Pentecost, 20th May, 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Pentecost, 20th May, 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: SOMETHING BURNING?

 

A ticklish itch makes you want to reach for one of those backscratchers, but a burning itch makes you want to stamp up and down until you’ve got rid of it. It’s like a fire raging within you.

When the Holy Spirit came down upon the apostles it was in the form of tongues of fire. Do we have that fire of the Spirit within us, that urgency and elation of Pentecost, that Whitsun sense of wonder, or are we more of the armchair-Christian type?

Fire consumes everything it touches. It’s highly contagious and quickly catches hold of the next thing around it. Are we Spirit-burners, people who are so inflamed with their faith that others can’t fail to notice it, or are we the sort that would rather keep things to ourselves for fear of being thought of as “religious”?

Fire purifies; that’s why it was used as a primitive form of sterilisation. The Holy Spirit purified the apostles of their fears and their sense of inadequacy, of their reluctance to witness to the gospel, of their timidity as they hid themselves away, afraid of the authorities. It purified them to accept the message that Jesus had left them, and to go out preaching to people of every conceivable nationality. Are we fired with the Spirit, irrepressibly grace-led, or simply sedated by convention? One way of seeing in the dark is to light a fire. For fire sheds light on our surroundings. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us into truth, would save us from permanent error and would guide us on our way. Do we use the light of the Spirit as a yardstick for the decisions of our daily lives, or do we prefer the gurus of daytime TV and the latest best-seller?

Fire generates heat, and so we kindle fires when we feel cold. They provide us with the warmth we need to keep going, to stay the course. Do we feel ourselves warmed by the Pentecost heat of the Spirit, comforted and cheered, inspired to go beyond ourselves and our narrow visions, or are we content with a few bars of the electric fire? When people stand close to us can they smell burning?

 

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from 26th July-3rd August overland and

27th July-2nd August by air.  Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the Pilgrimage Office: St Alban’s, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD.  This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.

 

WORD OF GOD

Suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven…and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire .These separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. (Acts 2:1-3)

St John’s has been donating/collecting for Merseyaid UK to send clothing and household goods to Lebanon and for refugees coming to our area. Anything you want to donate will be put to good use. We now have an official collecting box (pictured here) provided by Roberts Recycling which will be placed at the back of church and emptied weekly. As Christians we are called to look after those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you for your generous and continued support.

 

 

The Carmelite Monastery will be celebrating 100 years foundation in Birkenhead. Bishop Mark Davies will be celebrating Holy Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Tuesday 16th July at 7.00pm, followed by a buffet.

Everyone is warmly invited.

 

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by 12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pentecost	20th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		Margo Sarson RIP St John’s Parishioners Prayer Meeting
Monday	21st	9.15am		Stephen Scully RIP
Tuesday	22nd	9.15am		Intentions Fr Frank Rice
Wednesday	23rd	10.00am		Funeral Mass – Stephen Byrne
Thursday	24th	7.30am		Fr Jack McLeish Annv RIP
Friday	25th	9.15am		Intentions Pat Ashworth
Saturday	26th
The Most Holy Trinity	27th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		St John’s Parishioners John McIntosh RIP Prayer Meeting
SUNDAY IS A SPECIAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH. Children’s liturgy on Sunday at the 9.30am Mass
Confessions			Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily Masses

Please note the change of Mass times this week. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 10.00am. Please also note that an early Mass at 7.30am is celebrated every Thursday morning here at St John’s. Why not pop in on your way to work or school. It makes a fine beginning to the day.

During this week Fr Bernard will also be celebrating a Thanksgiving Mass with the First Holy Communion Children in St John’s School at which they will be presented with their First Holy Communion Certificates.

 

Prayers for the Sick: Please keep our Sick and Housebound parishioners in your prayers and if anyone is in need of Holy Communion or a visit, please do let us know.

 

 

Chaplaincy Visit whilst in Hospital If you or any member of your family are admitted to Hospital and wish to be seen by the Roman Catholic Chaplain or receive the Sacraments then please telephone

678 5111 Extn 2275 and leave the patients name and ward location along with your request.

 

 

Lately Dead: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Stephen Byrne whose Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St John’s on Wednesday23rd May at 10am. May he rest in peace.

As in previous years the Bereavement Group will be arranging a Remembrance Service in Church on a weekday evening in July for those parishioners and friends who have died. More details next week.

 

Readers & Eucharistic Ministers: In the next few weeks we are hoping to commission some additional Eucharistic Ministers and Readers. If you would like to be involved in these important ministries please have a word with Wilf Humphrey or Fr Bernard. Readers please inform Dot Humphreys of any dates when you will be UNAVAILABLE to read during the summer months (June-Sept) inclusive. With thanks.

 

Children’s Liturgy: Additional helpers are urgently needed if this important Sunday ministry/activity is to continue in our parish. In this Pentecost week especially, pray about this and if you feel called to help, please have a word with Jackie Mitchell or

Fr Bernard. The more helpers there are, the less of a commitment there is. Ideally, we would like to create a 3 week, possibly 4 week, rota.

 

Money Matters: £555.37p

Thank you for your continued generosity.

 

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

There will be a Book Sale at St John’s after Mass over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 26th/27th May. The books will be situated at the back of church. Please take a few minutes after Mass to browse through the books on sale.

 

The Drama of Salvation…an opportunity to discover the continuing relevance of all God’s Covenants for the Church and our individual lives…. this scripture course continues on Wednesdays in the Day Chapel 10-11.30am

 

Adoremus National Eucharistic Congress…

See Bishop Mark’s Pastoral Letter inside this bulletin. Up to now round 20 or so from St John’s have signed up to participate in one or more parts of this historic event to be held in Liverpool from 7th-9th September. It is not too late to sign up…. see Fr Bernard after Mass today or during the week for a booking form. Bishop Brian will be celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christ with us at the beginning of June and a Deanery Holy Hour will be held at St Anne’s before the summer break. The postponed Diocesan Symposium on the Holy Eucharist led by Fr Oliver Treanor from Maynooth in Ireland will be held on Saturday 9th June at

St Ambrose College, Hale Barns. See poster on the notice board at the back of church/the Diocesan website for further details about all the above.

 

Diocesan Support Worker required to support the Welfare Officer assisting in visiting and participating in the care of sick and retired priests, and also in administration. Visit the Diocesan website or send your CV to pauline.mcculloch@dioceseofshrewsbury.org or

phone Pauline at the Curial Offices

Tel 0151 652 9855. Closing date Friday 8th June.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR CONTINUED GENEROSITY AS THE PARISH RECENTLY DONATED 89.14KG OF FOOD. THIS IS OUR BEST EFFORT TO DATE. Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED: Tinned custard, sugar (small if possible), washing up liquid, tea, tinned spaghetti, small cereal, sponge puddings

 

 

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Seventh Sunday of Easter, 13th May, 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Seventh Sunday of Easter, 13th May, 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: NEITHER HERE NOR THERE

Today, the seventh Sunday of Easter, is one of the strangest of the Church’s entire year. There’s an air of anticipation and unfulfilment about it. Jesus has already ascended to heaven and yet we’re still here waiting for the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We’re in the in-between time. It gives us chance to pause and breath a little, to take stock of the thrust of what Jesus said and did during his life and teaching on earth before he went back to the Father.

And when we listen to Jesus’ last message today, a prayer to God for his disciples, we find something of a paradox. Jesus wants us to be in the world but not part of it.

Does this mean that we should become like monks in a monastery, shut off from the world and having nothing to do with it? Should we keep our distance from those who are God’s children but who are not Christians? Should we shun science and technology, culture, sport, music and enjoyment? Should we stack our bookshelves with nothing except bibles and prayer books? Should we pepper our conversations with scripture quotes and hope thereby to convert people?

The word “world” has a special meaning when Jesus uses it. It doesn’t mean the earth or the mass of people who inhabit it. It means all those values which do not reflect God’s vision for his creation. And so we live in the world but do not have “worldly” values. The world thinks it’s stupid to put yourself last rather than first, to put yourself out for those in need, to die to yourself in order that you can really live. Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are meek. It makes no sense says the “world”. For the world puts a premium on comfort and affluence.

So today Jesus reminds us that if we are true to his word, if we allow ourselves to be consecrated in the truth, then our thought-patterns will be different from those who do not know him or believe in his message. And his final prayer is not that we should be removed from the world but that we should be protected from the tempter who will try and entice us to worship fame, success, wealth or what the world might call “progress”. Are we sufficiently tuned in to God’s word that we can be in the world but not of it?

 

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take

 

27th July-2nd August by air.  Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the Pilgrimage Office: St Alban’s, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD.  This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.

 

 

WORD OF GOD

I am not asking youto remove them from the worldbut to protect them from the evil one. (John 17: 15)

 

 

 

 

 

St John’s has been donating/collecting for Merseyaid UK to send clothing and household goods to Lebanon and for refugees coming to our area. Anything you want to donate will be put to good use. We now have an official collecting box (pictured here) provided by Roberts Recycling which will be placed at the back of church and emptied weekly. As Christians we are called to look after those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you for your generous and continued support.

 

 

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED: Tinned custard, sugar (small if possible), washing up liquid, tea, tinned spaghetti, small cereal, sponge puddings

 

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by 12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seventh Sunday of Easter Cycle B	13th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		Ints Pat Ashcroft St John’s Parishioners Prayer Meeting
Monday	14th	9.15am		Molly Treacy RIP
Tuesday	15h	9.15am		St John’s Infants in Church Ints Sarah Higgins
Wednesday	16th	9.15am		Joe Moore Birthday Annv.
Thursday	17th	7.30am		Ints Norah McCormick
Friday	18th	12 Noon		Funeral Mass – Stephen Scully
Saturday	19th
Pentecost	20th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		Margo Sarson RIP St John’s Parishioners Prayer Meeting
Children’s liturgy on Sunday at the 9.30am Mass
Confessions			Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily Masses

Please note the change of Mass times this coming week. – Funeral Mass on Friday at 12 Noon

 

Prayers for the Sick: Please keep our Sick and Housebound parishioners in your prayers and if anyone is in need of Holy Communion or a visit, please do let us know.

 

Chaplaincy Visit whilst in Hospital If you or any member of your family are admitted to Hospital and wish to be seen by the Roman Catholic Chaplain or receive the Sacraments then please telephone 678 5111 Extn 2275 and leave the patients name and ward location along with your request.

 

Lately Dead: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Stephen Scully whose Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St John’s on Friday 18th May at

12 noon and for Stephen Byrne whose Funeral Mass is at St John’s on Wednesday23rd May at 10am. Please also pray for the repose of the soul of Daniel (Danny) McGuigan Rosary at Charles Stephens Chapel of Repose 7.30pm Tuesday 15th May. Funeral Service at Frankby Cemetery Chapel, 2.30pm Wednesday

16th May followed by interment. May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

 

First Communion   Congratulations, best wishes and prayers to the children who made their First Communion at St John’s yesterday. Please keep all the children, their parents, families in your prayers at this time.

 

Readers & Eucharistic Ministers: In the next few weeks we are hoping to commission some additional Eucharistic Ministers and Readers. If you would like to be involved in these important ministries please have a word with Wilf Humphrey or Fr Bernard. Readers please inform Dot Humphreys of any dates when you will be UNAVAILABLE to read during the summer months (June-Sept) inclusive.

With thanks.

 

Money Matters: £579.62p

Thank you for your continued generosity.

 

 

Traidcraft Stall goods will be on sale this weekend, Saturday 12th May & Sunday 13th May. Please take time to have a browse.

 

 

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

 

The Drama of Salvation…an opportunity to discover the continuing relevance of all God’s Covenants for the Church and our individual lives…. this scripture course continues on Wednesday in the Day Chapel 10-11.30am

 

 

 

The Parish Pastoral Team will meet next Thursday 19th May at 7.30pm in the presbytery. If you have any suggestions/ideas for the team to consider please place them in the suggestions box on the table at the back of Church.

 

St Bede’s LPA will be hosting an evening of preparation for Pentecost on Thursday

17th May at 7pm at

St Joseph’s, Birkenhead. Music groups and choirs from across the area will lead us in a time of prayer as we invite the Holy Spirit to renew us. See poster at back of church for details.

 

 

Calling all Quiz Lovers: Laughter Africa Charity Quiz night next Friday evening in Bebington Liberal Club (next to Church). The quiz starts at 7.45pm. It is £3 per person and up to six persons on a team. There will be a raffle and bric-a-brac too. Further details from Mary & David Tyrell. Tel 645 7322

 

Adoremus National Eucharistic Congress…

See Bishop Mark’s Pastoral Letter inside this bulletin. Up to now round 20 or so from St John’s have signed up to participate in one or more parts of this historic event to be held in Liverpool from

7th-9th September. It is not too late to sign up…. see Fr Bernard after Mass today or during the week for a booking form. Bishop Brian will be celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christ with us at the beginning of June and a Deanery Holy Hour will be held at

St Anne’s before the summer break. The postponed Diocesan Symposium on the Holy Eucharist led by Fr Oliver Treanor from Maynooth in Ireland will be held on Saturday 9th June at St Ambrose College, Hale Barns. See poster on the notice board at the back of church/the Diocesan website for further details about all the above.

 

A PASTORAL LETTER

ON THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

To be read at all Masses on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, 13th May 2018

My dear brothers and sisters,

This Sunday I write to you concerning a great and historic event to take place in Liverpool in September: a National Eucharistic Congress which will bring Catholics together from across England and Wales. This is an event of such significance that I hope many of us will be able to travel to Liverpool and everyone will be able to share in this moment of grace for our nation. The Eucharistic Congress invites us to enter into the prayer heard in the Gospel today which flowed from the Heart of Jesus on the very evening He gave us the Eucharist, that we may be one.1 Pope Francis explains: “The Eucharist is the sacrament of communion, which brings us out of individualism to live together our journey in His footsteps, our faith in Him”.2 The Eucharistic Congress calls us together in the unity of faith and in a renewed recognition of the place of the Holy Eucharist at the heart of the whole life and mission of the Church. The Congress has already occasioned a special Eucharistic Year for us and these days in September will be a unique moment to renew our Eucharistic faith together.

In 1908, when the first National Eucharistic Congress was held in London, the Government invoked a new law to prevent the Blessed Sacrament being carried in procession. The Pope’s representative wrote a public letter to explain how that Congress was not a political demonstration; it was, he insisted, a Catholic people coming together “… to affirm with all simplicity their faith in the Eucharist, recalling the time when that faith was universal in England”.3 It is with this same purpose that we will gather in Liverpool with the same faith with which we “believe that the Saviour of the human race is with you in glory,” as we prayed at the beginning this Mass “may we experience, as he promised, until the end of the world, his abiding presence among us”.4

This Sunday I want to suggest the different ways in which we can be part of this moment of grace, this special moment in our history. We can all accept the invitation to be part of Eucharistic Adoration both in our own parishes, especially on the Solemnity of Christ’s Most Holy Body and Blood, Sunday 3rd June, and on Sunday 25th June at 3.00 pm at Saint Anthony’s, Wythenshawe, together with those preparing to attend the Congress. In Pope Francis’ words, this means accepting a challenge. The Holy Father writes:

1 cf Jn 17:11
2 Corpus Christi Procession 31st May 2013
3 Letter of Cardinal Vannutelli, Papal Legate to the 1908 Congress 4 Collect for Seventh Sunday of Easter

1

Pastoral Letter, National Eucharistic Congress – 13th May 2018

“Let us ask ourselves, adoring Christ truly present in the Eucharist: do I let myself be transformed by Him? Do I let the Lord who gives Himself to me, guide me to come out more and more from my little fence, to get out and be not afraid to give, to share, to love Him and others?”5

On Saturday 8th September, we can take part in the great event itself in Liverpool’s Echo Arena. It will include one of the great, contemporary communicators of the faith, Bishop Robert Barron, who will speak on the Holy Eucharist; and this national gathering will end with Cardinal Vincent Nichols and all the Bishops of England and Wales leading an hour of Eucharistic Adoration. Attendance at this event requires a ticket which can now be obtained through your parish. On Sunday 9th September, ticket holders will be able to attend a celebration of Mass in Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral at 9.30 am or 11.30 am. Others who wish to attend either of the Sunday Masses, can apply for tickets online in June. The outdoor Eucharistic Procession, which will be one kilometer in length, is open to everyone and will set out from the Catholic Cathedral at 1.00 pm. The whole Pilgrimage and Congress will end with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 2.45 pm.

In preparation for the Congress there will be a series of workshops and presentations. In our own Shrewsbury Diocese we will welcome Father Oliver Treanor who taught for many years at the Pontifical University of Maynooth. Father Treanor will lead us in a special reflection on the Holy Eucharist as the centre of the Christian life; this will take place at Saint Ambrose College, Hale Barns on Saturday 9th June and on Sunday 10th June at the Cathedral. On Friday 7th September there will be workshops in Liverpool of special interest to teachers, catechists and musicians. All the details can be found in the leaflet being distributed today or on our Diocesan website.

May we see the opportunity of these days of renewal in faith and love offered in the Eucharistic Year and the National Eucharistic Congress and Pilgrimage. Let us entrust this time of grace to Our Lady who prayed continuously with the disciples in the days before Pentecost.6 Through her intercession may the Holy Spirit kindle “within us the same ardour experienced by the disciples on the way to Emmaus7 and renew ‘Eucharistic wonder’” in all of our hearts.8

United with you in this prayer,

+ Mark

Bishop of Shrewsbury

5 Corpus Christi Homily 2013
6 cf Acts 1:14
7 cf Lk 24:13-35
8 cf Sacramentum Caritatis n 97

2

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter, 6th May, 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter, 6th May, 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: SINGING FROM THE SAME HYMN-SHEET?

Some churches don’t need a hymn-sheet or order of service. That’s because they hardly ever vary their music. They content themselves with just a few well-known items that they trudge out week by week and month by month. People like it, they say.

Our attitude to church music tells us a lot about our attitude to faith. The safest form of singing is to use just one note, a monotone. But, of course, that’s monotonous! We have to be brave enough to use more than one note if we are to create harmony.

It’s easy to use the safety net of half a dozen old pot-boilers of hymns and songs, but that prevents us from trumpeting the full fanfare of our faith. For how can we ever exhaust what we want to say about God? How can we ever tie God down to a handful of sticks and dots on the five lines of a musical page? So it comes as no surprise, as we draw close to our Easter season, that the psalmist encourages us to “Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders”. Faith is about singing the praises of a God who never ceases to amaze us with the many ways in which he enriches our lives. And our Easter faith is stretched to breaking point as we discover that there is no depth to which God will not stoop in order to save us and raise us up to fullness of life. This merits a new song. So what tune does our life sing? Is it the turgid dirge of daily routine, the lament of a life full of missed chances, the final requiem for faith? Or do our days echo to the melody of amazement, the chorus of celebration and the rhapsody of resurrection? The lyrics of Easter’s song are that death could not defeat Jesus, that sin and evil can have no permanent hold over our lives, that Christ has shattered the power of the grave and that a quality of life can be ours here and now that is everlasting. And all the time there is but one refrain: Alleluia! Let the Lord be praised!

A lively faith constantly seeks new songs to sing to the Lord, constantly praises and thanks God for the myriad melodies that the Lord has given us to discover. Isaiah tells us, “Sing out with a voice of joy; let it be heard to the ends of the earth: The Lord has set his people free, alleluia!” Now, what number’s that on the sheet?

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from 26th July-3rd August overland and

27th July-2nd August by air.  Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the Pilgrimage Office: St Alban’s, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD.  This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.

 

 

WORD FOR TODAY

What sort of song does your life sing? Is it one filled with hope, one filled with wonder and excitement at all that God offers us with each fresh morning? Have we settled for a dreary safe monotone or have we allowed the “Alleluia” of Easter to ring out in our minds and hearts?

 

St John’s has been donating/collecting for Merseyaid UK to send clothing and household goods to Lebanon and for refugees coming to our area. Anything you want to donate will be put to good use. We now have an official collecting box (pictured here) provided by Roberts Recycling which will be placed at the back of church and emptied weekly. As Christians we are called to look after those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you for your generous and continued support.

 

 

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED: Tinned custard, sugar (small if possible), washing up liquid, tea, tinned spaghetti, small cereal, sponge puddings

 

Traidcraft Stall goods will be on sale over the weekend of Saturday 12th May & Sunday 13th May. Please take time to have a browse.

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by 12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter Cycle B	6th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		Rosemary Butcher RIP St John’s Parishioners Prayer Meeting
Monday	7th	10.00am		Patricia Clark RIP
Tuesday	8th	9.15am		Ints Quinn Family
Wednesday	9th	9.15am		Margaret Doyle
The Ascension of the Lord	10th	7.30am 7.30pm		Ints Fr Frank Rice Frank Daly RIP
Friday	11th	9.30am		Funeral Mass – Maria Illidge
Saturday	12th	10.30am		First Communion Mass
Seventh Sunday of Easter Cycle B	13th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		Ints Pat Ashcroft St John’s Parishioners Prayer Meeting
Children’s liturgy on Sunday at the 9.30am Mass
Confessions			Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily Masses

Please note the change of Mass times this coming week. Bank Holiday Monday is at 10.00am, Ascension Thursday Masses at 7.30am and 7.30pm, and Funeral Mass on Friday at 9.30am

 

Prayers for the Sick: Please keep our Sick and Housebound parishioners in your prayers and if anyone is in need of Holy Communion or a visit, please do let us know.

Chaplaincy Visit whilst in Hospital If you or any member of your family are admitted to Hospital and wish to be seen by the Roman Catholic Chaplain or receive the Sacraments then please telephone 678 5111 Extn 2275 and leave the patients name and ward location along with your request.

 

Lately Dead: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Maria Illidge whose Funeral Mass will be celebrated at

St John’s on Friday 11th May at 9.30am; for Stephen Scully whose Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St John’s on Friday 18th May at 12 noon and for Stephen Byrne whose Funeral Mass is at St John’s on Wednesday23rd May at 10am. May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

 

We ask your prayers for Sophie Mitchell and Ewan Biggs who are being married here next Saturday at 2pm. We pray God’s blessing upon them and wish them every happiness in their future life together.

First Communion   Congratulations, best wishes and prayers to the children who made their First Communion at

St John’s yesterday.

The second First Communion Mass will be celebrated in Church next Saturday at 10.30am. Please keep all the children, their parents, families in your prayers at this time.

 

Readers & Eucharistic Ministers: In the next few weeks we are hoping to commission some additional Eucharistic Ministers and Readers. If you would like to be involved in these important ministries please have a word with Wilf Humphrey or Fr Bernard.

 

Readers please inform Dot Humphreys of any dates when you will be UNAVAILABLE to read during the summer months

(June-Sept) inclusive. With thanks.

 

Money Matters: £563.59p

Thank you for your continued generosity.

 

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

LPA 24: Parish Reps Meeting here in St John’s Presbytery this Tuesday 8th May at 7pm. Any items for the agenda to Fr Bernard please, before Monday 6pm.

 

55+ Group: Pre Royal Wedding Celebration on Tuesday 8th May from 2pm-4.30pm in St Anne’s Parish Centre. Buffet and Entertainment. Cost £2.50. +Wedding attire optional

 

 

St Bede’s LPA will be hosting an evening of preparation for Pentecost on Thursday 17th May at 7pm at

St Joseph’s, Birkenhead. Music groups and choirs from across the area will lead us in a time of prayer as we invite the Holy Spirit to renew us. See poster at back of church for details.

 

The Person of Jesus Module for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies: CCRS: The next module,  The Person of Jesus, led by Fr Tony McGrath for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies second module is on Saturday 19th May.  Registration forms and details are on the website at http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/education/ccrs .

A non-certificate option is also available (no essays!) Particularly aimed at teachers, catechists and those who wish to learn more about our Catholic Faith.

 

Vocations Weekend for Young Women (20s and 30s) will be held at Liverpool 25-27th May 2018. Theme: “Discerning God’s Call in My Life”. The weekend is organized by the sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). For details contact Sr Lynne FCJ at lynnefcj@hotmail.com or visit the website www.fcjsisters.org

 

“Fruitful Discipleship: Living the Mission of Jesus in the Church and the World”. A chance to hear Mrs Sherry Weddell, international author on Saturday 12th May 2018 at St Ambrose College, Hale Barns WA15 0HE (9.30/10am-3.30pm, please bring packed lunch). Sherry has a wealth of experience helping people deepen their personal relationship with God and living out its implications in mission; she is a speaker who will both inspire and encourage. Everyone welcome. All enquiries: Barbara Davies 0773052682. Details and Registration: www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/catholic-faith/the-new-evangelisation/registration or Helen Jones 0151 652 9855

 

The Legion of Mary will be holding a Public Rosary for Peace in

St Werburgh’s Square, Birkenhead,

next Saturday 12th May at 2pm.

All are welcome to join us.

 

Keep Britain Tidy Litter-acy National Poem Competition. Congratulations to St John’s Junior School, especially to the Winner:

Ava Dawson, Year 3 and Runner Up: Conor, Year 4. Ava attended a celebration held at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 24th April. Both pupils’ work will be printed in a booklet together with entries from other schools.

Fifth Sunday of Easter, 29th April, 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter, 29th April, 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: SAP RISING

 

Jesus has just told his disciples that he is to undergo suffering and death and that he will be taken from them. He encourages them not to get downcast and says that he will remain with them. Then he says, “Come, let us go”. It’s time to carry on.

If we were one of the disciples our natural inclination would be to panic. What are we going to do without him? How will disciples be able to challenge the political and religious authorities with the message of Christ if he is nowhere to be found? How will we be able to bring his message to the world? So Jesus teaches them about the vine and the branches.

We cannot be effective Christians if we rely only on our human effort. Our strengths may be outstanding but they’re not even close to the mark when it comes to communicating to the world who God is and what God wants for us. That’s why part of Jesus’ reassurance to them was about sending a helper, the Holy Spirit. It is only in the power of the Holy Spirit that our lives can witness to God’s power and presence. Anything else is mere altruism, pure natural philanthropy.

It is our union with Christ that allows us to share in his continued mission on earth. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit if it is not attached to the trunk of the tree, so to we have to be united in Christ through the Holy Spirit. This is the way that Christ remains with us here on earth even though he has ascended to heaven. And, of course, we have to remember that we are not intended to be the vine, just the branches. It’s the vine that gives us the sap to produce fruit on our branches.

God is very close to us, closer than we could ever imagine. Our work will bear fruit if we realise our dependence on God and allow God to work through us. This naturally involves knowing God, talking to God and listening to what God has in mind for us. All of this takes place if we let the Holy Spirit into our lives. When did you last have a word with him?

 

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from 26th July-3rd August overland and

27th July-2nd August by air.  Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the Pilgrimage Office: St Alban’s, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD.  This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.

 

 

WORD FOR TODAY

God does not count on us to solve all the problems of the world single-handed. He does not expect us to be the vine, just the branches. The more closely united to Christ we are the more effective we will be as his instruments. Do we see all we do in this world as being played off our own bat, or do we sense the presence of God at our side? Are we trying to be the vine or do we realise that we are the branches?

 

St John’s has been donating/collecting for Merseyaid UK to send clothing and household goods to Lebanon and for refugees coming to our area. Anything you want to donate will be put to good use. We now have an official collecting box (pictured here) provided by Roberts Recycling which will be placed at the back of church and emptied weekly. As Christians we are called to look after those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you for your generous and continued support.

 

 

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ITEMS1 URGENTLY NEEDED: Tinned custard, sugar (small if possible), washing up liquid, tea, tinned spaghetti, small cereal, sponge puddings

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by 12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter Cycle B	29th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		Ints Steve & Mary Bulmer Elizabeth Dunne Annv RIP Prayer Meeting
Monday	30th	9.15am		Service of Word & Communion
Tuesday	1st	9.15am		Service of Word & Communion
Wednesday	2nd	9.15am		Service of Word & Communion
Thursday	3rd	7.30am		Harry Duggan RIP
Friday	4th	9.15am		Ints Ted Welch
Saturday	5th	10.30am		First Communion Mass
Sixth Sunday of Easter Cycle B	6th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		Rosemary Butcher RIP St John’s Parishioners Prayer Meeting
Children’s liturgy on Sunday at the 9.30am Mass
Confessions			Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily Masses

Prayers for the Sick: Please keep our Sick and Housebound parishioners in your prayers and if anyone is in need of Holy Communion or a visit, please do let us know.

 

Lately Dead: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Maria Illidge whose Funeral Mass will be celebrated at

St John’s on Friday 11th May at 9.30am and

Stephen Scully whose Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St John’s on Friday 18th May at 12 noon. May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

 

First Communion: Our First Communion children and their families will be attending the 9.30am Mass today as they make their final preparations for this great sacrament. This year’s First Communion Masses will be celebrated over two weekends. The first being held next Saturday 5th May at 10.30am and the second being on the following Saturday 12th May again at 10.30am. Parishioners and friends are welcome at either or both of these Masses. Please keep all the children, their parents, families and our school in your prayers over the next few weeks.

Readers & Eucharistic Ministers: In the next few weeks we are hoping to commission some additional Eucharistic Ministers and Readers. If you would like to be involved in these important ministries please have a word with Wilf Humphrey or Fr Bernard.

 

Money Matters: £669.97p

Thank you for your continued generosity.

 

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

“Rosary on the Coast initiative”…. Today Sunday

29th April at 3pm. Endorsed by Pope Francis and many Bishops, the aim is for the Rosary to be prayed around the entire coast of the British Isles. We will implore Our Lady to arouse a renewal of the Catholic Faith in our land. If you wish to take part, there are two local locations…. near Morrison’s in New Brighton (which will be led by Bishop Mark) and at Eastham Ferry.

 

Denis McBride and Damien Wells will be speakers at a Day of Discipleship being held at

St Anselm’s College next Saturday

5th May, 11.00am until 2.30pm Tea and Coffee provided but please bring your own packed lunch. The event is free but registration is essential. To register please email

Chris Malone malone481@yahoo.co.uk

 

Wirral Knights of St Columba invite all St John’s parishioners to participate in their Annual Day of Recollection on Thursday 3rd May at Bridgettine Sisters in Holywell. Coach leaves from St Anne’s at 9.20am returning around 5pm. The day will include two talks, Mass, a time of Exposition and the opportunity for Confession. Total Cost (including cooked lunch) £15. To book please contact Bernard McGuigan Tel 645 7929 or Tony Patton Tel 645 9934 asap as places are limited this year.

 

55+ Group: Pre Royal Wedding Celebration on Tuesday 8th May from 2pm-4.30pm in St Anne’s Parish Centre. Buffet and Entertainment. Cost £2.50. Wedding attire optional

 

The Person of Jesus Module for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies: CCRS: The next module,  The Person of Jesus, led by Fr Tony McGrath for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies second module is on Saturday 19th May.  Registration forms and details are on the website at http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/education/ccrs .

A non-certificate option is also available (no essays!) Particularly aimed at teachers, catechists and those who wish to learn more about our Catholic Faith.

 

“Fruitful Discipleship: Living the Mission of Jesus in the Church and the World”. A chance to hear Mrs Sherry Weddell, international author on Saturday 12th May 2018 at St Ambrose College, Hale Barns WA15 0HE (9.30/10am-3.30pm, please bring packed lunch). Sherry has a wealth of experience helping people deepen their personal relationship with God and living out its implications in mission; she is a speaker who will both inspire and encourage. Everyone welcome. All enquiries: Barbara Davies 0773052682. Details and Registration: www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/catholic-faith/the-new-evangelisation/registration or Helen Jones 0151 652 9855

The Legion of Mary will be holding a Public Rosary for Peace in St Werburgh’s Square, Birkenhead on Saturday 12th May at 2pm. All are welcome to join us.

Vocations Weekend for Young Women (20s and 30s) will be held at Liverpool 25-27th May 2018. Theme: “Discerning God’s Call in My Life”. The weekend is organized by the sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). For details contact Sr Lynne FCJ at lynnefcj@hotmail.com or visit the website www.fcjsisters.org

 

St Bede’s LPA will be hosting an evening of preparation for Pentecost on Thursday 7th May at 7pm at St Joseph’s, Birkenhead. Music groups and choirs from across the area will lead us in a time of prayer as we invite the Holy Spirit to renew us. See poster at back of church for details.

Fourth Sunday of Easter, 22nd April, 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter, 22nd April, 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

 

A woman was telling me recently that she had let loose at her teenage daughter for coming home late from a party. She found herself shouting about how worried she had been for the girl’s safety, how the girl had let her parents down and how she couldn’t be trusted again. And then suddenly she realised to her dismay that the words she was speaking, or screaming, weren’t hers at all. She was acting just like her own mother had done to her twenty-five years ago. She could hear her own mother’s voice from the other side of the grave! We all have great ideas about not being like our parents when we grow up, but in fact that’s exactly who we become: our parents. For Christians this is good news. Although we know that we’re all tainted by sin, that there are characteristics that we’d rather not have, aspects of our personality that leave a lot to be desired, nevertheless we are good people at heart. We can’t be otherwise, since the person who made us made us like that. We are created in the image and likeness of God and we carry that potential for goodness, compassion and creativity with us throughout our lives, even though sometimes we mask it.

It’s inconceivable that God would create us for nothingness. He made us for a purpose: so we could be like him. No one can tell us what life will be like the other side of the grave. But we do know that it will be a resurrection life, an Easter existence.

St Paul warns us against listening to anyone who claims to have contact or know about the afterlife. The gospels tell us that no ear has heard and no eye seen what God has prepared for us. And today St John states it very plainly: we are God’s children and have had his love lavished upon us in Christ. And the older we get the more like our heavenly parent we can become, until the day comes when we return home. On that day there’ll be no anxious mother waiting to read the riot act. There’ll be God and we shall be like him because we’ll see him as he really is. This is our Easter faith!

Celebrate North West 2018 will be held at All Hallows College, Brooklands Avenue, Macclesfield SK11 on 28- 29th April. Costs vary. Theme “See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43-19)

Contact Chris & Martina for booking details: email northwest@celebrateconference.org   Tel 01706 640359

 

 

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from 26th July-3rd August overland and

27th July-2nd August by air.  Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the Pilgrimage Office: St Alban’s, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD.  This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.

 

 

WORD OF GOD

We are already the children of God, but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed; all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is. (I John 3:2)

 

 

 

 

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED: Tinned custard, sugar (small if possible), washing up liquid, tea, tinned spaghetti, small cereal, sponge puddings

 

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by

12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter Cycle B	22nd	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		St John’s Parishioners Frank Daly RIP Prayer Meeting
Monday	23rd	9.15am		No Service or Mass Today
Tuesday	24th	9.15am		Catherine Coombes RIP
Wednesday	25th	9.15am		John Blakeway RIP
Thursday	26th	7.30am		Charles Carr OCDS RIP
Friday	27th	9.15am		Fr Jack McLeish RIP
Saturday	28th
Fifth Sunday of Easter Cycle B	29th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		Ints Steve & Mary Bulmer Elizabeth Dunne Annv RIP Prayer Meeting
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday… a Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood, The Permanent Deaconate and the Consecrated Life. Children’s liturgy recommences this Sunday at the 9.30am Mass
Confessions			Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily Masses

 

Prayers for the Sick: Please keep our Sick and Housebound parishioners in your prayers and if anyone is in need of Holy Communion or a visit, please do let us know.

 

Lately Dead: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Chris Sarson whose Funeral Mass is as Christ the King Bromborough on Monday at 10.00am (hence no Mass/Service at St John’s). Pray also for the repose of the soul of Maria Illidge whose Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St John’s on Friday 11th May at 9.30am and Stephen Scully whose Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St John’s on Friday 18th May at

12 noon. May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

 

 

Teresa Young and family express their sincere thanks for all the support, prayers and cards received from the Parish family of St John’s. God bless you all.

 

 

 

 

 

First Communion: This year’s First Communion Masses will be celebrated over two weekends. The first being held on Saturday 5th May at 10.30am and the second being on the following Saturday 12th May, again at 10.30am (see the list of the Children’s names on the notice board at the back of Church). All parishioners and friends are most welcome at either of these Masses. Please remember all the children and their families in your prayers.

 

 

Readers & Eucharistic Ministers: In the next few weeks we are hoping to commission some additional Eucharistic Ministers and Readers. If you would like to be involved in these important ministries please have a word with Wilf Humphrey or Fr Bernard.

 

Money Matters: £484.93p.

Thank you for your continued generosity.

 

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

UCM Members from across the Diocese and around the country (some 200 of them) will gather at St Anne’s next Saturday at 2pm for a special Thanksgiving Mass led by Bishop Mark. Bishop Alan Williams of Brentwood will preach the homily and several other Bishops and UCM priest chaplains will concelebrate. All welcome to participate in the Mass and to refreshments in St Anne’s

Paris Centre afterwards.

 

 

You are invited to a Syrian Evening celebrating Syrian culture, food and music…. listen to the stories of the journey Saturday 28th April 6.30pm-8.30pm at St Agnes Parish Centre,

West Kirby.

 

 

Denis McBride and Damien Wells will be speakers at a Day of Discipleship being held at St Anselm’s College on Saturday 5th May, 11.00am until 2.30pm Tea and Coffee provided but please bring your own packed lunch. The event is free but registration is essential. To register please email Chris Malone malone481@yahoo.co.uk

 

Wirral Knights of St Columba invite all

St John’s parishioners to participate in their Annual Day of Recollection on Thursday 3rd May at Bridgettine Convent in Holywell. Coach leaves from St Anne’s at 9.30am returning around 5pm. The day will include two talks, Mass, a time of Exposition and the opportunity for Confession. Total Cost (including cooked lunch) £15. To book please contact Bernard McGuigan

Tel 645 7929 or Tony Patton Tel 645 9934 asap

as places are limited this year.

 

55+ Group: Pre Royal Wedding Celebration on Tuesday 8th May from 2pm-4.30pm in St Anne’s Parish Centre. Buffet and Entertainment. Cost £2.50. Wedding attire optional.

 

The Person of Jesus Module for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies: CCRS: The next module,  The Person of Jesus, led by Fr Tony McGrath for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies second module is on Saturday 19th May.  Registration forms and details are on the website at http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/education/ccrs .

A non-certificate option is also available (no essays!) Particularly aimed at teachers, catechists and those who wish to learn more about our Catholic Faith.

 

Vocations Weekend for Young Women (20s and 30s) will be held at Liverpool

25-27th May 2018. Theme: “Discerning God’s Call in My Life”. The weekend is organized by the sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). For details contact Sr Lynne FCJ at lynnefcj@hotmail.com or visit the website www.fcjsisters.org

Second Sunday of Easter, 8th April, 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Second Sunday of Easter, 8th April, 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: A BOUT OF DOUBT

Sounds like the flu, doesn’t it: a bout of doubt? Yet we all suffer from it from time to time. It’s as natural as catching a cold and is one of the trials we have to put up with once we take our first steps of faith.

We can doubt whether our Christian faith is worthwhile when we see the way that others behave, inside and outside the Church. Yet we know that if we shoot the messenger then we are not going to hear the message. The Church has always been full of sinners; that’s what it’s for. And although we sometimes wish it were otherwise, we realise that a Church of sinners means a ragbag of individuals who, no matter how weak they might be, are committed to making Christ known. And of course we are part of that ragbag.

At other times we can experience confusion about the basis of our faith. Does God really exist? How do we reconcile the fact that God is creator with all the new discoveries of science and the many theories that seek to show the origins and development of the world and human life?

And then there are the tragedies of our existence. Perhaps we wonder about the role of a loving God when we read about natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or famines. And has there ever been anyone who has not had their faith tested as they witnessed the slow death of a loved one, the sudden shock of losing a friend or the heartache of marital break-up?

Doubt does not attack faith. It’s actually part of faith. It’s a sign that we have not left our brains at the church doorstep and are mature enough to want to reconcile what we believe with what is happening around us. A faith that has not experienced doubt is a faith that has not learnt to walk, to be bold and to think for itself. Yet, like Thomas in today’s gospel, we have to learn that at the heart of faith is belief in the unconditional and unbreakable promises of God. We are all called to our Calvaries but we ascend the mount trusting in the knowledge that God will never leave us in the grave. Christ has died. Christ is risen. And Christ will come again.

 

Celebrate North West 2018 will be held at All Hallows College, Brooklands Avenue, Macclesfield SK11 on 28-29th April. Costs vary. Theme “See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43-19)

Contact Chris & Martina for booking details: email northwest@celebrateconference.org   Tel 01706 640359

 

 

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from 26th July-3rd August overland and

27th July-2nd August by air.  Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the Pilgrimage Office: St Alban’s, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD.  This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.

 

 

Job Vacancies: The Diocese currently has a number of job opportunities based locally here on the Wirral. To find out more please take a look at the Diocesan website   www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org

 

 

WORD FOR TODAY

It’s unlikely that Jesus will appear in our front room and invite us to take a look at his wounds. So where do we look today for the presence of God? Where are the signs of his wounds and where do we look to see his triumph over death and evil? Have you seen any resurrections recently?

 

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED: Tinned custard, sugar (small if possible), washing up liquid, tea, tinned spaghetti, small cereal, sponge puddings

 

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by

12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

Second Sunday of Easter Cycle B	8th	5.00pm 9.30am 2.30pm 7.30pm		Chris Sarson RIP St John’s Parishioners Divine Mercy Devotions Prayer Meeting
Monday	9th	9.15am		Service of the Word & Communion
Tuesday	10th	9.15am		Service of the Word & Communion
Wednesday	11th	9.15am		Service of the Word & Communion
Thursday	12th	9.15am		Service of the Word & Communion
Friday	13th			NO MASS OR SERVICE TODAY
Saturday	14th
Third Sunday of Easter Cycle B	15th	5.00pm 9.30am 7.30pm		St John’s Parishioners John McIntosh RIP Prayer Meeting
Children’s liturgy will take a break over the Easter holidays and will recommence at the 9.30am Mass on Sunday 22ndApril
			Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily masses

Prayers for the Sick: Please keep our Sick and Housebound parishioners in your prayers and if anyone is in need of Holy Communion or a visit, please do let us know.

 

Lately Dead: Please pray for the repose of the soul of John McIntosh (Teresa Young’s son) who died recently. His Funeral Mass will be held at

St Francis Xavier’s Church, Liverpool next Friday 13th April at 10.30am. Also please pray for the repose of the soul of Chris Sarson. His Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King, Bromborough on Monday 23rd April at 10.00am. May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

 

 

Money Matters: Offertory: £882.74p.

Holy Places Good Friday Collection: £180.35p.

Thank you for your continued generosity.

 

Divine Mercy Devotions will be held here at St John’s this Sunday

8th April at 2.30pm. Prayer leaflets are available on the table at the back of Church.

 

Readers: The new rota is now available in the Sacristy. Would those who have not returned their copies of the

Passion according to Mark (Palm Sunday), John (Good Friday) please do so. Many thanks. Dot Humphreys.

 

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

Charity Fashion Show for SCOPE this Wednesday

11th April at 8.00pm at

St Anne’s Parish Centre, Highfield Road, Rock Ferry. All sizes catered for. Everybody welcome. Please come along for a fun evening.

 

The Drama Salvation…. an opportunity to discover the continuing relevance of all God’s Covenants for the Church and our individual lives…. a short 6 week scripture course begins in the Day Chapel on Wednesday 18th April from after 9.15am Mass until 11.30am. No prior knowledge required. The course will be based on a prayerful reading of scripture with openness to the Holy Spirit who can make the Word of God come alive! Course facilitator

David Williams of Christ the King Parish. Email da.w@ntlworld.com Mobile 07711581893

You are invited to a Syrian Evening celebrating Syrian culture, food and music…. listen to the stories of the journey Saturday 28th April

6.30pm-8.30pm at St Agnes Parish Centre,

West Kirby

 

Denis McBride and Damien Wells will be speakers at a Day of Discipleship at

St Anselm’s College from 11.00am to 2.30pm on Saturday 5th May. Tea and Coffee provided but please bring your own sandwiches. The event is free but registration is essential. To register please email Chris Malone malone481@yahoo.co.uk

 

Eucharistic Congress: “Adoremus” The First National Eucharistic Congress in England and Wales for 110 years is being held in Liverpool

7th-9th September 2018. You are warmly invited to attend part of the 3 day event comprising of a Symposium Day (7th Sept) specifically aimed at teachers, catechists, musicians and clergy. A six hour stage led event (8th Sept) with key note speakers: Bishop Robert Barron and Cardinal Vincent Nichols as well as music and drama, presentations, prayer and adoration; and concluding Mass on Sunday (9th Sept) celebrated at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral followed by an outdoor procession. Further details can be accessed from the home page link on the diocesan website www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org

 

Work and Love – the big things in our lives” is the theme for the next Day of Reflection for ‘ACTS’ (‘Adult Catholics Together Spiritually’) being held on Sat 21 April 2018. If you are aged between

18 – 35 please join us when we will be led by

Canon Brendan Hoban.  The day will start at 9.30pm at Wistaston Hall, Crewe CW2 8JS and finish around 5pm. Payment by anonymous donation (suggested cost £15 & £10 for unemployed/students). Please contact Siobhan Cartwright for further details siobhanbc@gmail.com / tel: 0161 477 2783 / 07761138947). Wistaston Hall is accessible by public transport but please contact Siobhan to discuss the possibility of getting a lift if required.

 

The Person of Jesus Module for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies: CCRS: The next module,  

The Person of Jesus, led by Fr Tony McGrath for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies begins on Saturday 21 April (9:30am for) 10:00– 3:30pm with the second on Saturday 19 May.  Registration forms and details are on the website at http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/education/ccrs .

A non-certificate option is also available (no essays!) Particularly aimed at teachers, catechists and those who wish to learn more about our Catholic Faith.

 

A PASTORAL LETTER

To be read in all churches and chapels of the Diocese on
the Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, 8th April 2018

ON HOLY COMMUNION

My dear brothers and sisters,

On this Second Sunday of Easter, the Gospel tells of the encounter of the Apostle Thomas with the Risen Jesus which leads to his supreme profession of faith, “My Lord and my God!”1 I want to recall today how we who have not seen and yet believe2 come to this encounter of faith with Jesus Christ now in His Risen Body. It is an encounter which leads us in the Holy Eucharist to constantly renew Thomas’ profession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” In this Year of the Eucharist, I have reflected with you on how Christ loved us to the end3 by entrusting to the Church the Sacrifice and Sacrament of the Eucharist. Today, I want to recall how He invites us to the most intimate communion with Himself which we rightly call ‘Holy Communion’. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “To receive Holy Communion is to receive Christ himself”.4

On this Sunday of Divine Mercy, we glimpse the mercy which led Our Lord to so entrust Himself to us and are moved to reflect on how we must be ready to receive Him and prepared in our own hearts “for so great and so holy a moment”.5 We may face the danger today of seeing the reception of Holy Communion in terms of secular inclusiveness. It would then become a token of our hospitality, rather than as the gift of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ which constitutes the most radical call to holiness and the means to becoming the saint we are each called to be.

At the end of his life, Saint John Vianney reflected, if only all his parishioners had accepted his call to frequent Holy Communion “they would all now be saints”. Holy Communion offers such an immediate path to holiness, to complete union with Christ Himself that He Himself told us: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood

1. 1  Jn 20: 28
2. 2  cfJn20:29
3. 3  Cf Jn 13: 1
4. 4  CCC 1382
5. 5  CCC 1385

1

Pastoral Letter on Holy Communion – 2nd Sunday of Easter, 2018

abides in me, and I in him”.6 The Catechism reminds us that we will always find in Holy Communion our true nourishment which restores our strength; separates us from daily sin; breaks disordered attachment to creatures; and roots the whole of our lives in Christ;7 and makes us so completely one with His Mystical Body the Church that we are truly “united heart and soul”.8

We see why we can never approach Holy Communion casually, still less if we have not confessed and repented of any mortal sin or of a lifestyle in contradiction with our Christian calling. The Apostle Paul urged the first Christians to examine themselves carefully before receiving Holy Communion because anyone who did so in an unworthy state would, he said, be “guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord”.9 The Church calls us to frequent Holy Communion, prepared by the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation so that we might become holy, might become saints. The Second Vatican Council urged us to “frequent” both these two Sacraments eagerly and devoutly as the path to holiness.10

This Eastertide, I want to invite you to consider how we each prepare for this moment of Holy Communion in the days, hours and minutes before we approach the Altar. Let us ask ourselves how we seek to receive Him with the deepest reverence and love, and how we spend the precious moments after receiving Holy Communion. Saint Teresa of Avila wrote beautifully of this time when she reflected “we are as close to Him, as we can be … He will do miracles within us, and will give us what we ask, since having come to visit us, He is as it were in our very house.” With the Apostle Thomas, may we not allow these moments to pass without many renewed acts of love, of adoration, of reparation, of thanksgiving, and of that Easter faith which cries out: “My Lord and my God!”

United with you in this Eucharistic faith and love,

+ Mark

Bishop of Shrewsbury

6 Jn 6: 56
7 CCC 1393-1395
8 Acts 4: 32
9 ICor11:27
10 Sacrosanctum Concilium 59, Christus Dominus 30

Easter Sunday, 1st April, 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist
128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ
Diocese of Shrewsbury (reg. charity 234025)

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw Deacon: Revd Michael Daly Phone: 0151 645 3314
Email: stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites: http://www.stjohnevang.co.uk http://www.lpa24.org

Easter Sunday, 1st April, 2018. Cycle B

FAITH IN FOCUS: WORDS FROM BEYOND
If you died and then came back from the dead to speak to your loved ones, what would you want to say?
This is the Easter scene we come across when Jesus has risen from the dead. There are certain things he wants to tie up before leaving this earth and he seeks out his friends. What does he say?
“Why are you crying?” he asks Mary Magdalene. In the face of death it’s hard not to cry. Yet Jesus wants Mary to know that he has broken the hold that death had over us.

The resurrection proclaims an end to tears and sadness, points to a life that dwarfs this earthly one and holds out the promise of everlasting happiness.
“Go and find the brothers” he tells her. He wants his friends to share in the victory over the grave and he is anxious that they should understand the teaching of scripture that he must rise from the dead. Such news is too momentous to be kept to themselves.
“Peace be with you” is his greeting to the disciples on the first Easter day. Our faith in the risen Lord is about experiencing peace at its deepest level. This doesn’t mean that we escape trials and turbulence. But it does mean that deep down we can know we are loved and valued by God our Father and that we can experience a wellbeing that puts all other things in perspective.
“Just as the father sent me so I’m sending you” is the commission he gives all his followers as he calls down the Holy Spirit upon them. Easter faith is missionary; it’s contagious and unable to be held in or tied down. Our Easter joy intensifies the more we share it.
“Doubt no longer but believe” are the words that Thomas heard Jesus speak. It seemed so incredible that Jesus really had risen from the dead. Thomas needed to see it with his own eyes. And so do the people of our world. We are now called to be the Body of Christ, the Church. And the way we live out our faith publicly will determine whether our neighbours believe that Christ is risen or not.
These were Jesus’s words from beyond. What would yours be?

 

 

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from 26th July-3rd August overland and
27th July-2nd August by air. Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the Pilgrimage Office:
St Alban’s, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD. This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.

WORD FOR TODAY
After forty days of silence we once again join in singing the Church’s Alleluia of praise. In his Passion Jesus has taken on all that threatens to weigh us down, sickness, sin, despair and death. And he has transformed it by rising from the dead. Easter proclaims that there is nothing now that can ever separate us from the deepest form of life that is promised to those who follow God’s ways. Alleluia!

Caritas Shrewsbury is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic person to be their Volunteer Co-ordinator. The post is for 28 hrs per week and will you will be expected to travel extensively across the Diocese. For more information and an application pack please contact Claire Griffiths Tel 0151 652 1281; Email claire.griffiths@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk. Application packs can also be downloaded from our website caritasshrewsbury.org.uk. Closing date for applications is the 4th April 2018

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED: Tinned custard, sugar (small if possible), washing up liquid, tea, tinned spaghetti, small cereal, sponge puddings

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by 12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

Easter Sunday
Cycle B
1st
7.30pm

9.30am
7.30pm
Easter Vigil Mass –
Jose McGree Annv RIP
St John’s Parishioners
Prayer Meeting

Monday
2nd
10.00am
Ints Alexander Family
Tuesday
3rd
10.00am
Lynn Merity RIP
Wednesday
4th
11.00am
Funeral Mass –
Michael Gallagher
Thursday
5th
9.15am
Intentions Les Duff
Friday
6th
9.15am
Margaret Doyle RIP
Saturday
7th

Second Sunday of Easter
Cycle B
8th
5.00pm
9.30am
2.30pm
7.30pm
Chris Sarson RIP
St John’s Parishioners
Divine Mercy Devotions
Prayer Meeting
Children’s liturgy will take a break over the Easter holidays
and will recommence at the 9.30am Mass on Sunday
22nd April

Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer
15 minutes before daily masses
Please note the change of Mass times on Monday and Tuesday to 10.00am and Wednesday at 11.00am

Congratulations, best wishes and prayers to CINDY WHITE received into the Church at our Easter Vigil Mass and to DAVID McMICHAEL who was confirmed at the 9.30am Mass on Easter Sunday and his daughter MIRA who received her FIRST HOLY COMMUNION at the same Mass.

Lately Dead: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Michael Gallagher who died recently and his Mass will be held here at St John’s on Wednesday
4th April at 11.00am. Please also pray for the repose of the soul of Chris Sarson who died last week, his funeral details to be con firmed… May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Money Matters: Offertory: £596.81p.
Cafod Family Fast Day: £774.85p. A further £70 can be claimed by Cafod for Gift Aid.
Lenten Lunches: £192.30p
Thank you for your continued generosity.

Divine Mercy Novena began on Good Friday praying for mercy on us and on the whole world. Divine Mercy Devotions will be held here at St John’s next Sunday 8th April at 2.30pm. Prayer leaflets will be available on the table at the back of Church.

Gift Aid/Planned Giving. New Offertory Envelopes dated from
8th April 2018 are available for collection from the table at the back of Church. Please take yours. Any questions to Steve Bell please.

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

The Drama Salvation…. an opportunity to discover the continuing relevance of all God’s Covenants for the Church and our individual lives…. a short 6 week scripture course begins in the Day Chapel on Wednesday 18th April 10am to 11.30am (i.e. after the 9.15am Mass) no prior knowledge required. The course will be based on a prayerful reading of scripture with an openness to the Holy Spirit who can make The World of God come alive! Course facilitator David Williams of Christ the King Parish. Email da.w@ntlworld.com Mobile 07711581893

A “Welcome Café” in association with FairShare is now being held every Tuesday from 11.00am to 1pm at St Anne’s Parish Centre, Highfield Road, Rock Ferry. Free Tea,Coffee and food to eat in or take home. FairShare are the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. It’s really quite simple. They redistribute fresh, in date and good to eat surplus food to the local community.Why not go along on Tuesday and see how FairShare can help/support you.

Celebrate North West 2018 will be held at All Hallows College, Brooklands Avenue, Macclesfield SK11 on 28-29th April. Costs vary. Theme “See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43-19) Contact Chris & Martina for booking details: email northwest@celebrateconference.org
Tel 01706 640359

Denis McBride and Damien Wells will be coming to St Anselm’s College, Manor Hill, Birkenhead on Saturday
5th May to speak on the theme of “Discipleship”. The day will begin at 11am and the speakers will speak for an hour each. There will be a break between the two during which tea/coffee will be available. The day will finish for 2.30pm. If you wish to participate please email Chris Malone malone481@yahoo.co.uk

Eucharistic Congress: “Adoremus” The First National Eucharistic Congress in England and Wales for 110 years is being held in Liverpool
7th-9th September 2018. You are warmly invited to attend part of the 3 day event comprising of a Symposium Day (7th Sept) specifically aimed at teachers, catechists, musicians and clergy. A six hour stage led event (8th Sept) with key note speakers: Bishop Robert Barron and Cardinal Vincent Nichols as well as music and drama, presentations, prayer and adoration; and concluding Mass on Sunday (9th Sept) celebrated at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral followed by an outdoor procession. Further details can be accessed from the home page link on the diocesan website http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org

Easter Message from
Fr Bernard
Thank you to everyone who has helped in any way to make this year’s Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services so prayerful and devotional. “The 24 Hours for the Lord” last weekend went particularly well with 150+ individuals passing through the doors of our Church at times other than Mass times. I am sure many graces and blessings will flow from this Easter and beyond. Thank you to those who work so hard throughout the year to make St John’s the special parish it is. May you and your families receive many spiritual gifts this Easter

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, 25th March 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, 25th March 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: THE FULL PICTURE

When momentous events happen, only a few people are able to grasp their full significance. So, when the Berlin wall fell, everyone cheered, but a few knew what problems lay ahead for a unified Germany. When the iron curtain was finally pierced, only a few realised the implications this would have for an enlarged Europe. It takes a perceptive mind to see beyond what’s under their eyes and be able to grasp the wider picture.

On Palm Sunday there were only a few in the crowd who had any idea of what the real picture was. The crowd cheered and sang; the children were enjoying every moment of Jesus’ entry on a donkey into Jerusalem. It was a colourful pageant and a welcome diversion from the religious duties of the festival period.

But only a few knew that the man on the donkey was no mere rabbi, politician or rebel leader. He was, in fact, God’s Son. He was the Messiah sent by God to bring good news to his people and to reveal the sort of God that they had.

Only a few people could see that the cheering crowd would turn before the week was over and, bored once more, would demand a public spectacle again… this time an execution. In this they were representative of the people at large who rejected the message of Jesus.

Most people would have expected him to argue his case and try to defend himself against the charges of treason in order to save his skin. But a few people were convinced that he would remain absolutely faithful to the will of his Father. That’s because he knew that his mission depended on this. And whilst the vast majority of the crowd thought that the whole thing was something of a damp squib and the fun was over after his death, a few understood that his life and death had a purpose. Though he was innocent he gave his life in sacrifice so that sin, death and evil might no longer have a hold over us. Some people knew that, but not many.

 

Triduum “Triduum” is an unusual sounding word. When applied to Holy Week it means a three-day feast. Not three separate days, but three-day feast. For once we begin our memorial to the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday evening we have started something that will continue until completion at Easter.

On Maundy Thursday we will recall two important events, the institution of the Eucharist and the command to service that is symbolised by the washing of the feet.

Good Friday starkly reminds us of the reality of our faith. Christ was brutally executed so that he might conquer all that is evil and dark in our world. Far from being simply a breast-beating day, it celebrates that the cross we venerate was not a defeat but a triumph.

The Easter Vigil concludes this most important of Christian feasts. Our Easter fire and candle proclaim that darkness could not overcome the light of the world. As we listen to the story of God’s dealings with us from the beginning of time we renew our baptismal promises, maybe even receive new members into the community, and then present our gifts before the Lord that they may be transformed into the food and drink of life. It is easy for the Christian to appear as masochists when they talk about human suffering. But there is no denying that suffering can also be redemptive. History is littered with examples of people whose suffering has produced the recognition that pain can be a thread in the pattern of God’s weaving. And through the torment they achieve a fundamental joy.

 

Caritas Shrewsbury is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic person to be their Volunteer Co-ordinator.  The post is for 28 hrs per week and will you will be expected to travel extensively across the Diocese.  For more information and an application pack please contact Claire Griffiths Tel 0151 652 1281; Email claire.griffiths@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk.  Application packs can also be downloaded from our website caritasshrewsbury.org.uk.  Closing date for applications is the 4^th April 2018

 

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ADLENT APPEAL AND Easter Egg Donations. ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED: Tinned custard, sugar (small if possible), washing up liquid, tea, tinned spaghetti, small cereal, sponge puddings

 

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by 12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord	25th	5.00pm 9.30am 3.00pm 7.30pm		St John’s Parishioners New Ferry Community Stations of the Cross Prayer Meeting
Monday	26th	9.15am		Fred Diskin Annv RIP
Tuesday	27th	9.15am		Ints Audrey Atkinson
Wednesday	28th	1.45pm		Mass in St John’s School
Holy Thursday	29th	7.30pm		Mass of the Lord’s Supper- For Vocations Watching at the Altar of Repose until 10.00pm
Good Friday	30th	12 Noon   3.00pm		Walk of Witness in Port Sunlight Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
Holy Saturday	31st	7.30pm		Easter Vigil Mass– Jose McGree Annv RIP
Easter Sunday	1st	9.30am   7.30pm		Easter Mass- St John’s Parishioners Prayer Meeting
Children’s liturgy Sundays during 9.30 Mass.
Confessions			Confessions in Holy Week after 9.15am Mass on Monday and from 2.00pm -2.45pm on Good Friday
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily masses

 

Money Matters: Offertory: £596.81p.

Thank you for your continued generosity.

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

Gift Aid/Planned Giving. New Offertory Envelopes dated from 8th April 2018 are available for collection from the table at the back of Church. Please take yours. Any questions to Steve Bell please.

 

CAFOD Family Fast Day Envelopes Last opportunity to return the envelopes in the Offertory bag THIS weekend Palm Sunday 24th/25th March

Principal Services at

St John’s For Holy Week.

This Weekend- Palm Sunday; Masses at the Usual Times

Saturday 5pm, Sunday 9.30am. Please assemble in the Parish Centre

i.e. 4.45pm and 9.15am.

Holy Thursday 29^th March; Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30pm followed by Watching at the Altar of Repose until 10pm.

Good Friday 30^th March; Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00pm.

Churches Together in Bebington Walk of Witness starts at 12 Noon from outside Lady Lever Art Gallery.

Holy Saturday 31^st March; Easter Vigil Mass at 7.30pm.

Easter Sunday 1^st April; Easter Mass at 9.30am.

 

On Holy Saturday we are invited to gather for midday prayers followed by a shared lunch in the Day Chapel at 12 noon. If you have not been in previous years, it’s a good time for prayer and fellowship, so why not give it a try? Please bring a small food donation for the lunch.

 

24 Hours for the Lord Thank you for supporting this initiative so well. The turn out to date has been quite remarkable. The prayer continues until after Sunday’s 9.30am Mass. May it bring many blessings upon the New Ferry Community and to our parish of

St John ‘s

 

Eucharistic Congress: “Adoremus” The First National Eucharistic Congress in England and Wales for 110 years is being held in Liverpool 7th-9th September 2018. You are warmly invited to attend part of the 3 day event comprising of a Symposium Day (7th Sept) specifically aimed at teachers, catechists, musicians and clergy. A six hour stage led event (8th Sept) with key note speakers: Bishop Robert Barron and Cardinal Vincent Nichols as well as music and drama, presentations, prayer and adoration; and concluding Mass on Sunday (9th Sept) celebrated at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral followed by an outdoor procession. Further details can be accessed from the home page link on the diocesan website www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org

 

A “Welcome Café” in association with FairShare is now being held every Tuesday from 11.00am to 1pm at St Anne’s Parish Centre, Highfield Road, Rock Ferry. Free Tea,Coffee and food to eat in or take home. FairShare are the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. It’s really quite simple. They redistribute fresh, in date and good to eat surplus food to the local community.Why not go along on Tuesday and see how FairShare can help/support you.

 

Celebrate North West 2018 will be held at All Hallows College, Brooklands Avenue, Macclesfield SK11 on 28-29th April. Costs vary. Theme “See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43-19) Contact Chris & Martina for booking details: email northwest@celebrateconference.org

Tel 01706 640359

 

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from 26th July-3rd August overland and 27th July-2nd August by air.  Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the Pilgrimage Office: St Alban’s, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD.  This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.

Denis McBride and Damien Wells will be coming to St Anselm’s College, Manor Hill, Birkenhead on Saturday

5^th May to speak on the theme of “Discipleship”. The day will begin at 11am and the speakers will speak for an hour each. There will be a break between the two during which tea/coffee will be available. The day will finish for 2.30pm. If you wish to participate please email Chris Malone malone481@yahoo.co.uk

Fifth Sunday of Lent, 18th March 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Fifth Sunday of Lent, 18th March 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: TOO MUCH TO LOSE?

 

For the last month we’ve been making our way through Lent on a voyage towards Easter. It’s as if we’ve taken to the road with Christ on his journey up to Jerusalem where he (and we) will embrace death so as to rise above it to a life that never ends.

But as we’ve journeyed with Christ we’ve been listening to his words guiding us along our route to Easter. These words take on a different colour each year in a three-year cycle that the Church’s liturgy uses. But this year the theme of Jesus’ message has been unmistakable: you must embrace the wisdom of God that the world considers to be sheer foolishness.

Jesus could have tried to buy us off with some easy words, like politicians who promise everything in return for votes. He could have told us that we can get to heaven just by praying and paying. He could have offered us salvation by keeping the law and being seen in the right places. He could have suggested a quick fix but he chose to offer the tougher route. ;

We’ve listened to a series of paradoxes over the last few weeks and today Jesus tells us that just as a grain of wheat must be buried before it can sprout, so too we have to die if we are to enjoy life. His message is one of self-sacrifice, cross-bearing, total service and a love which counts no costs. And unlike other philosophies that underline the skills and talents of their adherents, Jesus tells us that we reach our perfection the more like a servant we become, and that we achieve our dignity by putting ourselves last rather that first.

This message isn’t for everyone. It’s not for people who like to be thought of as important but now find they must consider themselves last of all. Not for people who prize possessions, now being told to give to the poor. Not for those who invest everything in the here and now. Not for those with status who fear that they’ll lose their respectability. Not for wise people who see it as sheer foolishness. Is it for you?

WORD FOR TODAY

Once more Jesus presents us with a paradox: if we want to live we must die; if we want to be alive for Christ and his kingdom then we must be dead to selfishness and sin. To have is to give away; to rule is to serve.

 

Caritas Shrewsbury is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic person to be their Volunteer Co-ordinator.  The post is for 28 hrs per week and will you will be expected to travel extensively across the Diocese.  For more information and an application pack please contact Claire Griffiths Tel 0151 652 1281;

Email claire.griffiths@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk.  Application packs can also be downloaded from our website caritasshrewsbury.org.uk.  Closing date for applications is the 4^th April 2018

 

 

Celebrate North West 2018 will be held at All Hallows College, Brooklands Avenue, Macclesfield SK11 on 28-29th April.

Costs vary. Theme “See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43-19)

Contact Chris & Martina for booking details: email northwest@celebrateconference.org   Tel No. 01706 640359

 

 

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ADLENT APPEAL AND Easter Egg Donations. Items urgently needed tea, tinned spaghetti, shampoo, fruit squash and toothpaste.

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by 12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

BRITISH SUMMER TIME BEGINS SATURDAY,

24TH MARCH. REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR NEXT SATURDAY EVENING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fifth Sunday of Lent Cycle B	18th	5.00pm 9.30am 3.00pm 7.30pm		St John’s Parishioners Jamie Armstrong RIP Stations of the Cross Prayer Meeting
Monday	19th	9.15am		John Blakeway RIP
Tuesday	20th	9.15am		Intentions Tunna Family
Wednesday	21st	9.15am		St John’ School Yr 5 & 6
Thursday	22nd	7.30am 10.00am		Intentions Les Duff Funeral Mass – Margaret Proudfoot
Friday	23rd	9.15am		In Thanksgiving for prayers answered
Saturday	24th	10.00am		Intentions Fr Frank Rice
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Cycle B	25th	5.00pm 9.30am 3.00pm 7.30pm		St John’s Parishioners New Ferry Community Stations of the Cross Prayer Meeting
Children’s liturgy Sundays during 9.30 Mass.
Confessions			Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily masses

 

LENT 2018 at ST JOHN’S

 

Each Thursday in Lent	Morning Mass at 7.30am
Each Saturday in Lent	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions 11.00am until 12 Noon
Each Sunday in Lent	Stations of the Cross at 3.00pm in Main Church

              

     LENT 2018 Churches Together Lenten Lunches

 

DATE	VENUE
Wednesday , 21st March	St John’s, New Ferry

Meeting at 10.30am for tea/coffee. Service begins at 11am and a soup lunch follows.

 

Money Matters: Offertory: £596.71p

Thank you for your continued generosity.

 

Gift Aid/Planned Giving. New Offertory Envelopes dated from 8th April 2018 are available for collection from the table at the back of Church. Please take yours. Any questions to Steve Bell please

Principal Services at St John’s For Holy Week.

Next Weekend- Palm Sunday; Masses at the Usual Times Sat 5pm, Sun 9.30am. Please assemble in the Parish Centre i.e. 4.45pm and 9.15am.

Holy Thursday 29^th March; Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30pm followed by Watching at the Altar of Repose until 10pm.

Good Friday 30^th March; Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00pm.

Holy Saturday 31^st March; Easter Vigil Mass at 7.30pm.

Easter Sunday 1^st April; Easter Mass at 9.30am.

There will be plenty of other services at St John’s in Holy Week. A full list will appear in next week’s bulletin.

 

CAFOD Family Fast Day Envelopes can be returned in the Offertory bag any weekend up to and including next weekend Palm Sunday 24th/25th March

24 Hours for the Lord here at St John’s from 9.00am next Saturday

24th March until 9.00am on Palm Sunday

25th March. Masses, Adoration, Stations of the Cross, Rosary, Informal Prayer and Praise etc. Sign up lists are on the table at the back of church. We need to make sure that every hour is covered by at least three people. Please do support this important initiative which will provide a fitting preparation for our Holy Week Services.

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

Eucharistic Congress: “Adoremus” The First National Eucharistic Congress in England and Wales for 110 years is being held in Liverpool 7th-9th September 2018. You are warmly invited to attend part of the 3 day event comprising of a Symposium Day          (7th Sept) specifically aimed at teachers, catechists, musicians and clergy. A six hour stage led event (8th Sept) with key note speakers:

Bishop Robert Barron and Cardinal Vincent Nichols as well as music and drama, presentations, prayer and adoration; and concluding Mass on Sunday

(9th Sept) celebrated at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral followed by an outdoor procession. Further details can be accessed from the home page link on the diocesan website www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org

 

A “Welcome Café” in association with FairShare is now being held every Tuesday from 11.00am to 1pm at St Anne’s Parish Centre,

Highfield Road, Rock Ferry. Free Tea,Coffee and food to eat in or take home. FairShare are the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. It’s really quite simple. They redistribute fresh, in date and good to eat surplus food to the local community.Why not go along on Tuesday and see how FairShare can help/support you.

 

NEW AND OLD FRIENDS

Fr Frank is not in good health as his memory continues to deteriorate but he is always glad to receive visitors- even though you might have to remind him of your name! Should you wish to visit him please contact Joan Hannon. joan.hannam@gmail.com

The photo above was taken by Joan at Speke Hall during one of the periods when Fr Dennis Xulu supplied for Fr Frank- they were great pals and shared several holidays including Rome and Assisi together as well as numerous days out. Fr Dennis recently presented at the University of Louvain in Belgium the final public defence of his PhD thesis (on how the canon law of the Church can benefit from the process and mechanisms of resolving problems in South Africa after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission).  He was successful and was awarded his doctorate.  At the end of the proceedings the new doctor responded to various addresses which had been made.  He concluded everything he had to say with a special thank you to the parish of St John the Evangelist in New Ferry and everyone there who had been so supportive and so kind to him when he found himself a stranger in a foreign land.  He has now gone back to South Africa to continue his work in the Church there.

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent, 11th March 2018. Cycle B

St John the Evangelist

128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ

Diocese of Shrewsbury   (reg. charity 234025)

 

Parish Priest: Fr Bernard Forshaw          Deacon: Revd Michael Daly   Phone:   0151 645 3314

Email:     stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites:   www.stjohnevang.co.uk           www.lpa24.org

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent, 11th March 2018. Cycle B

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: GOD ON OUR SIDE

On television you can sometimes see people in the crowd at sports events holding up a placard that simply says “John 3:16”. They are Christians who want to get you to find out what the text says in John’s gospel: “God loved the world so much that he sent his only Son so that anyone who believes in him may not be lost but have eternal life”.

You can see why they hold up that particular reference. In a sense it sums up the whole purpose of the incarnation. It captures the heart of the gospel message in one verse. And yet it comes as something of a surprise to many people. In popular culture God is portrayed as a severe character, as someone who is just dying for us to put a foot wrong so that he can send down lightning bolts, earthquakes and floods and condemn the whole lot of us.

However, as this text from today’s gospel reminds us, God sent his Son not because he detested the world but because he loves it so much. And the purpose of the Son’s coming to eartha was not to wreak destruction but to ensure salvation.

God became one of us. A fellow human being is also our God: Jesus the Christ. And strange though it seems, God is on our side and is rich in love. When we choose to ignore what’s good for us we come face to face with God. But what’s God’s preferred remedy? Is it punishment and death? No. It’s mercy and grace.

People who try to discredit religion say that it thrives on fear, that it only makes its followers psychologically dependent on a greater being that holds the threat of annihilation over them. Maybe they should read this text. God sent his Son because he loves us and doesn’t want us to miss out on the fullness of life.

So as we continue our journey through Lent we move towards the Easter manifestation of God’s true glory, of his victory over all that threatens to hold us down and drag us back. While we ready ourselves for the great feast we can rejoice in the fact that God is on our side and we can thank him just for being our God and for bothering to have us as his sons and daughters, the ones he loved so much that he sent his only Son to.

 

MOTHERS DAY PRAYER

All-loving God, we give thanks and praise for mothers young and old. We pray for young mothers, who give life and count toes and tend to our every need; May they be blessed with patience and tenderness to care for their families and themselves with joy.

We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us; May they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways.

We remember mothers who are separated from their children because of war, poverty or conflict; May they feel the loving embrace of our God who wipes every tear away.

We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion.

We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. Amen.

 

Caritas Shrewsbury is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic person to be their Volunteer Co-ordinator.  The post is for 28 hrs per week and will you will be expected to travel extensively across the Diocese.  For more information and an application pack please contact Claire Griffiths Tel 0151 652 1281; email claire.griffiths@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk.  Application packs can also be downloaded from our website caritasshrewsbury.org.uk.  Closing date for applications is the 4^th April 2018

 

 

Celebrate North West 2018 will be held at All Hallows College, Brooklands Avenue, Macclesfield SK11 on 28-29th April.

Costs vary. Theme “See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43-19)

Contact Chris & Martina for booking details: email northwest@celebrateconference.org   Tel No. 01706 640359

 

 

 

Please continue to give generously to the Foodbank. The need is as great as ever. Please check the notice board at the back of Church for most needed items for the ADLENT APPEAL AND Easter Egg Donations. Items urgently needed tea, tinned spaghetti, shampoo, fruit squash and toothpaste.

 

Please take a copy of the Wednesday Word. It is a helpful reflection on next Sunday’s readings.

 

 

If you have a notice for the bulletin please email it to the parish email address or put it through the presbytery letter box by 12 noon on Thursdays. Many thanks.

 

 

 

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent Cycle B	11th	5.00pm 9.30am 3.00pm 7.30pm		Ints Powell Family For All Mothers Stations of the Cross Prayer Meeting
Monday	12th	9.15am		Fr Stephen Dwyer RIP
Tuesday	13th	9.15am		Stephen Flattery RIP
Wednesday	14th	9.15am		Winifred Sweeney RIP
Thursday	15th	7.30am		Ints Alexander Family
Friday	16th	11.30am		Service of Word & Communion
Saturday	17th	10.00am		Carmel Mass
Fifth Sunday of Lent Cycle B	18th	5.00pm 9.30am 3.00pm 7.30pm		St John’s Parishioners Jamie Armstrong RIP Stations of the Cross Prayer Meeting
Children’s liturgy Sundays during 9.30 Mass.
Confessions			Saturday 4.15-4.45pm
Morning Prayer			15 minutes before daily masses

 

 

LENT 2018 ST JOHN’S PROGRAMME OF MASSES AND SERVICES

 

Each Thursday in Lent	Morning Mass at 7.30am
Each Saturday in Lent	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions 11.00am until 12 Noon
Each Sunday in Lent	Stations of the Cross at 3.00pm in Main Church
CAFOD Soup Lunches Friday 16th March	Mass 11.30am followed by soup lunch in the Parish Centre

              

 

                 LENT 2018 BEBINGTON Churches Together

                                        Lenten Lunches

 

DATE	VENUE
Wednesday, 14th March	Christ Church, Hr. Bebington
Wednesday , 21st March	St John’s, New Ferry

 

Meeting at 10.30am for tea/coffee. Service begins at 11am and a soup lunch follows

 

 

 

Tea & Coffee after Sunday 9.30am Mass every week in the Parish Centre. Why not stay a while and meet up with friends old and new.

 

Readers: If you are UNAVAILABLE during the Easter Period (24th March-1st April) please inform Dot Humphrey as soon as possible. Thank you.

 

Gift Aid/Planned Giving. New Offertory Envelopes dated from 8th April 2018 are available for collection from the table at the back of Church. Please take yours. Any questions to Steve Bell please.

 

Money Matters: Offertory: £701.27p

Thank you for your continued generosity

 

CAFOD Family Fast Day Envelopes can be returned in the Offertory bag any weekend up to and including Palm Sunday

24th/25th March

 

Birkenhead & East Wirral Deanery: Reconciliation Service with individual confessions will be held on Tuesday, 13th March at 7.00pm at St Michael & All Angel’s Woodchurch. All welcome

 

24 Hours for the Lord here at St John’s from 9.00am on Saturday 24th March until 9.00am on Palm Sunday 25th March. Masses, Adoration, Stations of the Cross, Rosary, Informal Prayer and Praise etc. More details in next week’s bulletin. Coincidentally this weekend marks the 1st Anniversary of the New Ferry explosion.

 

Eucharistic Congress: “Adoremus” The First National Eucharistic Congress in England and Wales for 110 years is being held in Liverpool 7th-9th September 2018. You are warmly invited to attend part of the 3 day event comprising of a Symposium Day          (7th Sept) specifically aimed at teachers, catechists, musicians and clergy. A six hour stage led event (8th Sept) with key note speakers:

Bishop Robert Barron and Cardinal Vincent Nichols as well as music and drama, presentations, prayer and adoration; and concluding Mass on Sunday

(9th Sept) celebrated at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral followed by an outdoor procession. To participate book through Fr Bernard by 14th March. Further details can be accessed from the home page link on the diocesan website www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org

 

 

INTO THE DEEP – Parish Youth Leaders Training and Retreat Day March 17th 2018 at Our Lady’s Parish Centre, Ellesmere Port. 10am-3pm. 

Join the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team as we go INTO THE DEEP for a day to encourage, empower and equip Parish Youth Leaders and their ministry. The day has been designed for all those who provide catechesis, Sacramental Preparation, lead Youth Groups and work in Schools, or indeed anyone who has an interest in working with young people. There is no cost to the day, just bring along a packed lunch. To reserve your place email:

youth@dioceseofshrewsbury.org

St Patrick’s Day Ceili Night – In aid of Macmillan cancer support. Event includes Irish music, Irish Bingo, Irish dancing display, raffle March 17 at 7:30pm Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight ( please note a change of venue- NOT now at St Anne’s club). Adults £8, OAP £5, CHILD £3. PAY ON THE DOOR

A “Welcome Café” in association with FairShare is now being held every Tuesday from 11.00am to 1pm at St Anne’s Parish Centre,

Highfield Road, Rock Ferry. Free Tea,Coffee and food to eat in or take home. FairShare are the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. It’s really quite simple. They redistribute fresh, in date and good to eat surplus food to the local community.Why not go along on Tuesday and see how FairShare can help/support you and your family in these difficult times.