Palm Sunday

Reflection

Lord, remember not only people of good will but also people of ill will.
Do not remember only the sufferings that have been inflicted on us but remember too the fruit we have bought as a result of this suffering:
The comradeship and loyalty, the humility and courage, the generosity and greatness of heart that has grown out of it.
And when they come to judgement, let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.
(Prayer found in Auschwitz)

Stations of the Cross 

Join us for Stations of the Cross  each Friday in Lent at 9.30am, just before Mass.

Holy Week And Easter Services

 Palm Sunday:
Masses 6.30pm (Saturday) and 10.30am (Sunday)

Holy Thursday:
Mass of the Lord’s Supper. 7pm (with St Monica’s and St Francis de Sales).

Good Friday:
(Walk of witness 11am.) Passion Celebration 3pm.

Holy Saturday:
Easter Vigil 8pm. Easter Sunday Mass 10.30am.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Julia Steele will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 1st April at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Julia’s soul and the comfort of her family.

Walk of Witness 

The usual Churches Together Walk of Witness on Good Friday will start at the gates of the park near Christchurch at 11am. We will then walk to the Strand for a short service. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Gift Aid 

If anyone would like to join the Gift Aid scheme or have Parish collection envelopes, please see Bob or Anne.

5th Sunday of Lent

Reflection

What can I say to you, my friend, in your hour of grief? Just a word from my heart. In the midst of your sorrow seeds are being sown—seeds of consolation, hope, resignation, and even gratitude. This winter will pass, and spring will again visit the garden of your heart. You will see these seeds grow, blossom, and bear fruit. Then your sorrow will turn to joy, a joy no one will be able to take from you.

Stations of the Cross 

Join us for Stations of the Cross  each Friday in Lent at 9.30am, just before Mass.

Holy Week And Easter Services 

Palm Sunday:

Masses 6.30pm (Saturday) and 10.30am (Sunday)

Holy Thursday:
Mass of the Lord’s Supper. 7pm (with St Monica’s and St Francis de Sales).

Good Friday:
(Walk of witness 11am.) Passion Celebration 3pm.

Holy Saturday:
Easter Vigil 8pm. Easter Sunday Mass 10.30am.

Mission Appeal 

Fr Samson from the Order of the Mother of God will speak to us at both Masses to make an appeal for help for the work of his order. The second collection will go towards that work.

Lent Talks 

The last of our Lent Talks takes place on Monday 23rd March at 7.30pm in the Linacre Mission. The theme for this talk is Hidden Joy. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Funerals 

The funeral service for Kathleen McDonald will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 26th March at 12.30pm. Please pray for the repose of Kathleen’s soul and the comfort of her family.
The funeral service for Brian Savin will take place here in St James’ on Friday 27th March at 1pm. Please remember Brian and his family in your prayers.

4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

Reflection

One night a few years ago there was a total eclipse of the moon. Everybody was talking about it. Many stayed up to the small hours in the hope of witnessing it. I asked myself: “Why all this interest in the moon, simply because it is disappearing?” I was convinced that most of those people wouldn’t see a full moon in the sky, much less stop to admire it. It brought to mind the words of Emerson: “The fool wonders at the unusual; the wise person wonders at the usual.”

Stations of the Cross 

Join us for Stations of the Cross  each Friday in Lent at 9.30am, just before Mass.

Provincial Visitation 

We welcome our Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, who is here on visitation of out community and Parish. He will celebrate both weekend Masses and will meet with the Parish Team on Wednesday 18th March at 7pm in the Parish house. Anyone interested can join us for this meeting.

Women's Meeting 

The next South Sefton deanery Faith & friendship meeting for women will be at St Helens parish centre on Thursday 26th March at 7pm. All are welcome, especially some new faces.
For more information contact Mpmmurphypat@aol.com

SVP and CAFOD Work Experience 

Applications close 6th April.The St Vincent de Paul Society and CAFOD are working together to offer a week of free residential work experience for 20 young adults in England and Wales. The experience will run from 21st – 26th June in London.
Candidates must be aged 18-25 years old, but priority will be given to those in their first or second year at university. Apply here. Applications close on the 6th April. For any queries, please contact KeziaH@svp.org.uk

3rd Sunday of Lent

Reflection

There is a thirst in every human heart. Each of us is like that lonely Samaritan woman. We are thirsting for something, something that will satisfy our longings. But often we search in the wrong places. We draw water from many wells: the water of praise to quench our thirst for self-esteem; the water of success to quench our thirst for importance; the water of pleasure to quench our thirst for joy….But we still get thirsty. Only God can give us what we are looking for. He alone can cause a spring to well up inside us. The water from this spring will sustain us in our journey to the Promised Land of eternal life.

Stations of the Cross 

Join us for Stations of the Cross  each Friday in Lent at 9.30am, just before Mass.

Provincial Visitation 

Our Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, will be making his official visitation of the community and Parish on the 14th—19th March. You will see him at the Parish Masses and I know you will give him a warm Bootle welcome!

Centring Prayer Day 

Saturday 21st March, Led by Fr Richard Sloan, this day focuses of teaching and practice of this beautiful way of silent, simple, meditation prayer in the presence of God, lovingly active within you. 10am – 4pm in St Teresa’s Church, Norris Green, L11 3BW including simple lunch. No charge: places must be booked by contacting:  st.teresasng@rcaol.org.uk

Lent Talks 

The third of our Lent Talks will be on Monday evening, 9th March, at 7.30pm in the Linacre mission. The theme this week is “Hidden Peace”. You are all welcome to join us.

2nd Sunday of Lent

Reflection

The Gospels show clearly that Peter was a man of action; he always needed to be doing something. So on Mount Tabor, instead of contemplating in silence and wonder the glory of his Lord, he wanted to build three tents. There is a time for stillness, for contemplation, for wonder, for adoration in the presence of God. A time to heed the words of the psalmist: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes we are too busy. We would be better to be silent, to be listening, to be wondering, to be adoring in the presence of God.

Stations of the Cross 

Join us for Stations of the Cross  each Friday in Lent at 9.30am, just before Mass.

Second Collection 

The second collection this week is for Lenten Alms, a mandatory collection for the Diocese. A reminder that CAFOD envelopes are still available at the back of Church. Contributions can be brought back any time in the next few weeks.

Funerals 

The funeral of Patricia Nelson will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 3rd March at 12.30pm. Please pray for the repose of Patricia’s soul and the comfort of her family.
The funeral service for Richard Saunders will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 4th March at 12 noon. Please remember Richard and his family in your prayers.

Lent Talks 

The next Lent Talk will be on Monday 2nd March, at Linacre Mission, 7.30pm. The theme for this week is “Hidden Boldness”. Please join us if you can—you will be most welcome.
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

1st Sunday of Lent

Reflection

Pruning time is a painful time for a fruit tree. The pruner rids it of all those suckers which use up a lot of energy but produce no fruit. However, the aim of this surgery is not to inflict pain, but to help the tree produce more and better fruit. Lent is a kind of spiritual pruning time. There is much that is useless and perhaps harmful in our lives, which saps our energy, and diminishes our spiritual fruitfulness. Of what shall we prune ourselves this Lent so that we may become more fruitful branches of Christ, the true Vine?

Lent Family Fast Day 

This Friday, 27th February, is CAFOD’s Lent Family Fast Day. As we normally do, there are envelopes at the back of Church for your offering and they can be brought back any time in the next few weeks.

Second Collections 

During Lent the Diocese is asking us to have the following Second collections: Lenten Alms (1st March); Nugent (15th March and The Holy Places (3rd April).
In addition, the Diocese has given permission for “The Order of the Mother of God” to do a Mission Appeal in our deanery. In our Parish, this will be on the weekend of 20th / 21st March at both Masses. With the CAFOD envelopes floating around as well, this is a lot to ask and I’m sorry. You can only give what you can!
 

Lent Talks 

The series of Lent Talks, organised by the Churches Together each year, begin again on Monday 23rd February at 7.30pm in the Linacre Mission. The theme for Lent is “Hidden to Wholeness” and the first talk is entitled “Hidden Hope”. Please join us.

Funeral The Funeral Service for Peter Jones will take place here in St James’ on Monday 23rd February at 12.30pm. Please remember Peter and his family in your prayers.

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.