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.

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Blessed are the clean of heart;
they will see God.
Blessed are the humble of heart;
they will find rest for their souls.
Blessed are the warm-hearted;
they will radiate goodness.
Blessed are those who work with the heart;
they will find joy in their work.
Blessed are those who do not lose heart;
they will find the strength to persevere.
And blessed are those who set their hearts on the Kingdom of God;
everything else will be given to them.

Flame Fundraising Quiz 

Friday 21st February 7pm start.
At the Brunny on Marsh Lane.
Tickets £4.00 including quiz sheet.
Light refreshments available.
Bring your preferred tipple and food.
Raffles! Spot the Ball!
Bingo!

Celebration of the miraculous cure of Jack Traynor 

The Archbishop of Liverpool, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP invites you to a historic occasion for the Archdiocese of Liverpool as we celebrate the miraculous cure of Jack Traynor with Mass and a drinks reception on Tuesday 18th February at 7pm at the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

If you would like to attend please fill in the form by clicking the link below. As we are expecting it to be a popular event, we need to know numbers in advance. We are looking into the prospect of sending free coaches from each deanery area If you are interested in this, please let us know on this form so we can gauge interest. Please include your contact details so we can get in touch with further details.

Racial Justice Sunday 

Our theme this year has the title ‘ Coat of Many Colours’, reflecting the increasing diversity that exists in the churches in Britain and Ireland. Both the Old Testament, or the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament are replete with references to diversity, in this world and the Kingdom to come. One only has to reflect on verses that speak of a ‘house of prayer for all nations’ (Isaiah 56:7), the events of Pentecost (Acts 2) or the ‘multitude … from every nation’ (Revelation 7:9-17), which all include words meaning ‘every tribe and nation’, to see that ethnic diversity is part of God’s divine plan. There is little doubt that British churches, especially in the larger cities, are a microcosm of the world in a congregation, which is indeed a blessing that must be celebrated. Equally, the fact that the diversity of believers has breathed some much-needed spiritual life into our churches reveals that this is a movement of God for which He must be praised. In our reflections and sermons, members of the RJSWG and others, who hail from many parts of the globe, describe their experiences of being part of the Coat of Many Colours.

Listen to the Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Malcolm McMahon for Racial Justice Sunday below.

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others. (From the inaugural speech of Nelson Mandela).

Confirmation 2025 (Animate) 

If your child is in Year 8 and would like to receive the sacrament of confirmation, please register from the link below. Registration is open from Monday 13 January to Monday 17 March 2025.

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.

Funerals 

The funeral Mass for Joe Campbell will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 11th February at 1.15 pm. Please remember Joe and his family in your prayers.

The funeral Mass for John Symes will take place here in St James’ on Friday 14th February at 1.30pm. Please pray for the repose of John’s soul and the comfort of his family.

The Presentation of the Lord

Reflection

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas day, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in today's liturgy. Before the revision of the General Roman Calendar this marked the end of the Christmas season. 
The feast was first observed in the Eastern Church as "The Encounter." In the sixth century, it began to be observed in the West: in Rome with a more penitential character and in Gaul (France) with solemn blessings and processions of candles, popularly known as "Candlemas." The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity and with the offerings of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point toward Easter.
"In obedience to the Old Law, the Lord Jesus, the first-born, was presented in the Temple by his Blessed Mother and his foster father. This is another 'epiphany' celebration insofar as the Christ Child is revealed as the Messiah through the canticle and words of Simeon and the testimony of Anna the prophetess. Christ is the light of the nations, hence the blessing and procession of candles on this day. In the Middle Ages this feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or 'Candlemas,' was of great importance.

Celebration of the miraculous cure of Jack Traynor 

The Archbishop of Liverpool, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP invites you to a historic occasion for the Archdiocese of Liverpool as we celebrate the miraculous cure of Jack Traynor with Mass and a drinks reception on Tuesday 18th February at 7pm at the Metropolitan Cathedral. 
If you would like to attend please fill in the form below. As we are expecting it to be a popular event, we need to know numbers in advance. We are looking into the prospect of sending free coaches from each deanery area If you are interested in this, please let us know on this form so we can gauge interest. Please include your contact details so we can get in touch with further details. 

Youth Music Group 

Anyone who likes to sing/plays an instrument and is interested in getting involved in a youth music group please see Harry or Sue. We plan to meet on Thursdays at 6pm.
We’d also welcome new members to join the Sunday music group. Please come over and join us.
Fundraiser for FLAME. Quiz and bingo night on 21st Feb in the Brunny. Tickets next week

Church Painting 

Between Tuesday 4th and Friday 7th February workmen will be in Church to replaster and paint some areas of the walls in Church. This will involve scaffolding and cause a little bit of disruption. However, our 10am Mass will take place in Church as usual, with the workers taking a break.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Human beings are frail and foolish.
We have been told that grace is to be found in the universe.
But in our human foolishness and short-sightedness we imagine divine grace to be finite and for this reason we tremble.
But the moment comes when our eyes are opened and we see that grace is infinite.
Grace demands nothing from us but that we await it with confidence and acknowledge it with gratitude.
Grace makes no conditions and singles out none of us in particular.
Grace takes all to its bosom and proclaims a general amnesty.
Isak Dinesen

Feast of St John Bosco 

Friday of this week is the Feast Day of our founder St John Bosco.
Normally we would celebrate the Feast in the Parish on the nearest Sunday. However, Sunday 2nd February is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and this takes precedence over the celebration of Don Bosco.
Therefore, the only celebration of Don Bosco will be on the Friday, 31st January, although I’m sure he will get a mention on Sunday!

Confirmation 2025 (Animate) 

If your child is in Year 8 and would like to receive the sacrament of confirmation, please register from the link below. Registration is open from Monday 13 January to Monday 17 March 2025.

Funeral 

The Funeral Mass for Mary Garry will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 30th January at 12 noon.
Please pray for the repose of Mary’s soul and the comfort of her family.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Jesus brought the wine of God’s love into the world.
Everywhere he went the old was made new.
For the couple at Cana he changed water into wine.
For the widow of Nain he changed tears into joy.
For Zacchaeus he changed selfishness into love.
For the thief on Calvary he changed despair into hope.
And on Easter morning he changed death into life.
Lord, be present with us today and throughout our lives.
And when through human weakness the wine of love is found wanting, touch our hearts and strengthen our wills so that we may taste the wine of unselfish love.

Welcome 

We welcome Fr Gerry Briody, our Provincial, who is visiting our community and Parish this week. He will lead both weekend Masses and generally be around.
Reminder to Parish Team and Cooperators: we have a meeting with Fr Gerry on Tuesday 21st, at 7pm, in the Parish House.

Confirmation 2025 (Animate) 

If your child is in Year 8 and would like to receive the sacrament of confirmation, please register from the link below. Registration is open from Monday 13 January to Monday 17 March 2025.

Church unity service 

The local Churches Together are marking Church Unity Week with a Unity Service at the Linacre Mission on Monday, 20th January, at 7.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to join us for this service.