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Fr. Peter Charles Crowther obl. sbso | The Presbytery, Bury Lane, Withnell, Chorley, PR6 8SD | Tel 01254 830 995 | Archdiocese of Liverpool 1199714

Please pray for Pope Francis, Benedict XVI and Archbishop Malcolm McMahon

Liverpool Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool Reg. Char. 232709

moorlandsanctuary@gmail.com

www.moorlandsanctuary.com

TODAY'S MASS: This is the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Matthew first introduces us to Galilee, Characteristically quoting the scriptures to show that they are being fulfilled, and in what way. Galilee is called 'Galilee of the gentiles' only in this passage, and the presence of gentiles was not a particularly notable feature of Galilee. Archaeology shows that Jewish observance was strong in the region. Contemporary literature indicates that there was a lively tradition of prayerful charismatic rabbis with a warm devotion to the Lord. Jesus begins his ministry by proclaiming the imminence of the Kingdom of God, and this will be the subject of all his activity. Then he begins to form the new Israel by calling his team together. The Christian imagination tends to combine this scene with the scene of the Baptist in the Jordan Valley in the Gospel of John, which suggests that at least Peter and Andrew among the disciples had already some knowledge of Jesus. But today's narrative must be heard on its own, and the staggering factor is that this is the first time at any rate the sons of Zebedee have set eyes on Jesus. As he passes by, Jesus calls them, and such is the electrifying power of his charismatic personality that they simply drop everything and follow this total stranger - immediately, as the evangelist stresses each time. ( Fr. Henry, osb

WEEKLY PONDER: Do I ever follow Jesus' call immediately and unconditionally?? ( Fr. Henry Wansbrough, osb )

THOUGHT THIS WEEK: The heart of Jesus' proclamation is given in today's Gospel. As is often noted, the word “repent” is not the best translation of the original Greek and it would be better to use some other expression such as “convert.” It really means a new way of looking at everything, a new mind or outlook. It may of course include being sorry about the past, but the real energy is towards the future: “convert and put your trust in the Good News.” We could put it like this: from what we are called to conversion is important; more important is towards what are we being called? ( Fr. Kieran O'Mahony, osa )

PRAYER: Open our hearts, loving Father, that we may know both healing and hope. Touch our inmost selves and bring us the wholeness we need. Plant in our hearts the vision of your reign that we be people of hope, faith and love. ( Fr. Kieran, osa )

GOSPEL FOR THE FAMILY: Today we breathe the atmosphere of the first calls from Christ. There we can see Simon Peter and Andrew: they were working. Jesus calls them...Then it is time for James and John: who were also working. After hearing Jesus' proposal they do not hesitate for a moment: they just join the Lord... Jesus Christ goes by your side...If only he finds you working!! ( evangeli.net )

THE POPE: What is important is the journey towards unity. It is very good that theologians study and discuss; that is what specialists are for. But it is also good that we walk together on the journey. Together. Let us build unity through prayer, works of charity, and mutual cooperation.

SISTER DIANNE BERGANT, CSA: We are all part of the Body of Christ. We are all God's beloved.

SAINTLY GEMS: Charity may be a very short word, but with its tremendous meaning of pure love, it sums up man's entire relation to God and to his neighbour. ( St. Aelred of Rievaulx )

The Holy Will of God and perfect obedience in all things have always been my consolation, and I hope that it may still be so at the hour of my death. ( Blessed Peter Donders )

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We are all confronted, sooner or later, with two of life's quintessential questions: Are you satisfied with your life? Are you satisfied with the direction the world is moving in? ( Matthew Kelly )

The habit of prayer, the ritual, simple fidelity to the act, showing up to do it irrespective of feelings and mood, can sustain prayer for a lifetime and reign in the roaming of the head and heart. ( Fr. Ron Rolheiser, omi )

Forgiveness is another way for letting go. ( Matthew Fox )

Success is a process, a quality of mind and way of thinking. ( Alex Noble )

TAIZE: A luminous Gospel insight has come to light after gathering dust for a long time: “The Risen Christ is united to every human being without exception, even if they are not aware of it.”

SACRED SCRIPTURE: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. ( Deuteronomy 31:6 )

NEWCREEaTions: We are light for the world. The light radiating from us should be as hard to miss as the lights of a city built on the highest point for miles around. Not only that, but the glow of a large city at night can be seen long before any of it comes directly into view. Likewise the glow of our influence for the Kingdom of God should be detected by people long before they realise the details of the source of that influence. How will you let your light shine today?

SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD: Pope Francis started this 'awareness.' It is today. God speaks to us through His Words which are communicated to us through the Sacred Scriptures ( The Bible ). That is why it is so important to listen attentively to what God is saying to us at Holy Mass. It is also why the Readings need to be communicated well by the Lectors.

OUR WEEKLY SCHOOL MASSES AND MR. RILEY: Our Head has been inviting the parents who come to the particular Year Group School Mass on a Friday to then go down into the hall for the short Assembly before home time. He would love parishioners to go to the Assembly as well, especially as so many will have been pupils in the school many years before. So you are welcome! Mr Riley apologises for a genuine oversight! He does have lots to do running two schools!!

PARKING ON BURY LANE AGAIN!! We had an unfortunate incident two Friday evenings ago when the bus could not get through because of bad parental parking in the Lane, yet again! The bus driver was most upset because he said it is happening too often. He WAS RIGHT. Please use common sense when parking. We are now placing “ A -Boards” on the road to stop you parking in various areas. Lancashire Highways will not give us extra Double Yellows. Please help us out! Thank you!! This is especially important on Fridays when we get buses coming down and up the Lane at school home time.

Heavy Goods lorries still use the Lane at other times, though they are not supposed to, but we need to consider them as well. They can clip the side of your car and genuinely not know that they have done so because of their size.

MASS ATTENDANCE: 60 on 250 Ukraine: £125

CHRISTIAN UNITY SUNDAY: Today is the Sunday within the Unity Octave. We pray earnestly in the power of the Holy Spirit for the Unity for which Christ prayed...”That they may all be one.”

CONFIRMATIONS THIS YEAR: If you are in Year 8 in any school and wish to make your permanent personal commitment to the Lord by receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, then please let me know asap.

CHORLEY FOOD BANK: We need lots and lots of food and toiletries. Please leave on the

church steps in the week.

WARM CLOTHING: Good quality warm clothing suitable for all ages will be gratefully accepted. Please leave on the church steps. Thank you.

Lately Deceased

Fr. Peter Charles Crowther, obl.sbso

01254 830 995

Email: moorlandsanctuary@rcaol.org.uk

Parish Administrator and Catechist: Jane Gilbertson, B.Ed. (Hons), B.Sc. (Hort), CTC.

Week 3A Ord. , 22nd. January, 2023

3rd. Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday of the Word of God

Hand in hand w1ith Jesus Remember your daily Rosary

Dicit Dominus: Ego cogito cogitationes pacis..

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Sick & Housebound

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Fr. Brian Coakley, Fr. Fred Matthews smm., Fr. Anthony Foy cssr., Dcn. Anthony Green, Mary Jane Fisher, Jack Wiggins, Jim McGuire, Kathleen Ryan, Don Longton, Michael Marsden, Harry Foulkes, Ray Lilly, Betty Cardy, Emma Gerard, Robert Robinson, Alice Smith, George Worden, John McKeown, Helen Smith, John Morgan, Winston Wrennall, Linda Neild, Alban Trencher.