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THINGS AIN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE

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Valetines are depicted as ephemeral things,

Svelte creatures with gossamer wings,

Or chubby cherubs with Cupid’s dart

To pierce the centre of the truelove’s heart.

They feed on Hope, anonymous cards

And loving words from incipient bards.

For them, no need of fizz or chocs

Or throbbing hearts on colourful socks.

In real life it’s not the same –

(Blame it all on the Celebrity Game).

No simple pleasures will suffice:

Not fizz but champers served on ice.

Where once upon a time a simple posy

Spoke of Love and a future rosy,

Now it’s roses all the way,

But cheerfully the stricken pay.

 And so, my Dearest Valentine,

Please forget expensive wine

And give to me my heart’s desire,

To show the love you do inspire

In me, a Bouquet of Kisses.

With deepest love, from same old Missus!

Eileen Murray ©

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.

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.

 A CHRISTMAS POEM FROM OUR RESIDENT POET

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS 

Another Christmas insinuates itself

Into the busy lives of the disparate population

Who live on our amazing Planet.

Looking back through the Annals,

We see clearly, the way Christmas has evolved.

For many, it no longer has religious connotations.

It has become a commercial enterprise

Where trends and deadlines rule.

Yet, few would return to the Past.

But how wonderful would it be

If we could experience again,

Childlike expectations, wonder, delight,

Past simple pleasures enjoyed with Loved Ones!

If we could recapture and live the message of Peace and Joy,

To a world redeemed,

Which was celebrated long, long ago –

Not in the comforts of today’s times,

But in a lowly stable in the midst of strangers.

Eileen Murray © December 2024

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.

ARCHDIOCESAN SYNODAL COUNCIL

Copies of the Archdiocesan Synodal Council Summary Report can by found in the porch and on our website.ASC Summary

MALE, FEMALE, OTHER: A CATHOLIC GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING GENDER

CTS have recently republished this title by Jason Evert for the UK. This edition has been augmented by an Afterword by Stefan Kaminski, STL, to give a further UK perspective on this issue. The volume is available to purchase here. If you would like to organise an online/Zoom presentation and discussion of the book for your parish, group or community, please respond directly to this email.

SAFE IN FAITH

Safe in Faith is a Caritas Westminster project offering support to survivors of domestic violence with a faith-informed approach. It also provides information, guidance and training for clergy and faith leaders around domestic violence. View the below video to learn more about their work.