6th July 2025
Catholic Voice
latest copy can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter:
This Friday 11th we celebrate the Feast of St. Benedict, one of the Patron Saints of Europe, and known as the ‘Father of Western Monasticism’. Born around 480AD to a wealthy family, Benedict was drawn to the ascetic life of a hermit, high in the mountains, away from the debauchery of Rome. Other people seeking a similar life were drawn to him, and this led to the building of the famous monastery at Monte Cassino, where the monks, as today, lived a life of prayer, work, and study, as well as hospitality to others, all under the ‘Rule of St. Benedict’ which he wrote towards the end of his life. Whether drawn to the monastic life or not (and I’m definitely not), the ‘Rule’ is still a great read, and hugely appropriate to this day and age, perhaps more than ever, in its call to work for the common good, to have respect for all peoples, and a sense of hospitality and welcome to all, all combined with ‘moderation in all things’, as well as the two fold Christianity identities of work and prayer for the Lord – along with an emphasis on scriptural and ecclesiastical study, and finally reminding us that the rule is only ‘a beginning to perfection’. I actually read the rule just last night (it’s not a huge tome), in a new modern, translation (which I downloaded on to my Kindle), and was wryly struck at how it suggests a way of life and ideas for living which so many modern ‘self-help’ books regularly promote as something new to the twenty-first century - it’s fifteen hundred years old! This is Benedict’s prayer: O gracious and holy God, Give us wisdom to know you, Intelligence to understand you, Diligence to seek you, Patience to wait for you, Eyes to behold you, A heart to meditate upon you, A life to proclaim you. To the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, May we see the face of Christ in others. May we listen to others with the ear of our heart. Amen. Incidentally, I wanted to be a Gregorian monk, but I never got the chants. I’ll get my coat, and my habit…
First Week of the Month at SJSP’s.
Monday 7th July: Evening Prayer and Benediction at St. Joseph’s at 7pm.
Large Print:
As requested, Large Print newsletters and missalettes are available at the back of Church.
Prayer for Peace:
many thanks to everyone who - at incredibly short notice - advertised, heard about, and then attended the Rosary and Benediction for Peace a couple of weeks ago at SP’s. It was a very special Holy Hour, and it is suggested we might make this a monthly event – in the third week of the month, complementing our Vespers on the first week? What do you think? Please let me know.
SJSP Ukulele Orchestra:
still strumming away every Monday. This week we meet in SJ’s Presbytery at 7:30pm after Vespers.
Mass at St. Winifrede’s House
(The clergy retirement home) in honour of Blessed Edward Bamber (local Martyr), celebrated by Bishop Paul. This Thursday 10th July 6.30pm Low Moor Road, Blackpool, FY2 0PA. All most welcome.
Please pray
for those whom Requiems and Funeral Services we will be celebrating over the next few weeks; Sr. Margaret Brown this Tuesday July 8th at Stella Matutina at 11:30am; Yvonne Battersby Wednesday 13th July at SJ’s at 12:15pm; Requiescat in pace.
The Rule of St. Benedict:
I’ve already been asked to add, further to the ‘message’ overleaf, that the version of ‘The Rule’ that I read last night was a new modern translation by Peter Northcutt. There are other Spiritual Classics in this series, and I will report on them at a later date.
Fylde Rugby Club:
there has been a planning application from Fylde Rugby which I was asked to look over as a concerned party. I’ve had it checked it out by a competent authority (not me), and the work at the back of their buildings should not affect us. Thank you for the help!
Wedding Anniversary Mass:
Sat 12 July, 12.15pm Lancaster Cathedral. Bishop Paul invites all couples in the Diocese celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries this year - to a Mass of celebration and blessing. All are welcome to attend. For those couples wishing a blessing for their Catholic marriage please email the Cathedral at clergy@lancastercathedral.org.uk
Castlerigg Manor:
Castlerigg Manor is opening its doors to family groups and social groups this August. There are single rooms, twin rooms, and large family rooms at very cheap rates. Guests have access to the grounds, chapel, games room, and lounges, with Keswick and the Lake only a short walk away. For more info director@castleriggmanor.co.uk or castleriggmanor.com/open
Diocesan Pilgrimages:
Places for Diocesan Pilgraimages still available: Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025: ‘With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope.’ 23rd – 30th July. Details joewalshtours.co.uk Diocesan Walsingham: 20-24 Oct All-inclusive cost is £475-£550 details Deacon Charlie Conner at charlie.conner@lrdc.org.uk
Dates for the Diary, Upcoming SJSP Social Events:
Sunday July 13th: BBQ and Summer Games in SJ’s Garden
Watch this Space for More Details!
Email Address:
The Diocese is changing all email addresses. The one email for our two parishes is now sjsp.lsa@lrcd.org.uk. Please do whatever you have to do to use this email from now on. Cheers.
Hospital:
Please remember to let us know if you or one of your family is being admitted to hospital.
Coffee & Bacon Butties:
Will be available in the church hall after the 9:15am Mass. Why not come and enjoy a chat.
St Joseph’s Care:
Do you know of anyone in our community who is in need or might need a little more support? Company or just someone to talk to? Someone who may, at times, need help with things? Please let us know and we can contact them. Or you can give them our St Joseph’s Care phone number so they can contact us: Tel: 07840112265.
St Joseph’s Facebook Page:
We now have over 300 people regularly following us on Facebook which is allowing us to reach out to those in the wider community and fulfill our parish commitment to evangelization. In the last couple of months, we have been able to help a number of people who have sought assistance through this medium.