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.

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

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

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.

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.

A greeting in French:
“Chers amis qui venez passer vos vacances chez nous,
nous sommes heureux de vous acceuillir parmi nous.”

Charity Evening on Friday 6th August at 7.30 pm in the United Reformed Hall, Union Street, Leigh. CAFOD Presentation, Bring & Buy, Tombola & Raffle. Tickets 50p, including refreshments, available from Sr. Megan (01942 683554), who will be pleased to receive donations, prizes and/or gifts. Cheques to CAFOD Haiti Appeal.

Vigil in Hyde Park
Saturday 18th September: 5.00 – 9.00 pm
1)  You are requested to make your own travel arrangements to London.  There will be a designated meeting point for Pastoral Area Groups.  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.

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.

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

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

So far, we’ve got a combined total of around 30 marathons, 10 triathlons, 3 1000-mile cycle tours, and a huge 3-day 85-mile group run across Hadrian’s Wall.  We might have a World Record to our name by the end of the year, too!

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research (LLR) is a fantastic charity.  We’re trying to raise £10,000 which would help to fund new research into quicker, clearer diagnoses and better treatments, which could save lives.

The Challenge was inspired by Steven Blears, a dear friend of many Mad Hatters, who lost his battle with Leukaemia at the age of 19. You can see more about Steven on the inspiration page of our website (http://www.madhatterschallenge.org.uk), but this Challenge is for everyone who has been affected by any blood cancer, and anyone who wants to support the incredible work of the folks at LLR.

Anyone can be a Mad Hatter. Just email us if you have any ideas.  Help us make every mile matter by supporting the Challenge and this important charity. Simply click on Donate Now to get involved.

Sunday 18th July at 3.00 pm
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
EVERYONE WELCOME!

If you would like to accompany the pilgrimage in prayer,
there are copies of a Novena at the back of church.

Official Lourdes Website
http://www.lourdes-france.org

LOURDES ‘AT HOME’ PILGRIMAGE

This year’s Lourdes ‘At Home’ Pilgrimage will arrive in Leigh Pastoral Area on Wednesday 28th July and will take place at Our Lady of the Rosary.

8.00 am Early Morning Mass  
12.00 noon Mass of Anointing of the Sick (followed by lunch)
7.30 pm Holy Hour

Please sign the appropriate sheet at the back of church today if:  (a) you would like to be anointed at the Mass of Anointing, (b) you will be staying for lunch after the Mass of Anointing, or (c) you require transport to Our Lady of the Rosary.

We would be grateful if Eucharistic Ministers, SVP Visitors and others who visit those who are sick and housebound, would extend an invitation to those they visit and sign the appropriate sheet today at the back of church on their behalf.  Many thanks.

Meeting for Musicians & Singers
If you could help with the music at one or more of the services on the day, there will be a meeting at Our Lady of the Rosary this Thursday, 22nd July, at 7.30 pm.

It will be possible to attend two events during the Papal Visit – the Evening Vigil in Hyde Park, London, on Saturday 18th September and the Mass of the Beatification of John Henry Newman at Cofton Park, Birmingham, on Sunday 19th September.

Vigil in Hyde Park
Saturday 18th September: 5.00 – 9.00 pm
1)  Coaches will be going from the Pastoral Area.  Times to be announced.
2)  Cost: £10 (for a Zone 1 pass on the London Underground and a Pilgrim Pack).  Please note: It may be necessary to charge an additional cost (not exceeding £10) for travel.
3)  If you wish to attend, you must sign the list at the back of church no later than next Sunday, 24th July.
4)  The Vigil will incorporate a procession of banners inviting representation of every parish in England and Wales.  If two people would like to take the two Pastoral Area banners, forms (available from the priests) must be completed before next Sunday, 24th July.

Beatification Mass in Birmingham
Sunday 19th September at 9.30 am
1)  Coaches will be going from the Pastoral Area very early on Sunday morning.
2)  Cost:  £25 (for travel, a Pilgrim Pack and a Pilgrim Pass).
3)  If you wish to attend, you must sign the list at the back of church no later than next Sunday, 24th July.

Because of the massive organisation and security operation involved, there can be no exceptions to the details given above.  So, if you want to attend one of the celebrations, please follow the notes above.  If you are unable to sign the appropriate list at the back of church, but would like a place at one of the events, please email Fr Dave:  DPatHFB@aol.com  More information will disseminated as it becomes available.

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