CWL News History

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Spring 2016 edition of the CWL News - Page

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In his address to the Catholic Women`s League National and Branch officers gathered together at Swanwick, Bishop Peter Doyle revealed that 20 months ago his life had changed dramatically when he became chair of the Bishops’ Conference for Marriage and Family Life in Britain in preparation for the Synod in Rome in the following autumn. As comments and letters poured in, he experienced great intensity in talking about marriage and family life as it is a very emotional issue! This made him realise he knew very little about family life in spite of being, himself, raised in a family and working for many years as a Parish Priest. But the word Synod means “to travel together” in Greek and he was certainly prepared to do that with us and with the church. In this role Bishop Peter Doyle attended the Synod in Rome from 4th to 25th October 2015, which, he realised marked the 50th anniversary of the concept of Family Life at the Council Vatican 2. There is difficulty finding the right language to relate the Catholic idea of marriage in lay terms in the light of the recent legislation in this country. Bishop Peter Doyle stressed there is also a need for pastoral care for the divorced, gay and lesbian people but the Synod was not really meant to address these issues. Bishop Peter Doyle flew to Rome with Cardinal Vincent Nicholls and enjoyed travelling with a VIP as they had a chauffeured car to the airport, food and drink in the VIP lounge and a car to the aeroplane, but then they sat in their humble economy seats!!! The Pope, who attended all the sessions, set the tone by saying that the Spirit of Synodality is speaking honestly without deference or hesitation and at the same time to listen humbly with a welcoming and open heart. He gave great encouragement and said it was his responsibility to hold the church together under St Peter and with St Peter. There were three weeks of plenary sessions when cardinals, bishops and observers (who included married people and representatives from other churches) sat all together. Focused discussions took place in groups organised according to language (English, Spanish, Italian and German), including four English speaking groups. Bishop Peter Doyle commented on the freshness of the African and Asian Bishops who really are the strength of the church. The plenary sessions included speeches by members. Bishop Peter Doyle’s own intervention (given with intense trepidation under the watchful eye of Pope Francis) was about listening to parents. The most intensive day was the last one when the whole document was read and each part voted on. It was very hard work and very far from being a Roman holiday! The Synod raised the profile of marriage as the union of one man with one woman. There was great emphasis on preparation for marriage and the sacred role of marriage, which should be a celebration of the church and also a parish celebration, with support afterwards. It is indeed essential to accompany and help people discern God’s will through difficulties. The parish needs teams of listeners to play this part. Regarding the divorced and remarried, Bishop Peter Doyle said the church is about accompanying people to be involved in the life of the church. Allowing people in such a situation to receive Holy Communion was left open by the Synod. This disappointed some observers and has often been misrepresented by the media. Each Cardinal talked about the issues from the point of view of their own continent. This led Pope Francis to ask how we could make the church truly a Synodal church and bring all this together. We are all together as a teaching and learning church, equal on our journey. We are not separate parts and together, we have a good sense for what is needed. (As an aside, Bishop Peter Doyle commented that the CWL was precisely striving to achieve this sort of goal during the Officers’ Annual Meeting weekend at Swanwick!) Bishop Peter Doyle reminded us of the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man who had faith in Our Lord and was cured, even though the apostles were impatient as his insistent demands irritated them: they had their own schedule to get through! Yet once he was healed Bartimaeus travelled together with them. One Bishop has described the Synod as a ‘long haul flight for three weeks!’ And certainly, Bishop Peter Doyle explained in his conclusion what an exhilarating experience the Synod had been for all participants but also a very exhausting one! Officers were addressed by the National Secretary who announced the results of the National Election on the Restructuring: 80% of all members (which included 50% of Direct Members) had voted in favour of restructuring. This gave the officers a positive boost to the whole process. The Treasurer gave an update on the financial and legal structure of the League. The League’s Charity Lawyer advised that Trustees needed to be separated from the Executive with a clearly defined remit. On Saturday all officers participated fully in the formulation of Action Plans. Members will be invited to take on the role of Trustee. These roles will be advertised widely in the League and nominations will require specific expertise or prior experience as a Trustee in another organisation. It is hoped that these Trustees will come from the ranks of the League membership. The National Executive will be comprised of the 3 National Officers and 8 CWL members with appropriate skills as specified on the application form. The Regional Officer level will cease to exist. Branches will need, therefore, to provide cohesion, co-ordination, communication and companionship within the League. Sections and Direct members will be encouraged to work more closely together. The workload on Section Officers will be reduced by the removal of End of Year Returns and therefore also the requirement for an AGM. This could be replaced by an informal Annual Review meeting. These proposals are now with every Section. The final document on Restructuring will be available at the beginning of May for ratification at the AGM in October 2016. Officers undertook this difficult but important task with enthusiasm, much thought but essentially with prayer and spiritual guidance from Bishop Peter Doyle, the League’s Spiritual Adviser. It was not all work and no play. On Saturday evening the Officers were in competitive mood when all participated in a Quiz organised by the indomitable Jill Sims. The teams were all very closely matched, but it was Brentwood and East Anglia Branches who sneaked ahead by a whisker. They will, naturally, keep their prizes until Easter Sunday! It is hoped that with prayer, dedication and the will to succeed, the League will survive in a new invigorated format. The Newspaper of the Catholic Women’s League Spring 2016 Congratulations to June Burke B.E.M. Congratulations to Margaret Valentine, National President Elect Sheila Jennings R.I.P. Page 10 With His Excellency, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Bishop Peter Doyle meets Pope Francis Officers’ Annual Meeting, February 2016 On a wet and windy Friday, the Officers of the Catholic Women’s League arrived at The Hayes Conference Centre at Swanwick, all ready to tackle the major task of reorganisation. Fortified by a very substantial evening meal, the officers convened in the conference hall to start the process. Bishop Doyle addresses the Catholic Women’s League

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February 2016 The National AGM took place in Torquay over the weekend of 16-18 October. A very busy and challenging weekend all round. A report of the weekend was in the last edition of CWL News. Highlight of the weekend was our ecclesiastical advisor Bishop Peter Doyle skyping the AGM from Rome where he was attending the Synod of the Family. The videos are available on our Facebook page and on Youtube on the following links: CWL AGM 2015 part 1 - YouTube and CWL AGM 2015 part 2 - YouTube Since the AGM we have received a lot of feedback re the proposed new structure for the League and this was discussed at length at the Executive meeting in November with a response sent out to all Sections and Branches. Members were asked to vote in principle on the proposed structure and also for the next National President. Members of Westcliff Section meet to watch the video and discuss the proposal. Margaret Richards, candidate for National President Margaret Valentine,candidate for National President 7 November 2015 I attended the Westminster Branch Meeting. The meeting was preceded by Mass at which deceased members of the Branch were remembered and candles were lit in their memory. A delicious lunch was provided and then followed the showing of the video presenting proposed structure changes, which was viewed by the members, with time for questions to be raised. Members watch the video being screened 29 November 2015 I attended the 90th Anniversary of Ilford Section, Brentwood Branch. A lovely occasion and so good to see the other sections of the Branch who supported the members. Some photos below – unfortunately I didn’t take the ones that featured the members! Tuesday 1 December 2015 I was very pleased to be invited to attend the CAFOD Advent Carols and Readings held at The Crypt, Priory Church of the Order of St John, Clerkenwell. It was a beautiful service and super way to start Advent. I was accompanied by a member of my section, Kathy Hartnett, and we both appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality. Photo above shows the young singers of the group Voces Santorum who led the singing and sang several choir pieces. Inside the stunning main church at Clerkenwell Christmas greetings were sent to all Bishops and we posted a video on Facebook as a greeting to all our members and friends of CWL. Here is the link in case you missed it. https://youtu.be/CxKYsQVyKEc Since Christmas we eagerly awaited the result of the voting and I can let you know that the vote for National President was very close and we are pleased to announce that our next National President will be Margaret Valentine. Thanks are given to Margaret Richards for taking part in the process, a very worthy opponent. Regarding the vote, in principle, for the proposed structure changes, the result was overwhelmingly for the changes. It should be noted that the National Executive are very aware of the concerns and reservations raised by the responses from members and the detail of the structure changes will be discussed at the Officers` Annual Meeting. Make sure you make yourself aware of all emails sent out to keep you informed of progress made over the next few months. Finally I hope you find time for contemplation and peace of mind during this Lenten period and then fully enjoy the glories of the Risen Lord during Eastertide. God bless you all in all the work you do. Elizabeth Upsher Contact details for National Officers NATIONAL PRESIDENT Mrs Elizabeth Upsher, natpres@cwlhq.org.uk NATIONAL TREASURER Mrs Jeanette Collins, nattreas@cwlhq.org.uk NATIONAL SECRETARY Mrs Jean Clarke, natsec@cwlhq.org.uk REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES REGION 1 Mrs Sally Hamp region1@cwlhq.org.uk REGION 2 Mrs Sue Gornall region2@cwlhq.org.uk REGION 3 Miss Catherine McDonald region3@cwlhq.org.uk REGION 4 Mrs Pat Lockeridge region4@cwlhq.org.uk REGION 5 Mrs Christine Pugh region5@cwlhq.org.uk REGION 6 Mrs Kath Tomlin region6@cwlhq.org.uk REGION 7 Mrs Margaret Richards region7@cwlhq.org.uk CONFERENCE ORGANISER Miss Jill Sims conference@cwlhq.org.uk CHAIRMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE Mrs Bernie Townsend bernie.bhamcwl@yahoo.com CHAIRMAN OUR LADY’S CATECHISTS Miss Beryl Wakefield berylm@tiscali.co.uk RELIEF & REFUGEE Mrs Jane Dawson randr1@cwlhq.org.uk INTERNATIONAL OFFICER & WUCWO LIAISON Mrs Margaret Valentine valentine555@btinternet.com HEALTH & FAMILY OFFICER Miss Alison Love alisonlove1952@googlemail.com STOCK OFFICER Mrs Breda Ford randr2@cwlhq.org.uk CWL FLOWER FUND Mrs Elizabeth Dixon flowerfund@cwlhq.org.uk PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER Mrs Frances Canning francesandedward@blueyonder.co.uk Page 2 CWL News Spring 2016 COPY DEADLINE DATE 1st June 2016 Any amendments to distribution, notify the National Secretary National President’s Blog Full versions of my blog and the new Recipes page can be found on www.catholicwomensleague.org and photos etc on the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CWLEngWales

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CWL News Spring 2016 Page 3 Re-structuring of the League Re-structuring of the League

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Page 4 CWL News Spring 2016 Dear Editor Members who were at our National Conference in Torquay last year may remember that on the Clifton Branch stand I was selling jewellery I had made to raise money for Basilius Boys Home in India. I thought you might like to know that the final figure raised from all the fund raising was £2,931.36p. This will go a long way to giving the boys a good start in life. Many thanks and God Bless Jean Coombs, Clifton Dear Editor, Looking through old copies of CWL News I came across the following entry from March 1995. PRAYER FOR NEW MEMBERS - written by a Section member and sent in by Joan Pike of Branksome Section, Plymouth Branch . They recited it at every meeting. Lord Jesus, we ask you to bless the Catholic Women’s League that, by our example “to act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly", we may increase our numbers and so become women truly “caring with love.” I believe that those members of the League who truly want it to flourish anew and gather more people to join us, not just as fund raisers but in the true spirit of fellowship, contact and concern for all, would take this prayer on board. Miracles do happen. God Bless, Barbara Stitt Dear Editor, I would like to take this opportunity to formally, and very sincerely, offer my heart- felt thanks to all the members, Sections and Branches who so very kindly sent me letters, sympathy cards, mass cards and made telephone calls to express their sadness on the death of my husband, Tony. Many remembered how, when I was appointed as your National Secretary, Tony was there at AGMs offering a helping hand to all who needed it. He always spoke fondly of his association with the Catholic Women’s League. Thank you all, Jean LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Christians working in Health and Social Care: the challenges and opportunities 4:30pm 23rd – 1:00pm 25th June 2016, hosted by St Mary’s University, Twickenham WHO SHOULD ATTEND? People of faith in this work – Doctors, Social Workers, Chaplains, Nurses, HCAs, Social Care Managers, Allied Professionals to Health and other professional supporting Health and Social Care practice. OBJECTIVES WHICH FRAME THIS CONFERENCE • To support and deepen the vocation and spirituality of those being called to care • To explore ways in which faith in practice can enhance the quality of care and compassion in health and social care organisations • To enable participants to apply the insights of Catholic Social Teaching to current issues in Health and Social Care policy and practice. With best practice workshops covering, Vocation – what it means to be called, Chaplaincy practice, guidance and research, Mental Health, Palliative Care, Pilgrim Carers, International Health and Care in development and war torn places, Spirituality in Care, Retaining your values when under stress, Responding to resource pressures from a Christian perspective. Attendance Certificate provided – CPD points may be available for some professions Sponsored by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales’ Health and Social Care Advisory Group KEYNOTE SPEAKERS INCLUDE HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive, Public Health, England Paul Farmer, Chief Executive, MIND Dr Anna Rowlands, Senior Lecturer, Durham University …with more speakers to be confirmed. (Speakers and Topics correct at time of printing) CONFERENCE FEE £250 inclusive of accommodation, meals and conference materials and presentations SESSIONAL FEE £40 Thursday 23rd June, including supper or Saturday 25th June including lunch Day rate for Friday 24th June £80 (excluding evening dinner) HOW TO BOOK Contact Nicholas Johnson or Cath Morgan Email: nicholas.johnson@cbcew.org.uk cath.morgan@cbcew.org.uk Tel: 07930 854972 07947 687869 Catholic Bishops’ Conference 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1BX facebook.com/CBCHSCAG twitter.com/CareHealthRC Web: cbcew.org.uk/healthcare CALLED TO CARE NETWORK OF CATHOLICS IN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Marie Potter Eileen Doran Aline Cook Breda Ford From the Editors For this edition of CWL News, the Southwark Branch Officers have had the privilege(?) of being co-editors. None of us has had any experience of editing before, so please don`t be too harsh on us! It was one of Margaret Fletcher`s aims that women should be better educated, so we`re still learning. It has been an interesting experience, but also quite hard work. It has made us appreciate Jean, who usually edits the paper, all the more. Do you remember the last time we had a pilgrimage to Westminster Cathedral in 2009? What a day that was! And what a sight to behold as over 1000 Catholic women gathered together in prayer and thanksgiving. You weren`t there? Well, DON`T MISS IT THIS TIME! After all we are celebrating our 110th anniversary. National Pilgrimage 16th July 2016 COPY DEADLINE DATE 1st June 2016 Any amendments to distribution, notify the National Secretary

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CWL News Spring 2016 Page 5 COMMUNITY British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) Catholic Women`s League British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) Branch Plaque handed into the care of the Army Foundation College, Harrogate CWL BAOR Branch was founded in 1948 by Mrs Robin Wilson, Controller of the CWL Services Clubs, British Forces of the Rhine, for the Catholic wives of British Services personnel. The Plaque was presented by all the Branches in BAOR to the 2nd President, Mrs H P Swan, on her return to the UK in 1951. It is the work of a distinguished German artist and carver who lived in Bad Salsuflen and was passed into the safe keeping of the National Headquarters as a tribute to the members and the work carried out by them for the greater glory of God, the Forces Chaplains and the aims of the Catholic Women’s League. In September 2015, it was given into the care of Fr Donald Cumming RC RAChD, the present RC Chaplain, for display in the new RC Chapel of Our Lady and St Michael at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate - the site of the first CWL Chapel Hut in WW2 dedicated in October 1940. It was felt this was a very fitting place for its display with the great CWL connection with Penny Pot during World War 2 and during WW1 with the CWL Hut and existing Wayside Shrine at Ripon. Should the plaque no longer be able to remain at AFC Harrogate, it will be returned to CWL Headquarters. Fr Donald Cumming and Sally Hamp with Plaque Plaque on wall in Chapel with commemorative inscription under OUR LADY’S CATECHISTS Our Lady’s Catechists, (OLC), is an Associate Member of the National Board of Religious Inspectors and Advisors, (NBRIA). Last December I represented OLC at the NBRIA Annual General Meeting, held at the Amigo Hall, St George’s Metropolitan Cathedral, in London. The meeting was hosted by CAFOD and we were welcomed by Chris Bain, its Director. The Keynote Presentation, ‘Liturgical Developments since the Missal’, was given by Martin Foster, Director of the Liturgy Office for the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales. Recent new translations of interest are a revised ‘Rite of Marriage’, and of special interest to catechists, especially those involved in the preparation of children for the Sacraments, a revised ‘Rite of Confirmation’. These new ‘Rites’ are to be published at the end of January and will become mandatory after Easter. Two problems for our Catholic schools emerged from the meeting. Firstly, the shortage of Catholic teachers especially in Secondary schools. This could be an opportunity for OLC to contribute to the training of non-Catholic teachers working in Catholic schools as our CMS course is an ideal introduction to the Catholic faith. Secondly the issues raised by the ‘Trojan Horse’ affair could have repercussions for Catholic schools. The Chairman of NBRIA, Mgr. Kevin McGinnell, emphasised the need for us all to proclaim the value that our schools and the Church bring to society. The religious education of our children is something that we should all be concerned about and remember in our prayers. The work of OLC goes on steadily and we are looking forward to our annual Conference and AGM. We are still encouraging nominations for the post of Chairman to begin after the AGM when Beryl Wakefield, our current Chairman will complete her term of office. A reminder that the Conference and AGM will be held from 1st -3rd April at the Kings Park Conference Centre in Northampton. The theme of the weekend will be ‘The Family’ and our speakers will be Bishop Peter Doyle and Canon Michael Cooley. It promises to be a very special weekend and members of CWL are very welcome to attend. All enquiries to Sue Andrews, Secretary of OLC, suem.andrews@hotmail.co.uk. RELIEF & REFUGEE In his message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees on 17th January, Pope Francis invited us to respond to the challenge of migrants and refugees through the Gospel of Mercy. This means recognising the dignity of migrants and refugees, recognising their suffering and affirming their rights. By working with governments and other agencies we need to address the causes that have led to the increase in the number of migrants and refugees. The Pope asks us to prevent unwarranted fears and speculation which are detrimental to migrants. The Office for Migration Policy priority is to continue to work with the U.K. Government as it seeks to welcome and re-settle 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next few years. Bishop Patrick Lynch, Bishops Conference Representative for refugees, met the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Syrian Refugees to discuss the progress of this work and to see what still needs to be done. In partnership with the French bishops, Bishop Lynch will persuade parliamentarians in France and the UK to find a solution to the situation of refugees in Calais. The Bishops will continue to encourage governments to renew their efforts to build peace in the Middle East, North Africa and other parts of the world, a peace where the dignity of every person is defended and promoted. I recently attended a talk given by John McCarthy, a television journalist, who was kidnapped and taken hostage, in Beruit, for 5 years in 1986. He was cut off from the outside world and endured physical and psychological deprivation. Although he eventually shared a cell and met other hostages, he was overwhelmed by isolation, not knowing whether his family knew where he was and unable to contact them. John’s experience has encouraged him to help those who have suffered the same inhuman treatment. He is now a Patron of the “Freedom from Torture” Charity and visits regularly to enable visitors to share with him their horrific experiences of physical and psychological torture. The Relief and Refugee Team receive applications from this charity as well as others caring for those who are deeply traumatised. Our small gift of a grant shows individuals that we care. Please continue to support the R & R fund and pray for migrants and the success of the bishops’ initiatives, thank you. Jane Dawson, R & R Team WUCWO Each year WUCWO proposes a special prayer to coincide with one of its resolutions. In this Year of Mercy, we are invited to pray for the family, reciting this prayer on the first Friday of each month. The aim is to unite 5 million women in prayer. 2016 PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY: During this Holy Year of Mercy, Lord, we pray for all families of the world and seek to bring the Gospel of Mercy to each person. We pray for single mothers sacrificing to feed and clothe their children. Guard all newborns, guide the young and their vocations. Open our eyes to see the beauty and future in our youth; give us the ears to listen to their stories. Keep them safe from all addictions and free the victims of human trafficking. With the loving patronage of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family of Nazareth, the WUCWO women of hope pray that the family be a sanctuary of peace, love and faith. Amen.

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Page 6 CWL News Spring 2016 BIRMINGHAM BRANCH Between 50-60 members of both CWL and UCM attended their Annual Joint Mass at St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham on Saturday 24th October. Mass was concelebrated by Fr Brendan Carrick - Catholic Women’s League Branch Chaplain, Fr Timothy Burke – Union of Catholic Mothers Branch Chaplain and Fr Edwin Cownley. The Mass of Our Lady of the Rosary was chosen. In his homily, Fr Carrick spoke of the Synod on the Family coming to an end in Rome and the special Year of Mercy to follow on from this. There followed a happy shared lunch in the Grimshaw Room, a sign of the good relationship which exists between the two organisations in the Diocese. Fr Burke may be one of the oldest priests still in active ministry after celebrating his 92nd birthday on 3rd January 2016. He has served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Birmingham since 1948 and from 1968 to the present day is parish priest of Holy Cross, Stone Cross and St Joseph`s West Bromwich in the Black Country. CARDIFF BRANCH Congratulations to June Burke (Branch Treasurer) who was awarded a B.E.M. in the New Year`s Honours List. She has been involved with the cancer Charity Tenovus since she was a child. In fact, her father was one of the "Ten of us" ( hence Tenovus) who founded the charity. Congratulations, June, from all members of CWL. CLIFTON BRANCH This year has brought great changes to the 5 Sections in Clifton as we no longer have a Branch. The decision to lose the Branch and its officers was not an easy one to make, but rather than lose all 5 Sections it was a unanimous decision that we become Direct Sections within the League. Our Sections keep in contact with each other and have planned to get together at events throughout the year. In March Charlton Kings Section is holding a Day of Retreat led by our Spiritual Adviser, Deacon John Scanlon. In May Wells Section have invited us to join them in a guided tour of Wells Cathedral and in October Sections will be joining Wells again for "A Day With Mary" at Prinknash Abbey. Many of us will also be attending the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Glastonbury in July. It was sad to lose our Branch after 106 years of service to the League and Clifton Diocese but we pray that by making these changes we can keep the CWL alive and working within our diocese. DORSET BRANCH Members of Dorset Branch gathered at St Joseph’s Church, Branksome for their Founder’s day celebration. A procession of Section and Branch banners led the way to the altar. Fr Chris Findlay-Wilson expressed his pleasure at seeing so many CWL members. He said he very much valued the presence of the CWL in the parish. A sherry reception followed, then a short Branch meeting and it was time to tuck into a magnificent shared lunch. After a quiz and a raffle and the last bargains at the Bring and Buy table, the carol service brought the day to a close with Happy and Holy Christmas wishes to all. Youngsters attending the World Youth Day in Poland next June will benefit from £345 raised by a coffee morning held in the garden of Branksome and Parkstone Section Chair, Margaret Walker, in the summer. A presentation was made to Muiread Smith, Dannii Pittam and Linto Philip with their youth worker Paul Andrewartha. Six young people from the Poole parishes will be going in 2016. Gifts for the local Women’s Refuge, totalling about 100 items, were brought to the first Branksome and Parkstone Section meeting of the year following Mass. During the Mass celebrated by Fr Chris Findlay-Wilson members had formally renewed their commitment to the League. At the meeting the Chair, Margaret Walker was very pleased to welcome 5 new or returning members to the Section, a wonderful start to 2016. Fr Chris was also invited to become the Section’s new Spiritual Adviser which he accepted. HEXHAM & NEWCASTLE BRANCH One thing CWL members do very well, whatever Branch, is catering, whether it be for events, First Holy Communion, cake stalls and everything in between. Morpeth is no exception, but this year we were asked to provide refreshments for an occasion we would most certainly have rather NOT had to do, but at the same time, were privileged to have that responsibility – the funeral of our dearly-loved priest, Fr Lawrence Jones. As always, the ladies came to the fore, helped of course, by many other parishioners, who wanted to do their best for Fr Jones. Our new priest, Fr Peter Stott, welcomes people from other churches to share in St Robert’s activities and very kindly joins in many of the events we organise, despite being extremely busy. So what were our highlights this year? Fund Raising Following a fire in the sacristy a couple of years ago, and damage to the church spire, fundraising has played an extremely important part in our church undertakings. The CWL decided it would do its part in several projects: selling tickets for the ‘Bonus Ball’ (based on the National Lottery) before and after Sunday Masses (and which provoked some amusement with the parishioners); a delicious Lenten Lunch served in the home of one of our members; making and serving refreshments at the town’s Fair Day in June and our own CWL Mini Fair in November, and a donation. Of course, no fundraising is complete without a ‘sponsored whatever’ and we are no exception! Based on an event in Sydney Harbour, our chairman, Elizabeth Dixon, came up with the idea of a walk to take in the Seven Bridges of Morpeth, on St Robert’s Feast Day. Aged between 3 and 94, many CWL members and parishioners walked from the Old Stobsford Bridge to Low Ford and you can see there was lots of fun on the way! In all, by December a fantastic sum of £3,000 had been raised, and Fr Peter was more than surprised at our Christmas Dinner when Elizabeth handed him more than a Christmas cracker! Active Faith As ever, we had great support from all the other churches for our annual Advent Service on the last Sunday of November, despite clashing with the Lions’ Senior Citizens’ Dinner. The Mayor’s Chaplain, Marian Bell, was our guest and gave a very poignant address. Service of another kind (!!) afterwards ensured that seasonal delicacies balanced seasonal prayers and hymns. All Play and NO Work!! Coincidentally, our second meeting of the year fell on Burn’s Night, so we could not overlook the occasion. Some of our ladies DID have to work (but they did volunteer!! to prepare the Haggis, Neaps and Tatties, Whisky Mac and pour the IRN BRU. Those of us partaking the Whisky Mac were less mentally agile when it came to the Scottish Quiz, but reeled (??!!) more sprightly during the dancing. MIDDLESBROUGH BRANCH Our last Branch meeting was held at our newest Section of Market Weighton where we were treated to a 3 course hot meal - wonderful what can be conjured up in slow cookers! They have started to hold monthly Afternoon Teas for the Lonely. They raised £190 for the Water Project by inviting parishioners to throw their loose change into a bucket of water. The Branch as a whole sent £500 to the National Treasurer for the Drinking Water Project (CAFOD). Cottingham Section held a Fish and Chip Supper (sweets included, of course) for the League`s internal charities and Branch funds. They held their annual charity appeal for Emmaus, Hull and with the support of the parish raised £1,500. Instead of giving each other Christmas cards, they donated £64.50 to the Lourdes Sick Fund. In January, they enjoyed a visit to the pantomime. Easingwold Section have been knitting squares for blankets for use by sick pilgrims when they go to Lourdes. This was in response to a Diocesan request. They also shared a very happy evening with the Mothers` Union. Fr White, Branch Chaplain, led a Day of Reflection for Advent to which members were invited in his own parish of Driffield. The Section watched a DVD about Our Lady`s appearances at Fatima, and their Vice Chairman gave talk on Patterns of Womanhood: Anne Line , Margaret Clitherow and Margaret Ward. Most Sections enjoyed Christmas Socials of one sort or another, and now all Sections are working for the Women`s Refuges. Middlesbrough January Branch Meeting held at Our Lady`s in Acomb :- Members were delighted to welcome The Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrsiewicz, who was staying with Fr David White, Branch Chaplain. The Bishop celebrated Mass and after lunch told us about his Country and Diocese, it was a very interesting afternoon. NORTHAMPTON BRANCH Aylesbury Section Catholic Women’s League celebrated its 60th Anniversary on Saturday 31st October at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall. The following dignitaries were welcomed to the event by the Chairman, Mrs Marion Payne: Mayor, Cllr Allison Harrison, the Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council, Cllr Mrs Jenny Bloom and her partner, Mr Kevin Gallagher, Rev. John Beirne (Section Chaplain), Rev. John Fleming and Rev. Jude Iroh. Cheques of £100 each were presented to Fr Beirne for the St Joseph’s and St Clare’s (Homeless Project), to Pauline Gilbert representing the Aylesbury Homeless Action Group based at Holy Trinity Church, to Maureen Anderson for the CWL Relief and Refugee Fund and to the Florries Section of Florence Nightingale Hospice. This money was raised at our annual Garden Party in August at the home of the Chairman. Work undertaken by the Section since 1955 includes: i) at local hospitals and at the National and International Spinal Games ii) Hungarian and Vietnamese refugees when they arrived in Aylesbury iii) running a weekly club for handicapped girls iv) a luncheon club for the elderly v) the Young Offenders Institute which still continues with the Chairman playing a full role in ministry vi) raising £5,000 to support the work of Sister Katey, a St Louis nun with her missionary work in Brazil vii) a walk to support Help for Heroes raising over £1,000 viii) Children’s Camps when they were run in various parts of the Diocese ix) Entertaining children from Paddington visiting County Farm, followed by tea. Our Chaplains have been a great support to us: Fr Tony Harris and Canon Frank Duane in the past and Fr John Beirne who for many years has offered Mass at the commencement of our meetings and is always available to give talks and advice when called on. We raise money through monthly afternoon teas to go to worthy charitable causes continuing the good work started by our founder Margaret Fletcher. The Section held an afternoon tea in November last year raising £700 for the children of Tecla Nyamande a parishioner of our local parish who had died suddenly. The youngsters had lost their father some years before and Tecla had brought them to England to start a new life. Tecla was involved in everything in the parish and was BRANCH NEWS

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CWL News Spring 2016 Page 7 much loved, which was reflected in the amount raised to help the family. Two members represented the Section at the local Aylesbury theatre to see Tommy Steele in the Glenn Miller Story. This was at the invitation of Cllr. Jenny Bloom, Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council as a thank you for the commitment of the Section to the local community over 60 years. The members were wined and dined and had a very enjoyable evening. Gerrards Cross Section members joined in St Joseph’s Parish Centenary celebrations during last year, attending Masses and special events to mark the church’s history. The church has been redecorated, updated and the roof replaced. CWL attended the wonderful Centenary Mass which Bishop Peter Doyle concelebrated with eight Carmelite priests. In December, members attended a very special Mass when Bishop Peter blessed the Door of Mercy. We are honoured to welcome parishioners from around the Diocese who are able to receive and proclaim God’s mercy by entering the church through the Door of Mercy, as we, in the parish, are able to. SOUTHWARK BRANCH On Sunday 7th February the members of Farnborough (Kent) Section celebrated 50 years at their church of St Michael and All Angels. The Parish Priest, Fr Alan Burgess, celebrated Mass for us and the bidding prayers and hymns were chosen by the members. After Mass a Reception was held in the Parish Room attended by guests from other Sections and our Regional Representative. We were joined by members of the Parish who support us in our work and donate towards CWL charities. The Section Officers had put out a display board in the porch of the church with information about the CWL and also pictures taken of the past members at various National AGMs, Pilgrimages and Section outings. We also placed a list of deceased Members both on this display board and on the altar during Mass. After the reception a collage of the photos taken was placed on our permanent notice board in the church porch together with a list of current members on Ash Wednesday and this generated much interest as people left after Mass. One very cold January evening eight intrepid members of Petts Wood Section joined the jostling crowds to view the illuminations in Lumiere London. Our photo was taken by a passing stranger in Leicester Square who, like us, thought the flowers and raindrops were spectacular. We walked on to Piccadilly where gauze covered helium fish-like creatures moved, floating and changing colours. They were amazing. Next came the moving 3D videos of the front and back of an elephant with sound effects. We watched the acrobatic stickmen as they tumbled across and down the front of Liberty House in Regent Street. Next we saw the changing colours of the sparkling evening dress in Liberty’s. We then cheated by taking buses to see the rainbow colours on Westminster Abbey. “The Light of the Spirit” enveloped the West Front of the Abbey in colour and light, highlighting the architectural mastery of the building and showing the statuettes of the martyrs from the façade above the Great West Doors in glorious technicolour. This was our favourite illumination. The cold began to creep up on us, so we gave up and headed for home having come to the conclusion that we could not manage the displays at Kings Cross as well. We were so pleased that we had gone and all agreed we would not have gone alone. We are so lucky to have CWL companionship, friendship and support. On the first Sunday in February we had a collection of goods for Bromley Women`s Refuge. We were generously supported by the parish, and collected 387 items, including towels, bedding, toiletries, clothes and baby items. WESTMINSTER BRANCH Westminster Branch has an interesting programme for this year starting with our March meeting in the Hinsley Room behind the Cathedral, when we will be welcoming Andrew Hollingsworth – business director and fundraiser for The Passage. He will be telling us about the major restructuring which has taken place at St Vincent’s, Carlisle Place and how that has improved the facilities for their vital work in helping the homeless. The Passage is also one of the named organisations within Westminster Diocese for supporting desperate refugees and asylum seekers currently seeking refuge in our country. Sadly two of our Sections have recently closed – Mill Hill and Hanwell. We thank them for all they have contributed to the work of the League and in caring for one another and helping their parish priests and local communities. However we are pleased to report that our other 11 sections are doing well and we have a number of new members. The highlight of the year will be our National President Elizabeth Upsher’s National Pilgrimage to our wonderful Cathedral Church of Westminster which is dedicated to The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to welcoming fellow members (with banners) from all around the country for the Mass which is to be celebrated by our Cardinal Archbishop Vincent Nichols, followed by light refreshments. November was a busy month for Adeyfield Section, providing refreshments after a very moving Mass in remembrance of all parishioners who had died during the year. Ladies were needed again to entertain parishioners and diocesan priests after a memorial Mass, celebrated by Bishop John Sherrington, for the late Father Raymond Legge who had been parish priest at Our Lady Queen of all Creation for over ten years. We then had a fund raising evening providing a wonderful Italian meal in a beautifully decorated hall, with an Italian musician and members and guests wearing masks. The brilliant evening raised £970 which gave a great boost to our funds for distribution to our many charities. As a way of relaxing after our busy few weeks, we took ourselves on a trip to the theatre to see “Carousel” followed by a meal. Now in the season of Lent, Adeyfield is having soup lunches each week and it was decided that this year the money raised would go to support the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham for the planned restoration and development. On Friday 13th May the Section will be celebrating the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen with a tea party. `Your Mother` is Mary … by Julia Beacroft One of my wonderful husband’s little foibles is that he never refers to his mother-in- law – my mother – by her Christian name. Neither does he give her the courtesy title of ‘Mum’, which is sometimes used for in-laws. In fact, he always refers to her as ‘Your mother’. ‘‘When are you next seeing your mother?’ he will ask. ‘Is your mother feeling better now?’ is another such example. Admittedly this may not seem particularly odd. However when my Mum is actually present and his method of address remains the same, I think you might appreciate how strange this can seem. If we are sitting having a cup of tea and a chat, my husband will turn to me and say something like: ‘Ask your mother if her heating is fixed now’ or ‘Will your mother be coming round at the end of the week? This is not to say that he doesn’t talk to her and isn’t fond of her – of course he does and is - but if using her name is involved, he bizarrely always calls her ‘Your mother’ and addresses her through me. Yet whatever title we choose to give them, mothers are such an integral and important part of our lives. They provide for us, nourish us and try to equip us for all that we may experience in life. MARY`S JOURNEY Mary, Our Blessed Lady, fully understands the true meaning of motherhood. Having been tasked with the greatest commission of all, she did not hesitate for a moment in saying ‘Yes’ to God and agreeing to become the mother of our Lord. And let us never forget that Mary’s journey was neither simple nor straightforward. Betrothed at a very early age, probably terrified of what her fate would hold when she became pregnant out of wedlock and quite unsure of what carrying the Messiah could mean, she never wavered in her trust and belief in God. And this was not all. Mary grievously suffered as she witnessed her beloved son tortured and put to death by crucifixion. MARY`S EXAMPLE Mary is the perfect example to us all. One who intercedes on our behalf with her son Jesus, and continuously points the way to him. She is the sublime mother to each and every one of us. And so, when speaking to someone else of Our Lady, we should never be afraid to refer to her as ‘Your Mother’. As Christians we have several titles for Mary, but none so accurate or fitting as our Mother... Section members Pat Chesterton and Eileen Goudie with Mrs Jenny Bloom, Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council (centre)

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Page 8 CWL News Spring 2016 Last year, we heard for the first time about the 2016 National President’s project: supporting our local Women’s Refuges through collecting and delivering items to the distressed women they help. Last October in Torquay, we were told how to contact the Refuges to find out what was needed. It seemed easy and exciting. Our Section in Richmond, Southwark Branch, decided to adopt the National Project for ourselves. Our progress since then has been slightly chaotic but has already yielded some rewards. We used the tip given to contact our Local Authorities website, but this proved a bit of a damp squib. Their answer was to push us off towards a National Help number which led nowhere, except ages listening to pre-recorded messages. Nevertheless, after various internet manoeuvres, we managed to make contact with the charity Refuge and were told what to collect. How the items would be collected from us was still a mystery. The logical fact that the location of the refuge must remain a secret certainly adds an aura of adventure to the whole operation. We started collecting from our fellow-parishioners in January. Fortunately, our new parish priest gave us his full support and even provided us with a very neat plastic box which we simply bring out when we are collecting, once a month. Our first “crop” yielded 101 items and only three duds which we easily disposed of. We felt that the parish had responded warmly to the cause and hope that each month will add to our treasure. The next hurdle is proving to get someone to collect from us. We understand that the Refuge volunteers are really stretched, so we are prepared to be patient. We hope that we can really help make a difference for our local refuge in 2016, but also we hope that this project will help our fellow parishioners get a better understanding of what we are about! So we would like to thank our National President for giving us this great idea before she steps down from office. THE 2016 NATIONAL PROJECT AT GRASSROOT LEVEL Statement of the Coordination of Bishops’ Conferences in support of the Church in the Holy Land, 14 January 2016 To the Christian community and young people of Gaza, you are not forgotten. At Holy Family Parish we were told: "In this Year of Mercy, one of the acts of mercy is to visit prisoners and I thank you for visiting the largest prison in the world." The ability of so many Christians and Muslims to support each other in this situation is a visible sign of hope and, at a time when many seek to divide communities, an example to us all. To the Christian community of Beit Jala, you are not forgotten. The Israeli confiscation of land and the expansion of the separation wall in the Cremisan Valley, in violation of international law, further undermine their presence in the Holy Land. Throughout 2016 we shall raise your plight nationally and internationally. To those Israelis and Palestinians who seek peace, you are not forgotten. The right of Israel to live in security is clear, but the continuing occupation eats away at the soul of both occupier and occupied. A diplomatic solution must end nearly 50 years of occupation and resolve the ongoing conflict so the two peoples and three faiths can live together in justice and peace. To the Christian refugees we met in Jordan, you are not forgotten. Jordan is struggling to cope with almost a quarter of its population now made up of refugees. The efforts of the local Church and NGOs in reaching out to all refugees - both Christian and Muslim - are significant and commendable but the international community must do more to alleviate their plight and work for peace across the region. To the priests, religious communities and lay people of the Church in Jordan, you are not forgotten. The Church in Jordan is vital and growing, but Christians are fearful of the growing extremism in the region. It is to be hoped that the coming into force on 1 January of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, offers us a model of dialogue and cooperation between States. We make our own the prayer of Pope Francis in Laudato Si: “O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.” You Are Not Forgotten Year of Mercy will be a flop? Certainly not, says Bishop Peter A local Northampton newspaper article suggested the Jubilee Year of Mercy would be a flop because most people are ‘nons’ and few people have a personal relationship with God. So, the reporter continued, this Mercy theme does not speak to most people and has little meaning for them. For Bishop Peter Doyle, Spiritual Adviser to the League, this was not in his experience. He continued, ‘…I see this Mercy theme deeply touching people and the Devil is very worried about it and trying to stop it! On the day the Northampton Cathedral Door of Mercy was opened the roads were blocked and we had to delay the Mass for 20 minutes. Then my journey to Slough, for a service of Reconciliation, took much longer than usual due to traffic on the M25! But both Services took place! Pope Francis is asking each of us to be merciful like the Father. The Pope says Jesus is the face of God’s Mercy and also his artist who paints a picture of the mercy of the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son. The son’s motive for returning is pretty basic – he is hungry – but as soon as the father sees him he welcomes him with open arms. Where are we in this parable? There can be so many contradictions in our lives. We profess faith in Jesus but hold on to hurts and grudges and petty jealousies. The older son is like a good catholic. He keeps all the rules but is hard of heart, quick to judge and slow to forgive. Last Sunday I went to the cathedral to see how a newly ordained young priest was doing celebrating Mass. There was a man in the porch, who, seeing me, apologised for being late. I nodded and went on in and then realised what I had done. So I went back and invited him in and his face changed from sadness and shame to great joy. We must all give a brotherly hug to the ‘man in the porch’. We, who are so blessed by God’s mercy, can still be slow to give mercy. So I pray that this season of Lent may be a time for all of us together to pray and reflect on God’s mercy in the scriptures and to deepen our own experience of mercy especially in the sacraments. Only by experiencing this mercy ourselves can we become missionaries of mercy and accompany relatives and friends into the arms of the Father. This movement of return to the Father begins with the Holy Spirit. So I hope that the Spirit of mercy will be in our hearts today as we discuss important issues for the future of the League…’ Slavery Women unite To save our children From being bought and sold For men`s delight Women unite To stop this slavery once abolished Now existing -- despite Women unite So these brothels are broken And this travesty of justice Is brought to light Women unite So a better life May be found for them Let us stand and fight Women unite And support this cause Let laws be changed and justice sought And victims helped and a wrong made right. Eileen Rayner Lymington Section

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CWL News Spring 2016 Page 9 In a recent meeting on Spirituality in Birmingham, representatives from dioceses across England and Wales spoke of the great thirst for spirituality they had encountered and of the many initiatives that had begun as a result of the document Do you love me? published by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales in 2014. Bishop Ralph Heskett, chairman of the Spirituality Committee said: “It was an inspiring meeting, bringing together those who are involved in spirituality initiatives across the country to share their experience. It was heartening to hear about how different dioceses support spirituality initiatives through a full-time adviser, diocesan commission or networks of spiritual directors. It is clear that this is an area where the Church had something to offer people from its rich tradition.” The Spirituality Committee hold annual consultation days and meetings with individual dioceses to learn about the work of spirituality across the country. To support the Year of Mercy the Spirituality Committee has produced 3 Meditations on the Parables of Mercy in the Gospel of Luke. These are based on the format of Do you love me? and are intended for use by either individuals or groups. They can be downloaded free of charge from: http://www.cbcew.org.uk/spirituality-committee- resources Resources to slake the thirst for spirituality in England and Wales The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, the UK’s largest pro-life organisation has welcomed the defeat of moves to liberalise abortion law in Northern Ireland. The Assembly rejected an attempt to make it lawful to abort children diagnosed with a life limiting condition by 59 votes to 40, and also voted 64 to 30 against an amendment which would have made it lawful to abort those said to have been conceived through criminal sexual activity. "Effect would have been devastating" Liam Gibson, SPUC`s Northern Ireland development officer said: "It would be difficult to overestimate the significance of this vote by the Northern Ireland Assembly. Had these proposals become law, their effect would have been devastating. "Although they were presented as allowing abortion only for a limited number of so- called hard cases, in reality they were an attack on some of the most vulnerable of children and would have led to widespread abortion." "Children deserve special protection" Mr Gibson continued: "Experience around the world shows that this kind of proposal is only the thin end of the wedge, and that abortion activists seek to exploit any loophole in the law, to discredit pro-life laws and deny legal protection to all unborn children. Their aim is to erect a false `right to abortion` in law. "International law recognises that all members of the human family share the right to life, and that children deserve special protection, including legal protection before as well as after birth. This vote is a clear rejection of the idea that some children are less worthy of the protection of the law." "DEVASTATING" PRO- ABORTION LEGISLATION REJECTED BY NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY

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Page 10 CWL News Spring 2016 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 To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@cathcom.org We are asked to remember in our prayers the following members who have died MAY THEY REST IN PEACE 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 Right Revd Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton and the lead bishop for prisons, has responded to Prime Minister David Cameron`s speech on prison reform: "I am very encouraged by the Prime Minister’s commitment to reforming our prison system and his recognition that prisoners should be treated as assets to our society rather than liabilities to be managed. How we treat prisoners is one of the most pressing moral challenges today and something that none of us should ignore. "Prison is a punishment itself, not somewhere people go to be punished further. The Prime Minister’s promises of better education and urgent improvements to mental health support are both important steps towards creating the ‘good prison’, where people are treated with dignity and given a real chance to turn their lives around. "It is also promising that the Prime Minister discussed alternatives to custody and better community sentencing - particularly for women with babies. However we must go further. It is immoral to continue imprisoning more than 85,000 people without the proper means to support them. "Ultimately an effective and humane prison system requires a significant reduction in the prison population. The Church is committed to working alongside government and using our expertise in reform and rehabilitation to help reach this goal." Bishop’s response to Prime Minister’s Prison Reform Speech Joan Hayward, of Lymington Section, died 18th January 2016 at the age of 86. She was a long standing member of the CWL and rarely missed a meeting. She died at home with her daughter and one of her sons gave her Extreme Unction a few days before her death. She was a very brave lady coping with her cancer and the pain she was in. Lymington Section will greatly miss her happy and jolly personality. Marigold Quihampton was a member of Thorpe section for many years and had been section chairman on more than one occasion and branch president. Her early years were spent in India and another of her father’s postings involved them living at the Tower of London. Marigold worked tirelessly in her parish and community and was also involved with C.W.L. Camps. In recent years she started to learn how to tap dance and at one national council dressed up as a telly tubby. She will be sadly missed. 1927 – 2016. Sheila Jennings, 1929 -2015, held many posts in her Section and Branch before becoming National President in 2004. As National President, she represented the League on the National Board of Catholic Women and attended the WUCWO Conference in Washington in 2007. The highlight of her term of office was the celebration of the League`s centenary in 2006. She spent many hours arranging the pilgrimage to Walsingham that summer and the celebrations at the National AGM in Brighton. Ann Gathercole and Lou Webster - St. Augustine`s Section, Clifton, have recently lost 2 long standing and active members of their Section. Ann held the post of Chair within the Section for 3 years and she was very active within both Section and parish. She organised the readers for all week-end services and special occasions, organised RCIA classes and supported all Section functions. Lou ran the Repository for many years and also supported Section functions. Both ladies will be sadly missed by both Section and parish. May they rest in peace. Frances Hilda Mary Kirby. Easingwold Section is saddened to report the death at the age of 101 of one of our best loved members. Affectionately known as Fran she was a founder member of our Section in 1959, serving for many years as treasurer and continuing to attend meetings faithfully for many years afterwards. Fran was faithful to Mass for as long as she could be brought to Church and when she was not able to come, the husband of one of our members took Holy Communion to her home. At her Requiem Mass her daughter, Susah, spoke lovingly of her mother’s devotion to prayer, to Our Lady, to the Rosary and to the ecumenical Women’s World Day of Prayer. A wonderful lady and an inspiration to all who knew her in Easingwold Catholic Women’s League. We miss her. Freda Fitzgerald was a member of Southwold and Halesworth section. As a young woman she joined the police and when war was declared she joined the Wrens. Freda was an accomplished seamstress, even making her daughter’s wedding dress and a suit for the best man. She was always prepared to volunteer wherever required and served her community well. Most particularly, Freda was known for her very kind manner and she will be sadly missed. I am very encouraged by the Prime Minister’s commitment to reforming our prison system “ “ Sheila Jennings

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CWL News Spring 2016 Page 11 CathCom are very proud to be the publishers of the CWL News Święconka (pronounced Shvyen-tson- kah), meaning "the blessing of the Easter baskets," is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions on Holy Saturday. With roots dating back to the early history of Poland, it is also observed by Polish expatriates and their descendants worldwide, wherever there is a Polish Parish or community. Origins The tradition of food blessing at Easter, is said to date from the 7th century in its basic form, the more modern form containing bread and eggs (symbols of resurrection and Christ) is said to date from the 12th century. The tradition possibly originated from a pagan ritual and then took root in early-medieval Christian society. It should be remembered that the Christianisation of Poland only began at the end of the 10th century. The impetus to the process was the Baptism of Poland, the personal baptism of Mieszko I, the first ruler of the Polish state, and much of his court. The ceremony took place on the Holy Saturday of 14 April 966. Modern times Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood, the typical Easter evergreen, spring flowers and pussy willow (often also used instead of palms on Palm Sunday). Poles take special pride in preparing a decorative and tasteful basket with crisp linens, occasionally embroidered for the occasion, and boxwood and ribbon woven through the handle. Observing the creativity of other parishioners is one of the special joys of the event. While in some older or rural communities, the priest visits the home to bless the foods, the vast majority of Poles visit the church on Holy Saturday, praying at the Tomb of the Lord (the fourteenth and final Station of the Cross). The Blessing of the Food is, however, a festive occasion. The three-part blessing prayers specifically address the various contents of the baskets, with special prayers for the meats, eggs, cakes and breads. The priest or deacon then sprinkles the individual baskets with holy water. There is a symbolic meaning to all the contents of the basket: Hard boiled and decorated eggs - symbolise new life and Christ`s resurrection Bread - represents the Bread of Life given by God Ham/sausage – symbolic of the overabundance of God’s mercy on us and of great joy and abundance Lamb - in butter, sugar or dough stands for Jesus, the Paschal Lamb Salt - to add zest to life and preserve us from corruption Horseradish (or pepper) - represents the bitter herbs prescribed in the original Passover meal as a reminder of the bitterness and harshness of life in Egypt. They remind us of the bitterness of Jesus’ Passion. Butter - Dairy products are included to celebrate the end of Lent and the richness of our salvation. The White Napkin that lines the basket represents the shroud of Christ After the blessing, the food is usually set aside until Easter morning when the head of the house shares the blessed egg, symbol of life, with family and friends. Having exchanged wishes, all continue to enjoy a hearty meal – the traditional Easter “Breakfast”, which can last until midnight! A typical home side table. Blessing of the Breads and Holiday Baked Goods The blessing addresses the Bread of Life who died and rose for the life of the world, invoking Him to bless the bread and holiday baked goods in memory of the Bread which is offered at the Priest`s hands which becomes His Body. Blessing of the Meats and Sausages The blessing addresses the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. The Lamb, seen in the form of cake or butter, or represented by other forms of meat and sausage, is the ancient Passover food by whose blood the Israelites were saved. Jesus is our Pascal (Passover) Lamb by whose blood we are saved. Horseradish (or pepper) represents the bitter herbs prescribed in the original Passover meal as a reminder of the bitterness and harshness of life in Egypt. They remind us of the bitterness of Jesus’ Passion by which He entered into glory. Blessing of the Eggs The blessing addresses Christ, our Life and Resurrection. It asks Him to bless the eggs, the sign of new life; asks Him to remember our family, those near as well as guests, especially those who wait in the hope of being with Him, as we wait to accompany Him to His Father`s house. Ś wi ę conka To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@cathcom.org

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Page 12 CWL News Spring 2016 CRYPTIC Across 1 Cases I select at random for book (12) 8 Revolved around Yank having little money to change (7) 9 Widespread looting at first during foray (5) 10 Stratagems made by southern section in revolution (5) 11 Have a go at swordplay in Tortuga shows (3,4) 12 Get some idea of Ken hailing van to go to work (4,2,7) 15 Form of acupuncture and Muslim extreme tortures for all to see (7) 17 OK, it`s about feeding monsters (5) 19 Wife gets support after baby (5) 20 Still the road goes west, to where there`s no activ- ity (7) 21 Call in cards after writ stockist made (5,2,5) CRYPTIC Down 1 What cohesion is there when everyone`s choice is different? (4,2,3,3) 2 Dance and press against Georgia (5) 3 Chasseur, as I anticipated`s content being conti- nental type (7) 4 Carol`s seen in Rome, in sweet, rejoicing... (2,5,6) 5 ...visit; going about Rome, initially getting lost (5) 6 Foundation contracted, listening to important Turk? (7) 7 Aged`s consent dubiously obtained stuff to help the breathing (12) 13 Virginia is around Tyneside tense and most unpro- ductive (7) 14 Direction legend goes – north – is really south in Florida (3,4) 16 Subject of work to get a kind of spasm about (5) 18 All play for Egyptian king when little; it changes later (5) CWL Crossword QUICK Across 1 OT book, `Qoholet` in Hebrew after whom it is at- tributed (12) 8 Concentrated (7) 9 Long gun with a grooved barrel (5) 10 Bunkers, as often-called in US golf (5) 11 Assaults (3,4) 12 Get a slight suspicion (4,2,7) 15 Japanese form of acupressure (7) 17 Semi-legendary beasts of the Himalayas (5) 19 Pup (5) 20 Passivity (7) 21 Decision to make in pontoon (5,2,5) QUICK Down 1 Everyone`s different when it comes to taste (4,2,3,3) 2 Kind of African drum (5) 3 World`s longest east-west landmass (7) 4 Popular carol, a hit for Mike Oldfield in 1975 (2,5,6) 5 Abandoned (pet) (5) 6 Turkish form of address (7) 7 Additive to cough medicine to help one breathe (12) 13 Most self-important (7) 14 Most southerly US city, linked to the Florida main- land by the Overseas Highway (3,4) 16 Theme (5) 18 Piece of music for the whole orchestra (5) by Axe You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. So, if you want to try the CRYPTIC puzzle, for instance, but are unsure, use the QUICK clues to help you work out the solution. Similarly, if you try the QUICK clues, use the CRYPTIC clues to help you prove the solution.

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