The Most Holy Trinity — Sunday 31st May 2026

Catholic Voice

Latest copy (May) can be found by clicking this link.

Message from Father Peter

The Liturgical colour for last week’s Feast of Pentecost was red, this week and next week we are wearing White for Trinity and Corpus Christi, and after Eastertide we are now officially in Ordinary Time, where the colour is Green. But this coming week we are wearing Red for the Feast of Three Martyrs, in one case with his companions, all of whom take us through virtually the whole history of the Church.

Firstly on Monday we remember St. Justin, who lived in the the Second Century AD, and though born and converted from Paganism to Christianity in the Holy Land, travelled to Rome, where he opened and School of Philosophy, and wrote various books, most notably his ‘Apologies’ which are addressed to the Roman Emperor. He was martyred in 165.

The Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and his Companions on Wednesday takes us up to the Nineteenth Century. The first Catholic Missionaries in Central Africa were established in 1879, but problems arose under the ruler ship of the King Mwanga II, in what is now present day Uganda, who saw Christianity as a threat to his authority. When members of his own household - young people serving as pages - refused to follow his unchristian ways and actions he had them slaughtered. Charles Lwanga had been baptised in 1885, and the following year he was burned at the stake, along with his companions, who included a 13-year-old boy, St. Kizito, who is now venerated as one of the Patron Saints of Primary Schools.

And on Friday we move to Europe in the Sixth Century remembering St. Boniface, who was born in England, and after being ordained as a Benedictine Priest felt a calling to Missionary Work in Europe, and was commissioned by Rome to preach in what is now Southern Germany. He was ordained as Archbishop of Mainz in 747 by Pope Gregory III. He became known as ‘The Apostles to the Germans’. Whilst ministering in the coastal area of Frisia he was set upon by thieves, and martyred in 754. His Feast and various anniversaries are always the cause of great Celebrations in Germany, and there has even been a musical about his life – which looks amazing from what I’ve been able to find on the internet! (I’ve ordered the CD!)

To conclude here is the final prayer from the Litany of the English Martyrs. Perhaps more than ever we need to make it a prayer for Ourselves, our Country and the World. O God, in whom there is no change or shadow of alteration, you gave courage to the Holy Martyrs. Grant unto us, we beseech you, through their intercession, the grace to always value the Holy Mass. May we be strengthened to serve you in imitation of the courage of these Holy Martyrs. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever. Amen.

Trinity Sunday

30th–31st May 2026

The Food Bank

Contributions are most welcome, and still most necessary. Please bring stuff to Masses or to the Presbytery at any time.

Congratulations

Congratulations to William and Gabriell, Isabell and Andrew, and Chris and Amelia, who all celebrated the Sacrament of Matrimony in St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s over the past week. We wish them many prayers and blessings.

Songs of Praise and Strawberry Tea

Sunday 12th July at 3pm at SJ’s: forms to suggest your favourite hymn to be sung and played at this jolly gathering are available at the back of Church, and can be placed in the box. Tickets for numbers for the Strawberry Tea will available soon.

St Joseph’s & St Peters Sunday Lunch

1st November 1pm at The Bedford Hotel. We are now taking bookings, please pick up a leaflet after mass, select your menu choices and return the form with your payment as soon as possible. Teresa Mallabone & Pete Rickards will accept forms at St Peters & Susan Brown at St Joseph’s, or pass to a member of the Social committee or to FrP.

Burkina Faso

Message from E.Gillett: Our annual appeal for the Bernardine community in Bafor, Burkina Faso starts this weekend and concludes at the end of August. Sr Helen Mary, from Hyning, has provided a comprehensive update from Bafor which is available for you today and is also on the noticeboard. Donations can be made via the small white envelopes at the back of church which be returned via the offertory collection. If you wish to Gift Aid your donation please include your name and address. Don’t forget every single penny goes to source! Thank you

Walsingham 2026

Message from Charlie O’Connor: I am delighted to say that the response to my invitation to join me and other pilgrims from around the diocese has been very good. There remain a few places still open. Maybe you have never been before, or have a particular intention, either way please do come. Bookings will close on 31 May. If you would like to come along for this time of healing, reconciliation and grace please get in touch with Deacon Charlie Conner on the number in this weeks bulletin or charlie.conner@lrcd.org.uk

New Catenian President

Message from Peter Welsby, Publicity Officer for Lytham St. Anne’s Catenian: In April, Lytham St. Anne’s Circle, Circle 89, installed a new President, former Grand Present, Tony Godden. He will continue the charitable work of the association initiating enjoyable social occasions for its members and families during his term of office. Brother Peter Welsby held the posy of president for the past three years, successfully leading the circle in providing significant donations to Trinity hospice gathered at various social events.

Gathering of Catholic Doctors

Lancaster Cathedral 6th June 1pm. 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.

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

Collection Count

For April: with grateful thanks

Gift Aid £222.50 Non Gift Aid £1101.33 SO £2951.00

St. Joseph’s Care £279.55 Specials Gift Aid £46.81 Non Gift Aid £134.05. Easter Flowers £25

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