Praying Together...

 

 

The Holy Family

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from Fr Kevin's Desk - a weekly reflection, and more.. 

Fr Kevin McLoughlin

(18th July 2026)

Considering this was my first week back since my break, it has certainly been a full one especially with our schools breaking up. I also had minor surgery on my right hand at our Hospital on Wednesday which obviously did not help. It did however re-emphasise to me; just how much we take our normal hand movements for granted. Even with very minor surgery, it initially takes twice as long to complete the smallest of tasks and some things literally become almost impossible, reminding me of how much we should all be aware of those with limited movements and to assist them whenever it is appropriate. Thankfully, it is improving well, and I hope to have my stiches out on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Holy Family School celebrated year six leavers Mass in church which involved the whole school, including the infants. Despite the heat it was a wonderful Mass and celebration of the achievements of all year six leavers during their time at Holy Family. All the children were a credit to their families and our school. It was absolutely wonderful to see the church full of children, a sight, I am sure, put a smile on God’s face. As they now begin their summer break may I extend my gratitude to Miss Hilton our head teacher and Miss Loveless her deputy and all the teachers, governors, support staff and everyone who plays any part in making Holy Family school the amazing school we all know it to be. Thank you so much.

On Thursday along with Fr’s Paul Seddon, Steve Prichard and Bishop Tom, we celebrated with the whole school of Christ the King their 60th anniversary Mass. This was also a truly wonderful occasion and once again we should be grateful to the head Miss Wheeler and the whole team for their hard work and dedication to the lives of every child in their care. The music and singing really enhanced this special all school celebration.

I hope and pray that whatever plans our children and their families may have for their summer’s break, that everyone will have chance, whether at home, or away, for some quality time together with family and friends and that they will have a happy and safe summer holiday and also that the weather will be good to them.

God Bless, Fr Kevin

Important Notice

Parish Development Strategy.

I mentioned prior to my holiday that everyone will be given a chance to have their say regarding the proposals announced a few weeks ago concerning our local parishes and Deanery. It is especially important that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should be heard and shared. Next week there will be some dates announced when this can happen. Please watch this space and do try when possible, to get involved.

Prayer to Saint Carlo Acutis

O God our Father, we thank you for giving us Carlo a model of life for young people, and message of love for all. You made him fall in love with your son Jesus, making the Eucharist his “highway to heaven”. You gave him Mary as a beloved mother, and you made him, through the rosary, a cantor of her tenderness. Receive his prayer for us. Look above all on the poor, whom he loved and assisted. Grant me too, through his intercession, the grace that I need, (mention any personal intercession) And make our joy full, as Carlo is raised among the saints of your Church, so that his smile shines again for us to the glory of your name. Amen.

Prayer for Queenscourt: For all those raising funds for Queenscourt hospice; that their never ending work continues to reap rewards.  We gratefully pray, Lord, for the support of our community, who recognise the need for Queenscourt to be there for those who need its care. Lord in your mercy.

The Pope’s Prayer intention for July 2026: 

For respect for human life Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

A Child's Prayer for Grandparents

 Dear God, please bless my grandparents.
Thank you for the life they gave my parents
and for the life, they give to me.

For the ways they helped me and made me strong, I give thanks.
For the ways, they love me no matter what, I rejoice.
For the ways, they have paved the road
that leads me here, I am grateful.

Let them grow in wisdom and joy in life.
Let them find peace and rest from their work.
Let them be healed of every sickness and pain.
And let them see with their own eyes your glory
and the love of their children and grandchildren.

Bless them always until they come to rest in you.
- Author Unknown

Please read and pray about what we can all do in response to the urgent needs of some of our local people.

We are blessed that Southport North SVP which covers the parishes of St Marie’s, St Patricks and Holy Family is very active enabling us to support those in need in Southport in countless ways. 

Last year we regularly visited and/or maintained telephone contact with over 80 parishioners who were self-isolating and/or lonely.

We helped more than 140 families and individuals in financial need, making over 1300 visits and supplying 550 food parcels/ food vouchers, 50 fuel top ups as well as well as numerous items of furniture, bedding, electrical and household goods. 

We continue to deliver good quality adult clothes to Asylum Link who are now supporting Ukrainian families as well as other refugees.

The “cost of living” crisis is having a significant impact on everyone but is particularly hard for those who have to choose between eating or keeping warm. In each of the last 4 months we have supplied 10 food parcels and 45 food vouchers/fueltop ups (an increase of around 30% compared to last year) at a cost of over £1000 per month and we expect demand to continue to increase. 

We are very grateful to those who have supported us over the last year, financially, by food donations and by prayer, however if we are to continue supporting current demand we need your help –

There are several ways in which you can assist

  • Donations (or standing order) direct to our Nat West account: Sort Code: 60-60-04 Account Number: 46084509
    Account Name: D100907 SVP Southport North

  • Vouchers (Preferably £10 or £20) from Farmfoods, Asda, Morrisons or Aldi

  • Cash or cheques in an envelope clearly marked “SVP”  

  • Please place cash/cheques/vouchers in the collection plate/SVP wallbox or hand into St Marie’s/Holy Family Office

  • Food:  We welcome non-perishable food donations which can be collected by prior arrangement (please see list at back of St Patrick’s)

  • Adult Clothing: We collect good quality adult clothing and shoes for delivery to Asylum Link in Liverpool 

  • Please pray for the work we do and those in need – never underestimate the value of your prayer, it can make a real difference.

  • If you wish to speak to a Southport North SVP member we can be contacted on 07562378873 or through the St Marie’s/Holy Family Office. All requests are treated in strict confidence.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Please pray and let the Holy Spirit lead you! 

Please don't forget to pray for our schools

We pray for protection for all teachers, staff, pupils and their families as they attend and work in school, and look after our younger members as they start their life journeys.

We especially pray for our own schools of Holy Family and Christ the King.

Adopt a Care/Nursing Home

We all have a calling, and have been given gifts and talents to use in service to others in our daily lives.

"But I'm not special, I can't do much."

If that's what you're thinking, think again. The most powerful thing we can do, with the help and strength of the Holy Spirit, is to pray, and hold up in prayer those in need throughout our parish and beyond. This is the very meaning of community, we pray for them, visit them and keep in touch as much as we can, and they pray for us, as parish even though they might not be able to actually get to church. So we feel part of their lives, and they feel part of ours

With this in mind we have compiled a list of care and nursing homes in our parish, and ask you to adopt one.

Those residents, carers and their families especially need our prayers at this time.

Could you adopt one to protect with a prayer each day? Perhaps one near your own home or with a special meaning to you? 
If you can, please let us know so we can make sure no one is left out. 

  • Acacia Court (Roe Lane)
  • Ascot Lodge (Chambres Rd.)
  • Blair House (Roe Lane)
  • Cedar Grange (Pilkington Rd.)
  • Dale Park (Meols Cop Rd. )
  • Good Companions (Roe Lane )
  • Hampton Court (Scarisbrick New Rd.)
  • Peacehaven House (Roe Lane)
  • Thomas Henshaw (Norwood Rd.)
  • Woodlands Manor (Chambres Rd.)
  • Lyndale (Rawlinson Road)
  • Poulton Court (Wennington Road)
  • Southport Hospital
  • Queenscourt Hospice