DSC Liverpool Central: Parishes for Peace

 

In 2024, the Deanery Synodal Council for Liverpool Central (North Family) organised an initiative called ‘Parishes for Peace’ to come together and pray for those countries experiencing war between nations and civil war.

 

Unfortunately, there were so many nations to choose. We placed the flags of these countries on a large cross. Simon (from All Saints, not Cyrene) carried the cross between five of our churches so that Mass could be offered for those countries and its people. The intention was to pray for peace and join together in friendship and community. Everyone from Liverpool Central Deanery was invited, and starting at St. Michael’s, we went to St. John’s, All Saints, SFX, and finally St. Anthony’s. The Masses were held in each church and many people travelled to all the churches - by the end there was quite a following.

 

Mass was followed by refreshments, which gave everyone a chance to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. At the end, we came together to review the initiative and noticed that each priest had a unique understanding of the word ‘Peace’. Not just the absence of war, but also the need to have peace in our hearts and homes and to share this example freely. Fr. Chris at SFX spoke about the history of a jelly sweet, popular with children. At the end of the WWI, Bassett renamed them ‘Peace Babies’ for several years in celebration of the War ending. We were all encouraged to go and give ‘peace babies’ to everyone and consider how we spread the Peace of Christ.

 

We look forward to continuing our work as a deanery, which has included Children’s Liturgy training and Reader’s training for our parishes. We look forward to continuing our work together as Pilgrims of Hope.

 

Pat Daly, Chair of Liverpool Central Deanery Synodal Council.