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Mums the Word

I hope that by the time you read this, words like lockdown, shielding and masks will be receding into the background and instead activities like churchgoing, hairdressing and shopping trips, and perhaps even UCM meetings will be – if not actually happening – then at least well into the planning stage. Just imagine praying our UCM prayer together again, celebrating those BiMonthly Masses, booking speakers and demonstrations, planning fund-raising events. I've missed those strawberry teas … seeing who has put weight on, and who has gone grey! Seriously, the thanks and prayers of all members are due to all our clergy who have done such sterling work during the lockdown, giving us the opportunity to be present at streamed Masses and other times of prayer. We think of those priests who have reached special anniversaries of their ordination, but have not been able to celebrate fully with family and friends – hopefully, they will be able to have some kind of festivity when we emerge from this pandemic. Of course, newly ordained priests hold a special place in our hearts so we welcome Father Peter Murphy. Although the congregation was reduced at his ordination, nothing could dim the pride of his family; congratulations to all. Today being Tuesday 7 July I have just watched the live-streamed Mass from Walsingham on what should have been our pilgrimage day. The celebrant mentioned that it should have been our day and he lit a candle for us. I was remembering all those lovely outdoor Masses followed by picnics in the meadow, then processing to the Abbey Grounds for Benediction. I am sure it never rained (well it might have done, but why let truth spoil a good story?). I am looking forward to next year already. Keep your eye on the UCM Matters newsletter for information about the September Bi-Monthly Mass at St George’s, Maghull. At the moment it is not looking too hopeful, but we shall see. Till we meet again, stay safe and well everyone. May God bless us all.

A century of service News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Southport knights support soup kitchen and foodbanks

The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic continue to have an impact on the activities of the KSC, with no actual meetings held for months now and virtual gatherings taking place instead. Yet, at a time like this, it is important for the order to try to help where it can and we can report that Southport council 146 has been very supportive of charities in its area, providing substantial donations to the Southport Soup Kitchen and two local foodbanks, Lakeside and Shoreline. Prior to the lockdown, the soup kitchen received £750 and the foodbanks £500 each from the KSC. Since then, the soup kitchen has received a further £1,000 which is being used to buy supermarket vouchers for the homeless and needy, and the same amount has gone to each of the foodbanks to provide food for the increasing number of people requiring support. We also report a further, very worthy, solo effort by Bro Aiden Carney of Council 9 who has undertaken a fundraising campaign in support of the Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen Hospital Heroes Emergency Appeal. Aiden volunteered to undergo a complete head shave (see photos above) to draw attention to the appeal and, at the time of writing, had already raised nearly £1,200. As we are all aware, NHS staff are on the front line of the fight against the Coronavirus and need all the support they can get. If you would like to contribute to Aiden’s campaign, visit his page on the Just Giving website: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraisi ng/aidancarney

Websites: www.ksc.org.uk www.kscprov02.weebly.com Email: dpokeane@aol.com