Second Sunday of Easter — Sunday 12th April 2026

Catholic Voice

Latest copy (April) can be found by clicking this link.

Message from Father Peter

So, what happened next? The Gospels record the events of the resurrection of Jesus, and his Ascension into heaven forty days later. What happens next is outlined in the sequel to St. Luke’s Gospel, which he wrote as an ordered account of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth (his own description), the Acts of the Apostles. This great book, which we will be reading on weekdays and Sundays throughout Eastertide tells the wonderful, and exciting and exhilarating, story of the Early Church. We begin with the Apostles lost and confused in the Upper Room where they celebrated the Last Supper, with our Blessed Mother Mary amongst them. Chapter two outlines the Coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday (the fiftieth day after Easter) after which the Apostles go out and preach a brand-new message - that of Christ Crucified and Risen, and baptise thousands of people in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. From the Church being founded in Jerusalem we see the Church becoming truly Catholic, meaning Universal, as the Apostles scatter around the world, with St. Peter centering the Church of Christ in the City of Rome. We hear of the first Council of the Church in Jerusalem, especially focusing on which traditions of Judaism are taken forward into Christianity. And we follow the journey of St. Paul, whom we first meet as Saul, approving of the killing of the first Martyr, St. Stephen, before being blinded with the light of Christ on the road to Damascus, and becoming one of the fiercest defenders of the faith. We meet so many amazing characters, such as Lydia, who works in the Purple Dye Trade, and an Ethiopian Eunuch, who receives catechesis from St. Philip in his Chariot, and is invoked when we bless cars and other modes of transport. It’s one of the most exciting and readable books in the whole of the Scriptures, and we are blessed to have this wonderful, Spirit inspired document to help us celebrate and wonder at our continuation of this very same story in our Church in this day and age. As we look forward to reading and hearing this great book, let us pray: Father, anoint us with your Holy Spirit, so that as we read and listen to your eternal Word, your Word may penetrate my whole being and transform me. Grant me the blessing to be a faithful disciple in believing the Word of God, preaching the Word of God, and living the Word of God, that I may be a light shining upon all who are in darkness. Amen. Incidentally, what kind of car did the Apostles drive? A Honda. Because in the Acts of the Apostles, it says they were all in one Accord. I’ll get my coat. And my New Testament.

Huge continued Eastertide thanks

To everyone involved with the wonderful services we have celebrated over Lent and Easter: our friends and deacons, Michael and David, the altar servers and sacristy organisers, the readers and ministers and organizers; the choirs and instrumentalists; the flower people; the welcomers; the collectors; the children’s and sacramental catechists, teachers and parents; not forgetting our extra special children themselves who help the future of our parishes to shine brightly; the refreshment makers and social organisers; our Church Cleaners and those who prepared the Churches; and all those who keep the Parishes, the Churches, the House and grounds running; personal thanks to the people who do support me in my ministry here; and everyone (including those I haven’t mentioned… forgive me!) who comes along throughout the year, every day and every Sunday, to ensure that the light of Christ is burning brightly at St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s throughout the year. A very Happy Eastertide to you all!

2026 Lenten Challenge

As announced last week, the total donated by SJSP, from envelopes, from the JustGiving page, together with amazing contributions from our own St. Peter’s school where all the children did a sponsored walk raising nearly GBP1500, along with a contribution of GBP600 from the St. Bede’s Mission Week, the staggering total (whilst still awaiting further donations from the other junior schools in the area) is GBP12,832! That is truly so much more than I could ever have imagined! Continued thanks for your great support which is enabling to change the lives of so many children. There will be information from Malawi when we receive news from how they are working God’s mission with our support. Many blessings.

First Holy Communion

The course resumes in SJ’s Hall this Monday 13th at 6pm. We look forward to our First Communion Mass on May 16th.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Diocese

Leaflets and forms at the back of Church. Pilgrimage to Walsingham 2026: the National Shrine to Our Blessed Lady, will take place 28 September to 1 October 2026. The theme for this year’s pilgrimage is “Mary, cause of our Joy.” The all-inclusive cost is GBP360.00-GBP420.00 (dependent on accommodation type). Coach collection/drop off will take place in Workington, Carlisle, Penrith, Lancaster and Preston. For more information and booking details contact the pilgrimage organiser Deacon Charlie Conner on the number in this weeks bulletin or email charlie.conner@lrcd.org.uk

Feast of Divine Mercy

Today Sunday 12th April 2026 Our Lady of the Assumption Church Blackpool, Blackpool. Begins at 2.30pm Blessing and Veneration of Image 3pm; Divine Mercy Chaplet, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions.

Family Bingo in 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