First Sunday in Lent — Sunday 22nd February 2026
Catholic Voice
Latest copy (March) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter
Last week in St. Bernadette’s in Lancaster, his final Parish before retirement, the requiem Mass of our dear friend Father Peter Foulkes was celebrated by Bishop Paul. The night before his mortal remains were brought into his house in Lytham, and with a group of Peter’s friends, and Fr. Peter’s brother, Fr. John, the Bishop and I celebrated a lovely peaceful mass for him. During the requiem itself, myself, Fr. John and Deacon Michael watched the live stream together and celebrated the requiem mass simultaneously. It was a beautiful mass, with the music led by Fr. Peter’s friends from the days he ran the Liturgy Centre of the Diocese at St. Augustine’s Preston. It was during his years here that Fr. Peter ran many courses for the Diocese in how we can best celebrate the wonderful liturgies of the Church, and share their beauty and meaning, giving Glory to God in Word and action, and making every gathering a true celebration. It was here, many years ago when I was a Deacon at St. Kentigern’s, that Fr. Peter gave me lessons in how to say mass! And even when I came to SJSP after my first Mass at SP’s Fr. Peter immediately remarked how glad he was that I didn’t use a bookstand on the altar, as, he said, ‘Nothing should stand between the people and the Eucharist’. Now reaching his eternal reward there is indeed nothing standing between Fr. Peter and Christ himself. It was a privilege to have had such a wonderful priest in all of our lives, and may his long years of ministry be duly rewarded.
Hear with favour our prayers, which we humbly offer, O Lord, for the salvation of the soul of Peter, your servant and Priest, that he, who devoted a faithful ministry to your name, may rejoice in the perpetual company of your Saints. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lent 2026 at St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament:
Saturdays in Lent at St. Joseph’s 5pm-5:50pm
Stations of the Cross and Benediction:
Mondays at SP’s at 7pm and
Tuesdays at SJ’s at 7pm
Extra Times for the Sacrament of Confession:
During Weekday Exposition as usual and
before Stations at SP’s on Mondays from 6:30pm and
during Exposition on Saturday afternoons at SJ’s from 5:30pm, and…
Deanery Lenten Service of Reconciliation
Wednesday 25th March 7pm at Holy Family Church Freckleton
Please note there are no Stations at SJ’s this Tuesday due to the St. Bede’s 65th Anniversary Mass.
Rest in Peace
Rest in Peace: Jim McGettigan’s Requiem will take place at St. Peter’s at 12noon on Monday 23rd Feb; Nigel Ogden’s Requiem will take place at St. Joseph’s on Thursday 26th Feb. at 12noon; and William Roger’s Funeral Service will take place at Carleton on Friday 27th Feb. at 10am. Please pray for those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.
CAFOD Family Fast Day
There will be an Appeal made at Masses this weekend in aid of CAFOD’s Family Fast Day which is on Friday 27 February. Our Parish has always been a great supporter of CAFOD and has proved to be a good neighbour to those who are far less fortunate than ourselves.
2026 Lenten Challenge
I always like a Lenten Challenge to raise money for a great cause. This year, it was thought we could make it a Kirkham Deanery effort to change children’s lives by raising money to send them to a school in Malawi, run by the community. It costs just £300 for a child’s education, board and lodging for a whole year, and it would be great to send as many children to build up the school as we can.
To this end I will be making 1000 Origami Paper Cranes — an international symbol of hope and peace. Our Primary and Secondary Schools are joining us in this great endeavour. If you would like to help us, please see the poster in the Church and Schools, use the QR code to gift if possible, or pass on enveloped donations at the back of Church. And also check out the Paper Cranes at SJ’s and SP’s. Many thanks in anticipation for your support.
Trinity Hospice
We are absolutely delighted to announce that our 2026 Appeal for Trinity Hospice currently stands at £2,235.88. We would like to say a sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who has made a donation. Our ‘Just Giving’ page will continue to accept any final donations until 28 February 2026.
St Bede’s High School 65th Anniversary Mass with Bishop Paul Swarbrick
All past pupil’s, teachers, parents, employees, governors and anyone else who would like to celebrate Catholic education are invited to attend this celebration Mass this Tuesday 24th February at 7pm, St Joseph’s.
Bell Ringing Practice
Every Thursday from 7-8.30 pm. If you are interested in learning to ring the bells at St Joseph’s, please get in touch with Tower Captains James and Stacey via the number in this weeks bulletin and they’ll show you the ropes!
Repository
Cards and gifts for different occasions available, including first communion cards and Rosary beads. Walk With Me for Lent devotional books also now available. Orders for other items can be taken, too. If you are interested in joining a rota for either of the weekend Masses please contact Margaret via the number in this weeks bulletin.
Lectio Divina
Scripture prayer and discussions in the hall on Wednesdays at 10am.
The Holy Rosary
Every Thursday after 10am Mass in Church, for this beautiful prayer. All welcome. Thursday at 10:30am in Church.
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