Divine Mercy Sunday

Reflection

While Jesus was alive, Thomas was as strong as an oak but when Jesus was put to death, he became a reed shaking in the winds of doubt. The truth was, though he didn’t realise it at the time, that it was the master who was the oak. He was a mere sapling growing in his shade. When the oak fell he was defenceless. All of us are shaken by the winds of doubt. We need to look at the Lord’s wounds and hear his gentle voice saying to us: - “Cease doubting and believe.” Then, with Thomas, we shall make bold to say:- “My Lord and my God."

May Procession 

Missionaries of Charity's May Procession will begin Saturday 31st May at 2pm starting at St Peters square (off Seel Street) and continue via Seel Street, Berry Street, Bold Street, Church Street, Whitechapel to Queens Square finishing at the Shrine.
A special Invitation is extended to those who are making their 1st Holy Communion in 2025.
To join in or for more information, please contact Mr Jim Ross either via email: jimmy.ross7@gmail.com or via phone: 07766 706 766

Parish Development Strategy 

To help us in the implementation of the Pastoral Plan, each Deanery is being asked to work together to produce a strategy for the future. You will hear about this at mass this weekend and you will receive a leaflet giving you more details. The first part of this strategy is to gather detailed information about each of the parishes in our Deanery. 
We will all need to be involved in this. The Parish Development Strategy is being rolled out across the whole Diocese in the next 2 years – but we are one of the 3 pilot Deaneries – along with the other two Sefton Deaneries. Each parish has a member of a Deanery Steering Group: ours is Peter Tobin. This work will also be done in collaboration with the Deanery Synodal Councils.

Easter Sunday

Reflection

On Easter Day we still feel pain. Our own pain and the pain of others. But a new element has been introduced. It doesn’t remove the pain but gives it a meaning and lights it up with hope. All is different because Jesus is alive and speaks his words of peace to us. Therefore there is a quiet joy among us and a deep sense of peace. Jesus has broken the power of death and given us the hope of eternal life. Lord, guard this hope with your grace and bring it to fulfilment in the kingdom of heaven.

Happy Easter! 

Fr Brian, Fr Hugh and the whole Salesian Community would like to wish the Parishioners of St James’ a very Happy and Holy Easter.
May the Risen Lord bless you and your families with peace and joy at this time of celebration.

Funeral 

The Funeral service for Joan Sheridan will take place here in St James’ on Friday 25th April at 12.30pm.
Please remember Joan and her family in your prayers.

Gift Aid 

If you are a tax payer, please consider joining the gift aid scheme. The parish can claim 25p from the taxman for every £1 you donate. Please see Bob if you wish to join.

Palm Sunday

Reflection

This week each year, Christians are drawn to Jerusalem if not in body, at least in mind. They stand at the foot of the cross, beating their breasts and staring with pity at Jesus of Nazareth. They listen with reverence as he prays for his killers: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” But when the week is over, they return to their homes to resume their deep-rooted spites and the burden of things they cannot forgive. Let us not then weep for Jesus, let us weep for our own sins. Then maybe, like Jesus, we will be able to forgive others who sin against us.

Holy Week and Easter Services 

Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s supper, 7pm St Francis De Sales Church. Francis De Sales’ school car park will be open during this service.
Good Friday: Walk of witness 11am, Christchurch; Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3pm, St James'
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8pm
Easter Sunday: Easter Mass 10:30am followed by easter egg hunt for the children.

Welcome to Archbishop Elect John Sherrington 

We offer a warm welcome to Archbishop Elect Sherrington and ask God to help him in his new mission in Liverpool Archdiocese. “In this Jubilee Year, we are a people living the hope of Christ who has loved us, saved us and walks with us.” (Archbishop Elect Sherrington). We keep him in our prayers and wish him all the best in his ministry.

Gift Aid 

If you are a tax payer, please consider joining the gift aid scheme. The parish can claim 25p from the taxman for every £1 you donate. Please see Bob if you wish to join.

Offertory

Please Note: Friday of this week is Good Friday and there is a collection for the Holy Places during the Liturgy of the Passion Friday of this week is Good Friday and there is a collection for the Holy Places during the Liturgy of the Passion

5th Sunday of Lent

Reflection

The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven. Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. 'Tis mightiest in the mighty; it becomes the throned monarch better than his crown.. It is enshrined in the hearts of kings. It is an attribute of God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's when mercy seasons justice. Therefore, though justice be thy plea, consider this, that, in the course of justice, none of us should see salvation. We do pray for mercy and that same prayer doth teach us all to render the deeds of mercy. (William Shakespeare)

Holy Week and Easter Services 

Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s supper, 7pm St Francis De Sales Church.
Good Friday: Walk of witness 11am, Christ church; Celebration of the Lord’s passion 3pm
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8pm
Easter Sunday: Easter Mass 10:30am followed by easter egg hunt for the children.

Stations of the Cross 

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

Chrism Mass 

The Chrism Mass, on Wednesday 16 April 2025 at 7.30pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral, is usually the largest annual gathering of archdiocesan clergy and faithful throughout the year.  At the Mass, Archbishop Malcolm blesses the holy oils that are used throughout the archdiocese for celebrations of the sacraments in the next year. Additionally, the Archbishop invites the priests of the archdiocese to renew the promises they made at their ordination. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this liturgy, enhanced by the Cathedral Choir, and experience the richness of our local church, especially if you have never been before. Any queries please contact Claire Hanlon at c.hanlon@metcathedral.org.uk

Confirmation 

Dear friends, confirmation emails have now been sent out from our Deanery confirmation team. If you signed up and didn’t receive an email, please check your spam/junk folder.  If you still haven’t received anything, please speak to your PP after Mass.

Lenten Talks 

The final Lent Talk will take place on Monday 7th April at 7.30pm in the Linacre Mission. All welcome to join us.

4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

Reflection

The prodigal son came home empty-handed. He had no trophies to show his father, no achievements with which to earn his praises, his welcome and his love. He was a failure. Worse, he was a sinner, he deserved to be punished and he knew it. Yet punishment was the last thing he needed. To punish him would be like pouring water on a dying fire. What happened? When the father saw his lost son coming towards him, his heart went out to him and next minute they were in each other’s arms. It is an extraordinary experience to be loved in one’s sinfulness. Such love is like a breeze to a dying fire, or rain falling on parched ground. Those who have experienced this kind of love, know something about the heart of God.

Stations of the Cross 

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

Sign up Sunday 

Today the candidates for First Communion will be signing up for the Sunday or Saturday they choose as their First Communion Day. Keep the children and their families in your prayers.

Family of Parishes Lourdes Pilgrimage 

It is very important that those going on this Pilgrimage take out adequate Travel Insurance (in case of cancellation and any other unforeseen incidents). You should get cover from the period: 22nd September, 2025 to 26th September, 2025, inclusive. Please note: this is your responsibility and should be done immediately, without delay! Many thanks.”( Mike Langan, Pilgrimage Organiser)

Holy Thursday 

After last year’s successful celebration, we thought our family of Parishes of St James, St Francis de Sales and St Monica’s, would celebrate The Mass of the Lord’s Supper in St Francis de Sales Church this year. The Mass will be at 7pm on 17th April. I hope many of you will join us for that.

Lenten Talks 

The next in our series of Lenten talks with the Churches Together group will be this Monday, 31st March, at 7.30pm in the Linacre Mission. All are welcome.

3rd Sunday of Lent

Reflection

It isn’t the things you do, it’s the things you leave undone which give you a little heartache at the setting of the sun. The gentle word forgotten, the letter you didn’t write, the flowers you might have sent are your haunting ghosts tonight. The stone you might have lifted out of your brother’s way, the little heart-felt counsel you were hurried too much to say. The tender touch of the hand, the gentle and kindly tone, which we have no time or thought for with troubles enough of our own.

Stations of the Cross 

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

Way of the Cross Procession 

This will take place at 1pm on 12th April, starting at the Blessed Sacrament Shrine in Liverpool city centre and concluding at the Metropolitan Cathedral with a blessing from Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. All are welcome to take part.

Funeral 

The Funeral service for Chris Dillon will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 27th March at 12.30pm.
Please pray for the repose of Chris’s soul and the comfort of his family.

Lenten Talks 

The latest Lenten Talk organised by the Churches Together, will be on Monday 24th March, 7.30pm, at the Linacre Mission.
The theme for the evening is “Trusting”. All are welcome to join us.

Flame 2025

On 15th March, a large group of young people from our parish had the incredible opportunity to attend Flame 2025, the UK’s biggest Catholic youth event, held at Wembley Arena, London. Organised by our dedicated parish team, Youth Active, this inspiring pilgrimage brought together altar servers, Brownies, students from The Salesian Academy of St John Bosco, and young parishioners from our pews.

From the moment they arrived at Wembley, our young people were immersed in an atmosphere of joy, faith, and community. With thousands of other young Catholics, they experienced a day filled with uplifting worship, powerful testimonies, and thought-provoking speakers. The event featured live music, moments of deep prayer, and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, making it a truly transformative experience for everyone involved.

Many of our attendees described the day as amazing and deeply inspiring. They returned home with renewed faith and a stronger sense of belonging to the wider Catholic Church. It was a powerful reminder that they are part of something much greater than themselves—a global family of faith.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported this trip, especially those who contributed to our fundraising efforts. Your generosity made it possible for so many young people to take part in this unforgettable experience. Thank you for helping us continue to nurture and inspire the faith of our youth!

We look forward to future opportunities to bring our young people together in faith, and we pray that the inspiration of Flame 2025 continues to burn brightly in their hearts.

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2nd Sunday of Lent

Reflection

All of us can experience moments of great joy because in his goodness God allows us to taste on earth the joys of the world to come. However, moments of joy, no matter how wonderful, will never satisfy the human heart. What we long for is a permanent state of happiness. But that is unattainable here. So what must we do? Like desert travellers, we must go forward from one oasis to another, with the conviction that God has a homeland prepared for us at the end of our journey. This conviction will make it possible for us to travel onwards with an ache in our heart and an unquenchable longing in our soul.

Stations of the Cross 

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

Flame 2025 

On 15th March, a large group of young people from our parish attended Flame 2025 at Wembley Arena. Organised by Youth Active, this inspiring event brought together altar servers, Brownies, students from The Salesian Academy of St John Bosco, and young parishioners for a powerful experience of worship, music, and faith.
It was an unforgettable day, made possible by the generosity of our parish community. Thank you for your support!

Cafod 

Carol, our Cafod representative will make a short appeal after Communion at both Masses. The usual Cafod envelopes are available at the back of Church. Please make a donation and bring them back in the next few weeks and put them on the plate. Thank you for your generosity!

Romero Mass 

This year’s Mass for St Oscar Romero will be celebrated at St Edmund of Canterbury: Thursday 20th March 2025, 62 Oxford Rd, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 8QF, 7:00PM.

Future Second Collections 

This is just advanced warning that between now and Easter we have to fit in three mandatory second collections.
Sunday 23rd March: Lenten Alms
Sunday 30th March: Nugent
Good Friday: For the Holy Places
I have yet to discover what Lenten Alms is for, but we have to have these collections which are in the Diocesan Directory. Give only what you can.

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

When I was young and fired with the love of God, I thought I would convert the whole world. But soon I discovered that it would be quite enough to convert the people who lived in my town, and I tried for a long time to do that, but did not succeed. Then I realised that my program was still too ambitious, so I concentrated on those of my own household. But I found I could not convert them either. Finally, it dawned on me: I must work on myself. When people complain about what’s wrong with the world, they are usually blaming somebody else. They should look at themselves first. That way, they will know they are making a difference in at least one life. We can’t take anyone farther than we’ve gone ourselves.

Ash Wednesday 

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and is a day of fasting and abstinence to mark the start of the holy season of Lent. Masses that day will be at 10.00am and 7pm. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at both Masses.

Cafod 

The following weekend, 15th/16th March, Carol, our CAFOD representative, will read out an appeal from CAFOD to coincide with Family Fast Day and the next collection for CAFOD. Envelopes will be distributed that Sunday.

Funeral 

The Funeral Service for John Colton will take place here in St James’ on Friday 7th March at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of John’s soul and the comfort of his family.

Reminder 

The Spiritans will be doing a Mission Appeal at both Masses next weekend, 8th/9th March, to raise fund for their Mission work. There will be a second collection each Mass for that purpose.

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

There are those who give but only on condition
that they receive something in return, and receive it immediately.
There are those who give on condition
that they receive something in return
later on and with a handsome profit.
And there are those who give
without expecting anything in return now or ever:
they scatter the seeds of the heart without looking for any harvest.
These are imitating the generosity of God,
who bestows his love on good people and bad,
and grants mercy to saints and sinners.

Sefton Coast South Deanery Bulletin 

The Second issue is available at the back of Church. Please take one home with you and read the information it contains.

Archdiocesan Young Adult Group 

The Archdiocesan Young Adult Group will meet again on Tuesday 25 February. The meetings are held fortnightly at Pauline Book Centre (84 Church Street, Liverpool L1 3AY). As usual, we will start at 18.30 where pizza and refreshment will be provided. Anyone aged 18-35 would be most welcome. This year we are exploring different types of prayer. The theme of next meeting will be ‘Praying with Ven Elizabeth Prout’ and on Tuesday 11 March, we will be celebrating our Young Adult Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool. For enquiries, please contact m.mui@rcaol.org.uk

Advanced Notice 

The Spritans (formerly known as The Holy Ghost Fathers) have been given permission to do Mission appeals in our Archdiocese this year. They will be coming to do an appeal in our Parish on 8th/9th March, the First Sunday of Lent. One of their priests will preach at both Masses and there will be a second collection for the work of the Spiritans in their Mission territories. More information when we get nearer the date.