The Official Newspaper to the Diocese of Lancaster Issue 280 + June 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk FREE INSIDE: p04 Lourdes 2016 The journey begins... p12 A Hidden Gem God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen! Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us; God save the Queen! Thy choicest gifts in store On her be pleased to pour; Long may she reign; May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice, God save the Queen! Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul`s Cathedral After Diamond Jubilee Service. Copyright © Defence Images www.flickr.com/photos/defenceimages creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode Happy Birthday Ma’am 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: www.kmmaintenance.co.uk

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2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + June 2016 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 EDITORIAL DESIGN: 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 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. EDITORIAL T his month we join with people far and wide in celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday. This is her official birthday on 11th June, around which there will be a number of public celebrations, though she actually reached 90 on the 21st April. For so many people this birthday is not only the happy celebration that someone has reached that landmark still in active good health, but also the celebration of something even more special, thanksgiving for her long and dedicated service through all the seasons of life. A suggested prayer, a grace written to be used at community gatherings to celebrate the Queen’s birthday catches the mood and uses words from her first Christmas broadcast: “Gracious God, give our Queen continued wisdom and strength to carry out the promises she made; and bless this food, and those who are gathered here, that, sustained by service for others, we may faithfully serve you, all the days of our life.” That simple prayer captures something that we can see in the life of the Queen, a commitment to her promises; her promises to serve. And we can see that she seems to gain strength from doing it, strength to continue even at the age of 90. The prayer invites us to pray that we too can be sustained by serving others and gain strength to continue to faithfully serve God all the days of our life. People have pointed out that Queen Elizabeth took her coronation oath as a serious lifelong religious commitment to service. And long before that day she had laid out her intentions very clearly in her broadcast to the commonwealth in 1947: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of the great imperial family to which we all belong.” In wishing Queen Elizabeth a happy birthday we can perhaps also give thanks for the quiet and deep sense of duty which has sustained her long years of service. And it would be very appropriate to celebrate that same enduring willingness to serve and contribute to life around them in the lives of so many older people. Of course, not everyone who reaches 90 is able to be so active as the Queen, but all still have an honoured and valuable place in our society. And, many older people who are able, carry so much of the weight of responsibility and care in our Church and civic organisations and charities. So many people after retirement from work have the time and the freedom to begin a new life of voluntary work and service which they do with great devotion. This is something to celebrate and value in our parishes and communities. Some strands in our culture do not value older people or the wisdom and experience they bring. Some see older people only as a problem sector to be looked after. Rather, a truly Christian view of life must surely see the value and great dignity of people at every stage of life simply for the valued and valuable people they are. Our celebrations of the 90th birthday of our actively serving Queen can bring home to us the truly valuable role of all older people in our society. God bless you all and God bless our Queen. “Father, may we faithfully serve you, all the days of our life.”

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June 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk O f all the beatitudes, this one may be the hardest to understand – possibly because we tend to as- sociate the word “meek” with “weak.” Ye t meekness is power – not over others, but over ourselves. Meekness is the strength of self-mastery, manifested exteriorly in a decisive gentleness and peaceableness towards our neighbour, especially when they have offended us. Indeed, it has been said that their reward (the “earth”) is in fact the ‘Kingdom’, first experienced in the peaceful possession of themselves where violence is constantly turned away. Meekness restrains anger when we are insulted or injured by another. Meekness, however, is not incompatible with the experience of anger - but anger without aggression, malice, hatred, or revenge, since these are incompatible with love of neighbour. “Righteous anger” or zeal can belong to the meek since this anger differentiates between the person and the vice, and seeks to correct an injustice based on a judgment of reason. The silence of Jesus during His trial is a striking manifestation of his meekness in the face of malice and hatred. He is silent at times during His Passion in which He could have defended Himself against His accusers. On the Cross, His meekness is expressed in forgiveness. Saint Paul tells us: “If you are angry, let it be without sin” (Eph. 4:26) and also “Let all bitterness, anger, indignation, clamour, and slander be put away from you, with all malice” (Eph 4:31) . This leads us to ask: What exactly is the place of anger in our lives? If anger were evil, God would not have created this “irascible” (ira = anger) passion in us. St Thomas Aquinas says that anger both listens to and does not listen to reason. Anger listens to reason in identifying an injury or evil, but it does not listen to reason when we subsequently act in an uncontrolled and uncharitable manner. Anger as a negative response to something we perceive as evil is part of our human makeup, but it quickly turns to revenge and hatred when uncontrolled. Meekness sets boundaries to anger. Dr Conrad Baars, M.D., a Catholic psychiatrist, wrote on both the positive and negative role of anger in an article entitled “Anger and Forgiveness.” Captured by the Nazis in WWII, he spent two years in Buchenwald Concentration camp. Dr Baars experienced what he calls “the lifesaving power of anger” where his anger made him determined to survive. Yet anger was not enough. He writes that his “deepening faith in God, a desire for freedom, and a hunger for Christ in the Eucharist” kept him alive. To feel anger and to express it healthily, writes Baars, is the “antithesis of madness” but as Christians we must always exercise charity and forgiveness. Sr Mary Julian Ekman, RSM Adult Formation schedule for June: Lancaster – Tuesday, 7th June, 7pm (Education Centre) Carlisle – Tuesday, 14th June, 7pm (St Margaret Mary Parish Centre) Preston – Tuesday, 21st June, 7pm (Our Lady & St Edward’s Parish Centre) are the Meek, they shall “ Blessed Earth ” inherit the for To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + June 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Meaning and Purpose for this Generation www.castleriggmanor.co.uk T he young people who are going on pilgrimage to Lourdes in July, met up for a weekend in April for a bit of pre- pilgrimage training at Castlerigg Manor. The aim of the weekend was to learn about Lourdes, what it is and what’s it all about, and well as getting to know each other, before heading to Lourdes this summer. We have a wonderful group of young people joining us this year on, from across Lancashire and Cumbria. Over the weekend we shared meals and had time to talk together, so we got to know and recognise the skills people have. This will hopefully help us to work better as a team while out in Lourdes. We had a bonfire and toasted marshmallows. For some young people this was their first experience of sitting around the fire with other people, sharing snacks and stories. We had some times of reflection; looking at prayer and the importance of it. We looked at the joy that Lourdes brings to so many people and how it is a great opportunity to experience this in Lourdes. Cardinal Timothy Dolan spoke about Joy at World Youth Day in Madrid; saying if we put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last, then we will find Jesus ‘JOY’ and we in turn can give this to others. We certainly put this into practice over the weekend. Also over the weekend we met some members of the different teams we will – The training is underway! work with whilst out in Lourdes. Nikki (our chief nurse) spoke about our wonderful VIP’s (Very Important Pilgrims) and Chris (our Hospitality President) helped us understand how the wheelchairs work, and the correct safety measures in this area. It reminded us that there are many teams when we are out in Lourdes, but really we are all one team – working together for one purpose. It also made us think about the Scripture passage (1 Corinthians 12:12) , that even though we are many parts, we are one body; one body in Christ – part of our Diocesan family. We are all so different, but together we make the family of God and there is always room for others to join. Some of the young people on the retreat weekend said “We feel much more confident now, especially after spending time together at Castlerigg getting to know each other and we are very excited about our time in Lourdes. It sounds amazing and we can’t wait to get out there”. There is still potential for young people to join our pilgrimage for this summer. If you are interested in journeying to Lourdes with the Youth Service in July, then please contact Patricia on: 017687 72711. Please join us in praying for our pilgrimage, especially for Bishop Michael Campbell who will be guiding us through our pilgrimage. LOURDES 2016

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June 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk B eing a young Catholic can sometimes be tough. I have always been firm in my faith, but a few years ago I realised that I was living separate lives; my life as Mary the music student, and a different life as Mary the Catholic. I had assumed that if I went to church each weekend and I said my prayers every day, that God was firmly planted in my life. The Catholic Society was one of my favourite parts of going to university. It was there that I learned how to fully weave my relationship with God into all areas of my life. Once a semester they held a Pop Music Mass. The mass functioned as normal, but instead of hymns we sang pop songs; real pop songs, not religious pop or modified versions. We sang Leona Lewis, One Direction, Union J, Adele, James Bay, Taylor Swift, Jess Glynn, George Ezra and so many others. The purpose was not only to inject enthusiasm into the students, but to help us to see that our worship is not limited to the traditional methods. In so many pop songs we are enabled to talk with God, to give thanks, pray for help, and develop our sense of self-worth. The Leona Lewis quotation that I opened with was, presumably, not initially written or performed with the intention for it to be used in a form of religious worship, but to look over it now, with my ‘where’s God?’ head on, it seems to fit so well into the context that I was looking for. This concept, finding God in the less obvious, can be taken and used repeatedly in a wealth of situations. With this understanding, I would argue that I am no longer living separate lives, and that Mary the Catholic is not just an aspect of who I am, but is a constant part of me that doesn’t stop the moment I leave church. I am now able to see God everywhere: in my car as I drive, in shops, in the dentist’s waiting room, in night clubs, at work, at parties, in films, in books, in my family and friends, even those who don’t believe that they are religious. I’ll leave you with one last pop song quotation, taken from a song of thanks for ever lasting support, “I see the shadows long beneath the mountain top, I’m not afraid when the rain won’t stop, ‘cause you light the way” Jessie J, Flashlight Mary, 21, Preston YOUNG Being a Catholic Today A s I sat in Covent Garden, enjoying the sights and sounds of busy London life, I heard these words informing me that, as of July, I would become Mr. O’Donnell, teacher of Religious Education at Our Lady`s Convent High School, in London. After accepting the offer and hanging up the phone I began to reflect on how I had got here, and started to call to mind my journey to this point. Volunteering at Castlerigg Manor a few years ago gave me the opportunity to explore my vocation. I had always liked the thought of being a teacher and, coming from a family full of teachers, I knew that it is a very rewarding job. However, it was only through my experience of working with young people at Castlerigg that I was able to truly discern my calling to working with young people, and in particular, working with young people within a Catholic setting. After leaving Castlerigg Manor and completing my undergraduate degree, I decided to take a position in the chaplaincy department at Cardinal Allen Catholic High School, Fleetwood. This was an invaluable year for me as it gave me further insight into Catholic education and everything “I’ll pick you up when yo u’re down, be there when no one’s around. When yo u’re in unfamiliar places, count on me through life’s changes.” Leona Lewis, Collide Finding God in all areas of life ‘Putting Christ at the centre of my teaching’ “Congratulations Jimmy, we would like to offer you the job.” that is unique and glorious about Catholic schools. The ethos and vision of Catholic schools, in that they reflect the values proclaimed by Christ in the Gospels; faithfulness and integrity, dignity and compassion, truth and justice was very apparent at Cardinal Allen. This was further confirmation that Catholic education is where I am needed. And importantly, at Cardinal Allen I was exposed to a RE department that is truly outstanding in every sense of the word. It was the example and inspiration of my colleagues there, that led me to take the next step and get into the classroom and become a teacher of Religious Education. I feel privileged to have undertaken my teacher training with the Catholic Teaching Alliance, based at Our Lady’s Catholic High School, Preston. Whilst this year has been one of the most challenging periods of my life, I have learned more about myself as a person, as a child of God and a teacher in this last 12 months than I thought was possible. My career path has afforded me the honour of working within Catholic education at all stages and under several different guises. From my experience, I firmly believe that Catholic schools have the potential to promote the fullness of Christian life and to demonstrate the joy with which you can live your life, when you follow the teachings and example of Christ and His Church. To be able to put Christ at the centre of my teaching, not only in subject material but also in my building of relationships with my students and colleagues is a gift unique to Catholic Education, and one which I have thoroughly enjoyed in this past year. I now stand on a precipice in my life: moving to London is a scary thing. Getting to know a new school, a new city, a new diocese, making new friends and leaving everything behind is a daunting challenge. However, I am not truly leaving anything behind; I will take with me all I have experienced. Not just during my career but throughout my life and during my journey in faith, and I will use these experiences to help me become the best teacher and the best person that I can become. I will miss the Lancaster Diocese and the North West terribly. But I know that a little part of me will always be there and a little part of it will always be in me. Jimmy, 25, Blackpool To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@cathcom.org

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + June 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I ’m not really a morning person. One of the things that I have a particular aversion to is setting an alarm. Being rudely awakened by the shrill tones and buzzing of my mobile phone always makes me feel more like groaning and going back to sleep than getting up! In fact my list of pet hates is fairly extensive. Cleaning the windows is certainly high on it. Ironing is another contender. And then there are those situations which I try to avoid like the plague. Confrontation, finding myself totally alone in alien surroundings and attempting to live up to others expectations, prominently feature in my catalogue of dislikes or personal ‘crosses’ . Yet I’m sure that I’m no different from lots of other people. Many of us feel the same way. Their ‘hate lists’ may vary, but they usually have one nevertheless. It doesn’t really matter whether we detest cleaning the windows or cleaning the oven, or whether we hate to feel alone or we dislike being the centre of attention. What does matter is that each of us feels challenged and uncomfortable about various aspects of our day-to-day lifestyles. AN INVITATION At this year’s Chrism Mass in Plymouth, our Bishop Mark O’Toole gave a reminder that each and every one of us has an invitation to follow the Cross. We are called to participate and share with our Lord Jesus Christ in his journey to Calvary. Not only that, we were given some salient advice: that the Cross we’d like to carry is rarely the one that we’re given. None of us want to be reminded of those personal crosses which we have to bear. Yet the reality is that in doing so, we are following the way of the Lord. Some of us will inevitably try to run away from pain, suffering and especially our individual pet hates. But, with God’s grace and mercy we can overcome our fear and aversion, and become fruitful members of our communities. JOY CAME LATER So recently, when my alarm went off and I faced the prospect of a fifteen minute walk to the church, followed by a one and a quarter hour bus drive to Plymouth Cathedral, I was not exactly filled with joy. Yet I can assure you that joy came later at that wonderful and moving Chrism Mass. So whether our ‘crosses’ are trifling such as being allergic to mornings or are more serious such as illness, we can face them by following Jesus’ Way of the Cross. Christ suffered and died for us. Best that we don’t forget it. Julia Beacroft is a catechist and pastoral volunteer who lives in Torquay. Her first book ‘Sanctifying the Spirit’ is now on sale. Visit www.sanciobooks.com or check out www.facebook.com/julia.beacroft.7 Copyright © Julia Beacroft & Martin Bucella. All rights reserved. ‘Take up Your Cross and Follow Me’ … by Julia Beacroft

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June 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk How to send us your letters: Write to: The Editor, 99, Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes, FY8 4DJ. Email to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk • Please keep your letters concise (max 300 words), • Include your full name and address • Letters should not include any personal criticism or attacks • The editor reserves the right to: - amend or shorten letters or to refuse to publish them (no correspondence to discuss decisions taken will be entered into) and publish a response if deemed appropriate Your Letters S t Bernard`s Catholic Primary school Lea, Preston supported by parents and teachers collected toi- letries throughout Lent for Foxton Centre in Preston. The Foxton centre staff were extremely impressed by the efforts of the children and also very grateful for the contributions. Dorothy Leeming Join these Schools in the Diocese and help support your local Diocesan newspaper by promoting your school in this section . Contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@cathcom.org St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Springfield Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0EA Tel: 01229 583449 Email admin@st-marys.cumbria.sch.uk Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School Crooklands Brow, Dalton in Furness, CumbriaLA15 8LB Tel: 01229 467987 Email: admin@ourlady.cumbria.sch.uk Our Lady of Furness Catholic Federation Lovingly we learn in Harmony 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 Mrs Nicola Rielly Executive Headteacher Our Lady’s Catholic College Lancaster Top 3% nationally for Pupil Progress Headteacher Mrs Helen Seddon Email head@olcc.lancs.sch.uk or Tel:01524 66689 ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY St. Walburga’s Road, Blackpool, FY3 7EQ Headteacher: Mr Simon Eccles Tel: 01253 396286 Email: admin@st-mary.blackpool.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 St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Garstang Road North, Wesham, Lancashire PR4 3HA Tel/Fax No 01772 683009 Headteacher: Headteacher Mrs C Gili-Ross BA Hons QTS, NPQH St Francis’ Catholic Primary School and Pre-School `We care for each other and we always try to do our best` The Hill, Horns Lane, Goosnargh, Preston, LancashirePR3 2FJ www.stfranciscatholicprimaryschool.co.uk Headteacher: Miss Sarah Deakin head@st-francis.lancs.sch.uk Tel 01772 865369 Fax 01772 863947

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + June 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I n October 2015 a group of Pilgrims from the parishes of Keswick, Cockermouth and St John Vianney & St Monica, Blackpool, visited the Holy Land. Before walking together through the ministry of Jesus we began by following Moses through the deserts of Jordan, east of the Dead Sea. Like all people who visit the land of the Bible, the story of salvation became more real as we experienced the places we had only read about. However we did experience something which linked the Bible of so long ago with our present times! On the outskirts of Amman, the capital of Jordan, in an area called Marj Alhamam, our group spent a Sunday afternoon with a group of about fifty Iraqi refugees. These people had been given three options when “IS” captured their town in Iraq: to convert to Islam, to remain and pay a huge fine or to be beheaded. The group we met had fled the country, leaving everything behind, rather than convert – those who did choose to pay the fine were later beheaded! Of course we hear such stories most days in the media these days, but what made this meeting remarkable was that these people were Catholic Christians like us – their church looked like ours, their practice was like ours and they wore clothes like ours. Apart from other needs these people expressed a need to be part of a Catholic Christian Faith community. “Exodus” in the Holy Land To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@cath com.org The AGM and Mass will be held at Cardinal Newman College on Saturday 25th June 2016 at 2.00 p.m. Further details 01772 863423 01253 733985 SAINT WALBURGE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Exploring the Extraordinary Form: a retreat day on the Mass Saturday 11 June, 11.30 am to 3.30 pm (Mass at 10.30) Have you ever wondered: WHAT is the traditional Mass? WHY have recent popes encouraged the celebration of this Mass? HOW do we participate in the ancient form of the Mass? Free of charge (bring a packed lunch), but please sign up if possible. Contact information: www.stwalburge.org Facebook: ICKSP St Walburge 07894 559 284 preston@icrsp.org Weston Street – Preston – PR2 2QE Boarbank Hall Contact: Sr Ildikó 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 “She who accepts the common life possesses God” St Augustine A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer • Community • Hospitality • Care of the poor and sick

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June 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Pilgrims meet Iraqi Latin Christian Refugees in Jordan These families are hosted by the Catholic Parish of “the Martyrs of Jordan ” whose parish priest is Fr Hannah Kildani. They were then living in nine Porta-cabins on the church car park supported by the local community and using the facilities of the parish hall for eating and washing. They are only a few of many Latin Rite Iraqi refugees who are being made welcome by the Bishops of Jordan, the King and the generosity of the parishioners of a number of parishes. These refugees are families and range in age from a boy of 3 to a Grandma of 80. Some are professionals others are skilled or have been students. We gave them an undertaking that on our return we would do all that we could to secure what they would wish for their families. Recent Developments In the months which have followed our return home we have joined with a number of other parish pilgrim groups throughout England who have raised money for the Jordanian parishes to issue food vouchers, we have sent Christmas cards and presents to all the people we met, and we have kept in touch with the developments in these people’s lives. Presently we are in the process of setting up a charity called “Parishes for Peace” to help coordinate our work. The good news since Christmas is that all the families have moved from the Porta-Cabins to accommodation in Amman and a small number of families have gained visas to go to Australia (Canada and New Zealand are also showing interest) . The less good news is that some of the accommodation is “basic” and all need furnishing. These people are not allowed to work and so the local parish is providing food, medical help and children’s school meals, and the level of morale is not good. Recently the parish of St John Vianney & St Monica, Blackpool, raised over £1000 to send to the parish priest in Jordan whom we met to give out as food and chemist vouchers. If you would like to help these people with financial help please let us know. The Bigger Picture Of course the plight of migrants and refugees in our world is far greater than just the people we met. Our country, and the world, is horrified by the number of displaced people fleeing death in Syria alone and is paralysed into not knowing what to do for them. Recently Pope Francis went to Lesbos to meet refugees escaping their own lands. As the answer to this state of affairs is difficult to imagine Pope Francis was asked what he expected to achieve. He answered that “when you look people, who are hurting, in the eye it makes you cry. In crying for them you will begin to know the way to help them!” Sometimes it is easy to avoid looking people in the eye in case we find we might have to help them. Our Pilgrims have not met refugees from Syria – but we have looked into the eyes of some from Iraq! Fr Peter J Sharrock, St John Vianney & St Monica, Blackpool and Michael Glover, Keswick & Cockermouth

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + June 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A s in all areas of his pastoral ministry, what a priest does in Catholic education he does in the name of Christ and His Church. His “role” is not an ascribed activity or a “part” which he performs for the benefit of passive recipients. It is rather together with and as a member of God’s people that a priest fulfils his role in Catholic education. Real collaboration between the three pillars of life-long Christian education – family, parish and school – is crucial in the Diocese of Lancaster. Although over the years there has been a decline in numbers regularly attending Mass and participating in the life of the Church, our Catholic schools still continue to attract families who see them as credible and desirable educational options for their children. This means that the majority of pupils in our schools have little or no experience of church. This challenges parishes and schools to find new ways to evangelise those in their care in accordance with the Church’s call to the ‘new evangelisation’ . This month we hear from two of our priests, Fr. Christopher Loughran and Fr. Hugh Pollock on their experience of ministering in the educational setting. We also hear from Lay chaplain John Griffin on his experience of priest chaplains. F r. Christopher Loughran, is a priest of 30 years who is currently the Parish Priest of St Clare’s Preston, this is what Fr. Christopher has to say about primary school’s: In nearly all of the bilateral agreements between the Holy See and national governments there is a clause on Catholic Education; the Church has always seen the education of young people as part of her primary role and therefore, it is important that the priests of the Church are involved at every level of education and there is no more important place than the Primary School as our boys and girls begin their formal introduction to the life of the Church and the person of Jesus Christ. In over 30 years as a priest I have almost always found great joy in being a part of the Parish Primary School. And I use the term parish primary school advisedly, for the school is not a separate entity but any parish and school worth their salt will see the school as an active part of the parish. The priest is the ‘glue’ that binds church and school together. The role of the priest is manifold, working in conjunction with the Governors, Headteacher and staff. In the school the priest is first and foremost a pastoral presence; in this way he should have a care for the teachers and other staff especially in these days when so much is asked and demanded of our teachers; he obviously should have a care too, for the children and their families. In matters of liturgy and doctrine he should be seen to have some expertise helping to guide staff and governors in their policies regarding RE and Liturgy & Prayer. Preparing for and celebrating school Masses is obviously part of his remit. In the Catholic Primary Schools which I have served, I have met, almost without exception, a warm welcome from the Head and teachers and a collaborative approach to ministry within the school. My aim has always been to visit each class once a week and speak with the children at an age appropriate level. This is not teaching as such but rather a way of reinforcing what is being taught by the class teachers and perhaps more appropriately the Catholic ethos of the school firmly based in Gospel values. Involvement in other school activities too, is a way of being integrated in the broader life of the school: being present at plays, assemblies, football matches, PTFA events and so on. The presence of a Primary School in a parish is nearly always an enriching element; enriching for the whole parish community but, in my experience, especially so for the priest who is blessed to be part of a vibrant Catholic entity with shared aims and goals. Though I enter my primary school to give, I am the one who returns richer for the experience. Primary school children throughout the UK have been learning why certain people chose to follow God’s call to become priests and sisters by engaging in an innovative new project from the Catholic education organisation, Ten Ten. ‘The Gift of Priests and Sisters’ is an interactive assembly resource for Catholic schools which has been produced in partnership with the National Office for Vocation to celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. Ten Ten interviewed a wide variety of priests, sisters, brothers and deacons, as well as Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who each shared personal stories about God’s call in their lives, what they enjoy most about their ministry, what is challenging and what sports and hobbies they like. The stories were included in an assembly for children which led them to pray for priests and sisters, and to pray for more vocations. Ten Ten Resources is a new subscription service for Catholic schools. A supplementary document, which provides a summary of the responses called ‘The Gift of Priests and Sisters’ , has been made freely available on the Ten Ten Resources website. To download the document, visit: www.tentenresources.co.uk/vocations F r. Hugh Pollock is a priest of 20 years who is currently Parish Priest of Holy Trinity and St George Kendal , Fr. Hugh’s ministry prior to this appointment was Chaplain to Lancaster University, this is what Fr. Hugh writes about his experience: A young student from Northern Ireland had never sat down to dinner with a Catholic before, let alone with a nun playing a guitar, but it was the start of good friendships. One of the joys of chaplaincy is that it is a place where people who would never otherwise meet up come together and make friends. Possibly the most important thing that Chaplaincy has to offer is hospitality. You might ask why I do not say faith. Faith underpins everything that we do in Chaplaincy, and inspires the call to serve, but it is the open door and the generous welcome that makes it 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 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 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

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June 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Do not be afraid... Think Priesthood! If you feel called to the priesthood contact: Director of Vocations: ( for enquirers aged over 21 years) Father Darren Carden St Clare’s Presbytery, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, PRESTON, PR2 9HH Telephone: (01772) 719604 Mobile/SMS text: 07552 795060 Email: priest@lancastervocations.org Co-Director of Vocations: ( for enquirers aged 15-20 years) Canon Adrian J Towers St Andrew’s Presbytery 114 Hoyle’s Lane Cottam, PRESTON, PR4 0NB Telephone: (01772) 726166 Email: ajtowers1@icloud.com More details please visit our website at: www.lancastervocations.org or visit Lancaster Vocations Facebook valuable to all members of the university community. It has its risks. One day a student knocked on my door to tell me that he felt called to kill Catholic priests. This was an extreme occurrence and yet not one that a cup of tea and a chat could not overcome. To say that we became great friends would be to exaggerate but we found a modus vivendi (literally) . Chaplaincy can also be a refuge for some too. There are students who find the wider campus too much, and a spot in the Chaplaincy can become a welcome relief, though sometimes people need to be encouraged to brave the world outside. People are aware of what happens in Chaplaincy and are quick to comment if the Christians do not appear to love each other as much as they should. I dis covered a gr eat richness in the ecumenical life of our community. I met with the Anglican and Methodist chaplains every week, together with Deacon Jim Wood and Sr. Ella, the assistant Catholic chaplains, and we prayed and discussed what we could do for the students and staff. In my experience the value of Catholic life and the sacraments becomes even clearer when you have to explain them and their worth to others. ‘Why cannot we just have a Liturgy of the Word on Sunday?’ someone might ask. It is in explaining it to them that I learnt as well as them. From this shared base inter-faith discussions could happen. Each term we had a gathering of sometimes forty or more across all faiths (including a variety of pagans on one occasion, one of whom was later confirmed) which usually ended with a healthy buffet of Asian food. Services have a very international feel and our 60s building came alive with all the colours of the flags of the various nations in ‘Freshers’Week’ . Every continent is represented. Helping to make international students feel at home, and often particularly the post-grads who have no set social life, was very important and for them the church was something they knew, and a place they were happy to come and discuss and share their faith with home grown students. I was fortunate enough to be a college Principal too, which opened up doors into many other parts of the University, and to experiences that are not all suitable for this article. Being a Chaplain is fun, its hours are not a usual priest’s hours, but it is a joy to work with predominantly young people and both share one’s faith with them and see their sincerity in return. How they changed over three years was always a wonder. J ohn Griffin is Lay Chaplain at Corpus Christi Catholic High School Preston; John joined Corpus Christi just under a year ago as a new chaplain. At Corpus Christi Catholic High School we are extremely blessed to have a priest Chaplain. As the Lay Chaplain at the school I can see first-hand the need and benefit for a priest to be linked to a high school community. For many pupils in our high schools who do not attend Mass each week, this can be the only time that they see a priest. Here at Corpus Christi we are also fortunate that four other priests who support our school community by taking it in turns to celebrate out weekly voluntary Mass. Fr Darren Carden comes into school each day which in its self is a wonderful witness to the vocation of priesthood to pupils, especially those who don’t regularly attend Mass. Fr Darren celebrates our full school Mases at Advent, Lent and at the start and end of the year but also contributes throughout the year with morning year group liturgies. This year at Corpus Christi I have introduced ‘Light Fever’ where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and pupils and staff come and light a candle and pray before the Blessed Sacrament, the priest chaplain makes this possible. ‘Light Fever’ is a well-attended event at our school and continues to grow. The priest chaplain works alongside me in delivering the Lunchtime Sacramental programme preparing pupils who wish to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. On occasions the priest chaplain is invited to into RE lessons where pupils ask their burning theological questions. As a chaplaincy team we work closely with our pastoral support officers to comfort pupils during difficult times and bereavement as well as supporting staff and parents. Here at Corpus Christi we have been able to introduce so many activities to help our community to grow in faith to name a few: half termly lunch time Masses, services of reconciliation, ‘Light Fever’ , and Advent and Lent liturgies to prepare our young people to celebrate our Masses with much more understanding. Chaplaincy can be an isolated role so it is good to discuss ideas with a priest chaplain and work on future projects or liturgies together. At my high school we didn’t have a priest or lay chaplain which meant the Headteacher and RE department prepared and led the spiritual elements to the school however I feel it works much better with a dedicated Chaplaincy team. I personally grew in my faith whilst at university in Liverpool due to the excellent university chaplaincy with study groups, daily Mass and a community of faith. With very few of our young people attending Mass, our Schools becomes our Parish where we communicate the Gospel. I believe wherever possible a school should have close links with local clergy who regularly go into the school as they are the face of the Church. As you can see our priests play an important role in our schools, to help this vital work to continue we need more men young and old alike in our Diocese to answer the Lord’s call to priesthood. Maybe you are a young man who has at one point or another considered priesthood, but for whatever reason has put this though out of your mind. Maybe you are older and have had these thoughts in the past, but for some reason you think it is too late to explore this sense of calling. I encourage you to make contact with the vocations team. Our Diocese needs you! 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 + June 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk S t Francis` Catholic Primary School can be found nestled in the hills above Goosnargh, Preston. With a pre-school opening this coming September, children, families, staff and the whole school community are delighted that they will be able to welcome children from the age of two and add a new dimension to their caring Catholic School family. With over three quarters of the school playing a musical instrument or singing in the school choir, Family Mass, held every second Sunday of each month, is a lively celebration of liturgy. School and parish work hand in hand to drive the Catholic life of the school forwards. This may be a small, rural school, but it is one with a big heart. Since Pope Francis announced the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the children of St Francis` have embraced this by embarking on a range of whole school and parish initiatives. Headteacher, Sarah Deakin, has been overwhelmed by the way in which the children and staff embrace the school`s Catholic mission to enhance the lives of others locally and globally. The school holds `Coffee Morning Fair trade Concerts` to raise money for Fair trade and CAFOD and the whole community is in active support of Laudato Si: “Being so close to nature , we welcomed with open arms Pope Francis` Encyclical on `Care for our Common Home.` The children in our active school council and our Eco Warriors A ‘Hidden Gem’ full of Catholic Life... have been busy holding meetings to decide on how best to fundraise to make a difference to the lives of others. The children undertook a ‘40 days 40 items’ challenge throughout Lent alongside the parish and sent clothes collected to the YMCA. This tied in beautifully with the `Clothe the Naked` Act of Mercy. We are now preparing for a cake sale to raise money for `Make a Splash` appeal in order to `Give thirsty a drink.` We see the two initiatives as inseparable, and the children have made a real connection between the two. ” The school’s prayer space offers children, staff and visitors a place to reflect and be still in what can be such a busy world. The children have interactive activities, reflections and ideas for action, which also tie in with each year group`s daily Prayer and Liturgy. At St Francis’ extra curricular activities that provide curriculum enrichment are central to the well being of the children. The children have recently hatched their own chickens and they offer an astonishing range of after school clubs and enrichment activities within the school curriculum of which include fencing, cricket, chess, table tennis, music lessons and much more. The pupils experience outdoor learning and educational visits that inspire a true love of learning. For more information, you can visit the school website. www.stfranciscatholicprimaryschool.co.uk Sarah Deakin, Headteacher

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June 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Long Service Award for Fr Tom Forster F r Tom Forster has been in the Knights of St Columba since 1947 and was recently presented with a Silver Pin for his long service to the Order. Fr Tom is the first Chaplain in the history of the Order to receive this award which was presented to him by Brother Charlie McCluskey Supreme Knight of the Order of the KSC. Bro Bruce McCalla T he Sisters at Boarbank Hall are very sad to announce the death of Sr Anne Donockley. Anne was born on 20th February 1948 in Urmston in Manchester. Her early involvement with Christianity was through an evangelical Church and she retained a lifelong affection for aspects of their tradition. However, at the age of twelve she decided to become a Catholic. At the age of sixteen, she joined the Augustinian Canonesses at Boarbank, making her first profession on 9th November 1967 and her final profession on 23rd November 1970. She took as her religious name John Bosco, and though she later reverted to her baptismal name, she remained devoted to her patron saint. In the early years Sr Anne worked in the kitchen, dining room, Nursing Home and bookings office, with her natural sociability well suited to the hospitality which is the Sisters’ special charism. She was a very gifted musician, acting as the community’s organist for many years and composing much of the liturgical music that we still use. She had a prodigious musical memory, for melodies and for lyrics, and played many other instruments including the piano, guitar, accordion, and Northumbrian pipes. She followed a liturgical course in Carlow in Ireland, and after this organised the community liturgy guiding the transition to including more modern hymns with our traditional liturgy. She always had a special affection for children and provided catechesis for several local families. Sister Anne Donockley 1948 - 2016 In 1991 she spent a year working in an orphanage run by Mother Theresa’s Sisters in Roumania. She f ollowed this by studying for a BA in Theology at Ushaw College. Her lifelong love of young people led her to serve as a chaplain first at Lancaster Farms Young Offenders’ Institution, and then, for eight especially happy years, at Northumbria and Newcastle Universities. After she returned full-time to Boarbank in 2005 where she continued to organise the liturgy and took charge of Formation. In 2012 she fulfilled a long-standing ambition to visit some of her former students in Singapore and Malaysia. On her return her health began to deteriorate, and she was admitted to the nursing home in January 2013. Even when she was no longer able to stand, she continued to live her life as fully as possible, managing to play the organ and piano at Mass using her wheelchair, producing a mass of hand-knitted presents, as always offering a warm welcome to the many friends who came to visit her, and keeping in touch electronically with many other friends. Sr Anne died peacefully in Boarbank Nursing Home, on Friday 22nd April, in the company of some of her Sisters. Sr Margaret Atkins Eternal rest grant unto Anne O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace Amen. R.I.P. +++++ C ardinal Allen’s Students were hard at work this Lent fundraising for two very important charities in our local area. Form groups were encouraged to organise their own fundraising activities to raise money for Blackpool Food Partnership and Fleetwood Food Bank. The events they organised included competitions, raffles, film nights and sponsored silences, as well as staff makeovers and “pie face” competitions. In total, a massive £2,212.72 was raised in 4 and a half weeks, which has been split equally between the two charities, allowing us to help those most in need across Blackpool & Wyre. Nikki Hart from the Blackpool Food Partnership and Colin Brown from Fleetwood SVP came to school to meet some of the students who had raised the most money and be presented with their Over £2,000 raised in under 5 weeks cheques. Both thanked our students greatly for their hard w ork and contributions. Nikki says our money will keep the Blackpool Food Partnership van on the road, allowing them to collect and deliver supplies. Colin said the SVP would use the money to pay the rent at their premises and buy any items that they don’t receive enough donations of (especially UHT milk and rice) . He said Fleetwood Food Bank fed more than 5,000 people last year, so the money will help a lot of people. As a reward for our hard work, some of our students have been invited to the Blackpool Food Partnership in May for a tour and to put together the food parcels that will be distributed to their service users. We are very excited about this, and are proud of our growing links with these two organisations. Christine Smith, Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + June 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Almsgiving D uring Lent, Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Preston, launched their ‘Mission of Mercy’ to support the invaluable work of the Salvation Army’s local Food Bank. Throughout Lent pupils and staff donated items of food to be used to make up a large number of ‘Easter Hampers’ each containing a personal Easter message to recipient families across Preston. The hampers were intended to make a real difference during Easter to many of the families who are supported by the Salvation Army. On Wednesday 23 March, before the end of term, pupils from the school’s SVP Youth group delivered the food hampers to the charity’s headquarters. The impressive Easter Hampers were warmly received by Salvation Army Captain, Alex Cadogan. Captain Alex was delighted with the hampers and conveyed his thanks to the many other pupils and staff who were actively involved in the school’s almsgiving during Lent. He warmly welcomed Corpus Christi’s generous help in providing much needed support to the Army’s Food Bank in Preston. KSC Awards F our Brothers of The Knights of St Columba Province 7 (Lancaster) were recently presented with golden and silver jubilee awards. From left to right: John Brady Council 30 Fleetwood Golden Jubilee award for 50 years service Bruce McCalla Provincial Grand Knight of Province 7 making the awards after a celebration Mass at St Mary`s Leyland Cuthbert Culshaw, Eddie Turner and Alan Kirk all of Council 323 Leyland, Silver Jubilee awards for 25 years service. School embraces Lent and Easter ‘Mercy Bus’ visit T he ‘Mercy Bus ’, a double decker bus blessed by Pope Francis, visited Corpus Christi Catholic High School on Thursday 17 March to coincide with a morning Service Reconciliation attended by well over 100 pupils. The hour long Service was prepared by the school’s lay chaplain John Griffin and Fr Darren Carden from St Clare’s, Preston, and included music, hymns and scripture reading which provided an opportunity for pupils to prayerfully examine their consciences in preparation for confession. Several Priests were available to hear confessions or give a blessing to pupils boarding the ‘Mercy Bus ’. During morning break the bus, which is covered with scripture and images reflecting the Year of Mercy, attracted further interest from pupils with many more deciding to join the queue in order to board the bus and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. John Scarborough, Marketing Officer Complet e pest control solutions call DIOCESAN SUPPLIERS 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 WWW. LSACLEAN .CO.UK LSA Clean provide the very best service to its customers - domestic and commercial. We`re proud to be approved by the Lancashire County Council Safe Trader Scheme. We specialize in deep cleaning of all types of flooring and other cleaning too: • Hard floor cleaning (authorized Tile Master System professionals) – clean- ing, restoring, polishing and sealing all types of floor tiles and stone work. • Carpet cleaning – using the very best methods available - Airflex system. We also offer dry bonnet carpet cleaning – carpets fully dry within one hour • Rug cleaning • Upholstery cleaning • Leather cleaning • Curtain and mattress cleaning • Outdoor cleaning Please see our website for testimonials and details of all our services. WWW. LSACLEAN .CO.UK Call for free cleaning advice or quote: 01253 713769 Mobile 07817 1112 5 9 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 M ass Listings – June 2016 Every Sunday at 6.00 pm Our Lady & St Joseph, Carlisle Shrine Church of St Walburge, Preston Mondays – Fridays: 8.30 am, Low Mass (except First Fridays & Holy Days 7.00 pm) Saturdays: 10.30 am, Low Mass Sundays: 10.30 am, Sung Mass Sunday 12th June at 3.00 pm Fourth Sunday after Pentecost St Mary`s, Hornby Friday 17th June at 7.00 pm St Gregory Barbarigo Sizergh Castle Chapel, Sizergh, Nr Kendal 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

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June 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Disclosure and Barring Applications E Bulk is an electronic method of processing DBS applications, which reduces the need for lots of copying, posting of documents backwards and forwards. The current Diocesan record for the completion of a DBS application is 4.5 days! Lancaster has been rolling out training to Safeguarding Representatives throughout 2016 based on the learning from a pilot programme undertaken by Kirkham and Blackpool deaneries. By end April 2016 we will have covered 36 parishes and 6 other organisations linked to our Diocese. We are arranging a final 3 training sessions and, by the Autumn, we aim to have 100% of parishes signed onto the system. The Diocesan DBS Re-Check Programme Now that we have E Bulk running the Safeguarding Commission has recommended that we begin a DBS Re-check programme. All those involved in volunteer or paid roles which require a DBS check will be asked by their Safeguarding Representative to complete a new application if your existing DBS/CRB certificate is older than 3 years. This is a huge undertaking for Parish Reps so please be kind to them when they approach you. Volunteers and clergy will be asked to use the online application method – but if this is not possible then paper applications are still an option! Learning for Everyone The Diocese has bought into an online learning programme. Anyone who is a member of the Diocesan community can access this training for free. There are several modules, including: Safeguarding “Let us protect with love all that God has given us!” Pope Francis’ homily on the day of the inauguration of his Petrine ministry, March 2013 • Child Exploitation and Online Safety Is ideal for parents, grandparents and others who want to protect young people when they are using the internet. • Mental Capacity Act For volunteers in Hospital Chaplaincy Teams or anyone worried about what will happen when you or a member of your family can no longer make important decisions? Volunteering in a Hospital Chaplaincy Team. • Safeguarding Children and Adults Essential for Children’s Liturgy, youth club, Eucharistic Ministers etc. It helps you recognise signs of concern, risky situations and what to do about them. To register your interest email: elearning@safeguardinglrcd.org.uk and we will send you a link – remember it’s all free! The Goddard Inquiry This Government Inquiry is focussing on the role and response of a range of institutions to the sexual abuse of children, including the Catholic Church. The Inquiry is listening to those who have been harmed by abuse, studying past cases, and looking at what is in place now to create safer environments for children and improve responses to those who raise concerns. >> www.iicsa.org.uk << Finally we need to ensure that every parish has an active Safeguarding representative. Most do and we owe them a big Thank You as they help us all create a church which is safe and welcoming to all, particularly the most vulnerable people. Jane Robinson Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator News

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + June 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk E aster is traditionally the time for Baptism, and how Holy Family School and Parish in Preston celebrated this year when fifteen young people were presented for the Sacrament. Eleven children were Baptised in a single ceremony with a further four children baptised over the Easter period. Could this be the largest Baptism from a single parish in the Diocese this year? Preparation for the children, parents and Godparents was a collaboration between the school and parish, with the parish providing prayers sponsors and faith partners. Godparents were introduced to the community during Mass on the feast of Candlemass, and the prayer sponsors on Mothering Sunday. The eleven young people were Baptised during the school day, with their families, friends, and classmates and were then joined by members of Holy Family community. Refreshments were provided afterwards in the Pastoral Centre, with pizza an addition for the children. The children all had matching white garments carrying a simple Cross motif which was echoed on two beautiful celebration cakes. Ann Miller The Future Church

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