Third Sunday of Easter, 18th April, 2021. 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

Third Sunday of Easter, 18th April, 2021. Cycle B

Rev Mike Loach in addition to his existing responsibilities
at Christ Church, Higher Bebington is shortly to become Priest in Charge at St
Paul’s Church in Rock Ferry. Fr Bernard
looks forward to sharing in the special service to mark this significant
development on 20^th April led by the
Bishop of Chester. Fr Bernard and Mike
Loach are pleased to be able to work so closely together for the good of the
people entrusted to their care and the community of Bebington, New Ferry &
Rock Ferry. In the days of the Covid 19 pandemic they have prayed privately
& regularly together at St John’s and at Christ Church for the good health
and well -being of everyone.

Wirral
Foodbank:
continues
to need your help and support, Full details of how to donate to Wirral
Foodbank can be found at

htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help. People who need emergency food
and support at this time can contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666
5050

.

The Parish Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are
available as you leave Church (via the front side door). Please take a copy for
yourself and anyone else who would appreciate receiving this newsletter. There
is some Lenten literature on the table at the back of church. Please feel free
to take this home with you also.

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

.

FAITH
IN FOCUS: FISH SPECIALS
What do we know about Jesus
after his resurrection? Well, we know at least that he was hungry!

Both
Luke and John report after-death appearances of Jesus where he wants something
to eat. And in two of the stories he ends up eating grilled fish. So he wasn’t
a vegetarian either!

On one level we can see these two accounts as
just simple stories that give us a bit more extra detail than we normally have
about Jesus’ social habits. But there may be something else going on in the two
gospel writers’ minds.

How
do we meet the risen Jesus today? Clearly the most obvious way is through other
people. Through our baptism we are called to become “other Christs”. We are
called to be Christ to each other and we see the face of Christ in all people
who require our care, our concern and our service.We meet the risen Christ in
the liturgy when ministers and congregation gather, for Jesus said that
wherever two or three gather in his name he will be present.We meet him in the
words of scripture. Far from being some ancient book of religious formulae the
scriptures are the living word of God. When the scriptures are proclaimed in
church it is God who speaks.And while we are ready to say that Christ is
present in the sacraments, it has to be the eucharist that takes pride of place
for meeting the risen Lord. For it is in eating and drinking the body and blood
of Christ that we come closest to him. St Augustine never tired of telling his
congregation that they would become what they ate: the Body of Christ, which is
also the name we give to the Church.

At
what precise moment did the two Emmaus disciples realise that they were in the
presence of their risen Lord? It was when he broke the bread for them to eat.
What was it that Jesus asked the apostles for in both Luke and John’s gospel?
Something to eat!

Not
surprising really, because when we eat that bread and drink that cup we
proclaim Christ’s death and resurrection until he comes again.

Third Sunday of Easter	18th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Margaret Golaghee RIP Intentions Norman Cummins St Luke’s Parish
Monday	19th	9.15am	HRH Prince Philip RIP
Tuesday	20th	9.15am	Canon Brendan Hoban RIP
Wednesday	21st	12 Noon	Funeral Service for Jan Armour
Thursday	22nd	7.00pm	McDyre & Kennedy Fams RIP
Friday	23rd		NO MASS
Saturday	24th
Fourth Sunday of Easter	25th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Ints Margaret Ellis Margaret Robinson 1st Annv RIP St Luke’s Parish

Public Masses; continue in our
churches. You must book in for weekend Masses using the pink form (
available from the front of the Church) or by sending an email to stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com. Please remember
social distancing at all times inside and outside the church, face coverings
must be worn inside the church and please continue to use the hand sanitiser on
entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell or
have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and willing to help with stewarding
duties at our Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services please let Fr Bernard know
asap.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (in Church) and the
opportunity for socially distanced confession (in the Day Chapel) each Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am

Baptisms &
Weddings in 2021 and
beyond.
Bookings are now
being taken for Baptisms and Weddings at St John’s from July 2021 onwards. We
our operating on a first come first served basis. Please get in touch by email
or phone.

Prayers for the Sick and
Housebound:
Please remember all our Sick,
Housebound and self- isolating parishioners in your daily prayers and if anyone
is in need of a visit/Holy Communion this Holy Week and Easter please let Fr
Bernard know.

In Memorium: In
Memorium:
Please pray for the soul of Jan Armour
who died recently and whose Funeral Service will be held at St John’s on
Wednesday,
21st March at 12 Noon.
The Service will be led by
Deacon Mike Daly. May she rest in
peace.

Fr Bernard & the White
Family wish to thank all those from St John’s Parish and beyond who helped in
the preparation and celebration of Deacon Philip’s Funeral Liturgies last week
held of course under current Covid 19 restrictions. We hope that at the
beginning of July (close to Philip’s Ordination Anniversary) to hold a Memorial
Mass at St John’s which please God by then many more will be able to actively
participate in. Watch this space.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection amounted to
£390.85p.

Thank you for your continued generosity.

Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at the back of
Church for your donations. You can also push offertory envelopes/donations
through the presbytery letterbox or take out a standing order.

PLEASE CONSIDER GIFT AID:
Gift
Aid enables parishes to reclaim tax on donations that are ALREADY being made at
the Offertory and in many other ways, such as donations for special purposes
and retiring collections.
Donors simply make a declaration that they wish their donations to
qualify for a tax refund under the Gift Aid Scheme. This declaration may be
made on a Gift Aid Declaration Form (available from Fr. Bernard or Carol
Dalziel) or it can be made over the telephone, fax or by email to the Diocesan
office. The donor only has to give their name and address, to confirm that they
are paying sufficient income tax and that they wish to be part of the Gift Aid
Scheme. Gift Aid involves no commitment
to give any particular amount and no long-term commitment. The donor may cancel their membership of the
scheme at any time. There are only two
conditions with which donors must comply; firstly, that they must be paying at
least as much income tax as is reclaimed on their total charitable donations in
the tax year and secondly that all donations on which a tax refund is to be
claimed will be given either by Offertory Envelopes, by Cheque or by
Banker’s Standing Order. It does not
matter which rate of income tax the donor pays.
Tax may be
reclaimed on any donation(s) given in the above ways at no additional cost to
the donor.

These may consist of Offertory Donations at
Mass, Christmas and Easter Offerings,
special Retiring Collections that are taken from time-to-time, Mass Offerings,
or any “one-off’ donation(s) made in response to an appeal for a specific
purpose.
If you would like to set up a monthly Standing Order in favour of St
John’s rather than use weekly envelopes, please ask Fr Bernard or Carol Dalziel
for the corresponding Form. Thank you

In our Diocese of Shrewsbury on 16^th
July
at St Anthony’s Church in Wythenshawe Bishop Mark will ordain
Patrick Breeze, Humphrey O’Connor & Stephen Roberts as priests for our
Diocese. A week or so later on 24^th July
Bishop Mark will ordain John McKay and Wilfred Mc Sherry as Permanent Deacons
at St Michael & All Angels Church
in Woodchurch. Please keep our Church students and prospective deacons in your
prayers this Easter

.

Bishop Mark and Fr David Long, Pilgrimage Director, have emailed
the Parishes of the Diocese this weekend to say that sadly what would have been
the 70^th Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes has had to be
cancelled owing to COVID 19 restrictions. Like in 2020 they hope to hold a
virtual pilgrimage and members of the pilgrimage management team will be
working on this over the next few weeks. Once the plans are finalised we will
let you have the information you need to participate in the virtual pilgrimage.

Thank you for supporting & participating in the Easter Masses
& Services in our beautiful Church in these challenging times. Thank you
too to those who help St John’s Parish & Schools run so smoothly throughout
the year. As we now move more closely together with the parishioners of St
Luke’s please know that your dedication & service is very much appreciated
by Fr Paschal and myself.

Second Sunday of Easter, 11th April, 2021. 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, 11th April, 2021. Cycle B

Easter Prayer:

Help us this Easter Lord to focus
on you
to keep us calm and patient
during this very uncertain
time.
Give us the strength
to
cling on as we put our faith and trust in you,
giving us the confidence and
assurance that you love
us and that we are in your hands,
keep us safe and well
we pray, in Jesus name.
Amen.

Rev Mike Loach in
addition to his existing responsibilities at Christ Church, Higher Bebington is
shortly to become Priest in Charge at St Paul’s Church in Rock Ferry. Fr Bernard looks forward to sharing in the
special service to mark this significant development on 20^th April led by the Bishop of Chester. Fr Bernard and Mike Loach are pleased to be
able to work so closely together for the good of the people entrusted to their
care and the community of Bebington, New Ferry & Rock Ferry. In the days of
the Covid 19 pandemic they have prayed privately & regularly together at St
John’s and at Christ Church for the good health and well -being of everyone.

Wirral Foodbank: continues to need your help and support,
Full details of how to donate to Wirral Foodbank can be found at
htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help. People who need emergency food
and support at this time can contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666
5050

.

The Parish
Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via the
front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would
appreciate receiving this newsletter. There is some Lenten literature on the
table at the back of church. Please feel free to take this home with you also.

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

FAITH IN FOCUS: BACK TO THE FUTURE

When
we achieve something momentous or finish a task that has taken a lot of effort,
we usually want to sit back and admire what we have done, to take stock and
rest on our laurels for a while. So after the events of Easter you’d expect the
Church to sit back and bask in the glory of it all. But you’d be wrong!

Today, just one week after the climax of Easter we’re told
that we have to be on the move, witnessing to our faith in Christ. In fact,
that’s hardly surprising since in today’s scripture we meet the risen Christ on
that first Easter Sunday in John’s gospel. He goes to the disciples and tells
them that just as the Father sent him, so now he is sending them out to be
witnesses of his resurrection. There’s no time to laze around.

A lot of us have a problem witnessing to our faith. Perhaps we feel awkward or embarrassed about
the prospect of talking to others about our beliefs. Maybe we are put off by
the thought of being tarred with the same brush as those who knock on people’s
doors or stand ranting against the world on high streets or markets in many of
our towns and cities. It could be that we think witnessing to our faith is the
job of the clergy and is best left to them. Whatever the reason it’s certainly
the case that there’s a lot less of it now than there used to be.

Of course, faith is good to have but not good to hold on to.
It’s intended to be passed on and it’s the job of every baptised Christian to
share in that task of letting others know about Jesus Christ and the promises
he has made in his Father’s name. But witnessing to this doesn’t mean that we
have to stand on a soapbox in some public place. They say that faith is caught
not taught. Most of us catch it from our parents or some person who means a lot
to us.

We can witness to Christ by the example of our lives, by the
way we treat others, by the way we simply stand up for those less fortunate
than ourselves, by the way we encourage our own children in their faith and by
the way we are ready to be the first to lend a hand. So as the alleluias of the
resurrection begin to sound more distant, this is not the time to press the
re-wind button. It’s time for the fast-forward!

Second Sunday of Easter	11th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	Jack McCormick Annv RIP Ints Kate Hangley St Luke’s Parish Divine Mercy Devotions
Monday	12th	9.15am	Brockway & Callaghan Families RIP
Tuesday	13th	9.15am	Margaret Forshaw RIP
Wednesday	14th		NO MASS
Thursday	15th	7.00pm	Vigil Mass for Rev Philip White
Friday	16th	12 Noon	Funeral Mass for Rev Philip White
Saturday	17th
Third Sunday of Easter	18th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Margaret Golaghee RIP Intentions Norman Cummins St Luke’s Parish

Public
Masses;
continue in our churches. You must book in for
weekend Masses using the pink form (
available
from the front of the Church) or by sending an email to
stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com. Please remember
social distancing at all times inside and outside the church, face coverings
must be worn inside the church and please continue to use the hand sanitiser on
entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell or
have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and willing to help with stewarding
duties at our Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services please let Fr Bernard know
asap.

On
this Divine Mercy Sunday here at St John’s
: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and socially
distanced Confessions from
2.00pm
to 2.50pm
. Devotions and
Benediction at
3pm.

Baptisms
& Weddings in 2021 and
beyond. Bookings are now being taken for Baptisms and Weddings at St John’s from July 2021 onwards. We our operating on a first come first served
basis. Please get in touch by email or phone.

Prayers
for the Sick and Housebound:
Please remember all
our Sick, Housebound and self- isolating parishioners in your daily prayers and
if anyone is in need of a visit/Holy Communion this Holy Week and Easter please
let Fr Bernard know.

In Memorium: Please pray for the repose of the souls of Canon
Brendan Hoban
(Funeral details posted on the notice board) and our own Deacon Philip White. Philip’s
Vigil Mass here at St John’s will be celebrated by Fr Bernard on
Thursday at 7pm. Mgr John McManus will
preach at that Mass. Philip’s Funeral Mass again here at St John’s will be
celebrated by Bishop Mark on

Friday
at 12 noon.
In Bishop Mark’s
own words “sadly in these days Philip’s Funeral Rites must take place within
the restrictions on numbers required by HM Government for Covid security etc”. Therefore
only those who have been specifically invited by the White family should attend
either the Vigil Mass /Funeral Mass. Philip’s burial at Frankby Cemetery
(obviously in the open air) will take place around 1.30pm on Friday. You could
join us for that (pray for good weather). Thomas McMullan Funeral Services will
be live streaming both Masses and having talked to Sara, Patrick and Elly on
Friday I will celebrate a Memorial Mass for Philip here at St John’s at

7.00pm on Thursday 1^st July (the day Philip was ordained a Deacon) which by
then please God most of the COVID 19 restrictions should have been lifted. May
Canon Hoban and Deacon Philip White Rest in Peace.

Prince
Philip
RIP
with people across our nation and indeed across the world this
weekend we also mourn the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh and we pray for
comfort and consolation for HM The Queen and all the members of the Royal
Family.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection amounted to £1238.60p.
Holy Places amounted to £280.49p.

Thank you for your continued generosity.

Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at the back of
Church for your donations. You can also push offertory envelopes/donations
through the presbytery letterbox or take out a standing order.

PLEASE
CONSIDER GIFT AID:
Gift Aid enables parishes to
reclaim tax on donations that are ALREADY being made at the Offertory and in
many other ways, such as donations for special purposes and retiring
collections. Donors simply make a
declaration that they wish their donations to qualify for a tax refund under
the Gift Aid Scheme. This declaration may be made on a Gift Aid Declaration
Form (available from Fr. Bernard or Carol Dalziel) or it can be made over the
telephone, fax or by email to the Diocesan office. The donor only has to give
their name and address, to confirm that they are paying sufficient income tax
and that they wish to be part of the Gift Aid Scheme. Gift Aid involves no commitment to give any
particular amount and no long-term commitment. The donor may cancel their membership of the
scheme at any time. There are only two
conditions with which donors must comply; firstly, that they must be paying at
least as much income tax as is reclaimed on their total charitable donations in
the tax year and secondly that all donations on which a tax refund is to be
claimed will be given either by Offertory Envelopes, by Cheque or by Banker’s Standing Order. It does not matter which rate
of income tax the donor pays. Tax may be reclaimed on any donation(s) given
in the above ways at no additional cost to the donor. These may consist of Offertory
Donations at Mass, Christmas and Easter
Offerings, special Retiring Collections that are taken from time-to-time, Mass
Offerings, or any “one-off’ donation(s) made in response to an appeal for a
specific purpose.
If you would like to set up a monthly Standing Order in favour of St
John’s rather than use weekly envelopes, please ask Fr Bernard or Carol Dalziel
for the corresponding Form. Thank you

In our
Diocese of Shrewsbury
on 16^th July at St Anthony’s Church in
Wythenshawe Bishop Mark will ordain Patrick Breeze, Humphrey O’Connor &
Stephen Roberts as priests for our Diocese. A week or so later on 24^th July Bishop Mark will ordain John
McKay and Wilfred Mc Sherry as Permanent Deacons at St Michael & All Angels Church in
Woodchurch. Please keep our Church students and prospective deacons in your
prayers this Easter

.

Easter Sunday 4th April, 2021. 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

Easter Sunday 4th April, 2021. Cycle B

Wirral Foodbank:continues to need your help and support, Full details of how to donate to Wirral Foodbank can be found at htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help. People who need emergency food and support at this time can contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666 5050

The Parish Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via the front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would appreciate receiving this newsletter. There is some Lenten literature on the table at the back of church. Please feel free to take this home with you also.

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

FAITH IN FOCUS: REJOICE!

Enter a Church on Easter Sunday and you’re immediately struck by a different atmosphere. Weeks of purple are replaced by white and gold. The lily takes pride of place among the flowers. A huge paschal candle is prominently on view and the font brims with water. Maybe there’s even a little Easter garden with an empty tomb.

Easter is about light, water and life. The fire that was lit last night to illuminate the darkness of night and the paschal candle are eloquent reminders that those who walked in darkness now can journey in the light of Christ. We no longer stumble along, prey to every evil and danger. We see things in a new light.

The water symbolises not only the fact that in baptism we are cleansed from our sin but also that our thirst for God is fulfilled by our faith in Jesus. Easter responds to our longing for meaning in our cluttered lives and it points the way to beyond the mundane. Its music fills the hole created by our yearning for something greater than ourselves, for someone who can bring us to fruition, for a saviour and redeemer.

So the vital signs of Easter proclaim new life. But it’s not simply the life that our world has become used to; it’s life to the full. Easter raises us up to enjoy a life that stretches us in mind body and spirit and that beckons us to eternity. For Easter life is eternal life and we enjoy it on both sides of the grave.

And all of this is because Jesus rose from the dead. The resurrection is at the heart of our Christian faith. As St Paul says, if it didn’t happen then we are all wasting our time. An ancient Easter hymn reminds us that sheep are ransomed by a lamb, that an innocent man has served our sentence to reconcile us to the Father and that life’s own champion is slain but only to reign. The resurrection proclaims God’s glory and power. Our alleluias today attest to the fact that life can never be the same for us again. Our human existence is radically transformed by the victory that Jesus won against the powers of darkness in our lives. We have been bought back. We have been saved from ourselves. We have been given the chance to live life to the full. This day was made by the Lord; let us rejoice and be glad

Easter Vigil Mass Saturday Easter Sunday	3rd 4th	7.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Easter Vigil Mass – Covid19 Victims Betty Crebbin Annv. RIP St John’s & St Luke’s Parishes
Monday	5th	10.00am	Desmond Capper Annv RIP
Tuesday	6th		NO MASS
Wednesday	7th	9.15am	Patrick, Norah & Joseph McCaffrey
Thursday	8th	7.00pm	Ints Flattery Family
Friday	9th		NO MASS
Saturday	10th
Second Sunday of Easter	11th	9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	Jack McCormick Annv RIP St Luke’s Parish Divine Mercy Devotions

Public Masses; continue in our churches. You must book in for weekend Masses using the pink form (available from the front of the Church) or by sending an email to stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com. Please remember social distancing at all times inside and outside the church, face coverings must be worn inside the church and please continue to use the hand sanitiser on entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell or have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and willing to help with stewarding duties at our Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services please let Fr Bernard know asap.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions next Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am

Divine Mercy Sunday this year falls on Sunday 11^th April: Here at St John’s there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions NEXT Sunday from 2pm to 2.50pm followed by the Divine Mercy Devotions & Benediction at 3pm. Please pray it for your family intentions and the intentions of our parish.

Baptisms & Weddings in 2021 and beyond. Bookings are now being taken for Baptisms and Weddings at St John’s from July 2021 onwards. We our operating on a first come first served basis. Please get in touch by email or phone.

Prayers for the Sick and Housebound: Please remember all our Sick, Housebound and self- isolating parishioners in your daily prayers and if anyone is in need of a visit/Holy Communion this Holy Week and Easter please let Fr Bernard know.

In Memorium: It is with great sadness that the Diocese of Shrewsbury and the Parish of St John’s announce the deaths of Deacon Philip White and Canon Brendan Hoban. Deacon Philip died at 10.20 am last Wednesday morning and Canon Hoban in the early hours of Tuesday morning. May both these good and faithful men rest in peace and rise in glory. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Diocese in due course. Please pray also for the repose of the souls of Margaret Holland and Janice Armour two people connected to our parish whose funeral services Deacon Mike Daly and Fr Bernard will be leading in the coming days. May they rest in peace.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection amounted to £520.20p.

Cafod Lent Family Fast amounted to £ 270.00p.

Thank you. Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at the back of Church for your donations. You can also push offertory envelopes/donations through the presbytery letterbox or take out a standing order.

PLEASE CONSIDER GIFT AID:Gift Aid enables parishes to reclaim tax on donations that are ALREADY being made at the Offertory and in many other ways, such as donations for special purposes and retiring collections. Donors simply make a declaration that they wish their donations to qualify for a tax refund under the Gift Aid Scheme. This declaration may be made on a Gift Aid Declaration Form (available from Fr. Bernard or Carol Dalziel) or it can be made over the telephone, fax or by email to the Diocesan office. The donor only has to give their name and address, to confirm that they are paying sufficient income tax and that they wish to be part of the Gift Aid Scheme. Gift Aid involves no commitment to give any particular amount and no long-term commitment. The donor may cancel their membership of the scheme at any time.There are only two conditions with which donors must comply; firstly, that they must be paying at least as much income tax as is reclaimed on their total charitable donations in the tax year and secondly that all donations

on which a tax refund is to be claimed will be given either by Offertory Envelopes, by Cheque or by Banker’s Standing Order. It does not matter which rate of income tax the donor pays. Tax may be reclaimed on any donation(s) given in the above ways at no additional cost to the donor. These may consist of Offertory Donations at Mass, Christmas and Easter Offerings, special Retiring Collections that are taken from time-to-time, Mass Offerings, or any “one-off’ donation(s) made in response to an appeal for a specific purpose. If you would like to set up a monthly Standing Order in favour of St John’s rather than use weekly envelopes, please ask Fr Bernard or Carol Dalziel for the corresponding Form. Thank you

Rev Mike Loach in addition to his existing responsibilities at Christ Church, Higher Bebington is shortly to become Priest in Charge at St Paul’s Church in Rock Ferry. Fr Bernard looks forward to sharing in the special service to mark this significant development on 20^th April led by the Bishop of Chester. Fr Bernard and Mike Loach are pleased to be able to work so closely together for the good of the people entrusted to their care and the community of Bebington, New Ferry & Rock Ferry. In the days of the Covid 19 pandemic they have prayed privately & regularly together at St John’s and at Christ Church for the good health and well -being of everyone

In our Diocese of Shrewsbury on 16^th July at St Anthony’s Church in Wythenshawe Bishop Mark will ordain Patrick Breeze, Humphrey O’Connor & Stephen Roberts as priests for our Diocese. A week or so later on 24^th July Bishop Mark will ordain John McKay and Wilfred Mc Sherry as Permanent Deacons at St Michael & All Angels Church in Woodchurch. Please keep our Church students and prospective deacons in your prayers this Easter

Fr Bernard would like to thank St John’s and St Luke’s parishioners who have supported him in keeping our church open and running during this challenging year. It’s been a struggle at times as we have worked within the restrictions but well worth it.Fr Paschal and Fr Bernard thank you for your generous Easter offerings this weekend and wish you all a happy and holy Easter.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Sunday 28th March, 2021. 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, Sunday 28th March,
2021. Cycle B

PRAYER FOR THOSE IN THE WORLD SUFFERING FROM
CORONAVIRUS

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for all those in
the world suffering from Coronavirus and for all who are in need at this
desperate time. Amid the physical and mental suffering, may they find
consolation in your healing presence.
Show your mercy as you cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free
downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance,
and so join you in thanking you for all your gifts. We
ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.

(a prayer prayed by Pope Francis at his
General Audience on Wed 24^th March 2021)

Wirral Foodbank: continues to need your help and support,
Full details of how to donate to Wirral Foodbank can be found at

htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help. People who need emergency food
and support at this time can contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666
5050

The Parish
Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via the
front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would
appreciate receiving this newsletter. There is some Lenten literature on the
table at the back of church. Please feel free to take this home with you also.

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

FAITH IN FOCUS: JUST A WEEK

If
a week is a long time in politics then it certainly is in Christianity. The
week we’re about to embark upon is the most momentous one for Christians and
that’s why Holy Week is sometimes also called the Great Week.It all begins well
on the Sunday with the crowds cheering the man they believe will set them free.
He’s given a royal welcome as he enters Jerusalem and there’s a sense of
expectation in the air. Most of us can identify with that crowd. There are times when our faith in Christ is
easy, when God seems to be smiling down on us and when we could easily join the
crowd with its banners and singing.The high of Sunday continues until Thursday
when the Last Supper is held. There’s joy as Jesus institutes the eucharist
along with the command to serve each other in the way that he has shown. But a
cloud looms on the horizon as Judas takes in thirty pieces of silver and gives
away his master with a kiss. If we can identify with the crowd then we can
surely see the figure of Judas in the many ways that we betray the faith that
God has in us. Sometimes we allow ourselves to be tempted by a lot less than
money and a kiss.How can Good Friday be good, given what happened? Its goodness
stems from the fact that a vict

ory was won. It’s
true that we all share in the sin of the world that Christ died for. But by the
same token we all share in the triumph of the cross. From now on, sin and
death, evil and pain can have no permanent hold over us. We have access to a
life that is real and ultimately indestructible.And just as we think the week
is about to end in a fizzle, we come across a Saturday night surprise. Jesus,
whom they crucified, has risen. His enemies are confounded and he will go on to
impart the Spirit of life to those who believe in him. If we want to join the
cheering crowd ever again, then it must be because of this resurrection. It’s
the centre of our faith and gives meaning to everything we say and do in our
relationship with God. Anyone can have life, but not everyone knows that it can
be eternal.

What a week!

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord	28th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	Leo Shore RIP John McLean Annv. RIP St Luke’s Parish Stations of the Cross
Monday	29th	9.15am	Fr Frank Rice RIP
Tuesday	30th	9.15am 11.00am	Teresa Young RIP Funeral Mass – Patricia Ann Cullen
Wednesday	31st	9.15am	Josie McGree Annv. RIP
Holy Thursday	1st	7.00pm	Mass of the Lord’s Supper Ints Bishop Mark & Clergy
Good Friday	2nd	10.30am 3.00pm	Stations of the Cross Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
Holy Saturday	3rd	7.00pm	Easter Vigil Mass – St John’s & St Luke’s Parishes
Easter Sunday	4th	9.30am 11.00am	Easter Mass – Betty Crebbin Annv. RIP Covid 19 Victims

Public
Masses;

continue in our churches. You must book in for
weekend Masses using the pink form (

available
from the front of the Church) or by sending an email to

stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com. Please remember
social distancing at all times inside and outside the church, face coverings
must be worn inside the church and please continue to use the hand sanitiser on
entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell or
have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and willing to help with stewarding
duties at our Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services please let Fr Bernard know
asap.

Holy
Week & Easter 2021

(under Covid 19 restrictions)
This Weekend = Palm Sunday: Masses Saturday 5pm, Sunday
9.30am & 11.00am.

Palms will be blessed at the beginning of each Mass
and distributed at the end of Mass.

Stations of the Cross at 3.00pm: led by
Deacon Mike Daly.

Mon, Tue & Wed of Holy Week: Exposition
of the Blessed Sacrament

(each morning) from 8.30am -9.10am. Mass at 9.15am.
On Wednesday the Diocesan Chrism Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Mark at Shrewsbury
Cathedral.

Holy
Thursday

: Mass of the
Lord’s Supper at 7pm

. (Sadly
no Washing of the Feet or Watching at the Altar of Repose this year). Good Friday: a Day of Fasting and
Abstinence.

Stations of
the Cross:

at
10.30am

. Liturgy of
the Passion

at
3.00pm …….

the veneration of the Cross will be a little different
this year.

Holy Saturday: Socially
distanced Confessions from 10.30am to 11.30am in the Day Chapel.

Easter
Vigil

: at 7pm: (Sadly no New Fire this year and no candles to be lit during the Vigil
Mass).

Easter
Sunday

: Masses
at 9.30am and 11.00am.

For the Triduum Services (i.e. there
is a separate white booking in form available in the Church which must be
returned through St John’s Presbytery letterbox or emailed to

stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com no later than 10am on Tuesday 30^th
March

Fr Bernard
will be leading Holy Week Assemblies in each of our schools

(sometimes virtually) highlighting the importance
and significance of this special time of year.

Church Cleaning: This week after Tues 9.15am Mass and at 9.15am on Thursday……….. please do come along and help
us if you can,

Baptisms & Weddings in 2021 and beyond. Bookings are now being taken for Baptisms and Weddings at St John’s from July 2021 onwards. We our operating on a
first come first served basis. Please get in touch by email or phone.

Prayers
for the Sick and Housebound:

Please remember all
our Sick, Housebound and self- isolating parishioners in your daily prayers and
if anyone is in need of a visit/Holy Communion this Holy Week and Easter please
let Fr Bernard know.

In
Memorium

:
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Patricia Ann Cullen. Funeral Mass
celebrated by Fr Paschal on
Tuesday 30^th March at 11.00am. May she rest in peace.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection amounted to £460.05p.
Thank you. Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at the back of
Church for your donations. You can also push offertory envelopes/donations
through the presbytery letterbox or take out a standing order.

Collection
on Good Friday is for the Holy Places

Easter
Flowers:

Donations of £225.80p were received. Thank you for your continued generosity and
many thanks to our team of ladies for their beautiful altar flower
arrangements.

PLEASE
CONSIDER GIFT AID:
Gift Aid enables parishes to
reclaim tax on donations that are ALREADY being made at the Offertory and in
many other ways, such as donations for special purposes and retiring
collections. Donors simply make a declaration that
they wish their donations to qualify for a tax refund under the Gift Aid
Scheme. This declaration may be made on a Gift Aid Declaration Form (available
from Fr. Bernard or Carol Dalziel) or it can be made over the telephone, fax or
by email to the Diocesan office. The
donor only has to give their name and address, to confirm that they are paying
sufficient income tax and that they wish to be part of the Gift Aid Scheme. Gift Aid involves no commitment to give any
particular amount and no long-term commitment. The donor may cancel their membership of the
scheme at any time. There are only two
conditions with which donors must comply; firstly, that they must be paying at
least as much income tax as is reclaimed on their total charitable donations in
the tax year and secondly that all donations on which a tax refund is to be
claimed will be given either by Offertory Envelopes, by Cheque or by Banker’s Standing Order. It does not matter which rate
of income tax the donor pays. Tax may be reclaimed on any
donation(s) given in the above ways at no additional cost to the donor. These
may consist of Offertory Donations at Mass, Christmas and Easter Offerings,
special Retiring Collections that are taken from time-to-time, Mass Offerings,
or any “one-off’ donation(s) made in response to an appeal for a specific
purpose. If
you would like to set up a monthly Standing Order in favour of St John’s rather
than use weekly envelopes, please ask Fr Bernard or Carol Dalziel for the corresponding
Form. Thank you

Divine Mercy Sunday
this year falls on Sunday 11^th April

: Here at St John’s there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
& Confessions on that Sunday from 2pm to 2.50pm
followed by the Divine Mercy Devotions & Benediction at 3pm. Remember the Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good
Friday……….please pray it for your family intentions and the intentions of our
parish.

Fifth Sunday of Lent, 21st March, 2021. 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, 21st March, 2021. Cycle B

Prayer for Lent

Father of Mercy bring us face to face with our own weaknesses when
we are tempted to judge others. May
we find peace and life in simply stepping back and allowing you to be the
merciful Judge of us all. Amen.

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

.

Wirral Foodbank: continues to need your help and support, Full details of how to donate to
Wirral Foodbank can be found at
htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help People who need emergency food and support at this time can
contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666 5050

Traidcraft goods will be on sale THIS WEEKEND after
Masses in the Day Chapel.

The
Parish Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via
the front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would
appreciate receiving this newsletter. There is some Lenten literature on the
table at the back of church. Please feel free to take this home with you also.

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

BRITISH SUMMER TIME BEGINS NEXT
SATURDAY, 27TH MARCH.
REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR NEXT
SATURDAY EVENING.

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?

Fifth Sunday of Lent	21st	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	Josie Murray RIP Ints Peter & Kath Clements Golden Wedding Annv St Luke’s Parish Stations of the Cross
Monday	22nd	9.15am	NO MASS
Tuesday	23rd	9.15am	Susan Heathcote RIP
Wednesday	24th	9.15am	Barbara Forshaw RIP
Thursday	25th	7.00pm	Nora & John McManus
Friday	26th	9.15am	NO MASS
Saturday	27th
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord	28th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	Leo Shore RIP John McLean Annv. RIP St Luke’s Parish Stations of the Cross

Public Masses; continue in our
churches. You must book in for weekend Masses using the pink form (
available from the front of the Church) or by sending an email to stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com. Please remember
social distancing at all times inside and outside the church, face coverings
must be worn inside the church and please continue to use the hand sanitiser on
entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell or
have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and willing to help with stewarding
duties at our Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services please let Fr Bernard know
asap.

Lent 2021 at St John’s Church

Sunday
Masses;

Sat
5.00pm Sun 9.30am & 11am

Stations
of the Cross
Each Sunday at 3.00pm. This week led by Fr
Bernard. Next week (Palm Sunday) led by Deacon Mike Daly

Weekday
Masses;

Tuesday
& Wednesday at 9.15am.

Thursday
at 7pm.

During this Fifth Week of Lent Tuesday
= Day of National Reflection and Prayer re COVID 19:
This Tuesday marks the anniversary of the
first national lockdown. HM. Government invites us to mark the day by keeping a
minute’s silence at 12noon and lighting a candle in a window or the

porch
of our homes at 8pm.
The
Bishops of England & Wales invite us to make Tuesday a Day of Prayer in the
presence of the

Blessed

Sacrament.
Accordingly here at St John’s there will be
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 7.30am until 9.15am Mass. Please do your best to join in this
prayer initiative perhaps on your way to work/school/college Thursday = the Feast of the Annunciation; The Rosary
will be prayed from 6.30pm onwards prior to Mass
at 7pm. All most welcome. Next Saturday: from 10.30
-11.30am
in Church there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and
the opportunity to celebrate a socially distanced Confession with Fr Bernard,
Fr Paschal, Fr Thomas…………

All most welcome. Next Saturday: from 10.30
-11.30am
in Church there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and
the opportunity to celebrate a socially distanced Confession with Fr Bernard,
Fr Paschal, Fr Thomas…………


a good & fitting preparation for
Easter

Holy
Week & Easter
2021
Next Weekend = Palm Sunday. Masses
at the usual times Sat 5pm: Sun 9.30am and 11.00am. Holy Thursday: Mass
of the Last Supper at 7pm. Good Friday: Stations
of the Cross at 10.30am. Liturgy
of the Passion at 3.00pm.
Easter Vigil: Mass at 7.00pm.
Easter Sunday: Masses at 9.30am & 11.00am

For the Triduum Services (i.e. there
is a separate white booking in form available in the Church which must be
returned through St John’s Presbytery letterbox or emailed to

stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com no later than 10am on Tuesday 30^th
March

Fr Bernard
will be leading Holy Week Assemblies in each of our schools
(sometimes virtually) highlighting the importance
and significance of this special time of year..

Church
Cleaning
– Every Tuesday after 9.15am Mass. Please stay behind if you can
and lend a hand with this essential task in these Covid 19 times and in
this season of Lent.

Baptisms & Weddings in 2021 and beyond. Bookings are now being taken for Baptisms and Weddings at St John’s from July 2021 onwards. We our operating on a
first come first served basis. Please get in touch by email or phone.

Prayers
for the Sick and Housebound:
Please remember all
our Sick, Housebound and self- isolating parishioners in your daily prayers and
if anyone is in need of a visit/Holy Communion this Holy Week and Easter please
let Fr Bernard know .

In
Memorium
:
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Patricia Ann Cullen. Funeral Mass
celebrated by Fr Paschal
on

Tuesday
30^th March at 11.00am
. May she Rest in Peace.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection amounted to £415.83p.
Thank you. Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at the back of
Church for your donations. You can also push offertory envelopes/donations
through the presbytery letterbox or take out a standing order

.

Easter
Flowers:

Thank you for your generosity last weekend. The basket for donations towards
the Holy Week & Easter Flowers and displays will remain on the table at the
back of Church

until
after

this
weekend’s
Masses.

PLEASE CONSIDER GIFT AID:
Gift Aid enables parishes to
reclaim tax on donations that are ALREADY being made at the Offertory and in
many other ways, such as donations for special purposes and retiring
collections. Donors simply make a
declaration that they wish their donations to qualify for a tax refund under
the Gift Aid Scheme. This declaration may be made on a Gift Aid Declaration
Form (available from Fr. Bernard or Carol Dalziel) or it can be made over the
telephone, fax or by email to the Diocesan office. The
donor only has to give their name and address, to confirm that they are paying
sufficient income tax and that they wish to be part of the Gift Aid Scheme. Gift Aid involves no commitment to give any
particular amount and no long-term commitment. The donor may cancel their membership of the
scheme at any time. There are only two
conditions with which donors must comply; firstly, that they must be paying at
least as much income tax as is reclaimed on their total charitable donations in
the tax year and secondly that all donations on which a tax refund is to be
claimed will be given either by Offertory Envelopes, by Cheque or by Banker’s Standing Order. It does not matter which rate
of income tax the donor pays. Tax may be reclaimed on any
donation(s) given in the above ways at no additional cost to the donor. These
may consist of Offertory Donations at Mass, Christmas and Easter Offerings,
special Retiring Collections that are taken from time-to-time, Mass Offerings,
or any “one-off’ donation(s) made in response to an appeal for a specific
purpose.
If you would like
to set up a monthly Standing Order in favour of St John’s rather than use
weekly envelopes, please ask Fr Bernard or Carol Dalziel for the corresponding
Form. Thank you

Divine Mercy Sunday this year falls on Sunday 11^th
April
: Here at St John’s there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
& Confessions on that Sunday from 2pm to 2.50pm
followed by the Divine Mercy Devotions & Benediction at 3pm. Remember the Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good
Friday……….please pray it for your family intentions and the intentions of our
parish.

Fourth Sunday of Lent, 14th March, 2021. 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, 14th March, 2021. Cycle B

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.

Word for Today: contrary to popular opinion, God does
not want anyone to perish. He sent his
Son into the world not to condemn it but to offer it the chance of a quality of
life that outshines anything currently available. Anyone who believes in his Son can have this
quality of life.

Wirral Foodbank: continues to need your help and support, Full details of how to donate to
Wirral Foodbank can be found at
htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help People who need emergency food and support at this time can
contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666 5050

The
Parish Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via
the front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would
appreciate receiving this newsletter. There is some Lenten literature on the
table at the back of church. Please feel free to take this home with you also.

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

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
earth 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.

Fourth Sunday of Lent	14th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	Jamie Armstrong RIP Ints Tony Carmichael St Luke’s Parish Stations of the Cross
Monday	15th		NO MASS
Tuesday	16th	9.15am	Ints Peggy McAllister
Wednesday	17th	9.15am	Ints of Philip White
Thursday	18th	2.00pm 7.00pm	Funeral Mass – Peter Roberts Madeline Sweeney RIP
Friday	19th	9.15am	NO MASS
Saturday	20th
Fifth Sunday of Lent	21st	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	Josie Murray RIP Ints Peter & Kath Clements Golden Wedding Annv St Luke’s Parish Stations of the Cross

Public Masses; continue in our
churches. You must book in for weekend Masses using the pink form (
available from the front of the Church) or by sending an email to stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com. Please remember
social distancing at all times inside and outside the church, face coverings
must be worn inside the church and please continue to use the hand sanitiser on
entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell or
have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and willing to help with stewarding
duties at our Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services please let Fr Bernard know
asap.

Lent 2021 at St John’s Church

Sunday
Masses;

Sat
5.00pm Sun 9.30am & 11am

Stations
of the Cross
Each Sunday at 3.00pm. This week led by Fr. Paschal.

Weekday
Masses;

Tuesday
& Wednesday at 9.15am.

Thursday
at 7pm.

Full
details of the Holy Week and Easter Liturgies to be celebrated in St John’s
Church will be published in next week’s bulletin.

Feasts this Week: On Wednesday we celebrate the Feast of St Patrick with
Mass at 9.15am. Friday
is the Feast of St Joseph and in
this Year of St Joseph that will be celebrated with a Vigil
Mass on Thursday evening at 7.00pm.

Church
Cleaning
–
Every Tuesday after 9.15am Mass. Please stay behind if you can and lend a hand
with this essential task in these Covid 19 times and in this season of
Lent.

Exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament in Church and socially distanced Confessions in the Day Chapel
each Saturday from 10.30am to
11.30am.
On Saturday 27th March Fr Paschal and Fr Thomas will
be available with Fr Bernard to celebrate the Sacrament of
Reconciliation /hear Confessions with parishioners from all our LPA parishes.

Prayers
for the Sick-
please pray for the sick and all those self-isolating in our
parish. If anyone is in need of a visit please let Fr Bernard know. Your
prayers are still requested at this time for Deacon Philip White and Canon
Brendan Hoban.

In
Memorium
:
Please pray for the Repose of the Soul of Peter Roberts, Funeral
Mass Thursday 18^th March
here
at St John’s at
2pm. May they Rest in Peace.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection amounted to £418.83p
.Thank you. Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at the back
of Church for your donations. You can also push offertory envelopes/donations
through the presbytery letterbox or take out a standing order.

Easter
Flowers:

Thank you for your generosity last weekend. The basket for donations towards
the Holy Week & Easter Flowers and displays will remain on the table at the
back of Church until after next weekend’s Masses.

PLEASE CONSIDER GIFT AID:
Gift Aid enables parishes to reclaim tax on
donations that are ALREADY being made at the Offertory and in many other ways,
such as donations for special purposes and retiring collections. Donors simply make a
declaration that they wish their donations to qualify for a tax refund under
the Gift Aid Scheme. This declaration may be made on a Gift Aid Declaration
Form (available from Fr. Bernard or Carol Dalziel) or it can be made over the
telephone, fax or by email to the Diocesan office.

The
donor only has to give their name and address, to confirm that they are paying
sufficient income tax and that they wish to be part of the Gift Aid Scheme. Gift Aid involves no commitment to give any
particular amount and no long-term commitment. The donor may cancel their membership of the
scheme at any time. There are only two
conditions with which donors must comply; firstly, that they must be paying at
least as much income tax as is reclaimed on their total charitable donations in
the tax year and secondly that all donations on which a tax refund is to be
claimed will be given either by Offertory Envelopes, by Cheque or by Banker’s Standing Order. It does not matter which rate
of income tax the donor pays. Tax may be reclaimed on any
donation(s) given in the above ways at no additional cost to the donor. These
may consist of Offertory Donations at Mass, Christmas and Easter Offerings,
special Retiring Collections that are taken from time-to-time, Mass Offerings,
or any “one-off’ donation(s) made in response to an appeal for a specific purpose.
If you would like to set up a monthly Standing Order in favour of St
John’s rather than use weekly envelopes, please ask Fr Bernard or Carol Dalziel
for the corresponding Form. Thank you

CAFOD Family Fast Day
this Lent CAFOD envelopes are available at the back of church and can be handed
in anytime between now and Palm Sunday

28th /29^th March

Richard
Blundell’s Big walk for Water for Cafod took place around our parish a few
weeks ago. So far Richard has raised in excess of £359. Donations can still be
made directly to his just giving page at

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-blundell5.

Traidcraft goods will be on sale after
weekend Masses on
20th/21st March in the Day Chapel.

Third Sunday of Lent, 7th March, 2021. 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

Third Sunday
of Lent, 7th March, 2021. Cycle B

Do you want to fast this Lent?

Many
of you will have already seen these beautiful words of Pope Francis but they
are worth sharing again, especially for those who haven’t seen them.

Fast
from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Wirral Foodbank: continues to need your help and support, Full details of how to donate to
Wirral Foodbank can be found at
htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help People who need emergency food and support at this time can
contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666 5050

The
Parish Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via
the front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would
appreciate receiving this newsletter. There is some Lenten literature on the
table at the back of church. Please feel free to take this home with you also.

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

FAITH IN FOCUS: WHAT A FOOL!

Have
you noticed how the media, particularly the television and cinema, treat the
clergy of the Christian Churches? Actually, they treat them like fools. The
Anglican is parodied as a harmless fop (think of the vicar in Dad’s Army), the
Catholic portrayed often as an alcoholic (as in Father Ted) and the Methodist
or Free Church minister derided as a fun-hating misery.

By caricaturing the clergy like this you caricature the
religion. And why do it? Because what Christians believe appears stupid. It
doesn’t make sense to anyone else. In fact, it seems sheer foolishness. That’s
why it frightens others and invites mockery.

Who in their right mind would believe in a God who is the
creator and life-force of all that exists? Surely we all know that science has
done away with the need for God?Who apart from a madman or woman would believe
that the baby born into the world two thousand years ago is actually the
embodiment on earth of the divine being?

Only a fool would accept the teaching that says we have to
die in order really to enjoy life. It’s an idiot’s creed to put others’ needs
before your own. Surely you need a feeble mind to see victory in the public and
humiliating execution of your leader?

How can there be any mileage in following a man who turns the
accepted values of society on their head, calling for the first to be the last,
the leader to be a servant, for people to put relative store in what they enjoy
here on earth because they’re promised something even greater in an
afterlife?We need a Lenten reality check to realise that we are fools to many
in our society. The teaching of Christ does not seek to be respectable but
radical and it alienates just as much as it endears. St Paul gets to the heart
of it today saying, “Here we are preaching a crucified Christ; to the Jews an
obstacle that they cannot get over, to the pagans madness, but to those who
have been called, whether they are Jews or Greeks, a Christ who is the power
and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom and
God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” Don’t be fooled into thinking that your faith
is seen as respectable. Most people think it’s stupid.

Third Sunday of Lent	28th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	George Lawson RIP Ints Bernadette Heaney St Luke’s Parish Stations of the Cross
Monday	8th
Tuesday	9th	9.15am 7.00pm	Betty Brabander RIP Novena
Wednesday	10th	9.15am	NO MASS
Thursday	11th	7.00pm	Cath Shore Annv.
Friday	12th	10.30am	Funeral Mass – George Lawson
Saturday	13th
Fourth Sunday of Lent	14th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am 3.00pm	Jamie Armstrong RIP Ints Tony Carmichael St Luke’s Parish Stations of the Cross

Public Masses; continue in our churches You must book in for weekend Masses using
the pink form (
available from the front of
the Church) or by sending an email to
stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com. Please remember
social distancing at all times inside and outside the church, face coverings
must be worn inside the church and please continue to use the hand sanitiser on
entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell or
have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and willing to help with stewarding
duties at our Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services please let Fr Bernard know
asap.

As our schools fully reopen on
Monday
: Mrs. Bulmer and Mrs.
Mullins, would like to say a big “thank you” to everyone in the St. John’s
community for your ongoing support and prayers throughout this very challenging
time and for keeping our children safe and well. Our Head teachers & school
staff are really looking forward to welcoming the children back into the school
family on Monday when they can be with their friends again. Please continue to
keep all our schools in your prayers and hopefully it won’t be too long before
we can have year group/class Masses in Church again and Masses and Assembles in
our schools.

Prayers for the Sick- please pray for
the sick and all those self-isolating in our parish. If anyone is in need of a
visit please let Fr Bernard know. Your prayers are still requested at this time
for Deacon Phillip White and Canon Brendan Hoban.

Lent 2021 at St John’s Church

Sunday
Masses;

Sat
5.00pm Sun 9.30am & 11am

Stations
of the Cross
Each Sunday at 3.00pm. This week led by Fr.
Bernard. Next week led by

Fr.
Paschal.

Weekday
Masses;

Tuesday
& Wednesday at 9.15am.

Thursday
at 7pm.
There will be no Mass on Wednesday
morning 10th March.

Novena
to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

Tuesday
at 7.00pm

Exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament in Church and socially distanced Confessions in the Day Chapel
each Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am. On Saturday 27^th March Fr Paschal and
Fr Thomas will be available with Fr
Bernard to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation /hear Confessions with
parishioners from all our LPA parishes.

In
Memorium
:
Please pray for the Repose of the Soul of George Lawson, Funeral Mass at
St John’s on

Friday
12^th March at 10.30am
and for the soul of Peter Roberts, Funeral Mass Thursday 18^th March
here
at St John’s at
2pm. May they Rest in Peace.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection amounted to £506.32p
.Thank you. Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at the back
of Church for your donations. You can also push offertory envelopes/donations
through the presbytery letterbox or take out a standing order

.

PLEASE CONSIDER GIFT AID:
Gift Aid enables parishes to reclaim tax on
donations that are ALREADY being made at the Offertory and in many other ways,
such as donations for special purposes and retiring collections. Donors simply make a
declaration that they wish their donations to qualify for a tax refund under
the Gift Aid Scheme. This declaration may be made on a Gift Aid Declaration
Form (available from Fr. Bernard or Carol Dalziel) or it can be made over the
telephone, fax or by email to the Diocesan office.

The donor only has to give their name and address,
to confirm that they are paying sufficient income tax and that they wish to be
part of the Gift Aid Scheme.
Gift Aid involves no commitment to give any particular amount and no
long-term commitment. The donor may cancel their membership of the scheme at
any time. There are only two conditions
with which donors must comply; firstly, that they must be paying at least as
much income tax as is reclaimed on their total charitable donations in the tax
year and secondly that all donations on which a tax refund is to be claimed
will be given either by Offertory Envelopes, by Cheque or by Banker’s Standing
Order. It does not matter which rate of income tax the donor pays.
Tax may be reclaimed on any donation(s) given in the above ways at no
additional cost to the donor. These may consist of Offertory Donations at Mass,
Christmas and Easter Offerings, special Retiring Collections that are taken
from time-to-time, Mass Offerings, or any “one-off’ donation(s) made in
response to an appeal for a specific purpose.
If
you would like to set up a monthly Standing Order in favour of St John’s rather
than use weekly envelopes, please ask Fr Bernard or Carol Dalziel for the corresponding
Form. Thank you

Church
Cleaning
–
Every Tuesday after 9.15am Mass. Please stay behind if you can and lend a hand
with this essential task in these Covid 19 times and in this season of
Lent.

CAFOD
Family Fast Day this Lent was on Friday.
CAFOD envelopes are available at the back of church and can be handed in
anytime between now and Palm Sunday

28th /29^th March.

Richard Blundell’s Big Walk for Water for Cafod-Took place around the parish on the 20^th February. So far
Richard has raised £284 donations can still be made directly to his Just Giving
page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-blundell5 but if people would prefer to leave a cash
donation in the basket at the back of church that’s fine also. CAFOD’s page with the details can be found
here:

https://cafod.org.uk/Fundraise/Organise-an-event/Big-Walk-for-Water

Second Sunday of Lent 28th February, 2021 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 Lent 28th February, 2021 Cycle B

WORDS FOR WORSHIP
With
God on our side who can be against us? Let us now turn to the Father in the
words our saviour gave us: Our Father…

Wirral Foodbank: continues to need your help and support, Full details of how to donate to
Wirral Foodbank can be found at
htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help
People who need emergency food and support at this time can
contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666 5050

The Parish
Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via the
front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would
appreciate receiving this newsletter. There is some Lenten literature on the
table at the back of church. Please feel free to take this home with you also.

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

FAITH IN FOCUS: A KNITTING MONKEY?
In the midst of all the economic doom and gloom about the global
recession our news programmes try to find the occasional thing to cheer us up.
So after yet another High Street name has gone bankrupt we are treated to a
story about a monkey that can knit or an octogenarian who has just gone over
Niagara Falls in a barrel. It helps us to see that there is light at the end of
the tunnel. But of course it doesn’t take the recession away.
The disciples had their moments of gloom too. Just before today’s gospel
account of the Transfiguration Jesus had been talking to them about taking up
their cross and suffering, about losing their lives for the sake of the gospel.
That can’t have cheered them up much. But the Transfiguration had the opposite
effect on them. They were privileged to see Jesus talking with Moses and
Elijah, to see his appearance changed before their very eyes and to hear the
voice of God coming from the cloud.
It
was a boost to their faith, to put it mildly. Such an experience would keep
them going strong through all sorts of setbacks that lay in store for them.
That’s why Peter wanted to set up three tents, so that he could keep going back
and savouring the moment again. If the temptations of Jesus last week represent
him as human, then this week’s Transfiguration show his divine side. The three
disciples caught a glimpse of his glory, a glory that is normally hidden from
view in this life. What
keeps you going in your life of faith? In the ups and downs of daily life there
are times when we wonder if it is all worthwhile and yet there are other
moments when the presence of God breaks through loud and clear and we feel that
we could almost reach out and touch God’s presence. Lent is a time for taking stock. Perhaps one
thing we could take stock of is how we come across God in our daily lives. If
you had three tents and could put something in each of them that would speak to
you about the close presence of God, about those moments when you can almost
smell God, what would you put in each one of them? You can have anything you
want, except a monkey that knits!

Second Sunday of Lent	28th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Des Capper RIP Clare Cooper RIP Teodor Hanzaryk (8thAnni)
Monday	1st
Tuesday	2nd	9.15am	Gerry Topping RIP
Wednesday	3rd	9.15am	Betty Finan RIP
Thursday	4th	7.00pm	Peter Keating RIP
Friday	5th
Saturday	6th
Third Sunday of Lent	7th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	George Lawson RIP Ints Bernadette Heaney St Luke’s Parish

Public Masses; continue in our
churches You must book in for weekend Masses using
the pink form (

available from the front of
the Church) or by sending an email to
stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com. Please remember
social distancing at all times inside and outside the church, face coverings
must be worn inside the church and please continue to use the hand sanitiser on
entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell or
have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and willing to help with stewarding
duties at our Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services please let Fr Bernard know
asap.

Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings etc…following Government &
Diocesan advice this week. I ‘m afraid we won’t be able to proceed with these
until the end of May. Those wishing to book Baptisms or Weddings please email

: stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com
or phone 0151 645
–3314

Prayers
for the Sick-
please pray for
the sick and all those self-isolating in our parish. If anyone is in need of a
visit please let Fr Bernard know. Your
prayers are still requested at this time for Deacon Phillip White and Canon
Brendan Hoban.

Lent 2021
at St John’s Church

Sunday Masses;

Sat 5.00pm Sun 9.30am & 11am

Weekday Masses;

Tuesday & Wednesday at 9.15am.

Thursday at 7pm

Stations of the Cross Each Sunday at
3.00pm. This week led by Deacon Mike Daly.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (in Church)
and socially distanced Confessions (in the Day Chapel) Saturday’s
from 10.30am-11.30am.

World Day of Prayer this Friday 5^th March at 2pm at Christ Church,
Higher Bebington. All most welcome.

In
Memorium
:
Please pray for the Repose of the Soul of
George Lawson, Funeral Mass at St John’s on Friday 12^th
March at 10.30am and for the soul of Peter Roberts, Funeral Mass
Thursday 18^th March here at St John’s at 2pm. May they Rest in Peace.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection amounted to a
more promising £464.59p .Thank you.
Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at the back of Church for
your donations. You can also push offertory envelopes/donations through the
presbytery letterbox or take out a standing order

.

Church Cleaning– Every Tuesday after 9.15am Mass. Please stay behind if you can and
lend a hand with this essential task in these Covid 19 times and in this
season of Lent.

CAFOD
Family Fast Day this Lent was on Friday.
CAFOD envelopes are available at the back of church and can be handed in
anytime between now and Palm Sunday 28^th /29^th March.

Richard Blundell’s Big Walk for
Water for Cafod-
Took place around the parish last week 20^th Feb. So far Richard has raised
£284 donations can still be made directly to his Just Giving page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-blundell5 but if people would prefer to
leave a cash donation in the basket at the back of church that’s fine also.

CAFOD’s
page with the details can be found here:
https://cafod.org.uk/Fundraise/Organise-an-event/Big-Walk-for-Water

First Sunday of Lent 21st February, 2021 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

First Sunday
of Lent 21st February, 2021 Cycle B

WORDS FOR WORSHIP
Lord
Jesus, you rescue us from sin by the waters of baptism: Lord, have mercy. Lord,
have mercy. Christ Jesus, you show us
the way to new life :Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord
Jesus, by your death on the cross you lead us to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
May
almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting
life. Amen.

Wirral Foodbank: continues to need your help and support, Full details of how to donate to
Wirral Foodbank can be found at
htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help
People who need emergency food and support at this time can
contact the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666 5050

The Parish
Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via the
front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would
appreciate receiving this newsletter. There is some Lenten literature on the
table at the back of church. Please feel free to take this home with you also.

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

FAITH IN FOCUS:DO-IT-YOURSELF GRACE?
The problem with temptation is that we only recognise it after it’s
over. When we are actually being tempted we see what’s on offer as completely
normal. That’s why the smoker really believes that this little after-dinner
light-up will not get them hooked once more, why the gambler is convinced that
this bet on the cert means he’ll never need to worry about money again, and the
woman passing the pub is confident that she can enjoy this tipple without
stepping onto the downward spiral.
When
the Spirit led Jesus out into the desert he was tempted by the devil. It’s
reassuring to know that even Jesus was tempted. But how was he able to resist
the temptations? He could do it because he wasn’t there alone; he was living in
the Spirit. It was this close link with the Spirit that allowed him to refuse
to give in.
Our society is hooked on the
idea that we can improve ourselves by our own merits. Buy a self-help book and
you’ll be able to levitate, speak Yiddish in three days and cook gourmet meals
while composing your latest harpsichord sonata. All you have to do is pull
yourself together and make the effort.
Sometimes Christians are guilty of borrowing this flawed attitude and
applying it to the way we relate to God and the way we deal with the spiritual
challenges of our lives. So we end up thinking that when it comes to temptation
the only solution is to be firm, to exercise our willpower and everything will
fall into place. This is usually referred to as the “muscular Christian”
syndrome. But
however many little victories we may win by using this method, the only way to
defeat temptation permanently is recognise that we need God’s help, God’s
grace, the life of his Spirit. We cannot save ourselves; only Jesus Christ can.
We cannot flex our spiritual muscles and overcome sin; only God’s grace can do
that for us. If it were otherwise, then there would have been no need for
Christ to die on the cross.
As this Lent begins we
are reminded that temptation is part of daily life. But we are offered another
forty days to seek out God’s Spirit, to look for his life, to find the grace to resist temptation. And when we see others
who have fallen at the hurdles of temptation, we become aware that there but
for the grace of God go I.

First Sunday of Lent	21st	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Joe Moore RIP Brian Cummings RIP Neil Murray RIP
Monday	22nd
Tuesday	23rd	9.15am	Helen Fielding RIP
Wednesday	24th	9.15am	Ints Brannon & Kenny Families
Thursday	25th	7.00pm	Ints Phillip & Sara White
Friday	26th
Saturday	27th
Second Sunday of Lent	28th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Des Capper RIP Clare Cooper RIP St Luke’s Parish

Please find enclosed with this newsletter a copy of Bishop Mark’s
Lenten Pastoral Letter entitled “ Building on the Foundation of the Eucharist”

Public Masses; continue in our
churches You must book in for weekend Masses using
the pink form (

available from the front of
the Church) or by sending an email to
stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com by 10am on Saturday
morning. Please remember social distancing at all times inside and outside the
church, face coverings must be worn inside the church and please continue to
use the hand sanitiser on entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if
you are feeling unwell or have any Covid 19 symptoms. If you are able and
willing to help with stewarding duties at our Lenten Holy Week and Easter
Services please let Fr Bernard know sometime this week.

Church Cleaning– Every Tuesday after 9.15am Mass. Please stay behind if you can and
lend a hand with this essential task in these Covid 19 times and in this
season of Lent.

Lent 2021 at St John’s Church

Sunday Masses;

Sat 5.00pm Sun 9.30am & 11am

Weekday Masses;

Tuesday & Wednesday at 9.15am.

Thursday at 7pm

Stations of the Cross Each Sunday at
3.00pm. This week led by Fr Bernard.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (in Church)
and socially distanced Confessions (in the Day Chapel) Saturday’s
from 10.30am-11.30am.

World Day of Prayer on Friday 5^th March at 2pm at Christ Church,
Higher Bebington. All most welcome

In
Memorium
:
Please pray for the Repose of the Soul of
George Lawson, Funeral Mass at St John’s on Friday 12^th
March at 10.30am and for the soul of Peter Roberts, Funeral Mass Thursday
18^th March here at St John’s
at 2pm. May they Rest in Peace.

Prayers
for the Sick-
please pray for
the sick and all those self-isolating in our parish. If anyone is in need of a
visit/ phone call, please let Fr Bernard know. Your
prayers are requested especially at this time for Deacon Phillip White and
Canon Brendan Hoban.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection
amounted to a disappointing £325.83p . Please note that the offertory basket is
on the table at the back of Church for your donations. You can also push
offertory envelopes/donations through the presbytery letterbox or take out a
standing order

.

Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury thank you for your very generous donations, to the bucket at the back
of church collection, during Advent and Christmas, which realized £223.78p.

CAFOD Family Fast Day this Lent is on Friday. CAFOD envelopes are available at the back of
church and can be handed in anytime between now and Palm Sunday 28^th
/29^th March.

Richard Blundell’s Big Walk for
Water for Cafod-
Took place around the parish yesterday 20^th Feb. Donations
can be made directly to my Just Giving page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-blundell5 but if people would prefer to
leave a cash donation at church that’s fine also.

CAFOD’s
page with the details can be found here:
https://cafod.org.uk/Fundraise/Organise-an-event/Big-Walk-for-Water

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 14th February, 2021 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

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 14^th February, 2021 Cycle B

WORD OF GOD
A
leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees :“If you want to” he said “you can
cure me.” (Mark 1:40)

WORDS FOR WORSHIP Lord
Jesus, you cleanse us from the disease of our sin: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have
mercy.
Christ
Jesus, you restore us to health and true happiness: Christ, have mercy. Christ,
have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the hope of all who believe in you: Lord, have
mercy. Lord, have mercy.
In his goodness may almighty God have mercy on us, cleanse us from our
sin and lead us safe rejoicing to everlasting life. Amen.

Wirral Foodbank: continues to need your help and support, Full details of how to donate to
Wirral Foodbank can be found at
htpps/wirralfoodbank.org.uk/give-help
People who need emergency food and support at this time can contact
the Wirral Emergency Food Hub on 0151 666 5050

The Parish
Newsletter & the Wednesday Word are available as you leave Church (via the
front side door). Please take a copy for yourself and anyone else who would
appreciate receiving information about St John’s Parish at this time.

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

FAITH IN FOCUS: FEELING SUPERIOR
It’s become fashionable to compare the modern-day disease of AIDS and
HIV with leprosy. They’re not connected medically but they sometimes have the
same effect on those who suffer with the illness: they become isolated, shunned
and in some cases looked down upon. Certainly
lepers were despised at the time of Jesus. They were not allowed to live in the
towns or to mix with other people. They carried a bell or made some noise when
approaching people so that everyone had a chance to move away from them. They
wore torn clothes and shielded their faces. And there was no way in which they
were allowed to practise their religion like the rest of society. They were
outcasts.
When St Mark reports the curing of the leper in the first chapter of his
gospel there is much more at stake than a simple healing of an individual. Mark
is anxious to point out from the start that there is no such thing as a no-go
area for Jesus, since he has come to offer salvation to all, irrespective of
who they are. There are no people who are beyond the pale, no sinners who have
committed such sins that they cannot hope for forgiveness, no people who don’t
qualify for the promises of God. So
as well as looking at what happened to the leper we also have to keep in mind
the effect on the crowd that witnessed the miracle. They would have been
shocked that Jesus had anything to do with a man whom their law said was
untouchable. And they would have been confused that a religious man, a rabbi,
seemed to be acting against what their religion had taught them. Maybe
today’s gospel can teach us two things. The first is to ask ourselves whether
we think that there are some people who are beyond forgiveness. Are there some
crimes that merit permanent exclusion from society? Or maybe we are tempted to
think that we ourselves have behaved in such a way that we do not deserve to
have God bother about us any more?
And the second thing is to be honest about the
way we view other people. Our society loves to have its lepers because it makes
us feel superior. We’re not like them. We’re clean. Are there people that we
feel superior to? And if so, why?

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time	14th	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Michael &Gill Azurdia RIP For Married People St Luke’s Parish
Monday	15th
Shrove Tuesday	16th	9.15am	Ines Chavez-Tellez RIP
Ash Wednesday	17th	10.00am 7.00pm	Ints Canon B Hoban St John’s Parish
Thursday	18th	1.00pm 7.00pm	Funeral Service Kathleen O’Neill Arthur Brockway RIP
Friday	19th	12.30pm	Funeral Mass Betty Finan
Saturday	20th
First Sunday of Lent	21st	5.00pm 9.30am 11.00am	Joe Moore RIP Brian Cummings RIP St Luke’s Parish

Public Masses; continue in our
churches You must still book in for weekend Masses
using the pink form (

available from the front of
the Church) or by sending an email to
stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com by 10am on Saturday
morning. Please remember social distancing at all times inside and outside the
church, face coverings must be worn inside the church and please continue to
use the hand sanitiser on entering and leaving. Please do not come to church if
you are feeling unwell or have any Covid 19 symptoms.

It is important that we all stay in touch with one another
by phone, email, zoom or doorstep contact. If anyone is in need of material or
spiritual help please do not hesitate to
get in touch by phone 0151 645 3314/ or

email stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com

Church Cleaning– Every Tuesday after 9.15am Mass. Please stay behind if you can
lend a hand with this essential task in these Covid 19 times and as Lent
approaches.

Lent 2021
at St John’s Church

This Wednesday= Ash Wednesday –a day of Fasting and Abstinence. Masses
with the Blessing & Distribution of Ashes at 10am & 7pm. In
these Covid 19 times we will explain exactly how that is to be done this
weekend. We will not use the weekend booking form for these Masses but to
satisfy the “Track and Trace” requirements you will need to let Fr Bernard know
which Mass you intend to come to via
email, phone (0151 645 3314) or with a note posted through the presbytery
letterbox by 11am on Tuesday 16^th.

Sunday Masses;

Sat 5.00pm Sun 9.30am & 11am

Weekday Masses;

Tuesday & Wednesday at 9.15am.

Thursday at 7pm

Stations of the Cross Each Sunday at
3.00pm

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (in Church)
and socially distanced Confessions (in the Day Chapel) Saturday’s
from 10.30am-11.30am.

Prayers for the Sick- please pray for the sick and all those self-isolating
in our parish. If anyone is in need of a visit/ phone call, please do let Fr
Bernard know.

Last Weekend’s Offertory Collection
amounted to £423.65p . Please note that the offertory basket is on the table at
the back of Church for your donations. You can also push offertory
envelopes/donations through the presbytery letterbox or take out a standing
order

. CAFOD Family Fast Day this Lent is on Fri 26^th
Feb. More details in next week’s bulletin.

In
Memorium
:
Please pray for the Repose of the Soul of Kathleen O’Neill, Funeral
Service at St John’s on Thursday at 1pm. Also for Betty Finan, Funeral
Mass at St John’s on Friday at 12.30pm. And
also for George Lawson, Funeral Mass at St John’s on Friday 12^th
March at 10.30am.Please also remember in your prayers Dr Michael Azurdia and
his wife Gill and Brian Cummings who died recently. May they all
Rest in Peace.

Thinking about becoming a Catholic- recently, people have started to reflect upon the bigger
questions of life, and explore their faith. If you have been thinking about
becoming a Catholic please get in touch.

Richard Blundel’s Big Walk for
Water for Cafod
next Sat
20th February, 2.00 pm start. It’s a 5 mile walk for CAFOD to raise money
to combat water poverty. Richard’s route takes him through parts of Bebington,
New Ferry, Port Sunlight and Spital – He’ll be passing by church at about 2.15pm
were he will have a photo with Fr Bernard. Donations can be made directly to my
Just Giving page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-blundell5 but if people would prefer to
leave a cash donation in a basket at the back of church that’s fine also. CAFOD’s
page with the details can be found here:

https://cafod.org.uk/Fundraise/Organise-an-event/Big-Walk-for-Water