Saturday 7th March 2020, 09:30 – 12:00 noon Independent Catholic School Welcoming All Day and Boarding Scholarships and Bursaries are available £10m invested in new facilities News Catholic Published by Published by Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 0207 112 6710 Telephone: 0207 112 6710 Editor John Clawson. Tel: E-mail johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Editor John Clawson. Tel: E-mail johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk 20p 20p WHERE SOLD WHERE SOLD ISSUE 288 ISSUE 288 March March 2020 2020 MORE THAN 22 YEARS OF BRINGING THE MORE THAN 22 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER Feast day of Saint Joseph 19th March (Solemnity) O n Wednesday 12 February 2020, during his weekly audience, Pope Francis, at the request of Cardinal Vincent Nichols, blessed a painting of Our Lady of Walsingham, a shrine dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, in Norfolk. The painting, by Amanda de Pulford, was then returned to Walsingham for the rededica- tion of England as Mary’s Dowry on 29 March 2020. After the rededication the Dowry Painting will begin a journey to every Catholic parish in England. Walsingham Shrine, founded almost 1000 years ago, is one of the oldest shrines dedi- cated to Mary. In pre-reformation times, it ranked with Jerusalem, Rome and Compostela as the most visited sites in Christendom, until it was destroyed in the 16th Century. Medieval pilgrim routes to Walsingham exist from Ely, Norwich and Kings Lynn, where pilgrims from Europe would disembark before travelling the 30 miles to Walsingham on foot. With the resurgence of pilgrimage in Britain, it is ex- pected that many people will want to walk to Walsingham this year. The first documented dedication of England to Our Lady was made by King Richard II in Westminster Abbey in 1381 as he sought her protection in the face of great political tur- moil. It was the first formal occasion when England was known as ‘Mary’s Dowry’, al- though the title is believed to have an earlier origin. ‘Mary’s Dowry’ means that England was ‘set aside’ as a gift for Mary. This event is commemorated in the Wilton Diptych which is displayed in the National Gallery. On Sunday 29 March 2020, a rededication will take place throughout the country, in cathedrals, churches, and other venues. This rededication is both a personal promise of the people of the country, and a renewal of the entrustment vows made by King Richard II in 1381. A map of places which have offered to host the rededication on 29 March can be found in the website www.behold2020.com Continued on page 10 POPE BLESSES PAINTING OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM Promoting an understanding of the ancient Marian title of England, Mary’s Dowry, leading to The Re-dedication on the Sunday after the Annunciation on the 29th March 2020 The Wilton Diptych [c. 1395-1399] il- lustrates the dedication of 1381 by King Richard II. The original can be found in The National Gallery. Fr Paul Smith Blesses Throats at Mass for St Blaise P upils from Class 8 at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby were delighted that their Class Mass co- incided with the Feast of St Blaise. The children read and prayed beauti- fully. Fr Paul Smith then administered the traditional bless- ing for the throats to pupils, parents and staff. They hope it keeps away any nasty coughs! Fran Wickes

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The Pope’s World Communications Day message focuses on storytelling, truth and who we are in God’s eyes. Pope Francis has devoted his message for the 54th World Communications Day to the theme of storytelling, and in particular the truth contained in ‘good’ stories. “Often we decide what is right or wrong based on characters and stories we have made our own,” he writes. “Stories leave their mark on us; they shape our convic- tions and our behaviour. They can help us understand and communicate who we are.” Fake news Positive storytelling is upheld for its life-giv- ing value but the Pope warns of sophisti- cated and persuasive forms of “fake” stories – cautioning against a materialistic mind- set. He decries the false message that “to be happy we continually need to gain, possess and consume”. He writes: “We may not even realise how greedy we have become for chatter and gos- sip, or how much violence and falsehood we are consuming. Often on communication platforms, instead of constructive stories which serve to strengthen social ties and the cultural fabric, we find destructive and provocative stories that wear down and break the fragile threads binding us to- gether as a society.” The Bible – the Story of Stories Appropriately as we’re in the early months of our year-long Bible initiative The God Who Speaks, the focus falls on Sacred Scrip- ture as the ‘Story of stories’. Pope Francis describes the Bible as “the great love story between God and humanity” with Jesus at its centre. The Book of Exodus is the inspi- ration for the theme of the message: “When the enslaved children of Israel cry out to Him, God listens and remembers: ‘God remembered His covenant with Abra- ham, with Isaac and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel – and God knew’ (Ex 2: 24-25). God’s memory brings liberation from oppression through a series of signs and wonders… The Exodus experience teaches us that knowledge of the Lord is handed down from generation to generation mainly by telling the story of how he contin- ues to make himself present. The God of life communicates with us through the story of life.” The dignity of human stories Pope Francis stresses that every human story has an “irrepressible” dignity and that humanity “deserves stories that are worthy of it”. He also encourages us to open our- selves to others as something that goes hand-in-hand with opening ourselves to God: “Telling God our story is never useless: even if the record of events remains the same, the meaning and perspective are always chang- ing. To tell our story to the Lord is to enter into his gaze of compassionate love for us and for others. We can recount to him the stories we live, bringing to him the people and the situations that fill our lives. With him we can re-weave the fabric of life, darn- ing its rips and tears.” Pope Francis concludes by encouraging us to remember “who and what we are in God’s eyes” and invites us to entrust ourselves to the Virgin Mary “who knew how to untie the knots of life with the gentle strength of love.” As is customary, the Pope released his mes- sage on the Feast of St Francis de Sales – the patron saint of writers and journalists. The day itself is celebrated on Sunday, 24 May 2020 Editor: John Clawson Editorial Office: Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 0207 112 6710 email: johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Website: www.bellcourtltd.co.uk Distribution enquiries: Nick Layton e-mail nick@cathcom.org, Bellcourt Lim- ited, Publication date: Fourth Sunday of the month for the following month. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessar- ily those of the Editor or the Diocese. Publishers and Owners : Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Advertising: tel: 0207 112 6710 Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors. Views expressed in The Catholic News are not necessarily those of the editor MORE THAN 21 YEARS OF MORE THAN 21 YEARS OF BRINGING THE BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER TOGETHER The The Catholic News Catholic News The monthly paper for the The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham Diocese of Nottingham Wanted - Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper. All items to be emailed to johnclwson@icloud.com before 10th of the month FRANKLY SPEAKING FRANKLY SPEAKING Page 2 The Catholic News. March 2020 Pope Francis: Every human story has an irrepressible dignity As we commence Lent we are still in the early months of the new decade but the issues facing our planet and our country are already crystal clear. Yes the out- come of the talks on our future with Eu- rope, the continued crisis in social care, the need for many more houses and the further delay to the implementation of universal social credit are all great con- cerns to many, but the issue of climate change is firmly lodged in the urgent in- tray. Having now reached a certain age and living near a popular primary school I often wonder what sort of future we are bequeathing to the children of our gener- ation. At the recent Davos conference, Greta Thunberg again did not just won- der she came straight to the point, the consequences of doing nothing for our children are “calamitous’. Even if this ar- ticulate young lady is wrong surely we all want a cleaner greener world that my local council keeps claiming is their ob- jective. The actions or lack of action by politi- cians to all of this will be crucial if our fu- ture is to be a non-carbon one. We may be concerned about the USA and China but we will need to use all our diplomatic skills to persuade them about fossil fuels. I was brought up in a coal mining com- munity with six pits less than 3 miles away from my parents home but now I acknowledge the world has changed. There are those who remain sceptic about all this but surely what is happen- ing cannot be ignored. As a child I well recall the cold winters. Frosts and bliz- zards were quite normal. As a teenager I was fortunate to have secured a job just 3 miles from home as the winter of 1962- 3 set in, football matches and other sport- ing events were abandoned for many weeks. The “great freeze up” brought great hardship but the country pulled through. Those pits and snowy winters may have gone but our determination must remain in these different days. Pope Francis has given us all the encour- agement we need to make room in our hearts to act justly and to walk humbly with our God. The Pope has asked us to learn from the poor and to become part of the solution to heal the planet. We need to act on this if only for the esti- mated billion people who live in the slums of cities and forced to live on land af- fected by rising seas and much more. As February started I took a walk passing a small wooded area sheltered by a grassy bank and incorporating a shallow stream containing little water. The water was hardly visible due to the amount of litter and household rubbish dumped or blown down the bank by the wind. The two sides of this little valley were covered by snowdrops in full bloom. Those late winter flowers will be followed by daf- fodil’s but what will follow the rubbish? Perhaps Lent 2020 will help us to answer the question. Frank Goulding Holy Trinity Parish, Newark. BEAUVALE DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE May 3rd 2020 I I N H N H O NO N O UR U R O O F S S T . JO J O H N H N H O UGH U G H T O N & N & S S T . R R O BER B E R T L L AW A W R ENCE E N C E 3.10pm Rosary at the Stone 3.30pm MASS celebrated by Rt. Rev. Patrick McKinney Re R e fr f r e s h m e n ts t s av a v ai a i la l a b le l e af a f te t e rward r w a r d s Beauvale Priory, New Road, Moorgreen NG16 2AA For further information tel 07914 361848 email : s.doona@ntlworld.com

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Spiritualization is a gradual process and it is an impulsive emotional happening. Each re- ligion has its own vision with regard to the spiritual passage to reach God. And the first followers of Christ-the Apostles-were per- suaded that Christ was not only a God by doctrine but also by spiritual experience. It is through the Bible, Liturgy and the tradi- tions of the Church the spiritualization hap- pen to those who have not seen Christ personally. The spiritual life of the St Thomas Christians springs from the Apos- tolic Christ experience of St. Thomas. The Syromalabar church believes that the Christ- Experience of the Apostle St. Thomas forms part of its original patrimony and hence of its spirituality. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church a sui juris Church, is one of the 23 Eastern (Ori- ental) Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. It is the second largest Eastern Catholic Church after the Ukrainian Church and the largest of Saint Thomas Christian (Nazrani) denominations. The Syro- Mal- abar Church is an Apostolic Church which traces its origin to St. Thomas, the Apostle, who landed in India in 52 AD. The early Christian community in India was known as St. Thomas Christians. They were also called Nazranis, meaning those who follow the path of Jesus of Nazareth. And the spiri- tual heritage that formed part of the Chris- tian way of life of the Syro- Malabar Christians name (Marthoma Kristhiyanikal) which was designated by the term the Law of Thomas. The Law of Thomas was more of a Christian life style inherited from the Apostle, rather than a system of faith, which was deeply ori- ental and vital part of the Law of Thomas. The Christian way of life among the St. Thomas Christians of India is known as Marthoma Margam. Their family and social customs, and traditions at birth, schooling, marriage, death and so on were touched by the Way of Thomas. The spirituality of Thomas is the very life- breath for the St. Thomas Christians. It means their faith, liturgical tradition, eccle- sial system, discipline, ascetical practices administration and theological concept were based upon the Christ experience of the St. Thomas Apostles and different from other Churches. St. Thomas Christians share the East Syrian liturgical tradition from the time of the establishment of their liturgy (perhaps from 4th or 5th Cent). They followed the East Syrian or Chaldean Liturgy with the necessary adaptation. The divine liturgy of the St. Thomas Christians was the liturgy of the Chaldean Church. The Thomas Christians shared the liturgical, theological, spiritual and ecclesiastical tra- ditions with the East Syrian Church; in socio-cultural organization and practices, however, they were distinctively Indian. Among the Thomas Christians, the Bible used was the Syriac Pshitta. Mar Thoma Nazarenes, according to their ancient cus- tom used to draw the sign of the cross on themselves in a particular way different than the Western church. They hold the first three finger tips on the right hand joined to- gether and touched the forehead, the chest and the right shoulder and then the left shoulder in the form of the cross. Liturgical and Biblical Spirituality In the Oriental theology the basic theme is the Triune God. Holy Trinity is the begin- ning, model and mission and aim of the church. Though the liturgy seems to be little longer they take keen interests to partici- pate in the Eucharistic liturgy due to their conviction. They have the repetitive style, which is in line with the oriental methods. All those who participate in the liturgy re- ceived the communion in the both species. The liturgy is closely related with ascetical practices and the liturgical seasons. The people also participated in the Liturgy of the hours. The Priests and the people recited the liturgical prayers of the church in the morning and evening in the churches. For St. Thomas Christians the spiritual life is always centred on the life of the Church. The church nourishes them through the sacraments. There is the habit of the family prayer in the evening belongs to the normal programme of the St. Thomas Christians. And in the evening of Holy Thursday there is a special celebration of sharing the Paschal Meal (Pesaha) in connection with the Last supper of Jesus. It also resembles the cedar meal of the Jews. Continued on page 9 Since my early teens one of my favourite places of pilgrimage has been that of Wals- ingham, continually over the years I have returned frequently to Our Lady`s Shrine, England`s Nazareth and I suppose I am a great devotee to Walsingham where over many years I have made many good friends and not least established a relationship with our Blessed Lady. Since returning to the U.K. from South Africa I have been blessed to live only a short drive from Walsingham therefore have been able to make regular pilgrimages. About eighteen months ago I was asked by the Rector of Walsingham to repaint and renovate the statue of Our Lady from the Basilica and so was overjoyed to have the figure here at the `hermitage` whilst the work was carried out - enabling me to have many prayerful conversations with Our Lady of Walsingham over a period of a cou- ple of months whilst she was spruced up to go on tour to our many dioceses around the U.K. On the 29th March we shall celebrate `Dowry Sunday ` which will see the culmina- tion of a year of national re- evangelisation and conversion with the rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary. The word `dowry` from the Latin `dos` meaning donation is sometimes understood as the donation accompanying a bride. In medieval English law, a husband would set aside a portion of his estate for the mainte- nance of his wife should she become a widow. And so the historical understanding of England as Mary`s Dowry is understood in this sense - that England has been set apart for Mary. The next few months then will become a time of grace, when all England is invited to renew their devotion and own personal `Yes` to the Lord. The Hermitage here in Elston near Newark on Trent is less than a mile from the old Fosse Way, the old Roman road, which many pilgrims to Walsingham would have travelled as part of their journey to Wals- ingham, it is for this reason our little `hermitage` having a great devotion to Our Lady of Wals- ingham, feel very much that we live in the middle of Our Lady`s Dowry. The title `Our Lady`s Dowry’ is thought to have originated during the reign of St. Ed- ward the Confessor (1042-1066). It was in July 1381 that King Richard II officially dedicated England to Our Lady as Her Dowry. However. it would seem that for many years England has not been spoken of as Our Lady`s Dowry, The Rector of Wals- ingham says " the tide now seems to be turning and Our Lady`s shrine at Walsing- ham seems to be experiencing something of a renaissance and much emphasis is being put on renewing England as Our Lady`s Dowry. " Perhaps then on reflection this will be a time and opportunity for each one of us to make a personal renewal in our devotion to the Mother of God. It would seem more than ever that England needs a Mother, in a country that is becoming increasingly secu- larised, broken and fragmented, where soci- ety has its own values, the gap between rich and poor is widening, families are divided and morality seems, at best, to be confused, surely we need Our Lady`s spiritual aid. Perhaps we the people of God are being challenged not only to rededicate England to Mary, but rededicate ourselves to Jesus through His Most Holy Mother, by daily praying the Angelus, praying the Rosary, making regular Confessions and prayer- fully invocating the Saints and Martyrs of England.Maybe we shall make a special ef- fort to make a pilgrimage to Walsingham in the months ahead remembering " When England returns to Walsingham, Our Lady will return to England " Fr.Richard + h.d.n. Priest and Hermit Diocese of Nottingham The Catholic News. March 2020 Page 3 ROSMINI CENTRE, 433 FOSSE WAY, LE7 4SJ Fr David - Mobile:07748152653 Tel: 01509 813078 djtobinic@gmail.com The Rosmini Centre is off the A46, half a mile north of Ratcliffe College, entrance on the left, 50 metres before the black and white Speed Camera Sign. MARCH CELEBRATING LENT Friday 6th 7 - 9pm Healing Mass Paths to Deeper Prayer Thursdays 7.30-9 pm in Hutton Hall 5th - Deepening Prayer Fr David Tobin IC 12th - Scripture Prayer Mrs Janet Kennedy 19th - Prayer with Icons Mr David Kewell 26th - Christian Zen Fr Tony Furlong IC St. John Henry Newman Saturday 14th 2 - 4.30pm “Firmly I believe and truly” Newman’s vindication Rev Bill Myers Saturday 21st 10 am to 4 pm LENTEN RETREAT Fr. Anthony Meredith IC Mass, Guidance, Adoration, opportunity for Reconcilliation Lunch provided Booking Essential (suggested donation £15-£20) Sharing Scripture in my life Saturday 28th 3 - 4.30pm Welcome to join the Rosminian Community prayer during the week: Morning Prayer 7.30 am Daily Mass 9 am Evening Prayer, 6.30 pm (Wednesday 6-7pm with Exposition) Silent Prayer 2-3 pm, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday Thoughts from Elston Hermitage........ From left to right: Dr Shiju G Joseph, Brian Dickinson, Fran Wickes, Canon Eddy Jarosz, Fr Alan Burbidge, Fr George Thomas and Rev Dr Antony Chundelikkat. Eastern Christian Spirituality The Spiritual Life of the Syromalabar Christians Rev. Dr. Antony Chundelikkat

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Page 4 THE CHAPTER CORNER Fr Eddy Jarosz DIOCESAN PRAYER DAY ON SAINT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL In this Year of the Word of God, we are offering days of prayer throughout the diocese, on the theme of St Matthew’s gospel. We decided that these days should reflect our diocesan themes of Encounter, Mission and Missionary Discipleship. Our first day was held on Saturday 18th January at St Peter’s in Hinckley and was attended by people from a variety of Parishes, mainly in the Leicester area. Our day began with teas, coffees and a warm welcome, as people started to arrive. Our first session was a brief introduction to Matthew’s gospel, outlining the authorship, structure and characteristics of the gospel. From there, we moved into encountering Jesus using an art reflection, on a chosen passage from the gospel. This was followed by some insightful sharing, from those who wanted to. It always strikes me, how the Holy Spirit reaches the depths of our inner being and gives us what we need, when we reach out in faith; today was no exception. Our next session was a guided meditation on discipleship and the healing of the two blind men using Ignatian Spirituality. By now, the prayerful stillness was tangible, yet again, it was followed by a meaningful, reflective time, this time in small groups. A well-earned lunch break followed and then we returned to stillness, recalling the importance of God’s love for us and a Lectio Divina session on mission and discipleship. We used the calling and sending out of the Apostles. Participants reflected on words or phrases from a passage from Chapter ten and then shared their word or passage with others. Our day concluded with an emotional section from Bach’s choral Passion meditation from St Matthew’s gospel, accompanied by some visual reflections. Over the day, we explored just some of the ways that we can pray with scripture and engage with it more deeply. Our next days of prayer are on the poster attached to this article; hopefully you’ll be able to come along and join us in one of them. It doesn’t matter if you’ve experience of praying with scripture or not so if you’d like to be led in a day of quiet prayer, you’d be made very welcome. Ann Neale works with the Diocesan Spirituality Commission; Mary Robinson is a teacher of Biblical Theology and a trained prayer guide. You are probably reading this article some- time near the beginning of Lent. Perhaps you have already planned out a programme for this season of the church’s year, or per- haps you are still wondering what if any- thing you wish to do different from the rest of the year. There are many ways of looking at Lent but one way I have found helpful is to think of it as a time of retreat in preparation for the renewal of our baptismal promises at Easter. During our retreat we can use the three Lenten disciplines of fasting, almsgiv- ing, and prayer. Fasting is not just about giving up some favourite food or drink, but also about giving up some unnecessary ac- tivity that takes up our time in order to cre- ate some time and space to remember our baptism and everything that it means. Our almsgiving will certainly help the poor, but it will also help us to depend less on our material possessions and more on the trea- sures that come from God. Prayer needs no explanation, but certainly needs dedication and perseverance. As a priest I actually get to experience two sets of promise renewals so perhaps I need to fast, give, and pray double!. On the Wednesday of Holy Week during the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral I will renew the promises that I made of the occasion of my ordination as a priest. A couple of days later at the Easter Vigil together with the parish community we will renew our bap- tismal promises. I can still remember vividly the day of my ordination, but on the day of my baptism it was my parents and godparents who made promises on my be- half. Nevertheless it is those baptismal promises made many years ago that are the foundation of my Christian life and make possible my vocation as a priest. I wish you all a happy and a fruitful Lent and especially a happy Easter when it comes! Canon Edward Jarosz I took up the role as local Community Am- bassador for Mary’s Meals towards the end of last year and have really enjoyed the ex- perience so far. It is such a beautiful charity that both children and adults are usually re- ally willing to help when they hear about it. For the benefit of those who don’t know, Mary’s Meals is a no frills charity with a mission to help the poorest children in the world to eat and get an education by provid- ing a basic meal in their school. Where pos- sible the food is bought locally and cooked by the parents on a rota basis keeping costs really low so a little goes a long way. Whilst provision of food is their primary concern Mary’s Meals developed a low cost way to provide the children with their basic school necessities through the Backpack Project. A list of items needed is provided by the charity(and most can be in good used condi- tion ) to fill a used backpack for a Mary’s Meals child in Malawi. I am blessed to have a group of enthusiastic friends, at The Church of the Good Shep- herd in Woodthorpe, and they started spreading the word about the Backpack Pro- ject amongst various nurseries and primary schools. Before I knew it backpacks started arriving on my doorstep and the first con- signment of 24 backpacks was couriered up to Glasgow for onward shipping to Malawi. A second consignment of 30 went a couple of weeks later. Some of these came from The Priory School where I had been asked to talk to the children about the project. There are also two more requests for talks in the pipeline. One member of our local team came up with the idea of donating a backpack in lieu of payment for an upcoming Pancake Day event. We are also planning a fundraiser for Mary’s Meals in the form of an Interna- tional Food Evening on Saturday 28th March at 7pm. It will be held at Good Shep- herd Church hall in Woodthorpe and a number of parishioners have agreed to pro- vide dishes from around the world. If you would like to help with the Backpack Project and can donate any of the items or would like to buy tickets for the Interna- tional Food Evening please contact Marie Langford on 07948 151 264. Community Ambassador Update “ Before, I felt weak because I was hungry. Porridge makes me feel strong and I can concentrate in class.” Emmanuel, 11, Zambia The Catholic News. March 2020

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The Catholic News. March 2020 Page 5 Dear Catholic News of Nottingham reader, Life with cataracts has not been easy for three-year-old Leah, living in East Africa. Unable to see, every morning she sits on an old car tyre, hearing the sounds of her brother and cousins going to school. She feels left out and alone. Leah’s mother is heartbroken that her daughter is needlessly blind. She told us, “Sometimes she cries because of the discomfort. It is as if she sees stones instead of light in her eyes.” Cataract surgery to restore sight can take just 45 minutes, but many families in low- income countries cannot afford the £95 for surgery. You can change that with a gift to CBM today. £95 could fund cataract surgery for not one but two children like Leah. That’s because every pound you give will have double the impact - you could fund twice as much equipment and medical supplies, medication and a skilled surgeon’s time, as well as any follow-up care, including eye drops and glasses. Give before 12th May 2020 and every £1 you donate to our See the Way appeal will be doubled by the UK government. God bless you, Louise Shute CBM Programme Manager Registered in England and Wales under 1058162 and Scotland under SC041101 Please return this form to: Freepost Plus RSKK-HXAX-CYGZ, CBM, Oakington Business Park, Dry Drayton Road, Oakington, Cambridge CB24 3DQ Yes, I want to donate to help twice as many blind children like Leah. I will give: £95 My choice amount of: ___________ Title: First Name: Surname: Address: Postcode: If you are a UK taxpayer and if you tick the Gift Aid box when you make a donation, HMRC will add an extra 25p for every pound you donate. I want to Gift Aid my donation and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to Christian Blind Mission. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax or Capitals Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. We will need your name and address to claim the additional 25% of your donation from Gift Aid. Increase the value of your gift by 25% I enclose a cheque/postal order/CAF voucher made out to CBM or Please debit my Visa/Mastercard/Maestro Card/CAF Card Card holder’s name: Card number: Expiry date: M M / Y Y security number: signature: Date: / / 3-digit Cardholder’s You can also call 0800 567 7000 to make your donation today, or visit our website seetheway.org. Until 12th May 2020, the UK government will double all public donations to our See the Way appeal up to £2 million. We will send you an update on Leah’s surgery. We’d love to keep you informed about our life-changing work and how you can support it by making a donation. By giving your email address or phone number below you give CBM UK consent to contact you using these methods: Phone: Email: We like to contact our supporters with postal fundraising messages and updates from the projects we support. If you do NOT want to receive such messages from CBM UK in the future please contact us on 01223 484700 or email info@cbmuk.org.uk. You can update your contact preferences or unsubscribe at any time. You can view our privacy policy at www.cbmuk.org.uk/privacy. How it works Help people in the world’s poorest places See the Way to a brighter future - give before 12th May 2020 and every £1 you donate to our See the Way appeal will be doubled by the UK government. Help people in the world’s poorest places See the Way to a brighter future – give before 12th May 2020 and every £1 you donate to our See the Way appeal will be doubled by the UK government. UKAM20-0220PR14 Public donations will support CBM’s work preventing blindness and transforming lives wherever the need is greatest. Match funding from the UK government will improve access to sight saving eye- health services in Malawi.

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Page 6 The Catholic News. March 2020 The Lord’s Day The Watermead Apostolate offers this helpful guide and background to the readings used at our Catholic Mass each Sunday. Waterm ead began in 1992 as a voice for people who wish to share understanding of living their faith through their various God-given gifts and talents. We frame these gifts by publishing them as books, cards and resources - and we record and publish the music. We also arrange retreats and pilgrimages. For information about the work of our apostolate, to download our resource s or to offer contributions, do feel welcome to contact us at: Watermead Apostolate, The Watermead Centre, c/o St. Joseph’s, 12 Goodwood Road,Leicester LE5 6SG Telephone 0044 (0)116 220 7881 / 7880 Download newsletters from www.watermead-apostolate.com or visit our shop website www.watermeadshop.co.uk 1st March 1st Sunday of Lent Year A First Reading Genesis 2 : 7-9, 3 : 1-7 This is a second account of the Creation, a simpler story than the poem in chapter 1. T he waters are beneath the earth and rise to irrigate it, but there is no-one to till the soil. The Lord creates a man (Adam) from the soil (adamah) and blesses him with the breath of life. The man becomes the gardener in Eden and watches the beauty of plant life growing in the rich soil from which he was made. Two trees (rich in symbolism) are in the centre of the gar- den: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life. The tree of life be- comes a forbidden tree only in chapter 3 (vv.22-24) but the tree of knowledge is forbidden at the very beginning of the story (2:16-17). The lesson seems to be that life is for the man on condition he does not choose to know evil. The serpent is hostile to God and represents power and cleverness. Its simple question seems to seek understanding and the woman an- swers innocently: but the serpent traps her into believing she can become immor- tal by knowing good and evil. The man seems to have been listening (v.6); he eats and they are surprised, shocked and shamed by new understanding. They hide. Second Reading Romans 5 : 12-19 Paul is vividly aware of sin and mortality but, liv- ing his faith in Jesus, he knows a redemp- tion won for the whole world. By its sinfulness the world has brought death upon itself, but immortality is the gift that God intends for the human race: and that gift comes through Christ Jesus. Through one man sin came into the world. and therefore there was a first sin in the his- tory of the human race. Then, everyone sins and thus everyone commits a first sin. Those personal original sins of the human race link back to the first/original sin of the human race. We are united in our sin- fulness and in our needing to be re- deemed. We are all guilty of our own original sins (“all have sinned”, v.12) but we are not guilty of the original sin in the human story. That was the guilt of the one who committed it, bringing sin into God’s good world. It is only our own sin and sins of which we are guilty. Paul contrasts Adam (sin beginning) and Christ (re- demption bringing). By our sinfulness we belong to Adam (the human race) and by our faith we belong to Christ (the re- deemed). Gospel Reading Matthew 4 : 1-11 Jesus is about to begin his ministry. He prepares himself during a period of forty days in the wilderness - an image of Israel’s forty years in the wilderness, of Elijah’s forty days journey to the Mountain of God (Horeb/Sinai) where the Commandments were given to Moses. Israel failed God by idolatry, political alliances and grumbling about food and water. Jesus does not fail. He is willing to be hungry rather than grumble against God. Bread alone is not enough for life - we live by the truth of the word of God. Jesus is not willing to pre- sume on his Father’s care of him by acting rashly and will not claim a miracle by right of divine protection. He is not like the Hebrews who challenged God and Moses in the wilderness years, acting defi- antly. He knows the goodness of God and is obedient to that goodness. The offer to control and rule the world by power and political alliances, rather than by accept- ing God’s providence in ruling one’s life, Jesus rejects. He does not want power, but the love and justice of God. Israel failed forty years in the desert, Jesus triumphed in his forty day. 8th March 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A First Reading Genesis 12 : 1-12 The history of the Chosen People begins today. Chapters 1-11 have been a preface, a prologue to the real story. The author has given a glimpse and interpretation of the history of the human race, based upon faith in a unique God (unlike the idols of other peoples and nations), who is sad- dened by the sins of mankind that have spoiled the goodness and beauty of cre- ation: a God who seeks to restore the orig- inal blessings of goodness and life. God has chosen Abram in Mesopotamia to be father of a new people (as Adam and Noah had been) and calls him to believe in a God he has never heard of and to accept the promise of being father of a great na- tion. Abram’s extraordinary response be- came for St. Paul a supreme sign of faith, and throughout the Old Testament that faith is praised. Abram was rich (13:2) but he and Sarah were childless. That he be- lieved in the Lord, by leaving his own peo- ple and believing he would be blessed with children, is remarkable. At the time of his call Abram was seventy-five. He was a hu ndred (and Sarah ninety) when Isaac born, but he lived a further seventy-five years to see the divine promise unfolding. We are at the beginning of a remarkable story. Second Reading 2 Timothy 1 : 8-10 Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are known as the “Pastoral Epistles” - Paul’s guiding the young bishops in their duties. But it is un- likely Paul wrote these letters. They ap- pear to be later than his lifetime and to have been written under his name to give them greater authority. The Church ac- cepts them as authentic documents of apostolic times and therefore of “revela- tion” to the first Church community; but we need to read the teaching and advice more widely than as personal and friendly guidance. Some scholars prefer to see the letters as Paul to his friends, which is the easier way to read them. Then they be- come encouraging and reassuring mes- sages of hope and faith, of friendship and family, reaching back over the years. In verse 5 Paul refers to Timothy’s grand- mother (Lois) and mother (Eunice) and reminds the young man how his boyhood faith was nourished in family love. Paul urges the new bishop to be bold in the Spirit, to witness with courage to the holi- ness of life all Christians must live Gospel Reading Matthew 17 : 1-9 In chap- ter 16 Jesus has faced challenges from the religious authorities, has chosen Peter to be the leader of the apostles and made clear to the disciples that he is to suffer and die. Peter is startled, pleads for it to be untrue, but Jesus’ reply is to speak of the cross every disciple must carry. Six days later comes the Transfiguration, today’s reading. Luke says it was eight days later - yet he leads up to the story with similar passages to Matthew’s . . . For Luke it is a Lord’s day vision, but for Matthew a vision before the Sabbath - for Luke a fulfilment, for Matthew an awaiting. The setting re- calls Moses and Elijah on the Holy Moun- tain (Horeb/Sinai). Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus - the apostles witness and understand Jesus is fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. They are overcome. Jesus reassures them. Luke says the apos- tles were heavy with sleep, suggesting mid-day heat or late evening tiredness. Matthew and Mark say nothing about that. Luke says that they chose to be silent about the vision, but Matthew and Mark say that Jesus asked them to tell no-one. 15th March 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A First Reading Exodus 17 :3-7 In chapter 14 the Israelites cross the Sea of Reeds (chapter 15) and sing a song of vic- tory and rejoicing: but immediately after- wards grumble about having only bitter water to drink at a place called Marah (bit- terness). In chapter 16 they murmur again about having no food, and God sends quails and manna. The murmurs subside, but in chapter 17 they begin again. The people make camp at Rephidim where there is no water. Why pitch camp where there is no water, we wonder, and we re- call the numbers said to have left Egypt - 600,000 families and their flocks (12:37- 38)! Where could there be water for such a multitude? This is more than history . . . The people blame Moses, in today’s read- ing, and he deflects the anger towards God. The Lord reminds Moses he still has the staff which he stretched over the wa- ters of the Sea of Reeds: he must use it again. Moses does, and water flows from the rock. The tradition became that the rock travelled with the people through the desert and always provided them with water. Massah and Meribah mean “test- ing” and “opposing” - the Israelite atti- tudes towards the Lord. Read on (vv.8-16) for an extraordinary battle. Second Reading Romans 5 : 1-2, 5-8 Paul has spent the early chapters of this letter on establishing faith as the basis of salva- tion, rather than the following of the Law of Moses. In chapter 4 he chooses Abra- ham as the supreme example of faith for his trusting in God - of whom he had never heard - and leaving home and fam- ily to travel to the Promised Land. This was all before the Law and circumcision, says Paul, which proves for him that faith such as Abraham’s is greater than circum- cision and the Law. In today’s reading faith brings the grace of salvation. Through Jesus, we look forward to sharing eternal life, in fulfilment of hope: in God’s love we receive the Holy Spirit. Paul looks at human helplessness and is over- whelmed by the truth that Christ died for us when we were sinners. For someone good, we understand, we all might be pre- pared to die: but God’s goodness loved and redeemed us, though we did not de- serve such love. Gospel Reading John 4 : 5-42 Notice the careful staging in today’s reading. It be- gins at the sixth hour, which allows the seventh hour for the conversion of the Samaritan woman - just as the healing of the nobleman’s son takes place at the sev- enth hour (4:52) three days later. All the disciples go shopping, leaving Jesus alone to speak to the woman when she arrives (at the hottest time of day!) for water. The drama unfolds. The woman is surprised a Jew would ask a Samaritan for water, re- alises that she has an advantage (a bucket) over him and begins to mock him - “Give me some of that water” (v.15). Jesus chal- lenges her. She has had five husbands - symbolising the land of Samaria which was resettled after the Assyrian conquest (721 BC) with five separate peoples. The woman symbolises the Samaritan peoples . . . She turns to religious argument and loses. Jesus has won her. Her mocking, her pretentiousness and religious bias col- lapse before the Messiah - and then she wins her fellow villagers to like Jesus. They ask him to stay, and he does for two days. On the third day he moves to Caper- naum, and there is another miracle .. 22nd March 4th Sunday of Lent Year A First Reading 1 Samuel 16 : 1, 6-7, 10-13 We have been hearing of Israel’s desire for a king, and of Samuel’s reluctance to anoint one because he feared, as God’s prophet, the people would desert God in favour of strong political alliances that a king would bring about (1 Samuel 8:10- 18). We have two tales of Saul’s being cho- sen (1 Samuel 9:14-19 & 10:17-24) and of Samuel’s stepping down from his position as temporal and spiritual leader. Saul falls foul of Samuel (13:8-15) and thus loses the Lord’s favour. Samuel is bidden to anoint another king. The prophet feels pity for Saul, but the Lord is adamant there must be a new king. Now begins today’s reading. Samuel is in fear of Saul, but must obey God. Jesse’s seven sons are brought before him but it is the eighth son who is the cho- sen one. The symbolism is powerful: too young to be considered, a shepherd of the flock, the one born after the perfect num- ber of seven - the Lord’s choice (the Lord’s Day, the eighth day, the day after the Sab- bath). Samuel and David d o not meet again Second Reading Ephesians 5 : 8-14 The people of Ephesus are children of the light. If Paul did write this letter it appears to have been sent from prison and expresses a longing for reassurance that the message he had brought them was being lived faith- fully. The fullness of life that Jesus has brought is the focus of Paul’s thought. The letter opens with a hymn of salvation, moves on to glorify Christ Jesus as the one chosen by God to bring that salvation, and to honour the Saviour above all other be- ings. The Church is Christ’s body and shares the fullness (the “pleroma”) that is his. In chapter 2 Paul celebrates the com- ing together of Jew and Gentile, united in the new promise brought by Christ and he, Paul, is the servant of that mystery. He thus has the right to call all Christians and believers to unity, even urging them to be the children of God by living as Christ lived. Today’s reading follows: they are children of the light who have left the dark- ness of sin and shame. Chapters 5 and 6 convey the message of this faith being lived in the Christian home. Gospel Reading John 9 : 1-41 The blind man does not ask for a cure. He is, at first, a conversation piece for Jesus and the dis- ciples. Still silent, he receives the impro- vised mud on his eyes, then obeys the voice that tells him to go and wash. He has heard Jesus say “I am the light of the world” - but how would this man know the meaning? What is light to a man born blind? This is a hard story. Still people talk ab out the man, and not to him. He was a beggar. We, the readers, did not know that and we also know that he has not yet seen Jesus - so can’t answer the people’s questions. Now we learn this all happened on a Sabbath day - and that even parents can be cow- ardly. What fear the religious authorities instil when even parents are afraid for themselves rather than for their children. The man cannot know if Jesus is a sinner: he knows only that he himself was blind and is no longer so. He becomes impatient - a wonderful personal miracle is being ig- nored because of a religious dispute. He becomes a believer in a new way. Jesus seeks him out. The man believes. The first words in the story were “I am the man” and the final words “Lord, I believe”. He was blind but now worships Please support our Advertisers

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The Catholic News. March 2020 Page 7 HELP SAVE LIVES IN NOTTINGHAM You can protect mothers and children by joining this worldwide mobilisation to pray and fast for an end to abortion! Through prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils and community outreach, 40 Days for Life has inspired 1,000,000 volunteers. With God’s help, here are the proven results in 25 coordinated campaigns:

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Great feedback in a tweet from St Mary’s in Grantham following a visit from Ann, one of our small team of 8 Education Volunteers who provide support to our 87 Nottingham Diocese schools A fundamental part of our work is inspiring and motivating our students to put their faith in action and learning through assem- blies and workshops. Want to join us? We provide excellent training and ongoing support and so much more!! Here is a comment from Elaine, who volun- teers one day a week in the volunteer centre, and supports the Education Volunteer team doing the admin……………………….. “Can I add that for my part, as Education Volunteer Coordinator, meeting regularly with the Schools Volunteers, seeing what they do when they go into schools across the diocese and the enthusiastic response from children and staff has been inspiring. Working in the office and inputting details of their numerous visits, has given me new opportunities for friendship, prayer and sharing and has widened my understanding of CAFOD’s work, even at a local level. Thank you for inviting me to be part of the team!” Interested? Please do get in touch, we need you! nottingham@cafod.org.uk 07710094455 or visit https://cafod.org.uk/…/Volunteer- with-us/Education-volunteer Please remember my intention/s in prayer. …………......………....……........................................ ...........………………..…….………............................ ........................………………..….………................... ..................................................................................... I would like to help your Mission Foundations. My gift of £____ is enclosed (payable to Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). Thank you! Please send me vocations information. Name :…….…………............................….................. ...... Address:…..………................................................. ............. ..……………………………………………………… …………….......……...........................……... Please print. REPLY TO: Mother General, Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde Park Place, London, W2 2LJ Tel.: 020 7723 7262 Living in the heart of London, the Tyburn Benedictine Community has as its special mission, prayer for the people of England and Wales. Our monastery is built on the site of the Tyburn gallows where 105 Catholics were martyred during the reformation. Our life of prayer draws Sisters from many nations. Already We hold you in prayer. Page 8 T R A V E L I N S U R A N C E arranged for readers of The Catholic News A N N U A L T R A V E L I N S U R A N C E AVAILABLE TO ANYONE UP TO 85 YEARS OF AGE. MOST PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS ACCEPTED T O P Q U A L I T Y C O V E R With a 24 hour helpline and an air ambulance get-you-home service. Mention this advert to get a Special Catholic News discount. Don’t forget we also offer SINGLE-TRIP COVER, with no maximum age limit and up to £20,000 cancellation cover per couple. CALL FOR DETAILS AND PRICES 0116 272 0500 Real people - not nachines! Authorised and regulated by the FCA FT Travel Insurance UK based Free Sample Pack of Foam & fabrics sent by first class mail. When phoning please quote CN101 The Catholic News. March 2020 MANCHESTER: 0161 820 8790 | BIRMINGHAM: 0121 368 1335 www.joewalshtours.co.uk | info@joewalshtours.co.uk Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TO 052 and TA 0689 in compliance with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Package Regulation 2018. JOE WALSH TOURS PILGRIMAGES 2020 MEDJUGORJE 12 & 19 MAY & 2 JUNE | 7 NIGHTS From Manchester » Direct return 昀ights to Croatia » Breakfast & evening meal served daily » Staying near St. James’s church » Full religious programme » Tour the Shrine, Hill of Apparitions & climb to Mt. Krizevac HOLY LAND 28 OCTOBER | 7 NIGHTS From London Luton » Return 昀ights to Tel Aviv » 4 nights Bethlehem | 3 nights Tiberias » Breakfast & dinner served daily at hotels » Private air-conditioned coach transfers throughout » Professional English speaking guide throughout £ £ 1345 pps £ £ 645 pps Walking and talking through grief By Maggie Mairura I returned to Nordic walking the park run at Shipley Country Park on Saturday morning, followed by the usual 5k Nordic Walking class. I decided to take it easy in the park run. Not done it for nearly a year. A younger woman was walking alongside me and so we chatted. She is recovering from surgery so couldn’t run it. I told her I hadn’t been very active the last 12 months since my daughter died. We talked about grief – her sister died 20 years ago, aged 29, about how grief effects us all differently, the impact it can have on family and friends. The love and support we have experienced. She worries about her mum who doesn’t live nearby grief. What was your sisters name? I asked. Anna, she replied. What was your daughter’s name? She knew from my expression what the answer was! Once we crossed the finish line we stood and hugged a long time. I didn’t re- alize how much I needed to talk about Anna today, she said. We hugged some more. When you see your mum again, I said, give her a big hug. I gave her my number. If your mum wants to talk, if you want to talk, get in touch. I carried on to my Nordic’s walking class. Later when I checked my phone there was a message from her. We are going to walk to- gether again. Sometimes it’s hard to be vulnerable. To open up to family, friends and strangers. But when we do, amazing things can happen, doors open, connec- tions are made, it’s almost sacramental! We are not alone. Don’t be scared. It’s good to talk And you know, the same things can happen when we volunteer! We can meet amazing peo- ple, be inspired by 7 year olds, challenged about our faith, motivated to learn more, feel we are making a dif- ference. Make yourself vulnerable, try something different, find here in Not- tingham Diocese. It can change your life! Nottingham Diocese Schools – 87 CAFOD Education Volunteers – 8 Help us level the score? ………… A HUGE thank you to Ann from CAFOD for inspiring us to be #zeroheroes by thinking carefully about our #impact on the environment we live in! All the children are enthused and eager to make change…………. Students at St Mary’s Grantham Did you know The diocesan coordinator for interreli- gious dialogue in Nottingham is Canon Eddy Jarosz (email eddy.jarosz@ dio- ceseofnottingham.uk) – if you are in- terested in learning more, want to be kept informed of future events, or can imagine contributing to the diocesan efforts to strengthen relationships be- tween people of different faith, do get in touch. Would you like to advertise your company in the The Catholic News ? Contact Janet on 01440 730399 or janett@cathcom.org

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Our website has moved to www.ReachNewspaper.com Solicitors to the Diocese of Nottingham Offering you a full range of legal services: Wills & Power of Attorney Probate & Trusts Company & Commercial Law Commercial Property Commercial/Property Litigation Residential Conveyancing Employment Law, and more Telephone: 0115 851 1666 At 15 Victoria Street, Nottingham & Tudor Square, West Bridgford E-mail: law@massers.co.uk The Catholic News. March 2020 Page 9 WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE SCHOOL ON THIS PAGE FOR SUPPORTING THE PAPER Sacred Heart Catholic Voluntary Academy Beacon Road Loughborough Leicester LE11 2BG 01509 212204 Head Mrs L Atkins Headteacher Mrs L Atkins One of the attractive feature of the Royal English College in Valladolid is its excellent location for reaching many parts of Northern Spain. A small group of students from the Col- lege recently visited Bilbao in the Basque country. From there, it is only a short journey to Azpeitia, the small town where St Ignatius Loy- ola, the founder of the Jesuits, was born and lived for most of the first thirty years of his life. A broken leg. Many of us know the experi- ence all too well. Even if it’s not something we’ve had ourselves, it’s likely we’ve either had a broken limb of some sort or had someone we live or work with suffer one. There’s the pain of the injury itself, then the weeks, or perhaps months of inconvenience whilst recovering from it. Time normally spent going out doing things that are a part of ordinary life becomes time spent sitting with a leg supported by a chair whilst we rely on someone else to help with doing daily tasks. A lot more time spent in front of the television, or perhaps on the laptop, phone, gaming or reading. The pace of life drops off, but in a manner that is not wel- come and with it a longing for a return to normality. Imagine then receiving the news weeks into this that the break hasn’t set properly so the bone needs resetting and the healing process has to start over again. This experience which many will have had is one that St Ignatius Loyola went through, however for him, he faced the additional challenges that came from coping with this situation nearly five hundred years ago in 1521. After having the bones in his left leg badly broken by a cannonball during fight- ing to defend Pamplona, he had a difficult two week journey on a stretcher back to Azpeitia. There he had the great good for- tune to come from a family of significant means, so he could be taken up to a large fourth floor room in the family house to spend months recuperating. During that time there was the unwelcome news of needing to have his leg reset, without anaes- thetics, in order to be able to make a proper recovery. A long, painful, but most of all deeply dull and frustrating stretch of time for a fit and active man of thirty to endure. But that period of nearly a year, what a re- markable year it was. The photograph shows the room in the Loyola family home where Ignatius convalesced, now converted into a Chapel and used for Daily Mass by the resident Jesuit community. It was in here that having asked for reading material, he was brought a book on the lives of the saints and the Life of Christ. In reading these and doing daydreaming during the many hours, he began to notice a pattern. Thoughts on Christ and the saints gave him a sense of uplifting, whilst thinking about more temporal ambitions that fitted with the life he had lead up to this point left him feeling empty. From these early thoughts and observations he began to reconsider his life and what he would do with it in the fu- ture. Once he was mobile again, he set about the task he had settled on of better shaping his life to the path that Christ called him to follow, a route that over the coming fourteen years ultimately lead to the forma- tion of the Jesuit order. His thoughts on the process of recognising God’s call that he had gone through he wrote down as the Spiri- tual Exercises. Many Christians find them an invaluable guide for seeking the hand of God guiding them in their life. To this day, the Jesuit community at St Beuno’s in North Wales are noted for their work guid- ing pilgrims in Ignatian Spirituality. St Ig- natius’ life is a remarkable tale of how from adversity much good can come for those open to finding a place for God within their life even when it may be challenging to do so, and how from such apparent misfortune as a serious injury, over time there is the po- tential for immense benefits to flow not only for the injured, but for all society. Gregory is one of the seminarians for the Diocese of Nottingham currently studying at the English College in Valladolid. Saint Ignatius Loyola The exterior of the family home of St Ignatius where he was born and spent much of the first thirty years of his life. Statue positioned by the entrance to the home depicting the return of St Ignatius following his legs being broken during a battle in Pamplona. The room where St Ignatius convalesced for nearly a year to recover from his broken legs. Now converted into a chapel, it is where he underwent the conversion experience that set him on the path that lead towards the founding of the Jesuits. by Gregory Tomlin If your School would like to If your School would like to wish our readers a wish our readers a Happy and Holy Easter in Happy and Holy Easter in the next edition, please get the next edition, please get in touch by in touch by Monday 16th March. Monday 16th March. Contact Janet on Contact Janet on 07931 836907 07931 836907 or email or email janett@cathcom.org janett@cathcom.org Continued from page 3 Asceticism, Life of Fasting, Ethics centred around Liturgy The spirit of asceticism was quite strong in early Syromalabar Christians. The practice of vigil, fasting, prayer, reading and meditation of holy books, obedience and humility are the means of practicing the ascetical life. Especially in the forms of poverty, abstinence, fasting, vigi- lances and celibacy. The Oriental Church developed her own distinctive tradition of ascetic and consecrated life. The church as a whole led an austere life. The life of penance of the St. Thomas Christian’s mainly consisted in the rigorous fasting. Eastern Christian- ity asceticism is not understood as a re- jection of the physical; rather it is intended to “spirtitualize” the physical. In Eastern Christianity the Church is not an institution but a spiritual organ- ism, connected to Christ, her head. As individual members we are part of this organism and share in its life. Individual spirituality outside the fullness of the Church is very difficult. The discipline was observed rigorously in close relationship to its liturgical di- mension. According to the East Syrian discipline the liturgical day begins with sunset and ends with the sunset on the following day. The mode of fasting in- clude a double obligation: natural fast- ing and abstinence from certain food and articles. The fasting ended in the evening with the liturgical services. The prayer for the departed is cele- brated the last Friday of the lent and the Friday after the resurrection is being celebrated as the feast of the all saints. The strong family relationships is kept among the people. Liturgy is the pri- mary context and source for the Eastern Christian Ethics. The birth and the mar- riage ceremonies the St. Thomas Chris- tians have their special celebration. Monasticism stands in the heart of the Mystery of the Church. Easterners’ un- derstood it as the best way to express the fidelity to Christ. Monasticism rep- resents the fullness of the Church, antic- ipating the Kingdom of God; a “transfiguration”. Among the Syromal- abar the use of Icons are more common used in the Church and holy places than the statues and other pictures. The Church Fathers of the East teach that we are on a journey of spiritual transfigura- tion, which they call as a process of transfiguration, theosis deification (union), according to the Likeness of God. Spirituality means truly enter into the ancient Christian transmission and catch the essence of Christ’s teaching imparted through the Apostles. The Storm Blue hills, along the horizon hugging, Like a mountain range in mist, Lightning flashing, thunder crashing, Part of God`s almighty fist. Clouds descending, bowing deeper, Within their centre, shadows form, And, as if this world`s a sleeper, It lays waiting for the storm. After the onslaught of the raindrops, Silence all around is heard, Then within this peaceful stillness, Awakes the sweet notes of a bird. Poetry Corner by Ernestine Northover Please support our Advertisers

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Some years ago I was impressed at the number of books on mind- fulness on sale in all kinds of book- shops. I decided to investigate this new phe- nomenon. Almost like a child again I started off with a colouring book with beautiful scenes of nature. I was instantly amazed at how easy it was to leave behind stress and tension. At first I was not fully aware of what was happening but as I did the colouring I be- came more focused, more energised and I slept better. I began to enjoy a better qual- ity of life so much so that I bought several other books on mindfulness with the same wonderful outcomes, but even better. Naturally as a priest I began to apply the techniques of mindfulness to my own per- sonal use of scripture with the following result. Although I have always preferred Saint Luke – my favourite Evangelist – I opted for Saint Matthew because I thought he might be more mindful-friendly. I ap- proached the gospel not only by reading the words but also by being aware of its spiritual, emotional, psychological, mental and even physical benefits. This was a re- ally exciting and altogether different ap- proach to the Scriptures for me. The first thing I became aware of that I was on a journey with Matthew, with Jesus and with all the other characters in the gospel. All writers but especially the Evan- gelists invite us to walk out of our com- fort zone and march with them into an un- known world, in many cases Heaven itself. Luke, of course, is famous for its epic journey of Jesus from the Galilee in the north to Jerusalem in the south. It’s a jour- ney with food as an important ingredient in that journey. A simple exercise You’re welcome to join me in this simple exercise, Just sit up- right, take off your watch as we should never monitor the time spent with God. Breathe naturally, be aware of your breath- ing and finally put your two feet firmly on the ground, but walk Levi into his Good News. The first people we meet in our journey are a won- derful collection of people, in the geneal- ogy of Jesus. Invite your ancestors to join you, especially parents and grandparents. Pick out a favourite person who influenced you most. You are at a bus stop waiting for these people to turn up. Be patient as time spent at the bus stop of life is always pre- cious. Wait there long enough and along comes the most exotic characters in the entire bible. The Magi are beautifully dressed. Surprise, surprise they have joined us from the east and they are following a star. Even so, they might well ask you for direc- tions. Be ready because you know where the saviour of the world is. As our community grows by the minute with the people from the east and from the west we head in the direction of a stable with Mary, Joseph and a newly born baby. Make contact with your own parents here too, even if they have died, share with them the good things and the happy mem- ories you have as a child. You may want to stay in the stable for as long as you like. There may well be issues here that need addressing. When you have acknowledged them, place them all into the Crib. The child there may be small but he has a heart to absorb all the burdens of life. Stay at the crib for as long as you like. The first time I did this I stayed for at least a week with many rewarding results. Only when you are ready move out on your Pilgrimage with Mary, Joseph and Jesus into Egypt. Be mindful of your personal sense of security, you are protected by spe- cial people in particular your travelling companions. Stay in Egypt with all the sights you have ever seen, with all the flights you have taken, with all the jour- neys you have made. Google your favourite landscape and stay with it for as long as you wish. The flight into Egypt is you soar- ing into the heights. Some time now, you will hear somebody calling you back home to Nazareth. Fr Tom Grufferty is a priest of the Portsmouth Diocese The Catholic News. March 2020 “ GRANTHAM’S ONLY FULLY QUALIFIED AND INDEPENDEDNT FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS “A professional, compassionate & local service” 14, St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, NG31 6TS Tel: 01476 594422 (24hours) email: funerals@rhfd.co.uk www.roberthollandfunerals.co.uk For details of upcoming funerals please visit www.roberthollandfunerals.co.uk/current-funerals Proud to be Grantham’s only Fully qualified, award winning and family run Funeral Directors. FUNERAL SERVICES FUNERAL SERVICES Page 10 Helping with all your needs I WAS WATCHING television the other day and I was struck by how many insurance adverts are aired. Car insurance, house in- surance and life insurance. There was ‘Com- pare the Market’ (the meercats), Churchill (the dog), Admiral, Direct line (Winston Wolf) and over 50’s plans to name but a few. In fact many years ago I used to work in insurance so I’m certainly no stranger to it, but I’m sure that there seems to be both more advertising and more insurance com- panies than there ever used to be! However, the policy of ‘new for old’ remains un- changed, I’m glad to see. This essentially means that goods which have been stolen or accidentally damaged will be replaced with new ones to the same value by the insurers. No-one ever knows what is going to happen in the future, so the moral of the story is: make sure your insurance is up-to-date! CONSOLATION This idea of ‘new for old’ though, did cause me to ponder... If only everything in life could be replaced in this way – our health for example. Of course, certain parts of us can indeed be replaced, for example joints and organs, but we are still a long way from being able to replace everything... And there are certain aspects of our lives that it’s just impossible to replace, such as the death of a loved one. But there is a huge consolation and this can be found in our spiritual lives... In baptism our old life is replaced by a new life in Christ, in the Trinity. Indeed, in the early Church where the baptism of adults was the norm, the total immersion in the baptismal waters and the coming up out of them, symbolized the turning away from a life of sin and embracing or replacing this with a spirit-filled life – in the Lord Jesus. AD INFINITUM During this time of Lent we also have ample opportunity for ‘out with the old and in with the new’ as we practice our Lenten obser- vances. Lent is a time for us to take stock, to re- evaluate our secular and more impor- tantly, our spiritual lives. Lent is a period when we can reflect, re-visit the Sacrament of Reconciliation and find the peace and love of Jesus Christ. Most importantly, as we prepare for the great celebration of Easter during Lent, our ‘spiritual spring clean’ should include prayer, fasting and almsgiving alongside a determination to serve the Lord more fully. And so in conclusion: insurance will provide for us if the worst should happen. Christ provides for us ad infinitum. And not to mention the idea of new for old... Out with the old, in with the new By Julia Beacroft The God who Speaks A journey of Mindfulness with St Matthew Fr Tom Grufferty invites us to walk out of our comfort zone and march on a journey of mindfulness with St Matthew. Continued from page 1 The Rector of The Catholic National Shrine in Walsingham, Mgr. Armitage said, “It was a great joy to be with Pope Francis and Car- dinal Nichols in Rome for the blessing of the new Dowry Painting. The painting will then be commissioned in Walsingham on the day of the rededication by Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald on the site of the ancient Holy House. It will then leave to start a visit to every Parish in the country as a permanent reminder of the devotion of the people of England to Our Blessed Lady expressed so beautifully in the Dowry tradition that we will celebrate on the 29th March 2020. On this day we shall surely take Our Lady’s message to heart to ‘Share my Joy in the Annunciation’.” The Plenary Indulgence When we engage in good works like prayer, penance, and acts of charity, coming on pil- grimage; the Church grants a special grace called a Plenary Indulgence. Pope Francis explains a Plenary Indulgence thus;“When we go to Confession God forgives our sins, which He truly blots out; and yet sin leaves a negative effect on the way we think and act. But the mercy of God is stronger even than this. It becomes indulgence on the part of the Father who, through the Bride of Christ, His Church, reaches the pardoned sinner and frees him from every residue left by the consequences of sin, enabling him to act with charity, to grow in love, rather than to fall back into sin.”Plenary means fully, all the after effects of sin that remain within us, are lifted so that we may grow through our good acts of prayer, penance and love of others. Indulgence means that it is a pure gift of God given to us thorough the min- istry of the Church in response to our good deeds. Those who take part in The Re-dedication will receive the Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions. Going to confession, receiving the Eucharist, and praying for the intentions of The Holy Father, by saying The Our Father, The Hail Mary, and Glory be. These must be carried out within 7 days before or after The Re-dedication.

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Page 11 The Catholic News. March2020 Discover more at CRE Midlands 2020 MAR 04 WEDS MAR 05 THUR Your one-stop shop for church supplies, resources and ideas NAEC, Stoneleigh, nr Coventry www.creonline.co.uk A world-renowned DJ and former student re- turned to inspire students at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy. Nathan Dawe left the Burton school 10 years ago and this was the first time that he has re- turned. As well as hosting a question and answer ses- sion with students he also greeted some of his former teachers and was given a tour of the school. He said: “It’s been 10 years since I came to this school and this is the first time I’ve come back. I’m really eager to see if it’s changed; it’s surreal. It was a nice community and ev- eryone helped and encouraged me. I enjoyed my time here and I’ve still got the friendship group that I had when I was here. It’s just nice to come back and see teachers who were here when I was and to meet the kids.” The 25-year-old, who has 751,655 monthly listeners on Spotify, urged students to follow their dreams and not to be deterred by other people’s opinions. He said: “I started DJ-ing at school discos and parties when I was 11. When I was older I knew that I wanted to turn my hobby into a full-time job. I actually didn’t choose music at school, I chose IT and German. I think some of the IT helps me now because I work with computers. “I think if you say you want to do something in music people sometimes look down on you. I think saying you want to be a DJ is quite a brave thing to say when you are young. When people are negative about it you should use that as fuel. You have to be careful who you have around you and if people say to you that you won’t be able to do it then just prove them wrong. You are going to have lots of setbacks. I wanted to be a DJ who travelled the world but to do that I had to forfeit a lot of my own time to put into my craft. “I knew there were lots of DJs out there so I had to work out what my USP was and it was to play lots of different types of music, there was no-one else really doing that. I was get- ting booked for gigs on the back of that and it just snowballed from there. In the summer I was a resident DJ in Zante and the rest of the time I would be in this country. I just started being asked for photos and then I posted some music online and it went viral; it had something like one million hits in a week.” Acting headteacher Laura O’Leary thanked Nathan for coming back and helping to in- spire students currently in Year 9 and 10. Nathan has already completed a sell-out 16- date tour, which even included the 02 Academy in Birmingham, where he per- formed to a crowd of more than 3,000 – something he said was his proudest moment so far. He said there was lots of new music on the horizon but a song that had been due for re- lease imminently has had to be delayed due to the massive popularity of ‘Flowers’ which was played on this year’s Love Island show. She said: “We would like to thank Nathan for taking the time to come and speak to our stu- dents. Hopefully they took on board his mes- sage about the hard work and dedication that is needed to achieve your dreams – Nathan is a great example of that and we are sure he will go on to achieve even more success in the future. We are extremely proud to say that he is a former student at Blessed Robert Sutton CVA.” A world-renowned DJ and former student returned to inspire students Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy students are celebrating after winning the regional round of a presti- gious national public speaking competi- tion. Hannah Greenwood, Libby Smout and Savhanna Briers triumphed in the Birm- ingham and East Midlands heat of the English-Speaking Union Churchill Public Speaking Competition. The Churchill Public Speaking Competi- tion gives students the opportunity to de- velop oracy skills, while also encouraging confidence and teamwork. Each competing team is made up of a chair, guest speaker and questioner – all from different schools – and students score points for their own school with the total being tallied up at the end of the contest. Speakers choose their subject from a list given to them and Savhanna, from Blessed Robert Sutton, talked about the topic ‘art should not be censored’. Blessed Robert Sutton CVA came out on top and will now go on to the Birming- ham and East Midlands Area Final on February 27th. If they are successful they will compete in the Midlands Final. The national Grand Final is held in Cam- bridge in April. Amanda McDowall, Head of Year 11 at Blessed Robert Sutton CVA, entered the team into the competition and trained them. She said: “This competition is tradition- ally dominated by public schools and we are so proud of our students for this fan- tastic achievement. We did a lot of re- hearsals, we were practicing for about one and a half hours, three times a week for three weeks. A lot of it can’t be re- hearsed though as the student who is the questioner won’t hear the speech they have to ask questions about until the day of the competition. Afterwards I felt we should have come first or second but based on past experience I really didn’t know what would happen. It was great to hear that we’d won, Libby also won best chair.” Hannah said: “I think I was in shock when they said that we had won. I didn’t think we were going to win.” Savhanna said: “When they announced the best speaker and it was someone else I thought that’s it, we’ve lost. Then they said our name and I just burst into tears.” Laura O’Leary, acting headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton CVA, congratu- lated the team on their success. She said: “This is an incredible honour and we are so proud of the students who put so much effort into this. It really is a great example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work and we would like to thank Mrs McDowall for the hours that she has put into preparing the students.” Blessed Robert Sutton CVA celebrate win at prestigious public speaking competition

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Page 12 The Catholic News. March 2020 The Priory Catholic Voluntary Academy is celebrating after being rated ‘Good’ in all areas by OFSTED. Inspectors visited the school in Eastwood for two days in November 2019 and as- sessed the following areas: the quality of ed- ucation; behaviour; personal development; leadership and management and early years provision. In the report, inspectors praised behaviour among the pupils. They said: “Pupils are po- lite and well behaved. They show good man- ners to all. Pupils respect each other’s differences. Incidents of bullying are very rare.” Helen Williams HMI (Her Majesty’s Inspec- tor), Lead Inspector, wrote: “Leaders want pupils to gain a broad range of knowledge which will help them to discover where their talents lie. The curriculum is well organised. It is designed to help pupils remember what they have learned and to build on previous learning. “Pupils behave well in class. They have posi- tive attitudes to learning and they achieve well. Teachers are passionate about devel- oping pupils’ love of reading. Teachers read to pupils with great gusto. Their storytelling has pupils rapt and wanting to hear more.” She also said that teachers found creative ways to help pupils develop their knowl- edge. Inspectors said that pupils talked confi- dently about, and showed respect for, a range of different faiths and cultures. The report said: “They (children) have a wide range of opportunities in school. They can join eco club or learn how to meditate. Older pupils help younger ones at lunchtime and with their reading.” The report also said that safeguarding ar- rangements were effective and that staff knew families well and worked closely with them to provide support when needed. The Priory, in Raglan Street, became part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi- Academy Trust in September 2018. Headteacher Anthony Harrison said: "The school community is really pleased that the inspectors recognised the achievements of pupils across our rich and varied curricu- lum. The report rightly celebrates our pupils, who are joyous in their care for one another and for the world around them. In consistently living out the school`s mission, they show that they have wonderful at- tributes, helping them to develop their per- sonal strengths and successes. At The Priory, our pupils clearly lie at the centre of the curriculum; with children flourishing, in the light and love of Christ." Sean McClafferty, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin CMAT, congratulated the school. He said: “We are extremely proud of every- one at The Priory for working so hard to achieve this fantastic grade, which is well deserved. I am delighted that the school has been recognised for providing a first class Catholic education and I am so pleased for the staff, pupils, and governors and for the local community.” The Priory Catholic Voluntary Academy in Eastwood celebrates `Good` Ofsted rating The new headteacher at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy has outlined his vision for the future of the school and its students. Steve Brogan was previously Deputy Headteacher at Saint John Houghton, in Kirk Hallam, for two years after moving there from Christ the King Catholic Vol- untary Academy in Arnold, where he was an Assistant Headteacher. Mr Brogan has now been appointed the Headteacher of Saint John Houghton CVA by the Saint Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust. His vision is to deliver a world class Catholic education for the students of Saint John Houghton CVA. He said: “I know it’s a lofty ambition, and one which will not be achieved overnight, but it is one that I hold and that I am de- termined to deliver. The challenge we face as a school community is to maintain all that is good about Saint John Houghton, whilst continuing to raise standards and deliver the very best education and care that we can for our children. “I would like to acknowledge the support I have received from the staff in school, the students and the parents. I have been overwhelmed by the well wishes I have re- ceived, the letters and emails of support and encouragement and the reaction to my appointment. “I truly want the best for each and every child in our school, both from a welfare point of view and academically. It is only by the whole school community working together that we will succeed in this mis- sion and we must hold that at the centre of all that we do.” Sean McClafferty, chief executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said he was delighted with Mr Bro- gan’s appointment. He said: “Mr Brogan has provided excel- lent service to Saint John Houghton as Deputy Headteacher and we are confident he will continue the great work that has al- ready been done that led to a ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement last year. We are in no doubt that he will achieve his vision of delivering a world class Catholic education to stu- dents and he has our full support in lead- ing this wonderful school forward.” Last year, Saint John Houghton was judged ‘Good’ in every area by Ofsted in- spectors and ‘Good’ overall. Inspectors said that improvements had been made in pupils’ progress and that the quality of teaching had improved since the last inspection in 2017, which saw the school graded as ‘Requires Improvement’. New headteacher at Saint John Houghton CVA in Kirk Hallam outlines his vision for the future J. S. BACH St John Passion Nottingham Cathedral Choir Musical & Amicable Society Baroque Orchestra Alex Patterson conductor Tickets: £16, £12, £10 available online ’rom www.nottinghamcathedralmusic.com Nottingham Tourism Centre 1-4 Smithy Row, Nottingham N

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