St James Bootle
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
St James Bootle
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
St James Bootle
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
St James Bootle
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
St James Bootle
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Peter has been called a stumbling saint. He is a great consolation to us because courage fails us all. All of us are mere mortals who are inconstant in our beliefs. We must learn to forgive ourselves momentary weaknesses and failures. We need to surmount these things and see the world in less rigid terms. We must not judge ourselves, or others, by momentary inconsistencies but rather by commitment given over a long time. Jesus was well aware of Peter’s faults but he saw that, in spite of everything, his heart was sound. Which meant he had the ability to love and in the long run, love is what counts.


Lourdes Reunion Mass  

St Mary's Church in St Helens will be holding a Lourdes Reunion Mass on Sunday 10th September. The Mass is open to everyone and all are welcome, but it is aimed at those who went to Lourdes this year. Please share the details with your congregation: It's on Sunday 10th September 2023 at St Mary’s Church, Lowe House, St Helens WA10 2BE at 5pm.


RCIA

All RCIA coordinators are invited to a meeting with the RCIA core group for training, updates and a general catch-up. Dates and locations:

  • 18 September: 6.45pm - 8pm - St Joseph’s Church, Wrightington, WN6 9PA

  • 25 September 6.45pm - 8pm - St Bede’s Guild Hall, Widnes, WA8 6EL

  • 30 September 11am -12.30pm - Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, L3 5TQ

Please email rcia@rcaol.org.uk to sign up for the event. We have 5 candidates for this year’s course. There is still time to join if you wish to. See Rita or Fr Duggan for details  

Two new community members 

Fr Provincial sent word today that two new brothers will join our community in the next few weeks. Bro David Maric from Croatia and Bro Solomon Tivlumum from Nigeria.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net cast into the sea which catches all kinds of fish. When it is full, the fisherman hauls it ashore. Then he sits down and sorts out the good fish from the bad. The good he keeps, the worthless he throws away. In a sense all of us are fishers. Each day we cast our net into the sea of life and at the end of the day we have a catch, sometimes small, sometimes large. May we take time to sift through that catch and may you, Lord, give us the wisdom to know shat to keep and what to throw away.


Farewell  

Farewell to Brother Nhan and Brother Reuben who are soon to leave our Salesian community. After the summer holidays they will be in London to continue their priestly studies. We wish them all the best and thank them for all their work while they’ve been here.

St Margaret Clitheroe Centre 

At the Centre, our officers are here to support all of our parishes and clergy. We welcome any questions or ideas from anyone. Please send any questions or ideas to communications@rcaol.org.uk and we will collate all submissions and share them in our communications to you. We can’t guarantee to implement all ideas, but we will discuss all at our monthly SMT meetings.

Salesian magazine 

The latest copy of the Salesian magazine is available, free, from the back of church. Please help yourselves to a copy.

Summer Parish Camp at St James’, Bootle

Summer holidays lift the spirits. There is time to relax, explore new places, and meet with friends. It can also be a time of spiritual renewal, as we now have more time to pray. Ideally, the two things could be put together. And what better way to do that than a parish camp? In July a group of young people from Bootle did just that, as they joined the parish summer camp organised by St James’, Bootle.

Each day of the camp was different but had a common start. We would always start with a moment of prayer led by Bro Nhan and Bro Reuben. The Salesian brothers led the reflection and invited us to raise our minds and hearts to God. This was followed by a catechism session from Fr Jacob. We have spent some time reflecting about questions such us: why did God make us, how can we serve Him and how can we show our love for neighbour. Catechism finished, we headed to the church to assist at the parish Mass.

The Eucharist was without a doubt the most important part of each day. It was an opportunity to meet with Our Lord in the moment of quiet and prayer and to unite with Him. Don Bosco used to say: “If you want many graces, pay many visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; if you want few graces, pay him few”. Our daily visits during Mass were certainly rewarded, because what followed was a time of joy, friendship and great happiness felt by all.

After Mass there was a trip, a different place each day. On Wednesday we went to Southport. We have started with a game of bowling. It’s true, you don’t need rippling muscles, or to run fast, or to be able to do a handstand to enjoy bowling. But it’s very exciting, nevertheless. Before long, a new talent was discovered - Bro Reuben beat everyone by 50 points! What followed was a game of laser tag. And this time the young people were definitely at an advantage. After thirty minutes of jumping, moving and ducking it was clear that they are unbeatable, and the team of staff had no chance. We all had a great time and it was a great bonding experience.

After the games we headed to Nandos for lunch. This is a South African chain that specialises in Portuguese flame-grilled chicken. The food can be very spicy, but most of us went for a mild option. There was a great atmosphere. We were still talking about bro Reuben’s bowling achievements when our chicken arrived. Great time, lots of laughter, a great way to end the day.

The following day we headed to Speke, an area in the far south of Liverpool. This is the home of Ninja Warriors obstacle assault course, as seen on the popular TV show. The young people spent the whole afternoon exploring the inflatable park and tackling the huge selection of obstacles and challenges. The course had varied difficulty levels so everyone found something that helped them master their inner Ninja. We have finished the day with a meal, full of excitement and grateful for the time spent together.

The final day of our camp had something very unique to offer – a Virtual Reality experience. This involves wearing a head-set that allows you to see and experience different places as if you were there.  While different rides were available, our personal favourite was the Rollercoaster Simulator. This brought us virtually 400ft above the beautiful Liverpool City centre. The experience was very believable and immersive. People held tight to the moving chairs, while taking in the views before plummeting down vertical drops, loops and corkscrews. A very unique experience, indeed! Other rides included Star Wars, diving under the ocean and a ghost train. A lot of fun!

We finished the day with a meal from McDonalds, the camp was now complete. We are very grateful to all those who supported us and made it possible to run all the activities we have planned. In a particular way we want to thank the Salesian Youth Ministry Office. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Salesian Academy of St John Bosco and the Parish of St James’. Thank you also to our local Youth Active Team for their presence and support throughout the camp and of course to our Salesian Brothers - Nhan and Reuben. Our young people had a fabulous time and it wouldn’t be possible without you, may God bless you!

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Reflecting on the years he spent in labour camps, Alexander Solzhenitzyn has this to say: I learnt one great lesson from my years in prison camps. I learnt how a person becomes evil and how he becomes good. Gradually I came to realise that the line which separates good from evil passes not between states, or between classes, or between political parties but right through every human heart. Even in hearts that are overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained and in the best of all hearts, there remains an unuprooted small corner of evil.

St James' Parish Camp  

Congratulations to the 16 young people who have completed our summer parish camp last week. It was lovely to see them in church and out and about going on different trips for the last few days. Each day they had an opportunity to pray together, assist at Mass, do catechism lessons as well as have a lot of fun at the trips and games organised by our team. We hope that it was an opportunity to grow in Christian faith and build new friendships. A big thank you also to our Youth Active Team for their support and presence!

Thank you

Many people congratulated and thanked us for the brilliant way we prepared for, and staged, the Ordination and First Mass last weekend. This was the result of some very hard work over a period of months, as well as more sustained work in the days leading up to the events. I would like to thank all those involved in the preparation. You did a marvellous job and I thank you for your generosity. For fear of leaving anyone out, I won’t name names. But you know who you are, and you should be proud of yourselves. The Parish of Saint James is now firmly on the map!

Click the link below to watch Fr Ste's first Mass.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The word of God is to the human heart what seed is to the earth. However, just as a seed needs soil, so the word needs a receptive heart. The earth responds to the rain and sun so that even the desert blooms. But the arid human heart has the power to resist so that it remains barren. Lord, soften our hearts with your grace, open them with your gentle love, so that the precious seed of your word may take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives.


Congratulations!  

Congratulations to Fr Ste Lloyd SDB who was Ordained to the priesthood yesterday here in St James’. We ask God to bless him with health and perseverance and many fruitful years as a Salesian priest.

A sincere thank you to all those in the Parish who worked so hard to prepare for the big day. Your selfless work was much appreciated. Reminder: after Fr Ste’s First Mass this morning, there will be refreshments in All Saints school just opposite the Church.

Click the link below to watch the Ordination Mass.

Vacancies at the Archdiocese

We are currently advertising a number of chaplaincy posts, a Maintenance Assistant, a Governance Professional and a Finance Business Partner. If you’re interested in working for the Archdiocese, you can find an up-to-date list of vacancies at the link below.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." When the burden is so heavy that prayers cannot even be formed, lean on him. When you are too weary to lift your head, rest it on his shoulder, knowing that somehow your burden will be shared, lifted and eventually eased. He has said so, and he is faithful to his promises. Lord, let me share your work. Open my eyes to the burdens borne by others. Help me to be a channel of your peace.


Congratulations!  

We congratulate Bro Reuben and Bro Nhan as they make their perpetual profession as Salesian of Don Bosco.  May God bless them in their future ministry!

Click the link below to watch the Mass:

Below are the photos from the Mass:



Funerals

The funeral service for Bobby Woolrich will take place here in St James’ on Monday 10th July at 11.30am. Please remember Bobby and his family in your prayers.

The funeral service for Mary Daniels will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 13th July at 2pm. Please pray for the repose of Mary’s soul.




Ordination Matters 

Just to remind you that on the day of the Ordination, Saturday 15th July, there will be no evening Mass that day here in St James’. It will be a very busy day.

Also, on Sunday 16th, after Fr Ste’s First Mass, there will be refreshments in All Saints school (just across from the Church) after the Mass.

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Much of our lives is spent in keeping people out. We have private houses, private clubs, and so on. Of course there are times when we need to be alone. Yet there is a sense in which our size as human beings can be measured by the circles we draw to to take other people in: the smaller the circle, the smaller the person. A strong person isn’t afraid of people who are different. A wise person welcomes them. By shutting other people out we deny ourselves the riches of other people’s experience. We starve our minds, and harden our hearts. In the beginning God gave the earth its shape. He made it round. He included everybody. So should we.


Perpetual Professions  

On Sunday 9th July, Bro Nhan and Bro Reuben will be making their Perpetual Profession as Salesians at the 10.30am Mass here in St James’. Fr Provincial and other Salesian guests will be joining us for the occasion. Please keep Bros Nhan and Reuben in your prayers at this important time in their Salesian lives.


Sacrament of Confirmation

The young people from our deanery will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in St Monica’s Church on the following dates: Sunday 9th July, Tuesday 11th July and Thursday 13th July. All the services are at 7pm. Archbishop Malcolm is Confirming on the Sunday, and Bishop Tom Neylon on the other two occasions. Please say a prayer for all the Candidates.


Ordination Matters 

On the day of the Ordination, Saturday 15th July, there will be no evening Mass here in St James. It will be a long and busy day for many people, and we need to leave the Church more or less the same for the First Mass on the Sunday. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes. Also, please note that this Sunday is the last day to sign up to go to the reception!

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

I rise today with God’s strength to direct me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eyes to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to uphold me,
God’s pathway before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me
—from temptations,
from one man or many
that seek to destroy me.
Amen.

Perpetual Professions  

July 9th:  Final Profession of Bros Nhan and Reuben, 10.30 Mass.

Holyday of Obligation

Thursday of this week is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul and is a Holyday of Obligation. Masses as usual at 10am and 7pm. There is also a Second Collection for Peter’s Pence.

Brother Ste’s ordination 

As I mentioned last week, would those intending to go to the reception after the Ordination please put your names on the list at the back of Church. This is for catering numbers. All are welcome to come to the Ordination Mass. Also, this weekend is your last chance to contribute to Ste’s gift from the Parish. Envelopes still available.

Thank you 

Ann Kirby would like to thank everyone for their generosity. We raised £300 to send a young person to Lourdes. Special thanks to Jean and Mamma Margaret’s pensioners.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Jesus doesn’t call the trained, he trains the called, just like in today’s gospel. Jesus didn’t wait until the disciples were fully trained before sending them out into the world to do his will, part of their training would be hands on experience and this is true for all of us today as well. The best way to learn to become the person the good Lord has called us to be is to simply take the first step. The rest will come, for we do not guide our lives on our own, but rely on Jesus Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit to help guide us in all that we do.


Day For Life  

This year the Day for Life seeks to highlight the trauma caused by abortion. The theme is “Listen to Her”. The message is an invitation to listen to the voice and story of a young Catholic woman who was suffering after an abortion and found healing. With her consent, we are able to highlight the distress which she suffered and how she found healing. We were inspired towards this message from a number of experiences: the ever-rising number of abortions in these countries, the introduction and impact of “tele-medicine after the COVID 19 pandemic, and the stories of post-abortive trauma which we have heard. (Bishop John Sherington) For the message and more information click the link below.

Second collection today for day for life.

Funeral

The Funeral Service for Peter Cheshire will take place here in St James’ on Friday 23rd June at 1.15pm. Please pray for the repose of Peter’s soul.

Brother Ste’s ordination 

Just a reminder that contributions to Ste’s gift need to be in by the end of June. Envelopes still available at the back of Church.

Could I also ask that those of you who intend to come to the reception after the Ordination, to put your names on the list at the back of Church. This is for catering numbers.

Everyone is welcome to come to the Ordination Mass.

Drop In 

Have you a free hour on a Monday? Why not come to our drop in for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee, 12.30-2.30 at the Brunny Community Club. All welcome. This week: general quiz.

Corpus Christi

Reflection

“Blessed are the hungry; they shall get their fill.”
It is in our emptiness that we are filled.
It is in our confusions that we are guided.
It is in our weakness that we are strengthened.
It is in our sins that we are forgiven.
It is in our hunger that we are fed.
We believe that God has a homeland prepared for us where all our hungers will be satisfied and all our hopes will be fulfilled.
This conviction makes it possible for us to travel onwards with an ache in our hearts and an unquenchable longing in our souls.

Raffle  

Ann Kirby is having a small raffle this weekend to send a young person to Lourdes.
Please help her if you can.

Second Collection

 There is a mandatory second collection for “Day for Life” next weekend.

Brother Ste’s ordination 

Just a reminder that contributions to Ste’s gift need to be in by the end of June. Envelopes still available at the back of Church.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Reg Leech will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 13th June at 11.30am. Please remember Reg and his family in your prayers.