Latest Newsletter: 28th February 2021
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 2nd Sunday Lent 2021
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20210228/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 28th February 2021
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 2nd Sunday Lent 2021
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20210228/mass.htm
The Second Station
Jesus receives the cross
We adore thee Oh Christ and we praise thee
Because by thy holy cross thou hast redeemed the world
First Voice
Again it is the threat of pain
The symbol more powerful than the act
To kill was not enough to subdue
The victim’s screams needed to echo in the brain
Obedience a willing escape
From the consequence of independence
Safety compliance and mediocrity
Second Voice
The symbol more …
The First Station
Jesus is condemned to death
We adore thee Oh Christ and we praise thee
Because by thy holy cross thou hast redeemed the world
First Voice
There is little that is, as it seems
Pilate is neither all powerful
Nor really interested in a vagrant preacher
Killing to the Romans simply a means of imposing discipline
Justice a naive concept
It is you and I that project respect
It is our needs that try to …
Latest newsletter: 21st February 2021
Fr Brian’s sermon: Sermon 1st Sun Lent 2021
Mass sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday readings: https://universalis.com/20210221/mass.htm
Our Churches are still closed,
but you can join Fr Brian in prayer
via the live-stream link at St Joseph’s,
each Friday during Lent 5-7pm:
http://www.churchservices.tv/darwen
OUR CHURCHES REMAIN CLOSED.
Fr Brian will celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass,
live-streamed at St Joseph’s 9.15 am & 7.00 pm:
https://www.churchservices.tv/darwen
Click on the link to read more from Public Health England:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-what-to-expect-after-vaccination
Even if you’ve had your COVID-19 vaccination, you still need to:…
7 weeks, 7 recipes. Check out the recipes each week, buy the ingredients and donate to the Food Larder. Items can also be left at St Joseph’s Church car-park in the shelter next to the garage.
https://www.darwenfood.com/
Latest newsletter: 14th February 2021
Bishop John’s pastoral letter:Pastoral-Letter-21-Lent-2021-
Mass sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20210214/mass.htm
Latest newsletter: 7th February 2021
Fr Brian’s sermon: Sermon 5th Sun Ord 2021
Mass sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday readings: https://universalis.com/20210207/mass.htm
Latest newsletter: 31st January 2021
Sermon 4th Sun Ord 2021
Mass sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday readings: https://universalis.com/20210131/mass.htm
DARWEN CHURCHES CLOSED
Our doors are closed for another month
due to the continuing high local infection rates.
These are falling but not fast enough.
Fr Brian is hopeful that it may be safe enough
to re-open after this.
VACCINATIONS NOT ENOUGH
If you have had your vaccination, thanks be to God!
But recognise that you it takes time to have full effect
on the body, and that you can still spread the virus.
There will be others not yet vaccinated and not yet immune.
Latest Newsletter: 24th January 2021
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 3rd Sun Ord 2021
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20210124/mass.htm
Latest newsletter: 17th January 2021
Fr Brian’s sermon: Sermon 2nd Sun Ord 2021
Pastoral Letter Bishop John 16.1.21: Pastoral-Letter-20-PDF
Mass sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday readings: https://universalis.com/20210117/mass.htm
Latest newsletter: 10th January 2021
Fr Brian’s sermon:Sermon Baptism of the Lord 2021
Mass sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday readings: https://universalis.com/20210110/mass.htm
Darwen Catholic Churches doors closed and no public Masses until further notice. Due to the very high infection rates in our area, Fr Brian feels obliged to make a local decision to protect everyone and prevent our hospitals being overwhelmed. The situation will continue to be reviewed and any changes published on our website, Facebook and weekly online newsletter.
Epiphany Mass today and picture of the cribs with Kings in both Churches. Fr Brian said prayers for everyone in the Parish; that we may stay safe, keep well and remain strong and positive.
Latest newsletter: 3rd January 2021
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 2nd Sun after Christmas 2021
Mass sheet:Order of Mass
Sunday readings: https://universalis.com/20210103/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 27th Dec 2020
Fr Brian’s Christmas Sermon: Christmas Sermon 2020
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201227/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 20th Dec 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 4th Sunday Advent 2020
Mass sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201220/mass.htm
Latest newsletter: 13th Dec 2020
Fr Brian’s sermon: Sermon 3rd Advent Year B
Mass sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday readings: https://universalis.com/20201213/mass.htm
CHRISTMAS MASSES
LIMITED PLACES
Please only book 1 Mass
DON’T JUST TURN UP!
Bookings by text only – Lines open Mon-Sat 10-4pm
TEXT: CHRISTMAS MASS – SURNAME – TIME – CHURCH – NO. OF PLACES
e.g. Smith 9am St Joseph’s 2 places.
A simple YES /NO reply will be returned.
Christmas Eve – Thursday 24th December
Vigil Mass 6.15 pm St Joseph’s: FULLY BOOKED
Midnight Mass St Edward’s 12.00: 07772 257315
Christmas Day – Friday 25th December
9.00. a.m. St Joseph’s: 07598 908987
11.00 a.m. …
Latest Newsletter: 6th Dec 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 2nd Advent 2020
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201206/mass.htm
The power cut has been resolved and Live Streaming is back on Sunday 29th November.
Intermittent power cuts at St Joseph’s
Saturday night 28th December
which is affecting live streaming.
Latest newsletter: 29th Nov 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon:Sermon 1st Sunday ADVENT B
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201129/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 22nd Nov 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon Christ the King 2020
Bishop John’s Pastoral Letter: 20201117_PastoralLetter
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201122/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 15th Nov 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 33rd Sun Ord A
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201115/mass.htm
CHURCHES CLOSED!
Latest Newsletter: 8th Nov 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 32nd Sun Ord A
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201108/mass.htm
OUR CHURCHES & HALLS WILL CLOSE AGAIN FROM THURDAY 5th NOVEMBER
UNTIL THE CURRENT LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED.
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/statement-on-the-four-week-national-lockdown-and-a-call-to-prayer/
The Prime Minister announced further widespread restrictions in England beginning on Thursday 5 November. The Government have published their New National Restrictions Guidance on their website here. Whilst there was no formal announcement on Places of Worship by the Prime Minister, there is clear guidance on the Government website that places of worship will be required to end all acts of collective worship, except for funeral ceremonies.
We will continue to publish …
Follow the link for the latest guidance: http://bit.ly/3kZ4vJz
Latest Newsletter: 1st Nov 2020
Homily – from Pope Francis: Fratelli Tutti Verses 5&6
Fr Brian’s Poem: November fifth[6876]
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings:https://universalis.com/20201101/mass.htm
NB – THIS WEEK’S NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED FRIDAY HAS BEEN UP-DATED SATURDAY WITH MORE NEWS!
Latest Newsletter: 25th Oct 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon:Sermon 30th Sun Ord A
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201025/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 18th Oct 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 29th Sun Ord A 2020
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201018/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 11th Oct 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 11th Oct 2020 – Rosary
Sunday Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201011/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 4th Oct 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 27th Sunday A 2020
Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20201004/mass.htm
Fr Brian thanks everyone who supported his marathon walk. Fr Brian has added the donations sent in to Church to the Just Giving page which will go direct to the hospice. The target of £1,000 has been doubled with gift aid and there is still one week to go for donations. Many thanks also to everyone who supported with prayers and acts of kindness plus those who ‘Walked with Fr Brian’ in so many different ways on the day. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and shows our Parish is active and caring.
…
Latest Newsletter: 27th Sept 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 26th Sun Ord A
Fr Brian’s Poem:I walked on a sea of colour[6617]
Sunday Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20200927/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 20th Sept 2020
Fr. Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 25th Sun Ord A
Sunday Mass Sheet: Order of Mass:
Sunday Readings:https://universalis.com/20200920/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 13th Sept 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon:Sermon 24th Sun Ord A
Sunday Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20200913/mass.htm
Follow this event and donate online. Go to our JustGiving page either by clicking on the link below or scanning the QR code from your phone app:
JustGiving Link
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Brian-Kealey
Latest Newsletter: 6th Sept 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 23rd Sun Ord A
Order of Service: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20200906/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 30th Aug 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 22nd Sun Ord 2020
Order of Service: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20200830/mass.htm
PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION
TO HELP PRESERVE OUR FREEDOM OF THE MOORS & RIGHT TO ROAM
petition.parliament.uk/…39/signatures/new
Don’t criminalise trespass
The Government’s manifesto stated “we will make intentional trespass a criminal offence”: an extreme, illiberal & unnecessary attack on ancient freedoms that would threaten walkers, campers, and the wider public. It would further tilt the law in favour of …
Latest Newsletter: 23rd Aug 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 21st Sun Ord A
Sunday Mass Sheet: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/20200823/mass.htm
Latest newsletter: 16th Aug 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: The Assumption of BVM 2020
Order of Mass: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/Europe.England/20200816/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 9th Aug 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 19th Sun Ord A & Poem – Walking On Water
Order of Mass: Order of Mass
Mass Readings: https://universalis.com/Europe.England/20200809/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 2nd Aug 2nd Aug 20202020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 18th Sun Ord 2020
Order of Mass: Order of Mass
Sunday Readings: https://universalis.com/Europe.England/20200802/mass.htm
Latest Newsletter: 26th July 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 17th Sun Ord A
Sunday Mass Sheet: To follow
Sunday Prayer Resource:LDAH-Ordinary-17A
Latest Newsletter: 19th July 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon:Sermon 16th Sun Ord 2020
Sunday Mass Booklet:LDAC_Ordinary_16A
Live streaming at St Joseph’s Sat 6.15pm & Sun 9am: https://www.churchservices.tv/darwen
Sunday Prayer Sheet:LDAtHome_Ordinary_16A
A camera has been installed and live streaming of Masses will start this weekend: Saturday 6.15pm & Sunday 9am. Click on the link to see our beautiful church live: https://www.churchservices.tv/darwen
You can now join in the Mass celebration at St Joseph’s by video streaming. Just click the link
CHURCH LIVE VIEW on the top menu bar.
Latest Newsletter: 12th July 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon & Poem: Sermon 15th Sun Ord A / Life mirroring Art[6154]
Sunday Prayer Service: LDAH-Ordinary-15A
“As some churches begin to reopen for public worship, Mass will look and feel different for a while to ensure it is safe….
Latest Newsletter: 5th July 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 14th Sun A
Sunday Prayer Service: LDAH-Ordinary-14A
Thanks to St Edward’s school office staff for this temporary solution to taming Fr Brian’s beard!
PLEASE READ OR LISTEN TO BISHOP JOHN’S STATEMENT ON RE-OPENING OF CHURCHES (2nd half of homily)
https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/bishop-johns-homily-on-the-resumption-of-public-worship/
Latest Newsletter: 28th June 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon St P&P 2020
Sunday Prayer Service: LDAH-SS-Peter-Paul
PLEASE BEAR WITH US! We are not re-opening just yet. Although the government announced today that churches can re-open for public worship on 4th July, we still await full guidance on the regulations for the celebration of Mass and the authorisation to re-open. Today we had a diocesan inspection in both churches, and we are pleased to announce that our planning and preparations met with approval. We are ahead of the game! A risk assessment will be drawn up by the inspector and this will need to be reviewed in the light …
https://youtu.be/wXTiUVYY8mg
St Joseph’s & St Edward’s remain closed and we are not in the initial phase for re-opening. Click on the link above to see some of the virus control measures which will be implemented.
DID YOU KNOW?
Washing hands properly is still a key way of controlling the virus. Click on the link below for recommended routine. http://nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
Latest Newsletter: 21st June 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 12th Ord A
Sunday Prayer Service: LDAH_Ordinary_12A
Work continues in the rain!
Just a few churches in our diocese re-opening for private prayer this week.
https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/churches-opening-for-private-prayer/
Preparations are underway for when Churches re-open. All measures will be announced once we receive the full guidance and instruction from the government and then the Church authorities.
Social distancing benches at St Joseph’s: 32 singe bays or 64 doubles for 2 people from the same household.
St Edward’s: 34 singles or 68 doubles for 2 people from the same household.
…
Bishop John’s letter received 12/06/2020 to be distributed in June.Pastoral Letter 18 June 2020[5851]
Latest Newsletter: 14th June 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon Corpus Christi A 2020
Sunday Prayer Service: LDAH Corpus Christi A
ST JOSEPH’S & ST EDWARD’S CHURCHES ARE NOT RE-OPENING YET. While the law allows churches to reopen on Monday for private prayer, not all churches will be opening as it is too soon. Strict measures have to be put in place and we are preparing to implement these. We await further guidance …
NO WORDS! They’ve been in isolation too long!!
St Edward’s really is a bird haven this spring. A fledgling crow was ‘crawling’ round the back garden while Fr Brian was cutting the grass. The parents kept on returning to feed and encourage the chick to fly.
IMG_8680
Feathers all preened, 1 final practice before flying away into the trees to parents and siblings!
Empty nest at St Edwards – 5 fledging blackbirds & both parents now happily flying in & out of the back garden and surrounding trees.
The government has now approved a phased re-opening of churches nationally, beginning with individual private prayer. Not all churches will re-open straight away. Darwen has not yet been contacted so St Joseph’s and St Edward’s will not re-open on 15th June. Planning and preparation is underway for re-opening and details will be communicated once the various infection control measures have been addressed and approved by Salford Diocese. We face big changes ahead and must accept that this will be a very different way forward.https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/churches-to-begin-preparing-for-private-prayer-opening/
Latest Newsletter: 7th June 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon Trinity A 2020
Sunday Prayer Service: LDAH-Trinity-A
ALL IS WELL! 4 fat feathery chicks sleeping and twitching in the nest this morning, while parents are catching up on their own feeding!
Latest Newsletter: 31st May 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon Pentecost 2020
Sunday Prayer Service:LDAH-Pentecost
Latest Newsletter: 25th May 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon Ascension Sunday 2020
Sunday Prayer Service: LDAH-Easter-7A
Ascension Thursday 2020 at St Joseph’s & St Edward’s
Can you spot the mother bird sitting on her nest?
Latest Newsletter:17th May 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 6th Sun Easter A 2020
Sunday Prayer Service:LDAH Easter 6A
Bidding Prayers:Maureen Roberts RIP
Latest Newsletter: 10th May 2020
Fr. Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 5th Sun Easter A
Sunday Prayer Service: LDAH_Easter_5A
Flags flying today at St Joseph’s. Church Bells will ring out tonight. We celebrate the victory and we remember the fallen.
May they rest in peace.
Fr Brian has composed a poem in remembrance:
Poem VE Day 2020
For shear (pun) good luck, should Fr Brian be shaved on Good Shepherd Sunday?
Latest Newsletter: 3rd May 2020
Fr Brian’s Sermon:Sermon 4th Sun Easter 2020
Sunday Prayer Sheet: LDAH-Easter-4A
Someone moved in with Fr Brian:
Fr Brian will light candles each day at the statue of Mary, alternating St Joseph’s & St Edward’s.
Posted today on Salford Diocese FB & Twitter:
Today on the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, let us pray for all of those key workers who are on the front line of this crisis. Let us remember their dignity and continue to value their work in the months and years to come as we move out of this crisis.
Latest newsletter: 26th April 2020
Sunday Prayer Sheet: LDAH_Easter_3A
Fr Brian’s Sermon: Sermon 3rd Easter 2020
Fr Brian is looking forward to lockdown ending so he can brave the shave as promised!