QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER:
During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact
UPDATE ON THE FUTURE OF HOLY FAMILY CHURCH:
Very many thanks to everybody who took part in the two meetings that Mgr. Philip Inch led. The report of what was said at those meetings was circulated at Mass last Sunday. The next step will be for Mgr. Inch to report on the meetings to the Council of Priests, probably in October, which will then make a recommendation to the Archdiocesan Trustees. The Trustees will make a decision when they meet in the Autumn. I’m afraid that at this stage, I cannot give a more precise timescale. I do understand that this is very painful for many of you - a church is more than a building. It is rich in memories of your loved ones and of special events in your lives. Several of you have raised practical questions, which I shall discuss with the Parish Council next week. I’ll get back to you through the newsletter.
Minutes of the Parish Council are also posted on the St. John Vianney parish website.
People have also suggested that we should explore ways to prayerfully support each other at this time; I am very happy to work with you on this.
I promise to keep you updated on developments.
CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY:
A big thank you to everyone who took part or helped last Saturday. It was a really joyful evening. We hope it will be the source of many blessings to our parish and community.
SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE:
Over the last few years many parishes have adopted a different Mass schedule during the summer months, to allow priests the opportunity to take some holiday themselves as well as being available to support their brother priests in taking a break too. To allow the priests the time both for some holiday and to participate in other summer activities, such as the pilgrimages to Lourdes and to Assisi, we will adopt a new schedule of Masses.
This schedule will be in place from Saturday 25th July until Friday 30th October:
SUNDAY MASSES
Saturday 5.15pm Holy Family
Sunday 9.15am St Mark’s
Sunday 11:00am St Mary's
WEEKDAY MASSES
Tuesday 12noon St Mary’s
Wednesday 9.15am Holy Family
Thursday 6.30pm St Mark’s
The priest will be available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) 20 minutes before each Sunday Mass.
CATHOLIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION UK:
Are you a doctor, nurse, healthcare student, or allied health professional?

The Catholic Medical Association UK invites Catholics working in healthcare to join a growing community of fellowship, prayer and formation. The Association supports healthcare professionals in living out their faith and vocation, while providing opportunities to connect with others working in the medical and healthcare professions. Find out more about membership and upcoming events at: Home - Catholic Medical Association
JUNE 2026 CATHOLIC PICTORIAL
The online version of June's Catholic Pictorial can be found at https://issuu.com/catholic_pic/docs/01_catholic_pic_june_2026
GENTLEMEN’S BREAKFAST CLUB
The last Saturday of the month at Christ the King Church there is a Gentlemen’s Breakfast at 8:30am. Talk to Deacon Peter to find out more about coming along to the Club.
MUCH WOOLTON – EASYFUNDRAISING:
If you become a supporter on easyfundraising, you'll raise free funds for Much Woolton simply by shopping online. The retailer pays a percentage of what you spend as a donation to the school. If you join by Sunday 24 May, you can help Much Woolton win
a £5,000 donation prize. Much Woolton will get a FREE entry each time a new supporter signs up, it only takes a moment and is completely free.
To sign up, just scan the QR code or click the link Support a Good Cause | Easyfundraising and search for Much Woolton Catholic Primary School.
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LIVERPOOL IS NOW ON WHATSAPP:
Stay connected with the latest news, updates, and events from across the archdiocese and beyond by following our new channel. Simply scan the QR code or click the link to join
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8B5Hu2f3EJJwDzn72z
You can also stay in touch through our other social media platforms:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/liverpoolarchdiocese
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/liverpoolarchdiocese
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@liverpoolarchdiocese
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ArchdioceseofLiverpool
WOOLTON PICTURE HOUSE:
As you may be aware, the fundraising campaign exceeded its target but a mystery backer purchased the building and has agreed a 101-year lease at a peppercorn rent. All of the money raised so far can now go into the refurbishment of the building and a second phase of fundraising for these ambitious plans will begin in the autumn, along with community consultations. To find out more about plans for the building, consultations and events please sign up for the email newsletter list here.
MASS INTENTIONS:
If you would like a Mass intention for a specific date, please provide as much notice as possible when you submit your request and we will do our best to accommodate you.
ARCHDIOCESAN GOOD NEWS EASTER 2026
May the miracle of Easter bring you peace and joy! We’re delighted to tell you that around 300 adults were baptised or received into the Catholic church on the holiest day of Easter Vigil across the archdiocese. We warmly welcome them to be part of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide them through their journey of faith.
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 5.4.26
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others.
Easter celebrates new life and the renewal of all creation in the Resurrection of Jesus. In this Year of Saint Francis, we remember that the Risen Lord renews not only hearts but the whole of creation. This week, spend time in a local green space — Woolton Woods or Reynolds Park perhaps — noticing signs of spring and offering a quiet prayer of gratitude. Choose to celebrate Easter simply by reducing waste, sharing food thoughtfully, and choosing Fairtrade or locally sourced treats where possible.
Simple action for everyone:
Take a “new life walk” — alone or with others — and intentionally notice flowers, buds, birds or changing light. Give thanks for signs of hope you see.
CAFOD Prayer: ‘Risen Lord, renew our world and fill all creation with hope’.
ARCHBISHOP SHERRINGTON MESSAGES AND HOMILIES EASTER 2026
To read the Archbishop Sherrington's Easter message click here.
To read Achbishop Sherrington's Homily on the 175th Anniversary of the Notre Dame Sisters in Liverpool click here
To read Archbishop Sherrington's Homily from the Chrism Mass 2026 click here
APRIL 2026 CATHOLIC PICTORIAL
The April Catholic Pictorial is now available. To access the electronic version click here
ARCHDIOCESAN GOOD NEWS- WINNER OF THE FIRST HOLY COMMUNION BADGE COMPETITION
We are delighted to announce that Abigail B, aged 9, from St Laurence’s Catholic Primary School has won the First Holy Communion Badge Competition. The winning design will be made into a badge to be given out to all First Communicants this year. Well done and congratulations to Abigail for her nice work. We would also like to express our appreciation to all children who have submitted their entries.

