Newsletter and  

Notices

Thought for the Day: /The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that faith is lived in relationship with others. … We are asked to care for one another, to guide each other, and to live in love. These readings show how warning, correction, and forgiveness are all part of belonging to God’s people. In the first reading, Ezekiel is told to be a watchman. His duty is to speak up when others stray…God’s word is not only about comfort but also about responsibility. We are called to speak truth with courage, even when it is hard. The second reading tells us that love fulfils every commandment…. Love never harms, but instead brings peace and unity. The Gospel builds on this by showing how to handle conflict. Jesus tells us that when we come together in His name, He is with us.’        (www.young-catholics.com)

Saints this Week: Saint Ambrose Barlow c.1585 – 1641 Born Edward, fourth son of Sir Alexander Barlow in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Ambrose was the religious name adopted when he became Benedictine monk in 1615. In those hazardous times for Catholic clergy, despite several arrests, he managed to travel around Lancashire for over twenty years, celebrating Mass for recusant families and ministering to the poor. Hew as captured after suffering a stroke and, after a vision of St Edmund Arrowsmith showing him the path of martyrdom, he was hanged, drawn and quartered at Lancaster Castle.

Saintly Quotes: “We must speak to them with our hands, by giving, before we try to speak to them with our lips.” – Saint Peter Claver

Papal Intentions for September 2026  For the care of water.  Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it. 

To pray with the Pope’s prayer intention online, please visit: Pray with the Pope: For the care of water | September 2026 - YouTube

Sacred Scripture: No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and God's love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12

Saintly Gems:  ‘There is a twofold reason, I should say, why God should be loved for his own sake: because nothing else can be more justly or more profitably loved.’ – St. Bernard

St Beuno’s Prego: ‘Love does no wrong to a neighbour’ says St Paul. We can remember these words as we celebrate this Season of Creation, and pray to work with others for the good of all. (stbeunosoutreach.wordpress.com) 

Food for Thought: ‘I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.’ - Martin Luther

Sincere Thanks: To Father for coming to say our Mass today and helping us to maintain our 9.30 Sunday Mass: it is greatly appreciated. 

Father Kieran O’Mahony OSA 1951 - 2026: Father Matthew two weeks ago mentioned in his homily the death of Father Kieran O’Mahony on August 18th. Father Kieran’s ‘Thought for the Day’ has been appreciated for quite some time on our parish newsletter. Please keep him and his family and friends in your prayers. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

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.

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!

Mass Intentions: If you have any Mass Intentions, please could you pass them to Kate? Thank you.

Many Congratulations: to Jennifer and Sam Stringfellow who were married recently here in St Joseph’s. Grateful thanks, too, to Deacon Simon for celebrating their marriage. We wish them many, many years of happiness together.

Baptisms: Please keep the Wujiw and Whiteside families, whose children have recently been baptised, in your prayers.  

Charity Comedy Night hosted by Steve Royle and Friends: Local comedian Steve Royle is bringing an incredible line-up of funny friends to host a special, non-profit charity evening. Expect a fantastic night of top-tier stand-up and entertainment as Steve guarantee non-stop laughs—all while raising vital funds for St Chad's Church in Whittle-le-Woods. Being held at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Chorley on Friday 2nd October 2026, doors open at 7pm. Tickets £15 Adults only, on sale at St Chad’s after Masses from September. For further information contact 07904 984322.

Crafting the Word of the Lord Monday 7th – Friday 11th September: This is an exhibition of knitted Bible scenes! All are welcome – there is parking at the church. Monday Wednesday and Friday 11am-3pm; Tuesday 3.30 – 6pm; Thursday 11.30 – 4pm. Our Lady and All Saints, Parbold, WN8 7HS

Back to School: Our schools have returned this week. Hopefully all the children have had a lovely break and are ready for the new term ahead. ‘Lord, quiet every anxious thought that comes with starting something new. Let Your peace that surpasses all understanding guard every heart walking into school this week. Amen.’

A Prayer for the New School Year “God of wisdom and might, we praise you for the wonder of our being, for mind, body, and spirit. Be with our children as they begin a new school year. Bless them and their teachers and staff. Give them the strength and grace as their bodies grow; wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they search for understanding; and peace and zeal to their hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (www.catholicexchange .com)

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 Jack Nield, Millie Reeves, Kenneth Parker, Teresa Bretherton, Richard Owen, Dr Alec Brade, John Duffy, Helen Lorne, Ellen Neary, Maureen Dawson, Rita Maher, Queen Elizabeth II, Father Eugene McCaffrey, Terence Tarpey, Celia Oakes, Elizabeth Davies, Frank Fisher, Marie Killeen, Jim Newton, Mary Hargrave

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 6th September:

Next Week:   

COLLECTOR:

Today:  

COLLECTOR:

Father Kieran O’Mahony OSA

• Saturday 12th September: The Most Holy Name of Mary; Our Lady of Rushen

• Sunday 9.30 am: People of the Parish

•  Wednesday 9th September: Saint Peter Claver
• Thursday 10th August: Saint Ambrose Barlow

St. Joseph's Withnell

Cycle A

Sunday 6th September

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time