Solemnity of All Saints (A)
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, November 1st - Feast of All Saints (A)
Monday November 2nd - Feast of All Souls
Tuesday, November 3rd - St Martin de Porres, Religious
Wednesday, November 4th - St Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Thursday, November 5th - St Faustina Kowalska
Friday, November 6th - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, November 7th - St Willibrord, Bishop
Sunday, November 8th - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Sunday Readings
Feast of All Saints (A)
First Reading: Rev 7:2-4,9-14
I saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23
Such are the men who seek your face, O Lord.
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
We shall see God as he really is.
Gospel Reading – Matt 5:1-12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Psalter: Week 3
Weekdays: Week 31 of Ordinary Time
News Bites
THE POPE’S INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER:
For Proper Use of Wealth
Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that no succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service of the common good and solidarity of those who have less.
Please also refer to the Events page and individual newsletter pages for more information
Prayer and Sacraments
- Confirmations
Please keep in your prayers some of our young people who will be confirmed at St Richard’s Church at 7.00pm on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th November. - First Holy Communion
St Margaret Clitherow parish will shortly be starting the First Holy Communion sacramental programme. Application forms can be found at the back of both churches for children in Year 4 and above who don’t attend one of our three primary schools - Pious Lists
Envelopes are now available. Please place the names of those you want us to pray for inside the brown envelope, with a donation, and drop them either into the collection basket or into the parish office or push them through the presbytery letterbox. All the names will be placed on the altar during the month of November, the month of the Holy Souls.
Local Items
- White Poppy for Peace
White poppies are available at the back of church. Please take one. The wearing of a white poppy is a way of remembering all people, soldiers and civilians, who have died in war and conflict around the world. It is a flower used as a symbol of peace and can be worn to complement, or as an alternative to, the red poppy for Remembrance Day - Remembrance Mass
On Saturday 21st November the annual Remembrance Mass will be celebrated for those who have died over the last 12 months and for all our loved ones. This Mass will take place at St Joseph’s Church at 12.00pm - Remembrance Sunday at Astley War Memorial
The service will commence at 12.30 on Sunday, 8th November at the War Memorial (at the Bullcroft, Astley Straits). The traditional service will also include a Gospel reading, bidding prayers and hymns. We have purchased a wreath from the British Legion: it will be laid by one of our parishioners on behalf of all members of our church communities. - Autumn Fair – St Richards
Raffle tickets will be on sale before and after Mass at St Richards on Sunday 18th and 25th October for our Autumn fair. The prizes include a food hamper, drink hamper, chocolate hamper and a karaoke machine! Any donations of chocolate and bottles are very welcome and should be placed in the basket at the back of St Richard's church. Thank you. -
Kendal – Day Trip
A trip to Kendal will take place on Wednesday 2nd December 2026. The coach will collect from Sacred Heart at 9:15am and St Richards at 9:30am. Dependant upon numbers the trip will cost approx. £15:00 with a £10:00 deposit to secure your place. A sign up sheet will be at the back of church. Thank you, Lauren -
The Trippers
In 2025 a group of elderly parishioners launched a new group for social trips - a chance to meet and chat with new and old friends. We use the Mini-bus belonging to the charity at St Ambrose-Barlow House. Our Summer Trips have started again. Our next two trips have 2 buses (driven by Andy Scott and Father Francis. Cost per person £12.50 and payment is required on booking. We try to keep the price to £12.50 (i.e. £100 for Charity).
Next Trips,
Mon - 16th November to Oswaldtwistle Mill - 8 seats available.
Departures from St Ambrose 9:30-10am and we aim to be back for Tea-Time(ish). If you want to book a place please see Chris Bousfield after 11am Mass at St Ambrose in Hall after Mass or ring 07414 615398 - Christmas Fayre 2026 - St Edmund Arrowsmith
Our annual Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 28th November, 1pm – 3.30pm, in St Joseph’s Hall.
Donations of unwanted and good quality gifts and bottles such as smellies, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are greatly appreciated. Please leave them at the back of the Church.
Raffle tickets will be available from the 31st October, before and after the Masses. At £2 a strip with 5 chances of winning. Prizes include shopping vouchers and food, wine and pamper hampers. We are also looking for volunteers to help during the planning, preparation and on the day itself. The next meeting is on the 25th October at Sacred Heart presbytery after the 11am Mass. Thank you for your continued support.
Pilgrimages & Retreats
- Advent Retreat for Young Adults
Saturday 28th November 10am – 4pm
Led by Fr Derek Lloyd, we will organise the Advent Retreat for Young Adults on Saturday 8th November at St Basil’s Church, Widnes, WA8 4SZ.
The Retreat Day will start at 10am and aim to finish at 4pm. The event is free of charge, but please bring your own packed lunch. For further information, please contact Moses atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
The next Archdiocesan Youth pilgrimage to Lourdes, will take place from the 21st to the 30th of July 2027. A poster on the notice board has further details. It is open to 15- to 22-year-olds or year 10 and above. Have a look at the poster or have a chat with Fr Francis about this if you are interested. Booking opened on September the 14th - Walsingham 2027 XII Apostles.
If anyone is interested in joining the pilgrimage next year please contact Therese Thompson on 07780064502 for further details. The trip will be between Easter Monday 29th March – Thursday 1st April 2027
Appeals
- Blankets for Ukraine –
- St Richard's are collecting warm blankets to help the people of Ukraine keep warm this Winter. If you have good quality, clean blankets, and would like to donate them, please leave them at the back of church and they will be sent to the Ukraine for those in need. We continue to pray for those caught up in this war and for peace in the region.
- Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk
Anna would like to thank everyone who either signed the sponsor sheet or donated via www.justgiving.com/page/annadavidson2026. Together we have made a difference: Sponsored sheet money raised £677, with a further £360 online, making a grand total of £1027. Well done Anna! - Sleeping Bag Appeal
With your help the parish SVP helps Barnabus, a charity that helps homeless people. We are asking for your help again in buying sleeping bags. Winter is around the corner and people will be in need. Whether they are new or unused Barnabus will give them out to our homeless community. Decathlon sells sleeping bags for around £10. If they are unused could you ensure they are rolled up to aid pick up and delivery. Thank you for your help and assistance. - Food Bank:
Please give generously if you are able. Food donated at church is taken to support our local food bank.
Archdiocesan Events
- Archbishop’s Certificate
Starting Monday 14th October The Archbishop’s Certificate in Catechesis is the principal training course in the Archdiocese of Liverpool whose aim is to equip and support catechists and lay leaders in evangelisation and formation. Applications are open for this year. For more information, or to apply, please visit: aec.rcaos.org.uk/liverpool
Other
- SVP
Have you ever wondered what the SVP is all about? Have a read of this informative letter, shared with parishioners, to find out how your donations are used to impact on the lives of those who are in need of support. The SVP may be able to assist you or someone you know who needs help. We could help by providing people in our parish with supermarket food vouchers, essential furniture and home items and energy top ups where these are needed.
The group have a dedicated helpline for those in need of assistance - 07566725590 - The weekly meeting of the older men in the parish for lunch and a chat will be at the Farmhouse Kitchen at 12.30pm on Wednesdays. For more information contact our dedicated SVP number 07566725590
- Facebook
St John Rigby Parish now have a Facebook page with information and details of future events and things going on in the Parish. If you have anything you would like to be uploaded or photos from parish events, please just send them over to the Parish office. Check out – St John Rigby Parish on your Facebook page
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.)
CAFOD's Petition
The following is a copy of the notes which formed the basis of the talk given at Masses regarding global debt crisis:
Calling on the government to tackle the global debt crisis: low income countries are being forced to pay ever higher interest rates to wealthy lenders
On the weekend of 17/18th October the following notes were read out at masses, encouraging parishioners to sign the Cafod petition
This is yet another message from Cafod but this time not an appeal for cash but a request for you to sign a petition about debt relief.
We have received a package of papers which explain the problems arising from a Global debt crisis.
They include a letter from Cardinal Stephen Muller from South Sudan: I’ll read one paragraph:
It’s about how the debt of his country is having a devastating impact on ordinary people. He says:
“I write to you with a heart carrying the reality that our people face today. South Sudan is enduring conflict, political fragility, economic hardship, and the effects of climate change.
Nearly 10 million South Sudanese need humanitarian assistance. Flooding has displaced a million people this year. Food insecurity is widespread and malnutrition is rising.
Alongside all of this is the burden of external debt. Years of instability forced our nation to borrow in order to function. Today, so much of our national resources are diverted to servicing that debt, instead of paying for healthcare, education and building peace. When debt repayment takes priority over essential services, the poorest suffer most.
This is just one example – there are now 54 countries affected in similar ways.
Why are we asked to help?
Firstly because since the 2008 financial crisis, banks, hedge funds and private traders have seen an opportunity to make vast sums by lending money to low income countries at high interest rates, and then recent international crises in the 2020s, including the pandemic, have forced countries to borrow further at extortionate rates.
Live Simply / Laudato Si
Reflect:
The Gospel is that of The Beatitudes. It reminds us of the ideal virtues of the followers of Christ - something we should all aspire to.
Act:
Today's feast of All Saints celebrates those who have lived out their lives as true followers of Christ by living the Beatitudes. What is special about these people? Simply that they trusted in those gifts we receive at Confirmation. Each of them needed the Holy Spirit at different times in their lives. They understood the needs of those around them. They had the wisdom to see how to help. They had the courage to act. And they trusted in the awesome power of God to help. For each one the Holy Spirit was essential. So today let us recall our own Confirmation and renewing our trust in the Holy Spirit, have the courage to follow Christ and the courage to be his witnesses as we see the needs of those around us. We pray too for our young people who are to be confirmed this month.
Pray:
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- As the days are starting to get cooler, it is time to consider your home's insulation. Check your loft insulation. Invest in some draught excluders. Shut doors when leaving rooms. Add an extra layer of clothing when feeling chilled rather than boosting the heating.
- It's easy to express our love for those we know, but what about the strangers we may meet or those who live in countries less wealthy than our own? There are always opportunities to help someone somewhere. CAFOD has many suggestions on it's website of ways in which you can support others.
- CHURCH ACTION ON POVERTY SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2026
The theme this year is ‘A Just Church – Food, Faith and Fellowship’
On this Sunday let us give, act and pray to help to bring about a more just and compassionate society, where everyone can live life to the full, freed from poverty. - We've had a long, hot, dry summer. This Autumn and Winter take the opportunity to conserve water for future use. Do you have a water butt?
- Many people are struggling to find work. Are you able to help them find meaning in their lives and give them a sense of self-worth?
- Be thrifty in what you buy and what you store. If you hoard things there will not be enough for others who may be in greater need.
- All Saint's, Golborne are holding and Ecumenical Prayer Service for the Season of Creation on Tuesday 22nd September at 3.00pm. Can you make time to be a part of this?
- The Pope's prayer for September is for the care of water. This year we have had water shortages, but these are nothing compared to other areas of the earth, e.g. the African states. Make renewed efforts to conserve the water we have by being mindful of what you use and how you use it.
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.
St Edmund Arrowsmith
Mass times for St Joseph's, Leigh and Sacred Heart, Leigh
| Day | Time | Church |
| Saturday (Vigil) | 4.30 pm | St Joseph's |
| Sunday | 9.30 am | St Joseph's |
| 11.00 am | Sacred Heart | |
| Monday | ~ | ~ |
| Tuesday | 12 noon | Sacred Heart |
| Wednesday | 12 noon | St Joseph's |
| Thursday | 10.00 am | Sacred Heart |
| Friday | 9.30 am | St Joseph's |
Other Services:
Sacrament of Reconciliation: The first Saturday of the month. It normally begins at 11.00am and concludes at 11.50am. Adoration takes place during this time and Mass is celebrated at midday. However, in May because of First Holy Communions it will be celebrated on the 10th May and will begin at 10.00am with Mass at 11.00.
St John Rigby
Mass times for St Richard's, Atherton and Sacred Heart, Hindley Green
| Day | Time | Church |
| Saturday (Vigil) | 5.00 pm | Sacred Heart |
| Sunday | 9.30 am | St Richard's |
| 11.00 am | Sacred Heart | |
| Monday | 10.30 am | Sacred Heart |
| Tuesday | 10.30 am | St Richard's |
| Wednesday | 10.30 am | Sacred Heart |
| Thursday | 10.30 am | St Richard's |
| Friday | ~ | ~ |
St Margaret Clitherow
Mass times for Holy Family, Boothstown, St Ambrose Barlow, Astley and St Gabriel's community, Higher Folds
| Day | Time | Church |
|
Saturday (Vigil Mass) |
10.00 am 6.00 pm |
Holy Family St Ambrose Barlow |
| Sunday | 9.30 am | Holy Family |
| 11.00 am | St Ambrose Barlow | |
| Monday | ~ | ~ |
| Tuesday | 9.15 am | St Ambrose Barlow |
| Wednesday | 7.00pm | Holy Family |
| Thursday | 10.00 am | Holy Family |
| Friday | 10.00 am | St Gabriel's School |
All Saints and St. Lewis
Mass times for St Catherine of Siena and All Saints, Golborne and St Lewis, Croft
| Day | Time | Church |
| Saturday (Vigil) | 5.00 pm | All Saints |
| Sunday | 9.00 am | St Lewis |
| 10.30 am | All Saints | |
| Monday | ~ | ~ |
| Tuesday | 10.00 am | St Lewis |
| Wednesday | 9.30 am | All Saints |
| Thursday | 10.00 am | St Lewis |
| Friday | 9.30 am | All Saints |
Other Services:
Wednesday 10.00am - 11.00am, All Saints - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Saturday 4.30pm, All Saints - Sacrament of Reconciliation
CAFOD News
CAFOD Petition
We will be collecting signatures after Masses next weekend for a CAFOD petition about the global debt crisis, which is causing terrible suffering for our brothers and sisters around the world. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla from South Sudan has written to parishes in England and Wales to explain. Please stop for a minute as you leave next weekend and lend your support. Thank you for helping to build a better world.You can sign the petition online here.
CAFOD Family Fast Day - Friday 2nd October 2026
Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection. Put your faith into action and share the Lord’s love by supporting our global neighbour’s experiencing shortages of food and safe water. Your gift can support children in Zimbabwe to stay in school by helping communities and schools provide nourishing meals, improve access to water and grow food in school gardens.
Please collect a CAFOD envelope as you leave, so that you can Gift Aid your donation, or give through the CAFOD website.
Thank you for your generosity.
Cancel the Debt
Call for urgent action on the global debt crisis.
The UK government must ensure private lenders can't make huge profits from countries in debt crisis and use the UK's G20 presidency to fix the debt system.
Find out more by clicking https://cafod.org.uk/campaign/the-global-debt-crisis. St Edmund Arrowsmith churches will also be signing a petition today requesting that the government to takes action.
Prayers
A selection of prayers covering various subjects. Each prayer opens on a new page.
Powerful Words from Pope Leo XIV
Links to prayer based websites:
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.
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.
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 takes place on Sundays during the 11.00am Mass
St Edmund Arrowsmith Churches - Little Church/Children’s Liturgy takes place at all three Masses of St Edmund Arrowsmith Churches (St Joseph's, Leigh and Sacred Heart, Leigh)
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.
Book From the Sermon
'On Becoming a Person' by Carl Rogers
'The Road to Character' by David Brooks
(Referenced in Fr Francis's sermon of 27th September 2026)
'Till We Have Faces' by C.S. Lewis
This is a re-telling of the mythical story of Cupid and Psyche told from the perspective of Psyche's older sister, Orual.
In the earlier part of the book Orual criticizes the gods, accusing them of preferential treatment of her sister. In the latter part Orual realises that her accusations are based on her own shortcomings and failures.
The context for this book came in the sermon based on Isaiah 55:9 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.'
Referenced in Fr Francis's sermon of 20th September 2026)