26th November 2023
Message from Father Peter
Message from Fr. Peter: Well what a week it has been! It began with the sad news of the death of much loved Fr. Billy Bootle, retired and living in our parish, who latterly was Parish priest for many years in St. Joseph’s Wesham. When I first began training for the priesthood Fr. Bootle was in charge of money in the diocese, and I had to send all my receipts for books and travel to him! We will be privileged to host his Requiem at St. Joseph’s in the next couple of weeks, and we send our love and prayers to his housekeeper, Sheila. Saturday saw a great crowd of us, accompanied by the Ukulele Orchestra, having great fun singing Carols outside St. Peter’s, and reminding everyone who had come to see the switch on of the lights in Lytham what Christmas is truly about. Well done to everyone involved. At the weekend we welcomed several families of the bereaved, as we solemnly prayed for the repose of the souls of their loved ones, and this was followed by Mass for the deceased priests of the Deanery, with all the local priests joining us for the Mass. And Tuesday evening we welcomed the Bishop to St. Peter’s for our Mass of Confirmation in which fourteen of our young people received the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit in the beautiful Sacrament. On Wednesday we had Mass in Saltcoat’s Cemetery Chapel, a beautiful occasion which is destined to become a monthly fixture on our liturgical timetable. Huge thanks to everyone who took part in all those special occasions and made them possible. So! Onward to First Friday Anointing Mass, First Sunday ‘Food Sunday’, and Advent and Christmas! Yes, four weeks today (Sunday) it’s Christmas Eve… time to put the sprouts on… PS Many thanks for the anonymous letter from the self-styled ‘Phantom Parishioner’. It was beautiful and very touching. Much appreciated. And I will act upon your advice. Although the bishop’s advice is never to reply to anonymous letters. Think about it…!
Catholic Voice for November:
The November edition is available here.
Food Sunday:
Next week, the First Sunday of the Month, could we make a special effort to bring non-perishable food items, and toiletries, to Church over the weekend, which can be distributed to those in need at these times. As it’s coming up to Christmas, chocolate and other family festive items would also be appreciated.
SJSP Ukulele Orchestra:
it’s been decided that, due to increasing numbers, we will continue practising every week in St. Peter’s Hall at 7pm. All Welcome.
An Advent Journey:
We hope to repeat the tradition of commemorating the journey of Joseph leading a donkey carrying Mary travelling from house to house around the Parish which we began last year during Advent. The tradition originated in Mexico where it is known as ‘Posada’ meaning Inn or lodging. The set of figures make their way from home to home around the Parish arriving at the Parish Church for the Mass on Christmas Eve, and are a reminder of how important we are to each other. As a large Parish we cannot hope to know everyone well, and taking part is an opportunity to get to know others better as the figures pass from house to house with a special prayer, which will be provided. There will be a list at the back of Church please add your name if you would like to take part. Please add your name by Sunday 26th November if you wish to take part. Dave and Olive.
Message from Diocesan Youth Service:
This weekend, we celebrate the young people in our communities and we pray for them. In this diocese, our Youth Service which is based at Castlerigg Manor in Keswick, is working for our young people all year round. We welcome thousands of young people to Castlerigg each year and when time allows we get out to visit them in their parishes and schools around our diocese and beyond. If you want to know more about our work, you can follow us on social media (usually @castleriggmanor) or check out our website castleriggmanor.com. Please keep us in your prayers; please tell the teens in your life about our open retreats and, if you can, consider making a donation.
Family Christmas Fair at St Peter’s on Sunday 3rd December after 10:30am Mass:
with coffee, tea, cakes, decorations and a children’s Treasure Hunt.
Do Come Along and Join us!
Christmas Quiz & SingAlong:
Saturday 16th December 7pm in SJ’s Church Hall.
£5 per ticket, £2:50 for children includes Quiz entry and a HotPot supper.
The Ukelele Orchestra will be playing and leading the sing-along!
Tickets are available after Masses – and are limited due to numbers, so get in quick!
Advance Notice of our Christmas Mass Times :
Sunday 24th December: Christmas Eve. St. Joseph’s 6pm Children’s Mass of Christmas, St. Peter’s 8pm Candlelit Christmas Mass with Carols and Readings from 7:30pm.
Hospital:
Please remember to let us know if you or one of your family is being admitted 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 fulfil our parish commitment to evangelisation. In the last couple of months we have been able to help a number of people who have sought assistance through this medium.