Sixth Sunday of Easter — Sunday 10th May 2026
Catholic Voice
Latest copy (May) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter
As a child at St. Mary’s School in Cleator I can remember singing a hymn which had the chorus, ‘O Lady of Fatima hail! Bring Russia back home again. O pray for us, helps us today, the Hope of the Human Race’. Whilst I’m guessing we had no idea that Fatima was a place in Portugal where apparitions of the Blessed Virgin took place, I always remember being confused about bringing Russia home – where had it been? Anyway, this Wednesday is the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. On 13 May 1917, whilst guarding their families’ sheep in the Cova da Iria, The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children, Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. She brought a message of peace and reparation for sin, encouraging devotion to her Immaculate Heart. At one of her apparitions Mary asked that Russia be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart – which explains the chorus of the Hymn. Several Popes throughout the last century have carried out this wish of Our Lady, including Pope Francis who, during the ongoing War, consecrated both Russia and Ukraine to her intercession. Mary also encouraged the recitation of the Holy Rosary, especially for World Peace. Francisco died in 1919 and Jacinta in 1920, during the international Spanish flu pandemic. Lucia dos Santos became a nun and lived until 2005. The two who died young were beatified on 13 May 2000 by Pope John Paul II, and were canonised by Pope Francis on 13 May 2017, the hundredth anniversary of the first apparition. Today Fatima is beautiful site of Pilgrimage (I went there fifteen years ago or so), and Our Lady’s messages (of which the above is the tip of the iceberg) are well worth delving in to. And sadly, her continued prayers for Peace are more necessary than ever.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, Guide the leaders of nations to seek understanding and compassion, And inspire all people to embrace dialogue over discord. May your loving presence soften hearts hardened by conflict, And may your grace lead us toward reconciliation and unity. We entrust our prayers to you, That the light of your Son may shine upon all nations, And that peace may reign in every heart. Help us to be faithful witnesses of your message, Spreading love, compassion, and understanding wherever we go. Amen.
The Ascension of the Lord
In This Feast’s Gospel, Luke 24:46-53, Jesus helps the disciples to understand what his death and resurrection have achieved, so that they can continue to serve him wherever they may be after his ascension.
Please note that attendance at the Requiem Mass for Peter Joseph Newton at 1pm on this day does fulfil the HolyDay Obligation.
The school children will be in SP’s on Wednesday morning at 9am to celebrate the Feast.
First Holy Communion
The course continues in SJ’s Hall next Monday at 6pm. We look forward to our First Communion Mass next Saturday at 2pm May 16th, with the children leading Marian processions in each Church the following day. All are welcome to come and join in the mass.
The Food Bank
Contributions are most welcome, and still most necessary. Please bring stuff to Masses or to the Presbytery at any time.
Safeguarding
It is important to ensure that any parishioners who are involved in any role within the Parish are covered by the Safeguarding process. If you are new to a role or are unsure whether you are covered or have any questions, there are opportunities to talk to our Safeguarding Representatives over the next couple of weeks at the back of Church. Many thanks for your co-operation!
Save the Date(s)!
Up and Coming Social Events for our Two Parishes are displayed on our noticeboards at the back of Churches.
- Songs of Praise and Strawberry Tea: Sunday 12th July at 3pm at SJ’s
- Family BBQ: Sunday 6th September in SJ’s Grounds
- Preston band Concert: Saturday 19th September at 7:30pm at SP’s
- Race Night: Saturday 3rd October at 7:30pm 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
Gathering for Catholic Doctors in Lancaster
An opportunity for Catholic doctors to meet and support each other in their faith, and in the vocation as doctors. There will be a light lunch in the Cathedral library followed by a talk on ‘The Art of Dying Well’ by Dr Amy Gadoud. Please email cathedral@lrcd.org.uk to confirm attendance.
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 30 May 12.15pm – 2.30pm at St Peter’s Cathedral, Balmoral Road, Lancaster LA1 3BT. Gather in the Cathedral for Mass at 12.15, followed by lunch and meeting with Bishop Paul. To book email Heather: Heather.Watts@lrcd.org.uk or Tel: 01524 841190. There is no charge. As well as meeting the Bishop, you will have the opportunity to get to know how discernment works and who can assist you. You will also meet many others from across the Diocese exploring a vocation to priesthood.
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
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