29th 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 18th - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Monday October 19th - St Paul of the Cross, Priest
Tuesday, October 20th - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Wednesday, October 21st - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, October 22nd - St John Paul II, Pope
Friday, October 23rd - St John of Capestrano, Priest
Saturday, October 24th - St Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop
Sunday, October 25th - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Sunday Readings
29th Sunday of the Year (A)
First Reading: Is 45:1, 4-6
I have taken Cyrus by his right hand to subdue nations before him.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 95
Give the Lord glory and power.
Second Reading: 1 Thess 1:1-5
We constantly remember your faith, your love and your hope.
Gospel Reading – Matt 22:15-21
Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar—and to God what belongs to God.
Psalter: Week 1
Weekdays: Week 29 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
Requiem Mass for Joan Grady
A Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Joan Grady, the beloved mother of our former Parish Priest, Fr Paul Grady, will take place on Monday 19th October, 12 noon, at St Mary’s Church, Standishgate, Wigan WN1 1XL. All welcome to attend and join in prayer for Joan and support Fr Paul and his family.
CAFOD Petition
We will be collecting signatures after Masses today 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 church next weekend and lend your support. Thank you for helping to build a better world.
You can sign the petition online here.
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. - CONFIRMATION:
This is to inform those who are registered for the Sacrament of Confirmation through St Mary's High School that preparation for the sacrament will take place at St Richards Parish Center – Mayfield Street, Atherton M46 0AQ on 21st October at 7:00 pm. Please bring baptism certificates, or information about where you were baptized, if not yet provided . Attendance at the preparation sessions is essential for your to receive the sacrament. Confirmations will take place at St. Richard's on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th November 2026 at 7:00 pm.
Local Items
- 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. - Care for Creation Group
A meeting of the ‘Care for Creation Group’ will be held on Thursday 22nd October 2026 from 7:00pm at St Richards Parish Centre. All welcome to come along - Parish Family Quiz Night.
There will be a Quiz Night for all the family at Holy Family Parish Hall on Friday 23rd October from 7.30 to around 9.30. Entry is just £1 per person. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Look forward to seeing you all there! -
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. - Social Committee Meeting – Sacred Heart (Hindley Green)
A meeting will be help on Monday 19th October in the parish centre (Sacred Heart) at 7:00pm of our social committee planning events for the remainder of the year. All Welcome -
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
Animate Youth has sent a message regarding the next Archdiocesan Youth pilgrimage to Lourdes, which 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 and those who book before 19 October get a £100 discount. - 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
- World Mission Sunday (APF Missions) 18th October
The second collection today is for the spread of the Good News throughout the world and is our way of supporting the missionaries who carry out this important work…thanks as always for your generosity. - Appeal for Brothers of Charity – Lima (Peru)
A huge thank you to everyone who made a donation to the collection for the Brothers of Charity in Lima Peru, we raised a grand total of £632 and $175:00 and good luck to Collette who will be taking the money over to Peru in the next few days. - 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 WednesdaysFor 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.)
Live Simply / Laudato Si
Reflect:
The Pharisees and the Herodians try to trick Jesus with a question about paying tax. Jesus sees through their hypocrisy and tells them we should give to Caeser what is Caeser's and to God, what is God's.
Act:
The reading reminds us that we should keep things in their proper perspective and consider if we value worldly, material things more than we value our relationship with God. This week let us try to make choices which honour the love God has for each of us, rather than becoming preoccupied with things that are less important. Trust in God.
Pray:
From Psalm 96:
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvellous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- 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
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)