of St Wilfrid, Widnes

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7th April 2019 Fifth Sunday of Lent (C)

Thirs Mrs Jessy Mottram-Noé 0151 422 1778 St Wilfrid’s Parish Office “Listen! Parish Pastoral Associate St Bede’s Presbytery I am Fr Bill Murphy 0151 495 1854 Appleton Village Fr Michael Fitzsimons 0151 424 2738 Widnes, WA8 6EL standing at Fr Joe Bibby 0151 424 6641 Opening hours this week Monday to Friday the door Bishop John Rawsthorne 0151 424 4021 9:00am until 5:00pm knocking.” Fr Carl Mugan 0151 422 1774 0151 422 1772

Rev 3:20 [email protected] PARISH WEBSITE: Newsletter items: catholicchurches-widnes.org.uk [email protected]

Parish Administrators

Confessions: Susan Warburton Each Saturday 10:30am -11:30am Shelagh Hindley St Bede’s Church (and upon request) Shelagh Murphy

Response to the Psalm What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

Gospel Acclamation Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory Seek good and not evil so that we may live, and that the Lord God of hosts may really be with you. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory

SYNOD Prayer – we will pray this together at the end of the bidding prayers

Father, we thank you for the love you have shown us in the gift of Jesus, your Son.

We thank you for the gift of the Church, through which you show us that you are always with us and are always at work in our lives.

As we journey together to Synod 2020 help us to become the Church that you are calling us to be. May your Holy Spirit be powerfully at work among us. Strengthen each of us and guide Francis, our Pope and Malcolm, our Archbishop.

Help us to respond to the challenges of our times in new ways to bring your love to all our sisters and brothers. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ Our Lord. AMEN

This Week’s Reflection Last weekend we reached ‘Laetare Sunday’ the mid-point in our Lenten journey, so well done to all those who have given something up for Lent, not long to go now. Many of us don’t always look forward to Lent, simply because of childhood memories like giving up chocolate and the thought of sitting through endless Stations of the Cross. Those words like “sacrifice” and “denial” often pop into mind, suggesting that Lent has to be endured like a survival course, rather than a time of renewal and growth. Few times in the Christian year offer us the opportunity to reflect properly on our lives, but in this season of Lent and Springtime we are reminded of rebirth, new beginnings, and new growth. Too often are we tempted to race through Lent towards Easter without fully reflecting on the opportunity we have, let’s embrace the Lenten process that leads us to resurrection. Lent leads us into wilderness, it challenges us, but it also prepares us, it deepens our spirituality and strengthens our resolve. So if you have given something up, or decided pray more or be more charitable, let these things change you, let them be the way you prioritise your life. So if you’ve wandered away from the path that the Lord wants you to go down, let these things steer you back. So instead of craving that beer or that bar of chocolate, let’s crave God’s grace to help us complete the journey. Fr Carl

Baptisms We pray for . . .

We welcome Those who have recently died Mary Tollet (nee Rodgerson) Anne Brown Bobbie Lee Bate Ivy Elizabeth Duckett And for those who are sick Margaret Cain Paul Moss Brian McCann Aura Josie Allen Val Rose Melvin Castillo Kath Woodward Max Thomas Bentham Nev Conroy Josie Conroy Flo Reid who are to be baptised this weekend. If you know of someone who is sick & would appreciate their name being placed on the list, please contact the Baptism Enquiries Parish Office on 422 1772. Please phone Parish Office 422 1772. The name of the sick person will appear for 6 weeks, this Baptism Certificates can be renewed by contacting the Parish Office. We can The suggested donation for certificates only place names in the Newsletter with the consent of is £5; please call the Parish Office – the sick person. 422 1772 – to make request.

Cleaning at St Basil’s Church Wednesday Word There is already a group who clean St Basil’s church once a fortnight http://wednesdayword. with volunteers mainly from the All Saints parish community. org/parish/index.htm There is a need for more people to start a different group. We were A number of printed hoping that after the Tuesday 9.15 am Mass might be a good time for copies are available an hour or so possibly once a fortnight. If you could consider volunteering some time for a cleaning rota – at that time or indeed any each week at the back other times could you contact the parish office and we will arrange to of our churches should take things forward with those willing to help out. you like one.

Day of Prayer for Victims of Sexual Abuse The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) has highlighted the importance of prayer and suggested to that the worldwide should join together in a day of prayer. The Holy Father has welcomed this initiative. Therefore, on Friday 12th April the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is encouraging the Catholic community to take part in a day of prayer for survivors of sexual abuse. In our parish the 9.15am Mass that day will include prayers and intercessions for all those who have been victims of sexual abuse. A Prayer God of Compassion, You are teaching us to face truths that we would rather not see. You are showing us that some of those entrusted with authority have not followed the model of your Son but have abused their power. You are showing us that the hurts of abuse go far deeper than we had known and have wrecked countless lives. You are refusing to let us pretend any longer: - that we do not know what some of us have done - that we do not see the brokenness of the Body of Christ - that we do not hear the demands for justice - that the sufferings of the victims and survivors and the sins of the perpetrators have nothing to do with us. But by taking away the shrouds of pretence and denial, you unveil the possibilities of reparation and reconciliation of deepened compassion and heartfelt empathy. In this work you lay before us, may Christ be our model and guide, and the Holy Spirit our inspiration and Giver of the gifts your Church will need to bring healing to herself and to all your Children. Amen.

Dates for your Diary

Wednesday Evening Masses Lent Wednesday 10th April SVP Lent is the perfect time for reflection on the Wednesday 17th April Chrism Mass places in our lives where we can live more (at the Cathedral) - simply, even if only for a short time. Wednesday 24th April Vocations It is always lovely to see that even those in our Wednesday 1st May Bereavement community who may not be mass attenders and may be uncertain of their faith, often retain Parish Choir practices for Easter Liturgies the spirit of Lent to give something up, such as Monday 8th April 7:00pm St Bede’s chocolate or cigarettes, in tradition and Monday 15th April 7:00pm St Michael’s respect for Jesus’ great sacrifice. UCM Easter Bingo These can be great opportunities for solidarity Monday 8th April 1:30pm St John Fisher Hall with those who are most in need. Keep in mind that as we join our spirit with Jesus in this Archdiocesan Children’s Mass & Fun Day way, we also join ourselves with those who Sunday 30th June have no choice in their depravation. Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes Lord, during this time of Lent, let us join 19th - 26th July our hearts with those who are suffering and those who regard simple food and Parish Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi safety as luxuries that they long for. 16th – 22nd September Amen.

Rome/Assisi Pilgrimage 16th – 22nd September 2019 Booking Forms are now available from the office for all who have signed up to the trip, or those still wanting to come along. (Any queries please contact Fr. Carl – [email protected]).

A Poster at the back of Church gives more details.

Places are still available! We are running a parish pilgrimage in September 2019, spending 4 days in Rome and a following two days in the beautiful town of Assisi. The trip will include: • A visit to St Peter’s Basilica with an opportunity for Mass. • A chance to see Pope Francis at the Papal audience. • The main attractions in Rome; the Castel Sant Angelo and the Coliseum. • With lots of time to savour the Italian cuisine and wines. • Our time in Assisi will include a visit to The Basilica Santa Maria Degli Angeli, which houses the Portiuncola, where St Francis lived. With visits to St Francis Basilica, St Clare Basilica San Damiano, built in the 12th century, the first monastery of the Order of Saint Clare. • Prices are based on 20 people travelling, prices will reduce the more people we take. Prices are from: £1038 (half board) which includes flights, transfers and guided tours around Assisi and Rome. Staying at the Hotel Emmaus (Rome- close to St Peter’s) single room supplement will be £137:00. In Assisi we will be staying in the Hotel Roma. For further information or to express your interest please contact Fr Carl.

Children’s Mass & Fun Day All Saints Church of England Information This year, St Wilfrid’s Parish will be We are the Anglican part of the Shared Church of St hosting the annual Archdiocesan Basil and All Saints and have been blessed by our Children’s Mass. This fantastic event will ecumenical partnership with our Catholic brothers and take place on Sunday 30th June in the afternoon. Our Mass will be celebrated sisters. by the Archbishop and Priests from Contact Information different parishes including St Wilfrid’s. Revd Peter Dawkin We are looking for volunteers to support Email: [email protected] this event. If you are interested you can Tel: 420 4963 either ring me on 07732393309 for more Anglican Baptism & Wedding Enquiries information or give your details to the Please ring or come to the church any Tuesday Parish Office. Sheila Hudson evening between 6:45pm – 7:15pm during vestry time. Service Times Note for Knitters Sunday: 9:45am - Family Eucharist Tuesday: 7:30pm - Holy Communion Requ est for project to continue for a few Ecumenical Morning Prayer: more weeks. Thank you for 500+ hats for the babies. 9:05am Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

Medaille Trust (Refuge and freedom from modern slavery) The Spring Magazine is available at the back of each church, please take one to find out more on the wonderful work carried out by Medaille Trust. The feature “House News” has an article about our “Christmas Tree Gift Appeal” so don’t forget your copy to read all about it!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GIFT AID ENVELOPES Gift Aid envelopes for the new financial year are the back of all our churches. Here are some important points for you to note: 1. If you are paying by standing order then you will not receive a new set of offertory envelopes. If you would, however, still like to have a pack of envelopes in addition to your standing order please let the parish office know and a box will be prepared for you. 2. If you are paying tax and have signed a gift aid declaration and are not paying by standing order then a new set of envelopes has been prepared for collection at one of our churches or held in the parish office. If you have joined the scheme in the last year then your box may be held at the parish office. Please contact them and let them know which church you would like your envelopes sent to. 3. If you are not paying tax but would like to use envelopes spare boxes are available at the back of the church for use. Once again we would thank you for your continued support of our Gift Aid which raises so much money in reclaimed tax for our parish.

UCM Easter Bingo Monday 8th April Doors open at 1:30pm - St John Fisher Hall. Refreshments provided. Raffle. Don't forget your bingo pens and your purses!

Developing World Group - St George’s Night Social Evening Annual St George’s Night Social Evening with the Liverpool Ukulele Orchestra will take place on Friday 26th April at 8pm in St John Fisher Hall. Tickets are £4 each and can be purchased from any group member or by ringing 424 6326 or 423 2913. Bring your own food and drink, wear your red and white.

Gift of Life for Zambia Plant Sale and Delivery It is time for our annual Plant Delivery Forms again! If you have bought plants from us before (this is our 17th year) you will know the advantages of buying good quality bedding plants and hanging baskets at a reasonable cost - delivered directly to your door, whilst supporting our Gift of Life for Zambia orphans. If you haven’t ordered before why not give us a try? Plant Forms will be available at the back of our 4 churches, or from members of the Zambia Group. All payment details are on the forms which must be returned th by Sunday 7 April. The plants will be delivered to your house on Thursday 23rd May. If you have any further queries please phone Sue on 424 8268. Thank you again for your unending generosity.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility For safeguarding issues concerning children, young people or vulnerable adults within the Parish of St Wilfrid, please ring 0151 422 1779 or email [email protected]. However, if there is an immediate risk of significant harm, contact the Police (999) without delay.

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES DURING LENT During Lent there will be opportunities for times of extra prayer in the parish: • Early morning Mass

The Mondays of Lent (April 8th, 15th) at 7.00am in St Bede’s church. Followed by tea and toast. • Holy Hour and Benediction The Sundays of Lent (April 7th) at 3.00pm in St Bede’s church.

REAL EASTER EGGS! Available from www.traidcraft.co.uk and from some supermarkets “Real Easter Eggs” are Fairtrade and come with a story activity book about the real meaning of Easter – the resurrection of Jesus. Great for children and adults alike.

CHRISM MASS Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King – Wednesday 17th April As in previous years, a coach has been booked for the Chrism Mass. The cost is £7 per person; picking up at all 4 churches starting from St Bede’s at 6:00pm. Please call the Parish Office (422 1772) as soon as possible to reserve your place.

Our Catholic Heritage in Widnes Widnes has a wealth of Catholic Heritage stretching back centuries. A lady who lived near to St. Pius’s church told me how, as children, they were told that they could pick fruit from the gardens the day before they cleared the site for the building of the new church. She also told me how she had donated her mum’s wedding ring to the church to be used to hold the curtain veil over the tabernacle. A gentleman shared memory of the building of St Basil’s church, while another told of the collections that were taken to raise funds for the building of St Raphael’s church. Fascinating, interesting heartfelt memories which many of us here in Widnes and beyond hold in our hearts for our community. We do have the permanent memories of the stained-glass windows and paintings from St Patrick’s church which are now housed for future generations in our churches and local schools for all to see. Now perhaps is the time to capture any other memories we have so that they are preserved and shared with our children and our children’s children. Whether it is photographs of events or places or ceremonies, or whether its memories that you can write down or record. Such memories are what we want to preserve. Your memories of any aspect of parish life here in Widnes. So we would ask you to have a think about what memories you have and would like to save and share. Talk to family and friends and fellow parishioners. Dig out old photographs and artefacts. Also take time to consider whether you would like to help in this major and exciting project for our parish here in Widnes. More details will follow about how we will move forward with this in future newsletters. Take time and enjoy those memories and let’s together preserve them for ever. Peter McCann

WIDNES FOODBANK The Trustees of Widnes Foodbank are seeking to appoint a Project Co-ordinator, who will be responsible for overseeing the operation and development of Widnes Foodbank. The job will be part- time (an average of 15 hours per week) and will attract a salary of £8,500 per annum. A Job Description and an Application Form are available at www.widnesfoodbank.org.uk or by telephoning the Widnes Foodbank Office on 0151 422 0031. The Application Form will require an applicant to provide the names of two referees. Closing date for applications is 30th April 2019.

‘How do I become a Catholic?’ Listen, I am standing at the door knocking! The Parish of St Wilfrid can offer you a chance to meet like-minded people… to share conversation together, in a warm and friendly atmosphere… to provide a place where some of the questions that may puzzle you can be explored… to have time and space to discern if you are being called to a Catholic way of life. For more information speak to Pauline Rolt on 422 1777 or email [email protected]

Bill Huebsch returns to the Archdiocese Bill Huebsch, author , theologian, former director or religious education, and farmer, is returning to our diocese in May. Bill has led a number of day and week-long courses for lay people and for clergy over the last few years. He writes and teaches extensively on the catechetical mission of the church and was an important guide for us as we developed our own policies on Family Catechesis. Inspired by The Joy of the Gospel and later writings from Pope Francis he will lead An Introduction to the New Pastoral Theology emerging in the era of Pope Francis. There will be two opportunities to attend this one-day workshop (both days 10am to 4pm): Friday 10th May at St Joseph’s, Crow Orchard Lane, Wrightington, WN6 9PA or Saturday 11th May at LACE, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. Tea/coffee and lunch will be provided. Suggested donation is £10 per person. To book call 0151 522 1040 or email [email protected] .

Free 1st Alerter safeguarding training: Pass It On Halton 2019 On: Wed, 10 April 2019, 09:00 – 12:30 Location Methodist Church Hall, Derby Road, WA8 9JX Event description “Pass it on” is a new, community-wide project starting early 2019 and closing with celebration and award events in June and July 2019. Project Aim To create a safer, more cohesive community with early identification and improved reporting of safeguarding and vulnerability issues. As part of Halton Pass It On 2019 campaign, we are offering FREE Alerter safeguarding training, delivered by award-winning Geese Theatre Company; that will help people to understand how to identify and find support for those who may be at risk of harm. This training is free to all adults living or working in Halton. To book your place please follow the links below: For the morning session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1st-alerter-pass-it-on-halton-2019-tickets- 56807730451?aff=ebdssdestsearch

Mental Health Awareness Unbind them, let them go free (John 11:44)

Wednesday 15th May 2019 1:30pm – 4:30pm LACE, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA

Keynote Speakers: Fr Conor Stainton-Polland (Parish Priest of St Matthew’s & St Cecilia’s Parishes, Liverpool; chair of the Wigan Family Welfare charity; regular contributor to BBC Radio Merseyside’s Sunday morning act of worship). Kathy Devlin (Clinical Manager at the Beacon Counselling Trust). To book your FREE place please contact the Pastoral Formation department on 0151 522 1040 or email [email protected].

THIS WEEKEND FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT (C) Saturday 6th April 5:00pm St Bede’s People of the Parish 6:00pm St Basil’s Jim Kennedy (A) & James O’Neil (for speedy recovery after accident) Sunday 7th April 8:30am St Michael’s James O’Brien 9:00am St Bede’s Thanksgiving for successful operation & prayers of family & friends Children’s Mass 10:00am St John Fisher Kate Holding (2nd A) 10:30am St Michael’s Mary Stack (Sick) 11:15am St Bede’s Neil Quinn (1st A) 3:00pm St Bede’s Holy Hour and Benediction 4:30pm St Basil’s Thanksgiving – 70th B’day & recovery from illness

WEEKDAY MASSES DIVINE OFFICE WEEK 1 Monday 8th April 7:00am St Bede’s Special Intention (Grandson) 9:15am St Bede’s Julie McCann (LD)

Tuesday 9th April 8:30am St Basil’s EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 9:15am St Basil’s Joan Coleman (LD) Wednesday 10th April 9:15am St John Fisher Pauline Parker (LD) 7:00pm St Bede’s SVP Thursday 11th April 9:15am St Michael’s Paul Durbin (4th A) 10:30am St Bede’s Requiem Mass: Ann Burns 2:00pm Ferndale Court Care Home: For all residents in our care homes Friday 12th April 9:15am St Basil’s Thomas Atherton (LD) 2:00pm Widnes Crem Funeral Service: Mary Tollet Saturday 13th April 10:00am St Bede’s Maisie Smith

NEXT WEEKEND PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (C) Saturday 13th April 5:00pm St Bede’s Elizabeth & Cyril Moss (B’day Rem & A) 6:00pm St Basil’s People of the Parish Sunday 14th April 8:30am St Michael’s Harold Blythin & Kathleen Karalius 9:00am St Bede’s Ray Ditchfield 10:00am St John Fisher James O’Neil – Successful Op

10:30am St Michael’s Peter Thompson (A) 11:15am St Bede’s Barbara Gray (LD) 4:30pm St Basil’s Emily Josephine McLean

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