Newsletter 5 November 2021
Hello again.
Hello again. We had that minor eruption of excitement this week, with the special commemorative service for those who have died, on Tuesday, and a well-attended Mass in celebration of our patroness’s feast on Thursday. Afterwards at the coffee morning we were treated to a look at the late Marie White’s collection of old parish photographs, some ancient, others recent. The usual ‘nothingness’ of November awaits us, but hopefully more people will take the plunge and come back to church.
Do keep safe when you come, wear a face mask, and enter by the side entrance, where you can sanitize your hands. This weekend we look forward to welcoming the local branch of the Catenian Association, of which Mr Denis McAllister is President for the year. With their families they will be attending the 10.30 Mass. We still have to ask everyone to sign in and leave a contact number for track and trace, but we have not had use that so far. Also there is the need for ventilation, so if you don’t like draughts, keep away from the open windows.
Mass intentions have been offered for the Holy Souls, for Stan Beardwood, and Kathleen Bridge. There are no intentions waiting to be offered.
A reminder that on-line copies of The Universe are available by subscription; on the notice board are details of how to obtain it, price £20 for 13 copies.
We are trying to re-establish our music for the Saturday evening Mass, and would like to increase our numbers if possible. If there are any musicians (grade 4+) who would be interested in joining the music group, please contact Annette Bourke (753321).
Before Covid, we used to collect gifts for distribution through St Joseph’s Family Centre in Warrington to more needy families locally. It became more difficult, and food parcels were replaced by shopping vouchers. This year there will again be vouchers, and you can donate to this on https://cafdonate.org/18286. But there will also be gift parcels, and we would welcome donations of non-essential items such as selection boxes, chocolates, biscuits, and luxury toilet gift sets. A container will appear in the church porch for these later. Thank you for the three offers to deliver. And also for the £206 received in the collection for the missions.
Weekday Mass this week is on Tuesday at 7.30pm following Exposition at 7.00pm; then Wednesday and Friday at 9.15am. On Thursday there is no morning mass or coffee morning. There is the funeral Mass for the late Kathleen Bridge at 12 noon.
The scripture readings this weekend are mostly to do with God’s generosity and his appreciation of the comparatively insignificant donations we are able to make towards His work. I received eight different appeals for good causes this week. Mary’s Meals benefit from someone who has offered to double any donations they receive. The Diocese wants collections for Caritas (its welfare arm) and the Clergy Education and Training Fund. The annual Poppy day appeal for the care of ex-servicemen and their dependents is before our eyes, and Children in Need comes soon. So we’ll have the Crib collection at New Year for Caritas, and I’ll just send some money to the Clergy E & T Fund out of today’s collection. Otherwise you may as well just empty your purses and wallets when you come to church! If you wish to donate privately you can always ‘go online’.
Fr Tony
