ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS
FATHER JOSEPH KENDALL RIP:
It is with profound sadness that we heard of the passing of a beloved priest Fr Joe Kendall who died unexpectedly on Saturday 8 August 2026. Fr Joe was ordained in 2012 and served faithfully as the Vice Rector of the Seminary in Valladolid. Please remember Fr Joe, his family, friends, the Archbishop, his brother Priests, the Formation Community at Valladolid and the whole archdiocesan family in your prayers.
50 YEARS OF LOURDES MEMORIES CAPTURED IN ONE BEAUTIFUL SCRAPBOOK:
From iconic photos to quirky facts and the stories that shaped our pilgrimage family, this anniversary edition is something truly special. £10 or £15 with commemorative badge.
Every penny supports our Youth Pilgrimage, helping the next generation make their own memories.
To purchase, contact: admin@animateyouth.co.uk or 01744 740461.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE
📅 Date: Wednesday 9, 16, 23 And 30 September 2026, at 6.30pm - 8.30pm
📍Meet: Christ the King Church Childwall
The Archdiocese is offering a marriage preparation course for engaged couples. Led by trained lay facilitators, the 4-session course will help the couples develop skills to facilitate good communication within their relationship and an understanding of sacramental marriage within Catholic faith.
The next course will be taking place at Christ the King Church, Childwall, L15 6YQ. There is a cost of £50 per couple to help towards materials and other expenses. If you are interested, please book online here: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/ASxKS8Cnxp?origin=lprLink
More information about upcoming courses for this year, please refer to the archdiocesan website www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/department/pastoral-development/marriage-family-life/marriage-preparation
ST OSWALD & ST EDMUND ARROWSMITH
On Friday 7th August , you may have spotted that St Oswald and St Edmund Arrowsmith was in the Times and on Granada Reports. That's because the church has been elevated to Grade II* Listed Status!
Completed in 1930 and "one of the finest early 20th Century churches in England" according to Jack Blackburn, the church is now among the top 8% of listed buildings. Congratulations!
CELEBRATION OF THE OPENING OF THE CENTENARY OF ST PATRICK’S CHURCH, TOXTETH
📅 Date: Saturday 22 August at 11.00am
📍Location: St Patrick's
All are welcome to join St Patrick’s Church as the parish celebrate the opening of its centennial year. Archbishop John Sherrington will be presiding at Mass.
PERU FUNDRAISER
📅 Date: Saturday, 22nd August, at 12.30 pm (following Mass at 12 Noon)
📍St. Helen’s Church Parish Centre, L23 7TQ
A Fundraiser for FR. SIMON CADWALLADER’S PARISH IN PERU will be held at In St. Helen’s Church Parish Centre, 112, Alexandra Rd. L23 7TQ (Parish Office 0151 924 3417).
There will be a short video showing life in Fr. Simon’s Parish, Our Lady Queen of Peace.
For your extra enjoyment there will also be an ‘animated’ exhibition of paintings by local artist, Marion Smith. Tea/Coffee/Cakes available, as well as Stalls and a Hamper Raffle.
Come along and enjoy a wonderful afternoon for a great cause!
DONATIONS of ‘nearly new’ items and ‘unwanted gifts’ gratefully received.
Also Raffle items (e.g. bottles, sweets, biscuits, much appreciated). Donations can be left in the plastic box in St. Helen’s Porch.
CANTONESE RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS)
廣東話 成人慕道班.
We warmly invite individuals who are interested in exploring the Catholic faith to join us on this faith journey. Baptised Catholics are also welcome.
我們誠意邀請對天主教信仰有興趣的人士加入我們的慕道之旅;亦歡迎已領洗的天主教徒參加再慕道
📅 Date: Begins 22 August ends 16 May.
Zoom Sessions: Tuesdays, 8.00–9.30pm.
Physical Gatherings: Every third Saturday of the month, 11.00am–12.30pm at The Metropolitan Cathedral.
For Enquiries/Contact: Flora 07403489931/Candy 07488585588.
IRENAEUS NEWSLETTER JULY/AUGUST 2026
The July/August edition of the Irenaeus newsletter is available by clicking here.
CATHEDRAL ORGAN RECITALS
Enjoy a series of free organ recitals this August at the Metropolitan Cathedral, featuring talented performers from across the UK. Each recital lasts approximately 40 minutes and begins at 2.00pm.
Remaining Programme dates
23 August – Alan McGuinness (Llandudno)
30 August – Simon Leach (Edinburgh)
Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection
JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE ARCHDIOCESE
ADOREMUS 2026
📅 Date: Saturday 10 October (9.00am–5.00pm),
📍 Location: Metropolitan Cathedral
Join us on the 10th of October for this year’s Adoremus. Come and join us to adore the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The event itself is free and available to all. At the Metropolitan Cathedral, there will be Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day, Holy Mass, opportunities for confession, a variety of workshops to be confirmed and a shared time of prayer during the day for all.
ARCHDIOCESAN GOOD NEWS - LOURDES PILGRIMS RETURN HOME
The pilgrims have returned from Lourdes, safe and sound and spiritually refreshed. A big thank you to everyone who took part in the pilgrimage this year, both in Lourdes and at home, and a special congratulations to the Youth Pilgrimage for 50 years of helping sick pilgrims get the most out of their pilgrimage. Look forward to coverage of this year's pilgrimage in September's issue of The Pic!
THE PILGRIMAGE MASS TO THE HOLY HAND OF ST EDMUND ARROWSMITH
📅 Date: Sunday 30 August, 3:00PM
📍St Oswald & St Edmund Arrowsmith, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Liverpool Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 9NP
The Principal Celebrant will be Fr John Hogan of the Diocese of Meath, Ireland. He is the author of the most recent CTS booklet on the life of St Edmund Arrowsmith.
PILGRIMAGE MASS IN HONOUR OF BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI
📅 Date: Monday 31 August 12.00pm
📍Location: Anne & Blessed Dominic Church, Monastery Road, Sutton, St Helens WA9 3ZD, St Helens WA9 3ZD
Bishop Tom Neylon will celebrate this annual Pilgrimage Mass in honour of Blessed Dominic Barberi.
All are welcome to attend.
SEASON OF CREATION / ST FRANCIS JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE WALK AND MASS
📅 Date: Sunday 5 September at 10.00am
📍Meet: St Francis of Assisi Church, Garston
Join Archbishop John on this event to celebrate these two special events. The 3.6-mile walk will begin at St Francis of Assisi Church, Garston at 10.00am, take us through Sefton Park and end at St Anthony of Padua Church, Mossley Hill. Mass will be celebrated at 12.30pm followed by pack lunch in the hall.
To sign up for the walk, use the QR code on the poster or the link: archdioceseofliverpool.org/creation. For more information, contact Chris:
LOOK, LISTEN, LINGER, LOVE
📅 Date: Saturday 12 September, 10am – 4pm
📍Meet: Retreat at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre
Come along to this day retreat to encounter God in the beauty of creation.
Take time to see, hear, and be still. A peaceful day of reflection, prayer, and time together to help us slow down, notice God’s presence, and grow in love for Him.
£15 with lunch & refreshments included.
To book your place, email or call 01704875850.
MASS IN HONOUR OF VENERABLE ELIZABETH PROUT
📅 Date: Saturday 12 September 12.00pm
📍Location: Anne & Blessed Dominic Church, Monastery Road, Sutton, St Helens WA9 3ZD, St Helens WA9 3ZD
Bishop Tom Neylon will celebrate this Mass in honour of Venerable Elizabeth Prout, foundress of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion.
All are welcome to attend.
EVENING PRAYER WITH THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIO
📅 Date: Sunday 13 September at 3pm
📍Location: The Metropolitan Cathedral
All are invited to assemble as our archdiocesan family at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on Sunday 13 September at 3pm for the culmination of the Apostolic Nuncio’s visit to the archdiocese. This date coincides with the 175th anniversary of the establishment of the Metropolitan Chapter of Liverpool.
The celebration with take the form of Evening Prayer sung in the Cathedral. There will be a drinks reception following in the Cathedral crypt.
The Apostolic Nuncio will also celebrate the Solemn Mass at 11am in the Cathedral on that date.
AUGUST’s CATHOLIC PIC
August's Catholic Pic is available. To read the electronic version click here
COME & SEE AT IRENAEUS - NEW SEASON
A new series of Come and See reflecting on the Church in our times will start in September.
ARCHDIOCESAN WHATSAPP CHANNEL:
Stay Connected – Join the Archdiocese WhatsApp Channel:
Keep up to date with the latest news, events and announcements from the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Receive regular updates direct to your phone and never miss what's happening across the archdiocese: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8B5Hu2f3EJJwDzn72z
Posts on the channel will appear in the updates section within Whatsapp on your phone
YOUNG ADULTS MASS AND DINNER WITH ARCHBISHOP JOHN SHERRINGTON
📅 Date: Saturday 3 October 2026 at 5pm
📍Meet: St Philip Neri Church, Liverpool L8 7NL
Archbishop John Sherrington invites young people aged 18-35 to celebrate Mass with him on Saturday 3 October, at 5pm at St Philip Neri Church, Liverpool L8 7NL, followed by dinner at Blackburne House.
Anyone is most welcome, and there is no cost for the event. please book your place for dinner here: archdioceseofliverpool.org/youngadultmass
For enquiries, please contact Moses at
PILKINGTON CHOIR CONCERT
📅 Date: Sunday 4 October 2026 at 6pm
📍Meet: St Francis of Assisi Church Garston
As part of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi on Sunday 4 October, the Pilkington Choir will be giving a concert in the church at 6.00 pm. This will be followed by refreshments in the Meeting Room.
The Pilkington Choir was founded in St Helens in 1956, and I was recently privileged to attend their Platinum Jubilee Concert at the church of St Austin, Thatto Heath. They have long performed extensively in St Helens and the surrounding area (e.g. Ashton-in-Makerfield).
Tickets will be available at St Francis of Assisi from the weekend of 22/23 August at the price of £5 each (to support the choir).
There will also be a raffle as part of the proceedings. Further details to follow about ticketing and the raffle.
CATHEDRAL JUBILEE FLOWER FESTIVAL – MAY 2027
Floral arrangers are needed for next year's event to celebrate the Metropolitan Cathedral's Diamond Jubilee. It will take place over Thursday 14 - Monday 17 May 2027 and the theme of the Festival will be ‘Hope’ in all its different forms. If you, or someone you know, whom you think may be interested in creating one of the floral displays which will decorate the Cathedral please contact Claire Hanlon at
MAKE OUR CATHDRAL BLOOM
You can help make our Cathedral bloom for the Flower Festival by making a £30 donation to sponsor an orchid for a pew-end display.
As a thank you for your generosity, you will be invited to write a short personal message, dedication, or remembrance. Your note will be attached to your orchid, creating a meaningful and personal part of the festival display, and best of all you can take it home once the festival is over.
To register your interest, please contact Claire in Cathedral House at
Details of how to make the payment will be sent to you, or you can pop the cash in an envelope with your message enclosed and post to Cathedral House.
SAVE THE DATE: ADVENTUROUS ACCOMPANIMENT DAY WORKSHOP
📅 Date: 19 September 2026
📍 St Margaret Clitherow Centre
"In the relationship of accompaniment, [we] are provided a space in which [we] can come to deeply know the love of Jesus Christ through friendship, guidance, and authenticity..." Whether you are new to the concept of accompaniment, or regularly incorporate it, this workshop is for you. There is no cost and we would just ask that you bring your own lunch.
Sign up here https://forms.office.com/e/9zxSLAndhm
For enquiries, please contact Moses Mui, Training Coordinator at
WHAT'S ON JULY TO SEPTEMBER AT THE IRENAEUS CENTRE
IRENAEUS WOMEN'S HUB TASTER
Womens welcome Hub - Learning and sharing, Relaxation methods healing/joy, affirmation, meditation starting 14th September 2026
GUILD OF ST STEPHEN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
📅 Date: 25–31 OCTOBER 2026.
The Liverpool Archdiocesan Council of the Guild of St Stephen is organising a pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The cost is £600 per person (sharing) or £750 for a single room, and includes coach travel, four nights' full-board accommodation in a three-star hotel, and an excursion programme. (Travel insurance and the ETIAS visa are not included.) T
he pilgrimage is open to those aged 18–70, with a spiritual leader to be confirmed.
For more information, please contact Rose Curry on 07932 729896.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TEACHING TALENT:
Are you a retired or part time qualified teacher?
You could be part of the Cathedral’s Education Service team! Come and help hundreds of school children and young people learn about this wonderful Cathedral.
For more information Contact .
CRAFTING THE WORD OF THE LORD
📅 Date: Monday 7 to Friday 11 September
📍Meet: Our Lady & All Saints Church, Parbold, WN8 7HS
An exhibition of knitted Bible scenes created by Francesca Vause will be on display at Our Lady & All Saints Church, Parbold, WN8 7HS, from Monday 7 to Friday 11 September.
The exhibition is free to visit and all are welcome.
Opening times
Monday: 11.00am - 3.00pm
Tuesday: 3.30pm - 6.00pm
Wednesday: 11.00am - 3.00pm
Thursday: 11.30am - 4.00pm
Friday: 11.00am - 3.00pm
Free entry and parking on site.
ADOREMUS 2026 – NEW INFORMATION
📅 Date: Saturday 10 October (9.00am–5.00pm),
📍 Location: Metropolitan Cathedral
Join us for Adoremus 2026 at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday 10 October (9.00am–5.00pm), a day of Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, workshops, Confession and fellowship.
The day will include Morning Mass celebrated by Fr Ged Callacher, a Eucharistic Procession and Vigil Mass with Archbishop John Sherrington, as well as workshops including Praying with Art and Godly Play, Taizé prayer, a Romero Rosary led by the White Fathers, and much more.
Bookings open on 1 September. Further details will be available soon.
YOUTH SUNDAY
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday 22nd November we will be celebrating Youth Sunday - a day of fellowship, discussion and Mass with the Archbishop. More details to follow soon!
FRANCISCAN ROSARY RESOURCE
To mark the Franciscan Jubilee this year, the Archdioce's Pastoral Development team have produced a resource to help pray the Franciscan Rosary. Click here to access it.
ARCHDIOCESAN CAREERS
Scan the QR code to access the Archdiocesan career guide.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY TRAINING DAYS
Irenaeus will be leading their next Eucharistic Ministry training session in September
📅 Date: Saturday 26th September 2026
📍 Location: Irenaeus Centre Great Georges Rd. L22 1RD
Contact the Parish Office if you feel you have a calling.
PORTUGESE-SPEAKING YOUNG ADULTS PRAYER GROUP
Join our monthly gathering for prayer, friendship, and faith at St Michael and All Angels Church, Kirkby L32. All Portuguese-speaking young adults are welcome! For more information please contact: 07752 773037 Tiago and 07857 178601 Karine.
LECTIO FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Every Friday at 6pm at St Vincent de Paul's Church, L1 5JN, there is a "lectio" prayer group for young adults. There will be a Mass at 6pm, followed by a short time of sharing the Sunday readings at 6.30pm. It's a friendly group and sometimes they also organise trips and retreats.
Follow this link to join my WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FvRR2Q6sIDK83W4KgBIJqU If you want more information please contact James: or 07394 503 911
SUPPORT FOR THE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED
The Restored Lives course is run over six weeks, one evening per week. The talks cover the key issues to help you to move on and highlight the practical steps and tools to enable you to tackle the issues that arise from separation and divorce.
For more information contact Maureen 0767753371
SUMMER 2026 EVENTS AT IRENAEUS
EVENTS AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
For the latest events around the archdiocese, please visit https://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/events.
If you would like to include any events from your parish here, please email details to
DIVINE LITURGY IN LIVERPOOL
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has a parish in Liverpool. It is currently based in St Sebastian's Fairfield . Times for Divine Liturgy and Confessions will be advertised on
a) their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Ukrainian-Catholic-Church-in-Liverpool-1864679287112879
b) their website https://sites.google.com/site/ukrainianparishinliverpool
