HOLY WEEK MASSES / SERVICES
Wednesdays, 6.00pm, followed by Confessions, Exposition and Benediction
Thursday    9 May: The Ascension of the Lord at 10.00am and 7pm (Join us for wine & nibbles in the presbytery after 7pm Mass)

READINGS FOR 5 MAY
1^st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10:25-48, The Holy Spirit has been poured out on the pagans, too.
Psalm 97:  The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.
2^nd Reading: Letter of St John 4:7-10, God is love
Gospel Reading: John 15:9-17, A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus said, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him and we shall come to him. Alleluia! 
Communion antiphon: If you love me, keep my commandments, says the Lord, and I will ask the Father and he will send you another Paraclete, to abide with you forever, alleluia!

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR MAY
For the formation of religious and seminarians
We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.

SAINTS & FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
10 May – St John of Avila, the Apostle of Andalusia

COLLECTION NEXT WEEK: World Communications Day

COLLECTION LAST WEEK – Priests’ Training Fund:  £101.88  Thank you for your generosity.

MESSAGE FROM MARY’S MEALS: PRAY IN MAY WITH MARY’S MEALS
Mary’s Meals, named after Mary, the mother of Jesus, is built on a foundation of prayer and the many little acts of love offered by those who believe in our mission. Today more than 2.4 million precious children will receive life-changing school meals in 18 of the world’s poorest countries through Mary’s Meals. During the month of May, dedicated to Our Lady, we invite you to join us in praying for the hungry children who rely on our life-changing school meals, and for all the children and families around the world who live in poverty. Please visit www.marysmeals.org.uk to access prayer resources and see how you can support this remairkable – and very important – work.
PRAYER SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE PORCH

COFFEE MORNING TODAY & PRESENTATION ON OUR HERITAGE PARK
Do come along to our Coffee Morning after Mass today.  Everyone is very welcome to come and enjoy delicious home-baked cakes and tasty butties.  In addition, Julie Postlethwaite, from the Hesketh & Becconsall Heritage Park will be coming along to give a short presentation and to answer questions about the Park – so even more of an incentive to come along!

PARISH PASTORAL MEETINGS – NOTES
Notes from the recent PPC meetings are available from the porch.  Everyone is welcome to read them to find out what’s happening ‘behind-the-scenes’ at our church.

SOCIAL & FUNDRAISING GROUP (Fellowship & Finances)
PPC members have agreed to set up a parish group that will focus on building up our parish fellowship (as well as finances).  If you are interested, please have a word with Fr John or Vivienne after Mass.  An initial meeting is planned for next Wednesday 8 May, after 6pm Mass, at 7pm in the presbytery.

BAND CONCERT AFTERNOON: Sunday 12 May Church Hall at 2.30pm
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun next Sunday afternoon.  Tickets are £10 and include afternoon tea.  No charge for primary school children.  Phone booking is essential for catering purposes: 01772 814817

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. 

PARISH FOODBANK
Rev Dave wishes to pass on his thanks and blessings to all those who regularly donate foodstuffs.  There is still a need for dried foods eg pasta and rice, breakfast cereals, plus tins of vegetables, meat and fish.  Your generosity is a real help to our local families, especially now that autumn has set in and energy bills are increasing again.  Please ensure that donated items are all well within their Best Before dates – Thank You!
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

DONATIONS FOR IAT – MOSS LANE DEPOT
Please remember that unwanted clothing, bedding, tins of food, packs of dried food will be gratefully received by volunteers at our local depot, to help those thousands of Ukrainians affected by the flooding as a result of the recent bombing.  They are very grateful for all help received.  It really makes a difference.