Our Lady Star of the Sea | St Bernard of Clairvaux | St Saviour
WEEKLY REFLECTION
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This Sunday we celebrate the Assumption of Mary and in our Gospel today we hear of Mary’s visit to see her cousin Elizabeth, what a wonderful Gospel this is; Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit, the child in her womb jumping for joy. Her supportive affirming words to Mary “Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Just as Jesus after his ascension sent down the Holy Spirit to sustain His Church, so Mary, in the Assumption, is not separated from us, but shows us a sign of sure hope that each and every one of us is called to share.
And Mary should inspire each and every on e of us to live our lives as God wishes us to, she beckons us forward to the fullness of life, towards eventually our eternal salvation.
Fr Godlove, many parishioners and I have recently returned from pilgrimage in Lourdes and it was at the blessed grotto by the River Gave in that small town at the foot of the Pyrenees that Mary, Mother of God, revealed her name to St Bernadette, she said; “I am the Immaculate Conception”, Mary filled with God’s grace from the beginning of her life. In the Holy Land, as in the blessed Grotto in Lourdes, God choose simplicity, silence and humility which to reveal himself. God’s grace is not forced upon anyone; it’s always waiting for a response. St Bernadette responded with humble, faithful trust in Lourdes, and we are invited to respond in the same way, recognising God’s presence all around us, daring to say YES and opening our hearts to hope.
In this newsletter there are some photographs and reflections from a number of our parishioners who travelled to Lourdes, and please be assured that your prayers and petitions were left with Our Lady at the Blessed Grotto, and you all were very much in our thoughts and prayers during our time on pilgrimage. Maybe next year you may wish to join us as a pilgrim in Lourdes, certainly it is a humbling and fruitful experience in that Holy place, where heaven touched earth.
Let us strive to be open to God’s will, responding as Mary and Bernadette did, and let us pray that we will be filled with many graces and blessings, refreshed in faith, love and hope.
Mary Mother of God, Our Lady of Lourdes pray for us, St Bernadette pray for us.
Parish News & Updates
Young Pilgrims Say “Yes” to Lourdes
Ten young people from Ellesmere Port Catholic High School travelled to Lourdes for a week of faith, friendship and service, joining pilgrims from across the parish and beyond. An unforgettable experience that brought them closer to God and inspired them to serve again.
A Journey of Faith and Renewal
Craig shares his moving experience of travelling to Lourdes with his son Ronan, where he found friendship, peace and spiritual renewal. Though he did not receive physical healing, Lourdes helped him find acceptance, strength and a deeper trust in God.
Community Prayers
For the Sick and Housebound
Paul Smith, Dot MacDonald, Antoinette Denney, Carol Elliott, Shirley Stephen, Mark, Eliyamma Thomas, Angela Bedward, Marcus Vernon, Tom Berry, Wayne Statham, Maureen Wildman, Arthur Harrington and Oliwia Dorocki.
May the Lord watch over, guide and protect all the sick and housebound of our parish. Amen.
Written requests for prayers to be included in the newsletter can be given to Fr Godlove, Deacon Tony or passed into the sacristy. Please include on the written request; your name, the person you are requesting prayers for, and state that the person is happy for their name to be included in the newsletter.
The Recently Deceased
Of your charity, please keep the following recently deceased parishioner(s) in your prayers:
Michael Anthony Foley RIP – Funeral SERVICE on Wednesday 19th August 3.20 pm at Chester Crematorium
Upcoming Parish Events
30th August - Little Disciples Mass at 11am
27th September - Little Disciples Mass at 11am
3rd October – TV & Film Quiz Night 7pm
25th October - Little Disciples Mass at 11am
7th November – Decades Quiz Night 7pm
22nd November – Christ the King International Mass at 11am
29th November - Little Disciples Mass at 11am
5th December – Christmas Quiz Night 7pm
THE POPE'S INTENTION
For Respect for Evangelization in the City
Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.
Notices
FIRST FORGIVENESS & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Congratulations to Krystian Norek who made his First Holy Communion last Sunday. We pray for Sarah Hande, Lucas Bento, Zoe Okodugha, George and Geoffery Ugo-Onyeka who will be making their First Holy Communion at the 11am Mass on 30th August. We pray for all the other children from non-Catholic schools being prepared here in the parish who will be making their First Forgiveness and First Holy Communion in the weeks and months ahead. We continue encouraging them to start/continue being active members of our parish community alongside their families, in addition to attending Mass every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation which is a ‘basic minimum’ for us as Catholics.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM – UPDATE
We welcome babies Daisy Peach and Jace Chua who were Baptised last Sunday and we pray for Amalie Rose Burgos who will be Baptised this Sunday. We keep praying for all the other children, parents and sponsors preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism in the weeks and months ahead.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
As we are now in holiday season there will be NO children’s Liturgy during August. The Children’s Choir at 11am Mass on Sunday 30th August will take place as normal, followed by a BBQ and games in the Parish centre. Everybody is welcome to join in this Parish social time.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
Our Confirmation Programme for any of our young Parishioners (aged 14-17) who would like to be confirmed in 2027 will commence in September 2026. There will be a meeting following the 11am Mass on Sunday 13th September in Church in which Father Godlove will explain the basis of the Sacramental preparation. Please email the parish office if you would like to attend this meeting.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) PROGRAMME
For all those interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Catholic you are warmly invited to an initial meeting where you can find out more on Saturday 5th September at 6.15pm in Church. Please email the parish office if you would like to attend this meeting.
parishoffice@ourladystar.co.uk If you are interested or want more information please speak to Father Godlove or Deacon Tony after Mass.
FIRST SACRAMENTS PROGRAMME
A meeting will be held on Sunday 13th September following the 11am Mass in Church for all candidates (those in Catholic schools and non-Catholic schools) and their parents/guardians. Father Godlove will set out the expectations in order for the children to be able to make their First Forgiveness and First Holy Communion in 2027.
EPCHS
Ellesmere Port Catholic High School is currently seeking new Foundation Governors to join its governing body. This is a rewarding opportunity to serve the school community, support its Catholic mission, and help shape the future education and wellbeing of our young people.
You do not need to be an education expert—just someone with a commitment to the values of Catholic education, a willingness to contribute their skills and experience, and a desire to make a positive difference.
As a Foundation Governor, you will play an important role in supporting the leadership of the school, ensuring it continues to flourish and provide the very best opportunities for our pupils.
If you would like to find out more about this fulfilling role, please visit: https://www.olhoc.org.uk/become-a-governor
THANK YOU
A big THANK YOU to all the Parishioners who so generously donated, via the sale of teas and cakes after 5pm Mass on Saturday, which will support Father Julius’ educational programme in Cameroon.
CAFOD SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Could you visit your local Catholic school to talk about the work of CAFOD? We are looking for volunteers to deliver school assemblies and workshops and inspire children and young people to make a difference and take action. For further information please contact Anna Letizia on 07710 094449 or email aletizia@cafod.org.uk
CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER
During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk 017687 72711
HOLIDAY PHOTOGRAPHS
Following Father Godlove’s reflection where he suggested a visit to a nearby Church as part of your holiday plans, why not send a photograph of you/your family inside a Church you visit so we can share in the newsletter? Email your photograph to the parish office and include your name, the Church and location.
parishoffice@ourladystar.co.uk
QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER
During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk