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We have completed our Christmas Programme, but now, in view of the increasing concerns regarding the spread of Covid-19, both churches will be closed until further notice. I will continue to record the weekend Mass and this should be available from early on Saturday evening. Meanwhile, we will continue to pray for one another and hope that those in the vulnerable categories (which includes virtually everyone in the Redemptorist Community at Bishop Eton) will soon receive a vaccine. Please check the parish websites for updates.
Tim Buckley, CSsR (Parish Priest). 7 January 2021
Covid Mass Times
The Parish Clergy
Father Timothy J. Buckley C.Ss.R. (Priest) Father Timothy J. Buckley C.Ss.R. is a member of the Redemptorists and has been Parish Priest here at St Mary's since Autumn 2011. Originally
from Clapham, London, Fr Tim was ordained in 1970 and has had
various ministries in Redemptorist parishes and has lead missions across
the country. For six years he was Publishing Director of Redemptorist
Publications. He is a wonderful storyteller and a celebrated author, with
books including the Freddie Freckles series for children to his credit. Fr
Tim gained an MA in Christian Spirituality, and a doctorate from
Heythrop College. His doctoral thesis was on the pastoral care of
Catholics who experience marital breakdown. Fr Tim is an avid sports
fan and still enjoys a good game of tennis. He continues to follow the
highs and lows of Sunderland AFC with great enthusiasm! Since
acquiring a fit bit some years ago, he has managed to beat the 10,000
steps target every day, putting all of us to shame!
Deacon Bernard Rigby (Deacon) Deacon Bernard Rigby was ordained in 2008 with his first parish being
Holy Rosary in Aintree. Following a change of address, he was assigned
St Mary's, and joined our parish in 2012. Integral to his ministry is
talking to people who have drifted from the faith and creating
opportunities for them to return with a warm and friendly welcome. He
is married to Angela and has four children to first marriage and five
stepchildren. He is a keen railway enthusiast and often spends his days
off travelling by rail and visiting his family. In his earlier life, he spent
thirty years teaching including ten years as a headteacher. His first and
second wife share the same name - Angela, and he tells us that people
often joke with him saying 'if you talk in your sleep, they wouldn't know
which one you were talking about!'
About the Parish
A Catholic Community has been present in Woolton for over 300 years. In 1715 the Benedictines were Chaplains to the Molyneux's at Woolton Hall and St. Benet's Priory, at Watergate Lane and our parish school - Much Woolton, now stands on this site. Our church was opened in October 1860. However, it wasn't until 1861 that it was renamed St Mary's. The Benedictines departed after 200 years of service and the Mill Hill Missionaries briefly became Rectors. The first Diocesan Priest was appointed in 1931. In 2011, the Archbishop asked the Redemptorists at Bishop Eton to take responsibility of the parish. Together, we are striving to live out our mission: 'Strong in faith; rejoicing in hope; burning with charity; on fire with zeal; in humility of heart; persevering in prayer our Parish shares in the mystery of Christ and proclaims it in Gospel simplicity and language.'