Leigh Pastoral Area

Thursday, August 19, 2010

WELCOME FR JAMES PRESTON

We now have confirmation from the Archbishop that Fr James Preston will replace Fr John who will be leaving the Pastoral Area next weekend. 

Father James was born and raised in Newton-le-Willows. He attended St Mary’s Primary School and St Aelred’s High School before going on to University. In 2001, he was accepted as a candidate for the priesthood and spent 6 years at Ushaw College in Durham. During his training, he undertook his parish placement at St Wilfred’s, Ashton and Holy Family, Platt Bridge.

In 2007, on the Feast of St Peter and Paul, Archbishop Kelly ordained him to the priesthood in his home parish of St Mary’s and St John’s, Newton-le-Willows. He has since served in the Widnes Pastoral Area, working with two priests covering five parish communities. He is also part of team working at developing vocations in the Archdiocese.

In joining the Pastoral Area, Fr James substantially reduces the average age of the clergy to 45 years, so we are already feeling younger! He is delighted with his new appointment to the team here and looks forward to working with us all.

Fr James has decided to reside in the smaller parish house at Twelve Apostles, which he feels will suit his needs. Preparations on the parish house will be undertaken prior to his coming to stay.

Fr James has worked throughout the summer, so he will be taking a break in September and starting his ministry among us on Tuesday 23rd September.  However, he will join us for the Mass to celebrate the Feasts of our Pastoral Area Saints on Tuesday 31st August at 7.30 pm at St Richard’s, Atherton.

FAREWELL & THANK YOU

This weekend, my pastoral ministry comes to an end after 5 years in Leigh, and 12 years as a priest. It is with great sadness that I now go on leave from active priestly ministry. I am sorry if anyone feels hurt by my departure and I ask for your prayers and understanding. There are many issues that have contributed to my decision; the most influential and pressing being a private longing in my heart and soul that I have ignored and suppressed to my detriment.

I want to say how honoured I have been to be a fellow disciple with you. You are and always will be deep in my heart and an important part of my faith in God’s love and presence in my life. It has been a privilege and a joy journeying with all of you and serving as one of your shepherds.

Antoine de Saint Exupery, author of The Little Prince, said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”

As a priest, I have striven to encourage people to use their gifts in the service of the Kingdom and tried to present the gospel teachings of Jesus. I’ve done this, not because I live these teachings perfectly myself, but because you - as much as I - need to know who Jesus is and what he requires. My primary goal in my pastorate was to “teach you to yearn for the vast and endless sea” – the sea of mystery is God.

It was a special blessing that I could serve as a priest for the past 12 years. And now I must continue to follow God’s call for my life wherever that may lead - it’s an adventure in faith. I would like to say thank you to all those who have shared their lives and prayers with me during my 5 years in Leigh, and to those who have worked closely with me, both in parish and school life. My thanks to Fathers Steve, Dave and Paul, our Deacons Tony, Dennis, Bill & Bob, to parish staff, volunteers and helpers in Sacred Heart, Twelve Apostles and Our Lady’s; and also to Mrs Ahmed & Mr Farrimond. And my thanks to all who have sent cards and messages of support.

I will miss you all, but would like to repeat after St. Augustine: “Our hearts are restless.” Please remember me and my family in your prayers as I remember you in mine. “Keep your Little Flames burning bright.”

Father John

Feast of St Margaret Clitherow & St Edmund Arrowsmith

You are invited to St Richard’s on Tuesday 31st August at 7.30 pm for a special Mass to celebrate the feasts of our patron saints, St Margaret Clitherow and St Edmund Arrowsmith.  Representatives from all the parishes in the Pastoral Area will be taking part.  The Mass will be followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.  If you would like to help with the music, there will be a rehearsal for musicians and singers at St Richard’s on Friday 27th August at 7.30 pm.

Papal Visit Souvenirs

The organisers of the Papal Visit have unveiled the official merchandise for the Pope’s trip to Britain. Souvenirs include several categories including: branding items, papal flags inscribed with the date and the logo, baseball caps, Swarovski bracelet, rosaries with pictures of the Pope, prayer cards, tote bags and branded t-shirts. An electric flashing candle is also among the items advertised. You can order items from the official Papal Visit website:
http://www.thepapalvisit.org.uk

Job Vacancies

There are currently two posts available within the Safeguarding Department based at the Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation (LACE), Sefton Park.

Post 1: Safeguarding Administrator
        25 hours per week, permanent
          Salary: £11,622.00 per annum
          Closing Date: Thursday 26 August 2010

Post 2: Safeguarding Officer
          20 hours per week, permanent
          Salary: £17,000.00 per annum
          Closing Date: Friday 10 September 2010

Both posts are subject to an Enhanced CRB Disclosure
Full details and application packs can be downloaded from the vacancy page at:  http://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk

Divorced or Separated?

Looking for support from the Church?
Or do you know someone who is?

The Pastoral Formation Department offers a series of six weekly meetings, “Recovering and Moving On after Divorceâ€?, to support Catholics who are divorced or separated or experiencing the breakdown of a long-term relationship.  Christians of any other denomination, or of none, are also welcome.  The topics covered include: living alone, children, dealing with feelings, sources of help, the future, annulment, the Church, etc.  The groups are small, confidential and free of charge. 

The next series will start on Monday evening, 11th October in the Aigburth area of Liverpool.  There will also be a ONE DAY MEETING on Saturday 18th September for those who are unable to attend the six meetings.

To book a place or for further details, contact
Frances on 0151 727 2195.

Special Collection for Pakistan

As the scale of the disaster in Pakistan continues to grow, there will be a Second Collection in all the churches of the Pastoral Area today for the estimated 14 million people affected by the floods.

Papal Visit Update

Vigil in Hyde Park
Saturday 18th September: 5.00 – 9.00 pm
1)  You are requested to make your own travel arrangements to London.  You are asked to meet at Victoria Coach Station (by the booking office). Please note:  Groups have to be at Hyde Park by 2.00 pm, so please leave plenty of time.
2)  Cost: £10 (for a Zone 1 pass on the London Underground and a Pilgrim Pack).  This money will be collected towards the end of August.
3)  Pastoral Area Leader:  Peter Galloway.

Beatification Mass in Birmingham
Sunday 19th September at 9.30 am
1)  A coach will leave from St Joseph’s, Leigh, very early on Sunday morning.
2)  Cost:  £25 (for travel, a Pilgrim Pack and a Pilgrim Pass).  This money will be collected towards the end of August.
3)  Pastoral Area Leader:  Justine Silcock.

Further details will be made available in the
newsletter as we receive them.

Official Papal Visit Website
http://www.thepapalvisit.org.uk

PREPARING FOR THE PAPAL VISIT

The Archbishop invites you to join him for a Public Pilgrimage in honour of Blessed Dominic Barberi CP

Church of St Anne & Blessed Dominic
Monastery Road, Sutton, St Helens WA9 3ZD
Thursday 26th August
Mass at 6.30 pm (followed by refreshments)

Blessed Dominic received John Henry Newman into the Catholic Church.