WEEKLY REFLECTION
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
We have had an urgent message from the Bishops:
Please contact your MP to oppose assisted suicide.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is back in the House of
Commons and seeks to legalise assisted suicide. It will have its
Second Reading and vote on Friday, 11 September 2026. Please
write to your MP to make your voice heard an oppose the bill.
“This Bill is wrong in principle” says Archbishop Richard Moth,
President of the Bishops’ Conference, “It is also deeply flawed
and, if passed, could lead to vulnerable people feeling pressured
into ending their lives. The Bill has a serious lack of protection
for the health and social care staff and risks putting many
wonderful hospices and care homes in the position of no longer
being able to operate. I urge you to write to your Members of
Parliament to petition them to vote against the Bill at the
Second Reading.
You can support the Archbishop’s call and contact your MP now
as a matter of urgency. Even if you have already done so in the
past, please speak up and voice your opposition. The charity
Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to do this. It
takes little more than a few minutes to enter your postcode,
make sure the suggested text suits your viewpoint and submit
your message to ask you MP to stop this flawed Bill progressing
through Parliament.
For more information and resources, please visit:
www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/
righttolife.org.uk/Sept11vote
Parish News & Updates
Fr G’s Letter to Parents
Last week a letter was addressed to our young[er] parishioners, your children. This week, I thought to direct a few words to you.
Fr G’s Letter to our Young Parishioners
As the academic year draws to a close for most of you, I would like to thank and congratulate you for all you have accomplished thus far.
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.
The Recently Deceased
Of your charity, please keep the following recently deceased parishioner(s) in your prayers:
Ellen Davidson RIP – Funeral SERVICE on Thursday 13th August 3.20 pm at Chester Crematorium
Personal Prayer Request
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 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
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM – UPDATE
We pray for babies Daisy Peach and Jace Chua who’ll be Baptised on Sunday 9th August. And we keep praying for all the other children, parents and sponsors preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism in the weeks and months ahead.
FIRST FORGIVENESS & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Congratulations to Lavinia Fincham who made her first Holy Communion last Sunday.
We pray for Krystian Norek who will be making his First Holy Communion at the 11am Mass on 9th August. We pray for all the other children from non-Catholic schools being prepared here in the parish, and those from St Bernard’s school 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.
WELCOME TO FR JULIUS SIMOMIA
This week we welcome Fr Julius Simomia who will be on supply here in the parish whilst Father Godlove and Deacon Tony are currently in Lourdes on the Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage. Father Julius is a priest of the Diocese of Mamfe (Cameroon). He studied in the UK and served as Parish Priest at St Anthony of Padua in Wolverhampton from 2018-2022 before returning to his home diocese. He’s helped in the dioceses of Birmingham and Shrewsbury before and has kindly agreed to supply here. I am sure we will make him feel very welcome here in the Port.
Father Julius welcome to the Port!
FATHER GODLOVE & DEACON TONY
Father Godlove, Deacon Tony and some of our Parishioners are in Lourdes this week for the Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage The intentions that you placed in the basket have been taken with them and they will be praying for all our Parishioners whilst in Lourdes.
FOUNDATION GOVERNOR VACANCIES 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
PIETY STALL
There is a table in the Piety Stall of items that have been donated to the Parish. If there is anything you would like, please help yourself and if you are able please put a donation in the Piety wall box.
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.
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
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
WE BELIEVE FESTIVAL
Anthony our Altar Server writes
”Last Friday, our Parish travelled to St Mary's College, Oscott, Birmingham, for the WeBelieve Festival. We spent the day attending talks, participating in Vespers and celebrating Mass with Christians from across the country. It was a wonderful day deepening our faith, praying together and enjoying a real sense of community.”