Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time — Sunday 23rd August 2026
Catholic Voice
Latest copy (July) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter
In today’s Gospel the Apostles Simon is given the new name Peter, which of course comes from the Greek meaning ‘rock’, and we are told ‘upon this rock I will build my church’. But while none of the other Apostles are actually renamed by Christ - other than Saul who becomes Paul and considered himself to be an Apostle - the other Apostles all have interesting names which derive from Hebrew, or Greek, and in some cases Aramaic, the language which would Have been most regularly used by Jesus. James, the Son of Zebedee is really ‘Jacob’, from the Old Testament Patriarch, whose name means ‘supplanter’ or ‘one who cheats’, which goes back to his origin story in Genesis; his brother’s John name means ‘God given’ or ‘grace’. (Incidentally, their Dad’s name, Zebedee, means ‘gift’). Andrew comes from the Greek meaning ‘courageous’. Philip means ‘one who likes horses’, which is very nice, and as he is Patron Saint of Cars and Drivers gives extra meaning to ‘horsepower’. Sort of… Anyway, Bartholomew means Son of a Ploughman’ - the Jewish prefix ‘Bart’ means ‘son of’ (like the O’ in Irish or the Mac in Scottish). Thomas, as referred to in the Gospel, is the Aramaic for Twin, which is where he sometimes gates the name ‘Didymus’, which is the Greek for twin. Matthew - and Matthias who replaced Judas - means ‘Gift of God’, and then we have another James, this time the Son of Alphaeus. Jude, means ‘Praise Yahweh’, and his surname, which distinguishes him from Judas Iscariot, Thaddeus, is one of a number of names, like Theodore which speak of a close relationship with God. Simon means ‘one who hears’ which is appropriate for the Simon who was renamed Peter, but also Simon the Zealot. There was a political party at the time of Jesus known as the ‘Zealots’, but his nickname might have just meant he was a very zealous, enthusiastic forthright character. Finally, Judas, ‘Praise God’ like Jude, with Iscariot meaning coming from town of Kerioth. All our names have meaning, but perhaps the most important name we all receive at our Baptism is that of Christ when we become Christians. May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most incomprehensible, and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored, and glorified in Heaven, on Earth, and under the Earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.
Student for the Priesthood
on Monday we are pleased to welcome Harry Rawcliffe, a student for the priesthood who will be joining our Parishes for a few weeks before continuing his training after the Holidays. You will be seeing him pottering around the Parishes. Please pray for Harry and all our Seminarians on their journey to discovering God’s vocation for them.
Petitions to Our Lady of Lourdes
Fr. Philip will be on pilgrimage in Lourdes in September and is willing to take any petitions to the Grotto. 1. Place your written petition in an envelope. 2. Seal the envelope. 3. On the front of the envelope write “Lourdes Petition”. 4. Place it in the box in front of the Lady Altar at church. 5. Do NOT include any money. 6 Closing date Sunday 30th August. Many thanks to Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
August Collection for School Stuff to help children
This year we’d ask especially for Scientific Calculators, Geometry Sets and ‘Filled’ Pencil Cases. All donations gratefully accepted, and boxes are at the back of Church. Many thanks in anticipation.
The Food Bank
Contributions are most welcome, and still most necessary. Please bring stuff to Masses or the Presbytery any time.
Burkino Faso 2026
the collection continues and envelopes are available at the back of Church.
CAFOD school volunteers needed!
Could you visit your local Catholic school to talk about the work of CAFOD? We are looking for volunteers to deliver school assemblies and workshops and inspire children and young people to make a difference and take action. For further information please contact Anna Letizia using the number in this week’s bulletin or email aletizia@cafod.org.uk
House for Families with Albino Sufferers
you’ll remember that Lent 2025 we collected enough money to buy three houses for Malawi: a report on the houses is on the noticeboard. Continued blessings for everyone who supported the funding.
A Prayer to St. Monica
one of the Patron Saints of Mothers, whose Feast Day is on Thursday. Blessed Monica, mother of St. Augustine, we give thanks to our Father in Heaven Who looked with mercy upon your tears over your wayward son. His conversion and heroic sanctification were the fruit of your prayers. Dear St. Monica we now ask you to pray with us for all those sons and daughters that have wandered away from God, and to add your prayers to those of all mothers who are worried over their children. Pray also for us that, following your example, we may, in the company of our children, one day enjoy the eternal vision of our Father in Heaven. Amen.
Family Barbecue
In the grounds of SJs.
12noon on the 6th September
£6 for adults, £3 for children. Music and Entertainment for all! Tickets available after Masses
Preston Concert Band
At St. Peters on Saturday 19th September at 7:30pm
Tickets are now on sale after mass for an evening of entertaining music and fun accompanied by a glass of prosecco. £10 per ticket.
Save the Date(s)!
Up and Coming Social Events for our Two Parishes
- Race Night: Saturday 3rd October at 7:430pm at SJ’s
- Sunday Lunch at the Bedford: Sunday 1st November
- Christmas Fair: Sunday 6th December at SP’s
- Fr. P.’s Family Nativity: Sunday 20th December at 3pm SJ’s
Collection Count
for July: with grateful thanks
Gift Aid £529:80 Non Gift Aid £2279:45 SO £3098
St. Joseph’s Care £386:31 Burkina Faso £250
Please Pray
Please pray for all who have died recently, especially Fr. Val Farrell, Samantha Cornall-Saunders and Patricia Earnshaw, and those whose anniversaries occur about this time: Patrick Carragher, Tony Crean, Michael Joseph Meyler and Jack Dempsey Pickles.
Children’s Liturgy
CHILDREN’S LITURGY at Sunday Morning Mass!
Coffee & Bacon Butties
COFFEE & BACON BUTTIES after 9.15am Mass this week. (Well Coffee. And Tea. And Toast.)
St Joseph’s Care
Do you know of anyone in our community who is in need or might need a little more support, and would like either a friendly a visit, or Holy Commnion at Home? Please let St. Joseph’s Care Visiting Team know by emailing or phone the Parish on the above contact details.
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 and they’ll show you the ropes! The number is in this week’s bulletin.
Repository
Cards and gifts for different occasions available, including first communion cards and Rosary beads. Children’s Prayer Books 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 using the number in this week’s bulletin
Lectio Divina
no meetings until September.
The Holy Rosary
every Thursday after 10am Mass in Church, for this beautiful prayer. All welcome. Thursday at 10:30am in Church.
Rotas
Rotas for weekend 29th /30th August
Readers Sat 6pm: David Warwick Sun. 9.15am: Susan Brown
Meet and Greet Sat 6pm: Ellie Sullivan and Stephanie Gilluly
Sun 9.15am: W & E Doyle
9:15am Minister Dean
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