Christmas Masses

Christmas Eve
6.00pm - Family Mass at St. Matthew’s
(children encouraged to dress as Nativity characters)
9pm - Midnight Mass at St. Cecilia’s

Christmas Day:
9 am - St. Matthew’s
10.30 am - St. Cecilia’s

Christmas Intentions:
To have your intentions/dedications included in the Christmas Intentions please write the relevant names on a piece of paper and enclose, with your offering, in one of the marked envelopes at the Lady Altar in St. Cecilia's and the Our Lady Icon in St. Matthew's

Thank you:
A big thank you to all our parish helpers who have helped our parishes throughout the year.
I appreciate all you do.
Canon Conor

Foodbank:
Many thanks to all who donated items to the Foodbank in time for the Christmas delivery. A full update will be published in subsequent newsletters. Thank you for your continued support.

Parish choir:
Everyone from St Matthew's and St Cecilia's is invited to join the new parish choir. Practice will take place in St Cecilia's church every Sunday at 10:15. Please contact Emilia on 07711 096353 for more information.

Link To Hope Shoe Box Appeal 2024:
Thanks to all those who donated this year. 45 donation envelopes were received and a total amount of £644 was raised. The charity is delighted that once again we recognise the
sterling work that they do; and are so thankful for our continued support.

Expectant Mothers:
The Gospel on the 4th Sunday of Advent focuses on the role of Mary in our salvation. Over the three year cycle the gospel tells of the betrothal of Mary to Joseph, the Annunciation and the Visitation. The stories prepare us for the Birth of our Lord at Christmas.
Traditionally in this week we are asked to pray for all who are waiting for a birth, that they may be given patience and strength. We also pray for all who work in maternity units and with mothers, that they may always recognise and cherish the gift of life. We also pray for those who are trying for a baby that they may not give up hope.

The Feast of Stephen - 26th December:
There seems to be two theories on the origin of Boxing Day and why it is celebrated. The first is that centuries ago, on the day after Christmas, members of the merchant class would give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, or money to trades people and servants. The second thought is that Boxing Day comes from the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. Then the contents were distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas. What a great extension of the Christmas holiday spirit. You might consider making this holiday a tradition in your family. Put into practice the simple principle of giving to others less fortunate.

CAFOD Christmas Fun Run 2024:
The annual CAFOD fun run will take place at 11:00am on Friday 27th December, at Wavertree Athletics Centre, Wellington Road. If you would like to join, please make sure you register by 10:00am on Friday 27th (£5 child, £10 adult, £20 family). For information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit www.cafod.org.uk/christmasfunrun

Holy Innocents Day (Childermas) – 28th December:
Holy Innocents Day, once also known as ‘Childermas’ falls on 28th December. It commemorates King Herod’s massacre of all male infants in and around Bethlehem under the age of two in an attempt to kill the young Christ. In the days when Christmas was less child centred, Childermas was a time for indulging children with treats and parties. Today is a day we might consider supporting a children’s charity such as Barnardos, NSPCC, UNICEF, and Save the Children. Alternatively you might consider supporting child refugees through our Catholic aid agencies and the Barnabas Fund.

Feast of the Holy Family:
The birth of Christ took place in circumstances of poverty,
without many of the comforts we would consider basic, and yet we know that this was a family that shared every value that counts for anything. It doesn't matter whether we are single parents, aunts, uncles, foster parents or grandparents ….. we look to the Holy Family and follow their example in making our own homes places of peace and happiness ….. places where true values flourish.

CAFOD’S World Gifts for Christmas:
This Christmas, give your loved ones something exceptional and life changing. Buying CAFOD’s virtual World Gifts makes a real difference for our sisters and brothers facing the injustice of poverty around the world. Choose from a range of beautifully illustrated cards, each representing a gift of hope, inspired by real people and real needs, Cards can be sent by post, as an eCard, or printed at home, Purchase World Gifts and other gifts such as Advent calendars and jute bags at world-gifts.cafod.org.uk For more information please see the poster at the back of church.

World Mental Health Support Information:

Helplines for Urgent Support:
If you need to talk to somebody now for confidential and emotional support.
Before calling a Helpline you might want to consider:
What times are they open?
Is it free to call or is there a cost involved?
Is what you say confidential? For example, many services have policies on what to do if someone says they have attempted suicide or are actively planning to.
What will you do if the line is busy? It’s often worth trying several times, or you might plan to call back later or try a different service.
If you are unable to talk on the phone you can reach out for support via email, messages or web chat.

NHS 111 and select option 2 or visit NHS 111 ENGLAND

Samaritans - Call free from any phone 116 123 anywhere, anytime, to talk to a trained volunteer. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mind - Call 0300 102 1234 This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it. Open 9am - 6pm Monday –Friday (except Bank Holidays) www.mind.org.uk

SANEline 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm—10pm everyday)

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 0800 689 5652 (6pm - Midnight)

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - 0800 58 58 58 (5pm—midnight everyday) or visit CALM webchat service

Shout - Text SHOUT 85258 24/7 text service if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

Guild Cards:
Both parishes are now fully stocked with Guild cards including some new designs.

Rosary Beads:
Thank you to all who have left Rosary Beads in the box at the back of church in recent months and remember you can also leave broken beads too. There will be a box at the back of church in St Cecilia’s from this weekend. Please be assured they will be sent to the catenians in the near future.

Shrine Friends:
Blessed Sacrament Shrine in Liverpool City Centre will be holding drop in sessions for anyone of any faith who needs someone to talk to. The sessions will take place on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month from 2.15pm - 4.15pm. The project is sponsored by The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and supported by their colleagues at The Samaritans who work with them.

St Joseph’s Hospice:
St Joseph’s Hospice are looking for enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to help out in our Walton Vale and Breck Road charity shops. You will be making a real difference in your community, by helping us to continue to provide compassionate care to those in need, whilst also making new friends and gaining experience.
Pick up application form in store or contact Siobhan on 0151 932 6028 or email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Volunteer Your Teaching Talent:
Are you a retired or part time qualified teacher? You could be part of the Cathedral’s Education Service team! Come and help hundreds of schoolchildren and young people to learn about this wonderful Cathedral. ‘It’s a joy to watch children be amazed by the sheer beauty of John Piper’s lantern of light and colour and be able to bring the Cathedral to life for the generations of the future’. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Liverpool:
The centre is looking for volunteers to assist at the hospital. Duties will include way-finding and general assistance around the wards. If you would like to become a volunteer or for more information, please email David Lee, the Volunteer Co-Ordinator at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"I was sick and you cared for me..."
The Catholic Chaplaincy to the Liverpool Hospitals (The Royal, Broadgreen, and Aintree) is looking for new volunteers to join our team. Volunteers often enjoy visiting patients and their families on the wards. These visits can include praying with patients, and bringing them Holy Communion, or simply having a chat. It is possible to volunteer just a few hours one morning or afternoon each week. Full training and support will be given. You don't have to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. If you are interested in this very rewarding opportunity, please contact Fr Peter by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or by calling 0151 706 2828

Gift Aid:
Would you like to be part of our Gift Aid scheme?
You are under no obligation to pay a certain amount or even pay every week, but we can claim 25% back on all your donations each year. You just have to be a tax payer. For more information or to request a form please contact the Parish office on 228 1310 for a form.

Nugent:
We are in urgent need of donations, we would be extremely grateful for any donations!
We gratefully welcome the following items:
Clothing Shoes
Accessories Handbags
Books Jigsaws
Bric-a-brac
Unfortunately we are unable to accept toys, soft toys, furniture or electrical items.
Donations can be dropped off at:
Our charity shop, open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am-5pm, 73 Allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 2DA
Our head office, open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, 99 Edge Lane, Liverpool, L7 2PE
We may also be able to collect your items – please call the shop to discuss on 0151 737 2951 (please note the shop is currently only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays)

St Cecilia’s:
We are looking for a team of helpers to create a ‘Cleaning team’.  If you think you can help in any way please get in touch speak to Jimmy, Pat or contact the office on 228 1310.  Thank you.

Nugent:
Nugent is in urgent need of donations for both our food pantry and charity shop.

Charity shop – Allerton Road
We welcome the following items:
Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Handbags, Books, Jigsaws, Bric-a-brac
Unfortunately we are unable to accept toys, soft toys, furniture or electrical items.

Food Pantry – St Anne’s Overbury Street, Liverpool L7 3HJ
We welcome the following items:
Sweet Items: Biscuits, jam, marmalade, peanut butter, chocolate spread, tinned custard, rice pudding
Drinks: Coffee, hot chocolate, cans of coke/lemonade etc
Dried: Noodles, pot noodles, rice
Tinned Savoury: Carrots, potatoes, chickpeas, sweetcorn
Toiletries: Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste
Cleaning Products: Washing powder

Thank you for your ongoing support to Nugent in allowing us to continue our work of caring for, educating and protecting those who are vulnerable and at risk.

Knitted Square:
A big thank you to everyone still donating squares. Donations are still welcome and they can be left in either parish. Thank you for your continued support, Cath.

Sanctuary Lamp:
St Cecilia’s now has 2 lamps that can be sponsored for a loved one or for a particular occasion. The lamps burn for one week, beginning on a Sunday. If you would like to dedicate a sanctuary lamp in either church please place your donation and the name in an envelope with ‘Sanctuary Lamp’ written on.

A prayer for hope:
Thank you for the hope that life-changing meals bring to the communities that Mary’s Meals serve. May the work of Mary’s Meals help to bring hope and strength to the world and may those children whose lives have been transformed by receiving Mary’s Meals use their education and voices to change their communities for the better. Amen
 
Metropolitan Cathedral launches new family trail and audio tour:
The Metropolitan Cathedral has launched two brand new visitor resources.
Firstly, there's a new  interactive family trail, especially designed for younger visitors. Free to access from any smartphone, Explore with Eva takes visitors on a treasure-hunt style journey around the Cathedral.
There is also an immersive audio tour, which enables local and international visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the Metropolitan Cathedral like never before. For more information, visit: https://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/news/metropolitan-cathedral-launches-new-family-trail-and-audio-tour

The Universe Catholic Weekly Online Newspaper:
Is true to its mission of being “a light to guide the world, and a mirror to reflect it” Keeping Catholics informed about their faith and bringing them ever closer to God. In order to keep our high standard going and maintain a strong weekly Catholic voice at a time when it is much needed in the world, please consider taking out a subscription.
We have an excellent website full of trustworthy articles and an online shop with all subscribers receiving a 10% discount.
Order your Digital 2 weeks free introductory offer by calling Michelle on 0743 661 7650 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Below is the link to the latest edition of the Universe Catholic Weekly:
https://universecatholicweekly.co.uk/universe-weekly-newsletters/march-2023/UNIVERSE-17-MARCH.pdf

CAFOD:
The church relies on people getting involved. Our church, our world needs you. Could your New Year’s resolution be getting more involved in the life of our church? What aspects of church brings you life or joy? Could you give a bit of time to help those parts flourish?

CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, are looking for people to give some time and join them in their mission. Could you help in our parish, bringing people together to help build a better world or by visiting local schools? Or raise a voice and campaign for justice or perhaps speak for CAFOD throughout the diocese? Could you support local volunteers or share your office skills to help CAFOD keep costs low? Training and support is provided. See cafod.org.uk/Volunteer for more information or get in touch with Colette at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 07779 804 242

Warm & Cosy:
The Archdiocese approved for our parish centres to be used as ‘warm and cosy’ centres during the winter months. The centres will be welcoming people to enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits and have free use of TVs and wi-fi in a safe space. From Wednesday St Cecilia’s Club will be open between 1 pm - 3.30 pm every week. Other local parish centres are open on:
St Paul’s, West Derby - Tuesday 1 pm - 3.30 pm
St Margaret Mary’s, Knotty Ash - Wednesday 1pm - 3.30 pm

Archdiocesan Vacancies: 
There are currently a number of vacancies, for more info please visit: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/jobs

Mass Intentions:
Both parishes currently have a backlog of Mass Intentions, we apologise if your Mass is not celebrated on your requested date but they will be said asap.