Thank you - Thank you - Thank you

This is my annual Easter thank you to all those people who make the running of our churches so smooth. Readers, Communion ministers, Altar servers,  cleaners, flower arrangers, Piety shop runners, Sunday coffee-crew, church welcomers and apparitors, candle shopper, Sacramental Programme crew, children’s liturgy organisers, money collectors and counters, accountants, gardeners, musicians, hall caretakers and key holders (Uppermill), etc. - as you can see it takes a huge number of people and I am grateful to every single one of you, God Bless you all.

A message from Fr Jim.

A number of people have been asking what exactly has happened to me!  Just over three weeks ago, I had a fall at  Sacred Heart, Uppermill, and broke my back.  It is what’s called a stable fracture of my L5 vertebrae.  The doctors tell me it will take 5 – 7 weeks before I am “fit for duty”, and must not push myself too hard.  They also told me I must be as mobile as possible, which at the moment is not too easy, although you may see me pottering about.  Thank you for the many get well cards I have received, the texts and phone calls, it has lifted my spirits no-end!  As I will not be around for the Triduum, I, on behalf of Fr. Peter, Fr Linus  and myself wish you all the blessings of this most Holy time.  God’s blessings and the blessings of the Risen Lord upon you all. 

I must also thank especially Fr. Linus for covering for me while I have been laid-up!

PARISH FINANCES REVEALLED!

Both Churches!

If you are a tax payer and do NOT gift aid, please do think about it, it is worth a small fortune to the churches across the diocese.

ENVELOPES FOR the new year 2026/27 AT THE BACK OF CHURCH New packs of envelopes for the beginning of April are now available at the back of church, please collect yours. There are now only 12 parishioners who use envelopes for their weekly donations in Uppermill,  However, if you wish to use envelopes in the future and there is not a pack with your name on, please put your name on the form at the back of church, which can be found next to the envelopes. Please indicate on the form whether you wish for us to claim gift aid or not on your behalf. We are making the assumption that if you pay by standing order you don’t require envelopes. If you do, and you want a pack of envelopes, please put your name on the form. The packs do contain Easter and Christmas offertory envelopes. There are Easter and Christmas offertory envelopes for those who pay by standing order at the back of church for you to collect. These are not numbered, but you can use your old number or name if you wish to claim gift aid. Please don’t take unless you pay by standing order. You will notice that the new packs have a different number than the ones you used previously. If there is any confusion, please speak to a member of the finance team.

In the next few weeks there willl be a meeting reguarding the finances of the parishes, which will be a unique insite as to how the parish and diocesan finances work.  This has never been done before – watch this space.

A renewed dates information notice for Confirmation dates this year.

Non-Newman Students

Confirmation Programme 2026

Parents' Meeting - Wed. 11th March (6.30pm) at St. Edward's Church, Lees

Student Session 1 - Tues. 17th March (6pm - 7.30pm) at St. Edward's Church, Lees

Student Session 2 - Tues. 24th March (6pm - 7.30pm) at St. Edward's Church, Lees

Holy Week & Easter Holidays

Student Session 3 - Tues. 21st April (6pm - 7.30pm) at St. Edward's Church, Lees

Student Session 4 - Tues. 28th April (6pm - 7.30pm) at St. Edward's Church, Lees

Student Session 5 - Tues. 5th May (6pm - 7.30pm) at St. Edward's Church, Lees

Student Session 6 - Tues. 12th May (6pm - 7.30pm) at St. Edward's Church, Lees

Student Session 7 - Tues. 19th May (6pm - 7.30pm) at St. Edward's Church, Lees

Pentecost Weekend and Half Term Holiday (25th – 29th May)

Service of Confirmation: Wed. 3rd June at …. (Time & Venue TBC)

Charity Clothes box

Thank you for all the contributions to the charity clothes box, it has already needed to be emptied.  Please keep up the great work and support this great charitable work

The National Men's Pro-life Conference

Calling men of all ages and states of life: book your place at 'Commissioned', the National Men's Pro-life Conference, on April 18th at Birmingham Christian College. Through compelling talks on fatherhood, marriage, post-abortion healing, spiritual warfare and sexual responsibility, learn to live out your vocation with humility, courage and integrity. For more info, including speakers or to book your place, go to -

 https://www.marchforlife.co.uk/commissioned-pro-life-mens-conference/ or contact info@marchforlife.co.uk

Sacramental Programme 2025/26 - Holy Communion

The dates for our childrens meetings are as follows, all to take place in the church meeting room.

• 26th April 2026 - Unit 5 - We are people who celebrate forgiveness.      Sacrament of reconciliation on Friday 2nd May after Mass.

• 9th May 2026 - Unit 6 We are the Body of Christ - including rehearsal for First Communion.

• SATURDAY 16th May 2026 - FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 10:30am - FA Cup Final day.

 Weekday Mass

I would like to encourage you, if you are able, to join us for weekday masses on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Frday at St Joseph’s, Mossley.  I always think that beginning the day with holy Mass is a great way to begin any day.  Why not think about it and come along to join us?

Uppermill Charity Shop.– We are looking for more stock for the shop.  If you have anything you might like to donate, please either leave them at te back of the church or, deliver them to the shop on Tuesday and Wednesday between 9am and 12 noon, using the back door of the hall, next to the front door of the presbytery.  Many thanks, as always.