The Official Newspaper to the Diocese of Lancaster Issue 271 + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk FREE INSIDE: p08 The Catenians Who or What are they? p10 Carmel is a life of Faith S aturday 11 July is now just 2 weeks away. This is the day that representatives from every Diocese will gather in Birmingham for the Proclaim’,15: National Catholic Evangelisation Conference - the first event of its kind in a generation. The Bishops of England and Wales have asked that all parishes unite themselves in prayer with those attending the Conference to celebrate all the ways that we witness to the faith in our lives. As Pope Francis said “,An evangelising community gets involved by word and deed in people’,s daily lives, it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others.”, ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk It’,s Not Too Late! Our Bishops also want us to use this day to think about how we can harness our current efforts and move forward with greater confidence to share our faith. Here Pope Francis advises “,A church which ‘,goes forth’, is a church whose doors are open…,. Often it is better simply to slow down, to put aside our eagerness in order to see and listen to others, to stop rushing from one thing to another and to remain with someone who has faltered along the way.”, Parishes can decide themselves how they mark the occasion but resources are available on line at: www.catholicnews.org.uk K&,M Maintenance Heating - Electrical - Building Telephone: 01772 704530 Fax 01722 798801 Heating, Electrical and Building services across the North West of England Gas •, Emergency Boiler Repairs for all makes •, Boiler Installations &, servicing •, Central Heating System repairs/upgrades/leaks •, New fitted Central Heating Systems •, Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) Electrical •, New consumer units supplied and fitted •, All emergency breakdowns •, Power tripping •, New lighting •, Additional sockets •, Faulty sockets •, Rewiring •, Outdoor lighting/sockets Building •, Extension work •, Alterations •, Driveways, paths and patios •, Conservatories •, Double glazing •, Fascias and Soffits , Prices Boiler Service - £,39 + VAT plus £,10 for every additional appliance. Tel No: 01772 704530 Mobile: 07941 554730 Fax No: 01772 798801 Address: K &, M Maintenance Services Ltd, Unit 9 Romay Way, Preston, Lancs PR2 5BB More information: wwwkmmaintenance.co.uk

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2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Contact us The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published by its owners. The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese. EDITOR: Edwina Gillett 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 edwinagillett@hotmail.co.uk www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk ADVERTISING: Caroline Gonella / CathCom Ltd. 01223 969506 carolineg@cathcom.org www.cathcom.org DESIGN &, LAYOUT: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 rob@hot-creative.co.uk www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 / www.cathcom.org Articles to: voicenews@hotmail.co.uk Letters to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk VoiceXtra: voicextra@hotmail.co.uk Postal Address: FAO Edwina Gillett 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self-addressed packaging. Pope Francis ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk “, We must not be afraid of being Christian and living as Christians! We must have this courage to go out and proclaim the Risen Christ, for He is our peace, He made peace with His love, with his forgiveness, with His blood and with His mercy. ”, our own lives. Without this genuine conversion we have little hope of convincing others that Jesus really is ‘,the Way the Truth and the Life’, . St Paul when writing his first letter to the Corinthians clearly puts ‘,love’, at the centre of his teaching: ‘,If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.’, Evangelisation is not like the ‘,Big Bang’, , we are not going to change the world overnight. But we can begin to take the small steps to change our own lives that in turn will engage others in the faith –, there is no better time to start than today! Let us love God and love one another. EDITORIAL O ver the years we have experienced many initiatives in the spirit of evangelisation. Within our own Diocese many will recall the ‘,New Start with Jesus’, , more recently ‘,Fit for Mission’, and currently Bishop Campbell’,s New Evangelisation initiatives which dovetail with the Bishops of England and Wales Proclaim’,15 programme. It could be argued that we are in danger of ‘,initiative overload’, but that would be missing the whole point really. Essentially the Church is providing us with several and different opportunities for renewal that can provide the impetus for us to first stop and think: Where we are with our own relationship with God? How might we grow this relationship? Where we are with our relationships with one another? How can we start and continue to spread the Gospel? This soul searching is a necessary step in the context of evangelisation. How often is it heard ‘,I can see through that person’, or ‘,that person does not practice what they preach’, . We cannot convince others if we are not convinced ourselves. People will not be attracted to the Church if they experience an insincere heart or a shallowness of faith, somehow we must wear the love of Christ as our armour and live our lives as an example of His love. The Catholic Voice believes that to truly proclaim the Risen Christ it is first necessary to let the love and peace of Jesus Christ into Important Notice T here is NO August edition of the Catholic Voice. The next edition is September (because of summer holidays the closing date for all sub- missions for this edition is brought forward to 25 July).

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July 2015 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk May Procession T he sound of a Pipe Band playing ‘,Immaculate Mary’, could be heard throughout the whole of South Shore, Blackpool as St Cuthbert’,s parishioners processed to the promenade. It was rather windy on the promenade but that did not deter the 150-160 pilgrims who, so proud of their Catholic devotion, walked behind the statue of Our Lady Statue. The `FiannaPhadraig Pipe Band’, had travelled from Manchester to lead a wonderful selection of Marian hymns such as Daily, Daily sing to Mary, Hail Queen of Heaven and I`ll sing a hymn to Mary. Everyone sung their hearts out, adults and children of all ages –, it truly was an amazing sight to witness. The procession stopped twice on the promenade to pray a decade of the Rosary, continuing inland where we stopped again and prayed another decade. There was a large amount of people who watched with great interest and gave witness to our devotion. Many coming to their windows and doors, others from out of the local shops and it certainly drew the attention of many of those who had gone for a Sunday afternoon pub lunch and drink. The ipads and mobiles were out and there was considerable recording being done as we processed by. We concluded our procession with a rousing ‘,Faith of our Fathers’, –, sung by one and all with great gusto! Coming back into church we had a short period of Exposition before crowning Our Lady as we sang ‘,Bring Flowers of the Rarest’, . To top the day off we had a brilliant BBQ in the parish garden with drinks and a social get-together with the English and Polish community of our parish. A TRULY WONDERFUL DAY WITH A GREAT WITNESS OF OUR FAITH! Linda Wisdom May Procession To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk M y faith has always been a part of my life. I`ve been brought up in a Catholic family. I’,ve been baptised, confirmed and made my Holy Communion. I’,ve attended a Catholic primary and secondary school and I`ve always gone to Church. I always enjoyed and appreciated my faith without truly understanding it. I first went to Castlerigg two years ago on a school retreat and since then my faith has become so much more. Before then, it was important to me but sometimes being a Catholic felt quite lonely when I was surrounded by my friends who don’,t share my beliefs. Through Castlerigg and other Youth Events in my parish I have become closer to many more people and I feel part of something really special and important. Every time I go to Castlerigg I leave with great memories and new friends, but more importantly renewed faith and a greater understanding of what my faith means to me and I find this really helps me when I`m struggling in various aspects of my life. My faith is now such a big part of my life and I cannot imagine life without it. Being a Young Catholic is not without its struggles. Sometimes it can be difficult and it can feel quite lonely, but it brings me so much happiness and I can`t imagine my life without my faith or the people I’,ve met and the opportunities I`ve had because of it. To keep up-to-date with what is going on, check out www.castleriggmanor.co.uk Meaning and Purpose for this Generation Being a Young Catholic To d a y Alice, 16, Barrow M any people will be familiar with the annual Lancaster Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in late July. There is, however, another local annual Lourdes pilgrimage which takes place each Easter and this is run by HCPT (Hosanna House &, Children`s Pilgrimage Trust) and this pilgrimage, whilst similar to the diocesan pilgrimage, is centred on young people, particularly those with some form of disability or disadvantage or hardship in life. T he sun is shining, exams are out of the way, the holidays are upon us, and it is often the time young people like to gather at music festivals across the country –, V festival, Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, Blackpool Rocks, Tea in the Park, Kendal Calling. Why are these events so popular with young people? It’,s seems to be the combination of not showering, living off pot noodles, living the hippy lifestyle, good music and being with friends and meeting lots of new people, great atmosphere. How good it is that there are now events within the Church which capture the best sides of these events and link them with the best side of our faith. There are no shortage of events and young people from our diocese this summer will be travelling to the Faith Movement’,s Summer Conference at Woldingham (3-7 August) and to the Youth 2000 international festival at the country’,s national shrine at Walsingham (27-31 August) , this year entitled, ‘,The Promised Summer Festival Season Land’, . For five days, one thousand young people will be camping in the fields of Norfolk, gathering for dynamic talks, live-band worship, powerful prayer times, fun social activities, creative workshops, in-depth discussions, evening entertainment and loads more, with top speakers from the USA and all over the UK. In addition, the Youth Service here at Castlerigg is organising WYDFest (11-14 August) , bringing something of the World Youth Day experience to our own corner of the world. And, finally, to round off the summer, the Big Walk, setting off from Castlerigg on 4 September and arriving at the shrine of Our Lady at Cleator on 6 September. So, there is plenty going on: if you are 15 and over, please contact us to find out what is going on, stock up on pot noodles, and come along! Contact team@castleriggmanor.co.uk Article by Richard McDowell, HCPT NW Regional Chair. Photo courtesy of the HCPT. The young people are cared for by volunteer carers, many of them young people themselves, and this is one of the strengths and hallmarks of HCPT: young people helping young people who are less fortunate than them. It really can be a life-changing experience for both child and carer! This Easter groups from Lancaster Diocese ( from Whitehaven and from Preston) joined the annual HCPT pilgrimage for a week of friendship, sharing and prayer, and there is no doubt that all those who took part gained much from their experience. We’,ve never known the sun to shine so much at Easter! HCPT not only runs the annual pilgrimage for young people but also pilgrimage holidays for families, adults and children throughout the pilgrimage season. If you are interested in knowing more about HCPT, or if you would like to consider joining one of our Easter or Summer groups, please contact us by email at northwest@hcpt.org.uk The Sun’,s Shining on HCPT

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July 2015 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Rosey –, A s I write this, my baby feeds. Over the past 4 months feeding has been the pattern of my life. Since my Peter was placed naked on my chest and onto the warmth of my skin, next to the sound of my beating heart, the sweet milk he has received has eased his transition into the world and the experience has become our story. So much has changed since the baby was born: my life is different in almost every possible way –, I couldn`t write about them all but I can tell you about feeding. Being a midwife I was prepared for the mechanics of breastfeeding, and being a daughter and a sister I was somewhat prepared for the demands of it. Nothing prepared me for the transformative power it has when you dedicate yourself so completely to the emotional and nutritional demands of a new life. It has taught me everything about love and everything about sacrifice and I am slowly becoming the Christian I always wanted to be. I knew that to live the Gospel I must encounter pain, and yet in my single life, and even to some extent in marriage, I was able to live selfishly. I would give of myself until it became uncomfortable and no more, I could put off, postpone, procrastinate my way around demands and put myself first. Since becoming a parent that ability no longer exists: here is a relationship that demands more of me than I would ever previously have been willing to give. And yet through love and A lthough the vast majority of the Metanoia Project’,s ministry is working for the New Evangelisation in Preston, the last month or so has seen us in Ilfracombe, Macclesfield and Cardiff! The reason for all the travel? CELEBRATE Catholic Family Conference. Working at these conferences really is a highlight of our ministry because, in spite of the very long hours and hard work, we always come away filled with more energy, hope and vision, having been part of what I believe is possibly the greatest example of life in the Church here in the UK. Quite a bold claim? Well, see what you think... Anyone who has attended the main week-long conference down in Devon, now in its 21st year, or any of the regional weekends which have been growing up around the UK over the past 5 years or so could tell you how the great balance of world-renowned speakers, the celebration of the sacraments, workshops, age- appropriate children and youth ministry, worship, social and family time and the clearly Catholic identity that still makes others of all denominations feel welcome, make this conference such a success. But I would just like to highlight a few points that may not be quite so obvious on first glance that make CELEBRATE a fantastic model that we could all learn from. Founded and led by a team of lay people who responded to a vision that they felt God was asking of them, priests and even CELEBRATE! bishops who flock to be involved are able to bring the pastoral and sacramental role that only they can whilst allowing others to take the lead in other areas. In fact leadership is a key part of the vision with an emphasis on each Christian living out their baptismal vows and there are countless examples of new leaders stepping up both at the conference and in more local initiatives. Above all, though, I believe it is the importance given to ‘,cradle-to-grave’, ministry and the necessity of ongoing faith formation for people of all ages, which makes CELEBRATE so fruitful. The streams for children and young people are not just a necessary add-on so that the adults can make the most of the time there but they are designed to take young Catholics through a process that allows them to take up their place within the Church. In fact around 60% of the attendees are under 25 with the largest group falling in the 16-25 category, it is amazing to see young people who a few years ago passed through our stream, now leading worship and giving talks to the adults on the main stage! The young people we have had the pleasure of working with recently are not far behind them either and we can’,t wait to see how God will use them too. I wonder what would happen if all our Dioceses, Parishes, families and each individual followed this example and learnt lessons from such a success story? Ruth White, Metanoia Project A young married couple share their experience of welcoming a new child into the home the grace of God I have found I am able to respond to that demand with generosity time and time again, night and day, day and night, feed after feed after feed, I put his needs before my desires. I give and give until I feel I have nothing left, and then I am asked to give some more, and I find I can. I am tired, he is hungry –, I feed him. I am thirsty, he is hungry –, I feed him. We are about to go out, he is hungry –, I feed him. There is laundry to do. It has only been 30 minutes since he last fed. I want to wash my hair. I try to concentrate in Mass. I have been in the bath for less than 5 minutes. I need to clean the kitchen, he is hungry –, I feed him. I try to write, he is hungry –, I feed him. I sit to pray, he is hungry –, I feed him. And this feeding, this self-sacrifice, this love, becomes my most effective prayer. It wears away all that is not of God and it is making me new. There is no routine, no assurance of a two-hour gap between feeds, no guarantee of any amount of sleep overnight, nothing except a life lived at his beck and call, and it is beautiful. Painful and beautiful. Exhausting and beautiful. Repetitive and beautiful. Messy and beautiful. Like I am before my God. It isn`t a one person job, my husband brilliantly picks up the pieces, makes the drinks, does the laundry, finishes the kitchen, and makes the meals that power my body`s ability to continue to grow this amazing, beautiful, dependant, demanding son that has transformed us by his helplessness. And we thank God for him every day. Jonathon –, Rosey was the most confident and amazing mother from the first moment Peter was put onto her chest. She was calm and peaceful and radiated love. I wasn`t prepared for the love I felt for Peter and the love I felt from Rosey. From the moment our baby entered the world, we were changed. Life now is very different and challenging, but very wonderful. It is my duty to keep the show on the road, only Rosey can do the feeding and so I try to keep her fed, and to keep on top of Peter’,s washing! I love our baby. The only way I would get up and change nappies and let someone drool and deposit little bits of sick on my shoulder would be for me to love someone an incredible amount. I want to give Peter time, I want to give all I am to care for him. When I get in from work, I`m tired but I`m desperate to see him, and when he hears me and looks around to finally catch my eye, he gives the biggest smile. He loves me just because I`m great and amazing to him, just because. I don`t have to be an outstanding teacher, I don`t have to do anything special or exciting, his love has no agenda, his love for me, is like God’,s love for me. There is no room for selfishness in this love: Peter must come first. What I wanted to do in the past, and how I wanted to spend time has become unimportant, even self-indulgent and wasteful when it could be spent with Peter. This realisation has helped me to pray, and helped me to slowly, too slowly, have a glimpse at understanding humility. My prayer to the Lord is now, “,I must decrease, and you must increase.”, This is what it is to be a father. I can`t control it all, I can only be ‘,me’, , the best ‘,me’, I can be for Peter, and like Peter I give my life to my Father. Into your hands, Lord, I give my spirit, my time, my efforts, my plans, my Peter. Rosey and Jonathon Featherston The Gift of Motherhood and Fatherhood To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk Safeguarding News Pope Francis “, Let us protect with love all that God has given us! ”, Office News D eacon Chris Barwise retired from his work in the Safeguarding office in February this year. He was known to so many in the parishes, in national safeguarding circles and has done much to build good links with partner agencies in Cumbria, The Fylde and Lancashire. His retirement was marked by Mass celebrated by Bishop Campbell followed by a reception. A generous gift from diocesan and national colleagues was presented by Charles Proctor the chair of our Diocesan Safeguarding Commission. Training News The exhortation of Pope Francis was the basis for my first training cycle since starting as Safeguarding Coordinator in 2014. Beginning in October 2014 and ending in April 2015 the training took me to 5 points around the diocese. The attendance was rich and varied about 200 people came representing a wide cross section of roles within the diocese, this included Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, SVP, Faith &, Light, Catechists, Altar servers, youth workers, home visitors as well as Priests and Parish Safeguarding Representatives. This to me was a very tangible expression of some of the core messages contained in the training –, safeguarding needs a team approach –, we do it together! The training covered the National Catholic Training Modules 1 and 3 which looks at Safeguarding as ministry and the important issue of prevention. Participants had time to discuss case scenarios, share ideas about good practice and brush up on knowledge about the National Catholic safeguarding resources and guidelines. For me the value was to meet so many people who are committed to safeguarding and see it as having positive place in everything we do in the church as we try to make people feel welcome, included and safe. Participants went away with ideas about meeting up with Parish Councils and Group leaders, of occasionally putting an update in parish newsletters. What next? We will start a further training cycle in September 2015 and we will pick up on some of the learning needs which people raised in their discussions and evaluations, e.g. How to respond to concerns about vulnerable people, developing a practical and consistent approach to the safer recruitment of volunteers, thinking about specific areas of safeguarding such as e-safety, home visiting. National News Announcing the New online Catholic Safeguarding Resource Area (this replaces the previous Parish Resource Pack which is now very out of date) The new resource is a summary of the national catholic guidance and procedures and is designed to support the safeguarding work of every parish, visit: www.csas.uk.net /resource-area/ Liverpool L12 9HN 0151 228 9968 St Vincent’,s is a non-maintained school offering both day and residential provision for pupils from 4-19 years of age with sensory impairment and other needs. We provide a safe environment in which high standards of education and care are provided. We encourage all of our young people to become independent and integrate fully into society. We are truly inclusive school, working as part of a continuum of provision that both complements and contrasts the services available from local authorities, ensuring that all individual pupil needs are met. We are seeking to appoint well-qualified, enthusiastic, innovative and creative teachers for the following posts: Maths KS3 –, KS4 Science KS3/KS4 up to GCSE plus an additional specialism Humanities plus citizenship KS3-KS5 ,General subjects KS3-KS5 All posts are MPS and 1 SEN (£,2,043) and are fixed term contract for 1 year which will be reviewed. QTVI status would be advantageous. We are also seeking to appoint: Bursar/ PA to the Principal The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Closing Date: 1st July 2015 Interview Date: 13th July 2015 Start Date: 1st September 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter Application packs available from office@stvin.com

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July 2015 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk T he Preston Pro Life chain once again gave witness to the needless loss of life through abortion and commemorated the implementation of the Abortion Act in April 1968 with 20 locals taking part towards the end of April. Supporters felt the silent witness enjoyed the majority of support from passing motorists. The photograph shows Frank Swarbrick, seated, who is 85 years of age and has been a stalwart campaigner for the unborn child and marriage over the last 50 years. Tony Mullett S eafarers are extremely important for our daily life, but unfortunately we do not realise it. If we stop for a moment and try to look around ourselves and consider how many of the things around us are brought by vessels, we will be really surprised,”, says Father Bruno Ciceri. Father Bruno is a member of the Vatican’,s Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples and is responsible for overseeing the work of Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) around the world. July 12th is Sea Sunday, when the Church asks us to pray for seafarers and support the work of AoS, whose chaplains and ship visitors provide practical and pastoral help in ports around Britain. “,My previous experience as port chaplain and director of the Stella Maris Centre has prepared me well for my work in the Vatican. During those years in Taiwan while doing ship visiting or in welcoming the seafarers in the centre I had the opportunity to learn a lot about their life and their difficulties”, said Fr Bruno. Continuing he said “,Before that, I didn’,t know anything about seafarers except the romantic and adventurous presentation of the life of the seafarers in the movies: travel and see the world for free, …,a girl in every port of call. Now I know that the life of the seafarers is something very different.”, AoS port chaplains and volunteer ship visitors work in many ports around the coast of Britain, providing a lifeline to visiting seafarers, who can be at sea for months and have no contact with their families back home. Greg Watts Sea Sunday “, Preston Pro Life Chain The Smart Group Electrical Contractors/Testing &, Inspection Engineers •, Ecclesiastical Specialists •, •, Domestic &, Commercial •, •, Industrial and Agricultural •, •, Periodic Inspections and Testing •, •, Portable Appliance Testing •, Part P and Trustmark Registered Tel: 07702 208519 and 07932 045773 Email: enquiries@smartgroup.org.uk DIOCESAN SUPPLIERS Complete pest control solutions call Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam &, fabrics sent by first clss mail When phoning please quote MV101 School building work and refurbishment/ conversion, building and joinery work, extensions, alterations &, repairs, loft conversions, replacement doors and windows Builders Yard, 66 Marsden Street, Kirkham, Preston PR4 2TH Tel: (01772) 684489 Fax: (01772) 671486 email: admin@jeharrison.co.uk www.jeharrisonbuilders.co.uk Serving Churches, Schools, Commercial and Domestic Sector. If you have worked for the Diocese and wish to be included in this section, please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@cathcom.org M ass Listings –, July/August 2015 Every Sunday at 6.00 pm Our Lady &, St Joseph, Carlisle Shrine Church of St Walburge, Preston Mondays –, Fridays: 12 noon, Low Mass (except First Friday 7.00 pm) Saturdays: 10.30 am, Low Mass Sundays: 10.30 am, Sung Mass Friday July 10th at 7.00 pm Seven Holy Brothers, SS Rufina &, Secunda Sizergh Castle Chapel Sunday July 12th at 3.00 pm Seventh Sunday after Pentecost St Peter`s Cathedral, Lancaster Sunday July 19th at 10.30 am Seventh Sunday after Pentecost First High Mass of Rev Guillaume Fenoll with First Blessings of a newly ordained priest St Walburge, Preston Saturday August 15th at 10.00 am Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lady &, St Joseph, Carlisle Saturday August 15th at 10.30 am Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sung Mass &, Procession St Walburge, Preston Mass is also celebrated every Sunday at 8.30 am at St Mary Magdalene, Leyland Road, Penwortham and 11.30 am at St Catherine Labouré,, Stanifield Lane, Leyland. Local Representatives: Bob &, Jane Latin Telephone: 01524 412987 Email: lancasterlms@gmail.com Website: latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com Offering a service to the highest standard of workmanship throughout the United Kingdom. For free quotations contact Nygell: Office: 01228674192 Mobile: 07480835446 Email: nigels508@gmail.com Smith’,s Flooring Specialising in Churches, Schools, Hotels, Pubs and Residential Properties Call Brandon 07865 981099 01253 345715 BES PLASTERING QUALIFIED PLASTERER * PLASTERING * EDGE WORK * RENDERING * DOT &, DAB No Call out Fees No Job too small

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A good proportion of Catenians work in a voluntary capacity in parishes, some up front such as Deacons, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, readers etc and others behind the scenes helping look after the finances and property and other things. They also do voluntary work at Diocesan level. And in addition provide support for Religious Vocations, our Young people and various Charities. Religious VOCATIONS The Catenian Association is committed to provide financial assistance to the Bishops’, Conference of England and Wales for their Vocations Initiative. Each local group, called a Circle, arranges for a Mass to be celebrated every year for Vocations. Brothers pray for, amongst other things, vocations to the priesthood and religious life at all their meetings. We also assist the Diocesan Directors of Vocations. On two occasions recently Fr Darren Carden, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Lancaster requested help and we responded by: •, Giving financial assistance towards the costs of the Icons of St Jean Marie Vianney, and then in their transportation around the deaneries (see separate article on page 15) . Youth The Catenians support the Youth and youth work in many ways including: •, Supporting the establishment of an inter-deanery, seven-a-side, football competition. The competition is due to take place at Corpus Christi High Who or What are they? School, Preston during the weekend that this edition of the Catholic Voice is being distributed. The competition is for U-12s and U-15s. A report of the event should appear in the September issue of the Catholic Voice . •, Helping finance and physically support the Flame 2 Youth Congress held at Wembley Arena, London. It was organised by the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation (CYMFed) and approximately 8,000 young people attended, many of whom would not have been able to get there without the financial support given by the Catenians. •, Supporting local Catholic High Schools by presenting shields and cups together with monetary prizes to be awarded at annual prize giving ceremonies. Examples are: - Furness Circle supports St. Bernard`s, Barrow-in-Furness with a donation for a prize entitled ‘,The Catenian Prize’, presented on criteria decided by the school. - North Lancs Circle provide a Maths Prize in memory of Brother Cliff Wilkinson at Our Lady’,s Academy in Lancaster. - Lytham St Annes presented St Bede’,s Catholic High school with a shield to be awarded annually to the pupil who in the opinion of the school made the best contribution to both the school and the wider community. Catenians The Able Wills Professional Will Writers &, Estate Planners Have you been meaning to make a Will but never got round to it? Do you own property? Are your children under 18? Are you worried about nursing home fees? Might your estate be liable to Inheritance Tax? If the answer to any of the above is “,Yes”, then we can help. Specialists for: Wills and Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney, Property &, Discretionary Trusts, Funeral Plans Call Malcolm Nightingale For a FREE home visit. 01539 737400 7, Windermere Road, Kendal SELF STORAGE Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates From as little as £,5 per week Open 7 Days Also Caravan/Car/Boat Storage Curly Tail Storage, Park Lane, Forton Tel: 01524 791837 www.curlytailstorage.co.uk Please support our advertisers, without them we could not publish this paper free of charge to the parishes

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July 2015 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk •, Twenty-five years ago the Association established a Bursary Fund to give cash grants to Catholics aged 16 to 24 when volunteering for overseas projects which would benefit others individually or as a community. Since its inception the fund has awarded£,1m in grants, including supporting helpers on the Diocesan and HCPT Lourdes Pilgrimages. Charities It is usual for each Circle President to raise money for a charity, or charities, of his choice during his year in office. In recent time Presidents have raised money for: •, local hospices, schools, rescue organisations, HCPT and the SVP, •, national organisations such as MacMillan Nurses •, overseas projects in Africa and central and south America, •, religious organisations like the Aid to the Church in Need. This year Garstang Catenians gave a £,500 donation to HCPT to enable disabled and disadvantaged children, of any denomination, between the ages of 8-18 years, to go to Lourdes each Easter. It gave the children a wonderful experience which they will treasure all their lives. It is very fun-filled time with lots of activities and trips out, making it not just a pilgrimage, but a holiday. In recent times, one circle, Preston (the oldest in the Lancaster Diocese, founded in 1913) raises money for the same charity each year. That charity is CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and the money raised is known to have enabled young people in the Preston area to be screened and a number have been found to at risk, thus saving lives. On average 12 young, apparently fit, people die of sudden cardiac failure a week in the UK. We also remember the saying ‘,charity begins at home’, . The Association has its own Benevolent and Children’,s Fund which provides assistance to members and their dependants in times of need, hardship or distress. Whilst this article has concentrated on the Catenian Association within the Diocese of Lancaster it is an international organisation. It was founded in Manchester by a bishop in 1908. Clergy, other than deacons cannot be members. It now has Circles in Australia, Ireland, Malta, Southern Africa and quite recently in Goa and Bangladesh as well as throughout the UK. For further information please visit the www.thecatenianassociation.org or contact Charles Webb , the New Member Advisor, on 07870 492936 or email: charles.webb@orange.net , alternatively, contact or ask your parish priest for details of joining the association. R. Thompson The Catenian Association faith, fun, family and friendship! To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org Boarbank Hall Contact: Sr Anne Donockley Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands Cumbria LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus “,You desire to be builders of peace, possess it yourselves first”, - St Augustine A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer , Community , Hospitality , Care of the poor and sick THE SISTERS OF NAZARETH Do you believe there is more to Life? Looking for a Challenge in ......... PRAYER? COMMUNITY? MINISTRY? IF SO CONTACT... SISTER FRANCES 07906372786 vocinfo@sistersofnazareth.com Our five superb hotels offer a warm, family welcome, providing the very best in Christian hospitality in some of the most beautiful parts of England We have 100 years of experience in arranging school visits, church conferences, group visits and holidays, so call or email us today! We’,re more than happy to discuss your requirements with you. Email groups@christianguild.co.uk or call 015395 32896 www.christianguild.co.uk Abbot Hall Hotel, South Lakes –, 015395 32896 Lindors Country House Hotel, Wye Valley –, 01594 530283 Sidholme Hotel, Devon –, 01395 515104 Treloyhan Manor Hotel, Cornwall –, 01736 796240 Willersley Castle Hotel, Derbyshire Dales –, 01629 582270 A Christian Guild hotel is the perfect venue for your School Visit, Church Conference, Holidays or Groups Visits

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A very old nun said to me on my first visit to a Carmelite Monastery, ‘,Carmel is a life of Faith’, . In my twenty years of life as a Carmelite I have come to realise the profound truth of those words. Our life is indeed a matter of faith and not of sight. Often the fruits of our prayer and sacrifice remain hidden from us. When I was entering Carmel, people asked me, ‘,what will you do all day? ‘,What good are you doing? What a waste of a life!’, Our society tends to measure worth by what we do, how efficient or effective we are, how talented or beautiful, whereas, a life of faith depends solely on God, not our love for God, but God’,s love for us. Bl. Elisabeth of the Trinity, a young Carmelite Nun, counsels us, ‘,Let yourself be loved’, . Allowing God to love us is not as easy as it sounds. To have Faith is to believe unconditionally, wholeheartedly, without any shadow of a doubt or reservation that God loves us. That God loves you. To believe, to have faith is to have grasped this fact, not with the head, but with the heart. Some people have no difficulty in believing in God, that he exists, but believing that God loves them is a stumbling block. If you remember nothing else from this article, I want you to take a moment and ask yourself, ‘,Do I believe God loves me?’, This for me is paramount to our growth in faith. To know Him is to love Him. Without faith it would be impossible to live a Carmelite Life. To be a Carmelite is to live in the presence of the living God, in silence and solitude we are called to stand before God and intercede for the Church, her priests and the needs of the world. There are many Contemplative Orders in the Church, each with its own unique charism. Carmelites are hermits who live in community. Aloneness and solitude are essential for our union with God. The Carmelite Rule says, ‘,each one is to remain alone, meditating day and night on the law of the Lord, unless attending to some other duty’, . The Carmelite life is not marked by specific times of going to prayer –, but our whole life is to become a prayer. It is not what we do for God, but what He is doing in us. It is not the amount of prayers we say –, but becoming a prayer. Becoming a praise or hymn of God’,s glory. To do this we must try to foster an atmosphere of openness and attentiveness to Him. To make our hearts a home for Him to dwell in. In times past we built high walls and fixed grilles to separate ourselves from the world. Even our Habit was designed to veil and keep us hidden from view. Our life still remains hidden with Christ in God and we are still bound by papal enclosure, but today we seek new ways to protect that sacred space and help ourselves to remain faithful. I entered Carmel at nineteen straight after sitting my ‘,A ’, levels. When I look back I realise that I had no idea really about the journey I was about to begin. But God placed me in a wonderful school of prayer. I have lived with some remarkable women who spent 60 or even more years in Carmel, doing the same things day after day, year after year. Faithful to prayer in times of dryness or difficulty, through sickness and pain. Rising early, retiring late, fasting and doing penance, never having a day off. It was by their example and fidelity that I learned what it is to be a Carmelite. It takes a long time, perhaps a lifetime to become a Carmelite and I am still learning. I remember walking around the garden with my prioress a week before I received the habit and I asked her, “,When you talk to Our Lord in prayer now, is it the same as when you were a young woman like me?”, I remember she thought very carefully and said, “,He has grown with me, and our love just grows deeper.”, I still feel a tremendous gratitude to have been nurtured and formed by such faith-filled women, many of whom now still help me by their prayers from heaven. Love can make a sacrament of every single thing we do. Doing something with great love gives an eternal value to the most ordinary tasks, household chores, cooking, gardening, printing, baking altar breads. How liberating this could be for many who feel their work is hard and unrewarding, those in factories. When Saint Therese realised the fullness of her vocation in Carmel, she cried out with joy, ‘,My vocation, at last I have found it, my vocation is love! I shall be love in the heart of the Church’, . Finding one’,s vocation is a wonderful journey of dis covery, not just finding what we are meant to be, but more important, WHO we are before God. One of the hardest aspects of Carmelite life is that one is face to face with oneself. This spiritual nakedness is inescapable in our way of life. The loneliness and emptiness is God’,s shortcut to the soul. Only when we come to embrace it do we find the freedom to be who we really are. Carmelite Spirituality and the Carmelite journey are a process of transformation, of being more Christ-like, of becoming another humanity in which Christ can renew his mystery. I began by saying Carmel is a life of faith: by virtue of faith, whether we experience it or not, we are already living in heaven. Conversatio nostra in coelis est! (Philippians 3.20) Sr. Mary Elisabeth OCD, Preston Carmel Bl Elisabeth of the Trinity (Letter 122) ‘, It seems to me that I have found my Heaven on earth, since Heaven is God and God is in my soul. The day I understood that, everything became clear to me. I wish to tell this secret to those whom I love so that they also, through everything, may also cling to God... ’, Carmel is a life of Faith CALLING ALL HEADTEACHERS If you are planning an Open Day in the Autumn Term or have any staff vacancies please remember to advertise these in The Catholic Voice of Lancaster. Advert rates are reasonable and all that is needed is an email or a phone call to carolineg@cathcom.org or tel 01223 969506

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July 2015 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk O n the Feast of the Annunciation this Year, there was a sense of joy and anticipation as our Postulant, Charlotte Sadler, was received by the Chapter to be clothed in the Holy Habit of Carmel. Our Robier, Sr. Mary Agnes, began work, took out her patterns and began cutting the cloth to make her Habit. The Clothing date was set for Friday 1st May, 2015. The Ceremony for Clothing is always private and takes place within the Chapter of the Monastery. The day before, the Habit was solemnly blessed by Fr. John McGowan OCD, the Prior of Tabor. Our Carmelite Habit hasn`t changed very much from the time of Saint Teresa of Avila, our Foundress in the sixteenth century. It consists of a Dark Brown Tunic, Brown Scapular, a leather belt called the cincture, a white mantle and for Carmelite Novices a white veil. Putting on the Carmelite Habit marks a new stage on her Carmelite Journey, the beginning of the Noviciate. Women who aspire to our Way of Life proceed through a series of steps when discerning their vocation. Before joining Carmel, Charlotte went to school in Blackpool, studied at UCLAN and then spent a short time working as an assistant at L`Arche in Preston. At the age of 23 Charlotte embarked on the first stage of her journey ‘,Aspirancy’, . As an aspirant she began to learn more about Carmelite Life and was al lowed to visit the Carmelite Monastery and gradually get to know members of the New Carmelite receives her Habit Community. A period of Postulancy follows lasting approximately 12 months where a candidate is permitted to live within the enclosure and take part in all aspects of the daily horarium. When the time of postulancy draws to a close, it falls to the Chapter to decide when the postulant may go forward to receive the habit and enter the noviciate. At this stage a Novice may choose a new name. In monastic tradition we drop the use of our surname –, so Charlotte Sadler became Sister Martha of Jesus. On the morning of her Clothing Day, the Sisters gathered and the new novice, Sr. Martha clothed in the Habit, entered the Chapter. Kneeling before the Prioress, she requests to try our Way of Life and to be admitted into the Community. She formally asks to be taught how to follow Christ crucified and the Virgin Mary whose habit she now wears. It is a very simple ceremony but profound in meaning. Sr. Martha is now clothed in Christ in a special way. In our Carmelite Rule of life, we are reminded by Saint Paul to clothe ourselves in God`s armour and to put on holiness. After a Celebration of the Word, the Prioress gives a short address to the Novice on the meaning of the Religious Life and the Spirit of the Order. She then places the white mantle around the shoulders of the Novice and entrusts her to the care of the Novice Mistress. The Chapter of the Monastery embraces the new Novice in a Spirit of Christian love, welcoming her into their midst. The Celebration concluded with the celebration of Mass. Sr. Mary Elisabeth OCD Martin`s The Funeral Directors 188, Tulketh Brow, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston 1, Stonebridge Parade, Preston Road, Longridge Tel. 01772-733007 or 01772-782121 Proprietor W. Martin Wootton Dedicated and Blessed Chapels of Rest Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans The complete funeral service from a private family owned and run firm WILLIAM HOUGHTON FUNERAL DIRECTORS An Independent Catholic Family Firm Serving our community for over 100 years 259 Garstang Road, Fulwood, PR2 9XL Tel: 01772 788020 www.williamhoughtonfunerals.co.uk

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk S tudents at St Mary’,s Academy in Blackpool were understandably distressed when news of the earthquake in Kathmandu filtered through in late April. The academy has strong links with Nepal, with an annual visit for students and accompanying staff to the region to learn about the culture and see the sights, but also to work teaching in a local school called Shubhakamana academy. Children at Shubhakamana are close to our hearts. The visiting students work each year to raise money to support the school, helping to pay for resources and the building of a new school hall. It was with some concern that we awaited news of the school and our friends there over the weekend of the Earthquake. Sadly the school community lost one of its children in the quake, the other children and all of the staff miraculously survived, as did the academy building. The infrastructure is in chaos however and a number of staff and children, including the Head teacher lost their family homes. Heartfelt prayer and fundraising for Nepal This spurred students and staff at St Mary’,s into action. Inspired by the Tibetan prayer flags that hang around the Everest base camp, and areas of Nepal, students were encouraged to decorate their own flags with prayers and messages of compassion, strength, peace and wisdom for the people of Nepal. The concept behind the flags is simple but moving, the Tibetan people believed that the messages are carried by the wind. It is our hope that our messages of support might reach the Nepalese people. In the meantime, the flags hang in the school grounds, creating a place of prayer and reflection for students and staff. In addition students and staff collected money during an appeal day and raised an incredible £,2000, which was donated to the Disasters Emergency Appeals Committee. We continue to pray as a community for Nepal and its special people as they struggle to re cover from this terrible disaster. Simon Eccles, Head teacher Sixty Years for Preston School T he wife of one of the founders of St Pius X school in Preston school was among hundreds who turned up to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Lynn Barton’,s late husband, Oswald, was one of the original group of businessmen who set up the school in 1955. Mrs Barton joined parents, staff and pupils past and present for a celebratory Mass at the school, led by Bishop Michael Campbell OSA. He was assisted by the Dean for Preston, Canon Adrian Towers, an old boy of the school has grown significantly, adding a day nursery for children from the age of two in 1982. Miss Banks said: “,We’,re incredibly proud of our school, which receives positive comments from everyone who visits, not just for the academic achievements but also for the high standards of courtesy and caring. While we are always delighted to celebrate another milestone in our history, we pride ourselves on being forward looking and in getting to know every one of our pupils so we can provide the very best education.”, had a stained glass window made for the school. This time we commissioned a local craftsman –, Peter Hesketh from Ribble Valley Woodcraft –, to make a beautiful oak lectern, which was used for the first time in the Mass.”, St Pius X Preparatory School was founded in 1955 by a group of Catholic businessmen who wanted to instil traditional values in young people at the same time as providing a strong academic education. Originally the school only accepted boys, but in 1972 it became coeducational. Since its founding the school and now one of its governors. Other celebrants included Fr Chris Loughran, Fr John McGowan and Fr Robert Billing. Deacon John Cliffe was also in attendance. Head teacher Bridgeen Banks, who welcomed guests to the service in the school hall, said: “,This is a significant landmark in the school’,s history and we wanted to mark it with a joyful celebration that will be remembered by everyone who attended.”, “,When we reached our 50th anniversary we

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July 2015 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I t’,s not always easy, but it’,s not that difficult either.’, Such was the refreshingly uncompromising message of Sr Roseann Reddy, visiting the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Carlisle to deliver the first of a series of lectures organised by parish priest Fr Michael Docherty. Entitled ‘,Faith on Tap,’, the talks are similar in intent to the iThirst pub talks currently proving so popular in the North-East. If modern society has sought to section off the devotional from the banal, then Faith on Tap nobody has managed to get that message through to Sr Roseann. In a spiritual tour de force delivered with wit and vitality, we heard a message which covered all manner of subjects, from John Paul II and Cardinal Winning to prayer and pre-marital sex, from Mother Teresa and the pro-life witness to drunken Catholic-baiting and the fascination of the (allegedly) non-religious for the Faith. And throughout, one simple theme emerged again and again: love Him, serve Him. To a world in which evangelisation has, for all the official initiatives, taken on something of the impolite, it was a searing reminder that our faith demands of us no less. Not just in the big gestures, but in the little things too. Here, then, Sr Roseann treated us to an example of unapologetic faith, one that lives out the gospel because it is true, that feels little need to apologise for it being true, and which offers this Truth, in love, to others. Some might find such self-assuredness abrasive, one gets the impression Sr Roseann would not feel inclined to apologise on that account. In the words of Chesterton ‘, A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.’, To a world in which so many, particularly amongst the young, crave to be different, Sr Roseann showed us where the real countercultural message can be found. If this account has inspired you we would love to meet you over a drink on the first Thursday of each month [excluding August] and begin at 7.30pm in St. Margaret Mary Parish Community Centre, Carlisle. ‘, Speakers lined up between now and December: 2nd July 2015 Dr Caroline Hull –, Aid to the Church in Need –, Persecuted Christians 6th August 2015 No Faith on Tap 3rd September 2015 Rev. Fr. Dr. Andrew Pinsent D.Phil, PhD - Research (tbc) Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion at Oxford University, a Research Fellow of Harris Manchester College and a member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford. He is also a priest of the diocese of Arundel and Brighton in England. –, The Church and Science 1st October 2015 Rev. Canon Luiz Ruscillo SSL –, Head of the Diocese of Lancaster Education Service –, Gospel of Luke/Scripture 5th November 2015 Rt. Rev. John Keenan LL.B. S.T.B., Ph.L –, Bishop of Paisley –, Topic to be confirmed 3rd December 2015 Sr Julian Ekman –, Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma –, Religious Life Article by Michael Merrick Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ Headteacher Mr Andrew Johnson Tel 01254 827073 CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOLS St Pius X Catholic Preparatory School and Oak House Nursery 200 Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston PR2 8RD Headteacher Miss B M Banks M.A. Tel: 01772 719937/713630 Email: enquiries@st-piusx.lancs.sch.uk We would like to thank the Schools on this page for supporting the Catholic Voice of Lancaster. If you would like to book a support advert please contact Caroline at carolineg@cathcom.org or tel 01223 969506 St Peter’,s Catholic Primary School Norfolk Road, Lytham FY8 4JG Headteacher: Mrs Heyes Tel: 01253 734658 E: head@st-peters-pri.lancs.sch.uk Our Lady’,s Catholic High School St Anthony’,s Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 3SQ Headteacher: Mr Nigel Ranson Tel: 01772 326900 Email: admin@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Web: http://www.olchs.lancs.sch.uk Thinking of becoming a teacher? The Preston based Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA) is a partnership between 56 Catholic primary and secondary schools and post-16 colleges led by Our Lady’,s Catholic High School with a shared vision and commitment to providing first class, professional development for trainee teachers, practising teachers and school leaders. Contact: 01772 326931 Email: CTAschooldirect@olchs.lancs.sch.uk

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Encounter For further information with regard to vocations to the priesthood contact one of the team: Vocations Director Fr. Darren Carden Email: priest@lancastervocations.org Tel: 01772719604 Mobile: 07552795060 Assistant Vocations Director Fr. John Millar Email: jwmillar1@gmail.com Tel: 01228521509 Facebook: Lancaster Vocations Twitter: atLancVoc F r. Alan belongs to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, a congregation of brothers and priests working in about fifty countries around the world. Their mission is to share and celebrate the love of Jesus with the people they serve. WHETHER WE ARE READY TO ADMIT IT OR NOT, we are all looking for an encounter. It’,s an encounter that’,s difficult to explain. It’,s rooted in our deepest needs and draws us out into the world to search, to live and to love. Some may struggle to explain these movements of the heart, but for me it’,s clear. It’,s in response to the invitation of our God. One of the profoundest encounters of my life took place in a soup kitchen in a slum in Caracas, Venezuela. It was a tiny, but hectic place catering for about two hundred people. Into this organised chaos came Maria, with her younger brother, sister and whatever other kids were hanging around looking for something to eat. She must have been only around eleven years old. The first thing that I noticed was a shy and brief smile by way of hello. Then once she made sure that each of her little group had their food she would struggle through the crowds to settle them into a quiet corner to eat. Between mouthfuls of her own meal she fed her brother, while keeping an eye on the others. In Maria I encountered the presence of God among us. As I served her she reminded me of what love truly means. Our hearts are made to be given away. God showed us how it was done in the witness of Jesus and we are all called to do the same. A moment of prayer , In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Our Father…, Hail Mary.. Glory be…, Pray this for yourself and on behalf of those seeking God’,s will in their life: Lord I have let myself be deceived, in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace - Pope Francis Many thanks to all the parishes who hosted the recent Novena and to all who attended to pray for Vocations. Please continue to pray for vocations in our Diocese. W e continue this month with Change a life –, produced by the National Office for Vocations for England and Wales. Last month we chose ‘,openness’, written by Fr. Graham from the Brentwood Diocese. Fr. Graham’,s story of a self-confessed atheist to Catholic Priest. This month we have chosen ‘,encounter’, written by Fr. Alan who belongs to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. ‘,Whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms.’, Pope Francis

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July 2015 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk U nder the leadership of Sister Mary Stella, the Hyning Monastery Icon Group have written ten icons of St. John Vianney the patron saint of parish priests. The Icons were blessed on Maunday Thursday earlier this year and were Chrismated at Hyning Monastery in May by Fr.Darren Carden, Vocations Director for the Diocese. The nine deaneries of the Diocese will each receive one Icon and the tenth will be taken around the schools in the Diocese. Nine members of the group each wrote one Icon of St John Vianney, (Sr. Stella wrote two Icons, one of St. John Vianney himself, the other of St John surrounded by his parishioners) , other members added touches e.g. the crest of the Diocese of Lancaster. Every one fol lowed the same model in iconographic tradition meditating and focusing on the need for young men to offer themselves to serve as priests. Interestingly, as so often happens, although following the same model all the Icons are slightly different. The Icons were written with great love and care and we hope that they will be valued by the deaneries and venerated by many people. It is our prayer that these Icons will provide the spark of recognition of a religious vocation to the priesthood in any boy or young man who meditates in front of St John Vianney. Praying for Vocations The following comments were made by members of the group on their experience of writing these icons. “,I was so impressed with the devotion of St. John Vianney showed to his parishioners and I felt that this showed in his beautiful face”,. “,As an Anglican I have very little knowledge of Catholic saints, I am enriched by learning about St. John Vianney and fellow saints”,. “,St John Vianney was not a saint I knew much about but after writing the Icon I warmed to him and came to realise what a special person he was.”, “,It was a great grace to work on this wonderful project.. We were able ‘,to pool’, our skills and each person gave of their best.”, “,I found Saint John Vianney such a great inspiration through reading about his life and writing his Icon”,. “,Writing this icon brought me closer to St John Vianney as well as learning so much more about his holy life”,. “, It was a very special privilege to be part of this icon writing project. Although my contribution was small, I felt that I was doing something very positive and proactive in praying for priestly vocations”, Maureen Calnan Fr Darren Carden holding one of the Icons with Adrian Crook a Catenian.

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2015 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk L IKE MANY people, I always seem to be in a hurry, rushing and dashing from one task to another. So as to ‘,beat the clock’, , I try to squeeze in extra jobs at home before racing out of the front door. But it’,s really not the best plan…, A few weeks ago I decided I just had enough time to do a little dusting. To my dismay, I dropped my figure of Our Lady and one of her hands broke off. Later the same day, I presented the damaged figure to my husband and suggested he might like to fix it. My son, who likes puns, said, ‘,You didn’,t hand-le her very carefully, did you Mum?’, SUPER-GLUE Incredibly, it was only a couple of days later, when walking past the statue of a saint, that I accidentally knocked it off. It fell on the floor and the saint’,s head snapped off. Unfortunately, my three grown-up children saw me. My son –, the wag –, immediately piped up: ‘,You’,ve really developed the clumsy gene at the moment, Mum! Super-glue will never go out of business while you’,re around!’, And indeed, my two statues were duly glued back Spot the cracks! together and if you didn’,t look too hard and spot the cracks, they looked good as new. During June, the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul is remembered. These two titans of the church had a rather shaky start to their journey of faith in Christ, but by the love and grace of our Lord, they became inspirational leaders of the early Church. We, like Peter and Paul are imperfect and our ‘,cracks’, are often evident in our faults and mistakes. But when we follow the path of Christ like Peter and Paul did –, and try to become real not ‘,plaster’, saints –, then we too, can be sure of the unconditional love and mercy of God. STRENGTH And so the next time you see any figures of saints, remember that they, like us, were not always perfect throughout their lives. Our own ‘,cracks’, may be more easy to spot, but the freely available love of God is always there as our help and our strength. It is the glue which holds each one of us together. Unfortunately though, there’,s no real cure for clumsiness…, Julia Beacroft Please support our advertisers, without them we could not publish this paper free of charge to the parishes

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