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

3rd Sunday of Easter

Reflection

All through life’s day, you walk with us, Lord but often we don’t recognise you for we are blinded by work and worry, doubt, confusion and fear and so you remain a stranger to us. Before the day’s end we will ask many questions, experience many sorrows and disappointments. And then, suddenly, whether we are young, middle-aged or old, we will find that night is approaching. In that moment we pray that, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, our eyes will be opened and that we will recognise you and you will not vanish from our sight but stay with us to guide us to the Father’s house.

Notre Dame School Reunion 

Did you attend a Notre Dame School in the Archdiocese of Liverpool? There will be a reunion on 17th May for all ex-pupils & teachers, consisting of Mass at 11.00am followed by a complimentary light lunch & a social, finishing at 3.00pm, at the Irenaeus Centre, Waterloo. A donation for our current charity & a raffle prize would be appreciated. Please try to attend, all are welcome. Reply by 3rd May to Bernie Shaw, 0161 483 0173 Berniemshaw@hotmail.com

Funeral 

The Funeral Service for James Coughlin will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 22nd April at 12.30pm. Please pray for the repose of James’ soul and the comfort of his family.

Easter Sunday

Reflection

As long as the sun comes over the hills, scatters the darkness and fills the world with light; as long as the fields get green again and the primroses and violets return; as long as the trees fill up again with leaves, there is hope for us and for the world. So come, let us follow the footsteps of spring, for the snow has melted and life is awakening from its sleep and wanders through the hills and valleys. Come, let us ascend the heights and gaze upon the waving greenness of the plains below. O come, let us rejoice on this Easter Day, for death has folded up his tent and gone away.

Easter 

On the third day after his Crucifixion and Death, after the Shabbat, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb of Jesus. They found the tomb empty and the stone rolled away and they proclaimed: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said….”. (Mt. 28:6)..
Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover and the Exodus from Egypt recorded in the Old Testament through the Last Supper, sufferings, and crucifixion of Jesus that preceded the resurrection. According to the New Testament, Jesus gave the Passover meal a new meaning, as in the upper room during the Last Supper he prepared himself and his disciples for his death. He identified the unleavened bread and cup of wine as his body soon to be sacrificed and his blood soon to be shed.
The Resurrection of Christ is the fruit of his perfect obedience to God’s will. St Paul write: “He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:8-11).

Easter Greetings 

Fr Brian and the Salesian Community would like to wish the Parishioners of St James’ a very happy and joy-filled Easter. May the hope of the risen Lord fill your lives with everything you need and touch your families with joy.

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

Lord, remember not only people of good will but also people of ill will.
Do not remember only the sufferings that have been inflicted on us but remember too the fruit we have bought as a result of this suffering:
The comradeship and loyalty, the humility and courage, the generosity and greatness of heart that has grown out of it.
And when they come to judgement, let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.
(Prayer found in Auschwitz)

Stations of the Cross 

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

Holy Week And Easter Services

 Palm Sunday:
Masses 6.30pm (Saturday) and 10.30am (Sunday)

Holy Thursday:
Mass of the Lord’s Supper. 7pm (with St Monica’s and St Francis de Sales).

Good Friday:
(Walk of witness 11am.) Passion Celebration 3pm.

Holy Saturday:
Easter Vigil 8pm. Easter Sunday Mass 10.30am.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Julia Steele will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 1st April at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Julia’s soul and the comfort of her family.

Walk of Witness 

The usual Churches Together Walk of Witness on Good Friday will start at the gates of the park near Christchurch at 11am. We will then walk to the Strand for a short service. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Gift Aid 

If anyone would like to join the Gift Aid scheme or have Parish collection envelopes, please see Bob or Anne.

5th Sunday of Lent

Reflection

What can I say to you, my friend, in your hour of grief? Just a word from my heart. In the midst of your sorrow seeds are being sown—seeds of consolation, hope, resignation, and even gratitude. This winter will pass, and spring will again visit the garden of your heart. You will see these seeds grow, blossom, and bear fruit. Then your sorrow will turn to joy, a joy no one will be able to take from you.

Stations of the Cross 

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

Holy Week And Easter Services 

Palm Sunday:

Masses 6.30pm (Saturday) and 10.30am (Sunday)

Holy Thursday:
Mass of the Lord’s Supper. 7pm (with St Monica’s and St Francis de Sales).

Good Friday:
(Walk of witness 11am.) Passion Celebration 3pm.

Holy Saturday:
Easter Vigil 8pm. Easter Sunday Mass 10.30am.

Mission Appeal 

Fr Samson from the Order of the Mother of God will speak to us at both Masses to make an appeal for help for the work of his order. The second collection will go towards that work.

Lent Talks 

The last of our Lent Talks takes place on Monday 23rd March at 7.30pm in the Linacre Mission. The theme for this talk is Hidden Joy. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Funerals 

The funeral service for Kathleen McDonald will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 26th March at 12.30pm. Please pray for the repose of Kathleen’s soul and the comfort of her family.
The funeral service for Brian Savin will take place here in St James’ on Friday 27th March at 1pm. Please remember Brian and his family in your prayers.

4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

Reflection

One night a few years ago there was a total eclipse of the moon. Everybody was talking about it. Many stayed up to the small hours in the hope of witnessing it. I asked myself: “Why all this interest in the moon, simply because it is disappearing?” I was convinced that most of those people wouldn’t see a full moon in the sky, much less stop to admire it. It brought to mind the words of Emerson: “The fool wonders at the unusual; the wise person wonders at the usual.”

Stations of the Cross 

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

Provincial Visitation 

We welcome our Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, who is here on visitation of out community and Parish. He will celebrate both weekend Masses and will meet with the Parish Team on Wednesday 18th March at 7pm in the Parish house. Anyone interested can join us for this meeting.

Women's Meeting 

The next South Sefton deanery Faith & friendship meeting for women will be at St Helens parish centre on Thursday 26th March at 7pm. All are welcome, especially some new faces.
For more information contact Mpmmurphypat@aol.com

SVP and CAFOD Work Experience 

Applications close 6th April.The St Vincent de Paul Society and CAFOD are working together to offer a week of free residential work experience for 20 young adults in England and Wales. The experience will run from 21st – 26th June in London.
Candidates must be aged 18-25 years old, but priority will be given to those in their first or second year at university. Apply here. Applications close on the 6th April. For any queries, please contact KeziaH@svp.org.uk

3rd Sunday of Lent

Reflection

There is a thirst in every human heart. Each of us is like that lonely Samaritan woman. We are thirsting for something, something that will satisfy our longings. But often we search in the wrong places. We draw water from many wells: the water of praise to quench our thirst for self-esteem; the water of success to quench our thirst for importance; the water of pleasure to quench our thirst for joy….But we still get thirsty. Only God can give us what we are looking for. He alone can cause a spring to well up inside us. The water from this spring will sustain us in our journey to the Promised Land of eternal life.

Stations of the Cross 

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

Provincial Visitation 

Our Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, will be making his official visitation of the community and Parish on the 14th—19th March. You will see him at the Parish Masses and I know you will give him a warm Bootle welcome!

Centring Prayer Day 

Saturday 21st March, Led by Fr Richard Sloan, this day focuses of teaching and practice of this beautiful way of silent, simple, meditation prayer in the presence of God, lovingly active within you. 10am – 4pm in St Teresa’s Church, Norris Green, L11 3BW including simple lunch. No charge: places must be booked by contacting:  st.teresasng@rcaol.org.uk

Lent Talks 

The third of our Lent Talks will be on Monday evening, 9th March, at 7.30pm in the Linacre mission. The theme this week is “Hidden Peace”. You are all welcome to join us.

2nd Sunday of Lent

Reflection

The Gospels show clearly that Peter was a man of action; he always needed to be doing something. So on Mount Tabor, instead of contemplating in silence and wonder the glory of his Lord, he wanted to build three tents. There is a time for stillness, for contemplation, for wonder, for adoration in the presence of God. A time to heed the words of the psalmist: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes we are too busy. We would be better to be silent, to be listening, to be wondering, to be adoring in the presence of God.

Stations of the Cross 

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

Second Collection 

The second collection this week is for Lenten Alms, a mandatory collection for the Diocese. A reminder that CAFOD envelopes are still available at the back of Church. Contributions can be brought back any time in the next few weeks.

Funerals 

The funeral of Patricia Nelson will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 3rd March at 12.30pm. Please pray for the repose of Patricia’s soul and the comfort of her family.
The funeral service for Richard Saunders will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 4th March at 12 noon. Please remember Richard and his family in your prayers.

Lent Talks 

The next Lent Talk will be on Monday 2nd March, at Linacre Mission, 7.30pm. The theme for this week is “Hidden Boldness”. Please join us if you can—you will be most welcome.
The Irenaeus Centre: Pilgrimage Through Lent
The Irenaeus Centre would like to invite you to a series of Lenten Evenings held on Tuesdays at 7pm on the following dates: 24 February and 3, 10, 17, 24 March. For more information and Zoom links please contact: centreirenaeus@gmail.com

1st Sunday of Lent

Reflection

Pruning time is a painful time for a fruit tree. The pruner rids it of all those suckers which use up a lot of energy but produce no fruit. However, the aim of this surgery is not to inflict pain, but to help the tree produce more and better fruit. Lent is a kind of spiritual pruning time. There is much that is useless and perhaps harmful in our lives, which saps our energy, and diminishes our spiritual fruitfulness. Of what shall we prune ourselves this Lent so that we may become more fruitful branches of Christ, the true Vine?

Lent Family Fast Day 

This Friday, 27th February, is CAFOD’s Lent Family Fast Day. As we normally do, there are envelopes at the back of Church for your offering and they can be brought back any time in the next few weeks.

Second Collections 

During Lent the Diocese is asking us to have the following Second collections: Lenten Alms (1st March); Nugent (15th March and The Holy Places (3rd April).
In addition, the Diocese has given permission for “The Order of the Mother of God” to do a Mission Appeal in our deanery. In our Parish, this will be on the weekend of 20th / 21st March at both Masses. With the CAFOD envelopes floating around as well, this is a lot to ask and I’m sorry. You can only give what you can!
 

Lent Talks 

The series of Lent Talks, organised by the Churches Together each year, begin again on Monday 23rd February at 7.30pm in the Linacre Mission. The theme for Lent is “Hidden to Wholeness” and the first talk is entitled “Hidden Hope”. Please join us.

Funeral The Funeral Service for Peter Jones will take place here in St James’ on Monday 23rd February at 12.30pm. Please remember Peter and his family in your prayers.