"When the days drew near for him to be taken up [Jesus] set his face to go to Jerusalem." By this decision he indicated that he was going up to Jerusalem prepared to die there. Three times he had announced his Passion and Resurrection; now, heading toward Jerusalem, Jesus says: "It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem." Jesus recalls the martyrdom of the prophets who had been put to death in Jerusalem. Nevertheless he persists in calling Jerusalem to gather around him: "How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!" When Jerusalem comes into view he weeps over her and expresses once again his heart's desire: "Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes." Jesus' entry into Jerusalem manifested the coming of the kingdom that the King-Messiah was going to accomplish by the Passover of his Death and Resurrection. It is with the celebration of that entry on Palm Sunday that the Church's liturgy solemnly opens Holy Week For more information on how to book your free place, please visit the diocesan website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/online-readings-for-lent/
On Palm Sunday the long reading of the Passion dominates the celebration, and in a sense its meaning is obvious. Do not allow this, however, to detract from the other readings, which give the vital context necessary for understanding the Passion as more than just a long story. It is our story – the tale of how God achieved OUR salvation by the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
If you would like to join it is only £5 a month which needs to be paid at the beginning of every month. The more members we have, the bigger the prize and more money going back into our church. Winners are on the Notice Boards. 200 Club February Winners : Nora Horan, Jean McGuinnes, Stephen Haywood & David Sumner. Winners Envelopes are available in the Sacristy. Unclaimed 200 Club Winnings : M. Basford . Please pick up Winnings from the sacristy
The diocesan Youth Team are delighted to share news of the Young Adults Hub, created especially for those aged 18–35 across the Diocese of Salford. The Hub offers a welcoming space for young adults to deepen their faith, build authentic friendships, and grow together through prayer, formation, and social gatherings. If you would like more information, please reach out to Mikey hub.president@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk and Edward hub.chair@vol.dioceseofsalford.org.uk
As many in the parish will know this group was established to support those who volunteer to work with assisted pilgrims during the Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes each year. Currently the group consists of a small number of parishioners from Middleton, Heywood and other neighbouring parishes. We have planned a number of social events to raise funds to support this. Some of the social events that have been planned and we hope that you will be able to join us. Friday 13th March, St Patrick’s Night Social Event in St Peter’s Hall, Middleton. Friday 24th April Quiz Night in St Peter’s Hall, Middleton and Sunday 31st May Afternoon Tea in St Peter’s Hall, Middleton. If there are any parishioners who are keen to join the group and become a volunteer then please email: lourdes.pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk and mention the Middleton and Heywood Lourdes group.
We welcome Fr Ebuka the new parish priest who is also a member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul Fr has worked in Britain for 8 years, the last 5 as parish priest of the Churches of Llanfairfechan, Llanrwst and Llandudno Junction.
Members of the parish finance council, the extra ordinary ministers of Communion, readers, the parish catechists are all invited to a parish introductory meeting with Fr Augustine the outgoing parish priest and Fr Ebuka the new parish priest on Monday the 2nd of March in the parish meeting room at 7pm.
MCCC would like to invite you to their monthly Mass. This takes place on the second Sunday of the month at 2PM and is held in Salford's temporary Cathedral on Great George Street, M3 6EH.
Each Tuesday during our Lenten period, a series of reflections will be given online by various speakers, exploring the meaning of our Lenten Gospels and their implications for our lives today. The series will continue on Tuesday 3 March with Sr Maureen Murphy reflecting on The Woman at the Well, and will close with Bishop John reflecting on the Palm Sunday readings. For more information on how to book your free place, please visit the diocesan website: https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/online-readings-forlent/
Following on from the success of last years pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, we are offering young people in Years 7, 8 and 9 another opportunity to go to Lindisfarne from Friday 22 May – Sunday 24 May 2026 . The cost is £120 which includes travel by coach and full board accommodation. We will be staying on the island at the SVP Camp. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact youth@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
The Bereavement Group have invited Russ Magnall, an inspirational speaker to talk on health and wellbeing on Tuesday, 3rd March at 7pm-8:30 in The Parish Meeting Room. Russ has some wonderful stories to tell from his life experience as a Police Commander, mentor and wellbeing coach. All parishioners are welcome; it should be an entertaining night. Please ring Pat Greenall for any queries 07599355924.
Junior Choir: There will be Junior Choir practice in the parish meeting room on Monday the 23rd of March at 3.40pm. The Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharistic will be having a prayer meeting on Tuesday 24th March at 7pm for all members in the Church. Our Lady and St Joseph Prayer Group meets on Friday 27th April 7-8:30pm in the parish meeting room. All are welcome.
Coffee and Tea is served every Sunday after 9:30 Mass.
We welcome Fr Ebuka the new parish priest who is also a member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul Fr has worked in Britain for 8 years, the last 5 as parish priest of the Churches of Llanfairfechan, Llanrwst and Llandudno Junction.
Pope Francis
If peoples are to remain brothers and sisters, prayer must rise unceasingly to Heaven, and one single word constantly echo on earth: peace.