Catholic Parishes of Rainford & Birchley

13/04/2026

Let us keep our Holy Father in our prayers… “Blessed are the peacemakers…” 🙏🏼

Archbishop John Wilson said: “Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV is showing the world that in the face of war, God demands peace. As Pope Leo has made clear, we cannot stand by and allow the message of the Gospel to be abused.

“As bishops, we are not politicians, nor statesmen, nor do we pretend to have all the answers. But as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we know that each of us is called to be a beacon of His peace. We know that in the face of war, where so many innocent lives will be lost, we must be clear that God demands peace.

“Please join me in praying for peace and for Pope Leo XIV. May we all be as courageous as our Holy Father in proclaiming the truth that God demands peace”.

01/04/2026

THE SACRED TRIDUUM & EASTER 2026

Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord’s Supper
6pm Rainford; 8pm Birchley

Good Friday - Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion
2pm Rainford; 4pm Birchley

Holy Saturday - Confessions
11am Rainford; 2pm Birchley
The Solemn Easter Vigil, 8pm Birchley

Easter Sunday - Mass of the Resurrection
8am & 11am Birchley
9.30am Rainford

16/02/2026

ASH WEDNESDAY 2026
Masses with Imposition of Ashes according to the following schedule:
Rainford at Noon
Birchley at 10am & 7.15pm

31/01/2026

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes - World Day of Prayer for the Sick - Wednesday 11th February 2026..

Two healing masses will be celebrated on this day: 10am at Birchley, 7pm at Rainford.

Sacrament of the Sick and Laying on of Hands will be available. All are welcome to attend and pray for themselves and others for the Lord’s healing of those who suffer in body, mind, or in spirit.

14/01/2026

Today, the Province Chapter elected the members of the Provincial Council to assist the Superior in the leadership of the province for the next 3 years.
V.Rev Paul V Harris SDS - Provincial Superior
V.Rev Michael Doherty SDS - Vicar Provincial
V.Rev Richard Mway SDS - Consultor & Bursar
V.Rev Floribert Kalinda SDS - Consultor
Please keep them in your prayers

13/01/2026

Salvatorian Province Chapter 2026
This morning during the first session of the Chapter, V.Rev Father Paul was elected as the new Provincial Superior of the British pro-Province for a three year term of office. Please keep Father Paul and the Chapter in your prayers as they continue in Chapter for the next two days.

22/12/2025

Registration for the Sacrament of Confirmation (2026) is now open. For those in Year 8 or above, please register online before 13th February 2026.

20/12/2025

We offer our prayers and good wishes to Archbishop-elect Richard Moth upon his appointment as the next Archbishop of Westminster. The news was received from the Vatican on Friday as Pope Leo announced the appointment. We also wish Cardinal Vincent Nichols a much deserved restful retirement after several years of faithful service as Cardinal Archbishop and Primate of England and Wales.

17/12/2025

From Father Paul…

As we approach Christmas there is the inevitable joy the season brings: family gatherings, nativity ceremonies and carol services, the last minute shopping etc. However, Christmas is not always a joyful season for some, especially when financial difficulties prevent a good dinner or even simple gifts for children.

Nobody should be in this position, ever!

If you - or someone you know - are struggling in such a way, please, please, drop a message to me on here (in total confidence) you may not be Catholic or even religious - that matters not! We can help, even in a small way.

You matter - your family matters.

Fr Paul and parishioners of Rainford & Birchley x

11/12/2025

CHRISTMAS MASSES 2025

Christmas Eve Children’s Masses:
4.30pm at Rainford
6.30pm at Birchley
Santa will be greeting the children after both masses.

Christmas Eve Masses:
8.30pm at Rainford
11.30pm Midnight Mass at Birchley with guest soloist, Danielle Thomas - Singer in Residence for the City of Liverpool.

Christmas Day Masses:
8am & 11.15am at Birchley
(11.15am with Danielle Thomas)
9.30am at Rainford

18/11/2025

Save the date…
Our thanks to the St Helens Singers for putting on another special performance this Christmas in aid of the Salvatorian Sisters Orphanage in the DRC 🇨🇩