Pope's prayer intentions for March

 Pope's prayer intentions: for families in crises

Pope Francis invites us to pray for families in crisis, and to reflect on the importance of forgiveness: 

“Forgiveness means giving another chance. God does this with us all the time.” 

In this video, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope tells us that “each person” in the family “is unique,” but that “differences can also cause conflict.” He adds that to heal wounds, forgiveness is key, “even when there’s no possibility of the ‘happy ending’ we’d like.”

Confirmation: St Peter's Way begins

 Confirmation: St Peter's Way begins

Confirmandi 2024

Today we had the first meeting of our confirmandi (young people preparing for confirmation) and their parents.  We talked about the preparation programme.  Fr Steve explained that although we are only confirmed once, it is not something to tick off, it is part of a commitment to get to know the Lord better a lifelong process.  He reminded us how the Church is built around the altar where we celebrate the Eucharist, which feeds us spiritually and helps us as we live out our lives as Christians.

Parents and Confirmandi getting to know each other

During our meeting parents and young people talked to one another and found out things they enjoy doing and what gifts and talents they have which might be used in our parish and local community.

International Women's Day

 International Women's Day

Since 1911 March 8th has been identified as International Women's Day.  This year the theme for the day is Women who advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

Pope Francis offering special blessing to women

Pope Francis' speaking in his Wednesday General Audience in the Vatican reminded people that it was International Day for women stressing

This is a privilege of women alone! ... I think of all women: I thank the for their commitment to building a more humane society, through their ability to grasp reality with a creative eye and a tender heart.  Pope Francis

We are blessed with so many gifted and talented women who either belong to the parish or like me engage in activities offered by the parish. Women often follow in the footsteps of many recognised and unrecognised Women Saints. You are invites to send a pledge or perhaps a sentence about someone you would like to remember in your life or your favourite female saint. (NB If its your mum or a relative please add at least their first name, and relationship and email to catechist @ lancastercathedral.org.uk). 

To start us off and help celebrate and remember important women in people's lives including women saints, women involved in the online prayer activities and catechesis within the parish have shared important women or sent a pledge for what they will do to mark this day. Because the whole of March is dedicated to Women's History month if any readers want to send things to share about women who have inspired them or championed others have things.

Diane's pledge for International Women's Day

Menchu one of our meditators writes about her favourite saint and shares a prayer: 

One of my favourites Saints is St Teresa of Ávila. She was a proper natural Castillian character: people that call to the bread, bread, and to the wine, wine. Never afraid of calling things by their names, meaning clear and honest, straight to the point. Always with her feet on earth, and at the same time in an amazing relationship with God. A wonderful example of woman, and Christian for me.

St Teresa of Avila Prayer Let nothing disturb you

Kathryn one of our meditators shares memories of her Grannie Vera.  

I would like to remember my Grannie Vera, who, although being stepmother to my Mum, loved me as her own grandchildren and often wrote long detailed letters up to her death in her nineties. Her cooking and hospitality was phenomenal but most of all was her capacity to love and was much loved in return.

Belinda shared her favourite saint and a link to 7 facts about St Clare of Assisi

St Clare is my favourite courageous female! She was prepared to stand up to St Francis and the Pope in her determination to follow Lady Poverty. She had a face to face conflict with invaders too, who scurried away defeated by her purity and bravery.

Finally for this week, but it would be great to share some more next week.  Veronique who comes to Gospel Share and is one of our Children's Liturgists shared a photograph and writes:

I would like to remember all the women who would have liked an intellectual career but couldn't have one: as co-organizer of a conference for Jean Genet’s centenary of birth at the Odeon Theatre in Paris, I was blessed to have this moment with Hélène Cixous, the French feminist writer who has been doing so much for women. She is not just a political role model for women, but also a brilliant poet who has been helping readers realize that feminine writing is different, that men like Genet can also be feminist and write with a feminine posture, and that different voices matter more than ever in today’s society.

Veronique and Helene

We'd love to hear from others during the month of March about inspiring women in your life, favourite women saints. 

After Mass refreshments with a difference

 After Mass on 4th Sunday of Advent our Filipino Community shared some treats from their country which were enjoyed by all.  It is wonderful to be able to share and experience the different customs and traditions from those who have been born or lived in other parts of the world.  

Lots of treats from the Filipino Families as a pre Christmas treat.

Afterwards they gathered for a photograph with Fr Steve.  As you'll see lots of empty plates after all the goodies had been eaten.

Filipino Families gather with Fr Steve after the pre Christmas treats.

Many of the families have someone who is working in our local hospital.  We give thanks to all who care for the sick especially at this time. And we remember all those in our hospitals who are unwell.  

Joining God's Family

Last Tuesday adults supporting our children preparing for their Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion gathered together for our first adult session where we spoke about our images of God, and who we and our children pray to - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Families gathered in the Baptistery where we receive that gateway
sacrament of Baptism and join God's Family.

On Saturday we gathered as families to hear more about God our Father who is our Creator, God the Son, Jesus who died on the cross to save us, and God the Holy Spirit whose gifts we receive at baptism and are strengthened when we are confirmed.  Please see parish notice board to hear more about what we are doing and images from our Trinity activities. 

We talked about different types of prayer, praise, thanksgiving and saying sorry. One of our prayers from yesterday, more to follow.

Dear God, I love you. Thank you for my family and friends. If I didn't have you to help me, I don't know what I'd do. Amen

Angelinas: Group for mothers restarts

Angelinas

Inspired by the charism of St Angela Merici whose feast day we celebrate on the 27^th January. Angelinas is an informal group of mothers who come together for mutual support and to find inspiration in the writings of St Angela Merici for the living of their vocation as wives and mothers. They used to meet at St Thomas More with the Ursuline Sisters.   Restarting Tuesday 8^th February between 7.30 and 9.00 

Initially on Zoom please email catechist@lancastercathedral.org.uk for further details and a linak

Meeting on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month and open to all mothers who would like to meet and get to know others in the parish. 

To read a reflection from an Angelina and how coming helped her

St Angela Merici - the pilgrim

Art & Faith Holy Saturday

Today's art and faith reminds us of the three Mary's going and visiting the tomb, this reflection invites us to consider how we will respond at the new that Jesus is risen, who will we tell and what difference will it make in our lives.  

Jacopo di Cione, “The Three Marys at the Sepulchre,” detail from the San Pier Maggiore Altarpiece, 1370–71

Earlier in the week when the families gathered for stations of the cross one family shared images from a lantern they had made, each side showing a picture of an event from Holy Week, tonight we come together to celebrate the peace and joy that Christ is risen.  Tomorrow we'll share a paschal candle for children and adults if they wish to colour and have as a reminder that this is not an event in the past, but is something we celebrate in 2021.

Holy Week Lantern Top left Palm Sunday, right Good Friday
Bottom Left Cross and right Jesus has risen.

Art & Faith: Good Friday

 Master of the Karlsruhe Passion, “The Capture of Christ,” circa 1450

Last night Fr John Paul spoke at the Mass of the Lord's Supper about how Jesus Takes, Blesses, Breaks and Gives, he was reminding us to those actions within the Eucharist. 

Today we remember the day when Jesus TAKES the decision to die for our sin, he Blesses his Mother and the Beloved disciple who watch him as he dies, and gives hope to the dying thief who asks to be remembered, as he dies and his body is BROKEN he GIVES his all. We have the promise that as we watch and wait He will rise from the dead, because he has GIVEN us salvation.

For our younger readers they may wish to remember the crosses made on a previous Good Friday. See video below.

Some of our children and families gathered on Wednesday evening to pray the stations of the cross and sent in their pictures for the 4th Station where Jesus meets his mother (above) and the 9th Station where Jesus falls a 3rd time (right).

Our 1st Epiphany - Wise Men arrive

Today we celebrate the arrival of the three wise men who have been following the star and edging their way towards the crib.  In many European countries there is a custom known as chalking the door which invites people to put the year at either end of the initials of the three wise men

Caspar - C        Melchior - M        Balthasar - B 

 20 + C + M + B + 21 

Their initials C M B above the door, also stands for Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which is Latin for “May Christ Bless this House.”

Welcome 2021

Many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020 because of the Pandemic which has affected our lives in countless ways. When our churches have been open for Mass and the Sacraments we have tried to keep everyone as safe as possible. Many thanks go to all those who have stewarded our Masses to ensure safe procedures have been observed and that necessary cleaning has taken place when people have left. These people command our utmost appreciation and respect for their tireless work. Several of these volunteers have been continuous in this responsibility since churches reopened after then first lockdown in April. Several of the same people are volunteers elsewhere within the life of our parish and fulfil vital functions to keep things moving and developing.

In the calendar of faith we continue in the Christmas Season. Behind us are the Nativity and the feast of the Holy Family, before us, as well as today, lie the feasts of two Epiphanies of the Lord.: The Epiphany to the Maji and then the Epiphany of the Lord’s Baptism. Although we will continue into ordinary time soon after then, as Bishop Paul reminded us in his Pastoral Letter for Advent, the ancient tradition of the faith is that Christmas celebrations conclude with the feast of Candlemas on February 2nd. We will be keeping our main crib figures in place in both our church buildings until then. Pray them: Enjoy them: Savour them! 

One such volunteer has lately earned our thanks and admiration, namely Joan Fox, who volunteers in the Cathedral office, and helped devise and spent many hours arranging printing and overseeing the delivery of the tickets and seating plans for Christmas Masses at both our churches. 

To all our volunteers whatever their task in hand...Thank you!

Advent 3: The candle of Joy

On the 3rd Sunday of Advent we light the pink candle which symbolises Joy.  The Sunday is also known as Gaudate Sunday, Joyful Sunday, it reminds us the joy of the shepherds who heard the Angel's greeting which we remember in the Gloria. Glory to God in the Highest.  The Psalm this week is the great song of praise by Mary, the Magnificat.

Although it has been a difficult year this can be a time to think about something that brings you joy ... which might be as simple as a smile, an unexpected phone call, a memory from the past.

Advent 2: A Journey to Bethlehem

This week we look ahead and reflect on the journey Mary and Joseph must have taken as they travelled to Bethlehem.  The short video reflects on the feast of the Immaculate Conception which we celebrate on Tuesday 8th December.

 

We remember all those who are travelling or forced to leave their homes due to the troubles in their country.

Advent 1 Year B - Art and Faith

Yesterday we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent.  On the upcoming Saturdays each week we will share a piece of Art relating to our Sunday Gospel which gives us an opportunity to reflect on the message of the Gospel.  These videos will also be used as part of the Gospel Sharing each Thursday evening between 8.00 and 9.00.  If you would like to attend please let us know.  

William Holman Hunt, “The Light of the World,” 1851

On the Sunday we'll share an extract from our newsletter and video which helps us reflect on our Advent message. 

On the Fridays during Advent we will also have a Taize reflection using these meditative chants and prayers and reflections to take a time to stop and prepare for the coming of the Lord. Please use our sign up form for online events or parish gatherings.

Survive Rebuild and Heal: Family Fast Day

This year the CAFOD HARVEST FAMILY FAST DAY is on Friday 9th October but lots of things will be taking place giving you a chance to get involved.  More over the next few days. 

The theme for this year is: SURVIVE      REBUILD        HEAL

Why not get involved in a range of their online events for further details see CAFOD FAMILY FAST

Children's liturgy 

Join us at 10am this Sunday for our next virtual children's liturgy. Please register if you haven't before. Follow the link and click on "Enter the series" to register. If you can't join us live, a recording will be available to watch afterwards. 

Register for virtual children's liturgy

Fr Leopold on Lockdown!

Well this is a bit different, a video for all lego enthusiasts and a chance for a family quiz with 'Fr Leopald' courtesy of St Clare's Parish.

If this has inspired any of our parishioners who'd like to create a quiz or short video then please get in touch. 

Holy Week@ Home for families

From the Archdiocese of Liverpool a guide through Holy Week for Families. 

And a reminder of the Holy Week video posted on Saturday.

Holy Week at Home Video

Fr Andrew Allman talking about how the priests will still renew their promises on Thursday even though they won't be able to attend the Chrism Mass.

Christmas Blessings

Wishing all peace and joy this Christmas.

O Come let us adore Him

An lovely sign of the importance of our families in sharing faith. Following Midnight mass a father from the parish, brought his daughter to come and visit the crib. 

Jesse Tree

Jesse tree

This year the children are creating a Jesse tree and have been given booklets to create a tree or poster at home.  We thought you'd like to have a little look and perhaps try out some of the bible challenges.

2nd Who closes the door of the ark? Genesis 6: 5-22, 7: 17-24, 8: 1-22
5th What three things does God bless? Genesis 12: 1-3 
7th Who is going up and down the ladder? Genesis 24; 1-34 and 28: 10-15

Advent 2: Family Preparation

Family Advent Preparation

Each week on Thursday we'll offer colouring and activities linked to the Gospel reading as a follow up and a link to Wednesday Word which gives you the reading for the next Sunday 9th December.

There will also be stickers and bible verses to look up during the week to help create your own Jesse Tree (see below).

Advent Sunday 2

CAFOD Colouring linked to Luke 3: 1-6
A word search for Advent 2 - answers next week.

Dear Father, 

help us to remember we are part of God’s family. We are here to help one another.
Help us as we journey through advent to
prepare a way for the Lord.
Let there be peace shared amongst us.
Amen

Jesse Tree

On Sunday we'll be looking at the next set of characters on the Jesse Tree.  There are still a few books with stickers and pictures for families to create their own Jesse tree.  

Family Advent Preparations

We all need to prepare ... so if you are looking for ideas then see below.  
We welcome examples of how you and your families are spending this time of preparation - family traditions, photos of your advent wreath or getting things ready for Christmas.  Please hand in information to one of the priests, or one of the children's liturgists or email pictures or short messages to Ann-Marie (email on parish newsletter) or send detail using the contact us sheet. 

For families of younger children
Each week during Advent we'll post a colouring and some ideas for things to do during Advent. 

For teenagers and adults
Please see a daily reflection on our Lancaster Young People Facebook page.  These short reflections ask questions and prompt us to consider how we are preparing this advent.

For those interested in art
Each Sunday we'll be posting Art and Faith reflections linked to the Gospel reading and a related piece of art work.

For those interested in prayer
Why not take the time to come to one of the regular prayer times in the parish.
First Saturday Praying the Rosary at 5.15pm on Saturday 1st December in the Cathedral

Sunday Vespers (evening prayer) starting at 4.50pm on Sunday afternoon.  This is the prayer of the church and we are blessed at the Cathedral to have members of the choir to cantor (sing) and lead us in this prayer

Monday Meditation on 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
During Advent Monday 3rd December and Monday 10th December starting at 7.00pm and finished by 8.00pm at 25 Barnacre Close, Hala LA1 4JZ 

Advent reflection at St Thomas Mores
A time of prayer and reflection Thursday 13th December at 7.30pm till 9.00pm.  Refreshments will be served.