Reflection
Defending the Christians before the Emperor Hadrian, Aristides, a non-Christian, said of them: “These Christians love one another. They never fail to help widows. They save orphans from those who would hurt them. If a man has something, he gives freely to the man who has nothing. If they see a stranger, Christians take him into their homes and treat him as a brother. And if they hear that one of them is in jail, or persecuted for professing the name of their redeemer, they all give him what he needs. If it is possible they bail him out. If one of them is poor and there isn’t enough food to go around, they fast several days to give him the food he needs. We are dealing with a new kind of person, there is something divine in them.”
Masses next week
As Fr Brian is away at a Provincial Chapter meeting from Monday to Thursday this week, Fr Tony Frain has kindly agreed to say the Parish Masses on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
We are very grateful to him for stepping in.
Pilot marriage preparation programme
Joint Sefton Deaneries will be hosting a Pilot marriage preparation programme based on the resources created by Arundel and Brighton Diocese for existing Catechists participating in this pilot, with the Marriage and Family Life Coordinator from Arundel and Brighton, as well as Stefan and Ella Kaminsky from the Christian Heritage Centre. This will provide an opportunity to explore these resources as well as to revisit the theology of the sacrament of marriage.
Date – Saturday 13th April 10.00am-2.00pm(ish), St Monica’s Parish Centre, Stewart Road, Bootle L20. Hot and cold drinks available throughout the day. Please bring a packed lunch.