http://davidpisarra.com/goodmenproject-a-positive-voice-in-a-negative-world The week ahead:-

Guadalupe Victoria Today is the Baptism of the Lord

Mass 12 noon (Saturday) Dunsop Bridge

Mass 5pm (Saturday) Clitheroe

Mass 9.30am     (Sunday) Clitheroe

Mass 11am         Sunday) Sabden

Monday               Mass 10am (Clitheroe)

Tuesday               Mass 10am (Clitheroe)

Wednesday        No Public Mass

Thursday             Mass 10am (Clitheroe)

Friday                  No Public Mass

 

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mass 12 noon (Saturday) Dunsop Bridge

Mass 5pm           (Saturday) Clitheroe

Mass 9.30am     (Sunday) Clitheroe

Mass 11am         (Sunday) Sabden

 

Things are changing rapidly and will no doubt continue to do so over the next few weeks. So as you can see from above there will be no Public Mass on Wednesday or Friday. We cannot open church for Mass without the stewards, and so as not to overburden our volunteers by asking them to steward more than once a week, for the time being it is perhaps best for us not to have a Public Mass every weekday. Our thanks to all our Stewards who have been so generous in giving of their time over these past months, and keeping us safe.

It is so important that we all continue to do everything within our power to keep safe and well, and to help others to do the same. When we come to Mass we must continue to follow the instructions and keep the rules while we are in church and also outside the building before we enter and as we leave, otherwise we would have to close.

 Ordinary Time Begins on Monday.

Sunday readings are from Cycle B and weekdays from Cycle 1

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 4th January, England will once again move into a national lockdown. Churches may remain open for the celebration of Mass. 

However, the safety of our communities remains our priority and it is important to remember that the Sunday Obligation continues to be lifted and that this does not mean that our faith has to be put on hold.

Places of worship You can attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. You should maintain strict social distancing at all times. You should follow the national guidance on the safe use of places of worship.

LATELY DEAD

Bridget Barnes (previously Lynch nee Kerr) died 26^th December aged 77 years

Elizabeth Mary McGruer died 6^th January aged 78 years

Stephen Francis Myerscough died 5^th January aged 94 years

Barbara Dewhurst died 3^rd January aged 78 years

ANNIVERSARIES

Fr Bernard Dobson SJ, David Person, James & Frances May Holden, John Mead, Joseph Lofthouse, Ann Wharton, Robert Graham, Hazel Grainger, Henry Thornber

MASSES RECEIVED THIS WEEK

David Person, Joe Brennan, Rita Donbavand, James & Ferances May Holden,

Herbert & Mary Brown, Jack & Andrew Whitwell, Robert & Ada Graham,

Daniel & Mary Lambert, Andrew, Jack & Pat Whitwell, Ann Wharton, Joseph Lofthouse, John Lofthouse, John Mead, Special Intention x 3, D.Raynor,

Pauline Klivis, Rita & Frank Donbavand, Robert Graham, Hazel Grainger, Henry Thornber

Live simply thought of the week:

12 green ideas for the New Year:

1.   Buy local produce
2.   Make the most of what you have
3.   Reuse, Repair, Recycle
4.   Plan meals to avoid food waste
5.   Eat better meat and eat a lot less of it.
6.   Take your own bags to the supermarket
7.   Don’t leave the tap running while cleaning your teeth.
8.   Make sure dishwasher/washing machine is full before switching on
9.   Use a cooler wash, save electricity
10. Buyclothes when you need them not when you want them
11. Don’t leave electrical items on standby – switch off
12. Use greener cleaning products

On behalf of CAFOD and Laudato Si Groups

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Is there an Arabic speaker in the parish?

If so could you please ring Tom Clay on 07962 136749

hal yujad natiq bialerbyt fi alraei?

yrja alaitisal b Tom Clay ealaa 136749 07962

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PAX CHRISTI (PEACE SUNDAY)

17^th January 2021

Please join us for our National Peace Sunday Reflection on Saturday 16^th January at 6pm, when we will gather on zoom to pray, share and reflect on Pope Francis’ message.

To register please contact the office at admin@paxchristi.org.uk

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CLITHEROE CHRISTIANS IN PARTNERSHIP

We are thankful to God for the launch of Ribble Valley Youth, or “Revy” as it’s affectionately named now. The idea of a town-wide youth initiative has been discussed and prayed over for a long time, and in November RVY had its first online event. Lucy Skelton and Chris Meyer met frequently over the summer to discuss what RVY would look like and how it could work. The vision of RVY is to develop a town-wide youth ministry, not linked to any particular church, but functioning as part of the Body of Christ in our town. We aim to provide a place where all young people in the Ribble Valley can grow in their faith. In short, RVY seeks to build community, reach out effectively, and invest fruitfully in the young people of our community.  Friendships are a vital part of growing in faith as a young person, and we hope that RVY will inspire young people to be strong in their faith, and to be courageous in sharing it with their friends. Young people can easily feel isolated, but we want RVY to be a place where friendships can be built and strengthened. RVY therefore seeks to develop a range of projects and events, both online and face to face. Online, the majority of young people engage with several different technologies. Youtube, Gaming, and Social Media are the key platforms young people are attracted to. RVY has already begun to engage with our young people through social media and live streaming on Youtube. We have already received very positive feedback and a core group from across the churches is beginning to come together. In the new year, we hope to launch a RVY gaming channel for young people to join and enjoy with their friends. Credit goes to Lucy for overcoming the technological hurdles and figuring out how to be a “You-tuber” with Chris! Apart from the online engagement, we also hope (as soon as COVID permits) to get out on the streets with a team of RVY Youth Workers; volunteers from local churches who are passionate about engaging with young people in our community. A couple of months before RVY was launched we did a street survey of young people which showed there is both a huge need and an opportunity to meet and engage with them right on the street. The dream is to help young people, who have never engaged with church before, find a home in a church family that is right for them. This isn’t a job for the few but depends on local churches’ involvement. Can we encourage you to tell your young people about RVY? We would also be grateful for volunteers with a passion for youth work to join the team, and, of course, for your prayers for RVY. We are very excited about what God will do through His church as RVY moves forwards. If you are interested in joining the team please contact Lucy or Chris: chrischrismeyer@gmail.com lucyskelton@stjamesclitheroe.co.uk Lucy Skelton and Chris Meyer Prayers: Father, thank you for your goodness and favour, as RVY has taken its first steps. Thank you for every church and young person who has engaged with it. Thank you for the vision you have given the team, to bring together your sons and daughters, and share your love with the Ribble valley. Lord we ask that you will continue to inspire us, to seek your will, for more young people to become part of RVY, and for your wisdom as we move forwards. Let your kingdom come and will be done, here on earth as it is in Heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Please also pray for: – Young believers to grow in their friendships through RVY.  – Young people to be inspired to join RVY and local church life. – Wisdom for leaders in effectively reaching young people online. – Wisdom for leaders as we plan how best to reach young people face to face in the community. – Volunteers to join the RVY team as it grows – Support and investment from local churches

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FROM THE ARCHIVES:

CLITHEROE ADVERTISER AND TIMES

1957 – PANTOMIME – QUEEN OF HEARTS

FUN FOR ALL IN “QUEEN OF HEARTS”

Gay Dances: Tuneful melodies

For many years now the brightest package in Clitheroe’s Christmas tree has generally been regarded as the pantomime presented by the Catholic Pantomime Society at The Hall.

This year the package is bigger, brighter an funnier thank ever, full of snappy dance routines, colourful scenery, lavish costumes and breezy humor.

Right from the word go, the audience was enthralled with scene after scene of mounting excellence designed to please the eye and ear of even the most fastidious.

The choice of story this time was that evergreen favourite the “Queen of Hearts.”

These pantomime stories get thinner and thinner every year, but the audiences do not seem to mind and certainly there is no lack of other ingredients in this delectable connection.

Principle boy and girl were once again that delightful pair, Margaret O’Donnell and Audrey Smith, the one bold and dashing, the other sweet and winsome in the best pantomime tradition.

Their pleasing voices combined in many a pleasing duet, while they contributed a number of solo items of equal distinction, numbers like “The Birds and the Bees,” “Getting to Know You” and “More”.  All were most enjoyable.

The Queen of Hearts was none other than our old friend Sam Bridge.  His incomparable sense of fun is given full rein in a tailor-made role to which he did full justice.

LOCAL INSTITUTIONS

     As is right and proper he poked fun at local personalities and institutions, his sallies sending the audience into shrieks of laughter.

Particularly good was his “over-the-garden-wall” effort – in which he portrayed a Lancashire housewife chatting to a neighbour and his stories as “Revolving Doors” and glamorous clippie.

His partner in fun was mainly Joe Bailey.

Particularly funny was a glorious day at the seaside – in which they looked like a couple of old ladies who had strayed from a Giles cartoon.

Technically, Mr Bailey played Black Patch, but most of the time he and Mr Bridge were engaged in knockabout comedy acts of a revue character which added spice and zest to the production.

Another figure of fun was Derek Rawcliffe as the testy King of Hearts, while John Byrne made a dashing Knave.  Derek and Sam were joined another riot, “Rock around the Click”.

The bold bad King of Spades and his henchman the Knave, were admirably portrayed by William Altham and Ernest Swarbrick, while Patricia Wareing was a dainty Pink Fairy.

Other roles were portrayed by Keith Stansfield, Fred Dunn, Brenda Grant and Tommy Walker.

SIGNATURE TUNE

    The opening chorus “Bring your Smile Along” was the signature tune of the show.

It introduced a well-drilled chorus, the delightful pantomime children whose self-assurance and general air of competence belied their years.

Even the tiniest of tots carried themselves like troupers, parading and dancing with skill and precision in the most complicated of manoeuvres.

The principal speciality scene of the first half of the programme was “Vienna in Springtime,” which introduced Tommy Walker whose vigorous singing was one of the highspots of the show.

With Brenda Grant and Joan Preedy, as the dancers in beautiful white gowns, he submitted an appealing “Lovely Lady”.

Patricia Wareing was also heard to advantage in another delightful song in this scene, “Swing High, Swing Low,” while she was joined by Ernest Swarbrick in a lilting duet, “Moonlight, the Danube and You.”  Tommy Walker again excelled in “Serenade.”

LOVELY SCENES

     All these numbers were portrayed against a beautiful scenic background and a colourful and competent array of dancers.

Another speciality scene, “Way Down South,” introduced a number of well-known melodies like “Swanee,” by Derek Rawcliffe and the company, “Tenessee” by Ernest Swarbrick and “Midnight Choo-Choo,” an opportunity to hear the pleasing singing of Helen Turner and the slick dancing of the Tappers.

Tommy Walker’s vigorous voice was heard again in “Lucky Old Sun.” Joe Bailey and Sam Bridge brought more laughs with another piece of tomfoolery, “Lily of Laguna.”

The children were again to the fore in “Are you from Dixie?” while the company brought a rousing scene to a successful close with “On the Mississippi.”

There was a military air about the scene as Tommy Walker introduced a number of martial numbers with “The Sergeant Major’s on Parade.”

He was the exasperated sergeant major who had to deal with a couple of loony recruits – Sam Bridge and Joe Bailey, guaranteed to make any N.C.O. resign in despair.

THE TINY TOTS

     Sandra Webster gave us a delightful “Lollypop Major.” While Maria Foulker led the tiny tots in the “Toy Town Artillery.”

One of the outstandingly beautiful numbers was a hunting scent, in which a picture of red-coated huntsmen came to life to sing a number of well-known hunting songs.

In contrast was a Nativity scene which unfolded as Vanessa Houlker sweetly and reverently sang, “Angelus.”

One of the most appealing items was “Apple Blossom Time, “which featured little Marlene Bridge, Mary McDonald and the Tiny Tots, while Mary Waterhouse and Vanessa Houlker gave much enjoyment with their rendering of “Wild, wild roses.”

This is but a selection of the outstanding items from a show which has more than 70 artistes and nearly 50 musical numbers. Yet interest never flags, such is the sure direction the production has been given by the joint producers, Mr Edmond Cambien, Mr J.K.Sherliker, Miss Frances Lofthouse and Miss Marie Sherliker.

COMBATING PLASTIC WASTE

Globally we are producing approximately 300 million tonnes of plastic each year, and around half of that is classed as single-use plastic. Much of it finishes up in the oceans with devastating effect on marine life.  As Catholics we sometimes forget that we are stewards not only of what we possess but of our whole planet, yet we deflect responsibility onto government, business or other people.  The Laudato Si’ (Live Simply) Group, linked with the Parish CAFOD group, aims to provide educational and practical opportunities for the Parish, and its linked schools, to care for the environment.

There are now three Clitheroe based initiatives that can help us to recycle plastic or avoid its use. Ocean Clear, at Unit 2 Wellgate Court, Wellgate, (between Brioche and Your Style) sell eco-friendly products and also recycle a range of things including: crisp packets, Pringles tubes and other wrappers as well packaging for health and Beauty products. Seal Metal at 6 Albion Court Waterloo Road, (near Tesco) take a very wide range of materials including plastics and electrical and electronic goods, metals, glass, paper, cardboard and polystyrene. They also offer a pocket money scheme for children to encourage environmental awareness.  Little Green Footprints on Clitheroe Market  provide a Refill Station for many environmentally friendly plant-based Household and Bathroom products.

One of  the biggest uses of plastic is bottles filled with water that has has been clearly demonstrated to be no better than tap water.  There are now over 20,000 Refill Stations in the UK and the Refill website app enables you to find one on your journey.

These are all good, and you can find out more about them on the Laudato Si’ (Live Simply) webpage http://www.olotv.org.uk/parish-groups/laudato-si but in the longer term we must aim to avoid non-recyclable plastic altogether and be prepared to pay a little more to buy produce without packaging.

God is in everything and God IS everything.  God gave us oil and he gave us the ability to transform it into plastic with its countless noble uses.  But thrown away it kills our living planet.  We turn God’s gift into waste and throw it back in his face.

Let us remember a recent bidding prayer: Let us pray that each of us will use wisely the things of this world, turning away from greed, over-consumption and waste.

LAUDATO SI’ (LIVE SIMPLY) GROUP

THE TIME IS NOW!

OUR CLIMATE IS IN OUR HANDS…

“The Time is NOW” mass lobby of M.P.’s at Westminster on 26th June was organised by The Climate Coalition and Greener UK – two confederations of organisations, that include CAFOD and which represent millions of people across the UK.

From surfers to scientists, bird watchers to beekeepers, everyone has a stake in the state of our environment. No one is more aware of this than Pope Francis, who in his Laudato ‘Si encyclical letter, calls us all to action defending and promoting the health of God’s creation.

On arriving at Westminster our day began with Interfaith addresses from the leaders of several faiths: Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist, expressing their concerns for the future of our planet. Later, Bishop Arnold pointed to the unanimity of their aspirations. Outstanding amongst the speakers was a Quaker, a young girl supporting Greta Thunberg in her School Strike for action on Climate change, who pleaded passionately for us all to commit to caring for “our common home”.

From there, Bishop John Arnold led us out to lobby our respective MPs. Nigel Evans was not available but he had arranged for two of his researchers, both from the Ribble Valley, to speak with his constituents. We discussed a variety of issues – ranging from fracking and renewable energy to solar panels on new builds. We gave them clear requests to hand to Nigel Evans, requesting that he put out a statement on them and that he arranges to meet us in the Ribble Valley.  We await his response.

After relaxing in the sunshine on the Green, with coffee and free ice cream, the day concluded with a CAFOD Mass at Church House led by Bishop Arnold and concelebrated with five other priests. At the end Jose Batista, a land rights lawyer working for the Pastoral Land Commission in Maraba, Brazil, made a passionate plea to save the rainforest, the lungs of the earth.  The Mass was both emotional and inspiring.  It was a privilege to be there.

It was a long day but to see people of all ages and organisations, and especially the many young people voicing their hopes for the future, it was worth every minute!

Remember, the dinosaurs also thought they had time!

THE CAFOD GROUP