In the weeks of Lent so far we have followed God’s work of salvation: we have seen the Covenants he established with Noah, Abraham, Moses and the people of Israel after the return from Babylon. Now we come to one of the most significant parts of the Old Testament: the promise of a brand new Covenant, which will be different from all those that went before. This Covenant will see God and Man living more closely together. For the ratification of a Covenant, something was always sacrificed as a sign of the new relationship – normally man would offer some animal offering to God. But the New Covenant will be ratified not with the death of sheep or bull, but by the death of Jesus Christ, God and Man. In this perfect sacrifice is the source of our eternal salvation.
There were two remarkable moments in the story of the Old Testament where God saved his people; one was in the escape from Egypt – we’ll keep that for the Easter Vigil. The other was the end of their second exile, this time in Babylon, which we hear of today. There was an even greater moment when God saved his people: in Jesus Christ his Son – and we hear Jesus tell Nicodemus about that today. To understand “being saved”, we must ask “What from?” Saved from slavery, from exile, from human enemies – these are all clear. But the last and greatest salvation brought by Jesus is harder to understand: saved from sin and death. These threaten us as much as any other enemy, and our salvation in Jesus is as real as any other.
If you would like to join it is only £5 a month which needs to be paid at the beginning of every month. The more members we have, the bigger the prize and more money going back into our church. Winners are on the Notice Boards
So who is coming? This Sunday's readings help to answer that question. John the Baptist is asked about the coming of the Messiah - is it him? He affirms his role as a witness to speak for the light, by pointing to the one who stands among the crowd. unknown to them who is coming after him. This idea is present in the First Reading, where Isaiah proclaims what the anointed one (Messiah in Hebrew) will do, and the joy that this will bring. It is interesting that the Psalm appointed for this Sunday is the Magnificat - Mary's song of praise at the announcement that the Messiah would be born of her - in which she sings of the works of the coming Messiah. Paul then reminds us that we are still waiting patiently: God has called you, and he will not fail you. This is why, on this 'Gaudete' Sunday, we as God’s people rejoice in his care, made visible in his promises, fulfilled in Jesus.
Throughout the first three weeks of Advent our focus is very clearly on the Second Coming of the Lord - not so much on the run up to Christmas (until the last week). If we view Advent as a preparation for Christmas these readings will make little sense - and neither will the figure of John the Baptist who appears today: if its about the preparation for Christmas, then John the Baptist, preaching after Jesus was born, is a confusing figure: but his role is to preach to us, as he did of old, and to prepare us for the (second) coming of the Lord. Today we have a very graphic reference to the end of time and the Second Coming in the reading from Saint Peter; it is a frightening picture, and so the first reading offers tender words of comfort to help us understand who is coming, and why we should be ready to meet him.
Saturday 5th August, 12 noon Mass Walsingham . Catholics around the country will be heading to Walsingham this August to pray and reflect on the sanctity of life. Archbishop Kevin McDonald will lead the pilgrimage on Saturday 5th August and celebrate Mass at 12 noon. For more information please visit https://prolifepilgrimage.org/
The Diocese of Salford’s Laudato Si’ Centre is calling on parishes, schools, and individuals across the diocese to help with a special prayer campaign this Lent. The Pray with Nature campaign is a series of reflections on our Laudato Si’ Centre social media channels that uses photos to help us reflect on the gift of creation and to draw ever closer to God, the Creator. If you have a photo of nature you’d like to share – be it a flower, an animal, a sunset, or even a raindrop in a puddle – we’d love to hear from you! Simply send your photo to communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
My dear people of the parish, as you all would have observed, we have been experiencing difficulties heating the church since early part of December. It is as a result of the church boiler coming to the end of its usefulness after over forty years of service. We therefore will be needing a new industrial boiler installed as soon as possible and they do not come cheap. Conscious of the economic situation at the moment, we would not engaging in fund raising drives for a new boiler. However, we are very much open to donations to fund a new boiler. In the coming weeks we will be getting quotes and you will be informed of what it will cost to have our heating fixed.
Wednesday 13th March Heywood Baptist Church from 1.30pm-2.30pm.Wednesday 13th March
Bookings are now being taken for this year's diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, marking our centenary year. The pilgrimage, led by Bishop John Arnold, will take place between 26th July and 1st August . Find out more and book online at https://www.salfordlourdes.co.uk/travel-accommodation
An ancient tradition of the Church in Lent is “Station Masses” – the word “station” might bring railways to mind, and this is not far off the idea! As we journey through Lent, we call at “stations” – churches in our Deanery where people from all our parishes can come together to be encouraged as we travel through this holy season. This year we have four Masses, and a very special final celebration: Bishop John will lead us in a Reconciliation Service, with the opportunity for individual confession with our Deanery priests. Refreshments will be served after each Station and everyone is very welcome. THE DATES AND LOCATIONS OF OUR LENTEN STATIONS THIS YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS : — Thursday 7th March 7pm at Guardian Angels, Bury — Thursday 14th March 7pm at Saint Michael, Whitefield — Tuesday 19th March 7pm: RECONCILIATION SERVICE AND CONFESSIONS at Saint Joseph’s, Heywood with Bishop John
Saturday 16th March at 1pm Eucharistic Ministers: Day of recollection and Reflection led by Fr James Manock, in the meeting room: All Extra Ordinary Ministers of Communion should endeavour to attend this meeting to prepare for the renewal of commitment during Holy Week.
Confirmation 2024: For young people in year eight who are not in Catholic School. Please, pick a form, complete and return to the Presbytery (Priests’ House) before 10th March 2024
Pope Francis
If peoples are to remain brothers and sisters, prayer must rise unceasingly to Heaven, and one single word constantly echo on earth: peace.