Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul (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, June 28th - Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles (A)

Monday June 29th - Weekday in Ordinary Time

Tuesday, June 30th -   The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

Wednesday, July 1st - St Oliver Plunket, Bishop, Martyr

Thursday, July 2nd - Weekday in Ordinary Time

Friday, July 3rd - St Thomas, Apostle

Saturday, July 4th - St Elizabeth of Portugal

Sunday, July 5th - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Sunday Readings

Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles (A)

First Reading: Acts 12:1-11
Now I know the Lord really did save me from Herod.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33
The angel of the Lord rescues those who revere him.

Second Reading: 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18
All there is to come is the crown of righteousness reserved for me.

Gospel Reading – Matt 16:13-19
You are Peter, and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Psalter: Week 1
Weekdays:   Week 13 of Ordinary Time

June - the Month of the Sacred Heart

A short Act Of Consecration to the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
filled with infinite love, broken by my ingratitude, pierced by my sins, yet loving me still, accept the consecration which I make to you, of all that I am and all that I have. Take every faculty of my soul and body, and draw me, day by day, nearer and nearer to your sacred side: There, as I can hear the lesson, teach me your blessed ways.
Amen

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 INTENTION FOR JULY:
  For respect for human life
  Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognising it as a gift from God.

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

• Sacred Heart Site – Hindsford 
  After months of work with the diocese solicitors and the Charity Commission I am pleased to be able to announce that the site of the church, the presbytery, the club and the old school are now up for sale and sale boards are now being displayed. Any potential buyers will be assessed by the diocese to ensure the integrity of the site and ensure that only appropriate use be considered. Thanks to all involved in this difficult work and all the parishioners for their patience and support.
• Summer Mass Schedule – Sacred Heart Church – Hindley Green
  As usual during the summer months and as people take holidays and are away from church, numbers at Mass at weekends are fewer. Therefore, from SUNDAY 12th July to the beginning of September the 11:00am Mass will be cancelled. The 5:00pm Mass on Saturday evenings will take place as normal. Thank you for your understanding.
• A Day for Catechists:
  4 July - 10am – 3:30pm - Are you a catechist looking for spiritual renewal? Fr Luke Dominic Onwe, OCD and Fr Liam Finnerty, OCD are leading our Annual Day for Catechists this year, offering time to be inspired and strengthen your vocation as a catechist. For more information, visit https://archdioceseofliverpool.org/DFC26.  or contact Moses at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Parish Football Team
  We have formed a Parish football team representing St Ambrose, Holy Family and St Gabriel’s playing Wednesday evenings 8-9pm over the World Cup and up until the end of August. All abilities are welcome, age 16+. Please WhatsApp 07901 102066 if you are interested in joining us.
• Summer Raffle - St Edmund Arrowsmith
  This year instead of the Summer Fair we are having a Summer Raffle. Tickets will be on sale before and after the weekend Masses from 6th June. Raffle Tickets are £2 a strip, with five chances to win. Exciting prizes. The raffle will be drawn on 5th July. We are also collecting unwanted and good quality gifts and bottles suitable for a raffle prize. Please leave them at the back of the Church. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!
• BBC Songs of Praise Special –
  Young Chorister of the Year—8th/9th July 2026
  The BBC have invited parishes, churches and choirs in the Archdiocese of Liverpool to come along to the filming of Young Chorister of the Year at the iconic Halle St Peter’s in Manchester. Book your FREE tickets here: lostintv/tv-show?id=1436
• A Mother’s Warmth
  Icon Exhibition at the Metropolitan Cathedral 30th June – 30th August. The Metropolitan Cathedral will be hosting Mother’s Warmth, an exhibition by Bulgarian artist Dian Kostov. Through contemporary artwork inspired by the image of the Virgin Mary as Mother, the exhibition considers how compassion and care for one another can bring hope and healing in a divided world.

• Read more: News Bites

Live Simply / Laudato Si

Reflect:
St Peter and St Paul were very different people. St Peter had denied Jesus three times. St Paul had persecuted the early Christians, but God transformed them both and became fully committed to Christ. God does not wait for perfect people, but works with each of us, just as we are.

Act: 
Even though none of us are perfect, we each have a role to play. God just asks us to be ourselves and to offer the gifts we have been given. This week, consider the gifts you have received and the ways in which they may be used for the good of others. It could be just offering a sympathetic ear, or a small act of kindness..
   
Pray:

Dearest Lord,
teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to ask for reward
save that of knowing I am doing Your Will.

Prayer of St Ignatius Loyola

Challenge

In the spirit of Laudato Si:

• In an attempt to live more sustainably, why not opt to make sustainable wardrobe choices by buying fewer, better-quality items that last longer.
• As we spend more time outside, be mindful of the impact of rubbish in our environment. Find a bin rather than dropping rubbish on the floor!
• Be mindful of creation. Take time this week to stop and appreciate all those we share our world with - plants, birds, insects, trees, creatures - and other humans! Treat all with respect and consideration.
• Save water, whatever the weather! Don't use a power washer, get a water butt, use a watering can, don't water the lawn - it soon recovers from drought conditions. Think of other ways you can save water in the home.....
• There has been a lot in the news lately about the effect of mass tourism in areas throughout the UK. If you visit anywhere be considerate and respectful. Leave no sign that you have been there, taking rubbish away with you.
• Take steps to reduce meat and dairy consumption in an effort to aid a cut in carbon emissions.
• Hedgehog Highways are aimed at facilitating the path of hedgehogs through our gardens on their daily search for food. Can you help? 
• May is a chance to take part in 'No Mow May' in which we leave our grass or a portion of our grass unmown for the month. This allows flowers to grow, providing food for insects and wildlife.
• The Pope's prayer for May is that all humanity has access to food. How can you facilitate this? Give to a charity, share food with others, shop wisely with care and thought for those in more deprived countries?
• Have a look at your garden - how can you make it more wildlife friendly? Have a look at websites such as the RSPB, the RHS and Wildlife Trusts for ideas.
• Share something of what you have with others  this week.
• 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.
  

  Read more: Live Simply / Laudato Si

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

Message from CAFOD
We are deeply grateful to all the parishioners at St Edmund Arrowsmith Parish, for your faithful support this year and your recent generous donation of £1,429.18 received on the 21st May 2026. Thank you for standing in solidarity with our global family and living out Christ’s call to love your neighbour in such a powerful way this Lent. Your generosity during this season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is truly inspiring!

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. 

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

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.

Book From the Sermon

'The Search For Meaning' by Viktor Frankl
In 1942 Frankl and his family were deported from Austria by the Nazis to a ghetto in Czechoslovakia and then concentration camps. Here Frankl was stripped of his identity and humanity from the treatment he received at the hands of his captors. Frankl credits his survival in the camps by centering on the belief that humand can overcome suffering by finding meaning and a sense of purpose in every moment. The book was written after his liberation from the camps.
(Referenced in Fr Francis's sermon of 17th May 2026. A summary of five key takeaways from it may be found here.)

'The Four Loves'  by C S Lewis
Explores the nature of love from a Christian perspective identifying four different types - Affection, Friendship, Eros and Charity.
(Referenced in Fr Francis's sermon of 10th May 2026. This book is available as a free download from various sites, e.g. https://www.samizdat.qc.ca/cosmos/philo/PDFs/4Loves_CSL.pdf  or https://godinprints.org/books/2/the-four-loves )

'The Town Beyond the Wall' by Elie Wiesel
This story is based on Wiesel's own life. In it a young Holocaust survivor returns to his hometown, seeking to understand the mystery of those who stood by, watched and did nothing. 
(Referenced in Fr Francis's sermon of 18th September)

'The Great Divorce' by C S Lewis
The book reflects on the Christian concept of heaven and hell. Lewis’ most powerful idea is that Heaven and Hell are not simply places we go to after death, but the choices we make every day.
(Referenced in Fr Francis's sermon of 11th September)

'12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos' by Jordan B. Peterson

In the context of the readings for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the section on  'Tell the truth—or, at least, don't lie' emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in personal interactions and self-perception. 
(Referenced in Fr Francis's sermon of 17th August)

'Tuesdays With Morrie' by Mitch Albom

A book about relationships and what the really important things in life are.
(Referenced in Fr Francis's sermon of 10th August)

Tea and Coffee

• ST RICHARD'S
  Coffee and Tea will be available after Mass on Sunday 10th May but NOT on Sunday 3rd May (Bank Holiday Weekend)
• 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 26th April. 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.