ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS
ARCHDIOCESAN GOOD NEWS - NUNCIO VISIT
We were honoured last week to welcome the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain to the Archdiocese of Liverpool. Many of you will have met him while he visited locations around the archdiocese, including St Marys Church, Leyland, St John Rigby College, Wigan, and St Anne & Blessed Dominic Church, St Helens.
The Nuncio also visited the Carmelite Monastery, Allerton, enjoyed a concert at St Francis de Sales, Walton, celebrated Mass at St Oswald's Church, Old Swan, to mark 175 years of Sisters of Mercy, and enjoyed afternoon tea & Evensong at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.
The visit ended on Sunday after solemn Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King at 11am, and Evening Prayer and drinks reception that afternoon, where many got the chance to speak with the Nuncio.
Following ‘A Concert for the Nuncio’ on Saturday evening at St Francis de Sales Church, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía addressed the people of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL THANK YOU:
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which sought to legalise assisted suicide in England and Wales, was rejected at Second Reading in the House of Commons. Archbishop John has offered his gratitude and thanks to those who wrote to their MPs to stop the Bill progressing through parliament.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE ARCHDIOCESE
The Archdiocese are currently seeking
- Assistant Parish Centre Manager at St Benet's, Netherton, St Gregory's, Lydiate and St William of York, Thornton: Closing date: September 25, 2026
- Assistant Parish Centre Manager at St Basil's, Widnes, St Ambrose, Speke and St Joseph the Worker, Kirkby: Closing date: September 25, 2026
Full details can be found at Careers - Join the team
INTRODUCTION TO SYNODALITY
📅 Date:Tuesdays 22 and 29 September
📍Location: Online Course
Most of what people try to tell us never actually lands. Not because they didn't say it — but because we weren't really listening.
What gets in the way of listening to one another? What might change if we learned to listen differently — not just to information, but to the person in front of us?
Because when we truly listen, something happens. It stops being transactional — one person giving, another receiving — and becomes an exchange of gifts, often unexpected. Every person carries something worth hearing, however small or unlikely it might seem to them, or to us.
This is what synodality is really about: not more talking, but a different way of being together — one shaped by prayer, silence, and the discipline of genuine attention. Not a talking shop. A way of walking together that actually moves.
The School for Synodality is offering a two-session Introduction to Synodality course for anyone who is new to synodality or would like to deepen their understanding of what it means to listen, pray and walk together as the Church.
The course is offered online via Zoom, with a choice of morning sessions (11.00am–1.00pm) or evening sessions (7.00pm–9.00pm) on Tuesdays 22 and 29 September 2026.
Book the morning sessions here: www.schoolforsynodality.org.uk/events/introduction-to-synodality-autumn-2026morning
Book the evening sessions here: www.schoolforsynodality.org.uk/events/introduction-to-synodality-autumn-2026-evening
For more information and to explore other courses, visit the School for Synodality website: www.schoolforsynodality.org.uk
LOURDES YOUTH PILGRIMAGE
📅 Dates: 21-30 JULY 2027
Aged 15 (or in Year 10) to 22? Join the Archdiocesan Youth Pilgrimage, deposit £100. Total price is £730. Apply before 9:00am on 19th October? Qualify for a £50 reduction.
Completed Faith in Action Gold Award this year? Qualify for a further £100 reduction. Apply now at: https://www.liverpoollourdesyouth.co.uk/
Coach One is Liverpool. Coach Two is Knowsley.
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.
ALIVE WORSHIP CELEBRATION:
📅 Date: Sunday 27 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 bringing 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!
TEACHING SESSIONS WITH FR MAXIMILIAN MARTIN, OFM CONV.
📅 Date: 26 September
📍Location: St Columba’s, Port Erin, Isle of Man
Part of St Columba's celebration for the Jubilee of St Francis Assisi
- Caring for Creation, Promotion of Peace, and Serving the Poor. A reflection on the heart of Franciscan mission and its relevance for Christian discipleship today.
- The Relevance of Franciscan Spirituality in the Modern World. How the Charism of St Francis continues to speak powerfully to contemporary society and to the life of the Church.
ST COLUMBA’S, PORT ERIN - PARISH CELEBRATION
📅 Date: 27 September
📍Location: St Columba’s, Port Erin, Isle of Man
Mass said by Father Maximilian at 11am, followed by a parish share plate lunch celebration in St Columba’s hall.
BE WOMEN OF COURAGE: WOMEN’S WEEKEND
📅 Date: 16-18 October
📍Location: Irenaeus
Join us for a women’s weekend of sharing and exploring the call of God in our lives.
SPEAKEASY MUSIC GROUP 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
📅 Date: 24 October
📍Location: St William of York Church.
Speakeasy Music Group will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at St William of York Church.
Mass will be celebrated at 6pm, followed by music and refreshments in the parish club. We would love to welcome any past members or friends of Speakeasy so that we can catch up and reminisce about the many memories we share.
For further information, please contact Helen McCall (formerly Exton/Cain) at or 07778 746600.
ARCHDIOCESAN GOOD NEWS - CARE FOR CREATION / ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI WALK
What a wonderful celebration of faith, creation and community! Eighty-five pilgrims took part in a Care for Creation Walk on Saturday to mark the Season of Creation and the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi, with many more joining afterwards for Mass.
The walk provided time for prayer, reflection, fellowship and appreciation of the beauty of creation, bringing people together from across the archdiocese. A special thanks goes to Archbishop John Sherrington, who accompanied the pilgrims throughout the walk before presiding at Mass, and to Fr Gerard Mary Toman for his inspiring homily on the life and example of St Francis.
Thank you to everyone who walked, prayed, sang and helped to make it such a joyful and memorable celebration.
FATIMA GROUP AT ST MARY'S, CHORLEY – FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH
The Liverpool Archdiocese Fatima Group invites you to the First Saturdays Devotion at St Mary's Church, Chorley (PR7 2SR), led by Fr Marsden, the group's new Spiritual Director.
The devotion takes place on the first Saturday of every month and includes:
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- 11.30am – Fatima Prayers and Rosary
- 12.00pm – Mass
- 12.30pm – Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with Confessions available during Adoration.
All are welcome to join in this monthly devotion inspired by the message of Our Lady of Fatima.
ARCHDIOCESAN YOUNG ADULT GROUP
📅 Date: Tuesday 29th September from 6:30PM - 8:00PM
📍Location: Pauline Book Shop
The Archdiocesan Young Adult Group are meeting again the next meeting will be on the 29th September and will abe a talk vy Fr Peter McGrail titled: The Hope Within You
SEASON OF CREATION 2026 PRAYER SESSIONS AT ST MARYS:
To mark the Season of creation St Mary's will be opening the church on Saturdays 5th, 12th and 26th Septemver, for a time of communal and private. prayer. Please note St Mary' church grounds are closed in the 19th .
CATHOLIC DEEP DIVE:
📅 Date: 7pm-8.30pm Tuesday 29th September, Tuesday 13th October, Tuesday 27th October, Tuesday 10th November, Tuesday 24th November.
📍Meet: Romero Room Our Lady of the Assumption Church, L25 2RW.
Sign up at : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvkSRh5pVi2EX60SJZKadK_YdZ17QVjgzGG-JLpSJFDxzrQg/viewform
Ever wanted to delve deeper in your faith in and open friendly atmosphere, five evening sessions are planned just for you.
ADOREMUS 2026 - UPDATED 4.9.26
📅 Date: Saturday 10 October (9.00am–5.00pm),
📍 Location: Metropolitan Cathedral
Join us on the 10th of October for this year’s Adoremus. The theme this year is “How we are Eucharist”. Come and join us to adore the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The event itself is free and available to all.
At the Metropolitan Cathedral, there will be Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day, Holy Mass, opportunities for confession, a variety of workshops and a shared time of prayer during the day for all. Celebrated with Archbishop John Sherrington, this is an event not to be missed!
Sign up for workshops here: archdioceseofliverpool.org/adoremus2026
Workshop listed at that link are
- Godly Play; delivered by Francesca Vause - 10am (Columba Chapel)
- Praying with Art; delivered by Dcn Justin Malewezi - 11am (Crypt Chapel)
- Meditation To Make The Offertory At Mass Personal; delivered by Fr Tony Slingo - 11am (Columba Chapel)
- Craft Workshops; delivered by Chris Reynolds of Stella Maris, and St Michaels and St Marys Church groups - 12pm (Gibberd Room)
- Taize; delivered by the Wigan Taize group - 12pm (Crypt Chapel)
- Blessed, Broken, Given; delivered by Fr Maximillian of the Franciscan Order - 12pm (Columba Chapel)
- 'Become what you receive' : Bread blessed and broken; delivered by Sr Moira Meeghan SSMN - 1pm (Columba Chapel)
- Enter into the Silence; delivered by Sr Louise Swanston SSMN - 3.15pm (Columba Chapel)
- Prayer through Service; delivered by Dcn Peter Ross and the Missionaries of Charity - 3.15pm (Crypt Chapel)
MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE
📅 Date: Monday 26 October, 2 November, 9 November, 16 November
📍Meet: St Anne’s Church, Prescot Road, Ormskirk,
Are you planning to get married in a Catholic church? The archdiocese is now offering the marriage preparation course for engaged couples. To be led by trained lay facilitators, the 4-session course will help the couples develop skills which could facilitate good communication within their relationship and an understanding of sacramental marriage within Catholic faith.
The next course will be available on Monday 26 October, 2 November, 9 November and 16 November (for 4 consecutive Wednesday), at St Anne’s Church, Prescot Road, Ormskirk, L39 4TG. There is a non-refundable cost of £50 per couple to help towards materials and other expenses. If you are interested to join, please book online here https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/cMQ1fpza3G?origin=lprLink
More information about upcoming courses for this year, please refer to the archdiocesan website https://tinyurl.com/mr6p8vne
WEEKEND RETREAT FOR PORTUGUESE SPEAKING YOUNG ADULTS
📅 Date:13-15 November
📍Location: St Joseph Prayer House, Formby, Liverpool, L37 1PH.
The Portuguese-Speaking Young Adults Group from Liverpool warmly invites all Portuguese-speaking young adults (up to 28 years old) to a weekend at St Joseph Prayer House, Formby, Liverpool, L37 1PH. The retreat will be conducted in Portuguese language and will feature a special programme led by Fr Adriano Zandoná. For more information or to reserve your place, please get in touch via Instagram @jovens.catolicos.em.liverpool or by email at
MARRIAGE PREPARATION CATECHISTS TRAINING
📅 Date:1 October, 8 October, 15 October, 22 October, 29 October
📍Location: St Joseph’s Church, Penketh, Warrington WA5 2BB
Would you like to accompany the engaged couples in their journey of marriage preparation? The archdiocese is now recruiting catechists to join the marriage preparation team. The catechist training will be provided at St Joseph’s Church, Penketh, Warrington WA5 2BB and consists of five sessions.
Upon completion of training, the catechists will be asked to offer marriage preparation course taking place across the archdiocese. If this is something you are interested in, please sign up here https://tinyurl.com/5c52zbbz
IRENAEUS NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2026
To discover more about the events and spiritual sessions at Irenaeus please read the September newsletter click here
SCRIPTURE MORNINGS AT IRENAEUS
'You either get it or you don't" A look at the parables
📅 Date: Wednesdays 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th November 2026; 10.30am - 12 noon
📍Location: The Irenaeus Centre L22 1RD
IRENAEUS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
The Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, are desperately looking for 2-3 volunteers to fill the slot on a Monday afternoon, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. If you can help, please phone 0151 949 1199 or contact
We are always looking for help at any other time. We are open from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm on Mondays - Thursdays.
WHATS ON AT IRENAEUS SEPTEMBER 2026
SAFEGUARDING SURVEY
In October, the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) will conduct an audit on the archdiocesan safeguarding team and the work they do to keep our parishes safe.
As part of this audit, we're asking everyone within the Archdiocese of Liverpool – whether you are a victim, survivor, layperson, clergy, volunteer or parishioner - to take a few minutes to complete this survey.
The survey will be open from Monday 24 August and will close on Friday 25 September.
Please complete the form by scanning the QR code or visiting: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/KU4BAFEYt2
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.
Please note the dinner is now fully booked, but all are still welcome to attend the Mass.
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.
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.
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
REGULAR EVENTS AT IRENAEUS SEPTEMBER 2026
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
