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.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes  

18th - 22nd September. £625 Full Board. Deposit £200. Please see Ann Kirby for details.

Stations of the Cross

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

St James’ at Flame 2023

Flame 2023 was a fantastic and blessed day for Catholic young people in England and Wales, and especially for young people in our Parish. They enjoyed so much every moment. The wonderful music and singers, inspirational speakers and the prayerful time of adoration spent in the quiet of the arena. We were also proud of Br. Ste on his role played as a deacon during the event. We would like to say a massive thank you to all of you in St. James' Parish, for your support and prayers. You have given young people in our parish a brilliant opportunity to experience and celebrate their Catholic Faith as as well meet other peers who share the same faith journey. We are looking forward to Flame 2025.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Second Collection 

Next Sunday, 19th March, there is a Second Collection for Nugent at each Mass. This is another mandatory collection. The next collection will be on Good Friday, for the Holy Places.

Annual Romero Mass and Talk  

7:00pm on Thursday 23rd March 2023. Commemorate the martyrdom of Archbishop Blessed Oscar Romero at Saint Edmund of Canterbury church, 62 Oxford Road, L22 8QF. Refreshments afterwards, and talk by Romero Trust.

Lent Talks 

The third Lenten talk, organised by the Churches Together, will be on Monday 13th March at 7.30pm in the Linacre Mission.

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?

Stations of the Cross

 We will be having Stations of the Cross each Friday in Lent at 9.30am, just before Mass.

Second Collections 

Sunday 5th March for Lenten Alms; Sunday 19th March for Nugent. These are mandatory collections. ALSO, Friday 3rd March is Family Fast Day. Envelopes to contribute to CAFOD’s collection will be available this weekend and can be brought back any time during Lent.

Lenten Talks  

Our Bootle Churches Together group are restarting our tradition of Lenten Talks. The theme this year is “Following Christ in the Footsteps of the Saints”. The talks will take place in the Linacre Mission, Litherland, at 7.30pm. The first talk is this Monday, 27th February. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Funeral 

The Funeral Mass for Eileen Hart will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 1st March at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Eileen’s soul and the comfort of her family.

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

When Abraham Lincoln was running for President of the United States there was a man called Stanton, who never lost an opportunity to vilify him. Yet when Lincoln won the election he gave Stanton a post in his cabinet. Why? Because he considered him the best man for the job. And Lincoln was proved right. Stanton gave him loyal service. Asked why he didn’t destroy his enemies, Lincoln replied, ”Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

Welcome Fr Gerry

We welcome our Salesian Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, who is on visitation of the community this week. He will be leading both Parish Masses, and you will see him around the Parish and the schools during his stay. I know you will give him a warm welcome.

Ash Wednesday 

Wednesday of this week, 22nd February, is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent. It is a day of Fast and Abstinence. Masses will be at 10am and 7pm. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at both Masses.

Quiz Night / Bingo  

In order to raise funds to attend FLAME in London, our Youth Active group are holding a Quiz Night / Bingo session in the Brunny on Friday 24th February at 7.00pm. Tickets are £4 and can be purchased this weekend at Mass. There will be light refreshments and you are invited to bring your own drinks!

Last week’s raffle for Youth Active raised £300. Many thanks to those who bought tickets. Thank you for you generosity.

Funeral 

The Funeral Mass for Pauline Smith will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 23rd February at 12 noon. Please pray for Pauline and her family.

The Feast of St John Bosco

Reflection

Inspired by the example of St Francis de Sales, Don Bosco began his work with poor and abandoned young people in Turin in 1841. He would gather them for religious instruction, prayer, Mass and recreational activities. In 1845 Don Bosco opened a night school for boys in Valdocco, now part of the municipality of Turin in Italy. In the following years, he opened several more schools, and in 1854 drew up a set of rules for his helpers, which became the Rule of the Society of St Francis de Sales, which Pope Pius IX approved definitively in 1873. The Society grew rapidly, with houses established in France and Argentina within a year of the Society's formal recognition. Over the next decade the Salesians expanded into Austria, Britain, Spain, and several countries in South America. The death of Don Bosco in 1888 did not slow the Society's growth. By 1911 the Salesians were established throughout the world, including Colombia, China, India, South Africa, Tunisia, Venezuela and the United States. The congregation continued to spread so rapidly that it soon became the third largest among men's Catholic orders. Its works expanded to include trade, agricultural and academic schools; seminaries; recreational centres and youth clubs in large cities; summer camps and parishes.

How we celebrated the Feast

Don Bosco has once said: “my children, jump, run, play and make all the noise you want but avoid sin like the plague and you will surely gain heaven.” He was always keen on bringing the Salesian spirit of joy and he would use every Sunday and Feast Day to do just that. But he probably never thought that one of the most joyful celebrations in the calendar is going to be the Feast celebrated in his own honour.

31st January is one of those occasions that always puts a smile on your face. This is the day when we remember our Founder, the Father and Teacher of the young, Saint John Bosco. Salesian communities in the UK and all across the world mark this day in a special way.

Here in Bootle, our celebrations in fact began a few days early. This is because in our parish the Feast has been transferred to the nearest Sunday, to give an opportunity to as many parishioners as possible to take part. And it was a truly memorable day. We have noticed many new faces in the church, especially the young people. Fr Brian McGraw presided over the Mass and it was great to see many young people participating and joining our parish community for this special celebration.

After the Mass together with our Youth Active Team we have taken a group of young people to the cinema and for a meal. As recently there was the 15th anniversary of  Kung-Fu Panda movie, we have decided to watch the new remake of the film. It was great fun! A meal at McDonalds afterwards completed the day. Viva Don Bosco!

The following day celebration continued in school. This year it was particularly important because our Salesian school has recently began a new chapter and it is now known as “The Salesian Academy of Saint John Bosco”. The Feast gave us a chance to introduce our Patron Saint to the young people and the staff, especially those who have joined us more recently. A service with the staff, school assemblies and celebrations in classrooms were all filled with joy.

One of the moments that I have especially appreciated was the chaplaincy celebration for the students of our Bosco Group. Students  were sharing refreshments and watching the movie: “Don Bosco – the Magic Saint”. It is a really good production based on the play about the life of Don Bosco. Big thank you to the Salesian Youth Ministry Office for created this resource! The students thoroughly enjoyed the film and it was a great opportunity to learn and have fun. Finally, at the end of the day, our school youth club had its own special time. This was a surprise party prepared by Bro Nhan, and was greatly appreciated by the students.

What a great day, and what a great time! As we celebrate the Feast of St Jon Bosco, may he continue to guide us and pray for us. May we continue to live out our Salesian mission through our service and our love.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Please Note

On Tuesday this week, 31st January, the Parish Mass will be at 10am NOT 7pm. This is just for one week. Apologies for any inconvenience this causes.

Funerals 

The Funeral Mass for Alec Stewart will take place here in St James’ on Monday 30th January at 12.45pm. Please remember Alec and his family in your prayers.

The Funeral Mass for Margaret Lyon will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 2nd February at 11.30am. Please pray for the repose of Margaret’s soul and the comfort of her family.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The call of the disciples has changed their lives forever. They are not only to hear the word of God but act on it. So the first disciples leave everything and follow Jesus. Jesus will go on to teach the disciples a new way of life, for they cannot be open to the work of God unless they have their ears opened by his Word. Jesus recognises our skills. We have our own mission, given to us by Jesus, and we are part of Sacred Space. We pray, ‘Jesus, show me what I need to leave behind to be a good disciple. Do not let me fall far behind you and lose sight of you. Keep me close.’

An Update from the Deanery Synodal Council

A lot has happened since Archbishop Malcolm began Synod 2020 back in October 2018, so you could be forgiven for thinking that it had all gone away, but the opposite is true. Each deanery now has a Deanery Synodal Council, with representatives from each parish attending meetings every six to eight weeks. These councils  have been formed to contribute to the delivery of the pastoral plan at local level. We aim to do this by working in partnership with all the parishes in our deanery and by collaborating effectively with clergy to make improvements and get ready for the future whatever it may bring. In the year to come we plan create opportunities to bring people together from across the Deanery to celebrate the good work already being done in our parishes and to actively explore how we can share best practice and cooperate to better serve our communities and relieve pressure on our priests. We would love to get feedback from you, in fact, it is essential that you let us know what you think and feel so that any decisions made about future changes are fully informed by what God is saying through his people. You have been steadfast in your support for our church so far, now you have a chance to be directly involved in planning for and shaping the future. I look forward to speaking to you soon.

Knock Pilgrimages 

Escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Ireland, 26th June 2023.  £699.00 per person sharing. Price includes flight, all transfers, 4 nights’ in Knock House Hotel with full board.  All entertainment and excursions included.  Day trips to Westport, Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Fr. Peyton Centre & National Museum.  Single supplement £150.00.  Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email  knockpilgrimages@gmail.com. 

Feast of Saint John Bosco  

Next Sunday we will be celebrating the Feast of Saint John Bosco, as it’s the Sunday nearest to the actual Feast day (31st). The readings and prayers will be from the Mass of Saint John Bosco.

SPUC

The second collection this weekend is for the work of SPUC  (Society for the Protection of Unborn Children). Cards mentioning the White Flower Appeal are available at the back of Church.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The Bishops of England and Wales invite us to make today a day of prayer for peace and to reflect on the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the annual World Day of Peace (yet to be announced). Much has changed in the twelve months since we last celebrated ‘Peace Sunday’. War returned to our continent last February with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Then in November the COP27 talks in Egypt brought new focus on the existential threat that climate change brings to many communities—especially the poorest—due to deforestation, desertification, extreme weather events and sea-level rise. Present conflict and the prospect of future conflict both lie before us as we begin a new year.

All the more reason then to proclaim Christ once more as Prince of Peace and to entrust our world to his mercy.

Sacrament of Confirmation

The website for registration for the Sacrament of Confirmation will open on 16th January and close on 17th March. Any young person in Year 8 can register for Sacramental preparation from the link below. While the registration period is open, Animate will visit schools in the diocese to promote the Sacrament. At the same time schools will teach about the sacrament in their RE classes.

Funeral 

The Funeral Service for Val Watson will take place here in St James’ on Monday 16th January at 1pm.
Please pray for the repose of Val’s soul and the comfort of her family.    

A Big Thank You  

Deacon Mike Bennett would like to thank all those who sponsored him for his walk. The grand total raised was £290. Thanks to all those who contributed!

The Baptism of the Lord

Reflection

Baptism was not over and done with the day we were taken to the font. We are baptised by all that happens to us in life. We are baptised by hardship; in its turbulent waters we are purified of all that is false and useless. We are baptised by suffering; in its murky waters we grow in humility and compassion. We are baptised by joy; in its gurgling waters we experience the goodness of life. We are baptised by love; in its singing waters we blossom like flowers in the sun. Baptism is like the planting of a seed. It will take a lifetime for this seed to grow and ripen.

Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict

The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool will celebrate Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Tuesday 10th January at 7pm. All are welcome to attend.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Paul Anthony Calland will take place here at St James’ at 1pm on Tuesday 10th January followed by interment at Bootle Cemetery at 2pm.

Please pray for the repose of Paul’s soul and the comfort of his family.

Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Today we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord. Fr Brian, Fr Jim and the whole Salesian Community at St James’ would like to wish all our Parishioners a very Happy and Joy-filled Christmas. May God bless your families with peace and rest and may Santa be good to you!

Message from Archbishop Malcolm

Our times may be uncertain, and our Christmas may be different this year but the reason for our celebrations remains unchanged. Our annual celebration of Christmas is one of love and peace and nothing can change that. We believe that our love for one another is a sign of God’s love for us - ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son’ – and through our celebrations we give thanks to God for sending us Jesus, born of Mary in Bethlehem, announced by the angels, and visited by those shepherds and later by wise men. It is the love of God that shines through this great feast, and we show that love by the ways in which we reach out to those around us. To our relatives and friends, to those alone at Christmas, to those in need who have much less than ourselves and by the way in which we welcome those seeking refuge in our country. May this Christmas be a time of hope for us all. I wish you a happy, peaceful and blessed Christmas.

Guiding Star

Lord, the sight of the guiding star brought hope, courage and joy to those who had journeyed to find you. When our journey seems long, when hope seems far away, when our courage is failing fill us with faith and trust; shine your light on our fears, lift our hearts with your joy. Help us to recognise you in our brothers and sisters throughout the world; show us how we can work together so that we may all come to share in the life promised to us by Jesus, the Saviour of us all. Amen

4th Sunday of Advent

Reflection

As Christmas approaches, people’s hopes soar. However the substance of these hopes is often dictated by commercial interests. Little wonder, then, that when the sun goes down on Christmas Day, many feel disappointed. Those who pin their hopes on what the merchants promise will always be disappointed. Not because they promise too little but too much—of the wrong thing. What our hearts long for is a taste of what the angels announced to the shepherds: ‘Behold, I bring news of great joy; today a saviour has been born to you.’ This joy is the real hope of Christmas. Let us open our hearts to receive it.

Christmas Mass Times

Saturday, 24th December 2022
7:30pm - First Mass of Christmas

Sunday, 25th December 2022
10:30am - Christmas day Mass

Friday, 30th December 2022
10:00am - Mass of The Holy Family

Saturday, 31st December 2022
6:30pm - Vigil of Mary the Mother of God

Sunday, 1st January 2023
10:30am - Mary the Mother of God

Tuesday, 3rd January 2023
10:00am - The Most Holy Name of Jesus

Friday, 6th January 2023
10:00am and 7pm - Mass of the Epiphany

The rest of the Masses at normal times. At the back of the church there is also a small leaflet which gives the above Mass times. Feel free to take a leaflet home for your information.

Confession for Christmas

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available on Wednesday 21st December between 11.30am and 12.30pm. The Sacrament is, of course, available any time on request.

CAFOD Christmas Fun Run

 As usual this will take place on 27th December at Wavertree Athletics Stadium, Wellington Road, Liverpool, L15 4LE. Registration is at 10am for 11am start. Click the link below for more information.

Churches together Carols

 Churches Together in Bootle are Carol Singing in ASDA on Monday 19th December between 6pm and 7pm. If anyone would like to join us, we would be delighted to see you.

3rd Sunday of Advent

Reflection

John the Baptist was no reed swaying in the wind. A reed swaying in the wind is a symbol of those who are easily influenced, who go along with whatever is popular and who have no convictions of their own.
But the humble reed can teach us something. The fact that it is light means that it is at the mercy of every wind that blows. But it has great strength too. The greatest storm cannot uproot it, even when giant oaks come crashing down, the slender reed still stands secure.

Lord, teach us that there is strenght in weakness and suppleness and give us the wisdom to know when to bend and when to stand firm.

Carols by Candlelight

There is a Carols by Candlelight service to be held on Wednesday 14th December at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, L22 1RD. All are welcome. There is no charge but any donations are gratefully received. To book send an email to jenny@irenaeus.co.uk

CAFOD Advent prayers and resources

 'Pray this Advent' and 'Prayers for Christmas' Daily Advent calendar reflections are available on the CAFOD's website. You can receive them straight to your inbox if you sign up from the link below

Justice and Peace Advent Reflection Resources

 Prepared for the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales, this has an A4 sheet for each week of Advent on the themes: living in harmony with nature; inviting Christ into our lives; waiting with joyful expectation; and bringing hope. Visit the link below to download.