. St Bernadette’s Church 120 Bowerham Road, Lancaster, LA1 4HT

www.st-bernadettes.org.uk/Church www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk www.thurnhamchurch.net [email protected]

Parish Priest: Revd Father Peter Sayer Deacon: Revd Paul Wawszczyk Tel: 01524 63000 ****************************************************************************************** Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 28 January 2018 ***************************************************************************************** Order of Mass of the day: p 132

Psalm Response: O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children.

Alleluia! ***************************************************************************************** Please remember in your prayers: All who are sick, at home, in hospital and in nursing homes, especially; Erin Buyers, Ann Patrickson, Rita Gelderd, Doreen Heywood, Tina Hilton, Nayeli Cookson, Kay Mushahwar, Steven Hardman, Rita Mexia, Laura Gisbourne, Ann Cunliff, Andrew Keating, Joan Godfree , Lilian Marwood,and Christopher Browne. All who have died recently. All whose anniversaries occur about this time, especially; Sarah Ellam, John Celestine English, Frances Hopwood, Bertha Gerrard, May McDonald, Norman Bulcock, Edward Adams, Brian Devon, Hugh McPartlan and Mary Margaret Stobbart. *************************************************************************************** The Sunday Gospel. Lessons to be Learned. How many people, years after their driving test can still hear their driving instructor loud and clear in their mind’s ear every time they take a corner? “Slower…..Slower….Slow right down!” A good teacher is very powerful. The words of a good teacher are with us forever. A good teacher opens up our eyes and helps us to understand. A good teacher adds something to our world and changes us forever. This weekend St. Mark tells us how Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. He tells us how amazed the people were at how he taught and at the authority in his teachings. His authority was powerful enough to expel demons. Notice that Mark doesn’t tell us what Jesus taught but only how he taught and the impression he made. He taught in a way that was to change all our lives. It is testament to his skill as a teacher that news of him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. We do not have the benefit of listening first hand to Jesus’s teaching, but it is testament to his authority that we still read his words twenty centuries after he spoke them. There are still demons in our lives, and Jesus’s teaching still has the authority to drive them out. There are still lessons to be learned for all those who believe Jesus can add something to the world and change us all forever. ****************************************************************************************** Continuing the Journey with Pope Francis. A Christian can never be sad! Never give way to discouragement! Ours is not a joy born of many possessions, but from having encountered a Person: Jesus, in our midst; it is born from knowing that with him we are never alone, even at difficult moments, even when our life’s journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable, and there are so many of them! And in this moment, the enemy, the devil, comes, often disguised as an angel, and slyly speaks his word to us. Do not listen to him! Let us follow Jesus! (Homily, March 23rd, 2013) Reflection. What obstacles are we facing right now? Look for Jesus’s presence and listen for his voice in these situations. We must ask us to lead us. The Wisdom of Pope Francis. Instead of imposing new obligations, (Christians) should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet. ****************************************************************************************** Special Intention of Pope Francis for January 2018

T Dear Heavenly Father, As we begin a new year, we lift up to you Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries. May they be able to practise their faith in full freedom. ***************************************************************************************** God Pointers from the Rev. John Ryeland: As you come to God, recognise that he knows everything about you so there is no need to keep anything hidden. ***************************************************************************************** Joyfully Sharing the Gospel: The Church must go first not so much to our friends and wealthy neighbours, but above all to the poor and the sick, those who are usually despised and overlooked, ‘ those who cannot repay you.’ (Luke 14:14) (The Joy of the Gospel para 48)

Masses and Services for Week Beginning Sunday 28 January 2018 Saturday 6.30 pm Edwin Sayer Vigil Mark 4:35-41 Sunday 11.00 am Fr John Hawkins Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday 9.15 am No Service Mark 5:1-20 Tuesday 9.15am May Bolton Mark 5:21-43 Wednesday 10.00 am Geoff Greenwood St John Bosco Mark 6:1-6 Thursday 9.15 am No Service Mark 6:7-13 Friday 9.15 am Marjorie McGrath The Presentation of the Lord Luke 2:22-40 Saturday 6.30 pm Frank and Lena Wells Vigil Mark:30-34 Sunday 11.00 am Sister Monica Jones Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time There is also Mass at 9.30 am in Nazareth House and in St Peter’s, Cathedral at 12.15 pm Monday – Saturday Sacrament of Reconciliation:Saturday 5.45 – 6.15 pm Morning Prayer of the Church: 8.55am (Wednesday 9.40am) in the Chapel Gospel Readings for the Week: These are available in the grid at the top of the page Word of God: The Wednesday Word is available this weekend - connecting home, school and parish Offertory Collection £412.1 52+120=172 Donation £10.00 Various £33.00 2 Attendanc e

 Today is a Day of Prayer for Racial Justice. Prayer Cards will be given out after Mass.  Today is also “Homeless Sunday”. It is a chance for Churches and Christian groups from across the country to join together to pray, reflect and plan practical action on homelessness, but also for a united Christian voice to offer solidarity and be a prophetic voice for change. It is hoped that this will be the biggest homeless Sunday ever, for Christians across the United Kingdom to be aware of the growing homeless crisis in Britain, to increase the numbers active in addressing it and to send a message to policy- makers that Christians are adamant that in the fifth richest economy, in the world, no one should be without a home that truly meets their needs. You can sign up for E-News at www.housing justice.org.uk/event/homeless-sunday-2018.  Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Friday next – 2 February – Simeon had waited all his life to see Jesus. The Holy Spirit had promised him that he would live long enough. When Mary and Joseph presented the baby at the Temple, Simeon said, “Now Lord, you have kept your promise, and you may let your servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples”. Seeing Jesus satisfied Simeon’s life. We are prompted to ask what would satisfy us in our own lives. Are the goals we set worth a lifetime of waiting, as Simeon’s was? Mass on the Feast is at 9.15 am.  This weekend there will be a collection for the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) specifically for the parish in India which we have been supporting for many years through our donations to the SVP.  This week in the Parish: Sunday – Children’s Liturgy will not be held for either group until after half-term. Monday - Scripture Sharing from 7 – 8 pm in the Social Area.  St Peter’s Deanery Retreat Days for those involved in parish ministry. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, led by Canon Luiz Ruscillo, on Saturday 3 February from 10.45 am – 2.30 pm. Location, Lancaster Cathedral Day Chapel (access between Cathedral House and Pastoral Centre). Please bring a packed lunch. Drinks will be provided. See Poster.  Day of Renewal: Saturday 3 February 10 am – 4 pm at St Clare’s, Preston. Led by Fr Chris Thomas on the theme “The Happy Attitudes” a reflection on the Beatitudes. See poster for details.  Coming Soon – the CAFOD Tombola: 3/4 February. Over the next few weeks, there will be a box in the porch where you can donate any unneeded Christmas Gifts or any new items you simply don’t require (NEW, unused items only please). These will become prizes in our annual CAFOD Tombola which will be held in the Social Area after the 6.30 pm Mass on 3 February and 11 am Mass on 4 February. For just £1 you can pick a number, win a prize and help CAFOD’s work, since all money collected will go to them to help those overseas who struggle for the basics of life. This is a great way to de-clutter and do good work at the same time! Many thanks for your support.  Our Lady’s Catholic College Sixth Form Open Evening: Wednesday 7 February from 7 pm. Everyone considering Post 16 options is very welcome to attend.  Calling all former Winckley Square Convent Pupils, our Annual Reunion is planned for Saturday 10 February 1pm until 4pm at Our Lady and St Edwards Parish Centre, Marlborough Ave, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9UE, please tell your friends.  Medjugorje Pilgrimage 2018: The Pilgrimage starts on 6 September for seven nights at half board. Day flights to and from Manchester. The cost is £619 per person sharing. Please see Fr Peter for details.  Diocesan Directories 2018 are now available price £3.00.  The January edition of the Diocesan Faith and Justice Commission Newsletter is available to be downloaded at: http://www.lancasterfaithandjustice.co.uk/newsletter/ please read and share.

Please find other information on the notice boards in the Church Porch. If you have any items for the weekly Bulletin please email: [email protected]