CATHOLIC PIC SEPTEMBER 2026

Issue 265 September 2026

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The 50th anniversary of the Liverpool Youth Pilgrimage gave extra prominence to our yellowshirted young people during July’s Liverpool Archdiocesan Pilgrimage

Yellow shirts shine for milestone Lourdes pilgrimage

In this issue:

Remembering Fr Joseph Kendall 1980-2026 Also: Invitation to Evening Prayer with the Apostolic Nuncio

contents

From the Archbishop’s Desk September marks the opening of the new school year. It is a time of significant change for families as young children head off to reception class, year six pupils take on new leadership roles at the top of the school, and the new year 7s head to high school often in school uniforms looking very new and usually too large.

They will grow into their new uniforms, just as they grow into a new school with wider educational opportunities. The school is part of an ecosystem composed of families, localities, schools, and colleges. Each school or college is like a star in a constellation which shines out across the archdiocese. Jesus is the light of the world and invites us to show forth His light.

The opening of the school year is a reminder that Sunday 13 September is Education Sunday. It is a day when we celebrate Catholic education which seeks to develop the whole person, each with their unique God-given gifts, in a relationship with Jesus Christ. This year, the theme focuses on the mercy of God, forgiveness, and building peace.

As we celebrate this new school year, we recognise the role that religious orders have played in the foundation of many schools across the archdiocese. On Saturday 12 September, we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Old Swan. The Mass at 3pm, in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, representing the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, will be a gathering of religious and laypeople to mark this significant anniversary. All are welcome.

The Sisters of Mercy were founded in Dublin in 1831 by the Venerable Catherine McAuley who wanted to serve the poor and provide education for women. Mother M. Ligouri Gibson arrived in Liverpool in 1843 to begin their mission here. At the request of the parish priest Father Maddocks, the sisters arrived in Old Swan in August 1851, moving from their convent in Mount Vernon. We give thanks for their educational mission in Liverpool.

As we pray for all students and staff at the beginning of the school year, we ask the intercession of St Thomas Aquinas and St John Henry Newman, patrons of Catholic education.

Archbishop John Sherrington Archbishop of Liverpool

Contents: 4 Main Feature Yellow shirts shine for milestone Lourdes pilgrimage 7

Sunday Reflections

8 From the Archives Seekers of Wisdom 9 News

News from around the archdiocese 13 Care for Creation 14 What’s On

What’s happening in the archdiocese

Monthly prayer intentions

16 Pastoral Ponderings

SEPTEMBER

32 Youth Ministry

For the care of water.

Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

Editor Harriet Anwyl Editorial Catholic Pictorial Magazine, St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Liverpool Archdiocesan Office, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA Tel: 0151 522 1007 Email: CatholicPic@rcaol.org.uk Advertising Sales team 0151 709 7567 sales@cpmmmedia.com Contributor Katie Parry Photography Sue Mannings Website: www.catholicpic.co.uk Twitter: @PicCatholic Youtube: CPMM Media

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34 Pic Extras Mum’s the word News from the KSC 35 Dialogue and Unity

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“Lourdes is truly the greatest place on earth – the sense of community, faith, love and family is unlike anywhere else.”

Christa Rose, 20 Ss Peter and Paul’s, Kirkby

Yellow shirts shine for milestone Lourdes pilgrimage The 50th anniversary of the Liverpool Youth Pilgrimage gave extra prominence to our yellowshirted young people during July’s Liverpool Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

“Dear young people, today so prominent in your yellow shirts, I thank you for giving your time and energy to travel with us all to this holy place.”

Archbishop John Sherrington’s words, directed to Liverpool’s youth pilgrims, came during the Mass of Welcome for this year’s Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes on Friday 24 July.

The Archbishop was highlighting the presence of the yellow-shirted Liverpool Youth as this year’s pilgrimage marked 50 years since Father Pat Harnett took a group of around 100 young people to Lourdes, thus setting the Liverpool Archdiocesan Youth Pilgrimage in motion.

That made this a particularly special week for our young pilgrims, and it ended with recognition of their efforts in the form of a Papal Letter, collected

by Father Simon Gore, director of the Youth Pilgrimage, at the Mass of Thanksgiving on 29 July – the Liverpool pilgrims’ last full day.

Father Grant Maddock, the archdiocesan pilgrimage director, said: “This year was particularly significant 4

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as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Youth Pilgrimage, giving thanks for generations of young people whose faith, service and friendship have helped shape our Lourdes family.

“The enthusiasm, generosity and witness of our young pilgrims this week were a fitting tribute to that remarkable legacy and a sign of a bright future still to come,” added Fr Grant when giving thanks to the various groups who had contributed to the success of the week, not least in supporting the assisted pilgrims, from the Hospitalité via the medical, nursing, healthcare, accommodation, transport, logistics and support teams to the music group, led for the last time this year by Fr James Finnegan.

With pilgrims leaving Liverpool on 22 and 23 July, the first official day in Lourdes, 24 July, ended with a torchlight procession led by the Liverpool Youth – and made memorable by a thunderstorm.

Archbishop Sherrington mentioned this at the Mass of Thanksgiving as he recalled the sight of people fleeing for shelter from the downpour while the Liverpool contingent at the head of the procession stayed firmly in place.

“There remained on the platform the statue of Our Lady, the illuminated cross and the candle-bearers,” he said. “In spite of the deluge of rain, the statue of Our Lady reminded me that she is our mother who protects us. We can trust in

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her. The cross reminded me of the power of Christ to conquer and triumph over evil.

The candles reminded me that the light of Christ shines in the darkness.”

In another of his homilies, at the Grotto Mass on Sunday 26 July, the Archbishop cited the spirit of peace at Lourdes as something to pursue in our everyday lives.

“Peace comes when people live together in love and build communion between one another,” he said. “We know the peace of this pilgrimage where love, service and generosity towards those who are less able are lived out. This is a sign of God’s kingdom. This is the kingdom which we wish to build among us and with others.

“Pope Leo has told us to disarm our words and disarm our world,” he added.

“Disarming our words means no more gossip which damages peoples’ reputations and damages attitudes to one another; no more harsh words spoken to those we love which cause hurt and harm – the tongue can be a vicious instrument. Disarming our world means beginning to disarm our nations, becoming bridgebuilders of peace, reducing the arms race and living in harmony with one another. This is a sign of the kingdom.

Just as Saint Bernadette found her deep joy in Jesus, so can we if we become peacebuilders with one another.”

The theme of this year’s pilgrimage was ‘Hail, Full of Grace, the Lord is with you’ and Fr Grant saw it realised on a daily basis in Lourdes. He explained: “We have reflected on Mary’s faithful ‘yes’ to God and seen that same spirit of generosity and trust lived out in so many pilgrims throughout the week.”

Fr Simon Gore referred to the theme too as he reflected on the significance of the Papal Blessing that he collected on behalf of the youth pilgrims. “It is recognition of the 50 years – of everyone that has been before, the young people and all the different priests and leaders going back all the way to Fr Pat Harnett, the first director of the Youth Pilgrimage, who had the courage to say yes. When he was asked to do it, his words were ‘Let’s go’. In some ways like the answer of the Blessed Virgin when she was asked to bear Jesus, it was quite an appropriate response to say yes in that way, without hesitation. On behalf of everyone right through to the current staff and coach leaders and young people who’ve been able to commit a week of their summer, to have it recognised by the Holy Father is a nice thing for all of us – a letter to recognise what has gone on over those 50 years.”

L to R: Fr Simon Gore, Archbishop John Sherrington, Mgr John Butchard, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, and Bishop Tom Neylon, receiving a Papal Blessing on behalf of the youth pilgrims

Archbishop John Sherrington about to board the flight to Lourdes, alongside dozens of assisted pilgrims

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In their own words – Reflections of our youth pilgrims “This year was my third year. I was brought up Catholic but stopped practising as I got older. Yet my science teacher at school happens to be the leader of Coach 2 and he urged me to come. I was hesitant at first and didn’t think it’d be for me but three years later, I count down the days to the pilgrimage like a kid at Christmas.

Lourdes to me feels like a divine line between Heaven and Earth. You can be unapologetically yourself and meet the most incredible people.”

Elizabeth Blohm, 20 Ss Peter and Paul’s, Kirkby “I found Lourdes one of the most incredible experiences. I felt it opened my eyes to so many things, including exploring my faith in more depth and genuinely feeling a close connection with God. During the Sacrament of the Sick I felt like I was being listened to by God, and that’s by far the most insane thing I’ve experienced. As well as this, the friendships I’ve made – including with older, more experienced youth pilgrims – are something I’ll cherish forever. I’ve been lucky to experience such a welcoming community, old and young, and genuinely have never been so grateful.”

Jasmine Cadman, 15 – St Mary’s, Chorley

“Lourdes is the most amazing place with the most wonderful people. It really helped me come out of my shell and make new friends that feel like family.”

Akira Niagwan, 16 – Our Lady of the Assumption, Gateacre

Elizabeth

Akira

Jasmine

Christa Rose

Whatever the weather, our youth pilgrims are here to help!

Meanwhile, back at home…

The spirit of the pilgrimage was felt here in the archdiocese too, with parishes staging a series of ‘Lourdes at Home’ celebrations during the week. As captured by the photo alongside, at St Wilfrid’s in Widnes, parish priest Fr Mark Moran was joined by more than 300 parishioners overall for an earlymorning Mass, a midday service of anointing and an evening Rosary and torchlight procession to the Grotto garden. “The whole day has been an amazing testimony to the love and affection parishioners have for Our Lady,” said Fr Mark, adding “The service of anointing proved so incredibly moving.”

There were similar ‘Lourdes at Home’ events at St Mary’s, Woolton; St Mary’s, Leyland; and at St Teresa’s, Penwortham for the South Ribble family of parishes (Tarleton, Longton, Penwortham and Leyland).

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Smiles all round as St Wilfrid’s celebrate Our Lady at home

Sunday reflections

On a liturgical note I grew up in the parish of St Matthew on Queens Drive in Liverpool, so the feast day on 21 September has always held a special place in my heart – the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.

As the weeks and months go by, the liturgy presents us with feast days and memorial days such as this not to be merely a history lesson (this is where we have been) but also an inspiration for our present and future living (this is where we are going).

The opening of the Gospel of Matthew speaks to us of the rootedness of Jesus in the unfolding of God’s graciousness down through the centuries – the genealogy, or the list of ancestry of Joseph and then of Jesus, born into the flesh-and-blood reality of real families and a precious history. The end of the Gospel, however, points forward to the task of his Church in history: “… therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to

Sunday thoughts

Canon Philip Gillespie

obey everything I have commanded you. And know I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

To go and make disciples – to be people who follow the way and example of Christ in what we say, what we do and how we go about our daily tasks. We are bold enough to make the claim that it is by this relationship with Jesus – by being His disciples – that we ourselves will find true peace and contentment and indeed the true purpose for our lives. It is the theme of the prayer which we hear each day and each week at Mass as we prepare to receive Holy Communion: “Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.”

Mgr John Devine OBE

A North American diocese has Every funeral presents recently banned family members from the priest with a pastoral delivering eulogies at Catholic funerals. opportunity. Where do we find God? God is I myself have experienced as many as embedded in the story of each of three or four mourners paying extended our lives. tributes to a person who has died.

Frequently, they cannot be heard. They can be overcome with emotion or speak too quickly due to nervousness. Having told the family that the eulogy should last five minutes, they inevitably overrun.

In one extreme case, a eulogy lasted 25 minutes – longer than the time allocated for the rest of the service.

Nevertheless, I was disturbed by this latest US diocesan directive, which read: “To speak in remembrance of the deceased is to speak about the faith-life of the one who died and to give praise to God. A eulogy makes the person being praised the main focus of attention. The homily and the words of remembrance have God as the primary focus. In this regard, reference may be made to how the deceased person put his or her Christian faith into practice, which provides a good example for others to follow and gives hope for an eternal reward in Heaven.”

In addition, the ruling decreed that any words of remembrance the family would like should be submitted three days before the funeral. The priest or deacon would then read the family’s words during the funeral service or Mass.

I believe that the deceased person is and should be “the main focus of attention”.

I’m comfortable with a eulogy telling that story. My own practice has then been, in my own few words, to draw out the hand of God in the presence of the deceased person’s journey. Key moments include the day they were born and the day they were baptised. Other milestones are the significant relationships the person has formed throughout life – powerful indicators of the Lord’s hidden but loving accompaniment, often recognised only in retrospect.

Ours is a sacramental faith. We speak of the seven sacraments, and Christ Himself is the principal sacrament or sign of the Father’s presence. And, bidden or unbidden, we ourselves are sacraments to and for each other.

As priests, we can become hardened and cynical. We can despise and judge the weak faith of others rather than welcoming and encouraging. Regular churchgoers can be equally critical of those who show up only for funerals. In respecting and honouring the grief of the bereaved, we can sensitively illuminate the loving hand of God in the life of the person they have loved. Their story has to be told.

Who am I? Sonia is a social worker.

As soon as she walked through the door I could sense there was something badly wrong.

We sat down and she started to cry so I just sat and waited for the storm to subside.

When she stopped crying, I asked her what the tears were about. She told me that she was a bad mother, her children hated her, she was a poor wife, a terrible Christian, and her career was going down the pan.

Then she looked at me and told me that she hated herself and she had thought of taking her own life because everybody would be better off without her.

It is amazing how often I have come across similar scenarios. I have met many people who seem to have it altogether and yet deep within have a lurking insecurity and are unable to recognise, and therefore rejoice in, the wonder of their being.

When reflecting on the beauty of creation, I have often seen humanity as the pinnacle of God’s creation. Jesus is the icon of God and the icon for the fullness of humanity. As He is, so should we be. Oh, for the grace to see ourselves as God sees us. Oh, for the gift of being able to rejoice in the wonder of our being and to give thanks.

I love the passage in the Gospels where Jesus asks the disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” I wonder have you ever looked God full in the face and said: “God, who do you say I am?” Do you feel comfortable with asking God that question, and would you be comfortable with the answer you might get?

Let’s explore a little about who we are and how God might respond.

We’re all under pressure to succeed and, for some of us, that pressure is quite intense. If we can’t absorb it and live up to it, then we begin to believe the lie that we’re no good.

Even if we cover it up and wear the right masks, somewhere deep within us there is an insecurity that follows us around and rears its head every now and again under all sorts of different headings.

I’m sure the voices that constantly tell us we’re useless and no good because of what we haven’t got or haven’t done are responsible for millions of people in the world who teeter on the edge of breakdown.

We have to hear the good news of the Gospel to counter that. There is nothing you can do that will stop God loving you.

You have ultimate value. Somehow, we have to begin to believe that voice if we’re to find life. You are of ultimate value and if you begin to hear the voice of God, rather than the voices of so many others, you will hear that you are of value.

Father Chris Thomas

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from the archives

Seekers of Wisdom

by Neil Sayer, Archdiocesan Archivist

Artist’s impression of the proposed new University Chaplaincy (now the Hart Building), c.1962

Catholic students off to study at one of Liverpool’s universities this month might like to reach out to the Catholic Chaplaincy based at St Philip Neri Church on Catharine Street.

It offers opportunities for personal and spiritual development alongside the academic achievements they’ll all be hoping for. And it has a venerable history, dating back to the establishment of the University of Liverpool’s Catholic Society (CathSoc) in 1913.

The university was still young, and the site of the Metropolitan Cathedral was still a workhouse, when CathSoc held its first meeting in the Students’ Union building on 25 June 1913. The Jesuit Father Charles Plater came from Stonyhurst College to deliver what was described as “a stirring address to an enthusiastic audience” of about 30 people. The meeting determined that the aims of the society should be both theoretical and practical, discussing the teachings of the Catholic Church and encouraging members to undertake charitable and social work. In the following year, that practical assistance included raising funds for the aid of local Belgian refugees in the first months of the Great War. Its members were key figures in the establishment of other societies throughout the archdiocese, and by the time it celebrated its 21st birthday in 1934, Archbishop Downey noted that “We regard the Society as of prime importance because its members eventually are to become men and women of light and leading, with the power and responsibility of influencing others.”

At that time, CathSoc relied on willing priests from local parishes to provide pastoral care and offer a monthly Mass at various rooms in the university or archdiocesan offices, looking forward “to the great day of a resident chaplain, a privilege enjoyed by some of the other universities.” This great day finally came in 1941, when the Graduate Section of CathSoc bought premises at Bedford Street North and the Liverpool University Catholic Chaplaincy was established with the appointment of Father Joseph Ryland-Whitaker SJ as the first fulltime chaplain.

The rapid expansion of the university in the 1960s coincided with the building of the new Cathedral designed by Frederick Gibberd. It also saw the demolition of the Chaplaincy on Bedford Street North.

Although not part of the original architect’s brief, a new Catholic Chaplaincy was also designed by Gibberd and was officially opened on 24 April 1965, two years before the Cathedral was completed. In 1971, Rev Vincent Malone was appointed chaplain, and in 1976 he calculated the numbers of students and staff to be 13,000. “Of this grand total”, he said, “some 2,500 may be estimated to be Catholics.”

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Fr Malone made pastoral visits to the university’s halls of residence and offered a weekly Mass there, as well as the daily weekday celebration of Mass in the chaplaincy. A “cheap lunch” also attracted many students into “a fairly regular company which is warm and open.”

Volunteers were always welcome for the washing up: “Unglamorous, but very necessary.” Fr Malone’s flair for pastoral care can be seen in the friendships he forged and maintained up to his death in 2020, attending and officiating at many weddings and christenings as his students graduated and moved elsewhere.

The chaplaincy was then offering a St Vincent de Paul Society to visit “old and lonely people in the city”, as well as groups to help out in local schools and youth clubs. It seems there was a lively social scene too: not only was there a “Charlie Brown Group” offering chat and reflections on life, and a football team composed of “Enthusiastic amateurs who usually manage to win a few friendlies for the chaplaincy on Sunday afternoons”, but ceilidhs and discos were regularly held in the chaplaincy, and visits to tourist spots like Haworth and weekend retreats in Wales were always popular and well-attended.

The chaplaincy moved to St Philip Neri in 2002 and now serves the Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts as well as the University of Liverpool. It still offers trips and retreats and has a busy schedule of visiting speakers and social events. Faith development and moral support are at the heart of its mission “to create an oasis of faith, and a home away from home, for students at the universities - whether Catholic or just interested in our faith and community.” We trust that today’s students, like those in 1934, “are still eager to seek wisdom and love truth even as in the early days.”

Interior room of the new Chaplaincy, 1965: plenty of room for a ceilidh!

News diary

News diary If you’ve got any news from your parish that you’d like featured e-mail us with the details at: CatholicPic@rcaol.org.uk

Fr Joseph Kendall (1980–2026) The sudden death of Fr Joseph Kendall on 8 August 2026, aged just 45, came as a profound shock to his family, friends, parishioners, fellow priests and many whose lives he touched.

Although he had felt unwell in the preceding days, nobody imagined that his life would be cut so short.

Only weeks earlier, he had travelled to Norwich to present the annual report of the English College, Valladolid, on behalf of the Rector at the alumni reunion. A month later, he joined clergy and faithful on pilgrimage to Lourdes. He was immersed in work he loved: serving the Church and helping to form future generations of priests.

The sorrow at his death testified to the reach of his ministry. Fr Joe will be remembered as a devoted priest, but also as a loving son and brother, a treasured uncle and a loyal friend: someone whose faith and sense of fun brought joy to those around him.

Joseph Paul Kendall was born at Fazakerley Hospital on 16 October 1980, the first child of Paul and Susan Kendall. He grew up in Waterloo with his sisters, Anna and Catherine, in the parish of St Edmund of Canterbury, which remained central to his life and vocation. It was there that Joe’s love for the Church first took root, and he cherished opportunities to return to celebrate Mass and serve the parish and school communities that had nurtured him in faith.

He attended St Edmund’s Primary School and Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Crosby, where he studied History, French and Spanish at A-Level. In 1999, he went to Magdalen College, Oxford, to read Jurisprudence, specialising in labour and family law.

Although he initially intended to pursue a legal career, Joe became increasingly drawn towards a different path. After graduating, he volunteered at St Joseph’s Hospice in Thornton and worked as a care assistant at Nazareth House in Crosby.

Those experiences revealed a gift for accompanying and caring for others, while his call to priesthood became clearer.

will remember the exuberance of his Corpus Christi celebrations and the annual bouncy castle, which he could rarely resist enjoying himself.

Away from parish life, Joe retained a lifelong fascination with trains.

Railway journeys had delighted him since childhood and sharing that enthusiasm became part of many happy family memories.

Perhaps no role brought him greater happiness than being ‘Uncle Joe’. He eagerly anticipated Christmas holidays and summer breaks with his nieces and nephew. Whether taking them on train and bus journeys, planning days out, or simply entering into whatever had captured their imagination, he gave them his time wholeheartedly. That same playful spirit endeared him to young and old alike.

In 2022, Joe received an unexpected telephone call from Archbishop Bernard Longley inviting him to become Vice-Rector of the English College, Valladolid. After the initial surprise, he accepted gladly and returned to the place where his own priestly formation had begun.

Over the next four years he became a valued member of the formation team, guiding men discerning priesthood and accompanying seminarians through an important stage of formation. It was work that suited his gifts. His pastoral experience, judgement, encouragement and friendship were appreciated by colleagues and students alike.

Following his death, Fr John Flynn, Rector of the English College, described him as “a great priest, formator, and friend to so many of us”. The words are fitting, but those who knew him will remember still more: a devoted son, brother and uncle, a faithful friend, and a priest who gave himself generously to God and to others. His life was far shorter than anyone expected, but it was lived with purpose, faith, generosity and joy.

May he rest in peace.

In autumn 2005 he entered the English College in Valladolid for his propaedeutic year before continuing formation at Ushaw College. He flourished there, excelling academically while forming enduring friendships. Reports from placements in parishes, schools, hospitals and a young offenders’ institution praised his maturity, adaptability and pastoral sensitivity. His formation concluded at Oscott College following the closure of Ushaw as a major seminary.

Joe was ordained priest by Archbishop Patrick Kelly at St Edmund of Canterbury, Waterloo, on 13 July 2012. It was one of the happiest days of his life and a celebration for his family, parish and archdiocese. Priesthood was not simply something Joe did; it was at the heart of who he was. He embraced his vocation with gratitude and generosity.

His first appointment was at St Wilfrid’s in Liverpool South, where he worked alongside Fr Andrew Unsworth. In 2015 he moved to St Jude and St Aidan in Wigan, returning to St Wilfrid’s as parish priest in 2017. He guided the parish through the Archdiocesan Synod process and the challenges of the COVID pandemic, and in 2021 was appointed dean of the reconfigured Liverpool South Deanery.

He was an approachable priest, with quick wit and a lively sense of humour. He loved comedy, especially classic television series, and delighted in a well-timed joke or shared laugh. Parishioners

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News diary

You’re Invited: Special Events with the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop John Sherrington invites you to join him for Evening Prayer with the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Sunday 13 September at 3pm.

Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía will be visiting the Archdiocese of Liverpool as part of a pastoral visit, meeting clergy, religious, Catholic educators, school children, and parish communities across the archdiocese. During his time with us, he will also take part in an encounter with civil and religious leaders at Liverpool Cathedral, reflecting the strong relationships shared between our Christian communities and wider civic society.

The Apostolic Nuncio is the Holy Father’s personal representative to the Church in Great Britain and serves as the Holy See’s ambassador to the United Kingdom.

His visit is a significant occasion for the archdiocese, displaying and further strengthening our communion with Pope Leo XIV and the Church across the world.

The Archbishop invites all parishioners, religious, schools, and clergy to this special celebration of Evening Prayer, which will be followed by a drinks reception in the crypt. There will also be a concert at St Francis de Sales Church at 7:30pm on 12 September, which all are very welcome to attend. We hope you will join us in welcoming the Apostolic Nuncio to the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

St Anne’s Church opens its doors for National Heritage Week St Anne’s Catholic Church in Edge Hill will open its doors to visitors as part of National Heritage Week on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, from 12 noon to 4pm each day.

The church was enlarged in the late nineteenth century, with spacious transepts, a new chancel and side chapels, and a baptistery designed by Pugin and Pugin.

Founded by Benedictine Fathers, St Anne’s was formally opened on 3 August 1846. It was designed by architect Charles Hanson in the Gothic Revival style, and the church was built using red sandstone made readily available by the development of the Liverpool–Manchester Railway. Originally consisting of a nave, aisles, sanctuary and side chapels, it featured a huge but unfinished tower at the west end.

Alongside the heritage of the building, visitors will experience the diversity of the present-day congregation, with a Fairtrade stall offering products from communities around the world.

On Sunday, members of the church choir will also perform inspiring songs from African traditions.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this beautiful Grade II listed church and learn more about its fascinating history and architecture, with guides on hand to explain the details of its many features.

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St Anne’s also has a remarkable story of diversity. Its original parishioners included many Irish immigrants, while today the adjoining former presbytery is home to Asylum Link Merseyside, providing a welcoming space for asylum seekers and refugees. Many now attend and play an active role in the parish community.

All are warmly welcome.

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New this October: Half-Term Headlights Photo: Chris Robson from the Cathedral Education Service Team shares early design ideas for the HalfTerm Headlights logo with our editor, inspired by the cartoons of former Catholic Pic artist Bernard Atherton.

Every teacher looks forward to the half-term break: a chance to review, recharge and reset. The Cathedral Education Service Team (EST) – a group of volunteer teachers – are no different.

Launching in October, Half-Term Headlights will share the ideas, experiences and moments of inspiration that have shaped the EST’s work with schools visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral. The column will also highlight the creative approaches taken by teachers, whose visits often spark new ideas and opportunities to learn from one another.

Look out for the first instalment in October’s issue of the Catholic Pic. Chorley Cluster, you certainly made an impression… perhaps the Headlights will be shining in your direction!

News diary

Reflection on My Fifth Pilgrimage to Lourdes This year marked my fifth pilgrimage to Lourdes as a doctor with the Liverpool Archdiocesan Pilgrimage. Looking back, I realise that each visit has been unique. Although the destination is the same, every pilgrimage brings new encounters, new lessons, and a deeper appreciation of what Lourdes truly represents.

As doctors, we travel to Lourdes prepared to care for the physical needs of our pilgrims. Yet every year I discover that Lourdes is about far more than medicine. It is about compassion, dignity, kindness, and recognising the strength of the human spirit.

Sometimes the greatest healing is not physical, but emotional or spiritual; a smile, a reassuring conversation, a gentle touch, or simply being present for someone in need.

One of the greatest privileges of this pilgrimage is the people we meet. Pilgrims come from every walk of life, each carrying their own joys, worries, illnesses, and hopes. Despite their challenges, so many display remarkable courage, resilience and gratitude. They remind me that faith often shines brightest in the face of adversity.

This year was especially memorable. I had the privilege of meeting Antonia Raco, whose healing has been officially recognised as the 72nd miracle of Lourdes. Listening to her story was both humbling and inspiring. It served as a reminder that, while medicine seeks to understand and treat illness, there are moments in Lourdes that invite us to acknowledge the mystery of faith, hope and grace. Whether one views miracles through the eyes of science or faith, her journey is a powerful testimony to perseverance, trust and gratitude.

Another memorable moment was meeting Bishop Guido Marino, former Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations and now Bishop of Tortona. For many years, he served at the heart of the Vatican’s liturgical life, accompanying two Popes in some of the Church’s most significant celebrations. Having the opportunity to meet him and take a photograph with him in Lourdes was a privilege. His warmth, humility and quiet presence reflected the spirit of service that is so evident throughout the pilgrimage and

reminded me that genuine leadership in the Church is rooted in faith, simplicity, and dedication to others.

The pilgrimage is also a wonderful opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues and volunteers. Doctors, nurses, hospitalite, clergy, youth volunteers, musicians and organisers all share a common purpose: to serve others. The teamwork, mutual respect and willingness to support one another create a sense of community that is difficult to describe but impossible to forget.

Standing again at the Grotto, I was reminded why so many people return to Lourdes year after year. It is a place where differences disappear. Here, everyone is simply a pilgrim. We pray together, care for one another, laugh together and sometimes cry together.

In Lourdes, we are reminded that every person has inherent dignity and that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

As I leave Lourdes after my fifth pilgrimage, I do so with a heart full of gratitude, for the friendships strengthened, the new people I have met, the pilgrims who have inspired me, and the colleagues with whom I have shared this journey. Each pilgrimage has deepened not only my faith but also my understanding of what it truly means to serve.

Although I travel to Lourdes as a doctor, I return home each year having received far more than I could ever give. The pilgrims teach me resilience, my colleagues remind me of the strength of teamwork, and Lourdes itself renews my faith in humanity. It is a place where medicine and compassion, science and faith, work hand in hand in the service of others.

I hope to carry the spirit of Lourdes back into my daily life and medical practice: to listen more carefully, to show greater compassion, to serve with humility and to remember that healing is about caring for the whole person, not simply treating disease.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Dr Tatiana Tchikhiaeva, MB BS, FRCGP, MSc, GP

Parishes across the archdiocese living out their faith with CAFOD This summer, many parishes and individuals here in the Archdiocese of Liverpool have responded to CAFOD’s call to highlight unjust national debt by signing our petition.

Many of the world’s poorest countries are in a debt crisis, forced to pay ever higher interest rates to wealthy lenders, using money that could otherwise be spent on healthcare, education, and coping with the climate crisis. Often, they’ve paid their original debt several times over but are trapped in a spiral of debt that can’t be cleared due to the interest.

Thank you to our volunteers who have shared these lovely photos, and all who have added your voice to this call for fairness.

We have a wonderful team of Schools Volunteers, busy across the almost 230 Catholic schools and colleges in the archdiocese. Our assemblies and workshops help young people understand Catholic Social Teaching, and the part they can play in a more just world. Thanks to our volunteers, we have again visited over 100 schools in the last academic year – bravo!

Earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia remind us of the emergency aid CAFOD can provide thanks to your generous ongoing support. When these tragedies struck, CAFOD immediately supported our church partners with funds for their 12

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initial response, and we remain alongside them as they rebuild communities. Crucial in helping this is the support received at moments like Harvest Family Fast Day on Friday 2 October, when we’re invited to eat simply and share what we save.

Also – a special thanks to the Catholic Women’s League, who with the UCM and NBCW co-founded CAFOD, and who are celebrating their 120th anniversary this year. Congratulations and thank you!

Care for Creation

Season of Creation

by Dr Jennifer Jones, Scientist and nature writer There is, of course, substantial evidence of wider human damage to the environment. Plundering of natural resources, the astonishing decline in biodiversity, impacts on water quality, and evidence of climate change are all issues in which we humans have played a part.

So, where does faith come into all this, and why a Season of Creation?

Some months ago, I had a profound experience in Scotland. My friends and I watched a mountain hare lumbering along beside a loch.

The animal paused momentarily and looked at us. We felt privileged to gaze on its beautiful face, with its stunning eyes.

We were mesmerised. Our contact was brief, but it felt ethereal and uplifting. More recently, I saw a bug on a leaf in our garden.

Taking a closer look, it appeared to have a barber’s red and white pole embossed on its tiny back. It was beautiful. Research revealed that it was a rosemary beetle.

They feed on rosemary plants and, as we have none in our garden, I was relieved.

Reading further, I learned they also like lavender plants and can defoliate them rapidly. We have several lavender plants.

I can never kill a creature, so I left it to go about its business, hoping it didn’t find our lavender. These two experiences gave me some insight into the many dimensions of our natural world.

September is the Season of Creation, a time when we can focus on all that God the Creator has given us, from the tiniest bacteria to huge mountain ranges. The season begins on 1 September and ends on 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. A global ecumenical celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home, it was established in 2015 to coincide with the publication of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’. This year’s overarching theme is ‘Living Water’, a vision

of hope and ecological restoration. As we have seen, Pope Leo XIV constantly promotes a message of peace, so it is no surprise that his theme for the Season of Creation 2026, taken from Isaiah, is “they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks”.

This theme hints at a link between armed conflict and environmental degradation.

We need look no closer than our own continent, and the war between Ukraine and Russia, to see evidence of this. Whilst, correctly, most media report on human deaths or infrastructure damage arising from the conflict, environmental devastation as a result of the war is extreme. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that 3 million hectares of Ukraine’s forests are affected by war - that’s 1.5 times the size of Wales - while other agencies report that 28% of the country’s land surface is degraded.

Fires and rocket attacks have increased particulate pollution, damaging human health; soils have been contaminated and disturbed; abandoned military equipment releases toxic metals and radionuclides, while the presence of unexploded ordnance compromises forest management. Ukraine has a great diversity of soils, home to some of the world’s most fertile soils. Before the war it was known as the breadbasket of Europe. Damage to the soils has disrupted agricultural production, which, together with interrupted transport networks, has resulted in food insecurity and severe economic losses for farmers and rural communities.

The Season of Creation enables us to renew our relationship with God the Creator.

As Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si’, “the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet”, so the Season invites us to “hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”. It encourages us to reflect on our impact on the planet and its peoples, and how we might mitigate this. This can feel overwhelming, so it is understandable if we feel compelled to switch off and bury our heads in the sand. The good news is that no matter how small and vulnerable we may feel, every action, every prayer, has positive consequences.

We can adopt some simple but significant actions:

• Pope Francis emphasised the importance of rest on the Sabbath: “the day of rest, centred on the Eucharist, sheds its light on the whole week, and motivates us to greater concern for nature and the poor”.

Our Sabbath celebration could include a peaceful walk where we notice birds, or plants and trees, or gentle breezes on our faces.

• Pope Leo calls on us to imitate “the poor man of Assisi”. During this season we could look around at our belongings.

Is there anything we could do without?

Perhaps we can donate items to a charity shop or aim to spend our time more wisely.

• CAFOD has resources for the Season of Creation, including a Novena to St Francis to begin on 25 September and complete on 4 October. These prayerful reflections are based on St Francis’s beautiful Canticle of the Sun (cafod.org. uk/news/uk-news/celebrate-world-dayof-prayer).

As the Season of Creation team says: “Every act of care for creation becomes part of a global stream of hope”.

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what’s on Thursday 3 September Holy Hour for the Holy Souls 7:30pm at St Aloysius Church, Roby Holy Hour for the Holy Souls, celebrated by Fr Ealey. All are most welcome.

Saturday 5 September Care for Creation Walk and Mass 10:00am at St Francis of Assisi, Garston Our walk to mark the season of Care for Creation will have a Franciscan theme to it this year. Starting at St Francis of Assisi church in Garston, we will then make the 3.5 mile journey through Sefton Park and over to St Anthony of Padua, which is ran by the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, a branch of the Franciscan Order, for Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Sherrington at 12.30pm.

All are welcome to attend, you are asked to bring your own packed lunch.

Monday 7 – Friday 11 September Crafting the Word of the Lord: An Exhibition of Knitted Bible Scenes at Our Lady & All Saints, Parbold Everybody is welcome to this exhibition of knitted bible scenes, created by Francesca Vause. The church will be open all through the week. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11am-3pm, Tuesday 3.30pm-6pm, Thursday 11.30am-4pm. There is free entry, and car parking is available at the church.

Saturday 12 September Mass in Honour of Venerable Elizabeth Prout 12:00pm at St Anne & Blessed Dominic, St Helens St Anne and Blessed Dominic will hold their annual Mass in honour of Venerable Elizabeth Prout, foundress of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion. The celebrant will be Bishop Tom Neylon. All are welcome.

Saturday 12 September Look, Listen, Linger, Love – Retreat at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre 10:00am – 4:00pm at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre A day retreat to encounter God in the beauty of creation. A peaceful day of reflection, prayer, and time together to help us slow down, notice God’s presence, and grow in love for Him. £15 with lunch & refreshments included. To book your place, email theprayercentre.stj@psmgs.org.uk or call 01704875850.

Saturday 12 September A Concert for the Nuncio 7.30pm at St Francis de Sales Church, Hale Road, Walton, Liverpool L4 3RL. All are warmly invited to A Concert for the Apostolic Nuncio. The concert will feature Anna Callacher (soprano), the Hope Street Consort, Paul Thomas (trumpet) and James Luxton (organ).A light supper will be served afterwards, and there will be a retiring collection. All are welcome.

September Saturday 12 September Windleshaw Chantry Heritage Open Day 11:00am – 2:00pm at St Thomas of Canterbury, St Helens This is an opportunity to view photographs, maps and documents connected with the Chantry, the oldest building in St. Helens.

Also learn about the Town Cross and much more.

Sunday 13 September Evening Prayer with the Apostolic Nuncio of Great Britain 3:00pm at Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool We are honoured to welcome the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain on his visit to the Archdiocese of Liverpool. To mark this special occasion, everyone is warmly invited to join us for Evening Prayer at the Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by a drinks reception.

Saturday 19 September Adventurous Accompaniment Day Workshop 10:00am – 4:00pm at St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Liverpool A free workshop at St Margaret Clitherow Centre exploring the ministry of accompaniment, suitable for both beginners and those with experience. Please bring your own lunch.

Sign up here: tinyurl.com/ysfb7wcn Wednesday 23 September The People’s Emergency Briefing: Roundtable Discussion 6:45pm at St Vincent de Paul, Liverpool There will be a special screening of the film The People’s Emergency Briefing, followed by a roundtable discussion on what this means for our community, how we can respond, Refreshments will be provided, including drinks, snacks and homemade cakes, with time to continue the conversation informally. Seats are free but limited, so please book in advance. If you are unable to attend after booking, we would be grateful if you could let us know so that your place can be offered to someone else. archdioceseofliverpool.org/pebroundtable Friday 25 – Sunday 27 September A Retreat with Ros Powell At St Joseph’s Prayer Centre This retreat will touch on some of the many ways the Lord heals and restores us, which will be followed by prayer ministry.

The retreat will include free time, praying together, healing and adoration. Holy Mass will be available each day including Mass of Healing on Saturday at 7pm. All are welcome to attend. Residential cost is £190.00 per person, including two course meals and refreshments throughout your stay. It’s £50.00 if you wish to come for the day, lunch included.

Looking Ahead

Thursday 1 October St Francis: Celebrating 800 Years 6:00pm at St Francis of Assisi, Garston Pilkington Choir will be performing a special concert, followed by tea and coffee and a raffle, to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. The event will be held at St Francis of Assisi, Garston, L18 1RT, and all are welcome to attend. Tickets cost £5 and can be bought from Fr David Potter, or from Anne (01744 732504), or bought with cash at the door.

Thursday 3 October Young Adults Mass with Archbishop John Sherrington Archbishop John Sherrington invites young people aged 18-35 to celebrate Mass with him at 5pm at St Philip Neri Church, Liverpool L8 7NL. Anyone is most welcome.

For enquiries, please contact Moses at m.mui@rcaol.org.uk Saturday 10 October Adoremus: How We Are Eucharist Metropolitan Cathedral All are invited to Adoremus this year to celebrate, adore, and learn. There will be Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day, Holy Mass, opportunities for confession, a variety of workshops and a shared time of prayer during the day for all. The event itself is free and available to all.

Come and join us to adore the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. An event not to be missed! Sign up for workshops here: archdioceseofliverpool.org/adoremus2026

ADOREMUS

HOW WE ARE EU CHARIST A day of Adoration, Reconciliation, shared time of prayer, and a series of workshops exploring spirituality.

SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBE R 9am- 6pm at the Metro politan Cathedral

ALL ARE WELCO ME Sign up for workshops here

See more event details on our website: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk 14

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Cathedral

Jottings of a Lourdes Pilgrim

By Pat Murphy

Well, Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026 all over for another year. What a wonderful week! It was hot, it was prayerful, it was busy, and it was great to see both familiar faces and new ones. To chat with folk like old friends who I only see once a year. To ask Our Blessed Lady for my own petitions and those I carried with me.

With the feast of Our Lady’s birthday this month, it seems appropriate to tell this tale – a true story.

An elderly lady I had known for many years had a great devotion to Our Blessed Lady. She had been to Lourdes and other Marian shrines in her earlier life. I suggested to her that, as she had just celebrated her 90th birthday, she should come to Lourdes with the pilgrimage as an assisted pilgrim.

She was delighted at the suggestion, but felt there were many people more needy than she was. I did mention to her failing sight and hearing, lack of mobility, and other health problems. So – Lourdes was booked. Even the taxi to the airport was booked about three months in advance. Up until a couple of days before the pilgrimage, she would phone me and ask if she was taking the place of someone more in need, I would assure her that Our Lady (not me) had invited her on the pilgrimage that year.

She had a wonderful pilgrimage, doing as much as she could. Everyone was a friend she didn’t know she had. The cafes, the shops, the whole Lourdes experience. She embraced everything with a renewed energy and enthusiasm: the young people pushing her around in a wheelchair, the Masses, the services, the Grotto, and of course the torchlight procession.

A few weeks later, on 8 September, I was in the studio of a local radio station, taking part in a late-night programme. There was a phone-in request, asking for ‘Ave Maria’ to be played as it was the caller’s Mother’s birthday. I knew exactly who the call was from, and who her Mother was! The year before, she had phoned the radio station, and said as it was Our Lady’s birthday could they play Ave Maria? The station apologised but could not take a request with a religious connotation. However, a request for “my Mother’s birthday” the following year was not a problem. We had over three glorious minutes of Pavarotti singing Schubert’s version of the prayer.

She told me anything she asked Our Lady for, her prayers were answered – maybe not straight away, but the miracles kept happening. Even for a request on the radio – another little miracle from her pilgrimage to Lourdes. A few months later, she left us to meet her heavenly Mother and her son. I am delighted I played my part that year in encouraging her to come on her last pilgrimage, and I always say a little prayer for her when I hear that beautiful aria.

Cathedral Record Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean

Sadly, we begin the month of September and return after the holidays hosting the Requiem Mass at the Cathedral for Fr Joe Kendall on Friday 4 September.

His sudden and unexpected death at the age of 45 has been a heavy blow to his family, to the archdiocese and the community at the English College of Valladolid. May he rest in peace.

From 9-13 September Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, will be making a formal visitation of the archdiocese. Archbishop Buendía will conclude his visitation on the Sunday, celebrating the Solemn Mass at the Cathedral at 11am and presiding at Choral Evening Prayer at 3pm that afternoon.

Our Archdiocesan Chapter of Canons, the first and oldest chapter in the country, is celebrating their 175th anniversary this year and the Chapter will gather for a celebratory Mass at 12:15pm and lunch on Wednesday 17 September to mark the occasion.

We celebrate our Annual Cathedral Community Mass on Sunday 20 September. Following the main holiday period, it is an opportunity to begin the new season and academic year with a welcome and renewal of community life.

On the final Sunday of the month, the eve of the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, CAFOD and partners have organised ‘A Time to Act’ vigil to pray for peace and justice in the Holy Land. Those taking part are invited to Choral Evening Prayer at 3pm, and following this, to join in a walk of peace to Liverpool Cathedral for a reflection on the present situation in the Holy Land, followed by a walk to the conference venue.

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pastoral

Pastoral ponderings

by Dominic Redcliffe

Hello from Home - again

This has been a summer to remember, with the sunny days and heat.

My summer has been one with many pastoral experiences and with much to ‘ponder’ upon.

In July, I enjoyed a day pilgrimage and relaxation time with my home parish, led by Fr Jino Arikkatt. We visited St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Formby, for a time of reflection and Mass surrounded by the peace and quiet of the pinewoods, with a few red squirrels watching on. Afterwards, we spent the afternoon in Southport enjoying ice cream – and we could actually see the sea!

Following this was my month-long pastoral placement based at Our Lady Immaculate, Bryn. I received a very warm welcome from Canon John Gorman and the parishioners, and I saw what goes on within three busy parish communities.

During this placement, I was delighted to be included on the 55th parish pilgrimage to Walsingham. With my fellow pilgrims, I visited the shrine, including the tiny Slipper Chapel.

A special part of the pilgrimage was our procession from Little Walsingham village to the shrine, carrying the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham. Whilst walking along the welltrodden Pilgrim Way, I thought of the numbers of other pilgrims who had made that journey, passing through the Norfolk fields with crops and wildflowers along the way.

From all my pastoral experiences this summer, I have been struck by the importance of spending time together as part of a parish community. I was humbled by the example of faith that I saw in others, by the way that our faith can bring strangers together, and by seeing the kindness and love that we read of in the Gospel.

I thought of my own litany to remind me of the places I have been and the people I have met.

Christ the King Our Lady of Walsingham Our Lady of Knock Our Lady Immaculate St Edmund Arrowsmith St Helen St Francis de Sales St Monica St Oswald St Wilfrid Blessed Dominic Barberi

have mercy on us pray for us pray for us pray for us pray for us pray for us pray for us pray for us pray for us pray for us pray for us

You have been in my prayers wherever I have been to in the archdiocese during my pastoral summer.

Until next time,

Dominic 16

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Adoremus Liverpool 2026 Written by Chris Higgins, Parish and Deanery Development Adviser Becoming What We Receive

On Saturday 10 October, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King will once again become a place of encounter, prayer and pilgrimage as people from across the archdiocese gather for Adoremus Liverpool 2026.

Now in its fourth year, Adoremus is becoming an important moment in the life of our archdiocese: a day when we’re invited to rediscover the gift at the heart of our faith – Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist.

The day begins with Mass at 9pm and concludes with the Vigil Mass at 5pm, with space to pray, reflect, learn, celebrate and simply be in the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

But perhaps Adoremus asks us an even deeper question: what happens when we leave the Cathedral?

“Become what you receive”

St Augustine, preaching about the Eucharist, gave Christians a remarkable instruction: “Be what you see; receive what you are.” These words take us to the heart of what it means to be a Eucharistic people.

At Mass, we come forward and receive Christ in the bread and wine, saying our “Amen” to His real presence.

But that Amen cannot end at the altar.

When the minister says, “The Body of Christ,” and we respond, “Amen,” we affirm not only Christ’s real presence but our calling to become His Body in the world.

The Eucharist is never simply something we receive. We become Eucharist when our lives are taken, blessed, broken and shared for others; when we allow Christ to make our lives a gift.

Adoration that leads to mission Throughout Adoremus, there will be continuous Eucharistic Adoration on the main sanctuary of the cathedral. Amid the activity of the day, Christ will remain at the centre. We will be invited simply to look upon Him and allow Him to look upon us.

Adoration reminds us that the Christian life begins not with what we do for God, but with what God has done for us. Before we serve, organise, evangelise or minister, we first receive. We place ourselves before Christ and allow ourselves to be loved by Him. Yet genuine adoration can never leave us unchanged.

The Christ we adore in the Blessed Sacrament is the same Christ who washed the feet of His disciples, touched the leper, welcomed the sinner, fed the hungry and gave His life upon the cross.

If we recognise Christ in the breaking of bread, we must learn to recognise Him in the brokenness of humanity. Our adoration must gradually become action; our prayer must become service; our Communion must become communion with others.

Christ blessing the city One of the most powerful moments of Adoremus will take place at 2pm, when

Archbishop John Sherrington leads the Eucharistic Procession from the Cathedral and around its surroundings.

There is something profoundly beautiful about taking the Blessed Sacrament beyond the doors of the Cathedral. Christ goes out into the city. He passes places of education and learning. He passes by the hospital, where people experience illness, healing, anxiety, birth and death.

We carry Christ outside – the procession reminds us that this is what every Mass asks us to do. At the end of Mass, we are sent: Go forth.

Having received Christ, we carry Christ - into our homes and workplaces, our schools and hospitals, our parishes and neighbourhoods, and particularly to those who are lonely, poor, forgotten, frightened or searching for hope. In this sense, every one of us is called to become a living procession of the Eucharist, carrying the presence of Christ into the ordinary places of human life.

A Eucharistic way of living

Workshops throughout the day will explore prayer, spirituality, the sacraments, service and the theme How We Are Eucharist. Contributors include religious sisters, clergy and lay people from across the Church, with Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe joining via the National Adoremus gathering in London.

Throughout the day, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available around the cathedral – a beautiful reminder that the Eucharistic life is also a life of mercy.

The Second Vatican Council famously describes the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Christian life.”

Everything begins there and everything leads us back there. If the Eucharist is truly our source, it must shape the way we live.

To be Eucharist is to become a people of thanksgiving, recognising everything as gift. To become a people of communion, refusing to allow division, prejudice or indifference to have the final word. To become a people who are willing to be broken and shared, giving our time, gifts, compassion and love for the sake of others.

To be Eucharist is to become a people of mission, carrying Christ beyond the walls of our churches into the joys and wounds of our world.

Come and adore – then go and become Adoremus Liverpool 2026 offers us the opportunity to return to the heart of our faith. The true fruit of the day will not simply be a Cathedral filled with people in prayer, but a Church renewed for mission: people who have encountered Christ in the Eucharist and go out to “be what they receive.”

Adoremus Liverpool 2026 Saturday 10 October Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

Catholic life

Deanery Diary

Walking Pilgrimage of the Month

An Invitation from Liverpool South Deanery Rather than our usual diary of the many things happening across Liverpool South Deanery, this month, we would like to look ahead and warmly invite you to a special celebration, led by Archbishop John Sherrington, taking place on Saturday 5 September.

SEPTEMBER

Our latest Families of Parishes pilgrimage walk takes us to Knowsley and to the Prescot family.

This family consists of four churches, stretching from Portico on the outskirts of St Helens through to Whiston, where the walk will end.

September marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, when Christians throughout the world unite in prayer and action for the care of our common home.

This year has particular significance as we also mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, whose life continues to inspire us through his simplicity, joy, love of the poor, and profound reverence for all creation.

St Francis recognised every creature as a brother or sister, reflecting the beauty and goodness of the Creator. His example reminds us that caring for the earth is not simply an environmental concern; it is a deeply spiritual calling. How we treat creation, how we use its resources and how we care for one another are intimately connected.

The Jubilee of St Francis invites us not simply to remember a much-loved saint, but to ask what his witness means for us today. Perhaps we too are being called to rediscover a simpler way of living: one rooted in gratitude rather than possession, generosity rather than consumption, peace rather than division, and reverence rather than indifference.

At the heart of our celebration will be the Eucharist. Here, we bring to God the fruits of the earth and the work of human hands — bread and wine — and receive them back transformed as the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Eucharist reminds us that creation is a gift, human life is sacred, and thanksgiving must always lead us into mission.

We will gather with grateful hearts for the beauty of God’s creation and the witness of

St Francis. We will also acknowledge the ways in which we have failed to care for creation and for one another, asking for the grace and courage to live differently.

Above all, this will be a celebration of Christian hope. The world is God’s gift, entrusted to our care, and each of us has a part to play in cherishing it.

So, rather than simply telling you afterwards what happened in Liverpool South Deanery, we would love you to come and be part of it!

Join us on Saturday 5 September as we celebrate creation, give thanks for the witness of St Francis, and pray that we may become faithful stewards of God’s gifts and joyful instruments of His peace.

Sign up here: archdioceseofliverpool.org/ creation

Saint of the Month

Families of Parishes Walk: Prescot Family

Total Time: 1hr 24 minutes Total Distance: 3.8 miles

Start: Our Lady Help of Christians, Portico To start this walk, go to the picturesque little church of Our Lady Help of Christians in Portico. Located just outside St Helens, this church has stood in its location for over 230 years, so a lot of history has happened there. It saw St Helens through the industrial revolution, and it even predates the town’s rugby league team by 100 years!

These days, it is under the pastoral care of Fr Andrew Rowlands, who is also the Dean of Knowsley and parish priest at St Michael and All Angels in Kirkby. If you would like to begin your pilgrimage with Mass, there are two options: Saturday at 5.30pm and Sunday at 11am. Start by praying for your intentions before you set off.

Stop 1: Our Lady Immaculate and St Joseph, Prescot The first leg of this walk sees you follow St Helens Road all the way to Prescot Town Centre, where you will find the church of Our Lady Immaculate and St Joseph.

Currently under the pastoral care of Fr Dominic Risley, this is another historic parish, with the mission being established back in 1848 – it’s 180th anniversary is coming up! Have a rest here and give yourself a moment to reflect on the history of this parish and your progress so far.

Time: 32 minutes Distance: 1.4 miles Stop 2: St Luke the Evangelist, Whiston The second stop on this journey takes you out of the centre of Prescot and along to Whiston, and to the Church of St Luke the Evangelist. This is one of the newer churches, with the mission first being established in 1937. The church survived the Second World War and remains a thriving community to this day. These days, Fr Michael Thompson is the parish priest, with Dcn Joe Morgan also serving there for the last 10 years. It is a stone’s throw away from Whiston Hospital, so take a moment to pray for those in the hospital – the patients, the staff, the nurses, and the families of those who are sick.

Time: 22 minutes Distance: 1 mile Stop 3: St Leo, Whiston The final stop on this walk is to St Leo’s, which became part of the parish of St Luke the Evangelist in 2022. This leg will take you into the heart of Whiston, past the train station and towards the church. There is a lot of green space around, making it an ideal place to end your walk, and take time for reflection, as you complete another Families of Parishes Walk.

Time: 29 minutes Distance: 1.4 miles

Saint Cuthbert

One of the most popular northern saints, Cuthbert was a shepherd boy who became a monk and later prior at Melrose. In 664, he became prior of Lindisfarne and gradually won over the community to Roman customs. Although zealous in preaching the Gospel, he was deeply attracted to the life of a hermit, and in 676 left the monastery to live in solitude on the island of Inner Farne. Towards the end of his life, he served as Bishop of Hexham, then of Lindisfarne, but chose to die in his hermitage. His remains were removed form his resting place to escape Viking raiders and were eventually enshrined in Durham on 4 September – Durham developed into a cathedral city as a result.

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education news

Students celebrate GCSE, A-level and BTEC success Students at The Academy of St Nicholas and All Saints Sixth Form College in Garston have been celebrating their achievements after receiving their GCSE, A-level and BTEC results this summer.

Across two memorable results days, students came together with families, friends and staff to celebrate their hard work and look ahead to exciting next steps, from sixth form and university to apprenticeships, further education and employment.

Part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, The Academy of St Nicholas and All Saints Sixth Form College have continued to build on recent improvements, with this summer bringing strong individual achievements and positive outcomes across a wide range of subjects.

Sixth form students received their A-level and BTEC results on Thursday, 13 August, with the college once again celebrating improved examination outcomes.

English, mathematics, computer science, criminology, business, sport and IT all recorded further improvements, reflecting the dedication, hard work and resilience of students alongside the commitment and expertise of staff.

Students are now progressing to a wide variety of destinations, including Pacifique Ruhana and Roman Joseph, who have both been accepted by the University of Liverpool to study computer science, while Sahand Mohammed has secured a place at Liverpool John Moores University to study pharmacy.

colleges, apprenticeships and employment.

Mr Gary Lloyd, headteacher of The Academy of St Nicholas, said: “I would like to congratulate every one of our students on their achievements. They should be incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished during their time at The Academy of St Nicholas and All Saints Sixth Form College.

“Results day is about much more than grades. It is about recognising the progress our students have made, the challenges they have overcome and the young people they have become. It has been a privilege to watch them grow.

Mr Lloyd added: “We are delighted to see so many of our Year 11 students continuing their education at All Saints Sixth Form College, while others move on to college, apprenticeships and employment. For our sixth form students, it has been a pleasure to see them grow in confidence during their time with us. They have worked hard to reach this point, and their results are a reflection of their determination and the support they have received from staff, families and friends.”

The Academy of St Nicholas will give prospective students and their families the opportunity to find out more about the academy and experience life there first-hand at its open evening on Thursday, 1 October, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

Ranudi Hettiarachchi will also begin an exciting new chapter after accepting a place at the University of Greenwich to study law.

Mrs Paige Jones, head of sixth form, said: “One of the strengths of our sixth form is the diverse range of opportunities our students go on to pursue. Whether that’s higher education, an apprenticeship or employment, they leave us ready to embrace the next stage of their lives.”

The celebrations continued on Thursday, 20 August, when Year 11 students returned to The Academy of St Nicholas to collect their GCSE and BTEC results.

This year saw outstanding individual and subject successes, with particularly strong results in English language and English literature, art and design, performing arts, sport, construction and iMedia. Many students also exceeded expectations in mathematics and Spanish. The results continue a positive threeyear improvement for the academy.

Among those celebrating was Moaseeb Ahmed, who achieved grade 8 or higher in more than five subjects, including mathematics, English language, English literature, combined science and iMedia. He will continue his studies at All Saints Sixth Form College from September.

Abisola Adeleke achieved two exceptional grade 9s in English language and English literature and will also remain on campus, joining All Saints Sixth Form College for her Level 3 studies.

Fellow student Sky Rose Ainsworth achieved grade 8 or above in five subjects, including English language, mathematics, science, religious studies and history.

Many more Year 11 students will continue their education at All Saints Sixth Form College, while others are progressing to

Celebrating an outstanding Year 11 cohort St Gregory’s Catholic High School is incredibly proud of its Year 11 students for everything they have achieved.

Their examination results are a reflection of the dedication, resilience and determination they have shown throughout their GCSE journey.

From the first day of Year 11 to their final exams, St Gregory’s students worked tirelessly, supported one another and rose to every challenge. Their commitment to learning, combined with the encouragement of staff and families, has resulted in achievements that deserve to be celebrated.

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Head of Year 11, Mr Parry, said: “These results are a testament to the hard work, perseverance and character our Year 11 pupils have shown throughout the year. We are immensely proud of every single one of them and wish them every success as they move on to the next exciting chapter of their lives.”

The Class of 2026 has much to celebrate, with staff at St Gregory’s Catholic High School recognising the hard work, commitment and determination shown by students. The school wishes every member of the year group continued success as they move on to the next chapter..

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education news

St John Bosco Arts College celebrates students’ success St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, has been celebrating its Year 13 and Year 11 students who collected their A-level and GCSE results in August.

There was a true sense of joy and accomplishment on both days as students opened their results envelopes to discover the outcome of the dedication and commitment they demonstrated towards their studies.

Both cohorts made exceptional progress which is testament to their own hard work, as well as the exceptional support they received from the school’s teaching and support staff.

St John Bosco Arts College Sixth Form has continued to see further improvement in its A-level outcomes, alongside exceptional results for its vocational provision: • 72 per cent of A-level grades awarded were A* - C, a significant increase of 24 per cent in comparison to 2025.

• Applied general students achieved particularly impressive results, with an average grade of Merit+ and a 100 per cent pass rate across all subjects.

• 42 per cent of applied general grades were awarded at Distinction* or Distinction, with 94 per cent awarded at Merit or above.

There were many students celebrating on the day, including Alannah who achieved A*, Distinction*, C in criminology, law and English. Alannah is now preparing to study criminology at Liverpool Hope University.

Alannah said: “I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved. All the hard work over the last two years has paid off, and I’m really excited to take the next step and see what the future holds.”

Baaba said: “I’m really happy with my results and proud that all the hard work has paid off. I’m excited about staying at St John Bosco for sixth form and looking forward to taking the next step towards my future.”

Also joining Baaba at sixth form is Dorothy, who achieved two grade 9s, four grade 8s, two grade 7s, and a Distinction in business, as well as Heidi, who achieved two grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7, three grade 6s and a Merit in business.

Headteacher of St John Bosco Arts College, Mr Darren Gidman, said: “I am incredibly proud of every St John Bosco Arts College student who received their A-level and GCSE results. Results days are about far more than grades alone, they are about recognising the hard work, resilience and personal growth students have demonstrated through their individual journey at the school.

“As a Salesian community, we are guided by our core values of love, faith, community, respect and hope, which have supported our students to flourish throughout their time with. As they prepare to take their next steps, whether its continuing with us in sixth form for our Year 11s or moving on to pastures new, I would like to wish them the very best for the future.”

St John Bosco Arts College is hosting its annual open evening on Thursday, 24 September, between 4pm and 7pm, for prospective students and their families to discover how the school ignites the inner spark in every child.

Yuan was another student who had cause for celebration having achieved Distinctions across the board in applied biology, applied science and sport.

He is now preparing to start an apprenticeship with the NHS. There were similar successes on GCSE results day, with the school recording significant improvements across key measures. The number of students achieving grade 5 or above in English increased by more than 12 per cent, with similar outcomes also seen in maths as students securing grade 5 or higher rose by over 11 per cent.

Vocational subject outcomes also strengthened significantly, with Distinction-level results increasing by over 25 per cent in both sport and textiles, alongside notable improvements in travel and tourism, and health and social care.

Notable individual successes included Baaba, who celebrated an exceptional set of results, achieving three grade 9s, four grade 8s, and one grade 7, alongside a Distinction*.

Broughton Hall marks a year of achievement and ambition Broughton Hall Catholic High School is celebrating a positive set of GCSE and A-level results, with improvements across numerous areas and many students achieving the grades needed to secure their chosen destinations.

Results day provided an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, determination and resilience of Broughton Hall students.

The school was delighted to see so many students secure their desired next steps, whether progressing to university, further education, apprenticeships, employment or continuing their studies at Broughton Hall’s sixth form.

This year’s results were particularly significant following a year of considerable change and renewed ambition across the school.

Since September, a range of changes have been introduced across all aspects of school life, with a clear focus on raising standards, strengthening expectations and ensuring every young person is supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.

The success of these changes is testament to the dedication and professionalism of staff. Throughout the year, colleagues have worked tirelessly to implement new approaches, maintain high expectations and provide the support students need to flourish.

For students who did not achieve the results they had hoped for, or who were unsure about their next steps, school staff and external experts were on hand to provide advice, guidance and reassurance.

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The school remains committed to ensuring that every student understands that one set of results does not define their future.

Broughton Hall is pleased that so many students have chosen to return to its sixth form this year, and will be welcoming its highest number of external applicants.

Staff are looking forward to welcoming its new sixth form cohort and Year 7 students, and look forward to all that the new academic year will bring.

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Outstanding GCSE and A-level results at St Mary’s College Students at St Mary’s College, Crosby, have been celebrating another successful summer after receiving their A-level and GCSE results.

Across the two results days, students came together with families, friends and staff to celebrate their achievements and look ahead to exciting next steps, including university, sixth form and apprenticeships.

A-level students received their results first, with more than half of the class of 2026 (52 per cent) achieving three or more passes at A*, A or B grades. Overall, 35 per cent of all grades awarded were A* or A, while almost three quarters (71 per cent) were awarded at A*, A or B. Among those celebrating were Luke Pomeroy and Ben Bearon who both achieved A* grades in all four of their A-level subjects. Luke is progressing to Durham University to study geography, while Ben is also heading to Durham to study classics.

Also celebrating was Anna Quint, who achieved three A* grades in English literature, music and religious studies and will go on to study law at the University of Manchester.

There were further successes for head girl Evie Clark, who is preparing to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh, while head boy John Tattersall is starting a consultant quantity surveying apprenticeship with Gleeds.

She said: “I was quite nervous picking up my results but I am relieved now and pleased with how I did. I would like to thank my sister Anna who got her A-level results last week for always supporting me while we were both studying.”

Alongside Andres Funes-Cervera, Hazel Liu and Samuel Miller, Sophie and Joseph formed the college’s ‘famous five’, with all five students achieving 11 or more GCSEs at grades 9-7.

Other notable achievements included Solomiia Protsenko, who achieved a grade 9 in GCSE Russian after taking the exam two years early in Year 9, and Jan Wolski, who secured a grade 9 in GCSE Polish after sitting the exam a year early in Year 10.

Students also performed strongly in further mathematics, with 19 per cent of candidates achieving the highest grade 9 and half securing grades 9-7 in the demanding qualification.

Commenting on the results, principal, Mike Kennedy, said: “We are all very proud of our students whose hard work, commitment, resilience and positivity is reflected in these results.

“It’s also important to pay tribute to our staff and the students’ families for the all-important support they have provided along the way.”

The celebrations continued on GCSE results day, with students recording another outstanding set of outcomes.

Almost half of all GCSE passes (43 per cent) were awarded at grades 9-7, up from 39 per cent in 2025, while more than a quarter of students (29 per cent) achieved seven or more passes at those highest grades.

More than half of students secured ten or more GCSE passes.

Joint top performers were Sophie Quint and Joseph OlayinkaLawal, who both achieved seven grade 9s and four grade 8s across their 11 GCSE subjects.

The Quint family had double cause for celebration, with Anna Quint achieving three A* grades at A-level before her younger sister Sophie went on to achieve seven grade 9s and four grade 8s at GCSE. Sophie thanked Anna for supporting her while the pair were studying for their exams.

Success for Hope Academy students Hope Academy’s Class of 2026 is celebrating after achieving impressive GCSE and BTEC results in August.

The academy, which is proud to be part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, has seen students achieve excellent results across a wide range of subjects, with particularly strong performances in English language, English literature, RE, science, computing and sport.

This year’s cohort achieved the highest Attainment 8 score in the academy’s history, alongside its highest-ever percentage of students securing grades 9-5 in both English and mathematics.

Olivia Murray achieved grade 9s in geography, photography, separate sciences and grade 8s in English language, English literature, maths, RE and Spanish.

Olivia will be joining Carmel College to study A-levels in geography, biology and psychology.

Principal of Hope Academy, Mrs Marie Adams, said: “There is something very special about seeing students reach this point.

Behind every set of results is a young person with their own story, their own challenges and their own ambitions, and today is about recognising all they have achieved.

“I have been fortunate enough to share many results days with our students over the years, and every one is unique. Seeing this year’s cohort open their envelopes for the final time as Hope Academy students has been a real privilege.”

Mrs Adams will step down as principal of Hope Academy at the end of the summer. Mrs Danielle Scott will take up the role from September.

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ASFA celebrates students’ achievements Students gathered at The Academy of St Francis of Assisi to collect their GCSE and BTEC results, celebrating the important milestone with staff, family and friends. The occasion also gave them the chance to reflect on everything they had achieved over the last five years.

Part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, The Academy of St Francis of Assisi has recorded another impressive set of GCSE and BTEC results, with students excelling in fine art and textiles, English language and literature, community languages, RE, music, business studies and food and nutrition.

Many students will now continue their education at All Saints Sixth Form College where they will study a range of A-level and BTEC courses. Others will progress to colleges, apprenticeships and training, taking the next step towards their chosen careers. Among those was Maye Gueye, who achieved 10 GCSEs all at grade 7 and above, including six grade 9s. She intends to study French, maths and textiles at The Belvedere Academy.

Headteacher, Ms Teresa Bleasdale, said: “Huge congratulations to all of our amazing Year 11 students – it has been wonderful to welcome them back into school for one final time. Seeing our students celebrating everything they have accomplished during their time at The Academy of St Francis of Assisi is a real heartwarming moment for myself and the whole team.”

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Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School celebrates Silver Jubilee Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School in St Helens marked its Silver Jubilee with a special Mass of thanksgiving on Friday 26 June, celebrating 25 years since the amalgamation of St Vincent de Paul Primary School and Our Lady Mother of God Primary School.

Archbishop John Sherrington celebrated Mass at St Vincent’s Church, joined by Fr Jean Paul Ilunga and Dcn David Lawson. The church was filled with current and former pupils and staff, as well as parishioners, governors, representatives of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (which the school will join in December) and students from feeder school, St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School.

our school over the past 25 years. We see the fruits of the Holy Spirit lived out every day in our school community through love, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness and service to one another.”

Following Mass, guests returned to the school for a celebratory tea party, and Archbishop John enjoyed a tour of the school, rounding off a wonderful day celebrating Holy Spirit’s past, present and future.

The celebration showcased the talents of the school community, with pupils leading the music, readings and prayers. A particular highlight was the debut performance of a new school song, Holy Spirit Come Down on Me, composed during the year by music teacher Mr Delaney, together with pupils from across the school.

During the offertory procession, children from nursery to Year 6 brought forward gifts representing the school’s journey over the past 25 years, including the original school bells from St Vincent’s and Our Lady Mother of God, a plaque bearing the names of past and present headteachers, examples of pupils’ work and flowers for Our Lady.

During Mass, interim executive headteacher, Sinéad Walsh, said: “Today we have come together to honour the Holy Spirit who has guided

Notre Dame Catholic Academy students shine Students and staff at Notre Dame Catholic Academy, Everton, were celebrating last month following a strong set of A-level and GCSE outcomes.

Alongside their families, students returned to the academy, which is a proud member of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT), to receive their results, celebrate their achievements and look ahead to the next exciting chapter in their education journey.

Notre Dame Catholic Academy Sixth Form recorded improvements across its A-level, applied general and technical pathways, with increases in attainment, average grades and student progress, recording an overall value added score of +0.69.

Among the many outstanding achievements were those of Hanna Gigu, who achieved A, A*, Distinction* in art, design and technology, and health and social care.

Other notable successes included Olumide Adewunmi, whose commitment to their studies earned them Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction in business, IT and sport.

Olumide said: “I am pleased with my time at Notre Dame, I got the results that I needed to go to university – which I am more than happy with!”

Mrs Kerry Nicol, head of sixth form, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students and their outstanding A-level results.

Their achievements are a true reflection of their commitment, determination and resilience throughout their studies.”

On GCSE results day, Notre Dame Catholic Academy saw an improved Attainment 8 score for special educational needs (SEND) and disadvantaged students, with an overall improved Progress 8 score for a third-year running.

Students achieved strong results across the board, with especially impressive outcomes in art, chemistry and modern foreign languages, reflecting the breadth of achievement across the school.

The academy also recorded an increase in the number of students with SEND achieving grade 5 or above in English and mathematics, which follows the introduction of new targeted interventions, alongside the exceptional personalised support provided by its pastoral team.

Almost a third of the Year 11 cohort have chosen to return for sixth form, including Mason McGlone, who opened his GCSE results envelope to reveal a grade 9 in chemistry, a grade 8 in mathematics and a grade 7 in physics.

Mason said: “I really enjoyed my time at Notre Dame. I am really happy with my results and I cannot wait to come back for sixth form!”

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Also joining Mason will be Charlie Austin, who achieved a grade 8 in mathematics and two grade 6s in physics and chemistry.

Charlie commented: “The teachers at Notre Dame are amazing and have given me great support during my time at the school – I am looking forward to coming back for sixth form.”

Reflecting on the results days, headteacher, Mrs Victoria Taylor, said: “I am unbelievably proud of all students who collected their results and the excellent progress they have made. The results are testament to the hard work and commitment students have demonstrated towards their studies. They also reflect the dedication of our wonderful staff, whose support is unwavering, as well as the close and positive partnerships we have built with our parents and carers.

“As students prepare for the next stage in their exciting journey, I encourage them to do so with the charity, courtesy, courage and confidence they have demonstrated during their time with us. For students leaving us for pastures new, we wish you all the success in the world, and for those returning to sixth form, I look forward to welcoming you back!”

Director of secondary education at SJCMAT, Mr Michael Gun-Why, added: “Congratulations to the students of Notre Dame Catholic Academy. The grades they have received reflect their focus, effort and determination, and are very well deserved!”

Notre Dame Catholic Academy will be holding its annual open evening on Thursday, 17 September between 4pm and 6:25pm for prospective students and families to meet the school’s dedicated staff, learn about its enriched curriculum and strong pastoral support, and experience aspirational, value-led teaching.

education news

St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School makes history as it joins St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, St Helens, has become the first secondary school to join a Catholic multi academy trust since the announcement of the Archdiocese of Liverpool’s major academisation strategy, ‘A Family in Christ: Our Future Together’.

On Tuesday, 1 September, St Cuthbert’s officially joined St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (CMAT) to become the fifth secondary school in the trust family.

St Joseph CMAT has been selected by the archdiocese to become one of three major multi academy trusts as part of its long-term vision for Catholic education across the region.

Director of education at the Archdiocese of Liverpool, Mrs Joan McCarthy, said: “On behalf of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, I am delighted to congratulate St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School on joining St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust. Today’s conversion reflects much more than a partnership, it is the coming together of communities united by a shared faith, mission and commitment to providing the very best Catholic education for every child.”

With a rich history dating back to 1957, when it became the first Catholic secondary modern to be built following the Second World War, St Cuthbert’s move to St Joseph CMAT marks a significant step forward for the school as it looks to the future as part of the trust.

Mr Stuart Holland, headteacher of St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, said: “We are delighted that St Cuthbert’s is joining St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust. This is an exciting new chapter for our school community and reflects our shared commitment to providing the very best Catholic education for every child.

“St Cuthbert’s is a wonderful school, with a strong sense of faith, community and belonging. We are proud of what we have already achieved, and joining St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust will enable us to build on these achievements, further strengthening the excellent work already taking place and create even greater opportunities for our students, staff and families.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and collaboration which has brought us to this important milestone, and we look forward to this next chapter with confidence and optimism.”

Chair of governors, Father Philip Swanson, added: “In September 1957 when Archbishop Hennan opened St Cuthbert’s, one of the intentions was that Catholic secondary age children from the Sutton Manor, Clockface, Parr, Derbyshire Hill and Sutton areas would receive a Catholic education to prepare them for the world of work.

“For over nearly 70 years, St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School has been successfully doing this in an ever-changing world. From today, we join St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust as part of their family of schools and we hope the vision of Archbishop Hennan will continue under the Catholic leadership of Archbishop Sherrington, ensuring all our students and staff are empowered to ‘live life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).”

Built on its values of courage, commitment, compassion and community, St Cuthbert’s places the development of the whole child at the heart of its mission, closely aligning with that of St Joseph CMAT. Together, the school and the trust share an ambition to deliver world-class Catholic education through faith and inclusion.

L-R Father Philip Swanson, chair of governors at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, Ann Connor OBE, director and chair of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, and Mr Stuart Holland, headteacher of St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School

Open Evening Tuesday 22 September

5:00pm - 7:00pm Headteacher talks held at 5:10pm and 6:00pm.

CEO of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Mr Andrew Truby, said: “We are delighted to welcome St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School to the St Joseph family. It’s a wonderful place of learning with Christ at the centre.”

Ann Connor OBE, director and chair of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, commented: “I am pleased to welcome St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School into the St Joseph family of schools. This is a significant moment for St Cuthbert’s as it becomes the first voluntary converter from St Helens to join the trust. This partnership confirms our shared commitment to delivering outstanding Catholic education, grounded in faith, excellence and community.”

Director of secondary education at St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Mr Michael Gun-Why, added: “As a trust, we are proud to welcome St Cuthbert’s and look forward to helping every child thrive academically, spiritually and personally. I have already begun working alongside staff at St Cuthbert’s and I am excited for the journey we are about to embark on together.”

As part of the archdiocese’s academisation strategy, St Joseph CMAT is set to grow to 66 schools, serving primary and secondary schools across Liverpool and St Helens.

Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic High School Glenburn Road, Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 6JW

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New beginnings rooted in faith September always seems to arrive more quickly than we expect.

One moment we are enjoying the slower pace of summer; the next, classrooms are prepared, diaries reopened and alarm clocks making an unwelcome return.

For those of us in education, September often feels like New Year’s Day. It brings fresh opportunities, renewed energy, and perhaps a few resolutions about emails, meetings and work-life balance – resolutions that may last little longer than our students’ promises to keep their lockers tidy!

Across the archdiocese, our schools, colleges and educational settings are preparing to welcome children, young people, staff and families as we begin another academic year together. For some, it will be the start of a new school; for others, a new role or new responsibilities. For all of us, it is a new beginning.

As Christians, we recognise each new start is a gift from God. It is an opportunity to look forward with hope, embracing the possibilities that lie ahead while placing our trust in the One who journeys with us. In Catholic education, we are privileged to witness these new beginnings every day as young people discover their gifts, deepen their understanding and grow in faith.

That spirit of hope was evident in late July when members of our educational community gathered in Lourdes as part of the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage. The accompanying photograph shows school leaders, teachers, support staff, governors, chaplains, clergy, trust leaders and many others who share in the mission of Catholic education across the archdiocese.

Standing together in Lourdes, surrounded by prayer, friendship and a slower pace of life, it was easy to forget that timetables, staffing challenges and inspection frameworks were just around the corner. Yet perhaps that is exactly why Lourdes matters. It reminds us to carry faith, perspective and joy into the daily realities of school life. United by our shared commitment to Catholic education, we prayed for our children and young people and for all who support our schools and colleges. As we begin a new academic year, those prayers continue.

The photograph is a reminder of the strength of that community. It reflects the many people who dedicate their time, talents and energy to supporting children and young people throughout the archdiocese. While our individual roles may differ, we share a common purpose: helping every child to flourish and encounter the love of Christ through the life of our schools.

The start of a new academic year also invites us to reflect on our own contribution to this mission. Whether we are working directly with students, supporting behind the scenes, leading schools and trusts, serving as governors, or caring for children at home, every role matters.

Together, we create communities where faith is lived, relationships flourish and every child is known, valued and loved.

Thank you to everyone involved in Catholic education across the archdiocese. Your dedication, professionalism, and witness to the Gospel make a profound difference to the lives of our children and young people.

May the example of Our Lady of Lourdes inspire us throughout the months ahead. Let us approach this new beginning with confidence, hope, and faith, knowing that God walks beside us in all that we do.

Joan McCarthy Director of Education

A proud milestone for St Augustine’s Year 11 students It was a memorable morning at St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy as Year 11 students returned to school to receive their GCSE and BTEC results.

Students caught up with teachers, sharing their achievements with the people who had supported them throughout their time at the Blackbrook-based academy.

Part of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy sits in the heart of the community, the academy encourages every student to flourish academically, personally and spiritually through its vision of ‘In Faith We Grow’.

The academy’s Progress 8 score stands strong at +0.39, significantly surpassing the most recent national benchmark of -0.03.

The figures this year also reflect a notable improvement in overall attainment. The Attainment 8 score has risen by 1.88 points, reaching 44.44. This increase indicates that students are securing stronger qualifications, further exemplifying the dedication of both staff and students to high academic standards.

One of the key highlights of this year’s results is the substantial improvement in strong-pass performance across various subjects.

Students will now move to many exciting destinations, including local sixth forms or colleges, while others prepare to begin apprenticeships or join the world of work.

This year’s examination results also shine a light on some exceptional individual performances. Flavio has demonstrated remarkable ability with an impressive two grade 9s, five grade 8s, one grade 7, and one grade 6. He will be attending the University of Liverpool Maths School from September.

Abbie follows closely with two grade 9s, two grade 8s, four grade 7s, and one grade 6. She will be attending Carmel College to study law, psychology and English literature.

Headteacher of St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy, Mrs Giselle Lynch, said: “One of the greatest joys of results day is seeing our students recognise just how much they are capable of.

“Our mission, ‘In Faith We Grow’, shapes every aspect of life at the academy. We hope our students leave us ready to embrace new opportunities, guided by aspiration, belief and compassion as they begin the next stage of their lives.”

Mr Michael Gun-Why, director of secondary education at St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, commented: “Congratulations to the Year 11 students at St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy on their remarkable results today.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Lynch as she prepares to leave the academy. She has played a huge part in the improvements at the academy and has worked tirelessly for its students and staff.”

St Augustine’s will welcome Miss Adele Quarless as its new headteacher from 1 September. She currently serves as deputy headteacher at the academy.

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education news

Our Lady Queen of Peace students mark GCSE and BTEC success There were lots of proud moments at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic High School as Year 11 students received their GCSE and BTEC results.

Students shared the occasion with family, friends and staff, reflecting on their time at the Skelmersdale secondary school while beginning to look ahead to the exciting opportunities that now await them.

For some students, results day was also an opportunity to gain reassurance about what comes next. Teachers and senior leaders were available throughout the morning to talk through options and offer guidance on the wide range of post-16 pathways available.

Guided by its values of ‘respect’, ‘responsibility’ and ‘resilience’, the school combines high expectations with a strong focus on pastoral care and personal development, helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

now study history, English and politics at Winstanley College with hopes of becoming a lawyer.

Grace Stannard secured four results at grade 9, including English language, RE, chemistry and geography. She will also continue her studies at Winstanley College, taking biology, chemistry and philosophy as she works towards her ambition of becoming a doctor.

Other students achieving excellent sets of results at grades 9-7 included Tayla Caveney, who will study biology, chemistry and maths and wants to become a vet.

Headteacher, Mrs Mary Henshaw, said: “There is no greater reward than seeing our students’ successes, leaving Our Lady Queen of Peace ready for the future. Today’s results reflect years of hard work, learning, personal growth and the encouragement students have received from staff, families and also one another.”

This year’s GCSE and BTEC results included impressive performances across a broad range of subjects, including RE, separate sciences, geography, fine art, photography, health and social care, sports studies, and hospitality and catering. Overall, 47 per cent of students secured grades 9-4 in both English and mathematics, while results in history, Spanish and mathematics have also improved.

Julia Niedbala secured five results at grade 9, including English language, English literature, RE, geography and history. She will

St Francis Xavier’s students celebrate memorable results days Students at St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy (SFX) in Woolton have been celebrating their achievements after receiving their GCSE, A-level and BTEC results this summer.

Across two memorable results days, Year 13 and Year 11 students returned to SFX to mark an important milestone in their education, celebrate with friends, families and staff, and look ahead to their next steps.

Part of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT), SFX has been at the heart of Catholic education in Liverpool since 1842 and today continues to combine its proud history with high expectations, helping young people develop the knowledge, character and confidence to flourish.

Sixth form students received their A-level and BTEC results on Thursday, 13 August, with many securing places at university, apprenticeships, employment and further study.

This year, 85 per cent of A-level students are heading to university, with 60 per cent progressing to their first-choice institution.

Overall, 62 per cent of A-level students achieved grades A*-C and 94 per cent achieved A*-E, while 74 per cent of BTEC students secured Distinction to Merit grades.

Among those celebrating was Zak Mainwaring, who achieved A*, A*, A in geography, history and religious studies and will now study law at the University of Liverpool.

Zak said: “I am absolutely buzzing with my results and so excited for my future. Thank you to all the staff at SFX who have supported and challenged me over the years to succeed as I have.”

Year 11 students then returned to the academy on Thursday, 20 August to collect their GCSE and BTEC results, marking the end of their secondary education and the beginning of a new chapter.

This year’s results included positive outcomes across GCSE and BTEC qualifications, with Spanish and IT among the standout subjects following notable improvements on the previous year.

Overall, 55 per cent of students were awarded grades 9-4 in English and mathematics, alongside a 64 per cent increase in high-end grades 9-7. Students studying BTEC qualifications also performed strongly, with 10 per cent achieving Distinction* or Distinction grades.

Among the Year 11 students celebrating was Callan Wade, who demonstrated great determination to achieve outcomes on

average two grades higher than predictions. Callan secured a series of strong passes across his subjects and will study IT, history and art at St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Sixth Form.

Callan said: “I am really pleased that my hard work has paid off and I am now able to come back and study at SFX’s sixth form.”

Mr David Hayes, headteacher of St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy, said: “These results days have given us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our Xaverians and everything they have contributed to life at SFX.

“At SFX, we believe in helping every young person to flourish and experience ‘life in all its fullness’. Our students have shown faith, integrity, ambition and respect throughout their time with us, and it has been a privilege to see them grow into confident young people ready for their next chapter.

Mr Hayes added: “I would also like to thank our dedicated staff, families, governors and the wider SJCMAT community for the encouragement and support they have given our students.”

Mr Michael Gun-Why, director of secondary education at St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, added: “Congratulations to all of our students and their families, and to the dedicated staff at SFX who have supported and encouraged them throughout their education. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing what they do next.”

St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy will open its doors to prospective students and their families at its open evening on Thursday, 24 September between 4pm and 7pm.

education news

Smiles and success for St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School Year 11 students at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School celebrated their GCSE and BTEC results, marking the end of five successful years at the Sutton-based school.

This year’s results saw the number of students achieving grades 9-4 in English and mathematics increase, and outcomes for students with special educational needs (SEND) improved across every measure.

Improvements were made in a range of subjects, with the proportion of students securing grades 9-4 in science increasing, and strong performances also achieved in drama and PE.

“As our students begin their next chapters, we encourage them to continue to ‘live life in all its fullness’, remembering that they are valued, that they matter, and that they will always be a special part of the St Cuthbert’s family.”

St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School will be holding its annual open evening on Thursday, 24 September between 4pm and 7pm for prospective learners and their families to discover how the school supports all its students to ‘live life in all its fullness’.

The school has also recorded some of its strongest BTEC results with students who studied health and social care performing particularly well.

The school’s results not only reflect the academic achievements of students, but also the personal growth and development they have shown during their time at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, supported by high-quality, research-led teaching and exceptional pastoral care.

This year’s cohort is now set to embark on their exciting next steps into further education, apprenticeships and full-time employment.

This includes Dylan J, who will be progressing to Winstanley College after achieving eight results between grades 9-7.

Dylan said: “I am over the moon with my results, I have achieved beyond my expectations!”

Mr Stuart Holland, headteacher at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, said: “I am incredibly proud of every one of our students who have worked extremely hard during their time at St Cuthbert’s to achieve the results they have received today.

“These results are testament to the resilience and determination of our students, alongside the commitment of our dedicated staff and the unwavering support of our parents and carers.”

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Open Evening Thursday 24th September 2026 4.00 – 7.00pm St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School Berrys Lane, St Helens, WA9 3HE

education news

Results day 2026 through the camera lens Students from schools and colleges across the Archdiocese came together this summer to celebrate their GCSE, A-level and BTEC achievements. From opening results to sharing success with family, friends and teachers, our gallery captures some of the memorable moments that marked this important stage in their educational journey.

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Broughton Hall Catholic High School student, Grace, celebrating her GCSE results

Heidi and Baaba from St John Bosco Arts College

Layton from Notre Dame Catholic Academy

Ethan from Hope Academy

Louisa from The Academy of St Nicholas

Joseph from St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy

Jachinma and Olwutamilore from St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School

Julia from Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic High School

Catholic Pictorial

education news

Anna, top-performing female student at St Mary’s College

Damas from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi

John and Tom from St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy Sixth Form

Roman from All Saints Sixth Form College

Jessica from Notre Dame Catholic Academy

Olivia from Hope Academy

Top of the class - Sophie and Joseph from St Mary’s College

Abbie from St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy

Evie from St John Bosco Arts College

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youth ministry

Standing firm in the face of a storm Father Simon Gore from Animate Youth Ministries explains how Liverpool’s youth pilgrims offered an example of faith and fortitude on a rainy night in Lourdes.

As you know, this summer marked a milestone for our archdiocese as over 350 young people travelled from Liverpool to Lourdes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lourdes Youth Pilgrimage.

We celebrated half a century of prayer, service, laughter, and grace that has shaped generations of pilgrims, and I would like to think this year’s group stepped proudly into that legacy – bringing their own energy, creativity, and unmistakably archdiocesan spirit.

The final time we gathered in prayer as a youth pilgrimage, Coach 6 led us in a Gospel drama. They chose the passage of Scripture from Matthew 7 (The Wise And Foolish Builders). It might seem an odd choice, but the scripture, in many ways, reflected our week: from the bright sun of optimism through to the dark clouds and thunder of disrupted plans.

One of the week’s most memorable moments came early on, during the ‘Grotto Games’. What began as a series of games for coaches to get to know each other quickly became a joyful and chaotic celebration of community. Young people from different coaches – many of whom had never met before – threw themselves into the challenges with enthusiasm. Within minutes, strangers were cheering each other on, sharing jokes and forging friendships that would carry them through the week. The laughter echoing around the domain felt like a reminder that pilgrimage is not only about prayer but about discovering Christ in one another.

Lourdes has a way of keeping pilgrims humble, and the rain suddenly swept in, meaning the outdoor activities were abandoned and everyone dashed for shelter inside the youth tent. What could have been a damp squib turned into one of the week’s most uplifting moments: huddled together, the young people broke into song – hymns, chants, and even a few archdiocesan favourites.

If that was not enough, our plans were turned upside down once again during the torchlight procession. As a special honour, the Youth Pilgrimage was asked to lead the Friday evening torchlight procession. Archbishop John Sherrington and Bishop Tom Neylon led from the front, with the jobs of carrying candles, crosses, and statues allocated to our young people.

We started off in bright sun, but as we processed into Rosary Square, the weather changed. Soon, the skies opened once again with that rain that you only ever see in Lourdes, the type that soaks you through in seconds. The crowd in Rosary Square ran for cover. But 32

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the young people assisting – our Liverpool Youth volunteers – stood their ground. Soaked through, candles flickering, they remained at their posts with quiet determination. It was quite a sight to see the statue and the cross and the candles remain in place while people all around them scattered. They offered a powerful witness of what service truly means: staying present, even when it is uncomfortable; offering light, even when the rain falls.

That is why Coach 6’s drama spoke to us all as the week ended.

We were reminded that the wind and rain can come, but if we have solid foundations, we can stand firm. We are fortunate that our youth pilgrimage has very strong foundations, going back 50 years.

Lourdes can often be a week of plans being disrupted. It can be easy, when things change, to think whatever happens next might be second best. But that is not our way. The ability to thrive and see God in all the moments around us is what marks this week out as special. Lourdes shows that we can find joy in every circumstance: a place where grace breaks through in unexpected ways. In the face of floods and gales, the wise builder was not afraid. I hope our young people in Lourdes will have taken that message home with them – if we root ourselves in Christ, we need never be afraid.

Sixth Form Open Evening

24th September 5-7pm ‘Students relish being part of the vibrant sixth-form community.

They value the range of enrichment activities and school clubs available to them. Many students secure ambitious destinations that reflect their aspirations and interests.’ Ofsted, March 26

Bellerive FCJ Catholic College

1, Aigburth Drive, Sefton Park, Liverpool L17 3AA Tel: 0151 727 2064 www.bellerivefcj.org

A CATHOLIC SCHOOL OPEN TO ALL

St. Gregory’s Catholic High School ‘One family inspired to learn.’

JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN EVENING ON THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2026 4PM TO 7PM www.stgregoryshigh.com

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Mums the Word The passing of Father Joe Kendall at the age of just 45 has left the Archdiocese of Liverpool in profound shock and sadness.

Fr Joe was a much-loved priest, and his sudden death reminds us once again of the precious gift that our priests are to the life of the Church. We give thanks for his ministry and commend him with confidence to the mercy and love of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

As the Union of Catholic Mothers, one of our particular charisms is to pray for priests. At times such as this, that calling feels especially important. We pray for the repose of Fr Joe’s soul and we also pray for all our priests, that the Lord will sustain them in their vocation, keep them in good health, strengthen them in moments of difficulty, and give them the grace and courage to serve His people faithfully.

Yet prayer for priests is not only the responsibility of the UCM – it belongs to every one of us who, through baptism, shares in the life and mission of Christ. Our priests need our prayers, our encouragement and our friendship.

They carry burdens which we may never see, and our prayer can be a quiet but powerful source of strength.

Jesus tells us: “The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.” As we mourn Fr Joe, may we renew our prayer for those already serving as priests and pray that God will call many more young men to the sacred priesthood.

May Fr Joe rest in peace, and may the Lord of the harvest raise up many faithful labourers for His Church.

Date for the diary: Our next bi-monthly Mass will be at St Margaret Mary’s on Wednesday 23 September (7:30pm).

Maureen Finnegan, Archdiocesan vice-president

Over a century of service News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Playing our part in the Lourdes pilgrimage This year, once more, members of the Knights of St Columba played active roles on the Liverpool Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. The photos below provide a souvenir of their participation and begin with an image taken on the morning of the Grotto Mass – showing Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm McMahon, Bishop Tom Neylon, Father Bill Murphy, and Deacon Paul Whitehead, together with knights from across Liverpool and several widows of former knights.

Mass at the Harkirk Chapel On Sunday 2 August, a Mass for the KSC was celebrated at the Harkirk Chapel in the grounds of Crosby Hall. The Mass was well attended by parishioners and knights, who are pictured above with Fr Derek Lloyd and Fr Martin Caddell. The chapel, rebuilt in the 1880s

by Colonel Nicholas Blundell of Crosby Hall, is the final resting place of 131 men, women and children buried between April 1611 and November 1753. During the Reformation, they were refused burial in their parish churchyards because of their Catholic faith.

To learn more about the chapel’s history, visit: www.stmaryslittlecrosby.org.uk/Historical_Pages/Harkirk.htm

Dates for the diary Supreme Council 2026 From 4-6 October. Once again, Liverpool province is proud to host the Supreme Council Meeting at the Liner Hotel, Liverpool city centre. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the order and showcasing the hospitality for which Liverpool is renowned.

If you would like to learn more about the KSC or visit your local council, please email me at Philonline2@btinternet.com.

Phil Woods, Provincial Grand Knight - Province 2 Website: www.ksc.org.uk Facebook: The Knights of St Columba Instagram: @knightsofstcolumba

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Dialogue and Unity

Forging church and civic links

By Ultan Russell, Archdiocesan ecumenical officer

‘Better Together’ was the slogan adopted by Bishop David Sheppard, Archbishop Derek Worlock, and the other Church leaders in the 1970s. Sadly, we still face the problems they mobilised against – racism, violence, poor housing, and deprivation. At the same time, we can celebrate the links established between the churches, other faith communities, business, the third sector, and statutory bodies – in this instance in Liverpool, but replicated elsewhere in Sefton, the Isle of Man… the list goes on.

An initiative taken by Councillor Jane Corbett (whose husband, Henry, is an Anglican parish priest who ministered in Everton for many years) led to Liverpool City Council passing a motion on ‘Hope Not Hate’ and committing the council to respond to the work of Churches Together in the Merseyside Region (CTMR) marking 40 years since the groundbreaking ‘Faith in the City’ report was produced.

I attended the 1976 Forum of the European Laity in Belgium at which Archbishop Worlock was a key speaker. Emphasising the importance of working ecumenically and living out Catholic Social Teaching, he made one comment I will never forget. He told the participants how the Merseyside Church leaders were very concerned about the situation at Halewood and implications for the workers. At a meeting, a Halewood shop steward said: “Ecumenism is about those bishops fighting for our jobs.” Today, the need for leadership and prophetic witness continues, and the Revd Phil Jump, the North West Baptist Association regional minister, pioneered the ‘Manifesto for Hope’ which was taken forward with great gusto by Fran D’Arcy, supported

by Together Liverpool.

I feel very proud that for over a decade I chaired the VS6 Consortium, which is the major third-sector body relating to key statutory agencies in the Liverpool City Region, and it is a tribute to the churches and all the faith communities that my successor was the Revd Dr Ellen Loudon, who is director of Social Justice in Liverpool Diocese. I would also like to pay tribute to the Revd Canon Philip Anderson, the Rector of Liverpool and Anglican Diocesan interfaith lead, who was actively engaged in working on ‘Hope Not Hate’ with the city council.

The Archdiocese of Liverpool has been very ably represented in this work by Lucy Rauer, our Catholic Social Action co-ordinator, very ably supported by the pastoral development team.

This is the letter from the presidents of CTMR to Liverpool’s city councillors:

“I am writing to express our thanks and congratulations to Liverpool City Council on its resolution in response to the ‘Manifesto for Hope’.

This is obviously a huge encouragement to all those who have been involved in this project, but more importantly, we believe this is a significant moment for everyone in our city and beyond.

“With so many pressures on those involved in public life, we do not underestimate the courage and resolve required to place wellbeing and service of the Common Good as such a central priority. We thank you, as our elected representatives, for rising to this challenge. Our hope is that this will remain the case as we seek to work together in taking its vision forward.

“As Church leaders, we recognise there are moments when our call is to challenge policies and actions in public life that we believe to be wrong. We have always sought to be faithful to that calling, but to do so in a fair and constructive way. We recognise too, that we have no less a responsibility to acknowledge our own shortcomings and to offer praise and support to those in public life when it is deserved. Your response to our ‘Manifesto for Hope’ deserves such an affirmation.

“We recognise the longstanding partnership between faith and civic leaders in our city, which has achieved much that we can celebrate.

We stand at a moment when we can both recognise this and renew our resolve to continue in this spirit in the future. We note the intent to call an Interfaith Forum event in 2027, and while pledging our support, seek clarification of any role you might require us to take in respect of its organisation.

“Thank you again for the example you have set that we hope will resonate across the public life of our nation.”

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Ignite your inner spark

Join us at our

Open Evening

Thursday 24 September 4:00pm – 7:00pm stjohnboscoartscollege.com sjbliverpool

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