THE PARISH OF ST CHARLES AND ST THOMAS MORE

4th Sunday of Easter 3rd May 2020

Contact us… Parish Telephone 0151 727 2493 Parish Email Address [email protected] In this From Fr Ron’s desk... Newsletter… While out and about on “permitted travel” over recent weeks the main thing that Page 1 has struck me is the amount of families out and about doing their daily exercise Fr Ron’s desk... together; from bike rides to walks and, even some out for a family run!

Page 2 & 3 I have been reminded of what life was like when I was a child. Back then a Message from the sunny Sunday afternoon was a time for families. In those days before the Archbishops of distraction of Sunday trading, and even before the Sunday Football League and Wales … became as popular as it is now, Sunday was a family day. Sunday was the one day in the week when most people didn’t have to go to work and the pace of life Page 4 - 5 was not as hectic as the other days of the week. Readings for 4th Sunday of Easter... When the idea of Sunday trading was first muted I objected. My objections, it might surprise you to learn, were not primarily because of the religious Page 6 & 7 implications (although the loss of the Lord’s Day should be a concern to us all) Reflection for the 4th but because of the effects it would have on family life and our society in general. Sunday of Easter & Do you remember the assurances given that no one would be forced to work on a details for online Sunday? They have long since been proved to be deceptive and the disruption to Masses... family life has been massive. I fear we have lost the idea of Sunday as a special

day, a family day and a day of rest, perhaps for ever. However, it has been Page 8 - 9 interesting over these past few weeks to hear people talk about their experiences, Invitation to pray to despite all the difficulties this virus and the lockdown have brought to so many Mary in May people, there are those who are recognising that there is something missing from from Pope Francis... the routine of our modern life; that we have indeed lost something special. The

fast pace of the modern world has taken its toll on the family but this forced Page 10 & 11 pause is making people reflect on what we have lost. Synod 2020…

Perhaps now, as the Government begins to plan for the relaxation of some of Page 12 & 13 these restrictions, we too need to take some time to reflect. Time to think about Advice for divorced and what are priorities are and what they could be. Time to think about how we want separated… our “new life” to develop as we look to the future because if we don’t take a Page 14 & 15 little time to stop and think it will be very easy to simply fall into the trap Something for families of returning to the way things were but is this what we want? & young people… It would be good in the coming week to reflect on the positives of the past few Page 16 weeks… Bits & pieces & What elements of “life in lockdown” have been positive? Pastoral Associate’s What you might want to preserve into the future? Update What steps can you take to include these positive elements in the future? Catholic community fulfils its role in A People who Hope in Christ contributing to the preservation of life and the common good of society. This must continue until the restrictions applied by the A Message from the Metropolitan Government are lifted. Archbishops of the

in England and Wales None of us would want to be in the situation in which we find ourselves. While the live- Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, streaming of the Mass and other devotions is

playing an important part in maintaining the The radiance of the risen Lord shines upon us. life of faith, there is no substitute for Catholics At a time when so many shadows are cast into being able to physically attend and participate our lives, and upon our world, the light of the in the celebration of the Mass and the other resurrection shines forever to renew and restore sacraments. Our faith is expressed powerfully our hope. In the words of our Holy Father, and beautifully though ‘seeing, touching, and Pope Francis: ‘In the midst of isolation when tasting.’ We know that every and every we are suffering from a lack of tenderness and priest recognises the pain of Catholics who, at chances to meet up, and we experience the loss present, cannot pray in church or receive the of so many things, let us once again listen to sacraments. This weighs heavily on our hearts. the proclamation that saves us: he is risen and We are deeply moved by the Eucharistic is living by our side.’ (27 March 2020) yearning expressed by so many members of

the faithful. We thank you sincerely for your The impact of Covid-19, both nationally and love for the Lord Jesus, present in the internationally, has been immense. So much of sacraments and supremely so in the Holy CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND & WALES... ENGLAND & CONFERENCEOF what we take for granted has changed. Our ’ ’ Sacrifice 2 of the Mass. The and health and physical interaction, our capacity to priests of every diocese are remembering you travel and gather, have all been affected. There and your loved ones at Mass each day in our is uncertainty in our future, especially with churches as we pray ‘in hope of health and work and the country’s economy. As we know, wellbeing.’ We thank our priests for this very sadly, large numbers of people have died faithfulness to their calling. because of the coronavirus, and others have

been or remain seriously ill. Keyworkers, not As the Government’s restrictions are relaxed least in the National Health Service and care step by step, we look forward to opening our sectors, are serving selflessly to sustain the life churches and resuming our liturgical, spiritual, of our nation. Our hearts and prayers go out to catechetical and pastoral life step by step. This everyone who is suffering because of Covid- will also be of service to those beyond the 19, and to all those battling to overcome its Catholic Church who depend on our charitable effects. May those who have died rest in peace activity and outreach through which much and those who are bereaved find comfort. goodness is shared by so many volunteers from FROM THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS THECATHOLIC FROM our communities. When the Prime Minister announced the

lockdown, this included places of worship and None of us knows, as yet, how or when the therefore Catholic churches. These measures lockdown will end. There is likely to be a were put in place to stem the general phased return to travelling and gathering. As a transmission of the virus. It is right that the church, we are now planning for this time and our discussions with the statutory public health Mass for the Sick and their Families, agencies and Government representatives are NHS Front-Line workers and those working ongoing. Together with Catholics across England in Social Care and Wales we desire the opening of our churches and access to the sacraments. Until then, we are The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales continuing to pray and prepare. recognise that this time of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every person in our countries. We want to acknowledge with gratitude the Those who are sick, and their families, are service of our fellow bishops and priests, our suffering many hardships of isolation deacons and religious, our families and lay from contact with those they love. faithful, together with all our parish and school communities, for the wonderful ways the life of Our front-line workers in hospitals and in care the faith is being nourished at this time, homes all over our lands are giving exceptional especially in the home. We also pay tribute to the service to those who are vulnerable at this time. Catholic organisations and networks that are In order to show a spiritual solidarity with all those working to support the vulnerable and needy. who are involved in the ways described above,

each week, a Catholic Bishop will celebrate Mass On that first Easter day, the disciples were in in their which will be live-streamed lockdown and the doors were closed. In their isolation the Lord Jesus came among them and for people to join. said ‘Peace be with you.’ May the peace of the risen Lord reign in our hearts and homes as we This will take place every look forward to the day we can enter church Thursday at 7.00pm again and gather around the to offer together 7th May the Sacrifice of Praise. Bishop Marcus Stock

Leeds Cathedral We unite in asking the intercession of Our Blessed Lady and assure you of our prayers and 14th May blessing Bishop Robert Byrne CO Newcastle Cathedral

Yours devotedly in Christ, 21st May Bishop Mark Davies + Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cathedral Archbishop of Westminster 28th May + Malcolm McMahon OP, Bishop Terence Drainey Archbishop of Liverpool + Bernard Longley, Cathedral

Archbishop of Birmingham By visiting the Cathedral webpage, + George Stack, or the Bishops’ Conference Webpage Archbishop of Cardiff (cbcew.org.uk) links for the live-streaming of these + John Wilson, Masses can be found. Archbishop of Southwark Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps 32: 5-6 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 22(23)

The merciful love of the Lord fills the earth; The Lord is my shepherd: by the word of the Lord the heavens were there is nothing I shall want. made, alleluia. The Lord is my shepherd;

there is nothing I shall want. Introduction Fresh and green are the pastures In the name of the Father, and of the Son, where he gives me repose. and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Near restful waters he leads me,

to revive my drooping spirit. Collect

Almighty ever-living God, The Lord is my shepherd: lead us to a share in the joys of heaven, there is nothing I shall want. so that the humble flock may reach He guides me along the right path; where the brave Shepherd has gone before. he is true to his name. Who lives and reigns with you If I should walk in the valley of darkness in the unity of the Holy Spirit, no evil would I fear. one God, for ever and ever. Amen You are there with your crook and your staff;

with these you give me comfort. First reading Acts 2:14,36-41 'God has made him The Lord is my shepherd: both Lord and Christ' there is nothing I shall want. On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with You have prepared a banquet for me the Eleven and addressed the crowd in a loud in the sight of my foes. voice: ‘The whole House of Israel can be My head you have anointed with oil; certain that God has made this Jesus whom my cup is overflowing. you crucified both Lord and Christ.’ The Lord is my shepherd: Hearing this, they were cut to the heart and there is nothing I shall want. said to Peter and the apostles, ‘What must we Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me do, brothers?’ ‘You must repent,’ Peter all the days of my life. answered ‘and every one of you must be In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the for ever and ever. forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive The Lord is my shepherd:

THE WORD OF GOD FOR 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER...OF OF WORD FOR 4TH GOD SUNDAY THE the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise that was made is for you and your children, and there is nothing I shall want. for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God will call to himself.’ He spoke to them for a long time using many arguments, and he urged them, ‘Save yourselves from this perverse generation.’ They were convinced by his arguments, and they accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.

Second reading 1 Peter 2:20-25 ‘I tell you most solemnly, You have come back I am the gate of the sheepfold. to the shepherd of your souls All others who have come are thieves and brigands; The merit, in the sight of God, is in bearing but the sheep took no notice of them. punishment patiently when you are punished I am the gate. after doing your duty. Anyone who enters through me will be safe: he will go freely in and out This, in fact, is what you were called to do, and be sure of finding pasture. because Christ suffered for you and left an The thief comes only to steal and kill and example for you to follow the way he took. He destroy. had not done anything wrong, and there had been I have come so that they may have life and have no perjury in his mouth. He was insulted and did it to the full.’ not retaliate with insults; when he was tortured he made no threats but he put his trust in the Communion Antiphon righteous judge. He was bearing our faults in his The Good Shepherd has risen, own body on the cross, so that we might die to who laid down his life for his sheep our faults and live for holiness; through his and willingly died for his flock, alleluia. wounds you have been healed. You had gone astray like sheep but now you have come back to Spiritual Communion - Prayer of St Alphonsus the shepherd and guardian of your souls. My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar. Gospel Acclamation Jn10:14 I love you above all things and Alleluia, alleluia! I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I know my own sheep and my own know me. come spiritually into my soul Alleluia! so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen. Gospel John 10:1-10 I am the gate of the sheepfold Prayer after Communion Jesus said: Look upon your flock, kind Shepherd, ‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not and be pleased to settle in eternal pastures enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in the sheep you have redeemed some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one by the Precious Blood of your Son. who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and Conclusion leads them out. When he has brought out his In the name of the Father, and of the Son, flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.’ I am the gate Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them. of the sheepfold So Jesus spoke to them again: One of the most institutions. powerful experiences of Church I have ever That’s the model that Jesus gives us in today’s had took place in inner Gospel. The sheep know the shepherd, they hear city Liverpool. The his voice and they follow him. When he brings

people who lived in the out his flock they follow. He leads and they

Parish I was working follow not necessarily understanding or

in didn’t have a great knowing where they are going but they trust his deal. Very few of them were professional love. It’s all about relationship. It’s all about people and very few of them had jobs. In being together, responding to the Lord who has virtually every home there were crises. told us to love one another. They had to face severe vandalism and drug problems. They had to cope with The high point of the Gospel comes at the end infestations of rats and mice. There wasn’t a when Jesus says, ‘I have come that they might great deal going for them in the eyes of the have life and have it to the full’. That fullness of world. life only comes through relationship with God and one another. If you want to experience life What they did have was a real faith in God in its fullness then open up to other people, be

and a faith in each other. What they were vulnerable with them, trust them. Then you’ll 4TH SUNDAY EASTER... OF 4THSUNDAY willing to do was share with one another find life. and help one another as best as they were able. I came across more unsung heroes in a It’s a sad fact that we have said to be a member square mile than I have ever found of the Church is about assenting to credal anywhere else. People who were willing to formulae. We have said it is about knowing the give time to one another and look after one doctrine and dogma that we should know but the another. It was a powerful experience of truth is that those things don’t save anyone from community which spilled over into Church. anything. The only thing that brings life is relationship. Church is about relationship. What For the Church to be effective, we are to be does that mean? It means that we are to take

HRIS THOMAS FOR THETHOMAS FOR HRIS groups of people who care about one risks and begin welcoming people. It means that another, groups of people who are willing we are to be compassionate and understanding to share life with one another. Is that maybe to the divorced and remarried, to people with the gift of COVID-19? People have been HIV, to the mentally ill, to the drug addicts, to forced to re-assess and look out for their the LGBT community. It means that we are to neighbour. One of the most powerful things care for one another and through that caring that happened when I was parish priest in show the world the power of love. Southport took place because we had to move out of the church when it was being The voice of the shepherd calling people to love re-ordered. We celebrated Mass in the will be heard through our relationships. Let’s parish hall. The number of people who said pray for the courage to open ourselves up to one

REFLECTIONFROM FR C to me they had met people and spoken to another and allow life and life in its fullness to people they had never spoken to before was flow through us. amazing. Relationship and sharing of life, is what makes church. It’s not buildings or

I Am the Door of the Sheepfold Live Streaming

Not one that’s gently hinged or deftly hung, Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the Not like the ones you planed at Joseph’s place, King Not like the well-oiled openings that swung Live stream at 9.00 am at So easily for Pilate’s practiced pace, www.facebook.com/ Not like the ones that closed in Mary’s face liverpoolmetrocathedral From house to house in brimming Bethlehem, A recording will be available from 11.00 am Not like the one that no man may assail, at: https://m.youtube.com/channel/ The dreadful curtain, UCOiDR9mRmfnAu05Yg3ifyMw The forbidding veil St Gregory, Chorley That waits your breaking in Jerusalem. Details: www.stgregoryschorley.org.uk Not one you made but one you have become: Load-bearing, balancing, a weighted beam St Mary of the Isle, Douglas, Isle of Man To bridge the gap, to bring us within reach https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/ Of your high pasture. st-mary-of-the-isle Calling us by name, St Monica, Bootle You lay your body down across the breach, https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/ Yourself the door that opens into home st-monicas-church-bootle St Teresa, Penwortham by Malcolm Guite. https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/ st-teresas-penwortham

Churchservices.tv is well worth a look

A PRAYER with a whole program of Masses and IN TIME OF other services being live streamed DANGER throughout the day and Heaven’s Road AND ILLNESS Catholic Radio broadcasts over 250

live Holy Masses each week from 20 churches in England and Ireland. God Our Father,

each person is precious to You. While Pope Francis and the Vatican You are the Giver of life. have cancelled all public Masses, the

Have mercy on us and protect us at this time, Pope’s daily Mass and the Sunday as the Coronavirus threatens health and life. Angelus are being streamed live on You are an ever-present Helper in time of trouble. the Vatican’s YouTube channel and the National Shrine of Our Lady at Watch over those who are suffering, Walsingham is also live-streaming all give strength to those who are aiding the Sick Masses. and give courage to all in this time of anxiety. Other suggested sights… We ask this of you The Vatican website vatican.va in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. Vatican News website vaticannews.va EWTN website ewtn.com Archdiocesan website liverpoolcatholic.org.uk Bishop Conference website cbcew.org.uk Dear Brothers and Sisters, First Prayer

O Mary, The month of May is approaching, a time You shine continuously on our journey when the People of God express with as a sign of salvation and hope. particular intensity their love and devotion for We entrust ourselves to you, the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in Health of the Sick, this month to pray the Rosary at home within who, at the foot of the cross, the family. The restrictions of the pandemic were united with Jesus’ suffering, have made us come to appreciate all the more and persevered in your faith. this “family” aspect, also from a spiritual

point of view. “Protectress of the Roman people”, MONTH OF MAY 2020... MAY OF MONTH you know our needs, For this reason, I want to encourage everyone and we know that you will provide, to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary so that, as at Cana in Galilee, at home in the month of May. This can be joy and celebration may return done either as a group or individually; you after this time of trial. can decide according to your own situations,

making the most of both opportunities. The Help us, Mother of Divine Love, key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is to conform ourselves to the will of the Father easy also on the internet to find good models and to do what Jesus tells us. of prayers to follow. For he took upon himself our suffering,

HE FAITHFUL THE FOR FAITHFUL HE and burdened himself with our sorrows I am also providing two prayers to Our Lady to bring us, through the cross, that you can recite at the end of the Rosary, to the joy of the Resurrection. and that I myself will pray in the month of Amen. May, in spiritual union with all of you. I

include them with this letter so that they are We fly to your protection, available to everyone. O Holy Mother of God;

Do not despise our petitions Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating the in our necessities, face of Christ with the heart of Mary our but deliver us always Mother will make us even more united as a from every danger, spiritual family and will help us overcome this O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. time of trial. I keep all of you in my prayers,

especially those suffering most greatly, and I Second Prayer ask you, please, to pray for me. I thank you, and with great affection I send you my “We fly to your protection, blessing. O Holy Mother of God”.

FRANCIS In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey Rome, Saint John Lateran, to suffering and anxiety, 25 April 2020 we fly to you, LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO T HOLINESS HIS POPE FRANCIS TO LETTEROF Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist Mother of God and our Mother, Blessed Virgin, and seek refuge under your protection. illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, Virgin Mary, that they may find effective solutions turn your merciful eyes towards us to overcome this virus. amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught Support national leaders, and mourn their loved ones who have died, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity and at times are buried in a way they may come to the aid of those that grieves them deeply. lacking the basic necessities of life Be close to those and may devise social and economic solutions who are concerned for their loved ones inspired by farsightedness and solidarity. who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, Mary Most Holy, cannot be close to them. stir our consciences, Fill with hope those who are troubled so that the enormous funds by the uncertainty of the future and the invested in developing and stockpiling arms consequences for the economy and employment. will instead be spent on promoting effective research Mother of God and our Mother, on how to prevent similar tragedies pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, from occurring in the future. that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Beloved Mother, Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, help us realise that we are all members so that the families of the sick of one great family and the victims be comforted, and to recognise the bond that unites us, and their hearts be opened so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, to confidence and trust. we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Protect those Make us strong in faith, doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers persevering in service, constant in prayer. who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, Support their heroic effort embrace all your children in distress and grant them strength, and pray that God will stretch out generosity and continued health. His all-powerful hand and free us Be close to those from this terrible pandemic, who assist the sick night and day, so that life can serenely resume and to priests who, its normal course. in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, To you, who shine on our journey are trying to help and support everyone. as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen In the light of the changes Scripture

COVID-19 has brought to our lives, Mark 4:35-41

we reflect on the kind of Church God ‘Even the wind and the sea obey him’ is calling us to be. With the coming of evening, Jesus said to his

disciples, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ Although some of you may have already And leaving the crowd behind they took him, taken part in last weeks’ zoom meetings the just as he was, in the boat; and there were other deadline for consideration on this topic has boats with him. been extended until the 18th of May 2020

and so I have added it to this Newsletter. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were

breaking into the boat so that it was almost The Synod Office Team, Fr Philip, Fr swamped. But he was in the stern, his head on Matthew, Jacqui, and Matt the cushion, asleep. write:

They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you During these days of isolation and social not care? We are going down!’ And he woke up distancing we are experiencing different and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet ways of being Church. Our prayer and now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and all worship has become transformed as we was calm again. Then he said to them, ‘Why are gather remotely, online, from our own home. you so frightened? How is it that you have no Our sense of community is challenged as we faith?’ find creative and new ways of coming

together to meet, to socialise, to work, or to They were filled with awe and said to one check in on each other. another, ‘Who can this be? Even the wind and

the sea obey him.’ Today begins our extra period of reflection

as we consider what our Synod can learn from the experience of living through these To ponder difficult and different times. We have based on Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi message, 27 produced a short film to help guide your March 2020 reflection or use the information in this • The Gospel begins with the coming of

leaflet. Please use them and encourage others evening: we have been in the evening and EFLECTION MATERIALFOR THE CHURCH IN A TIME OF LOCKDOWN TIME OF A CHURCH THE IN EFLECTIONMATERIALFOR to reflect too as we continue to discern the in the dark, and find ourselves lost and Church God is calling us to be. If possible, afraid: is this how you have felt in recent share these on your personal and parish times? social media. • The disciples say to Jesus: “Do you not Visit our website, reflect on the materials, care…?” Have you felt like that about a and submit your proposals for action. We situation, about your family, about God? will close the online submission form on Monday 18th May 2020. • In the Gospel the disciples call on Jesus to

wake up: is God calling on us to wake up SYNOD 2020...EXTRA R 2020...EXTRA SYNOD to something new at this time, to re - evaluate, to re-think what matters, to abandon ourselves to a creative Spirit? • What can we do to strengthen faith as we go forward? • Jesus calls on us to “have faith”. What is the anchor that we need, what gives us firmness • What proposals for the Synod would help us and stability? to pray together in a world that has now changed? • Pope Francis says we must have Easter faith: we cannot come to Easter without the Cross. • Is there something new that we must learn What will Easter faith mean to me in future? about what it is to be a parish?

• What new things come to mind that God is Prayer calling you to and calling us to as Church? Loving God, Reflections from experience • What has it as we live through these days, been like to have time that you didn’t expect may our hearts and minds be turned towards you. to have? May we see your face • What have you missed most about not being in those with whom we journey. able to go to a church building? • How have May we be open to your voice you kept in touch with family, friends, speaking in the darkness parishioners? and turning all things to good.

• Has this been an experience that has deepened When the storm gives way to calm your faith? • Fear and anxiety have been very may we be ready real emotions at this time: how have you to be what you have called us to be. managed to keep them in proportion? Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Questions that might help you make a further contribution to Synod proposals: Your proposal you can revisit themes 3 and 4 (how we pray Having reflected on the situation, together and building community, nurturing how our faith informs us and belonging) what needs to be done in order to become the Church God • Have bonds of communion been strengthened is calling us to be, and have new ways been found to be together write your proposal for action as a parish or wider church community? and submit it online at

• Have people been able to be alone and yet be together?

• What has it meant for our home to be our church?

• How is faith to be nurtured at home?

The current self-isolation guidance which many countries have brought into effect as a measure – Perhaps all of the childcare is falling to you

to reduce the impact of the Coronavirus may be as you self-isolate as a single parent, including

particularly difficult for those who are divorced attempting home schooling combined with 19... - or going through a separation. remote working and/or loss of income?

Emotionally this situation heaps on a lot of – Perhaps you won’t be able to see your additional stress on divorcing couples and children at all during this time? In situations families at a time that was already unsettled and where organising childcare arrangements are uncertain but have hope. This too will pass. You already fraught your partner might not be very are not alone. In this blog, we wanted to share supportive of remote contact. some thoughts on choices you can make to make the best of the situation you are in. – Perhaps as a child of divorcing parents, you won’t be able to see your Mum or Dad at all There’s no doubt that this situation is going to during this time. be incredibly difficult for a lot of families for potentially quite a long time. It is unprecedented Positive choices you can make to and organisations of all sorts are dusting off support recovery from divorce and emergency protocols and scrambling to work separation out how best to continue within the confines of

our new reality. Don’t get isolated Solicitors are already telling us that the court Physical self-isolation doesn’t have to mean system is currently only focusing on the most loneliness. Make sure you have remote contact urgent cases, typically those including children with others on a daily basis. It is really easy to that are at risk. Therefore it is fair to assume that get isolated and end up feeling down. Reach we will all need to wait longer for divorces, out to friends and family. It’s also a good idea financial settlements and childcare to make some of this contact video chat – arrangements. something about seeing the other person will help you feel more connected. There’s lots of What might this situation mean for you? technology that can help you create online O ARE DIVORCED AND SEPARATED IN THIS TIME OF COVID IN THIS OF TIME ANDSEPARATED ARE DIVORCED O video meetings with individuals and groups

such as Skype, Zoom and Houseparty. – Perhaps this means you are having to self-

isolate completely alone, possibly in a new Ask for help home with new neighbours at a time when you If you are younger and healthy you might be are emotionally vulnerable and your friendships feeling that you should be the last on the list to are shifting as friends “take sides” in your receive help at this time but mental health is separation? just as important as physical wellbeing. The

Coronavirus crisis doesn’t mean you don’t still – Perhaps you are still having to live with your need to process what is happening to you. If ex because you hadn’t as yet organised new you need help ask friends and family and be living arrangements or the financial implications ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WH FOR ADVICE PEOPLE specific about your needs. of the crisis mean that you cannot afford to

change this situation for the foreseeable future? Take the opportunity to heal arrangements may have to change during this time. It may be that this crisis creates some space in your To avoid friction with your ex, try to arrange some life that you can use to do some of the emotional ground rules to use whilst the crisis is ongoing. heavy lifting needed to heal fully. Often with busy These might include more video calls and lifestyles, it can be hard to make enough time to communications between the children and the grieve what you have lost and make the time to parent they don’t live with and joint discussion fully recover. This enforced time at home is a good about how to reassure children. You might also opportunity to pause, rest, consider your options. consider if there are ways the absent parent can Perhaps you’d like to read a self-development reduce the workload for the parent who is with the book, learn to meditate or make more time for self- children. Are there opportunities to connect care? remotely to help with home schooling?

Be kind We hope you find these pointers helpful. If you Your ex might be the very last person you want to have experiences and tips for others about dealing be kind to but in these difficult times, avoiding with divorce and separation during these unnecessary arguments and unkindness is better for extraordinary times we’d love to hear from you. everyone. Avoid the temptation to use this situation Please email us at [email protected]. to “punish” your ex. Especially if you are having to live together or co-parent through these difficult Domestic Abuse… times. Avoid pettiness and support your children to have good relationships with both parents. (Even if Since the UK-wide COVID-19 lockdown began on this means going out of your way to set up remote 23 March 2020, there has been a 49% increase in video chats and phone calls for your children.) calls and online requests for help relating to

domestic abuse. Try to take the heat out of any conflict As much as you can try to take the heat out of any Bishop John Sherrington, who chairs the Domestic conflict with your ex, this is good advice at any Abuse Group of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference time but especially now whilst there is so much of England and Wales, writes: stress and uncertainty. Practice active listening and try to focus on the facts of any issues you are trying “Every person has a right to live their life free from to work through rather than the feelings associated violence, abuse, intimidation and fear. Catholic with them. (Work through the feelings separately parishes can play an important role in the fighting with friends or the support of a counsellor). Don’t the scourge of domestic abuse, especially during try to sort everything out all at once. Focus on the the COVID-19 pandemic where we are seeing issues one at a time in the order of those that are some shocking statistics from leading domestic most important to you and your ex. abuse organisations. My thanks go to those Agree some co-parenting ground rules organisations and individuals already working so during the Covid-19 crisis with your ex hard to ensure that people suffering domestic abuse can live safe lives… Violence of this kind should The current crisis will be causing children a lot of never be tolerated or justified. It is an offence anxiety so it is even more important that parents do against the dignity of the human person.” the best they can to support children to have good relationships with both parents. Childcare

Catholic Union A project for pupils at CATHOLIC Catholic Secondary School Year Groups 9 – 11 in England/Wales YOUNG WRITER AWARD 2020

SUNDAY MASS: IMPORTANT: AT THE HEART OF OUR LIVES At the end of your essay you must list any websites or books you have consulted. Sunday Mass is the most important fixture of the week for Catholics. ALSO: to complete your entry for this project, at the Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, the day end of your essay you should write out, in when God’s promise at the very beginning of handwriting, in English, one of the following time was fulfilled. At Mass, we unite ourselves prayers we all say together at Mass: with Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer, The Gloria who died on Calvary for us, and rose again, The Sanctus offering each one of us eternal life In Heaven. The Agnus Dei

From the earliest days of the Church, even when BEFORE SENDING: persecuted, Christians have gathered with their Check that your entry has your full name, priests on Sunday to celebrate Mass. including Surname, plus your date of birth, the Name and Address of your school and the Full THE TASK: Name And Postal Address of our Parish. Imagine that a friend has asked you “Why is Sunday Mass so important? ”Write a reply. Catholic Young Writer Award Catholic Union Charitable Trust, You will find useful ideas in the Scriptures, the St Maximilian Kolbe House Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other 63 Jeddo Road material such as St John Paul’s letter Dies London W12 9EE Domini but write in your own words. To arrive no later than 31st July2020 There are attractive book prizes for the best entries plus a cash prize of £50, for the young Look up some of these links: writer of the best entry. The Scriptures: Luke 22:19 Your essay should be no more than four A4 1 Cor 11: 23 pages in length, and can be hand-written or Catechism of the Catholic Church: produced on a computer. Sections 2174-2188 and 1337-1365 Dies Domini John Paul II Sections 31-36

RECRUITMENT FOR Ideas for praying with Children... BOY & GIRL CHORISTERS A Prayer for the World Do you know a child who would like to be a chorister at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ In the morning: the King here in Liverpool? Take some coloured paper. The search is now on for our next generation of Cut it into strips. Boy and Girl choristers. Write the name of a country on each strip of paper. Put them in a bag and mix them up. We are recruiting - BOYS currently in year 2 & 3 Invite everyone to take a piece of paper - GIRLS currently in year 5 and, during the day, find three reasons why they want to pray for that country. All choristers are educated at Runnymede St Edward's School (Boys, yr 3-6) and St Edward's College (Boys & Girls, yr 7-10.) At the end of the day:

Due to our Junior Choir School, Runnymede St Light a candle and Edward's, becoming a Voluntary Aided School place it in the middle of a table. from September 1st 2020, for the first time ever, there will be NO school fees payable for any boy or Make the Sign of the Cross. girl choristers at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

This means that a first class Catholic chorister Invite those participating to say education for boys and girls in Liverpool is the name of their country available at no cost. and give their three reasons for prayer.

If you know of a Catholic family who might be Take a moment of quiet. interested in this wonderful opportunity, please

share this information with them. Then pray the Our Father together.

Full details of choristerships at the Metropolitan You might want to finish with this prayer: Cathedral, alongside application forms and voice

trial booking slots can be found at: God our loving Father, https://www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk/ thank you for this great and wonderful music/joining-the-choirs/ world you have given us.

Look after each country we have prayed for Due to the current lockdown and social distance and all the others too procedures in place, and the likelihood that these and bring them peace and freedom. will continue throughout the recruitment procedure, Through Christ our Lord. recruitment for boy and girl choristers for Amen. September 2020 start will likely be carried out exclusively ‘on-line’ via Zoom video conferencing. Candle Intentions This Week: Pastoral Associate Update:

Sanctuary Candle: It was a real sense of “putting out into the deep” for Preston Family over 30 from the pastoral area who participated in the Zoom Synod meetings last week. The Marian Candle: overwhelming sense of community despite being Shelagh Preston on screens with limited communication Sacred Heart Candle: possibilities, was incredibly strong. Discussions in Bob McCappin small groups of 3 or 4 allowed a deep sharing and reflection with people forming new bonds across

parishes that surprised and delighted them. All Please remember in your prayers ages were represented from the wisest and most all those who are sick, those who have died, experienced amongst us to those with youth and those whose anniversaries occur at this time vigour. Well done everyone and let’s zoom again soon! Mass Intentions Offered Last Week People of the Parish A musical challenge this week: many thanks to our Heron Kelly & McKevitt Family high school violinists Beth and Anna from St Brendan Halpin Wilfrid’s, Garston who have recorded a medley of Josie Bell hymn tunes which are now on our pastoral area Jimmy Burns website – can you guess the melodies? Theresa Jolly Private Intention My quote this week is from Pope Francis – especially apt for our times and as we From the Justice and Peace Group... commemorate VE day on Friday We have been contacted by Dr Anne Merriman “ Like the Good Samaritan, may we not be telling us of the severe problems that her charity ashamed of touching the wounds of those who Hospice Africa is facing. Covid 19 is threatening suffer, but try to heal them with concrete acts of the survival of this charity. Fundraising has love” reduced to almost nil because of restrictions and social isolation in donor countries including the Stay safe, keep well. God Bless, Helen UK. Inspired by Captain Tom Moore, Dr Anne has started a sponsored walk around her garden in EVENTS Kampala, Uganda. Although her health allows her www.liverpoolsouthpastoralarea.org.uk to only walk half a kilometre on a good day she Live Streams (all links online) intends to walk 20 laps per day for 25 days Sunday Mass – 9:00am Vincent De Paul finishing on her 85th birthday, 13th May. Church Facebook Live; 10:00am St Anne and St The charity has been established for 25 yrs and Bernard’s YouTube Channel; 11:00am Met gives end of life care to cancer patients and Cathedral Facebook Live (and recording available supports 2,000 patients in their own homes in afterwards on YouTube Channel); 11:00am St Uganda. Since 1993 Hospice Africa has trained Philip Neri Church Facebook Live 10,000 health professionals in African countries in and www.cathchap.org.uk palliative care, this has resulted in 37 of 54 African Daily Mass – 10:00am: St Anne and St countries offering palliative care. We realise that Bernard’s YouTube Channel many charities are having a very difficult time but Candle of Hope 8:15 FCJ Centre St parishioners have been very supportive of Hospice Hugh’s Facebook Live (live Mon, Wed, Fri) - Africa in the past. If you would like to make a materials online donation go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com. Thank Daily Evening Prayer 6:30pm St Vincent’s – you very much. materials online