Online Book of Condolence - Bishop Ambrose preferred to be called Fr. Ambrose both in his diocese and in the parish of St. Mary's Leyland. For over seven years he was the parish priest of St. Mary's from 1984 to 1992. He was then appointed by Pope John Paul II to be Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle where he remained from 1992 to 2004. At the age of 75 he chose to come back to Leyland as he said "I feel I could do pastoral work for a few years" He was with us again for seven years. In all his time as a monk while at Ampleforth and then at Leyland or Hexham and Newcastle, he left his mark as somebody who touched people deeply.

He was loved by the people and as a parishioner said the day after he died, "I feel that a light has gone out in my life." People may liketo add their tributes about Fr. Ambrose on the web page ( http://www.frambrose.co.uk/ ) , and also ask his prayers for any intentions. He promised that he would pray for parishioners and others both while on earth and when he reached God in Heaven.

Here is a brief Easter Greeting to everyone from Fr. Jonathan, the Parish Priest , Make sure your sound is turned on. Click Here

The Sistine chapel has some of the most famous art work in the world. Michelangelo worked on it painting the ceiling on his back for some years. There is the famous fresco of God giving life to the lifeless Adam. There is also the amazing picture of Christ coming in power at the end of the world, and other wonderful truths of our faith in frescos. We have put this on the front of the website for a period of time for parishioners and others to enjoy.

Click Here to View

When the Pope returned to Rome, he must have worked
hard on what he would say during his weekly audience with the Public in St.
Peter’s Square. The entire message was a summary of what he did in the UK, and
his own thoughts on the matter. The full text is available by clicking here

Do you know the Pope is a very amusing and informative You Tube presentation which may be of interest to those who visit the website. It comes via the Papal Visit Radio Station and the website

They are worth a visit and this You Tube presentation will, we hope, be of interest.

www.thepapalvisit.org  For the Papal Visit Web Site

http://fb.me/A2DioMEo  Do you know Pope Benedict XVI?  on Youtube

This year is the year of the Priest, and the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) decided to raise awareness of issues around ordained priesthood by asking parishioners to answer a simple questionnaire. This was a great success as 50% replied: the bare bones of the response are given in this presentation and on Sunday 21^st March, 5^th Sunday of Lent we will present the findings and reflections of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Click Here to Open

Every Five years the Bishops of a country are called to Rome to maintain the "communion" between the Bishop of Rome, the Pope and the local Church. The Bishops share with the Pope and his colleagues in the Vatican their analysis of the state of the Catholic Church in their country, and the Pope and his colleagues then give their comments on what they have heard in the light of the present situation. This visit has just happened for the English and Welsh Bishops and indeed the majority of them are returning to Britain today. Here is the speech that Pope Benedict XVI made to our Bishops which is an important statement of the fruit of the conversation that our Bishops have enjoyed in the name of all of us. Below is a short list of items that struck the heart and mind of your parish priest in a first quick read of the speech of Pope Benedict XVI.

The Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, has issued a statement calling on people to take care and put safety first during the current spell of severe weather.  In particular he asks parishioners to pray at home rather than go to Mass this weekend unless they are certain it is safe to do so.

The Archbishop himself has had to change plans because of the weather.  He was due to leave last Tuesday evening (6 January) to lead a conference of Catholic Bishops in the Holy Land but after an initial postponement of 48 hours he has now had to call off his journey due to flight cancellations.

The Schools Epiphany Celebration planned for tomorrow (Friday 8 January) at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool has also had to be cancelled due to the weather.

In his statement Archbishop Kelly also offers thanks to those who work in the media who are constantly updating people with information on the conditions.  He also asks for prayers for those who are sick and those who serve them and for all affected by the conditions.

Statement issued by the Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, Archbishop of Liverpool:

‘We have good reason to be very grateful for all those in the media, particularly in Local Radio at this time.  I think we will be concerned above all for those who are sick and those who serve them.

The weather affects every aspect of our life.  I have spoke with Bishop Brian Noble of Shrewsbury and we together offer this advice: unless you are certain it is safe for you to do so, whether it is by foot, car, or public transport, do not attempt to go to Mass; if in doubt stay at home and pray there, especially for those most affected at this time.

I ought to be in the Holy Land today, but cancelled flights have made that impossible.  Also, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, the Epiphany celebration, planned for 1.45 pm tomorrow, Friday 8 January, and involving many schools, has been cancelled in the interest of the safety of the children who had hoped to take part.

I also encourage you at this time to be very understanding about funerals, if it is impossible, as many of you would wish, for the body to be carried into the church and the undertakers are only able to use their specially designed trolleys.

Care for one another is the priority in these days.’

Ends

7 January 2009

May you all have a Happy and Holy Christmas, so that the light of God's Love shines on you and yours and on all people, as the angels announced: Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to all people on earth.

The Christmas Update Magazine is now aviable to view and Download at http://www.leylandstmarys.org.uk/documents.asp

The Archdiocesan Vicariate for Evangelisation with St Cuthbert’s Catholic Community College, St Helens, has produced a helpful and prayerful resource for Advent, the “Sunday Gospel”. For each Sunday of Advent and the Christmas season there is a reflective and prayerful version of the Gospel which can be viewed on an iphone, mp3 player or computer. Have a look. There is also a digital Advent Calendar – minus the chocolate, but filled with much tastier surprises. All this can be found on the following web site:

http://www.sundaygospel.co.uk/