2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2020 www.catholicv oiceo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 around us. Not only is it good and wonderful in itself, but our dependence upon it is total, and our abuse of it damages the poor most of all. On 1 September Pope Francis inaugurated a World Day of Prayer for Creation which will be celebrated each year. He said that the Care of Creation should also contribute “to shaping the culture and society in which we live,” adding that economics, politics, society and culture “cannot be dominated by thinking only of the short-term and immediate 昀nancial or electoral gains.” So there in a nutshell is our Christian challenge! To help parishes get to grips with the challenge, Boarbank Hall is holding a Retreat by Zoom over the weekend of 16-19 October, more details below. The Catholic Voice encourages parishes to engage with the initiative so that we can truly become the ‘living stones’ that God wants us to be. T here are many sets of pressures - social, emotional, political and 昀nancial facing our world today. Each forms a complicated web at a global and national level and impacts on our own daily lives. With the endless debates, demonstrations, speeches, arguments and media coverage, we can sometimes become wrapped up in viewing everything through the prism of how decisions a昀ect our own day to day lives. It is di

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk October 2020 + The Catholic V oice of Lancaster + 3 I suppose most people have a favourite hymn, including many who don’t attend church regularly. Hymns, like all kinds of music, arouse memories of times, people, places, events, both good and bad, happy or sad. It is said that St Augustine declared “To sing is to pray twice” , although some scholars doubt this. BBC “Songs of Praise” which began in October 1961 continues to be popular and is regularly watched in our house. You have been able to switch on your wireless and listen to Roy Plomley’s “Desert Island Discs” since January 1942, and recent restrictions the consequences and e昀ects of the coronavirus have resulted in many people in ‘lockdown’ feeling as though they are alone on a desert island! With this in mind I have taken the opportunity to think about some of the hymns that have impacted on my life evoking a mix of memories … ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’ - (The Navy Hymn) appeared in the 昀rst edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern in 1861. Whenever I hear it brings to mind one of my earliest childhood memories. Back in January 1952, aged 5, I would walk with friends after school to my Gran’s house. Sometimes I would go and see her next door neighbour an old man called Mr. Turner. He always had a newspaper and I remember being drawn to the dramatic pictures of the 12 day events unfolding out at sea 400 miles west of Land’s End. A cargo ship the “Flying Enterprise” sailing from Hamburg to New York sent out an S.O.S on 28th December and was in serious trouble, having been hit by a freak wave in very heavy seas, was capsizing. The crew and 10 passengers were rescued and one of the ships trying to help was a tugboat called the “Turmoil” . The 27 year old mate Kenny Dancy from the tug unbelievably leapt across to the Enterprise and with her captain Henrik Carlsenwere the only two on board the heavily listing ship as desperate attempts were made secure a towline. The events gripped the nation and each day I would go to Mr. Turner’s and watch how the rescue attempts were going. In the afternoon of 10 January Carlsen and Dancy 昀nally abandoned ship jumping o昀 the ship’s funnel, the ‘Enterprise’ was almost lying on its side by then, and less than an hour later, she 昀nally slipped beneath the waves. (Conspiracy theories still exist today that amongst the ship’s varied lost cargo was a consignment of zirconium intended for America’s developing nuclear programme. Kenneth Dancy died aged 88 on 3 August 2013). ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ – the words written in 1848 for children by Cecil F Alexander was set to a 17th century tune ‘The 29 of May’ by John Playford. I remember this Hymn in particular as it was during the choir singing practice of this children’s classic at my primary school that it was decided I was singing ‘昀at’ and was told to leave the hall and return to my class. This instruction came from a lady, (can’t recall her name, who was not a teacher but came into school to help with singing; like the nit nurse she only came into school now and again). Of course the 1950’s was a time when inclusivity was not seen as particularly important. We were taught geography from a map of the world a quarter of which was coloured pink and belonged to us! You didn’t build an empire being sentimental nor tolerate anyone out of tune in the school choir. Thankfully she didn’t pick the school football team - Mr. Ley did! Abide with Me - (Football’s hymn) the lyrics were written by Henry F Lyte close to his death in 1847. He wrote several hymns including “Praise my soul, the King of Heaven” . It is sung to the melody ‘Eventide’ composed by William H Monk in 1861. It has been sung prior to the kick-o昀 at the football’s big day since 1927. I heard it for the 昀rst time in 1951 watching my 昀rst FA Cup Final at my Uncle Harry’s on his 9 inch black & white television set along with half the men on his street. In the 1950’s the FA Cup Final was special, it was the only football shown live on TV and always featured on the front page of the weeks’ Radio Times. Prior to the kick-o昀 fans sang along from their Daily Express song sheets the community singing led by Arthur Caiger on his podium in the centre circle resplendent in his white suit. Nowadays in the world of the Premier League and the Champions League, for the top teams, the FA Cup seems something of a nuisance. In the 1950’s no ‘big’ club played a “weakened” team, today some teams turn out a side consisting of fringe and Academy players, the kit man, and the bloke who had come to read the meter! To be in the ‘The Final’ was every players dream, and each 昀nalused to involve a host ofdi昀erent clubs. But since the Premiership the 28 Finals have featured either Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester United a total of 26 times – BORING! First Saturday of May was FA Cup day, the special end to the season and then cricket could begin. ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ – the words by Charles Wesley were written over 280 years ago when the opening line was “Hark how the welkin rings!” (A welkin meaning the sky/or heavens) and words adapted more to what we know today by another Methodist minister George White昀eld in 1758. The music originally comes from a piece originally composed by Mendelssohn, and adapted by Waltham Abbey organist William H Cummings in 1855 to as it is now. By the late 1950’s I was at Grammar School – hated most of it, everything in fact except sport, English and History. This carol must have been the favourite of the school music teacher Mr. Longsta昀 – known a昀ectionately as “Wimpy” because he looked like the character in the ‘Popeye’ cartoons. It was always sung at the 昀nal assembly before we broke up for the Christmas holidays, and to be looked forward to. Nowadays, ‘In the bleak mid-winter’ is my favourite carol. Dave Yates, Ansdell ++++++ Editors note: It would be great to hear from readers which hymns have a special place in their hearts. Please let us know by e mail at voicenews@hotmail.co.uk or write to me at 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St Annes FY8 4DJ. Desert Island Hymns

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2020 www.catholicv oiceo昀ancaster.co.uk Our Plans: U sually the problem Youth Ministry projects have is too much demand and not enough resources. Right now, we’ve got exactly the opposite problem. We’ve got an awesome team who are very much ‘ready to roll,’ but there isn’t that much rolling to be had! Like many things, Covid-19 has taken its toll on the Church’s work with young people. Happily though, we are coming up with idea after idea and it seems to be working. We are 昀nding new and creative ways to work with young people and also inventing new ways to use a building that’s usually full of school retreats. Here’s a little taste of what’s going on at the moment: --- More details about everything below can be found on our website or by getting in touch: www.castleriggmanor.co.uk --- Getting Out and About We’ve currently got regular ‘gigs’ in two parishes and two schools. Once we’ve ironed out a few details, we hope to be adding two more parishes and two more schools to that in the next few days. If you’re reading this and wondering if we can come in to your school or parish, then the answer may well be yes! Get in touch and we can start the conversation. Our New Training Centre One initiative we have started recently is our new Training Centre, aimed largely at adults who work with young people. We are o昀ering First Aid courses in Keswick as well as Youth Mental Health Courses, and we’re also o昀ering a load of courses online too, including mental health and safeguarding Keep an eye on our website for more details. The ENGAGE course also started last week with it’s 昀rst cohort of around a dozen people. ENGAGE is an online Youth Ministry course for adults who are interested in working with young people. There will be a second cohort probably early in the new year. Open Retreats At Castlerigg – Young People In addition to getting out around the diocese more, we’re also thinking of new ways to minister to young people and young adults at Castlerigg. We’ve added a lot of open programmes to our timetable, including a Sixth Form retreat, open retreats for con昀rmation candidates, a study weekend for young adults, and next year we are hoping to add an open weekend for altar servers as well. You’ll also be glad to hear that we’ve kept the Advent Retreat and Easter Retreat in our calendar too. Our retreat calendar for 2020-21 will end with a brand new ‘Summer Week’ open retreat in August! Check out our website for more details on any of the above or feel free to get in touch with our new director - jack@castleriggmanor.co.uk Changes at the Top In late August, Bishop Paul decided to make some changes to our Youth Service Management Group, the group that looks after and supervises the Youth Service on behalf of the Bishop and the Trustees. We said goodbye to Deacon Michael Harrison, Joanne Nicholson, Richard Teasdale, and Sr Harriet Thomas following the completion of their set terms of o

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk October 2020 + The Catholic V oice of Lancaster + 5 Dates for the Diary 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. Oct 16-18th Young Adults Retreat Oct 22-23rd Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Oct 23-25th Family Weekend Nov 13-15th Open Sixth Form Retreat Nov 14th Study Day (Catholic Social Teaching) [For adults] Nov 20-22nd Catechists’ Retreat Nov 27-29th Retreat for Con昀rmation Candidates (Year 9-11) Dec 4-6th Retreat for Con昀rmation Candidates (Year 6-8) Dec 11-13th Advent Retreat Dec 14-15th Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Dec 18-20th Past Teams Retreat Jan 9th Study Day (What is the Church?) [For adults] Jan 22-24th Young Adults Study Weekend Feb 10-12th School Sta昀 Conference Feb 25-26th Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Mar 13th Study Day (Salvation History) [For adults] Apr 1-4th Easter Retreat May 7-9th Retreat for Con昀rmation Candidates (Year 6-8) May 15th Study Day (Understanding the Bible) [For adults] July 17th Study Day (Understanding Vatican II) [For adults] Aug 7-11th Summer Week (Year 10-13) Date TBD Altar Servers Retreat (2021) Online courses for adults, check website for dates – Introduction to Youth Mental Health Parish Youth Days – Get in touch to book us! To advertise please contact Charlotte on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2020 www.catholicv oiceo昀ancaster.co.uk M y name is Philip Wrigley, 41 years of age from Carlisle, a 5th year seminarian studying for the secular priesthood, and here is my vocation story. In my teenage years, I used to altar serve at Morton Chapel & St. Edmunds parish with Fr Dewhurst. I had the great pleasure to serve for the late Bishop John Brewer on his occasional visits to our Parish. It was Bishop Brewer who 昀rst sowed the seed to think about joining the priesthood. Before Mass, in the sacristy, he was asking me about how long had I served and if I’d ever considered joining the priesthood. I was ashamed to say “No” to him immediately. Bishop Brewer smiled and said “Trust in the Lord, as you do not know what the Lord has planned for you” . Ever since that chat, the priesthood has always been in the back of my mind over the years to come. It was around 2008 when I started thinking more deeply about my life’s direction. My occupation at that time was working at Preston Hospital in the Computer department, 昀xing and maintaining their computer systems. A good paid job, but I felt something was missing, I wasn’t being ful昀lled in my work, doing the same day to day activities in the o

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk October 2020 + The Catholic V oice of Lancaster + 7 you can imagine it was di

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2020 www.catholicv oiceo昀ancaster.co.uk F ifty years ago this month, (October) , some 10,000 English and Welsh pilgrims, together with the Bishops of England and Wales and representative Bishops from Scotland and Ireland, were amongst the large congregation who attended the canonisation Mass in St Peter’s Basilica. Special guests included descendants of many of the Martyrs, including the Duke of Norfolk, England and Wales’s most senior Catholic layman and himself a collateral descendant of the soon to be St Philip Howard. The (English language version of the) service booklet, which I am lucky enough to have a copy of, runs to 112 pages and included Faber’s hymn Faith of Our Fathers. As the Pope was carried through the basilica on the Sedia Gestatoria, a portable ceremonial throne on which Popes were carried on the shoulders of Papal Gentleman until its use was discontinued in 1978, the Anglican hymn All People that on Earth Do Dwell was sung. In recognition of the unique signi昀cance of the event for English and Welsh Catholics, the Maestro Perpetuo of the Sistine Chapel Choir, which would normally sing at all canonisation Masses, agreed that the Westminster Cathedral Choir could sing in its place. Amongst the pieces performed, the cathedral choir sang the Kyrie, the Gloria and the Agnus Dei from the Mass of Five Voices by William Byrd (1543 - 1623) , perhaps the greatest Tudor composer who was a contemporary of twenty 昀ve of the forty Martyrs and who, whilst being a lifelong Catholic and recusant himself, is believed to have escaped the harsher penalties due to his musical genius. In his eulogy for the Forty Martyrs, the Pope, speaking In English, expressed the hope that the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches would one day be reunited. He said: “There will be no seeking to lessen the legitimate prestige and the worthy patrimony of piety and usage proper to the Anglican church, when the Roman Catholic church - this humble ‘servant of the servants of God’ - is able to embrace her ever beloved sister in the one authentic communion of the family of Christ: a communion of origin and faith, a communion of priesthood and of rule, a communion of the saints in the freedom and love of the spirit of Jesus.” At the conclusion of the Mass, Soul of My Saviour was sung, the beautiful words of which are based on the original Latin text Anima Christi which is attributed to Pope John XXII (1249 - 1334) . The hymn was written by Edward Caswall who, like Faber, was an Anglican who later converted, was ordained and became an Oratorian Father. In accordance with tradition, the Pope was presented with relics of the new Saints, including a piece of the rope with which St Edmund Campion was hanged in 1581.The Catholic writer, Auberon Waugh, described the canonisation as “the biggest moment for English Catholicism since Catholic emancipation”. On 22 November 1987, Pope John Paul II beati昀ed a further eighty 昀ve Martyrs of England and Wales. All of the Martyrs, both canonised and beati昀ed, are now commemorated in England on their feast day of 4 May. Prior to revisions made to the liturgical calendar in 2000, the forty canonised Martyrs had their own feast day on 25 October. In Wales, the feast is still kept on 25 October. The Canonisation of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales – Final part

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk October 2020 + The Catholic V oice of Lancaster + 9 Today, many of the Martyrs, both canonised and beati昀ed, are depicted in stained glass and in other forms in our churches. Many of them pre-date the 1970 canonisation; hence the inscriptions of those now canonised often still refer to them as ‘Blessed’ . The Martyrs are particularly commemorated at St Thomas of Canterbury and the English Martyrs in Preston which has been a focal point, in recent years, for an English Martyrs Pilgrimage organised by the Latin Mass Society. Relics of the Martyrs can be found at the Ladyewell Shrine at Fernyhalgh,near Preston where the Burgess Altar is preserved. This wooden altar, dating from 1560, is designed to fold away like a sideboard and is said to have been used by St Edmund Campion, St Edmund Arrowsmith and Blessed John Woodcock for the celebration of Mass. Arrowsmith House, Hoghton is where St Edmund Arrowsmith celebrated his 昀nal Mass. Many other churches in Lancashire, often hidden away in remote and beautiful locations, can claim a link to a Martyr. In some respects, the veneration of the Martyrs had fallen ‘out of fashion’ in more recent times but now, once more, interest in, and devotion to, these great men and women is being revived. Of particular recent interest for the Diocese of Lancaster was the blessing of a new Martyrs icon at St Joseph’s Church, Skerton, Lancaster. This stunning piece of art by Shropshire craftsman, Martin Earle, was blessed by Bishop Paul Swarbrick on 2 November 2019 and depicts the fourteen men, both lay and religious, who were martyred at Lancaster. These include St Edmund Arrowsmith and St Ambrose Barlow (amongst the canonised Forty Martyrs) , together with Blessed Roger Wrenno and Blessed Robert Nutter (who were beati昀ed in 1987) . Each of the two groups of seven Martyrs 昀ank an image of the Holy Family and the icon, which is inspired by some of the great medieval altarpieces celebrating the Communion of Saints, is rich in imagery, symbolism and detail. This includes the pattern beneath the feet of the Holy Family which depicts Lancashire roses and the curlew and the pattern at the feet of the Martyrs which is inspired by a wallpaper design in the Ramsgate home of the celebrated Gothic Revival architect, Augustus Welby Pugin, whose younger son, Peter Paul Pugin, is the architect of St Joseph’s Church. Plans are well underway to develop a ‘Martyrs Walk’ , which will be described in a booklet, and will take in St Joseph’s Church and the icon; St Peter’s Cathedral; Lancaster Castle where the fourteen Martyrs were imprisoned; and the site of the Martyrdoms on Lancaster Moors near Williamson Park, which today is marked by a simple plaque with the poignant words, “Can you drink the chalice that I am about to drink? They said to him, “We can”. As we celebrate the 昀ftieth anniversary of the canonisation of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales this month, let us pray for them to intercede for us and for our country and also for the eventual canonisation of the remaining beati昀ed Martyrs of England and Wales. I am grateful to Fr Philip Conner of St Joseph’s, Lancaster, for information on the Martyrs icon and the proposed Lancaster Martyrs Walk. I am also grateful to Michael Durnan, Preston, for use of his photograph of the Martyrs icon at St Joseph’s Church, Lancaster. David Gorman

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2020 www.catholicv oiceo昀ancaster.co.uk O ur Lord gives us another parable about a father and two sons. This time it is the father who is taking the lead. The 昀rst son refuses his father’s request but then thinks better of it and goes to work. The other son says that he will go but doesn’t. The father accepts both situations without complaint. What made the 昀rst son change his mind? Did his conscience prick him or did he see the action of his brother? The second son, what made him say one thing and do the opposite? Was this also as a result of his brother’s actions?. There is also no mention of age because it is irrelevant. What made the father so benevolent in his actions? It is easy to speculate because we don’t have many details but we can see how the father works. We are asked to go and work in the vineyard every day of our lives. Our initial call came through Baptism which is something that we have to work on and build on. There are times when we listen to God’s call and reject it out of hand, just like the 昀 rst son. We may then not be bothered about what we have said. But, there are times when our conscience does play a big part and helps us to change our mind and respond favourably to God’s call. Of course, there are times when we will pay lip service to what God wants of us and we go our own way. The attractions of the world can be too enticing for us. We can get lost in the razzamatazz of a world that promises so much but delivers nothing. In this parable our Lord is showing us something of the Father. He doesn’t remonstrate with the 昀rst son but accepts what he said. It is the same with the other son, he doesn’t go to 昀nd o ut why the change of attitude. The Father allows us to make up our own mind in how we follow his call. He is not a control freak. He gave us free will and he gave it us out of love because the love that he wants from us has to be given freely. He gives his love to everybody and accepts it back from everybody. He accepts our failings when we change our minds and do his will. We are allowed to do u-turns provided we turn the right way. But we should think things through 昀rst. Rev. Deacon Chris Barwise, Preston +++ HOMILY +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ “He thought better of it and went. Tax collectors and prostitut es are making their way into the k ingdom of God before you” 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Alleluia, Alleluia! If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him. Alleluia A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 21:28-32 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the 昀rst, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “ I will not go”, but afterwards thought better of it and 26 th Sunday in Ordinary Time went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir”, but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The 昀rst’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him’ The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ SELF STORAGE Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates From as little as £5 per week Open 7 Days Also Caravan/Car/Boat Storage Curly Tail Storage, Park Lane, Forton Tel: 01524 791837 www.curlytailstorage.co.uk Boarbank Hall Contact: Sr Marian Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus “She who accepts the common life possesses God” St Augustine A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer Community Hospitality Care of the poor and sick Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote LV101 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. Ashes caskets, Memorials and personal crosses also supplied

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk October 2020 + The Catholic V oice of Lancaster + 11 G od gave his chosen people a fertile and fully equipped vineyard: His revelation, His protection, a homeland of their own in Canaan and all this in order to prepare them for the future Messiah, who would bring them an eternal home in God’s own kingdom. All He asked in return was their cooperation. But they had other plans. So, God sent Prophets to tell them where they were going wrong but they mistreated these messengers and wouldn’t listen to them. Yet God was patient with them and again and again He forgave them. Then one day the Messiah came; He was God’s divine Son in human form here on earth. He took his human nature from one of their own people, lived among them and taught them face to face His Gospel of love and peace. He tried to soften their hard hearts and made them the 昀nal o昀er of the Father’s mercy and pardon. But instead of accepting the Father’s mercy, the chief priests and elders took the opportunity to accomplish an even greater sin. To their sins of in昀delity and injustice, they add ed the murder of God’s Messiah Son. In God’s plan of love and mercy, the tragedy of Calvary turned out to be the great ‘triumph of failure’. That death brought life to the world and opened the gates to God’s eternal kingdom for all peoples of the world. Some people followed Christ and a new vineyard was created in which all people could work for their Father and for their eternal life with him in heaven. In this parable we see the history of salvation and we also see the patience, love, mercy and judgement of God. It is not a parable about God’s rejection of the Jews and God’s acceptance of the Gentiles’ acceptance of Jesus. This parable identi昀es the tenants not with the Jews in general but with the Jewish leaders in particular. The con昀ict is not between Jesus and the Jews but with Jesus and the Jewish leaders. It is not the vineyard (i.e. Israel) that will su昀er judgement but those in charge. So the kingdom is taken from the Jewish leaders and given to the Church of Jew and Gentile. Christ quoted from Psalm 118:22 “stone …. rejected” to make it abundantly clear to the Jewish leaders that this parable applied to themselves. For they were rejecting Christ who is the cornerstone, source of strength, stability and unity. The parable speaks of God’s patience. He sends more and more prophets in the merciful hope that his people might change their evil ways. So immeasurable is his love for his people that even when the prophets are killed God still hopes that his beloved Son will make them change their ways. Jesus is his last appeal, his 昀nal challenge. Today, we are the tenants in God’s vineyard and are subject to God’s expectations and we are subject to his judgement. Depending on our response to him, judgement is then made. Are we producing the grapes and wine which the owner expects of us? Rev. Deacon George Bissett, Grange-Over-Sands +++ HOMILY +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ “He will lease the vineyards to other tenants” 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Alleluia, Alleluia! I call you friends, says the Lord, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. Alleluia A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 21:33-43 Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people ‘Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad. When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a third. Next he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them. “They will respect my son”, he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, “This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.” So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do with those tenants?’ They answered, ‘He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in scriptures: It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone. This was the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see? I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.’ The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ 27 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 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

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2020 www.catholicv oiceo昀ancaster.co.uk H ow do you feel about going to weddings? Even if you are not a big fan, I imagine that the vast majority of people are at least happy to go to their own! The people invited to the wedding in the parable in today’s Gospel perhaps aren’t typical, but parables sometimes have to portray a situation which we might consider a bit extreme in order to make a point. This was a royal wedding, and you might expect that everyone would want to be there, but on the contrary, everyone declined, a great rebu昀 to the king. In the parable, the king clearly stands for God himself, and the invitations to the wedding feast are the call that he gives to us all. The 昀rst group of servants sent out represent the prophets of Israel and the invited guests who refuse to come are the chosen people of Israel. The king sends out a second group of servants to plead with his guests to honour the invitation and these servants represent the 昀rst apostles and their mission to the Jewish people. The initial invitation speaks of God’s gracious call to his chosen people, the second invitation, saying that ‘everything is ready’ shows how patient God was with the people of Israel, still hoping that they would have a change of heart. The king was so furious that he had been rebu昀ed and his servants maltreated and killed that he despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. This may strike us as being a rather harsh reaction in connection with invitations to a wedding feast. What we have to bear in mind is that Matthew was writing his Gospel between the years AD 80 and AD 90. A very signi昀cant event had taken place since the time of Jesus, the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Romans in AD 70. Complete disaster had come to those who did not recognise the Son of God when he came, and this was the point that Matthew was getting across. Finally, the invitation is extended to anyone in the highways and byways and this represents the carrying of the Gospel to the Gentiles after Christ had been rejected by the Jewish people. What can this parable teach us today? It reminds us that God invites everyone to his Church, but not everyone can be persuaded to come in. We shouldn’t be surprised, but it may not be those we expect who enter the Church and get to heaven. However, we should never forget that God is a gracious host who hopes that everyone will accept his invitation and come to the banquet. Rev. Deacon Michael Harrison, Lytham +++ HOMILY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ “ Invite everyone you can 昀nd to the wedding” Alleluia, Alleluia! The Word was made 昀esh and lived among us: to all who accept him he gave power to become children of God. Alleluia! A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 22:1-10 Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people; the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants. “Tell those who have been invited” he said “that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time the wedding.” But they were not interested; one went o昀 to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them. The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can 昀nd to the wedding.” So these servants went out on to the roads and collected together everyone they could 昀nd, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was 昀lled with guests. The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk October 2020 + The Catholic V oice of Lancaster + 13 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time T he martyr of El Salvador, Archbishop Oscar Romero, said that when we leave Mass our faces should be shining like the sun because we have received Jesus into our hearts in the Blessed Sacrament. This idea is also found in the alternate Gospel Acclamation for today, “You will shine in the world like bright stars because you are o昀ering it the word of life”. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, after conversing with Almighty God, his face shone so intensely that he had to wear a face-mask so as not to dazzle everyone. How much more should our faces shine because we have the Son of God, the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, in our hearts every time we receive Holy Communion! Wouldn’t it be something if we had to wear face-masks because we were on 昀re with the radiant truth and beauty of Our Lord, and not because we’re protecting each other from a virus! If our faces shine like bright stars through the working of God’s grace in our lives the world will take notice because everyone is drawn to beauty and exuberant life. And they will ask, ‘why are these people so alive, so radiant, so happy?’ We want them to be curious and ask these questions because Jesus wants everyone to have His word of life, the revealed Truths of the Catholic Faith. The key to being such shining Christians is how we receive the Eucharist. St. John Vianney gave three tips about how to receive the Blessed Sacrament that will help make our faces shine like the sun: Be grateful. Give thanks to God after receiving Holy Communion. Thank Him for coming down into your heart sacramentally, really and truly present in the small host you have reverently and attentively received or spiritually present if you’re making a spiritual communion. Feel wonder. Every time we pray the Nicene creed we say, “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ…God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God…through Him all things were made.” The only begotten Son of God, consubstantial with the Father, come down Incarnate from Heaven is in your heart. At the end of Mass spend time pondering this wonder. Make a 昀rm resolution to sin no more. When we truly appreciate that our eyes see, our mouths touch, and our hearts receive the incarnate God in the Blessed Sacrament, the memory of our past sins, and the prospect of committing sins in the future becomes increasingly painful. This is a good and healthy pain, because it is the working of the grace of contrition and repentance cleansing us, getting us ready to more worthily receive Holy Communion. To sum up: Be grateful. Feel wonder. Make a 昀rm resolution to sin no more. If you do all three every time you go Mass or receive spiritual communion, “You will shine in the world like bright stars because you are o昀ering it the Word of life”. Even if you are wearing a face- mask people will see it in your eyes and wonder why. Rev Deacon Nick Donnelly, Barrow-In-Furness Deacon Nick has a new book published by TAN Books, ‘A Catholic Survival Guide for Times of Emergency’ written to help Catholics during emergencies such as the pandemic. Available at Amazon.co.uk Alleluia, Alleluia! Your word is truth, O Lord, consecrate us in the truth. Alleluia! A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 22:15-21 The Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap Jesus in what he said. And they sent their disciples to him, together with the Herodians, to say, ‘Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in an honest way, and that you are 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time not afraid of anyone, because a man’s rank means nothing to you. Tell us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus was aware of their malice and replied, ‘You hypocrites! Why do you set this trap for me? Let me see the money you pay tax with.’ They handed him a denarius and he said, ‘Whose head is this? Whose name?’ ‘Caesar’s’ they replied. He then said to them, ‘Very well, give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar - and to God what belongs to God.’ The Gospel of the Lord Praise be to you Lord Jesus Christ +++ HOMILY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++ “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what b elongs to God” Liverpool Seafarers Centre urges churchgoers to keep stranded seafarers in their prayers as crew-change crisis goes on Ecumenical charity Liverpool Seafarers Centre has called on churchgoers to continue to remember seafarers in their prayers as it made fresh calls to repatriate those stranded at sea. The Crosby charity echoed the International Maritime Organization’s plea to governments ahead of a UN General Assembly meeting as it warned of the devastating impact on the mental health of those still stuck on ships due to coronavirus travel restrictions. Centre chief executive John Wilson said it was becoming increasingly urgent to resolve the crew- change crisis, which has left more than 300,000 seafarers still trapped at sea. And he called on churchgoers to continue to remember in their prayers those who make a living from the sea as well as lobbying their MP to act to end their plight. Mr Wilson spoke as the IMO has called on governments to designate seafarers as key workers, implement its protocols to allow safe crew changes and remove restrictions on flights, travel and medical care. He said: “We are now six months into the pandemic with no end in sight for the thousands of seafarers trapped on board ships long beyond the time their contracts should have ended. Those workers that we have visited from Liverpool Seafarers Centre describe feeling forgotten and abandoned. They are missing their families and their home life, and the isolation they feel from living in cramped ship conditions for such a lengthy period is impacting on their mental health. “We also need to appreciate the detrimental effect this situation has on the families around the world, who are going through this challenging time without their loved ones. For those unable to get to work, there is the added blow of being unable to earn money, which will prove difficult in these troubling times. In the Philippines, for example, education is moving online but few have the necessary hardware to support this. “We are calling on governments to do what they said they would and help these vital workers return home.” Jenny Brookfield National Council for the Training of Journalists qualified

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2020 www.catholicv oiceo昀ancaster.co.uk Let us Pray Lord, you o昀er freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison sta昀 and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day. Amen Today we particularly remember prisoners and their families Sunday 11 October O n 15 August, normally the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we marked the 75th Anniversary of V.J. Day. Although already close to defeat, the Japanese surrender 昀nally came about after the Americans dropped atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Even though the War in Europe had ended in May 1945, soldiers in South East Asia kept 昀ghting for a further three more months. One such soldier was William Basil Weston, a 21 year-old Lieutenant, who, on the 3rd March 1945 led his men on what was to be a fateful mission in the town of Meiktila, some 60 miles south of Mandalay. Following an afternoon of 昀erce 昀ghting, during which the young Weston had led his platoon in an assault on enemy bunkers positioned throughout the town, the company had nearly achieved its objective of securing an important section of ground before dusk, but were prevented from doing so by a particularly well-held enemy position. The lieutenant, realising the limited time now at his disposal and the importance of clearing the area before nightfall, ordered tanks to 昀re whilst he would lead his men on a 昀nal assault. True to type, Weston led from the front and was 昀rst to enter the bunker. As he did so, he was hit by 昀re from the enemy within, and fell to the ground wounded. Mindful not only of his mission, but also of his men coming- in behind him, Weston deliberately pulled the pin from a grenade and fell forward. The device duly detonated, killing him and most of the occupants of the bunker. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his outstanding bravery in May of 1945. Weston had been born in Ulverston on 3rd January 1924, to William and Rose Weston, and was baptised at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in the town three days A Catholic V.C.

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www.catholicvoiceo昀ancaster.co.uk October 2020 + The Catholic V oice of Lancaster + 15 later. His father was to die when William junior was only three years old. At the outbreak of war, William was too young to sign-up, but did so when he was 18 in 1942, and was commissioned in the Green Howards (The Princess of Wales’ Own Yorkshire Regiment) . He was attached as a lieutenant to the First Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment in 1944, the same year as his mother died. The London Gazette, records his citation, issued by the War O

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2020 www.catholicv oiceo昀ancaster.co.uk CELEBRATING YOUNG PEOPLE AWARDS Powered by Million Minutes Eden Turley Impact Youth Group Recipient of the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award Promoting the Common Good “Nothing is more beautiful than love... love, that is, charity, w ill last forever” Blessed Pier G iorgio Frassati The Celebrating Young People Awards 2020 Cardinal Nichols Archbishop of Westminster CELEBRATING YOUNG PEOPLE AWARDS Powered by Million Minutes Hallie Brady Impact Youth Gr oup Rec ipient of the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award Promoting the Common Good “Nothing is more beautiful than love... love, that is, charity, w ill last forever” Blessed Pier Gior gio Fr assati The C elebr ating Young People Awards 2020 C ar dinal Nichols Ar chbishop of Westminster CELEBRATING YOUNG PEOPLE AWARDS Powered by Million Minutes Orlaugh Dwyer Impact Youth Group Recipient of the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award Promoting the Common Good “Nothing is more beautiful than love... love, that is, charity, w ill last forever” Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati The Celebrating Young People Awards 2020 Cardinal Nichols Archbishop of Westminster CELEBRATING YOUNG PEOPLE AWARDS Powered by Million Minutes Lucy Collins Impact Yo u t h Group Recipient of t he Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award Promoting the Common Good “Nothing is more beautiful than love... lov e, that is, charity , will last forev er” Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassat i The Celebrat ing Young People Awards 2020 C ardinal Nichols A rchbishop of Westminst er F our young people of the IMPACT group have been awarded the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award for their work in promoting the common good in their local community. They were nominated by youth worker Terry Mattinson for designing NHS banners and helping at their local foodbank. The award is powered by Million Minutes (a Catholic youth charity). They support projects helping young people to transform their lives and help them Young People Recognised by put Catholic social teaching into practice ( millionminutes.org/cst ). The Blessed Pier Giorgio FrassatiAward was established in 2020 as a positive response to the global pandemic, celebrating and recognising amazing individuals across the country, all contributing to what the Church calls the ‘Common Good’ . Each certi昀cate has been signed by Cardinal Vincent Nichols.. To 昀nd out more about Blessed Pier, after whom the award is named please visit: millionminutes.org/info-on-blessed-pier “ Young friends, don’t wait until tomorrow to contribute your energy, your audacity and your creativity to changing our world. Your youth is not an “in-between time”. You are the now of God, and he wants you to bear fruit. ” Pope Francis 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

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