17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Jesus urges us to ask, seek and knock. This means our faith has to be an active one. However, sometimes we are too proud to ask, so we don’t receive. We are too lazy to seek, so we don’t find. We are too timid to knock so the door doesn’t open to us. We mustn’t wait for things to happen, or to fall into our hands. We must be humble and trustful, yet bold and energetic if we are to receive good things from our Father in Heaven.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival 2025 

Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22nd - Monday 25th August, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope. This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more! Click the link to register.

Prayer for the fifth world day for grandparents and the elderly 

'Blessed are those who have not lost hope' (Sir 14:2)
How beautiful are these words of yours, Lord! Help us to continue our pilgrimage through time, animated by the hope that comes from You! Help us in this divisive world, to bring the hope of communion.
Help us in this world, wounded by wars, to bring the hope of peace. Help us in this world, which is dehumanizing, to bring the beauty of an ancient smile. Help us to be, for our grandchildren, for our loved ones and for everyone we meet, the memory of your tenderness. Help us to bring, in a world distracted from You, the Hope of a new life that only You can give! For in You, Lord, nothing is lost. For in You, Lord, everything begins again! Amen

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Lord, I place myself in your presence. After the strain and turmoil of the day, I rest quietly here as a little boat, which as been tossed by the waves and buffeted by the wind, rests secure in a sheltered harbour. Here my projects lose their power over me. A healing process begins. My fragmented self is reassembled and I a made whole again. In your presence, I experience my true worth, which consists not in doing but in being. I surrender myself into your hands. I am at peace.

Congratulations! 

We congratulate Father Augustine who has been ordained priest alongside eight other Salesians in Nigeria. Let's keep Fr Augustine in our prayers in this very special and joyful time.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival 2025 

Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22nd - Monday 25th August, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope. This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more!

Holidays 

Fr Brian will be on holiday from 22nd July to 12th August.
During his absence, the Parish will be in the experienced and capable hands of Fr Hugh.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The good Samaritan was someone who cared. Blessed are those who care, they will let people know they are loved. Blessed are those who are gentle, they will help people to grow as the sun helps the buds to unfold. Blessed are those who listen, they will lighten many a burden. Blessed are those who know how to let go, they will have the joy of seeing people find themselves. Blessed are those who, when nothing can be done or said, do not walk away but remain to provide a comforting and supportive presence. They will help the sufferer to bear the unbearable. Blessed are those who recognise their own need to receive, they will be able to give all the better. And blessed are those who give without the hope of return, they will give people an experience of God.

Good luck and God bless 

We say farewell to our Deacon Augustine this Sunday.
He is going back to Nigeria to prepare for his Ordination to the priesthood on 19th July.
I would like to thank him for all the work he has done in the Parish in the last year. He has been a great asset and always willing to help and get involved.
We ask God to bless him in a special way as he becomes a Salesian priest.

Message from Fr Brian 

I wanted to express my thanks and appreciation for the contribution you all made to the celebration of my Jubilee. It was a wonderful occasion and my family were thrilled at how “at home” they felt among you! Thank you to all of you for your generosity: I was speechless when I got the large cheque. And thank you to all of you who gave me cards, again full of generous gifts. I want to say a special thanks to all those who worked so hard to organise everything and to get the buffet ready in the Hall: John, Sue, Vicky, Harry, Marie, Micky, Ann, Anne, Patsy, Kitty, Rita, and probably others I’m not aware of. Thank you all. Thanks to Kitty for a beautiful cake, and thanks to all the musicians, readers and servers. I will never forget your kindness to me.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in forgiving that one is forgiven,
it is in dying that one awakens to eternal life.
(St Francis of Assisi)

Congratulations 

Congratulations Father Brian on your Ruby Jubilee!
Thank you for your 40 years of dedicated service to the Church and community, from all St James’ parishioners.

Lectio for young adults 

Every Friday at 6pm at St Vincent de Paul's Church, L1 5JN, there is a "lectio" prayer group for young adults. There will be a Mass at 6pm, followed by a short time of sharing the Sunday readings at 6.30pm. It's a friendly group and sometimes they also organise trips and retreats. Follow this link below to join the WhatsApp community. If you want more information please contact James: djmoroney@cantab.net or 07394 503 911

Funeral 

The Funeral service for Jane Lunt will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 9th July at 11.45am.
Please pray for the repose of Jane’s soul and the comfort of her family.

The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Reflection

Today’s Feast is a wonderful occasion to reflect on the mission of the Church and, indeed, of our own Diocese. There is much hope for each and every one of us in the lives of these two great saints. Both had their frailties: St Peter could be impetuous and, when the moment of his greatest test came, he denied the Lord. Yet, Jesus, seeing the faith and love that were in him, called him to be the foundation on which the Church is built. St Paul, a one-time persecutor of the Church, comes to preach the Resurrection of Christ across the known world of his time. In these two men, therefore, there is hope for us. Despite our own faults, failings and weaknesses, Jesus calls us to be his disciples, to be those who – with lives built on the relationship of love that is our prayer, with faith nourished and deepened in the life of His Church – are his witnesses in our present age.  This is a time, a moment, when that witness is needed in so many ways. (Bishop Richard Moth.)

Parish Meeting 

The last Parish open meeting to discuss the Diocesan Pastoral Plan will be on Tuesday 1st July at 7pm in the Parish house. The topics for discussion are:
Becoming a Church where synodality is embedded.
Becoming a Church that renews its organisational structures and administers its property to serve its mission.
Everyone is welcome to share their views.

Congratulations 

We congratulate Fr Hugh Preston and his twin Fr Francis as they celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their priesthood on the 5th July. Over the next two weekend they are celebrating in Bollington and in London. We ask God to reward them for their years of dedicated ministry and for all the good they have done to so many people. May God bless them with good health as they continue their wonderful ministry.

The Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Reflection

The Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is more than a liturgy — it’s when heaven and earth unite. Rooted in Easter, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday, it celebrates divine love made visible in the Eucharist. Bread, the fruit of earth and heaven, becomes Christ himself—love that transforms and gives hope. This feast reminds us that God is love, and in that love there is renewal, relationship, and the strength to live with faith.

Family Picnic (more details) 

All families are welcome to attend this Family Picnic on Saturday 28 June (11am-3pm) at St Anne Church, Prescot Rd, Ormskirk, L39 4TG. We especially wish to invite those families with children who are being baptised, making their holy communions or confirmations. Mass will be celebrated at 12pm. Families are encouraged to bring their own food. There will be games for younger children, children’s liturgy, Animate Youth activities for teenagers and reflection time for adults. If you are interested, please sign up here Family Picnic Link or using the QR code and for more information please contact Ian at i.parrott@rcaol.org.uk

Visitors 

This Sunday we are joined by pupils and staff from a Salesian school in Mexico. Please be nice to them, as you always are, and practice your Spanish!

Eucharistic Ministers 

If any of our Eucharistic Ministers feel able to take Communion to some of our sick and housebound parishioners, could they see Fr Brian sometime soon. Thanks.

Pentecost

Reflection

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost. On the fiftieth day after Jesus’ Resurrection, ten days after His Ascension, the disciples were once again gathered in the upper room when they experienced something beyond their imagination. From the sky came a noise like a strong driving wind. Tongues, as of fire, fell upon all gathered, and they were given the gift of tongues. After receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples went out into the community of Jerusalem and began to boldly proclaim the Gospel to all. Pentecost was the birthday of the Church. Holy Spirit, come to us and bestow upon us Your seven-fold gifts, so that we can grow closer to Christ Jesus and act more faithfully as a members of His Body.

Message from Father Brian 

On Sunday 6th July this year, I will be celebrating forty years as a Salesian priest (my Ruby Jubilee). Since I have spent the last ten years here in St James’ Parish, I want to invite you to celebrate with me and some of my family and friends.
The 10.30am Mass on 6th July will be a celebration Mass, followed by a buffet lunch in the school hall at All Saints Primary. You are all invited to join me for the Mass and the buffet. For catering purposes, if you would like to come to the buffet could you sign up on the sheets at the back of Church by 22nd June, so that we have an idea of numbers.
I look forward to celebrating with you. Thank you.

Family of Parishes’ Lourdes Pilgrimage - Important Notice 

We are having a final meeting on MONDAY, 7TH JULY AT 7:00pm. IN ST. MONICA’S PARISH CENTRE, AND ALL OUTSTANDING BALANCE PAYMENTS MUST BE PAID AT THIS MEETING - THIS IS THE CUT-OFF DATE FOR YOUR BALANCE TO BE PAID.
For those in a Single Room, the balance owing is £595.00.
For those in a twin-shared room, the balance is £475.00.
Please note, PAYMENT IN CASH, in an envelope with your name, address & contact number clearly written on it, and brought to this meeting on 7th July.
Any questions you have regarding the Pilgrimage will be addressed on the night. (If for any reason you are unable to attend, please ensure that FULL PAYMENT OF YOUR BALANCE IS PAID to either Mike Langan or Fr. Ged, BEFORE THE DATE OF THE MEETING).

2 Cathedrals' Walk 

On the 8th of June at 3pm, walk with us in a powerful celebration of Pentecost, as we journey together between Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The celebrations begin with a short act of worship at Liverpool Cathedral and include the story of Pentecost, a walk along Hope Street,  hymns, stalls on the piazza of the Metropolitan Cathedral ending with giant family games. The choirs of both cathedrals and a Salvation Army Band will be involved.

7th Sunday of Easter

Reflection

Come, Holy Spirit. Come with strength for the weak. Courage for the fearful. Light for those in darkness. Comfort for the sorrowful. Healing for the sick and injured. Guidance for those who are lost. Faith for those who are in doubt. Hope for those who have no hope and love for those who have no love. Come, Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love and we shall renew the face of the earth.

Thank you 

Fr Brian would like to thank Mrs Vicky Carlin and the class teachers from All Saints for preparing the children for their First Communion. Thank you to Mrs Rita Shannon for preparing those not in the primary school, and thanks to Mrs Marie Savin for organising the children on the First Communion days.
Your work is much appreciated.

SVP Appeal 

The SVP has issued an appeal for mugs and men’s clothes. Please see Ann Kirby for details.

Parish Meeting 

The next Parish open meeting to discuss the Diocesan Pastoral Plan will be on Tuesday 3rd June at 7pm in the Parish house.
The topics for discussion are: Becoming a Church where young people and young adults flourish; and Becoming a Church that cares for its priests. Everyone is welcome to come and give their opinion!

6th Sunday of Easter

Reflection

To be glad of life because it gives you a chance to love, to work, to play and to look up at the stars. To despise nothing in the world except what is false and mean. To fear nothing except what is cowardly. To be guided by what you admire and love, rather than by what you hate. To envy nothing that is your neighbour’s except his kindness of heart and gentleness of manner. To think seldom of your enemies, often of your friends and every day of Christ. And to spend as much time as you can, with body and with spirit, in God’s out-of-doors. These are little signposts on the footpath of peace.

First Communions 

Our final round of First Communions:
Saturday evening Mass: Anthony Joseph Hickey, Layton-James Berry and Leighton-Garvey Porter.
Sunday morning Mass: Gracie Azubuike Nduka, Elijah Roberts, Ruby Johnson and Mason Smith.

Funeral 

The funeral Mass for Pauline Costello will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 28th May at 12 noon.
Please pray for the repose of Pauline’s soul and the comfort of her family.

Feast of the Ascension 

Thursday of this week is Ascension Thursday, and is a Holyday of Obligation.
Masses will be at their usual times of 10am and 7pm.

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.

First Communions 

Children making their First Communion this weekend:
Saturday evening Mass: Mason O’Brien, Nathaniel Chigutsa and Sam Curran.
Sunday morning Mass: Aleigha Kelly, Harry Gardner, Ameera Adan, Amelia Jones, Szymon Janiszewski, Nancy Tierney, Enzo Goodaker-Green and Natalie Okuduwa.

Funeral 

The Funeral Mass for Pat Williams will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 22nd May at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Pat’s soul and the comfort of her family.

Two Cathedrals Walk 

On Sunday, 8th of June at 3pm, walk with us in a powerful celebration of Pentecost, as we journey together between Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Starting at Liverpool Cathedral this symbolic walk unites all communities in faith, reflection and joy. Come and be part of this special tradition! The celebrations will begin with a short act of worship at Liverpool Cathedral and include the story of Pentecost, hymns and stalls on the piazza of the Metropolitan Cathedral. The choirs of both cathedrals and a Salvation Army Band will be involved. All are welcome