ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS
FATHER JOSEPH KENDALL RIP:
Following the sad death of Fr Joe Kendall last weekend, please see below details of the funeral arrangements:
VIGIL MASS:
📅 Date: Thursday 3rd September at 7.00pm
📍St Edmund of Canterbury Church, Oxford Road, Waterloo, L22 8QF.
Bishop Tom Neylon will be the principal celebrant.
Canons of the Cathedral Chapter will lead a celebration of Evening Prayer at 6.30pm.
FUNERAL MASS:
📅 Date: Friday 4th September at 12 noon
📍Metropolitan Cathedral Liverpool
Archbishop John Sherrington will be the principal celebrant.
BIOGRAPHY
The sudden death of Fr Joseph Kendall on 8th August 2026, at the age of just 45 years, was a great shock to many in the archdiocese and beyond. Though he had been feeling unwell in the preceding days, no one had cause to think that death was imminent. In Norwich, at the end of June, he had delivered a report on the past academic year at the English College in Valladolid, on behalf of the college rector, to alumni gathered at their annual reunion. A month later, he joined many clergy and faithful on the archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. He seemed to be happy and content in his priesthood and relishing his work in the formation of future priests. Yet though his life seemed tragically short, the outpouring of sentiment at news of his death bore testimony to a priestly ministry that was fruitful, and a blessing to those who had the privilege to know him.
Joseph Paul Kendall was born in Fazakerley Hospital on 16th October 1980, the first-born child of Paul and Susan Kendall. He grew up in a close-knit family with his sisters Anna and Catherine in the parish of St Edmund of Canterbury, Waterloo. He attended the parish primary school before going on to Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Crosby, where he took A levels in history, French and Spanish. In the autumn of 1999, he went up to Magdalen College, Oxford, to read jurisprudence, specialising in labour and family law.
Although he came down from Oxford with the intention of pursuing a legal career, he decided that he wanted a break from academic studies. Thus, he became a volunteer at St Joseph’s Hospice, Thornton, and he also worked as a care assistant at Nazareth House in Crosby. He discovered that he rather enjoyed working with people in a caring capacity, and he began to question a future career in the legal profession. The corporate side of law certainly held no attraction. During this time, he also began to consider more seriously the possibility that he might have a vocation to the priesthood. He applied to be admitted to seminary formation and was sent to the English College, Valladolid, in the autumn of 2005 to complete the propaedeutic year.
The following year he began his major seminary formation at Ushaw College. He soon settled into college life, forging new friendships as well as maintaining existing ones, and began to make progress very quickly. Not surprisingly he excelled in the academic studies and gained consistently high marks in his courses. By the end of his third year, he had gained first-class honours in the Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Ministry degree from Durham University. The reports of his various pastoral placements, in parishes, schools, hospitals, and even a young offenders’ institution, always commented favourably on his maturity, pastoral sensitivity and adaptability. He certainly needed to be adaptable when, in his final year, he had to transfer to Oscott College following the closure of Ushaw as a major seminary.
He was ordained priest in his home parish of St Edmund of Canterbury, Waterloo, by Archbishop Patrick Kelly on 13th July 2012. Fr Joe’s first appointment was in the Liverpool South deanery, which had recently undergone significant changes with the closure of several churches and the amalgamation of parishes. Thus, he assisted Fr Andrew Unsworth in the work of bringing together the four parishes of Holy Trinity, St Austin, St Bernadette and St Francis of Assisi, in the Allerton, Garston and Grassendale districts of the city, into the single parish of St Wilfrid in 2013. He was transferred, in September 2015, to the parish of St Jude and St Aidan in Wigan, though his tenure was to be relatively brief. In January 2017, he returned to St Wilfrid’s, Liverpool, as parish priest and quickly settled into his new role. He led the parish through the preparatory phases of the archdiocesan synod and the challenges of the COVID pandemic. When the archdiocesan pastoral plan was published in the autumn of 2021, and the deaneries were reconstituted, Fr Joe was appointed as the dean of the reconfigured Liverpool South Deanery.
He probably thought that he would spend the next few years leading the deanery through the changes envisaged by the pastoral plan. However, in the spring of 2022, he was surprised one day to receive a telephone call from Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham inviting him to become the Vice-Rector of the English College, Valladolid. Having overcome his initial shock, he readily accepted the appointment and joined the college staff in time for the start of the new academic year. He soon adapted to life in Spain and quickly became a valued member of the formation staff. Over the next four years he played a pivotal role in the assessment of seminarians undertaking their propaedeutic year, work which he found fulfilling and to which he seemed well suited. As Fr John Flynn, the college Rector, observed at the time of his death, “Joe was a great priest, formator and friend to so many of us.” This seems a rather fitting epitaph for Fr Joe Kendall.
May he rest in peace.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE ARCHDIOCESE
The Archdiocese are currently seeking
- Charity Accounting (Building Projects): Closing Date: September 6, 2026
- Parish Cleaner St Joseph's Wrightington: Closing date: September 1, 2026
- Parish Administrator St Joseph's Wrightington: Closing date: September 1, 2026
- Property and Compliance Coordinator : Closing date: September 1, 2026
- Health and Safety Officer : Closing date: September 1, 2026
Full details can be found at Careers - Join the team
PILGRIMAGE MASS IN HONOUR OF BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI
📅 Date: Monday 31 August 12.00pm
📍Location: Anne & Blessed Dominic Church, Monastery Road, Sutton, St Helens WA9 3ZD, St Helens WA9 3ZD
Bishop Tom Neylon will celebrate this annual Pilgrimage Mass in honour of Blessed Dominic Barberi.
All are welcome to attend.
ADOREMUS 2026
📅 Date: Saturday 10 October (9.00am–5.00pm),
📍 Location: Metropolitan Cathedral
Join us for Adoremus 2026 at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday 10 October (9.00am–5.00pm), a day of Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, workshops, Confession and fellowship.
The day will include Morning Mass celebrated by Fr Ged Callacher, a Eucharistic Procession and Vigil Mass with Archbishop John Sherrington, as well as workshops including Praying with Art and Godly Play, Taizé prayer, a Romero Rosary led by the White Fathers, and much more.
Bookings open on 1 September. Further details will be available soon.
GOOD NEWS FROM OUR PARISHES - A HOLIDAY AT HOME
For a week in August, parishioners of Holy Rosary, Aintree Village were treated to a week of events – especially for those who cannot afford or cannot have a holiday each year.
The timetable included:
- Monday: Barbeque + Games
- Tuesday: Ice cream and the parish Olympics
- Wednesday: Coffee morning
- Thursday: Bingo + Quiz night
- Friday: Summer lunch
During the week, over 200 people participated.
Here are some of the things they said:
- “What a fun evening!”
- “I don’t know who enjoyed it more, the children or Fr Phillip!”
- “How lovely to have these special days.”
“It was lovely! Compliments to the chefs who cooked the delicious burgers, sausages, corn on the cob, and jacket potatoes. Full to the brim!”
Fr Philip Inch said: "The Stay at Home Holiday week is part of our outreach and concern for the whole community, to provide spaces where people can meet and not feel isolated. We have also provided goody bags each week for any families who might be struggling to buy extra treats for children during the school holidays. 6 weeks without free school meals can be crippling for some."
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.
SHOWING OF “THE PEOPLE’S EMERGENCY BRIEFING”
📅 Date: Tuesday 15 September 7.00pm
📍Meet: The parish rooms of St Anne’s, Overbury Street, Liverpool L7 3HJ.
The film features footage from last year’s National Emergency Briefing, bringing together leading UK experts in climate science, food security, health, economics, national security and nature. It presents a clear, measured overview of how the climate and nature crisis is affecting life in the UK. The initiative is non-partisan and has support from organisations including National Trust, Church of England, Exeter University, the Royal Meteorological Society, WWF, National Education Union, and many more.
Following the 50-minute film, we will host a 45-minute discussion on what it means for our community.
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
WINDLESHAW CHANTRY HERITAGE OPEN DAY
📅 Date: Saturday 12 September 11am to 2pm
📍 St. Thomas of Canterbury Church
An opportunity to learn about the Town Cross and view photographs, maps and documents connected with the Chantry, the oldest building in St. Helens. If you are interested in a particular grave, visit Windleshaw Chantry, WA10 6JU on Sunday 20th September between 11am and 2pm. We’re here to help you locate a grave and answer your questions as you take a look around this cherished landmark.
PAULINE BOOK CENTRE – TALK BY MGR PETER FLEETWOOD
📅 Date: Saturday 19 September, 2pm
📍Meet: Pauline Book Shop.
Monsignor Peter Fleetwood will be hosting a talk on the use of AI and what it means for Catholics to use AI whilst following the guidelines not only set by the Church but also outlined within Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas”. Please sign up via Pauline Book Centre – or 0151 709 1328.
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:
LOOK, LISTEN, LINGER, LOVE
📅 Date: Saturday 12 September, 10am – 4pm
📍Meet: Retreat at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre
Come along to this day retreat to encounter God in the beauty of creation.
Take time to see, hear, and be still. A peaceful day of reflection, prayer, and time together to help us slow down, notice God’s presence, and grow in love for Him.
£15 with lunch & refreshments included.
To book your place, email or call 01704875850.
MASS IN HONOUR OF VENERABLE ELIZABETH PROUT
📅 Date: Saturday 12 September 12.00pm
📍Location: Anne & Blessed Dominic Church, Monastery Road, Sutton, St Helens WA9 3ZD, St Helens WA9 3ZD
Bishop Tom Neylon will celebrate this Mass in honour of Venerable Elizabeth Prout, foundress of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion.
All are welcome to attend.
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.
ALIVE WORSHIP CELEBRATION:
📅 Date: Sunday 20 September, 4.00-5.00pm,
📍Meet: Our Lady of the Assumption Church, L25 2RW.
All are welcome to come and experience worship and prayer led by One Hope Project, a Catholic collective binging impactful music, fresh creativity and building community. ALIVE celebrates God’s presence in our lives. There will be prayer, adoration, friendship and hospitality to follow. All welcome!
NUGENT SLEEP OUT 2026
📅 Date: Thursday 24 September, 6.00pm
📍Meet: The Reader, Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool L18 3JB.
Help raise vital funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and social isolation across our communities. By spending one night outdoors, participants will help support Nugent’s life-changing work with children, young people, adults and families, while reflecting on the challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable in society. Whether you take part yourself or sponsor someone who does, your support will help provide care, opportunity and hope to those who need it most. All are welcome.
AUGUST’s CATHOLIC PIC
August's Catholic Pic is available. To read the electronic version click here
COME & SEE AT IRENAEUS - NEW SEASON
A new series of Come and See reflecting on the Church in our times will start in September.
ARCHDIOCESAN WHATSAPP CHANNEL:
Stay Connected – Join the Archdiocese WhatsApp Channel:
Keep up to date with the latest news, events and announcements from the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Receive regular updates direct to your phone and never miss what's happening across the archdiocese: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8B5Hu2f3EJJwDzn72z
Posts on the channel will appear in the updates section within Whatsapp on your phone
YOUNG ADULTS MASS AND DINNER WITH ARCHBISHOP JOHN SHERRINGTON
📅 Date: Saturday 3 October 2026 at 5pm
📍Meet: St Philip Neri Church, Liverpool L8 7NL
Archbishop John Sherrington invites young people aged 18-35 to celebrate Mass with him on Saturday 3 October, at 5pm at St Philip Neri Church, Liverpool L8 7NL, followed by dinner at Blackburne House.
Anyone is most welcome, and there is no cost for the event. please book your place for dinner here: archdioceseofliverpool.org/youngadultmass
For enquiries, please contact Moses at
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.
CATHEDRAL JUBILEE FLOWER FESTIVAL – MAY 2027
Floral arrangers are needed for next year's event to celebrate the Metropolitan Cathedral's Diamond Jubilee. It will take place over Thursday 14 - Monday 17 May 2027 and the theme of the Festival will be ‘Hope’ in all its different forms. If you, or someone you know, whom you think may be interested in creating one of the floral displays which will decorate the Cathedral please contact Claire Hanlon at
MAKE OUR CATHDRAL BLOOM
You can help make our Cathedral bloom for the Flower Festival by making a £30 donation to sponsor an orchid for a pew-end display.
As a thank you for your generosity, you will be invited to write a short personal message, dedication, or remembrance. Your note will be attached to your orchid, creating a meaningful and personal part of the festival display, and best of all you can take it home once the festival is over.
To register your interest, please contact Claire in Cathedral House at
Details of how to make the payment will be sent to you, or you can pop the cash in an envelope with your message enclosed and post to Cathedral House.
ADVENTUROUS ACCOMPANIMENT DAY WORKSHOP
📅 Date: 19 September 2026
📍 St Margaret Clitherow Centre
"In the relationship of accompaniment, [we] are provided a space in which [we] can come to deeply know the love of Jesus Christ through friendship, guidance, and authenticity..." Whether you are new to the concept of accompaniment, or regularly incorporate it, this workshop is for you. There is no cost and we would just ask that you bring your own lunch.
Sign up here https://forms.office.com/e/9zxSLAndhm
For enquiries, please contact Moses Mui, Training Coordinator at
WHAT'S ON JULY TO SEPTEMBER AT THE IRENAEUS CENTRE
IRENAEUS WOMEN'S HUB TASTER
Womens welcome Hub - Learning and sharing, Relaxation methods healing/joy, affirmation, meditation starting 14th September 2026
GUILD OF ST STEPHEN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
📅 Date: 25–31 OCTOBER 2026.
The Liverpool Archdiocesan Council of the Guild of St Stephen is organising a pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The cost is £600 per person (sharing) or £750 for a single room, and includes coach travel, four nights' full-board accommodation in a three-star hotel, and an excursion programme. (Travel insurance and the ETIAS visa are not included.) T
he pilgrimage is open to those aged 18–70, with a spiritual leader to be confirmed.
For more information, please contact Rose Curry on 07932 729896.
CRAFTING THE WORD OF THE LORD
📅 Date: Monday 7 to Friday 11 September
📍Meet: Our Lady & All Saints Church, Parbold, WN8 7HS
An exhibition of knitted Bible scenes created by Francesca Vause will be on display at Our Lady & All Saints Church, Parbold, WN8 7HS, from Monday 7 to Friday 11 September.
The exhibition is free to visit and all are welcome.
Opening times
Monday: 11.00am - 3.00pm
Tuesday: 3.30pm - 6.00pm
Wednesday: 11.00am - 3.00pm
Thursday: 11.30am - 4.00pm
Friday: 11.00am - 3.00pm
Free entry and parking on site.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AT SVP CHURCH
📅 Date: Wednesday 23 September – 7PM
📍Meet: St Vincent de Paul Church, 13 Hardy Street, Liverpool, L1 5JN
There will be a a Roundtable Discussion during the Season of Creation on the documentary: The People's Emergency Briefing. It will be an interactive screening and conversation on how Christians are called to care for our common home.
Doors open at 6:45pm.
All are welcome, and registration is available via the QR code below or the following link: archdioceseofliverpool.org/pebroundtable or by contacting
Archdioce's Pastoral Development team have produced a resource to help pray the Franciscan Rosary. Click here to access it.
ARCHDIOCESAN CAREERS
Scan the QR code to access the Archdiocesan career guide.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY TRAINING DAYS
Irenaeus will be leading their next Eucharistic Ministry training session in September
📅 Date: Saturday 26th September 2026
📍 Location: Irenaeus Centre Great Georges Rd. L22 1RD
Contact the Parish Office if you feel you have a calling.
PORTUGESE-SPEAKING YOUNG ADULTS PRAYER GROUP
Join our monthly gathering for prayer, friendship, and faith at St Michael and All Angels Church, Kirkby L32. All Portuguese-speaking young adults are welcome! For more information please contact: 07752 773037 Tiago and 07857 178601 Karine.
LECTIO FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Every Friday at 6pm at St Vincent de Paul's Church, L1 5JN, there is a "lectio" prayer group for young adults. There will be a Mass at 6pm, followed by a short time of sharing the Sunday readings at 6.30pm. It's a friendly group and sometimes they also organise trips and retreats.
Follow this link to join my WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FvRR2Q6sIDK83W4KgBIJqU If you want more information please contact James: or 07394 503 911
SUPPORT FOR THE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED
The Restored Lives course is run over six weeks, one evening per week. The talks cover the key issues to help you to move on and highlight the practical steps and tools to enable you to tackle the issues that arise from separation and divorce.
For more information contact Maureen 0767753371
SUMMER 2026 EVENTS AT IRENAEUS
EVENTS AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
For the latest events around the archdiocese, please visit https://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/events.
If you would like to include any events from your parish here, please email details to
DIVINE LITURGY IN LIVERPOOL
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has a parish in Liverpool. It is currently based in St Sebastian's Fairfield . Times for Divine Liturgy and Confessions will be advertised on
a) their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Ukrainian-Catholic-Church-in-Liverpool-1864679287112879
b) their website https://sites.google.com/site/ukrainianparishinliverpool
