Friday 4 February 2022
Animal Friday
Thursday 3 February 2022
Catholic and Anglican Bishops pray and walk together between Liverpool’s Cathedrals
Catholic and Anglican Bishops met in Liverpool this week for a two-day joint meeting that began on Tuesday with a Service of Midday Prayer in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. The bishops then took part in a ‘Fraternal Pilgrimage Walk’ down Hope Street – the road that links the Metropolitan Cathedral and Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral pausing at the Sheppard-Worlock memorial.
The memorial comprises of two face-to-face sculptures of two of the city’s much loved former bishops. The image above shows Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, and The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, standing between the two sculptures that make up the memorial. Archbishop Derek Worlock and Bishop David Sheppard forged a long-lasting, genuine friendship based on working together to serve the Common Good.
The meeting was the first between the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales and the Church of England House of Bishops since they gathered in Leicester back in January 2019.
Wednesday 2 February 2022
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Forty days ago, we celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. Today, we remember the day Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for the first time. While they were there, an old man called Simeon recognised Jesus as the ‘Light of the nations’. So today’s feast has also become known as ‘Candlemas’ because we bless and carry lighted candles to remind us that Jesus is the light who enlightens every person.
Raymond Friel posted this picture of the feast on his Twitter today:
He writes: “In this depiction by Mantegna (c. 1455) some commentators believe that Jesus is modelled on the son of the artist’s patron, who had Down’s syndrome. A beautiful thought, the profound solidarity of the Incarnation.”
Tuesday 1 February 2022
Young Carers
I recommend this Oscar winning short film entitled, ‘Sorry’. It’s a salute to young carers everywhere. It’s just four minutes.
Oscar winning short-film ‘Sorry’ – YouTube
Monday 31 January 2022
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) – 30 January 2022
Mass Sheet we will be using in church: Mass Sheet (Sunday 4C) 2022
Bidding Prayers: Bidding Prayers (Sunday 4C)
Reflection on the Readings: prego-sunday-otc-4-2022
Some Funnies
And so the drama continues…
God bless,
Fr Dave
Friday 28 January 2022
Animal Friday
If you can’t make them part of your family, don’t have one!
Thursday 27 January 2022
Holocaust Memorial Day
Today, 27 January, is Holocaust Memorial Day when we remember the millions of people murdered under the Nazis, as well as the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and other places.
We gasp in shear horror at the evil done to human beings of all ages by other human beings. Humankind is doomed to repeat this evil if we fail to remember and learn from the past.
The Council of Christians and Jews invite us to pray these words today:
HMD Prayer 2022
Eternal God,
you hold all of our days in your hands.
On this day, we come before you
to remember the victims of the Holocaust.
We lament the loss of the six million Jews
who were killed in the Holocaust,
the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution,
and victims of other genocides.
May our minds be clear and attentive to their memory
and our hearts be moved to bear witness to their lives.
Today, help us to remember and recognise
the sanctity of each human life,
that all people are made in your image.
One day, we pray that genocide and hatred will be no more,
and that love will triumph over evil.
In our prayers and in our actions,
help us to show this love in the world today.
Amen.
Wednesday 26 January 2022
Day of Prayer for Peace over Ukraine Situation
At the conclusion of Sunday’s midday Angelus, Pope Francis expressed his concerns over the increasing tensions that threaten to overturn chances for peace in Ukraine and security on the European continent in general, given the wider repercussions of any conflict. In response, the Pope has proposed that today, Wednesday 26 January, be a day of prayer for peace.
Pope Francis said: “I make a heartfelt appeal to all people of good will to raise prayers to Almighty God that all political actions and initiatives may be at the service of human brotherhood rather than partisan interests.”
Today, let us join the people of Ukraine in prayer. One way would be to listen to the ‘Our Father’ and the ‘Hail Mary’ in Ukranian:
Tuesday 25 January 2022
Feast of the Conversion of St Paul
On this last day of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity, we keep the feast of the Conversion of St Paul.
Acts 22: 3-16
Paul said to the people, ‘I am a Jew and was born at Tarsus in Cilicia. I was brought up here in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was taught the exact observance of the Law of our ancestors. In fact, I was as full of duty towards God as you are today. I even persecuted this Way to the death, and sent women as well as men to prison in chains as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify, since they even sent me with letters to their brothers in Damascus. When I set off it was with the intention of bringing prisoners back from there to Jerusalem for punishment.
‘I was on that journey and nearly at Damascus when about midday a bright light from heaven suddenly shone round me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” I answered: Who are you, Lord? and he said to me, “I am Jesus the Nazarene, and you are persecuting me.” The people with me saw the light but did not hear his voice as he spoke to me. I said: What am I to do, Lord? The Lord answered, “Stand up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told what you have been appointed to do.” The light had been so dazzling that I was blind and my companions had to take me by the hand; and so I came to Damascus.
‘Someone called Ananias, a devout follower of the Law and highly thought of by all the Jews living there, came to see me; he stood beside me and said, “Brother Saul, receive your sight.” Instantly my sight came back and I was able to see him. Then he said, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Just One and hear his own voice speaking, because you are to be his witness before all mankind, testifying to what you have seen and heard. And now why delay? It is time you were baptised and had your sins washed away while invoking his name.”’
Monday 24 January 2022
St Francis de Sales
Today we keep the memory of St Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva in the 17th century. As well as being the patron of writers and journalists, he is patron saint of those who are deaf because he developed a sign language to teach a deaf man about God. Known as the ‘gentlemen saint’ because of his gentleness and patience, he is renowned for educating in people in Christian spirituality.
Some quotes:
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”
“Through devotion, your family cares become more peaceful, mutual love between husband and wife becomes more sincere, the service we owe to the prince more faithful, and our work, no matter what it is, becomes more pleasant and agreeable.”
“Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed.”
“A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship.”
“Be who you are and be that well.”
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) – 23 January 2022
Sunday of the Word of God
In 2019, Pope Francis set aside the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time as ‘Sunday of the Word of God’. He did so to remind us of the importance of reading and listening to the Scriptures. If you have a Bible at home, or a missal which contains the Scripture Readings at Mass, why not pray this simple blessing today:
God our Father,
your Son proclaimed
the good news of salvation.
Bless me as I read from these sacred texts.
As I read, listen and reflect
on your words of life,
strengthen my faith
so that what I read in hope,
I may live in love and charity.
There are lots of excellent resources about the Scriptures here: www.godwhospeaks.uk
Mass Sheet we will be using in church: Mass Sheet (Sunday 3C) 2022
Bidding Prayers: Bidding Prayers (Sunday 3C) 2022
Reflection on the Readings: prego-3rd-sunday-otc-2022
Some Funnies
God bless,
Fr Dave
Friday 21 January 2022
Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity – Day Four
In the midst of political turmoil, a growing culture of greed, and the abuse of power in this world, Christians, like others in the Middle East, suffer persecution and experience a sense of marginalisation, living in fear of violence and injustice. Yet, they are not afraid because the Shepherd walks with them, gathering them into one fold and making them a sign of his loving presence. United, they are the yeast that leavens the batch. In Christ they find a model of humility, and from him they hear a call to overcome divisions and to be united in one flock. Though they are few, in their suffering they follow in the steps of the Lamb who suffered for the world’s salvation. Though few they are sure in hope, lacking nothing.
Prayer
Good Shepherd,
the fragmentation of the little flock grieves your Holy Spirit.
Forgive our weak efforts and slowness in the pursuit of your will.
Give us wise shepherds after your own heart
who recognise the sin of division,
and who will lead the churches with righteousness and holiness, to unity in you.
We ask you, Lord, to hear our prayer.
Amen.
Thursday 20 January 2022
Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity – Day Three
Christ’s coming disturbs the ways of the world.
In contrast to so many national leaders, the Lord comes in humility denouncing the evil of injustice and oppression that accompanies the ambition for power and status.
The coming of Jesus calls for a change of heart and a transformation of life, so that people will be liberated from all that dehumanises them and causes them suffering.
Jesus shows us that God is with those who suffer because each person has a dignity as God’s beloved child. Thus, Jesus’ presence creates disturbance precisely because He rocks the boat of the rich and the powerful who work only for their own interests and neglect the common good. But, for those who work for peace and unity, Christ’s coming brings the light of hope.
Today, we are invited to commit ourselves to the constructive action of making justice a reality in our world. This implies the need to reflect and acknowledge the instances when our ways are not God’s ways of justice and peace. When Christians work together for justice and peace our efforts are more powerful. And when Christians work together in this way, the answer to our prayer for Christian unity is made visible such that others recognise in us Christ’s presence in the world today. Through our words and actions, we can bring the light of hope to so many who are still living in the darkness of political unrest, social poverty, and structural discrimination.
The Good News is that God is faithful, and He is always the one strengthening us and protecting us from harm, and inspiring us to work for the good of others, especially those living in the darkness of suffering, hatred, violence and pain.
Wednesday 19 January 2022
Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity – Day Two
The prophet Jeremiah denounced the bad leadership of the kings of Israel who divided and scattered the people. Theirs was a leadership that destroyed nations and drove their citizens into exile. In contrast, the Lord promises a shepherd king who will ‘execute justice and righteousness in the land’ and gather together the members of his flock.
Our world craves good leadership and is constantly seeking someone who will fulfil this desire. Where can one find such a leader? Only in Christ have we seen the example of a king or leader after God’s heart. As we are called to follow him, we are also called to emulate his way of servant-kingship in the world and in the Church. In Christ we encounter one who does not tear down and divide but builds up and makes whole for the glory of God’s name. His rule is not self-serving and he does not use force. Rather in Him we encounter a loving, humble servant who does not regard equality with God as something to be exploited. He is one who comes to serve, rather than be served, and his followers are called to do the same.
Today, the Middle East is experiencing the loss of its people to exile as ‘righteousness and justice’ are becoming scarce commodities not only there but throughout the world. Yet we have a hope that will not be shaken even if ‘the nations are in an uproar’ and ‘the kingdoms totter’ around us.
Leaders, both in the world and in the Church, have responsibility to bring together rather than to scatter or divide the people of God. So much division in the world and in the Church is caused by the desire for position, power and self-advantage. The more faithfully Christians emulate the servant leadership of Christ the more division in both the world and the Church will be overcome. As we work for righteousness, justice and peace for the wellbeing of all, we witness humbly to the shepherd-king, and draw others into His presence.
Prayer
God, our only refuge and strength,
we glorify you for you are a just and righteous God.
We confess before you that we often covet worldly models of leadership.
Help us to seek our Lord Jesus Christ
not in the palaces of the powerful
but in the humble manger and to emulate him in his meekness.
Encourage us to empty ourselves
as we serve each other in obedience to you.
We pray in the name of Christ
who with you and with the Holy Spirit reigns forever in glory.
Amen.
Tuesday 18 January 2022
Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity
This year’s Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022 has been prepared by the Middle East Council of Churches. They have chosen a theme from the Epiphany: “We saw the star in the East, and we came to worship him” (Mt 2:2). More than ever, in these difficult times, we need a light that shines in the darkness. Christians proclaim that this light has been manifested in Jesus Christ.
Reflection for Day One
In this fragile and uncertain world, we look for a light, a ray of hope from afar. In the midst of evil, we long for goodness. We look for the good within ourselves, but so often we are overwhelmed by our weakness that hope fails us.
Our confidence rests in the God we worship. God, in his wisdom, enabled us to hope for divine intervention; but we had not anticipated that God’s intervention would be a person, and that the Lord himself would be the light in our midst. This exceeded all our expectations.
God’s gift to us is a ‘spirit of power, and love’. Not by relying on our own strength and ability are we drawn forward on the way to this perfect light, but rather by God’s Holy Spirit.
In the midst of humanity’s darkness, the star from the East shone. In it we see a light that penetrates the depths of the darkness that separates us from one another. The star’s light was not only an illumination at a particular historical moment but it continues to shine and change the face of history. Throughout the ages, and ever since the star first appeared, the world has come to know through the lives of Christ’s followers the hope that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. These give witness to God’s work in history, and to the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
Despite the vicissitudes of history and the changing of circumstances, the Risen One continues to shine, moving within the flow of history like a beacon guiding all into this perfect light and overcoming the darkness which separates us from one another.
Prayer
Lord God,
illumine our path by the light of Christ who moves before us and leads us.
Enlighten us and dwell within us.
Guide us to discover a small manger in our hearts where a great light still sleeps.
Creator of light,
we thank you for the gift of that unfading Star, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
May he be a beacon for our pilgrimage.
Heal our divisions and draw us closer to the Light that we may find our unity in him.
Amen.
Monday 17 January 2022
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) – 16 January 2022
Peace Sunday
Today, the Bishops of England and Wales invite us to observe a Day of Prayer for Peace.
Mass Sheet we will be using in church: Mass Sheet (Sunday 2C) 2022
Bidding Prayers: Bidding Prayers (Sunday 2C)
Reflecting on the Readings: prego-sunday-2-otc-2022
Pope Francis’ Message for Peace: World-Peace-Message
Some Funnies
This could be useful…
God bless,
Fr Dave
Friday 14 January 2022
Thursday 13 January 2022
Archdiocese of Liverpool Synod 2023 website:
Vatican Synod 2023 | Liverpoolcatholic (liverpoolcatholicresources.com)
Irish Synod Website:
Irish Synodal Pathway | of the Catholic Church in Ireland
Wednesday 12 January 2022
The Synod Prayer
Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer ‘Adsumus Sancte Spiritus’, the first word of the original Latin, meaning, ‘We stand before You, Holy Spirit’, which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, and is attributed to St Isidore of Seville (c. 560 – 4 April 636). As we embrace this Synodal Process, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to be at work in us so that we may be a community and a people of grace.
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever.
Amen.
Tuesday 11 January 2022
Universal Synod 2023
Archbishop Malcolm is calling everyone across the Archdiocese of Liverpool to take part in the listening phase of the Universal Synod on synodality 2023, which Pope Francis has invited the whole Church to join.
Although as an Archdiocese we have already engaged with the synodal process as part of Synod 2020, which initially generated 27,000 responses, today we may find ourselves in a different place on our journey.
The results of the listening process from Synod 2020 will form part of our response to this Universal Synod on synodality but we felt it was imperative for everyone to have an opportunity to contribute to the universal process which may include fresh insights. We will combine all responses and submit them to the Bishops’ Conference.
To participate in this worldwide listening process, you can access and download the discussion questions from Monday 10 January 2022, as well as submit your responses online at www.liverpoolcatholicresources.com/synod2023 The deadline for submissions is Thursday 10 March 2022.
We have tried to make the submission process as straightforward as possible for parishes and parishioners without losing the breadth of focus that has been given by the Vatican Synod Office. We have suggested that five of the ten themes are selected by groups/individuals for more detailed reflection so as not to be too onerous.
The preferred method of submitting feedback is via the online form on the website although email and postal submissions are also possible. There is no expectation for similar activities to that of Synod 2020, although some parishes or groups may wish to hold conversations or discussions.
If you have any queries, please email: [email protected] Further information and resources can be found on the Vatican website www.synod.va or the Bishops’ Conference site www.cbcew.org.uk/synodal-church/
Monday 10 January 2022
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (C) – 9 January 2022
Today, on this last day of Christmas, we recall the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.
This Sunday, we will be reintroducing some social distancing measures in church to ensure our gatherings are as safe as possible.
If you don’t feel safe coming to church today, please stay at home and join us in prayer by watching Mass online or by praying in your own way.
Mass Sheet we will be using in church: mass-sheet-baptism-of-the-lord-c-2022
Bidding Prayers: bidding-prayers-baptism-of-the-lord-c
Reflection: prego-baptism-of-the-lord-year-c-2022-4
Some Funnies:
God bless,
Fr Dave
Friday 7 January 2022
Animal Friday
Thursday 6 January 2022
SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
The great feast of Christmas continues today with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
Mass will be celebrated in St Benedict’s at 11.00 am today. All are welcome.
While the pandemic continues, there is no obligation to attend Mass today. If you feel safer praying at home, there will be plenty of Masses online, or you could use the Mass sheet we’ll be using in church for a time of prayer:
Wednesday 5 January 2022
Tuesday 4 January 2022
The Hands of Jesus
By Fr Austin Fleming (Archdiocese of Boston)
When I’m anxious and afraid, Lord,
you take my hand in yours…
When I’m lost and all alone,
your hands reach out to find me…
When I’m burdened and bent low,
your strong hands lift me up…
When I’ve nothing left to offer,
your hands fill mine with grace…
When my hands are slack and idle,
your hands set mine to work…
When my hands are stiff and weak,
your hands supply my strength…
When I’ve lost my grip on hope,
your hands keep me from falling…
When I lift my hand in anger,
your hand stays mine with peace…
When I start to drift away from you,
your hands reach out to pull me back…
Your hands, O Lord, are gifts to me:
may the work of my hands
give you glory and praise forever…
Monday 3 January 2022
Pope Francis yesterday: “Think of the stable in Bethlehem. Jesus was born there, in that poverty, to tell us that he is certainly not afraid of visiting your heart, of dwelling in a shabby life… God loves to dwell in our ‘inner stables’.”
“Faced with our frailties, the Lord does not withdraw. He does not remain in his blessed eternity and in his infinite light, but rather he draws close, he makes himself incarnate, he descends into the darkness. This is God’s work: to come among us.”
2nd Sunday after the Nativity – 2 January 2022
The Season of Christmas continues this week with the Solemnity of the Epiphany on Thursday and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord next Sunday (the last day of Christmas).
Mass Sheet we will be using in church: mass-sheet-2nd-after-nativity-2022
Bidding Prayers: bidding-prayers-2nd-after-nativity-2022
Reflection: christmastide-prego-2021-22
Some Funnies
The wise men are on the way…
Bringing up children is not easy…
Meanwhile, here in the UK…
God bless,
Fr Dave