Our weekly newsletter
14th JUNE – 11th SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A) - DAY FOR LIFE
MASS TIMES
Monday 10:00am Weekday Mass
Tuesday 10:00am Weekday Mass, St Richard of Chichester - optional Memorial
Wednesday 10:00am Weekday Mass
Thursday 10:00am Weekday Mass
Friday 10:00am Weekday Mass – With School children
Saturday 10:00am Weekday Mass, St Alban - optional Memorial
5:30pm Vigil of Sunday Mass
Sunday 10:30pm 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Mass
Confessions and Adoration after 10:00am Mass on Saturdays
Masses and Prayer Intensions this Week
Lately Dead: Wynne Finnegan, Raymond White, Michelle Reeves, Clare Parker, Liam Brady,
Tom Cassidy.
Anniversaries: Joseph Adoyi, Alex Campbell, James and Samuel Haughton (B/day memories)
Others: Sayers, Riley Families & Paul & Anne White. For all the sick of the Parish,
Our Lady & St. Peregrines Care and Prayers to St. Blaise, Prayers to St. Jude, Louise Duxbury (sick), Joan Smith, Fr Bernard Wilson.
Mass
Readers
Eucharistic Ministers
Saturday 13th June
Joan P
Linda & Catherine K
Sunday 14th June
Ronnie & Donna
Anthonia & Kay
Saturday 20th June
Joan S
Mary & Joan P
Sunday 21st June
Anthony & Naomi
Catherine L & Samantha
Bidding Prayers: Reader: Merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know you more dearly.
Response: Love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly.
COMMENTS ON TODAYS READINGS.
1st Reading – A reading from the Book of Exodus:
At Mount Sinai, God reminds Israel how he delivered them from Egypt and carried them “on eagles’ wings.” He invites them into a covenant relationship: if they remain faithful, they will be his treasured possession, “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
2nd Reading – A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans:
St Paul reflects on the depth of God’s love: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are reconciled with God and offered salvation.
Gospel Reading – According to Matthew:
Jesus sees the crowds and is moved with compassion because they are “like sheep without a shepherd” He calls the Twelve Apostles, gives them authority to heal and preach, and sends them out to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Many thanks to Fr Peter who is standing in for Fr Callistus for the next two weeks. Fr Anthony is on standby.
Think of all the blessings.
Priests offer sacrifice, and are ‘mediators’ between God and humans. Jesus was a Priest and a ‘mediator’, sacrificing Himself on the Cross and pleading, “Father forgive them”. Baptism made us ‘sharers’ in Christ’s Priesthood. At Mass, as a Priestly people, we join in His sacrifice and pray for ourselves and others. So, ‘serve the Lord with gladness’, counting our blessings.
MEMORIAL BOOK: The following names are included for June:
Alex Campbell, Alfred England, Alice Brook, Amy Logan, Anthony Lowe (B/day), Betty Bligh, Brian Logan, Francis Logan, Gerard Cassin, Isabella Brindley, James Houghton (B/day), Veronica Ronnie Beswick, Jimmy England, Jim McWalter, John Aspinall, John Francis Kelly, Joseph Prendergast, Josie Corcoran, Kathleen Dalton, Margaret Ward, Mary Wilcock, Paddy England, Paul Jones, Raymond Mathews, Robert Bridgeman, James & Samuel Haughton (B/day), Seamus Eighan and Mark Fitzpatrick.
KITCHENETTE AND SOCIAL MEETING ROOM – IMPROVEMENTS REQUESTED: We have started to enjoy gathering together regularly for a chat, cup of tea, coffee and a biscuit or two after Mass or prayers. It would be much more enjoyable if the kitchen and room would be more fit for purpose. Do we have anybody that could help to modernise or improve our so-called kitchen. If you can help or give advice in any way, please contact Linda or Frank.
LAWN MOWER REPAIR / PARISH LAWNS: Many thanks. A contact was suggested and our machine was repaired successfully. Just waiting for the weather to improve so that we can make hay.
YORK DAY TRIP: Last Saturday’s trip to York was another social success, many thanks to all who helped out, special thanks to Catherine and Linda. It should be noted that the trip was subsidised by the 100 CLUB membership. If you are not a member already, please join up, £5 per month, a chance to win approx. £300 and contribute to the social side of our Parish.
100 CLUB WINNER: Ray Cassin was the winner of the MAY DRAW and received £287.50.
PIETY STALL – NEW STOCK: Many new items are now in stock and the number of available cards has been increased. All items are individually priced, if staff not available please place the money in the Honesty Box.
SUMMER BBQ: Our Summer BBQ is planned for Sunday 5th July. We would appreciate donations of prizes for the Tombola, i.e. bottles, chocolates etc. We will put a box in the porch from next week. Many thanks in advance.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT - UPDATE: We are pleased to announce that the parish hopes to begin Evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the week. It is noted from those that have signed up so far, that twice per week may be difficult to keep up. If you would prefer once per week, please identify your preferred day on the new lists provided.
PARISH SOCIAL MEDIA: We are now on Facebook: St Stephens Church Droylsden and Instagram: ststephenschurchdroylsden. Your suggestions are most welcome as we continue to grow and improve this initiative. We extend our sincere thanks to Gemma Hodkinson for her dedication in creating and managing these platforms.
DROYLSDEN FOOD BANK: The Food Bank have informed us that they are now short of the following: Tinned Veg, Tinned Fruit, Tinned & Packet Soup, Tinned Fish, Tinned Meat, Tinned Rice Pudding, Tinned Custard, Jam, Long Life Milk, Sponge Puddings and Fruit Juice. Many thanks for all your food and cash donations, they are making a difference. Thank you, Stella Chorlton.
ST STEPHEN’S RC PRIMARY/NURSERY INTAKE SEPTEMBER 2026: There are places available in our Nursery Class for September 2026. They would love to welcome you and your family to St Stephen’s, show you around and give you a feel of their happy and nurturing school community. Please get in touch with the School Office to arrange a visit. Telephone 0161 370 2071.
CARITAS – Every step sponsored Walk 5th September 2026: Join a 3km or 10km walk to raise funds, there are booklets with details at the rear of the Church.
MISSIO RED BOX DONATIONS – For the last 90 years the Red Box has reminded us of our shared responsibility to make Christ known around the world. ’Go make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19) is a clear and direct command from Christ. Thank you for existing and future donations to the Mission Red Box appeal. Copies of the MISSIO TODAY Summer Impact Report are available next to the spare Red Boxes on the table at the entrance, they provide details of the income and expenditure for 2025.
SPUC DAY FOR LIFE – JOIN THE FIGHTBACK: Parliament has removed an amendment that removes legal consequences for women aborting babies at any stage, for any reason. There are cards at the entrance to church to request a detailed SPUC ACTION PACK and for you to join the Fightback.
MASS TIMES
Monday 10:00am Weekday Mass
Tuesday 10:00am Weekday Mass, St Richard of Chichester - optional Memorial
Wednesday 10:00am Weekday Mass
Thursday 10:00am Weekday Mass
Friday 10:00am Weekday Mass – With School children
Saturday 10:00am Weekday Mass, St Alban - optional Memorial
5:30pm Vigil of Sunday Mass
Sunday 10:30pm 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Mass
Confessions and Adoration after 10:00am Mass on Saturdays
Masses and Prayer Intensions this Week
Lately Dead: Wynne Finnegan, Raymond White, Michelle Reeves, Clare Parker, Liam Brady,
Tom Cassidy.
Anniversaries: Joseph Adoyi, Alex Campbell, James and Samuel Haughton (B/day memories)
Others: Sayers, Riley Families & Paul & Anne White. For all the sick of the Parish,
Our Lady & St. Peregrines Care and Prayers to St. Blaise, Prayers to St. Jude, Louise Duxbury (sick), Joan Smith, Fr Bernard Wilson.
Mass
Readers
Eucharistic Ministers
Saturday 13th June
Joan P
Linda & Catherine K
Sunday 14th June
Ronnie & Donna
Anthonia & Kay
Saturday 20th June
Joan S
Mary & Joan P
Sunday 21st June
Anthony & Naomi
Catherine L & Samantha
Bidding Prayers: Reader: Merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know you more dearly.
Response: Love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly.
COMMENTS ON TODAYS READINGS.
1st Reading – A reading from the Book of Exodus:
At Mount Sinai, God reminds Israel how he delivered them from Egypt and carried them “on eagles’ wings.” He invites them into a covenant relationship: if they remain faithful, they will be his treasured possession, “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
2nd Reading – A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans:
St Paul reflects on the depth of God’s love: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are reconciled with God and offered salvation.
Gospel Reading – According to Matthew:
Jesus sees the crowds and is moved with compassion because they are “like sheep without a shepherd” He calls the Twelve Apostles, gives them authority to heal and preach, and sends them out to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Many thanks to Fr Peter who is standing in for Fr Callistus for the next two weeks. Fr Anthony is on standby.
Think of all the blessings.
Priests offer sacrifice, and are ‘mediators’ between God and humans. Jesus was a Priest and a ‘mediator’, sacrificing Himself on the Cross and pleading, “Father forgive them”. Baptism made us ‘sharers’ in Christ’s Priesthood. At Mass, as a Priestly people, we join in His sacrifice and pray for ourselves and others. So, ‘serve the Lord with gladness’, counting our blessings.
MEMORIAL BOOK: The following names are included for June:
Alex Campbell, Alfred England, Alice Brook, Amy Logan, Anthony Lowe (B/day), Betty Bligh, Brian Logan, Francis Logan, Gerard Cassin, Isabella Brindley, James Houghton (B/day), Veronica Ronnie Beswick, Jimmy England, Jim McWalter, John Aspinall, John Francis Kelly, Joseph Prendergast, Josie Corcoran, Kathleen Dalton, Margaret Ward, Mary Wilcock, Paddy England, Paul Jones, Raymond Mathews, Robert Bridgeman, James & Samuel Haughton (B/day), Seamus Eighan and Mark Fitzpatrick.
KITCHENETTE AND SOCIAL MEETING ROOM – IMPROVEMENTS REQUESTED: We have started to enjoy gathering together regularly for a chat, cup of tea, coffee and a biscuit or two after Mass or prayers. It would be much more enjoyable if the kitchen and room would be more fit for purpose. Do we have anybody that could help to modernise or improve our so-called kitchen. If you can help or give advice in any way, please contact Linda or Frank.
LAWN MOWER REPAIR / PARISH LAWNS: Many thanks. A contact was suggested and our machine was repaired successfully. Just waiting for the weather to improve so that we can make hay.
YORK DAY TRIP: Last Saturday’s trip to York was another social success, many thanks to all who helped out, special thanks to Catherine and Linda. It should be noted that the trip was subsidised by the 100 CLUB membership. If you are not a member already, please join up, £5 per month, a chance to win approx. £300 and contribute to the social side of our Parish.
100 CLUB WINNER: Ray Cassin was the winner of the MAY DRAW and received £287.50.
PIETY STALL – NEW STOCK: Many new items are now in stock and the number of available cards has been increased. All items are individually priced, if staff not available please place the money in the Honesty Box.
SUMMER BBQ: Our Summer BBQ is planned for Sunday 5th July. We would appreciate donations of prizes for the Tombola, i.e. bottles, chocolates etc. We will put a box in the porch from next week. Many thanks in advance.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT - UPDATE: We are pleased to announce that the parish hopes to begin Evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the week. It is noted from those that have signed up so far, that twice per week may be difficult to keep up. If you would prefer once per week, please identify your preferred day on the new lists provided.
PARISH SOCIAL MEDIA: We are now on Facebook: St Stephens Church Droylsden and Instagram: ststephenschurchdroylsden. Your suggestions are most welcome as we continue to grow and improve this initiative. We extend our sincere thanks to Gemma Hodkinson for her dedication in creating and managing these platforms.
DROYLSDEN FOOD BANK: The Food Bank have informed us that they are now short of the following: Tinned Veg, Tinned Fruit, Tinned & Packet Soup, Tinned Fish, Tinned Meat, Tinned Rice Pudding, Tinned Custard, Jam, Long Life Milk, Sponge Puddings and Fruit Juice. Many thanks for all your food and cash donations, they are making a difference. Thank you, Stella Chorlton.
ST STEPHEN’S RC PRIMARY/NURSERY INTAKE SEPTEMBER 2026: There are places available in our Nursery Class for September 2026. They would love to welcome you and your family to St Stephen’s, show you around and give you a feel of their happy and nurturing school community. Please get in touch with the School Office to arrange a visit. Telephone 0161 370 2071.
CARITAS – Every step sponsored Walk 5th September 2026: Join a 3km or 10km walk to raise funds, there are booklets with details at the rear of the Church.
MISSIO RED BOX DONATIONS – For the last 90 years the Red Box has reminded us of our shared responsibility to make Christ known around the world. ’Go make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19) is a clear and direct command from Christ. Thank you for existing and future donations to the Mission Red Box appeal. Copies of the MISSIO TODAY Summer Impact Report are available next to the spare Red Boxes on the table at the entrance, they provide details of the income and expenditure for 2025.
SPUC DAY FOR LIFE – JOIN THE FIGHTBACK: Parliament has removed an amendment that removes legal consequences for women aborting babies at any stage, for any reason. There are cards at the entrance to church to request a detailed SPUC ACTION PACK and for you to join the Fightback.
