The Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul

Reflection

Saint Peter was martyred in the year 64 under the Roman Emperor Nero. According to the customs of Rome at the time, Peter was crucified. He held his head downward, however, as he claimed that he was not worthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus Christ.
Before changing his name to Paul, Saint Paul's name was Saul. He never knew Jesus in life, and before his conversion to Christianity he was a Jew who hated Christianity and led persecutions of Christians. This includes his participation in the stoning of Saint Stephen the Martyr. This all changed as he was walking on the road to Damascus, on his way to persecute another group of Christians. Saul was knocked to the ground, when a bright light shone from heaven and the voice of Jesus Christ said “Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?” He then became blind and did not eat or drink for three days. Upon arriving in Damascus, a disciple called Ananias restored his vision, baptized and filled him with the Holy Spirit. It was then that Saul changed his name to Paul, becoming arguably the most important figure, second only to Jesus, in the history of Christianity. Being a Roman Citizen and thus entitled to a quick death, he was decapitated with a sword near Rome in the year 67, possibly on June 29.

Prayers at the Shine of St Peregrine  

Our Lady of the Assumption invites you to a Mass with Anointing of the Sick on Saturday 27th at 12pm. There will be prayers at the Shrine of St Peregrine, patron Saint of those with cancer and serious illness. All are welcome! Our Lady of the Assumption, 16 Hedgefield Road, Gateacre, L25 2RW

Funeral  

The funeral Mass for Neila Judge will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 30th June at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Neila’s soul and the comfort of her family.

Synod meeting 

As we prayerfully consider proposals for the future development of our parish, we warmly invite you to join us in a spirit of Synodal listening and discernment. Your experiences, insights, and hopes are valuable gifts to our parish community and will help shape our shared future. Together, by listening to one another and to the Holy Spirit, we can discern how God is calling us to grow in faith, mission, and service. Please join us on Monday 6th July, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, at the Parish House. 

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

 This Sunday, 21 June, we mark Day for Life, the day in the Church’s calendar when we come together to celebrate the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.
This year’s theme is ‘The Wonder of the Child in the Womb’. A child is a gift from God to be nurtured and cherished, but the theme also recognises the tragedy of babies who died before birth and the grief experienced by their parents and families.
The bishops’ message and prayers can be found on the website:  www.dayforlife.org. The second collection will go toward the Day for Life Fund, which distributes grants to organisations that promote respect for life from conception until natural death.
You can also donate online on the Day for Life website.

Diaconate Ordinations  

On Saturday Bro Reuben Doeyou, who was part of our community here in Bootle, was ordained as a Deacon in the Thornleigh Chapel, Bolton, along with Bro Chin K and Bro Sixtus Uzoma.
Bishop John Arnold of Salford was the ordaining Bishop.
We pray for the three new Deacons and ask God’s blessing on their future ministry.

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Happy Father’s Day  

We would like to wish all the Fathers in our congregation a very happy Fathers’ Day.
We hope you have an enjoyable day and get spoiled at least a little bit!

Asylum link concert 

Asylum Link Merseyside are holding a fundraising concert at St Anne’s Church, Overbury Street, L7 3HJ at 6.30pm on Friday 26th June. Performers will include Ukulele Orchestra, Hayli Kincade and the Wavertree Choir and Asylum Link Choir and Musicians. Tickets will be £10, payable at the door.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The person in misery does not need a look that judges and
criticises but a comforting presence.
Jesus looked at the ordinary people and seeing how needy they were, he had compassion on them and began to administer to them.
Compassion means that I suffer with you. I accept into my heart the misery in yours. I become one with you in your pain.
I may not be able to relieve that pain but by understanding it and sharing it, I make it possible for you to bear it.
Lord, give us warm and generous hearts so that we may be agents of your compassion to others.

Thank you  

Tommy Cloonan would like to thank everyone for their cards, Masses, prayers and condolences sent upon the death of his wife Sheelagh. He and his family were greatly consoled by these prayerful wishes. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Funerals  

The funeral service for Helen Morrow will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 17th June at 11.45am. Please keep Helen and her family in your prayers.
The funeral Mass for Anne Thomas will take place here in St James’ on Friday 19th June at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Anne’s soul and the comfort of her family.

Note: Next Sunday, 20th June, there is a second collection for the “Day for Life”; the following Sunday, 28th June, is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul and there is a second collection for “Peter’s Pence.

Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Reflection

“Blessed are the hungry; they shall get their fill.”
It is in our emptiness that we are filled.
It is in our confusion that we are guided.
It is in our weakness that we are strengthened.
It is in our sins that we are forgiven.
It is in our hunger that we are fed.
We believe that God has a homeland prepared for us where all our hungers will be satisfied and all our hopes will be fulfilled.
This conviction makes it possible for us to travel onwards with an ache in our hearts and an unquenchable longing in our souls.

Pope Leo XIV’s First Papal Encyclical: Magnifica Humanitas!  

On Monday 25 May, Pope Leo XIV signed his first encyclical on 15 May, the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum. The new letter, Magnifica Humanitas, addresses one of today’s major challenges: safeguarding the human person in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
Access the new encyclical at the Vatican Website from the link below.

Faith and Friendship meeting  

The next  Faith & Friendship meeting for the ladies of the deanery will take place on Thursday 18th June at St Helens parish centre, Crosby at 7pm.
An opportunity for us to share our thoughts and discuss the parish development strategy.
All welcome

Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity

Reflection

Once a young boy stood watching a gypsy as he drank from a well in the town square. After drinking, the man continued to gaze into the well, as though looking at someone. He was a giant of a man but had a friendly face. So the boy approached him and asked: “Who lives down there?” “God does,” answered the gypsy. “Can I see him?” “Sure you can, “ said the gypsy. Then taking the boy into his arms he lifted him up so that he could see down the well. All the boy could see, however, was his own reflection in the water. “But that’s only me,” he cried in disappointment. “All I see is me.” “Ah,” replied the gypsy, “now you know where God lives. He lives in you.”

Pope Leo XIV’s First Papal Encyclical: Magnifica Humanitas!  

On Monday 25 May, Pope Leo XIV signed his first encyclical on 15 May, the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum. The new letter, Magnifica Humanitas, addresses one of today’s major challenges: safeguarding the human person in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
Access the new encyclical at the Vatican Website from the link below. 

Pastoral Letter  

There is a Pastoral Letter from Archbishop John to be read at all the Masses on Trinity Sunday. Much to the relief of the Parish clergy!

Funeral  

The funeral service for Richard Watson will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 4th June at 11.45 am. Please pray for the repose of Richy’s soul and the comfort of his family.

Solemnity of Pentecost

Reflection

It was late spring and the buds still refused to open. Tightly wrapped up in themselves, they were as hard as stones. The wind shook them. The hail beat them. The frost squeezed them in a fist of iron. All three shouted, “Open up! Open up!” Instead of opening up, the buds reinforced their shells, and retreated even more deeply into themselves. Then along came the sun. It issued no threats and made no demands. It just created a more friendly climate. And what happened? Almost overnight the buds began to soften and expand. Then their shells cracked, and they burst out. If you love, you are gentle. And there are certain tasks which only gentleness can accomplish.

Feast of Blessed Lawerence Johnson our Deanery patron  

To celebrate our Deanery patron, Blessed Lawrence Johnson, Rt Rev Bishop Tom Neylon will celebrate Mass on  Friday the 29th May, 7pm at St Marys church Little Crosby. Mass will be followed by refreshments in  St Mary’s hall. Fr Ged has offered the chance to go there by bus. The bus will pick people up on Marsh Lane at 6.20pm and bring them back afterwards. Please let Fr Brian know if you wish to go in the bus.

Two Cathedrals March  

Celebrate the Christian festival of Pentecost at the annual Two Cathedrals March.The Two Cathedrals Walk will take place on Sunday 24th May from 3pm until 5pm. All are warmly welcome to join us in gathering at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King for a walk down Hope Street to Liverpool Cathedral finishing there with family friendly activities and numerous stalls from local charities advertising their work. For more information, visit:https://www.ctmr.org.uk/Groups/341586/Pentecost.aspx

Paul, An Apostle Of Our Time 

Scripture sharing with strawberries and cream. Tuesdays 7pm, 23, 30 June, 7, 14 July 2026 at the Irenaeus Centre, L22 1RD. zoom link available centreirenaeus@gmail.com

Funeral  

The funeral service for Frankie Berry will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 26th May at 12.30pm. Please remember Frankie and his family in your prayers.

7th Sunday of Easter

Reflection

O God,
whose word is truth and in whose light we see light, guide those who tell the story of our times through word and image.
Make them seekers after truth and advocates of human dignity.
Grant discernment to all who rely on their labours, and, as we confront the pain and promise of this world, awaken in us a sense of wonder at your presence and of longing for your peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen

Holy Communions  

Four children have made their First Communion on Saturday at 6.30pm: Emmy Rose Taylor, Hollie Rose Willetts, Joachim Ernest and Ramses Jesus Guillermo Munoz.
Three children will be making theirs on Sunday at 10.30am: Amara-May Onuorah, Noah Adan and Gracie Kearney. Please remember the children and their families in your prayers.

Two Cathedrals March

Celebrate the Christian festival of Pentecost at the annual Two Cathedrals March.The Two Cathedrals Walk will take place on Sunday 24th May from 3pm until 5pm. All are warmly welcome to join us in gathering at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King for a walk down Hope Street to Liverpool Cathedral finishing there with family friendly activities and numerous stalls from local charities advertising their work. For more information, visit:https://www.ctmr.org.uk/Groups/341586/Pentecost.aspx

6th Sunday of Easter

Reflection

It’s a chilly day by the seaside, far too windy for my comfort.
But the gulls don’t seem to mind the wind, in fact, they seem to enjoy it.
I watch them flying about. They go with it, they go against it, they soar into the sky, they plunge back to earth.
All the time they are using the wind, they are availing of its power.
And I reflect on how we, the disciples of Jesus, are so easily blown off course by the winds of adversity.
Lord, send the Holy Spirit who will enable us to turn the hard and easy to our advantage so that everything that happens to us may bear us along the road to your kingdom.

Feast of the Ascension  

Thursday of this week, 14th May, is the Solemnity of the Ascension and is a holyday of obligation. Masses in the Parish will be at 10am and 7pm.

Holy Communions  

Three children are making their First Communion this weekend: Kaya Debska, Victoria Harrison and Padre Pio Owuamalam. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

Feast of Blessed Lawerence Johnson our Deanery patron 

 To celebrate our Deanery patron, Blessed Lawrence Johnson, Rt Rev Bishop Tom Neylon will celebrate Mass on  Friday the 29th May, 7pm at St Marys church Little Crosby. Mass will be followed by refreshments in  St Mary’s hall. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together as a deanery to celebrate Mass and meet socially for the feast of Blessed Lawerence Johnson, our Deanery Patron. Please make a special effort to attend and join our deanery parishes for this great occasion. (Please put the date in your diary.)

Funeral 

The Funeral Mass for Etty Bentley will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 13th May at 12 noon.
Please pray for the repose of Etty’s soul and the comfort of her family.

5th Sunday of Easter

Reflection

It’s easy to love at a distance but not so easy to love at close quarters. It’s easier to give a few pounds to relieve famine in Africa than to relieve the loneliness of someone living next door. It’s easy to love people who are far away but not always easy to love those who are close at hand. Yet, these are the people Christ asks us to love. We must begin by loving the people near us. That is where our love must start. But, of course, it doesn’t have to end there. And it shouldn’t.

Parish Development Strategy  

At Mass this weekend, you will receive a leaflet about the Parish Development Strategy (PDS). Since it began in March last year, groups from each parish in the deanery have been meeting to reflect on our situation and to plan for the future of the Church in our area. They have looked at both the strengths and the challenges in our parishes, as well as the number of priests and people we have now and in the years ahead.
The vision that has come from this work is both hopeful and challenging. It asks a simple question: How can we share the Good News of Jesus in our communities, and how can we support our priests and volunteers in the future?
This means building up our parish communities, working more closely together, and making good decisions about how we use our resources to support the mission of the Church. The leaflet includes two proposals: linking parishes more closely through Families of Parishes; and developing synodal teams across the deanery. Between now and 20th September, we invite you to have your say. The leaflet explains how you can do this, and there will also be parish meetings led by members of the deanery.
Please don’t leave it until the last minute—your voice matters.

Feast of Blessed Lawerence Johnson our Deanery patron  

To celebrate our Deanery patron, Blessed Lawrence Johnson, Rt Rev Bishop Tom Neylon will celebrate Mass on  Friday the 29th May, 7pm at St Mary's church Little Crosby. Mass will be followed by refreshments in  St Mary’s hall. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together as a deanery to celebrate Mass and meet socially for the feast of Blessed Lawerence Johnson, our Deanery Patron. Please make a special effort to attend and join our deanery parishes for this great occasion. (Please put the date in your diary.)

Funeral 

The funeral service for Joan Pratt will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 5th May at 11.45am.
Pease remember Joan and her family in your prayers.

4th Sunday of Easter

Reflection

The deepest wound of all is that which affects the heart, the feeling that one has not been loved, that one is not precious to anyone. Many people today are wounded at heart. Each of us can do something to heal their wounds. We have hands that can make things and minds that can understand things. But above all we have hearts that can give life. We are not sterile people, we can give life to people who are inwardly broken. We can show them that they are important and so bring life to them.

Pope’s message for Vocations’ Sunday 

Dear young people, listen to this voice! Listen to the voice of the Lord who invites you to a full and fruitful life, calling you to put your talents to use (cf. Mt 25:14-30) and to unite your limitations and weaknesses with the glorious cross of Christ. Make time, then, for Eucharistic adoration; meditate faithfully on the word of God, so that you may put it into practice each day; and participate actively and fully in the sacramental and ecclesial life of the Church. In this way, you will come to know the Lord. Through the intimacy of his friendship, you will discover how to give of yourselves, whether through marriage, the priesthood, the permanent diaconate, or consecrated life. Every vocation is an immeasurable gift for the Church and for those who receive it with joy. To know the Lord means above all learning to entrust oneself to him and to his providence, which is abundant in every vocation.

Pastoral letter for Vocation Sunday by Archbishop emeritus Malcom McMahon OP  

My message to you on Vocations Sunday is a very simple one. Be brave and try your vocation. We are all called by God to a life of holiness; a life with God at the centre of what we do, but the way that works out is very different for each of us. Some people have a certainty about their call, others like me are prepared to take cautious steps along the way but in both cases the important thing to remember is our calling is more about God and the people we serve than ourselves.

Two Cathedrals Walk 

As the Feast of Pentecost approaches and we remember the moment when the early Christians were flooded with the Holy Spirit and carried the Gospel out into the crowds, Christians across the Archdiocese region are preparing to come together in celebration at this year’s Two Cathedrals Pentecost Walk. Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s journey down Hope Street in 1982, the Two Cathedrals Pentecost Walk is… denominations to come together in celebration.
The Two Cathedrals Walk will take place on Sunday 24th May from 3pm until 5pm. All are warmly welcome to join us in gathering at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King for a walk down Hope Street to Liverpool Cathedral in a time celebration. For more information, visit: 
https://www.ctmr.org.uk/Groups/341586/Pentecost.aspx