A Big Party for FamiliesThe Church is hosting a celebration for families around the world. The 6th World Meeting of Families took place in January 2009 in Mexico City, Mexico. Mexico has the second largest Catholic population in the world. The Meeting is held every three years. World Meetings of Families were begun by Pope John Paul II, who convoked the first one in Rome in 1994. Successive world

Today, around 12 noon, a small fire started in the shrine, where the votive candles are lit. There has been some damage, but it could have been worse. Erhard (our volunteer) was the hero of the moment. Thankfully, he spotted the fire before it took hold. An unforgettable scene, was Father David running down to the Shrine with a watering can. I suppose the thought is what counts!

Today, Sunday 3rd May, we have the Sacrament of Confirmation for seven children and two teenagers. We congratulate Agnes Juan, Francis Kenyi, Luke Whittaker, Jack Berry, Chloe McGreavy, Emily Charleston, Sean Kavanagh, Kian Kilpatrick, Niamh Thorne. We wish them the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Please keep these young people in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

On Monday, 3rd May at 7.30pm, there is the start of a new initiative at the Shrine. Martin and Joan Roddy are beginning an hour of prayer in the Shrine on the first Monday on every month. The prayer is an intercessory prayer so that those who come to the Shrine may experience many graces - healing, renewal, new strength, inner peace. Everyone is invited to join in or take part at the same time in

The couples who completed the training course successfully last year are now available for minsitry the Diocese of Salford. The couples offer family days or retreats in parishes on the the themes of marriage and family life. Information and booking forms are available at the Schoenstatt Centre and will be distributed in the monthly announcements of the Bishop.

Sincere congratulations to Daniel Borkovec and Frank Riedel who ordianed Deacons in the community of the Schoenstatt Fathers on 21st March 2009. We wish them every grace and blessing on their way to the priesthood.

Spring and summer are in the air! Why not come and have your own famiyl picnic at the Shrine. there are beautiful sitting areas and open spaces for everyone! Tea and Coffee can be provided on request. We look forward to see you!

Today is the first of May and signals a special month of prayer and renewal of faith with the help of our Blessed Mother Mary. In this month, there is a special invitation to come and visit the Shrine of Our Mother Thrice Admirable at Kearsley, Bolton. Before the Celebration of the Eucharist, there will be a decade of the Rosary in the intentions of our families and loved ones. here is Adoration

Five New Saints for the ChurchOn 26th April, 2009 Pope Benedict canonized five new saints as role models for the family of the Church – four are Italian and one Portuguese. Let’s have a quick look at these new saints.The Pope spoke of the lives of each one, beginning with Arcangelo Tadini (1846-1912), a priest from Brescia, Italy. He helped help those suffering during the economic crisis of his