Category Archives: Weekly View

Corpus Christi – 7th June 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Congratulations to our children in both Sabden and Clitheroe who today make their First Holy Communion and also to one young man who will receive his First Holy Communion from the Bishop in St Hubert’s, Dunsop Bridge.
Please pray for them and their families. As I have told the parents: as a dog is not just for Christmas so First Holy Communion is not just for this special day but rather it is a beginning, the beginning of a relationship with Jesus Christ that if lived faithfully will stand their children in good stead as they navigate their life’s journey.

The Bishop is in Dunsop Bridge to celebrate Bridget Hilton’s Civic Mass following her installation as the Mayor of Ribble Valley. Bridget is known to many of us and we wish her well during her coming year of office and assure her of our prayer and support.
Also Bishop John is visiting St Hubert’s in recognition of the church’s 150th anniversary, to announce Mgr John Chaloner’s official retirement and to thank him for his commitment and dedication as parish priest over the past 18 years, and formally announce that St Hubert’s is to join with our parish of Our Lady of the Valley.
Mgr Chaloner isn’t leaving but will continue to live in retirement at St Hubert’s Presbytery and celebrate the 10am Sunday Mass.

The Right to Life Walk was a huge success with a good attendance and a really pleasant atmosphere. Unexpectedly Archbishop Kelly was able to join us this year and now well recovered from his stroke he completed the walk. All the visitors were appreciative of the welcoming cups of tea and the wonderful homemade cakes provided at the end of their trek. My thanks to all who participated, sponsored and otherwise supported this important Right to Life event. In his blog to the clergy, Bishop John wrote “It was good to see a number of young families. I must say there is a great deal of beautiful countryside in this Diocese.”

And then there was the farewell party! What a great night it was, a real good old fashioned parish “do” with entertainment provided by our children’s choir and parishioners, the excellent Splinter Jazz Group, the Mulgrew comedy trio and the surprise compare. Fr Frankie was deeply touched by your generosity of the Spiritual Bouquet and the cheque for £1,386! A great night that showed the Parish and its Centre at their best.

Fr John

 

The Most Holy Trinity – 31st May 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Speaking recently about the family Pope Francis offered his unique form of spiritual, common sense guidance.
He told a personal story about an occasion when he was rude to a primary school teacher, who promptly called his mother. When his mother came to school the next day, she made him apologize to the teacher and then disciplined him when he got home. Today, instead, he said, parents reprimand the teacher who tries to discipline their child.
He then said it is obvious that the current situation is “not good” or “harmonious,” since it tends to put families and schools in opposition rather than in collaborative relationships.
Further he claimed that parents today are “puzzled by the new demands made by children” and the complexity of life, so that many are “paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake.”
Another problem is that “Educating children is difficult for parents who see their children only in the evening when they return home tired from work.”
“It is even more difficult for parents who are separated, who are weighed down by their circumstances,” he said. He urged separated parents to “never, never, never take a child hostage” by speaking ill of the other parent. He recognized that being separated is “a trial” but added that “children must not be the ones to carry the weight of this separation or to be used like hostages against the other spouse.”
The advice the apostle Paul gives to both children and parents in his Letter to the Colossians (Col 3, 18-21) that children obey their parents in all things and that parents never drive their children to resentment — is “a wise rule,” he said.
To exasperate a child is to ask them to do things they are not able to do, the pope explained. Rather, children must be accompanied and “grow without being discouraged, step by step,” he said.
He also encouraged families to practice patience. “Even in the best of families, there is the need to put up with each other,” he said. “But that’s life. Life is not lived in a laboratory, it’s lived in reality.”
If families were able to recover their pride in being the primary educators of their children, he said, “many things would change for the better, [both] for uncertain parents and for disappointed children.”

Fr John

 

Pentecost Sunday – 24th May 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Due to the high demand for tickets to attend Fr Frankie’s farewell celebration both by parishioners and non-parishioners alike, those wishing to bring children and the capacity of the Parish Centre, which is restricted by Law to 200 people, I and the organising committee have had to perform some quick footwork. At the recent Parish Forum which decided to mark Fr Frankie’s departure, it was agreed that the event would not be for children (all of whom have attended farewell events organised by our three schools) but for parishioners alone to thank Fr Frankie for his service to them over the past almost two years. (The one exception are the children in the choir) As a result, on Thursday the following message was emailed around the parish and published on the parish notice board:
Fr. Frankie’s Social Evening: Because of the very high demand for tickets and to ensure that every ticket is a wanted ticket, Fr. John has decided that we must make a charge of £5 a ticket for the evening. Tickets must be paid for on receipt and will be on sale after all Masses this weekend, 23rd & 24th May. There will also be an opportunity to get tickets on Tues 26th May at the presbytery between 6.15pm and 7.00pm. If by any chance some tickets remain unsold, they will be available after Masses on 30th & 31st May. There will be a full buffet of cooked meats, salads etc. as well as entertainment and a presentation to Fr. Frankie. The evening is not for school aged children other than those providing the entertainment. We regret having to make these changes in arrangements but feel that it is necessary as we may not exceed 200 in the Social Centre at any one time.
Hopefully this measure will ensure that all parishioners who wish to attend will be able to do so and none will be left in the street breaking down the doors!

Please do support tomorrow’s sponsored walk. If you cannot walk then please consider baking to provide refreshments for the walkers, many of whom will have travelled a distance to join us.

Fr John

 

The Ascension of the Lord – 17th May 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Speaking recently to some 7,000 people gathered in the Vatican’s audience hall, Pope Francis reflected on the role and vocation of fathers.
The world today, especially in the West, often appears as a world without fathers, as men are so focused on their jobs or personal fulfilment that they neglect their families. When their lives are all work and no play, men turn their children into “orphans” who lack a father to guide them, show them love and teach them values, Pope Francis said.
They are orphans in a family because their fathers are often absent, but above all because when they are home they don’t act like fathers, they don’t dialogue with their children, they don’t fulfil their role as their children’s educators, they don’t give their children, by way of their example and their words, those principles, values and rules of life that they need like bread.”
Pope Francis recalled how when he served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he would often ask fathers whether or not they played with their children, if they had the courage of love to ‘waste’ their time with their children. “And their answer was awful, you know. The majority said, ‘Well, I can’t, I have too much work.’”
Christian communities need to be extra attentive to the crisis of fatherhood in society today and how so many young people feel “orphaned” within their own families, the pope said. So many of the problems that children have, some of them serious, stem from them not having a good father figure – a father who is an authoritative, loving guide and role model, he added.
In fact, the more a father needs to work or be away from home, the more important it is that he takes extra care to live up to his duty of providing solid, quality guidance, he said.
Another problem, the pope identified, is that sometimes fathers seem lost or unsure of what role they are supposed to play in the family and “so, being in doubt, they opt out, they withdraw and neglect their responsibilities, perhaps hiding behind a dubious relationship of ‘equal footing’ with their children. While it is true fathers need to accompany their children, they must not forget they must act like a parent, not a best friend because that is not good for the child.”

Dads, a message well worth pondering on.

Fr John

6th Sunday of Easter – 10th May 2015

Dear Parishioners,

First may I say how nice it is to be here in the parish of Our Lady of the Valley, and how welcoming and friendly everyone has been. Fr John has asked me to write a little bit about myself for the newsletter. For the last two and a half years I have been working in the parishes of Bromley Cross, Harwood and Tonge Moor in Bolton, where I was appointed in September 2012 after being ordained to the Priesthood in July 2012 and completing my training at the Venerable English College, Rome.
Born in Blackley, Manchester, I was educated in Fr John’s old parish at Mount Carmel RC Primary School, St Matthew’s RC Secondary school and then Xaverian RC Sixth Form College before going to Salford University where I studied for an honours degree in Applied Physics with Electronics, as well as a postgraduate Masters degree. Following this I trained for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the Victoria University, Manchester, after which I entered the teaching profession at the secondary level.
After teaching for two years, I entered training for the priesthood for the Salford diocese and was sent to the English College, Rome. Here I studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas where gaining a Bachelors honours degree in Sacred Theology (STB).
After six years, I left formation and returned to the diocese to continue my teaching career and taught in the diocese at the secondary level for another eight years. In 2010 I returned to the English College Rome to complete my training for the priesthood including post graduate studies in Theology, gaining the degree of Licence in Spiritual Theology (STL).
I returned to the diocese in July 2012 to be ordained at St John’s Cathedral, Salford and take up my appointment at St John’s, Bromley Cross, and in April this year was given my new appointment here at Our Lady of the Valley. I am also currently involved in helping to organise the Catechesis for the annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes as well as being part of the diocesan vocations team and have recently joined the diocesan pastoral team for World Youth Day in 2016.
I look forward over the coming months to getting to know you all as I walk with you in our journey of faith.

Fr Joe

5th Sunday of Easter – 3rd May 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Today we welcome Fr Joseph Gee to the parish of Our Lady of the Valley and the beautiful Ribble Vale, wishing him a fruitful ministry and happiness over the coming couple of years. Next week Fr Joe will use this page to introduce himself.

At its last meeting, Parish Forum decided to hold a parish celebration in the Social Centre on the last Sunday of this month, 31st May, to acknowledge Fr Frankie and thank him for all he gave during his time with us and wish him well in his new appointment. The evening will begin at 7pm and will include entertainment, a buffet supper and a presentation.
In preparation Susan White is to compile a “memories” photo album for presentation to him. If you have a suitable photograph please hand it in at either Church or email it to signdesign69@hotmail.com Photos can also be what’s apped to 07791854159. Please include a personal caption; it would be nice to have some handwritten ones, perhaps written on the photo itself. Do make the photos as varied as possible: we don’t want a book full of Fr Frankie in various poses! The absolute cut-off date for entries is 20th May. It will be difficult to return actual pictures.
Maureen Mercer is to organise a Spiritual Bouquet, so start praying today! Carol and Harry Waterworth are to bake and decorate a special presentation cake and Margaret Donnelly is to arrange a financial collection. The event will be coordinated By Sam Smith, Geralyn Lambert, Susan White and Margaret Donnelly.
You may remember that a committee was appointed by the March Forum to look at the future of the Parish Draw. Their conclusion was that if it ain’t broke then don’t mend it! The two problems the Draw faces is the demise of many wonderful and loyal supporters over the past decade or so and that the annual contribution of £10 hadn’t risen over the past 18 years! So, it was decided to recruit new members and increase the annual one off payment to £20. With a membership of only 180 this would realise a monthly prize of £180. Also we require 10 agents to collect the annual fee. Would you like a harmless flutter that would improve the parish finances? Then here is the chance to do so by joining the parish Draw.
Forum also adopted the new structure of future meetings which will begin with tea and biscuits on arrival, a restricted agenda and will last for only one hour.

Finally, we have more of the Bishop Arnold prayer cards which are available in the sacristy.

Fr John

The Bible insists that Christians will be judged by how they cared for the “the least” of their brothers and sisters

how to purchase accutane POPE FRANCIS AT THE PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, 18 APRIL 2015
 “I have stated several times that these new forms of slavery – human trafficking, forced labour, prostitution, organ trade – are very serious crimes, a wound on the body of contemporary humanity. The whole of society is called to grow in this awareness, especially with regard to national and international legislation, in order to prosecute the traffickers and redirect their unjust gains to the rehabilitation of victims.”

The Catholic Times reports:

Last week Pope Francis addressed members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences which dedicated its plenary assembly to examining the phenomenon of human trafficking including the trafficking of migrants. The Bible insists that Christians will be judged by how they cared for “the least” of their brothers and sisters, he said. “And today among these most needy brothers and sisters are those who suffer the tragedy of modern forms of slavery, forced labour, prostitution” as well as the victims of trafficking in organs and drugs.

Slavery which “was widespread and socially accepted – scandalously including in the Christian world because it was big business” – eventually was abolished through long-term and dedicated efforts by both Christians and people of no religious faith who worked together to fight for human dignity, he said.
“Unfortunately, in a global economic system dominated by profit, new forms of slavery have developed and in some ways they are worse and more inhumane that that of the past”, the Pope said. “We are called to denounce and combat them”.

Every citizen of every country must be made aware of human trafficking and join the fight against it, he said.

Special action is needed to encourage countries to enact legislation to bring traffickers to justice and to use “their unjust earnings for the rehabilitation of victims”.

Nations also must be encouraged to grant asylum to the migrants who have fallen prey to the traffickers and ended up in their nations he said.

4th Sunday of Easter – 26th April 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life.
Pope Francis said recently: “Behind and before every vocation to the priesthood there is always the strong and intense prayer of someone.” That someone could a grandparent, parent, teacher, aunt or uncle, friend or sick parisioner, indeed any parishioner.
Such prayer in not necessarily long in words but should be persistent over time. To assist your prayer there are prayer cards available as you leave church where a five day prayer booklet available also. But please, only take one if you are determined to pray them.

Lord, Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd of our souls,

You who know Your sheep and

know how to reach the human heart.

Stir the hearts of those people

who would follow You

but who cannot overcome doubts and fears.

You who are the Word of the Father,

the Word which enlightens and sustains hearts,

conquer with Your Spirit the resistance and

delays of indecisive hearts.

Awaken in those whom You call the

courage of love’s answer: ‘Here I am, send me.’

 A final word from Pope Francis: “I wish to state this clearly to the young, whose youth and openness to the future makes them open-hearted and generous. At times uncertainty, worries about the future and the problems you daily encounter can risk paralyzing your youthful enthusiasm and shattering your dreams, to the point where you can think that it is not worth the effort to get involved, that the God of the Christian faith is somehow a limit on your freedom. Dear young friends, never be afraid to go out from yourselves and begin the journey! The Gospel is the message which brings freedom to our lives; it transforms them and makes them all the more beautiful. How wonderful it is to be surprised by God’s call, to embrace his word, and to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, in adoration of the divine mystery and in generous service to our neighbours! Your life will become richer and more joyful each day!

Today in Clitheroe there is a traditional benediction at 2pm during which we shall pray for vocations.

After Mass there is a retiring collection to finance the training of priests, men like Fr Frankie.

Fr John

 

Bishop Patrick Lynch: Mediterranean Migrant Deaths 20th April 2015

double-quick PRESS STATEMENT

For immediate release – 20 April 2015

Bishop Patrick Lynch:  Mediterranean Migrant Deaths

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the men, women and children dying almost daily in the Mediterranean Sea as they desperately search for a safer life in Europe. We call on all EU member states to involve themselves in the relief efforts and to work collaboratively to find a swift, just, effective and compassionate solution to these humanitarian disasters.”

Bishop Patrick Lynch

Bishop for Migration, Department for International Affairs, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

3rd Sunday of Easter – 19th April 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Those who regularly attend Parish Forum (our Parish Council) will have noticed that attendance has fallen over the past year to eighteen months. A number have told me that it is because meetings are too long: advertised as lasting an hour and a half, they have often stretched to two hours so that by the end, when there is a cup of tea and the chance of an informal chat, everyone wants to get off home. So, starting this Wednesday Forum will begin at the usual time of 7.30pm but will last for one hour only and tea will be served as parishioners arrive. The agenda will include matters arising from the minutes of the previous Forum, appraisal of recent events, only one or two major items for discussion and reports of 3 minutes each will be received from only three parish groups. (Since Forum meets every six weeks all parish groups will have the floor every few months).
The two major items this week will be a discussion of Fr Frankie’s departure and his testimonial and farewell event. The other item will be the future of the Parish Draw. The recommendations of the committee that was elected at the last Forum to look into the future of the Draw will be received and discussed.
At this Forum only, in place of three parish group reports we shall discuss this new format for the meeting and amend it if necessary.

As mentioned last Sunday, Fr Frankie will celebrate all Masses this weekend and take up his new post towards the end of the week. Fr Joe Gee will arrive on Tuesday 28th April.

A few dates for your diaries.

Next Sunday 26th April at 2pm: Latin Benediction.

Thursday 21st May: Confirmations in both Churches at 7.3pm.

Monday 25th May Spring Bank Holiday: the parish hosts the North West sponsored walk in aid of the charity Right to Life. Bishop John Arnold has agreed to join us.

Sunday 7th June Corpus Christi: First Holy Communions in both Churches at 11am.

Sunday 5th July Weld Day: one Mass for the whole parish will be celebrated on the parish field at 10.30am followed by the parish picnic.

Fr John