1st Sunday of Advent

Reflection

Again Advent, the time of grace, has arrived. We use this time to prepare for the coming of Christ. To prepare well, we need to think what we do when we prepare for the arrival of an expected guest. We first consider the person who is to come, their importance. The second thought is of the relationship in which we stand to them. Jesus, whom we expect, is the King of kings, the Lord of hosts, to whom all power in heaven and upon earth is given. Let us cleanse our hearts, especially in this holy season. Let us fill them with thoughts of love, so that we may say with David: “My heart is prepared!”.

The Pastoral Plan

On this 1st weekend of Advent, the beginning of a new Church year, we are delighted to be able to receive the pastoral plan. As the Archbishop has said: “This is to chart the way forward for the archdiocese in the years to come.” The Plan will be available online at the link below: 

THE PASTORAL PLAN

or you can arrange to purchase it from Pauline Books and Media, 84 Church Street, Liverpool at a cost of £2 per copy.
There is a summary document for you at Mass this weekend and a postcard for you to take home containing some of the key words from the plan and details of how to access the pastoral plan online.

To find out more, you are welcome to any of these open meetings:

• Saturday 4th Dec 11.00am – 12.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Leyland

• Tuesday 7th Dec 7.00pm – 8.30pm in Holy Rosary Church, Aintree

• Thursday 9th Dec 7.00pm – 8.30pm (on Zoom).

For the Thursday meeting clink the link below:

JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING

Meeting ID: 864 2151 2557 Passcode: 132667

SVP Foodbank

In the lead up to Christmas, our SVP are asking for donations of dried food and toiletries etc for those who are struggling in our locality. If you could place your donations in the box at the back of Church, we would be very grateful.

Nugent Charity

Nugent has a number of festive initiatives including: Christmas cards; Light up a Life services at the Cathedral and at St Teresa’s Church Upholland; BTR Liverpool Santa Dash; Christmas Jumper day and Christmas Appeal.

For more details please visit:

CHRISTMAS WITH NUGENT

Funeral

The Funeral Service for William Vogel will take place here in St James’ on Friday 3rd December at 11.45am. Please remember William and his family in your prayers.

Christ the King

Reflection

In November 2020, Pope Francis called for a relaunch of World Youth Day (previously celebrated annually on Palm Sunday) and asked the global Catholic community to celebrate locally on the Solemnity of Christ the King, on Sunday, 21st November 2021.

It will be a day for the world to recognise and celebrate Christ the King with young people in our local church communities, whether that be through school, at home, or of course in church. For us, in England and Wales, there will be a number of resources made available for all settings including home, school, parish, university and individual.

Reminder - Remembrance Mass

On Saturday 27th November at 11am, here in Church, we will celebrate a Mass for all those who have died over the last two years and who were connected to our Parish.

Invitation will go out to the families of the bereaved, but everyone is welcome to join our celebration.

Remembrance Sunday

Reflection

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent on the Western Front to bring to an end the First World War. Our nation and commonwealth has recalled that moment through our Armistice and Remembrance events down the decades; decades during which the men and women of our armed services have continued to pay the ultimate sacrifice. And so over 100 years later, we stand here today to remember lives sacrificed in the service of our Country and those traumatised and injured in conflict. May we have such a devotion to justice and freedom that the heroism of all who fought and still fight, may continue to be remembered in a nation of service and in a world of peace.

Remembrance Mass

On Saturday 27th November at 11am, here in Church, we will celebrate a Mass for all those who have died over the last two years and who were connected to our Parish.

Invitation will go out to the families of the bereaved, but everyone is welcome to join our celebration.

Funeral

The funeral service for Grace Cooper will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 17th November at 1.15pm.

Please pray for Grace and for her family.

All Saints

Reflection

Remember that you have only one soul; that you have only one death to die; that you have only one life to live, which is short and has to be lived by you alone; and that there is only one glory, which is eternal. If you do this, there will be many things about which you care nothing.
(St Teresa of Avila)

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. 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.

Prayer for COP26

Loving God, we praise your name with all you have created. You are present in the whole universe, and in the smallest of creatures. We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us as stewards of your creation. May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society. Instill in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions for the poorest and most vulnerable, and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Helen Keller, who went blind and deaf at nineteen months, said, “The greatest calamity that can befall people, is not that they should be born blind, but that they should have eyes, yet fail to see.”

Reminder

From next weekend, 30th and 31st October, the Parish Masses will be:

Saturday 6:30pm
Sunday 10:30am

Daily Masses:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Mass at 10am.
Tuesday only — Mass at 7pm

World Mission Sunday

This year, World Mission Sunday falls on Sunday, 24 October. On this day the whole Church unites in prayer for its missionary activity, and in collecting funds to support Catholic communities across the world living in situations of poverty and privation. The theme chosen by the Holy Father is: ‘We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard’ (Acts 4:20). In his message for World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis says: ‘Once we experience the power of God’s love we cannot help but proclaim and share what we have seen and heard. Jesus’ relationship with his disciples and his humanity shows us the extent to which God loves our humanity and makes his own our joys and sufferings, our hopes and our concerns’. All donations go to the Universal Solidarity Fund in order to meet the spiritual and material needs of peoples and young churches throughout the world, for the salvation of all. Thank you for your ongoing support of Missio through prayer and charity. Please do all you can to celebrate this day in solidarity with the whole Church. For more information about World Mission Sunday, click the link below.

Cop 26 Climate Talks

In preparation for the COP 26 talks between 31st October and 12th November, the Bishops’ Conference have asked us to pray for the success of the talks. At the back of Church you will find a limited number of Prayer cards with a nice prayer on them. Please take one home and pray for a good outcome from the talks.

Fr Michael Cunningham SDB

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr Michael Cunningham SDB who died last week in Nazareth House, Prestwich. Please keep him, his family, his Community and all friends in your prayers. The funeral of Fr Michael will take place in Bolton on Saturday 30th October. May he rest in peace. Amen.

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29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

James and John were two opportunists. Their one aim was to rise in the ranks. To achieve their end they did not hesitate to beg. They did not mind how much envy and resentment they aroused in their companions. Their aim was to scramble up the career ladder. But at what price to themselves? In the course of their rise to the top, people lose themselves, their own souls, whatever they do or achieve will be worthless. Power hardens the human heart.

Mass times going forward

After much thought and observation, we have decided that, as from 30th October, the Mass time will be as follows:

Saturday 6:30pm—First Mass of Sunday
Sunday 10:30am—Main Sunday Mass

Daily Masses: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Mass at 10am
Tuesday only—Mass at 7pm (to be reviewed after a few months)

There will be no Saturday morning Mass.

We see this as an opportunity to refresh our Parish Worship and we would encourage as many people as possible to join us, particularly for our two Sunday Masses.

Please Note: the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday, which is suspended at the moment, comes back into operation on the First Sunday of Advent, 27/28 November.

Funerals

The Funeral Mass for Patrick Powell will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 19th October at 10am.
Please remember Patrick and his family in your prayers.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Jesus saw that the rich young man had great potential so he invited him to enter the world of sharing. But he wasn’t up to it—riches got in the way. As he went away a sadness descended on him, the sadness that descends on us when we choose to live for ourselves. Even though Jesus was sad to see him go, nevertheless he let him go. There’s no point in forcing people to make sacrifices. If you take things from people they are impoverished; but if you can get them to give them up, they are enriched. People are essentially good but this goodness has to be awakened and called forth, if they are to enter the kingdom of love.

Prisoners’ Sunday

Today is Prisoners’ Sunday and the start of Prisoners’ Week, sponsored by the Catholic charity PACT. We are asked to remember in our prayers not only those in Prison, but also the families left behind to cope.

Funerals

The Funeral Mass for Joyce Waldron will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 12th October at 11.45am. Please pray for the repose of Joyce’s soul and the comfort of her family.

The Funeral Service for Carol McKenzie will take place here in St James on Thursday 14th October at 11.15am. Please remember Carol and her family in your prayers.

Lourdes is back!

Applicants are welcome for next year’s Lourdes youth pilgrimage from 21st—30th July. The cost is £540. If you are aged 15-22 click the link below for more information.

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind. Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years; people grow old only by deserting their ideals. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despair, these are long, long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. So long as your heart receives messages of beauty, cheer, courage, grandeur and power from the earth, from man, from the infinite, so long are you young. When the heart is covered with the snow of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then I am grown old indeed, and may you, Lord, have mercy on my soul.

General Douglas MacArthur

Season of Creation

The Season of Creation culminates in the feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October. St Francis is the patron of all God’s creatures and the environment. One of the issues that demands our urgent attention is how we treat animals. The current pandemic is a wake-up call. God did not give us animals to do with as we like. He entrusted them to us – we are their custodians. Many animals suffer appalling cruelty because of our demand for food and sport. Christians have a duty of care to God’s creatures. We can’t keep turning a blind eye!

Year 7 Welcome Mass

Last Friday we have celebrated our annual Welcome Mass for the new students of Savio Salesian College. It was a great opportunity to gather together in prayer and ask God for the blessings for the year ahead. Click the link below for photos and more information.

Funerals

The Funeral Service for Margaret Doran will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 7th October at 1.30pm. Please remember Margaret and her family in your prayers.

Pilgrimage to Knock

Details about a Pilgrimage to Knock from 11th October, can be found at the back of Church.

Cafod Collection

Your CAFOD envelope can be left in the baskets at the back of Church any time in the next few weeks.

More envelopes available at back of Church.

Y7 Welcome Mass

Last Friday we have celebrated our annual Welcome Mass for the new students of Savio Salesian College. It was a great opportunity to gather together in prayer and ask God for the blessings for the year ahead.

Around 90 pupils, staff and parents gathered in the school hall. Before the Mass, Mr Costello, the headteacher, welcomed all gathered and explained why this event is so important for our community.

The Mass was led by Fr Jacob Ruszniak, College Chaplain. During the sermon, he spoke about the unique talents and gifts given by God to every person. He has also encouraged the pupils to use their gifts and to build a community of respect and love. Later, in the offertory procession, students presented gifts including a large board with a list of things they hope to achieve this year.

The celebration, was followed by social time: tea, coffee and biscuits. Parents had a chance to talk to the Head of Year and other members of staff.

We keep every young person of our school in our prayers, and we hope that they may fully enjoy their time in Savio. May it be a place where they grow, develop and  experience the love of God and the joy of Salesian spirit.

Brother Nhan

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26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Jesus warned those who would lead the little ones astray, but he blessed those who care for them. One of the most touching things about children is their openness. But this same openness leaves them extremely vulnerable. They may not say much but they feel everything. They are like crocuses which appear in the open in February—frail, delicate, beautiful creatures—innocents abroad in an unpredictable climate. If they are embraced by the sun, they will bloom to their full potential. But if they are assailed by hail, they will die a premature death. Love is to a child what sunshine is to a flower.

Youth Active Summer Trips 2021

A big thank you to the Youth Active team for organising a week of trips for the young people of our parish in August. The week commenced with a day in Croxteth Park, playing games, visiting the farm and being together. Great fun was had by all. One of the trips featured a day at the seaside and a visit to New Brighton. The group really enjoyed the time on the beach, making sandcastles, and digging moats to be filled by water that was gone in a second.

Click the link below for the full report and plenty of photos!

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Brownies are back

Our Brownies have returned. Here are some who have recently made their promise. If you would like your daughter to join the Brownies, contact Sue McCormick. There are still a few places available.

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First Communions

The First Communion Programme for children in Year 5 is about to begin. The lessons for the children involved will be during class time in All Saints and will not take place during after school sessions as we have done in the past.

If you have a child in Year 5, who does not attend All Saints school, and you want them to make their First Communion next year, please contact Fr Brian at St James’ for an application form. Please note: this only applies to families living in St James’ Parish.

The Little Church

As the numbers at Sunday Mass are increasing, we felt it was time to bring back the Little Church for the children. So starting on Sunday 3rd October, we will re-introduce the Little Church for the children during the readings and homily at Mass.

Funerals

The Funeral Service for Andy Stenson will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 28th September at 11.45 am. Please remember Andy and his family in your prayers.

Cafod’s Harvest Fast Day

As we enter the last week of the Season of Creation, we are invited to give thanks to God for the gift of creation and the fruits of the earth which sustain us. Many churches and schools do this through Harvest Festivals – bringing the fruits of the earth and the work of human hands and sharing these offerings with those in need.

In the UK, for the last sixty years, the Catholic Church has marked harvest time by observing CAFOD’s Harvest Fast Day on the first Friday in October. So, this coming Friday, 1 October, we are invited to give thanks by going without a meal or some form of amusement and giving what we save in this way to CAFOD. CAFOD uses our offerings to help those across the world who don’t have access to the fruits of the earth because of extreme poverty, food shortages, conflicts and natural disasters.

To contribute to CAFOD’s FAMILY FAST COLLECTION, please take an envelope from the back of Church and bring it back next Sunday. (Or some time soon!)