Fifth Sunday in Lent — Sunday 22nd March 2026
Catholic Voice
Latest copy (March) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter
Continuing the Crane Theme! Following on last week from my explanation about the 1000 Cranes, let me introduce you to a book called ‘The Last Paper Crane’. It’s actually a children’s book - or at least for teen readership. Here’s the blurb on the back of the book: ‘1945, Hiroshima: Ichiro is a teenage boy relaxing at home with his friend Hiro. Moments later there is a blinding flash as the horrific bomb is dropped. With great bravery the two boys find Hiro’s five year-old sister Keiko in the devastated and blasted landscape. With Hiro succumbing to his wounds, Ichiro is now the only one who can take care of Keiko. But in the chaos Ichiro loses her when he sets off to find help. Seventy years later, after the death of his wife, the loss of Keiko and his broken promise to his dying friend are haunting the old man’s fading years. Mizuki, his granddaughter, is determined to help him. As the Japanese legend goes, if you have the patience to fold 1,000 paper cranes, you will find your heart’s desire; and it turns out her grandfather has only one more origami crane to fold…’ The book is unusually written in that modern-day scenes of the story are told in verse - Japanese Haiku of five/seven/five syllables - whilst the grandfather’s story is told in prose, and there are some truly haunting illustrations. It’s not a book about war or politics or blame, but tells of the experience of the bomb through the eyes of unknowing and uncomprehending children; it’s about childhood promises, compassion, guilt, and whether or not there is a possibility of redemption. I sat and read the book in one sitting (it’s that kind of a book). It is such a beautiful, heart-breaking read, and I can thoroughly recommend it (I’d like to say that everybody should read it), although, be warned, have the Kleenex ready for the ending. A whole box. Possibly two. Gentle readers, I was a total mess at the end.
we are here by grace / we are meant to live in love / we will walk with hope
Lent 2026 at St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s
Stations of the Cross and Benediction:
Mondays at SP’s at 7pm and Tuesdays at SJ’s at 7pm
Extra Times for the Sacrament of Confession:
During Weekday Exposition as usual and
before Stations at SP’s on Mondays from 6:30pm and
during Exposition on Saturday afternoons at SJ’s from 5:30pm, and…
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament: Weekday Exposition as usual and Saturdays in Lent at St. Joseph’s 5pm-5:50pm
Deanery Service of Reconciliation
This Wednesday 25th Holy Family Freckleton at 7pm
Holy Week and The Easter Triduum at St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s 2026
All are welcome to join us for our beautiful Services
Palm Sunday 28th/29th March
St. Joseph’s 6pm Saturday Vigil Mass,
Sunday St. Joseph’s 9:15am, St. Peters 10:30am
Palms will be blessed and distributed at all Masses
Monday 30th March: St. Peter’s 9am Mass, Stations at 7pm
Tuesday 31st March: St. Joseph’s 10am Mass, Stations at 7pm
Spy Wednesday 1st April: Saltcotes 10am Mass
Maundy Thursday 2nd April
St. Peter’s 7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper with watching until 10pm with Night Prayer of the Church at 9:50pm
Good Friday 3rd April
St. Peter’s 10am Stations of the Cross
St. Joseph’s 3pm and St. Peter’s 3pm
Solemn Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
Prayers around Calvary: Outside at St. Joseph’s 6pm
Holy Saturday 4th April
St. Joseph’s: 9am Holy Saturday Morning Prayer
St. Peter’s 7pm Easter Vigil and Service of Light
Easter Sunday 5th April
St. Joseph’s 9:15am Easter Sunday Morning Mass
St. Peter’s 10:30am Easter Sunday Morning Mass
2026 Lenten Challenge
All donations for my 1000 Crane Challenge to raise money to send children in Malawi to school most gratefully accepted. Envelopes are available at the back of Church, as well as the QR code on the noticeboard. Please take a greetings card or bookmark of my handiwork!
Please pray for Catechumens Rhys and Liam, and Candidates Janos, Csanad, Alan and James, and Confirmandi Jacob and Tara as they make their final preparations to be received into Full Communion with the Church at Easter. Please pray for our young people as they gather each Monday evening on their First Holy Communion Course to prepare this great step in the journey of faith. This week they will be making their First Reconciliation.
CAFOD Family Fast
The amount from St Joseph’s received by CAFOD was £1,409.70. Huge thanks to everyone who donated to this most important of bi-annual collections.
Easter Sunday
5th April - Coffee and Cakes after 10.30am mass at SP’s - proceeds for Father Peters 2026 Lenten Challenge. All Welcome!
Family Bingo
SP’s Hall - 18th April 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Proceeds from the evening will go towards the general upkeep of our lovely Saltcotes Chapel.
Social Events
There is a box at the back of church for suggestions for social and fundraising events for our parishes.
All ideas welcome… a meal out? Afternoon tea?
Fr P performing his one-man version of Cats?
Chaplaincy Volunteer Role
Are you interested in offering compassionate spiritual and emotional support to patients and families at Blackpool Hospital?
For details about joining the RC Chaplaincy volunteer team contact:
Ian Baxter (Lead Chaplain)
📧 i.baxter@nhs.net
Thinking of Becoming a Priest?
Day of recollection and discernment for single men aged 16+ considering priesthood:
Saturday 22 November — 10am–4pm
Lancaster Cathedral
Includes Mass, adoration, guided prayer, talks and lunch.
To book:
📧 Heather.Watts@lrcd.org.uk
☎ 01524 841190
No charge.
Parish Email Address
The Diocese has updated email addresses.
Our shared parish email is now:
📧 sjsp.lsa@lrcd.org.uk
Please use this address going forward.
Hospital Notices
Please let us know if you or a family member is admitted to hospital.
Coffee & Bacon Butties
Available in the church hall after the 9:15am Mass.
Come and enjoy a chat!
St Joseph’s Care
Do you know someone in our community who may need extra support, company or a friendly conversation?
Contact St Joseph’s Care:
☎ 07840 112265
You may share this number with anyone who may benefit.
St Joseph’s Facebook Page
Over 300 people now regularly follow our parish Facebook page, helping us reach the wider community and assist those seeking support.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Josephs-Roman-Catholic-Church-Ansdell/230000653837017