What’s On

Saturday 5 March Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Everton, Liverpool, L3 8DR 12.00 noon Mass with reflections on ‘becoming the Church we are called to be’. Details from St Francis Xavier church office Tel: 0151 298 1911 email : sfxchurch@rcaol.org.uk

Sunday 6 March First Sunday of Lent Masses at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King at 9.00 am (Cathedral); 10.00 am (Crypt); 11.00 am (Solemn –Cathedral); 7.00 pm (Crypt). 3.00 pm Rite of Election (Cathedral). Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Everton, Liverpool, L3 8DR 12.00 noon Mass with reflections on ‘becoming the Church we are called to be’. Details from St Francis Xavier church office Tel: 0151 298 1911 email : sfxchurch@rcaol.org.uk

Monday 7 March Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Everton, Liverpool, L3 8DR 12.00 noon Mass with reflections on ‘becoming the Church we are called to be’. Details from St Francis Xavier church office Tel: 0151 298 1911 email : sfxchurch@rcaol.org.uk

Lent Monday Reflection: ‘Building Welcoming Communities’ 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm online, organised by the Pastoral Development Department of the archdiocese using the Café resource: ‘Belong and Believe. An opportunity to reflect and discuss and although the course will be run online, it is possible to join and interact as a parish group. If you would like to lead the course in your parish and need more information, contact the pastoral development department email: pd@rcaol.org.uk Register for the zoom reflections at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register /tZ0ldO6oqD0sE9GOs3Eewqn1hNhwIxP PFpG6 or on the website: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/pastoraldevelopment ‘For such a time as this.’ Exploring the Book of Esther led by Father Chris Thomas. 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm on zoom. Bookings email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk

Tuesday 8 March Time out on Tuesday – enjoy some personal quiet time to deepen your relationship with God 10.00 am at The Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane; Liverpool, L15 6TW. Please bring your own lunch, tea/coffee are provided. Suggested offering for the day is £10.00. No booking required. For more information contact Sr Winnie Tel: 0151 722 2271 email: morleywinifred6@gmail.com Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Everton, Liverpool, L3 8DR 12.00 noon Mass with reflections on ‘becoming the Church we are called to be’. Details from St Francis Xavier church office Tel: 0151 298 1911 email : sfxchurch@rcaol.org.uk

Wednesday 9 March Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Everton, Liverpool, L3 8DR 12.00 noon Mass with reflections on ‘becoming the Church we are called to be’. Details from St Francis Xavier church office Tel: 0151 298 1911 email : sfxchurch@rcaol.org.uk

Thursday 10 March Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Everton, Liverpool, L3 8DR 12.00 noon Mass with reflections on ‘becoming the Church we are called to be’. Details from St Francis Xavier church office Tel: 0151 298 1911 email : sfxchurch@rcaol.org.uk Friday 11 March Cafod Family Fast Day Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Everton, Liverpool, L3 8DR 12.00 noon Mass with reflections on ‘becoming the Church we are called to be’. Details from St Francis Xavier church office Tel: 0151 298 1911 email : sfxchurch@rcaol.org.uk

Saturday, 12 March Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Everton, Liverpool, L3 8DR 12.00 noon Mass to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Francis Xavier with an exhibition exploring his life open from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Details from St Francis Xavier church office Tel: 0151 298 1911 email : sfxchurch@rcaol.org.uk

Sunday 13 March Second Sunday of Lent Masses at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King at 9.00 am (Cathedral); 10.00 am (Crypt); 11.00 am (Solemn –Cathedral) Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP; 7.00 pm (Crypt). 3.00 pm Music for Lent with the Cathedral Choir. ‘Crucifixus pro nobis’ by Leighton. Parish Mission at St Albert the Great, Hollow Croft, Stockbridge Village, L28 4EA John Pridmore, former East End gangster turned world-renowned evangelist will speak at the 10.00 am and 5.00 pm Masses.

Monday 14 March Parish Mission at St Albert the Great, Hollow Croft, Stockbridge Village, L28 4EA 9.15 am Mission Mass. 7.30 pm ‘God’s Love’ The amazing story of John Pridmore. Lent Monday Reflection: ‘Growing in Faith together’ 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm online, organised by the Pastoral Development Department of the archdiocese using the Café resource: ‘Belong and Believe. An opportunity to reflect and discuss and although the course will be run online, it is possible to join and interact as a parish group. If you would like to lead the course in your parish and need more information,

contact the pastoral development department email: pd@rcaol.org.uk Register for the zoom reflections at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register /tZ0ldO6oqD0sE9GOs3Eewqn1hNhwIxPP FpG6 or on the website: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/pastoraldevelopment ‘For such a time as this.’ Exploring the Book of Esther led by Father Chris Thomas. 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm on zoom. Bookings email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk

Tuesday 15 March Parish Mission at St Albert the Great, Hollow Croft, Stockbridge Village, L28 4EA 9.15 am Mission Mass. 7.30 pm ‘God’s Mercy’ A chance to meet Jesus personally.

Wednesday 16 March St Oscar Romero Parish Week of Prayer 7.00 pm in St Edmund of Canterbury church, Oxford Road, Waterloo, L22 8QF. Opening Mass and reflection Celebrant: Bishop Tom Neylon. Parish Mission at St Albert the Great, Hollow Croft, Stockbridge Village, L28 4EA 9.15 am Mission Mass. 7.30 pm ‘God’s Healing’ Healing Service.

Thursday 17 March Newman Circle Talk ‘Gerard Manley Hopkins’ by Will Daunt. 7.30 pm at St Helen’s Parish Centre, Alexandra Road, Crosby, L23 7TQ.

Saturday 19 March and Sunday 20 March ‘Side by Side.’ An immersive event exploring the art of accompaniment. Saturday 19 March from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm or Sunday 20 March 12.00 noon to 6.00 pm (Sunday –optional Mass at 11.00 am celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP) at St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Liverpool Archdiocesan Office, Croxteth Drive, L17 1AA. Join us for this interactive event, exploring the vision of a Church that walks together and accompanies people in life and faith. We’ll consider how deepening our existing practice of accompaniment will help our Catholic community be recognised as relevant and impactful, and how it will offer us all hope for growth. Give it a try in a carousel of enriching workshops. Everyone will be given a resource pack to take away and use in schools, parishes, local communities and families. We invite you to attend with a partner, to accompany one another throughout the day (if you are coming alone, let us know and we’ll pair you up with someone). Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided. Details: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/sideby-side Registration: email your name, parish and which event you will be attending to registration@rcaol.org.uk by 6 March.

Sunday 20 March Third Sunday of Lent Masses at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King at 9.00 am (Cathedral); 10.00 am (Crypt); 11.00 am (Solemn –Cathedral) Celebrant: Bishop Tom Neylon; 7.00 pm (Crypt). 3.00 pm Music for Lent with the Cathedral Choir. ‘Les Sept Paroles du Christ en Croix’ by Franck.

St Oscar Romero Parish Week of Prayer 7.30 pm in St Edmund of Canterbury church, Oxford Road, Waterloo, L22 8QF. Saint Oscar Romero Evensong.

Monday 21 March Lent Monday Reflection: ‘Renewed in the Holy Spirit’ 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm online, organised by the Pastoral Development Department of the archdiocese using the Café resource: ‘Belong and Believe. An opportunity to reflect and discuss and although the course will be run online, it is possible to join and interact as a parish group. If you would like to lead the course in your parish and need more information, contact the pastoral development department email: pd@rcaol.org.uk Register for the zoom reflections at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register /tZ0ldO6oqD0sE9GOs3Eewqn1hNhwIxPP FpG6 or on the website: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/pastoraldevelopment ‘For such a time as this.’ Exploring the Book of Esther led by Father Chris Thomas. 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm on zoom. Bookings email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk

Wednesday 23 March St Oscar Romero Parish Week of Prayer 7.00 pm in Our Lady, Star of the Sea church, Crescent Road, Seaforth, L21 4LJ. Vigil Mass for the Feast of St Oscar Romero with Blessing of Parish Romero Crosses. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. This is also the Annual Archdiocesan Romero Mass including contributions from local Justice and Peace, the Justice and Peace Commission and Cafod.

Saturday 26 March ‘Come apart and rest awhile’ Quiet Day 10.00 am at The Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane; Liverpool, L15 6TW. Please bring your own lunch, tea/coffee are provided. Suggested offering for the day is £10.00. No booking required. For more information contact Sr Winnie Tel: 0151 722 2271 email: morleywinifred6@gmail.com Evangelisation ‘Kerygma Day’ Formation training for evangelisation. A step through the Kerygma (Core Gospel Message) as proclaimed by St Peter (Acts 5:29-31) and integrating with personal testimony (1 Peter 3:15) as a vehicle to proclaim the Good news of Jesus Christ 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (9.30 am Mass) at Holy Family parish hall and church, Hall Lane, Cronton, Widnes, WA8 5DP. Speakers include Gary Stephens (Leader Prince of Peace Community and Chairman of the New Dawn Conference Walsingham); Derek Williams (Walsingham) and Daniella Stephens (Manchester). Music by the Prince of Peace Music Ministry. Donation to cover costs – bring your own lunch, refreshments provided.

Sunday 27 March Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) Masses at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King at 9.00 am (Cathedral); 10.00 am (Crypt); 11.00 am (Solemn –Cathedral) Celebrant: Bishop Tom Williams; 7.00 pm (Crypt). 3.00 pm Music for Lent with the Cathedral Choir. ‘Stabat Mater’ by Pergolesi.

Monday 28 March Lent Monday Reflection: ‘Caring for God’s Creation’. 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm online, organised by the Pastoral Development Department of the archdiocese. Register on the website: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/pastoraldevelopment

Normandie Wragg, Paul Rochford, and Hetal Mainwaring

The Dying to Work Charter was set up by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to ensure employers respond to the needs of terminally ill employees, recognising that these are people who require support and understanding, not additional and avoidable stress and worry. The Charter also recognises if staff want to continue working in safe and reasonable work, this can help maintain dignity and offer a therapeutic distraction. It aims to provide employees with security of work, peace of mind and the right to choose the best course of action for themselves during challenging times, with dignity and without undue financial loss. This includes being able to have time off, having adequate employment protection, and having their death in service benefits protected for any loved ones they leave behind. Hetal Mainwaring, Nugent’s Head of People said, ‘I am delighted that Nugent has signed up to the Dying to Work Charter. I have championed Nugent signing up to the charter as I believe our employees are our most valuable resource. Showing our commitment to supporting any colleague who is in the unfortunate position of having a terminal illness is of paramount importance to us. The charter and supporting individuals is in alignment with our organisational values and demonstrates our commitment to being a valued based caring organisation. I am pleased to have worked in partnership with UNISON to signing up to the Dying to Work Charter.’ Nugent’s UNISON Branch Secretary Paul Rochford led the campaign for Nugent to sign up to the Charter and was present at the signing. He said, ‘I am delighted that Nugent has signed up to the Dying to Work Charter. Nugent staff are incredibly dedicated and work within a challenging environment. They deserve the peace of mind that if they are diagnosed with a terminal condition, they will be treated with respect in a supportive work environment. Every person battling terminal conditions deserves the choice of how to spend their final months. ‘My fellow UNISON Branch Secretary Jean Blevin worked with The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust who signed up to this before she sadly passed away from a terminal illness in August 2020. It is an honour to continue Jean’s legacy who wanted to make sure that no one who receives a terminal diagnosis would suffer additional strife at work or financial concerns.’ UNISON North West regional organiser Vicky Knight said, ‘We are thrilled that recent partnership working between Nugent and UNISON has delivered a multitude of positive outcomes for service users, staff members and the whole organisation. ‘Signing the Dying to Work charter today builds on vital steps which have ensured that all Nugent staff will be paid at least the Foundation Living Wage, receive a 2% pay rise and many will also receive payment for time spent during shift handovers and breaks. By giving staff a voice through their trade union UNISON, Nugent has created a healthy environment leading to improved working conditions and service quality.’ Normandie Wragg Chief Executive Nugent

Looking after the best interests of our beneficiaries and our colleagues is of the upmost importance to myself and the wider executive leadership team here at Nugent. In February we announced that we have signed up to the Dying to Work Charter (see main article). It is right that we recognise our staff for helping give people a dignified end to their life and we will continue to take great pride in this approach. In addition to signing up to the Dying to Work Charter, another development in improving conditions for our dedicated colleagues is our commitment to signing up to the Real Living Wage. The Real Living Wage is an hourly rate independently calculated each year based on the real cost of living and is voluntarily paid by thousands of UK employers. We are extremely pleased and proud to announce that we will be a Living Wage Employer from 1st April 2022, meaning Nugent colleagues will be on a minimum rate of £9.90 per hour (and subject to Trustee approval this is likely to be increased to a minimum of £10/hr). Paying the real living wage has been a key priority for Nugent over many years and we have worked extremely hard to be able to achieve this and maintain financial stability for our charity. Paying a real living wage is an essential objective for our alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The importance of individuals earning enough money to meet the needs of themselves, and their families underpins several of the goals, especially those that focus on reducing inequalities and poverty. We are also extremely proud to be part of ‘Show the Salary’ - campaign to tackle pay gaps in the charity sector. The act is simple, that we always show the salary for the roles we advertise. We believe that signing up to the ‘Show the Salary’ campaign demonstrates our commitment to fairness and equity. Finally, this month sees us mark International Women’s Day (8 March). I and my all-female executive leadership team would like to take this opportunity to thank our many female colleagues at Nugent. Their courage and dedication, especially over the last couple of challenging years in the care sector, is a beacon of hope and something to aspire to and take comfort from.

Animate Youth Ministries team member Lauren describes the restorative effects of a February half-term visit to Krakow. It had been more than two years since I had last travelled abroad – in fact, not since Lourdes 2019, which seems such a long time ago now. Having the opportunity to fly again without so many documents and PCR tests to worry about was an opportunity I decided I just could not pass up. Why Krakow? I had been there twice before – for World Youth Day 2016 and for our own team pilgrimage which took place in 2018 – so being familiar with a place is never a bad thing. Especially for me. I did not just want a holiday. I wanted to almost have my own retreat planned. Faith has been difficult for me over the past couple of years and I am sure that many of you might feel the same. Having the opportunity to be in silence and pray, and also for some adventure, seemed to me like a great way to heal yourself. So, Krakow it was! I was accompanied by another team member, Ellie, and I had a whole itinerary planned for the both of us. I do like being spontaneous but not when I am abroad! I am a woman who likes a good deal and booking things beforehand. So, what did we get up to? When you go to Krakow it is easy to think that the city is small, but in fact it is the second largest in Poland. You might recognise the famous sights but then you go down the side streets and realise there are areas you have never seen before. We certainly saw a few attractions that I had not experienced previously, like the salt mines and the spa (known to be largest in Poland) and, of course, many religious sights. These included St Mary’s Basilica, situated in the main Market Square, which is known for its Gothic architecture – as well as the ‘trumpet man’ who plays at the top of the taller of its two towers. But the beauty within the basilica is unbelievable as you can see from the picture I have attached (below). The most memorable – and powerful – thing about being there was that I was given the chance to venerate the relics of St Pope John Paul II. Down the many side streets of Krakow you see so many shrines and churches that do not appear on Google Maps. This is where I was in my element. Going into these places, you see so many relics of saints that you did not even realise existed ... at least I didn’t. These were the times when I found my faith growing, following the slumbers of the last two years. Of course, you can go to the famous places in Krakow but it was the hidden places that really spoke to me. And there, in those sacred places, I prayed for each and every one of you.

Talented students from St Mary’s Catholic College, Wallasey, recently blew audiences away at the Floral Pavilion in a whole school production of Legally Blonde. Due to the pandemic, this was the first time in two years that the college was able to put on a show for the local community. Students from Year 7 to 13 all played a part in the sold-out performance which took place across two nights. The hardworking, talented and energetic cast put every ounce of their being into each and every number they sang. Legally Blonde: The Musical follows bubbly, blonde aspiring law student Elle Woods and her journey through Harvard Law School to become a lawyer. The cast shone in their roles both on and off stage, with many assisting with rehearsals and production. On the night, a number of staff and students offered their support by working front of house selling raffle tickets and programmes. Elle Woods was played by Georgina Benson, who will be going on to study musical theatre at university in September. Georgina said: “Over the past few months, everyone has worked tirelessly and incredibly hard to create this production. Our love for theatre and musicals has made this whole process even more exciting, especially as this will be my last show at St Mary’s.” Miss McCallion, head of Drama at St Mary’s said: “It has been a pleasure to work with students on this over the past four months. They have shown resilience to the many challenges we have been faced with, commitment and passion to the production and, most importantly, kindness to each other throughout the entire process.” Year 8 student Hope Corkish said: “This was my first production at St Mary’s and I enjoyed every second of it. I can’t wait for the next one.” More than 100 Year 5 students from across a number of local primary schools also took part in the production. John McDonald, headteacher of St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, said: “It was a fabulous, professional production and a great opportunity to work with our feeder secondary school. “These experiences, which we have missed for so long, have such a powerful, formative effect on the children. We feel really privileged and pleased to be a part of it. “From our school perspective, it’s made us want to do more stuff like this as children have missed a lot due to the pandemic. We look forward to collaborating with St Mary’s again over the next few years.” Many students past and present were also in the audience to offer their support. Those who were unable to perform two years ago in the college’s production of ‘School of Rock’ returned to applaud their former peers. Headteacher of St Mary’s, Mr Kevin Maddocks, ensured these former students had their time to shine and received a round of applause for their hard work. Mr Maddocks said: “St Mary’s Catholic College has the highest ambition for all its students. Relationships are at the heart of everything at St Mary’s and this year really epitomised this with former students showing up to give support to their former schoolmates. “Pupils and staff have worked so hard to make Legally Blonde a production to remember. It was brilliant to see every seat filled in the Floral Pavilion! Mr Maddocks added: “As one more in a long line of successful performances, I think it’s safe to say that the performing arts department and the wonderful students of St Mary’s Catholic College really do know how to put on a show!”