Palm Sunday — Sunday 29th March 2026
Catholic Voice
Latest copy (March) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter
Our Gospel Readings for the first three days of Holy Week:
Monday: John 12:1-11 today’s Gospel tells us of the incidents during the last days of Jesus before the Passover. Today we hear that Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, anoints Jesus - in preparation for his death - in spite of the protests of Judas, who saw it as a waste of money.
Tuesday: John 13:21-33.36-38 We contrast Judas and Peter. Judas is greedy and his greed leads to disloyalty and betrayal. Jesus will be glorified through his actions. Peter is impetuous and makes unreasonable promises that he will later regret. But he will also repent of his mistakes.
Wednesday: Matthew 26:14-25 There are many things to reflect on as we prepare for the three sacred days of the Triduum, beginning tomorrow night. We have a description of the betrayal by Judas, which gives this day its name ‘Spy Wednesday’, the preparation for the Last Supper, the account of this supper and the institution of the Eucharist, and the forecast that the disciples would scatter in fear, in spite of their protestations of loyalty.
Palm Sunday 28th/29th March 2026
Stations of the Cross and Benediction:
Monday at SP’s at 7pm and Tuesday at SJ’s 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
Spy Wednesday 1st April: Saltcotes 10am Mass
Maundy Thursday 2nd April
St. Peter’s 7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
with Washing of Feet, Blessed Sacrament Procession, and
Watching until 10pm with
Night Prayer of the Church at 9:50pm
Good Friday 3rd April
St. Peter’s 10am Stations of the Cross
Ecumenical Service: St. Paul’s Charity Shop Woodlands Road 10am
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 at 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
Holy Saturday Morning Prayer
Please note the ‘extra’ service this year - Morning Prayer for Holy Saturday in SJ’s next Saturday Morning at 9am., in the bleakness of the Church after Good Friday.
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.
Congratulations to our First Holy Communion Children who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Monday evening, and will lead us in our Mass on Maundy Thursday.
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
Sat. 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