The Official Newspaper to the Diocese of Lancaster Issue 292 + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk FREE INSIDE: p06 Faith v Football p16 Blessing of Transfiguration Mural at Lancaster University Fr Daniel Etienne Ordained to the Sacred Priesthood 1 July 2017 Fr Billy Bootle celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood by concelebrating Mass at St Joseph’s Ansdell in June. Ad Multos Annos Photo courtesy of Abigail & Eye www.abilgailandeye.co.uk Photo courtesy of St Joseph’s Church Lancaster Congratulations!

Read in full

Page 2

2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 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. 01440 730399 / 07931 836926 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. to people are falling back to historically what we might call more ‘normal’ levels – painful though this may be as a process. It is perhaps worth noting the reflections of Fr Alf Parker on the facing page. Fr Parker emphasises that when a priest is ordained it is primarily in order to fulfil a sacramental and pastoral role – though this takes shape in many forms of priestly ministry. Fr Parker asks whether in the light of the falling number of vocations a model of co-responsibility with the laity could be developed to fulfil administrative roles, in as far as a Diocese of limited financial resources can afford this (there are limits to what volunteers will be willing to do) . The Catholic Voice certainly believes such a model should indeed be lived out in our Local Church - along with an emphasis on the baptismal call to be leaven ‘in the world’ of marriage, family life, politics, in the world of work etc. However, it is important that any misconception regarding the amount of involvement of the laity currently exercised within our Diocese is corrected. The Diocese of Lancaster has a rich history of fostering the engagement of the laity at parish and diocesan level. In fact, there are many current examples of where people – lay and religious (women and men) – are already freely giving of their time and experience to fufill key roles at parish, deanery and at diocesan level such as chairing and contributing significantly to diocesan commissions/committees and undertaking diocesan trustee responsibilities to name but two. This self-giving of time and effort by numerous people should not be underestimated. Rather, we would want to celebrate their commitment and thank them for their continued service to the Church whilst nurturing within the next generation a call to commitment and to consider how best they, too, can serve. EDITORIAL I n recent months in the UK we have witnessed spontaneous acts of bravery and generosity of spirit. It seems that when the chips are down people respond courageously to support one another with a common care for our human dignity. We saw this following the London and Manchester terror attacks and the awful tragedy that occurred at Grenfell Towers in London. People put their differences aside and just helped in whatever way they could. The Catholic Voice applauds these efforts as well as the efforts of the emergency services. Clearly at the heart of our nation there is a generosity of spirit that transcends religious and political differences. Please pray that this unity and social cohesion may grow and develop for the common good of all. As we begin a new academic year, there will be lots of hopes and aspirations and, no doubt, some trepidation for those young people entering new phases in their educational development. Teachers, lecturers, chaplains and support staff will feel much the same and it is hoped that everyone will have benefitted from a good break over the summer so that the new academic year gets off to a good start and ambitions are achieved. The Catholic Voice wishes all our schools and colleges and those at University and our Youth Centre at Castlerigg every success in the year ahead. This year, we have seen just one young man ordained to the diocesan Priesthood, Fr Daniel Etienne, and our prayers go with him as he steps out in his commitment. It will be 2019 before, God willing, the Diocese sees another ordination to the Priesthood. The Catholic Voice agrees that we need more priestly vocations and that we must continue to pray for and encourage them but recognises, too, that formation takes a number of years. We are mindful too, that the reality is, with fewer people at Mass, that ratios of clergy

Read in full

Page 3

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk D o you believe in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? That the Spirit can and does affect our lives at any moment? … I do! Each day I try to read a chapter of Scripture and some weeks after Easter I was reading the Acts of the Apostles and yes, you may have guessed … the chapter I was reading was the second reading for the Fifth Sunday of Easter: Year A. Coincidence, or the Holy Spirit? I ask this because having read or heard this section verses 1 – 5 many times over the years, this was the first time those verses struck me so forcibly. So, I began to reflect upon them and seeking to determine what they were saying to me. I saw that the Church has or should have changed and will continue to do so. With the joining, linking, merging or whatever name one wishes to use, the clergy and the people of God (parishioners) must realise that life in the Church is not what is used to be nor will it always be what an individual would like it to be. We are the Body of Christ, not an amalgamation of individuals seeking their own selfish individual wants. We must work as a body, the Body of Christ. Whilst the celebrating of Mass is at the roots of the priestly vocation, it is clear that there is a shortage of vocations to the priesthood, but Jesus, according to St John Paul II, never denies sufficient numbers of vocations to the Church. If the number falters, which would seem to be the case, the cause must lie within us and not Christ. Therefore it would seem that we need to seek other ways as well as praying to either increase vocations or work with what God has given us. Perhaps we need to listen to and work with the Holy Spirit, forget our selfish wants (we have always had Mass at … or this new time is inconvenient!) and acknowledge that through our Baptism each and every one of us is part of the Body of Christ and has a responsibility to fulfil our role as best we can in and for the growth of the developing Church. Co-Responsibility in the Catholic Church In years past, the diocese had so many priests that jobs had to be made for some (Fr Val Callaghan was a recipient of this situation when he arrived at the English Martyrs in Preston in the 1950s) . Today, this situation does not apply. I believe the Church is in a process of change and growth. I think it will decrease, with house groups possibly being the source of worship in the future unless we come to terms with the reality of our present situation and awareness of our personal commitment to our Baptismal promises. Have I taken my Church, my faith for granted? I say my prayers, I go to Mass, I don’t hurt anyone and I help where I can. I’m a ‘good’ Catholic!! I’m sure you are, but is more being asked of us today? Today, I think we are in a situation not unlike that in chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles. We have a situation where priests or deacons seem to have to be head of a number of diocesan committees. This may be necessary, I speak as one much less wise. But I would have thought in our present situation every priest available should be doing the work for which they were ordained. Certainly priests and deacons should be conscious of and interested in the material side of parish life but only if it is not in any way detrimental to the primary task of the ordained minister, which must surely be caring for the sick, the elderly, the lonely, the lapsed, they dying, the proclamation of the word and the administration of the sacraments. If this is to happen the diocese must trust the laity and the laity must fully appreciate the meaning and significance of their baptismal promises .. pie in the sky? … perhaps … but where are we going at present? At least let us ask the question: what are the real responsibilities of the ordained ministry in the 21st century and what are the priorities and responsibilities of the baptised laity, the people of God? Fr W A Parker To advertise please contact Caroline on 01440 730399/ 07931 836926 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 St Mary’s TASTY CHOICE 27 MEADOW STREET, PRESTON PR1 1TR smcateringforyou@gmail.com Jumon Baby Vadakumcheril 0787 2623761 01772378832 Dear All I am so excited to annouce the opening of my new family run business at Preston, known as St Mary’s TASTY CHOICE, which supplies the best English and Indian delicacies at reasonable rates. With great joy, I would like to welcome you and your family to visit this shop for a pleasant shopping experience. You are the most important part of this business and I consider it as a privilege to serve you. Customer satisfaction is my top priority and I work tirelessly to ensure best quality products and service are available to you. Looking forward to serve you at St Mary’s TASTY CHOICE K IND R EGARDS J UMON WE CATER FOR ALL OCCASIONS CURRY NIGHTS, FUNDRAISERS, FUNERALS, CHRISTENINGS AND WEDDINGS

Read in full

Page 4

Meaning and Purpose for this Generation www.castleriggmanor.co.uk OVER 4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I am privileged to have been born into a Catholic family where my parents ensured that I learned the fundamentals of the faith, and taught me not only to love God, but to understand that I was loved infinitely, both at home and by God, and I will be ever grateful for having grown up feeling secure in the knowledge that I was loved. My upbringing was such that going to Mass on Sunday was second nature and there was never any question that I would continue to practise the faith on going to university. However, I did not expect that upon leaving school I would grow so greatly in my faith and that making the choice independently, firstly to travel to Lourdes on my own, and then to go to Mass and get involved in the Catholic life of the university, would have such an impact on my life. I was lucky to go to university in Oxford, where there is a vibrant, thriving Catholic community of young adults who are both passionate and intellectual about their faith and meeting all these people gave me the desire to learn more about the Catholic faith and to learn to love God ever more. As a young Catholic, I have found that one of the most valuable things in helping me grow in faith has been building community and friendships rooted in love of Christ. It is a blessing to live in a place where one can root one’s life so firmly in the sacraments, and being able to go to Mass daily and go to confession regularly is such a grace, and, in the words of St Richard of Chichester, has enabled me to know Him more clearly, love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly. Living in a society so enamoured by moral relativism, however, is a challenge for young Catholics who believe firmly that there is such a thing as objective truth, and that we can know it. Yet the fact that I am so often challenged and confronted about my beliefs has in fact meant that I explored them more and became firmer in my belief. Having graduated last year and found myself unsure about what the future would hold, one of my greatest challenges recently has been trusting in the fact that God has a plan for me and surrendering all my hopes and my anxieties, my joys and my sadness to Him. Sometimes even praying the Our Father with the words ‘Thy will be done’ has seemed difficult, as I just want to be in control of everything and map out my future exactly. Yet I have discovered that, hard as it can be to truly believe it and live my life in that belief, the greatest happiness is to be found in simply offering my life to God and the greatest freedom is to be found in entrusting my life to Him, though I would be the first to admit that I’m still not very good at doing so! Nevertheless, He has truly blessed me this year and I know that what He has planned for my future is far greater than I could ever imagine. Anna, 23, Carnforth “To know Him more clearly, love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly” Entrusting my life to the Lord

Read in full

Page 5

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk H i I’m Rachel - I have just finished my Sport degree in Leeds so have moved back home to Kirkham and my Parish of the Holy Cross. In my family we have two great Lancaster Diocese Priests (Fr Michael Murphy and the late Fr Bernard Hearty) as relatives so growing up around priest friends has been unusually normal to me and my family. I have spent many occasions socialising with priests of the Diocese and being heavily involved in Church life. Although this seemed normal for me – I’m aware that for others it’s far from normal! For me, the only way to follow my faith fully was to embrace the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. Additionally, having gone to a Catholic Primary School, High School and Sixth Form College my faith was always around me. It wasn’t until University I had to fend for myself (both faith and food wise!) . At University I was thrown into the big wild world with many paths to choose from, though I have stayed on the straight and narrow because of my faith. It is highly important for me to acknowledge that my Catholic friends and Priests that have supported me, have played a part in this. They continually help me choose the right path. Many of these friends I met at the youthful age of 16 from numerous Castlerigg retreats and Diocesan Pilgrimages near and far. I have met people from Barrow, Fleetwood, Preston, Whitehaven, Lancaster and Workington and we have all been brought together through our faith. I understand that we are all at different places on our faith journey and it is vital to have the right support network behind us, whether that be family or friends. It is important to maintain our faith and take forward steps. This for me is done through retreats, whether that be Lancaster Youth Service or Youth 2000 ones across the country, where I have the opportunity to meet other young Catholics today and remember we are all on a journey. Now I am back at home ready to embark on further education or a graduate job – I still am heavily reliant upon my faith friends through prayer, chat and meet ups which I can only thank the Lancaster Youth Service for! Rachel, 21, Kirkham Today Thankful for friends on the journey Young Catholic Being a To advertise please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

Read in full

Page 6

6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk C ould a Blackpool fan truly love a Preston North End supporter? Could a Burnley fan ever give their cloak to a Blackburn Rovers supporter? Of course we all know the answer has got to be “YES” - but not necessarily during the 90 minutes of a local derby! Loyalty to your team awakens the tribal instinct in all of us. However before going further we need to be clear about what we mean by a football fan. A ‘proper’ fan is someone who regularly watches their LOCAL team. Someone who travels to a mid-week evening fixture away at Norwich City and doesn’t get back home until 3.30am. It is someone who does not accept an invitation to a wedding until next season’s fixtures have been released. It is not someone who is regularly seen wearing the latest Manchester United shirt, who has never seen a ‘live’ game, and would not know how to get to Old Trafford even if you dropped them off out- side Lou Macari’s chip shop on Chester Road. (They would also probably not know who Lou Macari is!) Part of the problem of being a proper fan is that it comes with its own responsibilities, an important one being that you are personally liable for your team’s results and that when they lose you have How hard is it for a football fan to be a real Christian? somehow contributed to their failure by not following rigidly your usual pre-match routine. Following your regular route to the ground, wearing your lucky socks &/or underpants, the menu of your pre-match meal, buying your programme and lucky draw ticket from the usual sellers – the list can seem endless and sometimes it is inevitable that you will overlook something. Defeat hangs heavy and a defining moment for me came on 14th October 1961 when I first watched my team get thrashed at home – run ragged by a teenaged winger called Alan Suddick, and lost 7-2 to Newcastle United. I would not try to pretend that my despair would match that of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and at the time Helen Shapiro topped the hit parade with “Walking back to Happiness” , but on my walk home after the final whistle there was little in the way of “Woompah oh Yea Yea ” about my mood. A wise man once pointed out to me that the only people at a game who don’t care who wins are the referee and linesmen, but if you are not careful it is easy for Saturday afternoons to be lost to bitterness and anger because of the unfathomable decisions of visually impaired and inept match officials. Who amongst us hasn’t ‘cast the first stone’ and suggested to a Faith v Football

Read in full

Page 7

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk linesman an appropriate place where he should stick his flag! As well as wrath the risk of coveting can strike as we pass the club shop, the window display luring in those of us who are weak avoiding temptation. Fathers with no usual interest in household linen buying with complete abandon duvet cover and matching pillow case sets emblazoned with “Sherpa Van Trophy Winners” , and new grandfathers spending two weeks’ pension on baby sleepsuits and bibs bearing the legend “The Best Dribbler in Bury” . As a young football fan two religious experiences left lasting impressions. First was witnessing the holding of two minutes silence prior to Bury’s fixture with Oldham Athletic on Saturday 8th February 1958 just 2 days after the ‘Munich Tragedy’ . A poignant moment that included Bury Silver Prize Band playing ‘Abide with me.’ However I was to experience this again (without the band) 8 months later, just 2 days after the death of Pope Pius XII when my school team played against St Bede’s school in Manchester. We went on to lose the game 8-1 and I don’t know whether this was divine providence or the fact that they were a much better team than we were! Second was that Allan Jackson, one of my early football heroes, a very devout Christian, never played in fixtures on Good Friday. Frequently quoted is legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly’s “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I’m very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much more important than that!” Of course we all like to win but learning to lose graciously is just as important no matter how much it hurts. “For when the one great scorer comes To mark against your name. He writes not that you won or lost, But how you played the game.” Grantland Rice (1880-1954) – ‘Alumus Football’ ‘For if you love only those who love you what reward do you have…’ But I say to you love your enemies. Yes - even Portsmouth supporters! Dave Yates 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 Our Lady’s Catholic College Lancaster Guardian and Morecambe Visitor Secondary School of the Year for two years running Open Evening Tuesday 12th September at 6:30pm Morecambe Road, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 2RX Headteacher:Mrs Helen Seddon Tel: 01524 66689 email: main@olcc.lancs.sch.uk If you cannot join us on Open Evening, give us a call and we`ll arrange for you to visit us on a day and time convenient to you. Aspire not to have more but to be more Celebrating Our Schools Education Sunday 10th September 2017

Read in full

Page 8

8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk W e naturally consider the first day of January to be a new beginning – the start of a new year when we make all kinds of promises to ourselves, (and often fail to keep!) – And the commencement of a time when anything could happen. Back to school Yet personally I’ve always experienced very similar feelings and emotions when September rolls around each year. After the long lazy days of summer, autumn arrives with a hint of crispness in the air. Education restarts then, in schools, colleges and universities and in fact all kinds of courses and programmes burst forth at this time. For Mums this re-commencement is usually marked by digging out the children’s school uniform to see what fits and what doesn’t – (for me it always came as a shock to see how short trousers and sleeves had become during the six weeks holiday) – the dreaded school uniform shopping trip as a result of this, often followed by that most laborious of tasks: marking all new said uniform with name tapes or various other methods. And in fact the shops have traded upon this phenomenon with their signs of ‘Back to school’ to act as a yearly reminder. And the Church is no different in its September revival. After the summer, when so many activities are put on hold and the priest usually takes a well-deserved break, the Church launches into the new season’s activities with gusto. And this is hardly surprising. With Harves t Festival around the c orner, f ollowed by the Feast of Christ the King, Advent and then the great celebration of Christmas, the Church is always geared up for the busy time ahead. Mellow Our lives are marked by notable events – births, deaths and marriages, birthdays, new home, new job and a variety of others. In the same way the Church celebrates so many occasions which have been brought to us by scripture and tradition – and rightly so. Yet as we prepare to launch ourselves into this wonderful new season, with all its accompanying activities, this could be a time for us to consider some different and possibly new pursuits of our own. Spending time with the Lord in prayer and reflection can be a challenge for many of us in our busy lives, but nevertheless a wholly worthwhile one. And as the days become shorter and the nights darker and colder, this may possibly be the perfect time to make that window of opportunity to be with the Lord. New beginnings can be strange, exciting and delightful. But as we prepare to enjoy the new and mellow season of autumn, may our hearts also be mellow with love of God as we find a place and time to be with him. After all, marking time with the Lord is far preferable to marking school uniform! Julia Beacroft is an author, editor and catechist who lives in Torquay, Devon. Her first book ‘Sanctifying the Spirit’ is now available to buy. Please visit www.sanciobooks.com for more information or order from AMAZON or www.waterstones.com Copyright © 2017 Julia Beacroft. All rights reserved. Making Our Mark with God by Julia Beacroft “Back to school today, so don’t forget all your clothes still have your bigger brother’s name in from last year...”

Read in full

Page 9

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk H owever close or loose the tie may be with a Catholic school, we all have deeply held views about our schools, because we consider them to be exactly that: “Ours” . The question of what they should be, do and teach vexes us all. >> Continued on next page >> The Value of Catholic Education

Read in full

Page 10

10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk The purpose of the Catholic school can be summed up as follows: To share in the mission of the Church. The mission of the Church varies according to the needs of God’s people. A mission hospital and pharmacy does not teach, but provides appropriate healthcare for the people in need. A prison chaplaincy team does not arrange week-long retreats in monasteries, but makes present in the very place of detention the support of Christ who came to set prisoners free. Our Catholic schools respond to the needs of the children, families and parishes of which they are a part. They provide education, care, support, nurture, stability, and formation in a context of proclaiming the Gospel and feeding the faith of all who make up the school community. In the Diocese of Lancaster we have 83 schools with around 21,000 children and young people. Over 30% of our children are not of the Catholic faith. Of the 70% or so who are, very few of them will be from homes and families that are regularly practising their faith through participation in Sunday parish Mass. These facts do not mean that our schools cannot fulfil their role in the mission of the Church. On the contrary, it means that the mission accomplished by our schools is far-reaching and necessary. A Catholic child from a practising family is catechised and encouraged through the school. The school, rooted in the parish, reaches out into hearts, homes and communities that otherwise would never be reached. Without the school, so many people would never hear the Gospel preached, they would never experience how the discipleship of Christ can be lived, they would never see Christian virtue consciously modelled, they would never have an opportunity to pray, to hear the scriptures proclaimed, to experience the Eucharist. Our schools create an environment where the name of Christ is spoken with reverence and with an invitation to encounter Him. In the past our schools provided education for the poor, and catechesis for families who were conscious they were very much part of the life of the parish. Today the need is much more urgent. It is to provide evangelisation for those who have never heard the Gospel preached, and will most certainly not have access to the Good News through other means. Do not underestimate the depth of this need. Christianity is gradually retreating from many aspects of public life and culture in Britain. Our schools are a beacon of hope, a city on a hilltop. They are also the leaven in the batch, working courageously to knead the presence of Christ into the hearts and lives of the children. Without the schools would we be evangelising at all? What is the value of the Catholic school? Priceless! Canon Luiz Ruscillo The Value of Catholic Education SELF STORAGE Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates From as little as £5 per week Open 7 Days Also Caravan/Car/Boat Storage Curly Tail Storage, Park Lane, Forton Tel: 01524 791837 www.curlytailstorage.co.uk Boarbank Hall Contact: Sr Ildikó Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus “She who accepts the common life possesses God” St Augustine A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer Community Hospitality Care of the poor and sick

Read in full

Page 11

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk O n Monday 26th June, Bishop Michael and our parish priest Father Masaki came to visit us. It was a very exciting time for the students and teachers and we believe he had a wonderful time answering questions and looking around our lovely school. Some of our questions were: • ‘What do you do in your spare time?’ Bishop Michael told us that he enjoys, “Nice walks, listening to music and I like to read a book” (he also enjoys wildlife programmes!). • Have you ever met the Pope? He answered with, “Yes, once, but it was just a handshake.” • Have you ever visited the Holy Land? Bishop Michael told us that he had, 3 times! • ‘Why can’t priests marry and have children when marriage is a Holy Sacrament?’ He explained that it was a Church law and that it’s a tradition that has been running for a very long time. After our chat with Bishop Michael, together with the other Year 6 School Council members, we gave him a tour of our school. A few quick facts we found out about Bishop Michael: • He has been a Bishop for 9 years now and he is entering his 10th year. • He only wears purple for special occasions (like visiting a school). • He is the Bishop of Lancaster and he was born in Larne, Northern Ireland. • If he hadn’t become a priest he may have chosen to be a policeman. • He used to teach in a girls school in London. It was a pleasure to meet Bishop Michael. He is always smiling, is very kind and a pleasure to talk to and we all hope he comes to visit our school again in the near future. Charlotte Rider, Holy Family School Council Reporter Holy Family Primary School, Blackpool 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 M ass Listings – September 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 English Martyrs, Preston (from 24th September) Sundays: 9.00 am, Sung Mass & 7.00 pm, Low Mass Sunday 3rd September at 6.00 pm Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Christ the King, Harraby, Carlisle Sunday 24th September at 11.30 am Opening of the new Shrine Pontifical High Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Campbell OSA English Martyrs, Garstang Road, Preston 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

Read in full

Page 12

12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk N early two years since the Storm Desmond floods, the Environment Group of the Diocesan Faith & Justice Commission has been reflecting on our relationship with water. Just like other free gifts, we often take water for granted. Like fire, water is “a good servant but a bad master” . It can bite back at us. It is water that washes us clean at our baptism, yet many of the world’s greatest injustices involve water. Pope Francis makes many references to water in Laudato Si. He points out that access to clean water is a basic human right and is critical of our lack of commitment to providing safe, clean water to the whole of humanity: “Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor, who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity”. He also criticises those who pollute or would seek to privatise water. Our weather is driven by the evaporation of water, the movement of clouds and creation of rainfall. Too much at once and we have floods; too little and there is drought. Increasing emissions of carbon dioxide (particularly from the first world countries) have already warmed our planet by more than one degree Celsius. This extra energy has increased the rates both of evaporation, leading to more extreme weather; and of ice-melt, leading to a rise in sea level. It is a huge injustice that the people most at risk from these are the poor. Recent events have shown our diocese too is vulnerable. We have a long coastline and extensive areas of low-lying land. Our wonderful hills bear the brunt of rain-bearing clouds arriving on westerly Reflection on Water winds. Long ribbons of moisture extending from the Caribbean can cause extreme rainfall for days as happened in 2015. These “atmospheric rivers” are an increasing and very worrying feature of our changing weather. The four worst rain spells to hit Cumbria all occurred in the last 10 years. Many of our parishes support development projects overseas, where climate change is the greatest threat to development, particularly in East Africa. When drought becomes too severe or floods destroy homes, people have to move, with the most desperate becoming migrants. The Year of Mercy featured the Lampedusa Crosses, made from the wood of wrecked migrant boats. It is a tragic irony that so many of our brothers and sisters who fled a lack of water then died in water as their boats foundered. Many “Acts of God” in relation to water are made far worse by the acts of man. We drive climate change through our addiction to fossils fuels and our relentless demand for commodities. We destroy the forests which help balance the earth’s water. Locally, we have denuded our hills of the trees that absorb so much rain and we have carelessly built housing and critical infrastructure on flood plains. Pope Francis calls us to “ecological conversion” . The days from September 1st until the Feast of St Francis (October 4th) are “Creation Time” . We could start our “conversion” at this time by listening to the music of water- falling as rain, splashing from our taps, gurgling in a brook. By giving thanks to God for this wondrous gift, we can begin to respect and treasure it once again. Environment Group of the Diocesan Faith & Justice Commission

Read in full

Page 13

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk CONVENT APPEAL Help a community of young nuns acquire their first convent! Can you give £3, £5, £10 or even £50 as a gift to Our Lady’s community? Become a founding benefactor and be included in monthly Masses! TO DONATE ONLINE: www.walsinghamcommunity.org/donate or TEXT COLW17 £insert amount to 70070 For larger, gift-aidable, donations please call 01328 801019 or email admin@walsinghamcommunity.org Or join them for upcoming events: ‘Here I Am Lord’ 1-3 Sept 2017 ‘Walsingham Spirituality’ 6-8 Oct 2017 They hope to raise £450,000…

Read in full

Page 14

14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk SOLUTION – Across: 5 Mesopotamia, 7 Purr, 8 Tutelage, 9 Stir fry, 10 Twig, 12 Lead, 14 Elysian, 17 Amethyst, 18 Ruin, 19 Novatianism. Down: 1 Usurer, 2 Upstart, 3 State, 4 Amulet, 5 Mount Hermon, 6 Anglicanism, 11 Flotsam, 13 Dative, 15 Sordid, 16 Kyoto. EXPLANATIONS – Across: 5 anag, 7 pun, 8 Tut+E+lage(-r), 9 stir+fry, 10 T+wig, 12 double def, 14 Ely`s+Ian, 17 a+meth(y)s+t, 18 (-B)ruin, 19 anag of `invasion+t(-E)am`. Down: 1 pun, 2 ups+tart, 3 s+Tate, 4 a+mule+t, 5 mo+anag of `nun+mother`, 6 anag & pun, 11 hidden word in `AeroFLOT`S AMerican`, 13 dat(iv)e, 15 `eve` letters `o+d+d` through `IRS` [rev], 16 anag & pun. CRYPTIC Across 5 A poem aims to desecrate an ancient civilization (11) 7 Jaguar engine sound? (4) 8 Teacher training familiar Egyptian English has almost finished a drink (8) 9 Mix small fish into Chinese dish (4,3) 10 Model hairpiece – a bit out on a limb, perhaps (4) 12 Principal guitarist featured in heavy metal (4) 14 Heavenly cathedral`s Scottish name (7) 17 Time, after a Fourth of July drenched in alcohol, for a special glass (8) 18 Bear first left for archaeological site (4) 19 Invasion team prepared to drive out Eastern antipope`s doctrine (11) CRYPTIC Down 1 One who takes great interest in money matters? (6) 2 Arrogant newcomer raises trenchant support (7) 3 Second gallery in Washington, for instance (5) 4 Charm a stubborn beast over time (6) 5 Sirion nun, Mother Superior, appears after a short time (5,6) 6 Manic signal coming from Canterbury? (11) 11 Refuse Aeroflot`s American passengers (7) 13 Kind of case meeting is set, about four (6) 15 Even the odd involvement with US tax returns is seedy (6) 16 Tokyo? No, somewhere else nearby (5) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QUICK Across 5 Biblical land, `between the rivers` (11) 7 Sound of contentment made by a feline (4) 8 Guardianship; education (8) 9 Wok style of cooking (4,3) 10 Part of a tree branch (4) 12 Starring role (4) 14 Blissful (7) 17 Blue-purple gemstone (8) 18 Bankruptcy (4) 19 Relating to a third century antipope, or his party or sect, who favoured severity against the lapsed (11) QUICK Down 1 Extortionate money lender (6) 2 Cheeky new kid on the block (7) 3 Express; affirm (5) 4 Trinket usually hung about the neck, thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease (6) 5 Possible site of the Transfiguration, aka Sirion (5,6) 6 Principles of the Church of England (11) 11 Floating wreckage of a ship (7) 13 In grammar, the case expressing an indirect object (6) 15 Dirty, squalid (6) 16 Japanese capital until 1868 (5) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CATHCOM 2-IN-1 CROSSWORD No17 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

Read in full

Page 15

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Crabby Old Lady What do you see nurses? . .. . What do you see? What are you thinking .. .. .. when you`re looking at me? A crabby old lady .. .. .. not very wise, Uncertain of habit .. .. .. with faraway eyes? Who dribbles her food .. .. .. and makes no reply. When you say in a loud voice .. .. .. `I do wish you`d try!` Who seems not to notice .. .. .. the things that you do. And forever is losing .. .. .. A sock or shoe? Who, resisting or not .. .. .. lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding .. .. .. a long day to fill? Is that what you`re thinking? .. .. .. Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse .. . .. you`re not looking at me. I`ll tell you who I am .. .. .. As I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding, .. .. .. as I eat at your will. I`m a small girl of Ten . .. . with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters .. .. .. who love one another. A young girl of Sixteen .. .. .. with wings on her feet. Dreaming that soon now .. .. .. a lover she`ll meet. A bride soon at Twenty .. .. .. my heart gives a leap. Remembering, the vows .. .. .. that I promised to keep. At Twenty-Five, now .. .. .. I have young of my own. Who need me to guide .. .. .. a secure happy home. A woman of Thirty . .. .. My young now grown fast, Bound to each other .. .. .. With ties that should last. At Forty, my young sons .. .. .. have grown and are gone, But my man is beside me . .. . to see I don`t mourn. At Fifty, once more, .. .. .. babies play `round my knee, Again, we know children .. .. .. My husband and me. Dark days are upon me .. .. .. my husband`s now dead. I look at the future .. .. .. and shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing .. .. .. young of their own. And I think of the years .. .. . and the love that I`ve known. I`m now an old woman .. . .. and nature is cruel. `Tis jest to make old age .. .. .. look like a fool. The body, it crumbles .. .. .. grace and vigor depart. There is now a stone .. . .. where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass .. .. .. a young girl still dwells, And now and again .. .. .. my battered heart swells. I remember the joys .. .. .. I remember the pain. And I`m loving and living .. .. .. life over again. I think of the years, all too few .. .. .. gone too fast. And accept the stark fact .. .. . that nothing can last. So open your eyes, people .. .. .. open and see. Not a crabby old woman .. .. .. look closer .. .. .. see ME!! The best and most beautiful things of this world can`t be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart. What do you see? W hen an old woman died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in America it was believed that she had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through her meagre possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

Read in full

Page 16

16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk T he fundamental reason for the Church’s existence is to preserve and hand on the memory of her founder, Jesus Christ. She sets before us the story of Jesus as found in the Scriptures, above all in the four gospels and the writings of the Apostles which we know as the New Testament. The memory of the Lord Jesus’ words and deeds is kept afresh for us week after week in the liturgy of the Eucharist, the Mass. We meet him anew in the Scriptures and the breaking of bread, like those two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Another means for keeping the memory of Jesus alive has been the Church’s long patronage and encouragement of the arts in their broadest form, be it painting, sculpture or music, for example. We marvel at Fra Angelico’s sublime depiction of the Annunciation, Caravaggio’s striking painting of the call of the apostle Matthew, Rubens’ Adoration of the Magi in Kings College, Cambridge. Michaelangelo’s sculpture of the Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica, depicting the dead Christ in the arms of his mother, offers a profound meditation in marble of the post-crucifixion scene. We may also mention the wonderful musical treasury exemplified in the Masses of Mozart, Beethoven, Hayden and so many others, all of which conspire to bring to life the Christian gospel. That long and venerable tradition of Christian art has once more found expression in the chapel of this University chapel with the splendid representation Blessing of Transfiguration Mural Catholic Chaplaincy, Lancaster University

Read in full

Page 17

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 17 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk of Christ’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. I compliment the artist and all who cooperated in its execution, and Fr. Conner for setting the initiative in motion in the first place. The Transfiguration was a key moment in the earthly life of Christ. He was on his last journey to Jerusalem where trial, crucifixion and death awaited him. His experience on the mountain, where he was joined by Moses and Elijah, those towering figures of the Old Testament, and where he received his Father’s affirmation that he was his Son, undoubtedly enabled him to face the future and all that it held for him. The Transfiguration scene is in truth a feast for the eyes. Just to pause quietly and let our eyes take in the details can of necessity only be a form of prayer, a raising of the mind and heart to higher things, in this instance, to Christ in glory. As we, and successive generations of students, look and reflect on this elevated and noble work of art, each person will have their own thoughts. What will be common to us all, however, is the hope represented by the majestic and glorious figure of Christ. We too one day will be transfigured and be like Christ in glory. This lovely work of art in Lancaster University Catholic Chaplaincy will undoubtedly play its part in the Church’s work of keeping alive and fresh the memory of Christ. +Michael G Campbell OSA Bishop of Lancaster Photo Courtesy of Bishops Blog +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Read in full

Page 18

18 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk T he lines are from T.S. Eliot`s ‘Choruses from the Rock’ . He was all the rage once, Mr Eliot, but I must confess I had not read him recently until I found myself trying to cope with the tragic road death of a young relative. So T.S. is back in the notes around my computer as if he’d never been away. But there is a difference. Back in the day when he came more frequently to mind, I was busy telling the world where and how it should get its act together; improve itself. Now, many years later I can`t helping feeling, as Fr Geoffrey Adamson S.J. once muttered about himself, “what a damn fool I`ve been” . The night air around my bed is frequently heavy-laden with ghostly memories (or should that be ghastly) of stupid incidents each bearing my name. The temptation to despair is frighteningly real, but I am regularly saved by good people who break from the undergrowth of memory to say they can`t even remember the incident and anyway, not to worry, they forgive me. And then too of course, there`s the frequent folly of that wonderful old friend, the church! Yes, the Church, the stupid old, sin-laden Church. Don`t you just love it! Thank God for the Church. Behind the Front “dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good.” For my sins, that must have been why, I was at one stage sent to teach R.E. to boys of secondary school age in a Junior Seminary at Upholland. Its front wing was designed to impress and usually did, which is probably why today people are genuinely shocked to learn that the once carefully manicured grounds and self-satisfied looking stonework are now nothing more than a collection of ruins. Who could possibly imagine such a fate befalling St. Peter`s in Rome? And would it matter all that much if it did? Well, would it? Jesus founded his church on the rock we know as St Peter, Peter who three times denied he even knew him. Peter may well have hero-worshipped Jesus but he like all of us had to learn that following Christ in faith is no mere fan club. Impressive architecture should not beguile us nor the memory of our own stupidity haunt us. We have come to lean not on a system but on Christ himself. I must learn to laugh at myself, trust in the Lord and sleep better. Fr. Val Farrell

Read in full

Page 19

September 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 19 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk T he Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth have been supporting and caring for older people across the world for over 150 years, and they are now investing in the future by building new developments comprising high quality retirement apartments. Their first development is in Lancashire on the edge of the beautiful Ribble Valley and the second with views of Plymouth Sound in Devon has recently reserved its last available apartment. One couple who were among the first to occupy an apartment have been speaking about their new life style. Joan and Ron are in their late 70’s. They first saw plans for the Plymouth retirement village when they came regularly to the adjacent Nazareth House care home to visit their old Parish Priest. When a friend’s life was turned upside down by a stroke they knew they wanted to make the decision to move while they still had their mental faculties, rather than having the choice made for them. The Superior at the time, Sister Elizabeth, arranged a meeting and a tour of the site. They are now very happy with their decision to move. Ron has had a major operation since moving and both he and Joan felt secure and better able to deal with it having made the move to their new apartment. While Ron was in hospital Joan took comfort from the knowledge that people were around, new friends, support staff, and the Sisters. They say the staff are wonderful, and enjoy socialising with other residents. The whole area is very friendly, with lovely recuperative walks and scenery and there is a beautiful chapel for quiet contemplative moments, where Mass is held daily each morning. Joan comes from Lancashire and was a nurse in her early days. She has been a proud member of The Catholic Women`s League for 40 years, it is part of her faith and she values the comradery and friendships. Fundraising, trips and retreats keep her active and involved. Ron and Joan moved to Devon for Ron’s job with a silicon chip company although he is a Cornishman, and proud of it. Ron is looking forward to harnessing inspiration from his beautiful surroundings. He used to play rugby but took up painting after health problems. He watched a local artist on TV, then went to classes before joining a painting group. He is now an accomplished artist and contributed to the village Summer House Exhibition along with other residents. His delicately detailed warm style adorns the walls of their apartment. ADVERTORIAL Larmenier - Haven for the Retired They have three children all busy with their lives, with daughter Kate a finalist in the 2016 Inspirational Woman in Technology Awards for her role as CEO of Cosmic, a green business in Technology and a social enterprise ‘making a difference not just profit’ . They also have 5 grandchildren, one, Tom, who is in his final year at University, visited on the day of our chat and said he was very happy that his grandparents were living in a more manageable house where help & support are available when circumstances change in the future. Ron and Joan have given up an old house with a long large garden, but not the desire to entertain family and friends. They often use the village restaurant where a 3 course lunch is available every day, but with an extending dining table and their apartments fully fitted kitchen Joan regularly cooks a family Sunday lunch, she just can’t get out of the habit she says with a smile. Tom says she makes the best pavlova ever and books it in advance. Family and friends do tend to visit more when you live on the edge of an area of outstanding natural beauty. They both agree that the support services and social and leisure facilities are invaluable but perhaps the security, at this stage in their lives, is the most useful. Joan says, “…..when you go away you just close the door and that’s it, oh, and the cleaning is done when you get home! We have made the right decision, we appreciate the freedom our new life gives us and enjoy the support which makes our life easier. It’s also a lovely luxury just to sit in the lounge or conservatory where the staff will bring you a nice cup of tea”. Situated in the wooded grounds of the former Nazareth House in Beardwood, Larmenier Village Lancashire represents the first of a new generation of Nazareth Retirement Villages developed by Nazareth Care Charitable Trust. The best way to find out more is to take a short break in our ‘Trial in Style’ apartment. This allows you to live like a resident for a mid-week stay with lunch vouchers included. A warm welcome awaits and the cost of the stay is refunded if you purchase an apartment. For more information and a brochure for the village please contact the sales office: Larmenier Village Lancashire 01254 677926 www.nazarethretirementvillages.co.uk +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Read in full

Page 20

20 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + September 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk E arlier this year twenty-seven people travelled by coach from Preston accompanied by Canon Cristofoli and Canon Poucin from St Walburge’s Preston to the March for Life UK, held in Birmingham. Even more people travelled by train or by car from Lancashire. Despite the presence of opposition (complete with smoke bombs) and heavy rain showers when we arrived, nothing could diminish the joy and friendliness present and nothing could undermine the beauty of truth in all that was said in defence of human life from conception until natural death. One of the two keynote speakers, Lila Rose, showed a film recording of real phone calls to abortion clinics. It was so obvious that no “choice” was being given to the expectant mothers but to have an abortion that at this point one of the ‘ Lifefest’ 2017 P reston held its annual Corpus Christi procession on Sunday, 18th June. The procession started and ended at the historic St. Walburge`s Church. But this year, for the first time, the procession went onto the local streets and people came out of their homes to greet the passing of the Blessed Sacrament. Among the 200 strong congregation were First Holy Communicants, school children, Cub Scouts, members of the Polish and Syro Malabar communities, traffic marshals etc. Ian Mulholland “pro-choice pro-abortion” protestors laid down his placard and walked away. The second speaker, Catherine Adair, spoke strongly from the perspective of being a former abortionist herself, and reminded us to pray for all those locked into the industry. The day finished for us with prayer on our knees in silence in Victoria Square fol lowed by the music of Martin Aelred. Perhaps there are no better words to finish with than those on the March for Life website of Pope John Paul II: “You are called to stand up for life! To respect and defend the mystery of life always and everywhere, including the lives of unborn babies, giving real help and encouragement to mothers in difficult situations. You are called to work and pray against abortion.” by a passenger on the Preston group coach P resident of Garstang Catenians, Steve Masterman, presents Helen Soutar with a cheque for £1,000 for St John’s Hospice on behalf of Garstang Catenians, also pictured is Past President Tom Ibison. 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 730399or email carolineg@cathcom.or g DIOCESAN SUPPLIERS

Read in full

Find your local Catholic Historical Church newspaper. Scroll to find yours.