September marks the opening of the new school year. It is a time of significant change for families as young children head off to reception class, year six pupils take on new leadership roles at the top of the school, and the new year 7s head to high school - often in school uniforms looking very new and usually too large. They will grow into their new uniforms, just as they grow into a new school with wider educational opportunities. The school is part of an ecosystem composed of families, localities, schools, and colleges. Each school or college is like a star in a constellation which shines out across the archdiocese. Jesus is the light of the world and invites us to show forth His light.

The opening of the school year is a reminder that Sunday 13 September is Education Sunday. It is a day when we celebrate Catholic education which seeks to develop the whole person, each with their unique God-given gifts, in a relationship with Jesus Christ. This year, the theme focuses on the mercy of God, forgiveness, and building peace.

As we celebrate this new school year, we recognise the role that religious orders have played in the foundation of many schools across the archdiocese. On Saturday 12 September, we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Old Swan. The Mass at 3pm, in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, representing the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, will be a gathering of religious and laypeople to mark this significant anniversary. All are welcome.

The Sisters of Mercy were founded in Dublin in 1831 by the Venerable Catherine McAuley who wanted to serve the poor and provide education for women. Mother M. Ligouri Gibson arrived in Liverpool in 1843 to begin their mission here. At the request of the parish priest Father Maddocks, the sisters arrived in Old Swan in August 1851, moving from their convent in Mount Vernon. We give thanks for their educational mission in Liverpool.
As we pray for all students and staff at the beginning of the school year, we ask the intercession of St Thomas Aquinas and St John Henry Newman, patrons of Catholic education.

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Archbishop John Sherrington
Archbishop of Liverpool