CHANGING TIMES IN OUR INLAND FAMILY OF PARISHES 

As we give thanks for God’s gift to the Church of a new Pope in Leo XIV and prepare to welcome our new Archbishop, John Sherrington, we also prepare for some changes within our own Deanery in the autumn. 

For the last fourteen years, St Mary’s, Woolton, has been blessed by the dedicated ministry of the Redemptorist community based at Bishop Eton. Beginning in the autumn, pastoral responsibility for St Mary’s will return to the Archdiocese. We are in debt to the Redemptorists for their generosity over these years, but we must recognise it is no longer realistic to expect them to extend their commitment beyond Bishop Eaton.

At the same time, Fr Matthew Nunes, who has served as Parish Priest at St John Vianney, Halewood, for the past eight years, will be moving on to take up new responsibilities within the Archdiocese. 

Fr Peter McGrail, who teaches theology at Liverpool Hope University, will be appointed Parish Priest for both St Mary’s and St John Vianney. He looks forward to working with both parish communities as they begin to reflect and discern together how best to move forward—faithfully, collaboratively, and fruitfully—in this new, very different chapter.

Please keep everyone involved in your prayers as we navigate this period of change with hope and trust in the Holy Spirit.

Fr Ron Johnson

Liverpool South Dean

ARCHDIOCESAN STATEMENT ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF POPE LEO XIV 

ARCHBISHOP MALCOLM MCMAHON OP, APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF LIVERPOOL SAID:

Dear brothers and sisters, 

It is with a profound sense of joy and thanksgiving to God that we welcome the news of the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor of St Peter. 

The Cardinal Electors, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have chosen a gifted and prayerful pastor to walk in the shoes of the fisherman to be a focus of unity for the Church today.

After the call and legacy of the late Pope Francis calling the Church to be missionary disciples and proclaim the joy of the Gospel, we as the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Liverpool pledge our closeness in prayer and our support to Our Holy Father the Pope. 

Read more: Archdiocesan statement on the announcement of Pope Leo XIV

CATHOLIC PICTORIAL MAY 2025

The May edition of the Catholic Pictorial, is now available.  To access the electronic version click here.

MARKING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY – TOGETHER WE CHIME

Plans are underway for Liverpool’s commemorations of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, 8 May 2025.

As part of the national initiative “Together We Chime – Let the Nation’s Bells Ring Loud!”, cathedral and church bells across the country will ring out in celebration at 6:30pm.

We’re pleased to confirm that the Metropolotan Cathedral will take part by ringing its bells for 20 minutes as a mark of remembrance and unity.

POPE FRANCIS A TRIBUTE FROM CARDINAL NICHOLS

POPE FRANCIS – REST IN PEACE - FROM THE PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM

 O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

- The Roman Missal, Prayers for the Dead – For A Pope 

A book of condolence is available at the Cathedral for anyone who wishes to write a message or prayer in memory of Pope Francis. 

For details of how Pope Francis will be remembered across the Archdiocese, please refer to the archdiocesan website How Pope Francis will be remembered across the archdiocese | News

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL (22nd to 25th August)

Youth 2000 will be holding their Summer Festival at Ampleforth Abbey.

Taking place in this great Year of Jubilee, the Summer Festival will be a chance for young adults to encounter Jesus as our hope, the One who brings light to even the darkest places; illuminating every aspect of our lives.

It is a four-day festival for young adults, where they can explore faith, build relationships and find hope in this jubilee year. For more information, including how you can book, click here

FAMILY OF PARISHES

In 2024, the Archdiocese adopted the Families of Parishes model. Here is a quick explanation of how it will work.

PASTORAL LETTER ON THE TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (END OF LIFE) BILL

Archbishop Malcom's Pastoral Letter will be read at all masses this weekend. 

To read  click here

WEDNESDAY LUNCH - CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

Some photos of the Christmas - Wednesday lunch

MARCH CATHOLIC PICTORIAL

The March edition of the Catholic Pictorial is available in the porch, or by clicking here.

PASTORAL LETTER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY

The Archbishop's Pastoral Letter will be read at all Masses this weekend. You can find a copy by  clicking here.  

If you would prefer you can watch a video of the Archbishop reading the  Pastorial Letter

CATHOLIC PICTORIAL FEBRUARY 2025

For February's Catholic Pictorial click here

There is an article on our Justice and Peace group on page 10.

LOO & LAUNDRY CAMPAIGN THANK YOU

A HUGE thank you from the Justice and Peace Youth Group for your generosity with our LOO and LAUNDRY campaign.

We collected so much that the South Liverpool Foodbank had to send a van to collect!

They expressed their gratitude for your kindness.   A couple of photos below:

SVP SAFEGUARDING HEROES

Three member of our SVP conference have earned their Advanced Safeguarding Certificates. Congratulations, Bryan, Steve and Ted.

CATHOLIC PICTORIAL JANUARY 2025

January's Catholic Pictorial is now available. To access the electronic version click here.

ARCHBISHOP MALCOLM’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Archbishop Malcolm’s Christmas Message is available to read in the porch or by clicking here or watch the video version below

PRAYERS PLEASE

Prayers please for the repose of the soul of Joanne Robinson, who died during the week after a long illness. It was a blessing that her brother-in-law, Fr Andrew Robinson, was able to minister to her towards the end of her life. We also ask your prayers for Fr Tom Molloy, CSsR, who is in the Royal undergoing investigations as to why he has been in such pain recently.

CATHOLIC PIC DECEMBER 2024

The December addition of the Catholic Pictorial is now available. To access an electronic copy click here

THANKYOU FROM THE J&P YOUTH GROUP

The Justice and Peace Youth Group were amazed by the wonderful contributions to their Christmas warm coat appeal. There was so much that we managed to distribute to Share Knowsley, the Irenaeus Centre and Asylum Link. Your kindness will keep many people warm this winter.