5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The most important thing about each of us is our capacity for goodness. We can be a source of light. We have hands that care, eyes that can see, ears that can hear, tongues that can speak, feet that can walk, and above all hearts that can love. Unfortunately, through laziness, selfishness and cowardice, our light can be dimmed, so that we can become shadows of the people we could be. Lord, help us to believe in our own goodness, and let the light of that goodness shine. On seeing this light others may find their way and you will be glorified.

Father Michael de Felice 

The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Vigil Mass: Thursday 12th February at 6:30pm at St Monica’s church, Fernhill Rd. Celebrant Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. Canons of the Cathedral chapter will lead a celebration of Evening Prayer for the dead at 6pm
Requiem Mass: Friday 13th February at 11:00am at St Monica’s church, Fernhill Road followed by burial at Ford Cemetery.

Deanery Women’s group 

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 26th February at 7pm, again at St Helen's parish.

The Irenaeus Centre: Pilgrimage Through Lent 

The Irenaeus Centre would like to invite you to a series of Lenten Evenings held on Tuesdays at 7pm on the following dates: 24 February and 3, 10, 17, 24 March.
For more information and Zoom links please contact: centreirenaeus@gmail.com

Funeral 

The funeral service for Colin Porter will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 12th February at 12.30pm. Please pray for the repose of Colin’s soul and the comfort of his family.

The Feast of Saint John Bosco

Reflection

Saint John Bosco is best known for his dedication to the education and welfare of disadvantaged youth, particularly those living in poverty in urban areas. Don Bosco’s primary teachings and beliefs centred around the idea of “reason, religion, and loving kindness,” which he called “the three R’s.” He believed that education was key to lifting young people out of poverty and helping them to lead successful and fulfilling lives. He also placed a strong emphasis on the importance of faith and moral values, and sought to instil these values in the youth under his care through a combination of formal education and practical training. Additionally, he was known for his love, kindness and patience towards the young people he encountered, and his belief that treating them with respect and compassion was essential to their development.

Father Michael de Felice 

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Michael de Felice who died on Saturday 17th January, aged 93 years. He was in the 61st year of the priesthood.
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Vigil Mass: Thursday 12th February at 6:30pm at St Monica’s church, Fernhill Rd. Celebrant Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. Canons of the Cathedral chapter will lead a celebration of Evening Prayer for the dead at 6pm
Requiem Mass: Friday 13th February at 11:00am at St Monica’s church, Fernhill Road followed by burial at Ford Cemetery.
Refreshments will be available afterwards at St Monica’s parish centre.
Fr Michael was appointed Parish Priest of St Joan of Arc in February 1987 where he remained until the parish closed in 2009. He was a gentle and dedicated parish priest and much loved by all his parishioners.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Today we are in danger of being drowned in bad news. Jesus began his ministry by announcing good news. What was this good news? That the kingdom of heaven had come. The kingdom stands for the fulfilment of the promises, the fullness of God’s blessings; in short, the new order of things. Forgiveness is available. Recovery is possible. God’s love is unconditional and is available to us in Christ. All we have to do is recognise our need and seek his help with humility and sincerity. Unless we repent we can’t hear the good news.

Confirmation registration is open 

We encourage all young people who wish to be confirmed next year to visit the Liverpool Called website with their parents/guardians. The details you provide the online form will be shared with the Dean of the area of which you have applied, your local parish, and the Diocesan administration team. It may be shared with other parties associated with Diocesan sacramental preparation and relevant and appropriate Diocesan bodies and authorities.
Your local parish will be in touch after registration period ends on the 13 February (you will not be contacted beforehand) with details about meetings in your local area. You will likely be contacted after Easter. Please do not worry if you are not contacted immediately. If you have any queries, please contact your parish priest.
The information you provide will be held for the sacramental year (which ends on the day new application forms go online for the succeeding sacramental preparation year) and your contact information may be used to contact you by email, text, letter or phone. For more information on how your data may be used and our retention policy please see
https://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/privacy

Second collecion today for LEPRA 

Today, 475 people will be diagnosed with leprosy; 25 of those will be children.
Over 3 million people across the globe are living with undiagnosed leprosy. Leprosy is not a disease of the past, it still exists and it is still destroying lives. 
91p in every pound donated to Lepra goes directly to helping improve the health and wellbeing of some of the world's most vulnerable people.

Feast of St John Bosco 

This feast is actually on Saturday 31st January but we will celebrate it next week at the two Parish Sunday Masses, 6.30pm on Saturday and 10.30am on Sunday. For those who are not aware, St John Bosco is the founder of the Salesian Family of Priests, Brothers, Sisters and Cooperators.

Funeral 

The Funeral Mass for Martin Goggins will take place here in St James’ on Friday 30th January at 12 noon.
Please pray for the repose of Martin’s soul and for the comfort of his family.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The Bishops of England and Wales invite us to keep this Sunday as a day of prayer for world peace. Pope Leo has chosen the theme: Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace. This is a daunting goal in the light of the widespread belief that we must be armed, even with nuclear weapons, to protect ourselves. Both Pope Leo and a recent statement from our own Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (Called to be Peacemakers) indicate that peace should not rely on fear, threats or weapons. Peace should have the capacity to resolve conflicts and open hearts through mutual understanding and hope. The phrase ‘Peace be with you’ is an integral part of our Liturgy in each Mass. We are all invited to be peacemakers. Let us start in our own hearts, asking forgiveness, and praying that we will be people of peace in a world of violence.

Second collections 

The second collection this weekend is for the work of SPUC.
The second collection next weekend is for LEPRA, helping those who suffer from leprosy.

Church unity week and service 

To mark Christian Unity Week, the Churches together in Bootle and Litherland are having a Unity Service in St Philip’s Church, Orrell Road. L21 8NG at 7.30pm on Monday 19th January. Everyone is welcome to join us for this service.

New deanery women’s group 

The first meeting for the new women's group in the deanery will take place on Thursday 29th January at St Helens centre Crosby.
Tea and coffee 7pm to start discussion at 7.30pm. Ample parking available. All women of every age welcome, to share faith & friendship. Also your views about starting this group are important.
Further information from mpmmurphypat@aol.com

Funeral 

The funeral service for Louise McKenzie will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 20th January at 2.30pm.
Please pray for the repose of Louise’s soul and the comfort of her family.

The Baptism of the Lord

Reflection

Lord Jesus, touch our eyes so that we may see the signs of your presence in our lives and in the world. Touch our ears so that we may hear your word. Touch our tongues so that we may profess our faith. Touch our hands so that we may give and receive. Touch our feet so that we may walk in your paths. Touch our minds so that we may understand your ways. Touch our wills so that they may be in tune with your will. Touch our hearts so that we may bring your love to our brothers and sisters, to the praise and glory of God. Amen.

Second collections 

On the weekend of 17th/18th January there will be a second collection for SPUC, the annual collection for the work they do.
On the weekend of 24th/25th January there will be a second collection for LEPRA, the society that helps those in our world who suffer from Leprosy. That Sunday is World Leprosy Day, and I promised them I would have a collection when they asked me back in July.
My apologies that these are coming so soon after Christmas

Church unity week and service 

The week of Prayer for Christian Unity starts on Sunday 18th January.
The Churches Together in Bootle and Litherland are having a Church Unity Service in St Philip’s Church, Orrell Rd, Litherland, L21 8NG on Monday 19th January at 7:30pm.
All are welcome to join us for this service.

Christmas

Merry Christmas 

Fr Brian and the whole Salesian community would like to wish you all a very Happy and Holy Christmas.
May the Christ child shower blessings on all your families, and may he grant you an enjoyable but restful time!

4th Sunday of Advent

Reflection

As Christmas approaches, people’s hopes soar. However, the substance of these hopes is often dictated by commercial interests. Little wonder, then, that when the sun goes down on Christmas Day many feel disappointed. Those who pin their hopes on what the merchants promise will always be disappointed, not because they promise too little but too much - of the wrong thing. What our hearts long for is a taste of what the angels announced to the shepherds: “Behold I bring you news of great joy; today a saviour has been born to you.” This joy is the real hope of Christmas. Let us open our hearts to receive it.

Christmas and New Year Mass Times 

Wednesday, 24th December – First Mass of Christmas, 8pm
Thursday, 25th December – Christmas Day Mass, 10:30am
For the full list of Masses over the Christmas season click here.

Paper copies are available at the back of the church.

Christmas Crib 

Please visit our beautiful crib and pray for your family. Any donations given will go to Nugent Care.

Merry Christmas 

Fr Brian and the whole Salesian community would like to wish you all a very Happy and Holy Christmas.
May the Christ child shower blessings on all your families, and may he grant you an enjoyable but restful time!

Funeral 

The funeral service for Amanda White will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 23rd December at 2.15pm.
Please keep Amanda and her family in your prayers.

Christmas and New Year Mass Times 2025-2026

Wednesday, December 24th: Christmas Eve Mass, 10am.
Wednesday, December 24th: First Mass of Christmas, 8pm.

Thursday, December 25th: Christmas Day Mass 10.30am.

Friday, December 26th: Feast of St Stephen, Mass 10am.

Saturday, December 27th: Feast of Saint John: No Morning Mass
Saturday, December 27th: Vigil Mass for Feast of Holy Family, 6.30pm.

Sunday, December 28th: Feast of The Holy Family, Mass 10.30am.

Monday, December 29th: St Thomas Becket, Mass 10am.

Tuesday, December 30th: Christmas Octave, Mass 10am.

Wednesday, December 31st: Christmas Octave, Mass 10am.

Thursday, January 1st: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Mass 10am.

Friday, January 2nd: Memorial of Sts Basil And Gregory, Mass 10am.

Saturday, January 3rd: Weekday of Christmas, No Morning Mass
Saturday, January 3rd: Vigil Mass for Second Sunday After Christmas, 6.30pm.

Sunday, January 4th: Second Sunday After Christmas, Mass 10.30am.

Tuesday, January 6th: Solemnity of The Epiphany, Masses 10am And 7pm.

2nd Sunday of Advent

Reflection

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.
And sweetest in the gale is heard and sore must be the storm that could abash the little bird that kept so many warm.
I’ve heard it in the chillest land and on the strangest sea. Yet never in extremity it asked a crumb of me.
Emily Dickinson

First Confession

Our small First Communion group will be making their First Confessions on Monday 8th December, here in Church at 7pm. Please pray for the children and their families at this important time.

Confirmation 

The link to the registration website is now available as detailed below.

B&B stays at Castlerigg Manor 

Castlerigg Manor is a Catholic retreat centre in the Lake District owned and operated by the Diocese of Lancaster. They work with more than 3,000 young people a year from around the north and beyond. When the building is empty, they offer B&B stays to individuals, families and small private groups and the money this raises supports their mission with young people.
Some B&B dates have opened up this January and February. Specifically, January 5-7th, February 9-11th, and February 16-18th. It's very affordable to book and a nice chance to spend a few days in the Lakes. To book click the link below.

Funeral 

The funeral Mass for Mary Morissy will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 11th December at 12.15pm. Her body will be received into Church the previous evening with a short Vigil Service at 7pm.
Please remember Mary and her family in your prayers.

1st Sunday of Advent

Reflection

In today's reading, we hear St Paul say:
"Let your armour be the Lord."
Hence we might pray as follows:
Circle me Lord. Keep protection near; keep danger afar.
Circle me Lord. Keep hope within; keep doubt without.
Circle me Lord. Keep light near; keep darkness afar.
Circle me Lord. Keep peace within; keep strife without.
Circle me Lord. Keep love within; keep hate without.
Amen.

Thank You

 St James' brownies would like to thank you all for your support of our raffle and brownie stall. We raised £290 which is much appreciated.

Confirmation 

The link to the registration website is now available as detailed below.

Cafod Fun Run 

This takes place on 27 December at Wavertree Sports Park and is open to all. Run, walk, or wheel with family and friends to share the joy of Christmas and raise money for those in need! Sign up from the link below

Be a Trust Governor 

Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust are looking for Governors to support leaders in providing the best Catholic education for pupils in our schools. If you are interested in using your skills to benefit our pupils, please contact: governance@pfcmat.org or click the link below.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Joan Dickinson will take place here in St. James on Monday 1st December at 12.15pm.
Please pray for the repose of Joan’s soul and the comfort of her family.