8 May 2022 – 4th Sunday of Easter

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Saturday 7 May – Dec members of Kelly family

Sunday 8 May – Robert Towers RIP

Wednesday 11 May – A Sick Person

Friday 13 May – Holy Souls NDL

Saturday 14 May – Parishioners

Sunday 15 May – Walter Cliffe RIP

REGULAR MASSES

CHURCH IS 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 on SUNDAYS (only)  – no need to book for the Saturday Vigil.
The Archdiocese recommends the wearing of face masks, out of consideration for others.  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  Sunday Mass.  Thank you.
DURING MASS: The Archdiocese continues to recommend the wearing of face masks, out of consideration for others.  Thank you.

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY AND PEACE-FILLED EASTER SEASON
Christ is Risen!  Alleluia, Alleluia!

WEEKDAY MASSES / OTHER SERVICES
Wednesdays (6.45pm) and Fridays (9.30am)
Wednesdays, 7.10pm-7.45pm: Exposition & Benediction
Wednesdays, 7.10pm-7.40pm: Sacrament of Reconciliation

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

READINGS FOR 8 MAY
1st Reading: Acts 13:14; 43-52, We must turn to the pagans
Psalm 99, We are his people, the sheep of his flock
2nd Reading: Apocalypse 7:9; 14-17 The Lamb will be their shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water.
Gospel: John 10:27-30, I give eternal life to the sheep that belong to me.
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 has risen, who aid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock, alleluia.

REFLECTION FOR 4th  SUNDAY OF EASTER
Today’s Gospel passage is the most wonderful proclamation of who Jesus is: the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, the Son – “The Father and I are One”.
For all the ‘sheep’ ie the sinners, those who have been fished out of the sea of sin – as we heard last week – Jesus has won the right (as Father, Son and Holy Spirit) to grant them all eternal life.
He even provides us all with the practical means whereby we can achieve this: through the Church, led by Peter (who knew all about sinning), plus the holy and life-giving Sacraments.
All these things enable us to achieve the eternal life promised by Jesus to those who try to follow him.
Above all else, it’s the Sacrament of Jesus himself in the sacrament pf the Holy Eucharist that allows us to receive a daily opportunity to be in union with him, and exist in a state of loving friendship with this divine Trinity.
Alleluia!

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’ prayer intention for May:
For faith-filled young people
We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.

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
10 May – St John of Avila, director of St Teresa of Avila and St John of God amongst others
12 May – Ss Nereus & Achilleus  /  St Pancras
14 May – St Matthias, replaced Judas as a key apostle

OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED IN THE PARISH
Now that parish activities are starting up again, there are a number of opportunities to become a bit more involved in parish life, particularly: help with the Little Church group on Sundays, mowing the grass, singing with the choir, flower arranging, church cleaning, altar serving, fund-raising.  Help is welcome from all ages!  Please contact the Parish Office by email or ring on Thursdays, in order to find out more.

VOCATION SUNDAY 8 MAY
COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND:  Priests’ Training Fund

ANNUAL LADIES’ RALLY – MERE BROW: Monday 9 May, 7.30pm
Mere Brow Methodist Church is hosting this year’s Rally.  It’s hoped that everyone will feel able to come and renew the friendship and fellowship of many years.  The speaker is Anne Wallbank.  Refreshments will be served after the service, in the schoolroom.  Please contact Joan McDaid if you would like to attend, or for further details: 01772 813056.

SYNOD 2020 SUBMISSION
The Report combining the outcomes from Synod 2020 with the responses to the Vatican Synod questions has been submitted to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and will form part of the national response which will then be sent to Rome. You can read it in full on the Archdiocesan website. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to our journey, to “become the Church that God is calling us to be”.

PRAYING THE ROSARY FOR PEACE
You are invited to pray the rosary during Our Lady’s month of May for peace in our world, particularly in Ukraine. A link to the migrants’ rosary is below.
https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/migrants/Rosario/rc_pc_migrants_rosario_en.html  

THE ROSARY IN MAY
“You must know that when you ‘hail’ Mary, she immediately greets you.  She is utterly courteous and pleasant.  If you greet her, she will answer you right away and converse with you.”
St Bernadine of Siena

FOOD FOR THE SOUL: TALKS & RETREATS
Our Archdiocese has information about a number of talks and retreats coming up over the next few months.  Many are local.  All are welcome to find out more and to apply for these enriching courses.  Many are free, or the cost is minilmal.  Please check the Pastoral Development link on the Archdiocesan website, or telephone 0151 522 1048, to speak to Helen Jones. http://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/pastoral-development

UPDATES ON APPEALS TO HELP UKRAINE
The International Aid Trust no longer requires clothing but would be grateful for non-perishable foodstuffs, toiletries and medical supplies eg plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauzes, antiseptics, paracetamol, ibuprofen.  The church hall will be open for donations every Thursday, from 10.30am to 3.30pm, or you may also leave donations in the porch when attending weekday/weekend Masses.  Your donations will be taken to the IAT depot at Lostock Hall.

EASTER COURSES RUN BY THE ARCHDIOCESE: THE GOD WHO SPEAKS
This month we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection Hope as we stand in solidarity with the People of Ukraine.
https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/resurrection-hope/

Our latest resources for schools and parishes
What do we know about the resurrection and how have artists risen to the challenge? Fleur takes us on a visual journey – https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/the-resurrection-in-art/

The third article in our super Meaning of Life series by Bp David Evans explores Adaptability: being and becoming – godwhospeaks.uk/the-meaning-of-life-part-3-adaptability

MASS INTENTIONS
Mass offerings may also be made for important family occasions such as anniversaries and weddings, successful outcomes (exams / operations) as well as for our dear departed.  Please write your intention and place with your offering in an envelope in the offertory basket, or pop it through the presbytery door. Please note that that the intention may not be able to celebrated on the day specified as another intention may have already been booked, or there may not be Mass on that particular day. Thank you for your understanding.

RED MISSION BOXES
Please bring them to church when you attend Mass next weekend, or drop them off at the presbytery on Thursday, between 10am and 4pm. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like someone to collect your box for you.  

COVID GUIDANCE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE: The Archdiocese remains cautious in its current guidance and advises the wearing of face masks in churches, out of consideration for others.  The infection rate in West Lancs – and in Tarleton – has experienced a slight fall this week, though hospitalisations are increasing, so please continue to take care.

THE UKRAINE CRISIS – HOW TO HELP

LIVERPOOL ARCHDIOCESE
The Archdiocese has set up text numbers for anyone wanting to make a financial donation. All donations will be sent to the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London.
The text numbers are:

  • Text HELPUKRAINE to 70085 to donate £2 
  • Text HELPUKRAINE to 70450 to donate £3 
  • Text HELPUKRAINE to 70460 to donate £5 
  • Text HELPUKRAINE to 70470 to donate £10

(Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.)
More information can be found on our website: http://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/ukraine-s

Donations can be made by bank transfer to: Account name: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Sort code: 40-29-12       Account: 01551493  Reference: Help Ukraine
Or by cheque made payable to “Archdiocese of Liverpool” and with “Help Ukraine” written on the reverse.  Please post to Finance Department: St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Liverpool Archdiocesan Office, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA

OTHER FORMS OF HELP

  • First and most important is prayer and fasting, that God may strengthen and protect the Ukrainians, and other persecuted peoples, and thwart their aggressors.  Prayer cards available in the narthex plus Info Sheets detailing more local help and prayers.
  • On the website of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in London, details are available of the appeal by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (www.augb.co.uk ).
  • The Polish shop U Miska, 27 Steeley Lane, Chorley PR6 0RD (opposite Kingprint) T. 01257 273676 is collecting clothing, footwear, blankets, nappies, women’s hygiene products, baby milk and other humanitarian help for refugees.  
  • Donations can be made directly on the crowdfunding website:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpukraine  or Direct to the central appeal fund – Barclays Bank, Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Limited, 80038237, 20-65-89, with reference HelpUkraine. This is a joint undertaking of: 
    The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London, [Ukrainian Cathedral House, 22 Binney Street, London, W1K 5BQ – cheques could be sent here too]Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Great Britain
    Association of Ukrainians (AUGB)
    Association of Ukrainian Women (AUW)
    Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM)
    Plast Ukrainian Scouts in Great Britain
    Association of Ukrainian Teachers (AUT)

LOCAL COMMUNITY CAFÉ & SHOP
Every Friday from 12noon to 2pm at Hesketh Bank Community Centre: come and enjoy a hot meal, make and meet new friends, help reduce food waste at the Drop-In shop.  No charge, but donations are welcome.
See www.heskethbankcommunitycentre.org.uk for more details.

WEEKLY COVID UP-DATE FOR TARLETON & HESKETH BANK
10 cases reported in Tarleton and Hesketh Bank up to 1 May –  a decrease of 13 so we are finally below the national average.  56 people are in Southport Hospital this week – a fall of 16.
The number dying has decreased from 7 to 2 in the last week.
Cases are still appearing across all age groups and especially in those who have not yet received their booster vaccine: 25% of residents.  13% of residents in West Lancs have yet to have any vaccination at all
Re-infections are rising extremely quickly, therefore the advice remains to wear a face mask when in an enclosed space, test regularly and self-isolate until you have two consecutive days of negative results.
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.

MUSICAL TREAT FOR THE WEEK
Lord Jesus, Think on Me (Tune: Southwell – 6vv) [with lyrics for congregations] – YouTube
The lyrics of this lovely hymn remind us of Jesus’ all-healing and comforting presence, in all the trails, challenges and difficulties that we face.
“Lord Jesus, Think on Me” was written by Synesius of Cyrene, the reluctant Bishop of Ptolemais in the early fifth century. It was translated by Rev Allen William Chatfield, published in 1876. The tune is ‘Southwell’, written by William Daman, a recorder player in the court of Elizabeth I in 1579.

John Rutter – A Ukrainian Prayer / Camerata Silesia / Anna Szostak – YouTube
As an extra this week, and in honour of Ukrainian refugees who are slowly beginning to arrive in our welcoming community, here’s a very new anthem written by the wonderful John Rutter – performed only last month.  It’s deeply moving and beautiful.  Music has the power to ‘speak’ where words fail.

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)