your slips. 
Update: 58 received so far (thank you) – only another 12 to go!

THE CHURCH OF ST CATHERINE LABOURÉ, FARINGTON: Message from Fr Simon Henry
Archbishop John will celebrate a final Mass of Thanksgiving and celebration of the life of the church at 7pm on Friday 5th September 2025. Due to the small size of the church, this will need to be a ticketed event to sit in the church but doors open into our hall to cater for anyone that might arrive. A Reception in a marquee in the grounds will follow.
Please do pray for us through the intercession of Our Blessed Lady and St Catherine to guide us in our new path

MESSAGE FROM CAFOD: RESPONSE IN GAZA
Donations to Gaza since the start of the conflict have been a vital lifeline. Right now, CAFOD’s partner, Caritas Jerusalem, is delivering essential medical treatment to displaced people and providing medicines to treat chronic illnesses.
CAFOD has helped 1,400 households with cash to buy supplies in the last month and they are currently feeding 2,000 people with new stocks of flour and rice. Despite the restrictions on aid coming into Gaza, CAFOD’s local partners are working tirelessly to help people. And with ongoing support, they will do all in their power to keep doing so.
You can find out more about how you can make a difference in Gaza at www.cafod.uk/  
Thanks to all parishioners and supporters for backing CAFOD’s work through holding collections for the Family Fast Day appeals and for continuing to pray for peace in the Middle East.

CURRY EVENING – SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Our next social event: Saturday 6 September.  Tickets are available now, from John O’Hare / members of the Social Group.  Don’t miss this great night out!

PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO LADYEWELL – SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
Please sign the list in the porch and indicate your ability to provide lifts – or need for a lift.  Please make a note in your diary.
11.00 Meet at the parish church in Fernyhalgh PR2 5ST (car park just before the church). Short service
Walk together to the shrine
12noon Mass
12.45 lunch – bring you own picnic, (there is a cafe to buy drinks)
2.15 Sprinkling
3.00 Benediction & depart
Plenty of room for more to come, please sign on the list.

CHURCH FOODBANK UP-DATE FOR SUMMER 2025
We are suspending our foodbank collections over the summer months and will resume in the autumn. 
However, help is still available to purchase weekly vouchers for the Tarleton Food Pantry (Monday mornings).

RED MISSION BOXES
Please bring your red boxes to church over the next few weeks, so that they can be counted and the money go to the APF Missions, which is much needed.   Please let Diane know if you’d like to arrange collection of your box.

PRAYERFUL REFLECTION BEFORE MASS
Some of our parishioners who like to pray and have a few moments of quiet reflection before the start of Mass.  And of course, we have every opportunity to have a chat and catch-up after Mass. 
Our monthly coffee mornings provide an ideal occasion for this! 

OUR CHURCH IS 75 YEARS OLD IN 2027
As announced last week, our 75^th anniversary is Holy Cross Day, 2027.  Watch this space…

CHURCH CLEANING / FLOWER ARRANGING
Thank you to those who have already said that they’d be interested in helping out.  Diane would like to start putting rotas together, so please can you let her know your availability.  Church cleaning is only twice a month and flower arranging is every other week.  Please have a word with her after Mass today, or ring on 07876 363779. Thank you.

VOTIVE CANDLES
People have been asking how much they should donate for a votive candle.  Fr John is happy to leave it to your discretion, as all donations will be gratefully received – whenever they are made.

GLUTEN FREE SACRAMENT AVAILABLE
Please indicate to Fr John if you need to receive a gf host when you come to receive communion.

ST IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA: The Loving Generosity of Christ
He is generous to exhaustion and what is most wonderful is that he gives himself thus entirely, not once only but every
day, if we wish it.  Every fresh Communion is a new gift, which Jesus Christ makes of himself.