The Official Newspaper to the Diocese of Lancaster Issue 282 + September 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk FREE INSIDE: p10 Why study the faith? p12 Helping our neighbours It’s Good to Talk! Open your direct line to God today. Just stop, be still and take a few minutes to say hello. Let God into your life and feel the difference. Free service with no hidden charges. No internet connection needed. No phone or mobile device needed. God is available every second of every day just waiting for you to get in touch. 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 + September 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 Catholic Social Teaching emphasises the importance of subsidiarity, whereby policies are best decided, for a given community, at the lowest level. The Catholic Voice believes it is now time to reflect on the prophetic witness that our faith calls us to in this moment; taking the initiative to call out our Christian principles to reach out to the marginalised and restore unity in our communities and to allow ourselves to affirm what is good in Britain today, and to challenge what is lacking and leading towards the culture of death and despondency. The whole referendum debate may well have brought to the fore how much our opinions and views are wrapped up in the material comforts of life as economic and financial arguments were debated at length. But this perhaps points to something we, as Christians, can ‘tap into’ in our evangelical work; the search for something more, some other flourishing, yet not knowing quite what this is. Salvation doesn’t come through politics, diplomacy and bureaucracy, but living and dying in the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. The Catholic Voice believes that the current political situation in Europe has exposed a spiritual vacuum, and could be an opportunity for a religious revival. There is the opportunity for the Christian people of God to redis cover their roots, to re-imagine the roots of Europe; to re-launch the Christian vision of Europe. EDITORIAL A few months have passed now since one of the most significant votes in modern British history. The referendum saw a very tight contest with the British people voting on balance to leave the European Union. In the aftermath, there have been open divisions in communities possibly lurking there under the surface in our country for some time. Consequently, a new government has been formed to implement Brexit, gathering up the various scattered pieces for the sake of the common good. As Christians it is our duty within civil life to demonstrate our ability to flourish and help everyone find their God-given potential. Our confidence comes from the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ; His abiding presence with us and the certain hope of the world to come. The European Union has come a long way since its’ founding but at the same time it can be argued it has moved starkly away from the significantly Catholic influences that it set out with. By this we mean the post-war European unification project pursued by devoutly Catholic statesmen like Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman of France and Alcide de Gasperi of Italy. These Catholic statesmen sought a European community of nation states working together for peace and prosperity, respecting each individual state’s sovereignty and governance, allowing the individual nation state to flourish for the common good. DESIGN & LAYOUT: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 rob@hot-creative.co.uk www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 www.cathcom.org Articles to: voicenews@hotmail.co.uk Letters to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk 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.

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September 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk W ow, what a weekend. It was a joy celebrating these past 150 years in our parish with so many. Our parish priest, Father Jim Allen, who has been here for most of these years {that’s what I was told}, looked so happy and pleased to welcome “Ma Lord” into the Church. I have only been here just over 1 of the past 150 years but I felt really at home in the celebrations. Everyone looked so happy and entered into the event. We began with Father Jim welcoming Bishop Campbell at the Vigil Mass on Saturday night which w as fol lowed by tea & coffee in the hall. With the recent lowering of the ceiling and all the history of the past 150 years in pictures and print well displayed, the hall looked great. Many people came, from near and far, and were joined with our friends from St Edmund’s parish, it was impossible not to be impressed with the information at hand, from the past 150 years. So many people spent so much time and effort into the success of the visit, they must be congratulated. On Sunday, the church was well attended with the choir, school and scouts in attendance. With the new sound system in place, we had no difficulty in hearing all that was said from the sanctuary. After Mass Bishop Michael and Father Jim, greeted each person as they left the church, before we retired to the hall for yet more cake! Here we had the opportunity to speak to “our shepherd” . I saw so many mobiles in the air, (never seen so many “auld folk” with iphones}, plenty of opportunities to have lasting memories that will be remembered for the next 150 years. A mention must also be given to the “booklet” celebrating 150 years. John Moore O n Thursday 9 June Fr Joe Geoghegan passed away in Queenscourt Hospice, Southport. Fr Joe was a Mill Hill Missionary spending much of his ministry in Kenya where he served for 41 years. Always on the move and doing things fast Fr Joe acquired the nickname Arakajoe by the natives, the direct translation meaning ‘the fast one’ . Fr Joe had to leave the malarial regions in 1996 for health reasons but settled in St Joseph’s parish Ansdell where he served for almost 10 years celebrating Mass, administering the Sacraments and visiting the sick. Fr Joe was diagnosed with cancer in 1999 and finally retired to Herbert House, Freshfield in 2005. RIP Arakajoe Fr Joe Geoghegan MHM 1927 – 2016 R.I.P. O n the 8th July 2016 Canon Thomas Dakin, Parish Priest of St. Nicholas Owen Church, Little Thornton celebrated his 90th birthday. His congregation presented him with a Papal Blessing and a specially decorated birthday cake recognising his lifelong love of horses. 90th Birthday Celebrations Celebrating 150 Years! at St Bede’s Carlisle To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org Able Wills Professional Will Writers & Estate Planners Have you been meaning to make a Will but never got round to it? Do you own property? Are your children under 18? Are you worried about nursing home fees? Might your estate be liable to Inheritance Tax? If the answer to any of the above is “Yes” then we can help. Specialists for: Wills and Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney, Property & Discretionary Trusts, Funeral Plans Call Malcolm Nightingale For a FREE home visit. 01539 737400 7, Windermere Road, Kendal

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Meaning and Purpose for this Generation www.castleriggmanor.co.uk OVER 4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A fter months of preparation; marriage prep, church prep, face prep, outfit prep, food prep, drink prep, weather prep, you name it, we prepped it, our wedding day finally arrived. Despite there being a 100% chance of thunderstorms forecasted, the sun broke through as I was leaving for church and it stayed clear all day, my dress was even sparklier than I remembered, my husband looked perfect, and my home parish of The Willows, Kirkham was so full of our loved ones that it was standing room only. We made an entire weekend of it, starting off with an hour of Adoration on Friday night and ending with pizza in the skeleton of our wedding marquee on Sunday evening. Every single moment was perfect.... and then we had to leave, drive back across the M62 to get back to work on Monday morning in Lincoln. Was that really it? Our wedding, done?! How do we get over something so perfect? The world and his wife descended on The Willows the weekend of the 21st May 2016 because something incredible was happening. Everything we did, from my dad scouring olive wholesaler’s websites for the past 10 months (amongst other things) to my brother spending days driving all over Lancashire to collect glasses, to my mum tearing her hair out at 11am on the day over a wonky cake was because something SO incredible was happening that only the best was good enough. Our wedding homilist, Fr. Philip Conner, reminded us that despite living in a time where there is confusion over the meaning of love and marriage, we have ‘So they are no longer two, but one flesh’ – Finding the true meaning of love & marriage the manual and we can go right back to the start; Genesis. It states very clearly in the Catechism; Holy Scripture affirms that man and woman were created for one another: “ It is not good that the man should be alone.” The woman, “flesh of his flesh, ” his equal, his nearest in all things, is given to him by God as a “helpmate” ; she thus represents God from whom comes our help. “Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.” The Lord himself shows that this signifies an unbreakable union of their two lives by recalling what the plan of the Creator had been “in the beginning”: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh.” We aren’t supposed to `get over` our wedding like it`s some kind of every day thing that happens and then ends. Our day was the product of months and months of hard work by my parents, siblings, in laws, Maid of Honour, Fred and myself because we knew it wasn`t simply `a day` . The beauty and the magic of the dress, the suits, the tiara, the shoes, the flowers, the marquee, the grounds, the church, the Mass, the readings is all to highlight the beauty and the magic of what Freddie and I were undertaking in vowing to be with each other, through the grace and strength of God, for the rest of our lives in order to fulfil the divine plan of creation! We became an “unbreakable union” , the two of us with God. Our wedding day was the perfect start to our marriage. Not something we’re supposed to move on from, but the starting point from which we build our life together; this unbreakable team of Fred, Sarah, and God. Sarah, 22, Lincolnshire (Hometown – Kirkham)

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September 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I had been baptised but not a practising Catholic. I came to Castlerigg Manor because I wanted to have another experience abroad before I looked for a good job in Tenerife. I had previously been in France and Belgium doing Erasmus. I really enjoyed it and I wanted to do something abroad again. Not being a Catholic I was scared about joining Casterigg because I was the sort of person who preferred to go to parties, drink and have fun with friends. I was more worried about when the next party was than spending time praying. But I thought that this experience could change my mind and give me something really different to my life. And this experience did; this experience has changed my life. My first days and even the last ones in Castlerigg were difficult; each day we have had challenges to do with young people and so many activities to manage. This was really hard because of my lack of knowledge of the English and more so about the Bible. When Sister Shienrose and Sister Ursula asked me about my faith I felt embarrassed and under pressure because I knew that they were really Catholic and I wasn’t. I didn’t know Appreciating each day as a gift from God anything about the Bible (or maybe I did without even realising) . Each morning we went to the Mass; I didn’t know how to pray in English & I didn’t know what to do when. At work I faced language difficulties and I had to learn to be strong and to appreciate my brothers and sisters and our differences. I remember beautiful moments including when I was crying in my first confession and watching people praying and crying... the community was there to help me always. One moment when I felt very sad another volunteer gave me a piece of paper saying: ‘keep going, be strong, God is with you wherever you go’ . I really appreciated this message and that helped me to keep going. I was really glad and happy when the other volunteers showed me love and this helped me to ask more questions about God. I wanted to know how these people believe in Him, I wanted to understand the Church, their beliefs. It was really hard to understand the Bible in English so when I had the opportunity to go to Tenerife I bought a copy of the New Testament in Spanish. I had to speak about my faith to my family and my difficulties but I came back with plenty of energy. I was trying to understand more about God because I had to speak about Him. How I’m going to speak about faith if I don’t possess it before? Practising in prayer, & reading the Bible is one way I learned to receive advice from the Lord when I needed it. I decided to be Confirmed because I saw how Jesus lived His life. I have think that His way is right; to welcome people, love your neighbour, be humble, seek forgiveness and be forgiving, help...and much more important values. If we want to please God, we will be happier because we are pleasing ourselves as well. Whatever we do we have to remember God is at our side as a loving and forgiving Father all we have to do is our best to follow HIm. Time passes so quickly and we are always wondering about our existence, and my experience in faith at Castlerigg has given me a hope, to appreciate the gift of each day of my life and to be confident now and after death when I will meet God face to face. Thank You Castlerigg Manor for all the gifts that you have brought me in my life I will keep in my memory this experience all my life. I received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Boshop Campbell on the 10thJuly.. It was a wonderful end to my year at Castlerigg Manor. Sarita Gregoria, 27, Castlerigg Manor (Home – Tenerife, Canary Islands) To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Celebrating Our Schools Education Sunday 11th September 2016

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September 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Your letters 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) - publish a response if deemed appropriate A group departed from Preston in May for the March for Life in Birmingham. When we arrived at Victoria Square, Birm- ingham, several thousand supporters had already gathered from all over the country to hear speeches from pro-life campaigners and for the march itself. Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, Bishop David McGough, welcomed us, fol lowed by Bishop Emmanuel Badejo from Nigeria who reminded us in a gentle way of the vast differences between our own abortion culture and that found in Nigeria. The march itself was the highlight of the day with a huge number of supporters joining us through the centre of Birmingham, raising awareness among those who happened to be passing and showing clearly our stance on this most important issue. Just before the march, one of the speakers recounted how last year she had seen this march and had cancelled her abortion as a result, saying ‘thank you’ to all those present last year for saving her child. During the march itself her comments helped us to see how our work was helping people to achieve happiness and really gave the event a special feeling. After the march we joined Bishop Patrick McKinney from Nottingham in a time of silent prayer, a very powerful moment as the huge crowd fell silent and peace descended over Victoria Square. It was a long day but well worth it, so thank you to the organisers for all your hard work. Benedict Scorey 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 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 Celebrating Our Schools Education Sunday 11th September 2016 St Joseph’s Catholic High School Harrington Road Workington CA14 3EE Headteacher Mr T Ryan Tel: 01900 873290 Email: office@st-josephs.cumbria.sch.uk ‘High Challenge, High Expectations, High Aspirations’ St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy Tennyson Avenue, Grangetown, Middlesbrough TS6 7AD Headteacher: Mrs C Ruddy Tel: 01642 455309 schooladmin@st-marys.rac.sch.uk

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I nspire others, transform lives, teach is the mantra of the Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA) who have had another Outstanding Year. The Catholic Teaching Alliance (North) is a cross phase alliance of 65 Catholic schools based mainly in the Diocese of Lancaster covering an extensive area from Preston to Carlisle, approximately 90 miles north to south and 50 miles east to west. We also have schools in the Liverpool and Salford Dioceses. The lead school is Our Lady’s Catholic High School in Preston. This school achieved ‘Outstanding’ in all Inspire others; Transform lives; Teach categories from Ofsted in 2012 and became a National Teaching School in 2014. New Beginnings Working in partnership with the University of Cumbria, we are able to train teachers through our successful PGCE School Direct. Our first cohort [2014 – 2015] comprised of 24 trainees – 12 primary and 12 secondary. Our second cohort [2015 – 2016] involved working with 31 PGCE School Direct trainees – 12 primary and 19 secondary. The advantage of the School Direct PGCE model is that trainees are learning from current outstanding classroom practitioners. We are fully committed to working collaboratively with all our partners, including the University of Cumbria. Faith at the Heart The Catholic Teaching Alliance has gained a reputation as an outstanding provider of teacher training. We are able to train outstanding teachers with Catholic values and principles firmly rooted at the centre of all that we do. As part of the PGCE, trainees undertake the Catholic Certificate of Religious Education (CCRS) with the Diocese of Lancaster. Having recognised that there is a shortage of Catholic leaders in both primary and secondary Catholic schools our aim is to develop the Catholic leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to seeing teachers, having been trained by the Catholic Teaching Alliance, take on further responsibility and progress towards middle and senior leadership positions over the coming years. This year came to a close with two

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September 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk excellent events. In June Mary Tuson, organised our first CTA Inspiring Teachers Conference held at Deepdale Preston, an event for teachers by teachers. Canon Luiz Rusillo kindly ‘kicked off’ the conference with prayers and a reflection. The conference was a culmination of our professional development opportunities for Catholic Teaching Alliance colleagues. Well over one hundred professionals attended with over twenty teachers leading breakout sessions and sharing best practice. After this great success we hope that the conference will become an annual event in the continuing professional development [CPD] calendar. In July our trainee teachers, both primary and secondary, came together for the last time by attending a ‘Celebration Day’ at Tabor. After the morning session delivered expertly by Margaret Wright, Canon Ruscillo celebrated Mass. Trainees then received their certificates from Adrian Gormally, Director of ITT, and Anne Charnley, Headteacher at St Clare’s Catholic Primary School and Primary Lead. A fitting graduation for our successful PGCE trainees. As this year’s cohort of trainees begin their journey into teaching many have successfully secured employment far and wide across the country; from London, Manchester, Leeds and Maryport, as well as in our own Alliance schools a little closer to home. Growing Our Own We have now trained over fifty teachers and we look forward to the new academic year. We are focused on training the next cohort of primary and secondary trainees, many of whom are ex – pupils from across our extended family of Catholic schools. After the first three weeks of intensive training sessions covering all elements of the Teachers’ Standards, we head off to the Castlerigg Catholic Retreat Centre in Keswick for a weekend of reflection with Our Lady’s Catholic High School Chaplain, Dennis Jones. In October they will enter into our family of Catholic schools embarking upon the first stage of their teaching careers. We wish all the new trainees and recently qualified teachers our best wishes as they start to teach our pupils across the Catholic Teaching Alliance. Adrian Gormally

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk T he Catholic Voice asked a sample of current students on Maryvale’s 5 year part-time Bachelor of Divinity Course about why they wanted to study the faith more deeply. There are two pathways: Pathway A – more classic, and Pathway B – similar content but directed towards catechesis and ministry. PATHWAY A: CLASSICAL THEOLOGY Our Catholic Faith is fascinating! There is always something new to learn about it that responds to our deepest yearnings. The more you learn about it, the more you fall in love with it and the more eager you are to share it with others. This has been my experience for the last few years. I’ve always wanted to find answers and I love studying but I’m not very good on my own. Enrolling into the B.Divinity program helped me to progressively and consistently learn more about my faith and challenged me to be able to communicate concepts better. This course has been an adventure in search of truth and deeper answers and it has helped me a lot in every aspect of my life. I highly recommend it! Mapi Cerdena, Fraterna My name is Rosemary and I’m a retired bank officer. I now work as secretary in the Catholic Chaplaincy at Glasgow University. After completing Maryvale’s course “ Adult Studies in the Catechism” , I felt that I wanted to continue studying my faith. I decided to apply for a place on the BDiv (Pathway A) Course. While it has been hard work, I’ve found the course interesting and challenging and I’ve learnt a lot, although there’s still much to learn. The residentials are an enjoyable part of the experience, including our social time in the evenings when lectures are over. I’ve made good friends at Maryvale and appreciate their support and encouragement. Rosemary Inglis, Secretary to the Chaplaincy, Glasgow University Why study the In the beginnings of my faith journey one of the most shocking discoveries I had concerned the fact that faith is not irrational but that we can truly have a reason for our hope. I set out to form myself in this reason, which can be summed up in the Person of Christ and began a journey of studying the faith. Shortly later, in the discernment of my vocation, I was lead to volunteer for a Catholic Evangelisation organisation in the USA called NET Ministries. This journey ultimately led me to marriage and working for NET has since become my full-time occupation. It is very clear to me that the importance of systematically studying the faith is paramount for someone working in full-time ministry. Therefore, my personal thirst for knowledge aside, studying at Maryvale has become a task to form my intellect to truly be able to give a reason for my hope in a world thirsting for a reasonable faith. Dan Driver, Retreat Team Coordinator, NET Ministries I have had a chance to study a bit of theology in my religious formation, but four years ago, I felt a deep desire to study more seriously theology. I believed that it would deepen my understanding of God’s revelation; and the teaching of the Catholic Church; as such my faith, my love, my prayer life would be further deepened, and be more fruitful. It was impossible for me to find time to do full time studies, however, thanks to Maryvale Institute’s distance learning programme, I am in my third year B. Divinity (Pathway A). I appreciate very much all that we are offered by the institute, and have received more than I expected. Sr Mary Stephen, Augustinian Sister faith? 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 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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September 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk PATHWAY B: THEOLOGY WITH A VIEW TO ‘PASSING ON THE FAITH’ I suppose it starts back when I was a child, when I had an extraordinary delight in anything that had to do with new knowledge about God. I read the St Martin De Porres magazine and I used to go happily to bed at night reading all the amazing things that went on in this saint’s life and other people’s lives, explaining the wondrous results of what prayer and petition to our Lord did. From there I spent my life delightfully reading about as many saints lives as possible. I’m currently studying a Divinity degree which is just a natural progression which answers a lot of questions and is truly rewarding and fulfilling, with a view to passing on our Christian Faith to others. Deirdre McKeever, Mother and volunteer prison visitor I wanted to study the Faith because the Faith has become, by the grace of God, my life. My initial desire to study the Faith began in High School and College, where I found myself in debates with classmates about the teachings of the Church. This spurred the desire to ‘always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you’ (1 Pet 3:15) . Then, the older I got, I realised that when you meet someone and fall in love with them, naturally you want to get to know everything about them. And so it is with the Lord Jesus. I desire to know Him, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This desire for learning about the Faith, is not merely to gain knowledge but to help deepen my imperfect love, devotion and faithfulness to Christ and His Church. Studying the Faith at Maryvale has taught me about the importance of the dimensions: to know, celebrate, live and pray the Faith (cf. Acts 2:42) . In particular, the fellowship and community from the course has been a true blessing for we help to ‘encourage one another and build up each other’ (1 Thess 5:11) .The course itself is an experience of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. There is a realisation during this journey that the theological virtue of Faith infused at Baptism, is fed through studying in a prayerful manner, the teachings of the Apostles. Ultimately, in studying the Faith, it has helped me keep my eyes fixed on Christ (Heb 12:2)! Daniella Stephens, Administrative Assistant Salford Diocese Education Centre After a long and winding road in, then out and then back again into the Catholic Church, I had a true sense of having finally "Come Home" . Along with this security and zeal that had sealed on my heart I had a desire to know more about the apologetics of the Catholic faith in light of, particularly, Protestant theology. I had come from three years of active Protestant practice and theology before my return to the Catholic Church and had picked up a lot of teaching that either was not of sound Catholic doctrine or was only halfway there. My desire to arm myself with deep and orthodox Catholic theology was one reason to study the faith. Along with this I had begun active Catholic youth work and ministry and wanted to consolidate and empower my ministry with further knowledge. For the first year especially, I found that it directly and profoundly helped my faith grow, not just in knowledge of head but in love of heart too. Dominic Cunliffe, Programme leader at SPEC, a retreat centre for children and young people of the diocese of Westminster 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 To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg @cathcom.org

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk F ollowing the devastating floods last winter that affected many parts of the North West, Lake District and Cumbria, one of our sister Catholic Schools in Blackpool, St. Kentigern’s, brought to our attention the plight of Newman Catholic School in Carlisle which had been rendered uninhabitable as a result of the floodwater. It was agreed at a Catholic Head Teachers meeting a few weeks later that we, as a collective group of Catholic schools, should support Newman School by raising funds to help them replace items damaged or lost. Each school had their own fund raising initiative. At Holy Family we held a Mad March March with the children raising a whopping £480 and together, as a collective group of schools, we raised a staggering amount of £2942.43. At a School Council meeting at Holy Family we discussed how it would be beneficial for representatives from each of the schools to visit Newman College to deliver our respective cheques, so that we could have a better understanding of why this money was needed. A couple of weeks, and many emails later, we were prepared to make the journey north. Eight Blackpool Catholic Schools; St. Kentigern’s, St. Bernadette’s, Our Lady of the Assumption, St. John Vianney, St. Cuthbert’s, Christ the King, St. Mary’s Catholic College and Holy Family all travelled up to Newman in two minibuses. A s a Student Council we decided to take part in an event called WE are Silent. This is a campaign run by the charity ‘Free the Children’ who aim to raise awareness about key global issues. We wanted to raise awareness about countries where young people don’t have a voice because their freedom of speech has been taken away or was not there to begin with! We completed a full school day in silence, we made a film to promote our reasons for doing this which we shared with all of the #WEaresilent tutor groups in our school. The day was very exciting, many people decided to join in because they agreed with and felt strongly about what we were doing. The day was really challenging but turned out to be a great success! We raised some money for the charity and even more importantly we raised the awareness of our fellow students about the difficulties young people face in our world. #WEaresilent follow us @CTKPreston Daniel Smolek (Year 8) Christ the King School Preston Helping our neighbours A short break on the motorway provided an opportunity for the children to re-fuel and mingle and those children who were sticking resolutely with their own classmate at the beginning of the journey had made new friends by the time we returned to Blackpool! On our arrival we were made very welcome by Mrs Jackie Brough, the Assistant Head Teacher and Sister Agnes who is part of the school’s Chaplaincy Team. Our late arrival had meant the children (and staff) were all ready for lunch which the school kindly provided. Following this we were given a brief tour of the school and Mr McAuley, the Head Teacher explained how difficult it had been to get the school up and running again after the floods and the children were shown pictures of the damage caused. The children were very impressed with some of the portakabins and claimed that they were better than some of the classrooms back in their own schools! The visit provided a great opportunity for the children to see exactly what the money that was raised would be used for and to be able to report this back to their peers later in the week at a school assembly. It was also a wonderful example of the cohesive spirit of generosity and empathy of our Catholic Schools to support others in their time of need. Jane Mather, Learning Mentor Holy Family Catholic Primary Sch., Blackpool

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September 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk T his month we continue to learn more about our priests and how their vo- cation developed. Each man called to serve God in this special way has a story to tell. Below we hear from Fr Andrew Broster who currently serves as Parish Priest of Holy Cross parish in Kirkham and Wesham. At the beginning of March this year I went home to Chester to preside at the funeral mass for my best friend’s dad. Standing in front of the family, who I have known for over forty years, it felt slightly bizarre that it was me leading the service. Casting my mind back over all those years to the time when we first met I realised that my being a priest would have been the last thing we would have all thought I’d ever be, given that most of the time when not working, I’d be in the pub or the nightclubs with my friends! My friend and I went to Blackpool Catering College in 1976 and after graduation both of us pursued careers in the industry, where I myself eventually opened a restaurant with another close friend in the late eighties. At that time I wasn’t Catholic - that came later in 1990 when I was re- ceived into full communion with the Church. I had been active in my Christian faith all my life and had been involved in the various Anglican parishes that I’d lived in. However, I felt there was always ‘something missing’ and so, through my own enquiry into the Roman Tradition, and the influence of many Catholic friends and my attending the Mass with them, I knew that I had to become a Catholic myself. In the words of one of my cousins, who is Catholic herself, ‘Andrew, S S Mary and Michael, Garstang, said goodbye to Fr. David Elder at Mass on Easter Sunday as he retired from his ministry as Parish Priest. Deacon D’Arcy Ryan presented Fr Elder with an Icon of St Michael (produced at Our Lady of Hyning Monastery) , three breviary covers, a sanctuary lamp, a mini monstrance and a small tabernacle the latter having been beautifully constructed by parishioner Bill Bateson. Frank Carter For more details please visit our website or visit Lancaster Vocations Facebook: www.lancastervocations.org ++++ 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 you’ll never be happy until you do!’ It was those wise words that spurred me on to go even further and approach the Church to consider me for the Priesthood. In 1992 I left my business and after one year’s pastoral placement in the Diocese I started my priestly training for Lancaster at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome. I was ordained to the Priesthood in 1997 and after three appointments as Assistant Priest and three as Parish Priest I am at present at the Holy Cross, Kirkham & Wesham. The idea of being called by God has been with me all my life, for even as a child I was aware of his presence, and when, after years of fighting him off I actually let him have his way, I realised that true happiness for me was the gift of the Priesthood. When I look back to my childhood it was my nana who first influenced my early Christian life and in my later life, it was my mum who steadfastly stood alongside me as her own faith developed. Her name was Sybil, which means prophetess. On the day I told her that I wanted to be a priest she said, ‘I knew this day was coming, but I didn’t know when – your nana would be so proud of you!’ M ass Listings – September 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 Thursday 8th September at 8.30 am Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary St Walburge, Preston Friday 9th September at 7.00 pm Feria Sizergh Castle Chapel, Sizergh, Nr Kendal Wednesday 14th September at 8.30 am Exaltation of the Holy Cross St Walburge, Preston Sunday 25th September at 3.00 pm Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost St Mary`s, Hornby 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 Divine Will Prayer Group meetings at St Mary’s Hornby LA2 8JT Contact Mrs Terry Carradice for dates of meetings Ring 01524 823750 or email carradice48@btinternet.com for more details

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A memorial to Thomas Haydock (1772–1859) printer and publisher of the Haydock Bible was blessed and dedicated at the family grave in the graveyard at St Mary Newhouse, Barton, Preston by Bishop Michael Campbell on Pentecost Sunday 15th May 2016. The memorial had been generously donated by Mr Sidney K Olhausen, Houston, Texas who is a collector of antiquarian English Catholic Bibles and Testaments. The Haydock Bible is an English Catholic version of the Bible based on the Douay- Rheims translation into English (1609 AD) from the Latin Vulgate of St Jerome. It was printed and published by Thomas Haydock (in Manchester & Dublin) with copious notes and commentary written by his priest brother George Leo Haydock. The first edition – a huge task comprising more than 1800 pages in Crown folio and with a truly amazing commentary and notes which exceeds the Bible text itself - was published in 1811 before the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829. The Bible is still in print and available also online today. It is treasured by many for its Children’s Hospice Benefits O n the first day of the celebrations for The Queen’s official 90th birthday, three brothers of Lytham St Annes Circle of the Catenian Association went to their local Children’s Hospice for a tour of the facilities and to present a £2,000 cheque to its Community Fundraiser Michelle Lonican. Adrian Crook led the Circle delegation to present the fruits of the Circle’s charitable L ast November, St Bernadette’s Catholic School, Blackpool entered a Christmas Nativity painting competition organised by the Knights of St Columba. There were 7 winners whose entries then went through to the National finals where they had further success. Krzysztof Skotnicki, Year 4, beat all other entries in his age group and all other age groups and was announced overall winner. The Provincial Grand Knight, Mr Cuthbert Culshaw visited school to present Krzysztof with a huge trophy and £200 cheque for the school and £30 cheque for Krzysztof for being the overall winner. Mrs Michelle Holden, Headteacher, said, “We are extremely proud of Krzysztof and this wonderful achievement for the school. The nativity paintings by the children were so beautiful and it is a wonderful accolade for the school to have Krzysztof’s painting used for next year’s KSC Christmas cards. The whole school felt tremendously proud.” Art Fantastic! Queen Present For Catenian Visit efforts during his Presidential year. He was accompanied by Adrian Denye and Robert Thompson. The occasion was made extra special by an impromptu visit of Her Majesty who appeared more than impressed with the amount raised. The three Catenians came away thoroughly impressed with the happy and professional envir onment that the staff have been able to create with all the community donations made to the hospice. The Haydock Memorial language and engravings; its quotations from a wide variety of sources and its commentary. President Kennedy was sworn in at his inauguration on his family’s Haydock Bible. Mr Sidney Olhausen has presented St Mary’s with a First Edition of this notable book which will be on display in the church. And Mr Edward Holden designed the memorial in St Mary’s cemetery adjoining the Haydock family grave. The memorial is a simple polished black granite plinth on top of which lies an open book surmounted by a white dove, wings outstretched, and symbolising the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The inscription reads: In Memoriam Thomas Haydock 1752-1859 Publisher of the First Haydock Bible 1811-1814 In Gratitude for his contribution In Preserving the Catholic Faith In These Islands Tristitia vestra vertetur in gaudium ("Tristitia vestra vertetur in gaudium" is the family motto meaning "Your sorrow shall be turned to joy" taken from St John’s Gospel 16:20) Complete pest control solutions call 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 Interested in Pro-Life? SPUC 50th Anniversary National Conference Swanwick, 23rd to 25th September Transport available for full day attendance Saturday 24th September Contact : Fleetwood & Blackpool North: Dr Audrey Armour 01253-875503 Kendal:Esther Williams 01539 567501 Kirkham: Frank Ball 01772-683698 Lune Valley: Ruth Smith 01524-840497 Leyland: David Newton 01772-451880 Preston: Maria Platt 0780 5813952

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September 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I am a teaching assistant at St Augustine`s school in Preston and I run a One World Club after school. The children in the club are Catholics, other Christians and Muslims and all have a desire for the world to be a better place. Below is a report I have compiled, from their words, about our fundraising for our local SVP conference, St John XXIII in Preston. Our school is in a relatively poor area of the city. I am a member of the conference and we have established links with the conference and the school via our Family Support Worker and we are directly helping families in school as well as in the wider community. - Clare Cobb St Augustine’s school in Preston have an after school club called the One World Group. We look at things that can change people’s lives. We have learned about climate change and what we can do to help. We have learned about refugees and sent messages of hope to them. We learned about Fairtrade food. We collected toys for a family who had moved into our city with nothing and have raised money for the SVP through a cake sale, a sponsored run and a purple day. Altogether we raised £1075, the biggest donation our conference has ever received. The money will go to help poor families in our area. P at Dempsey past president of Blackpool & Fylde Catenian Circle presenting Past Grand President Joe McNally with two cheques for the Hallam (Bethlehem) Fund. The first cheque of £472 from the President’s Charity and a personal donation from Brother Pat of £180. The Hallam (Bethlehem) Fund was set up to make the Care provided at the temporary accommodation known as St Martha’s House in Bethlehem permanent. St Martha’s House was founded in 2010 with Catenian Donations. Bethlehem, is a special place to a great many people in the world. It is special to Christians, to Judaism and to Islam. Many people forget that Bethlehem is a living community facing the everyday challenges of everyday life in a new and emerging state – Palestine. Peace has not yet come there. There is little industry and few resources. The main industry is tourism and in times of conflict or difficulty the tourists and pilgrims do not come. The economy suffers, unemployment rises still higher and poverty increases. In this cycle of events the elderly are among those who suffer most. It is hard to find work, especially so for women. Widows and those who are alone are particularly vulnerable. There is no Welfare System. St Martha’s House Local Palestinian volunteers have established a registered charity to provide a day ‘Care and Repair’ centre at St Martha’s House. Its ethos is Christian but it is open to all. Its resources are meagre. The rented rooms are cramped and admit only 22 people at any one time. Some help is provided by other charities but even with outside help St Martha’s House can only cater for 37 women. The list of those who are known to be in need is many times that number. There is no provision for elderly men. St Martha’s extends a compassionate hand of support to poor and vulnerable elderly women in Bethlehem. Here ladies meet for companionship, food and mutual support. Without St Martha’s, and its limited programmes, many elderly women would literally be abandoned. Help where it is Needed The local community cannot extend its support or make St Martha’s House a permanent feature. They simply do not have the resources. The objective is to have facilities for the elderly as at St Martha’s House provided on a permanent basis and to have a place which provides support to many more people including elderly gentlemen. The Parish Priest of St Catherine’s Parish in Bethlehem has recently written to say how much a hospice is needed there now. Please pray for the success of the Fund and, in your generosity, support it in whatever way you can. So far we have raised over £100,000 towards getting a permanent Care facility in Bethlehem. We need a great deal more to achieve our goal. For further information or to donate visit www.hallambethlehemfund.com Donations can also be made via mobile phone simply txt THBF01 f ollowed by the amount you want to give to 70070 or write to: The Hallam (Bethlehem) Fund, 37 Conalan Avenue, Bradway, SHEFFIELD S17 4PG TEL: 0114 236 8859.

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk W hen my four children were growing up they went through a phase of being mad about playing Noughts and Crosses – as the saying goes ‘anytime, anywhere, anyplace.’ At home, at their grandparents, in the garden or in the car, it really didn’t matter where they played because all that is needed is a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Oh… and a willing victim of course, to play with. Didn’t I mention that they were rarely content to compete with each other? Although perfectly capable of this, they far preferred to inveigle an adult into the game and then preferably beat them hollow. And you’ve probably already guessed that the adult was usually me… Reason As I reflected upon the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross which is celebrated on September 14th, I was reminded of the game of Noughts and Crosses, so beloved of my offspring. You will, I am sure, be able to instantly recognise why the ‘crosses’ in the game would be reminiscent of the Holy Cross. But, you may wonder where the noughts come into the equation. And yet the reason for this is quite simple. A nought represents zero, nada or nil. It means nothing. According to the English dictionary, the adjective means worthless or useless. Indeed, the idiom ‘come to naught’ , meaning without result or fruition, is a direct result of this. Yet when we remember the Holy Cross in terms of the crucifixion we know that historically the scribes, Pharisees and some of the elders of that time wished that Jesus was nothing. But actually, he was everything. They hoped that by having him put to death, his work on Earth would come to naught. But instead it took on an ever greater meaning due to the resurrection, until it meant Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross – September 14th everything. They wanted to believe that Jesus was worthless. Yet he was truly the Son of God. Reversal And so we know that despite his death, Christ atoned for our sins and continues to be with us until the end of time. In so doing he reversed the greatest negative of all time into the greatest positive. Christ died for us on the Cross but not for Naught. So the next time you play Noughts and Crosses, perhaps you too will be reminded of the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Julia Beacroft is a catechist and pastoral volunteer living in Torquay, Devon. Her new book ‘Sanctifying the Spirit’ is now available to buy. Visit www.sanciobooks.com May the Best Man Win…

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