7th December 2025
Catholic Voice
latest copy (December) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Fr. Peter:
So as we begin celebrating this New Year in the life of the Church, so we begin, this Monday, celebrating the life of Our Lady, Feasts of whom joyfully take us through the year, right up to her Glorious Assumption and Crowning as Queen of Heaven. And we begin celebrating the life of our Lady indeed from it’s very beginning with the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the doctrine, promulgated only in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, though spoken of from earliest times, and theologically widely discussed in the Middle Ages, and possibly even referenced by the Angel Gabriel who greeted Mary as ‘Full of Grace’, that Mary was conceived without the stain of Original Sin. This was granted to Mary through the grace her Son won for us on the cross, and is known as ‘prevenient grace’ as it was given to Mary before the event of the crucifixion in time, an incredibly honour for Mary, and demonstrating to us how much our salvation is always at the heart of God’s plan for us. The whole of Advent is about the beginnings of our Salvation, from the prophecies of Isaiah about the coming Messiah who was prepared to be a Suffering Servant on the cross for us, to the moment of the Annunciation when Mary consented to being the Servant of the Lord, through to the birth of Jesus itself, the life that would change our lives. Mary’s Immaculate Conception shows to us how God can supernaturally make everything perfect for the birth of His Son, this assuring our salvation. How wonderful for us, and for Mary on this great feast. Mass for the Feast on Monday is at SP’s at 9am, and we have Vespers of the Feast at SJ’s on Monday evening. This is the opening prayer for Mass on Monday, which beautifully explains to us in the form of prayer this beautiful teaching. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
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.
Advent at SJSP’s
Please join us for these wonderful liturgies!
Monday 8th December: Evening Prayer and Benediction at St. Joseph’s at 7pm
Next Sunday at 3pm at SJ’s:
All our SJSP Children’s Liturgy Children are invited to Church for Fr. Peter’s Storybook Nativity followed by cakes, and a special visitor, in the Presbytery!
Saturday 20th:
Saturday 20th after Evening Mass everyone is welcome to the Presbyetry for a glass of mulled wine, a mince pie and some jolly Carol Singing.
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.
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 at Fairhaven Methodist Church:
Music for Christmas, Saturday 13th December at 7:30 pm.
The Posada:
The Posada, the statue of the Holy Family has begun it’s journey to Bethlehem, starting at St. Bede’s high School. They were warmly welcomed by the School Chaplain and a group of pupils in the school chapel. In a time of reflection we were encouraged to clear away the clutter of everyday life and instead to make room for the hope, love and peace of Christmas.
SJSP Late Late Christmas Party:
And after Christmas we can look forward to the SJSP Late Late Christmas Party on Saturday 17th January at 7pm after Evening Mass, with food, songs and games. Tickets available soon.
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.
Dates of the Diary
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.