OUR LADY & ST EDWARD'S

4 Marlborough Drive, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9UE

26 SUNDAY A  28 September 2008

A MAN HAD TWO SONS.

ONE SAID HE WOULD NOT WORK IN THE VINEYARD BUT CHANGED HIS MIND.

THE OTHER SAID HE WOULD GO BUT DIDN'T.

WHICH DID THE FATHER'S WILL?'

My Dear Parishioners,

Today's Gospel: Reflection by Dom Henry Wansbrough OSB (Dialogue discussion)

Matthew loves to tell the parables of Jesus which contrast 'goodies' and 'baddies' like today's Gospel about the two contrasting sons. Matthew's parables put everything in black-and-white terms with no shades of grey (wise and foolish wedding-attendants, sheep and goats, etc.). Luke uses a different kind of parable, in which the characters - just like ourselves - often do the right thing for the wrong reason. The sayings of Jesus were handed down by word of mouth for some years before being written down. Did the straightforward contrast in Matthew (it is odd that both change their minds without a reason) develop into Luke's parable of the Prodigal Son? Both times the 'goodie' son ends up bad, and the 'baddie' son ends up good, but in Luke's version both changes of mind are motivated, and there is great emphasis on the son's repentance and the father's overwhelming joy at getting him back.

The lesson in Matthew's story is given also by Jesus' word in the Sermon on the Mount, 'It is not anyone who says to me " Lord" who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in Heaven'. It is no use simply saying that Christ is our 'Lord', we have to express it in our behaviour.

BAPTISMS We welcome Oscar William Riding & Freya Eve Jones

who will be baptised at 10.30am Mass this Sunday 28 September. (Music accompaniment by Oscar's family from Longridge)

THANK YOU to all who celebrated Mass last Sunday -  470 (201,138,131) and gave offerings £955

PROPERTY INSPECTION

The inspection of the Church and Presbytery buildings has been completed. Such surveys are necessary to ascertain if there is a serious problem with the fabric of the buildings and also to discover if there are any health and safety issues. We haven't received the final printed report, but we are assured that there are no serious problems. We are grateful to Kevin Gilchrist who made the arrangements for the inspection, and to Greg McNeela, who organised his workers so that the scaffolding, which was erected on the sanctuary for the inspection, could also be used for repairs, plastering and painting of the ceiling. BISHOP PATRICK Our Bishop is delighted to announce that the Congregation for the Clergy has written to commend his latest document, Fit for Mission? Church which it says, provides 'an effective, practical instrument for advancing the much heralded New Evangelisation. If this renewal of the Faith is to take root, it cannot remain a mere 'slogan' but must be woven into the web of contemporary culture. Fit for Mission? Church gives a much needed indication as to the means of accomplishing this great mission of the Church.' Bishop Patrick is particularly pleased with the commendation of his document's use of this invaluable synthesis of the Church's Faith, as it is hewn from the same rich vein as Fit for Mission? Schools, namely the Traditions of the Church as expressed in the Second Vatican Council and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Congregation continues, 'The Congregation is still somewhat amazed at the reaction the Fit for Mission? Schools provoked as it was both an appropriate and legitimate exercise of Episcopal authority by a Successor of the Apostles charged by God , and by the Church, to ensure that the Faith is transmitted correctly and in its entirety, to the People of God entrusted to his care. You were simply doing your duty in this regard'.

The Congregation supports the purpose of Fit for Mission? Schools, to cultivate an authentic Catholic ethos in schools that is capable of resisting the growing pressures to compromise the teachings of the Church. 'It should go without saying that Catholic schools must be imbued with a Catholic ethos that is real and not simply imaginary. Your Lordship has realistically faced a situation that has been an oft repeated theme over many years, by the Faithful of your country in their correspondence with this Congregation. The Dicastery again lauds you for your courageous action.' Bishop Patrick comments; 'I am very moved by the strong support my Fit for Mission? documents have received from one of the most senior Congregations of the Holy See. During the controversy caused by Fit for Mission? Schools I was heartened by the support I received from the Dicasteries and bishops around the world, priests and from ordinary Faithful from many countries. I get the sense that the Congregation shares the same sense of urgency that informs Fit for Mission? Church. We must immediately establish a systematic, creative and exciting programme of education in the fullness of the Faith, on the scale of the Counter-Reformation, engaging clergy, teachers, politicians, artists, theologians, musicians, architects, web designers, and many more. It is my hope that people will see the Fit for Mission? documents as a road map to help the Church in England and Wales face this challenge.' Bishop Patrick's earlier document, Fit for Mission? Schools, won the acclaim of hundreds of the faithful in this country, and around the world, and the praise of a number of Dicasteries of the Holy See. Cardinal Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, even wrote a foreword to the CTS's expanded edition of Fit for Mission? Schools. It also drew hostile criticism from the National Secular Society and Barry Sheerman, MP, Chairman of the Children, Schools and Families Commons Select Committee, who accused Bishop Patrick of promoting 'fundamentalism' in Catholic schools. Barry Sheerman made the rather remarkable comment that, 'It seems to me that faith education works all right as long as people are not that serious about their faith'. Bishop Patrick was then called to appear before the Select Committee to defend his document and Catholic schools,

THE SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL AWARENESS MONTH

In St Paul's letter to the Philippians today, he tells us to consider other people to be better than ourselves and put their interests first. This sets the scene for the Gospel message, which compares those who accept their allotted task, but then fail to act; to those who decline to help, but then do as they have been asked. While many of us accept God's command to love one another, we often fail when put to the test. Even our own families are often divided by simple disagreements and separation, but sometimes we are invited to promote reconciliation.
Sisters Annie and Betty fell out when their mother died 30 years ago and had lost touch with each other. Their family home in Lancashire had been left to both of them, but Annie, who had looked after her mother in her last few years, was given occupancy. Betty moved to London, where growing older, her mobility suffered and she became housebound. The St Vincent de Paul Society came across Betty and heard that she wanted a reconciliation with her sister Annie, but realised Betty hadn't long to live. They therefore contacted the local group in Lancashire, but sadly Betty died before a meeting could be arranged.
Nevertheless, 80 year old Annie was determined to come to Betty's funeral to say her own farewell and with the help of her local SVP came to London, with her two sons. It was a nice funeral and even in death there was reconciliation, as Annie joined in her sister's favourite hymn, "Abide with me". Some may feel that Annie was too late, but she knew that they were together again, in each other's full forgiveness. Helping such people does not make headlines but can make a big difference to the individual. The SVP is just one organisation that tries to help people in need. 'LORD, LOOK ON THE FAMILY YOU HAVE GATHERED HERE BEFORE YOU.'

Sat 6.00pm Harold Lees/Thanksgiving: Ruby Wedding Celebration

We congratulate David & Lyn Fogell on the occasion of their Ruby Wedding.

Sun 8.30am Richard & Mary Park 10.30am Parishioners

Mon - Sat 8.10am except Wednesday 1 Oct 9.10am Harvest Mass in school - all welcome.

Ministers' Rotas: in porch; more Ministers of Word & Eucharist welcome.

Feasts Mon (Michael, Gabriel & Raphael) Tues (Jerome) Wed (Teresa of Lisieux)

Thurs ( Guardian Angels) Sat (Francis of Assisi)

Please remember Harry Russell, who died on Friday 19 Sept; Requiem Mass was 11.00am Friday 26 September.

Retiring Collection: Bishop's Administration Fund Sunday 28 Sept

Bishop's Book: 'Being a Catholic Today'' see www.lancasterrcdiocese.org.uk  a few copies available in church.

THE PARISH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THIS SUNDAY ALL WELCOME

Parish Centre 11.30am Sunday 28 September.

(Postponed from last Sunday 21 September due to Parish Walk)

St Teresa, Lisieux Relics:  Lancaster Cathedral Sun 28 -Tues 30 Sept.

Tuesday Brownies:  If you wish your children to join, please contact Wendy Gregson.

Barn Dance & Hot Pot Supper for Cafod 7.30pm Fri 3 Oct; entrance by ticket £10 tel: 700181 (day) 863321 (evening)

Concert Carmelite Convent 3.00pm Sun 12 Oct Robert Bamber Singers;  Retiring collection for Chapel.

CAFOD AUTUMN APPEAL Harvest Fast Day is Fri 3 Oct. We are invited to make our offerings via the Cafod envelopes and return them on Sunday 5 Oct or any time; every family is invited to pick up an envelope this Sunday. You may Gift Aid your offerings; please make cheques payable to 'OLSE' so that they are part of the parish effort.

ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS

Five years ago I travelled to Dublin to see my neighbouring county, Tyrone, win their first all-Ireland Gaelic Football title. Three years ago, I saw, sitting in a Preston pub, Tyrone win a second All-Ireland. Last Sunday I was delighted to watch, in the comfort of a parishioners' home, Tyrone win a third title by defeating hot favourites Kerry (34 titles) by 1-16 (19 points) to 0-15 (15 points) in a thrilling final watched by 82,000 people and millions on television. Gaelic Football, played on a pitch 150 x 90 metres by amateurs, is enjoying a remarkable resurgence due to the thrilling sell-out games. There is no segregation of fans, especially noticeable when supporters' flags are raised. Only players born in the county can play for that county; there are no transfers. Envisage a PNE team comprised of those who have learned their football through our local schools! Only in recent years have teams from the Six Counties established themselves as serious title contenders. It is impossible to exaggerate how much this victory means to the people of Tyrone who have been seen on world television, weeping in the aftermath of terrorist atrocities. The team carried the Sam Maguire Cup across the border to Omagh for the main celebrations in the very street where, on the Feast of the Assumption 15 August 1998, the lives of 28 people and an unborn baby were shockingly blown apart by a bomb. Nothing can ever bring those lives back, but it is wonderful to see the people who mourned, rejoice,

Patrick McMahon

Parish Priest Patrick McMahon 01772 862437  Deacon Peter Williams 01772 863444

Website www.pat.fulwoodpreston.org  Email pat@fulwoodpreston.org

Lancaster Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees - Charity Number: 234331