What's been Happening at
Maricourt ?
Julia Ashes, Chaplain at Maricourt and parishioner has kindly written this article to keep the parish up to date with Chaplaincy activities at Maricourt.
Thanks be to God for a truly blessed and beautifully busy term. Our school community has been filled with the spirit of prayer, service, and fellowship over these past months, and we are delighted to share this reflection of our journey since September with our parish family.
We began the academic year in September by taking members of our Faith in Action group to St George’s primary school. Together with the enthusiastic "spirit squad" members of Years 5 and 6, they planned a beautiful prayer and liturgy centred around the theme of Education Sunday. Later in the month, we returned to St George’s to lead the school in a moving prayer and reflection, honouring the vital role of everyone who works within Catholic education and offering a litany of gratitude for their dedication.
Julia Ashes
Mid-September also brought a wonderful opportunity for wider diocesan fellowship when I was deeply blessed to join fellow Chaplains from across the Archdiocese for Evening Prayer with the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía.
Closer to home, our Year 10 pupils participated in parish Mass at St George’s. We were warmly welcomed by Fr Chris, Fr Lister, and the daily Mass community, strengthening the beautiful and enduring bond between our school and parish.
We were filled with immense pride when Ella, a dedicated member of our Faith in Action group, won the Archdiocesan competition to design the official 2027 calendar. This special edition marks the diamond anniversary of Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, and Ella was presented with her well-deserved prize by Deacon Paul Mannings.
Not long after, on 24 September, we celebrated a beautiful Mercy Day Mass, where we officially welcomed our new Year 7 pupils and their parents and carers. It was a profoundly prayerful yet joyful celebration where the singing truly raised the roof. Following the liturgy, families gathered in Arnold Hall for a warm cup of tea, keeping alive a cherished tradition that honours our Foundress, Catherine McAuley.
Our older pupils have also spent valuable time nurturing their spiritual lives. Year 12 travelled to Animate Youth Ministries for an uplifting retreat day, where through engaging games, teamwork, and moments of quiet prayer, they reflected deeply on their personal Vocations at this pivotal stage of their academic journeys, exploring our shared Mission to bring Christ’s presence into the world.
Back on home turf, the Mass of Leadership was celebrated by Mgr Des Seddon, who fondly reminded us that many years ago, he served as the Chaplain right here at Maricourt. In a beautifully packed Newman Hall ,united in prayer and service, our pupils made their solemn pledges to serve the community and bring Christ to others through the witness of their daily lives.
Our Year 8 and 9 pupils enjoyed "in-house" retreats within the peace of the school Chapel, taking sacred time out of their busy schedules to reflect upon the call to live out Catholic Social Teaching. Using the inspiring example of St Oscar Romero, the pupils contemplated the need to stand in solidarity with the poor. They looked at how we put this into action throughout the year, both locally through our fundraising for example, for the Maghull Food Bank and globally through overseas aid for CAFOD.
Beyond these large milestones, the quiet, daily ministry of the school continues to flourish. Our daily drop-ins remain a constant source of comfort, seeing a beautiful ebb and flow of pupils from all different year groups coming together. The Chapel provides a sanctuary in the heart of the school—a quieter space for students to step away from the rush of the day, recharge, and refresh their spirits. Both Newman Chapel and the Convent Chapel are open each morning to enable pupils and staff to spend some time with the Lord before the busy day begins.
As we look to the present moment, we are currently at the Savio Retreat Centre in Bollington with our students, who are embracing all of the community activities with open hearts. It is a wonderful space for them to connect and grow, and we kindly ask that you keep us in your prayers for a safe, fruitful, and blessed retreat.
