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

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/

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT ASYLUM LINK

Asylum link are looking for both a receptionist and a fundraising and communicationsmanager. 

To learn more about the receptionist role click here   (Closing date 21st August 2026)

To learn more about the Fundraising and communications role click here  (Closing date 25th August 2026)

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

16 August – Ivan Linford (Oakham)
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