St James' bells ring out in thanks to carers
Posted: Thu, 21 May 2020 22:05
The recently restored bells of St James' church have been ringing out across Bootle at 8pm on Thursday as our nation gathers to clap for our NHS workers and carers.
Our own thanks go to bell-ringer John for a joyful and hopeful sound!
Salesian Young Adults on life in lockdown: Chee
Posted: Thu, 21 May 2020 20:33
In addition to their online meetings, some of the members of Sacred Heart Battersea's Young Adults' Group have generously shared their thoughts on life in our strange times. Here, Chee talks about the blessings she is experiencing as the distractions that increased the busyness of life have been taken away.
For more information on joining the Sacred Heart Young Adults Group, email batterseawest@rcaos.org.uk... Read More »
‘Get a real job!’ - the reality of school
Posted: Thu, 21 May 2020 18:58
In his latest article on being a Catholic teacher, Mike reflects on engagement with reality. (Photo: Freephoto on Pixabay)
Being a proud Scouse lad, the lyrics of the Beatles I am sure are as much as part of my DNA as the double helix. Music and football are an instant conversation starter where ever I go. One of the most sublime lyrics of the Fab Four is 'Living is easy with eyes closed.' Can you name... Read More »
Bishop is part of Thornleigh's rosary in many languages
Posted: Thu, 21 May 2020 11:35
As we approach the feast of Mary Help of Christians, Fr Michael Winstanley SDB talks about the importance of Our Lady to Don Bosco, and in all of our lives, in this week's assembly from Thornleigh Salesian College. As staff, students and Salesian Brothers share a decade of the Rosary, with Hail Marys in Vietnamese, French, Italian, Polish and Spanish, they are joined by this week's special guest, Bishop... Read More »
A sweet 65th birthday for Fr Brian SDB
Posted: Wed, 20 May 2020 18:38
Rector of the Bootle community, Fr Brian McGraw SDB, celebrated his 65th birthday this week. The whole community was delighted with the gift his family sent - a huge hamper of chocolate! In the interests of keeping him fit and healthy, his confreres kindly made sure he didn't eat too much of it ...
World Communications Day: "Life becomes history"
Posted: Tue, 19 May 2020 12:20
A reflection for the 7th Sunday of Easter, World Communications Sunday, by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB. Photo: Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference
We find ourselves in this 'waiting time' between the celebration of Ascension and the remembrance of Pentecost. On this day, we recall that the disciples are still in their prayerful lockdown with Mary in the home of Eucharist, the Upper Room. They have to... Read More »
Salesian Young Adults talk about lockdown life: Cristiana
Posted: Thu, 14 May 2020 15:20
Members of the Young Adults Group at Sacred Heart, Battersea, have begun meeting virtually during lockdown, and Br Martin Pushparaj SDB has sent some videos in which members generously share their thoughts on life during lockdown, and what they are doing to lift their spirits.
In this video, Cristiana talks about how her own life has changed in recent months, and what she is doing to cope with the changes... Read More »
Our Church was founded in times of isolation and mistrust
Posted: Thu, 14 May 2020 13:03
A reflection on the Gospel for the Sixth Sunday of Easter by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB. Image: Church of Jesus Christ Media Library
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been... Read More »
Gratitude - the key to finding happiness in tough times
Posted: Thu, 14 May 2020 11:49
This week, in their virtual assembly, Thornleigh Salesian College encouraged their community to look for things to be grateful for. Along with an uplifting version of Bambelela, (Hold on, never give up) from RE and Music teachers Dan and James, pictured above, staff, students and guest presenters talk about the things they are thankful for, from being able to hear birdsong to the health staff caring... Read More »
Celebrating St Mary Mazzarello
Posted: Wed, 13 May 2020 21:24
On the afternoon of the Feast of St Mary Mazzarello, many of the Salesian Family gathered in their homes to watch a film of the life of our co-founder, (see below) and Masses were live-streamed from the SDB communities in Bolton and Chertsey. Sr Pat Devine FMA led a Zoom evening session, hosted by Salesian Youth Ministry and attended by Cooperators, members of the Youth Ministry Team, Salesian staff... Read More »