Churches across the diocese mark the Canonisation of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
“An inspiration for our young people”
Also: Jottings of a Roman Pilgrimage | Two Cathedrals service In this issue:
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From the Archbishop’s Desk
October is one of the months when we venerate Our Blessed Lady, Mary, the Mother of God, in a special way. We ask our Mother to help us, just as we often do in daily life. Many people pray the rosary or ask her intercession for a special reason. When we pray the rosary, we reflect on the mysteries of Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection. The mysteries give an overview of how He saves His people. The rhythm of the repeated prayers helps our meditation and contemplation to deepen. This October is an opportunity to begin to pray again the rosary, individually or as a family, or in school or in a group. I invite you to pray the rosary each day this month.
Soon after becoming Pope, Pope Francis spoke of his prayer to Mary the Untier or Undoer of Knots. He remembered a painting which he saw in Germany during a very difficult time of his life. It portrayed Our Lady surrounded by little angels who helped her untangle bands or ribbons of linen cloth which had become tangled into knots and were unusable. Today we might think of the way in which computer leads or earphone wires become tangled and it take ages to unravel them. The original painting was commissioned by a wealthy man who had marital problems and could not see a way forward. He asked Our Lady to help him. At the wedding feast of Cana, when they ran out of wine, Mary knew that Jesus would sort it out and provide a solution. This was gallons of wine!
Many situations of life are knotted together and seem unresolvable. They cause sleepless nights and endless worry. These may be relational difficulties, workplace tensions, family problems or problems with the neighbours. People wonder to move forward and try to find ways forwards in daily life. A helpful ear can help us clarify the problems. Talking to another person can be useful. A spiritual guide can assist. Often though, there is no clear way forward and then we seek the help of prayer. We can ask Mary the Untier of Knots to help us. You might pray with me now,
Mary, Mother of Mercy, Untie the knot of my life (name request). Come to my aid, Mother of God. Give me greater freedom to love God and my neighbour. Jesus, have mercy on me. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Archbishop John Sherrington Archbishop of Liverpool
Monthly prayer intentions
OCTOBER
For collaboration between different religious traditions. Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity
Contents:
4 Main Feature An inspiration for our young people
7 Sunday Reflections
8 From the Archives Our tin tabernacles
9 News News from around the archdiocese
16 What’s On What’s happening in the archdiocese
17 Catholic Life
18 Pastoral Ponderings
19 Profile Harry Clark
27 Animate Youth Ministry
28 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC
30 Dialogue and Unity
Editor Harriet Anwyl
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Pictures Nick Fairhurst www.nickfairhurstphotographer.com
Harry Clark © Owen James Vincent
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“This year, 2025, we are called to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, and Carlo and Pier Giorgio are witnesses of hope in a world that has lost its bearings.”
“An inspiration for our young people”
Churches across the Archdiocese of Liverpool have marked last month’s canonisation of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
by Simon Hart
“These two new saints can inspire young people to be more active in the mission of the Church as well as develop a life of prayer and adoration.”
Archbishop John Sherrington expressed that wish as the Catholic Church celebrated the canonisation of St Carlo Acutis and St Pier Giorgio Frassati – two young Italian saints born a century apart.
The former, who was born in London in 1991 and died from leukaemia in Milan aged 15, is the first millennial saint. St Pier Giorgio, meanwhile, was born 100 years earlier in Turin and died from polio aged 24. Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the pair as saints on Sunday 7 September.
Reflecting on the dual canonisation, Archbishop Sherrington said: “In his short life, St Carlos Acutis developed a deep devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the Eucharist. He often said, ‘The Eucharist is my highway to heaven’. He wanted to receive Jesus in Holy Communion every day. Fascinated by the digital world, he built a website devoted to Eucharistic miracles which is still live today. He is an example to inspire young people.
“St Pier Giorgio Frassati was an ItalianCatholic activist for justice and member of the Third Order of Dominicans. He joined organisations like Catholic Action and the Society of St Vincent
de Paul. He was prayerful and always concerned with justice and the poor. He said, ‘Charity is not enough; we need social reform’ and he worked hard to bring about the social reforms in the world of work which Pope Leo XIII had written about in Rerum Novarum. I hope he will inspire prayer and the work of justice, which is much needed in our unjust world of war and violence.”
Archbishop Sherrington celebrated the 10am Mass at St Stephen’s Church, Warrington on Friday 5 September, at which he opened The Blessed Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Exhibition in the Lady Chapel. This remains on display throughout October – on Wednesdays following 10am Mass until 2pm.
On 7 September, the day of the canonisations, Bishop Thomas Neylon led a solemn evening of Prayer, Benediction and Veneration of the Relics at St Stephen’s.
Bishop Tom told the congregation: “Carlo and Pier Giorgio were young when they died. In their short lives, they touched the lives of many through their witness to the love and mercy of Christ. That witness has continued since their deaths.
“Carlo and Pier Giorgio have given witness in a world that has pushed God and the poorest and weakest into the margins. This year, 2025, we are called to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, and Carlo and
Pier Giorgio are witnesses of hope in a world that has lost its bearings.”
Father John McLoughlin, parish priest of St Stephen’s, said of the exhibition: “In our modern world, we’re all busy, all rushing in different directions. We are missing the miracles that are around us each day, forgetting to stop and reflect and actually see the miracles around us.
Carlo Acutis collected all these Eucharistic miracles from the history of the global Church - though for him, every Eucharist was a miracle.
“His exhibition is underscoring what we all know and believe and making us focus again on the essence of what the Eucharist is to all of us.”
The joy of this canonisation has been embraced throughout the Church. Elsewhere in the archdiocese, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs & St Swithin’s Church, Croxteth, handed over the liturgy on 7 September to the young people of the parish. Two days later, Lourdes Youth Coach 6 hosted an evening for young Catholics at St Joseph’s parish club in Penketh to ask how the saints can inspire us today. At St Sebastian’s Church in Fairfield, meanwhile, the meeting room which hosts parish groups and weekday Masses has been renamed the “St Carlo Acutis Room”.
“Such a strong witness”
For those working with young Catholics, these young saints will hopefully provide the inspiration that Archbishop Sherrington spoke of above.
Sarah McGeehan, youth ministry coordinator for the archdiocese, said that St Carlo gave a powerful example: “Fifteen is the average age of the kids I’m working with, and what’s important about Carlo Acutis is he’s such a strong witness as a young person for Christ. He set up his own website about the miracles of the Eucharist and I think that the internet is one of the biggest ways that we can witness and evangelise.”
On St Pier Giorgio, Lucy Rauer, the archdiocesan Catholic social action coordinator, added: “In the busyness of our daily lives, we’re often distracted from recognising that goodness surrounds us. Pier Giorgio’s social justice work went relatively unknown during his lifetime –only after his death did the extent of his incredible work with those in need become clear.
“We have this expectation that Catholic social action needs to be incredibly bold and noticeably transformative, so something we can learn from looking at Pier Giorgio’s work is that the small acts of human care are also incredibly important.”
Supporting the suffering Palestinians
by Simon Hart
Canon Mark Madden tells a story about Holy Family Parish in Gaza and the importance of small acts of support, such as the Christmas cards sent annually to the Holy Land from the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Last May, Canon Mark, parish priest at Saint Josephine Bakhita in Litherland, received a call from Father Gabriel Romanelli, Holy Family’s parish priest, telling him an aid package had arrived from Jerusalem including Christmas cards from Liverpool. “Fr Gabriel told me he’d distributed them to the various families living in the parish compound and people were smiling and children were singing Christmas carols. He said it just brought absolute joy that their fellow Catholics were thinking of them.”
Canon Mark relates this to underline the significance of the archdiocese’s long-running Christmas card campaign for the Christian communities in Gaza and the West Bank, who need international support more than ever.
At the time of writing, with hundreds of thousands fleeing Gaza City amid the Israeli army’s assault on the territory’s largest urban centre, the Holy Family Parish compound remains a place of refuge. Of the 650 Christians estimated to remain in Gaza, some 450 are in the Holy Family compound, with around 200 in the Greek Orthodox compound of the St Porphyrius parish church. During the past two years, 23 people have been killed directly in those compounds by Israeli forces. Yet amid evacuation orders for the districts around them, these communities have chosen to stay put.
In August, the Latin and Greek patriarchs, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Theophilus III, said: “Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence […] the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.”
It is not only Gaza, with Canon Mark highlighting the difficulties facing Christian communities in the West Bank. Taybeh, the one remaining Christian town, has faced increased settler violence since his last visit in January, and on 21 September, Christians across the UK came together to pray for peace in the Holy Land.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols joined other Church leaders in calling for an end to the conflict and the release of all hostages and prisoners. “We fear that the unfolding assault on Gaza City will only intensify the human suffering and misery as already malnourished and traumatised families are forced, yet again, to flee the horrors of this war,” they said.
“At a time of such devastation and inhumanity, we give thanks to the Churches of the Holy Land for their faithful service, profound solidarity and peaceful witness. We pray especially for the clergy and nuns at the Greek compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Latin compound of the Holy Family in Gaza City who have decided to remain and care for the hundreds of civilians that have sought refuge in these church buildings. We pray too for Gaza Baptist Church, and the vital humanitarian work they are carrying out in partnership with Christian Mission to Gaza, and the Anglican Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza.”
For Pic readers wishing to support these communities, Michael Byrne from the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, which has close ties to the Holy Land, says: “First of all, you can pray, and secondly, you can make concerted efforts to keep the issue in the forefront of people’s minds. For example, lean on your parish priests to include a prayer for Gaza in the bidding prayers at Mass every weekend and weekday.”
In his own case, Canon Mark never has Fr Gabriel far from his prayers. He was in Liverpool as recently as April 2024 while waiting to return to Gaza, having been in Jerusalem when this conflict erupted. “He’s utterly devoted to the people there,” adds Canon Mark. “He never felt easy that he was outside of his community when there was a war raging and so he managed to get back in.”
You can send a Christmas card to Gaza via Canon Mark Madden, English Martyrs, School Lane, Litherland, L21 7LX. To make a donation to the Christian communities of the Holy Land, send a cheque or make a bank transfer to the Archdiocese of Liverpool, quoting “LPJ”. This will be passed on to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
On a liturgical note
“We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land.”
Autumn is the time for harvest and for planning ahead. On 4 October, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, we bring to conclusion the Season of Creation which marked a time of particular prayer and thanksgiving for what in the Liturgy of the Eucharist each day we refer to as “fruit of the earth and the work of human hands”.
As summer fades here on the Isle of Man, our attention turns to the Mheillea, the ancient harvest celebration. Since Celtic times, this celebration has marked the gathering-in of crops with music, feasting and revelry, giving thanks for nature’s abundance and looking ahead to the darker months.
Perhaps we have lost sight a little of the intrinsic link between ourselves as part of God’s good creation and the beauty and fruitfulness of the earth around us. As we enter into October, which in our Catholic tradition is linked with the Holy Rosary, hopefully it is not too far-fetched to see that when it says “The hungry he has filled with good things” in Mary’s Hymn of
Sunday thoughts
I write three days after my retirement from the Isle of Man. I spent yesterday waiting in for the engineer to install broadband. I set up my PC with all its peripherals: CD drive, speakers, camera, printer and external hard drives, with a bundle of spaghetti wires all ready to go. And of course it didn’t work.
In my younger days I was interested in electronics. The world was divided by those who could change a plug and those who didn’t have a clue. In these days of health and safety, all appliances arrive with plugs factory fitted. As a student at Upholland I built radios with Father John Gaine. Radios were a large item of living-room furniture. Glass valves were beginning to be replaced by the marvel of the transistor. The soldering iron was an essential tool for connecting all the wires. Printed circuits were only just coming in. Now they’re replaced in turn by silicon chips. You’d need a microscope to see all the circuits they contain. I’ve still got a soldering iron, but it’s a museum piece.
Since my ordination 52 years ago, I’ve hardly looked at things electrical. I’ve not had the time or the patience or
Canon Philip Gillespie
Praise (The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55), this may also be a spur to us never to take for granted creation, and the bounty of creation around us, but always to be thankful.
We are, however, aware that there are many who will be going without the bounty of creation and food and heat this autumn and winter – and that is where the work of foodbanks, food-collection points in shops and supermarkets, and indeed the ongoing efforts of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in our parishes is to be highlighted and generously supported.
On a domestic level, the praying of Grace before and after meals is still a good tradition to maintain:
(before eating) Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts which we are to receive from your goodness through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(after eating) We give you thanks, Almighty God, for these and all your benefits which we have received through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mgr John Devine OBE
the energy to fathom how they work. The slightest glitch had me immediately on the phone to an IT expert venting my frustration and begging for rescue.
Yesterday was different. For the first time in half a century I applied myself methodically to eliminating all the factors, one by one, that might be causing the glitch. A simple matter of disciplined problem-solving. It worked. I got the thing going. This piece of writing is living proof. And I didn’t look at my watch all morning. This was my first lesson in retirement. Taking time. There’s something contemplative about it.
Today I got my bus pass, a senior rail card, a train ticket and a haircut. Am I overdoing it? Have I already forgotten yesterday’s lesson? I had five inconsequential conversations with total strangers. The lady behind the counter in the train station got round to telling me about her own trips on the train to see her grandchildren in Essex. They’re even growing up to support different football teams. I wasn’t in a hurry and neither was she. I’ve rejoined the human race.
Sunday reflections
Lovers in a needy world
Many years ago, I was in Canada visiting family. As part of the trip, I spent two days at the Toronto Film Festival.
It was fascinating as we saw film stars and famous producers everywhere – on the streets, in coffee shops and, of course, in cinemas and theatres. I wandered around drinking in the atmosphere and was probably a little bit starstruck, which surprised me.
One particular day, I was desperate for a drink and went into a coffee shop. As I pulled open the door, I was aware there was someone else on the other side, so I gave it an almighty yank and opened it to find a very surprised George Clooney lying on the floor.
He had been on the other side and when I’d given the door a yank, he’d lost his balance and fallen over. His two minders jumped on me, but George was very gracious and told them to leave me alone and with a smile and a wink went on his way.
Many of our famous personalities today feed off adulation. They may be politicians, pop stars, film personalities or sports champions. They are mobbed when they appear in public and people remain glued to their television screens as they perform.
During his life, Jesus had some of the star quality that we recognise in people who capture the public’s imagination. In a world that was much simpler than ours, Jesus must have been a sensation in otherwise drab, dreary and povertystricken lives. Stories must have spread like wildfire about the healings he had performed and happenings like the feeding of the five thousand. Of all the Gospels, Luke’s presents the following of Jesus in the most radical terms. In following Jesus, we must go the whole way and accept totally His way of seeing life, and then put that into practice in the way we live. There cannot be, as is the case with practically all of us, a kind of wishy-washy compromise, trying to have our cake and eat it.
I suppose the majority of us follow a lifestyle largely dictated by the surrounding culture. Our goals may be the goals of that culture and, somewhere on the side, we try to fit in some aspects of Christianity. It is quite obvious from the overall context of Luke’s Gospel that following Jesus means we’re called to have love and compassion for every single person, and that’s the radical nature of following Jesus.
The immigrant, the homeless, the prostitute, the gay person, the waiter in the café: these are my brother or sister, and I owe it to them to love and care for them. And maybe even more than my own family needs.
As true followers of Jesus, we enter a new family where we recognise every person as a brother or sister. Dare we have the courage to be lovers in a needy world?
Father
Chris Thomas
Our tin tabernacles
by Neil Sayer, Archdiocesan Archivist
Where will the congregation worship? An iron church must have seemed the solution to a major problem facing priests appointed to many of our newly-founded parishes around the turn of the 20th Century: someone else had already taken care of the design, and as prefabricated units they could be erected fairly swiftly. The building materials could be easily transported on the expanding railway network.
Corrugated iron had been used for roofing since the 1820s, and a galvanising process had been developed to dip sheets in molten zinc, coating them to delay corrosion. So from the 1850s, the use of galvanised iron to make buildings developed apace, and the churches and mission halls that satisfied some Victorian religious needs became known as “tin tabernacles.”
Bishop O’Reilly didn’t like iron churches, though his reasons are unknown: perhaps he listened to the disapproval of the Arts and Crafts movement, or maybe he associated them with the spread of Nonconformist chapels in Britain’s industrial areas. At any rate, of more than 60 Missions established in the Diocese of Liverpool from its creation in 1850 to the death of Bishop O’Reilly in 1894, only two of them had iron churches. The first of these was at Pemberton, and it was almost forced on the Bishop. A site at Spring Bank had been chosen, but enquiries showed that because of ongoing coal workings under this mining district, “the land will not support a building of stone or brick.” Even a lighter-weight iron church needed foundations, and Bishop O’Reilly laid the foundation stone for St Cuthbert’s on 27 June 1887. The church, designed and erected by the Liverpool firm of Bruce and Still, specialists in iron and timber building construction, opened for worship later that year. It was, it appears, more than simply an off-the-shelf prefabricated structure, its height and elaborate fittings contributing to its cost of £1,600 (roughly £183,000 in today’s money). It continued in use for nearly 80 years, until a new church was opened in 1967.
By 1892, Bishop O’Reilly had overcome his dislike to such an extent that he was able to open our second iron church, St Charles Borromeo in Aigburth, on 25 September that year. Most iron churches were intended as temporary structures before more permanent churches could be built of brick or stone, and this one might have had the shortest career of all, but for one thing. When it closed in 1898 it was dismantled and transported to Platt Bridge, near Wigan, where it gained an extra 60 years of life as Holy Family parish church.
One principal supplier of iron buildings was the Liverpool firm of Isaac Dixon and Co, whose works were near Edge Hill station. It seems they may have been behind the iron church for Our Lady of the Rosary in Leigh. A school-chapel had served this Mission since 1879, but a new two-storey iron church was opened on 21
December 1902, at a cost to Father Rimmer and his parishioners of £1,200. It survived, increasingly rickety and “not very sightly” until replaced by a brick structure in 1939. Father Rimmer must have recommended the firm to his neighbour Father Unsworth, who was about to wrestle with accommodation for his new parish of Sacred Heart, Leigh. Dixons gave him the hard sell, sending him plans for a church that could be supplied for £898. Their buildings, they said, “are invariably made of thoroughly good and substantial materials, are tasteful in design and finish and are made delivered and erected in the most substantial, efficient, workmanlike and lasting manner.” For a prefab church, “our price includes the Walls, Roofs, Partitions and Floors as shown complete in all details but is exclusive of foundations, interior fittings, warming and lighting, as these items can as a rule be done more economically by local Contractors.” The windows would be of standard plate glass, but leaded Cathedral glass could be fitted: “These leaded lights give an ecclesiastical and much enhanced interior effect and we consider them well worth the extra cost.”
Despite the hard sell, Father Unsworth decided against an iron church, but the proposed design for Leigh looks exactly the same as the church erected at Burtonwood, opened in 1902 to serve the parish of St Paul of the Cross. Nobody regretted its demolition in 1972 when a new church was built.
The Benedictines of Warrington went outside our area for their new iron church in 1904. St Benedict’s had been established in a school on Orford Lane, but a temporary iron church, supplied by John McManus of London, was opened on 19 June 1904, serving until it was replaced in 1915. It had seating for about 500 worshippers.
Very little is known of the last Catholic iron church in Liverpool. In 1926 the parish of St Anthony of Padua was established in south Liverpool, when the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Conventual was invited to the archdiocese by Archbishop Keating and offered the parish of Mossley Hill, a developing residential area. While the parish’s first American Friars looked for a suitable site for a permanent church, a temporary metal building (probably on Elmsley Road) was used for worship until the present church was opened in 1932.
St Paul of the Cross, Burtonwood the old iron church, 1972
Generic iron church, illustrations extracted from the catalogue of Isaac Dixon and Co, c.1902
Watercolour sketch of a proposed iron church by Isaac Dixon and Co, Liverpool, c.1902 [photo credit Neil Sayer]
News diary
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New Deacons for the Archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Liverpool rejoiced in the Ordination of two new deacons last month. Deacon Andrew Dell and Deacon Dennis Jones were ordained together at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool on Saturday 6 September.
Archbishop John Sherrington was the principal celebrant at the midday Mass and was joined on the altar by Canon Chris Fallon, Director for Permanent Diaconate for the archdiocese, along with the parish priests whom they will now serve and those associated with their formation for the diaconate.
Deacon Andrew will now serve at Our Lady of Compassion parish in Formby as well as the Sefton Coast North Deanery. Deacon Dennis, meanwhile, has been appointed to serve at Ss Peter and Paul, Crosby, and the Sefton Coast South Deanery.
Each candidate came forward with his wife to be presented for Ordination and in his homily, the Archbishop reminded them they have two vocations: first to marriage and family life, and then to service through the Diaconate.
“It is with the support of my wife and family that I was able to go through formation, so I want to thank her and all who have helped along the journey,” Deacon Dennis commented. “I see being a
Deacon as a blessing in reaching out to those, especially young people, who are searching for answers about their faith and their role in the world.”
Deacons serve the Church through the ministry of the Word, the ministry of the Altar, and the ministry of Charity.
End of an era: Sisters of the Cenacle to leave Liverpool after 117 years
After more than a century of prayer, service, and spiritual accompaniment in Liverpool, the Sisters of the Cenacle have announced the forthcoming closure of their community in Wavertree.
In a statement, the Sisters shared their deep regret at the decision, which comes as a result of declining numbers. “The present house is now too large for our needs,” they said, confirming that the Wavertree residence will close at the end of October 2025.
With this, all local ministries, including the much-cherished prayer enrolment, will come to an end.
The Sisters of the Cenacle have been a quiet but steadfast presence in the archdiocese for 117 years, offering spiritual retreats, guidance, and above all, their faithful intercession through
prayer. While the physical community will close, the Sisters’ commitment to prayer remains unshaken: “The congregation will continue to pray for all those who have been enrolled in our prayer enrolment ministry and been supportive in so many ways.”
Many in the local Catholic community will feel this loss deeply, having drawn strength from the Sisters’ hospitality, wisdom, and spiritual accompaniment. In their farewell message, the Sisters expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you for your generous and faithful support and prayers over the years.”
Though their presence in Wavertree will conclude, the Sisters assure the faithful that they remain spiritually close, continuing to support others through prayer and presence in Liverpool in new ways.
Merseyside Pax Christi mark 80 years since Hiroshima & Nagasaki bombings
This August marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – a moment for remembrance, prayer, and renewed commitment to peace.
Members of Merseyside Pax Christi commemorated this solemn occasion by laying a commemorative wreath at Peace Garden on Wednesday 6 August with the Lord Mayor present, and with a street stall in Liverpool City Centre on the following Saturday, engaging the public in conversation about the continuing threat posed by nuclear weapons.
Later that day, Pax Christi members joined the parishioners of St Vincent’s and the SMA Fathers for a special celebration of the Eucharist. In his homily, Fr Terence Madden reflected on the terrible events of 1945 and the ongoing dangers of nuclear weapons in our world today.
Maureen Wilcock, a member of Pax Christi, spoke of the urgent need for disarmament and the call to reject reliance on weapons of mass destruction – a message consistently upheld by both past and present Popes.
This anniversary was not only a time to mourn those who suffered and died but also a time to renew our resolve to work for peace. Pax Christi Merseyside continues this mission, meeting monthly at the Quaker Meeting House in Liverpool.
Annual St. Helens town centre family rosary procession to return
The St Helens Annual Family Rosary Procession, which had been interrupted by Covid for several years, will return this year on Sunday 5 October at 3.30 pm for its 60th procession.
Organised from Holy Cross & St Helen Church, it is a cherished and long-standing tradition of the town and a significant event for the local Catholic Community.
By tradition, October is recognised as a special month for Rosary devotion, and the first Sunday in October is known as ‘Rosary Sunday.’
The Procession will be led around the town centre by Father Jino Arikkatt MCBS, parish priest at Holy Cross & St Helen Church. The Mayor and other councillors will be in attendance.
The origins of the annual event date back to the late 1950s, when parishioner Martin Byrne was taken seriously ill and pledged in prayer that if he recovered, he would ensure that an Annual Rosary Procession was initiated in the town. The first procession took place in 1961, and his recovery and the continuation of the tradition serve as a testament to his legacy.
The procession traditionally involves processing through the streets of the town reciting decades of the Rosary, praying for local, national, and international intentions and the causes of sainthood for Blessed Dominic Barberi and Venerable Elizabet Prout, whose bodies are interred in Sutton at St Anne & Blessed Dominic Church where they have a shrine. The event ends with a Benediction service.
Starting at Holy Cross Church, this year’s route goes along Parade Street, to the Town Hall, left down Hardshaw Street, left again to go around the Parish church, and returns the same way. Looking back at the Catholic Pic archives, a 1975 article reported that nearly 800 men and boys took part in the procession. The procession was limited to men only at the time, with only one exception to the rule – Cllr Peggy McNamara, then Mayor of St Helens. Today, 50 years later, the Rosary Walk has grown into a family event, welcoming parishioners of all ages and genders to join together in prayer and devotion.
All those whose faith embraces the practice of reciting the Holy Rosary are invited to attend. Participants are reminded to wear suitable clothing and footwear.
All children taking part must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and wheelchair users are asked to wear appropriate protective clothing and ensure their safety belt is secured.
A previous year’s procession
1975 article from the Catholic Pictorial
by
Out of many, one people of God: A joyful celebration of the International Table Liturgy in Huyton
It was a day filled with colour, culture, and community spirit as the parish of Sts. Agnes and Aidan Catholic Church in Huyton, Liverpool, celebrated its annual International Table Liturgy on 10 August. The church, beautifully adorned with flags from around the world, was a vibrant reminder of the rich tapestry of faith within its congregation.
The celebration began with an opening hymn sung in both Spanish and English, immediately setting the tone for a truly international gathering. Mass was celebrated by parish priest Fr. Anton Fernandopulle, who was joined by Frs. Richard and Moses, along with Deacons Justin Malewezi and Michael Whelan. Deacon Justin’s homily reflected on Mary’s presence across different cultures, and he shared one of his own paintings: a striking image of Our Lady of Africa.
The prayers and music throughout the Mass reflected the parish’s international character. Bidding prayers were read in six languages, the offertory hymn was sung in Sinhala, the Sanctus
in French, and the Lord’s Prayer led in Tagalog. The Sign of Peace was marked with a joyful South African peace chorus, filling the church with song and movement.
Children and adults alike joined the offertory procession, bringing forward symbolic gifts from around the world, while parishioners wore traditional dress representing their countries of origin. At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Anton thanked all who had worked hard to make the day possible and extended a warm welcome to newcomers.
The celebration continued outside in the sunshine, where parishioners shared dishes from their homelands alongside music, laughter, and conversation.
This year’s International Table Liturgy was more than a joyful celebration—it was a powerful witness to the unity we share as one people of God, brought together through faith, enriched by our differences, and united in Christ’s love.
Holy Cross & St Helen Parish celebrates Parish Feast
The parish of Holy Cross and St Helen, St Helens, marked the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with great solemnity and joy.
A nine-day Novena prepared the community spiritually for the celebration. Bishop Tom Neylon opened the Novena, and on the feast day itself, Archbishop John Sherrington joined them in prayer. The parish was also honoured to welcome the Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Severino (Sev) Gomez-Aspron, and local MP Marie Rimmer.
On behalf of the parish, Fr Jino Arikkatt MCBS, Parochial Administrator, offered warm congratulations and prayers to Archbishop Sherrington as he celebrated the 14th anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination.
Throughout the Novena, Mass was celebrated by Canon Sean Riley, Fr Michael McCormick, Fr Joe Bibby, Fr Michael Thompson, Fr Kevan O’Brien and Fr Ged Callacher. Parishioners expressed their deep gratitude to each of them for remembering the intentions of the community in prayer.
As the parish reflected on the Cross as a sign of hope and salvation, Fr Jino said: “We continue to pray that the protection and blessing of the Holy Cross may be with everyone.”
CARJ collective of St Agnes & St Aidan
Climate Grief Café at St Catherine of Siena & All Saints
Parishioners at St Catherine of Siena & All Saints in Golborne have long been on a journey to care for creation through practical action, but their recent work responds to the environmental crisis from a fresh perspective. In partnership with other Christian denominations, the parish began helping people handling the complex emotions and spiritual struggles of climate change.
Over the past month, our archdiocese has been marking the Season of Creation; a time for us to reflect on the goodness of the world and give thanks for the gift of creation. But in an age of environmental crisis, it’s also a time to hear “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”.
However, for many, awareness of the crisis can feel overwhelming. The term ‘climate grief’ has emerged to capture the anxiety, sorrow, and stress of this loss. St Catherine of Siena & All Saints are finding new ways to care for the planet, including caring for people feeling the weight of its changes.
This summer, the parish hosted their first Climate Grief Café exploring Christian responses to climate grief. The café offered a welcoming space to share anxieties and responses to witnessing and living with suffering creation and express people’s needs in connection with the crisis.
But the parish is not stopping at conversation. Seven growing beds now flourish in the church’s garden, providing fresh vegetables for the parish foodbank.
Linda Morris of the parish’s environmental action group discovered that many of the flowers used to decorate the church had travelled thousands of miles to reach us. The parish now grows its own flowers, encouraging biodiversity by attracting butterflies and other important pollinators.
They are also exploring how liturgy can help us to understand and respond to the climate crisis through faith. Their recent Ecological Stations of the Cross used prayer and reflection to connect the suffering of creation with the suffering of Christ. A powerful way to acknowledge the pain and damage caused by the climate crisis,
Network for a Better World – from Old Swan to Malawi
Africa.”
Volunteers from Liverpool and beyond travel to Sitima to support local projects and walk alongside people facing poverty and limited resources.
Education has always been a priority for N4BW. Recent volunteers have delivered training for maths and English teachers and helped pupils prepare for exams. But with classes of up to 150 children and many without desks, learning is a challenge. Thanks to N4BW supporters, 12 new classrooms have been built and 10 were refurbished, complete with desks.
The charity also responds to Pope Francis’ call to “listen to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” With climate change leading to poor harvests, N4BW funds school kitchen gardens and provides seeds and training in climate-resilient farming.
Pupils grow pumpkins, sweet potatoes and salad, which are then shared for a nutritious lunch at school.
Volunteers at home and abroad are vital to N4BW’s mission, and the charity is currently seeking a new Treasurer to help manage its funds.
To find out more or get involved, visit www.n4bw.org.uk or email enquiries@n4bw.org.uk.
Founded in 2012 by Old Swan resident Alice Davidson, N4BW (Network for a Better World) works in partnership with the community of Sitima in Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of
Headteacher Mr Walodi with his school’s pumpkin field.
Young Catholics in Widnes Pilgrimage Day
The 18-35 Group of the Parish of St. Wilfrid, Widnes, enjoyed a pilgrimage day on 16 August, led by Fr. Peter Ross.
After a Mass of Our Lady at St. Bede in Widnes, their first stop was Holywell, where they heard the ancient story of the shrine and sought the intercession of St. Winefride at her sacred well. The group of fourteen young adults then visited the National Shrine of St Pio in Pantasaph, where they prayed the Stations of the Cross and shared a picnic, before finishing the day in Conwy with free time and a chippy tea.
Fr. Peter said: “We began the group only in March with an idea of providing some accompaniment for young adults, and we now have about 30 members in total. At the initial meeting, I asked them what they hope to experience in terms of faith and social opportunities, and the parish has endeavoured to make their hopes a reality. In this way, we are ‘meeting young people where they are at’.
“Since March, the group has gathered for Adoration and Benediction, Lectio Divina, confession, a visit from a religious sister, a visit to a convent, the pilgrimage day and a tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral, and social events including quiz nights, a BBQ, and a cheese and wine evening.”
The group is always open to new members, you only have to be 18-35 and interested in faith to join. Find out more via Instagram: @young_catholics_in_widnes.
Pilgrimage to places of prayer and peace
Step away from the everyday and encounter the places where faith and history meet. McCabe has been trusted for over 40 years to create pilgrimages that bring the Scriptures to life. Travel with like-minded companions, guided by expert leaders, and return home with more than memories – return renewed.
Jottings of a Roman Pilgrimage
By Pat Murphy
Any visitor to Rome will tell you – the main question is “where do I start?” There are so many historical and wonderful sites and places to visit. I suppose for any “Roman” Catholic, it’s St Peter’s Basilica. Then there’s the added bonus of visiting on certain days of the week - you may well be in the square during the Pope’s Sunday Blessing or the Papal Audience on a Wednesday.
I am often asked which my favourite church in Rome is. I find it impossible to make that choice. However, visiting one of my favourites, the huge basilica of St Mary Major, I can then have a short visit a couple more churches very close to hand.
Firstly, by crossing a couple of manically busy roads and turning right, you come to a lovely “little” (by Roman standards) church of St Pressede. I call this the Golden church. The church is one of the oldest in Rome and full of mosaics and frescos. It was commissioned in the 8th century and houses the relics of St Pressede. It also houses a segment of the pillar that Jesus was flogged on before the crucifixion.
Cross the road and you can pop into Redemptorists church St Alphonsus Liguori. Quite a bare church by Roman standards, but this church is the home of the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. It is also the parish church of our own Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
After this, you can carry on walking up the Via Merulana and arrive at the St John Lateran basilica. Or turn left, and a few minutes away is the church of San Pietro in Vicoli. Famed for not only housing the chains of St Peter, but also one of Michelangelo’s greatest works, the Tomb of Pope Julius II. The life size sculpture of Moses Michelangelo modelled on himself. Anyone who has seen the old film ‘the Agony and the Ecstasy’ will understand why Charlton Heston was chosen to play the part of Michelangelo.
So, I have just mentioned four churches, five if you include the Basilica of St Peter. One per cent, as there are approximately 500 churches in Rome. However the churches are just one aspect of this fascinating city. There are the museums, the art galleries, the Forum and Colosseum, the shops, the fountains, and just the atmosphere that you have the privilege to be in one of the oldest and most wonderful cities in the world. Our pilgrimage there will take place in the early part of November – I can’t wait to head back.
Mary’s Meals marks incredible milestone with Mass of celebration
As international school feeding charity Mary’s Meals celebrates the significant milestone of feeding more than three million children in 16 countries every school day, people from across the Archdiocese of Liverpool gathered to give thanks at a special Mass of celebration on Sunday 21 September. The Most Reverend John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool, presided at the Mass, thanking people for their support and for enabling “three million smiles” across the faces of hungry children.
The celebration was hosted at St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Upholland, where supporters, parishioners and volunteers gave praise and thanks for a milestone its Founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, “could never have imagined”.
Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest, and often most difficult, locations. The promise of a good meal attracts desperately hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn their way to a better future.
The charity was born in 2002 when Magnus, from Dalmally in Argyll, visited Malawi during a famine and met a mother dying from AIDS. When Magnus asked her eldest son Edward what his dreams were in life, he replied simply: “I want to have enough food to eat and to go to school one day.”
The milestone follows a major scale-up of Mary’s Meals’ school feeding programmes across nine countries, with around 800,000 children added to the programme globally since the start of 2024, including in Ethiopia’s war-torn region of Tigray, Malawi and Zambia, which are enduring the effects of climate changeinduced drought and flooding, and Haiti, a country besieged by political unrest and extreme violence.
Anna Houghton, Supporter Engagement Officer for Mary’s Meals, shared: “Mary’s Meals is a grassroots global movement and thanks to the contribution of people across the archdiocese, we can keep our promise to over three million children who rely on our meals, while striving to reach the next hungry child.
“We feed children in 16 of the world’s poorest countries – and the reason we’ve been able to reach so many little ones is because of the kindness of those who believe in our mission.”
To find out more about the work of Mary’s Meals and how you can help feed more children, please visit: www.marysmeals.org.uk
what’s on October
Wednesday 1 October
The Gospel of Matthew: Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
7:00pm at St John Fisher Hall, 55 Moorfield Road, Widnes, WA8 3JA
Speaker: Dominika Kurek-Chomycz.
The first in a series of open and accessible talks on the Gospel of Matthew throughout October, open for anyone to join. Each session is followed by Benediction in Church at 8:00pm.
Thursday 2 October
Agape Mass at Irenaeus
7:00pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD
Friday 3 October
Thanksgiving Mass for Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm McMahon OP
7:00pm at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ
Join us for a special Mass of thanksgiving for Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm McMahon OP, giving thanks for his years of service and ministry. All are welcome to attend.
Saturday 4 October
Come and See – Lord, Teach Us to Pray
10:30am – 4:00pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32
Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD
Led by Fr David O’Mally.
Wednesday 8 October
Songs We Remember 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32
Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD
And every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday 8 October
The Gospel of Matthew: A Portrait of Jesus 7:00pm at St John Fisher Hall, 55 Moorfield Road, Widnes, WA8 3JA
Speaker: Sister Moira Meeghan.
The second in a series of open and accessible talks on the Gospel of Matthew throughout October, open for anyone to join. Each session is followed by Benediction in Church at 8:00pm.
Saturday 11 October
Day of Renewal – A Year of Jubilee: Hope for our World
10:00am – 4:00pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32
Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD
Led by Abhy Thomas, Leader of Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Great Britain.
Saturday 11 October
Two Cathedrals’ Messiah
7:30pm at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ
The Choirs of Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral will come together to perform Handel’s Messiah.Tickets are priced at £15 for general admission and £20 for premium seating.
Book here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ metcathedral
Tuesday 14 October
A Decade of Laudato Si’: Lessons, Impact and the Road Ahead for the Christian Community
6:00pm – 8:30pm at Methodist Central Hall, Manchester
To mark the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’, CBCEW is hosting an interdenominational event with contributions from Bishop John Arnold, Rev Grace Thomas (Church of England), and Rev Ian Rutherford (Methodist Church). The evening will be opened by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester, and will celebrate the power of faith in action, exploring collaboration, challenges and opportunities for the future.
This is a free event, but booking is required: archdioceseofliverpool.org/ CBCEWLaudatoSi
Tuesday 14 October
Time Out on Tuesdays
10:00am – 4:00pm at the Sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 6TW
Take time for prayer and quiet with the Sisters of the Cenacle. No need to book –just come along, and maybe bring a friend. For more information, contact Sr Winnie Morley on 0151 722 2271.
Thursday 16 October
Newman Association: A Talk on Medjugorje by Tony Hickey
7:30pm at St Helen’s Parish Centre, Crosby, L23 7TQ
The Newman Association presents a talk on Medjugorje by Tony Hickey, a well known speaker on the subject. Free to attend – a small donation is welcome.
Friday 17 – Sunday 19 October
Are You Thirsty? Come to the Well
– A Women’s Weekend
At the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD
Residential places available (book early).
• Residential: £95
• Non-residential with meals: £75
• Non-residential self-catering: £30
To book, contact Jenny: jenny@irenaeus. co.uk / 0151 949 1199
Wednesday 22 October
Songs We Remember 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD And every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday 22 October
The Gospel of Matthew: Evangelisation and Mission 7:00pm at St John Fisher Hall, 55 Moorfield Road, Widnes, WA8 3JA
Speaker: Father Mark Beattie.
The third in a series of open and accessible talks on the Gospel of Matthew throughout October, open for anyone to join. Each session is followed by Benediction in Church at 8:00pm.
Saturday 25 October
Quiet Days at the Cenacle 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 6TW
Come for a few hours of stillness and prayer, with like-minded people. Bring your own lunch, tea/coffee provided, suggested offering £10. No need to book, just come along and maybe bring a friend.
For more information contact Sr Winnie on 0151 722 2271.
Please note: this will be the last Quiet Day at the Cenacle before they close.
Wednesday 29 October
The Gospel of Matthew: Emmanuel, God with Us
7:00pm at St John Fisher Hall, 55 Moorfield Road, Widnes, WA8 3JA
Speaker: Maria Hall.
The fourth and final in a series of open and accessible talks on the Gospel of Matthew throughout October, open for anyone to join. Each session is followed by Benediction in Church at 8:00pm.
Thursday 30 October
Exploring Faith, Work and Civic Life: From Charity to Solidarity
Led by Jenny Sinclair – 7:00pm
Together Liverpool is running three linked events exploring faith, work and civic life on 30 September, 30 October and 27 November. Aimed at Church leaders, volunteers, activists, councillors and neighbours interested in a deeper, hopefilled vision of public life.
More details or to book: archdioceseofliverpool.org/ TowardsCommonGood
Two Cathedrals Messiah Performance
by Dr Christopher McElroy Director of Music, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Liverpool is a city with a strong ecumenical tradition, shaped in part by the friendship between Archbishop Derek Warlock and Anglican Bishop David Shepherd, which reached a high point with the visit of Pope Saint John Paul II in 1982.
Cathedral Record
Canon Anthony O’Brien –Cathedral Dean
Scan the QR code to book your tickets
Since then, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Liverpool Anglican Cathedral have continued to find creative ways to work together, most famously through the annual Pentecost “Two Cathedrals Service” with its procession down Hope Street.
Their musical collaboration is also well established: since 2013, the choirs of both cathedrals have joined together annually to sing George Frederick Handel’s famous oratorio, Messiah, alternating performances between the two cathedrals.
On 11 October, this year’s performance of Messiah will take place at the Metropolitan Cathedral. The choirs of Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will be accompanied by the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra.
Soloists for this performance are Kelsey Thomas (soprano) Danny Townley (alto) Stefan Kennedy (tenor) and Joe Murphy (bass). Kelsey and Joe are both former choristers here at the Metropolitan Cathedral, who have both gone on to study at prestigious conservatoires. It is a great joy for us to welcome them back ‘home’ to the cathedral where they began their careers.
This year’s Messiah performance will be directed by Richard Lea, Organist of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
All are welcome to join the audience for this special evening. Hearing the famous movements such as the Hallelujah Chorus sung by our joint cathedral cathedrals is a hair-raising experience and not to be missed!
Tickets (£15/20) for the concert are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ metcathedral
We begin the month of October with a Thanksgiving Mass for the ministry of Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. Archbishop Malcolm was installed as Archbishop of Liverpool and Metropolitan of the Northern Dioceses on 1 May 2014, the Feast of St Joseph the Worker. It was a very appropriate feast on which to celebrate his installation, as he has been kept busy with plenty of hard work and challenging issues throughout the duration of his tenure as Archbishop of the archdiocese. Perhaps two of the biggest challenges he faced were leading the archdiocese through the Covid crisis and having to intervene to resolve internal problems in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. There were also joyful highlights, such as the ordination of Bishop Tom Neylon, the National Eucharistic Conference, Adoremus, and the celebrations of the Miracle Cure of Jack Traynor to name a few. We want to thank Archbishop Malcolm at this Mass for his commitment to this archdiocese and the wider Church over these years and for his approachable personality. All are welcome to the Mass on 3 October at 7pm.
On Saturday 11 October at 7pm, the combined choirs of both cathedrals will be joining together for a performance of Handel’s Messiah accompanied by the Merseyside Mozart Orchestra. The concert will be taking place at our cathedral and tickets are available online, details from the Cathedral Music Department.
On Sunday 12 October, year 8, 9 and 10 pupils from St Edwards College will be joining the Cathedral for Sunday Mass for the Feast of St Edward the Confessor.
Catholic life
Walking Pilgrimage of the Month
OCTOBER
Sefton Coast South
This is a relatively short route, so it would be a good one to walk with family; whether it’s young children or those who cannot stay on their feet for too long. You’ll be finished in less than an hour.
Distance: 2.1 miles Time: 47 minutes
Start: St Francis de Sales, Walton
You can start your pilgrimage at the picturesque surroundings of St Francis de Sales, situated not too far away from Goodison Park, the former home of Everton FC’s men’s team. Perhaps you’d want to start your pilgrimage there – especially if you are a blue – and head up to St Francis de Sales, currently under the care of Fr Gerard Callacher, our Episcopal Vicar for Parish Development. If you would like to do it on a Sunday, Mass starts at 11am – the perfect time to reflect and pray before taking on the walk. The parish was established back in 1883, with the current church built in 1917. Take a moment to appreciate the historic surroundings before beginning your walk.
Stop 1: St Monica, Bootle
The second church in this newly merged parish, St Monica’s is just a bit further up the road. It is quite a straight route up Carisbrooke Road and then towards Fernhill Road - just past Derby Park, you’ll see the towering church building. St Monica’s recently celebrated
Our latest Families of Parishes pilgrimage walk takes us to the south family of parishes in Sefton Coast South.
the centenary of the church opening, as it opened in 1923 and was consecrated in 1960. Once here, you can reflect on the journey so far, maybe have a sit down in the park if needed, and get ready for the last leg of the journey.
Distance: 0.9 miles Time: 20 minutes
Stop 2: St James, Bootle
Your final stop on this pilgrimage is St James, Bootle – a community run by the Salesian Brothers. After cutting through Derby Park, head down Waterworks Street and Ash Street before coming on to Stanley Road. Continue past Bootle Strand and then up Chestnut Grove and you will arrive at the church. This would also be a handy place to start if you wanted to walk the route in reverse, as it is close to both Bootle Strand Bus Station and Bootle New Strand train station.
The community dates back 180 years, with the present church being built 40 years after the town itself. Whilst here, you may want to pray for the Salesian Order and for God to guide them as they continue to serve the community, which includes both a primary and a secondary school. You can also reflect on your journey as we continue our own spiritual journey as Pilgrims of Hope in 2025.
Distance: 1.2 miles Time: 27 minutes
Saint of the Month
Venerable Elizabeth Prout
Born in 1820 in Shrewsbury, she was brought up in the Anglican tradition and converted to Catholicism under the influence of Blessed Dominic Barberi. She moved to Manchester in 1849 and, with some companions, established a community to support the impoverished of the large industrial towns she visited. We now know this community as the Sisters of the Cross and Passion. She died in 1864 and was buried at the Passionist Church of St Anne’s along with Blessed Dominic Barberi and Ignatius of St Paul. Like the newly-canonised Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, she demonstrated how young people can respond creatively to the needs of their time—embracing faith not as retreat from the world, but as a force for transforming it.
Harry Clark
‘Traitor’ staying true to his faith
By Emily Potts & Simon Hart
“I don’t know if I can perform miracles. I think The Traitors is probably the closest I’ll get!” It is not often a question about sainthood leads straight to a discussion about a BBC reality TV show, but then Harry Clark is not your usual Pic interviewee. The 24-year-old from Slough won series two of the BBC show The Traitors last year by excelling in a game where treachery is key. “The best way to explain it was it was just a game,” he smiles. “I don’t actually murder those people in real life!”
Indeed, as viewers of his recent appearance in another BBC series, Pilgrimages, will testify, the former soldier has a moral outlook formed by his Catholic upbringing. “I always said I was like a Jekyll and Hyde. Once I read that book in GCSE English, I was like, ‘Yeah, this applies to me so much’. In the Army, I was Corporal Clark from Monday to Friday and then come the weekend I was just normal Harry.”
Harry served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers before entering the world of television. Quite a leap. “I guess I’ve done some mad stuff because I’ve gone from working in a butcher’s shop from when I was 12 to joining the army at 16, to having seven years’ experience in the army, to then going on and winning a reality show.”
Now he has taken another leap with the publication of a memoir, Staying Faithful, in which reflects on the role of his faith in overcoming challenges with his mental health. “It obviously talks about religion, but it’s more about what saved me when I was in my darkest time and what makes me me.” He’s mindful that “some people think it’s crazy a 24 year old [has] already got a memoir”, but hopes his example can help others. “If there’s someone out there who’s struggling through life or with mental health, if they can read my book and really just pick out one thing that helps them, then my job is done.”
For him, faith comes in waves. “Some days my faith seems a little bit weaker than other days,” he elaborates. “But through my life I’ve been through some dark times and what saved me was my religion and my faith. And then fast forward to last year. I was in a dark place again, fighting demons, and it was my faith that saved me again. I was literally just asking for a sign and, funnily enough, Pilgrimage came along. It was quite funny because I remember my manager calling and asking, ‘Are you religious by any chance?’.”
Harry belongs to the ‘Gen Z’ demographic, that first generation raised in a digital world whose church attendance is reportedly helping arrest the fall in numbers. He reflects: “There’s been a massive increase, and I think that’s down to Covid and life nowadays [with] the cost-of-living crisis. Faith seems to bridge that gap that can help people, but some people are too scared to just take that leap. And I think why not? Why wait?
“My mum will tell you I don’t go to church enough. But going to church, you’re in that community and you have people to answer the questions you might have, and you have the conversations and find out things that you might need to hear.”
He is hopeful that the canonisation of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati will inspire his generation as saints “that can connect you to the modern world”. And his own message to friends is that the Catholic Church is a welcoming place for all. By way of example, he adds: “I have so many friends who are gay and they come to me and say, ‘I can’t be loved by God’. Of course you can.”
He continues: “If I passed away tomorrow and there was no God and someone said to me, ‘Do you regret that now, would you go back and live your life again without faith?’, I’d say, ‘Absolutely not’. Because through faith you’re taught how to live life each day, how to treat people. So, at the end of the day, if there is no God, at least I’ve lived my life to the fullest trying to be the nicest I can be, so then I’ve won at life anyway.”
© Owen James Vincent
Pastoral ponderings
by Paul Pimblett
The Now of God
For two years, I have had the great privilege to be able to write a small piece each month to give you all an insight into the life of a seminarian. Sadly, it is time for me to pass on this role to one of my brothers, Dominic. However, before Dominic introduces himself, I want to say a few words of thanks.
I was initially quite nervous when I was asked to take on the role of providing a reflection each month. I was unsure of what to write about and whether or not my words would be useful. However, as time went on I began to see these entries as an opportunity to simply share my own vocation journey and experiences. Over the past two years I hope that I have given you all a better understanding of the life of a seminarian and formation for the priesthood. It has been incredibly rewarding and encouraging to have met parishioners who have read my articles or who have recognised me from the small picture above!
You have all journeyed alongside me in my studies. Two years ago I was preparing to start studying at Allen Hall, Chelsea. Now, I am preparing to begin a long placement year in St Luke’s and St Leo’s, Whiston. As I have previously stated, I love seminary and my brothers, yet it is spending time back home with the people of the archdiocese that truly strengthens my faith and reminds me of why I am in formation. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your prayers and encouragement. As I continue my time in formation, do continue to pray for me and please know I’ll pray for you!
Paul
Our Lady, Queen of the clergy, Pray for us.
Hello! I’m Dominic Redcliffe, a seminarian studying at the Beda College, Rome. I’ve just started my second year of formation for the priesthood. My home parish is Holy Cross and St. Helen, in St. Helens and it is a great privilege to be studying here with the support of the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
I’d like to give my thanks to Paul Pimblett for his Pastoral Ponderings in The Pic each month. Paul’s reflections have helped me as part of my own discernment journey. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and giving you my own ponderings with a ‘Roman’ slant from now on! Ciao!
by Sarah McGeehan, Youth Ministry Coordinator
One of the big concerns during the Synodal process was how we can enable young people to flourish within the Church. In response to this, our Pastoral Plan proposed the appointment of a full-time youth advisor to create a networked youth ministry that brings together present and future provision across the archdiocese.
I feel very blessed to have been given this job, and excited to be collaborating with parishes to support their work with young people, but I also recognise the challenges that lie ahead. I am comfortable working with young people in a spiritual or religious context as I spent thirty years teaching Religious Education in secondary schools, five of which I was also school chaplain, and I’ve run a Justice and Peace youth group in my own parish for ten years. However, there is always more to learn, and although there are wonderful things already going on in our archdiocese, there is still more to be done.
Working with young people is not straightforward. They live in a complex and confusing world, very different to the one that many of us grew up in. They have big questions about belonging, identity, meaning, and the future, to name a few. To understand their needs and their desires in their spiritual life, we need to listen – to their questions, their struggles, their hopes.
Psychologist Carl Jung suggested that loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that are important to you. To really enable the young to feel as though they belong in our Church, that they are truly a part of our community, we need to listen. We have two ears and one mouth, as the saying goes, so that we may listen twice as much as we talk.
In Christus Vivit, Pope Francis said that the community has an important role in the accompaniment of young people. “All should regard young people with understanding, appreciation and affection and avoid constantly judging them or demanding perfection beyond their years.”
So we need to listen without prejudice. It might be difficult to hear what they have to say. But I believe they will continue to surprise us too. As Pope Leo XIV put it, young people are the “promise of hope” - hope for a better Church, a better world and a better future, and we can be a part of that journey, walking alongside them.
If there’s anything going on in your parish for the youth, then please let me know so we can publicise it and celebrate it.
Saint Carlo Acutis pray for us!
St Teresa of Lisieux celebrates Catholic Schools Inspectorate and rising results
St Teresa of Lisieux Catholic Primary Academy, Norris Green, is marking a double success after receiving high praise in its latest Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) report and celebrating significant improvements in academic outcomes.
The Catholic Inspectorate assesses schools across three categories: Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship. The glowing report detailed how: “Christ is at the heart of the work of St Teresa of Lisieux and the school’s mission is a lived experience.”
The primary school received an overall grade two (good), with inspectors awarding grade one (outstanding) for ‘Catholic life and mission’.
The inspectors observed that: “Pupils are proud to attend St Teresa of Lisieux and feel a sense of belonging to a family. They embrace and live their mission statement. Strong relationships underpin every aspect of school life. Pupils know that they are unique and loved.
“[…] Pupils appreciate everyone in their community and have a strong sense of respect for those of other faiths. Pupils proudly state that they celebrate lots of different cultures but also know their part in the Catholic tradition.”
Inspectors also praised how leaders, governors and members of All Saints Multi Academy Trust live out the mission of the school.
It detailed: “They are determined in their pursuit of this mission and ensure that Christ is at the heart of school life. Governors are committed and utilise their skills well to provide challenge and support. Their vision for Catholic education is aspirational, and they ensure that resources are used effectively to support those in greatest need both materially and educationally.”
It also recognised how parish priest, Fr Tony Slingo, is a regular visitor to the school and a valued member of the team.
The pastoral support was also highly praised and referenced: “The pastoral support of pupils and families, particularly the most vulnerable, is outstanding.”
Mr Paul Ackers, headteacher of St Teresa of Lisieux Catholic Primary Academy, said: “I am completely overjoyed with the most recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate report. It is a true reflection of the dedication, compassion and faith that shines through our whole school community.
Alongside the Catholic Schools Inspectorate report, academic outcomes at St Teresa of Lisieux are also improving significantly.
This year, 67 per cent of pupils achieved a good level of development in early years – an 8 per cent rise on 2024 – while 79 per cent of Year 1 pupils passed the phonics screening check, up 9 per cent.
Overall, 54 per cent of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined – an 18 per cent increase on last year.
St John Bosco Arts College invest in robot technology to support students’ wellbeing
St John Bosco Arts College is one of the first schools in the city to invest in a telepresence robot to support students struggling to access school due to medical conditions.
As an early adopter of No Isolation’s AV1 Robot, St John Bosco, supported by Liverpool City Council, has invested £6,000 into purchasing and maintaining its telepresence robot to ensure its students are able to maintain a sense of belonging and be connected to school when it’s not possible to be physically present within classrooms.
Last term, St John Bosco successfully supported a sixth form student who was unable to attend full school days due to their mental health. By using the AV1 Robot, this student is now able to take part in their full timetable of lessons.
The student said: “Having the AV1 Robot really helped me access my lessons and teachers’ expertise. Not only did it support me academically, but it also gave me additional help with my mental health as I was still able to socialise with my friends like I would in class.”
St John Bosco is using its AV1 Robot across all year groups, from Year 7 to 13, to ensure more students are able to stay connected to the school and keep up to date with learning when they’re unable to physically go to lessons. Following last term’s success, the school has also secured funding to purchase more AV1 Robots this academic year.
Acting as the eyes, ears and voice of the students in its control, the AV1 Robot sits in their classroom seat and is accessed via an end-to-end encryption app. Students can then use the app, whether they’re at home or in another room at school, to interact with their peers and teachers as if they were in the classroom.
Headteacher, Darren Gidman, said: “At St John Bosco, we put our young people at the forefront of all decisions we make, and this innovative investment represents our commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to engage with their education and friends.”
Hope Academy students make a difference in Tanzania
Staff and students at Hope Academy, Newton-le-Willows, recently embarked on a month-long expedition to Tanzania, where they combined community development, cultural experiences, and wildlife adventures.
14 students in Years 10 and 11 spent time across multiple locations in Tanzania, making a meaningful difference in local communities while gaining invaluable skills and life experiences.
The first part of the expedition saw the group base themselves in Tanga, on the Indian Ocean, where students stayed in tents without phone signal and used cold water showers. Each day, they walked to the local community to assist with vital projects.
Students worked to build the base of a home for a recently widowed woman and helped refurbish a local primary school classroom by clearing rubble and laying a new concrete floor.
Alongside practical work, the students took part in cultural activities, learning to cook local dishes, make crafts from recycled materials, and participate in traditional dances. After watching local dancers perform, the Hope Academy students showed off their own moves with the YMCA, the Macarena, and the conga.
Student Jessica Hookway said: “I really enjoyed the mixture of cultural activities and working in the local community to make a difference. The people we met were so welcoming and we all felt like we helped others through our hard work and dedication.”
For the second part of the trip, the group moved to Shanti, near Mount Kilimanjaro. They worked at a local primary school at the foot of the mountain, creating two paths from a well to the kitchen, where the children fetched water and food. They even earned the nickname ‘Team Speedy’ for their efficiency.
Students also played in local football matches and enjoyed a waterfall trek in the scenic Kilimanjaro foothills.
The expedition continued in a rural savannah area, where students had the chance to observe wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, and even lions. They also helped dig a waterhole for local animals, learned survival skills, and explored sustainable practices such as making paper from elephant dung.
Fellow student Harry Clarke said: “The safari experience was amazing, and we all loved the waterfall trek too. Being so close to the animals, and seeing them in the wild, was a memory that I won’t forget.”
The final part of the trip was at Hakuna Matata Camp, where students constructed a water duct to prevent flooding in the girls’ toilets at a local primary school, and painted classroom walls and blackboards. Students also took part in community-led activities such as cooking traditional meals and replanting banana trees.
Miss Amy Green, assistant principal at Hope Academy, who organised and led the expedition, said: “This trip has been an incredible opportunity for our students to give back to communities in Tanzania while developing new skills and experiencing a completely different way of life. They have worked tirelessly on projects that will make a lasting difference, and they should be very proud of themselves.”
Mrs Marie Adams, principal of Hope Academy, said: “Our students have truly lived the values of Hope Academy during this expedition. They have shown ‘courage’ in stepping out of their comfort zones, ‘respect’ for the communities and cultures they visited, ‘ambition’ in tackling challenging projects, and above all, ‘hope’ for the positive difference they could make. From building homes and school facilities to sharing laughter and even a few dance moves, they have made the school incredibly proud.”
Hope Academy’s next expedition will take students to Kenya in 2027, with further details to be announced in October 2025.
Bellerive FCJ Catholic College celebrates 180 years
Bellerive FCJ Catholic College marked an extraordinary milestone this academic year as the school community came together to celebrate its 180th birthday.
The anniversary celebrations reflected not only the college’s long and proud history, but also the FCJ values that continue to shape its identity today: faith, companionship, justice, excellence, dignity and hope.
The festivities began with a joyful Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by Bishop Tom Williams. In his homily, he reminded the community of Marie Madeleine’s life of service and devotion, and to honour her legacy, students and staff collaborated to create a striking mosaic of the foundress.
Alongside moments of prayer and reflection, students enjoyed a day filled with quizzes, games and activities that celebrated both the history of the college and the vibrancy of its present community.
A highlight came when students and staff gathered in nearby Princes Park to form the number 180. Captured from above, the
striking image provides not only a memorable photograph but also a living portrait of Bellerive’s unity and legacy.
As part of the celebrations, the college also welcomed back over 300 former students and staff for a remarkable alumni event. Guided tours gave alumnae the chance to revisit classrooms and corridors that had shaped their formative years, while music from Bellerive’s choir and a delicious afternoon tea provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and celebration.
Headteacher, Peter Forsey, expressed his pride in the community’s achievements: “Celebrating 180 years is a reminder that Bellerive is not just a school, but a family built on faith, courage and companionship. To see our students, staff and alumnae come together with such joy has been truly inspiring.
“I am incredibly proud to be part of this legacy – a legacy that continues to inspire young women to believe in themselves, to live with courage and confidence, and to make a difference in the world.”
SJCMAT students celebrate GCSE success
This summer has seen a wonderful celebration of achievement across the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, with students in all four of its secondary schools: Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic and Church of England Academy, St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy, St Francis Xavier’s Academy, and Notre Dame Catholic Academy – excelling in their GCSE results.
In line with the trust’s mission that “Christ is at the centre of everything that we do. We exist to transform children’s lives by providing them with a world-class, Catholic education,” these results reflect both academic excellence and the commitment of staff, students and families working together in faith.
Highlights this year include standout subject performances. At St Augustine of Canterbury, English results surpassed national averages, with 67.5 per cent of pupils achieving grades 9-4, while art and design excelled, with 100 per cent achieving grades 9–4. Its PE department also celebrated impressive outcomes, with 84.6 per cent of students achieving grades 9–4 and almost a third achieving the very highest grades (9–7).
St Francis Xavier’s Academy also recorded remarkable success, with 100 per cent of students in both physics and chemistry securing grades 9–4, alongside strong outcomes in maths (68 per cent at 9–4) and excellence in art and design, where 42.9 per cent of students achieved grades 9–7.
At Blessed Carlo Acutis, Basics 5+ (English and maths) saw a significant increase of 12.2 per cent, reflecting determined progress and student perseverance.
Michael Gun-Why, director of education, said: “As a Trust, we’re really proud of all our students. In many ways, we wish there were a published Progress measure this year, as our internal data shows this has been our best year ever; however, we’re still celebrating and want to showcase some of the individual subjects across our trust who have had exceptional performance this summer. Our thanks, as ever, go to our staff for their dedication, our parents for their support and our congratulations to all our students whose hard work paid off.”
SJCMAT’s GCSE success is a testament to a community united in faith, learning and aspiration.
Catholic Schools and Colleges: Places of Welcome
Our Catholic schools and colleges stand as places of worship, welcome, and community. They are more than centres of learning –they are communities of faith, where prayer, liturgy, and the Gospel shape daily life. At their heart lies the mission of the Church: to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and to form young people who will contribute to society with courage, compassion, and hope. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the inherent dignity of every human person, the call to community, and the responsibility to work for the common good. As St John Paul II taught: “The dignity of every person, independent of ethnicity, creed, sex, or age, is the decisive factor in human society.” Each child is recognised as a unique gift of God and welcomed into a community where they are valued and supported. In the words of Jesus: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5).
All Hallows celebrates 50th anniversary education news
This year, All Hallows Catholic High School in Penwortham is celebrating its golden jubilee. On Thursday 18 September, the school welcomed the community to a special 50th anniversary Mass to mark this milestone and the opening of the school in September 1975. Staff and pupils, past and present, attended in a 400-strong congregation.
Over the years, All Hallows has provided an excellent Catholic education for thousands of young people.
We give thanks for our schools and colleges – for staff, governors, clergy, and families who work together to create safe, nurturing environments where young people can flourish. They are places of welcome not only for pupils but also for families, parishioners, and staff, building communities rooted in faith and hospitality. Our schools and colleges prepare children not just for examinations but for life: to be people of integrity, faith, and service, ready to play their part in society. In striving to be inclusive, many of our schools and colleges are responding with great dedication to a rapid rise in pupils with special educational needs. This “SEN crisis” presents challenges, but also opportunities to witness to the Gospel by ensuring that no child is left behind. Yet many of our schools and colleges are facing huge problems because they are not properly funded to complete the work required for pupils with additional needs. Too often, leaders and staff find themselves chasing funding, sometimes repeatedly, simply to secure the support that children are entitled to. As Pope Francis reminds us: “The dignity of each human person and the pursuit of the common good are concerns which ought to shape all economic, political and social decisions.” To welcome every child fully is not an optional extra but a central expression of our Catholic mission.
At the same time, our schools and colleges increasingly find themselves at the heart of wider social tensions. Children arrive at school carrying questions about the world around them – about wars, flags, and divisions they see in the media and sometimes in their own communities. Whether it be the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine or in Gaza, our schools and colleges are called to respond with wisdom, compassion, and courage. Teachers are helping children to make sense of these issues through the lens of faith: emphasising peace, justice, and the dignity of every human life. As the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church reminds us: “Peace is founded not only on respect for human rights, but also on respect for the rights of peoples.” Our schools and colleges continue to be places of welcome where dialogue is encouraged over division, and hope triumphs over fear.
Please keep all in our school and college communities in your prayers as they continue this vital work – forming young people in faith, safeguarding the dignity of every person, and witnessing to Christ’s love in a world so greatly in need of hope.
Joan McCarthy Director of Education, Archdiocese of Liverpool
Established by the Archdiocese of Liverpool, the school was created to serve the needs of the wider Catholic community. From the very beginning, pupils have been drawn from a family of partner parishes, which remain central to the school’s admissions today. The school has grown from a small Year 7 intake in 1975 to a thriving community of over 900 students. The golden jubilee has provided the opportunity to celebrate the school’s past while looking forward with hope and ambition for the future.
The Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend John Sherrington, along with priests and deacons from the parishes, celebrated a joyful Mass, and pupils from across the school served and ministered. The opening hymn, ‘Build Your Kingdom’, sung by both the adult and pupil choirs alongside the music group, set the tone for the celebration. A procession of pupils carried flags, pictures of form saints, and school symbols to the altar. Pupils also took part in readings, bidding prayers, and a special offertory, bringing objects that symbolise the Catholic ethos of the school.
The Gospel, from Matthew, focused on the Beatitudes. Archbishop John reflected on how young people following Jesus’ teachings on love, mercy and compassion can build the Kingdom of God on earth – a message echoed in the school’s mission: Growing Together in the Spirit of Christ’s Love.
After Mass, a reception and school tours were held for past staff and pupils, led by Year 11 prefects, concluding a wonderful night of celebration.
St Edward’s College joins the Laetare Catholic Multi Academy Trust
St Edward’s College has officially become the latest pathfinder school of the newly established Laetare Catholic Multi Academy Trust (CMAT), effective 1 September.
Boasting a 177-year tradition of offering an inspiring and challenging Catholic education to over 1,100 young people from across the city of Liverpool and further afield, St Edward’s brings a commitment to Gospel values rooted deeply in the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice.
The college’s mission, summed up in the guiding principle, “Let all that you do be done in love”, emphasises nurturing pupils who are known, valued, challenged, and loved, fostering not just academic prowess but character, leadership, and service.
The Laetare Catholic MAT is a national family of Religious Order
schools dedicated to providing an outstanding and distinctive experience of Catholic education, emphasising collaboration, respect for each school’s unique charism, and service for the common good of all its academies.
As a pathfinder, St Edward’s joins De La Salle School, St Helens, St Ambrose College, Altrincham, and St Anselm’s College, Wirral, laying down a firm foundation for the trust’s educational vision. St Joseph’s College, Stoke, is expected to join later this term, with more schools across the country to follow.
In this expanding partnership, each school retains its unique identity while contributing to a shared mission: to develop students of faith, hope, forgiveness, and love, who work for justice and compassion in their communities.
SENDSCOPE expands into new home at Sacred Heart Catholic Academy grounds
SENDSCOPE Independent School has announced its relocation to a new building within the grounds of Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, part of the Pope Francis Trust, in Crosby, Liverpool.
This move marks a significant milestone for the school as it continues to grow and strengthen its provision for students with special educational needs (SEND). Relocating to Crosby provides SENDSCOPE with the space and facilities to expand its registered capacity from 16 students to 32 students, while also extending its specialist offer to Key Stage 4 learners.
To lead the school through this exciting new chapter, SENDSCOPE has welcomed Mrs Victoria Nolan as principal. Mrs Nolan brings extensive experience in education and governance, having served as SENDSCOPE’s curriculum governor for the past three years.
In addition, SENDSCOPE has appointed Mrs Dora Fletcher, a specialist in SEND and science, further strengthening the school’s commitment to providing high-quality teaching and tailored support for every student.
Providing strategic leadership and oversight, Mrs Natalie Walsh and Mrs Jacqueline Bebbington will now take on the roles of executive principals, ensuring SENDSCOPE continues to deliver outstanding outcomes while strengthening its vision for inclusive and aspirational education.
Speaking about the move, Mrs Nolan said: “I am honoured and excited to take up the role of principal at such a pivotal time in SENDSCOPE’s journey. The new building and expanded capacity
will allow us to support even more young people, helping them to thrive academically, socially, and personally in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
For the past three years, SENDSCOPE has been based within the grounds of Saint Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy, part of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
The relocation reflects SENDSCOPE’s continued mission to provide an ambitious, supportive, and personalised education for students with SEND, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
Charting the year ahead
Father Simon Gore from Animate Youth Ministries shines a light on the activities taking place in the 2025/26 academic year.
With the new year under way here at Animate and in our local schools, there is a lot to look forward to.
The first thing to draw your attention to is that, by the time you read this, the application forms for Lourdes 2026 will be live. We have brought the application date forward because 2026 sees the 50th anniversary of the Liverpool Youth Pilgrimage and we would like to make the year as special as we can, with an increased number of young people taking part.
To help with that, we have decided to have an ‘early bird’ special whereby anyone applying from 15 September through to 20 October is eligible for £50 off the total cost. So, £50 for 50 years!
Promotional material has already gone into our schools and parishes, so please keep an eye out for that and pass the message on to any young people you think would be interested.
We are also doing a reboot of the Faith in Action award. This is not because there is a problem with the award or that we need more people to sign uprather, it has grown substantially since its launch and we need to ensure that all involved are happy with what the award is.
We have spoken a few times about the number of participants, and I hope you would agree that having 2,000 young people put their faith into action each year is a great sign for our archdiocese. It does, however, create some practical and logistical problems for us and the schools and parishes involved, and that is why we are having the reboot.
If you are reading this and are already involved but had not heard about the reboot meetings, please come along. But this is also a fantastic opportunity for any school or parish yet to sign up to join us and meet other co-ordinators and find out how to get involved.
Opportunities through the year !
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026 and Faith in Action Awardsee your chaplain or parish priest for more information
As for the Jubilee Year, it is nine months now since it began. Where does the time go? We have done a few different things for it, and we still have two days planned for any school to bring a small group here to Lowe House – one for an activity on servant leadership for Years 9 and 10, and the other on vocation for Year 11 and Sixth Form. These days are offered free of charge to any school wishing to bring a small group along and for more information, please see our website: www.animateyouth.org.
Outside of schools, you may also remember that for the Jubilee Year, we started a music ministry group. We have added more dates for this group, which are at the bottom of this article. Anyone from Year 9 to the age of 25 is welcome to come along. You do not need any particular qualification, just an interest in music and meeting other young people. Those of us involved last year felt we got off to a good start and it was great to see young people come to the meetings and use some of the skills they had learned in Lourdes and at the Confirmation Masses here in St Helens. Our hope, over time, is that we might grow a new generation of music and worship and liturgy leaders who can take their skills into our local parishes. If you know any young people who might be interested, please tell them about this opportunity.
Dates
for the diary:
• Faith in Action Reboot – meetings on 10 and 24 October at St Mary’s, Lowe House, from 1pm to 2.30pm.
• Music Ministry at Lowe House, from 3-5pm on the following dates: 5 October, 2 November, 23 November (followed by 5.30pm Mass), 25 January, 8 March, 19 April, 17 May, 7 June (followed by 5.30pm Mass).
Mums the Word Over a century of service
In June and July, I became the unsuspecting host of a priest from the Holy Land, Father Makarios Jerries, who is a Melkite Catholic priest from Haifa.
Fr Makarios was unable to return home from Rome at the end of the academic year on account of the conflict between Israel and Iran, and so – at the request of his friend, my grandson Fr James Finnegan, who was doing research in Iraq at the time – I gave Fr Makarios a room in Knotty Ash.
Unsurprisingly, I speak no Arabic (or Hebrew), and Fr Makarios – though a very intelligent man – is only just beginning to speak English, so I began to worry at first that he would feel somewhat alone or isolated during his stay with us. Very quickly, however, it became apparent that bonds of love and friendship can be forged without the need for words. Makarios went everywhere with me; to the shops, to the UCM, to visit the sick, even to the dentist! He was happy to go anywhere, to encounter other people, and to share – however he could – his story of being a Christian in the Holy Land. He became so loved and wellknown by the people who met him, and such was his love for them in return, that he was even convinced at the last minute to come on the archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. The UCM – as with all Christians –are called to promote the values of family life, and our example should be the Holy Family, once strangers themselves in a foreign land, fleeing danger and violence.
My guest this summer reminded me that words are not always necessary to show the face of Christ to the stranger; openness of heart and the courage to encounter and accompany the ‘other’ will allow us to bring the light of Christ to the stranger, and to those who live in darkness.
Dates for the diary
Our November bi-monthly Mass is at Blessed Sacrament, Aintree on 12 November, with our next business meeting following on 18 October in the Gibberd Room at the Metropolitan Cathedral (1pm).
Maureen Finnegan,
Archdiocesan Deputy PresidentMedia Officer
News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba
Knights say Farewell to International Alliance of Catholic Knights (IACK) Fraternal Cross
At the recent Provincial Meeting, Knights from across Liverpool got the opportunity to admire the IACK Fraternal Cross before it begins it journey around the world. The Fraternal Cross will be visiting the 27 countries where Catholic Knights are established.
The International Alliance of the Catholic Knights (IACK) is a global organization of Catholic fraternal orders dedicated to promoting the message of Christ and supporting the Church.
The IACK was founded on October 12, 1979, in Glasgow, Scotland, during a meeting of leaders from six fraternal societies. It aims
Knights Welcome New Provincial Banner
The Knights also recently unveiled the new Province 2 Banner in its new home, The St Columba Chapel at The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. The banner was created by a local seamstress and is a worthy addition to the St Columba Chapel.
The Rev. Deacon Justin Malewezi’s Trip to Malawi
Our Provincial Chaplin, Rev Deacon Justin Malewezi, recently visited Malawi, where he supports the Onani Early Literacy Project. This project helps parents and teachers in Malawi teach children aged 3 to 6 to read and write in Chichewa, the national language. The curriculum uses the letters A, E, I, O, U, N, M, B, and G. By the end, each child owns four storybooks made from words using those same letters, applying new skills to engaging stories.
The Fraternal Cross was originally presented by past Supreme Knight, Brother F.J Redmond J.P. (RIP).
Supreme Council 2025
When you are reading this in October, the Supreme Council 2025 will be about to take place at The Liner Hotel, Liverpool from Sunday October 5 until Tuesday 7 October, with Knights from across the country making the trip to Liverpool for this important Annual Council. The Council will include a gala dinner on Monday Evening 6 October.
Dates for Your Diary
Council 146 are holding their Annual Charity Presentation Evening on Saturday 11 October at 7pm until 11pm at St John Stone’s Parish Club in Woodvale, Southport which will also be a celebration of the Councils centenary.
Council 9 are holding their Annual Dinner at Liverpool Cricket Club on Friday, 31 October. The event is black tie.
I hope you have found this information interesting. If you are interested in finding out more about The Knights of St Columba or arranging a visit to your local council meeting, then please don’t hesitate to contact me by email. Philonline2@btinternet.com
Phil Woods, Provincial Grand Knight - Province 2
Dialogue and Unity Reaching out rurally
By Ultan Russell, Archdiocesan ecumenical officer
The Archdiocese of Liverpool embraces four key interchurch bodies – Churches Alive in Mann, Greater Manchester Churches Together, Churches Together in the Merseyside Region, and Churches Together in Lancashire or CTL.
The whole of our Lancashire deanery and the bulk of the South Lancashire deanery are in the area covered by CTL. They have a very active, full-time ecumenical officer in the Revd Anton Muller, along with a range of committees, and maintain links with key county bodies. Canon Peter Stanley is our Catholic ecumenical officer for the archdiocese, serving Lancashire.
One well-established and highly valued initiative is the Churches Together in Lancashire tent at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show. The organisers of this year’s show, from 18-20 July, provided CTL with a free space for a large marquee ensuring them a vibrant presence alongside giant tortoises, sheep-dog trials, attractions for children, and everything to do with farms and farming. The CTL tent offered free hot and cold drinks to all visitors, which were provided by Preston & Ribble Fair Trade.
There was a major act of worship in the ‘Church Tent’, called the Church in the Field service. This was led by the newly appointed divisional and assistant divisional commanders for the Salvation Army in the northwest, Majors Ian and Tracey Mountford. The music was led by the Blackburn Citadel Band of the Salvation Army, who were joined by members of the Balderstone Brass Band. Rather aptly for an agricultural show, Major Ian preached on the “Labourers in the Vineyard”.
The Lancashire Constabulary chief constable, Sacha Hatchett, visited the ‘Church Tent’ and met all 15 of the charities hosted there. Other visitors included the Mayor and Mayoress of Ribble Valley, Simon and Donna O’Rourke.
A variety of talks were given, including one on the Living Wage Campaign. Cllr Valerie Wise spoke about Preston becoming the first “Living wage city” in Lancashire. Further information can be found here: www.livingwage.org.uk
The other agencies with us in the tent included the following:
• Citizens UK
• Community Roots, an NHS non-clinical organisation that works alongside a range of community partners to help local people make connections in the community that guide them to points of support and care.
• The Agricultural Chaplaincy Association.
• The Farming Community Network which supports farmers and families within the farming community.
• No Whispers, a community interest company that works to inform, educate and empower adults about child sexual and criminal exploitation. No Whispers works with CTL to deliver more programmes across the denominations.
• The Pan Lancashire Anti-Slavery Partnership (PLASP), under the direction of former police detective Sion Hall.
Networking between our partner organisations is one of the key elements of the ‘Church Tent’ and it emphasises the value of working together with the common purpose of addressing
St John Bosco Arts College Sixth Form
Open Evening Thursday 6 November 5:00pm – 7:00pm Scan the code to find out more