8th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 2 March 2014

buy dapoxetine sildenafil (super p force) Dear Parishioners

This Lent I invite you to celebrate God’s mercy – the richness and vastness of His love for each and every one of us. And to give you the opportunity of coming to know that love and mercy in an even deeper way we have invited the ex-gangster and internationally acclaimed speaker John Pridmore to share his amazing story Masses on 22nd & 23rd March.

John grew up in the east end of London and following his parents’ divorce he left home at 15. After a period of crime he ended up in a young offender’s prison.   By his 20’s he was a violent East End gangster. Drug dealing and protection rackets brought him a classic gangster lifestyle of flash money, women, sports cars, designer clothes and a penthouse flat.

Then one night outside a nightclub, he nearly killed a man and something extraordinary happened. He underwent a profound conversion experience and left his life of crime behind to work with people like Mother Teresa of Calcutta. He now lives in Ireland and over the past 14 years has spoken to over two million young people worldwide in prisons, universities and schools. At the World Youth Day in Sydney 400,000 young people listened to his story of conversion. His autobiography From Gangland to Promised Land is an international best-seller and recently he met producers in Los Angeles who are interested in turning it into a film. His third and latest book Journey to Freedom was published at the beginning of this year.

John’s life witnesses to the love and mercy of God. If you haven’t experienced this love and mercy for yourself or need reminding of it, then this Lent please listen to Pope Francis’ invitation: “Ask yourself: ‘When was the last time I went to confession?’ And if it has been a long time, don’t lose another day! Go, the priest will be good. And Jesus will be there, and Jesus is better than the priest – Jesus receives you. He will receive you with so much love! Be courageous, and go to confession. Don’t be afraid of confession. When someone is in line for confession they feel uneasy or worry – all these things, even shame – but then, when they have finished confessing, they leave feeling free, great, beautiful, forgiven, clean, happy. The sacrament of reconciliation is a sacrament of healing. When I go to confession, it’s for healing: healing the soul, healing the heart because of something that I did to make it unwell.”

To invite as many Catholics as possible (practising or not) to hear and meet John we need your help to post leaflets advertising the weekend through the letterboxes of addresses on the parish database – as you do with cards at Christmas. Will you help?

Fr Frankie

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 23 February 2014

Dear Parishioners

First, I apologise for the cancellation of the Parish Forum on Wednesday but a great number of the women, some with husbands in tow, went to the musical Jekyll & Hyde that evening. Unfortunately, I don’t have a free Wednesday evening until 9th April, so we shall then meet in Forum at 7.30pm in the Parish centre.

After four years effort and over £2,000 expenditure St Michael and John’s have both pedestrian and road signs (7 in total) directing visitors to the church. I thank Mike Bradley for the time, tenacity and frustration it cost him in pushing this project. Without him there wouldn’t be now and never would be any signage.

A number of parishioners have commented on the new bench cushions at the front of the church. The one criticism is that they are too deep. So a couple of more slender cushions, borrowed from Trinity Methodist, are at the front for you to compare both types and let me have your verdict.

In Sabden the new barrier has been erected and hopefully will safeguard parking for both church and hall.

This Tuesday the parish website committee meets in the Presbytery at 7.30pm. Our plan to re-launch the website has proved to be a slow process because we have too few volunteers. So, if you have any expertise or simply a keen interest in website composition then please do either contact me or turn up on Tuesday night.  Some time ago I also appealed to parish groups to send information and photos either by email or by written or typed copy. The result? You can guess.

As we are now two priests the Sacrament of Conformation will be administered in both Clitheroe and Sabden on the feast of Pentecost and First Holy communions will be received on Corpus Christi.

Pentecost Sunday, 8th June 2014

Sabden: Confirmation at the 11o’clock Sunday Mass.

Clitheroe: Confirmation will be conferred during a special service with no Mass at 11.30am. The usual Sunday morning Mass will be celebrated at 9.30am.

Corpus Christi, 22nd June 2014

Sabden: First Holy Communions will be received during the 11am Sunday Mass.

Clitheroe: There will be an extra Sunday Mass for First Communicants 11.30am, following the usual 9.30am Sunday Mass.

Fr John

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 16 February 2014

Dear Parishioners.

On this Education Sunday I would like to share with you some thoughts and reflections upon teaching young people, given to me by the RE Department at St. Augustines.

 

As we let our light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same

Nelson Mandela (Inaugural Speech 1994)

 

We are fellow workers with God

 St Paul (Letter to the Corinthians)

 

When will we teach our children in school what they are?

We should say to each of them:

Do you know what you are?

You are a marvel.  You are unique.

In all the world there is no other child exactly like you.

In the millions of years that have passed

there has never been another child like you.

and look at your body – what a wonder it is!

your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move

You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven.

You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?

 Pablo Casals (Joy and Sorrow)

 

My idea of education is to unsettle the minds of the young and inflame their intellects.

Robert Maynard Hutchins

 

We are justified in thinking that the future of humanity lies in the hands of those who can provide coming generations with reasons for living and hoping.

Gaudium et Spes, Second Vatican Council

 

Let us all set about to collaborate with our teachers and priests to educate and inspire the next generation of young people.

Fr Frankie

 

 

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 9 February 2014

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend I wanted to tell you about my favourite saint – St Catherine of Siena.

Catherine was born in the year 1347 and lived till 1380. She was born the youngest of a very large family. From early on in her life Catherine experienced visions and practiced penances.  As early as the age of seven she consecrated her virginity to Christ and by 16 she had joined the third order of the Dominicans. Catherine had really desired to enter the Dominican convent but had felt God instruct her not to do so. For three years during her teenage years Catherine retreated to her room for intense prayer and mystical encounters with Christ, whereupon she immerged from her room to serve and assist her family, the sick, the poor and the un-churched.  The era of the 14th century in which she lived, was a troubled time within the Church and socially.  Her life was one spent dedicated to prayer and penance, serving others in charity.  God recompensed her charity to the poor by many miracles, often multiplying provisions in her hands. When the fame of her sanctity started to spread, she was inundated as a spiritual guide personally and through her letter’s to people of all position; politicians, nobles, ordinary people, artists, religious, etc,  the most notable being Pope Gregory XI who responded to her challenge to go back to Rome and leave his exile in Avignon.

Back then there was severe unrest not only within the Church itself, but between Church and state leading to a civil war between Florence and the Papal states.Catherine travelled a lot in order to try and encourage reconciliation and peaceable solutions even risking her own life.

Another renown characteristic she was famous for, was when hardened sinners would come to her aggressively and angry, but at the mere sight of her, and looking into her eyes which had such depth of love for them, they would be converted. In fact three Dominican Priests were commissioned by Pope Gregory XI, to hear the confessions at Siena, of those who were induced by the saint to enter upon a change of life; these priests were occupied, day and night, in hearing the confessions of many who had never confessed before. Most notably two famous assassins going to die with blasphemies in their mouths, and in the transports of rage and despair, were suddenly converted and repented in their last moments, by the saint’s prayers.

Catherine wrote her greatest spiritual work, ‘The Dialogue,’ (still available today) in which through prayer, she had a conversation with God – were she petitioned Him, and shared the mystical revelations she received back. Through this and her other notable writings she became a Doctor of the Church. And in 1999 she was made co-patroness of Europe by Blessed John Paul II, who quoted one of her most famous lines during his Pontificate ‘If you are what you’re meant to be you’ll set the whole world on fire.’

Fr Frankie

The Presentation of the Lord – 2 February 2014

Dear Parishioners,

I wanted to share with you an inspiring testimony from Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington , Virginia in the United States. The accounts are personal and from the heart. It was part of a pastoral letter, which he wrote on the Feast of Christ the King last November (at the end of the Year of Faith). The pastoral letter was entitled “Go Forth With Hearts on Fire”, and below are extracts taken from the letter in Bishop Loverde’s own words.

“I share with you a very personal experience of Christ which occurred just several years ago, decades into my life as a priest and bishop. Without a doubt, I have understood, accepted, and experienced in many ways the love of Jesus for me precisely as a disciple, priest, and bishop. However, there was always a kind of glass wall in terms of experiencing His love. It was as if I could see Him through the wall, and He could presumably see me, but I did not experience His love to the depth that I so desired. That was not His fault, but mine: somehow, I was not receptive enough.

Then, during a silent eight-day retreat with a group of fellow bishops, the retreat director suggested that I bring these passages from Isaiah before the Lord in lectio divina and prayer:

“Because you are precious In my eyes and honoured, and I love you.

Fear not, I am with you… Do not fear, I have redeemed you.

I have called you by name.  You are mine.” (Is 43:2,4-5)

It was during prayer with these texts that the Lord allowed this glass wall to suddenly and unexpectedly shatter! I cannot express in words how profoundly I was touched. I knew without a doubt that He loves me. I was grateful beyond words! I recalled an antiphon from Morning Prayer for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart: “My son, give me your heart; note carefully the way I point to you.” As a result of His great mercy towards me, I live in a new way, not perfectly and not without all the struggles of daily life, but with an inner conviction that I cannot deny or ever forget. This experience can also be yours!”

And a few final words of encouragement from our last Holy Father along the same theme “Faith is above all a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus, and to experience his closeness, his friendship, his love; only in this way does one learn to know him ever more, and to love and follow him ever more. May this happen to each one of us.” Pope Benedict XVI (General Audience 21/10/09)

Fr Frankie

3rd Sunday in Ordinary time – 26th January 2014

Dear Parishioners

As you are probably aware the Parish Centre has lurched from crisis to crisis over the past seven years and has never managed to pay its way. The result is a substantial debt. However, last summer we took the decision to run the centre on commercial lines in conjunction with a number of other parish centres who have turned their balance sheets from red to black. This decision demanded yet more capital expenditure, particularly on the kitchen and a subsequent increase on the debt. But you have to cast a sprat to catch a mackerel! The new venture was launched last October under the slogan or brand name of Your Parish Centre.

The only way in which clubs and for that matter pubs are able to survive nowadays is by moving into catering. Last year the Centre in both January and February hosted seven events each month and they were small! This month already there have been 16 major bookings and a further 14 have been received for February. Later in the year the Centre will host its first wedding reception, the first for many, many a year! But who else in Clitheroe can offer an all-day Wedding Reception for 60 day-time guests and 100 evening guests for £1,995? The day time reception includes a three course meal on fully dressed banqueting tables and the evening guests will be served a full buffet and entertained throughout by a DJ!  Similar packages are available for Christenings, Funeral receptions, children’s birthday parties and other celebrations. And how about a birthday party in the evening for 80 people with room hire for 6 hours including a DJ for 5 hours, balloons and a choice of three hot meals at only £495? You couldn’t arrange it any cheaper yourself and this way you have no hassle! The Centre also caters for smaller and larger parties of guests.

Have you visited the Centre recently? If not, you just would not recognise it! So why not pop in and see for yourself. Your Parish Centre has been refurbished and is professionally managed but it remains a parish facility. Club membership is still an option at £10 for parents (which includes dependent Children up to and including those at University) and £5 for Senior citizens. Members with cards pay less at the bar!

One challenge remains. We need to raise £4,000 to purchase 160 new banqueting chairs so expect some fundraising functions in the future.

Fr John

2nd Sunday in Ordinary time – 19th January 2014

Dear Parishioners

First things first. On the last Sunday of 2013, Pope Francis posed a question to the Church: “As the year reaches the end we ask ourselves honestly how we have lived the time that God has given to us. Have we used it above all for ourselves, for our own interests, or have we used it also for others? And what of God? How much time have we set aside to ‘be with Him’ in prayer and in silence?” So, how about giving a little time each evening this week to mull over this question and then perhaps make a belated new year’s resolution?

The front three benches on either side of the church’s centre aisle have been cushioned. In the past Catholic Churches had padded kneelers while non-Catholic churches had padded seats but now we are looking to have both. So, why not try out our padded benches and let me know what you think?

“She was in hospital for a month, I was told, and the priest never visited her.” On investigation I learned that neither the chaplain nor the staff knew that the patient was a Catholic who wished to see the chaplain! So, please note that if you have a relative or friend who is in hospital then the responsibility for requesting a visit from the Catholic chaplain rests squarely on your shoulders. This is particularly important if the patient is admitted through the A&E department. On the ward ask a nurse to notify the chaplain and afterwards check that this was done, or for both Blackburn and Burnley hospitals telephone 01254 733001 and ask for Fr Paul Blackburn. For Clitheroe hospital, please inform me.

If you go to the parish website www.olotv.org.uk you will see that it is woefully out of date with more reports on events in 2012 than last year and many of the group reports haven’t been updated for 5 years!!! So, a request to each parish society, group or association to checkout their entry, then update it and if possible add photos before emailing it to andrewbrown595@btinternet.com or posting written (hard) copy to the Presbytery.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has begun. I urge you to attend this Sunday Evening’s United Service at 6.30pm in Trinity Methodist.

In the Catholic Church today we also observe a day of prayer for World Peace.

Fr John

The Baptism of the Lord – 12th January 2014

Dear Parishioners

Pope Francis wrote recently: “Commitment to ecumenism responds to the prayer of the Lord Jesus that “they may all be one”. The credibility of the Christian message would be much greater if Christians could overcome their divisions and the Church could realize “the fullness of catholicity proper to her in those of her children who, though joined to her by baptism, are yet separated from full communion with her” (2nd Vatican Council). We must never forget that we are pilgrims journeying alongside one another. This means that we must have sincere trust in our fellow pilgrims, putting aside all suspicion or mistrust, and turn our gaze to what we are all seeking: the radiant peace of God’s face. Trusting others is an art and peace is an art. Jesus told us: “Blessed are the peacemakers”.  In taking up this task, also among ourselves, we fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy: “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares” (Is2:4).

In this perspective, ecumenism can be seen as a contribution to the unity of the human family. At the Synod on Evangelisation, the presence of the Patriarch of Constantinople, His Holiness Bartholomaios, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Rowan Williams, was a true gift from God and a precious Christian witness.

If we concentrate on the convictions we share, and if we keep in mind the principle of the hierarchy of truths, we will be able to progress decidedly towards common expressions of proclamation, service and witness.”

The annual week of prayer for Christian Unity begins this Saturday, the highlight of which will be the special United Service which this year will be held in Trinity Methodist at 6.30pm on Sunday. Special daily morning services in our Clitheroe churches are listed below.

Saturday 18th January, 9 30 am at the Community Church.  Prayer meeting led jointly with the Salvation Army

Sunday 19th January, 6 30 pm United Service at Trinity Methodist Church

Monday 20th January, 9 00 am at St. Michael and St. John’s.  Mass

Tues 21st January, 12 30pm at the United Reformed Church.

Wed 22nd January, 10 30 am at St. James’.  Holy Communion service led jointly with St. Paul’s

Thurs 23rd January, 10 30 am at Trinity Methodist Church in the Wesley room

Fri 24th January, 10 30 am at St. Mary Magdalene’s. Holy Communion service

Please, follow Pope Francis’ lead and at least make time to join the Unity service at Trinity next Sunday at 6.30pm.

Fr John

 

The Ephipany of the Lord – 5th January 2014

At a recent meeting of the S.V.P. we used this prayer as a meditation.  It was found  in Anthony Cornwell’s daily missal after his death.  We thought it highlighted the many shortcomings and difficulties that we all encounter in our everyday lives.

Would it help you in 2014?.

O God, help me not to waste my time.

Don’t let me always be in a hurry and a fuss, but help me to go quietly and without haste, filling every minute with the work which is given me to do.

Help me not to waste my strength.

Give me a sense of proportion that I may not get all hot and bothered about the things which are of no importance and so make myself too tired and exhausted to do the things which really matter.

Help me not to waste my money.  Don’t let me be mean and miserly, but help me to spend wisely, to give generously, and to try to use everything I have, remembering that it belongs not to me but to you.

Above all help me not to waste my life.  Help me to use the talents you have given me, to seize the opportunities you are sending me, so that some day you may be able to say to me: Well done!

You are the Lord and master of all good life; hear this my prayer and help me to live well: through Jesus Christ my Lord.  AMEN

(prayer ascribed to William Barclay)

Fourth Sunday of Advent – 22nd December 2013

Saturday 21st Dec Clitheroe Exposition 11.00 – 12noon
Reconciliation 11.00 – 11.45am
Eucharistic Service 12noon
First Mass of Sunday 6.00pm
Sunday 22nd Dec Clitheroe Mass 9.30am
Sabden Mass 11.00am
Monday 23rd Dec Clitheroe Mass 9.00am
Tuesday 24th Dec Christmas Eve Clitheroe Reconciliation 11.00 – 12noon
Carols 5.30pm
Christmas Mass 6.00pm
Sabden Reconciliation 11.00 – 11.30am
Carols 7.30pm
Christmas Mass 8.00pm
Wednesday 25th Dec Christmas Day Clitheroe Christmas Mass 10.00am
Thursday 26th Dec St Stephen

(Boxing Day)

Clitheroe Mass 12noon
Friday 27th Dec St John the

Evangelist

Clitheroe

Sabden

Mass

Mass

9.00am

9.15am

Saturday 28th Dec Holy Innocents Clitheroe Exposition 11.00 – 12noon
Mass 12noon
First Mass of Sunday 6.00pm