Spring 2017 Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. Photos, copy and distribution queries for The Catholic Mother should be sent to Caroline Mills, National Media Officer, 4 Cople ston Road Southway Plymouth PL6 6RR or by email to catholic.mother@yahoo.co.uk. For further details about the Union of Catholic Mothers please contact the National Secretary, Irene Mitchell, at ucmnatsec@yah oo.co.uk. At the request of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, His Excellency Monsignor Antonio Mennini, is being transferred from his current responsibilities to serve directly in the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, assisting in its work in relation to States. In this capacity, Archbishop Mennini will serve the Holy Father with particular reference to the State of Italy. In these matters Archbishop Mennini has unique experience and knowledge which is much appreciated by the Holy See. Archbishop Mennini has served as Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain for nearly six years, being appointed on 18 December 2010 and presenting his credentials to Her Majesty the Queen on 2 March 2011. He will leave London during the first full week of February. On behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and in the name of the entire Catholic community, I express our warmest thanks to His Excellency for the service he has given to the Church in our countries. He has been most attentive and sensitive to our needs and situation, while always representing the Holy Father with precision and clarity and sharing insights into the needs of the Universal Church. His presence amongst us bishops has always been that of a brother and we have never failed to appreciate his kindness and hospitality. We now wish him well in his new appointment to which he will bring insight and wisdom. We assure him of our prayers for this mission and for his own health and well-being. Cardinal Vincent Nichols Archbishop of Westminster President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Pope Francis transfers Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain to new duties in Italy Rose Maunder National President UCM Wales Iene Mitchell National Secretary Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Mennini Val Ward National President Angela Higginson National Treasurer A statement from Cardinal Vincent Nichols WUCWO Conference in Bari, Italy October 2016 “Women workers for peace, towards a culture of meeting and dialogue” Last October, the National President Val Ward joined 120 women from 40 countries and 5 continents to discuss issues of peace with women from the Holy Land and the Middle East at Bari in Italy. The Mediterranean has become a place of death not hope, so we can either build walls or engage in dialogue. Pope Francis calls on women to build bridges, emphasising the important role women have as harbingers of peace – traditionally they are the carers so the challenge is ours. Over the 3 days, workshops concluded that women of all countries suffer through poverty, domestic abuse, mental illness, and family breakdown. However, where there is conflict there is also forced prostitution, an increase in sexually transmitted infections, early child marriage and the plight of displaced persons. So what can be done to alleviate the suffering? At a personal level it was thought that classes on personhood and personal relationships might develop self confidence and self esteem. Meetings with those of other faiths and using the media to give a positive image of women could help eradicate discrimination. For those who suffer as a result of war we should lobby against the arms trade. There was a universal feeling that the high incidence of youth unemployment was responsible for a loss of their sense of meaning of life. Social media seems to have more control over their actions than their parents. In areas where there are many refugees there is conflict emerging when migrants take the jobs from the nationals. Migration is causing social problems in parts of the Middle East. In some countries where the Christians are well educated, the young people leave their homes to find better paid employment abroad. There is a fear that they will not return when conditions stabilise, so there will be fewer people to look after the elderly. Women in Nigeria are trying to resolve the problem by organising youth meetings where adults help the young people to learn and practise skills that will help provide them with a means of earning a living. It was suggested that a website be developed for young people to find a safe space for discussion on matters of faith and morals. Concern was expressed that families are becoming fragmented due to the exercise of the rights of the individual, poverty, legislation that undermines the protection of the family and the breakdown of communication between the generations. Technology, ostensibly developed to help people, often contributes to the undermining of relationships. The challenge for WUCWO members is to find a way to return to traditional family values. We have to decide what is important - money or family. This may require “tough love” and/or developing parenting programmes for those young couples distanced from their extended families. It is important to be aware of impending legislation that may harm families and lobby against it. Two years ago the women workers for peace, met to discuss the situation in the Middle East, but have not yet realised their hope for a better world, in fact the situation has worsened. So at Bari last October they renewed their commitment: to work to achieve a life of dignity for all; to dialogue without fear, at local, national and international levels as Pope Francis has directed; to lobby our governments to work for peace and the settlement of war; to make a commitment to join with women of the Middle East in their fight for peace; to pray and advocate for refugees and those living in areas of conflict; to investigate the root causes of conflict in order to achieve peace; to do all we can to raise awareness of the courage and commitment of the women of the Middle East. The resolutions to help these women ended with the following declaration. "There is a duty to others that we carry with us as citizens of the Earth and a bond between Christian women that cannot be transcended by war, politics, or geography. We hold each other in our hearts and in our prayers forever and we shall not cease to work against war until it is over and peace is restored to this land. And that is perhaps the greatest grace received from this historic and important meeting.” We should remember in our prayers for peace, the land where Christianity was born and is now in danger of being wiped out. Maureen Meacher International Officer

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Page 2 Spring 2017 The Catholic Mother From the National President Dear members, Hello, welcome and a happy new year to everyone. I would firstly like to thank everyone who sent Christmas cards to me and the National Committee; it was most thoughtful of you and we are very grateful for your good wishes and support. On behalf of The UCM I was delighted to receive Christmas cards from (among others) the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Menini, the Worldwide President of the Mothers’ Union, Mrs Lynne Tembey and the President of the Catholic Men’s Society, Mr Chris Bolger. I hope you all had a happy and peaceful time with the people you love and that Father Christmas was generous to you! There have been some problems with the planning meeting for our Walsingham pilgrimage in July 2017. It is normally in November but due to circumstances beyond our control, it had to be cancelled. The revised date of 10th January has also been cancelled and the new date is provisionally 16th February. So, fingers crossed, Walsingham Administrator Maureen Smith and I will have all the information we need after that date. Consequently, at this time we still don’t know the theme for the 2017 pilgrimage; however, I do know Our Blessed Mother, Mary, will be calling us and waiting for us with open arms. Will you respond to her call this year and join us in our prayers for peace at this most Holy Shrine? This year we are being led by the Archdiocese of Liverpool and I do hope you can come. John and I are then sloping off on holiday for a couple of weeks to Khao Lak in Thailand where we hope to see a bit of sunshine! On my return the diary dates are filling up quite quickly and I am looking forward to meeting members in the Dioceses I have been invited to visit this year. The first National Committee Meeting takes place on 18th February, and on 25th February I will be a guest of ‘Across’ when I attend the launch and dedication of the new Jumbulance which will be parked in front of Westminster Cathedral. Cardinal Vincent Nichols will lead the dedication ceremony and celebrate Holy Mass. National Study Days is again being held at the familiar and peaceful surroundings of The Hayes on 22-24th March and the theme is “Caring for our World: How can you make a difference?” based around Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudate Si. I hope you will consider putting your name forward as a delegate if you haven’t been before. All details from your Diocesan Secretary. National Council and AGM is also at The Hayes from 15-17th May when we will hopefully be voting on the revised handbook and new Trustees who will take up office in 2018. Again, I hope you will consider coming as a delegate if you haven’t been before. As you will see in this newspaper, there are still opportunities for members to take up positions on National Committee and the Walsingham Sub Committee. Will you put your name forward for any of these most rewarding jobs? Please pray for a successful outcome. There are still places available on the National President’s Pilgrimage to “Greece- In the Footsteps of St Paul” and details can be obtained from the National Secretary. My thanks to all the National Officers who work hard on behalf of the members of our organisation. I hope to meet many of you at the various events during this coming year and I look forward to another busy and fruitful year in the life of the UCM. Va l Val Ward National President PLYMOUTH Submitting copy for next issue The deadline for articles and photos for the next edition of the Catholic Mother is 25th April 2017 Please send copy to Caroline Mills, National Media Officer, at catholic.mother@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you. A Sunny August Day in Devon How blessed we were with the weather, the morning was taken up at Roy and Eileen’s allotment in Exmouth. Bernadette and Maggie provided scrumptious homemade cakes and the deli supplied wonderful sausage rolls, all washed down with pots and pots of coffee and juice. Eileen has created a beautiful secret garden where you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet with the occasional song from the local bird life. Roy, the real grafter on the allotment, works hard to plant, feed and water the land to produce all the wonderful fruit, vegetables and salad. In the afternoon Rose invited us all to her glorious garden by the sea in Budleigh Salterton. Beautiful flowers and aromas surrounded us along with the sound of the bees buzzing. A truly tranquil afternoon. Once more we were greeted with even more amazing homemade cakes, which we thoroughly enjoyed while getting the chance for parishioners from Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth to enjoy each other’s company. A relaxing day, which ended all too quickly, raised a magnificent sum of £310 which was given to the Exmouth Open Door. Irene Walker Exmouth Foundation Christmas Cards In December, members decided to have two large homemade Christmas cards for us to write our greetings in, instead of the more usual individual ones. We all signed the cards and wrote our messages both to the other members of our Foundation and also to all members of the Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Churches that make up our Parish of The Holy Family. A card was displayed in the back of both Churches all over Christmas and the sum of £135 was raised from the money we saved buying and sending individual cards. We had voted for the “Children’s Hospice, South West” Charity to benefit from our donations. Our Parish Priest, who is also our Diocesan Spiritual Adviser, was impressed with our initiative and, as well as giving such a splendid amount to such a worthy cause, it gave us some good publicity, we hope! Diana Norman Plymouth Diocesan President A huge thank you to the UCM A message from Antonia Tully, SPUC, Campaigns Manager UCM members deserve a huge thank you for the success of the joint UCM/ Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) postcard event. As I write this heartfelt message of gratitude, postcards are still pouring into the headquarters of the SPUC. As you know, these postcards are calling on MPs to take a Pro-Life Pledge; to recognise the humanity of the unborn child and to reinstate legal protection for all. I`m so pleased to be able to report to you that we will be delivering cards to 294 MPs. We have covered well over half the total number of constituencies, thanks to the hard work of UCM and SPUC members organising a postcard event in their parish. Thanks are also due to the many priests who agreed so readily to have this postcard event in their parish. SPUC has written to them all to thank them. I hope by now that all UCM members who organised a postcard event have received the special commemorative certificate from your president Mrs Ward and John Smeaton, the chief executive of SPUC. 2017 is a landmark year in the history of the struggle to end abortion. During the course of this 50th Anniversary year our aim to get Pro-Life Pledge postcards to every MP in England. If your parish has not yet held a postcard event, please do consider approaching your parish priest. Please contact SPUC for postcards and guidelines for organising the event. Introducing Media Officer Elect I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to your new Media Officer, Margaret Postill. Margaret will be taking over the role of National Media Officer after I have completed my term of office in May, Margaret has been a member of the Union of Catholic Mothers since 1978 and comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Union of Catholic Mothers having served as Foundation Treasurer, Foundation President of St Joseph’s Reddish and Diocesan Media Officer, Salford. Caroline Mills National Media Officer

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The Catholic Mother Spring 2017 Page 3 A Wish For More Time Time. If I could wish for something right now it would be more time. I thought I didn’t have much of it when I just had one son but now I have two and suddenly the little I used to have seems far greater. I usually have a long list of things to do including the mundane jobs like ironing, cooking, cleaning; then the projects I have planned or half started – a busy board table for my boys with lots of little things to improve their fine motor skills, coordination and generally keep them entertained, then the three books I started working on just before my eldest son was born, and a whole list of DIY ideas that I’d like to bring to fruition in my home; and then I have the ‘things I need to sort for UCM list’. Fortunately for the other members of Clifton Diocese the latter mostly tends to get done (albeit rather rushed most of the time) but I guess that is what happens when you elect a mother of two small children to be Diocesan Secretary. I used to be early for everything, I prided myself on punctuality and worked in a law firm. Now most days involve a lengthy battle to get out of the house and no matter how early we are up we are always late. Usually our morning ritual involves multiple changes of clothing and nappies for the baby, chasing my toddler around the house so I can dress him, we then repeat the same chase to brush teeth and then again for hair (an 11 year old in the park nicknamed him Usain Bolt) so you can see why it might take a while for me to catch him! Eventually I may even have a chance to get dressed too. Yesterday however, I gave in and spent the entire day in my pyjamas because an hour and a half after I had intended to go out all I had managed to accomplish was to breastfeed two very grumpy children back to sleep. Unfortunately they were both slumped over me so I was stuck under a tangle of tiny limbs until they woke again. Foiled again! Children 1 – Mummy 0. Charlotte Toffolo Diocesan Secretary Clifton MIDDLESBROUGH St. Aelreds UCM Enrolments On the evening of October 4th, St. Aelreds UCM York had three enrolments during Mass which was celebrated by Father Bill Surplus. Father Bill is St Aelreds Parish Priest as well as Diocesan Chaplin. The Mass was held in St. Margaret Clitheroes house in the Shambles. Hilda Garney Diocesan Media Officer 60 Years in the UCM In the English Martyrs Parish, York, the UCM Foundation was originally formed in 1932 when the Church was opened. It was active during the war and helped raise funds for the building of their daughter Church, Our Lady, in Acomb. In October 1956, the UCM was reformed by the encouragement of Father John Murphy and Mary Wright was one of the Founder members. The Parish was then in the Leeds Diocese but was transferred to the Middlesbrough Diocese in 1982. Mary has been Parish President, Diocesan Treasurer, and assistant to the National Treasurer when she was in charge of all the stock. Unfortunately, English Martyrs UCM has closed, but Mary is still a keen independent member, and thoroughly enjoyed the party given for her by St Aelreds UCM. The photo shows Mary with her certificate, signed by the National and Diocesan Presidents and being presented with flowers by Kath Stubbs, St Aelreds President. Hilda Garney Diocesan Media Officer A Study Day on Mercy The Deacon, Reverend Vince Purcell came to St Aelreds Community Centre, York to talk about Mercy, with special reference to St Luke’s Gospel. The Study Day began with Mass offered by Father Bill Surplus, the Diocesan Spiritual Advisor and attended by members from all over the Diocese. Special examples were given of the place of women in Jesus’s teaching. Jesus raises Jairus’s daughter and the widow’s son. Jesus talks about the shepherd looking for his lost sheep, and about the woman looking for her lost coin. We also heard how perhaps the two Disciples on the road to Emmaus were husband and wife who invited Jesus to stay at their home. We were shown how Jesus had upset some people with his radical parables and actions of Mercy, which gave us plenty to think about. Hilda Garney Diocesan Media Officer Jean Rigg Diocesan President Deacon Vince Purcell Sarah Shiels Diocesan Study Officer New Foundation On Sunday 28th August 2016 eight members were enrolled into a new UCM Foundation at St. Charles Berromeo Church in Jarrett Street, Hull. This took place during the 10.00am Mas celebrated by Canon Michael Loughlin, and it was also attended by other members of UCM Foundations from York and Filey. The new Officers are Madge Jordan President Kate Smith Secretary and Anna Omdeju Treasurer. Hilda Garney Diocesan Media Officer

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Catherine Parsley Kettering Foundation Northampton Diocese 65th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Harry & Pat Hallows St Mary’s Denton Foundation Salford Diocese RUBY WEDDING Mary and Steve McQuire St Wilfred’s Archdiocese of Liverpool GOLDIEN WEDDING Stan and Betty Rawlinson St Margaret Mary’s Foundation Liverpool Archdiocese Peggy and Tony Cook St Thomas of Canterbury Archdiocese of Birmingham Janette and Michael Woodford Sacred Heart and St Joseph Ware Foundation Archdiocese of Westminster Certificate of 60 Years Membership of UCM May Leach St Clare’s Foundation Archdiocese of Liverpool Certificate of 50 Years Membership of UCM Madelaine McDonald St Margaret Mary’s Foundation Archdiocese of Liverpool Margaret Allen St Margaret Clitherow Foundation Nottingham Diocese Anne Carnell St Margaret Clitherow Foundation Nottingham Diocese Ann Dyer St Margaret Clitherow Foundation Nottingham Diocese Frances Goodman St Margaret Clitherow Foundation Nottingham Diocese Christine Taylor Margaret Clitherow Foundation St Nottingham Diocese Page 4 Spring 2017 The Catholic Mother 90th BIRTHDAY Christina Cronin Exmouth Foundation Plymouth Diocese Enid Cain St Thomas of Canterbury Foundation Archdiocese of Birmingham Theresa Dring St Margaret Mary’s Foundation Vera Keating Haywards Heath Foundation Arundel and Brighton Diocese Helen Draper St Thomas of Canterbury Archdiocese of Birmingham 85th BIRTHDAY Rita Tallon St Theresa’s Foundation Archdiocese of Liverpool Bridget Power St Ambrose’s Foundation Archdiocese of Birmingham 80th BIRTHDAY Anne Gallagher Past National Secretary, Isle of Sheppey Foundation Archdiocese of Southwark Rita Field Exmouth Foundation Plymouth Diocese Marie Favreau West Norwood Foundation Archdiocese of Southwark Pat Feenan St Margaret Mary’s Foundation Archdiocese of Liverpool Marion Simpson St Richard’s Foundation Archdiocese of Liverpool Joan Jones St George’s Foundation Archdiocese of Liverpool Gerda Culver Sacred Heart and St Joseph Ware Foundation Archdiocese Westminster Pat Sweeney St Thomas of Canterbury Archdiocese of Birmingham Congratulations to All PLYMOUTH Hats! A member of our Foundation here in Exmouth, Mrs Ursula Ratcliffe, gave a talk about her hobby. Ursula is rarely seen without a hat and they are usually striking. She first gave us an interesting history of hats through the ages and from the different parts of the world, and how her own interest in them began. We were shown her favourite and many others that had been displayed on model ‘heads’, with flowers, scarves, brooches etc with which she decorates them. Her hat of the day always compliments what she is wearing – and you can’t really miss her in a crowd. Certainly not in the congregation at Mass! Ursula showed us how she would dress up some of the hats we had taken to the meeting and a few of us then modelled a hat of our choice from the display. She was warmly thanked for a delightful afternoon and we finished with tea and chocolate cake – as it was her birthday that week! Diana Norman Plymouth Diocesan President Looking back Following the success of last year’s fund raising, I decided to hold another Coffee Morning. Once again friends, local traders, UCM members and parishioners came together to help and £494 was raised for the Pancreatic Cancer UK Charity. Thank you to everyone for their help and support. Sheila Bennett Exmouth Foundation When, in 2002, I was invited by the National Board of Catholic Women to represent the Church on the National Committee of the Women’s World Day or Prayer Movement, I was delighted to accept. I had been involved with WWDP for many years at local level, representing my parish on the local branch committee, and valued its ecumenical and international commitment to ‘informed prayer – prayerful action’. Looking back over the last fourteen years, I thank God, not only for the five years I spent as the Catholic Representative, but for the subsequent 9 years as a Trustee of the Movement, culminating in three years as the National President. The Catholic Church continues to be represented and the current representative is Siobhan Canham from the Exmouth UCM Foundation. The National Committee of WWDP in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is a working committee, consisting of one member from each of the Christian denominations that support the Movement in this country. They work together as a team to resource and support the 3000 local branches responsible for organising the worship service in their respective areas and one of the great joys of being on the committee is the opportunity it affords for travelling around the country, meeting with local branch members and experiencing the enthusiasm and support there is for the Movement at grass roots level. International meetings, held every 4 years in a different region of the world each time, have always been very enriching, bringing together representatives from each of her 170 countries and islands that observe the Day of Prayer each year. This year the service has been written by Christian women in the Philippines, urgently seeking the prayers of the world for their country, and on Friday 3 March an estimated 3 million people will gather to pray with them, and for them. For more information on WWDP, and details of services near you, do please visit the website: www.wwdp.org.uk , and lend your support to a Movement that gives prayerful and practical support to women around the world. Mimi Barton Exmouth Foundation Coffee Morning

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The Catholic Mother Spring 2017 Page 5 Welcome Mat As part of their response to the year of mercy, St Joseph’s Portishead Foundation donated this WELCOME mat for the entrance to the church, as both a practical and a symbolic gesture. The photo shows Father Tom Dubois PP, accepting the mat from members in November, at the close of the Year of Mercy. Monica Ovel. Media Officer Clifton Diocese. CLIFTON Links Across the Country I read the Article from Sheppey in the Autumn 2016 magazine with twofold interest. Fr Frank Moran was curate at St Winefrides, Wimbledon when I got married on 29th Dec 1973. He had received a cine camera for Christmas and filmed some of the ceremony from the choir loft. My brother had the film transferred to videotape for our silver wedding; I suppose we’d better get it put on a memory stick for 50 years. In the description of Canon Frank’s Golden jubilee, mention was made of a 100 year old previous parishioner attending. That was my Mum, Frieda Murray, who now lives in Birchington, Kent, and she was tickled when I pointed out the article to her. Monica Ovel, St Joseph’s Foundation, Clifton Diocese. St Kizito Babies Home This year the Sacred Heart Foundation has supported St Kizito Babies Home in Mbale, Uganda, which was set up by one of our members Eve Scanlon. The home was established to care for abandoned newborns and children whose mother or parents have died. It is run by the Sisters of Mercy and employs 10-12 mothers to look after the babies and to help run the attached school. Today, the home cares for over 45 children, coming from many different districts of Uganda and ranging in age from 0-5. The home oversees the resettlement of these children when they reach the age of 5 - some return to live with relatives, while others are placed in foster homes. Just before Christmas, Eve Scanlon visited with her daughter Anne Pritchard who spoke to our Foundation, having just returned from a trip to the orphanage where she had helped with teaching, painting and improving the play areas. During the fortnight, she was there, 2 abandoned babies had been taken in by the home. She had brought back beautiful paper bead jewellery made by a local women’s group which we were able to buy to raise further funds. Our President Margaret Golightly was able to hand Eve a cheque for over £1,500 together with a donation of £300 worth of reusable cloth nappies. It was with great joy that we received a heartfelt letter of thanks from Mother Mary Mumyolo informing us what a difference to the children our contribution has made. Charlotte Toffolo Sacred Heart Foundation Clifton Diocese Living Your Faith Camps Living Your Faith Camps are one of the groups supported by Clifton Diocese UCM to promulgate the objectives of the Union. We received this report and photo from Angela Parrry, one of the organisers for the Diocese. The Living Your Faith youth camps are held annually at The Marist Convent in Nympsfield, Gloucestershire and are for young people from the Clifton Diocese. In 2016, they were held over two weeks during August and were part funded by Parishes, Schools and Diocesan groups including the UCM (Clifton). The first week was for 7-11 year olds and the second week for 12-16 year olds. The weeks provided an opportunity for young people to grow in their faith, take part in faith- related activities and make friends with other young Catholics from the Diocese. They combined Spiritual input with praise and worship, games, crafts, drama, dance, sports, prayer, day trips and lots more! Activities were led by an experienced team of adult leaders who skilfully showed that being a Catholic in today’s society can be fun and meaningful. The camps provided lots of opportunities to relax, share and celebrate with others. Those who attended were encouraged to use their skills and talents to develop their own faith and the faith of others and responded well to this invitation, actively planning and engaging in interactive Masses, prayer sessions and workshops. The youngsters were treated to daily input by Fr Tom Finnegan (Parish Priest of St Teresa’s Parish, Bristol) and took part in small group discussions where they learned more about their faith and the Year of Mercy. They reflected on God’s mercy and engaged in practical ways of sharing this mercy with others. The group is grateful for the contribution received from the UCM of Clifton Diocese enabling children from needy families to take part. The camps will be run again in 2017 and booking forms will be available in the new year. For further information please visit the Living Your Faith website www.livingyourfaith.co.uk Monica Ovel Diocesan Media Officer Clifton Sing a Hymn In October, Sacred Heart Foundation hosted their annual Sing a Hymn, raising money for themselves and for research into Motor Neurone Disease, the charity supported by our President Pat Uglow. This event was particularly poignant for members of St Joseph’s Foundation, as one of the hymns had been suggested by Chris Everett, their Treasurer, recently deceased. When arranging her funeral the family members were unable to suggest hymns, so Fr Tom asked the UCM if they knew of any Chris had liked. Serendipitously, she had given in a list of three favourite hymns to be considered for the sing a hymn event, and two of these were sung at her funeral. In December at our Mass in St Gerard Majella, Knowle, in lieu of sending out cards, Pat Uglow lit a candle and we prayed for all UCM Officers and members. We are now busy concentrating on hosting arrangements for the National Study Days, and look forward to meeting and greeting all attendees. Monica Ovel. Media Officer Clifton Diocese

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Page 6 Spring 2017 The Catholic Mother Day Of Recollection On Wednesday 9th November a small group of A & B members met at St Teresa’s, Merstham for a day of recollection. Father Anthony Hale, who led the day, started with a talk on Dame Julian of Norwich. Although she lived in the 14th century, Dame Julian speaks to our time. She was an anchoress in pre-reformation years and lived in a cell attached to the church of St Julian’s in Norwich. Her writings give an account of her religious experience and are known as her ‘Showings’ or as ‘Revelations of Divine Love’. Father Anthony then heard confessions before celebrating Holy Mass. After lunch we went into the church to say the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary with reflections by Pope Francis, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Rosemary Tierney Media Officer Arundel and Brighton ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON My Christmas Story A few days before Christmas I was in my regular Supermarket and, having collected the items I needed, I was having all my shopping, including frozen items, bagged up for free delivery, whereupon opening my purse to pay the cashier I realised, to my horror, that I had not picked up any of the notes which I had inadvertently left on my dining table. I had no cards with me and the staff were left with unpacking it all. I was in sheer disbelief at my stupidity and from the queue behind me I could hear the sighs of "we would get stuck behind this old dear wouldn’t we?”, but standing behind me one angel of Christmas touched me on the shoulder and said "I will pay your bill and leave you my address". I borrowed pen and paper (I was never a Girl Guide!!) and she wrote down her address for me, but as I was walking home I realised I had not given her my name, telephone number or any form of contact. Needless to say, later that day my brother took the money back to her together with a ‘thank you’ bottle of wine. Who, in this day and age, would do that? As I had tearfully thanked her she just said "well it’s Christmas". The Supermarket staff said that in all their years they had only known this to happen once before. No present could have pleased me more this Christmas than the kindness of this stranger. Iris Edwards Secretary St Maries UCM Rugby. Knitting for Christmas Mary Staples’ knitting will have brought joy to many of our fellow Christians in Bethlehem this year. For months Mary has been making Christmas tree decorations the sale of which raised around £200 for Friends of the Holy Land, the ecumenical charity which supports Christians in Palestine and elsewhere in the Middle East. It is a wonder how Mary found the time - she is a foster mother, chair of governors of a school, freelance consultant to the NHS as well as the UCM Birmingham Diocese Wolverhampton section secretary and treasurer to her UCM foundation, St Peter’s Bloxwich. Her mother Sue Gnosil a much loved member of the foundation sadly passed away earlier this year. Susan Martin Diocesan Media Officer Archdiocese of Birmingham Day at Colwich Abbey On September 25th, a group of about 30 members went on a day retreat to St. Mary’s Abbey in Colwich. On our arrival, we were greeted by Mother Davina. At 10.30 we went to the chapel for Holy Mass with the nuns, celebrated by the Abbey’s resident priest. We had a very uplifting mass that set the mood for the day. After mass we joined the nuns in their office. By now it was 12.30 and time to tuck in to our packed lunches and chat to our friends from the different foundations. With still time before we joined up for a talk, given by a visiting priest from Amplefort, some of the mothers went for a walk in the Abbey grounds and tranquil countryside. There is a feeling of serenity both inside and outside of the Abbey that rubs off on you. Back inside at 2.00pm we assembled to enjoy what turned out to be a very humorous talk on his highs and lows of trying to convince his parish priest that he wanted to become a priest. All his family and friends thought it was a whim because as a teenager he had been indifferent to religion. As he got older he was getting feelings telling him God wanted him. He had tried to disregard these feelings but they wouldn’t go away. That was when he went to see the priest. We could have listened to him all day, he was very entertaining and had us all laughing at his stories and why he joined the Benedictines. Mother Davina then gave us a talk on St Benedict and showed us a tape on his life and the meanings of the signs on the Benedictine’s medal. Needless to say, we were all fascinated by St Benedict’s life, but time was running short so we finished with a short prayer service. We did have time for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of the nun’s homemade fruit cake before we said our goodbyes to the nuns and their beautiful dog who wanted a fuss making. After a very long but uplifting day we went on our way home. K Watson North Staffs UCM BIRMINGHAM Dementia - UCM Southwark Study Day, Bromley, Saturday 29 October 2016 David Bell, from dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, gave us an enlightening talk on this recently much reported topic, which was followed by a very lively Q & A – we all had so many questions that we wanted answered. Dementia is a term that covers ca. 100 different illnesses, mainly age-related, although some rarer forms occur under the age of 65. Importantly, not everyone is going to get it. The government is heavily investing in early diagnosis. Significant signs can be if someone gets lost when they are out, cannot follow easy directions, or their behaviour changes markedly. We are not talking about simple forgetfulness, e.g. what did I come into this room for? Although there are as yet no cures, early treatment can rule out other physical causes of memory loss, e.g. thyroid problems, and even if a dementia illness is diagnosed, there are drugs, which can help improve attention span and cognition, so enabling the person to better process information. Also, the sooner the diagnosis is received, the sooner some form of support care/advice can be accessed, even in these cash-strapped days. There are just 200 Admiral Nurses covering the whole country, four based in Sutton, our nearest centre – they work with families, hospitals and hospices. They do have a 24 hour helpline: 0800 888 6678. Admiral Nurses come under the auspices of the charity Dementia UK. Most of us are one person away from someone living with dementia, so we need to think in terms of disability, for the person it can be like living in a fog, frightening and frustrating. So calming music and calming body language can help a lot. Most people are cared for at home. If in a care home, we need to let staff know as much about the individual as possible, e.g. if a football or tennis fan, so can watch relevant programmes, what work they did, other interests, to enable staff to understand behaviours. Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent – 60% of cases, then vascular dementia 25%. Our dementia statistics seem to be very similar to other countries worldwide. How we can help ourselves: A healthy lifestyle can help prevent vascular dementia, (from mini-strokes, cardiovascular disease) and according to NICE, the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence, even with Alzheimer’s, some recent studies suggest that physical exercise, the more vigorous the better, can have a beneficial effect in keeping people healthy well into older ages. Social exercise – the stimulation of meeting people and enjoying company – is very important, as older people can get very isolated. Depression seems to have an effect on dementia. Cognitive exercise – yes, Sudoku and crosswords!!, but also learning a new language helps the brain to develop new pathways, and keep the brain healthy. Our grateful thanks to UCM Southwark’s Helen Thompson for arranging the speaker and to UCM Bromley for hosting this engrossing study day. Margaret Culley, UCM Deptford SOUTHWARK

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The Catholic Mother Spring 2017 Page 7 A Special Thankyou Sean Fox and his family would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of sympathy, the many Mass Cards and the beautiful flowers they received following the recent loss of Norrie Fox, beloved wife and mother. Special thanks go to the members of the UCM who formed a guard of honour for Norrie and read beautifully at her Funeral Mass. The family would also like to thank those who made donations in Norrie’s memory; you kindly raised £906 which will be divided equally between Cancer Research UK and the MS Society UK. A Mass will be offered for your intentions. Amanda Fox The Hallam UCM Annual Christmas Lunch 2016 On Saturday 26th November, our members enjoyed meeting up and having our Christmas lunch at the Holiday Inn, Rotherham. We had the pleasure of the company of Mrs. Val Ward the UCM National President. This was also the opportunity for fund raising for the Bluebell Wood Hospice. We were able to purchase Christmas stockings knitted by some of the members of St. Vincent’s Foundation, Sheffield. A good time was had by all. Dorothy Anderson Diocesan Media Officer Hallam HALLAM On Friday 23rd September the members of the Union of Catholic Mothers of the Hallam Diocese, organised a Fashion Show in the Church Hall. Mrs. Sheena Field, representing the ‘Medaille Trust’ attended to raise awareness of this Catholic Charity which offers help to victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. The varied items of clothing were provided and displayed thanks to ‘Ann’ and her team from ‘Edinburgh Woollen Mills’ of Retford. Ladies and gentlemen from the Parish entertained us while modelling the latest fashions and refreshments were enjoyed by everyone afterwards. Dorothy Anderson Diocesan Media Officer Hallam Fashion Show At St Joseph’s, Retford Mass Of Thanksgiving At St Marie’s Cathedral Sheffield Chaplain to the Hallam Union of Catholic Mothers at St. Marie’s Cathedral. It was attended by Mrs. Sheila Godley, the Diocesan President also by past and present members of the Diocese of Hallam in thanksgiving for their work in this Year of Mercy. Dorothy Anderson Diocesan Media Officer Hallam Sunday 21st May- 28th May Sunday 10th September - 17th September 2017 Flying from Newcastle Airport £589 Plus Insurance if required MARIE BEDINGFIELD 07544 540464/ 01642- 530739 Atol No:10206 MEDJUGORJE 2017 (plus single supplement )

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Page 8 Spring 2017 The Catholic Mother NOTTINGHAM Study day at Our Lady of Good Council, Leicester The day was organised by our Study Officer, Maureen Jones. The honoured guest speaker was Rev. Fr. Anthony Pateman, now living in retirement but based at St Peter’s, Hinckley Road, Leicester, having previously served at Sileby and Syston prior to his retirement Fr. Anthony explained his family links within the area of Leicestershire. We were shown many old photographs, belonging to his late mother Agnes, of former social gatherings - some of the older member’s present were able to name many of the ladies who have since gone to their maker. Agnes was a founder member who served on the Sub- Committee for Study Days. Kathy Gelling Diocesan Media Officer Nottingham Diocese Celebrating 52 years of Ordination On this day, Fr. Anthony was celebrating his 52 years since his ordination. A card was duly signed by all present and was given a donation to mark the occasion. Prior to the start of the meeting we were invited to look underneath the table cloths to see if we were going to be honoured with Fr. Anthony gracing us with his presence for lunch at our table! Fr Anthony thanked the members of the U.C.M. in general for their hard work and dedication to so many causes, one such a memorable occasion for himself being taking part in the Walsingham Pilgrimage, Slipper Chapel, Holy Chapel, the Holy Mile and the Benediction in the Abbey Grounds In 1965. Having been in England for only six months he recalled how the U.S.A. Air Force carried the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham. It was mentioned that a Mrs Buchannan had left money for Masses to be said for deceased members. Fr. Anthony also recalled how St. Margaret Clitherow, our Patron Saint, had a painful and agonising death, suffering this all for her faith. Fr. Anthony enlightened us on The Hoy Year of Mercy and of the many graces and blessing we have received. Remembering a quotation from Pope Francis “that Jesus never tires of forgiving" Finally, we were given an A4 sheet of paper, on which was copied a written quotation from Luke Chapter 15:11-32 - Twice a fool for love! Frances Goodman, the then Media officer gave Father a vote of thanks on our behalf. Kathy Gelling Diocesan Media Officer Nottingham St Mary’s Shoe Box Collections Around six years ago, Saint Mary’s.U.C.M. of South Wigston Leicester began collecting shoe boxes filled with hand knitted hats, books, thick socks - men’s toiletries, biscuits and sweets for the Seafarers Mission in Immingham. These boxes are given to these hard working seamen around Christmastime -when they are miles away from home - with often no contact with their families for months. This year we have collected and delivered, with some help from our parishioner’s and friends. Anne Kelly Saint Mary’s Foundation Nottingham Presentation To Mrs. Frances Goodman, Retiring Media Officer For The Nottingham Diocese A Blue Orchid was presented by our Diocesan President, Mrs. Pauline Hallam, to Francis for many years of faithful service. Frances has been a Diocesan committee member for many years, holding various posts, for which Pauline thanked her on behalf of all members. Kathy Gelling Diocesan Media Officer Nottingham Diocese Bishop Patrick celebrates UCM Mass Saturday 24th September 2016 saw His Lordship Bishop Patrick, celebrate Holy Mass for the Union of Catholic Mothers and The Catholic Women’s League. At Bishop Patrick request, the Mass said was that of Our Lady of Walsingham, as which the date was her feast day. St Margaret Clitherow is also the Patron Saint of both Sodalities The Mass followed the 2016 A.G.M. of The Union of Catholic Mothers. We try to have this event at a different foundation each year. We now have plans in hand for 2017! Foundation members came from around the diocese, numbering around 40 plus. In attendance was Mrs Anne Emblem who represents The Union of Catholic Mothers at the Catholic Women of the Year. Everyone enjoyed a lovely selection of food, which members contributed to the table. Ladies from the Loughborough foundation did the flowers, with a theme of Blue and Yellow. Also as usual the U.C.M. ladies of St Mary’s, Loughborough, helped in the kitchen - they know their place!! Fr Philip Sainter kindly loaned us his table cloths, returned as promised, all washed and duly ironed. My special thanks must go to Fr Paul Gillham, for his undivided attention in the preparation of the details for Mass. Of course I have to thank Mr Noel Henry, our organist here at St. Mary’s, for playing the dots (his own words) Lastly thank you to Mrs Maureen Jones who’s held and guidance is invaluable. Pauline Hallam Nottingham Diocesan President St Mary’s South Wigston Tour of St Barnabas’s Cathedral Members and guests of St. Mary’s South Wigston were treated to a tour around St. Barnabus’s Cathedral Nottingham, plus the Crypt which has been opened to invited guests for the Year of Mercy. Father Jonathan Rose was our extremely knowledgeable guide. Later we went nearby to the Venerable Mary Potter Heritage Centre where Sister Anita and volunteers guided us around this most interesting Exhibition. Following this we enjoyed a meal nearby. One of our members was celebrating her birthday and we all had a slice of her surprise cake. In all, a lovely day! Anne Kelly Nottingham Diocese Dates for your Dairy 18 February 2017 National Committee meeting at the Women at The Well - London 22-24 March 2017 National Study Days - The Hayes Swanwick Clifton hosting 15-17 May 2017 National Council & AGM - The Hayes Swanwick Plymouth hosting, Bishop Mark O’Toole will attend on 16th May 17 June 2017 (this may be changed to 24 June) National Committee Meeting at the Women at the Well, London 3 - 4 July 2017 73rd Walsingham Pilgrimage 2 September 2017 National Committee meeting at the Women at The Well - London 20 – 22 November 2017 The Hayes Swanwick 7th October 2017 Diocesan Officers meeting St Chad’s Birmingham President’s Visits 2017 6-8 March 2017 UCM Wales AGM, Park Inn Hotel, Cardiff 19-20 May 2017 UCM Scotland AGM Pauline Hallam U.C.M. Diocesan President, Stephanie Crook, C.W.L. President, Bishop Patrick, Anne Emblem, U.C.M. National Vice President

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The Catholic Mother Spring 2017 Page 9 SOUTHWARK Westminster Cathedral guided tour On Thursday 6th October 2016 a group from St. Elphege`s Foundation visited Westminster Cathedral for a guided tour. As we were making ourselves known to the guide, Maureen, a young priest came over to speak to us. He introduced himself as Fr. Brian O`Mahony, one of the chaplains at the Cathedral, and he informed us that while he was acquainting himself with the week`s activities in the Cathedral he came upon our name in the appointments` calendar. This was a reminder to him that he had been baptised in St. Elphege`s church 38 years before and that he had spent his early months in Wallington. He was very pleased to see us, and we suggested that he might come back to the parish church where he had received his Baptism and perhaps give a talk to the UCM. Our wonderful guide, Maureen, then took us on our guided tour, beginning in the Baptistry with its huge octagonal Baptismal font, and she explained the Biblical significance of the number 8. Maureen explained the significance of everything she showed to us and she was extremely knowledgeable about everything in the Cathedral, and the architects and the designers. Then on to the elegant and ornate chapels of the early saints of England, St. Patrick and St. Andrew. Each of them was decorated with different marble columns from Italy, Connemara, Iona and Denmark, and each of them had beautiful mosaic decorations representing the Christian heritage of our islands. Next stop was the stunning Lady Chapel decorated with the Biblical stories about Our Lady`s Life, in dazzling gilt and blue mosaics. The High Altar was most impressive with its altar stone of Cornish granite and its magnificent Byzantine Cross hanging from the roof. The choir stall is behind the altar so that the choristers can be heard but not seen during the services, unlike the custom in medieval Cathedrals. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament was hushed in silent prayer and we did not enter it,. but Maureen explained the liturgical significance of the mosaic panels which made reference to Our Lord`s Precious Body and Blood. St. George`s Chapel is under restoration at the moment and we were unable to enter it, but Maureen informed us that it will be re-opened very soon. A beautiful Chapel to St. Joseph was where we finished our guided tour because we wanted to attend the 12.30 Mass. After Mass and a light lunch in the Cathedral cafe, we went up in the lift to the top of the Bell Tower. The visibility was perfect and we had a splendid view, picking out the well-known sights of London. A massive amount of construction is taking place all around Victoria Station and in Cardinal Place- modern glass structures, but none of them are able to obscure the Cathedral and the Light of Faith. A truly memorable day. Mary Burt President of Wallington foundation Southwark A big welcome A big welcome to eight new members for the Southwark, Sutton Foundation, where they were enrolled by Father Jim McGillicuddy at their Advent Evening on 29th November 2016. A further two members were enrolled at the Christmas Party on 13th December with Diocesan Officers present. The new members were a result of a very successful recruitment drive in September 2016 with the help of the Diocesan Committee. Joan Abreu - Paola Ballbo, Margaret Cosco, Betty Cotter, Nicole Jones, Margaret Merton, Oliver Norman, Moira Wheeler, Yvonne Wyatt and Liz Todd Sharon Bishop Diocesan Media Officer Archdiocese of Southwark On June 19th this year, our Priest, Canon Frank Moran, celebrated the golden jubilee of his Ordination. As well as the party and other celebrations we had to mark the occasion we thought up one more extra special gift......IF it could be arranged! Which everyone said we had no hope of doing! The aim was for him to be able to Celebrate Mass at the Altar of the Grotto in Lourdes. For 40 yrs. Fr. has been to Lourdes at least once every year with the HCPT. (Handicapped Children`s Pilgrimage Trust.) and with his parishes, so has clocked up about 70 visits, and has a huge love and devotion for Our Lady and her special place. It seemed to me that he deserved the privilege of Celebrating Mass in the place where she herself had chosen to appear. It took a year of emails from me, and visits to the booking office by our wonderful Tangney Tours rep in Lourdes, Lisa, who backed me endlessly in requesting a Mass at that Altar. Finally on June 11th came an ecstatic email from Lisa that the Sheppey Catholic Parish were booked in for the Grotto Mass at 7.30am on Weds. Sept. 7th. On the strict understanding that no guarantees were being given except that it would be in English, but if any other member of the clergy senior in rank to our Canon should request the same time and date, our Fr. Frank would have to yield the main Celebrant position, but would be allowed to Concelebrate. Not at all what we hoped for, so we had to keep up the prayers and leave it in Our Lady`s hands. Her Altar, her gift! We arrived in Lourdes on the Monday to the good news that no other priests had asked for that Mass, Fr. Frank was still the Celebrant! However on Weds morning came the dreaded news that about 10 Priests were booked for it. We all went to the Grotto very early to try and discover the ranks of these other claimants to our Canon`s Mass. Impossible task. I even asked one of the Marshals to go to the Sacristy and ask exactly how many priests were celebrating and what their status was? But they were all guarded too well by the Sr. Sacristan! He got no joy. I invaded that holy of holies myself, intending to ask any senior clergy if they would yield the Mass to our Golden boy, but had no better success with the Sacristan, than the Marshal had. We just had to wait till the priests came out. I had a quick word with a higher authority even than the Sr. Sacristan, .....Our Lady herself, standing over the Altar in her niche. I reminded her that she been with us so far, and begged her not to desert us at this stage. And she did not! As the Entrance Procession came out with a long line of clergy, we could not see Canon Frank anywhere.... Exactly what we wanted! He needed to be last out, and so he was! He had got his well deserved role as Main Celebrant. A great many tears of joy were shed by the parishioners of the Centre of the Universe.....as he has dubbed us!..... Tears of relief, and joy and pride. His opening address was very touching as he told everyone this was the final celebration of his Golden year, and how privileged he felt to be able to Celebrate Mass here and how proud his Mother would have been if she`d been here. We added our tears to his as he went to the Altar to start Mass to a massive round of applause from all those present, not just his own Parishioners. And after Mass several of the other groups who had shared our special Mass came and said how welcome they had felt, and how very close we all were. And what a wonderful Priest we had. All very true! We also had an unexpected bonus, in that we had concentrated all our efforts on getting Fr to be the Celebrant but as soon as he was told that he was, he said that he wanted his own Deacon to serve for him! So we had two members of the Centre of the Universe on the Grotto Altar. Then we also had another priest with us who has an Islander, and whose mother still lived on the Island, though Fr. Chris himself had a London parish now, so three members of the Centre of the Universe on the Grotto Altar, and finally a member of our parish did the readings, so at that time there were four members of the Centre of the Universe on the Grotto Altar! We must have been the smallest "country" in the Domain that week, but we had the largest representation on the altar of Our Lady.! A record of some kind surely! Mary vanDyke Media Officer, Sheppey Foundation, Southwark Grotto Mass Tyburn Convent Visit On July 1st twelve members of West Norwood Foundation spent a fascinating day at Tyburn Convent in London as the guests of the contemplative Benedictine Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre – the “Tyburn nuns”. Their monastery is close to the site of Tyburn near Marble Arch where 105 Roman Catholics suffered martyrdom for their faith between the years 1534 and 1681. The life of the youthful Tyburn community is focused on Eucharistic adoration and prayer for the needs of the whole human family. Our day began with a fascinating talk by novice Sister Thomasina on the Tyburn martyrs and the foundation of this religious congregation in 1898. After a picnic lunch, Tyburn’s prioress, Mother Catherine, showed an excellent film of the eight “Tyburn” houses around the world. Our parish priest Father Anthony Cassidy celebrated Mass for us in the Crypt of the Martyrs and we ended the day with a visit to the grave of Mother Foundress, Marie Adele Garnier. The day was spiritually nourishing and extremely enjoyable. We strongly recommend a Tyburn visit to other Foundations. Sharon Bishop Diocesan Media Officer Archdiocese of Southwark Canon Frank Moran and Deacon Paul Glock at the Altar

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Page 10 Spring 2017 The Catholic Mother LIVERPOOL £100 raised for the Medaille Trust On the 3 November, after a very informative talk, Richard Owen diocesan representative from the Medaille Trust was presented with a donation of £100 raised by a Bring and Buy on the night also many useful items collected over a number of weeks. Later in the month our final fundraiser of the year enabled £450 to be given to The Friends of Bury Young Carers, for their Christmas party, two very worthwhile causes. Wishing all our foundation members a very happy and peaceful New Year. Carole, St Hilda’s Foundation Pictured right: Susie Cookson, president, Pauline Roe, treasurer, myself Carole White, secretary and members Shelia Murphy, Jean Gee, and Bernadette Marsh. Susie Cookson, President, Pauline Roe, Treasurer, Carole White, Secretary and members Shelia Murphy, Jean Gee, and Bernadette M arsh. 50th Anniversary of Ordination Rev Mgr John Butchard, former Spiritual Advisor to the Liverpool Archdiocesan UCM with his family, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Mgr Butchard continues to be an enthusiastic supporter of UCM. Madeleine McDonald Diocesan Media Officer Archdiocese of Liverpool 60 Year Certificate May Leach is shown with Fr David Potter, Spiritual Advisor, and Maria Bruns, President, receiving her 60 Year Certificate of membership of UCM. May is a member of St Clare’s foundation and takes an active part in all of their activities. Madeleine McDonald Diocesan Media Officer Archdiocese of Liverpool St Paul’s Retreat Day On 24th September Foundation Members went on a day’s Retreat. It was prepared by two members of the committee and based on the Year of Mercy. The morning started with each person being handed a balloon and they were asked to write down on one side what they thought they received from the church and what was important to them. On the other side they were asked to write down what was important to them in their everyday life. Most wrote down some connection with their families. The other side took a lot of thought, leading to much discussion. After lunch, several members were given a part of the story of the Prodigal Son. These were read out and a discussion followed about the act of mercy shown by the father. How did we think we would have acted had we been either of the sons? The afternoon ended with the Jubilee Prayer of Mercy and each member was handed a copy of "The Bible, a Letter from God" which was given to us at this year’s National Study. We finished with a quotation from Mother Julian of Norwich, written in the 14th Century:- "Mercy works, Protecting, Tolerating, Bringing Life and Healing, and all is from the tenderness of Love". Margaret McDonald St Paul’s Archdiocese of Liverpool A baby memorial for St Wilfred’s Widnes St Wilfred’s, a new combined parishes UCM Foundation for the Widnes Community formed in 2016 has completed its first project. This is to provide a Baby Memorial in St Bede’s Church. It is dedicated to all stillborn babies. babies who die shortly after birth, miscarried babies, aborted babies, and babies whose final resting place is unknown. The chapel is available every day for prayer and quiet contemplation. Many tears have been shed and comfort received. Margaret Maguire UCM St Wilfred’s Secretary.

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The Catholic Mother Spring 2017 Page 11 Papal Awards for Two Sisters Two sisters from St Mary’s UCM Morecambe Foundation in the Lancaster Diocese have received Papal Awards from Pope Francis. Winefride Ward and Frances Burton receive the honours from the Pope for a combined 137 years of service at St Marys Church Morecambe. The Holy Cross Medal to Win for her work as the church organist for the past 70 years which she began playing in 1946, In between playing the organ she was a mother to five children. Frances was awarded the Bene Merenti medal for 68 years of service to the Church Choir she joined in 1947 when she was 11. She was choir mistress from 1973 until 2015.They have now retired Bishop Michael Campbell presented the awards on Sunday 16th October 2016 Joanne Burns Lancaster Diocese LANCASTER Re-dedication Mass Re-dedication Mass St Joseph’s Reddish, Stockport, had a wonderfully uplifting Mass con-celebrated by Fr. John Coe our new Spirtual adviser for the diocese of Salford, Fr Philip Coldwell and Fr. Moss O’Connell. Two new members were enrolled, Jill Shard and Rachel McElhone Eileen Goodwin Diocesan Media Officer Leeds From left to right Rachel McElhone, Fr. John, Jill Shard LEEDS A Passage to India As the majority of the Members of St Ignatius UCM are of a ‘certain age’, the film ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ naturally appeals to us, so, when we were thinking of a theme for our latest fund raising evening the film was mentioned and was accepted enthusiastically. One of our younger members suggested asking a very popular local Indian restaurant if they would supply the food which they agreed to do. This turned out to be an inspired suggestion. The restaurant was very well known to a lot of parishioners so we had no trouble selling tickets. We decorated the parish centre in what we hoped was an authentic Indian style and each of our guests had a garland placed around their neck as they arrived. We had Indian music playing in the background and a quiz about India which was set by Mark Woodhouse, the husband of our secretary. The husband of our Deputy President is a member of a trio who play acoustic guitars and they agreed to play for us during the evening. The picture shows our Deputy President Julia Taylor with two of our guests. The whole evening was a great success and we raised over £500 for the charity Save The Children. Pamela Watkins President St Ignatius UCM Ossett Rosary Rally On Saturday 22nd October, Leeds Diocese UCM Rosary Rally took place in St Ann’s Cathedral. Due to the ill health of Mrs Aileen Queenan(the original organiser), Mrs Margaret Chambers, Diocesan Study Day Officer, took over the reins. Leeds mothers were joined by UCM from both Middlesbrough and Shrewsbury Dioceses. Mrs Pat Atha, Diocese President welcomed everyone to the Cathedral and following the Rosary procession Canon Laurie Hulme, our Chaplain, celebrated Benediction. Mrs Maureen Thompson sang two wonderful solos and mothers enjoyed an afternoon tea in the Cathedral Hall before leaving for home. Eileen Goodwin Diocesan Media Officer Leeds Pilgrimage Of Mercy The Anglican Cathedral of Ripon was the venue chosen by Bishop Marcus Stock for the Leeds Diocese Pilgrimage for the year of Mercy. On Saturday 8th October, Bishop Marcus celebrated High Mass with a packed congregation of Catholics from all over Yorkshire. The Catholic Youth Choir from Bradford sang beautifully from their position behind the high altar and a large number of priests occupied the choir stalls. UCM members attended in their droves and when the Mass was over enjoyed a lovely afternoon wandering the cobbled streets of the small city of Ripon. Eileen Goodwin Diocesan Media Officer Leeds Bishop Marcus, Bishop of Leeds.

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Page 12 Spring 2017 The Catholic Mother SALFORD It is Saturday 13th August and here we are again in Bolivia, Our journey was to say the least, challenging. From door to door it took 46 hours. As usual we landed running as we are in the middle of the great feast of Urkupina. Friday 5th August we were sorting out the banner of Our Lady of Walsingham which we used during the big procession the following day. We were told by friends that they had seen us on TV and our photo was in the newspaper!!!!! So everyone knows the contingency from England has arrived!! Thousands will be arriving for the feast, last year 600,000 came from Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and other countries. Sadly there is a drought here, we are lucky to have water in the house. We could send sunshine to you all if you send rain. As always, but this time later than usual, we want to share how we distributed the funds kindly donated last year. Miraculously, this help always seems to go further than we would have imagined. 1) $2,500 has gone to the Salomon Klein orphanage in the city of Cochabamba. This is the magnificent home to 160 little ones under seven. We were also able to allocate to this home a further $400 to help fund a part-time psychologist to spend time with a group of the children who have Special Needs. We have had often had joy of visiting this orphanage, for whose children our friend, Emma, has been caring during the past 36 years, and now, as the Director with full responsibility, she struggles to keep the home going. She cannot thank you all enough for so much support which enabled her to buy milk and medicines. 2) $1,000 to the Sisters of Bethany, with whom we stay in Quillacollo, for their projects; they are hoping to open a well needed Kinder in the future, at present they have charge of an after school club situated in a very deprived area, where lunch is provided during term time and help is given with homework. $1,000 to the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions for their various projects in Bolivia and Peru; One of the Sisters lent $100 dollars to a lady who bought boxes of sweets, she then sold them individually, building up a tiny business and will return the money to Sister, money is then given to another person who will do the same. Micro businesses can work so well. As always we were made to feel so at home with the Sisters, we have now visited all their communities in Bolivia and Peru. $1,000 to the Carmelite Sisters for the Primary school, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The school is functioning really well. Thanks to a small Bolivian foundation based in the USA they have now built four new classrooms, so the Primary school is complete. $100 to help a young mother of two to set up her little home-based shop; which is progressing slowly but surely. $100 to help another young mother who periodically works in Chile to earn money for her family; she sends money back home to help educate her young son. It isn’t easy leaving children behind but sometimes the only way they can earn enough money. $100 for the school uniforms and other clothes we bought in the market for five children whose family situation is very difficult. $100 to another family experiencing difficulties. Without uniforms and basic equipment children cannot go to school. $200 for medicines, medical investigations, and accommodation for a young man with a chronic illness. This has been a good help, but we worry for his future, he has found work and even works the days of his dialysis, you can imagine this is incredibly tiring. Thankfully the government have recently made it possible to get dialysis paid for by the state. $700 to Hogar San Martin. Shoko the director was so grateful for the help. Sadly the world economic crisis is hitting her badly. She has devoted her life to some of the most vulnerable young people, it would be devastating if the home were to close. She only had funds until October, but miracles do happen and to date the hogar is still open. $100 to support a young man, former resident of the hogar, who despite all odds is working and managing to live independently. We see so many examples of people managing against all the odds. Education is so important to them. $50 to a young girl to help with her studies. We have also supported an elderly lady with a severely physically and mentally handicapped daughter. One could argue, and when you are gone, what will she do? This is true, but isn’t it better to do something than nothing. Each month we pay rent for a young family who otherwise would be on the streets, they have a small adobe room, but at least the children have a stable place to live with their mother. Thanks to the kindness of our friend we continue to send money each month to support one of the young girls brought up in the orphanage, she has now commencing her fifth year of medicine. It is so wonderful to see all those we have known for the past fourteen years and to see the next generation coming along. All the clothes and gifts we took were distributed. In Bolivia we bought food and other goods to help vulnerable families. As always, we could not do this without your support, thanks so much on behalf of the families and children of Bolivia. Recently we had a cake sale in our neighbouring parish, this with tombola, sale of cards and donations raised an amazing £600!!! We had an afternoon tea in our local parish. Great friends had baked scones and cakes, made cards, brought a little bric a brac, a group of students from the Barlow RC High School gave up their Saturday to help out. Despite the awful weather we raised £1133 on the day. This increased to £1250. How can we thank everyone for so much help? The Barlow High School gave us £1000, they have supported us over the last fourteen years. We have had very generous donations from family and friends. Please believe us this will really help in Bolivia. A donation from money raised at the afternoon tea has been sent to a project for the Street Children in El Salvador. Most of all we do appreciate your kindness and support. Life is hard everywhere, the UK included. What we all do may only seem a drop in the ocean but each drop is important. Hasta luego Peter and Lynda Waine. St John’s Chorlton. Salford Diocese Visit to Wardley Hall Members from St. Ann’s, Stretford, and St. John’s, Chorlton, visited Wardley Hall, the home of the Bishops of Salford for many years, where we enjoyed a very pleasant and interesting afternoon. We were treated to a fascinating tour of the Hall and were able to see the skull of St. Ambrose Barlow and many articles and antiques donated over the years. We joined in prayers for the Holy Father’s intentions and walked through the Holy Door reflecting on the Year of Mercy. Refreshments were served by Maria and her team for which we were very grateful and we had an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Wardley Hall and its history. St. Ambrose Barlow was born in Barlow Hall, Manchester in 1585. He converted to Catholicism in 1607 and studied in France and Spain to become a priest, returning to England in 1617. Despite the grave danger this involved, he conducted his ministry in secret, serving the people of Lancashire for 24 years. He was arrested and released 4 times, but in March 1641 Charles 1 decreed that all priests should leave the country within one calendar month or risk being captured and tried as a traitor. On Easter Sunday 1641 he was arrested and charged with being a Catholic Priest and on 10th September he was hanged, drawn and quartered and boiled in oil. His head was put on a spike and displayed at Lancaster Castle as a deterrent to other priests and indeed Catholics in the county. He became known as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales and canonised by Pope Paul VI on 25th October 1970. His skull has been stolen and mysteriously returned many times, giving the name of “The House of the Skull” and creating the story that the Hall is haunted. Maureen Hurst Salford Diocese Maureen Mayers at Carnegie Hall Following a successful trip to Germany in August 11 members of the Eccles Community Choir packed their bags and set off for New York to sing with massed choirs at the Carnegie Hall in Manhatton.The members of choirs from all over America the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland gathered for the first rehearsal with the conductor, and composer of Eternal Light, a requiem composed by Howard Goodall. I think I can safely say everybody found it challenging. Unfortunately, I found myself on the front row (due to my height) and was petrified to find myself eyeball to eyeball with the Conductor (I wished I had said I was 5 6”). However on the night everything went well. The experience of performing at such a venue was tremendous. A memory never to be forgotten as was the whole trip. We walked miles, ate in diner’s and at the Lullaby of Broadway Club, also a special meal at a posh Italian restaurant. We strolled round Central Park visited Bloomingdale’s store (and spent some dollars). We went to the theatre, and enjoyed the hustle & bustle of Times Square. We got involved with two gospel singers on the underground and had an impromptu sing song and had a photograph taken at the top of the Rock, and of course I went to St Patricks Cathedral, very impressive, there is a beautiful Statue of Mother Teresa inside. I lit a candle for all my friends and family . The highlight of the trip of course was the performance followed by a champagne reception At Rosie O’Grady’s. I can only use the words of the song “Oh what a night” to describe the whole experience. What could be better as UCM members know well, than sharing special moments with friends. Unfortunately, we couldn’t fit in a meeting with Donald!!! Due to our very busy schedule. Maureen Mayers Deputy National President Challenging Journey in Bolivia

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The Catholic Mother Spring 2017 Page 13 NATIONAL PRESIDENT  Becomes one of the three trustees of The Union of Catholic Mothers; the other two trustees are the National Treasurer and National Secretary.  The three trustee officers work closely as a team regarding all matters relating to The U.C.M.  Chairs National Council & Annual General Meeting; Trustee meetings. Diocesan Officers Meeting, National Committee Meetings, Ad hoc meetings and the Walsingham Sub Committee.  Attends and leads the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.  Attends and votes on behalf of UCM at the 4 yearly WUCWO Assembly.  Liaises with the National Vice Presidents regarding the National Study Days.  Needs to have a thorough knowledge of the Constitution of The UCM.  Needs to have an overview of the tasks and remit of all members of the National Committee.  Represents UCM on the Executive of the National Board of Catholic Women and at Board Meetings.  Liaises with other organisations as well as representing UCM at many other functions and meetings to which she is invited.  When invited visits each Diocese once during her term of office.  Writes a column for each edition of the Catholic Mother Newspaper.  Facebook Administrator.  The National President should be available to give advice at all times. NATIONAL SECRETARY  Becomes one of the three trustees of The Union of Catholic Mothers; the other two trustees are the National President and the National Treasurer.  The three trustee officers work closely as a team regarding all matters relating to The U.C.M.  Attends Trustee meetings, National Committee meetings, National Council and Annual General meeting, Diocesan Officers meeting, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required.  Needs to have a thorough knowledge of the Constitution of The UCM.  Needs to have an overview of the tasks and remit of all members of the National Committee.  Compiles the Agendas for all meetings and then compiles the Minutes. Complies the Annual Report and the National Officers reports.  Monitor emails and action if necessary.  Perform the secretarial duties associated with the role of National Secretary.  Facebook Administrator.  Attends the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.  The National Secretary should be available to give advice at all times. VICE-PRESIDENTS  Represents the National President or other National Officers when the need arises.  Attends National Committee meetings, National Council and Annual General meeting, Diocesan Officers meeting, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required.  The two Vice Presidents share the responsibility for the Mass kit and undertake the duties of Sacristan at National Council, Diocesan Officers Meeting and Committee Meetings.  Liaises with the Diocese responsible for preparing the Liturgy for National Council.  Plans and organises the National Study Conference in conjunction with the National Committee.  Attends Meetings relating to Justice & Peace issues.  Attends the Catholic Union meetings.  Attend the non-executive meetings of the National Board of Catholic Women. (NBCW)  Attends meetings of the National Council of Women (NCW)  Administers the work of the Daily Mass Scheme.  Monitors the Bishops Conference and Pro - Life websites.  Monitors the Friends Circle.  The Vice Presidents will from time to time, submit reports of meetings attended tor insertion in the Catholic Mother.  Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is appreciated.  Compiles the Walsingham Petitions for the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. All nomination forms together with a copy of the candidate’s CV to be sent by To the National Secretary: Mrs Irene Mitchell ucmnatsec@yahoo.co.uk WALSINGHAM SUB COMMITTEE TREA SURER  Attends the Walsingham Sub Committee Meetings, National Council and the Annual General meeting, Diocesan Officers meeting, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required.  Work with the Walsingham Sub Committee regarding all aspects of the pilgrimage.  Deals with all financial aspects of the Walsingham Pilgrimage.  Prepares the Accounts each year and have them checked by a qualified Accountant before sending them to the National treasurer.  Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. WALSINGHAM SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER  Attends the Walsingham Sub Committee Meetings, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required.  Work with the Walsingham Sub Committee regarding all aspects of the pilgrimage.  Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham – Monday and Tuesday.  The duties and tasks assigned to the Sub Committee member are undertaken during pilgrimage days. All nomination forms together with a copy of the candidate’s CV to be sent by To the National Secretary: Mrs Irene Mitchell ucmnatsec@yahoo.co.uk UCM NATIONAL VACANCIES NATIONAL HOLIDAY & REST HOMES Did you know? That the Union of Catholic Mothers have a scheme to help members who have been unwell or could do with a break after an operation? Is there someone within your foundation who might be in need of some respite or just a break? If so Please contact your Diocesan Welfare Officer or Diocesan President who can give you the forms to apply, or ring me for a chat on 01395 274108 - hopefully I will be able to help. This is your chance to help someone within your Foundation or Parish. Lorraine Richards National Holiday & Rest Home Service Coordinator WESTMINISTER Northwood make the Lampedusa Pilgrimage Members of the UCM in Northwood and their friends came together at St Matthew’s to Make the Lampedusa pilgrimage. This is a liturgy of prayers and readings put together by CAFOD reflecting on all those fleeing war, poverty and persecution. A Sicilian carpenter, Francesco Tuccio, made rough crosses from the wreckage of a boat carrying refugees that sank off the island of Lampedusa with great loss of life. The crosses were offered to survivors as a symbol of their rescue and a sign of hope. CAFOD are distributing cards which have a space to write a message of hope for refugees and these will be dedicated at a special service at the end of the year and given to migrant families. We found the liturgy a very moving experience. Monica Scudder Archdiocese of Westminster Closing of the Holy Door, Rome Janette Woodford (Past Diocesan and National President) was in Rome for the Closing of the Holy Door, she says: ‘For all members of UCM, As the Holy Father closed the symbolic, visible gate of Mercy at St Peter’s last Sunday, I prayed for each of you and your families. I hope God’s mercy is always with each one of you and that you will find in your lives many "doors" to open to let in His justice, peace and mercy. God, Bless you all Janette Woodford Archdiocese of Westminster Hounslow Foundation Holy Year During the Holy Year, Hounslow Foundation tried to visit as many Holy Doors within the Diocese as possible, as they felt they were privileged to have a Holy Door at St. Michael and St Martin’s Hounslow Iona Desouz Archdiocese of Westminster Westminster Members form a Guard of Honour Members from foundations from across the Diocese form a guard of honour at the funeral of Norrie Fox who died after a short illness. Norrie was a past Diocesan President and serving Welfare Officer. She was well known within the UCM locally and nationally. Norrie was a great member of our organisation, passionate about sharing her knowledge and information of the UCM. Norrie had a fantastic sense of humour and was a great listener. She will be greatly missed. Mary Wardle Archdiocese of Westminster All nomination/recommendation must be seconded and sent together with a copy of the candidate’s CV by 28th February 2017 To the National Secretary: Mrs Irene Mitchell For more detailed information in relation to any of the advertised posts please contact the National Secretary ucmnatsec@yahoo. co.uk

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Page 14 Spring 2017 The Catholic Mother To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org In preparation for the pilgrimage to Greece later this year I thought it might be helpful to have a short history of the life and journeys of St Paul. It is during his second journey that St Paul visits Athens and Corinth which will be part of our own journey. Paul was an apostle (though not one of the Twelve Apostles) who taught the gospel of the Christ to the first century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. In the mid-30s to the mid-50s AD, he founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe. Paul took advantage of his status as both a Jew and a Roman citizen to minister to both Jewish and Roman audiences. According to writings in the New Testament, Paul was dedicated to the persecution of the early disciples of Jesus in the area of Jerusalem. In the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, Paul was traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus on a mission when the resurrected Jesus appeared to him in a great light. He was struck blind but, after three days, his sight was restored by Ananias of Damascus, and Paul began to preach that Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah and the Son of God. The author of Acts arranges Paul’s travels into three separate journeys. The first journey, led initially by Barnabas, took Paul from Antioch to Cyprus then into southern Asia Minor (Anatolia), and finally returning to Antioch. Paul left for his second missionary journey from Jerusalem and on their trip around the Mediterranean Sea, Paul and his companion Barnabas stopped in Antioch where they decided to separate; Barnabas took John Mark with him, while Silas joined Paul. Paul and Silas initially visited Tarsus (Paul’s birthplace), Derbe and Lystra. In Philippi, Paul and Silas were put in jail but after an earthquake, the gates of the prison fell apart and Paul and Silas could have escaped but remained; this event led to the conversion of the jailor. They continued traveling, going by Berea and then to Athens, where Paul preached to the Jews and God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue and to the Greek intellectuals in the Areopagus. Paul continued from Athens to Corinth where he spent around 18 months and met Priscilla and Aquila who became faithful believers and helped Paul through his other missionary journeys. The couple followed Paul and his companions to Ephesus, and stayed there to start one of the strongest and most faithful churches at that time. In 52 AD, Paul went on alone to Caesarea to greet the Church there. He then traveled north to Antioch, where he stayed for some time before leaving again on a third missionary journey Paul began his third missionary journey by travelling all around the region of Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen, teach and rebuke the believers. Paul then traveled to Ephesus, an important center of early Christianity, and stayed there for almost three years, probably working there as a tentmaker, as he had done when he stayed in Corinth. During his stay in Ephesus, Paul wrote four letters to the church in Corinth. Paul left Ephesus and went through Macedonia into Achaea and stayed in Greece, probably Corinth, for three months during 56–57 AD. Commentators generally agree that Paul dictated his Epistle to the Romans during this period. On their way back to Jerusalem, Paul and his companions visited other cities such as Philippi, Troas, Miletus, Rhodes, and Tyre. Paul finished his trip with a stop in Caesarea, where he and his companions stayed with Philip the Evangelist before finally arriving at Jerusalem. After seven days in Jerusalem, some "Jews from Asia" accused Paul of defiling the temple by bringing gentiles into it. He was seized and dragged out of the temple by an angry mob and narrowly escaped being killed, by surrendering to a group of Roman centurions, who arrested him, put him in chains and took him to the tribune. When a plot to kill Paul on his way to an appearance before the Jews was discovered, he was transported by night to Caesarea Maritima. He was held as a prisoner there for two years, until a new governor reopened his case. When the governor suggested that he be sent back to Jerusalem for further trial, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to "appeal unto Caesar". Finally, Paul and his companions sailed for Rome where Paul was to stand trial for his alleged crimes. On the way to Rome for his appeal as a Roman citizen to Caesar, Paul was shipwrecked on "Melita" (Malta). From Malta, he travelled to Rome via Syracuse, Rhegium and Puteoli finally arriving in Rome around 60AD, where he spent another two years under house arrest. The New Testament does not say when or how Paul died but it is widely accepted that he was beheaded. There is an early tradition found in the writing of Ignatius, probably around 110 AD, that Paul was martyred. The date of Paul’s death is believed to have occurred after the Great Fire of Rome in July 64AD, but before the last year of Nero’s reign, in 68AD. A legend later developed that his martyrdom occurred at the Acquae Salviae, on the Via Laurentina. According to this legend, after Paul was decapitated, his severed head rebounded three times, giving rise to a source of water each time that it touched the ground, which is how the place earned the name "San Paolo alle Tre Fontane" ("St Paul at the Three Fountains"). Also according to legend, Paul’s body was buried outside the walls of Rome, at the second mile on the Via Ostiensis, on the estate owned by a Christian woman named Lucina. The present-day Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls was built there in 1800. Val Ward National President In the footsteps of St Paul

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The Catholic Mother Spring 2017 Page 15 Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first clss mail When phoning please quote MV101 To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON DIOCESE June JEANNE HAYWARD Hove Foundation May BARRATT Founder Member of Battle Foundation BIRMINGHAM ARCHDIOCESE Pat BATES Past Diocesan Media Officer, St Marie and Sacred Heart Foundation Dolly SHARKEY (aged 103) St John Fisher Foundation Elsie WALKER former Diocesan Treasurer, Independent Member Kathy BURKE St Joseph and St Helen Foundation Sue GNOSILL St Peter’s Foundation Margaret WOOTTON St Joseph Darlaston and Holy Trinity Bilston LEEDS DIOCESE Nora DEARNLEY St Ignatius Foundation LIVERPOOL ARCHDIOCESE Molly WINSKILL St Joseph’s Foundation Dorothy IRELAND St Oswald’s Foundation Joan CAMPBELL St Paul’s Foundation Thelma PEREIRA St Paul’s Foundation Bridie FITZPATRICK Christ the King Foundation Joan MORTON Christ the King Foundation Cathy HENDERS St Edmund’s Foundation Jean DOYLE Holy Rosary Foundation MIDDLESBROUGH DIOC EESE Maureen PORTER St Peters Foundation Anne MUNSLOW President of St. Peters Foundation NORTHAMPTON DIOCESE Maureen SANDERS Langley foundation Mary SHERIDAN Langley Foundation Helen HEALEY Langley Foundation Honoria HIRST (Nora) Kettering Foundation PLYMOUTH DIOCESE Jill VINCENT Exmouth Foundation PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE Peggy WINSHIP St Joseph’s Foundation SALFORD DIOCESE Jean FOSTER The Servite’s (Our Lady of Dolours) Foundation Eileen TREACY St Joseph`s Foundation Reddish Marie TIMMONS past foundation president St Joseph`s Foundation Reddish Margaret BARROW, member of St Joseph`s Foundation Reddish Dizz QUILLIGOTTI, Past treasurer of St Joseph`s Foundation Reddish Catherine FLAHERTY, the oldest member of St Joseph`s Foundation Reddish Maureen and Pat FLYNN (Mum & Dad of Foundation Secretary) St Joseph`s Foundation Reddish SHREWSBURY DIOCESE Josephine Norbury The Sacred Heart & St Peters Foundation Elizabeth Smith The Sacred Heart & St Peters Foundation Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord 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 We hope you have all enjoyed a joyous and peaceful Christmas and the Walsingham Sub- committee would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2017 with many Blessings. We have already commenced preparations for our 72nd Annual Pilgrimage to Walsingham which this year takes place on Monday and Tuesday, 3rd and 4th July. Unfortunately, at the time of going to press, I am unable to publish the theme for this year’s pilgrimage as it has not yet been announced by Rome. We have, therefore, not yet held our Liturgy planning meeting in Walsingham but we hope this will take place on 16th February; the Readings and Hymns will follow the 2017 theme. Our Lead Diocese this year is the Archdiocese of Liverpool and our pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Tom Williams assisted by their Chaplain, Fr David Potter. Bishop Alan Hopes, Bishop of East Anglia, is also hoping to attend this year. Mrs Angela Moore, Deputy President of Liverpool, is responsible for booking beds at Walsingham and if you have any queries she can be contacted by email – angelamooreucm@gmail.com. I must point out, however, that as a consequence of all the renovations taking place at Walsingham, particularly at the Pilgrim Bureau, we will be 32 beds short for this year. The 2017 Booking form appears in this edition of The Catholic Mother. The fee is £8.00 which includes entrance to the Abbey Grounds. The cut-off date for bookings is 19th June but we do ask that Foundations/members apply in good time to enable our Treasurer, Angela Mellors, to get tickets back to you in good time. Please read our request on the Booking form regarding adequate envelope size and postage bearing in mind the number of tickets you are requesting. Stewards - At the beginning of March, I will be writing to all Diocesan Presidents requesting stewards to assist us on the day – please do come forward if you are asked as the Walsingham Sub-committee rely heavily on your help to ensure the smooth running of our pilgrimage. Digressing a little from our pilgrimage, I wondered if any of you have had the opportunity to see the beautifully renovated Statue of Our Lady of Walsingham which was permanently placed in the Chapel of the English Martyrs in Westminster Cathedral on 8th December 2016 – well worth a visit if you are in London. Sadly, last year our numbers were considerably down so we do hope that more of our members and friends will be able to join us this year remembering that this is the only UCM event where we can all come together to pray, to be part of a wonderful pilgrimage, to share a lovely day together, meet up with old friends and maybe meet new ones too. Perhaps we can also remember Mgr. John Armitage’s challenge to us in 2015 when he asked that we all try to bring ONE extra person! The Walsingham Sub-committee look forward to welcoming you all to Walsingham to share our special pilgrimage. God Bless you all. Maureen, Angela, Elizabeth and Paddy Walsingham Sub-committee WALSINGHAM WHISPERS – SPRING ISSUE 2017 Baby do we care? Yes, we just want to keep you there Safe inside your mother`s womb and pray you`re not born too soon. One Woman discovers she is pregnant and feels immediate joy "oh I can`t wait to find out if baby is girl or boy" One girl discovers she is pregnant and feels immediate woe Her boyfriend has just told her The baby has to go. One girl who is confused and feels she has been used visits a clinic for advice regarding this new life. The abortion providers say they are just advisors but what they really want is abortion from conception to birth, without exception. From the moment of conception these babies need our protection. They may call it a "foetus" which means "little one" but the woman will give birth to a daughter or a son. Anne McCabe St Edmunds Foundation Little Hulton Salford

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Page 16 Spring 2017 The Catholic Mother

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