Soft rain fell as people from across Merseyside gathered at the Irenaeus Centre, Liverpool on 28th June 2023 to celebrate and give thanks for this Evangelisation and Social Outreach Mission Project.
In 2020 the beautiful church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Waterloo was earmarked for closure. Archbishop Malcolm Mc Mahon asked Fr. Chris Thomas, a priest of the Archdiocese who was running the Irenaeus Project for twenty years if he would like to take over the church for further evangelisation projects. Following a period of discernment, Fr. Chris whose aunt, Sister Leonie was a member of our congregation accepted the invitation. Much thought, reflection, prayer, fundraising and hard work was needed to transform and develop the church to meet the changing needs of society today. Our congregation graciously and generously supported this work to help offset financial costs. Fr. Chris invited me to be part of this vision and volunteers were sought to grow and develop this new phase of mission. The question in the hearts of all involved is, ‘How do we support people to deepen their relationship with Jesus today in a way that is relevant to their lives and helps them to know how deeply loved they are by God.’
A variety of programmes desire to meet the holistic needs of all but especially the most vulnerable. The Centre is warm and welcoming. Tea, coffee and chat flow freely. All services are free at the point of delivery. A Food Cupboard provides meals to families whose lives have been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Local Foodbanks are restricted in the service that they offer by various forms of regulation. A ‘no questions asked’ Food Cupboard helps families to reduce the risks of hunger and humiliation. Local churches help to fund this service and donations arrive from various sources. A listening service offers a free, confidential space offering hope and healing to some who are unable to access help elsewhere. A free professional counselling service is available. A small bereavement support group helps grieving people to support each other on their healing journey.
Mass is offered at noon on Wednesday and an AGAPE Mass is celebrated on the first Thursday of the month. Regular Scripture courses feed the soul and are shared on zoom and YouTube. Details of all events can be found on the www.irenaeus.co.uk webpage.
A Holy Hour and Prayer for Healing will commence on Monday 11th September and continue each Monday.
Creative activities, knit and natter and Godly Play are offered on Tuesday.
A bimonthly choir which is dementia friendly fills the centre with the sound of music, laughter and the joy of living on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday.
Tai chi and movement for healing liberate the body and spirit.’
Eucharistic Ministry training is offered regularly.
The Centre is available to be used by other groups for prayer, reflection, discussion.
A monthly ‘Come and See’ Day expands the vision of how we can continue to be a caring, synodal church.
David Alton M.P recently spoke on both local and global Justice and Peace issues.
Sister Gemma Simmons presented a vison of inclusive church.
To wives, daughters, nieces, friends and famil! Come and enjoy a weekend of reflection:
'STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE ONES WHO'VE GONE BEFORE US! 22nd - 24th September.
We look forward to welcoming Mr. Mrs Mizen in April 2024 to share their story of healing, forgiveness and recovery following the tragic death of their son, Jimmy.
A small team visit a Lancashire men’s prison to support the residents on their life journey. Fr. Chris offers Mass and sacrament which aid the residents and staff to know how deeply loved they are by God.
We are most grateful to all who support the work and vision of the Irenaeus Project and invite you to share in our prayer and mission. May you too experience fullness of life wherever you may be.
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