PERPETUAL NOVENA TO THE MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL
MEMORARE
Remember, O Immaculate Mary Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee O Mary Virgin Mother of Good Counsel and my Mother, before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my knees, sinful and sorrowful, acknowledging my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I most require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour. O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me. AMEN.
(Here mention requests)
LET US PRAY
Most Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by Almighty God, to be the Mother of Our Redeemer Jesus Christ; treasurer of Divine Grace and advocate of sinners; we your unworthy children beg you to be our Guide and Counsellor in our journey through life. Intercede for us with your Son that we may obtain the grace to live good lives here on earth and so be worthy of Eternal Happiness. Grant that the Church of Jesus Christ, with its message of hope and peace, may spread throughout the whole world to unite all men in the love of each other and of our Father in Heaven. AMEN.
THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL IS ON THE 25th APRIL
In preparation for this feast the parish have a Triduum on the three days before the feast with Rosary, Sermon and Benediction – inviting an Augustinian Friar as ‘guest preacher’. On the feast itself there is Concelebrated Mass and celebrations in the Parish Centre afterwards.
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THE GUILD OF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL
The Guild was founded more than 20 years ago, by our then Parish Priest, Father John Hyland OSA, in honour of Our Lady of Good Counsel, to whom the Augustinians have a special devotion. Fr Hyland’s intention was to provide social interaction for the ladies of the Parish, which it has done ever since, although the Guild is now open to men as well as women – it’s the Guild of Our Lady of Good Counsel and not ‘The Ladies’ Guild’!
Our Guild Mass takes place at 7.30 pm on the third Friday of every month, and is well attended by both men and women alike. Afterwards, we have tea and coffee in the Parish Centre, occasionally including a talk by an outside speaker.
At present we have eight Committee Members, although more would always be welcome. Just speak to one of our members – Brenda McEwan (President), Cathie Moore (Vice President) Ruth Edwards, (Treasurer) Anne Roby (Secretary) – or Nancy Wharton, Pat Weston, Anne McHale, Marj Bennett or Gaynor Doyle.
We involve ourselves as much as possible in Parish events, and our work includes providing refreshments for the pupils from all Ainsdale Schools at the beginning of December when they hold their Carol Service at St John Stone’s Church. We also enjoy our role at our own Christmas Carol Service, when we provide the mince pies and punch. At the Christmas Fair, we organise and run a Tombola Stall.
During Lent, we have usually made a spiritual retreat to St Joseph’s convent in Freshfield, accompanied by our Chaplain, Fr Sean, ending with the Sacrament of the Sick and finally, Mass. This is a lovely, peaceful day out of the world, and we hope to do it again this year. Lifts are available for anyone who wishes to join in.
On Good Friday, after the children’s service, we serve a fasting lunch of homemade soup with bread and cheese. In June, we give a party for the children who have recently made their First Holy Communion.
Over the past four years we have been able to send over £4,000 to the Augustinian Missions, and we are grateful to our friends who join us on Friday evenings, where most of the money has been raised. |
