WELCOME TO MASS AT ST MARY’S NEWHOUSE

Mass Times and Intentions

Please remember in prayer our sick or housebound parishioners, and all who have died recently or whose anniversary of death is about this time.

Reconciliation (Confession): Wednesdays, after 7.00pm Mass.  Or ring 862831 for a better day or time.

THANK YOU for last week’s collection: £265.87.

Diocesan Poor Missions/Youth: £23.05. 

Attendance: 101.

Today is called “Gaudete Sunday” :Rejoice, because the Entrance Antiphon of Holy Mass takes up St. Paul’s words in the letter to the Phillipians where it says: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice…because the Lord is at hand.

Bambinelli Blessing

Today we will have the usual blessing of your Christmas Crib figures of the baby Jesus. Pope Francis will be doing this blessing in St. Peter’s Square during his Angelus address this afternoon.

MUSIC AT MASS – There is no opening hymn at Mass as such today but we will sing the entrance antiphon as printed in our parish missal.

Communion Candidates: Meeting for parents Wed 7.45pm.

Christmas Floral and greenery decoration will take place as follows: Flower arrangements on Friday 21st December from 10:30 in Sacristy.
Windows decoration on Sunday 23rd December directly after 10:00 am Mass. (4th Sunday of Advent. ) Greenery for windows can be brought before and left outside front porch. Please bring your own secateurs. Thank you.

Baskets at exits today for your donations for Christmas flowers. Thank you

DIOCESE OF LANCASTER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 26 JULY

Led by Bishop Paul Swarbrick 26^th July – 2^nd August 2019.     

Part of the pilgrimage is the Youth Section. Please encourage your young people (age 15+) to think about this and start fundraising.  Details soon.           

The Youth Service (Castlerigg Team) are also organising a day trip to FLAME at the Wembley Arena, on 2^nd March.

Both Lourdes and events such as this are places where young people find a sense of church beyond the parish and meet like-minded young people.

PREPARING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

‘Marriage Preparation Course’ at St. Clare’s. The nine sessions begin Tuesday, 8^th January, 2019,  7.30 – 8.30pm.  All couples are asked to attend such a course well before their wedding, and only one such course is available locally each year. Please plan ahead.  Fr. Simon/Fr. Bob will give you details.  olse.parish@btinternet.com 

“SHARE IT” Christmas Food Bank –  all your recent gifts have gone to them. Thank you! Still time for more.

2019 Diocesan Directory now available, £3.50.

Epiphany party (Music, Magic and More).

Sunday, January 6^th, 2.00 to 4.00. In Our Lady & St. Edward’s Parish Centre. Offers of help and donations of items for afternoon tea gratefully received. More details later.  People from both parishes cordially invited.

“Lancashire Sings Christmas” Carols courtesy of Radio Lancs (95.5 FM) on Thurs Dec 20^th, 7.00pm. Listen and sing with Brock Valley Churches Together at The Grapes Inn, Goosnargh.  See poster. 

CHRISTMAS MASS here at St. Mary’s: Christmas Eve, 6.00pm, and Christmas Morning 10.00am. There is a Midnight Mass at Our Lady & St. Edward’s (Carols  begin 11.30)