30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (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, October 25th - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Monday October 26th - Sts Chad and Cedd, Bishops
Tuesday, October 27th - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Wednesday, October 28th - Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles
Thursday, October 29th - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Friday, October 30th - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, October 31st - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, November 1st - Feast of All Saints (A)
Sunday Readings
30th Sunday of the Year (A)
First Reading: Exod 22:20-26
If you are harsh with the widow, the orphan, my anger will flare against you.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 17
I love you, Lord, my strength.
Second Reading: 1 Thess 1:5-10
You broke with idolotry and became servants of God; you are waiting for his Son.
Gospel Reading – Matt 22:34-40
You must love the Lord your God and your neighbour as yourself.
Psalter: Week 2
Weekdays: Week 30 of Ordinary Time
The Rosary
By Simone Cantarini - Self-photographed, Mattes. Public Domain.
Pope Leo asks us to pray this powerful prayer with him throughout October for peace throughout the world.
'The Rosary is the ‘weapon’ for these times.' – St. Padre Pio
'If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, pray the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without praying it, no matter how burdened you may be'. - Pope Pius XI
This week the Rosary will be prayed after the midday Mass on Tuesday and Wednesday at Sacred Heart and St Joseph's
October 7th is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and the month of October is dedicated to Our Lady.
On 13th October 1917 Our Lady of Fatima told the 3 children there would be a great sign - The Miracle of the Sun occurred as tens of thousands of people gathered in Fátima, Portugal, and reported seeing the sun spin, change colours, and move toward the earth.
To find out more about the Rosary download this information sheet.
News Bites
THE POPE’S INTENTION FOR OCTOBER:
For Mental Health Ministry
Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illness
We hold Pope Leo in our prayer as he recovers from his recent surgery
Please also refer to the Events page and individual newsletter pages for more information
Prayer and Sacraments
- 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
- 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 - Tea and Toast
Holy Family Tea and Toast is available today after the 9:30am Mass in the Church Hall. Toast and drinks will also be in the parish hall after the 11am Mass at St. Ambrose Barlow. All are welcome. - News Regarding the Tower at St Joseph’s Church
I am very pleased to share the news that St Joseph’s Church has been awarded a grant of £188,000 from Historic England. This funding will make a significant contribution towards the conservation and repair of the west tower, including masonry and buttress repairs, the replacement of severely weathered stonework, repointing, the removal of vegetation, and the investigation of the bell chamber. The project also includes repairs to churchyard fencing and entrance features, helping to improve accessibility and security.
I am very grateful to Neil Fewtrell, one of our Archdiocesan surveyors, for all his hard work in preparing the application. I would also like to thank Historic England for its generous support in awarding this grant. At the moment, the Archdiocesan Legal Team is finalising the award by reviewing the necessary documentation. All being well, the grant will soon be formally secured, enabling this important work to proceed. - 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
- 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
- Marriage Preparation Catechists Training—1 October, 8 October, 15 October, 22 October, 29 October
Would you like to accompany the engaged couples in their journey of marriage preparation? The archdiocese is now recruiting catechists to join the marriage preparation team. The catechist training will be provided at St Joseph’s Church, Penketh, Warrington, WA5 2BB and consists of five sessions. Upon completion of training, the catechists will be asked to offer marriage preparation courses taking place across the archdiocese. If this is something you are interested in, please sign up here https://tinyurl.com/5c52zbbz
For more information, please contact Moses atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - 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:
When asked by the Pharisees which was the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus replied 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Act:
The words spoken by Jesus still apply to each of us today as Christians. How do we live this instruction out on a daily basis? Three simple phrasess which can help to set us in the right direction are 'Sorry', 'Please' and 'Thank you'. This week lets make sure we use these words every day.
Pray:
Act of Love
O my God, I love you above all things with my whole heart and soul,
because you are all good and worthy of all my love.
I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you.
I forgive all who have injured me and
I ask pardon of those whom I have injured.
Amen.
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- 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)