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Thought for the Day: Mary arose “early in the morning” to go to Jesus’ tomb. This image of a new day speaks to us of a new beginning, new opportunities, new encounters. Early morning speaks to us of the freshness of new life. By contrast, this gospel uses the word “tomb” seven times, speaking to us about the seeming finality of Jesus’ death. By even greater contrast, the gospel ends with the Scripture certitude that Jesus “must rise from the dead.” Death is overcome. Death has no victory. God is the Lord of life. Easter celebrates a new beginning, our certitude of new life. May we choose that Life. (‘Working With the Word’ Study of the Readings Ed. By Joyce Ann Zimmerman, et al - https://liturgy.slu.edu/)

Saints this fortnight: Saint Stanislaus (1030-1079). Born in the town of Szcepanów in Poland about the year 1030. He studied at Paris. He became a priest and succeeded Lambert as the Bishop of Cracow. He ruled his diocese as a good shepherd, helping the poor and making a visitation of his clergy every year. Having fearlessly rebuked King Boleslav, he was murdered by him.

Saintly quotes: “Remembering that God is with you will help and inspire you in all that you do.” – Saint John Baptist de la Salle

Papal Intentions for April 2026 For priests in crisis. Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

Sacred Scripture: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” —Matthew 28:5–6

Saintly Gems: ‘Now let the heavens be joyful, Let earth her song begin: Let the round world keep triumph, And all that is therein; Invisible and visible, Their notes let all things blend, For Christ the Lord is risen Our joy that hath no end.’ - Saint John of Damascus

Easter Reflection: At the Easter Masses, we renew our Baptismal Promises as Jesus calls us to a conversion of heart (cf. Mark 1:15). What does it mean to you as you answer ‘yes’ to the question: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

Food for Thought: “The great gift of Easter is hope.” —Basil C. Hume

Exposition: is available at St. Gregory’s on Weds from 4 – 5 (also available on livestream) and at St. Mary’s Chorley on Tues and Fri 12.30 - 13.00.

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals: Please contact Father Graeme Dunne at St Gregory’s if you wish to organise any of these. Tel: 01257 262462

Sincere Thanks: To Father Xavier for coming to say our Mass today: 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. In urgent cases or emergency please ask the ward staff to call the duty Chaplain on his bleep/phone. For the chaplaincy service at Royal Preston Hospital Tel: 01772 522435. For the chaplaincy service at Wigan Infirmary Tel: 01942 822324.

Easter Flowers: These were ordered and donated by Father Peter a few weeks before he died as a final gift to the parish and in honour of his Mum and Dad. Thank you, Father Peter!

Collection: The Sunday collections for St Catherine’s Hospice in memory of Father Peter raised £175. We will add this to the total raised at the funeral Masses. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Mission Boxes: Please would you bring in your mission boxes as soon as you are able and give them to Cath Jones? Thank you.

Doctor Moitra: Please keep Doctor Moitra in your prayers while she is working in Gaza.

Food bank: Thank you so very much for all of your donations for the food bank. They are always very grateful for your generosity.

Help us shape youth ministry for the future – 20th April: The Archdiocese want to hear from adults, young adults and 11–18-year-olds (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) at an open meeting to have your chance to share your experiences and ideas about how the Church might best respond to the needs of young people today. All feedback will be carefully listened to as part of a diocesan-wide process planning youth ministry for the years ahead. The meeting is on MONDAY 20TH APRIL 7- 9.30pm - St Joseph's Crow Orchard Rd, Wrightington, Wigan WN6 9PA

Celebrating St Gerard, The Mothers’ Saint - Bishop Eton, Saturday 25th April 2026: April 6th 2026 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of St Gerard Majella C.Ss.R., patron saint of a good confession and of mothers. To mark the occasion, Bishop Eton will be hosting a special day of events, including Mass with the Archbishop, Blessing services, Exposition and a Taizé service. For more information, visit:

www.bishopeton.org.uk/a-day-in-honour-of-st-gerard.html

School holiday: There’s another week of holiday left before school returns on Monday 13th April. Have a lovely break!

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

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

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Bishops, Priests and Deacons of the Archdiocese whose anniversaries are about now as well as Rebecca Heyes, Michael Smith, Denise Fairhurst, Edward Illingworth, Jack Croysdale, Joe Turner, Harry Dolmore, Thomas Billington, Philomena Adams, Robert Worden, Nell Jones, Bob McVeith, Peggy Nalty, Rita Wright, Irene Tarpey, Matthew Drummond, Thomas Leahy, Lisa Gilkes, Philip Kavanagh, Joseph Fisher, George Brindle, Kathleen Barlow, John Gallagher, John McQuillan, Janet Kevill, Harry Walker, Joseph Rimmer, John Maiden, Ray Holding, Edward Barnes, Katrina Shepherd, Peter Savage, Jane Gilbertson, Fr. George Duckett, Margaret Irvine, Ann Callaghan, Pauline Gardner, Robert Walmsley, Malcolm Sargeant, Brenda Turner, George Murphy, Rita Fletcher.

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.