Photos, copy and distribution queries for The Catholic Mother should be sent to Margaret Postill, National Media Officer, 23 Il kley Crescent, Reddish, Stockport, Cheshire, SK5 6HG or by email to catholic.mother@yahoo.co.uk. For further details about the Union of Catholic Mothe rs please contact the National Secretary, Irene Mitchell, at ucmnatsec@yahoo.co.uk Newspaper of The Union of Catholic Mothers www.theucm.co.uk Mary’s Meals backpacks - page 3 Presidents Triennial Mass - page 12 Manchester Whit Walks - page 6 Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. Summer 2018 Benemerenti National Council 2018 Thank you to the lead Diocese of Northampton, who carried out their duties admirably, welcoming people as they arrived, sorting out their accommodation for two nights, booking taxi’s and ordering packed lunches and much more. One of the last duties of National President Val Ward, was to chair the meetings and keep everything running smoothly at The Hayes Centre Swanwick, and a lot of work behind the scenes. In her last address Val said she had travelled the country far and wide, had met many members of the UCM. She had prayed, laughed and cried with many of them, she had enjoyed every minute of her term of Office. Bishop Alan asked us to recognise the skills we have, as a gift from God, and not be afraid of coming forward to take office, there is a lot of support from other members and the National Committee. Bishop Alan Williams presented Angela Higginson with the Benemerenti Medal for services to the Catholic Church and the UCM. We would like to thank her for her hard work and to congratulate her on the award. Angela has worked tirelessly for the past 5 years as UCM National Treasurer, she is handing over to the capable hands of Margaret Kerbey. The Benemerenti Medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI (1775–1799) to recognize military merit. In 1831 under Pope Gregory XVI (1831–1 846) a special Benemerenti medal was struck to reward those who fought courageously in the papal army at Ferrara, Bologna, and Vienna. In 1925, the concept of awarding this medal as a mark of recognition to persons in service of the Church, both civil and military, lay and clergy alike, became acceptable. The current version of the Benemerenti medal was designed by Pope Paul VI. The medal is a gold Greek Cross depicting Christ with his hand raised in blessing. On the left arm of the cross is the tiara and crossed keys symbol of the papacy. On the right arm is the coat of arms of the current Pope. The medal is suspended from a yellow and white ribbon, the colours of the Papacy. Photo L/R Rt. Rev. Alan Williams, Angie Higginson, Val Ward, Rt Rev. Peter Doyle, Irene Mitchell L/R Val Ward Fr. Bill Surplus, Margaret McDonald

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Page 2 Summer 2018 The Catholic Mother FROM THE NATIONAL P RESIDENT Dear Members Hello, my name is Margaret McDonald and during Mass at the end of our Annual General Meeting on 16th May I was commissioned by Fr. Bill Serplus, the Middlesbrough Chaplain, as the new National President. So, who am I? I live in the Liverpool Archdiocese but I am originally from Chester. My husband and I have 5 Children, 4 daughters and 1 son, and 5 grandchildren, their ages range from 16 to 25 My UCM journey started when I joined the mother and toddler group at my local church. This introduced me to the women in my parish, who took me to a local meeting of the Union of Catholic Mothers. Thanks to the friendship shown to me I started to become involved in the ‘Mothers’ from tea lady, arranging entertainment to helping to prepare liturgy for our Mass, no task too small. Sorry can not arrange flowers or bake scones! Seriously, the UCM has also helped my faith to grow and made me more aware of the work which is undertaken by Catholic Women at home and around the world. It is a lovely thought that every day throughout the country a member is saying a prayer for us. Here in Liverpool we are awaiting the arrival of the statue of our Lady of Walsingham as it commences its journey around the country, keep a look out for when it comes to a Cathedral near you. Take care, I hope to meet some of you at our annual Walsingham Pilgrimage in July. Margaret McDonald National President As the Catholic Church in England and Wales prepares for Day for Life on Sunday 17 June, Pope Francis has sent a special message to Catholics in England and Wales asking them to break the chains of captivity of those who have been trafficked and to “bring comfort to those who have survived such inhumanity.” Day for Life is the day in the Church’s year dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition. This year’s Day for Life aims to raise awareness of the vile crime of human trafficking. In his latest Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate, Pope Francis calls on all Catholics to see the holiness in others by recognising their dignity. He asks us all to “respond with faith and charity and see in this person a human being with dignity” “Our defence of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred… Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection” Papal Blessing Invoking the intercession of the Patron Saint of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, St Josephine Bakhita, Pope Francis has sent his Apostolic Blessing to those marking Day for Life. The Holy Father prays “that God might free all those who have been threatened, wounded or mistreated by the trade and trafficking of human beings and bring comfort to those who have survived such inhumanity.” Santa Marta Group The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has responded to the rise in these inhumane crimes by developing the Santa Marta Group – a global alliance of international police chiefs, bishops and religious communities working in partnership with civil society to eliminate human trafficking and modern slavery. It is named after the house where Pope Francis lives and where the founder members stayed in 2014 prior to signing, in the presence of the Holy Father, an historic declaration of commitment. The Group now has members in over 30 countries. www.santamartagroup.com Day for Life On 17 June, in England and Wales, there will be a mandatory second collection in parishes to support Day for Life. Proceeds of the collection will go to a full range of work that supports life in all its forms. This includes the Anscombe Bioethics Centre and other Church supported life activities. In the UK alone, it is estimated that every year there are over 13,000 victims of trafficking. Day for Life asks for your prayers and donations in supporting those that work to restore their lives to the full. Find out more at www.dayforlife.org. Pope Francis appeals to Catholics in England and Wales to ‘open (their) eyes’ and ‘hear (the) cry’ of human trafficking victims NORTHAMPTON Saying goodbye to Mary Mary Cleary first joined UCM in 1970 in Rugby, she moved to Rushden Northamptonshire and joined St. Peters foundation 2 years later. In time she became foundation secretary. In Mary’s working life she trained as a nurse and then midwife and helped many mothers in our foundation with their babies. Sadly, Mary’s husband Gordon died last November she is leaving us to be closer to her daughter who lives in Peterborough. Christina Moss our foundation President is presenting Mary with flowers and thanking her for many years of service at St Peters in the UCM. Mariann French Media Officer Submitting copy for next issue The deadline for articles and photos for the next edition of the Catholic Mother is Friday 18th September 2018 Please send copy to Margaret Postill, National Media Officer, at catholic.mother@yahoo.co.uk Thank you (GDPR) General Data Protection Regulation Anyone sending photos to be published in The Catholic Mother newspaper, it is your responsibility to make sure you get permission from all in the photos.

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The Catholic Mother Summer 2018 Page 3 The Government`s refusal to uphold a Conservative Party manifesto pledge to remove an admissions quota from religious schools represents a blow to the rights of Christian parents, the Bishop of Shrewsbury has said. Bishop Mark Davies suggested on 13 May that the decision of Education Secretary Damian Hinds to retain the 50 per cent cap on Catholic pupils in free schools was an ominous sign that the freedom of Christian parents to educate their children was being made subservient to ideology. The Bishop said the policy represented both a defeat for the aspirations of parents who sought a Catholic education for their children and a betrayal of assurances given to Catholic parents by the Conservative Party ahead of the 2017 General Election. In a homily preached during Mass for the National Conference of the Catenian Association in Telford, Shropshire, Bishop Davies told 550 representatives that the Government had capitulated to the demands of a vocal minority opposed to the existence of church schools. Bishop Davies said: "This Sunday, we all are aware that the Government has gone back on its manifesto promise to remove the admissions quota which prevents the opening of Catholic free schools. It is a situation not unlike that of a century ago, which sees a Governing Party swayed by a vocal minority. "It is a decision which is not merely a betrayal of a manifesto pledge or the promises made to the Catholic community. It represents a deeper shift in attitude across the whole political spectrum, where the rights and choices of Christian parents in raising their own families are made subservient to an ideology. "I say this, because it is not diversity or social inclusion that is at issue. We know Church schools represent the fullest ethnic diversity and contribute enormously by their values to social cohesion. It appears to be an ideological understanding of `diversity` which has seen the Church barred from a particular field of education in spite of the facts. "This was very definite defeat for Catholic education and more specifically the aspiration of parents seeking a Catholic education for their children. However, it is a defeat from which an ominous lesson can be drawn of how a government can acquiesce with a small and largely secularist lobby to undermine the freedom in which Christians can live and educate their children." The cap was introduced by the Coalition government of David Cameron and it means new Catholic free schools must turn away Catholic pupils simply because they are Catholic once the threshold of a 50 per cent intake of Catholic pupils has been met. The bishops have informed the Government that such a practice would contravene the Code of Canon Law, leaving them powerless to open Catholic schools free from the control of local authorities. The current Prime Minister had promised to abolish the cap and her Party manifesto acknowledged the difficulties the policy was causing to the Church, which has been unable to engage with the free school system for the past eight years. Justine Greening, the previous Education Secretary, was reluctant to act, however, but it was expected that Mr Hinds, a former pupil of St Ambrose College in Hale Barns, Cheshire - a Catholic school situated within the Diocese of Shrewsbury - would move swiftly to remedy the problem. Instead, Mr Hinds opted to retain the cap on free schools while allowing Catholic voluntary-aided schools to open with the permission of local authorities and to permit them to select all of their pupils on grounds of faith. Secularists had previously lobbied the Government to retain the cap, arguing that religious schools were divisive and that they allegedly wounded social cohesion. The Catholic Education Service has repeatedly produced evidence, however, to show that its 2,142 schools are among the most diverse in the country, with the majority of them serving less affluent families within the state sector and drawing 36 per cent of pupils nationally from ethnic minority backgrounds. Shrewsbury Diocese Bishop of Shrewsbury condemns schools` admissions quota LIVERPOOL UCM’s National Conference UCM’s National Conference and AGM shows ladies of the Liverpool Archdiocese celebrating with the newly-installed National President Margaret McDonald and National Treasurer Margaret Kerbey. We pray for good health and success for them during their terms of office. Madelaine McDonald Media Officer Anniversary Celebration A celebration was held for the 25th Anniversary of the founding of UCM in St Joseph’s, Penketh nr Liverpool. President Jane Ryan, Mgr Butchard, Canon Christopher, Frs. Bill, Malcolm and Richard and Deacon John were present. Madelaine McDonald Media Officer Enrolment at St Aidan’s, Winstanley 2 new members, Pat Harbour and Marilyn Murphy with Fr David Potter and Diocesan President Maria Bruns. Madelaine McDonald Media Officer Mary’s Meals backpacks 75 backpacks were sent from St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Knotty ash, Liverpool. This was a second consignment to join with many other UCM contributions from across Liverpool Diocese. Bernard Dillon a local representative of Mary’s Meals showed a video of the journey of a backpack from assembling in a British school to its arrival at a school in Malawi. The thrill and excitement on the faces of the children as they unpacked the bags was a joy to behold. We pray for good health and success for them during their terms of office. Madelaine McDonald Media Officer

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Page 4 Summer 2018 The Catholic Mother Congratulations 90th BIRTHDAYS Leeds Edna F INNI GAN, St Ignatius Foundation, Ossett Portsmouth Diocese Joan D RAKE, Ascot, Foundation Southwark Diocese Mary O’DRISCOLL, St. Joseph`s Foundation, New Malden, Surrey. 80th BIRTHDAYS Portsmouth Diocese Mary HOLDEN, Sacred Heart, Fareham Nottingham Diocese Anne SCANLON, Holy Spirit Foundation Westminster Archdiocese Bridget ROCK, Hitchen Foundation 70th BIRTHDAYS Westminster Archdiocese Rosemary BAILEY, Hitchen Foundation DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Birmingham Diocese William and Sarah, (Sadie) McCORMACK Holy Souls, Acocks Green, Portsmouth Diocese Audrey and Paul DAVIS, Ascot Foundation GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY East Anglia Maureen and John JESSUP, Sacred Heart & St Margaret Mary Dareham Plymouth Lorraine and Derek RICHARDS, Exmouth Foundation Diana and Michael NOR MAN, Exmouth Foundation Salford Diocese Julie and Ian BLOOMER , Christ the King, Walkden LIVERPOOL ARCHDIOCESE Margaret and Leo McN ICHOLAS, Lancaster MIDDLESBROUGH Visit to Cemetery On a very wet evening, St. Aelreds UCM visited the York Cemetery for a tour of the Victorian section. This has been laid out as a promenading area-predating public parks. Church of England graves were always to the right of the paths and to the left Catholics, Methodists and other dissenters. Denis Shaw one of the cemeteries genealogists pointed out various headstones that he thought might be of interest to us. Joseph Render, who having been ordained at Ushaw in 1826 spent 17 years in Hull and 30 years in York. He was instrumental in the building of St. Wilfrid’s Church in little Blake St. He was present when the Church as it stands today was built in 1864. George Walker Milburn, York’s own famous sculptor, having been very involved in the Cathedral at Durham, Chester, Lincoln, Rochester and the Stations of the Cross at English Martyrs Church in York. George Leeman, Chairman of the north east railway, Lord Mayor on 3 occasions, MP for York 1865, 1871. There is a statue of him near York railway station which was carved by George Walker Milburn There were many family graves of well-known York companies. Following the walk members were invited to refreshments in the Chapel which was built in 1837, where only one end of the chapel was consecrated to the Church of England. Hilda Carney St Aelreds York NATIONAL HOLIDAY & REST HOMES Did you know? That the Union of Catholic Mothers have a scheme to help members who have been unwell or could do with a break after an operation? Is there someone within your foundation who might be in need of some respite or just a break? If so Please contact your Diocesan Welfare Officer or Diocesan President who can give you the forms to apply, or ring me for a chat on 01395 274108 - hopefully I will be able to help. This is your chance to help someone within your Foundation or Parish. Lorraine Richards National Holiday & Rest Home Service Co-ordinator True life in god Pilgrimage to Moscow Moscow quite an adventure. The point of this ecumenical pilgrimage was ‘Honouring Russian Orthodoxy’ with unity in mind, that is to bring the western Roman Church closer to the eastern Orthodox Churches with the aim of celebrating Easter on the same date. Vassula Ryden who is an Orthodox Christian, has been receiving messages from Jesus and Mary since 1985 by writing them down in a handwriting which is not her own. Vassula visited numerous countries in the world and hosts a pilgrimage every two year. In Moscow 2017 there were 750 pilgrims from 65 different countries, Iceland, Taiwan, Argentina and Cameroon to name a few. The pilgrims included nearly 100 clergy with Coptic and Maronite Bishops and Cardinal Topo from India. Every day we had a different Mass and visited many monasteries with lots of gold-leaf domes. One day we went to the Kremlin, we saw where President Putin had an apartment, The KGB buildings, beautiful Churches and the largest bell in the world which unfortunately had a piece broken off when it was cooled too quickly. Another day we went on a boat trip on the river Moskva from which Moscow gets its name, we also visited a park via the metro, I was scared stiff I would be left behind on the platform. It was really interesting to visit Red Square with St Basil’s Cathedral Lenin’s tomb and the extensive glitzy GUM store. Red Square was much smaller than expected as it always looks so much larger on tv for the Easter day parade. I must mention St. Sergius, a hermit who befriended a bear. Where he lived at Lavra is a vast compound of beautiful Churches and bell towers. He provides a link for us with Russia Sergius is Russian for George, St George is their patron saint, although a different one. Altogether a fascinating trip. Hilda Carney St Aelreds York

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The Catholic Mother Summer 2018 Page 5 PLYMOUTH Fund Raising Sing-along One of our Foundation members, Mrs Sheila Bennett, died recently, and those present at the National Council and AGM in May 2017, will certainly remember her as “Grandma” in the Sketch which Plymouth Diocese performed as part of our Tuesday evening’s Entertainment. She’d had a fall that March so was using a wheelie frame, which became one of her props – along with her ‘bottle of elderberry wine’! Sheila survived Pancreatic Cancer about five years ago and had held three annual Coffee Mornings for the Charity “Pancreatic Cancer Research,” raising hundreds of pounds each time. In her memory, I had the idea of putting on a Concert of singing-along to 50s and 60s songs and inviting folk to join us. Lorraine (NHRHS) Richard’s husband Derek had sorted the music and copied all the words, which were displayed up on the Church Hall wall for us. Members of the Vigil and Sunday Masses at Holy Ghost Church, Exmouth, led the singing, and everyone joined in with gusto, bringing back so many memories! To give our voices a little rest, a Joyce Grenfell poem and two of her amusing Monologues were read during the intervals by Diana Norman; and tea and cakes were enjoyed to finish off the afternoon. Collection Buckets and a Grand Raffle raised the total of £440, which we know Sheila would have been so delighted. Eileen Jenkins, ‘Holy Family’ Foundation Kinson (Bournemouth) Foundation I was very pleased to be able to visit the ladies at Kinson Foundation on a sunny day in April, where they were busy producing knitted and crocheted items to be shipped over to Zambia later this spring. Their President, Mrs Barbara Rogers welcomed me and we enjoyed a chat over our knitting, and then had tea and cake. This is a small Foundation with very loyal members, but unfortunately some were away poorly or at appointments. Margaret, Barbara and Frances were joined for a while by their Parish Priest, Rev. Chacko Panathara, of the Vincentian Order, who amused us by modelling one of the knitted hats - it goes well with his shirt! Displayed are crocheted blankets; matching sets of hats, scarves and mittens; jumpers; and little purses. Members of the Parish give them any spare wool they have and some of the goods they make also help fill up the `Samaritans’ Christmas boxes. Well done, ladies! Diana Norman, Diocesan President for Plymouth Exmouth Foundation AGM, March 2018 Prior to the meeting, Father Robin Ellis, our spiritual advisor, said Mass in Holy Ghost Church, where members’ intentions had been laid on the altar. We also took this opportunity to renew our commitment to the UCM. Mass was followed by refreshments in Holy Ghost Hall At the AGM Liz Johnson retired as Exmouth Foundation President. Liz thanked Father Robin for the time he gives up to attend meetings and the services and Masses he has conducted. She also expressed her gratitude for the support she had received during her Presidency and thanked everyone for making this Foundation so active and such a good example to the Diocese. During Liz’s tenure the Exmouth Foundation enjoyed an extensive programme of external speakers and presentations by members (hat decorating was one session!). There were also several outings, including New Year lunch, skittles and a summer cream tea. Members were also active in attending UCM National and Diocesan functions and played an active part in the life of the Holy Family parish, which has churches in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. Exmouth Foundation would like to express its heartfelt thanks to Liz for all her work during the last three years. Ursula Ratcliffe was elected as new president. In April, to mark her first meeting as president, members surprised her by turning up in a variety of hats, from simple berets to extravagant wedding hats. The reason for this tribute is that Ursula is rarely seen without her signature colourful and dramatic headwear, so members thought it would be fun to celebrate the occasion with a display of hats. “If I had known you were planning this” said Ursula “I would have worn something more colourful”. Ursula began to wear hats simply as a protection from the rain when waiting for buses. Her first purchase was a black ‘Paddington Bear’ style hat. Feeling it was not very cheerful she soon had it decorated with bright colours. This was the start of a marvellous collection. Ursula buys plain hats and then embellishes them with a selection of ribbons, brooches, artificial flowers and fruits. Instead of gluing them in place, she attaches the decorations so they can be removed and reused. In this way she has an infinite variety of elegant and vibrant headgear. Siobhan Canham Exmouth Foundation Secretary St Rita’s Day Celebration, Honiton Mass was celebrated by Father Jonathan Stewart, Dean of Exeter, who grew up in Exmouth and is a former pupil of St Joseph`s school. He was ordained in Exmouth parish. Elizabeth Johnson Exmouth Foundation

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Page 6 Summer 2018 The Catholic Mother SALFORD Manchester Whit Walks Members of St Luke`s joined with Ladies from Salford Diocese at the Manchester and Salford Whit Walks on Monday 28th May. The theme being ` The Gift of the Holy Spirit` The procession left Manchester Cathedral then on to Albert Square for an act of worship led by the Dean of Manchester Cathedral the Very Reverend Rogers Govender, the address was given by the Bishop of Salford the Right Reverend John Arnold and the blessing by the Bishop of Middleton the Right Reverend Mark Davies. Phillipa Roberts Diocesan Secretary EAST ANGLIA Newly enrolled members Newly enrolled members, Katherine (left) and Joan (right), braving the snow to be enrolled by Father Brendan Moffat at the 10am Mass on Wednesday. Myrna Kemp, Media Officer Dereham Foundation (Sacred Heart & St Margaret Mary Parish Quiet Day On the Saturday after Easter members from St Neots, Hunstanton, Costessey and 2 members of the CWL had a ‘quiet Day’ at Poringland, (Poringland is a village in the district of South Norfolk, England. It lies 5 miles south of Norwich city centre and a further 10 miles away from Bungay.) Taking the theme of ‘the resurrection’ before Lunch and post resurrection after lunch, it was a very interesting and lively discussion afterwards. A very agreeable day. Many thanks to Elizabeth Howe who organised it. Myrna Kemp Media Officer Special Celebrations Special celebrations today at Sacred Heart, Dereham Foundation for two of our members. Myrna Kemp our secretary had a significant birthday this month, and Maureen Jesssup , with her husband John , celebrate their golden wedding on Friday. Our welfare officer, Jeannette also had her birthday today but is caring for her very poorly father at present. We sent flowers home to her and included her family in our special prayers. We rounded off our meeting with an amazing speaker from Mid Norfolk Mencap, who told us of their plans for a sensory room. Hopefully we shall be able to contribute to that later this year. Myrna Kemp Media officer

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The Catholic Mother Summer 2018 Page 7 2nd/3rd July Walsingham Pilgrimage 20th/ 22nd July J&P Conference, Swanwick 7th/9th September National Congress, Liverpool 13th October Extraordinary General meeting, St Chads, Birmingham DATES FOR YOUR DIARY The Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) in the parish of St Ambrose in Kidderminster is a lively, welcoming group at the heart of the community. During Lent, members of the UCM showed their generosity of spirit by supporting Father Hudson’s Care’s ‘Welcoming the Stranger’ initiative, which supports refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. Teresa Clements, Newcomer Co-ordinator at Father Hudson’s Care, said, “The UCM members responded positively and practically to the needs of newcomer mothers-to-be through their inspiring Catholic Social Action. The members knitted beautifully made warm baby clothes. They also bought many essential items for new babies and women going into hospital to have their babies. Their solidarity with destitute mothers-to-be at a time of hardship and anxiety will bring new hope for them and enable their babies to thrive.” The UCM’s donations will be given to Brushstrokes Community Project to sustain their valuable work with newcomer women in Sandwell and Birmingham. Miriam Cunliffe Kidderminster Faith in Action – mothers’ group supports vulnerable mums-to-be L-R: UCM President Betty Martin, secretary Christine Vass, and Teresa Clements. NOTTINGHAM Loyal Service Certificates 50 Years U.C.M. loyal service Certificates for Marie Brookes, Pat Newby and Kath Webb, presented by Nottingham Diocesan President, Monica Mitchell, on November 30th 2017 at St. Mary`s Loughborough. After the presentation there was a little celebration provided by Dorothy Hutchings, President of Loughborough Foundation. Kathy Gelling Media Officer New Members "On the 2nd May 2018, 2 new members, Sue Sneyd on the left of the picture and Diane Johnstone, were enrolled into Holy Spirit Foundation by our Parish Priest, Fr. Michael Brown. Afterwards we adjourned to the parish social centre for our usual meeting which was followed by tea and a cake, made by our President, Bernadette Turner." Kathy Gelling Media Officer

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Page 8 Summer 2018 The Catholic Mother BIRMINGHAM A New Face For Birmingham Diocese Birmingham Diocese held its AGM at St Chad`s Cathedral on Tuesday 17 April. For the first time it was the combined AGM and Annual Diocese Mass. And for the first time for several years the AGM and the meal were not held in the hotel across the road from the Cathedral. This has now closed (the day after our last AGM I understand!) so it was decided to hold the AGM in the Cathedral`s large meeting room and have the outside caterers who often cater for Cathedral events. The AGM went smoothly and I am sure everyone enjoyed the Mass and getting together. However, the day was not without its problems. For the increasing number of members with mobility problems accessing the meeting room from the Cathedral itself is a nightmare and then to be quite honest the food was dreadful (I had been warned by more than one person, but after the booking!). So, it will be thinking caps again (and prayers) for next year. However, the positives greatly outweighed the negatives. Our current secretary Eileen Priest kindly stepped forward to be the new President. Angela Foster had already done an extra year in that role. She has worked tirelessly for the UCM and well deserves a rest and more time with her family. Unfortunately, no-one has stepped forward yet to be the new secretary. Prayers are still needed for this. A number of long service certificates were given out. The after-dinner speaker was Father Michael White of St John the Baptist Tamworth who spoke about Caritas. Birmingham UCM is a member, but many of us didn`t know exactly what it was or what it did. Now to the new face. Our dearly loved spiritual adviser for many years Father Tim Burke is now in a nursing home (happy and well looked after I am glad to report) and for his replacement the Archbishop chose Father Paul Edwards of Sedgley and Lower Gornal. No-one in the UCM knew anything about him, and he admits he didn`t know anything about the UCM. Father Paul joined us at the AGM and told us something about himself. He admits to being 52 but like Peter Pan doesn`t seem to have aged. The Peter Pan allusion is appropriate as from 13 to 17 he starred in West End productions having first been chosen to play Pip in Great Expectations with a touring production. During these years he had a tutor so his education did suffer. He had been born in Pembrokeshire but came to the West Midlands when he was adopted. He may not have encountered the UCM but he has a good knowledge of family life. He has two families he is close to, his birth family and his adopted one with four brothers and sisters. As a young man he felt the vocational calling but was told by his bishop to work with people first. Taking this on board he trained as a nurse and worked first in oncology and then in a hospice. There is mental illness in his genetic family which has given him a great insight into mental health. He trained for the priesthood at Oscott for six years and was ordained in 2000. We all warmed to Father Paul and he will without doubt be a great asset to the UCM Birmingham diocese Susan Martin Media Officer Long Service Certificates President Betty Martin received certificate for 25 years as UCM member, also, Denise Holdstock 30 years and Bridget Power 40 years. They were awarded at Diocesan AGM and today Father Lamb officially presented them at mass. Susan Martin Media Officer St Thomas of Canterbury, Walsall How can you take part in Rosary on the Coast when you live about as far away from the coast as you can get on this island? Answer - find a canal! The West Midlands has a large canal system which seven intrepid UCM members of St Thomas of Canterbury Walsall took advantage of. They went to the canal close to a bridge not far from Peggy Cooke`s house and stood four on one side and three on the other side. They then went through all of the Mysteries. Needless to say, looks were given by passing dog walkers and ramblers, and they could hear the odd "what are they doing". Their efforts proved the old adage `where there`s a will there`s a way` and after mission accomplished an enjoyable lunch was had at a nearby pub. Susan Martin Media Officer CLIFTON Quarterly mass at St Joseph’s Portishead

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The Catholic Mother Summer 2018 Page 9 NATIONALHOLIDAY & REST HOMES SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR The Co-ordinator liaises with National Welfare Officer who is the link between the National Committee and the National Holiday & Rest Homes Service. Attendance at National Council & Annual General Meeting and Autumn Meeting. Attendance at other Ad Hoc meetings as and when required. Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is appreciated Make the initial booking for holidays/ rest homes. Confirms all bookings in writing, if a deposit is required then forward with a cheque. After making the initial booking, file all completed booking forms records with receipt and cheque numbers. Send the balance as and when agreed. If it is only grant that is being made, send the grant to the relevant organisation. Issuing receipts for all monies received and insist on receipts/invoices for all monies sent. Keep Income/Expenditure accounts. Claim expenses from the National Treasurer. Prepare year-end accounts, on completion send to the National Treasurer. Deal with any complaints. Closing date 31st August STUDY DAYS ADMINISTRATOR Attendance at National Council & Annual General Meeting. Attendance at the Autumn Meeting. Attendance at other Ad Hoc meetings as and when required. Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is appreciated books the venue for the Committee meetings. In conjunction with the National President set the dates and compile the Agenda for the Committee Meetings; takes the minutes of the meetings, transcribe and circulate. Book speakers for the National Study Days Conference. Circulates the booking forms, accepts and confirms bookings for all those attending the National Study Days Conference. Deals with all the administration tasks for the National Study Days Conference. Prior to the National Study Days Conference circulates Programme to those attending. An interim Balance Sheet should be prepared for the Autumn Meeting, copies should be sent to Treasurer and Secretary. sAccounts must be prepared to December 31st each year and checked by a qualified examiner and copies sent to the National Treasurer. Closing date 31st August WALSINGHAM SUB COMMITTEE AD MINISTRATOR Attendance Walsingham Sub Committee Meetings, usually held in May, July and November. Attendance at National Council & Annual General Meeting. Attendance at the Autumn Meeting. Planning Meeting in Walsingham. Attendance at other Ad Hoc meetings as and when required. Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Use of a Computer is essential: To ensure the smooth running of the pilgrimage, the Administrator carries out various tasks together with other committee members on the pilgrimage days. Book the venue for 3 Committee Meetings. In conjunction with the National President set the dates and compile Agenda for the Committee Meetings; take the Minutes of the meetings, transcribe, send to the National President for approval and circulate. In November, accompany the National President to the planning meeting in Walsingham with the Shrine Rector and staff to discuss the Liturgy and arrangements for the following year. Prepare Liturgy and send to Bishop Alan Williams for approval. Prepare and type annual Pilgrimage Programme and submit to the Printers. Arrange for delivery to Walsingham Shrine. Responsible for booking Abbey grounds, Staging, P.A. System, Chairs and all other outside services. Prepare Booking form and Walsingham Whispers for inclusion in each edition of The Catholic Mother. Responsible for all accommodation bookings and meals in the Pilgrims Bureau in conjunction with the Lead Diocese including requirements for Bishop(s), Lead Diocese Chaplain, National President, Secretary, Treasurer, National Committee and Walsingham Sub Committee. Liaise and meet with the Lead Diocese re duties they will undertake during the pilgrimage particularly regarding accommodation and use of their coaches for Abbey Link mobility. Liaise with Dioceses re use of their coaches for Abbey Link Mobility Coaches. Liaise with Bishop(s} and Clergy regarding pilgrimage and all Dioceses regarding volunteer stewards etc. To ensure the smooth running of the pilgrimage, the Administrator carries out various tasks together with the other committee members on the pilgrimage days. Responsible for organising and sending out invitations for National President`s Supper, National President`s Lunch and Strawberry Tea. Book Packed Lunches. After the Pilgrimage, send thank you letters. Written reports relating to the topics of all Meetings attended or information gathered on behalf of The UCM to be presented to the Sub Committee Meetings, Autumn Meeting and National Council. Closing date 31st August Vacancies NATIONAL SECRETARY Becomes one of the three trustees of The Union of Catholic Mothers; the other two trustees are the National President and the National Treasurer. The three trustee officers work closely as a team regarding all matters relating to The U.C.M. Attends Trustee meetings, National Committee meetings, National Council and Annual General meeting, Diocesan Officers meeting, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required. Needs to have a thorough knowledge of the Constitution of the UCM. Needs to have an overview of the tasks and remit of all members of the National Committee. Compiles the Agendas for all meetings and then compiles the Minutes. Complies the Annual Report and the National Officers reports. Monitor emails and action if necessary. Perform the secretarial duties associated with the role of National Secretary. Attends the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. The National Secretary should be available to give advice at all times. Closing date 31st August Lead Diocese – Diocese of Middlesbrough with Bishop Terence Drainey and their Chaplain, Fr Bill Serplus. We will also be joined by Bishop Alan Williams, our National Ecclesiastical Adviser, and Bishop Alan Hopes from the Diocese of East Anglia. The Summer issue of The Catholic Mother should be published and with you prior to the pilgrimage – I hope! I trust you are all enjoying the beautiful weather and, with only 5 weeks to go, we pray that we will be blest with 2 such lovely days in July for our pilgrimage. Preparations are going well - we held our final meeting with the lead Diocese this week. All beds in the Pilgrim Bureau have been filled and we would like to thank the Middlesbrough Diocese, especially Mrs Jean Rigg, their President and Mrs Kath Stubbs, their co- ordinator for the excellent way they have worked alongside the Walsingham Sub Committee in the preparations. Sadly, numbers again are very slow coming in and at today`s date we only have 225 confirmed bookings but I am sure that many of you will be sending in your bookings in the next few weeks as I know you will all remember the magical number of 500 which enables us to have that beautiful open-air Mass. Please remember your friends are very welcome too. Stewards. Thank you to all of those who have volunteered for this really important role and I will be sending out their instructions very shortly and, as always, we could not run our pilgrimage without them. If you have not been able to volunteer this year, please do consider it for next year. For the next 3 years 2018- 2020, the Shrine is focusing on the lead up to the Re- dedication as the `Dowry of Mary` and as part of the Spiritual preparations there will be a Dowry Tour to every Cathedral in the Country and the Statue of Our Lady of Walsingham which now resides in the Slipper Chapel will be part of this Tour. The Tour commences at Liverpool Cathedral on the 21st- 23rd June. Other Cathedral dates are published on the website – www.dowrytour.org.uk and Exhibitions, prayer and talks will be held at each Cathedral. The Shrine have also produced a beautiful Pilgrim Handbook priced at £2.50, a really worthwhile purchase with so much detail in it. The Walsingham Sub Committee would like to ask you all to join with us in welcoming three new members to the Committee, Angie Higginson, as Treasurer, and Mary Piper and Marie Harvey as Committee members, who will take up their roles after the 2018 pilgrimage. On behalf of all The UCM Members, I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking the current Committee, Angela Mellors, Treasurer, and Elizabeth Dunn and Paddy Roberts, Committee members, for all their hard work and loyalty during their terms of office as they complete their roles after the 2018 pilgrimage. I would, personally, also like to thank them for the love, support, help and encouragement that they have given to me since I took on the role of Administrator – I could not have done it without them. Finally, as always, we look forward to welcoming you all to our 73rd Walsingham pilgrimage and a special welcome to our new National President, Margaret McDonald, new National Treasurer, Margaret Kerbey and 2 new Vice Presidents, Maureen Woodward and Cath Rutherford, who will be overseeing the Service in the Abbey Grounds. We pray for a spiritual, happy and uplifting pilgrimage and we wish you all a safe journey to Walsingham and return home to your loved ones. Maureen, Angela, Elizabeth and Paddy Walsingham Sub-Committee Walsingham Whispers “PREPARING FOR THE DOWRY REDEDICATION: THIS IS YOUR MOTHER”

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Page 10 Summer 2018 The Catholic Mother LEEDS Arya from St Georges Crypt The parish of St Ignatius in Ossett have been fund raising for the Christian charity of St Georges Crypt for many years, so the UCM invited a representative from the Crypt to give a talk to members and parishioners. On a very cold night in February a lovely lady called Arya arrived to tell us how the charity started and how it has progressed over the years. In 1930 the Anglican Vicar of St Georges Church in Leeds began feeding the homeless of the city beneath his church so a new charity was born. Since then they have offered food, clothing, overnight accommodation, support, skills training, addiction counselling and access to medical experts to thousands of desperate people. Arya made the evening more interesting with the help of a slide show and stories of the ups and downs of working in the Crypt. We held a raffle which raised £100 for the charity and loaded Aryas car with numerus bags of warm clothes and boots which were gratefully received. Eileen Goodwin Media Officer AGM 30 guests and members braved the dreadful weather to attend the AGM in March. We were delighted to welcome National President Mrs Val Ward and National Treasurer Mrs. Angie Higginson as our guests at the Cathedral where Benediction was celebrated by Cannon Lawrie Hulme our UCM Chaplin. The meeting was held in the Cathedral Hall where Diocesan President Mrs. Pat Atha opened the meeting with UCM prayers. After the reading of the reports Val Ward gave an inspiring talk urging us to continue to uphold the values of the UCM and congratulated us on all the work our members do throughout the year. The election of new Diocesan Officers followed when Trish Bazeley was elected as new Diocesan President, Susan Oldroyd as the new Secretary and Catherine Simpson as new Treasurer. Cannon Hulme closed the meeting with prayers and everyone enjoyed refreshments before heading home. Eileen Goodwin Media Officer L/R Val Ward, Angie Higginson, Catherine Simpson, Trish Bazeley and Susan Oldroyd Pilgrimage to Osmotherley On a lovely sunny Saturday in April we travelled to the Lady Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Grace, in the picturesque village of Osmotherley, North Yorkshire. The origins of the Chapel are unknown but a licence for Mass to be celebrated was granted in 1397, which implies that it existed before that date. Legend tells us that Queen Catherine of Aragon (the first wife of Henry V111) visited the Chapel and the Queen Catherine Inn in the village centre is a reminder of that connection. Eventually the Chapel fell into disrepair until the 1 980’s when it was completely rebuilt using stone from the original buildings. The care of the Chapel and the surrounding grounds has been passed to St. Mary’s Cathedral Middlesbrough and the Dean, assisted by lay volunteers look after both so regular Masses and Pilgrimages can take place. Eileen Goodwin Media Officers HALLAM ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON £633 Raised for Mary’s Meals Charity by Merstham Foundation At Christmas, Merstham foundation agreed to support the Charity “Mary’s Meals”. The members of the UCM were very pleased to have raised £633 through a variety of ways and donations. Pamela Schwenk Secretary , Merstham Foundation Chick and rabbits knitted by the ladies in time for Easter "In time for Easter, many chicks and rabbits were knitted by the ladies of the St. Vincents UCM Foundation in Sheffield. All donations going to the Bluebell Wood Children`s Hospice Fund." Dorothy Anderson, Media Officer

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The Catholic Mother Summer 2018 Page 11 Apostleship of the Sea Pat Ezra used to be a project manager in the space industry, making digital cameras for satellites and telescopes. Now she’s the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) port chaplain in East Anglia - and is known as the lady in the pink hat. Pat first became interested in AoS when she attended a talk given by AoS port chaplain to Hull, Anne McLaren. She’s now responsible for visiting ships in Felixstowe, Ipswich and other ports on the East Anglia coast. “I thought I should wear something that made me instantly recognisable around the port. While on holiday before I started at AoS I found a pink see-through hard hat. This has provided a great talking point both in the port and on many of the ships I board and provides a great ice-breaker,” she said. This month [July 8] is Sea Sunday, when the Church asks us to pray for seafarers and support the work of AoS, whose chaplains and ship visitors provide practical and pastoral help in ports around the coast of Britain and in many countries throughout the world. She has always had an interest in the maritime industry. In her teens she attempted to join the merchant navy. When that didn’t work out she decided to follow a career in engineering. When she visited Felixstowe for the first time, she admitted that she was taken aback. “Felixstowe was the first port I visited and I had forgotten just how large container ships can be. Everything, particularly the cranes, seemed so big. On the whole the other ports in East Anglia tend to have smaller ships and don’t strike you as quite as busy as Felixstowe.” She had also been unprepared for just how tall some container ships are. Some can have 18,000 metal boxes stacked on them. “My first surprise was just how high up container ships are. I hadn`t really thought about this before I joined AoS, and it has taken me a while to get used to the height of the bigger ships. But I am getting there now.”Pat’s role as a port chaplain is to make herself available to the seafarers she meets and ask what she can do to help. Many will have been at sea for months and have had no contact with their families. Even though technology has changed the maritime industry, many ships still don’t have internet access on board. A lot of the work of an AoS port chaplain is about small gestures, such as the time Pat received a phone call asking if she could reunite a Filipino brother and sister who had not seen each other for over ten years. After discovering that his ship would be arriving in Felixstowe, she arranged to meet the lady at Felixstowe Station. "It was a Saturday and the trains from London were delayed. So the lady arrived five minutes before her brother’s shift started,” she said. “I managed to make contact with the lady’s brother and after some negotiation I was able to arrange cover for his shift, and he was able to join his sister at the seafarers centre for the afternoon. They had a lovely time together.” Being a seafarer is one of the world’s most dangerous occupations, something Pat knows all too well. Last year, she received an email from a shipping agent, who asked if she could arrange for a priest to visit MV Industrial Destiny when it arrived in Felixstowe. One of the crew had been lost at sea, and his colleagues were distraught. She contacted Fr John Barnes, parish priest of St Felix Church in Felixstowe, and the two of them went on board. “The crew was on a very short turnaround time and would only be in port for a maximum of six hours," said Pat. "As it was an unusual cargo the crew also had to unload it. This meant that stopping for a full Mass was not possible. However, Fr John was able to provide Communion for the seafarers on an individual basis as they became available." After all who wanted had received Communion the captain asked Father John if he would bless the bridge and engine room. The ship`s crew was consoled by the visit and the blessing, said Pat. “After six hours in port they then departed for a three- hour stop in Newcastle before heading to Denmark. Despite their brief stopover we were glad to be able to respond to their immediate pastoral needs and provide some comfort during what must have been a very distressing time for them.” Greg Watts

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Page 12 Summer 2018 The Catholic Mother Poets Corner 80 Not Out Today dear Lord I’m 80 and there’s much I haven’t done, I hope dear Lord you’ll let me live until I’m 81. But then if I haven’t finished all I want to do, Would you let me stay a while until I’m 82. So many places I want to go, so very much to see, Do you think you could manage to make it until I’m 83. The world is changing very fast, there is so much in store, I’d like it very, very much to live till I’m 84. And if by then I’m still alive, I’d like to stay till I’m 85. More planes will be up in the air, so I’d really like to stick, And see what happens to the world when I’m 86. I know dear Lord it’s much to ask, and must be nice in heaven, But I would really like to stay until I’m 87. I know by then I won’t be fast and sometimes I’ll be late, But it would be so pleasant to be around at the age of 88. I will have seen so many things and had a wonderful time, So I’m sure I would be willing to leave at 89, (maybe). Traditionally, the month of May is Mary’s month. One poet priest wonders why and asks: is it just because it’s brighter and that all this light delights her? Finally, following reason, he seems to think it’s all about the season - Spring - when, he concludes, all things are rising, all things sizing and this “Mary sees, sympathising”. So, we have this beautiful image of Mary, the Mother, lovingly watching over the tender young growth of new life in our lives. St Elizabeth is the figure who provides the single, best example of openness to the growth of this new life within her and of the simple but wonderful way Mary mothers it. Of course, the glorious month of May - so often host to the great feasts of Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity culminates with the quieter, domestic but no less joyful feast of the Visitation. And in the life of St Elizabeth we have a perfect example of how the great mysteries of faith - the abiding presence of the Risen Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Blessed communion of the one God take root and grow in our ordinary lives. There are very few conversations between women recorded in Sacred Scripture - plenty between men - I can think of Naomi and Ruth in the Old Testament but guess that the chat between Mary and Elizabeth is unique to the New Testament. Yet, it’s through the words between these two women - most probably spoken in a kitchen - that the most profound and joyful truth of faith is communicated. The essence of this mystery - like the whole mystery of our faith - is that through the communication of the Word a secret curse is lifted and these women are free to embrace the joyful presence of God’s life in their lives. Elizabeth, an older woman, isolated by fear and shame holds a heavy secret in her heart. She is worried to death. But just by talking and their mutual presence to each other the two women lift the fear of the ancient enemy and recognise that all that is rising and sizing within them is the new life of God: The spring of our salvation. How many times is the UCM criticised as a talking shop where it seems little gets done and much is said. Well then St Elizabeth is your perfect example - if all this talking is seen by Mary - sympathising - if it’s open to the building up of the kingdom then this most simple domestic fact of life can contain and continue the great, joyful fruits of our faith! Fr. Philip Caldwell The Life of a Saint: St Elizabeth objectives and things you aspire to I think we are probably talking about the call to holiness in the world,” he said. “The UCM is about family life, about wives and husbands and children, about the divine life of the family,” he said. “Thank goodness you are around to witness to families, to pray for families, to model families as they should be for others – in other words, saints who look to people around them in their families.” The Mass was celebrated in the Wirral because Val Ward, who steps down as the national president in May after serving a term of three years, is a parishioner of Holy Apostles and Martyrs’ Church in Wallasey. At the conclusion of the Mass, Mrs Ward led the congregation in the UCM prayer before thanking husband John, her family, clergy, members of the UCM and musicians from her home parish for their help, encouragement, understanding and prayers. She said: “I would like to thank you all for being here. The last three years has passed in the blink of an eye and I would like to thank you all for your help and support during this time. “There have been some ups and downs and we have laughed together and cried together and, most importantly, prayed together – the UCM at its best. I couldn’t have done it without you.” She added: “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. It has truly been the most enriching experience.” Mrs Ward will be succeeded next month by Margaret McDonald, a UCM member from Liverpool. The chief celebrant at the Mass at St Anne’s was Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury. It was also attended by Emeritus Bishop Terence Brain of Salford, a former ecclesiastical adviser to the UCM. “In Shrewsbury Diocese we give special thanks today for the national service of Val Ward,” said Bishop Davies in his opening remarks. (Photos by Simon Caldwell) The Presidents Triennial Mass Catholic mothers can become “the saints next door” by answering the call to holiness in their daily lives, a bishop has said. Preaching at a Mass for the Union of Catholic Mothers, Bishop Alan Williams of Brentwood said that what the Church and the world needed more saints. He said that Pope Francis in Gaudete et Exsultate, an Apostolic Exhortation issued in April on “the call to holiness in today’s world”, has reminded the Church that sanctity is not reserved only for the great and well-known saints. “We could all be saints next door, for others,” said Bishop Williams, ecclesiastical adviser to the UCM at the National President’s Triennial Mass. “The world and the Church desperately needs saints,” he said. “It needs more priests, more religious, but actually more saints. “We need more saints, we need more members of the UCM, we need that witness to continue in the world in which we live. “Humanity is one thing, without divinity it is nothing,” Bishop Williams added. “The world is one thing, without heaven it is nothing. “The UCM exists to bring something of God into this world,” he continued. “If I may say so, you do it wonderfully well, by the grace of God.” In his homily at St Anne’s Church in Rock Ferry, the Wirral, the bishop described the Pope’s letter as a “terrific, practical guide to holiness, utterly readable, absolutely profound and very wonderful”. He told the congregation, made up of more than 200 members of the UCM from all over the country, that the mission of their organisation very much reflected the objectives of the Holy Father. The UCM, Bishop Williams noted, was dedicated to prayer, charity and supporting families, Catholic education and vocations. “One could say many things about the UCM but if we look at your aims and

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The Catholic Mother Summer 2018 Page 13 50 Year Certificate Lucy Smallwood received her 50 years UCM Membership certificate presented by Mary Burt. Vice President Mary Piper was present too. At our UCM meeting, we incorporated a Bring & Buy Sale and Raffle, raising £130 for our Parish Lenten Project, which supports small overseas charities. Teresa Bredl Treasurer Tolworth Foundation Visit to Fenton House 12 members and friends of UCM Sutton Foundation visited Fenton House in Hampstead. It`s a delightful 17th Century house full of lovely collections of treasures from around the world - ceramics, embroidery, musical instruments and furniture. We were lucky that it was a sunny day and we were able to enjoy the secluded walled garden. While in Hampstead we decided to visit a little known Catholic Church where one of our members, Teresa Channing, was married on 11th February 1961. St Mary`s Church in Holly Walk was founded by Abbe Jean-Jacques Morel, who had come to England to seek refuge after the French Revolution of 1789. About 200 French refugees were living in the village at that time. St Mary`s was the first permanent chapel to be built by Catholics in Hampstead since the reformation three centuries earlier. It is a beautiful little church and it was opened especially for us! We were made very welcome and were each given a little booklet telling us all about the interesting history of the church and its famous parishioners, including General Charles de Gaulle. He had attended Mass at the church during the war years 1940-42 while living in nearby Frognal House. Sharon Bishop Media officer SOUTHWARK Members of Sittingbourne receiving long service certificates. right to left: Pat Bean, Maureen Boorman, Ann Nunn, Gerry, Pat Gibson, Betty Houlihan, Betty Scoones and Sheila Goatham. Sharon Bishop Media officer Sunny morning stroll On a sunny morning in May Kate Boyle led us on a tour of the area behind Kings Cross / St Pancras stations. A transformation is going on there. There is an interesting mix of old and new. St Pancras hotel is an obvious landmark. In contrast modern blocks of flats and offices surprise the eye with original and unexpected features. Green spaces and mini waterfalls provide pleasant retreats for city workers. Regents Canal is close by with narrow boats offering food drink and entertainment. Our tour finished with a visit to St Pancras old church. It’s a small jewel set in a beautiful churchyard. Near the church is the tree planted by Thomas Hardy surrounded by the headstones from the graves of those bodies which were removed during the laying of the railway. The bodies were reinterred in holy ground. The roots of the tree have grown through the stones to make an original and fitting memorial. We were the first group Kate has taken on this walk. We recommend it. Our thanks to Kate for such an interesting tour. Lucy Smallwood Tolworth Foundation

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Page 14 Summer 2018 The Catholic Mother Candles Delivered To Your Home Frankincense, Myrrh plus other scents , natural plant wax candles , no animal or paraffin derived ingredients ibelieve books 66 Loampit Vale Lewisham SE13 7SN email ibelievebooks@yahoo.com www.ibelievebooks.co.uk 0203 4905515 07982 913378 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 SOUTHWARK 40th Anniversary At St. Columba we began our Celebration with our Priest Father Roy Tablizo taking Benediction. After which Father Doug Bull, our UCM Spiritual Adviser enrolled 6 ladies. This was followed by Mary Burt presenting me with a 40th Foundation Certificate for our UCM. Also, presenting long service certificates to 8 members namely Margaret Charman 55 years, Monica Furk, Catherine Hendron, Tina Lee, Cora Litchfield and Maureen Melvin all 40 years, Mary Pond and Rene Barrett both 30 years. We had a wonderful Buffet in the Hall. Our beautiful 40th Anniversary cake was made by Cathy Burns, one of our members. There was entertainment of singing and poetry plus, a comical puppet show. We join in dancing and a spontaneous conga around the room with much laughter. Our 40th Anniversary Mass was held on Sunday 6th May. Mary Burt and Mary Piper attended. Mary gave a speech about the UCM from the Lectern. Malliga Baladasan, Alison Guckian, Yolande Mallen, Fe Perfect, Brenda Barta and Bibiana Onyeachom Marion de Souza UCM President Selsdon Foundation WESTMINSTER Hounslow 60th Anniversary We began with a Thanks Giving Mass at the Parish of St Micheal and St Martin. They were privilaged to have Three priests celebr ate the Mass followed by a get together. It was a pleasure to have one of the First members who joined in 1957. Their Diocesan President, members of the committee along with members from neighbouring foundations were present.They all had a great time together. We Thank God for the 4 new enrolments and pray for his blessings on them and all the UCM members. Lavina Fernandes Media Officer Hounslow 50th Anniversary Celebriations On the 17th October 2017 the Parish of Hitchin Celebrated their 50th Anniversary. They had a beautiful Mass celebrated by their Chaplin. 8 members were presented with long term certificates. During the Mass One new member was enrolled, after Mass they all went to the hall for a very nice celebration. Media Officer Elizabeth Garcia

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The Catholic Mother Summer 2018 Page 15 To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org OBITUA RIES BIRMINGHAM ARCHDIOCESE Eileen CARLTON, Bilton Rugby Pauline FITZPATRICK, Bilton Rugby Norah ROACHE, Bilton Rugby Annette TODD, St Marie Rugby Mary HA RRIS, St Ambrose Kidderminster CLIFTON DIOCESE Rosemary Croom JOHNSON, Sacred Heart Foundation Maria GUILFOYLE, Sacred Heart Foundation Kath SCULLY, Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation EAST ANGLIA Rose DOROTHY , Our Lady of St Walstans Foundation , Costessey LIVERPOOL ARCHDIOCESE Mrs Terry HADLAND, ex diocesan president PLYMOUTH DIOCESE Bev MILTON, Independent member Plymouth Pat WARREN, Plymstock, Foundation Joyce INGHAM, Exmouth, Foundation Olive BEER, Exmouth, Foundation Sheila BENNETT, Exmouth, Foundation Joyce INGHAM, Exmouth Foundation Olive BEER, Exmouth Foundation PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE Terry HADLAND, St. Joseph’s Foundation, Tilehurst. Maureen PORTER, Sacred Heart, Fareham Mrs HAMANI, Sacred Heart, Fareham Margaret CLARK, St Francis, Ascot SALFORD DIOCESE Lillian GRAVES, Guardian Angels Foundation, Bury SOUTHWARK ARCHDIOCESE Lilian Ivy SCORER, Bromley WESTMINSTER ARCHDIOCESE Tom DEEGAN, husband of Joan Deegan, Archdiocesan President. Monica SCUDDER, Pinner Foundation, Pinner. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote UCM101 Drivers are being encouraged to join an unprecedented national intelligence-gathering campaign launched by the Church of England and the Catholic Church in England and Wales aimed at stamping out modern slavery in hand car washes. Anti-slavery campaigners and other key agencies, including police, are backing the Safe Car Wash app, launched by The Clewer Initiative, the Church of England’s campaign against modern slavery, and the Santa Marta Group, the Catholic Church’s anti-slavery project. From Monday, 4 June, the Safe Car Wash app can be downloaded for free on to Apple and Android devices. Users can open the app when they are at the car wash and pinpoint their exact location using GPS. They will be then taken through a series of indicators of modern slavery. They range from practical details - such as whether workers have suitable protective clothing - to behavioural clues, such as whether they appear withdrawn. If the answers indicate a high likelihood, users will be directed to the Modern Slavery Helpline. Data will also be anonymised and shared with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). Clergy will also be asked to raise awareness of the campaign in sermons and Sunday School lessons and hold events to publicise the app. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said: “I welcome this very helpful and timely initiative in an area of real exploitation. As we learn to see this example of forced labour and modern slavery in our midst, we will also become more aware of the presence of this evil scourge in other sectors in our neighbourhood.” The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “Over the last few years we have learnt more about the evil of modern slavery and we have begun to understand how it is perpetrated in our communities in plain sight. “Through the Safe Car Wash App we now have a chance to help tackle this scourge which is damaging so many people’s lives.” Will Kerr, Director of the National Crime Agency (NCA) said: “This App will help to engage the public in identifying car washes, where slavery is suspected, and will also help law enforcement identify those people who may be at risk, as well as those criminals who are exploiting the vulnerable.” Roger Bannister, interim Chief Executive for the GLAA, said: “The Safe Car Wash App is a great way of utilising the technology so many of us have become accustomed to and the GLAA are happy to be working alongside The Clewer Initiative and the Santa Marta Group on this important piece of work.” Kevin Hyland, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner said: “The value of this app is that in addition to immeasurably improving the lives of victims of modern slavery being cruelly exploited in car washes today, it also empowers a community to act.” Professor Zoe Trodd, Director of the Rights Lab, a University of Nottingham Beacon of Excellence, said: “Car washes are completely unregulated territory and we don’t know how big the sector is, how many hand car washes operate or how many persons are registered to work in them. This citizen engagement in data collection is a powerful technique with potential for mapping other vulnerable services such as nail bars.” The App is also endorsed by the National Police Chief Councils, the Local Government Association and the Office of the Independent Anti- Slavery Commissioner. Hand car washes Please accept my apologies if your view on this subject are differ to mine. I however feel I MUST try and prevent the UK from getting rid of the current law on abortion which not only protects a mother from being forced to have an abortion but also protects the Dr`s and nurses who object to being involved in the performing of abortions. The proposal which I am most against is the fact a baby will be able to be aborted right up to and including its due date. That means in truth MURDERING a FULL-TERM BABY! This for me is a step too far, woman will be able to give ANY REASON for the procedure to be done. Below is the full proposal and how you can help try to prevent the UK from abandoning a law that as it stands is a protection for everyone involved........ Shortly the abortion lobby plan to bring a very radical change to abortion law forward to Parliament. They have been very clear about what they want - abortion on demand, for any reason, up to birth. Yes, they actually stated this explicitly at their campaign launch. Ann Furedi (CEO of abortion provider BPAS) said: "I want to be very very clear….There should be no legal upper limit" [for abortion] (https://youtu.be/YE2H_WU_mKQ?t=58m1s). If their campaign succeeds, abortion will be legal right up to the day that the baby is due. Babies will be able to be aborted for any reason whatsoever. (https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2018/06/fiona-bruce- lets-recognise-this-move-for-what-it-is-a-push-to-make-abortion-up-to- birth-legal-throughout-the-uk.html) The current law, as it stands, will be completely dismantled. This proposal may seem extreme. Unfortunately, similar legislation has already passed in Australia (in the states of Victoria and Tasmania), so this is a serious threat. I need your help to defeat these proposals. I currently get action alert emails when there is a threat in Parliament and we need MPs to get emails from their constituents to show that there are pro-life people in their constituency that care about the way they vote on these issues. For pro-life MPs, these emails help keep them pro-life. Pro-abortion MPs need to see that there are people that they represent that are going to be upset if they vote the wrong way. For the rest of the MPs who sit on the fence on these issues, a number of emails from constituents is what can sway them either way. This could be the difference between us winning or losing a vote on this. Would you be willing to help out and also get these action alerts? It only takes 1-minute to get on board and you can unsubscribe at any stage. Please click the link below now to get onboard and receive action alerts. http://eepurl.com/dvgIJj Many thanks for your help on this. Julie M Dodwell Abortion

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Page 16 Summer 2018 The Catholic Mother

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