The Feast of the Holy Family, Sunday 28th December, 2025. Cycle A
St John the Evangelist
128 Bebington Road,
New Ferry, CH62 5BJ
Diocese of Shrewsbury (reg. charity 234025)
Parish - Priest: Fr Mario Ashuikeka
Deacon: Revd Michael Daly Phone: 0151 645 3314
Email stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites http://www.stjohntheevangelistnewferry.com
The Feast of the Holy Family, 28th December, 2025. Cycle A
Faith in Focus
No two families are the same and each of us has to work out how best to function in our own family. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph are put before us as models for us to emulate. But how do we do that in the twenty-first century? Perhaps with three simple ingredients, the three Cs: Commitment: Joseph’s trust was stretched
when it came to committing himself to Mary and her unborn child. It goes without saying that families need commitment. Casual groupings of adults and children find it harder to provide the necessary stability. Families only exist because people have a “no matter what” attitude to their wives, husbands, children and parents. We don’t give up when things get tough. But commitment has other natural consequences. If you’re committed to someone then you have to convince them of the fact. When did you last tell your child, wife etc that they really mattered in your eyes? How quick were you to forgive them when they did something that displeased you? What do you bring to your family to show your commitment?
Communication: The greatest danger to married life is not infidelity but lack of communication. Many people survive long years of marriage but never get to know the mind of their partner because they simply don’t talk about things that matter to them both. Many parents find their children’s behaviour puzzling but don’t know how to sit down with them and talk things through. And so the children never expect their parents to understand, especially when they really need them to. It’s just easier to talk to the computer for hours on end.
Common Activity: When a survey asked children what single thing they would most like to change in their family, the answer came back that they would like to do more things together with their parents. Being part of a family means sharing time, experiences, hopes, joys, tears and dreams. Building a family means planning common activity, going out together, doing things together.
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ENTRANCE ANTIPHON: The shepherds went in haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in a manger.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways!
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Alleluia, alleluia! May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts; let the message of Christ find a home with you. Alleluia!
COMMUNION ANTIPHON: Our God has appeared on the earth, and lived among us.
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Devotions/Adoration: Saturday Morning Devotions will be prayed in Church (the Rosary, Divine Mercy & Divine Praises) from 10:30am-11:30am. Fr Mario will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation between 11.00am- 11.30am. All morning services will take place in St Anne’s house; at St John’s: Masses will be held in the Day Chapel.
Last Weeks’ Offertory Collection: total is £721.00p. Many thanks for your continued generosity and support.
The Boiler Appeal- a separate bank account has been set up specifically to ‘ring fence’ contributions to the new boiler fund. Please make cheques payable to St John’s New Ferry and write 29001/NFJ/DU on the reverse. Cash donations should be placed in an envelope with 29001/BNFJ/DU written on the outside.
Bookings- for the reception & Celebration of Sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation & Wedding, please enquire & arrange for these through the parish emails / Secretaries of St. Anne’s & St. John’s. Also contact the Parish Priest/ Administrator through 0151 645 3996. Funerals should be booked through the Parish Offices by the funeral directors.
Mass Intentions Please complete an intentions envelope. If a particular date is requested give at least THREE weeks’ notice. If the date has been filled, we will put your intention in as near as possible to the original date. Thank you for your patience and co-operation.
In Memoriam.. Please continue to pray for all the faithful departed that they may rest in the peace of Christ.
Children's Liturgy – takes place during the 9.30am Mass. All are most welcome.
Sunday Morning Teas continue on the first Sunday of each month. Come along for tea/coffee & biscuits whilst enjoying a chat. Due to the Parish Christmas Party, the next date is SUNDAY, 4TH JANUARY 2026. All welcome.
Wirral Foodbank Appeal: Please help to support our local Foodbank as much as you can with both food & funds. All items urgently needed are listed on the notice board at the back
Preparation Classes for First Holy Communion: will start today, Sunday 16th November, during the Children’s Liturgy. The Sacrament will be celebrated on Christmas Day here at St John’s. Application Forms can be obtained from the Parish office and by email
THE BIG CARD is on the table at the back of church. Please write your Christmas message at a suggested minimum donation of £1. All proceeds will go towards the work of The Ark. Please support this very good cause and thank you for your support over the years
+55 Group will be meeting on Tuesday, 6th January at 12.30pm in St Annes Parish Hall. Speaker James Tyrell. All most welcome
St John Plessington Catholic College Foundation Governor Vacancy
A vacancy for a Foundation Governor has arisen at St John Plessington Catholic College and expressions of interests are being sought from practising committed Catholics forthe role. Governors have key roles in ensuring clarity of vision, holding the school to account, and financial oversight. Foundation Governors are appointed by Bishop Mark, to represent his and the catholic communities interests, to ensure that the religious character of the school is preserved, and religious education is delivered in accordance with the Bishop’s policy. If you are interested in the role, further information is available from Peadar McLoughlin (Head teacher) or Chris Lamb (Clerk to the Board) the who can be contacted on 0151 645 5049.
MASS/SERVICE TIMES FOR NEW YEAR AT ST JOHN’S & ST ANNE’S
Wednesday 31st December - NO MASS AT ST JOHN’S OR AT ST ANNE’S
NEW YEAR’S DAY 1st January – Mass 10.00am at ST JOHN’S
Holy Hour 11.30am-12 Noon at ST ANNE’S
Mass 12 Noon at ST ANNE’S
Friday 2nd January Mass 9.15am at ST JOHN’S ONLY
Saturday 3rd January Mass 5.00pm at ST JOHN’S
6.30pm at ST ANNE’S
Sunday 4th January Mass 9.30am at ST JOHN’S
Mass 11.00am at ST ANNE’S
Monday 5th January THERE WILL BE NO MORNING MASS AT ST JOHN’S
Mass at ST ANNE’S at 12 Noon
Vigil Mass of the Epiphany 6.00pm at
ST JOHN’S ONLY
Tuesday 6th January The Feast of the Epiphany
Mass 9.30am at ST JOHN’S
Mass 12 Noon at ST ANNE’S
Wednesday 7th January Mass 7.00pm at ST ANNE’S ONLY
Wednesday 14th January Mass 7.00pm at ST JOHN’S ONLY
WEDNESDAY EVENING MASS AT 7.00pm WILL THEN CONTINUE AT ST JOHN’S’ AND ST ANNE’S ON ALTERNATE WEEKS
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PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendour of true love. To you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families, too, may be places of communion, prayer and authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches. Holy Family of Nazareth may families never again experience violence , rejection and division; may all who have been hurt or scandalised find ready comfort and healing. Amen.
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Saturday 27th 10.30am Devotions – Rosary, Divine Mercy & Divine Praises
5.00pm In Honour of St John
Nance & Alf Shipman RIP
Feast of The Holy Family 28th 9.30am Liam Rolston & Stan Korn RIP
Azubike Emmanuel Nnadi RIP
7.30pm Prayer Meeting
Monday – St Thomas Becket 29th 9.15am Leo Shore RIP
Tuesday 30th 9.15am Ints Lynne & Charlie Hosie
Wednesday 31st NO MASS AT ST JOHN’S
Thursday- Solemnity of Mary Mother of God 1st 10.00am Max Brian
Friday 2nd 9.15am MASS AT ST JOHN’S ONLY
Christine Foster RIP
Saturday – The Most Holy Name of Jesus 3rd 10.00am Cenacle Mass
10.30am Devotions – Rosary, Divine Mercy & Divine Praises
5.00pm Dec’d Rels/Fnds of Brannon & Kenny Families
Feast of The Holy Family 4th 9.30am David Dobson RIP
7.30pm Prayer Meeting
Weekend Masses - Please note that the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed immediately before each Mass. Please use this as a time for prayer & quiet devotion. Please enter the church quietly & remain so. Thank you.
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ST ANNE’S WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday 27th 6.30pm Andrea King 10yr Remb. RIP
Norah-Wilfred White
The Fourth Sunday of Advent 28th 11.00am Tony & Mary Duff RIP
Frank Edwards RIP Anniversary
Monday 29th 12 Noon Joan O’Grady Families
Tuesday 30th 12 Noon For all the Parishioners of Sts. Anne, John’s & St. Luke’s and for Youth
Wednesday 31st NO MASS AT ST ANNE’S
Thursday 1st 11.30-12pm Holy Hour
12 Noon Fr. Mario-Benedict U. Ashuikeka Birthday Blessings
Friday 2nd MASS AT ST JOHN’S ONLY
Saturday 3rd 6.30pm For All Prison Staff
Second Sunday After Christmas 4th 11.00am Fr Liam Lawton
Brian & Maher Families
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Pope Leo’s Prayer Intentions for January
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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