8th February 2026
Catholic Voice
Latest copy (February) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter
Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
This Wednesday we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Patroness of our Diocese of Lancaster. Whilst we are all familiar with the story of Bernadette of Lourdes (I hope! If not, YouTube The Song of Bernadette; the whole film is there), it’s worth reminding ourselves of the words the Mother of God actually spoke.
In the Scriptures Mary says very little: assenting to the will of God at the Annunciation, making her great Magnificat song when she was greeted by Elizabeth, and expressing her worry when her Son was lost in the Temple at the age of twelve. Other than that, nothing — so the words she spoke to Bernadette must be important.
Here they are, in full:
“It is not necessary.” (On being offered pen and paper by Bernadette and asked to write down what she wanted)
“Would you have the graciousness to come here for fifteen days?”
“I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next.”
“Pray for sinners.”
“Go drink at the spring and wash yourself in it.”
“Penance! Penance! Penance!”
Bernadette was also told to eat some leaves from a green herb, and
“Kiss the ground as a penance for sinners.”“You will tell the priests to have a chapel built here.”
And finally, and most powerfully:
“I am the Immaculate Conception.”
Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favours, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.
I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity. Amen.
Please pray for Bishop Paul and our Diocese on this Patronal Feast
Rest in Peace
Fr. Peter Foulkes’ Requiem — Monday 16th Feb, 11am
St. Bernadette’s, Lancaster
(Mass celebrated for Fr. Peter at SP’s at 9am that morning)Moira Taylor’s Requiem — Thursday 19th Feb, 9am
St. Joseph’sJim McGettican’s Requiem — Monday 23rd Feb, 9am
St. Peter’sNigel Ogden’s Requiem — Thursday 26th Feb, 12 noon
St. Joseph’sWilliam Roger’s Funeral Service — Friday 27th Feb
Carleton
Please pray for those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.
SJSP Confirmation 2026
The Bishop will be coming to SJSP’s to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday 10th February at SP’s at 6:30pm.
All are welcome to join us for Mass.
Please pray for the candidates as they make this important step on their faith journey.
SJSP Pancake Evening (Shrove Tuesday)
Tuesday 17th February — St. Peter’s Hall
Pancakes and fun from 6pm onwards
Come and join us for a pre-Lent celebration!
Trinity Hospice Fundraising
Our 2026 Appeal for Trinity Hospice and Brian House Children’s Hospice has now been launched. Collections will take place after weekend Masses at both churches this weekend and next.
A JustGiving page has also been set up:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/dennis-duignan-12
Please donate if you can.
Taxpayers can boost their donation with Gift Aid.
(You do not need to contribute to JustGiving Admin — choose customise amount and enter £0.00 so your full donation goes to Trinity and Brian House.)
Questions: Dennis Duignan — via the number in this weeks bulletin
First Reconciliation and Holy Communion
Application forms are available from Father Peter after Masses.
Please pray for our candidates as they continue their journeys of faith.
SJSP Ukulele Orchestra
Back strumming away every Monday night at 7pm in St. Peter’s.
Newcomers always welcome!
Fr P’s Lenten Challenge 2026
To make 1000 origami paper cranes to raise £300 to send a child to school for a year in Malawi.
More information soon — but don’t be surprised when you see paper cranes around the Church…
Lent 2026 at St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s
Lent begins Ash Wednesday — 18th February.
Masses:
- 9am — SP’s
- 10am — SJ’s
- 7pm — SJ’s
Ashes will be blessed and distributed at all Masses.
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
Saturdays in Lent — St. Joseph’s
5pm–5:50pm
Stations of the Cross and Benediction
- Mondays — SP’s at 7pm
- Tuesdays — SJ’s at 7pm
Extra Confession Times
- During weekday Exposition as usual
- Mondays at SP’s from 6:30pm (before Stations)
- Saturdays during Exposition at SJ’s
Deanery Lenten Service of Reconciliation
Wednesday 25th March — 7pm
Holy Family Church, Freckleton
World Day of Prayer — Friday 6 March
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish is hosting the 2026 World Day of Prayer service, prepared by Nigeria and entitled “I will give you rest, come.”
Time: 2pm — Parish Centre, 63 St Alban’s Road.
If you would like to know more or take part, there will be a brief meeting:
Friday 20 February, 2pm — Parish Centre.
All welcome.
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