Newsletter and
Notices
Thought for the Day: In the Gospels, “compassion” is used in a way which is restricted and instructive. Compassion is used only of Jesus himself or of God in some of the parables. The word itself means something like mercy, arising from deep within, a kind of spontaneous empathy and understanding, the kind of reaction a woman has for the child of her womb. When people are com passionate to us, it is because we need it and usually we are deeply touched and grateful. Such is our God! If we receive such compassion, we are obliged to give it in return, of course. This is the charter of Christian living. (Fr Kieran O’Mahoney, OSA)
Saints this week: St John Vianney. Born at Lyons in the year 1786. After overcoming tremendous difficulties he was finally ordained a priest. He was given charge of the parish of Ars in the diocese of Belley, and his forthright preaching, personal mortification, prayer and charity renewed it and increased it in a wonderful way. His help to those who came to the sacrament of confession was renowned and people flocked to him from all sides to obtain his advice. He died in the year 1859.
Saintly quotes: ‘Here is the rule of everyday life: do not do anything which you cannot offer to God’ – St John of Vianney
Papal Intentions for August 2026 For evangelization in the city Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.
Sacred Scripture: Be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry, for human anger does not bring about God's justice. James 1:19-
Saintly Gems: ‘Laugh and grow strong.’— St. Ignatius of Loyola
St Beuno’s Prego: Aware that nothing we do or think can make God love us less or more, we pray this week for all who do not know or accept Jesus as their Lord. We also keep in our prayers those who are in desperate need of food, whether physical or spiritual. (stbeunosoutreach.wordpress.com)
Food for Thought: ‘During Summertime, let us learn how to take a break, turn off the mobile phone to gaze into the eyes of others, cultivate silence, contemplate nature and regenerate ourselves in dialogue with God.’ Pope Francis
Sincere Thanks: To Father Sean for coming to say our Mass today and helping us to maintain our 9.30 Sunday Mass: it is greatly appreciated.
Chorley and Preston Hospitals: Please contact St Joseph's Chorley (01257 262713) if any member of your family is admitted into Chorley Hospital and needs a visit. For the chaplaincy at Royal Preston Hospital Tel: 01772 522435. For the chaplaincy at Wigan Infirmary Tel: 01942 822324.
Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals: Please contact Father Graeme at St Gregory’s (01257 262462) if you wish to arrange any of these.
Got Questions About Life?: The Alpha Course could change your life! It's an opportunity to explore the meaning of life through the lens of the Christian faith, in a relaxed environment. Alpha is for anyone who is curious to find out more about faith, those who are exploring and questioning; cynics, sceptics and the open-
Phone: Sr. Dorothy -
Brinscall and Withnell Village Trails: These are available at the back of church for anyone who wishes to take one. Thank you to Margaret and Gordon for bringing these.
Wednesdays – Quiet Reflection in church: Church will still be open throughout the summer holidays for quiet reflection for one hour on Wednesdays from 11 – 12. All are very welcome to come into church for as much or as little time as they wish during this hour. Thank you to those who have been attending so far.
Readers: Please sign up for the dates which are best for you. New readers are always very welcome – just sign up on the sheet!
Refreshments: Are not available today – sorry! Thank you for your understanding.
Mass Intentions: If you have any Mass Intentions for the next couple of weeks, please could you pass them to Cath or Anne? Thank you.
Baptisms This Sunday: This Sunday we welcome Franco and Santino Wujiw into our Parish Community as they celebrate their Baptism. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.
Catholic Holidays in the Lake District this summer: During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-
Dates for your diary: Friday 21st—Sunday 23rd August: St Gregory’s Annual Beer Festival, with family fun day, concert and barbecue on the Sunday.
Newsletters Throughout August: Apologies -
A Summer Blessing: May we make our homes places of relaxation, joy, love, peace and safety. May we be generous and considerate, not thinking only about ourselves, but helping others enjoy the blessings of the summertime. Lord God, Creator of all things, guide our steps and strengthen our hearts during these months of summer and vacation days. Grant us refreshment of mind and body. May we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our loved ones and in the world around us as we enjoy the warm days of summertime. Amen.
Fr. Peter Charles Crowther, obl.sbso | The Presbytery, Bury Lane, Withnell, Chorley, PR6 8SD | Tel 01254 830 995 | Archdiocese of Liverpool 1199714
© 2026 St Joseph's Catholic Church, Withnell. All Rights Reserved.
pPease pray for Pope Leo and Archbishop John Sherrington
Archdiocese of Liverpool 1199714
moorlandsanctuary@gmail.com
Registered Charity 1199714
www.moorlandsanctuary.com
GOD'S GREATEST POWER IS THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS
KEEP WELL KEEP SAFE WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY
DIRECT DEBIT MANDATE: During the Lockdown, we still need to keep our Parish funds afloat. You can use the Direct Debit Mandate. Download the Form and fill it in and then send it to your Bank. Make sure you put the Parish number 102 on the Form and the Account Number. Let Kath Clemson know any change of amount so that she can adjust the Gift Aid Records. You can get Kath on 01254 831 624. Download form here!
Lately Deceased
Parish Priest
Bury Lane
Withnell
PR6 8SD
Tel: 01254 830 995
Email: moorlandsanctuary@gmail.com
Catechist/Safeguarding: Kate Perkins
The Moorland Sanctuary
Hand in hand with Jesus
Anniversaries
Sick & Housebound
Mass
Intentions
Readers
Anointing / Forgiveness
Feastdays
Bishops, Priests and Deacons of the Archdiocese whose anniversaries are about now as well as Edith Brown, Bill Southworth, James Green, Anne Worden, Alice Hodgkinson, Margaret Willis, Mary Starkey, Iain McGuigan, Betty Marsh, George Evans, Mary Kenyon, Colin Eccles, Dorothy Holroyd, Dorothy Hartley, Christine Whitehead
Archbishop Patrick Kelly, Ian Davies, Rachel Mason and many others. Heal your servants O Lord who are sick and send them comfort from thy holy place. Amen.
- Sunday 9th August 9.30 am: Christine Whitehead
Next Week:
COLLECTOR:
Today:
COLLECTOR:
Andrew Thompson
- Thursday 4th August: Saint John Vianney
- Friday 5th August: Saint Oswald
- Sunday 9.30 am: Sylvia and James Snape`
- Sunday 2nd August: Saint Eusebius of Vercelli and Saint Peter Julian Eymard
St. Joseph's Withnell
Cycle A
Sunday 2nd August
18th Sunday of Ordinary Time