1st Sunday of Advent

Reflection

It is said that while there is life there is hope. This has an even deeper meaning in reverse: While there is hope there is life. Hope is strength. It inspires the will to live. It is the doctor’s most powerful ally. It is a shield against defeat and failure. It revives ideals and renews dreams. As long as there is hope, no situation is impossible. Advent summons us to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In the final analysis, he is our hope.

A Family Christmas Concert

By Liverpool Brass Band, featuring St Anne’s (Stanley) Junior Mixed and Infant School Choir, and Rainhill Hi Notes Community Choir, at St Francis de Sales, 7.00-9.00pm, Friday 8th December 2023. Entry £5.00. (Concessions: £4.00; Children under 16 years free). All welcome.

Families of Parishes 

Do you want to know about Families of Parishes? Did you miss the roadshows that took place recently? Join a Zoom meeting led by Fr Philip Inch and Fr Matthew Nunes at 7.00pm on Wednesday 6th December.

Meet Our Salesian Brothers 

This year our Salesian Community in Bootle was very pleased to welcome two Salesian Brothers. David Marić and Solomon Tivlumun became a part of our community in September and will be with us for a year. We have asked them to tell us a little bit about themselves and their Salesian journey so far.

Funeral 

The Funeral Service for Tony Winsor will take place here in St James’ on Friday 8th December at 12 noon.
Please remember Tony and his family in your prayers.

Christ the King

Reflection

Mother Teresa said: “Many today are starving for ordinary bread but there is another kind of hunger—the hunger to be wanted, to be loved, to be recognised. Nakedness too is not just the want of clothes but also about loss of dignity, purity and self-respect. Homelessness is not just want of a house; there is the homelessness of being rejected, of being unwanted in a throwaway society. The biggest disease in the world today is the feeling of being unwanted and uncared for. The greatest evil in the world is lack of love, the terrible indifference towards one’s neighbour.” Lord, warm our cold hearts with your grace, so that we, your disciples, may produce the fruits of love.

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Farewell

We say farewell and best wishes to Fr Jim as he moves to Bolton in the next few days. We thank him for his generous and thoughtful ministry among us, and we will miss him. Please keep him in your prayers.

A Family Christmas Concert 

By Liverpool Brass Band, featuring St Anne’s (Stanley) Junior Mixed and Infant School Choir, and Rainhill Hi Notes Community Choir, at St Francis de Sales, 7.00-9.00.pm, Friday 8th December 2023. Entry £5.00. (Concessions: £4.00; Children under 16 years free). All welcome.

Second Collection

This weekend is Youth Sunday, and there is a second collection for the work of Animate Youth.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

I have not the fine audacity of men
Who have mastered the pen
Or the purse.
The complexes of many slaves are in my verse.
When I straighten my shoulders to look at the world boldly
I see talent coldly
Damning me to stooped attrition.
Mine was a beggar’s mission
To dreams of beauty I should have been born blind.
I should have been content to walk behind
Watching the reflection of God’s delight:
A second hand teller of the story
A second hand glory.
It was not my right
That my mind should have echoed life’s overtones
That I should have seen a flower
Petalled in mighty power.

(From The complete poems of
Patrick Kavanagh, 1984, Goldsmith Press)

Memorial Mass reminder

Just to remind you that our Memorial Mass will take place here in St James’ next Saturday, 25th November, at 11am. Please join us to pray for those who have died in the last year, and for any of your loved ones you want to remember.

50th Anniversary of Irish in Britain 

Irish in Britain celebrates its 50th anniversary with an ambitious heritage project made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This heritage showcase will tour throughout November and also be available online from 1st November. The exhibition is free and the Liverpool venue is from 8-11 November at The Florrie, 377 Mill Street, Dingle, L8 4RF accessible via 204 and 82 bus routes and Brunswick train station. Click the link below to learn more.

Second Collection 

Next Sunday, the Feast of Christ the King, is Youth Sunday, and there is a second collection for the work of Animate Youth.

Our New Salesian Brothers

This year our Salesian Community in Bootle is very pleased to welcome two Salesian Brothers. David Marić and Solomon Tivlumun became a part of our community in September and will be with us for a year. They are involved in the parish and at the Salesian Academy of St John Bosco, sharing their Salesian charism and joy with great optimism and care. We have asked them to tell us a little bit about themselves and their Salesian journey so far.

Hello everyone!

I am Aondoaseer Solomon Tivlumun from the beautiful Benue State in the heart of North Central Nigeria. My journey with the Salesians began after completing my secondary education while working in my hometown. On the memorable day of September 8, 2017, I joyfully professed my first vows as a Salesian of Don Bosco, marking the beginning of a remarkable chapter in my life.

I later embarked on a new phase of my mission, arriving in the United Kingdom in October 2022, to further my Salesian formation. My enriching experiences at Thornleigh, Bolton, prepared me for my current assignment in the welcoming Salesian Community in Bootle.

Here, I am wholeheartedly immersing myself in the local culture and various facets of life, enhancing my ability to serve effectively within the Salesian mission in the United Kingdom.

I earnestly pray for the continuous growth of the Salesian mission in this country, aspiring for more young hearts to embrace and cherish the boundless love of God. Looking forward to connecting and sharing inspiring moments with each of you!

Warm regards,

Aondoaseer Solomon Tivlumun, SDB

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Pictured above: the school and youth centre where Bro Solomon used to work before arriving in the UK

Hello, everyone!

My name is David Marić, and I am excited to share a glimpse of my journey with you. Hailing from Croatia, I was born into a large Catholic family in a quaint village nestled in the heart of the Dalmatian hinterland. While my early spiritual upbringing was influenced by the strong Franciscan presence in my diocesan parish, it was encountering a Salesian priest within my community that truly ignited my passion for a life devoted to God and service to youth.

Inspired by the exemplary life of this Salesian, I embarked on my vocation journey after completing high school, eagerly following the path of Don Bosco. In September 2020, I officially became a part of the Salesian family, subsequently continuing my philosophical studies both in Rome and back home in Croatia.

As part of my ongoing formation, I had the privilege of spending a transformative year engaging in practical training within one of Croatia’s largest parishes.

There I had the honour of overseeing the activities of the Oratory, a vibrant Youth Centre within the parish. Interacting daily with young minds, the Oratory in Jarun fostered a diverse community of over 300 active members aged between 15 and 30. I worked closely with a team of 120 animators, collectively dedicated to imparting the values of faith, joy, and friendship through a range of engaging programs and events.

The invaluable experiences shared with these young individuals have not only enriched my personal journey but have deepened my commitment to the mission of Don Bosco. Presently, as I find myself in Bootle, embracing the upcoming year of practical training in the parish and at the Salesian Academy of St John Bosco, I eagerly anticipate the path that lies ahead, cherishing every step, every encounter, and every opportunity that the Lord graciously presents before me.

Thank you for allowing me to share a glimpse of my story with you all. Looking forward to seeing you around!

David Marić, SDB

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Pictured above: the school and youth centre where Bro David used to work before arriving in the UK

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

The foolish have no oil in their lamps. They burn themselves out through a life of self-seeking and dedication to worldly cares and vanities. They do not even think of the Lord, much less wait for his coming. The wise, on the other hand, have oil in their lamps. They are detached from themselves and from the cares of the world and are full of charity. They are waiting for the Lord and desire nothing else but his coming. Let us keep our minds alight with faith, our souls alive with hope and our hearts alight with love as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Honouring Service

In 2023 we are remembering and honouring Service. Service, the act of defending and protecting the nation’s democratic freedoms and way of life, is rarely without cost to those who serve. Physical, mental or emotional injury or trauma; the absence of time with loved ones; or the pressures that come from serving, highlight why the Remembrance of service is so important. This year we mark significant anniversaries united by the theme of ‘Service’. On the 70th anniversary of the armistice which ended the fighting of the Korean War, we pay tribute to the British and Commonwealth forces who served in almost unimaginable conditions. We also honour the contribution of the generation in uniform who undertook National Service, 60 years after the last serviceman was demobbed. On the 75th anniversary of the arrival of settlers from the Caribbean on the Empire Windrush, we explore the connections between the Armed Forces and the Windrush Generation, and mark their service and the part they played in rebuilding post war Britain. We further explore and remember the contribution of personnel of Commonwealth heritage with our support of South Asian Heritage Month and Black History Month where personal stories bring to life the experiences of those who served.

50th Anniversary of Irish in Britain 

Irish in Britain celebrates its 50th anniversary with an ambitious heritage project made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This heritage showcase will tour throughout November and also be available online from 1st November. The exhibition is free and the Liverpool venue is from 8-11 November at The Florrie, 377 Mill Street, Dingle, L8 4RF accessible via 204 and 82 bus routes and Brunswick train station. Click the link below to learn more.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

A peacock’s feathers are very colourful; they are worn more for show than for warmth. The Pharisees wore their virtue for show; they wanted to be seen and praised by others. They were more concerned with appearing good than with really being good. Today there is great emphasis on appearances. The image is more important than the reality. We may deceive others but we cannot deceive God. But then it would be foolish even to try. We don’t have to put on an outward show, or pretend to be what we are not. All we have to do is try to be true to what we are—God’s sons and daughters. Lord, help us to shun all falsity and pretence and to live a life of genuine goodness. Then our deeds will flow from what we are, as naturally as good fruit from a good tree.

Memorial Mass

Our annual Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 25th November at 11am. This is when we invite the families of those who have died in the last year to come and remember them and pray for them during this special Mass. Everyone in the Parish is welcome to join us and pray for their own deceased family members.

Visitation Reminder 

Our Salesian Regional Superior, Fr Roman Jachimowicz, is making a flying visitation of our Province in early November. He is going to be in Bootle on 6th and 7th November to visit our Community. As part of the visit, he would like to meet the members of our newly reformed Parish Team and the Salesian Cooperators. This meeting will be on Monday 6th November at 7pm. Can I ask those two groups to do their best to be there to meet Fr Roman. Thank you.

Funeral 

The funeral Service for John Lynch will take place here in St James’ on Friday 10th November at 12 noon.
Please remember John and his family in your prayers.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

To separate the two great commandments is a tragedy and goes clean contrary to the gospel. Yet unfortunately this often happens. Those who have faith often have no love, and those who love often have no faith. Thus the gospel has been torn in two. Jesus spoke of two great commandments. The first—that we should love God. The second—that we should love out neighbour. He didn’t say they were the same thing, but that they are like two sides of the one coin. If we want the total gospel we must have both. He himself showed us how to do this.

Memorial Mass

Our annual Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 25th November at 11am. This is when we invite the families of those who have died in the last year to come and remember them and pray for them during this special Mass. Everyone in the Parish is welcome to join us and pray for their own deceased family members.

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. Like last year, 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.

Holiday of Obligation 

Wednesday of this week is the Feast of All Saints and is a Holiday of Obligation. Parish Masses will be at 10am and 7pm as usual.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Thomas Shildhauer will take place here in St James’ on Friday 3rd November at 12.15 pm.

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

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Jesus affirms the need to fulfil our civic duties, but even more so – as creatures who are bearers of God’s image – we are called to go beyond the law showing love, mercy and justice to our neighbour.

Dear Lord, help us to fulfil our civic duties towards one another and towards the common good. Help us to remember that every person is made in your image, and every part of creation reflects your glory. Inspire us to use our civil rights to advocate for the flourishing of all peoples. Amen.

World Mission Sunday

Today is World Mission Sunday. It supports missionaries who work alongside communities that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. By supporting Missio, the Pope’s charity for world mission, you will help missionaries like Sr Mary in Kenya who has given her whole life to bring the love and hope of Jesus to situations of poverty and injustice. Please pray for the mission of the Church throughout the world and give what you can to this very important collection which will sustain the future of our Church. If you use the donation envelopes to give by credit/debit card, please return the envelopes directly to Missio. Do not put them in the Church collection. Please call 020 7821 9755 (office hours) or visit Missio’s website from the link below, to give a single gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if possible.

Message from Fr Jim 

Most of you will have noticed that I have been having mobility problems for the last year, and treatment to help is not coming any time soon. After talking to my Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, it was decided that I would move to the Salesian Community in Bolton. This will happen on the last weekend in November. Although I will be sad to leave, I feel this is the best solution for my ongoing health situation. Please keep me in your prayers. Fr Jim.

Salesian Visitation 

Our Salesian Regional Superior, Fr Roman Jachimowicz, is making a flying visitation of our Province in early November. He is going to be in Bootle on 6th and 7th November to visit our Community. As part of the visit, he would like to meet the members of our newly reformed Parish Team and the Salesian Cooperators. This meeting will be on Monday 6th November at 7pm. Can I ask those two groups to do their best to be there to meet Fr Roman. Thank you.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

God’s call comes to us in many ways and at many different levels. However, his call is not so much a voice as a tug at our hearts, which we feel at quiet and reflective moments in our lives. He is calling us to a deeper and more authentic life. He is calling us into intimacy with himself. He is calling us into community with others. And at death he will call us into eternal life. To accept means to admit our need. Jesus said, “Woe to you who are full now, for you will go hungry. But blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.” A sense of something missing in our lives is not a curse but a blessing. A spiritual hunger is God’s way of inviting us to his banquet.

Lourdes Youth Pilgrimage

The Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes is now open for applications for young people aged Y10 up to the age of 22. Cost is £700 with fundraising and support available.  Please consider being part of this life-changing experience and click the link below to apply.  Sefton Coach 7 is your local group taking young people to Lourdes from across our area every July.  If you want more information email coach7@animateyouth.net or search for us on social media.  Places are limited so please apply soon!

Mission Sunday 

Next Sunday is Mission Sunday and there is a mandatory second collection for World Missions.

Funeral 

The funeral service for Lee Dickinson will take place herein St James’ on Wednesday 18th October at 1pm.
Please pray for the repose of Lee’s soul and the comfort of his family.

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

Lord, you planted me on this earth. You fenced me around with the love of family and friends. Their care towered over me. In the shelter of this tower I grew up in safety and peace. I put out early blossoms; I filled up with leaves. People had great hopes for me. You had great hopes for me. But now the year of my life is passing. The harvest is approaching. What fruit have I to show? What if, after all this care, I had nothing to offer but sour grapes? May you , Lord, have mercy on me, and with your patient urging help me to produce the fruits of love.

Prisoners’ Sunday

Prisoners’ Sunday is the national day of prayer and action for prisoners and their dependants as marked by the Catholic Church and across the Christian denominations. It is a day to direct our thoughts and prayers to prisoners, their families and children. Prisoners’ Sunday is the time to reflect on how we as individuals, as a Church and as a community are serving those affected by imprisonment.

Prisoners’ families, prisoners and people with previous convictions often find themselves on the margins of society due to the social stigma associated with imprisonment. They are often forgotten or come lower down on the list of causes to ‘hold a hand out to’. But the gospel of Matthew 25: 36 reminds us of our duties towards them:

PACTs work embodies the Christian value of mercy and belief in the innate dignity of every human being. Through this campaign we ask you to engage with a core element of Catholic social teaching and put our faith into action. To donate, send a cheque to: PACT, 29 Peckham Road, London SE5 8UA.

Masses Next Week 

Fr Brian and Fr Jim are away at a meeting in Leeds from Monday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon. This means they won’t be available to say Mass on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fr Jakub has agreed to say Mass on Tuesday evening, but no one is available to say Mass on Wednesday. Therefore there will be no 10am Mass on Wednesday 11th October here in the Parish. We apologise sincerely for this situation.