On a very rainy Sunday 3rd June 2012, the Salesian Parish of Saint James' Bootle celebrated 125 years of ministry within the Bootle Community. To mark the beginning of this day Fr Martin Coyle, the SDB provincial, celebrated Mass in a full church. Our regular congregation was joined by former parishioners, Staff and Governors of both Savio Salesian College and All Saints Primary, and pupils from the same schools.

The Parish community gathered at Mass

After the Thanksgiving Mass we took the short walk over to the primary school where, since 7am Sunday morning, our Youth Team had been setting up the 'Fun Festival'. Every single young and not so young person enjoyed the fun filled day, even though the weather was dreadful.

Within the school hall there were game stalls (roll a penny, key in the door, hook a duck, etc), an arts and crafts section, bouncy castles, an inflatable obstacle course and an inflatable climbing frame. Outside there was a climbing wall, stage (for choirs, bands and a magic show), a burger van and an ice cream van. Over in the church there was Bingo, a VIDES UK stall, a Salesian Youth Ministry stall, a Mamma Margaret's stall and an exhibition of the history of Saint James' (which will be up until the summer). The day was a complete success. We have to say a massive thank-you to all present and all those who sent prayers our way: all were very much appreciated.

The festivities continue with a 125 Oscars evening on Saturday 16th June - tickets are still on sale NOW at a fantastic price of 10 - and until the beginning of the summer the exhibition will remain in the church.

This year is doubly special in Bootle as it's the fifth and final year of VIDES UK's involvement in our Parish. Thanks to all volunteers for their hard work and time given these past four years.

As you can see the Salesian Parish of Saint James' Bootle is a living parish with many events happening over the course of a year. This is all down to a dedicated Salesian Community, dedicated Parishioners and dedicated young people who make Saint James' what we are. We truly do follow our motto: Building the future on firm foundations.

Thanks to Ste Lloyd for the article and photograph