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News diary

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Coming home to St Patrick’s

Peter Woods MBE

Peter Woods, a former High Sheriff of Liverpool and a daily worshipper at the Metropolitan Cathedral has been appointed MBE in the Birthday Honours List for charitable and voluntary Services to the community in Liverpool. Peter has always been involved with voluntary work, in particular with the Simon Community, Sue Ryder, Lodge Lane Credit Union, the Little Sisters of the Poor Homes for the Elderly and has served as Chair of the Friends of the Tate and Chair of the Homebaked Community Land Trust in Anfield, alongside many other charitable roles. He has lived in the city for almost 50 years and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Merseyside in 2010. He also served as High Sheriff from 2018-2019. Peter was born in Carlingford, Ireland and educated to secondary level in Ireland. He then moved to Liverpool where both his parents were born and where they maintained family and business links. Peter spent time working with a bank and an accountancy firm in the city, and a year as a student teacher in Kirkby before, in 1970, establishing Ryan-Wood Antiques in Seel Street with his partner, Francis Ryan. Father Andrew Unsworth returned to his home church of St Patrick’s, Wigan, on Tuesday 7 June to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Although three other serving priests have been baptised and raised in the parish - Monsignor Stephen Alker, Father Anthony Kelly and Father Keith Windsor OFM Cap - Father Andrew is the only priest to be ordained at the church itself. The Mass began with words of welcome from parish priest, Father Ian O’Shea, and was concelebrated by Father Philip Gregory and Father Paul Grady. During his homily, Father Andrew spoke of his happiness at returning home and offered a personal insight on what the priesthood means for him and the universal Church. Acknowledging the influence of St Patrick’s longest-serving Parish Priest, Father James Lappin, on his life, Father Andrew recalled how the seeds of his vocation were formed at the age of just eight and this was strengthened by his parents, Eddie and the late Kathleen, and members of the St Patrick’s family. At the end of the Mass, Father O’Shea presented Father Andrew with an Icon of St Patrick which he said, ‘will have pride of place’. Afterwards, there were refreshments in the Lappin Room organised by the St Patrick’s Ladies’ Group. It was a wonderful evening to celebrate and give thanks to God for the Ministry of one of St Patrick’s much-loved sons.

Nugent raises over £18.5K at Phil Thompson Golf Classic

The Sixteenth Phil Thompson Golf Classic sponsored by David M Robinson, took place on Thursday 26 May at Hurlston Hall. The event has been an outstanding success having raised a gross total of £18,500 so far. This year’s focus was to raise much needed funds to create therapeutic environments for our young people who are vulnerable, traumatised and disadvantaged, and have been assessed as needing the highest level of safety and protection. Nugent is the only charity in the country which operates an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rated secure children’s home. The players were greeted with refreshments and breakfast rolls to start the day along with brand goodie bags which included a thank you message from Phil Thompson. After a tasty breakfast the players had a chance to warm up their skills at the short game clinic. The 80 players from 20 teams enjoyed a full game of golf after the shotgun start. The wet weather did nothing to dampen their spirits. The evening was hosted by comedian Willie Miller, who ran an amazing auction of some incredible prizes like signed football memorabilia, spa breaks and hotel getaways. The evening dinner was followed by speeches from Nugent’s CEO, Normandie Wragg, who introduced Dr Kate Herod. Dr Herod reminded the guests what the day was all about: the vital work Nugent does with children across the country. Dr Herod discussed the dire need for a refurbishment of the outdoor garden areas for the children and young people at the secure children’s home, as it is often the only area where they can experience the outside. The funds raised from this event will allow us to create the new space so that everyone can relax and unwind in the new gardens. The golf players were treated to guest speaker, LFC Legend, Mark ‘Larwo’ Lawrenson who recalled his illustrious career at Liverpool Football Club, entertaining the guests with memorable stories from his career. The evening finished on a high as Phil Thompson handed out the awards from the golf game with Hilton Liverpool winning the first place for the second year running. Nugent would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for supporting and making the Sixteenth Phil Thompson Classic a success. For more information about the event, please visit www.wearenugent.org

Celebrating the Jubilee

27 members of the UCM at St Gregory the Great in Lydiate, in the parish of St Catherine of Alexandria, celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen in style when they held a party on Wednesday 1 June in St Gregory’s Parish Centre. With plenty of bunting, good food and a raffle a good time was had by all.

news diary Two Cathedrals Celebration

Good Shepherd Mass

There was a party atmosphere to this year’s Two Cathedrals Service, held at Pentecost also the weekend of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The afternoon began with a short service on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral followed by a walk along Hope Street for a short Act of Worship and then a ‘Big Picnic for the Platinum Jubilee’ held in the Anglican Cathedral with activities provided by ‘In Another Place’.

Over 800 students from twenty schools gathered in the Metropolitan Cathedral for the first of this year’s Nugent Good Shepherd Masses which was celebrated by Bishop Tom Neylon on Wednesday 15 June. At the Mass schools present the donations made during the annual Lenten Good Shepherd collection. Nugent Chief Executive Officer, Normandie Wragg said, ‘Through all the wonderful fundraising efforts during the Good Shepherd appeal that we celebrate today, we can thank God for all the love and service we can continue to give to the young children and adults who come to us each year, seeking help and Nugent’s support.’ The music of the Mass was led by the Archdiocese of Liverpool Choral Directors, Danny Townley and Joe Watson. The second of the Good Shepherd Masses was celebrated by Bishop Tom Williams at St Mary’s, Leyland on Wednesday 22 June.

Bishop Tom Williams celebrates his golden jubilee

On Friday 27 May Bishop Tom Williams celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood by Archbishop George Andrew Beck in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in 1972. On the Friday evening he celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St Anthony of Egypt, Scotland Road, which was attended by people from the parishes and communities that he had served and by family and friends. Bishop Tom was parish priest at St Anthony’s from 1989 until his episcopal ordination in 2003. A second celebration followed on Sunday 29 May at the Metropolitan Cathedral where he celebrated the Solemn Mass. The Gospel reading was John 17:20-26 with the command to ‘love one another as I have loved you’. In his homily Bishop Tom reflected on his days as a hospital chaplain saying, ‘love is about dealing with difficult times and dealing with trauma. One of the gifts I’ve had over the last 50 years is to be involved in people’s lives at a very personal level. It’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of that and the nicest thing that people have said to me in those 50 years has been “you were there when…”’ At the end of Mass Bishop Tom paid tribute to the support he has received from ecumenical partners, ‘the sense of ecumenism has matured and grown over the last 50 years, and I do regard communities of other Christians as good friends and very much with us journeying through life. I would like to thank them on this day for their support and help, especially during my last 19 years as a Bishop.’ After Mass Bishop Tom greeted his guests as they left the Cathedral.

Prayer for Ukraine at St Oswald’s

On Monday 9 May St Oswald's Church, Old Swan, hosted a prayer service, led by Father Taras Khomych, the Ukrainian Community Chaplain in Liverpool, to show solidarity for the Ukrainian Community, and to pray for all who have died in the ongoing Russian invasion and aggression. Fr Taras was joined by Archbishop Malcolm, Father Stephen Pritchard; Father Liam Collister, and Deacon Paul Rooney, along with other church leaders present in the congregation. Also in attendance were the LordLieutenant of Merseyside, Mr. Mark Blundell; Councillor Mary Rasmussen, Lord Mayor of Liverpool; and Mr Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region. At the end of the service Mr Blundell said, ‘What we observe today in Ukraine is the manifestation of the greatest love, accompanied with the bravery and the resilience, which one cannot but admire. At the same time, we express our sorrow over the loss of lives of thousands of innocent people and over all the devastation brought by Russian invasion of Ukraine. We pray for all the victims of this war: children, civilians and the military who defend their country and their people. Today, we commemorate all those who have lost their lives and express our sympathy with their relatives and loved ones…we would also like to extend our expressions of sympathy and support to the Ukrainian community in Merseyside and especially to all those who have recently arrived, fleeing the war. We would like to assure you that we stand with you, with the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.’

Archbishop Malcolm and Sister Lynne

Archdiocese of Liverpool appoints Sr Lynne Baron, FCJ as Archbishop’s Delegate for Catholic social action

The Archdiocese of Liverpool has appointed Sr Lynne Baron, FCJ as Archbishop Malcolm McMahon’s delegate for Catholic social action. Sr Lynne will be a key member of the new Archbishop’s Advisory Body and will ensure that the voice of a woman will be heard as the archbishop makes important decisions. The appointment comes almost 12 months after the archdiocese met for Synod 2020 (20 June 2021). Since then, the pastoral plan has been written, promulgated and implementation is ongoing. A key call from the Synod was to renew our Church by reaching out, by being welcoming and inclusive. The Pastoral Plan called for a new role to ‘place at the forefront of the life of the Church inclusivity, justice and peace, the poor, marginalised and the environment, recognising that concern for the environment is a core dimension of our evangelising mission in the world.’ Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP, said: ‘I truly believe that Sr Lynne is the best person to help develop this important area of our life as a Church and to guide us as we implement the call and direction set by the Synod. The Synod clearly called us to reach out to those who feel on the edges of both Church and society and it is clear to me that only if we look outward will we renew ourselves.’ Sr Lynne said of the role: ‘I am delighted to be able to take up this appointment as Archbishop’s Delegate and to contribute to the mission of the archdiocese in this new way as the Church seeks to include the voice of women in its decision-making bodies. My area of responsibility, Catholic social action, is far reaching in these challenging times, but the archdiocese and its people have a strong history of social action, welcome and inclusion. I am excited to further enable this work to flourish, to ensure it is rooted in Catholic social teaching, and that it remains a significant aspect of the archdiocesan agenda.’ Sr Lynne’s appointment is the first step in changing the governance structures of the archdiocese. The Synod called for the voice of women to be heard and acknowledged – this appointment shows the commitment to what was asked. The Archbishop’s Council and College of Consultors has been revised. The Chapter of Canons has, from 6 June, taken on the role as College of Consultors and the Archbishop’s Council, from the same date, will become the Archbishop’s Advisory Body and so enable it to be made up of people who are not ordained.

Bingo! – Ukraine Fundraiser brings down the House

By Emily – 4th Crosby and District Scout group.

The 4th Crosby and District Scout Group held a Bingo night in support of Ukraine at a packed (or should we say Full House) St William of York Parish Centre on 31 May. The event was organised by the Scouts (with a little direction and help from the Scout Leaders) and was a great success, raising a brilliant £680.50 for the Ukraine Appeal. With members of the Scout group organising everything from the poster for the event, the prizes, welcoming people at the door, running the refreshment stand, selling raffle tickets and of course calling out the allimportant numbers. There were four hotly contested games of Bingo as well as Irish Bingo, Football Scratch cards and a raffle. It is safe to say that everyone went home with a prize or at the very least a big smile on their face, as the fun filled evening was enjoyed by all. None of this could have happened without help and donations from the community and supporters of the Scout Group and the Scouts and leaders would like to thank everyone for their help and support. With all the money raised going to those who need it most in the Ukraine, I’m sure we can all agree that the 4th Crosby and District Scout Group came up with the winning numbers.

Obituary of Rev James Moore

Father James Moore, former parish priest of Our Lady’s, Lydiate, died on 18 June at the age of 92 and in the 54th year of his priesthood. James Gerard Moore, the son of Thomas and Anne Moore, was born in Liverpool on 25 November 1929. He attended St Edward’s School, Broadgreen, Liverpool, and St Dominic’s School, Huyton. After working in various jobs, he felt called to the priesthood and he began his ecclesiastical studies at Campion House, Osterley, before entering the English College, Lisbon. At Lisbon he eventually became the senior student and was noted for being the only student to stay in his bed during the large earthquake that struck Portugal in February 1969. He was quoted as saying that if he was going to die, he would rather die in his bed. Thankfully all was well and he was ordained to the priesthood in the college chapel at Lisbon on 31 May 1969. Following ordination, he served as assistant priest in several parishes across the archdiocese: Twelve Apostles, Leigh from July 1969; St Philomena, Liverpool from November 1971; St Sebastian, Liverpool from September 1974; St Brendan, Liverpool from April 1979 and Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs, Croxteth from January 1981. In 1985, he left parish ministry to become a full-time chaplain at Rainhill Hospital, providing invaluable pastoral care to patients and staff in what had once been a very large psychiatric hospital. His tenure as chaplain was marked by significant change in the hospital as many patients were moved to be cared for in the local community and others were moved to psychiatric facilities in other hospitals. The hospital eventually closed in 1992, a year after his departure as chaplain. In March 1991, he succeeded Father Joseph Holland as parish priest of Our Lady’s, Lydiate. This was to be his only appointment as parish priest, and he ministered happily there until his retirement in December 2004. Thereafter, he lived at Alston Court, Ainsdale, in one of the flats reserved for retired priests, until last year when failing health meant he could no longer live independently. For many years he was an active member of the Marian Movement of Priests. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday 27 June at Our Lady’s Church, Lydiate, followed by burial at Yew Tree Cemetery.

St Bernadette Relic Tour 2022

As our pilgrims leave for Lourdes this month preparations are underway for a national tour of the relics of St Bernadette in the autumn including visits to St Mary’s, Chorley, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. In September and October this year, the relics will journey on pilgrimage to England, Scotland, and Wales for the very first time. This very special once in a lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes. St Bernadette was born in 1844 in a small town in France. Bernadette Soubirous was one of eight children born into a very poor family. Although initially unremarkable, Bernadette’s life was to inspire generations of people to journey in faith on pilgrimage to Lourdes. Between 11 February and 16 July 1858, Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary eighteen times in a series of Apparitions that took place in cave on the outskirts of Lourdes, a place now known as the Grotto of Massabielle. In the course of these miraculous encounters, Bernadette, then aged just 14, became the friend and confidante of Our Lady, the mother of Jesus. The Apparitions of Lourdes were authenticated in 1866 by the Bishop of Tarbes. In that same year, Bernadette left Lourdes to live out her religious vocation within the community of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. She died in 1879, was proclaimed blessed in 1925, and became a saint in 1933. At the heart of the shrine today stands the Reconciliation Chapel, where pilgrims can find spiritual healing through the sacrament of Confession. In the past this building was used to house the sick who visited Lourdes. This building highlights the key charism of Lourdes being healing. On the 150th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady to St Bernadette Pope Benedict XVI said, ‘Mary, appearing to St. Bernadette, opened a privileged place to encounter the divine love which heals and saves.’ Lourdes is a place where we encounter God’s love and where we can find healing – but not just the physical healing of the miracles that have famously taken place there. It is also a place of spiritual, emotional, and psychological healing. The relics will visit our archdiocese from Thursday 15 September to Tuesday 20 September. They will arrive at St Mary’s, Mount Pleasant, Chorley, at 8:30 pm on Thursday 15 September and will remain there until 10:00 am on Saturday 17 September. They will then be brought to the Cathedral Church of the Risen Christ, St James’ Mount, Liverpool arriving at 11:00 am. On the afternoon of Saturday 17 September they will be taken to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King arriving at 3:30 pm and will remain there until 7:00 am on Tuesday 20 September. Further timings and booking details will be available nearer the time.

Crossing the boundary for food support

Almost five years ago with food poverty on the rise, the proposal for having a Trussell Trust Foodbank running from St Dominic’s Church in Huyton was put forward by Peter Mitchell and Colette Goulding, CEO and Assistant CEO of Big Help Project. Peter remembers the situation, ‘We knew that we needed to do more to support the wider community out of food poverty, further than Knowsley. At this point, Knowsley Foodbank had already been running for 5 years, and yet the number of people in crisis was growing, especially in Liverpool. ‘As Roman Catholics, myself and Colette were conscious that there was not yet foodbank support operating out of a Roman Catholic church, and we wanted to provide that provision.’ The link between St Dominic’s Church and Knowsley Foodbank was forged, an alliance that was deemed unusual – with the boundaries of Liverpool and Knowsley becoming connected in ways that would change the way people could find appropriate food support. St Dominic’s forms part of a wider triangle service, covering a core geographic location in Liverpool that is most in need. Peter said, ‘people don’t recognise boundaries, the boundaries between Liverpool and Knowsley do not matter when it comes to the hungry. We knew we had to recognise that Liverpool needed as much food provision on this side of the boundary, just as much as Knowsley needed their food provision.’ The day that the existence of foodbank is no more because they are not needed, is the day we long await. Until that day comes, we give thanks to St Dominic’s for being a key part in opening their doors to the hungry; for giving the community of Huyton the hope of food security. ‘Help one another. This is what Jesus teaches us. This is what I do, and I do it with my heart.’ – Pope Francis For more information about Big Help Project, visit: www.bighelpproject.com

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