32nd Sunday of the Year (B)
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 10th - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Monday November 11th - St Martin of Tours, Bishop
Tuesday, November 12th - St Josaphat, Bishop, Martyr
Wednesday, November 13th - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, November 14th - Weekday in Ordinary Time
Friday, November 15th - St Albert the Great, Bishop, Doctor of the Church
Saturday, November 16th - St Edmund of Abingdon, Bishop
Sunday, November 17th - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Please click this link to view live streamed masses from St Margaret Clitherow Churches
Sunday Readings
32nd Sunday of the Year (B)
Remembrance Sunday
First Reading – 1 Kgs 17:10-16
The widow made a little scone from her meal and brought it to Elijah.
Second Reading – Heb 9:24-28
Christ offers himself only once to take the faults of many on himslef.
Gospel Reading – Mark 12:38-44
This poor widow has put in more than all.
Psalter: Week 4
Weekdays: Ordinary Time Week 32
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:
Saturday 3.45 - 4.15 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation
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
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.)
News Bites
- THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR NOVEMBER 2024:
For anyone who has lost a child
We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit. - Please also refer to the Events page for more social activities in the area.
- Please help with your vote:
Kim Leadbeater MP is introducing a bill to introduce assisted suicide, which will be voted on by MPs on the 29th November. We know that assisted suicide laws in other jurisdictions have had devastating consequences for the poor, disabled and marginalised. Please contact your MP by visiting www.livesworthliving.org.uk - November Pious Lists.
Please put the list of names of those you wish to be remembered and a donation into an enevelope available from the back of church. These should then be handed in to the priest, posted through the presbytery door or placed in the collection plate. - White Poppies:
These are now available at the back of both churches in addition to the British Legion red poppies. - Blessing of Holy Family Hall:
Archbishop Malcolm will be celebrating the 9.30am Mass next week on the 17th November and will then bless the hall. There will be tea and coffee afterwards with the opportunity to meet the Archbishop. All are welcome to come along. It would be lovely for him to see a full church and be able to greet you all. - Adults who want to become Catholic (RCIA):
An initial meeting with any adults who wish to become Catholics will be held on Wednesday 20th November at 7.30pm after Mass in Holy Family Church. Any parishioners who wish to take part and accompany those preparing to be baptised or received are welcome. - St Mary’s High School Sixth Form Pensioners Party
The Sixth Form at St Mary’s Catholic High School are putting together a Christmas Party on Wednesday 11th December 12.00pm—2.00pm for the Senior Citizens of the local parishes. If
you would like to go, please put your name on the list in the porch and any specific dietary requirements. - Piety Stall Clearance:
Cards and religious items available in the porch at St Ambrose for donations. The stall will be restocked and new items will be available soon. - The Legion of Mary (St Edmund Arrowsmith)
The Legion of Mary are asking if you have any old religious books, booklets, religious objects, statues, pictures etc., that you no longer use, these are for their Book Barrow for the Christmas Fair (30th November).You can bring them to the parish office or contact Garry on 07584 283 275. Thank you. - St Ambrose Barlow Guides:
St Ambrose Barlow guides.are having a clothing collection on 22nd November. Please start collecting now any clothing, paired footwear, bags, belts, soft toys and curtains and bedding sets, (not quilts and pillows). Drop off at church in the porch or at guides on Thursday night 7 till 9. - Guides Christmas Fayre:
We are also collecting any bric-a-brac, books, jigsaws and games for our Fayre. Nearer the time we will be asking for donations for a Christmas hamper and items for our bakery stall. If you need me to collect anything, please give me a call on 07753929476. Thank you for your support, as always. Delia - St Vincent de Paul
The weekly meeting of the older men in the parish for lunch and a chat will be at the Boundary Stone at 1.00pm on Wednesdays whilst the Applewood is refurbished. - 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. For more information contact our dedicated SVP number 07566725590.
- Barnabus Collection:
The SVP intend to have a Barnabus adult clothing collection on 17th/24th November and 1st December. Also, SVP intend to collect new toys which will be given to Atherton & Leigh Foodbank for Christmas distribution. These collections are to run concurrently. Thank you very much for your support. (Unfortunately no pre-loved toys.) - Food Bank:
Please give generously if you are able. Food donated at church is taken to support our local food bank.
Prayer
Praying for those who have died
Praying for those who’ve died and gone before us to Heaven is part of our daily lives, but in November we remember and pray for them in a special way.
All the names that are handed in of those who’ve died are placed on the altar at both churches to help focus our prayer. There are Pious List envelopes at the back of both churches. Please write the names of those you want us to pray for with a donation and hand them in to the parish office at St Joseph’s or Holy Family or
push them through the letterbox at either presbyteries.
Ukraine
Pope Francis
Pope Francis gave us this invitation.... ‘let us persevere in our closeness and in prayer for the dear Ukrainian people who are experiencing immense cruelty’
A Prayer for Ukraine
Loving God,
We pray for the people of Ukraine,
for all those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to them and protect them.
We pray for world leaders,
for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.
We pray for the world
that in this moment of crisis,
we may reach out in solidarity
to our brothers and sisters in need.
May we walk in your ways
so that peace and justice
become a reality for the people of Ukraine
and for all the world.
Amen.
(From the CAFOD website. Link opens in new tab.)
Prayer for Peace
Loving Father,
May hatred be turned into love,
fear to trust,
despair to hope,
oppression to freedom,
occupation to liberation,
that violent encounters
may be replaced
by loving embraces,
and peace and justice
could be experienced by all.
There is an Ecumenical Service for Peace in the Holy Land on Wed 6 November 7pm
Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Hedgefield Rd, Gateacre, L25 2RW
Message from the Archbishop
For 9 years Fr Paul has been your parish priest in St Margaret Clitherow parish. In that time he has steered the parish through some challenging situations. He is without doubt one of our most gifted priests.
In the light of this I have asked him to go to Wigan to be the parish priest of the 3 church community of St William’s. This is made up of St Mary’s, St John’s and St Patrick’s churches. This community needs to be led very sensitively and I am sure that Fr Paul is the right man for this.
I know this will come as a shock to you.
I am delighted to be able to say that I am sending a priest to be your parish priest, Fr Francis Agada. He is a missionary of St Paul (MSP). He has been in Kirkby for the last two years. He is full of life and energy and so will be able to carry on where Fr Paul is leaving off.
These changes will take place in the early part of January 2025. Please keep me and all our priests in your prayers as we keep you in ours.
Archbishop Malcolm
Live Simply / Laudato Si
Reflect:
Jesus in the temple compares the ostentaious gifts of the wealthy versus the offering of the poor widow who cannot afford to make an offering and yet does so in an act of profound generosity.
Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
(Attributed to St Francis of Assisi)
Act
The poor widow gave everything she had, trusting that God would provide for her. We too are called to be generous. What makes that so difficult for us is that it requires the ability to let go of things, and that requires the virtue of humility. Humility means being able to see, in complete honesty, where we stand before God, and it
takes courage to trust in him completely. This week let us consider the extent to which we place our trust in God and resolve to allow him to guide us along our path through life.
Challenge
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- The poor widow gave what she could, knowing that there was a need for her generosity. Can we too express our generosity and trust in God by giving to those in need?
- This week take steps to reduce the amount of waste you produce. One way is to buy vegetables loose and so cut back on plastic waste.
- Now is a good time to plant bulbs with a view to supplying early insects with a source of food in the Spring. You could also plant broad beans for a crop in the spring.
- Whilst it is tempting to chop back dying or dead plants in Autumn, insects and birds love to feed on seed heads. These are a vital source of food in the cooler months to come.
- Wigan are highlighting the amount of electrical waste going into land fill which can easily be reused, recycled or repurposed. If you find you have a dawer full of old cables, gadgets and electricals, take them to your local recycling centre at Slag Lane, Leigh or Chanters Lane, Atherton. Click here for more info.
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 – Is held once a month with a planned celebration on the first Sunday of every month. Next celebration is on Sunday 3rd November during the 11:00am mass.
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 Paul 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.
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.
CAFOD News
CAFOD Family Fast Day Soup Lunch:
Friday the 4th of October is CAFOD Family Fast Day, a day when we are asked to live a little more simply and donate what we save to CAFOD. To help us to do this together, there will be a simple soup lunch on Friday 4th October at 1pm in Holy Family Hall to which all are welcome.
Please take a CAFOD envelope and return it by Sunday 6th October if you wish to donate to this cause. If you are a tax payer, please consider gift aiding your donation.
CAFOD Sudan Appeal:
‘The people of Sudan need our urgent help. CAFOD are launching an emergency appeal for donations to get aid to them on the biggest scale we can muster. When violence broke out last year in Sudan between government and paramilitaries, most aid agencies evacuated. Now, humanitarian workers are struggling to get back into Sudan to help, meaning severe delays in getting aid to the people, and the challenges of getting into areas where fighting is still going on remain. Many borders are shut as the government say they need to keep weapons out. But the Church and our local partners are sill there. Donations may still be made this week in an envelope marked ‘Sudan’, or directly through the CAFOD website.
CAFOD's Prayer for Peace in the Middle East (Opens in a new tab.)