The Official Newspaper to the Diocese of Lancaster Issue 287 + March 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk FREE INSIDE: p08 Scaling New Heights p14 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in the 1950’s He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53 I am the good shepherd. I lay down my life for My sheep. No-one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down and the power to take it up again. This command is from my Father. (John 10 14:18) Make the best of Lent this year – prayer, fasting and almsgiving: • Find space to spend some extra time with Jesus in prayer • Do without something and give or do something extra for someone • Reconcile yourself with God and your neighbour through the Sacrament of Reconciliation Jesus gave his life for us – what are you prepared to do for Him? Are You Ready to Follow? K&M Maintenance Heating - Electrical - Building Telephone: 01772 704530 Fax 01722 798801 Heating, Electrical and Building services across the North West of England Gas • Emergency Boiler Repairs for all makes • Boiler Installations & servicing • Central Heating System repairs/upgrades/leaks • New fitted Central Heating Systems • Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) Electrical • New consumer units supplied and fitted • All emergency breakdowns • Power tripping • New lighting • Additional sockets • Faulty sockets • Rewiring • Outdoor lighting/sockets Building • Extension work • Alterations • Driveways, paths and patios • Conservatories • Double glazing • Fascias and Soffits Prices Boiler Service - £39 + VAT plus £10 for every additional appliance. Tel No: 01772 704530 Mobile: 07941 554730 Fax No: 01772 798801 Address: K & M Maintenance Services Ltd, Unit 9 Romay Way, Preston, Lancs PR2 5BB More information: www.kmmaintenance.co.uk

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2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Contact us The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published by its owners. The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese. EDITOR: Edwina Gillett 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 edwinagillett@hotmail.co.uk www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk ADVERTISING: Caroline Gonella / CathCom Ltd. 01223 969506 carolineg@cathcom.org www.cathcom.org DESIGN & LAYOUT: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 rob@hot-creative.co.uk www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 / www.cathcom.org Articles to: voicenews@hotmail.co.uk Letters to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk Postal Address: FAO Edwina Gillett 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self-addressed packaging. What efforts do we make to get to know Him better? The Catholic Voice believes that Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts and wants to be the centre of all we do. In other words Jesus wants to be an integral part of our lives so that we are able to pass on the gift of faith to our children and all those we encounter. It is a fact that many people are faced with time pressures particularly busy working families but if we are to live out our Baptism and find some inner peace then a few minutes each day in the presence of Jesus will be time well spent. The Catholic Voice is therefore suggesting that individuals, families or parish groups give up just 10 minutes a day throughout Lent to read a Gospel story, reflect on the message and share a short prayer. Don’t worry if you miss a day, Jesus knows our human weakness; just start again the day after. Jesus asked His disciples who slept as he prayed the night before He died “Could you not watch with Me for one hour?” The Catholic Voice asks its readers “Can you not spare ten minutes?” EDITORIAL W hen Jesus began His ministry on earth he sought out ordinary men and women as His first disciples but they were not the most popular members of society, the richest or the cleverest - just ordinary people. Jesus knew their weaknesses but also knew that through His grace ordinary people could be become extraordinary witnesses to the Gospel. But this should not surprise us as everything Jesus did on earth was upside down to the way we actually think. The first fol lowers did not, h owever, become extraordinary overnight. Rather, they had to listen to Jesus and learn from Him and even then they showed lapses of faith as Peter did in denying Him three times during the Passion. The lapses did not stop Jesus loving them or being able to transform and use them. Jesus knew that their spirit was willing even if the flesh was weak and He continued to knock at the door of His disciples hearts so that their faith became ever deeper and their witness in the world even stronger. Through our Baptism we are each called to be f ollow ers of Jesus; so how well can we actually say that we know Him?

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March 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A couple of very nosey Year 4 children from St Joseph’s Primary School, Wesham, happened to overhear a chance conversation with a neighbour of the school asking to use the school carpark at the weekend for friends and relatives to park on as they would all be coming to the house to celebrate their Aunt’s 100th birthday. The children were so taken with the idea that this lady, in our community, was going to be a 100 they wanted to mark her birthday in a special way. They got together a small group to help them make a card and then asked if they could record the whole school singing happy birthday. They delivered the card and the message to a very happy birthday girl (although we did have to visit twice as the first time she still had her curlers in and she wanted to look her best for the pictures!) . The family very kindly donated some money to the children and it was from this donation that the children decided to form a group that would regularly meet to do what they called ‘The work of Jesus.’ We researched and found that the SVP did a youth group called The Mini Vinnies. The children applied for a pack and then wrote a letter to the Parish SVP to see if they would help fund the set up costs. The group has grown over the short time it has been in place and the children have done a variety of small acts of kindness such as make Get Well cards for the sick of the Parish and local community right through to big projects such as raising enough money to post 25 shoeboxes as part of The Samaritan Shoebox Appeal. What has been wonderful is the diversity of the group of children involved, from super confident children, to children who spend time in inclusion at lunchtimes to children who rarely put themselves forward for things. Each sessions starts with a reading from the Gospel and the children chair and lead the meeting themselves. The children are really committed to putting others before themselves and living out our school motto “Aspire not to have more, but to be more” - Blessed Archbishop Oscar Romero. – turning concern into action Mini Vinnies T he Three Kings made a detour so that they were able to attend the Neo-Catechumenal Eucharist at St Cuthbert’s Church, Blackpool on the Feast of the Epiphany. The children were able to speak to the Kings and ask them questions about their journey and the reasons for it. The Kings were very forthcoming and were able to help the children to understand the meaning of the journey and what it still means for us in our lives today. The children were also delighted, when they got home, to find a gift there, left for them by the Kings as they continued their journey. Tony Hetherington The Three Kings H ark the Herald Angels Sang! Twenty-five pro-lifers met in Lancaster’s Market Square to sing Carols for the Unborn last December. £105.81 was raised in over two hours singing. Ruth & Stephen Smith - Lune Valley Branch Society for the Protection of Unborn Children To advertise please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org Able Wills Professional Will Writers & Estate Planners Have you been meaning to make a Will but never got round to it? Do you own property? Are your children under 18? Are you worried about nursing home fees? Might your estate be liable to Inheritance Tax? If the answer to any of the above is “Yes” then we can help. Specialists for: Wills and Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney, Property & Discretionary Trusts, Funeral Plans Call Malcolm Nightingale For a FREE home visit. 01539 737400 7, Windermere Road, Kendal

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Meaning and Purpose for this Generation www.castleriggmanor.co.uk OVER 4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk W e (Fr John Moriarty, Paul, Andy, Cheri, Maria and Alice) spent a few days preparing for our trip to Barrow to celebrate National Youth Sunday last November. We thought about our faith and personal experiences so far, and about the work we do at Castlerigg, as well as packing our overnight bags (or suitcases in some cases) ! The journey through the Lakes to Barrow- in-Furness is always such a beautiful one. All the picturesque views of the lakes, hills and mountains definitely make up for the windy roads, which aren’t the best if you get travel sick. What made it even better was the sun setting which made the views even more striking. We had a quick stop in Ulverston, as the team were splitting up so we could cover all of the Masses. We dropped Cheri and Maria off with Fr Paul Embery at St Mary’s of Furness who immediately made them feel very welcome. The remainder of the team continued to Barrow to (another!) St Mary’s church, where we were staying with Fr Manny Gribben. Our first Mass was celebrated almost immediately on arrival and we met the first group of the many kind and welcoming people we were to encounter throughout our stay. Castlerigg team on the road! Celebrating National Youth Sunday After Mass we were treated to some amazing Chinese food, and a piano recital from Fr Manny and Cameron, who are both very talented and we were shown lots of affection from a very excited Chopin…Fr Manny’s pet dog. We then had an early night to prepare us for the next day when we split up so we could cover the four churches celebrating Sunday Mass; Paul, Alice and Fr John headed to St Columba’s on Walney Island and then to Sacred Heart in Barrow, and Andy went to Holy Family church and then back to St Mary’s. We had a very packed morning but it was such a great opportunity to speak to so many different people about the work we do as the Youth Service and answer any questions. It was especially nice hearing people’s stories about their trips to Castlerigg some of which related to 50 years ago. It is such a testament to the work done at Castlerigg that people still remember it so fondly even after so many years. Meanwhile in Ulverston, Cheri and Maria attended the Vigil Mass there on Saturday evening, where everyone was so encouraging and nice that it eased their nerves about speaking to a packed church. In the evening, Fr Paul made them a delicious dinner and chatted about so many things, and recounted lots of intriguing stories, which made for a very enjoyable time. Before bed the team had a quick stroll into the town centre and really enjoyed the liveliness and character of the town. In the morning they were picked up by Fr Ossie who took them to nearby Dalton for their Sunday Mass. Again they said it was an honour to speak about Castlerigg. It was quite a rush for the team to get back to Ulverston for their next Mass so they only had a little time to talk to Fr Ossie but it was so inspiring to hear about his life and how fulfilling he found the Catholic faith. After the next Mass in Ulverston, Cheri and Maria were re-joined by the rest of the team where Fr Paul had prepared an amazing four course meal for us, it definitely defeated all of the team except Fr John! We then headed back to Castlerigg via the coast road which got all of us, (except Fr John who was driving) reaching for our phones to try get the perfect photo for Instagram. We didn’t quite manage to capture the beauty – but we tried. We arrived back to Castlerigg slightly tired but also renewed and fulfilled by meeting so many people who are so supportive and thankful for all the work that is done for the youth in Lancaster Diocese. It’s hard to pick highlights of the trip because there were so many but we have managed to narrow down a few including seeing such active participation from young people in each of the parishes and seeing what amazing guidance is given by previous generations by sharing their gifts and experience. It was great to hear so many stories, particularly those who were remembering what Castlerigg meant to them. For our international team members, they were struck by how so many people wanted to talk about their personal experiences of their home countries and find about what it was like for them growing up, particularly regarding their experiences with faith. I (Alice) was visiting my home parish so it was such a highlight seeing so many familiar faces and getting the chance to explain more about what we all do here at Castlerigg. For all of us, just meeting so many people, who were all so welcoming, open and encouraging – it was such a rewarding trip which we are all grateful for. We would like to thank everyone who helped organise the trip for us, from everyone who helped us in the different churches and all of the priests we met but especially to Fr Manny and Fr Paul for their exceptional hospitality, and thank you to all who we spoke to at each Mass and for all your encouraging words and donations. Thank you and God Bless. Alice & Andy – Castlerigg Manor, Keswick

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March 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk This article was originally published at www.catholic-link.org (October 2016). I don’t know about you, but when I’m in a place of pain or distress, my prayer life can go one of two ways. Either I can feel closer to God, and prayer comes more easily, or my prayer life dries up and any kind of communication with God feels impossible. It is then that we are often encouraged to seek prayer and inspiration in other ways, but what do you do when you feel that nothing is inspiring you?! Three years ago, when I was in that predicament, I discovered the prayers of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (thanks to the YOUCAT publication “the Youth Prayer Book”) . At the time, I didn’t feel that I could pray in my own words- I didn’t have the words to express my feelings. But other people’s prayers- the saints and even the psalms - felt a little out of my reach. If I couldn’t pray in my own words, Bonhoeffer’s words were the next best thing I could find! Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran theologian, writer and university lecturer who was imprisoned by the Nazis and eventually executed in 1945, in the last months of the Second World War. Even if you don’t know much about Bonhoeffer, as was the case for me when I first discovered his prayers, his character shines quietly through his words. What I love about his prayers is his honesty. He doesn’t pretend with God that everything is fine. He is starkly open about just how bleak his situation is. Yet- and this is the important part- he does not leave things I ’m Andy, I am 21 years old and I’m originally from Hartlepool. This is my 3rd year volunteering in youth ministry. I spent my first year in Hexham & Newcastle Diocese, my second year in Northern Ireland, Derry Diocese, which then led me to my third year working in youth ministry, in Lancaster Diocese. For the first 16 years of my life I was an atheist, I had no faith and had not experienced God. My first experience of God came when I was at my lowe st. It came about through my anger, due to some of the things that were going on in my life. I was 16, on a school retreat and there was an option to pray in Ampleforth monastery in the early morning. Initially I had no intention of going, but somehow I found myself up, ready and going, purely because I had nothing else to do. In my prayer I found myself screaming at God and blaming him for everything that had happened in my life. When I went home God had answered all of the prayers that I needed answering at that time and had changed my home life around. I was so joyful because of this, that I had to share it with my school chaplain. As BEING A YOUNG CATHOLIC TODAY ++++ years went on I became more involved with the Church and school chaplaincy. My school chaplain persuaded me to join the youth community at YMT (Hexham & Newcastle Diocese) to carry on exploring my faith and to share what I have experienced with young people. This was the time I really felt I could give my life to Him and I finally decided that I wanted to enter into the Catholic Church, allowing God to finally confirm me into his family. I’m not sure how or why I ended up doing what I was doing, but all I knew was that I was falling in love with God and working with young people. Through sharing my experience, I really want young people to grasp how loved they really are, and that they can really discover this through saying, yes. Yes, to God…as a young person it can be so hard to do this, whilst all the distractions are going on around us. There are so many expectations in the world, telling young people who they should be, through media, society etc. It’s such a blessing to be working with young people and helping them to see who they really are, which is a precious child of God. Andy, 21, Keswick It’s such a blessing to be working with young people and helping them to see who they really are... Struggling to pray? there. Bonhoeffer must have known the truth that death does not have the final word. Christ has the final word, and Bonhoeffer’s prayers turn everything over to God so that comfort and strength is found in paradox of suffering. Bonhoeffer’s prayer “Who Am I?” was written while he was in prison, and though the subject matter is probably far more dramatic than most of us will ever experience in our lifetime, there is much in it that is recognisable. We all know the exhaustion of keeping up appearances, the pain of feeling trapped in a job we hate, the grind of routine that gets us down. It is prayer-poem that is an outpouring of seemingly unsolvable despair, but the last line redeems it all. In praying it, I found an outlet for my own despair, and a solid conviction that my messy life was held together in the hands of God. Who am I? They often tell me I stepped from my cell’s confinement Calmly, cheerfully, firmly, Like a squire from his country-house. Who am I? They often tell me I used to speak to my warders Freely and friendly and clearly, As though it were mine to command. Who am I? They also tell me I bore the days of misfortune Equally, smilingly, proudly, Like one accustomed to win. Am I then really all that which other men tell of? Or am I only what I myself know of myself? Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage, Struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat, Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds, Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness, Tossing in expectation of great events, Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance, Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making, Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all? Who am I? This or the other? Am I one person today and tomorrow another? Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others, And before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling? Or is something within me still like a beaten army, Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved? Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine. Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine! Ruth, 25, Lampeter ( formerly Keswick) To advertise please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Send us your letters: Write to: The Editor, 99, Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes, FY8 4DJ. Email to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk • Please keep your letters concise (max 300 words), • Include your full name and address • Letters should not include any personal criticism or attacks • The editor reserves the right to: - amend or shorten letters or to refuse to publish them (no correspondence to discuss decisions taken will be entered into) - publish a response if deemed appropriate Your Letters Dear Editor “Fracking - A visualisation of the impact of just 100 well pads on PEDL 165 (Licence area)." Our water, land and air are the most fundamental and needed gifts of God to all people, and must be protected by us as stewards of His Creation. Very recently at Preston New Road on the Fylde Coast at the heart of the Lancaster Diocese, the energy company Cuadrilla began construction of their shale gas exploration w ell, which, if al lowed, w ould ultimately lead to hundreds more (several hundreds of wells would be needed to make shale gas production viable). In many parts of the world fracking has led to water contamination, earthquakes (including here in 2011 at Preese Hall when Cuadrilla last tried to frack our precious land) , road congestion and industrialisation of the landscape. So many countries have now banned this dangerous industry and the evidence against fracking continues to grow. Fracking concerns have been reinforced by Pope Francis who has encouraged Catholics all around the world to work with others ‘to care for our common home’. We are being challenged to hear both the ‘cry of the poor’ and the ‘cry of the earth’ . Catholics worked with other people of faith and millions of others to pressure our governments to make climate change commitments in Paris in 2015. We urge all people of faith to carefully (and prayerfully) consider these concerns for a safe healthy future for us and our children. What can we do? Many, many things; do your own research, attend meetings and protests, ask your parish priest to comment in your newsletter, find out more (you won`t hear the full picture on mainstream media) . A great place is www.refracktion.com , particularly the section `myth busters` , countering what the industry says about how great fracking is. Most of all, don`t do nothing. That is like accepting it. There is a term used by government/industry and PR firms, it is called: "Implied Inevitability" - if they TELL you it will happen, you will believe you are powerless to stop it. That`s not the case. If, after doing your own research you believe that fracking is potentially harmful, then in the name of faith and justice, and for your own conscience you can speak up and act. In his homily at his inauguration, Pope Francis said "Let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment." You do not have to accept fracking, but, do not, do nothing. Yours Sincerely Andy Severyn Dear Editor Having read some interesting articles lately urging greater consultation with the laity by the bishops, I am delighted that this issue is being discussed. We know that the Pope wants a more synodal Church. He wants the bishops to consult with the Church at large. He denounces clericalism as ‘a gross deformation’ and states that by receiving the Holy Spirit in baptism we all have the right to be involved in the decision-making processes of the Church. One way we can do this is through parish councils. Canon Law allows for and encourages parish councils. Surely there are good arguments for parishioners being al lowed to administer the parish along with the priest? Surely it is desirable that there is a strong and thriving consultative process in each parish and in each diocese? I have great faith that by discussing things we will enlighten each other, and all participants will be enriched. I think that the way we relate to each other in our parishes is crucial to the future well-being of the Catholic Church, and therefore I believe that there is a strong need for a national synod on ‘the parish’ which would call for comments, suggestions, recommendations on how people view their parish and how they think parish life could be improved. It should not be restrictive, but should allow people to make suggestions on all aspects of parish life. I would like to urge people to write to their bishops calling for a national (or even a local diocesan) synod on ‘The Parish’ . Yours sincerely, Virginia Bell, 2 Dodkin, Beanhill, Milton Keynes MK6 4LP. 01908 609647 To advertise please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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March 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk T he World Interfaith Harmony Week was unanimously adopted by the UN United Nations in 2010. And the first week of February is now observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. The World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform, one week in a year, when all interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill can show the world what a powerful movement they are. It is hoped that this initiative will provide a focal point from which all people of goodwill can recognize that the common values they hold far outweigh the differences they have, and thus provide a strong dosage of peace and harmony to their communities. Monsignor Francis Slattery held a multifaith event last month at his Presbytery in Milnthorpe to celebrate the 2017 World Interfaith Harmony Week. Monsignor Slattery has been involved in interfaith work in Cumbria for many years. To mark his 60 years in the Priesthood an article “Breaking Open the Word”, was published in the interfaith journal Faith Initiative: Embracing Diversity, Issue31(2014) 22 . Available online at www.faithinitiative.co.uk World Interfaith Harmony Week 2017 ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY St. Walburga’s Road, Blackpool, FY3 7EQ Headteacher: Mr Simon Eccles Tel: 01253 396286 Email: admin@st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk Our Lady’s Catholic High School St Anthony’s Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 3SQ Headteacher: Mr Nigel Ranson Tel: 01772 326900 Email: admin@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Web: http://www.olchs.lancs.sch.uk Thinking of becoming a teacher? The Preston based Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA) is a partnership between 56 Catholic primary and secondary schools and post-16 colleges led by Our Lady’s Catholic High School with a shared vision and commitment to providing first class, professional development for trainee teachers, practising teachers and school leaders. Contact: 01772 326931 Email: CTAschooldirect@olchs.lancs.sch.uk St Francis’ Catholic Primary School and Pre-School `We care for each other and we always try to do our best` The Hill, Horns Lane, Goosnargh, Preston, LancashirePR3 2FJ www.stfranciscatholicprimaryschool.co.uk Headteacher: Miss Sarah Deakin head@st-francis.lancs.sch.uk Tel 01772 865369 Fax 01772 863947 Cardinal Allen Catholic High School Melbourne Avenue, Fleetwood FY7 8AY Headteacher : Andrew Cafferkey Tel : 01253 872659 E-mail : head@cardinalallen.co.uk Join these Schools in the Diocese and help support your local Diocesan newspaper by promoting your school in this section. Contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399or email carolineg@cathcom.org 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 Join the 90th Lancaster Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2017 theme – “The Almighty has done great things for me” Special Offers to Lourdes 5th – 8th May from £289 p.p. 8th – 12th May from £329 p.p. 2nd – 5th June from £289 p.p. 12th – 16th June from £339 p.p. 19th – 23rd June from £339 p.p. Above prices do not include Flight costs By air – from £775 per person Flights direct from/to Manchester 21st – 28th July Lourdes pilgrimages - during summer We are pleased to offer direct flights to Lourdes from Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Bristol. Prices are available from our team and we can tailor your pilgrimage to suit your requirements. Under the leadership of Bishop Michael Campbell O.S.A. the Pilgrims choice email: sales@tangney-tours.com To advertise please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk L-R of group photo Tony Charnock (Secretary to the Bursary Fund), Lawrence Turner (President of Blackpool and Fylde Circle), prizewinner Cindy, Robert Thompson (Provincial President Province 10) and Terence Donnelly Vice Chairman of the Bursary Fund. Scaling

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March 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk M edical student Cindy Rodrigues Cleto currently on placement at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has just won a national Catenian photographic competition. Cindy submitted a photograph taken whist doing voluntary work in Tanzania for which she was given a bursary grant from the Catenians to assist her voluntary service. Tony Charnock, Secretary of the Bursary fund, said that Cindy’s photograph was selected as the winner because it conveys how much voluntary service means to those it intends to help. The smiling faces of the children surrounding Cindy were from the orphanage next door to the dispensary to which she had been assigned. Whilst in Tanzania Cindy was a volunteer hospital worker and also assisted with some outreach activities with Arise School focused on Christian primary education. During the trip a mother presented her two year old infant for medical help but she was told by the doctors that there was nothing that they could do to treat the congenital problem. Both mother and little boy were distressed. Since coming home Cindy has raised £800 to support the vital surgery needed for Imamu and an operation had been planned just as this edition of the Catholic Voice was being prepared on 18 January. Before setting out for Tanzania Cindy raised money through her home parish in Liverpool and completed an arduous walk up Mount Kilimanjaro that took five days to reach the summit raising sufficient funds to buy medical equipment, a new playground for the school and the supply of a nurse and two doctors to provide some free health care. Cindy is originally from Portugal but her home is now in Ilford. She is three years into a five year course at Liverpool University to become a cardiac thoracic surgeon and is currently on placement at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Since being in Blackpool Cindy has accompanied Christ the King parish on their Year of Mercy pilgrimage. Cindy explained that it is not possible to help everyone and said there was an old Portuguese saying that recognised that the beach is very big but that we should see ourselves as little grains of sand in the wider community. Tony Charnock was keen to emphasise that the Catenian Bursary fund was there for young Catholics help others. Each year the Bursary fund makes awards of over £100,000 to young Catholics aged between 16 and 24 who volunteer to work on projects overseas and as helpers on diocesan pilgrimages and HCPT. New Heights

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk P ope Francis sent a special message to support the work of prison chaplains during the Year of Mercy. “He especially wishes to assure all who are serving the prison communities of his prayerful solidarity and deep gratitude for their efforts in upholding the human dignity of all those incarcerated.” The Pope also thanked prison chaplains for helping those imprisoned to celebrate the Year of Mercy. The observance included the establishing of Holy Doors in various churches and prisons to help encourage growth in grace. “May the gesture of directing their thought and prayer to the Father each time they cross the threshold of their cell signify for them their passage through the Holy Door, because the mercy of God is able to transform bars into an experience of freedom.” In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us: “The tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to raise The Jubilee for Prisoners his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” This man, I tell you went home again at rights with God.” Pope Francis, talking to prisoners said: “Jesus wants to help us to set out again, to resume our journey, to recover our hope, to restore our faith and trust. He wants us to keep walking along the paths of life, to realise that we have a mission and that confinement is not the same thing as exclusion.” Every diocese was asked to celebrate a special Mass in November and Bishop Michael chose to celebrate Mass at the chapel of Christ the Carpenter, HMP Kirkham. To honour the event, the Bishops’ Conference in England and Wales presented an icon to all prison chapels and prayer cards for prisoners as an image of God’s loving care and abundant mercy. Bishop Michael celebrated Mass in a prison chapel where prisoners could be in attendance as well as the Catholic chaplains in the diocese and volunteers from the various organisations which support the chaplains in their work. Marriage Care supports the prisoners at SELF STORAGE Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates From as little as £5 per week Open 7 Days Also Caravan/Car/Boat Storage Curly Tail Storage, Park Lane, Forton Tel: 01524 791837 www.curlytailstorage.co.uk

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March 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk HMP Kirkham through their trained counsellor Liz Yates, who has been supporting the men at HMP Kirkham through counselling on a voluntary basis for some time. The prison is indeed grateful to Liz for her help and support. The ACE, (Assisted Community Engagement) , project in Preston helps prisoners who are settling in the area and the local SVP are frequent visitors to the weekly Mass and have visited prisoners as well as offering support to men who are estranged from their families and struggle financially. The chaplains at HMP Kirkham are also grateful to the local church community who have supported them in their fundraising for Mary’s Meals. The soup and bread lunch in November raised £370 for the Charity. During the Year of Mercy the chaplains welcomed Canons Altiere and Vianney Poucin de Wouilt from the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest at the Shrine Church of St Walburge’s. The Canons arranged Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament along with Rosary and Benediction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the prison chapel. Two visits to the Shrine at Ladyewell were also highlights of the year for the Catholic men in HMP Kirkham. The Jubilee Mass provided an opportunity to present Mrs Mary Heaton with a Papal Blessing. Mary had served over twenty years as a volunteer at HMP Kirkham both as a member of the IMB (Independent Monitoring Board) as well as attending weekly Mass in the prison and assisting the prisoners and chaplains. The chaplains were delighted that Bishop Michael could make the presentation of a Papal Blessing to Mary. Every prison has a Catholic Chaplain to provide Sacramental and Pastoral care for both residents and staff. Chaplains work for the spiritual, emotional and practical needs of those in their care. Catholic Chaplains work alongside both Christian and other faith colleagues. If you would like to know more about the role of the prison chaplain then further information can be obtained on the National Offender Management Service website (NOMS) and the Catholic Prisons Chaplaincy website. Jenny Phillips, Lay Chaplain WILLIAM HOUGHTON FUNERAL DIRECTORS An Independent Catholic Family Firm Serving our community for over 100 years 259 Garstang Road, Fulwood, PR2 9XL Tel: 01772 788020 www.williamhoughtonfunerals.co.uk Martin`s The Funeral Directors 188, Tulketh Brow, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston 1, Stonebridge Parade, Preston Road, Longridge Tel. 01772-733007 or 01772-782121 Proprietor W. Martin Wootton Dedicated and Blessed Chapels of Rest Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans The complete funeral service from a private family owned and run firm

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Getting it all off Pat... by Julia Beacroft N ames are really important. In common with many other people, I’m always pleased when a little known acquaintance remembers mine. But on the other hand I really hate it when people get my name wrong and my husband is of like mind. I’m called Julia but intensely dislike being addressed as Julie and my husband can`t abide his name Patrick being shortened to Pat or Paddy. And the way that we say things – our tone of voice – is also important. My four adult children think it a great joke when my husband nods off in front of the TV and starts to snore. This is because if they instruct him: ‘Wake up, Dad!` he simply ignores them. However, if they shout ‘Patrick!’ and use the same intonation of voice as mine, he opens his eyes and immediately stops snoring! In other words, it could be said that we’re hard-wired to respond to the voice of a loved one in much the same way as we respond to the sound of our own names. Saint’s Name On March 17th we celebrate my husband’s saint’s name – St Patrick – the principal patron saint of Ireland. Although the details of this former missionary and bishop of Ireland are somewhat sketchy, we can rest assured that his fervent desire to bring Christianity to the Celtic pagans of Ireland was successful. He famously used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Trinity. And in fact, although a massive celebration of everything remotely Irish usually takes place on March 17th the intended meaning of St Patrick`s Day is for spiritual renewal and missionary prayer. A beautiful objective. Called God calls each and every one of us by name and we only have to tune in with our heads, minds and souls to hear his voice. We yearn to become ever closer to the Lord and we remain restless until we do so. St Patrick, like each of us, was called by name and responded to the voice of the Lord. In so doing, he carried out the special task for which the Lord had chosen him. And so, like St Patrick, let us respond to being called by name and to the voices of those who we love. May we then, follow St Patrick’s example and always listen, respond to and love the voice of God – for this is one voice that should never be ignored. Julia Beacroft is a catechist and pastoral volunteer who lives in Torquay. Her first book ‘Sanctifying the Spirit’ is now available to buy. Please visit www.sanciobooks.com for more information or order from Amazon. Copyright @ 2017 Julia Beacroft. AII rights reserved. There will be a ` Come & See Day` at Tabor Carmelite Retreat Centre, Preston Saturday 22nd April 2017 from 10.30am-4.00pm Open to both men & women, with no upper age limit. Please contact: Fr John McGowan o.c.d. email: johnmcgowan50@gmail.com Tel: 07598 913986 . Perhaps you have a vocation to Carmel?

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March 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk SOLUTION – Across: 7 Apostles` Creed, 8 Essays, 9 Gobble, 10 Fonteyn, 12 Claws, 13 Wales, 15 Dresser, 19 Violet, 20 Parish, 21 Ancient of Days. Down: 1 Episcopalians, 2 Askant, 3 Fleshy, 4 Usage, 5 Tribal, 6 Yellow jerseys, 11 Nod, 14 Eclair, 16 Raptor, 17 Stride, 18 Stink. EXPLANATIONS – Across: 7 apostle+screed, 8 `say` in the homophone `ess`, 9 double def, 10 FO+n(yet[rev])n, 12 c+laws, 13 W(-h)ales, 15 (Welsh) dresser , 19 Viole(-n)t, 20 Paris+H, 21 anag. Down: 1 anag, 2 as+Kant, 3 fle(-a)+shy, 4 USA+G(-reec)e, 5 tri(B)al, 6 yellow+Jerseys, 11 double def, 14 EC+lair, 16 anag, 17 `R` in ` edits [rev]`, 18 double def. CRYPTIC Across 7 Statement of faith in writing that came long after Paul, for instance (8,5) 8 Attempts to convey in a letter how it`s reported (6) 9 Turkey: it says to eat quickly (6) 10 Ballerina, thus far, is making a comeback – among names the Foreign Office advanced (7) 12 One hundred rules for nippers (5) 13 Large mammals lack height in this country (5) 15 One looking after actor perhaps from 13 set up in the kitchen (7) 19 Wild, liberated name for a girl (6) 20 See part of the capital with Henry (6) 21 A confident `yes` in translating God`s name in the Daniel of King James (7,2,4) CRYPTIC Down 1 Some Anglicans identified special piano arrangement riffs eventually (13) 2 Obliquely link, like to a philosopher (6) 3 Nervous after some flying thing nearly gets into stout (6) 4 Operation from America evacuated Greece (5) 5 Test Benjamin, initially imprisoned, about his extended family (6) 6 Chicken and new potatoes for riders in advance of the Tour de France (6,7) 11 Bob gets what a dozer can do (3) 14 Retreat connected with top city confection (6) 16 New parrot is a bird of prey (6) 17 Big step including Rex in rewrites (6) 18 Smell trouble? (5) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QUICK Across 7 Statement of faith used in the Western Church (8,5) 8 Dissertations (6) 9 Eat hastily without proper chewing (6) 10 Dame Margot ------- (1919-1991), British ballerina (7) 12 Pincers (5) 13 Country, part of the Union (5) 15 Kitchen cupboard with shelves (7) 19 Variable colour that lies beyond blue in the spectrum (6) 20 Local church community (6) 21 Designation of God, as in the Book of Daniel (KJV) (7,2,4) QUICK Down 1 People belonging to a Church governed by its bishops: Anglicans (esp in US) (13) 2 Sceptically (6) 3 Overweight, corpulent (6) 4 Tradition, practice (5) 5 Clannish (6) 6 Items of clothing that identify the overall leaders of the Tour de France (6,7) 11 `Land of ---`: in Genesis it is east of Eden (3) 14 Chocolate and choux pastry cream cake (6) 16 Bird of prey: informally a bipedal voracious dinosaur (6) 17 Lope (6) 18 Olfactory obnoxiousness (5) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CATHCOM 2-IN-1 CROSSWORD No13 by Axe Y ou can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. So, if you want to try the CRYPTIC puzzle, for instance, but are unsure, use the QUICK clues to help you work out the solution. Similarly, if you try the QUICK clues, use the CRYPTIC clues to help you p rove the solution. Notes M ass Listings – March 2017 Shrine Church of St Walburge, Preston Mondays – Fridays: 9.00 am & 12 noon Low Mass (except First Fridays & Holy Days 9.00 am & 7.00 pm) Saturdays: 10.30 am, Low Mass Sundays: 10.30 am, Sung Mass Sunday 5th March at 6.00 pm First Sunday in Lent Christ the King, Harraby, Carlisle Sunday 12th March at 3.00 pm Second Sunday in Lent St Mary`s, Hornby Mass is also celebrated every Sunday at 8.30 am at St Mary Magdalene, Leyland Road, Penwortham and 11.30 am at St Catherine Labouré, Stanifield Lane, Leyland. Local Representatives: Bob & Jane Latin Telephone: 01524 412987 Email: lancasterlms@gmail.com Website: latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

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March 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A s we look forward to July and the 90th anniversary of our very first Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Fr Paul Harrison has sent in this collection of photographs taken by his dad, Norman Harrison (1926 -1999 RIP) , in either 1955 or 1956. The Catholic Voice would welcome any information on the selection of photographs – do you recognise a family member, friend or member of clergy? Please get in touch if you do. We would also love to hear from pilgrims who would like to share their pilgrimage stories from down the years – funny, sad, uplifting. Please share your memories with us, details of how to submit items can be found on Page 2. This year is the 90th Anniversary of the first ever Diocese of Lancaster Lourdes Pilgrimage. You are invited to come on pilgrimage 21st – 28th July 2017 and become a part of Diocesan history. Sick pilgrims are cared for by our dedicated Medical Team who are supported by Brancardier (male helpers) and Youth Volunteers. We have a professional and comprehensive structure, which enables us to take very sick pilgrims. Volunteering to serve our sick is both a rewarding and wonderful experience. We welcome old and new volunteers alike. To register your interest as a brancardier please e-mail the Chief Brancardier, Sean McMahon at: chiefbrancardier@lancasterlourdes.co.uk To register your interest as a sick pilgrim or Nurse/Doctor/Carer please contact the Chief Nurse, Nikki Wisdom on 07872468743 or e-mail chiefnurse@lancasterlourdes.co.uk If there is someone sick in your parish or local care home who would benefit from coming on pilgrimage, please encourage them to come this year. To book on the pilgrimage please contact Tangney Tours: www.tangney-tours.com tel: 01732 886666 Diocese of Lancaster Pilgrimage to Lourdes in the 1950’s

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + Mar 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk O ver one thousand seven hundred children and two hundred of their teachers walked through the Holy Door of Mercy at Lancaster Cathedral as part of the Holy Father’s call to go on pilgrimage in the context of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The Education Service of the Diocese of Lancaster organised nine pilgrimage days for children in their last year of primary school from across the Diocese as part of the Year of Mercy. The pilgrimages assembled at the Priory Church in ‘Year of Mercy’ Schools’ Pilgrimages to the Holy Door Children from Lea St. Mary’s School Preston, outside the Cathedral. Lancaster where the children learnt from Rev. Chris Newlands about the Roman history of the church and its medieval past as a Benedictine priory. The procession then moved to the Castle where the children listened to a talk about the Catholic martyrs. Then the procession followed the path of the martyrs through Lancaster city centre, saying psalms and singing hymns as they progressed through the town towards the Cathedral. After singing the `Kyrie` , the children prayerfully entered the Cathedral through the Holy Door where they presented their prayer petitions as part of a Liturgy of the Word. The day concluded with a session in the Town Hall where the charities CAFOD, Medicine Sans Frontiers and Cities of refuge, talked about living out lives of mercy. The schools all reported how much the children had got from the days, summarised in the comments of one head teacher: "Please pass on our sincere thanks for a very well organised, informative and thought provoking pilgrimage day yesterday. It ran very smoothly indeed which is not easy in such a busy city centre and challenged the children and ourselves to understand our Catholic heritage and our duty to show mercy and care to others in the future. It was a very powerful finale to the Year of Mercy, and it was a day I know the children and ourselves will never forget and will certainly influence our future actions." Canon Luiz Ruscillo Complete pest control solutions call Serving Churches, Schools, Commercial and Domestic Sector. If you have worked for the Diocese and wish to be included in this section, please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org School building work and refurbishment/ conversion, building and joinery work, extensions, alterations & repairs, loft conversions, replacement doors and windows Builders Yard, 66 Marsden Street, Kirkham, Preston PR4 2TH Tel: (01772) 684489 Fax: (01772) 671486 email: admin@jeharrison.co.uk www.jeharrisonbuilders.co.uk DIOCESAN SUPPLIERS

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