World Mental Health Day - 10th October 2024
World Mental Health Day is celebrated ever year on 10 October. This years’ theme is ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’ The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations and communities.
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.

Calling all Asda Shoppers:
If you or a family member shop at Asda and use the Asda App, please consider signing up to ‘Cashpot for Schools’ To sign up all you need to do is click on ‘Cashpot for Schools’ Next choose a school to nominate by entering the school name, postcode and/or address. Your chosen school will receive £1 for each person that joins and 0.5% of all purchases; the scheme will be operating until the end of November.
Please consider joining St Matthew’s (L4 8UA) or St Cecilia’s Primary School (L13 7EA)
You can view school progress St M’s - nearly £300 and St C’s nearly £140
This will not effect any of your voucher or deals.
Thank you for your support.

CAFOD’s Family Fast Day appeal – Harvest (Friday 4 October)
Daniel, a young man in Democratic Republic of the Congo, is carving a better future for his family with carpentry skills he learned in a CAFOD-funded training centre. Give to CAFOD today and you’ll fund training, tools, equipment and safe spaces so more people like Daniel can learn new skills and fulfil their God-given potential. Use the envelope in church or give online at cafod.org.uk/envelope.  

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.  

Foodbank Update:
Our parishes most recent donations have been delivered as follows:
Foodbank - 7 bags and School - 6 bags.
During the Summer holidays the Foodbank will be open at its usual times, There will also be availability for families of St Matthew’s school to access the School Foodbank during the holidays.
Thank you to all of your donations, please keep up these vital
donations.

Foodbank:
Thank you for your most recent donations, 7 full bags have been delivered to our local Foodbank. As the school summer holidays will soon be upon us, please consider further donations which will be equally divided between our local Foodbank and school.

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.

Guild Cards:
We are fully stocked with lots of variety and still priced at £5

Foodbank:
During Lent please consider donating to the Foodbank and St. Matthew’s Primary School, as they have their own Foodbank supporting pupils and their families. There is a great need in our community for any of these dried or tinned items:
Milk (UHT/powdered) Fruit Juice (long life)
Tinned soup / Cup a soup Pasta / Curry Sauces
Tinned Puddings Tinned Tomatoes / Vegetables
Rice / Micro / Savoury Cereals
Instant Mash Potato Tea Bags/Instant Coffee
Toiletries / Nappies / Wipes Crisps / Snacks / Sweets
Tinned Meat / Fish Tinned Fruit
Jams / Spreads Biscuits / Snack Bars
Thank you to our volunteers in both our parishes who kindly deliver your donations.

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.

Standing Order:
HSBC are going through some changes which effects us in the way we deposit our weekly offerings.
Have you considered setting up a Standing Order? Your offering can be made weekly or monthly on a date that suits you and can be cancelled at any time. If you would like a form please contact Lyndsey on 228 1310.

St Cecilia’s Parish Club:
If you would like to book the function room contact 228 1679.






 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

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United in Prayer
Although public Masses have been stopped for the time being, we can still keep our parish community together and be united in prayer. This coming Wednesday (25th) is the Solemnity of the Annunciation when we celebrate the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God. The Angelus prayer is said to mark this occasion, and it can also be prayed daily. Everyday at 12 noon you are invited to pray the Angelus, you can offer this prayer for your own intentions and know that you are not alone, our parish community is praying with you. The bell at St Matthew’s will toll each day to mark the beginning of the Angelus.

The Angelus
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to Your Word.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. And the Word was made flesh,
R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord,
Your Grace into our hearts;
that as we have known the incarnation of Christ,
your Son by the message of an angel,
so by His passion and cross
we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection.
Through the same Christ, our Lord.

Amen.


Practicing Spiritual Communion
It’s important to recall that, although our obligation to attend Mass might be dispensed, we are never dispensed from honouring the Commandment to “keep holy the Lord’s day.” Sunday remains to be set apart as another opportunity to grow in communion with the Lord. When we are unable physically to attend Mass, we may consider the practice of “spiritual communion”.
Spiritual Communion is a traditional practice of expressing to the Lord our longing for him and our desire for him to enter our hearts. St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) said: “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you.”
St. Jean-Marie Vianney (1786-1859), the famous country priest from Ars, France, once said “when we feel the love of God growing cold, let us instantly make a spiritual Communion. When we cannot go to the church, let us turn towards the tabernacle; no wall can shut us out from the good God.”

Prayer to make a Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Making a Spiritual Communion in church
Oh Jesus, I turn toward the holy tabernacle where You live hidden for love of me. I love you, O my God. I cannot receive you in Holy Communion. Come, nevertheless, and visit me with Your grace. Come spiritually into my heart. Purify it. Sanctify it. Render it like unto Your own. Amen.
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
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Parish Meeting:
All Parish meeting’s are now cancelled until further notice.

Parish sick & housebound:
All visit to are currently suspended until further notice. Please make sure we have full contact details for all sick & housebound especially phone numbers.

2020 Walsingham Pilgrimage: Cancelled: Important Information: COVID-19:
Hi to all those who have booked to go on this year's Walsingham Pilgrimage. It is with a heavy heart that I write to advise you that our May Pilgrimage has been cancelled due to the current situation, understandably.
I asked Walsingham whether I could re-book for later in the year when, hopefully, things have settled down. Unfortunately, they aren't taking any bookings at this point in time.
You have all paid a £20 deposit. This will be honoured for when I am able to re-book.
Some of you have sent payments to me recently. I will be in touch with you very soon to arrange getting them back to you.  Everyone else, please do not send me any more payments.
I will write again when I have further information about us re-booking.
Much love, Dave Cotterill

Dear Parishioners
As an additional part of our Synod Journey, and in light of the changes COVID-19 has brought to our lives, we are being invited to reflect on the kind of Church God is calling us to be. 
Please do take a few moments to watch the short film, click on and read the reflections, which are there to help you in making your proposal.  Then Submit your proposal directly to the Synod Team before 18th May 2020.
Thank you for your continued support.   
Take care, stay safe
God bless
Anne

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We come together as a Parish to discuss our 4th and final Synod Theme
“BUILDING COMMUNITY, NURTURING BELONGING”
In this theme “BUILDING COMMUNITY, NURTURING BELONGING” we are given the opportunity to look at how we, as a church can reach out to all people in our society, the young, the elderly and those living on the periphery eg migrants, Travellers, Prisoners, The handicapped, the poor and those in our hospitals and nursing homes etc . Helping us to put forward a vision, enabling all to participate fully in the life and mission of the church. Everybody to feel their contribution is respected and values and all to feel welcomed.
Questions to help you prepare proposals
• How do we ensure our parishes are inclusive and welcoming?
• How do we hand on our faith? Can you think of ways to do this better?
• How can we encourage and support the work of our Catholic schools?
• How can we support and strengthen the home, school, parish partnership?
• How do we reach out to those who feel excluded, on the margins, weak, or vulnerable?
• How do our parishes grow in love for God and service of our neighbour?
• How can parishes work better together?
• What will the parish of the future be like - given a realistic look at the number of priests and people we have?

This is what you said (Taken from the Synod Listening)
“Children should feel safe and loved in our Church.”
“Divisions leave people feeling marginalised and pushed to the fringes.”
“Young people should feel fully part of the community.”
“Parishes are important for building community in a fractured society.”
“The Church is vital in welcoming and valuing the weak and the vulnerable.”
“Find better ways of handing on the faith.”
“Housebound or infirm should still feel part of our communities.”
“Belonging to a parish community is good for children and families.”
And much more
Take a moment to ponder these questions:
• Pope Francis reminds us that we love God by caring and loving each other, this is at the heart of our faith. Individualism gives way to solidarity. In what way do I try to do this in my own life?
• Pope St John Paul II says we must do all we can to support families, especially in handing on the faith. What is my experience of this in my own family, in my parish?
• How do the families I know show their care for each other and for those in need?
• Have I seen evidence of parish communities becoming families in themselves, drawing in and including those who don’t have a supportive family network?
? how as a church can we embrace everybody’s uniqueness make them feel Valued, Equal, Welcomed, Included and Respected

Please complete the proposal slip below, you can email it to me on; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you  


Building community, nurturing belonging
Having reflected on the situation and how our Faith informs us, what needs to be done in order to become the Church God is calling us to be;
 
 



 

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