2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.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.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk ADVERTISING: Charlotte Rosbrooke / CathCom Ltd. 01440 730399 / 07932 248225 charlotter@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, Su昀olk 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. EDITORIAL J esus Christ the Word made Flesh amongst us. Once again we re昀ect on the meaning of Advent and take stock of our lives to ensure that our hearts are worthy to receive the Child Jesus on Christmas Day. The Catholic Voice hopes that we use this season of Advent well and 昀nd time to pray amidst all the hectic preparations that swamp our lives at this time. One way of doing this is to recite the rosary or if this seems a ta ll order then just start with two Hail Mary’s and increase by two a day so that by the end of Advent you will be reciting a full rosary. As an alternative why not consider reading the scriptures. In September this year the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales designated 2020 as ‘The God Who Speaks’: A Year of the Word to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Verbum Domini - Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Exhortation on ‘The Word of the Lord’ , and the 1600th anniversary of death of St Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin. Therefore, 2020 will be a year of celebrating, living and sharing God’s Word. Start by reading a chapter or two of one of the Gospels each day and re昀ect on what you read. In 2020 the Church will, primarily, be using the Gospel of St. Matthew in the Mass so why not get a head start. Whatever you decide to do, do something and be really ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus and bring his message of love to family, friends and all you meet and even don’t know. It is only this love that will penetrate the needs of our world today. The Catholic Voice wishes you all a very prayerful Advent and a Happy and Holy Christmas – God Bless W ant to discover more about the Bible and the di昀erent ways of reading it? Why not join in one of our regular Scripture weeks at Boarbank Hall? We look at the text as literature, as history, as theology and as spirituality, in a method tried and tested over many years. Our theme this year is ‘What is Prophecy about?’ with a focus on Jeremiah, Ezekiel and (Second) Isaiah. The weeks will be led as usual by Fr Richard Taylor, Dr Geo昀rey Turner and Sr Margaret Atkins (30th May-6th June 2020 and 3rd-10th October 2020) . The Fathers of the Church were foundational in passing on to us ways of using the Scriptures. Sr Margaret will also be leading a week exploring St Augustine’s use of Scripture (22nd-26th June 2020) . Why not join us? Non-residents are welcome to join us on a donation-only basis. For residents, we charge the standard Guest House fee, and ask for a donation to cover the costs of the course. For more information, please see www.boarbankhall.org.uk or email Sr Margaret on margaret@boarbankhall.org.uk Celebrating the God Who Speaks: Year of the Word 2019-2020 Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 W hen the parishioners of Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven read in earlier edition of the Catholic Voice about the major project in Fleetwood to convert a disused NHS facility into a ‘one stop’ community facility they immediately wanted to help. So they nominated the Fleetwood Trust as their Charity for 2019 raising most of the money through their shared Advent and Lent celebrations. During We are followers of Jesus Ansdell and Fairhaven stretch hand of friendship to Fleetwood one such celebration a representative from the Fleetwood Trust attended a Lent Lunch at St Joseph’s Ansdell to talk in more detail about the developing work. A cheque for the total proceeds, £1,617.49 was handed over to the Fleetwood Trust in October when a number of representatives of the di昀erent Churches in Ansdell and Fairhaven were given a guided tour of the facility. R ecently we celebrated Mass with the theme, ‘We are followers of Jesus’ in the Lady Chapel with Canon Alf Hayes, our parents, grandparents and parishioners. We sang one of our favourite hymns, ‘We are gathering together’ at the beginning of Mass as we gathered to pray. Our readings told us how we can follow Jesus and how he wants us to live. We responded to the psalm by saying ‘The Lord is my light and my help’ because Jesus is the Light of the World who shows us the way. Canon Alf spoke to us about following Jesus’ footsteps in our lives. We o昀ered prayers for Pope Francis, Bishop Paul and Canon Alf as well as for the sick and the homeless in our community. We also prayed for our school community that we all continue to help others, be kind and care for others. As well as o昀ering bread and wine we o昀ered our thoughts about how we love Jesus and how we can build a stronger relationship with him. After Communion we sang another of our favourite hymns ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’ to end our Mass. Thank you to Canon Alf and all those who joined us in this wonderful celebration. St Wulstans & St Edmunds Yr 3/4 Class Mass

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk I n last month’s Catholic Voice we carried a report on the Lancaster Youth: Your Voice event. The Youth Service are currently in the process of reviewing their work in the light of this event and the survey conducted earlier in the year. However, young people need to 昀nd a home not only in the Diocesan Youth Service, but also in their local areas and parishes. One thought to arise out of the consultations was that young people are built-up by retreats, pilgrimages, and one-o昀 events, but struggle to sustain this when they go home. We want to suggest that parishes and deaneries take time to re昀ect on what they do for young people and how they include them in their community. The following questions are o昀ered as a starting point: Are there opportunities for young people to get involved in the life of the Church? We ought not to be surprised at the lack of young people if we only o昀er things they can’t get to. Most young people have college or work commitments, not always regular or con昀ned to the working week. Are daily Mass, confessions, devotions, volunteer groups or discussion groups available locally at a variety of times? Young people’s lives are generally less settled than those of older parishioners: are there opportunities to be involved for those who can’t commit to every week or a regular time? Can we create opportunities for young people to come together? Mutual support is important for all of us, but especially so for young people, so creating opportunities for them to spend time with each other and talk about their life and faith helps. This might just need someone to advertise a time and put the kettle on (or pick a café or pub!). How can we make young people aware of the opportunities on o昀er? Young people are bombarded with information and promotions, especially through social media. They also spoke of posters getting lost amongst the busy-ness at the back of churches and on parish newsletters. Could someone in the parish get to know the young people (including those who don’t come so often) and highlight for them the opportunities that might suit them and sustain them in their faith? Do we support young people’s continued growth in faith? Our faith life is only begun with the sacraments of initiation, and as young people grow older they face new challenges and questions. Once the catechetical programmes for con昀rmation are complete, what do we do to help young people in their growth to adulthood? It is easy when addressing these questions to be disheartened, especially when some of our parishes rarely see a young person at Mass. The temptation is to give up, or to move the goal posts and o昀er something for a younger age-group. Young people are rarely so worried about parish boundaries, so perhaps a better response would be to combine with other local parishes. It is also important to get to know the young people and respond to them – young people frequently surprise us and we shouldn’t presume we know what they want. Reviewing Youth Ministry

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 Support our Work Please help us to continue the work of the Youth Service. If yo u feel you might be able to help in any way please get in touch. If you are able to make a donation this would be greatly appreciated: www.castleriggmanor.co.uk/donate And most importantly, please keep us in your prayers. Dates for the Diary 30th November – Radiant Organised by a group of young adults, Radiant is a Eucharist centered event presenting high quality speakers, praise and worship, and opportunities of encounter.Corpus Christi Catholic High School, 10am-6pm. www.facebook.com/Radiant2019 6th-8th December – Advent Retreat A weekend at Castlerigg to prepare for Christ’s coming. Open to young people in year 9 and above, this is an opportunity to get together with other young Catholics and re昀ect on life and faith in a fun way. 23rd July -1st Aug 2020 – Lourdes Pilgrimage Now is the time to start fundraising for next summer’s Lourdes pilgrimage. See our website (below) for more details. For more information about all of the above, and for bookings, please see the What’s On section of our website: www.castleriggmanor.co.uk/ events-whats-on A t the end of October we gathered at Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre for a concert in aid of the Youth Service. We were entertained by a brilliant programme of classical music and were delighted of the opportunities to introduce new people to the work of the Youth Service and to catch-up with young people who now study or work at the university or nearby. Our thanks to the performers, especially Fr Manny Gribben who also organised the programme and to Fr Philip Conner and the University Chaplaincy who hosted the event. B ill was on the team at Castlerigg Manor when the Youth Service 昀rst moved in in 1969, and has never been too far away in the 昀fty years since. Many will have got to know him through his later years in the o

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 B ack in September, the ‘Little Zoo’ came to visit WDY Youth Group, at St Clare’s Preston, for an informative and interactive session. Gemma ran our session and she shared lots of interesting facts and information with us about each animal that we met. Michelle was a Giant African Land Snail. They lay very tiny eggs but they can reach between three and eight inches in length. These creatures are nocturnal and so they sleep during the day, hiding under the soil. Their diet consists of di昀erent types of leaves, fruit, vegetables and 昀owers and they consume 500 di昀erent The ‘Little Zoo’ visits WDY Youth Group types of plants. The most shocking fact we learnt about Michelle was that she was actually both sexes, so was neither female nor male! Charlotte the Tarantula is one of around 900 species of tarantula in the world. Recently, Charlotte had shed her skin which meant she was then able to grow. Tarantulas are found in the rainforests and jungles of South and Central America, in Africa and in the southern part of North America. Generally, tarantulas eat insects, beetles and grasshoppers and they are night- time hunters. Zeus Corn Snake came from America. Corn Snakes live in 昀elds, meadows, forests and rural areas that provide plenty of food. Zeus is a carnivore and only requires food every couple of days. Female corn snakes lay between 10 and 30 eggs in their nest that is made up of leaves or rotten wood and after a period of 60 to 65 days, the hatchlings emerge from the eggs. ‘Grumpy Bruce’ is an African Pygmy Hedgehog which is a species of miniature hedgehog, commonly kept as a pet. African Pygmy Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures that sleep during the day but they come out at night in search of food such as frogs, worms, eggs, fallen fruit and other kinds of vegetation. Finally Peter the rabbit who was was very cuddly, and was often described as being “so cute!” Everyone had a really lovely night! We found out many interesting facts about the variety of animals and from everybody in WDY Youth Group, we’d like to say a big thank you to Gemma for bringing the animals with her and for delivering a wonderful session! Hallie Brady We would like to thank these schools for always supporting the paper. If your school would like to do the same please contact Charlotte on 07932 2 48225 or 01440 730399 or email charlotter@cathcom.org to book your advert HEADTEACHERS – If you would like to support the Catholic Voice and promote your school to Catholic families in the area please contact Charlotte on 07932 2 48225 or 01440 730399 or email charlotter@cathcom.org to book your advert The Staff, Governors and Pupils/Students of the following Schools would like to wish readers of the Catholic Voice a Happy and Holy Christmas

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk Your Letters Send us your letters: Write to: The Editor, 99, Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes, FY8 4DJ. Email to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk • Please keep your letters concise (max 300 words) , • Include your full name and address • Letters should not include any personal criticism or attacks • The editor reserves the right to: - amend or shorten letters or to refuse to publish them (no correspondence to discuss decisions taken will be entered into) - publish a response if deemed appropriate Dear Editor, I have recently returned from taking part in the ‘Thinking Scripture’ Course at Boarbank Hall and cannot believe how lucky (or I should say blessed) I am, that three such highly quali昀ed tutors, used to lecturing to academics, are prepared to spend a great deal of time and e昀ort in preparing the material (without ‘dumbing down’) to a level which I can understand. And this for no monetary gain! Questions or comments are dealt with kindly and graciously and, each time I take part in a course, I feel that I have a greater understanding of the particular Scripture which we are studying and of the early Church, so di昀erent in some ways, so similar in other ways, to our own present day Church. I also enjoy stays when there are no courses and feel comfortable going alone. The beautiful situation, a view of Morecambe Bay from Boarbank and mountain views a short walk away, is a joy in itself. If you need a “shopping 昀x” it is as well to have your own transport and if you desire constant entertainment and nightclubs within reach, Boarbank is probably not the place for you. But if you like the feeling of being valued and cared for, dietary needs catered for, easy access to a beautiful chapel, and a feeling of love and peace then don’t hesitate. If one could bottle and sell the “Boarbank atmosphere” the demand for tranquillisers would, I am convinced, drop dramatically. Sincerely, Barbara Radway, Poulton-le-Fylde I n October Sarah Barber from CAFOD visited Saint Bede’s High School Lytham to work with a group of pupils on the CAFOD youth training programme, which was arranged through the work we have been doing with Youth Worker Terry Mattinson. We were taught about what CAFOD is and what they do. It is a charity funded by the Catholic community in England and Wales, the British Government and the general public by donations. CAFOD is an agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and part of the Caritas International Federation which operates in many countries worldwide. CAFOD help some of the most di

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 I n the autumn of 1988 Our Lady and St Edward’s welcomed a new parish priest, Fr Bernard Woods and one year later Tony Drainey was seeking his support and guidance in setting up a parish walking group. Cat Bells, on the West Bank of Derwent Water, was to be the location of the 昀rst walk, with a shorter river walk o昀ering an alternative route. A 40 seater coach was booked and a notice placed on the board in the church entrance. There were two weeks to the walk date. In those two weeks the motivated leaders had visited the walking area to check all would be well. Parishioners and friends of all ages were represented and all seats, bar one, were taken. “Bar one” was for Fr Bernard who had managed to arrange cover Mass and have a rest day. The day came. Good weather was on order and didn’t disappoint. Neither did the autumn colours that greeted the group as the coach wend its way along A and B roads to reach its destination at the heart of Cumbria. Most of the party disembarked and took the launch to the base of Cat Bells. They followed recognised paths along the ridge and down into Grange. The coach then took a second smaller group to Rosthwaite from where they followed the river downstream to Grange, where they were to meet the rest of the party. All went well. At the end of the day’s walking, comfortably settled with a drink in Wandering O昀 ... Preston Parish Celebrates 30 years of walking! hand, the two groups exchanged stories from their day. They were excited about future plans but little did they realise that the walking group would still be active thirty years later. Much of that is due to the leadership and keenness of two couples, Bernard and Anthea Walmsley, and Tony and Liz Drainey. Occasionally volunteers have organised one or two walks that they have shared with the group, but even then a member of the senior team would be on hand to help with advice or guidance. For this we say “thank you” , but the bulk of the thanks must go to the people mentioned here, and the late Fr Bernard Woods for his support, encouragement, and spiritual example. There are usually nine monthly walks each year. These days the walks may be lower in category and slower but they are tackled with the same enthusiasm. The walks mean a lot to many people, both past and present parishioners, their families and friends. They are at the heart of social opportunities within the parish. They provide memorable moments and awe inspiring vistas that are there, on our doorstep, waiting to be found by young and old and everyone in between. They have helped us all connect more easily and readily with nature and the messages each season brings. They have helped educate the next generation in local culture and customs, helping them show more appreciation for our British countryside and for God’s creation in general. Long live our walking group. Ray Sudlow The anniversary walk in the spiritual setting of Bolton Abbey. Our Lady’s Catholic College Open Evening Thursday 6th February 6.30 - 8pm All welcome Morecambe Road, Lancaster, LA1 2RX Headteacher:Mrs Helen Seddon Tel: 01524 66689 email: main@olcc.lancs.sch.uk `Move forward with us....in a caring Catholic community`.

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk The Camino de Santiago Over three years, during the month of September, we have walked the Camino to Santiago. There are several recognised routes. The majority, including ourselves, follow the Camino Frances, starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and crossing northern Spain, a journey of 784Km. Some, like us, decide to carry on a further 90km to the coast at Finisterre. We completed the 昀nal leg this September, a memorable experience, exhilarating, challenging, enjoyable and worthwhile. Background to the Camino de Santiago The three most popular medieval pilgrimages were to Jerusalem, Rome and to the shrine of St. James at Santiago in North-West Spain. St. James the Great was one of the 12 Apostles and by tradition preached in Spain. He was martyred in Jerusalem and his body is said to have been taken back to Spain and buried there. Forgotten for about 800 years, the tomb was rediscovered by a hermit. A building was erected marking the shrine and the present day Cathedral stands on the site of the Apostles tomb. From the 11th century to the beginning of the 13th century Christians from all over Europe came in droves to Santiago, up to 1,000 a day. From then it declined until the end of Franco’s reign. Pope John Paul II visited the apostle’s town in 1982 and in 1987 the Camino de Santiago was declared a European cultural path and included by UNESCO on its list of World Heritage Sites. Last year over 377,000 pilgrims registered their completion at the Pilgrims O

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 For all, religiously committed or not, it is a journey of self- discovery, a time to re昀ect. Without exception, the people we encountered were sensitive people, people who cared for the earth and for humanity. They were cheerful, friendly, helpful and respectful of the religious nature of the walk. That extended to the hostels, bars, restaurants and cafes along the way. Accommodation and food is reasonably priced and inclusive menus for pilgrims are the norm. The Experience A typical day begins early, around 7:30am, just before sunrise and often before breakfast which is readily available in cafes along the route. Ideally we like to walk around 25km (15.5miles) a day but depending on the distance between settlements could walk as far as 34km (21miles) . Some people choose to do less and some more. The spirit of the pilgrimage is one of simplicity. Many choose to stay in hostels with dormitory accommodation. More mature pilgrims, like ourselves, tend to opt for their own room but in fairly basic hostels and hotels. Some have a bag transported each day but we carried all that we needed and so we travelled light. We love to walk, to be outdoors and to enjoy the countryside, especially in the warm sunshine, which was the norm in September, though less so the further west you progress. Our route took us through very varied terrain, starting in the Pyrenees, crossing several mountain ranges along the route, walking through vineyards, passing through the memorable historic cities of Pamplona, Burgos and Leon. We crossed the central plain of Spain, the Meseta, encountering wide open spaces, endless expanses of grain, huge haystacks, blue skies and fabulous sunrises and sunsets. Our journey came to an end in Galicia, the far north western province of Spain, a land once inhabited by the Celts. They even have bagpipes! In parts the countryside was very reminiscent of Scotland including the mist and rain. There is little danger of getting lost as route is well marked with scallop shell symbols and yellow arrows. Many pilgrims carry a scallop shell, the traditional symbol since medieval times. The path is littered with crosses, churches and ancient shrines. Some churches are closed and inaccessible but many are open to pilgrims. In some places there are locals to welcome you, the o昀er of a stamp for your pilgrim passport, candles to light and an invitation to rest a while and pray. In many of the larger towns there is a daily evening pilgrims’ Mass, generally well attended. Some were memorable in the welcome pilgrims received and the special blessing at the end of Mass. On one occasion we were given a miraculous medal, on another a small handmade star to carry on our journey. In Santiago there is a daily pilgrims Mass at noon, traditionally held in the cathedral, but that is currently closed for renovation. Instead, it is held at the church of San Francisco very close by. We were warned to get there early or we would not get a seat and it was good advice. I estimated between four and 昀ve hundred people attended. These were people who were accustomed to going to Mass and participated. It was a memorable end to our pilgrimage where we prayed for our family, friends and fellow pilgrims. Bien Camino! Frank & Emma McGrath, Preston WILLIAM HOUGHTON FUNERAL DIRECTORS An Independent Catholic Family Firm Serving our community for over 100 years 259 Garstang Road, Fulwood, PR2 9XL Tel: 01772 788020 www.williamhoughtonfunerals.co.uk To advertise please contact contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter @cathcom. org

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk J esus and Mary were attending a friend’s wedding at Cana when Mary noticed the wine was running out. To save embarrassment for their host, Mary asked Jesus if he would sort out the problem. Jesus answered his mother’s request and turned water into wine. Sons always, whenever possible, do what their mum’s ask of them. Jesus always grants His mother’s wishes. When in need we should always ask for Mary’s help and the most e昀ective way of doing this is to pray the Rosary. On the 11 February 1858 Our Lady 昀rst appeared to Bernadette. Our Lady had Rosary beads on her right arm and invited Bernadette to pray the Rosary with her. Our Lady remained silent passing the Rosary beads through her 昀ngers but recited with Bernadette the Gloria On the 13 May 1917, Our Lady appeared at Fatima to three children - Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. Our Lady urged them to pray the Rosary each day in order to obtain peace for the world, and the end of the war. WW1 ended on 11 November 1918. A tradition held by the Dominicans is that through St Dominic and Bl. Alan de Rupe, the Blessed Virgin Mary made 15 speci昀c promises to Christians who faithfully pray the Rosary. This is not the place to set out the details of the promises. There are many helpful publications about the history of the Rosary both in book and pamphlet form and online which explain the 15 promises. We know: • The Rosary is the most powerful weapon we possess. • The Rosary can 昀ght all kinds of injustice, inequality and pure evil. Against this background it was decided to have a have a Rosary Service on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Carmelite convent in St Vincent’s Road, Fulwood, Preston PR2 8QA. We decided to pray for all expectant mothers and their babies, invite a guest speaker and ask them to speak for 5-7 minutes on Our Lady and/or the Rosary. At our 昀rst Rosary Service we said the Joyful Mysteries and sang 3 hymns to Our Lady. Fr Mario Benedict U. Ashuikeka was our guest speaker who gave us his personal account of how important Our Lady and the Rosary had been to him. The Rosary 27 people, not counting the nuns, joined us for the 昀rst Rosary Service. It was a great success. Now at the time of writing, we have had eight Rosary Services and eight great guest speakers. We have about 70 people each time which includes those who do not normally pray the Rosary and some who never have. We are pretty certain we make Our Lady smile. We promote the Rosary Services through all parishes in the Lancaster diocese on the social media and by personal invitation to individuals and groups. We have been joined by pupils from four primary schools and at the May Rosary Service we incorporated a May procession when 44 young children placed 昀owers before Our Lady’s statute as we sang “Bring 昀owers of the rarest” . Students from two of our High Schools regularly come to our monthly service and we intend to invite students from 6th form and Further Education colleges and University. We will continue to actively involve the young people in our Rosary Services. Those attending our Rosary Services have claimed that re昀ecting on the mysteries has given them a greater insight into the Scriptures and they have valued and enjoyed the talks given by the guest speakers. Organising a Rosary Service is relatively easy and very enjoyable. All you need is a venue and Rosary Beads. We are lucky we have the support and encouragement of the Carmelite sisters, the Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus and the Franciscan Sisters of Renewal. Fr Ernest Eattah and Fr Mario Benedict U. Ashuikeka provided spiritual guidance, critical advice and much needed support. They are true disciples of Our Lady and great friends of the Carmelite’s Rosary Service. We have been joined by members of the Legion of Mary including representatives of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Curia, Blackburn and District who have provided valuable advice. A very good friend of mine, Emmanuel, a seminarian has told me that when he is in a hurry to have a prayer answered he reaches for his rosary beads. Our Lady always answers our prayers, sometimes not in the way we thought she would but often better than we could imagine. If you don’t know the power of the Rosary, try it. Frank McGrath Editors Note: As we enter Advent and a new Liturgical Year what better time is there to introduce a regular Rosary into our lives. Let’s begin a tsunami of prayer for the needs of our world today. Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash.

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 B ishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Bishop Brian Noble, has died at the age of 83 after a long illness. Bishop Noble was formerly a serving priest in the Diocese of Lancaster before becoming the 10th Bishop of Shrewsbury in 1995. Bishop Noble retired in 2010 but continued to ful昀l his priestly mission by giving talks and retreats and assisting in parishes Bishop Mark Davies his successor, said: “The Shrewsbury Diocese shares a great sadness that Bishop Bria n Noble, who was so much part of our lives as priest and bishop, has passed from this world. We will especially remember his example of perseverance through serious illness in his care of this dio cese with his unfailing dedication and good humour. Conscious of the immense responsibility given to a bishop, I ask the prayers of all for the eternal and happy repose of his soul.” Born in Lancaster on 11 April 1936, Bishop Noble was ordained to the priesthood in June 1960 and served the Diocese of Lancaster until he was ordained Bishop of Shrewsbury in St Anthony’s, Wythenshawe, on 30 August 1995 by Archbishop Couve de Murville. He was formerly Chair of the Bishops’ Conference Spirituality Committee and a member of the Department for Christian Life and Worship. In 2014, as Chair of the Spirituality Committee, Bishop Noble announced the publication of a practical guide to prayer and spirituality called Do you love me? At the time, Bishop Noble said: “It’s more of a pastoral devotional document rather than an academic study of spirituality. The aim is that people can ente r prayerfully into what we mean by ‘spirituality’ as Catholics… Perhaps what’s been lacking is a concentration on developing th at personal relationship of each individual with Christ, we hope t he document will go some way to 昀lling that gap.” Bishop Noble died peacefully on the afternoon of Monday 21 October 2019 at Arrowe Park Hospital, the Wirral. Requiescat in pace Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shin e upon him, may he rest in peace. Amen. Bishop Emeritus Brian Noble RIP Hayton, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 9JB nicholashobbsfurniture@yahoo.co.uk www.nicholashobbs.co.uk 07947 030952 Established in 1992 Serving the North West, specialising in Liturgical Furnishing, hand built to specification and budget. Our advertisers are great supporters of the Lancaster Voice, so please help them by supporting their businesses

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk I have been fortunate enough to have gone on three pilgrimages in my life, all within the last 12 months. During this time, I have written down the experience of the journeys, my thoughts, feelings and re昀ections and how the experience has shaped or changed me spiritually. Putting this down into a daily blog and bearing a little bit of my soul has served as an aide-memoire for me, reminding me of what I have seen, and it has also been something to share with curious friends and family. I have shared these thoughts and blogs via social media (Facebook) ; at 昀rst rather apprehensively. Then surprisingly people began to come up to me or send me messages stating how they loved reading my blogs. Without intention or purpose, my personal blogs became a journey too for those left behind at home, who watched and read the progress of each venture. Many stated how they had enjoyed following the journeys, and that they too felt as though they were walking the pilgrimage with us. What an unexpected gift of grace! The gift of being able to reach out! The gift of sharing this treasure! I am aware of my good fortune of being able to undertake these experiences and was spurred on by those who cannot for whatever reason. My 昀rst ever pilgrimage was just over 12 months ago. I’d gotten to the ripe age of 45 years before I thought it was about time! On this trip, yes, my faith deepened but I found the whole experience overwhelming and too busy to really 昀nd any centre or peace. It wasn’t an experience that inspired me to settle and write. Instead I took photo’s and posted video’s ‘LIVE!’ on social media sites so other family members or our parish at home could keep track, following the places we visited and the amount of ‘Pastel de Nata’s’ we ate! Eight months ago was the 昀rst pilgrimage that I accidently wrote about - the Camino to Santiago De Compostella. A group of us journeyed the Camino the Portuguese Way, spending time overnight in hostels with strangers and celebrating mass in some weird and wonderful places. I wrote my thoughts down to process the journey, and without realising it began documenting the changes in me. The Camino blog was shared primarily for others with previous interest in the journey - to spur them on. As people followed the posts each day, they gradually increased in popularity. Reader’s curiosity increased and more people began to ask questions. My most recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land was something magni昀cent. This place people knew even if they weren’t particularly religious or Christian. To be able to walk the ancient streets of the Holy Land, to touch the sites, to be in the middle of this tactile country was Social Media Accidental Evangelisation?

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 at times an overwhelming experience. Sometimes my words failed me, I couldn’t formulate the vocabulary for what I was thinking or feeling. For me the Holy Land was steeped in so much history that it felt it is was part of me before we’d even arrived there. Before I went, I’d had a very strange conversation with a shop assistant. At the till I’d explained where I was going and why (she did ask!) . Intrigued, she asked me ‘what happens if you are disappointed?’ ‘what if it doesn’t live up to your expectations that you have set in your head?’. It never occurred to me that thismay be the case but as we landed a little voice asked me.. ‘what if….??’ . The Holy land exceeded any expectations I had. The blogs I wrote each day created a reminder of what we pilgrims had seen, touched and experienced together. Even the smells and tastes were documented in these re昀ections. They brought the Holy Land to life for those left behind and served as a great reminder for the days that passed once we returned. So why am I writing about this? I’m writing because of the blogs and how far they’ve reached. I am simply overwhelmed by how far they have gone, and who has read them.! Almost everyone who isn’t Catholic or Christian on my Facebook page has read them. People with little or limited faith are coming forward to state how much they enjoyed my writing. For them, to be able to see that which they have been taught in their very distant past come to life, to see that it is real and that there is archaeological and historical proof in those bible stories of aeons ago. It’s certainly jiggled some of the senses! The power of social media is quite phenomenal. Through this medium, I’ve managed to connect with people far wider than I ever physically could. It enables us to speak to the heart and soul of people who are distant acquaintances and yes, it has accidently provided an environment and platform for evangelisation. So next time you are thinking about evangelisation and how to reach out to people, it is perhaps worth looking into social media. It works well for crossing boundaries, distance and faiths. It can be used to faith share and promote events. St Joseph’s, Lancaster, Facebook site is widely used and delightful. Here we publish daily thoughts, posts and some sermons and local talks, (via video footage) , the sermons are always popular. Interest in this medium exceed the sum of our social media population and church attendence combined! It’s a platform to be used. To quote Jesus and His Angels, I say ‘Do not be afraid’ ! You can reach people in their own homes. These people choose whether to listen/watch/read your words or simply turn you o昀. But you’d be amazed at how many people choose to watch and read, and to let you speak in their voice to their searching hearts and souls! Lisa Vallente-Osborne

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk O n the 6th January 2005, almost unnoticed because it happened just twelve days after the even bigger disaster of the tsunami, large areas of the city of Carlisle were 昀ooded under several feet of water. There was widespread damage to several hundred buildings, not least of which was Newman School. The sta昀 had to make emergency arrangements for the re-location of the school to enable the students’ education to continue with as little disruption as was possible under the circumstances. In the course of time, the school buildings were repaired and the students returned to their old premises, safe in the knowledge that all the experts agreed that the cause of the 昀ooding was such that it was not likely to recur within the next 100 years. Despite this assurance, Carlisle City Council undertook substantial work to improve the city’s 昀ood defences making the likelihood of a repeat of those 昀oods almost impossible in the foreseeable future. Sadly, like most plans of mice and men, things do not always happen as expected and on 6th December 2015, following unprecedentedly heavy rain and adverse tidal conditions, Carlisle was 昀ooded yet again and once again amongst the casualties was Newman School. This time the school authorities were informed that the site on which it stood was uninsurable and that a new site must be found on which to erect a new building. The sta昀 were magni昀cent (yet again) and a new temporary building quickly was found which, with the addition of several large Portacabins, provided su

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 17 by all parties. However, whilst there was su

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18 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk I n July 1968, I brought a group of 40+ students from Canada for a three week tour of the UK. We spent a week of that tour in Blackpool staying at two hotels in South Shore, close to what was then known as the “Solarium” and what is now called The Solaris Centre. One of the hotels we used formed the corner of Harrow Place and the South Promenade. It was a pleasant and welcoming building, and ideal for a party of students, with two 昀oors of single and double rooms and meals that satis昀ed teenage tastes and appetites. It made for a successful visit. The hotel itself has had a chequered and interesting history since 1968, but for one reason or another I have maintained a vicarious and personal contact with it. In the 1980s the hotel was sold and turned into the Southolme Residential Care Home. It o昀ered a pleasant, homely, caring environment for a range of elderly clients. It was here that my mother spent the last three years of her life, as she struggled with vascular dementia; she died in the home in January 2000. Not long after her death, there was a change of ownership at Southolme, and with it a di昀erent emphasis on the focus and quality of its provision. It specialised exclusively in dementia care with all the particular demands such a provision requires. For my own part, I visited the new Southolme frequently, to bring Holy Communion and pastoral support to the Catholic patients resident in the home. It was a very challenging but in昀nitely rewarding exercise of ministry. Sadly, the standards within the home declined, and following an o

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk December 2019 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 19 H ave you ever received a really tiny Christmas present and wonde red what on earth it could be? Is there actually anything in here at all , I’ve won - dered on occasion, when I’ve become the recipient of one? And i n fact during a family Christmas a couple of years ago, a minute parcel went missing for quite some time, causing the sender to feel really anxious abou t its wherea - bouts, until happily it eventually made a reappearance. And I’m sure that at some time or another we’ve all disguised a very small gift by p lacing it in a large box, thereby confusing the person about to receive it! Small Packages In a society which places increasing importance upon material things and where store advertising for all manner of goods becomes prevalent in the ‘run-up’ to Christmas, presents and gifts have taken on a signi昀cance wh ich may be considered to be out of all proportion to the holy and festive season. Yet biggest is not, of course, always best. There is a proverb which states that ‘good things come in small packages’ and it’s easy to recognise the truth in this. The tiniest parcel can contain a gift of great value such as jewellery and it’s not only small packages which can contain such pure gold. Small can mean beautiful, talented or gifted in any context. Tiny may represent value, perfection or authenticity. Sublime Over two thousand years ago the most wondrous arrival ever known came in the smallest of packages when our Lord Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary. Our God sent his only begotten Son to be with us, and be with us in human form as a little helpless baby, who was born of a young virgin and a simple carpenter. In this case small was truly sublime. He was born in the humblest of places and his early life was spent in ignominy. During his years of ministry he ate and drank with sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes and he was put to death in the manner of a common criminal. Yet he was and is, our Lord and Saviour. So this Christmas may we be aware that love, goodness, beauty and kindness come in a variety of shapes and sizes. St Paul reminds us that ‘these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’ Julia Beacroft is an author, editor, workshop leader and presenter in Catholic faith formation. Her book ‘Sanctifying the Spirit’ is available to buy from AMAZON, Waterstones or Book Depository. Please visit www.sanciobooks.com for more information. Follow Julia on Facebook & Twitter. Copyright ©2019 Julia Beacroft. All rights reserved. Small Things Bright and Beautiful by Julia Beacroft Photo by Ben White on Unsplash.

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20 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2019 www.catholic voiceo昀ancaster.co.uk COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC PLUMBING, HEATING & GAS WORK, GLAZING, GUTTERING, DRAINAGE & JETTING SERVICES. enquiries@wmwilding.co.uk Moorbrook House, 84 Moorbrook Street, Preston PR1 7EX Tel/Fax: (01772) 253127 • Established Over 60 Years • Church Supplies – serving Schools, Business and Homes School building work and refurbishment/ conversion, building and joinery work, extensions, alterations & repairs, loft conversions, replacement doors and windows Builders Yard, 66 Marsden Street, Kirkham, Preston PR4 2TH Tel: (01772) 684489 Fax: (01772) 671486 email: admin@jeharrison.co.uk www.jeharrisonbuilders.co.uk St Peter`s, Lytham Christmas Eve Tuesday 24th December 7.30pm Carols 8.00pm Christmas Vigil Mass Christmas Day Wednesday 25th December Christmas Day Mass at 10.30am Preston, St Clare’s Tuesday 24th December 6pm: First Mass of Christmas 11:30pm: Carols & Midnight Mass Wednesday 25th December The Nativity of the Lord Mass at 10am Thursday 26th December St Stephen Mass at 10am (Mass for altar servers, with presentation of guild medals) Kendal & Sedbergh Holy Trinity and St. George Christmas Eve: 6.00 pm and 12.00 midnight (Carols 11.30pm) at Kendal 8.00 pm at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Sedbergh Christmas Day 10.00am (Kendal) No evening Mass that day M ass Listings – December 2019/January 2020 St Margaret Mary, Scalegate Road, Carlisle Second Fridays at 7.00 pm* *Please note new day and time St John Vianney, Marton, Blackpool Mondays: 12.00 noon; Fridays: 6.30 pm Shrine Church of St Walburge, Preston Mondays – Fridays: 8.30 am Low Mass Saturdays: 10.30 am Low Mass Sundays: 10.30 am, Sung Mass Shrine of the English Martyrs, Preston Monday-Saturday: 12 noon, Low Mass Sundays: 9.00 am, Low Mass No Mass at Hornby until May 2020 It is hoped to have some Masses at Our Lady & St Michael`s, Workington. Please check our website for up-to-date information. 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: lancaster@lms.org.uk Website: latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com Ansdell, St Joseph Woodlands Road FY8 4EP Christmas Eve 11.30pm Carols and Reflections followed by Midnight Mass Christmas Day 10am Family Mass Noon Christmas Dinner in the Parish Centre New Years Day 12 noon Mass Whitehaven St Begh Christmas Eve St Begh’s Church Carol Singing at 5:30pm followed by the Vigil Mass of Christmas at 6pm Quay Street Chapel ‘Midnight’ Mass at 8:00pm Christmas Day 8:00am Mass at Quay Street 10:00am at St Begh’s St Stephen’s Day 10:00am Mass at Quay Street Christmas Mass Times Preston St Wilfrid Christmas Eve 7.30pm Carols 8.00pm First Mass of Christmas Christmas Day 7.00am Mass 10.15 Mass No 4.30pm Mass St Annes-on-the-Sea Our Lady Star of the Sea Christmas Eve: 6.30pm Family Vigil Mass 12.00 Midnight Mass Christmas Day 9.30am Mass 11.00 Mass Blackpool St Bernadette Christmas Eve 5.00pm Children`s Christmas Mass All children are asked to come dr essed as a character from the Christmas Story: Mary, Joseph, an Angel, a Shepherd, a King, or an Ox, Donkey, or sheep, to create a ‘living crib’. 7.30pm Carols and Readings followed by 8.00pm Candlelit Sung Christmas Mass Christmas Day 10.00am Christmas Morning Mass Our Lady and St. Edward, Fulwood Christmas Eve: 6.00pm Carols and Mass 11.30pm Carols and Midnight Mass Christmas Day 10.00am Carols and Mass St. Mary, Newhouse Christmas Eve: 6.00pm Carols and Mass Christmas Day 10.00am Carols and Mass

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