Anderton St Joseph's        
                Newsletter
SUNDAY XXXIII OF ORDINARY TIME 

16th NOVEMBER 2025

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’
‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’ 
Luke 21:5-19


Sun 16thSUNDAY XXXIII OF ORDINARY TIME 
09.30Mass at St Mary’s

11.00Mass - November Pious List 

Mon 17thSt Hilda of Whitby, St Hugh of Lincoln, St Elizabeth of Hungary

Tues 18thDedication of the Basilicas of St Peter and St Paul 
10.00 Mass –- Pious List 

Wed 19th

Thurs 20th

Fri 21stPresentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary  
10.00Mass (with school classes attending)– Pious List

Sat 22ndSt Cecilia 
14.15Retreat Afternoon at St Mary’s – The Nicene Creed. 
17.00Vigil Mass at St Mary’s Chorley

Sun 23rdOUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. KING OF THE UNIVERSE  
11.00Mass – Pious List 

15.00Holy Hour: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Evening Prayer (15.40) and Benediction.

RETIRING COLLECTIONS: 16th November SVP,  23rd November Animate Archdiocesan Youth Service 

RECENTLY DECEASED: Mary Devlin (94), sister of Richard Kenyon. Funeral at St Mary’s Chorley on Monday 24th November in the afternoon. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK AND THE HOUSEBOUND:  Joan Bailey, Mary Patricia Case, 
Ken Catterall, Veronica Denver, Bob Goulding, Janet McGowan, Maureen Hardman, Bill King, 
Emma King, Norah O’Donoghue, Vasil Olijniczuk, Heidi O’Neill, Irene O’Neill, Lauren O’Neill, 
Barrie Swift, Dennis Woodruff.  
If you want someone’s name to be on the parish sick list for prayers, please leave a note in the sacristy or presbytery IN WRITING, or by email to stjosephs.anderton@tiscali.co.uk 

TALK FOR THE 1700TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA: Every Sunday we recite the Nicene Creed, a brief compendium of the Catholic Faith. We are very lucky to be able to host this special talk about the Nicene Creed and the Council of Nicaea. Rev Dr Mark Drew, Parish Priest of St Michael’s Woolston, Warrington, who has spent years in Greece, will speak in St Mary’s Church Chorley on Saturday 22nd November at 14.30 – 15.45. We will then have refreshments and a time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before Mass at 17.00. This little mini-retreat afternoon is a feature towards the closure of the Jubilee Year 2025 on 8th December.

BAPTISM BOOKINGS DATES AVAILABLE  Nov 30th, Dec.28th. Jan 25th, Feb 22nd Baptisms will take place at 12.00. Parents need to be resident within St Joseph’s parish area or (with the permission of another parish priest) regular Mass attenders here. Please collect a baptism booking form and an Order of Service from the Sacristy after Sunday Mass. Return the form so that any necessary preparation can be arranged. 

JESUS’S PROPHECY – THE TEMPLE WILL BE DESTROYED  All things made by human hands—including great temples and cathedrals—are destined for destruction.
The Temple of Jerusalem was among the most significant places of worship in history. But it, too, was destined for destruction. Solomon built the Temple in 957 BC, and the new Temple became the sole place of Jewish sacrifice, the summit of Jewish worship. The Babylonians destroyed the Temple in 586 BC when they captured Jerusalem and led the Israelites off to exile. After the Maccabean Revolt, the Jews rededicated the Temple in 164 BC. The Roman General Crassus plundered it again in 54 BC. Around 20 BC, Herod the Great began the renovation: it became known as Herod’s Temple.
Roman legions under the command of Titus destroyed the Temple in 70 AD following the Jewish rebellion in 66 AD. The destruction of the Temple—fulfilling the sorrowful prophecy of Christ—is among the most significant events in the history of the Jewish people. The Western Wall is all that remains. The engraving on the Arch of Titus (still standing today in Rome near the Forum) depicts the victory parade of Roman legions as they celebrated the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple.
Temples, churches, and basilicas are made by human hands and will pass away in time. But the temples of our souls will never pass away. Our souls are God’s handiwork. We are temples made in the image of God, and even the sands of time cannot ruin them. Only sin can deface a soul: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt. 10:28) The temples of the world will return to dust. But by the love of God, we must remember we are God’s handiwork. We are not destined for destruction but ordained to eternal life if we choose Him and accept His love. We will forever be Temples of the Holy Spirit. Let’s not mess it up.

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS TO THE UKRAINIAN HUB: Winter is approaching fast and we have seen a change in the weather, as we remember the long hot summer and dry autumn. The people of Ukraine are facing another bitterly cold, snowy winter. Electricity distribution centres are being targeted and purposely destroyed. Please look in your cupboards for candles, warm socks, gloves and hats (adult and children’s), thermal clothing, coats and jumpers you don’t need anymore, female hygiene items, plasters, bandages, paracetamol, cough mixtures (adult and children’s). It will all be very much appreciated and a good way to help these desperate poor people who are suffering so much. Please take your donations to the Ukrainian Hub, which was the White Hart pub near Chorley police station. Wednesday 2-4pm and Sat 10.00-12.00 noon. Thank you.

THE CHRISTIAN HERITAGE CENTRE MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE
The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst is offering a weekend marriage preparation 
course in January 2026. This course is aimed at couples who are engaged in and practicing their faith, and who wish for a deeper, theological and spiritual reflection on 
the Sacrament of Matrimony. Structured around foundational, Scriptural texts, the weekend is inspired by St John Paul II’s Catechesis on Human Love, within a framework of prayer, discussion, input and exercises. More info and to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation For enquiry please contact Stefan Kaminski, Director of the Centre (T: 01254 827 329, E: director@christianheritagecentre.com)

FAMILY OF PARISHES CHRISTMAS CONCERT: St Joseph’s Anderton, Sacred Heart and St Mary’s Chorley. Advance Notice: the Concert will be at Sacred Heart 15.00-16.30 on Saturday 6th December (St Nicholas’ Day) with the Chorley Silver Band. Doors open 14.00. More details to follow. 

YOUTH SUNDAY 2025:  23rd November is National Youth Sunday, a day to recognise and celebrate all that young people in the Church offer us.
 You should have received in the post some leaflets and information about what our young people in Liverpool have been doing over the past 12 months. Also included in the pack will be some envelopes for the additional collection on Youth Sunday.

ASSISTED SUICIDE: ENGLAND The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will entered Committee Stage in the House of Lords on 14 November. As per previous stages, Catholics are encouraged to write to peers to oppose the Bill. The Bishops’ Conference has issued guidance on how to write to peers: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/contact-peers/
 Archbishop John Sherrington recorded a video for the Bishops’ Conference explaining our objection to the proposed legislation: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/ Archbishop John called for Catholics to pray and take action: “We continue to call for prayer and action. I urge you to contact members of the House of Lords and in particular share your personal or professional experience on this important matter.”
Please see attached a series of social media graphics supporting this messaging, we would encourage parishes to share these on their channels.
Additional prayer resources can be accessed here: https://care.org.uk/cause/assisted-suicide/seven-ways-to-pray-about-assisted-suicide

MARY’S MEALS:  We have some wonderful news – Double The Love is here! From today, all donations to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million! Because of our low-cost approach, it costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals every school day for a year. And this Christmas, your donation of £19.15 will feed two children! Your gift of any size will help Mary’s Meals keep our promise of life-changing school meals for hungry children into 2026 and beyond and, as funds allow, reach more communities waiting in countries like Malawi and Zambia.
© Mary's Meals Registered at Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll, Scotland, UK, PA33 1AR marysmeals.org.uk Charity no. SC022140 


CHORLEY AND PRESTON HOSPITALS: Please contact St Joseph's Chorley (262713) if any member of your family is admitted into Chorley Hospital and needs a visit. In urgent cases or emergency please ask the ward staff to call the duty Chaplain on his bleep/phone. For the chaplaincy service at Royal Preston Hospital Tel: 01772 522435. For the chaplaincy service at Wigan Infirmary Tel: 01942 822324. 


Parish Priest: Fr Francis Marsden
Secretary: Mr Frank Webster 
Parish Office: St Joseph’s Presbytery, 28 Bolton Road, Adlington, PR6 9NA
Wednesdays 10.00-13.00
Tel: all calls now to 01257- 262537 (St Mary’s Chorley)

E-mail: stjosephs.anderton@tiscali.co.uk
Parish Website: www.stjosephsanderton.com

ARCHDIOCESE OF LIVERPOOL Registered Charity No. 1199714
























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