St James Bootle
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
St James Bootle
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
St James Bootle
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
St James Bootle
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
St James Bootle
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Lord, you planted me on this earth.
You fenced me around with the love of family and friends.
Their care towered over me.
In the shelter of this tower I grew up in safety and peace.
I put out early blossoms; I filled up with leaves.
People had great hopes for me. You had great hopes for me.
But now the year of my life is passing.
The harvest is approaching.
What fruit have I to show?
What if, after all this care, I had nothing to offer but sour grapes?
May you , Lord, have mercy on me, and with your patient urging help me to produce the fruits of love.

Adoremus  

Join us at the Metropolitan cathedral on the 10th of October, 9am – 6pm for this year’s Adoremus. The theme this year is “How we are Eucharist”. Come and join us to adore the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The event is free and available to all. At the Cathedral, there will be Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day, Holy Mass, opportunities for confession, a variety of workshops and a shared time of prayer during the day. Celebrated with Archbishop John Sherrington, this is an event not to be missed! Sign up for workshops from the link below.

Sign Up

Archbishop’s Certificate  

Starting Monday 14 October the Archbishop’s Certificate in Catechesis is the principal training course in the Archdiocese of Liverpool whose aim is to equip and support catechists and lay leaders in evangelisation and formation.
Applications are open for this year. For more information, or to apply, please visit the link below.

Visit Website

Advanced warning 

Mission Sunday falls on 18th October and there will be a second collection for World Missions.

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

A father had three sons. One day he said to them.
“Go and work in the vineyard today.” The first said, “Sure, Dad.” But didn’t go. The second said, “I won’t go.” However, later in the day he changed his mind and went grudgingly. The third said, “Sure , Dad.” And he went immediately and willingly. Which of the sons will feel closest to the father at the end of the day? The third, of course. The more we do the will of God out of love, the more we will appreciate his love for us.
Lord, save us from the darkness of broken promises, and help us to walk in the light of faithfulness.

Family Fast Day  

Next Friday 2nd October, is Cafod Family Fast Day. As usual, we will put the Cafod envelopes out at the back of Church this Sunday. You can make a donation and bring them back any time in the next few weeks. Just put them on the plate.

Family of parishes party night  

Friday 4th December—7:30pm ‘til late in St Monica’s parish centre. Live music, refreshments, Raffle prizes & Spot the Ball. Tickets @ £20.00. each available from this weekend from Ann (Kirby), put your money in an envelope and write your name & number of tickets you require on the front.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets will sell quickly, so get yours as soon as possible. Great night ahead, so don’t miss out!
If you can help by donating items for the Raffle, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank You. Thank You.

Funeral 

The Funeral Mass for Jackie Costello will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 1st October at 12 noon.
Please pray for the repose of Jackie’s soul and the comfort of his family.

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Those with long memories will be familiar with Home Mission Sunday. It is the title given to the day we ask our parishes to pray for the work of evangelisation and to support this vital work through a second collection. A few years ago, this day was re-named Evangelii Gaudium Sunday after Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation the ‘Joy of the Gospel’. Now, in 2026, we revert to using the original name – Home Mission Sunday.
On Home Mission Sunday, the bishops of England and Wales ask the faithful of our countries to look for ways in which we can all do our part in sharing the beauty and joy of knowing Jesus Christ.
When we speak of ‘Home Mission’ we are not neglecting our sisters and brothers around the world (World Mission Sunday gives due attention to this important work), but we recognise that we are called to witness to Christ in our homes, at work, in our friendships and in every aspect of our daily life. Being part of the family of God means we should feel ‘at home’ but this also challenges us to be missionary disciples in England and Wales so that we can make a home for all who hunger and thirst for the God who loves them and wants them to come home to him.

Pope Francis CMAT  

Our Catholic schools are looking for Foundation Governors to support the mission of Pope Francis CMAT to help children and young people flourish in faith and learning. We welcome people willing to share their faith, skills and experience in service of our school communities. Training and support are provided.  To find out more, contact
info@pfcmat.org

Funeral 1  

The funeral Mass for Tony Powell will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 22nd September at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Tony’s soul and the comfort of his family.

Funeral 2 

The funeral service for Patricia McDonald will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 23rd September at 2pm. Please pray for the repose of Patricia’s soul and the comfort of her family.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

As the new academic year begins in our Catholic schools, colleges and universities, and rejoicing in the overflowing forgiveness of Our Heavenly Father which is revealed to us in the person of His Son Jesus Christ, we place before Almighty God in prayer all the pupils and students, staff members and leaders, governors and directors of our educational institutions.
During this special Jubilee Year of St Francis of Assisi, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the Saint’s death, we also pray that we will be inspired to imitate the Poor Man of Assisi to work for peace, live simply, be of service to the poor, and trustworthy stewards of God’s creation.
On Education Sunday, we give thanks to the Lord for the vocations of all who work within the Catholic sector: the teaching and support staff, chaplains, school leaders and governors. It is through their commitment and hard work that pupils and students in our schools, colleges and universities can thrive and contribute to society, through their formation and education.


Nuncio visit this week  

We're just days away from The Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía's visitation to the archdiocese.
Here's a reminder about how you and your parishioners can get involved:
The Archbishop invites all parishioners, religious, schools, and clergy to a special celebration of Evening Prayer Sunday 13 September at 3.00pm, which will be followed by a drinks reception in the crypt. Deacons and priests are invited to vest in choir dress or alb and white diocesan stole.

SVP Festival Mass  

The Mass will take place on Saturday 26th September at 12 noon here at St James’.
There will be refreshments afterwards in the Brunswick youth and community centre, Marsh Lane, L20 4JQ.
Everyone is welcome.


Second collections 

The second collection this weekend is for Catholic Education, next weekend is for Home Mission.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

“O that today you would listen to his voice. Harden not your hearts.” From a spiritual point of view, hardness of heart is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone. To adopt a hard-hearted attitude is to maim oneself. A hard heart can’t feel, can’t respond, can’t love. A hard heart can’t experience joy. A hard heart is a closed heart. A hard heart is a barren heart. A soft heart, on the other hand, is a blessing. A soft heart can receive and can respond. It can be saddened but it can also be deliriously happy. Softened by the rain of God’s grace and warmed by the sun of his love, the human heart can be turned from a desert into a garden.

Second collections  

There is a second collection next Sunday, 13th September, for Catholic Education. The following Sunday, there is a second collection for Home Missions.


Urgent: Stop assisted suicide - postcards available  

The vote on assisted suicide is on 11 September.
Not Dead Yet UK have provided postcards you can send to your MP to ask them to vote NO to assisted suicide in the vote in the House of Commons on 11 September.
Please take action now - collect a red and white postcard, fill out your details, add a stamp and post it to your MP today!

Funeral 

The Funeral Mass for Joan Burton will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 10th September at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Joan’s soul and the comfort of her family.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

There is a way of losing by gaining. You can win an argument but lose a friend. Through competition and promotion I may advance in my profession but in terms of relationships I am impoverished. My energies are so focused on efficiency and success that I haven’t time to grow emotionally and to develop my capacity for relationships. In one’s drive to attain power, a person may sacrifice friendship and loyalty, so much so that one ends up alone. Lord, let me never forget your haunting words: “What good will it do you to gain the whole world if you lose your soul?”

New Community Member  

We welcome Bro Dominic Nguyen, from Vietnam, who is joining our community for this year. Bro Dominic is working in both school and Parish, so you will see him around. I know you will give him a warm Bootle welcome!


Urgent: Stop assisted suicide - postcards available  

The vote on assisted suicide is on 11 September.
Not Dead Yet UK have provided postcards you can send to your MP to ask them to vote NO to assisted suicide in the vote in the House of Commons on 11 September.
Please take action now - collect a red and white postcard, fill out your details, add a stamp and post it to your MP today!

A Concert for the Nuncio 

To be held at St Francis De Sales Church, Hale Rd, Walton L4 3RL on Saturday 12 September at 7:30pm. Performing are Anna Callacher, Soprano and the Hope Street Consort. This will be followed by a light supper. There will be a retiring collection.
All are welcome

Summer Parish Camp 2026

This summer, our parish was delighted to welcome two groups of young people for two joyful weeks at our Parish Summer Camp.

During the first week, young people from Years 9 to 13 came together for a programme filled with faith, friendship and fun. The second week welcomed our younger campers, including our Altar Servers. Across both weeks, the young people took part in daily Mass, catechism and prayer, giving them the opportunity to grow in their faith and spend time together as a parish family.

There was also plenty of excitement and laughter, with trips and activities including Alton Towers, Ninja Warrior, Tenpin Bowling and Laser Tag. The trips and activities brought plenty of laughter, and it was lovely to see the young people enjoying themselves and building friendships throughout the week.

We are extremely grateful to our Salesian Brothers, Salesian Sisters and the dedicated Youth Active Team, whose hard work, care and enthusiasm made the camp possible. Their generous service ensured that each young person was welcomed, supported and able to enjoy a very special week. A huge thank you also to all of our benefactors – we wouldn’t be able to do this without you! You are always in our prayers.

Finally, thank you also to all the young people who took part and brought such wonderful energy and joy to the camp. It was a blessing to see friendships grow, faith being shared and so many happy memories being made.

We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for next year’s Parish Summer Camp!

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The word of God is to the human heart what a seed is to the earth.
However, just as a seed needs soil, so the word needs a receptive heart.
The earth responds to the rain and sun so that even the desert blooms.
But the arid human heart has the power to resist so that it remains barren. Lord, soften our hearts with your grace, open them with your gentle love so that the precious seed of your word may take room in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives.


Annual Archdiocesan Lourdes Mass  

Sunday 19 July. All are welcome to bring petitions to the annual Lourdes Mass taking place at 3pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Archbishop John Sherrington will be the celebrant.
Following Mass, all petitions will be packaged and taken to Lourdes with the Archdiocese of Liverpool pilgrimage this year.

Sea Sunday  

Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. Sea Sunday is Sunday 12th July. It is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea.
Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate by visiting the link below, or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5.
This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work, so please give generously. Thank you.

Donate

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The Lord said to me, “Come to me” but I said “I’m not worthy.”
“Come to me,” he repeated and I said “I’m afraid.”
“Come to me.” I’m too proud.”
“Come to me.” “But I’ve no appointment.”
“Come to me.” With that I fell silent.
Then he said,
“Come… sit down… take the load off your feet. Sit here as in the shade of a tree.
Refresh yourself as at a running stream.
Here you will find rest. Here you will find peace and your yoke will become easy and your burden light.”

Annual Archdiocesan Lourdes Mass  

The Mass will take place on Sunday 19 July at 3pm at the Metropolitan Cathedral.
All are welcome - whether you are travelling on this year’s pilgrimage, have joined us in previous years, or are simply a supporter of the pilgrimage.
Archbishop John Sherrington will be the celebrant.

Funeral  

The funeral service for Pat Collins will take place here in St James on Wednesday 8th July at 1.15pm. Please pray for Pat’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.

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.