WELCOME TO ST MARY’S NEWHOUSE

THERE is MASS EACH DAY, but no congregation, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. We are invited to link ourselves in mind and heart to the Mass going on at every moment, day and night, all round the world, incl. in our own parishes. Many find it helpful to watch Mass on EWTN , (Amer. Catholic TV channel) or being streamed live from churches to your computer/phone, for instance https://www.ewtn.com/, or www.mcnmedia.tv (enter Workington) or Our Lady of Walsingham, or St. Clare’s, Preston https://www.youtube.com/user/StClaresChurch/ & many others.

But you do not need a TV or computer to project yourself into the Mass going on everywhere. Make a Spiritual Communion. Imagine the Sacred Host held up by the priest, and say:  

<<  My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there, and I unite myself wholly to you. Do not let me ever be separated from you.  Amen >>

Mass  Intentions

At 12 noon, I’m praying the Angelus, followed by the Mass.

We can also pray the Stations of the Cross If you don’t know them, just make up a series of stopping points on Jesus’ way, from being judged by Pilate to his burial in the tomb.

And the Rosary at 7pm daily (or 7.15 if you’re an Archers fan!).

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

To Louise Bragagnini and family our condolences and prayers on the death of her mother Eileen Mary Judge, this week, R.I.P. And to Lavinia Colclough and family on the death of her niece Aoise who was knocked down and killed this week near her home in Ireland,  R.I.P.

“LAZARUS -  COME OUT !”

Gospel at Mass this weekend:  St. John, chapter 11. Lazarus, dead and buried 4 days –raised to life by the One  who is the Way, the truth and the Life – “Martha, do you believe ?  Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.”  Two weeks ago it was the Samaritan woman coming to faith in Christ. last week the Blind Man met the Light of the World, This week, with the fear of death stalking our world, Jesus strengthens our faith by raising Lazarus.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ !

Readings: Ezekiel 37:12-14 and Romans 8:8-11.   Good commentaries on the Scriptures; for instance “Word on Fire” – see link on our parish website.  Many others, too.

When it’s not possible to go to CONFESSION/RECONCILIATION, we turn to  PERFECT CONTRITION.

Please ring 862437 to know what arrangements there are. Bishop Paul urges us all to make a “Perfect Act of Contrition”. It means “true and real sorrow for our sins, which comes from realising the immense love of God for each of us. We express this contrition when we realise how we offend God by our sinful words, deeds and omissions, in contrast to his immeasurable and continual love and mercy. This requires us to be contrite of heart, to know and be overwhelmed by the love and mercy of God, and to approach this grace with humility, resolving not to sin again.” We have to promise God that we will go and confess the sins when it becomes possible.

AN ACT OF PERFECT CONTRITION 

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.  In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

Home Delivery!

Two or three people would be glad to distribute this newsletter and the Voice to your letterbox, but there are addresses we don’t know. If you know of any parishioners who cannot access the newsletter online, please ask them whether they'd like a paper copy. If you’d like to ring me (Fr. Bob) on 01772 862437, I’ll pass the word on. Don’t open the door. They will handle the papers with gloves for safety.

LARGE-PRINT NEWSLETTERS & PRAYER-SHEETS. If you know anyone who’d like large-print copies delivering, please let us know on 862437 .

THE DOWRY OF MARY – Re-dedication.- 29 March.

(If it’s not postponed)

In 1381 King Richard II dedicated England to Our Lady, seeking her protection for the country. The country and its people were seen as a gift, a dowry for Mary. Our bishops invite all of us to renew that dedication, entrusting ourselves to Our Blessed Mother personally and as a people. We can do this at home.  There are prayers for it, which you find on www.Behold2020.com.

We’re invited to pray the Angelus every day

-The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary.

R? And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

     Hail, Mary, full of grace ……..

-Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.

R/ Be it done unto me according to your word.

     Hail, Mary, full of grace ……...

-And the Word was made flesh,

R/ and dwelt amongst us.

     Hail, Mary, full of grace ……

-Pray for us, o Holy Mother of God,

R/ that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ      Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may, by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of his Resurrection, through the same  Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Ingol Food Bank faces increased demand, and we want to keep helping Cenacolo as well.  Donations of non-perishable items can be left on the steps of the presbytery (parish house) next to Our Lady and St. Edward’s church,  4 Marlborough Drive, Fulwood, PR2 9UE (ring bell to alert, then please step far enough back !). Thank you.

SUNDAY MASS obligation is suspended, and churches are locked, but Bishop Paul reminds us we can fulfil the 3rd Commandment “Keep holy the Sabbath Day”.in other ways when church isn’t open: “Catholics should sanctify every Sunday by personal prayers, or praying together as a family, e.g. Making a Spiritual Communion (see overleaf), The Rosary, Stations of the Cross, reading the Bible (Readings of Mass), watching and praying the Mass online or  TV/radio.”

LENT, EASTER DUTIES, etc                       

The bishop has dispensed us for the time being from the  requirement to abstain from meat on Fridays, with the  exception of Good Friday, which should still be kept as a solemn day of prayer, fasting and abstinence, as long as age or sickness do not excuse someone.

Sadly, the public celebration of Palm Sunday and Holy Week has to be suspended, though the priest will still carry out the basic ceremonies.

PARISH FINANCES. Some have put Offertory envelopes through my door, others set up Standing Orders or sent help by Bacs. Thank you all. Others are waiting till things settle. Both Bacs and Standing Orders comply with Gift Aid. If you care to set up a Standing Order, please ring  862437.or email  olse.parish@btinternet.com  Your bank does the monthly remembering for you (unlike Bacs, I think). Either way, you can use the envelopes just for the Special Collections. Thank you for support.

I have Standing Order forms.

To do Bacs, the parish name  is “PARISH OF ST MARY - NEWHOUSE” The account  no. is 51335197, the Bank sort code is 40-27-02.

If you want your NEW OFFERTORY ENVELOPE PACK, please ring  or email to arrange a collection time if it can be done safely.  But if you  have ceased to be a taxpayer and have been doing Gift Aid, it is vital you let us know. Thank you.  If only every taxpayer was a Gift-Aider !

This month's Catholic Voice is available online at: https://www.churchpaper.co.uk/ If you would like a paper copy delivering to your home, please contact Fr. Bob.

Have money? Hire self-employed, such as window-cleaner, gardener, outdoor repairs, tree-trimming, decorator, etc.etc.  And prompt payment helps enormously.

CASTLERIGG MANOR  Gap-Year opportunities:              www.castleriggmanor.co.uk/new-events

The Pope’s Prayer intention for MARCH 2020

Catholics in China:

We pray that the church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

VIRUS: visit www.stmarynewhouse.org.uk  to find prayers or reflections or links to do with the virus threat, including prayers or reflections and Diocese information. We are blessed in having our faith and trust in God in these circumstances. Pray often and trust God.  ”Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.”

For the latest Diocese information regarding Coronavirus, including details of prayers and special contrition/communion, please visit Lancaster Diocese Coronavirus advice

See Bishop Swarbrick's blog for recent Diocesan news.