stjosephsheywood

From the Catechism (CCC 733 - 736)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:47:26 GMT

"God is Love" and love is his first gift, containing all others. "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Because we are dead or at least wounded through sin, the first effect of the gift of love is the forgiveness of our sins. The communion of the Holy Spirit in the Church restores to the baptized the divine likeness lost through sin.

Confirmation 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:45:32 GMT

For young people in year 8 and above who have done their First Communion and have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, especially those in non Catholic Schools. Please pick and fill the confirmation form and return to the presbytery as soon as possible.

First Holy Communion 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:44:23 GMT

The last session for the F.H.C. Children with their Catechists will be on the Weekend of 2 5th/26th of April . This is to prepare them for the 2nd Sacrament of Reconciliation which will be on Thursday May 7th at 6.30pm. (Please note change of date)

Tea & Coffee after the 9.30 am Sunday Mass

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:53:54 GMT

Please join us for Tea and Coffee served every Sunday after 9:30 Mass.

200 Club

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:01:17 GMT

If you would like to join it is only £5 a month which needs to be paid at the beginning of every month. The more members we have, the bigger the prize and more money going back into our church. Winners are on the Notice Boards.

February Winners : Nora Horan, Jean McGuinnes, Stephen Haywood & David Sumner. Winners Envelopes are available in the Sacristy.

Unclaimed 200 Club Winnings : M. Basford . Please pick up Winnings from the sacristy

Junior Parish Choir

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:43:03 GMT

Junior Parish Choir: will be having their practice on Monday April 20th 3:40pm in Parish Meeting Room, New members welcome.

From the Catechism CCC 557 - 560

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:33:53 GMT

"When the days drew near for him to be taken up [Jesus] set his face to go to Jerusalem." By this decision he indicated that he was going up to Jerusalem prepared to die there. Three times he had announced his Passion and Resurrection; now, heading toward Jerusalem, Jesus says: "It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem."

Jesus recalls the martyrdom of the prophets who had been put to death in Jerusalem. Nevertheless he persists in calling Jerusalem to gather around him: "How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!" When Jerusalem comes into view he weeps over her and expresses once again his heart's desire: "Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes."

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem manifested the coming of the kingdom that the King-Messiah was going to accomplish by the Passover of his Death and Resurrection. It is with the celebration of that entry on Palm Sunday that the Church's liturgy solemnly opens Holy Week For more information on how to book your free place, please visit the diocesan website:

https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/online-readings-for-lent/

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 29th March 2026

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:31:50 GMT

On Palm Sunday the long reading of the Passion dominates the celebration, and in a sense its meaning is obvious. Do not allow this, however, to detract from the other readings, which give the vital context necessary for understanding the Passion as more than just a long story. It is our story – the tale of how God achieved OUR salvation by the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Young Adults Hub

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:14:52 GMT

The diocesan Youth Team are delighted to share news of the Young Adults Hub, created especially for those aged 18–35 across the Diocese of Salford. The Hub offers a welcoming space for young adults to deepen their faith, build authentic friendships, and grow together through prayer, formation, and social gatherings. If you would like more information, please reach out to

Mikey hub.president@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk and Edward hub.chair@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk

Manchester Chinese Catholic Community (MCCC)

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:09:55 GMT

MCCC would like to invite you to their monthly Mass. This takes place on the second Sunday of the month at 2PM and is held in Salford's temporary Cathedral on Great George Street, M3 6EH.

Parish Meeting dates

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:06:59 GMT

Junior Choir: There will be Junior Choir practice in the parish meeting room on Monday the 23rd of March at 3.40pm.

The Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharistic will be having a prayer meeting on Tuesday 24th March at 7pm for all members in the Church.

Our Lady and St Joseph Prayer Group meets on Friday 27th April 7-8:30pm in the parish meeting room. All are welcome.

Exploring our Lenten Gospels

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 14:23:33 GMT

Each Tuesday during our Lenten period, a series of reflections will be given online by various speakers, exploring the meaning of our Lenten Gospels and their implications for our lives today. The series will continue on Tuesday 3 March with Sr Maureen Murphy reflecting on The Woman at the Well, and will close with Bishop John reflecting on the Palm Sunday readings. For more information on how to book your free place, please visit the diocesan website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/online-readings-forlent/

Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 14:07:29 GMT

Following on from the success of last years pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, we are offering young people in Years 7, 8 and 9 another opportunity to go to Lindisfarne from Friday 22 May – Sunday 24 May 2026 . The cost is £120 which includes travel by coach and full board accommodation. We will be staying on the island at the SVP Camp. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

Fr. Franklin Ebuka Umekachikelu, MSP

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:02:26 GMT

We welcome Fr Ebuka the new parish priest who is also a member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul Fr has worked in Britain for 8 years, the last 5 as parish priest of the Churches of Llanfairfechan, Llanrwst and Llandudno Junction.

Parish Bereavement Group

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:25:01 GMT

The Bereavement Group have invited Russ Magnall, an inspirational speaker to talk on health and wellbeing on Tuesday, 3rd March at 7pm-8:30 in The Parish Meeting Room. Russ has some wonderful stories to tell from his life experience as a Police Commander, mentor and wellbeing coach. All parishioners are welcome; it should be an entertaining night. Please ring Pat Greenall for any queries 07599355924.

Heywood and Middleton Lourdes Group

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:20:14 GMT

As many in the parish will know this group was established to support those who volunteer to work with assisted pilgrims during the Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes each year. Currently the group consists of a small number of parishioners from Middleton, Heywood and other neighbouring parishes. We have planned a number of social events to raise funds to support this. Some of the social events that have been planned and we hope that you will be able to join us. Friday 13th March, St Patrick’s Night Social Event in St Peter’s Hall, Middleton. Friday 24th April Quiz Night in St Peter’s Hall, Middleton and Sunday 31st May Afternoon Tea in St Peter’s Hall, Middleton.

If there are any parishioners who are keen to join the group and become a volunteer then please email: lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk and mention the Middleton and Heywood Lourdes group.

Parish Introductory Meeting

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:30:05 GMT

Members of the parish finance council, the extra ordinary ministers of Communion, readers, the parish catechists are all invited to a parish introductory meeting with Fr Augustine the outgoing parish priest and Fr Ebuka the new parish priest on Monday the 2nd of March in the parish meeting room at 7pm.

Parish Clergy Moves

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:48:39 GMT

Fr Augustine Franklin, MSP has been assigned to the churches of Doune & Callander in diocese of Dunkeld, Scotland. Will be taking up his new assignment on the 6th of March.

The new parish priest will be in the parish this Friday the 27th of February

Fr Augustine & Fr John’s Farewell: as the parish thank Fr Augustine & Fr John for their time with us in the parish, please if you wish to make a gift donations there are brown envelopes on the tables at the entrances to the church written ‘Fr Augustine and Fr John’s Farewell’. When returning, you could put them in the collection basket.

Lent Cake & Brew

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:31:13 GMT

You are invited the Churches Together in Heywood Cake & Brew on Wednesday 25th at Heywood Baptist Church. There will be short worship, followed by a conversation with the theme of Hope.

Relics of St Carlo Acutis to Visit Diocese of Salford

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:50:16 GMT

In January, the relics of St Carlo Acutis will be hosted at two of our churches over five days, during which time the Diocese will welcome schools, parishioners and people from all over for veneration. Carlo is the first millennial saint, and is celebrated for his profound faith and his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He was passionate about spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church up until his death from leukaemia at the age of 15. The relics will be presented at St Mary’s Church, Burnley from 28-29 January 2026 before they travel to St Patrick’s Church, Collyhurst from 30 January to 1 February 2026. More information will be shared soon with parishes and on the Diocesan website and social media channels.

Heywood SVP Foodbank

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:06:13 GMT

Heywood SVP Foodbank: are looking for someone with good money management skills to act as their treasurer. Role involves processing donations and payments, keeping good digital records of transactions and occasional reporting. If you would like to volunteer, please contact 07396071193 or speak to Brian Doyle for more details

Mass for Engaged Couples to be celebrated by Bishop John Arnold

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:04:24 GMT

On Saturday 14 February , Bishop John will be celebrating a special Mass for engaged couples across the diocese. The Mass provides couples with an opportunity to seek God's blessing to guide and strengthen them during this time of preparation. Newly married couples are also invited to receive a blessing in their first year of marriage.

The Mass will take place at St Patrick's Church in Collyhurst on Saturday 14 February 2026 at 1:30pm.

Christmas Masses

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:26:39 GMT

Wednesday 24th, Christmas Eve:

Mass 5.30pm: Family Mass: Mass to be principally for families with (young) children

Mass 7.30pm: Mass principally for families with older children and other parishioners.

Thursday 25th Christmas Day :

Mass 9.30am

Mass 11am,

Holy Family College Faith Forms for Children currently in Yr 6

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:47:39 GMT

Please contact the office to make your appointment with Fr Augustine.: Meetings will be Tue-Friday evenings 4pm –7pm. You must attend with your child, also with evidence of baptism. The final meeting will be Wednesday 29th October.

Life in the Spirit Seminars

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:40:58 GMT

Discover more about what it means to live in the Holy Spirit with a series of seminars heading to Manchester this autumn. This series of Life in the Spirit Seminars will be taking place at Our Lady's Church, Moss Side, from Wednesday 24th September , 7.30pm

Mass in honour of Our Lady of Walsingham

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 15:49:10 GMT

Join us in celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham with a special Mass at St Luke’s Church (M6 7WR), in Salford, on Wednesday 24 September . Mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop John, will begin at 7pm. There will also be an opportunity to find out more about next year’s diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham.

RCIA

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:30:12 GMT

Do you want to learn more about our faith?

RCIA is the process, and specific ceremonies, which leads adults to Christian baptism and into full Communion with the Catholic Church. ALSO, if you are already Catholic but would like to learn more about our beautiful Catholic Faith you are MORE than welcome to join us.

RCIA sessions will start from Friday the 26th of September in the parish meeting room at 7pm.

Jubilee of Youth

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:04:29 GMT

Our Jubilee of Jubilee series continues this August by following the journey of young adults of our diocese who travelled to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth. From radio broadcasts, to video reflections, and written articles, this month's resources invite you to journey with our young pilgrims as they learn more about discovering and sharing the hope of Christ throughout our pilgrimage of life. Begin reflecting with us today at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/jubilee-2025/calendar/

Christmas Fayre Volunteers Meeting

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 17:46:16 GMT

There will be a meeting for all volunteers to discuss this year’s Christmas Fayre on Monday the 15th of September in the Parish meeting room, at 6.30pm. We are asking for volunteers, both those who have been involved previously and new ones to come along to the meeting.

Be an Altar Server

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 20:48:47 GMT

Being an Altar Server is an honour and a privilege. It is a wonderful opportunity to draw closer to God and grow in faith. Your service at the Altar is a gift to the Church. If have done your First Communion Please the Registration and return to the parish.

Family Forest Fun Mornings

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 15:30:18 GMT

Gather the family together to celebrate God's creation with Family Forest Fun Mornings at the Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre. Taking place between 10am-12.30pm over the first three Tuesdays of August, these sessions are packed with a range of activities

that teach us more about the wonder of creation.

Find out more and register at https://laudatosicentre.org.uk/events/family-forest-fun-mornings/

Ecological Rosary at the Laudato Si' Centre

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 11:02:21 GMT

Join us at the Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre on Wednesday 3rd September as we gather together to pray the Rosary with ecological reflections. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in prayer and to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Email laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more and to register

Cemetery Mass at St Mary's, Wardley

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 11:00:34 GMT

A Mass to remember loved ones who have died will be taking place at 11am on Monday 25th August (Bank Holiday) at St Mary's Cemetery, Wardley. All are welcome to join as we come together in faith to remember our loved ones.

Our New Parish Secretary

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:54:14 GMT

We welcome Sharon Whittle our new parish secretory, who has already resumed her duty in the parish. Sharon will be in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 217th August 2025

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:52:32 GMT

When we consider the Christian life, we often think in positive terms: peace, light, joy, goodness, life. And yet, as the Scriptures remind us today, that Christian life must be lived in the midst of a world which is filled with more negative terms: division, distress, cruelty and death. The words of the Gospel may appear shocking to us: Jesus says that he comes to bring division, not peace, and this seems totally contrary to the message of the Gospel! And yet, Jesus is not announcing his desire of course he wants peace, not division but showing his understanding of the world in which we live. He is inviting us to weigh up the cost of the Kingdom, a cost he was willing to embrace: as the second reading tells us: Jesus, for the sake of the joy which was still in the future, endured the cross Whatever weighs us down, let us endure and persevere, so that the fire of Gods love may blaze over the whole earth.

Hope for our Common Home Pilgrimage

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:26:40 GMT

The Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre is teaming up with the Columban Missionaries in Britain for a special pilgrimage opportunity to celebrate the Season of Creation in this Holy Year of Jubilee. Taking place on Thursday 25 September , this prayerful experience offers opportunities for everyone, whether taking on our nine-mile pilgrimage walk, joining us for our liturgies throughout the day, or receiving our virtual pilgrimage pack to explore in your own time. To find out more and to register,

please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/hope-forour-common-home/

Jubilee for Grandparents and Older People

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:22:01 GMT

The Diocese of Salford's Jubilee of Jubilees series continues this month as we celebrate the Jubilee for Grandparents and Older People by sharing a fantastic resource from our diocesan charity, Caritas Salford. For resources, activity ideas, prayers, key contacts, and more,

head to https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/jubilee-2025/calendar/

Silent Retreat

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:19:31 GMT

Join the Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre between 9.30am - 3.30pm on Friday 1 August for a prayerful silent retreat.

Begin the day with a tour of Wardley Hall and the Laudato Si' Centre before spending time in silent prayer, reflection,

and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The day ends with Outdoor Mass and a final opportunity for reflection.

Email laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more and register

Golden Birthday Celebration thank you

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:19:39 GMT

Words of gratitude : I would like express my deep sense of gratitude to the entire parishioners for your generosity, support and presence at my 50th thanksgiving Mass. My thanks and appreciation also to all the volunteers of our parish, the sacristan, cleaners, the flower arranger, those who prepared the food, the Cake baker, those who helped to arrange the Hall and clean up and all those who contributed in various ways to make the evening so memorable one.

Local Pilgrimage Opportunity

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:22:20 GMT

The Diocese of Salford's Pilgrimage Office has organised a day pilgrimage to Ladyewell Shrine in Lancashire to encourage all to take up the Jubilee call to pilgrimage this Holy Year. The pilgrimage takes place on Saturday 28 June and costs £26pp, including coach pick up from St Bernadette's, Whitefield at 10.30am. Call 0161 817 2209 or email pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more and register

Golden Birthday Celebration

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:13:27 GMT

You are cordially invited to a Thanksgiving Mass in Celebration of the 5oth Birthday of Fr Augustine Franklin, MSP, on Friday 11th July 2025 at 6.00 PM at Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Church Heywood. Reception follows Immediately after Mass at St Joseph Pre Nursery.

Confirmation 2025

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:15:01 GMT

Compulsory catechism sessions for all candidates: Tuesdays 24th, from 4pm –5pm in the parish meeting room. AND Service of Reconciliation with Confessions on Saturday 28th at 10.30 am, in the church.

St Joseph’s RC Primary School Summer Fair 2025

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:31:42 GMT

On Tuesday 15th July 2025 , we are holding a Summer Fair. We want to invite all our families, friends, parishioners and community to come and have some fun and raise some money for our school fund. We are currently fundraising to develop a school library and a school prayer garden, as well as many other amazing things for our wonderful children. We are asking for your support to ensure our event is a success. We are collecting raffle prizes. If anyone has anything to donate, please can you bring them into school by Friday 4th July.

Churches Together summer coffee & cake

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:29:19 GMT

1.30pm –2.30pm Wednesday 2nd July at Our Lady & St Joseph’s. As we are hosting this Summer’s Coffee and Cakes, we appeal for your attendance. We are also asking for support with cakes. Please contact Margaret Schofield, if you would like bake some cakes for the day.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 22nd June 2025

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:27:43 GMT

The Eucharist is not an invention of the Church: it is a part of God’s plan of salvation from the very beginning: it is prefigured in the Old Testament, seen today in the food offerings of Melchizedek, priest king of Jerusalem associated with Abraham, choose bread and wine as the offerings. It is also revealed by the prophetic action of Jesus, in feeding the multitude, before he feeds the Church with the gift that is transmitted through the centuries. The Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ, is our communication with the Father, in the Spirit: it is the real presence in the Church’s ‘here and now’ of the eternal God; it is Covenant, Memorial and Promise, Meal and Sacrifice, the heartbeat of the Family of Believers.

Madonna Del Rosario procession

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 11:20:13 GMT

The annual Madonna Del Rosario procession, organised by the Manchester Italian Association, will take place on Sunday 6 July . The procession will begin at 1.15pm from The Halle St Michael’s, George Leigh Street, in Ancoats. It will continue through Manchester City Centre to St Peter’s Square, where Mgr Anthony Kay will lead a short service. All are welcome to join this wonderful celebration.

Refugee Week

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:20:09 GMT

This year's Refugee Week takes place between 16th and 22nd June and our diocesan charity, Caritas Diocese of Salford, has prepared lots of information and resources to help you find out more about how to support people in our communities. Find out more at www.caritassalford.org.uk/campaign/refugees/

Hope for our Common Home Pilgrimage

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:18:54 GMT

The Diocese of Salford's Laudato Si' Centre is teaming up with the Columban Missionaries in Britain for a special pilgrimage opportunity to celebrate the Season of Creation in this Holy Year of Jubilee. Taking place on Thursday 25 September, this prayerful experience offers opportunities for everyone, whether taking on our nine-mile pilgrimage walk, joining us for our liturgies throughout the day, or receiving our virtual pilgrimage pack to explore in your own time. To find out more and to register,

please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/hope-forour-common-home/

Mass to Celebrate Jubilee Wedding Anniversaries

Tue, 27 May 2025 20:03:06 GMT

Are you celebrating a special anniversary this year? Join us on Tuesday 3 June at 7pm at St Bernadette's in Whitefield. Couples celebrating a Jubilee Wedding Anniversary during this Holy Year of Jubilee are invited to join us for this special celebration and to acknowledge this wonderful Sacrament. Friends and family are welcome and everyone is invited to join for refreshments after Mass. For more information please email: formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

Vacancy: Parish Administrator - Parish of Our Lady & St Joseph, Heywood

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:11:37 GMT

Appointment Type : Part- time/Permanent

Working Hours : 10 hours per week (Work pattern to be agreed with Parish Priest)

Location : : St. Joseph’s Presbytery, Mary Street, Heywood, Lancashire OL10 1EG

Salary : £13.23 per hour, 25 holidays, plus statutory bank holidays and 5 Diocesan closure days (Pro-rata for part-time)

Find out more and apply at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 25th May 2025

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:05:11 GMT

As Eastertide unfolds, we feel the power and influence of the Spirit growing. This is the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, and the Spirit who brings the Church to birth at Pentecost. As we journey towards Pentecost - the climax of the Easter Season - we should be considering the presence of the Spirit in the Church today: the reconciler of disputes, the solver of problems, true inspiration for the family of God on our journey to the New Jerusalem! From this side, Pentecost is about promise: the Lord at the Last Supper promises that He and the Father will be "at home" with all who keep his words - and it is the Advocate, the Holy Spirit who will remind us of these and all his words. We believe that all Scripture is "inspired" - the word of the Spirit - so as we listen or proclaim this Sunday let us look for the fulfilment of the promise made by the Lord.

Thinking about becoming Catholic?

Sun, 25 May 2025 20:40:52 GMT

Thinking about becoming Catholic? OR Are you Catholic but want to learn more about our faith? RCIA is the process, and specific ceremonies, which leads adults to Christian baptism and into full Communion with the Catholic Church. An invitation is extended to those who are unbaptized, those baptized in the Catholic Church who have not received the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation, those baptized in another Christian Church who are interested in learning more about the Catholic church.

ALSO , if you are already Catholic but would like to learn more about our beautiful Catholic Faith you are MORE than welcome to join us.

Looking for Church Cleaning Volunteers

Sun, 25 May 2025 20:05:06 GMT

There are many rewards and benefits when you join this ministry. Our beautiful Church of is our faith home. Over the years, several people have shared that the time spent in cleaning, allows a special connection to our Lord in prayer and service. Every Monday morning before the 9.am Mass volunteer help keep church clean again after the weekend Masses. Why don't you join the team that keep our faith home clean?

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER CELEBRATIONS

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:08:19 GMT

Holy Thursday 17th April : Holy Week 7.30pm—Mass of the Last Supper

Good Friday 18th April: Holy Week 12.30pm: Churches together Heywood Joint Service outside St Lukes Church

3pm Solemn Liturgy of the Lords Passion

Holy Saturday 19th April : Holy Week 8pm The Vigil and First Mass of Easter.

Sunday 20th April : Easter Sunday. 9.30 am Mass: 11am Mass:

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Ladyewell

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:00:08 GMT

Join us for a prayerful pilgrimage this summer as we visit Our Lady's shrine at Ladyewell. Situated on the doorstep of our diocese, this day pilgrimage presents a wonderful opportunity to take up the Jubilee call to pilgrimage without travelling too far away from home. The pilgrimage will take place on Saturday 28th June. For more information and to register, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/ladyewell-pilgrimage-2025

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 13th April 2025

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:53:13 GMT

On Passion (Palm) Sunday the Gospel dominates the celebration, and, in a sense, its meaning is obvious. Do not allow this, however, to detract from the other read-ings, which give the vital context necessary for understanding the Passion as much more than a simple story. It is THE story of God achieving salvation by the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thus the immense depth of the Isaiah reading - a personal testimony to suffering - should open our hearts to understand more of the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 2nd March 2025

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:26:30 GMT

We have many sayings about results being more important than promises, such as “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”. Today’s scripture readings are all about this – the ways in which our words and actions will reveal who we truly are. There is a wonderful mosaic of poetic wisdom in the readings this Sunday – images and parables and similes that can sit in our heads and hearts, and make us think about the sort of people we are, and the words we use and the fruits we produce by them. And we should pray that we will always produce good, sound fruit, so that we may keep on working at the Lord’s work always, and so share in Christ’s victory over death itself.

Pilgrims of Hope: Lenten Talks

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:25:15 GMT

The Diocese of Salford is holding a series of talks this Lent that explores themes of journeying and pilgrimage through the lens of the Jubilee. Each week, the talks will focus on a different person from the Bible to help us better understand how the journey we are called to make this Holy Year is rooted in scripture.The weekly talks begin on Tuesday 4 March at 11am at Wardley Hall. Contact Sr Joan Kerley on joankfmsj@gmail.com or call 0161 971 7842 to find out more.

Annual St Joseph's Technical High School Reunion Mass

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:23:10 GMT

Former pupils and staff of St Joseph's RC Technical High School (Laindon Road, Manchester) are invited to this year's reunion with their families to celebrate the school's history. The reunion will take place on Saturday 22nd March 2025 at St Bernard's RC Church, Burnage. Mass begins at 12 noon, with opportunity for confession and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 11am. Please arrive by 11.30am to sign in. Refreshments will be available in the parish hall after Mass

Diocesan Synod: The End of the Journey

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:19:56 GMT

This weekend, our Diocesan Synod draws to a close with the final stage of the journey. On Saturday, clergy and lay synod members gathered to vote on the 40 recommendations that will form our Pastoral Plan to guide our diocese in the years to come. To find out more about the process, the recommendations, and results, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/ diocesan-synod-end-of-the-journey

MEGA Raffle now on sale

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:25:55 GMT

MEGA Raffle now on sale:

1st Prize : SAMSUNG 55 INCH CRYSTAL UHD TV, Kindly donated by C. Housley’s Heywood: Worth about £550.00:

£1.00 a strip. Plus some great hampers for runners up prizes.

Diocese of Salford Synod 2023-2025

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:21:27 GMT

Parish Synod Consultations : Will continue at the all the parish Masses of next weekend; the 14th/15th. On theme four: Fostering Christ-like Care . It will be a ten minutes exercise during the time for the homily at Mass.

Jubilee of Youth - Pilgrimage to Rome

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:18:38 GMT

Young adults across the diocese are invited to join our diocesan Youth Ministry Team for a special pilgrimage to Rome next year. Pilgrims will be travelling to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, announced by Pope Francis at the 2023 World Youth Day. Our pilgrimage will take place between 28 July and 4 August . Email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk to find out more

Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee in our Diocese

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:15:41 GMT

Pope Francis has declared that the year 2025 will be a Holy Year of Jubilee for the Catholic Church, an event that takes place once every 25 years and offers the faithful an opportunity to renew their relationship with God, each other, and all of creation. Over the coming months, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to observe this special year of grace in our own diocese. To find out more about the Jubilee and how to get involved, please visit https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/ news/jubilee-2025/

Opening Mass for the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:14:27 GMT

Pope Francis has invited dioceses across the world to unite in prayer as we begin the 2025 "Pilgrims of Hope" Jubilee. Our diocese will be marking the start of the Jubilee with a Mass, celebrated by Bishop John, on Sunday 29th December at 2pm at Salford Cathedral's Temporary Church. All are welcome to join us as we mark the start of this special year of grace.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 8th December

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:10:45 GMT

Throughout the first three weeks of Advent our focus is very clearly on the End of Time, and the Second Coming of the Lord - not on the run up to Christmas (that only comes in the last week). If we view Advent as a Season preparing for Christmas these readings will make little sense - and neither will the figure of John the Baptist who appears today: if it was about the preparation for Christmas, then John the Baptist, preaching after Jesus was born, becomes a confusing figure: his role is to preach to us, as he did of old, and to prepare us for the (second) coming of the Lord. Today we have an unequivocal and very graphic reference to the end of time and the Second Coming in the reading from Saint Peter; it is a frightening picture that he paints, and so the first reading offers tender words of comfort to help us understand who is coming, and why we should be ready to meet him. The Gospel focuses on the great Advent prophet, John the Baptist, with his message of preparation - we are invited to get ourselves ready, making a way for the Lord.

Our Lady and St Joseph’s Bereavement Group

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 15:57:08 GMT

The bereavement group will next meet in the presbytery on the first Tuesday of the month. Please look on notice Board for further full details of the meetings All welcome. Ring Pat Greenall on 07599355924

Our Lady and St Joseph’s Prayer Group

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 14:29:11 GMT

Our Lady and St Joseph's Prayer Group will next meet in the presbytery on the last Friday of the month 7-8:30 pm . All welcome.

Ring Pat Greenall on 07599355924

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 24th November

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:22:22 GMT

Every time we complete the cycle of the liturgical year, there is a seamless blending into the new year: so, just as this week we hear of the King who is to come, next week, we begin a New Year and the Season of Advent by more medita-tion on the end of time, and the One who is to come again, as he once came among us. This feast affirms that Christ is King, that he is Judge, that he is Ruler of the kings of the earth. By his own words we know that this is true, as he stands before Pilate and says, “Yes, I am a king.” But his kingship is different: it is not of the same kind as earthly kings, whose empires fade and pass away. His kingship is eternal, and holy until the end of time. Through his love for us, we share in this sovereignty - this holiness - as priests and kings who “serve his God and Father”. We end our year in simple, awe‑filled praise of the One who is, who was, and who is to come ‑ the Almighty. Alleluia! Amen! .

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 29th September

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 21:14:53 GMT

There is a peculiar type of pettiness that will not allow someone to do what others do (even if ‑ or perhaps especially if ‑ they are good at it) because they aren't part of the group, or club, or circle. Unless you wear the uniform, the badge or tie, you can't share in the work. When this is applied to doing good or following the Lord, it seems even more petty than ever: if someone does a good thing, does it matter that she or he is not a Catholic? The words of the Lord, “Anyone who is not against us is for us,” should be taken to heart this Sunday. Let us recognise anyone who helps the poor, serves peace and justice, does what the Lord Jesus wants as our co‑worker, whatever the ‘label’ they work under.

Diocesan Young Adults Mass

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:54:09 GMT

Young adults across the diocese are once again invited to join our next Diocesan Mass for Young Adults. The Mass will take place

at 5.30pm on Sunday 13 October at St Augustine's, Manchester. Mass will be followed by a social and the next instalment of our fascinating series of talks on Catholic apologetics by delving into the world of G K Chesterton's Orthodoxy.

Holy Family College Faith Forms for Children currently in Yr6

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:55:16 GMT

Holy Family College Faith Forms for Children currently in Yr6 are now online. Please download and contact the office to make

your appointment with Fr Augustine.: Meetings will be Tue-Friday evenings. You must attend with your child.

The final meeting will be Friday 25th October

Diocesan Synod Update

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:52:51 GMT

We are now entering into the Exploration Stage of our diocesan synod. Over the next four months, we will closely explore the four key themes to have emerged from our Big Listen responses. The themes are: Nurturing Faith for Tomorrow’s World, Building Connections, Enabling Access, and Fostering Christlike Care.

Please, would you pick up the leaflets for the theme of ‘Nurturing Faith for Tomorrow’s World’ in preparation for our own parish gathering on Sunday the 20th of October at 5pm. All are invited to participate.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 15th September

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 15:46:23 GMT

As we follow through the Gospel of Saint Mark, we come to an important turning point this week: after the preaching, the miracles and the journey so far, Simon Peter publicly recognises Jesus as the Messiah. But there is an important point, which is brought out by the choice of first reading today: this Messiah is a king who is destined to be rejected and killed. Jesus knows this very well, and rebukes Peter when he tries to lead him on a different path. From this point on, Saint Mark’s Gospel leads to the cross: Jesus himself accepts his own cross, and reminds all his followers that the cross is a part of following him. If we are considering the question ”Who is Jesus?”, these scripture passages give us a deep insight into the mission of salvation that he accepts for us.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 1st September

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 20:52:31 GMT

We now return to Saint Mark, for the rest of the year. The Gospel brings out one of the central problems of all religion: the way in which peripheral laws and customs gradually take over the more fundamental commandments, and the way in which “externalism” and a concern with superficialities gradually suffocates a true “internal” faith which is lived out. Here we see the angry Jesus: he calls them “hypocrites”, as he condemns their “worthless worship”. He teaches a central truth: it is what comes from within that determines whether we are clean or unclean, good or evil. The commandments of God, which Moses puts before the people with such great pride, become the source of justice when they are given a place in the heart. When other rules and regulations about how to wash and what to eat displace them, then they are stifled and justice is practised no longer.

Caritas Salford

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:58:01 GMT

Caritas Salford: our diocesan charity, supports people in

our diocese to develop their understanding of accessibility, disability

and inclusion of people with access needs. Being accessible is

important to maximise positive experiences and so everyone has

opportunities to participate in ways that suit them. Caritas is looking

for people from our parishes to help advocate for positive accessibility

with a view to encouraging positive solutions. If you are

interested, please email accessibility@caritassalford.org.uk or visit

www.caritassalford.org.uk/volunteer to find out more.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 11th August

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:55:53 GMT

The Word of The Week: The bread that comes down

from heaven is not just a bread which nourishes the body, but one

which gives renewed life ‑ be this in the form of energy and purpose

(as we see in the story of Elijah) or in the form of a gift of eternal

life. As Jesus continues his discourse on the Bread of Life, he faces

the complaints and criti-cism of the crowd, who take a very

short-sighted view of what he says, and affirms for them that true

life, a life the will never end, is found in him, he is the one who has

come from the Father, and so is the living bread which gives life.

Jesus here makes an explicit link between “belief” and “eating the

bread of life”: the two lead to each other, and they both bring about

that which man most desires ‑ to live for ever. The Response to the

Psalm in many ways sums this up: ‘Taste and see that the Lord is

good.’

World Youth Day - Rome 2025

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:54:51 GMT

World Youth Day Rome 2025: Are you aged 16-35? Are

you looking for an unforgettable opportunity to share your faith with

other young Catholics? Pope Francis has announced a special World

Youth Day in Rome next summer to celebrate the Church’s Year of

Jubilee and our diocesan Youth Ministry team invites you to be part

of this once-in-a-25-year event! The pilgrimage will take place between

28 July and 3 August. For more information and to register

your interest, please email youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.

Caritas Diocese of Salford Summer Appeal

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:24:03 GMT

Our diocesan charity, Caritas Diocese of Salford, has launched its summer appeal as new research reveals child poverty to be at an all-time high across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. To find out more about the appeal and how you can support families across our diocese, please visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/campaign/childpoverty

Churches Together in Heywood

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:22:21 GMT

The next Churches together Heywood Coffee and Cake is Wednesday the 7th August at St Luke’s Church.

From 1.30pm –2.30 pm. The theme; WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR . Please come along.

Stay in the know

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:00:23 GMT

Want the latest news from parishes and schools across the diocese? Would you like to keep up to speed with upcoming

events and key projects and resources from the Diocese of Salford? Head to the Diocese of Salford's website at

https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk

or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Our Lady and St Joseph’s Bereavement Group

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 20:39:19 GMT

Our Lady and St Joseph's Bereavement Group will meet on Tuesday 6th August in the presbytery at 7-8:30pm. We shall catch up with group members and discuss what holidays mmean to all. All welcome. For further details ring Pat Greenall on 07599355924

Radio Maria England

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 15:38:44 GMT

Radio Maria England is thrilled to announce that it has begun broadcasting on digital radio in Stockport and some Greater Manchester areas. In addition to digital radio, anyone can tune into Radio Maria England via their free mobile app, website, or through the Alexa Smart Speaker. Radio Maria England is a Catholic radio station that aims to inspire, educate, and inform listeners about the Catholic faith and make the message of the Gospel accessible to all, wherever they are

Eucharist Ministers Meeting

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 16:02:34 GMT

All who were commissioned as extra ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are invited to a meeting with the parish priest at 7pm on Wednesday the 17th July.

Please, endeavour to be present at this very important meeting.

Salford Lourdes Pre-Departure Mass

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:53:37 GMT

Join us on Sunday 21st July as we gather together in prayer for the Pre-Departure Mass of our diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. Whether you’re travelling to Lourdes or are looking to join in prayer at home, you are welcome to the Mass at 5.30pm at St Patrick’s church, Collyhurst.

Mass will be celebrated by Canon Michael Cooke along with clergy from the diocese, with music from our wonderful Lourdes Choir. There will be refreshments and a chance to catch up with friends after Mass.

New Forms from the Diocese

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:51:11 GMT

If your name or the name of a friend or relative of yours is on the parish list of prayers for those who are sick, we need to make sure that you or your friend or family member has consented to their name being on that list. This is because the list can be seen by a lot of people, as it is available for anyone to pick up in church and is also published on the internet through the parish website. In a couple of weeks’ time, the list will be restarted with the names of all for whom the parish have consent. This is necessary to make sure the church takes proper care of your information and complies with current data protection law.

Please take a form from the able if you need to make a request and post it back into church ensuring the person has signed it.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 7th July

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:34:46 GMT

A prophet's job is to open people's eyes to the reality of their situation pointing out to them the things they would rather forget or ignore. A prophet is a sort of “national con-science”, always awake to situations of injus-tice and always speaking out about them. A prophet is commissioned to do this by God, who sends the prophet on his mission Jesus is just such a prophet teaching and preaching about the Kingdom of God and the best way to live. Despite the welcome his message has received elsewhere, when he comes to his hometown he is faced with rejection such that “he was amazed at their lack of faith.” It is curious is that they seem to accept his wisdom, and his miracles, but because he grew up among them they cannot accept him as a teacher from God. We should remember that it is often hardest to stand up for the truth among those who know us well.

The New Lectionary Appeal

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:26:15 GMT

THANK YOU for your generous donations and contributions toward the New Lectionary Appeal. We have raised the sum of £2043.00

First Holy Communion 2025

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:24:48 GMT

If your child or you know of any child who are currently in Yr 2 in any school and are Baptised Roman Catholic they can now apply for the FHC Programme starting in September 2024 to make their FHC may 2025. Application forms are at the Church Entrance.

All forms must be returned to church no later than 30th JUNE 2024. Emails have been sent to all who have returned their forms.

Please check

Get social

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 11:35:11 GMT

Are you aged 18-35? Are you looking to celebrate your faith with other young Catholic adults across the diocese? Give the Diocese of Salford Young Adults Ministry a follow on Instagram! For the latest on upcoming events, opportunities to connect and get involved, as well as regular content and resources to nurture your faith life on the go, simply search @salfordyouth on Instagram.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 16th June

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 11:17:25 GMT

How does a tree grow? The scientists can give us their answers, but the miracle of life on our earth, in all its dazzling complexity and variety is exactly that ‑ a miracle. God is responsible for the miracle of Nature and growth ‑ how, we don’t know, but we accept God's guiding hand as a fact of our faith. This mysterious growth in Nature is used as a parable today, for the life of the Church and the Kingdom of God. Just as a seed, planted and watered, turns by miraculous pro-cesses into something different and bigger and beautiful, so the seed of the Gospel will grow into something else, by some means we can never fully understand. And that is the grace of God, encouraging, prompting and helping all men and women of good will to swell the com-ing Kingdom of our God. !

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 9th June

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:32:11 GMT

A constant theme throughout human his-tory has been the conflict between dark and light, good and evil. From the earliest legends and myths to the latest films and books this eternal conflict between the two forces has been central. Our faith, of course, is no different: good and evil are opposed, and in real conflict, be-cause the one cannot tolerate the other. Our own story of Creation tells of the origins of this conflict, where the evil of selfishness, pride and falsehood opens a doorway to the long story of the fight between God's will and sin. In Jesus, good finds a new champion: the One who most perfectly unites the divine and human will, in whom there is no sin, takes up arms on our behalf to conquer sin and evil. By sharing in his life (by doing the will of God) we share in his final victory over evil on the cross, and so are strengthened and sustained in the continuing contest between sin and virtue. !

The New Lectionary Appeal

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 20:31:11 GMT

The Bishops of England and Wales have adopted a new translation of the Scriptures for use at Mass and other Liturgical celebrations. These new texts will be introduced from the first Sunday of Advent this year. Each set is four volumes and together with a Book of the Gospels, the total for these new Liturgical Books is just short of £2000. This is a significant cost to be borne by the Parish. It is almost fifty years parishes had to purchase these Volumes, so they are an investment! If anyone felt able to make a specific donation towards the cost of these new Lectionaries, please do consider speaking to any of the parish clergy. Also, from next Sunday we will be taking a second collections for the new Lectionary fund.

THANK YOU for your donations so far, we have realised the sum of £1350, but we still need more money

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 2nd June

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:25:10 GMT

The key to today's readings is the word “Covenant”. A Covenant is a solemn and bind-ing agreement between two parties, which es-tablishes the way in which each party will behave towards the other. It establishes rights and duties, and forges a new relationship between two people or groups of people. In the Ancient World, a Covenant was always sealed with a sacrifice and a meal: the sacrifice brought divine blessing on the covenant, and the meal sealed the relationship between the participants. In the Covenant that God forged with his people in the Old Testament, it was expressed very simply: God said, “You will be my people, and I will be your God.” God would remain faithful to the people, and they were to remain faithful to God (this is where the command-ments come in). This Covenant was sealed in its greatest form on Mount Sinai, as we hear in the first reading. When the Old Covenant had been broken beyond repair, God sent his only Son to estab-lish a New Covenant: the sacrifice and meal of this New Covenant is Calvary and the Last Supper, where Christ is both priest and victim and altar. When we eat and drink this sacred meal at every Mass we are renewed in the New Covenant and the relationship with God, be-cause Calvary and the Upper Room are present once more and the New Covenant is sealed for us anew.

Rosary around the Campfire

Sun, 19 May 2024 10:59:39 GMT

Please join us for a peaceful hour of prayer and reflection as we host a special praying of The Rosary at our Laudato Si' Centre Wardley Hall on Monday 20th May at 1pm . All are welcome to join as we settle on our tree trunks around the campfire to share in an ecological reflection on the Sorrowful Mysteries. Please register your interest at https://tinyurl.com/rosaryLSC and feel free to bring your own chair or blanket for additional comfort.

This week (19-26 May), we mark Laudato Si' Week

Sun, 19 May 2024 10:58:00 GMT

This week (19-26 May), we mark Laudato Si' Week - an annual campaign celebrating the anniversary of Pope Francis' environmental encyclical. This year's theme is "Seeds of Hope", which calls us to be those seeds of hope in our lives and in our world, rooted in faith and love. To find out more about the campaign and how you can celebrate it in your parish, school, or at home, please visit https://laudatosiweek.org

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 19th May

Sun, 19 May 2024 10:54:54 GMT

We arrive at the fiftieth day ‑ the completion of the Easter Season, and the completion of the Paschal Mystery: the Lord has died, is risen, has ascended to heaven and now gives birth to his Church, by sending the Spirit upon the apostles. This feast of the gift of the Spirit is so significant for us, because it marks the handing on of Jesus' ministry to the Church ‑ in the Church we are guaranteed the presence of the Lord, in his sacraments, in his ministers, in the Blessed Sacrament and in his Celebrated Word. It also marks the fulfilment of our thoughts about baptism throughout this season: the gift of the Spirit which we receive in Confirmation is the `seal' of our baptism, guaranteeing and confirm-ing all that baptism achieves.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 17th March

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:44:56 GMT

In the weeks of Lent so far we have followed God’s work of salvation: we have seen the Covenants he established with Noah, Abraham, Moses and the people of Israel after the return from Babylon. Now we come to one of the most significant parts of the Old Testament: the promise of a brand new Covenant, which will be different from all those that went before. This Covenant will see God and Man living more closely together. For the ratification of a Covenant, something was always sacrificed as a sign of the new relationship – normally man would offer some animal offering to God. But the New Covenant will be ratified not with the death of sheep or bull, but by the death of Jesus Christ, God and Man. In this perfect sacrifice is the source of our eternal salvation.

Heywood Churches Together Lent Coffee & Cake

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 21:33:59 GMT

Wednesday 13th March

Heywood Baptist Church from 1.30pm-2.30pm.Wednesday 13th March

Eucharistic Ministers: Day of recollection

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 21:31:31 GMT

Saturday 16th March at 1pm

Eucharistic Ministers: Day of recollection and Reflection led by Fr James Manock, in the meeting room: All Extra Ordinary Ministers of Communion should endeavour to attend this meeting to prepare for the renewal of commitment during Holy Week.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 10th March

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 21:28:38 GMT

There were two remarkable moments in the story of the Old Testament where God saved his people; one was in the escape from Egypt – we’ll keep that for the Easter Vigil. The other was the end of their second exile, this time in Babylon, which we hear of today. There was an even greater moment when God saved his people: in Jesus Christ his Son – and we hear Jesus tell Nicodemus about that today. To understand “being saved”, we must ask “What from?” Saved from slavery, from exile, from human enemies – these are all clear. But

the last and greatest salvation brought by Jesus is harder to understand: saved from sin and death. These threaten us as much as any other enemy, and our salvation in Jesus is as real as any other.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in our Centenary Year

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:04:04 GMT

Bookings are now being taken for this year's diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, marking our centenary year. The pilgrimage, led by Bishop John Arnold, will take place between 26th July and 1st August .

Find out more and book online at https://www.salfordlourdes.co.uk/travel-accommodation

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 3rd March

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 14:57:06 GMT

So who is coming? This Sunday's readings help to answer that question. John the Baptist is asked about the coming of the Messiah - is it him? He affirms his role as a witness to speak for the light, by pointing to the one who stands among the crowd. unknown to them who is coming after him. This idea is present in the First Reading, where Isaiah proclaims what the anointed one (Messiah in Hebrew) will do, and the joy that this will bring. It is interesting that the Psalm appointed for this Sunday is the Magnificat - Mary's song of praise at the announcement that the Messiah would be born of her - in which she sings of the works of the coming Messiah. Paul then reminds

us that we are still waiting patiently: God has called you, and he will not fail you. This is why, on this 'Gaudete' Sunday, we as God’s people

rejoice in his care, made visible in his promises, fulfilled in Jesus.

Confirmation 2024 Application Form

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 15:25:36 GMT

Confirmation 2024: For young people in year eight who are not in Catholic School. Please, pick a form, complete and return to the Presbytery (Priests’ House) before 10th March 2024

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 25th February

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 13:13:40 GMT

Throughout the first three weeks of Advent our focus is very clearly on the Second Coming of the Lord - not so much on the run up to Christmas (until the last week). If we view Advent as a preparation for Christmas these readings will make little sense - and neither will the figure of John the Baptist who appears today: if its about the preparation for Christmas, then John the Baptist, preaching after Jesus was born, is a confusing figure: but his role is to preach to us, as he did of old, and to prepare us for the (second) coming of the Lord. Today we have a very graphic reference to the end of time and the Second Coming in the reading from Saint Peter; it is a frightening picture, and so the first reading offers tender words of comfort to help us understand who is coming, and why we should be ready to meet him.

Station Masses

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 13:11:37 GMT

An ancient tradition of the Church in Lent is “Station Masses” – the word “station” might bring railways to mind,

and this is not far off the idea! As we journey through Lent, we call at “stations” – churches in our Deanery

where people from all our parishes can come together to be encouraged as we travel through this holy season.

This year we have four Masses, and a very special final celebration: Bishop John will lead us in a Reconciliation Service,

with the opportunity for individual confession with our Deanery priests.

Refreshments will be served after each Station and everyone is very welcome.

THE DATES AND LOCATIONS OF OUR LENTEN STATIONS THIS YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS :

— Thursday 7th March 7pm at Guardian Angels, Bury

— Thursday 14th March 7pm at Saint Michael, Whitefield

— Tuesday 19th March 7pm: RECONCILIATION SERVICE AND CONFESSIONS at Saint Joseph’s, Heywood with Bishop John

Exploring Prayer in Lent Programme

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:22:17 GMT

People across the diocese are invited to embark on a special journey of prayer this Lent in preparation for the 2025 Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee. Taking place on each of the Fridays of Lent between 10am and 12.30pm at Wardley Hall, the sessions include presentations, discussion, and time for quiet prayer and reflection. Find out more at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/prayer-inlent/

St Joseph's Penny and Lent appeal

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:20:24 GMT

Caritas Salford has lots of information and resources on its website about how you can join in with this year's Lent and St Joseph's Penny appeals. Get the latest news and resources - as well as your free St Joseph's Penny box to collect coins to donate during Lent - at www.caritassalford.org.uk/SJP

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 11th February

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:13:52 GMT

Thankfully, we do not encounter leprosy in our culture. It can therefore be difficult to enter into the real depth of today’s readings. We have to understand that leprosy meant exclusion, rejection and the end of “normal” life. For your leprosy to be cured would be like being given a second chance at life. What is the cause of exclusion and rejection in our society – or even in the Church? Who are those who must “live apart”? And how can we put into effect in our day those most touching of the words of Jesus, when asked if he wants to cure the leper: “Of course I want to!”? Contemplating exclusion and rejection in our world can be hard work: Saint Paul guides the way: the Christian path is not to work “for my own advantage, but for the advantage of everybody else”.

Piety Stall

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:10:30 GMT

Please visit our lovely Piety stall. Thank you to Joan & Breda who keep the shop well stocked.

The Piety shop at Salford Cathedral will be closing down soon.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 28th January

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:58:21 GMT

Where does authority come from? Why is one man regarded as a prophet, and another as a lunatic, and a third as a hypocrite? Jesus startles the crowds with a “new teaching” today, but what amazes them so much is not the message but the authority behind it: they are convinced because what he does somehow adds credibility to what he says. It’s the old situation that we are all familiar with - we look through words to see the actions, which show us the real message. The scribes did not heal or work miracles, but simply talked about God. Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God, but also shows the people what it is - a Kingdom where all that damages human happiness is abolished. The other side to this is that we must listen to a prophet or teacher when they are backed by such authority; we may not “harden our hearts” and ignore the message when we have recognised that the messenger is sent by God. This is the hard part, because it demands that we too show, by our actions, that we have heard.

Homes for Ukraine

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 23:45:57 GMT

Caritas Diocese of Salford invites you to an event that explores a little more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Organised by St John of God Hospitaller Services and the Caritas Social Action Network, the event aims to shed light on the impact the scheme has made on families and individuals affected by the invasion and how you can continue to support them today. The event takes place between 2 and 3.30pm on Saturday 3 February at Salford Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, M3 6DP. Find out more at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/homes-for-ukraine/

Caritas Salford Every Step Campaign

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 23:43:36 GMT

If you're looking for a new challenge for the New Year, why not check out the Caritas Salford website? Their brand new Every Step campaign is encouraging us all to pledge to do something this year that pushes us out of our comfort zone, and there are lots of ways you can get involved. Whether you take on a baking challenge, a 10k run or the ultimate quiz-a-thon, there's something for everyone, and the charity also has places in the Great Manchester Run and Manchester Half Marathon as well as a range of other runs available. Visit the website https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/campaign/everystep/ for more information.

Walsingham Pilgrimage

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 23:41:33 GMT

Anne Noonan & Anne McCormick Walsingham Pilgrimage: they are no longer arranging the yearly trip to Walsingham. However, if anybody or group would like to take over from them organising it, please contact either of the ladies.

Foodbank

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 23:40:16 GMT

When shopping at Tesco Express until the end of March, blue tokens that are given out at the till can be placed in the box for Heywood Foodbank. The charity that obtains the most blue tokens by the end of March will receive a grant from Tesco.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK - 14th January

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 23:36:54 GMT

What does it mean to be a follower of the Lord Jesus? Surely to listen and hear his voice, and to go where he leads us. Today, as we enter the “ordinary” season of the year, we begin our story of Jesus’s life and ministry with the calling of the first disciples. John fulfils his ministry - pointing to the Lamb of God - and the disciples follow where he points. His word to them is simple and inviting: “Come and see.” This echoes the calling of Samuel - a simple call, by name, which Samuel does not understand: discipleship is about trust, which Samuel shows simply by saying “Speak, Lord; your servant is listening. The Psalm also underlines this, as we (the disciples of the Lord) sing together: “Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.” We hear his call, and we freely go to him, to listen again to the words of the Master.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:48:49 GMT

“Watch early for wisdom”: wise words, and ones that the foolish bridesmaids of the Gospel should have taken to heart. This is the ultimate in ‘putting off till tomorrow...’, since the reading is about the end of time, when the Son of Man will come again. Then there will be no tomorrow. If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing today. Quite often we contemplate the end of time with anxiety and fear: this is not what God wants. Look at the Psalm, where we hear of desperate longing, a thirst for the Lord, that cannot wait. We should not just wait for the Lord with patient endurance, but with impatient longing: what could we desire more than the coming of the Lord, the rising of the dead and an eternity of joy and glory?

Christmas Market

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:59:06 GMT

12 Noon on Saturday 2nd December in the Parish Centre.

PLEASE We need your donations. If you can please donate prizes for bottle and chocolate tombola. Toiletries and gifts ….Please place in the basket in church. We cannot accept Teddy Bears.

Children’s Liturgy:

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 20:50:35 GMT

Thank you to everyone who come to the meeting and those who have volunteered to run the Children’s Liturgy Class. These will be starting hopefully before Christmas at 11 am Mass once everything has been arranged.

URGENT: Safeguarding DBS Checks for all Church volunteers

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:56:38 GMT

All who help within the church. Catechists, Eucharistic Ministers, Welcomers, etc… Please email the office with your details of full name and what you volunteer as on the following email: stjosephheywood@outlook.com . The Diocese will then be contacting you on your email to update your DBS.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 15:38:11 GMT

Today is one of those occasions when, even though the second reading is not chosen to correspond to the theme of the Gospel and first reading, it does in fact fit very well. Indeed, much of the letter to the Romans is explained in this Sundays Liturgy of the Word: the whole theme is summed up in this: the Messiah came first of all to the people of Israel, to whom the promises were made in the past - but it could not remain there. The good news had to be taken to the ends of the earth, so that all peoples, indeed the whole of creation could welcome the Messiah and take a place in the Kingdom of God. All nations are welcome on God's holy mountain: Let all the peoples praise you, O God!

First Holy Communion : 2023 –2024

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 20:52:00 GMT

First Holy Communion : 2023 –2024 : For all children who will be starting Yr3 in September 2023. All information has now been emailed to all pearent/ carers who have completed and returned all forms. The first meeting for parent/carers is at 7pm in church on Thursday 7th September. The children's first session will be the weekend of the 9th/10th September.

New Prayer Group

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 20:36:17 GMT

A New Prayer Group starting Last Friday of the month 29th September 2023 in Parish Meeting Room, 7-8:30pm. We would like to invite all parishioners to our monthly prayer meetings; we hope to include experienced members and recent converts from the RCIA Programme; all are welcome and included. The nature of the group will be formed by the members and their perspective in developing a closer relationship with God and developing ways of worshipping as a group and individually. Hopefully all members of the group will contribute, and each member will take their turn at leading the session if they are comfortable presenting. Look forward to seeing you all. Any enquiries contact Pat Greenall 07599355924.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:20:00 GMT

Divine providence is a wonderful thing: God is so generous with his creation (it is human greed that denies some their rightful share). The Kingdom of God is the time and place when this vision will be fully realised, when all who wish may come to the water, when all who are hungry may eat as much as they want, when what is left over is still enough for all the twelve tribes of Israel. Our contemplation of the kingdom of God, through the parables and miracles of Jesus, should stir us up to build this kingdom here and now. The miracle of Divine providence is allowed to work when human greed and selfishness give way to the power of the Spirit working within us, and we share all we have with those in need. Our hearts are set on the kingdom of God, where there is corn and wine and milk in abundance.

First Holy Communion

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:02:28 GMT

First Holy Communion : 2023 –2024: : For all children who will be starting Yr3 in September 2023. All information has now been emailed to all parent/ carers who have completed and returned all forms. The first meeting for parent/carers is at 7pm in church on Thursday 7th September. The children's first session will be the weekend of the 9th/10th September.

Eucharistic Healing Service

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:43:54 GMT

Mother of God and St James Church, Heywood Way, Salford, M6 5UJ Tuesday 8th August, 7.30pm A priest with an internationally-renowned healing ministry is returning to our diocese for an upcoming Eucharistic Healing Service.Fr John Baptist Bashobora will be travelling from Uganda to St James and All Souls in Salford for the service on Tuesday 8th August at 7.30pm

Previous Healing Services have received beautiful and great feedback with testimonies of significant healings taking place,

physically and spiritually. All are welcome to attend - please join us and spread the word!

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:41:32 GMT

: There is no room in a good field for weeds and rubbish: so in the Kingdom of Heaven, there is no room for all things that provoke offences, and all who do evil. They must be got rid of, for the sake of the good wheat, for the sake of the good subjects of the kingdom. But this weeding out will not take place until harvest time - in case one piece of good wheat is destroyed with the weeds. This shows the mercy of God: everyone has chance after chance to prove that they are wheat, not darnel; there are no quick judgements in the kingdom of heaven, and things are never as black and white as we think. Only at the end of time will evil stand out clearly, so that it can be disposed of, and only the Son of Man can judge.

Sunday 9am Mass time Change

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:58:10 GMT

There have been suggestions that the 9am Mass on Sunday should return back to 9.30am, to it’s original time before Covid. We hope do that at the beginning of advent this year. We are however open to further suggestions, please do feel free to speak with any of the priests.

Pilgrimage to Walsingham in Prayer for the Sanctity of Life:

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 20:13:29 GMT

Saturday 5th August, 12 noon Mass Walsingham . Catholics around the country will be heading to Walsingham this August to pray and reflect on the sanctity of life. Archbishop Kevin McDonald will lead the pilgrimage on Saturday 5th August and celebrate Mass at 12 noon. For more information please visit https://prolifepilgrimage.org/

Young Adults Mass

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 20:09:11 GMT

Sunday 9th July, 5.30pm St Augustine's RC Church, Grosvenor Square, Manchester, M15 6BW: The Diocese of Salford's Youth Ministry Team is delighted to welcome pilgrims attending World Youth Day to its next Young Adults Mass. Fr Joe Gee will preside and preach at the Mass on Sunday 9th July, which will also act as a pre-departure Mass for our World Youth Day pilgrims. All are welcome to attend as we pray for all those joining this year's pilgrimage and gather together for pizza and social time after Mass.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 11:00:13 GMT

The Gospel and First Reading this Sunday can be summed up in one word: hospitality. But not hospitality in general - this is a very specific hospitality: welcoming the word of God. We must welcome the message of salvation into our homes and hearts, and show this by welcoming the messenger who brings us this good news. Perhaps when we consider the messages we allow into our homes nowadays this theme reveals its relevance to us: television, radio and newspapers are all welcome in our homes. Surely the Gospel tells us to keep our eyes peeled for the holy man who brings real news. This Gospel also tells us about our mission: if we are welcomed or rejected, we should neither be proud nor worry for ourselves, but for Christ, because it is Christ who is welcomed or rejected.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 20:03:07 GMT

Todays Gospel turns our thoughts to the strange phenomenon of persecution: throughout the history of mankind, the truth has been a commodity that often leads to persecution: the prophets of the Old Testament were attacked because of their message, as was the Lord Jesus himself. For his followers, the same may be true. The point of the readings is not simply to face up to the reality of the opposition the Gospel may meet, but to remember where the truth of the Gospel comes from: the Father in heaven, who knows us and values us. So we can be confirmed in our mission to witness to the truth, not fearing those who merely kill the body.

Eucharistic Healing Service:

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:58:47 GMT

Friday 23 June 2023, 7.30pm at Mother of God and St James Church, Pendleton Way, Salford, M6 5JA. The Parish of St James and All Souls is hosting a Eucharistic Healing Service on Friday 23rd June at 7.30pm at Mother of God and St James Church in Salford.

Salford Cathedral 175th Anniversary Celebration Mass

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:46:43 GMT

Sunday 25th June, 11am Salford Cathedral, 250 Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5LE: Salford Cathedral is celebrating its 175th anniversary later this month with a Solemn High Mass. Bishop John will celebrate this special Mass at 11am on Sunday 25th June.The Mass marks the 175th anniversary of the opening of St John the Evangelist Church and will be followed by a reception in the Cathedral House and Gardens. If you would like to join us in this celebration, please RSVP to cathedral.admin@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or by post to Cathedral House, 250 Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5LE.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:33:14 GMT

The people of Israel were chosen by God, to be his own people. This Moses proclaims in the first reading. And having chosen a people, God does not abandon them: they may be like sheep without a shepherd, but God sends them the Good Shepherd, who feels sorry for them, and entrusts his disciples with the task of giving them new heart. The same God has chosen us, and gives us the same Shepherd. But we must be careful to take to ourselves the call of Jesus: we must pray for labourers to give new heart to the lost sheep of our society. We must also remember our own responsibility - as a kingdom of priests and a consecrated nation those of us in the Church have a mission to fulfil: to live out the Covenant, and truly to be a consecrated nation.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:00:13 GMT

The Eucharist the Body and Blood of Christ is a mystery with so many layers and a depth that takes more than a lifetime to penetrate. It is not just a thing that we receive however reverently it is a person, a relationship, a belonging and a transformation that we consume, that becomes part of us: Receive what you are the Body of Christ. The readings invite us to reflect on how our celebration of the Eucharist brings Christs words to our reality: who eats my flesh and drink my blood lives in me and I live in him.

The people of the Old Testament had God living in their midst, walking with them on their journey, feeding and nourishing them with the gift of manna from heaven. Jesus walks with us, not looking on from afar, journeying in communion with us living within us, as we eat and drink the gifts he extends from the Last Supper. And as Saint Paul reminds us, our communion with the One Christ is also a communion with each other God lives in us as the Church, as we become His Body.

Diocesan Mass for Vocations to the Priesthood

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 15:56:43 GMT

Friday 16th June, 7pm at St Patrick's Church, Livesey Street, Manchester, M4 5HF. The Diocese of Salford's Vocations Team invites you to join them. Mass will begin at 7pm on Friday 16th June. All are very welcome to attend. To find out more about our Vocations Masses, please visit https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/monthly-vocationsmasses/

Refugee Week - Free Online Awareness Session from Caritas Salford:

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:39:38 GMT

Monday 5th June, 6-8pm Online. Caritas Salford, our diocesan charity, runs services which supports people from a refugee background who have settled in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. As part of their Refugee Week activities this year, the team at Caritas is offering a free training session on 'Refugee Awareness' which will take place online on 5th June from 6pm to 8pm.To reserve a place at the online session, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/refugee-awareness-training-tickets635362495327

Diocesan Young Adults Mass:

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:35:40 GMT

Sunday 11th June, 5.30pm (confessions between 4.45 - 5.15pm) St Augustine's Church, Grosvenor Square, Manchester. Our next Young Adults Mass will take place on Sunday 11th June with a special reflection on the Sacred Heart. Fr Mark Paver will lead us in the celebration of Mass, which will begin at 5.30pm, before we welcome Charlotte Hibbert (School Chaplain at St Bede’s) to give a short talk about the Sacred Heart and her relationship with Christ. All are very welcome to attend.

Coffee Morning & Bric-a-brac Stall:

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:31:10 GMT

Please come and join with the other parishioners on Sunday 11th June after the 9am & 11 am Masses in the meeting room for a coffee morning, a chat and chance to peruse the good as new/ bric-a-brac stall. Please we hope to see you there.

THE WORD OF THE WEEK

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 14:29:03 GMT

We begin our Summer 'Ordinary Time' by celebrating a strange feast - not of a particular saint or event, but of the awesome paradoxes of our God, the Three-in-One, Father, Son and Spirit: so immeasurably distant, yet so amazingly close, so full of power and so full of love. It is love that is the key to the mystery: the revelation of God, to Moses and in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, shows a perfect love - a perfect unity. In the beginning, in the story of Creation in Genesis, God made man and woman 'in the image and likeness of God', to live together as a community of love. So too, the Church is an image of this perfection of community which is Father, Son and Spirit. We, as many members of one Church, strive in our everyday lives to imitate God who is Three and One, perfect unity and perfect love.

Baptism Meeting:

Mon, 22 May 2023 12:13:21 GMT

Saturday 3rd June 2023 . 12 Noon in the meeting room. All parents will be contacted to attend.

SPUC news

Sat, 20 May 2023 14:39:18 GMT

Society for the Protection of Unborn Children. At the back of the church you can find a variety of materials including more prayer cards from SPUC. Please feel free to take and learn about the work of SPUC. We meet the last Wednesday at 7pm in the presbytery. Please, come and learn more about the work of SPUC and our efforts to help spread awareness of protecting mothers and the unborn. Important links: https://engb.facebook.com/ SPUCProLife/https://www.spuc.org.uk/

First Holy Communion and Confirmation

Tue, 09 May 2023 20:42:55 GMT

First Holy Communion : Please keep these children and their families in your prayers. Children will be making their First Holy Communion on Sunday 14th and 21st May.

Confirmation Candidates May2023 : Please remember in your prayers our Confirmation Candidates as they were Confirmed by Bishop John this Thursday at St John the Baptist Church Rochdale.

SVP

Tue, 09 May 2023 16:35:45 GMT

Meet the first Monday of the month, 6.30pm at the Baptist Church. Thanks for your continued donations of food placed in the basket at the entrance to church for Heywood Food bank. If you know of anyone that would like a phone call from the SVP or requires any kind of help, or if you would like to support the SVP please email svpheywood@icloud.com or phone 07396071193. The Food bank is now in the Baptist Church.

Diocesan Pilgrimage

Tue, 09 May 2023 10:23:10 GMT

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham Saturday 20th May, 2023 The Diocese of Salford's annual pilgrimage to Walsingham will be returning on Saturday 20th May. This year's pilgrimage has a number of places available to join the Day Pilgrimage and a very limited number of places for the overnight stay. The cost is £45 for the day trip and £134 for an

Communion Ettiquette

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:38:57 GMT

CATHOLIC COMMUNION ETIQUETTE

For Catholics receiving Communion: Communion means “union with.” It is the True Body and Blood of Christ sacramentally made present. All Catholics of age in union with the local bishop and pope, not under any un-confessed, grave or serious sin, or irregular marriage situa-tion, may receive Holy Communion. A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all Catholics.

-It is customary to pray and fast before Mass in order to pre-pare ourselves for Holy Communion and to offer ourselves as a pure sacrifice to our Lord. (Water and medicine do not break a fast.)

-To receive on the hand, create a mini throne with one hand under another and extend to the minister, (please do not “grab” the Host).

-Please consume the Host immediately. If you do not, a Communion Minister may ask you to. This is to protect the Sacrament, It is forbidden to give the host to children who have not made their first communion or to take the host out of the church.

-When the Eucharistic minister presents the Host and says “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ” (for the Chalice), the proper response is a simple “Amen!” This indicates that you know and believe that what you are about to receive is Jesus Himself.

For Catholics not receiving Communion: If you cannot receive for any reason, that is fine. You may come up for a blessing in the Holy Communion line (just cross your arms in front of you). strength and consolation for your body and soul! You may also remain seated for there is no obligation to come up. All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.

First Holy Communion

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:34:03 GMT

First Holy Communion : First Holy Communion : Children on this years programme have now started the programme. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers. The next children’s session is Reconciliation at 10.30am Saturday 29th April. All children MUST attend.

New Arts Programme

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:25:28 GMT

Cornerstone Day Centre in Hulme is launching a new Arts Programme and has an exciting opportunity for Art Practitioner's to run an Arts Project at the Centre for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The tutor will plan, deliver and evaluate an arts/activity project on a weekly basis over an agreed period. The art/activity session will be 2 hours of delivery and 1 hour for preparation and planning. The sessions are designed to improve people’s skills, confidence and well-being of people and to deliver an outcome that will showcase people’s skills and talents. You can view the full job description here.Please visit: https:// www.caritassalford.org.uk/team-view/bank-art-activitytutor-manchester/ to apply. The closing date is Monday 8 May 2023.

Eccumenical Witness Walks

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 10:31:28 GMT

Manchester and Salford Ecumenical Whit Walks On the 29th of May this year the Manchester and Salford Ecumenical Whit Walks will return to the streets of Manchester once again. This is the first time the walks have taken place since 2019. In 2019 over 1,000 people joined this 200-year-old tradition. This year the procession will leave Cathedral Gardens at 10.00am and we will process to the centre of town (the precise route is still being finalised) for an Act of Worship, before returning to Manchester Cathedral

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:16:53 GMT

559 How will Jerusalem welcome her Messiah? Although Jesus had always refused popular attempts to make him king, he chooses the time and prepares the details for his messianic entry into the city of "his father David" Acclaimed as son of David, as the one who brings salvation (Hosanna means "Save!" or "Give salvation!"), the "King of glory" enters his City "riding on an ass". Jesus conquers the Daughter of Zion, a figure of his Church, neither by ruse nor by violence, but by the humility that bears witness to the truth. and so the subjects of his kingdom on that day are children and God's poor, who acclaim him as had the angels when they announced him to the shepherds. Their acclamation, "Blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord", is taken up by the Church in the Sanctus of the Eucharistic liturgy that introduces the memorial of the Lord's Passover.

560 Jesus' entry into Jerusalem manifested the coming of the kingdom that the King-Messiah was going to accomplish by the Passover of his Death and Resurrection. It is with the celebration of that entry on Palm Sunday that the Church's liturgy solemnly opens Holy Week.

Confirmation and First Holy Communion

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:11:16 GMT

Confirmation Candidates May 2023 : Second Church Session : Pupils only meeting in Meeting room Tuesday 4th April 4pm—5pm

First Holy Communion : Children on this years programme have now started the programme. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers. The next children’s session is this weekend of 1st/2nd April 2023. The programme is now full.

If you wish your child to start they will now go onto the list to start September 2023-2024

Livestream of Chrism Mass at Salford Cathedral

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:06:02 GMT

This year's Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Salford will be taking place at 11am on Wednesday 5th April at Salford Cathedral. f you would like to pray along at home, the Mass can be livestreamed at https://salfordcathedral.co.uk/

Helping Hands Cafe

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 15:54:22 GMT

At Sandon House: Monday & Thursday 10.30am-1.30pm. Hoping to help people who are facing homelessness, are homeless or have fallen on hard times. A warm and friendly place to get a hot drink and hot meal served at 12.30pm.

DEANERY STATION MASSES 2023

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 15:59:02 GMT

Following an old tradition we have a series of special Masses for Lent in our Deanery. Called "Station Masses", they imitate on a local level a venerable practice in Rome, where the Pope and faithful would walk from church to church in the city throughout the Season of Lent. You are invited to share in this journey this year, travelling from church to church around our Deanery for special Masses on the Thursday evenings of Lent. Each Mass starts at 7.00 p.m., with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) beforehand, and refreshments afterwards. A complete list of venues is available in the porch/printed below. Please think about travelling together and sharing lifts, so that we can journey as a deanery through this holy Season of Lent, travelling through the wilderness with Jesus, from Ashes to the New Water of Easter!

Station Masses this year are as follows:

Thursday 23rd Feb.: Our Lady of Dolours, Kersal

Thursday 2nd March: Saint Joseph, Heywood

Thursday 9th March: Saint Vincent de Paul, Norden ( with Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford )

Thursday 16th March: Saint Mary and Saint Philip Neri, Radcliffe .

Thursday 23rd March: Saint Thomas More, Alkrington

Thursday 30th March: Sacred Heart, Rochdale

Bereavement Group Meeting

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 16:51:02 GMT

Our Lady and St Joseph’s Bereavement Group:

We meet on the First Tuesday of the month and share our experience and support each other. We are planning some trips out in the summer months to Gorton Monastery, Stoneyhurst and the seaside. Our next meeting is Tuesday 7th March at 7pm( come to the side door from the car park) when we are discussing customs and traditions around loss and grief. In our April Meeting we shall have a mindfulness and massage session run by Margaret Foster.

Any questions or if you would like to meet beforehand ring Pat Greenall on 07599355924.

Lent 2023

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:28:12 GMT

: Cake and a Brew on Wed 15th March at Trinity Methodist and on Wed 29th March at Heywood Baptist Church. From 1.30-2.30pm. There will 10 minute worship followed by a conversation with the themes of Suffering and Friends . See posters and cards for detail

Ash Wednesday Mass Times

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:56:01 GMT

Lent Mass Times: Exposition 9am in the Church Mass 9.30am in the Church Mass 6pm in the Church

Office Information

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:27:41 GMT

The office will be closed until 27th February . Please can you put any Mass offerings into an envelope clearly marked with the persons name and if: Lately deceased, Memory, Anniversary or sick.

The 200 Club drawer for January & February will be drawn the beginning of March. Thank you .

The emails will not be accessible by Maria.

Mass for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:25:37 GMT

Mass for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes:

Sunday 19th February, 5.30pm, Salford Cathedral.

Join us for our annual Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Mass, which will take place on Sunday 19th February, 5.30pm at Salford Cathedral. The Mass will officially open the 2023 pilgrimage. Bishop John will celebrate Mass and the wonderful Lourdes choir will provide music. All are welcome!

First Holy Communion

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:21:21 GMT

Children on this years programme have now started the programme. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers. The next children’s session this weekend 4th/5th February 2023. The programme is now full. If you wish your child to start they will now go onto the list to start September 2023-2024

Coffee morning and Tombola

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:19:41 GMT

On Sunday February 19th after the 9am and 11am masses there will be a coffee morning and Tombola. This will be held in the Presbytery and Meeting Rooms. We have many prizes that were donated for the Christmas Fair and hopefully with the support of parishioners it will be an opportunity for us to raise some much needed funds for the Parish and at the same time have a chat with other parishioners.

Pray with Nature – we need your help!

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:04:15 GMT

The Diocese of Salford’s Laudato Si’ Centre is calling on parishes, schools, and individuals across the diocese to help with a special prayer campaign this Lent.

The Pray with Nature campaign is a series of reflections on our Laudato Si’ Centre social media channels that uses photos to help us reflect on the gift of creation and to draw ever closer to God, the Creator.

If you have a photo of nature you’d like to share – be it a flower, an animal, a sunset, or even a raindrop in a puddle – we’d love to hear from you! Simply send your photo to communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

SPUC news:

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:59:39 GMT

At the back of the church you can find a variety of materials including more prayer cards from SPUC. Please feel free to take and learn about the work of SPUC. Please note, our next branch meeting will be on 29th of March, Wednesday at 7pm in the presbytery. We won’t have a meeting in February as the last Wednesday of the month is Ash Wednesday.

SPUC Youth Conference 24-26 February 2023 in Stone, Staffordshire. Join SPUC at the 2023 Youth Conference for an inspirational weekend packed with pro-life presentations, workshops and the chance to meet pro-lifers from across the UK! At the entrance of the church you can find leaflets about the event and registration slip. You can also register online on https://www.spuc.org.uk/2023youthconference .

(SPUC) branch meets in the presbytery at our parish every last Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Please, come and learn more about the work of SPUC and our efforts to help spread awareness of protecting mothers and the unborn. Important links:

https://en-gb.facebook.com/SPUCProLife/

https:// www.spuc.org.uk/

Church Heating

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:52:55 GMT

My dear people of the parish, as you all would have observed, we have been experiencing difficulties heating the church since early part of December. It is as a result of the church boiler coming to the end of its usefulness after over forty years of service. We therefore will be needing a new industrial boiler installed as soon as possible and they do not come cheap.

Conscious of the economic situation at the moment, we would not engaging in fund raising drives for a new boiler. However, we are very much open to donations to fund a new boiler. In the coming weeks we will be getting quotes and you will be informed of what it will cost to have our heating fixed.

World Youth Day - Last few places remaining!

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:41:54 GMT

There are still a few places left to join us for World Youth Day 2023!

Join our Salford Youth Ministry team between 31 July and 7 August as they make their way to Lisbon to join other young Catholics from around the world in a joyous celebration of faith, culminating in an unforgettable Mass with Pope Francis himself! Find out more and register online at https:// www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/wyd-2023

Walsingham Pilgrimage 2023

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:34:20 GMT

Walsingham Pilgrimage 2023: Saturday 20th May 2023

You can now register your interest to join our annual diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham this May! The cost for a day pilgrim is expected to be between £35 and £45.

Our overnight option has been well received and is now nearly full. The cost of this is expected to be between £130 - £150 (includes evening meal, breakfast, and packed lunch.)

Due to increased transport costs, we may look to reduce the number of coaches this year, so we would be grateful if you could please register your interest by emailing walsingham.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or calling 0161 817 2214 Further information and booking forms will be made available soon.

Piety Stall - Re-stocked for Spring . Lovely cards and gifts.

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 12:50:31 GMT

We have now updated the Parish Piety Stall in readiness for Spring, Easter , Mothers Day and many more cards and gifts. Thank you for your support.

SVP Meeting

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 15:52:48 GMT

SVP Meet the first Monday of the month, 6:30pm at the Heywood Baptist Church .Thanks for your continued donations

of food placed in the basket at the entrance to church for Heywood Foodbank. If you know of anyone that would like a phone call from the SVP or requires any kind of help, or if you would like to support the SVP please email svpheywood@

icloud.com or phone 07396071193. If you wish to attend a

meeting as the dates and times may change. The Foodbank is now

in the Baptist Church.

First Holy Communion

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 15:42:54 GMT

Children on this years programme have now started the programme. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers. The programme is now full. If you wish your child to start, they will now go onto the list to start September 2023-2024

Hope in the Future

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 14:55:55 GMT

The Hope in the Future programme was formally launched on the 4th of October 2017 at the cathedral where all parishes were presented with a San Damiano cross for each church to remember Jesus’ call of St Francis to ‘Rebuild my Church’. Read the transcript of the Homily from Bishop John here .

It is a Five Stage Journey . By the end of this journey it is hoped that we will have a programme that has resources for parishes wherever they are at this time. Some parishes will be leading the way, others may not be able to follow at this time but will be able to start this process in the future.

For Hope in the Future Resources Click Here .

A warm welcome

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:06:55 GMT

Welcome to our New Website

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new parish website. The occasion marks the beginning of this new season; as we move closer to the season of advent. A season of anticipation and expectation. Let us hope and pray that we can put COVID-19 behind us, and renew our efforts to bring the "Love of Jesus" both inside and outside the parish.

Please keep the parish in your prayers as we step up our digital evangelisation initiatives.