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Mums the Word

What a year it has been. It started with the war in Ukraine, which is still ongoing. We were devastated by the death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II. We have a new monarch, King Charles III, and we have had three Prime Ministers up to the time of writing.

We were all surprised by the grief shown for her Majesty. She was like our own mother, Queen but also mother/matriarch. She promised her whole life to her people, just as a mother dedicates her life to her family. We look to the Queen as a model of a life of service which was rooted in her faith. Queen and country, mother and child.

From the moment of the incarnation ‘The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us’ (Jn 1:14). For our sake, He came down from heaven as Emmanuel, God-with-us. Our Lady also gave her whole life over to service of her Son and to us, her children.

How wonderful for us that this happened all those years ago in a tiny stable in Bethlehem. Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year. A time for families and loved ones to be together. A time for caring and sharing and bringing peace to each and everyone we meet. This Christmas, inspired by our Lady and the late Queen, let us ask God for the grace to be ever more conscious of our duties to our families. Lord, this Christmas may we too experience the comfort and joy of your amazing love that you share with us. May your peace abide in our homes and hearts this Christmas.

I wish you and your families a happy and holy Christmas and every blessing in 2023.

Maureen Finnegan Archdiocesan president

A century of service News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Knights raise funds for Asylum Link Merseyside

The Knights of St Columba, Council 9, in South Liverpool conducted their Annual Steve Dooley and Pat McGann memorial sponsored walk for charity on Sunday 2 October, taking the route along the River Mersey from the Albert Dock to St Charles’ social club in Aigburth. This year the beneficiary is Asylum Link Merseyside, based at St Anne’s, Overbury Street. We wish to thank all who participated in the walk and the parish priests of churches in South Liverpool who gave us kind permission to distribute sponsored walk envelopes in their churches. Most of all we thank those who gave so generously in support of this worthy cause which, with contributions still coming in, has – at the time of writing – exceeded £4,500.

Our photo shows a group of walkers at the Albert Dock starting point before setting out on their route to St Charles’, where refreshments were served.

• It is a pleasure to welcome Father David Potter as the new parish priest of St Wilfred’s Parish where Council 9 holds its meetings. Fr David was inducted by His Grace Archbishop Malcolm McMahon on 12 October at St Francis of Assisi Church. Two days later Fr David was guest speaker at the Council 9 annual dinner where he was awarded a certificate as a Member of Honour of the Order.

• It is with great sadness we report the death of esteemed Brother Jim Holland, a member for 41 years and a stalwart of Council 51, Ormskirk. A Requiem Mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul at St Anne’s Parish Church, Ormskirk, on Monday 3 October where a Guard of Honour by attending brothers was provided. We extend our deepest sympathy to Brother Jim’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Websites: www.ksc.org.uk www.kscprov02.weebly.com Email: dpokeane@aol.com