The programme of preparation begins with an introductory meeting for those who have registered with Deacon David, at 6pm on Tues 16 Sept in the Haydock Centre.

We have found woodworm in our church benches again. Sadly, it has also been found in the font & the wooden plaque on the wall beside it. All the church benches will require a complete strip down to bare wood, chemical treatment and then resealing. Over the coming weeks, you will see more benches removed, with chairs in place instead. The font will be removed soon to assess possible treatment and reduce the potential for the woodworm spreading.

On Sat 7 June at 10am, we were delighted that 14 children made their First Holy Communion at St. Catherine’s – please keep them and their families in your prayers.

According to a local newspaper report of 1950, St Catherine's was opened on 11th June 1850. This means that on Wednesday last week, the church was 175 years old (and still going strong, deo gratias). The whole school was in church for Mass last Wednesday morning which was most fitting.

Many congratulations to Adrian and James who received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil - photos here and on the Gallery. We pray for them and for others in our parish who may be thinking about being Baptised or being Received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church in the future.

We could reflect on the spiritual benefits of keeping a respectful silence in church before and after Mass.

On Sunday 13 October, Lucas, Daniel, Philip, Alice, Noah and Conall were enrolled into the Guild of St. Stephen at the 8.30am and 10.30am Masses at St Catherine’s and Jessie and Aeble at the 4 pm Mass in Appleby. See photos here.

We are a small friendly group at St Catherine’s that’s been meeting for a year and would be grateful for a little more help.