NeoCatechumenal Young People Gathering, April 2024

NeoCatechumenal Young People from many parts of the North West gathered for the afternoon in the St John Paul II Centre at St John Vianney’s. They came together, as they regularly do, to study the scripture, to pray together, to each and have fellowship. After their study time, there was adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Evening Prayer. This latter would normally take place in church but our Syro-Malabar community were celebrating their usual Holy Qurbana.

Miraculous Medal Novena

Each first Saturday during Mass at 9.30am the prayers of the novena are recited.
The medal of the Immaculate Conception – popularly known as the Miraculous Medal – was designed by our Lady herself! No wonder then, that it wins such extra ordinary graces for those who wear it. And pray for our Lady’s intercession and help.

Saint Catherine Laboure, a novice in the Community of the Daughters of Charity in Paris, and summoned her to the chapel. There she met with the Virgin Mary and spoke with her for several hours. During the conversation Mary said to her, ‘My child, I am going to give you a mission.’ The mission was to have a medal struck and encourage a devotion to Mary.

Miraculous Medal statue

Easter Vigil, March 2024

The Solemn Vigil of Easter this year was celebrated in the Parish of the Guardian Angels at St. Cuthbert’s church. The photographs show the gathering around the Easter Fire, the Service of Light in the church, the Liturgy of the Word. After the homily the Rite of Reception into the Church was celebrated with Sandra, Nick, Oliver & Emily. They received the Sacrament of Confirmation and then were able, for the first time to receive Holy Communion. It was a joyous celebration and a good beginning to the Easter season.

86
79
78
74
72
71
70
69
67
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
53
51
47
44
43
42
41
39
38
37
36
32
31
29
25
24
22
21
20
18
17
16
15
14
13
11
8
7
6
5
2
1

Good Friday, March 2024

The solemn liturgy of Good Friday took place this year, in the Parish of the Guardian Angels, at St. Cuthbert’s church. From the scripture we heard St John’s Passion account, we venerated the cross and received Christ in Holy Communion.

Maundy Thursday, March 2024

Our Sacred Triduum (this year held at St Cuthbert’s) has begun with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the mandatum (washing of feet) and the removal of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose.

Palm Sunday, March 2024

At our three churches today the ceremony of blessing of Palms was observed. This recalls Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem when Hossana was on the lips of all who greeted him. As that first ‘Holy Week’ progressed these cries turned to shouts of ‘Crucify Him.’
These events will unfold in our liturgies throughout the week.

Day of Recollection, March 2024

The Parish held a Day of Recollection at the Ladyewell Shrine, Fernyhalgh near Preston. About 30 people attended. Unfortunately, the direct route was compromised due to a watermain burst and so a diverted route had to be traversed putting about 15 miles on the journey. The day commenced with Mass at St Mary’s followed by a rosary walk to the Shrine. After coffee the first conference was given, there was opportunity for confession before lunch and then the second conference followed by the Stations of the Cross and later Exposition & Evening Prayer.

A Cardinal Calls: The Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) gave our annual mission appeal (March 2024)

Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald – now retired was one of the two missioners that gave the appeal.

Bishop Swarbrick meets with those who seek to be received into the Church at Easter, February 2024

Today (17/02/24) at the Cathedral in Lancaster, Bishop Swarbrick met with those who seek to be received into the Church at Easter. Four from the parish of Guardian Angels were present together with their sponsors and clergy.

Candlemas Celebrations, February 2024

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Gospel relates that Simeon greeted the child Jesus in the Temple and called him ‘The Light to enlighten the Gentiles’. That is why on this day the candles to be used in the church throughout the year receive a blessing.

Bishop Swarbrick visits St John Vianney School, January 2024

Bishop Swarbrick came to St John Vianney school to Bless the new extensions to the Year One classrooms. He also blessed the new chapel area.

The Vintage Teaparty held at The Scala Hotel, January 2024

Our Parishioners came together at The Scala Hotel, to raise funds for the repair of the stained glass window at St Cuthbert’s.

First Holy Communion Enrolment Masses, January 2024

Enrolment of our Servers into the Guild of St. Stephen, January 2024

Syro-Malabar Community celebrate St. Chavara Kuriose Elias Feast Day, January 2024

The Syro-Malabar Community honours St. Chavara Kuriose Elias, their esteemed Patron Saint. Among the displayed saints are Our Blessed Lady, St. Thomas, and St. Euphrasia, alongside St. Chavara Kuriose Elias depicted in white. The vibrant decorations honour this joyful feast, followed by a reception at the St. John Paul II Centre.

Christmas 2023

OLA 70th Anniversary School/Parishioners Coffee Morning, November 2023

Flower Festival at SJV, July 2023

Retirement Mass at OLA for School Governors, July 2023

Four school governors who between them served Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School for well over 100 years were honoured at a thanksgiving Mass in the church followed by a reception.