Third Sunday in Lent — Sunday 8th March 2026
Catholic Voice
Latest copy (March) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter
Anyone heard of Saint Photini? No, I hadn’t either. Or Saint Svetlana, as they call her in Russian? Nope, again. Photon in Greek, Svetlana in Russian, is actually the name given to the biblically unnamed Woman at the Well in today’s Gospel. After meeting the Lord she went to tell many people about her encounter with the Lord, who came to believe in Jesus, so many that she became known as one of the first Evangelists. But according to Eastern Tradition, it was not until Pentecost Sunday that Photoni herself was baptized, and given her name, which means ‘Enlightened’ or ‘Luminous one’, by the Apostles themselves. She converted her five sisters, all of whom became Saints themselves, as well as her two sons, Photino and Joses. Together they all went on to became great Missionaries, travelling to Carthage after the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul. Their Mission brought them to the attention of the Emperor Nero, and, amidst the persecution of the time, they were all martyred in 66AD, Photini herself being martyred by being thrown down a dry well. Let us rejoice in our meetings with the Lord this Sunday, and every day of Lent – and let our encounters have as profound effect on us at did to Saint Photini. Lord Jesus, I come to You like the woman at the well, tired and longing for something more. I confess the areas in my life that are dry and thirsty. You know my story, my mistakes, and my hidden hurts, yet You still invite me to drink. Give me, I pray, that living water which quenches my deepest longings and satisfies my soul. Wash away my fear, anxiety, and shame. Let Your grace become a wellspring within me, bringing healing, peace, and eternal life. Thank You for meeting me here, just as I am. Transform me, as You did her, so I may joyfully share Your love with others. Amen.
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 Lenten Service of Reconciliation
Wednesday 25th March 7pm at Holy Family Church Freckleton
Please pray for Catechumens Rhys and Liam, and Candidates Janos, Csanad, Alan and James as they make their final preparations to be received into Full Communion with the Church at Easter.
2026 Lenten Challenge
This year I’m raising money to send them to a school in Malawi, run by the community. It costs just £300 for a child’s education, board and lodging for a whole year, and it would be great to send as many children to build up the school as we can. To this end I will be making 1000 Origami Paper Cranes – an international symbol of hope and peace. If you would like to help us, please see the poster in the Church and Schools, use the QR code to gift if possible, or pass on enveloped donations at the back of Church. And also check out the Paper Cranes made by the children at SJ’s and SP’s. Many thanks in anticipation for your support.
St Patricks Day Celebration
Quiz, Food, bar and Singalong with the Ukelele Orchestra
SJs Hall at 7pm on Saturday 14th March
Adults £7 and Children £3
Tickets available after Mass or message Susan on the number in this weeks bulletin!
First Holy Communion Course
We have now begun the course for our young people. Please pray for them as they gather each Monday evening to prepare this great step in the journey of faith.
Red Mission Boxes
The Spring collection from the boxes will take place in March. Please bring your box to church and leave in the sacristy (ensure your name is on the box). The boxes will be emptied and returned to the sacristy for your collection. If you would like a box please contact David Warwick via the number in this weeks bulletin.
Seminarians for the Diocese of Lancaster
This Autumn there will be 4 men beginning formation for priesthood for the Diocese of Lancaster. They will join the propaedeutic year at the Royal English College, Valladolid, Spain. Please support them in your prayers: Alexander Kanaan, Ben O’Flynn, Dominic Standing, Paddie Denton. We ask you to continue to pray for them and for vocations to the priesthood for our diocese.
A Week of Retreat and a School of Prayer
March 9-13 (7-8.30pm) plus day retreat (10am-3pm) on Saturday 14th March. If you feel you need help with prayer so did the first disciples. During this week in mid-lent we will introduce a variety of ways of praying each evening, and do the same again on Saturday. Come to any or all of the online evening meetings or the Saturday. The week is being led by members of the Jesuit Institute for anyone in Lancaster Diocese. The Diocese is covering the cost which makes it free. All the sessions are online. No need to register. To receive the zoom link, and a reminder that it’s happening nearer the time, email Ursula, our Diocesan Spirituality Rep. uwalker@uwclub.net
Lancaster Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
This year the Lourdes Pilgrimage is 23rd – 30th July. Details are on the posters in the porch. There is also a Youth Pilgrimage at the same time. If anyone is interested booking forms are available at the back of Church.
Stations of the Cross Walk from St. Wilfred’s Preston to Ladyewell
Saturday 21st March. Setting off from St Wilfrid’s, Preston at 9am, with Mass at 12:30pm On arrival at Ladyewell, we will celebrate Mass together at 12.30pm. Transport back to St. Wilfrid’s will be offered for walkers so it is vital that you sign up before hand so we can ensure there is enough transport. You can find all the details and sign up by following this link: https://metanoiaproject.churchsuite.com/events/x9viwafr
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