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

(24th Jan 2026)  

It is never easy finding the right words to say to the Parents and family of someone grieving the loss of a child. It is even harder when that child has died in circumstances which appeared to be avoidable. This was the case in the horrendous Crans-Montana fire in Switzerland on New Years Day.

Last week, many of the parent’s and family members of the dead and injured met with Pope Leo in the Vatican at his request. I learned from an article By Deborah Castellano Lubov of Vatican news that the Pope was “deeply moved” to meet the families, as he recognized that this time in which “one of the people most dear to you, most loved, has lost his or her life in a catastrophe of extreme violence, or is lying in hospital for a long period, with a body disfigured by the consequences of a terrible fire that has struck the imagination of the entire world” truly tries one’s faith.

He noted how it was a priority for him to meet with them when he learned of their interest. Pope Leo, expressed sadness that the tragedy happened on a day when everyone was rejoicing and celebrating, exchanging wishes of joy and happiness.

“What can one say therefore in such circumstances?” he wondered. “What meaning can be given to such events? Where can one find a consolation equal to what you are experiencing, a comfort that is not made up of empty superficial words, but that touches deeply and rekindles hope?”

Only one reflection, the pope suggested, is “adequate”: “that of the Son of God on the Cross-whom you are close to today-who from the depth of His abandonment and His pain cried out to the Father: ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’(Mt 27:46)

The Father’s answer to the Son’s supplication, Pope Leo acknowledged, took three days to come, in silence. “But then, what an answer it is!” he marveled. “Jesus rises in glory, living forever in the joy and eternal light of Easter.” Pope Leo lamented that he could not explain to them “why you and your loved ones have been asked to face this trial.” However, he added, “the successor of Peter whom you have come to meet today affirms this to you with strength and conviction: your hope is not in vain, because Christ is truly risen!”

As a priest, I found it reassuring to hear what Pope Leo had to say to those heartbroken families. Even the successor of St. Peter had difficulty finding the right words to say, just like the rest of us. What I have quoted above represents only a glimpse of the whole meeting but there is no doubt that those present will treasure their personal and very moving gathering with Poe Leo and hopefully derive some desperately needed consolation from it. 

God bless, Fr Kevin.

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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.

God Bless, Fr Kevin

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The Pope’s Prayer intention for January 2026: 

For prayer with the Word of God : Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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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

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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