2nd Sunday of Easter (A)

Divine Mercy Sunday

This Week's Feast Days

Most weeks there may well be a number of feast days. We don’t necessarily celebrate them all. Some saints are more important in certain parts of the country than others and will be celebrated more on a local level, whilst other saints will be celebrated everywhere. So each week we will comment on the feast-days that we should celebrate in our regional Church.

Sunday, April 12th - 2nd  Sunday of Easter  (A)

Monday April 13th - St Martin I, Pope, Martyr 

Tuesday, April 14th - Weekday of Easter 

Wednesday, April 15th - Weekday of Easter 

Thursday, April 16th - Weekday of Easter 

Friday, April 17th - Weekday of Easter 

Saturday, April 18th - Weekday of Easter 

Sunday, April 19th - 3rd  Sunday of Easter  (A)

Sunday Readings

2nd Sunday of Easter (A)
(Divine Mercy Sunday)

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
The faithful all lived together and owned everything in common.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 117
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Second Reading: 1 Pet 1:3-9
In his great mercy he has given us a new birth as his sons by raising Jesus from the dead.

Gospel Reading –  John 20:19-31
Eight days later, Jesus came.

Psalter: Week 2
Weekdays:  2nd Week of Eastertide

Vigil for Peace

On Saturday 11th April, a Prayer Vigil for Peace was celebrated by Pope Leo in St Peter’s Basilica, and everyone, both in person and following from home, was invited to join.

You can link to a recrding of the prayer here.

You can read the homily here. (Select English)

Newsletters

There are four newsletters published weekly in the Leigh area, you can access current and past editions here:

St Edmund Arrowsmith Newsletters (St Joseph's and Sacred Heart, Leigh)

St Margaret Clitherow Newsletters (Holy Family, Boothstown; St Ambrose Barlow, Astley)

St John Rigby Newsletter (Sacred Heart, Hindley Green; St Richard's, Atherton)

St Lewis, St Catherine's & All Saints Newsletters (Croft, Lowton & Golborne) (opens in new window)

( Newsletters download as pdf files in a new window.)

Mass Times In The Area

Below are the normal mass times for the churches in the area, but please check the newsletters for any changes which may occur during certain periods, e.g. funerals, holidays, feast days.

CAFOD News

CAFOD: Stand with Sudan.
Give monthly. On the third anniversary of the war in Sudan, Kayode Akintola, CAFOD’s Head of Region for Africa, asks for your help:
“So many of our sisters and brothers in Sudan are facing increasing violence, hunger, and disease. That is why today, I’m asking you to consider setting up a regular gift to support families who are fleeing the violence – with food, safe water and other vital support. Monthly gifts are an act of steady love for our 
neighbours, a way of saying: we will not abandon you, we will stand with you until peace is restored.”
Donate at: cafod.org.uk/StandWithSudan

CAFOD: Response in Gaza
Your 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. We have helped 1,400 households with cash to buy supplies in the last month and we 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 your 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 cafod.org.uk. Thank you for backing our work through holding collections for our Family Fast Day appeals and for continuing to pray for peace in the Middle East.

Prayers

A selection of prayers covering various subjects. Each prayer opens on a new page.

Powerful Words from Pope Leo XIV

Prayer for Peace

Ukraine

Jubilee Prayer

The Rosary

Season of Creation Prayer

Remembrance Sunday

Links to prayer based websites:

Pray As You Go

Sacred Space

Universalis

Wellsprings - this site hasn't been updated for sometime, but the content has a useful selection of prayers.

Celebrating the Sacraments

Baptism

Please contact your Parish Office to make an appointment to meet with the Priest or Deacon. Baptisms usually take place on Sundays.

Holy Communion

Children in Year 4 at Primary Schools are invited to make their First Communion during that year. Preparation for the Sacrament may take place in school or by attending a series of meetings with parents or guardians.

Reconciliation

Children in Year 5 or 6 will be invited to make their First Act of Reconciliation (Confession). For continuing celebration of the sacrament, please refer to your local church. Quite often Reconciliation is available before Mass or by contacting the priest to make an appointment.

Confirmation

Preparation for this sacrament is usually arranged through the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Team ' Animate' for young people in Year 8 or older who attend Catholic Secondary Schools. Any young person who is in year 8 or above, have made their First Holy Communion and would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation can register for Sacramental preparation at www.liverpoolcalled.co.uk/confirmation. The website for registration is open and will close on 13th February

Marriage

If you would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage, please contact your  Parish Priest either directly or through the Parish Office to discuss. He will provide you with the necessary paperwork. Please remember to make arrangements well in advance.

Anointing the Sick

If you would like your Parish Priest to visit a family member who is sick and housebound, please speak to him or contact the Parish Office and a visit will be arranged.

Read more: Celebrating the Sacraments

News Bites

• THE POPE'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR APRIL 2026:
  For Priests in Crisis
  Let us pray for Priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

Please also refer to the Events page and individual newsletter pages for more

• Message from Fr Carl:
  I would like to say a ‘huge’ thank you to all those people who helped in anyway during Holy Week and the Easter weekend. Special thanks to our choirs, organists, readers, eucharistic ministers, servers, flower arrangers and those who made sure our churches were open and welcoming. Our celebrations are a team effort, so again, thank you everyone who helped make this Holy season very special.
• Divine Sunday Mercy :
  On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we shall have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 3pm. 1 hour adoration will follow. At 4 p.m., we shall have an evening of songs and praise. Please mark your diaries for this event. You will be spiritually uplifted. Happy Easter!
• Mothers’ Prayers Meeting
  The next Mothers’ Prayers will take place on Monday 13th April, at 10.30am, in St Joseph’s Presbytery. All Mothers and Grandmothers welcome.
  
• First Holy Communions 2026:
  As we celebrate the Easter season 2026, we pray for and congratulate all our children from Holy Family, St Ambrose and St Gabriel's Catholic primary schools and those from non Catholic schools who have been preparing for their First Holy Communion. The dates for Holy Communion Masses are 25th April, 2nd May, 9th May and 16th May 2026. May God grant our children the grace to love and grow in His wisdom Amen
  St Edmund Arrowsmith First Holy Communion Sacramental Programme for children who attend non-Catholic Primary Schools Session 3 Sunday 12th April Session 4 Sunday 19th April Celebration of First Holy Communion at Sacred Heart Church, Leigh: Saturday 25th April at 10.30am
  
• Social Committee Meeting, Sacred Heart, Hindley Green
  A meeting of the social committee will take place 13th April at 7:00pm (Sacred Heart Parish Centre) - all welcome
• Foundation Governors Required, St Richards Primary School
  St Richards primary school needs you! You may have attended our primary school or have children or grandchildren who attend there. The governing body now has four vacancies for foundation governors. Foundation governors are those whose role is to support the school by tying it into the local Catholic community and helping to ensure its Catholic ethos. You do not need a background in education, or any particular experience - we all bring our own very different personalities and skills to the role, in the service
  of Christ and of our Catholic family. Please speak to Fr Carl, Sue Brown, Andrew Bowyer (the organist), or Nneamaka Eyakwanor (Louisa) for further information. We really look forward to hearing from you! Thanks for your help!
  
• Youth Ministry 20th/21st April
  We want all young people to flourish and to know that they are cherished by God and are a vital part of the Church. So, as an Archdiocese, we are committed to explore how we can best accompany young people. Your voice is crucial. What will happen: You will meet others and have your chance to share your experiences and ideas about how the Church might best respond to the needs of young people today. All feedback will be carefully listened to. Who’s invited: We want to hear from adults, young adults and 11-18 year olds. Please join us. Monday 20th April 7pm—9.30pm St Joseph’s, Crow Orchard Road, Wrightington, WN6 9PA Tuesday 21st April 7pm—9.30pm St Monica’s, Fernhill Road Bootle, L20 9GA. For more information, please contact: Sarah McGeehan on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  
• Celebrating St Gerard, The Mothers’ Saint, 25th April
  April 6th 2026 marks the 300th  anniversary of the birth of St Gerard Majella C.Ss.R., Patron Saint of a good confession and of Mothers. To mark the occasion, Bishop Eton will
  be hosting a special day of events, including Mass with the Archbishop, Blessing Services, Exposition and a Taize service. More information can be found at:  www.bishopeton.org.uk/a-day-in-honour-of-st-gerard.html
• Gift Aid
  Can all envelope givers kindly pick up their envelopes for the new year. If any one who is a tax payer and wants to join the Gift Aid Scheme please see Bernie or Des (St MC)
• Confession and Exposition
  From Wednesday 11th March, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed between 6-7pm each Wednesday at St Richard's Church (until further notice), with the opportunity for confession available during the hour.

• Read more: News Bites

Live Simply / Laudato Si

Reflect:
The Apostles first encounter with the Risen Lord is met with disbelief by Thomas who declares he will not believe until he sees the Lord for himself and touches his wounds. When Jesus reappears Thomas speaks those eternal words of faith - ' My Lord and My God'.

Act:
Jesus's first words to His Apostles impart peace upon them. Our Easter calling is to trust in the living Lord and let His risen life steady and strengthen our own, bringing Peace to all we encounter. This week pause ........ does what ever you are about to say or do bring peace to others? Doing this can truly bring the Cgurch to life in the way that Jesus intends, bringing peace, renewal and forgiveness to all.
   
Pray:

Challenge

In the spirit of Laudato Si:

• Many are struggling with the cost of living. Can you donate to your local food bank? Collections take place at some of our churches and at many local supermarkets.
• People are struggling in our world today. This week do at least ONE thing to alleviate someone's distress.
• The SVP would like donations of Easter Eggs for the local food banks. Can you help?
• Do we appreciate what we have? Take time this week to give thanks for all that is in your world.
• We are shown the importance of water in a theological sense in today's Gospel. Many people throughout the world suffer from a shortage of water. This week use the water which we have such easy access to wisely and without waste.
• Friday's Family Fast Day gave us a chance to affect the lives of others through our self-denial. Please ensure you give generously to the Family Fast Day collection
• Take the opportunities offered by your Lenten practices to conserve and recycle the things you use.
• As the earth starts to warm up after the winter, sow  seeds in trays and keep them in a warm place to germinate.
• Now is a good time to collect rainwater in water butts for use during the drier months.
• The earth is coming back to life as Spring approaches. Take time to seek out, rejoice and give thanks for all that you see.
• In the turmoil that exists in our world today, commit to bringing peace into the world by creating small acts of peace in your own life
• Can you commit to the Big Lent Walk and raise funds for life saving water in areas of the world where such a luxury is scarce.?
• Check your insulation is sufficient during this cold spell ensuring that heat is not wasted.
• Now is the time to recycle!! Don't just throw stuff away, but look at how it may be repurposed, regifted. Find out where cards and trees can be recycled, rather than them becoming part of a land fill site.

Children's Liturgy

St Richard's  - Children's Liturgy takes place every Sunday at the 9.30am Mass 

Sacred Heart - Children's Liturgy takes place every Sunday at the 11.00am Mass 

St Ambrose Barlow – Children's Liturgy recommences on Sunday September 13th during the 11.00am Mass

St Edmund Arrowsmith Churches - Little Church/Children’s Liturgy will return at all three Masses of St Edmund Arrowsmith Churches on the weekend of 7/8th September.

Holy Family – We have a few volunteers but need several more to be able to run a rota in a similar way to St Ambrose. If you would like to volunteer, please speak to either Fr Francis or to Liz in the parish office as soon as possible.

Please note that all volunteers must complete a DBS form with the Archdiocese to comply with safeguarding which is paramount in all parish activities.

Tea and Coffee

• HOLY FAMILY TEA AND COFFEE
  Tea and Coffee will be served today, 12th April. All welcome.
• SACRED HEART, LEIGH TEA & COFFEE
  Tea & Coffee will be served after the 11.00am Mass next Sunday 25th January. All are welcome.
• ST AMBROSE BARLOW TEA & COFFEE
  Tea, coffee and toast are served in the hall each Sunday after the 11.00am Mass. Take this opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners!
  Tea and coffee are also served after the 9.15 Mass on a Tuesday mornng.