Second Sunday of Eastertide; Low Sunday: Divine Mercy Sunday; Domenica in Albis

 Quasi modo geniti infantes, alleluia: rationabilies sine dolo lac concupiscite, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.  Exsultate Deo adjutori nostro: jubilate Deo Jacob.

As newborn babes, alleluia, desire the rational milk without guile, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Rejoice to God our helper: sing aloud to the God of Jacob.

(1 Peter 2:2 and Psalm 80:2 from the Introit of Mass)

Dear Friends,

Call it what you will, this Sunday continues our celebration of Life in the midst of so many reminders of what threatens it. Our Faith recalls that life is eternal and Easter in particular draws our attention beyond the short time of earthly life which is given to us to fit us for God's company in eternity... or not, if we waste the opportunity. The life we live, the death we die, the challenges we face should all be put into this ultimate perspective. The vicissitudes of life are all overcome in Our Lord's resurrection. Through faith, we can become as new-born babes, with all the joy, hope and innocence that brings to mind.

This Thursday is the Feast of St George, the Protector of England. Let us ask his intercession at this time.

St George, a faithful servant of God and invincible martyr, you were favoured by God with the gift of faith, and inflamed with an ardent love of Christ. You fought valiantly against pride, falsehood, and deceit. Neither pain nor torture, sword nor death could part you from the love of Christ. I fervently implore you to help me by your intercession to bear bravely the trials and temptations that oppress me, so that I may patiently carry the cross which is placed upon me. Let neither distress nor difficulties separate me from the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Valiant champion of our faith, assist me in the fight against all evil.

… St George, Pray for Us …

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Please pray for the repose of the soul of one of our parishioners, Margaret Thornton (often seen at the 8.30am Mass) who died on 13th April having been affected by the Coronavirus infection. She had gone to a care home in Preston recently, having suffered a fall. 

Your prayers are also requested for Lawrence Allen.

May they rest in peace.

May I request your prayers also for Stuart Monk, the son-in-law of a parishioner of St Cuthbert's, Wigan (my previous parish) - an ambulance medic who is now on a ventilator having contacted Coronavirus.

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A video Easter message from Archbishop Malcolm can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/YwviBcoYXVY

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For anyone looking for something extra, the excellent  Monsignor John Armitage, director of the shrine at Walsingham, will lead  an Eight Day Retreat. This will  start after Compline at 8pm on Sunday 19th April and finish on Sunday 26th April. He's always an engaging and down-to-earth speaker, bringing he Faith alive with  challenge, humour and compassion.

 

https://www.walsingham.org.uk/

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Your Mass intentions will still be offered as requested and you may continue to send them in: this week for...

For the people of the parish
Clive and Margaret Benson
Margaret Thornton, LD
Bethany Andrew, RIP
Fr Gerard Dunn, RIP
Charlie Robinson

Your Prayers are asked for all the sick, including: Rita Sarbrick, Rosena Stacey, Vivienne Lee, Tom Miller, Paul Casey, Linda Melling, Tilly Gee, Kathleen Ward, Clare Butler, Maureen MacDonald, Louie Baines, Maureen O'Brien, Margaret McNiff, Elle Miller, Mark Duncan, Hild Gibbons, Bill Sutton, Barbara Fow, Mary Ann Monaghan, Bernard Lawson, Mick Marshall, Carol Parkinson, Margaret Cheston, Eric Neilson, Alan Cottam, Seámus McLoughlin.

We pray for those who are housebound and for those who love  and care for them.

O Mary conceived without sin - Pray for us who have recourse to thee.

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If you would like to pray through the Mass online or via TV here are some links below. Some people find it a way of preparing in some fitting way to make a Spiritual Communion in these times when the actual Mass is not available:

If you have access to Facebook, the beautiful little church of Corpus Christi on Maiden Lane in London has Mass each day.           https://www.facebook.com/corpuschristimaidenlane

Also on Facebook, the Canons at St Walburge's in Preston stream many Masses and Devotions: https://www.facebook.com/icksp.preston/

If you have Sky TV or you can also access EWTN at: https://www.ewtn.com/

With many other programmes that you might find useful.

The Oratorians at Cardiff: http://cardifforatory.co.uk/live-stream/

 
The Fathers of the Fraternity of St Peter also stream their Masses and devotions from Warrington St Mary's at: http://s3.amazonaws.com/livemass/warrington/index.html 

You can even join in Mass live from Westminster Cathedral: http://www.westminstercathedral.org.uk/index.php

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Please do continue to keep in touch via our Parish Facebook page and my blog. I continue to be in touch with parishioners via phone calls in particular.

If you will permit me... like many parts of society, the financial effect of the lockdown is also a concern for our parish. May I ask that, if you are able, please continue to put aside your weekly offering each Sunday and bring it with you when things return to some normality. If you would like a Standing Order form, please contact me. The Archdiocese is also looking into ways you may be able to contribute to the parish via the diocesan website. There may be more news on this next week.

God keep you,

Fr Simon.