30th November 2025
Catholic Voice
latest copy (December) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Fr. Peter:
And a very Happy New Year to you all as we begin a new Year in the life of the Church. Today we begin the beautiful season of Advent – my favourite Season in the Year of the Church, yet one which is somewhat sadly always rushed, and one of the busiest, as we all run around preparing for Christmas, not always taking the time to pause and reflect about what we are truly preparing for. The readings for this season, both on Sundays and Weekdays really do draw us into the beauty of the four weeks, as we try to get into the spirit of the people of old awaiting the expected arrival of the Messiah. In this Year of Matthew, the Sunday Gospels will speak about the coming of the Son of Man, and his heralding by John the Baptist. For the first few weekdays we take on the spirit of the prophets who waited and longed for the Messiah, who would free them from evil and deliver them from their enemies. Then, in the middle of next week we look to the person of John the Baptist and his call to ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord’, not least Christ’s own words about his elder cousin, until, finally, from December 17th we really begin the Christmas story delving into the heart and mind of our Blessed Mother Mary, as she looked forward to the birth of her Son, along with the other protagonists in the infancy narratives of Jesus. With such beautiful readings to help us at our Masses, along with our celebrations on Mondays of Evening Prayer, as well as our school carol services, and our own Children’s Nativity, let’s make this Season of Advent a real spiritual time of preparation – alongside our material preparations – so that in every way possible we are truly ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Here is a beautiful Advent Prayer by Henri Nouwen. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, ‘Come Lord Jesus!’
Fr. Peter Hart:
Please note that while Fr. Peter Hart is recovering from his operation, I’m on 5pm at SoS. Please pray for Fr. Hart as he continues his recuperation.
Advent and Christmas Leaflet:
Please take one of the leaflets and join us for the many gatherings throughout this beautiful season. Perhaps you could take a leaflet for a friend and invite them to SJSP for Christmas? Evening Prayer and Benediction Every Monday during Advent: see Newsletter and Advent Leaflet for details of venue.
First Week of Advent at SJSP’s
Please join us for these wonderful liturgies!
Monday 1st December: Evening Prayer and Benediction at St. Peter’s at 7pm.
Wednesday 3rd December: Mass at Saltcotes Cemetery at 10am.
Wednesday 3rd September: Mothers Prayers at 6pm in SJ’s.
Friday 5th December: First Friday Mass & Anointing of the Sick at St. Joseph’s at 2pm, followed by Refreshments in the Parish Hall.
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. Candidates in Year 6 or above are welcome to get an application form from Fr. Peter after Weekend Masses.
National Grief Awareness Week:
Chris McIndoe is holding a Grief Support Café in Lytham Library on Wednesday 3rd December 11am-12noon. All welcome for support, or to find out what support is available.
The Food Bank:
during the weeks leading up to Christmas, if it is possible to boost any Food Bank offerings, perhaps with some children’s Christmas type goodies, it would be much appreciated.
Advent events at Fairhaven Methodist Church:
Music for Christmas, Saturday 13 December at 7:30 pm and a Nativity Festival (free entry) from Saturday 29 Nov - Saturday 6 December. See posters in the church porch for more details.
The SJSP Ukulele Orchestra (along with children from the parishes) Christmas Album.
Only £5 - a perfect stocking filler! All proceeds shared between Brian House Children’s Hospice and the StreetLife Trust in Blackpool. CDs available at the back of church at the end of Mass and for downloads, email ann@zammits.me.uk. With huge thanks to Mark Brocklesby for his recording and producing expertise. SJSP Ukulele Orchestra: still strumming away, this week in the Presbytery at SJ’s on Tuesday at 7pm.
Dates of the Diary
Sunday 7th December:
Crib Blessing and Christmas Fayre and Lots of Fun after 10:30am Mass at St. Peter’s
Sunday 14th December at 3pm at SJ’s:
FrP’s Storybook Nativity for all our Children’s Liturgy Children, followed by Cakes in the Presbytery and a very Special Visitor (not the Bishop… although he is a Bishop.)
Saturday 13th December in the Presbytery after Mass:
Mulled Wine and Mince Pies and Carol Singing!
Thinking of Becoming a Priest?
Come to the day of recollection and discernment! The day is for single men 16 years or over who are considering priesthood: Saturday 22 November 10am – 4pm at the Cathedral in Lancaster. The day will include Mass, adoration, guided prayer, talks to assist discernment, lunch. To book email Heather: Heather.Watts@lrcd.org.uk or Tel: 01524 841190. There is no charge.
Have you heard of Mothers Prayers?
The “Mothers Prayers” movement started in England in November 1995 and has spread rapidly throughout the world with contacts in over 100 Countries and has the approval, support and blessing of Christian leaders of all denominations. There are now thousands of groups around the world. For many years there has been an active Mothers Prayers group at Our Lady Star of the Sea and recently a new group started up in St Peter’s and St Joseph’s. We always follow a simple but meaningful format, and the prayer time usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Both groups meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Please come to St. Joseph’s altar of Our Lady at 6.00pm or Our Lady Star of the Sea parish centre at 7.00pm. Additionally when not meeting in person there are weekly prayer sessions at 7.00pm on a Wednesday “online” using Zoom. If you would like to know more about this comforting, supportive and joyful group, come and pray with us or talk to Emma Cox, Pauline Elston or Wanda Kruszynska. And if any fathers would like to pray together, there is a ‘Fathers Prayers’ movement too so perhaps you may wish to start one in Lytham St. Annes. Wanda Kruszynska.
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.