Our New Salesian Brothers

This year our Salesian Community in Bootle is very pleased to welcome two Salesian Brothers. David Marić and Solomon Tivlumun became a part of our community in September and will be with us for a year. They are involved in the parish and at the Salesian Academy of St John Bosco, sharing their Salesian charism and joy with great optimism and care. We have asked them to tell us a little bit about themselves and their Salesian journey so far.

Hello everyone!

I am Aondoaseer Solomon Tivlumun from the beautiful Benue State in the heart of North Central Nigeria. My journey with the Salesians began after completing my secondary education while working in my hometown. On the memorable day of September 8, 2017, I joyfully professed my first vows as a Salesian of Don Bosco, marking the beginning of a remarkable chapter in my life.

I later embarked on a new phase of my mission, arriving in the United Kingdom in October 2022, to further my Salesian formation. My enriching experiences at Thornleigh, Bolton, prepared me for my current assignment in the welcoming Salesian Community in Bootle.

Here, I am wholeheartedly immersing myself in the local culture and various facets of life, enhancing my ability to serve effectively within the Salesian mission in the United Kingdom.

I earnestly pray for the continuous growth of the Salesian mission in this country, aspiring for more young hearts to embrace and cherish the boundless love of God. Looking forward to connecting and sharing inspiring moments with each of you!

Warm regards,

Aondoaseer Solomon Tivlumun, SDB

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Pictured above: the school and youth centre where Bro Solomon used to work before arriving in the UK

Hello, everyone!

My name is David Marić, and I am excited to share a glimpse of my journey with you. Hailing from Croatia, I was born into a large Catholic family in a quaint village nestled in the heart of the Dalmatian hinterland. While my early spiritual upbringing was influenced by the strong Franciscan presence in my diocesan parish, it was encountering a Salesian priest within my community that truly ignited my passion for a life devoted to God and service to youth.

Inspired by the exemplary life of this Salesian, I embarked on my vocation journey after completing high school, eagerly following the path of Don Bosco. In September 2020, I officially became a part of the Salesian family, subsequently continuing my philosophical studies both in Rome and back home in Croatia.

As part of my ongoing formation, I had the privilege of spending a transformative year engaging in practical training within one of Croatia’s largest parishes.

There I had the honour of overseeing the activities of the Oratory, a vibrant Youth Centre within the parish. Interacting daily with young minds, the Oratory in Jarun fostered a diverse community of over 300 active members aged between 15 and 30. I worked closely with a team of 120 animators, collectively dedicated to imparting the values of faith, joy, and friendship through a range of engaging programs and events.

The invaluable experiences shared with these young individuals have not only enriched my personal journey but have deepened my commitment to the mission of Don Bosco. Presently, as I find myself in Bootle, embracing the upcoming year of practical training in the parish and at the Salesian Academy of St John Bosco, I eagerly anticipate the path that lies ahead, cherishing every step, every encounter, and every opportunity that the Lord graciously presents before me.

Thank you for allowing me to share a glimpse of my story with you all. Looking forward to seeing you around!

David Marić, SDB

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Pictured above: the school and youth centre where Bro David used to work before arriving in the UK

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The foolish have no oil in their lamps. They burn themselves out through a life of self-seeking and dedication to worldly cares and vanities. They do not even think of the Lord, much less wait for his coming. The wise, on the other hand, have oil in their lamps. They are detached from themselves and from the cares of the world and are full of charity. They are waiting for the Lord and desire nothing else but his coming. Let us keep our minds alight with faith, our souls alive with hope and our hearts alight with love as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Honouring Service

In 2023 we are remembering and honouring Service. Service, the act of defending and protecting the nation’s democratic freedoms and way of life, is rarely without cost to those who serve. Physical, mental or emotional injury or trauma; the absence of time with loved ones; or the pressures that come from serving, highlight why the Remembrance of service is so important. This year we mark significant anniversaries united by the theme of ‘Service’. On the 70th anniversary of the armistice which ended the fighting of the Korean War, we pay tribute to the British and Commonwealth forces who served in almost unimaginable conditions. We also honour the contribution of the generation in uniform who undertook National Service, 60 years after the last serviceman was demobbed. On the 75th anniversary of the arrival of settlers from the Caribbean on the Empire Windrush, we explore the connections between the Armed Forces and the Windrush Generation, and mark their service and the part they played in rebuilding post war Britain. We further explore and remember the contribution of personnel of Commonwealth heritage with our support of South Asian Heritage Month and Black History Month where personal stories bring to life the experiences of those who served.

50th Anniversary of Irish in Britain 

Irish in Britain celebrates its 50th anniversary with an ambitious heritage project made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This heritage showcase will tour throughout November and also be available online from 1st November. The exhibition is free and the Liverpool venue is from 8-11 November at The Florrie, 377 Mill Street, Dingle, L8 4RF accessible via 204 and 82 bus routes and Brunswick train station. Click the link below to learn more.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

A peacock’s feathers are very colourful; they are worn more for show than for warmth. The Pharisees wore their virtue for show; they wanted to be seen and praised by others. They were more concerned with appearing good than with really being good. Today there is great emphasis on appearances. The image is more important than the reality. We may deceive others but we cannot deceive God. But then it would be foolish even to try. We don’t have to put on an outward show, or pretend to be what we are not. All we have to do is try to be true to what we are—God’s sons and daughters. Lord, help us to shun all falsity and pretence and to live a life of genuine goodness. Then our deeds will flow from what we are, as naturally as good fruit from a good tree.

Memorial Mass

Our annual Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 25th November at 11am. This is when we invite the families of those who have died in the last year to come and remember them and pray for them during this special Mass. Everyone in the Parish is welcome to join us and pray for their own deceased family members.

Visitation Reminder 

Our Salesian Regional Superior, Fr Roman Jachimowicz, is making a flying visitation of our Province in early November. He is going to be in Bootle on 6th and 7th November to visit our Community. As part of the visit, he would like to meet the members of our newly reformed Parish Team and the Salesian Cooperators. This meeting will be on Monday 6th November at 7pm. Can I ask those two groups to do their best to be there to meet Fr Roman. Thank you.

Funeral 

The funeral Service for John Lynch will take place here in St James’ on Friday 10th November at 12 noon.
Please remember John and his family in your prayers.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

To separate the two great commandments is a tragedy and goes clean contrary to the gospel. Yet unfortunately this often happens. Those who have faith often have no love, and those who love often have no faith. Thus the gospel has been torn in two. Jesus spoke of two great commandments. The first—that we should love God. The second—that we should love out neighbour. He didn’t say they were the same thing, but that they are like two sides of the one coin. If we want the total gospel we must have both. He himself showed us how to do this.

Memorial Mass

Our annual Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 25th November at 11am. This is when we invite the families of those who have died in the last year to come and remember them and pray for them during this special Mass. Everyone in the Parish is welcome to join us and pray for their own deceased family members.

November Dead Lists 

Available at the back of Church are forms for listing your dead family and friends to be remembered during the month of November. Like last year, there are no envelopes because we would ask you not to put money with the lists. We will say one Mass each week in November for the Holy Souls, but we are unable to say any more. We have too many masses already.

Holiday of Obligation 

Wednesday of this week is the Feast of All Saints and is a Holiday of Obligation. Parish Masses will be at 10am and 7pm as usual.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Thomas Shildhauer will take place here in St James’ on Friday 3rd November at 12.15 pm.

Please pray for the repose of Thomas’ soul and the comfort of his family.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Jesus affirms the need to fulfil our civic duties, but even more so – as creatures who are bearers of God’s image – we are called to go beyond the law showing love, mercy and justice to our neighbour.

Dear Lord, help us to fulfil our civic duties towards one another and towards the common good. Help us to remember that every person is made in your image, and every part of creation reflects your glory. Inspire us to use our civil rights to advocate for the flourishing of all peoples. Amen.

World Mission Sunday

Today is World Mission Sunday. It supports missionaries who work alongside communities that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. By supporting Missio, the Pope’s charity for world mission, you will help missionaries like Sr Mary in Kenya who has given her whole life to bring the love and hope of Jesus to situations of poverty and injustice. Please pray for the mission of the Church throughout the world and give what you can to this very important collection which will sustain the future of our Church. If you use the donation envelopes to give by credit/debit card, please return the envelopes directly to Missio. Do not put them in the Church collection. Please call 020 7821 9755 (office hours) or visit Missio’s website from the link below, to give a single gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if possible.

Message from Fr Jim 

Most of you will have noticed that I have been having mobility problems for the last year, and treatment to help is not coming any time soon. After talking to my Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, it was decided that I would move to the Salesian Community in Bolton. This will happen on the last weekend in November. Although I will be sad to leave, I feel this is the best solution for my ongoing health situation. Please keep me in your prayers. Fr Jim.

Salesian Visitation 

Our Salesian Regional Superior, Fr Roman Jachimowicz, is making a flying visitation of our Province in early November. He is going to be in Bootle on 6th and 7th November to visit our Community. As part of the visit, he would like to meet the members of our newly reformed Parish Team and the Salesian Cooperators. This meeting will be on Monday 6th November at 7pm. Can I ask those two groups to do their best to be there to meet Fr Roman. Thank you.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

God’s call comes to us in many ways and at many different levels. However, his call is not so much a voice as a tug at our hearts, which we feel at quiet and reflective moments in our lives. He is calling us to a deeper and more authentic life. He is calling us into intimacy with himself. He is calling us into community with others. And at death he will call us into eternal life. To accept means to admit our need. Jesus said, “Woe to you who are full now, for you will go hungry. But blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.” A sense of something missing in our lives is not a curse but a blessing. A spiritual hunger is God’s way of inviting us to his banquet.

Lourdes Youth Pilgrimage

The Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes is now open for applications for young people aged Y10 up to the age of 22. Cost is £700 with fundraising and support available.  Please consider being part of this life-changing experience and click the link below to apply.  Sefton Coach 7 is your local group taking young people to Lourdes from across our area every July.  If you want more information email coach7@animateyouth.net or search for us on social media.  Places are limited so please apply soon!

Mission Sunday 

Next Sunday is Mission Sunday and there is a mandatory second collection for World Missions.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Lee Dickinson will take place herein St James’ on Wednesday 18th October at 1pm.
Please pray for the repose of Lee’s soul and the comfort of his family.

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.

Prisoners’ Sunday

Prisoners’ Sunday is the national day of prayer and action for prisoners and their dependants as marked by the Catholic Church and across the Christian denominations. It is a day to direct our thoughts and prayers to prisoners, their families and children. Prisoners’ Sunday is the time to reflect on how we as individuals, as a Church and as a community are serving those affected by imprisonment.

Prisoners’ families, prisoners and people with previous convictions often find themselves on the margins of society due to the social stigma associated with imprisonment. They are often forgotten or come lower down on the list of causes to ‘hold a hand out to’. But the gospel of Matthew 25: 36 reminds us of our duties towards them:

PACTs work embodies the Christian value of mercy and belief in the innate dignity of every human being. Through this campaign we ask you to engage with a core element of Catholic social teaching and put our faith into action. To donate, send a cheque to: PACT, 29 Peckham Road, London SE5 8UA.

Masses Next Week 

Fr Brian and Fr Jim are away at a meeting in Leeds from Monday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon. This means they won’t be available to say Mass on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fr Jakub has agreed to say Mass on Tuesday evening, but no one is available to say Mass on Wednesday. Therefore there will be no 10am Mass on Wednesday 11th October here in the Parish. We apologise sincerely for this situation.

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, 6th October, is Harvest Family Fast Day. As we have not received any donation envelopes, we will have a simple second collection on Sunday 8th October for the work of CAFOD.

Thank you 

Ann Kirby and the Lourdes group would like to thank you all for your generosity and prayers in helping us get to Lourdes. We remembered you all in our prayers and lit candles for your intentions.

St James' at World Youth Day 

Among the 1.5 million young who gathered in Lisbon for this year’s World Youth Day were Jack and Harry from our parish church of St. James’ Bootle. Click the link below to learn more about St James' visit to the largest event for young people organized by the Catholic Church.

Appeal for Altar Servers 

We would like to recruit more Altar servers for our weekend Masses. This is open to boys and girls who have made their First Communion. Training will be provided. If interested, give your name to Fr Jakub.

Centenary Mass at St Monica's 

The Parish of St Monica will celebrate Centenary Mass to commemorate 100 years since opening in October 1923. Archbishop Malcolm McMahon will celebrate Mass at St. Monica's - 7:00pm on Friday, 6th October 2023, followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.
All are invited and welcome to join for this great parish celebration.

St James' at World Youth Day

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Every occasion of World Youth Day is special. It is not only because it offers a platform for young people from different nations to meet and interact. But most importantly, it offers young people an opportunity to grow and appreciate the beauty of their Catholic faith. This includes participation in prayers and liturgies (the Eucharist), Catechesis, and the sacrament of reconciliation. Among the 1.5 million young who gathered in Lisbon for this year’s World Youth Day were Jack and Harry from our parish church of St. James’ Bootle. They were happy, overwhelmed, and inspired by what they experienced. Their testimony shows there is a glimpse of hope for the Church! According to Jack and Harry, this year’s World Youth Day in Lisbon was unique and special.

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It was the most populated event in the Catholic Church since the pandemic. After its postponement from 2022 to 2023 due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was an opportunity for young people to hear the word hope. Coincidentally, the theme “Mary arose with haste” encompassed the message of hope and courage. Pope Francis in all his addresses to the young people kept re-echoing the words, “Do not be afraid.” He invites the young people to imitate Mary who did not focus on herself and her own worries and fears about her new condition, but entrusted herself completely to God and even went with haste to help Elizabeth. In his homily on the Feast Day of the Transfiguration in Parque Tejo, Pope Francis concluded, “Dear young people… it is no longer I, but Jesus himself who is now looking at you. He knows each of your hearts, each of your lives; he knows your joys, your sorrows, your successes, and failures…today, he says to you, here in Lisbon, at this World Youth Day: “Have no fear, take heart, do not be afraid.” For the young people who are leaving the tough reality of today’s world; the effect of the pandemic, series of wars, forced migration, climate change, and poverty, these words became like an oasis in the desert. They become a source of hope and courage to face these tough times with their gaze on God.

It is also important to know that, providentially, this year’s World Youth Day countered the contemporary opinion that the Church is dying. The myriads of about 1.5 million young people gathering together in the name of God show that the Church is still alive or perhaps in the process of rejuvenation.

To conclude, while this occasion reflects a ray of hope that the Church is still alive, it also presents a challenge. The challenge is that this reality calls for more work from the Church and her leadership toward listening to these young people, accompanying them in the various places they can be found on the journey of faith and finding meaning in life.

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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are my ways your ways.
As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts,” says the Lord.
How small our thoughts can be and how poor our ways of seeing and judging. We think miserly thoughts and act in miserly ways. Why?
Because we have small minds and small hearts.
Lord, open our minds and enlarge our hearts so that we think more like you and act more like you. Let us not begrudge your goodness to others, knowing that we too are undeserving of your favours and stand more in need of your mercy than of your justice.
Amen

First Communion

The chance to make First Communion is being offered to pupils in Year 5 in Primary school. The Parish programme takes place in All Saints school. If your child attends a different school please get in touch with us to make arrangements for Catechesis.

Funeral 

The Funeral service for John Garrett will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday, 26th September at 11:45am. Please remember John and her family in your prayers.

Appeal for Altar Servers 

If anybody would like to become an altar server please see Fr Jakub

Centenary Mass at St Monica's 

The Parish of St Monica will celebrate Centenary Mass to commemmorate 100 years since opening in October 1923.
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon will celebrate Mass at St. Monica's - 7:00pm on Friday, 6th October 2023, followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.
All are invited and welcome to join for this great parish celebration.