Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — Sunday 2nd August 2026
Catholic Voice
Latest copy (July) can be found by clicking this link.
Message from Father Peter
This Friday we celebrate the Diocesan Feast of the Lancaster Martyrs, fourteen martyrs who were actually martyred at Lancaster on the hill above the Cathedral including St. Edmond Arrowsmith SJ, St. Ambrose Barlow OSB, Blessed James Bell, John Finch, Richard Hayhurst, Robert Nutter OP, Edward Thwing, Thursaton Hunt, Robert Middleton SJ, John Thules, Roger Wrenno, Edward Bamber, John Woodcock OFM, and Thomas Whittaker. The last three were the last group of Lancaster Martyrs, murdered on 7th August 1646. I guess the most local to us (though Geography is not my strong point) would be Blessed Edward Bamber, who was born just up the road in Carleton, near the Crematorium. He was a seminarian in St. Omer, France, and at the English College of St. Gregory in Seville, Spain, where he was ordained a priest in 1626. Upon returning to England, disembarking in the port of Plymouth, he was stopped and incarcerated, but immediately released. For sixteen years he served the Catholic Mission, mainly in Lancashire. Imprisoned again between 1643 and 1646, he lay three years in prison before his trial, in which two devious anti-Catholics swore that they had seen him baptise and marry, which was considered sufficient proof of his priesthood. On 7th August 1646, Edward Bamber and two other priests were executed in Lancaster. Edward was the first to suffer, and at his execution he threw a handful of money into the crowd and reconciled a man condemned for the murder of his brother, giving him absolution on the gallows, before being hung, drawn and quartered. A very gruesome end for our very own local saint. We pray that our witness to Christ may be strong and faithful, and pray for vocations to the priesthood and active laity, in the footsteps of our martyrs. Almighty Father, mindful of the cheerfulness and courage with which our martyrs faced a barbarous death, may those who died on the hill above Lancaster, justified in the court of conscience, grieving for England which they prayer God soon to convert, be our patrons now in heaven that our lives may witness to the faith they professed. Through Christ Our Lord.
First Week of the Month at SJSP’s
Please join us for these wonderful liturgies!
Wednesday 5th August: Mass at Saltcotes Cemetery Chapel at 10am.
Friday 7th August: First Friday Mass & Anointing of the Sick at St. Joseph’s at 2pm, followed by Refreshments in the Parish Hall.
First Monday and Third Wednesday Benediction will return in September
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
For the past three years each August we have had a box at the back of the Church for ‘school stuff’ which can be passed on to our schools for children and families that need a little help in the new school year, and it is always gratefully received. 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.
School Uniforms Needed During August
Fylde Food Bank in partnership with Lytham Rotary Club is collecting good quality, clean school uniforms for secondary and primary schools. There is a big box at the back of church for contributions. Thank you for your support.
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.
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
Save the Date(s)!
Up and Coming Social Events for our Two Parishes
- 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 7:430pm 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 June: with grateful thanks
Gift Aid £342 Non Gift Aid £1272:07 SO £2973
St. Joseph’s Care £310:02 Burkina Faso £595
Please Pray
Please pray for all who have died recently, especially Jack Gledhill, and those whose anniversaries occur about this time: Teresa Crilly, Joseph Stricktland, Jessie Mc Dermott, Alan Morris, Brid, Jose, Teresa Bialecki, Joseph Ainsworth, Eileen Mary Ayres, Alan Hesketh, Kathleen Donellan.
Children’s Liturgy
CHILDREN’S LITURGY at Sunday Morning Mass!
Coffee & Bacon Butties
COFFEE & BACON BUTTIES after 9.15am Mass this week. (The extraordinary from the ordinary.)
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 8th /9th August
Readers Sat 6pm: Edwina Gillett Sun. 9.15am: Maria Hall
Meet and Greet Sat 6pm: C Williams and M Taylor
Sun 9.15am: W and E Doyle
9:15am Minister Susan
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