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

NEWS FROM NUGENT

Nugent’s have published a new strategic plan, "Imagine Our World"

To view the strategic plan and hear a short message from me, please visit: Imagine Our World - Nugent's Strategic Plan 2025 and Beyond.

In the coming weeks,  they will be announcing a series of Nugent Parish Information Evenings, where theywill share more about the strategic plan and explore opportunities to work together in service of our shared values.

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.

EVERGREEN - FROM OUR RESIDENT POET

EVERGREEN 

Yes, I remember VE Day, 

Actually, a few nights before, 

When premature news set the dark streets alight 

With impromptu bonfires, euphoric neighbours, 

Cheering, singing, laughter, hugs and kisses 

And beatific smiles which transformed faces 

Marked by six years of devastating war. 

We children, cushioned by all-knowing adults, 

Had survived siren suits, congested air raid shelters, 

Mickey Mouse gasmasks, brain deadening sirens 

And sprints to home from school, which had no shelters, 

Through deserted streets which, tomorrow,  

Would be a source of war treasure 

To add to the cache of shrapnel, jealously guarded. 

Through long years of deprivation, horror, sadness, mourning, 

The Armed Forces resolutely fought on, 

United in the cause of Justice and, ultimately, peace. 

It is only with hindsight and maturity, 

That we can look back on world events and realise 

The unpayable debt we owe to the existing few, 

And those who did not survive. 

Contrary to many definitions,  

History is not just the past. 

It is the present, the future, 

The catalyst for the survival of the Human Race.  

Eileen Murray © 8 May 2025 

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.