News | St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Ansdell

22nd June 2025

Catholic Voice
latest copy can be found by clicking this link.

Message from Father Peter:
This Friday we celebrate the Lancaster Diocesan Celebration of the Memorial of Our Lady of Fernyhalgh at Ladyewell, just North of Preston, off the A6 at Broughton – our Southern Diocesan Shrine to Our Blessed Mother Mary (the Northernmost one being Cleator in West Cumbria, my home Parish). Fernyhalgh has been a place of devotion to Mary for Centuries – records going right back to the 11th Century, indeed the name ‘Fernyhalgh’ has been taken to mean ‘Ancient Shrine’ by some historians, although there other somewhat more prosaic explanations for the name, and prayer has been offered their continually, right up to events that take place their now, even during times of persecution. The name ‘Ladyewell’ seems to have been given to the place from the mid 1600’s, when the present house there was built, with the well developed by nuns living there at the beginning of the twentieth century – there is a legend of an Irish Sailor being directed in a dream to the well and to build a chapel after surviving a storm at sea. As well as a place of devotion to Mary, the site now houses a chapel which recalls all the names of the Diocesan Martyrs, reminding us of the great faith that has persisted through thick and thin in this part of Northen England. There are many events and personal pilgrimages throughout the year – with other Christian denominations praying there too. Almighty God, the legend of the well has carried over the centuries devotion to our Lady of Fernyhalgh, even when to be faithful was a call to martyrdom. May we today confront the most subtle challenges of the world to our faith as we renew our prayer for your protection, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with your and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and veer. Amen. If you haven’t been, do pop in if you are able, or checkout their website – and perhaps we might think about our own Parishes Pilgrimage over there ourselves? It’s a lot nearer than Guadalupe!

Bishop Paul:
Bishop Paul thoroughly enjoyed his time here last week, and has promised to write a letter thanking everyone for their welcome and hospitality on his unannounced visit! Watch this space.

Masses with our Young People:
Over the past couple of weeks we celebrated two wonderful Masses with our young people – a celebration of First Communion with all the Year Fours from our five deanery schools, and a Mass led by St. Bede’s last Tuesday. Many thanks to everyone who helped organise these celebrations, and all who work so hard to pass on the faith to our young people. Here’s to many more such celebrations!

Please pray:
Please pray for those whom Requiems and Funeral Services we will be celebrating over the next few weeks; Chris Hall June 24th at SP’s at 11am; and Mary Veronica McLaughlin July 2nd at SP’s at 1pm, and Sr. Margaret Brown July 8th at Stella Matutina at 11:30am. Requiescat in pace.

Congratulations:
Congratulations to Jenny and Dan who were married at SP’s last Monday, and the Father of the Bride, Deacon David, who married them – his first wedding as celebrant!

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

The Syrian Refugees and the Displaced Lebanese
thank the Parish of St. Peter in Lytham for donating £635.00 and St. Joseph’s in Ansdell for donating £1410:00 in support of the project in Zahleh, Lebanon. This project involves feeding 1500 refugees each weekday as well as offering comfort and companionship and especially to the Sick and the Elderly infirm. Aid to the Church in Need helps with this endeavour. The total raised is £9,100.20. Thank you. Fr. Philip will offer 3 Masses for the intentions & wellbeing of all benefactors. Fr. Philip Newbold (And bravo to our friend Fr Phil for his successful Lenten challenge! FrP)

Dates for the Diary, Upcoming SJSP Social Events:
Saturday June 28th: Lytham Club Day Sunday July 13th: BBQ and Summer Games in SJ’s Garden Watch this Space for More Details!

Diocesan Pilgrimages for the Holy Year:
Lourdes: ‘With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope.’ 23rd – 30th July. Details and booking forms at: (https://joewalshtours.co.uk)
Walsingham: 20-24 October 2025 £475.00-£550.00. For booking details contact Deacon Charlie Conner - email charlie.conner@lrdc.org.uk

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.