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.

ST OSWALD & ST EDMUND ARROWSMITH

On Friday 7^th 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!

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

Woolton Road, Liverpool L16 8NQ    722 1180  ♿  Parish Priest: Fr T Buckley C.Ss.R.

 Archdiocese of Liverpool.   A charitable incorporated organisation Registered Charity No. 1199714

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Instagram account for St Gerard 2026  https://www.instagram.com/stgerard300/

 SUNDAY 16^TH AUGUST 2026

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BVM (A)

LIVESTREAM NOTICE

Please note all scheduled Masses are livestreamed (unless eg for a funeral we are requested not to). Those sitting in the first two pews and those using the centre aisle for Communion are visible on screen.

If you would like to avoid the camera, please use the side aisles.

(You can find out more about livestreaming including the default view from  the camera by clicking here)

MASS INTENTIONS - PLEASE NOTE

IF YOU REQUIRE A PARTICULAR DATE EG: FOR ANNIVERSARIES, PLEASE GIVE AT LEAST 4 WEEKS NOTICE TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. 

This is due to increased demand and fewer priests available to say Masses.

If you are gift aiding your DONATION, please indicate this on the Mass Intention envelope.

PRAYER AND MASS INTENTIONS:

PLEASE NOTE: All Masses will be said privately by the confrères.

The intentions requested are published below.  

INTENTIONS FOR THIS WEEK: 

All parishioners, Intentions of donors, John Green RIP,  80^th birthday intentions, William Burnell Jones RIP,  Bob Reeds RIP (anniversary),  Ken & Jenny H (60^th wedding anniversary),  Mark M (get well), Anne O’D, Maureen Brown RIP, Kathleen McDonnell RIP (anniversary),  Margaret O’Neill RIP (anniversary), Kathleen & David Gibson (diamond wedding anniversary), Birthday remembrance of Fr Michael O’Dowd RIP,  Golden wedding anniversary of Tony & Denise H,  Safe pregnancy & delivery for baby & mother, Lura South RIP,  The Ryan family, Brendan Wall (anniversary), Blanche H, Rev Fr Joe Kendall RIP,    Elizabeth Martland (anniversary)

MASS INTENTIONS SAID LAST WEEK NOT PREVIOUSLY LISTED:

 Intentions of donors, Dr Chris Gardner-Thorpe RIP,  Colette McDonald RIP, Ladislaus Fernando RIP (anniversary), Fernando & Cooray family (remembrance), John RIP, Pauline & family (intentions), Carol N (get well),  Monica Morgan RIP, Anthony Harvey RIP,  Wedding anniversary, Janette Williams RIP, Ann S, Sr Mary Clare SMG RIP, Marie McGee RIP, Eaman RIP, John Green RIP, Margaret Campbell       

WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY DIED: 

 Colette McDonald RIP, Monica Morgan RIP

ALSO, THOSE WHOSE ANNIVERSARIES OCCUR AROUND THIS TIME INCLUDING:

Robert Reeds, Ladislaus Fernando RIP, Kathleen McDonnell, Margaret O’Neill RIP, Brendan Wall, Elizabeth Martland,

Fr George Kelly C.Ss.R., Fr Reginald Moore C.Ss.R., Fr John Lalor C.Ss.R.

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FROM FR TIM

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THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION:

The great feast of Our Blessed Lady being assumed into heaven is transferred to the Sunday this year, making it easier for us all to give thanks again to the Lord for the gift of Mary as Mother of the Church, who has achieved what is promised to all of us. At the cemetery or the crematorium I sometimes comment on the mystery of how and when we will enjoy the fulness of the resurrection. Some of the prayers speak of our bodies being restored on the last day and others speak of us going straight to the Lord. Purgatory is a place and concept we don’t often speak about these days and, of course, the papal blessing carries with it a plenary indulgence, which frees us “from any punishment due to sin”. I am happy to leave it with the Lord, reminding everyone that while we live in time and space, for God everything is in the present!

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STANDING IN AWE:

It seems to me that there is only one focus that encapsulates the experience and the mood of everyone this week and that is the wonder of the almost total eclipse of the sun which took place on Wednesday evening. Fr Joe Musendami took some wonderful photographs and videos on his phone, which are even more dramatic because of the partial cloud cover we had here in Liverpool. I must say I was moved by the remarkable media coverage and the excitement and wonder expressed by all those who were interviewed. Sometimes the last gift of the Holy Spirit is referred to as the “fear of the Lord”, but “wonder and awe” express much more accurately the nature of the gift and it seems to me that this week’s event provided a much-needed reminder of the enormity and mystery of the universe and the remarkable giftedness of human beings. Yet while in every generation we learn more and more about ourselves and the world in which we live as well as the entire universe, we also realise that there is so much that we do not know and cannot explain. I am amazed that astrologers can predict to the last second where and when eclipses will take place as well as look back and tell us when they have taken place in the past. Indeed, we even have a dramatic reference to an eclipse in the Scriptures and Archbishop Patrick Kelly, whom Fr Joseph, Bishop Ralph and I visited the day afterwards pointed us to Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 24, verse 29. It speaks to us of the Second Coming of the Lord and Fr Nicholas King, translating from the Greek, puts it this way: “The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.” When we look at a moon and starlight night again, may we renew our sense of awe and wonder and beg the Lord to help us and the whole of humanity to look after one another and his amazing creation a little better than we seem to be doing at the moment.

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COMINGS AND GOINGS:

Fr Andrew has been away this past week celebrating his 79^th Birthday. When he returns I and Bro Michael are planning to get some holiday as well. To my great relief, Hayley has returned from a good holiday with the family, so the office is once again being efficiently looked after and all your and my problems can be solved!

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ANN COLETTE MCDONALD RIP

The Funeral of ANN COLETTE MCDONALD RIP will take place on Monday 17 August at 12.00 noon. 

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.

JUBILEE GARDEN PROJECT.

As we approach the Season of Creation, the Ecological Conversion Group invites parishes, schools and individuals to get involved in the Jubilee Garden Project, in partnership with The God Who Speaks. The project encourages us to use physical space to heal, transform and renew our relationship with God and the earth.

Launch Webinar is on Tuesday 1 September at 8.00pm. To Register visit: https://jubileegarden.org/launch/

A further webinar will take place on 10th September - details to follow

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:

ONE MONTH UNTIL MPS DEBATE ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL:

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill returns to the House of Commons for its Second Reading on 11 September.

Those wishing to express their opposition are encouraged to contact their MP using the online resources provided by CBCEW in association with Right to Life UK.

For more information and resources, visit: cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide  or Write to MP to vote NO on the new assisted suicide Bill on 11 Sept – Easy tool

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.

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.

LIVESIMPLY TOGETHER

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

International Youth Day. The theme this year is "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations".

This recognises that young people everywhere share common hopes. It focuses on how to empower young people in least developed countries, places who face disproportionate challenges from economic constraints and climate change. For more information visit:

https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/events/international-youth-day-2026.

What can we do locally in our work life and in our parishes to provide young people with opportunities?  

Is there more we can be doing to live sustainably and to promote climate resilience?

ADDITIONAL NEWS ITEMS

For the latest CTMH bulletin (15.7.2026) click here   (No newsletter this week)

"Yes we remember" a poem marking Bishop Ralph's Golden Anniversary of Ordination added.

Archdiocese (including Nugent) (last updated 14.8.2026)

News of the death of Fr Joseph Kendall RIP, .50 Years of Lourdes scrap book,  a marriage preparation course at Christ the King,  St Oswald & St Edmund Arrowsmith change in listed status, 

National (last updated 30.7.2026)

Items deleted

Community  (last updated 14.82026)

Items deleted Dates corrected, Wine Quiz night at Mossley Hill Parish Church

Prayer and Spirituality(last updated 14.8.26)

Items deleted

General Interest (last updated 14.8.2026)

Details of the Jubilee Garden Project

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.

ONE MONTH UNTIL MPS DEBATE ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL:

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill returns to the House of Commons for its Second Reading on 11 September.

Those wishing to express their opposition are encouraged to contact their MP using the online resources provided by CBCEW in association with Right to Life UK.

For more information and resources, visit: cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide  or Write to MP to vote NO on the new assisted suicide Bill on 11 Sept – Easy tool

JUBILEE GARDEN PROJECT.

As we approach the Season of Creation, the Ecological Conversion Group invites parishes, schools and individuals to get involved in the Jubilee Garden Project, in partnership with The God Who Speaks. The project encourages us to use physical space to heal, transform and renew our relationship with God and the earth.

Launch Webinar: – Tuesday 1 September, 8.00pm
Join the online launch of the Jubilee Garden Project. All are welcome.
Register:https://jubileegarden.org/launch/

Preparing the Ground – Thursday 10 September, 1.00pm or 7.00pm
Two online sessions exploring what a Jubilee Garden could look like in a parish, home, religious community or school setting.
Register:https://jubileegarden.org/workingparty/

COMINGS AND GOINGS:

Fr Andrew has been away this past week celebrating his 79^th Birthday. When he returns I and Bro Michael are planning to get some holiday as well. To my great relief, Hayley has returned from a good holiday with the family, so the office is once again being efficiently looked after and all your and my problems can be solved!

 STANDING IN AWE:

It seems to me that there is only one focus that encapsulates the experience and the mood of everyone this week and that is the wonder of the almost total eclipse of the sun which took place on Wednesday evening. Fr Joe Musendami took some wonderful photographs and videos on his phone, which are even more dramatic because of the partial cloud cover we had here in Liverpool. I must say I was moved by the remarkable media coverage and the excitement and wonder expressed by all those who were interviewed. Sometimes the last gift of the Holy Spirit is referred to as the “fear of the Lord”, but “wonder and awe” express much more accurately the nature of the gift and it seems to me that this week’s event provided a much-needed reminder of the enormity and mystery of the universe and the remarkable giftedness of human beings. Yet while in every generation we learn more and more about ourselves and the world in which we live as well as the entire universe, we also realise that there is so much that we do not know and cannot explain. I am amazed that astrologers can predict to the last second where and when eclipses will take place as well as look back and tell us when they have taken place in the past. Indeed, we even have a dramatic reference to an eclipse in the Scriptures and Archbishop Patrick Kelly, whom Fr Joseph, Bishop Ralph and I visited the day afterwards pointed us to Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 24, verse 29. It speaks to us of the Second Coming of the Lord and Fr Nicholas King, translating from the Greek, puts it this way: “The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.” When we look at a moon and starlight night again, may we renew our sense of awe and wonder and beg the Lord to help us and the whole of humanity to look after one another and his amazing creation a little better than we seem to be doing at the moment.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION:

The great feast of Our Blessed Lady being assumed into heaven is transferred to the Sunday this year, making it easier for us all to give thanks again to the Lord for the gift of Mary as Mother of the Church, who has achieved what is promised to all of us. At the cemetery or the crematorium I sometimes comment on the mystery of how and when we will enjoy the fulness of the resurrection. Some of the prayers speak of our bodies being restored on the last day and others speak of us going straight to the Lord. Purgatory is a place and concept we don’t often speak about these days and, of course, the papal blessing carries with it a plenary indulgence, which frees us “from any punishment due to sin”. I am happy to leave it with the Lord, reminding everyone that while we live in time and space, for God everything is in the present!