2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2021 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk CONTACT US: The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published by its owners. The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese. EDITOR: Edwina Gillett 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 edwinagillett@hotmail.co.uk www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk ADVERTISING: Charlotte Rosbrooke / CathCom Ltd. 01440 730399 / 07932 248225 charlotter@cathcom.org www.cathcom.org DESIGN &, LAYOUT: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 rob@hot-creative.co.uk www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Su昀,olk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 www.cathcom.org Articles to: voicenews@hotmail.co.uk Letters to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk POSTAL ADDRESS: FAO Edwina Gillett 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self- addressed packaging. EDITORIAL FOR A SYNODAL CHURCH: COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION AND MISSION Fr Jim Burns, (Synod@lancasterrcdiocese.org.uk), our Diocesan S ynod contact updates us on our di ocesan plans and provides some thoughts about the Synodal Journey First and foremost, Fr. Jim asks us all to pray for the success of the Synod. B y now the parishes and schools of our Diocese should have received some guidance on how to respond to the call of Pope Francis that we become a synodal Church. For most of us this concept is perhaps not a familiar one but we needn’,t be anxious about this because it is actually something that has been around from the very beginning of the Church and in some sense needs to be redis covered. The Church has always been conciliar or synodal in the sense that she has always relied upon the discernment of the Holy Spirit and its leaders gathering together to make decisions that a昀,ect mission and faith. The very word synod comes from the Greek word meaning the ‘,walking together’, (syn-) on a ‘,particular way’, (-hodos) which is translated into Latin as ‘,concilium’, and into English as ‘,council’, or ‘,synod’, . One of the earliest times we see the synodal Church in action is in the Acts of the Apostles (15) when the elders of the Church met at the Council of Jerusalem. In the early centuries there were seven Ecumenical Councils which formulated the Creed we now say every Sunday at Mass. More recently we had the Second Vatican Council in the 1960’,s. It was at the end of this council that Pope Paul VI set up the Synod of Bishops (Apostolico Sollicitudo, 15 Sept 1965) and every two years since then Bishops from all over the world have met in Rome to discuss the important issues in the Church. At the time Pope Paul VI did say that this institution could be improved upon with the passing of time. Pope Francis has now said that it would be good to involve everyone in the synodal journey. He talks about synodality as: all of us journeying together –, laity, pastors, the Bishop of Rome. In an address in October 2015 on the anniversary of the setting up of the Synod of Bishops he said: A synodal Church is a Church which listens, which realizes that listening “,is more than simply hearing”,. It is a mutual listeni ng in which everyone has something to learn. The faithful people, the college of bishops, the Bishop of Rome: all listening to each o ther, and all listening to the Holy spirit, the “,Spirit of truth”,, in order to know what he “,says to the Churches”, (Rev 2:7) …,It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of t he Church of the third millennium.”, Clearly Pope Francis wants us all to feel that we are synodal together as the People of God. All of us can contribute and take part in this dialogue of listening and speaking. So, the next question we may ask is: How do we go about this properly because we could so easily get it wrong? In an ad limina visit of American Bishops to Rome when the theme of synods and synodality was raised Pope Francis made it quite clear and explicit that a synod is “,not a parliament,”, and that the synodal process is not simply a matter of canvassing the participants and counting votes. The protagonist of a synod is not any of the delegates to the gathering, but rather the Holy Spirit. In a synod, the point is discerning, not the will of the people, but the will of the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit in that context is sovereign, or in the language of Pope Francis, the “,protagonist.”, Clearly, Pope Francis is not asking us to engage in a democratic process whereby we would be putting doctrine up for a vote. What he means is a conversation among the laity, deacons, priests, religious and bishops for the sake of hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit in the tradition of the Church. So how we go about entering into this journey is to 昀,rst approach it with the following attitudes: con昀,dence to speak, humility, prudence, openness to conversion and change, avoiding clericalism, avoiding individualism, and with an ability to dream. As we place the Holy Spirit clearly in the driving seat we should 昀,rst and foremost begin everything we do with prayer always asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For this reason we have at our disposal the Synod Prayer: the Adsumus (Adsumus, Sancte Spiritus meaning: we stand before you, Holy Spirit) . More than just a Survey Bishop Paul wants us to con昀,dently engage in a simple and prayerful dialogue, respectful of one another, in both listening and speaking. Ideally we should gather 昀,rst in our parishes, schools and institutions to experience the dialogue before sending in our thoughts and conclusions. For the purpose of gathering the feedback from our conversations and helping us to collate the information we receive there is an online survey which should already be visible on our diocesan and parish websites. After the 15th December it will become ‘,live’, . For the synodal process to be meaningful it is important that we give people a chance to dialogue 昀,rst before turning to the survey. This dialogue can be face-to-face or online –, in school discussions or parish meetings, in the various institutions we serve and by our reaching out to those who are on the margins of our communities. It will vary from place to place. For those who do not have access to the internet there is a paper copy of the survey that can be made available. Between 15th December and 28th February meetings may continue and we will collect the feedback from everyone –, individually or in groups. After this date the period of reporting back will close so that we can then collate the information into a report which will be sent to the Bishop’,s Conference of England and Wales by Palm Sunday. This will end the Diocesan Phase of the Synod. For those who are organising the gatherings at the local level there are numerous resources available on the o

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk December 2021 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 Youth Matters National Youth Sunday Over the last few weekends we have been visiting parishes around the diocese as part of our National Youth Sunday appeal. It’,s been great meeting so many people and talking about the important work that we are doing. As well as the to-be-expected collection, one thing we were trying to encourage people do to for National Youth Sunday was to sign up for the Castlerigg Lottery. That way, people can support us and have a bit of fun into the bargain with a chance of winning! The jackpot is now around £,200 and is likely to rise, so if you feel like signing up, head to www.castleriggmanor.co.uk/lottery Online Groups We have recently started our online groups up again. RISE is for Year 7 to 9s and OVERFLOW is for young adults aged 18-25. They happen on alternate Tuesday and you can sign up at –, www.castleriggmanor.co.uk Advent Retreat Our 昀,rst in-person open retreat since Covid is happening December 10-12th and it’,s just £,65 per person. A great chance to make some friends and explore faith in a fun, relaxed environment. It’,s open to anyone in Year 10 or above, up to age 25, with di昀,erent streams for di昀,erent ages –, www.castleriggmanor.co.uk/advent Altar Servers Retreat This is a new venture for us and something we are hoping will become quite popular. We are holding a one night retreat for altar servers in the new year. January 15-16th –, sign up at –, www.castleriggmanor.co.uk K&,M Maintenance Heating - Electrical - Drainage Established 25 years Telephone: 01772 704530 Fax 01722 798801 Heating, Electrical and Drainage and Plumbing services across the North West of England Gas •, Emergency Boiler Repairs for all makes •, Boiler Installations &, servicing •, Central Heating System repairs/upgrades/leaks •, New fitted Central Heating Systems •, Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) Electrical •, New consumer units supplied and fitted •, All emergency breakdowns •, Power tripping •, New lighting •, Additional sockets •, Faulty sockets •, Rewiring •, Outdoor lighting/sockets •, EICR - electrial safey certificates Drainage and Plumbing •, Blocked drains, internal and external •, Leaks •, New taps •, Camera surveys Prices Boiler Service - £,49 + VAT plus £,10 for every additional appliance. Tel No: 01772 704530 Mobile: 07941 554730 Fax No: 01772 798801 Address: K &, M Maintenance Services Ltd, Unit 8A, Electron Mill, Brook Street, Preston PR1 7NH More information: www.kmmaintenance.co.uk Mark F H Rae Funeral Directors Dip FD MBIFD Incorporating Rawcliffe and Rae Independent Family Firm A Caring and Personal Service with over 40 years experience Funerals conducted by Mark and Helen Rae Consultant Funeral Director Paddy Keogh Tel: 01253 789000/01253 735269 Wood Street, St Annes on Sea, Lancashrie FY8 1QS Website: www.markraefunerals.co.uk

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2021 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk A t the beginning of October the Parish of St Francis, Hill Chapel, Goosnargh, held a special celebration day in church to celebrate the feast day of our patron saint –, St Francis of Assisi. We invited our parishoners to share any item linked to God’,s creation that was important to them. People responded with great enthusiasm. We had a wide variety of fruit, 昀,owers and local produce on display in addition to heifers, chicks and lambs. They created their own displays within church depicting: favourite views, family trees, animals, farming life, gardening and conservation. Our church was full of colour, beauty and special memories. Pupils from St Francis school were also involved and provided artwork and poetry for the occasion. Fr John Hanvey, OFM came to celebrate the day with us along with our parish priest Fr Sony. The event provided the ideal opportunity for people to come together and socialise after lockdown. It also enabled people of all ages to appreciate and look at a variety of exhibits that depict the wonderful world in which we live. It was very well attended by parishoners, families, friends and neighbours and was lovely to see so many people back inside our lovely church. Mary Doran Celebrating Creation

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk December 2021 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 R ecently members of the Lytham St Annes Circle, accompanied by their wives, gathered to celebrate the presentations of a 50-year membership scroll to Brother Adrian Crook and a 40-year scroll to Brother Past Grand President (PGP) Tony Godden. In addition to the Brothers of the LSA Circle there were twenty Brothers from throughout the UK at the meeting to celebrate Adrian’,s and Tony’,s milestones. The Scrolls were presented to Adrian and Tony by the Past GB National President Eddie O’,Donnell, who had travelled from his home in West Lothian with his wife Catherine, to conduct the ceremony. Both scrolls should have been presented during the Covid-19 restrictions when Eddie was GB National President. Adrian Crook Brother Adrian Crook is a well-known visitor to Catenian Circles in the area. His 昀,rst visit was from the family home in St Annes, when his mother took him to be born in a Maternity Home at Blackpool! Adrian has a strong voice, honed as a bingo caller during a summer job on St Annes pier, before starting his working life at BAE Systems, Warton. Adrian’,s father introduced him to the Circle, but unfortunately passed away a month before his formal installation into the Lytham St Annes Circle at their Ansdell Catenian Milestones meeting in June 1970. His parents were the Mayor and Mayoress of LSA in 1956- 57 and opened the ERNIE O

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2021 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk Catenian Charitable Giving - Province 10 A s the various lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic grew to a close the members of the Catenian Association Provincial Council of Province 10 (which includes the southern half of the Diocese) debated the size of their funds. They came to the conclusion that the monies held were in excess of the likely requirements of the Province and therefore decided to make a donation to charity. Various charities were mentioned but two made it to the top of the list and each was to be given £,1,000. Preston and District Circle 144 were about to hold a Charity BBQ to raise money for Brother President, Shaun Hors昀,eld’,s, chosen charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) . The BBQ was held in a ‘,medieval’, barn at Haighton Hall Farm. On the day and along with a number of generous donations they raised about £,1,700 for the charity in addition to the donation from Provincial Council. Now the son of the long time Secretary of Westmorland Circle, Brother Paul Bates, came up with a challenge to celebrate Paul’,s 70th birthday - to run Coast to Coast along Hadrian’,s Wall over three days. A distance of 94 miles. Paul and son, Tom, set o昀, from Bowness-on- Solway on the coast west of Carlisle and 昀,nished on the beach at North Shields near the entrance to the River Tyne east of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Paul says that day 1 was ok and they covered 36 mil es, but he found days 2 and 3 hard despite the fact that he has been running the Cumbrian fells for many years. For the most part of these days they did run but towards the end of the day it was more of a crawl. They were spurred on knowing that the Catenian Association had donated £,1,000 for their e昀,orts for their chosen charity Alzheimer’,s Society. Paul, a retired GP, considers this to be a very relevant charity as dementia has an impact on most families in some way. Father and son enjoyed spending three days running together through beautiful Northumberland, but Paul thinks he will only accept easier challenges in future. Members of the Association are now meeting face-to-face again and are very relieved that they can now continue to strengthen their family life through friendship and faith –, the aims of the Association. For more information about the Association go to: www.thecatenians.com

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk December 2021 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 W hen the Salvation Army foodbank in Preston were approached to see what items they were particularly in need of, they said ‘,just get washing up liquid!’, But Year 7 at Our Lady’,s Catholic High Preston went a step further, so much so that their collection 昀,lled the school minibus with lots of various food stu昀, etc, as well as plenty o f washing up liquid. Then Our Lady and St Edward’,s Primary School in Fulwood wanted to donate their Harvest Collection to the same food bank. So, Terry Mattinson, Youth Worker, Fr. Mario-Benedict Ashuikeka and Sr Sienrose 昀,lled Fr. Mario’,s car with the proceeds and delivered that to the Salvation Army who were overwhelmed with the generosity. Well done young people in Preston for this tremendous e昀,ort! Just Get Washing Up Liquid they said We would like to thank these schools for always supporting the paper HEADTEACHERS –, If you would like to support the Catholic Voice and promote your school to Catholic families in the area please contact Charlotte on 07932 248225 or 01440 730399 or email charlotter@cathcom.org to book your advert Our Lady’,s Catholic High School St Anthony’,s Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 3SQ Headteacher: Mr Nigel Ranson Tel: 01772 326900 Email: admin@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Web: http://www.olchs.lancs.sch.uk Teacher Training with the Catholic Teaching Alliance The Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA) is a partnership between 70 Catholic primary and secondary schools, and a post-16 college, led by Our Lady`s Catholic High School with a shared vision and commitment to providing PGCE with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) courses in partnership with the University of Cumbria. Contact: 01772 326931 Email: CTAschooldirect@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Website: www.catholic-teaching-alliance.org Etterby Scaur, Carlisle CA3 9PB Headteacher Mr Matthew Harris office@austinfriars.co.uk Tel: 01228 528042

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2021 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk O n Sunday 10th October 2021, we had the joy of celebrating the Solemn Profession of Sr. Reina Kartika. The main celebrant was the Right Reverend Bishop of Lancaster Paul Swarbrick, with other priests also concelebrating. The homily was preached by Fr. Peter Craddy OCSO, our chaplain at our sister house at Brownshill, Gloucester, where Sr. Reina lived for 2 years as part of her monastic formation. All the restrictions imposed by Covid regulations were unable to contain the joy of the day. In the summer of 2013, Sr. Reina, then Irene, came to Hyning to 昀,nd out whether she was being called to live a monastic life here with our community. She had found us via the internet, visiting our website www.bernardine.org . Living with us for 3 months helped her and us, discern her vocation as a Bernardine. In January 2014, she entered our community of Bernardines Cistercians of Esquermes as a Postulant, became a novice in December 2014 and made her First Vows in October 2016. She chose the name Sr. Reina. The day was glorious and very bright and about 60 people were able to gather in the Chapel to celebrate with Sr. Reina. She chose John 15 as her Gospel, the text “,Remain in my love”, was also the theme for the cake decoration! As a junior sister she would have worn a white veil and a cloak. When she made her Solemn profession, she was given a black veil and “,Uphold me O Lord, according to your word and I shall live. Let not my hope be in vain”, a cowl as symbols of this 昀,nal step. As Sr. Audrey had made her simple Profession at Brownshill 8 days earlier, and she was one of the visitors from Brownshill, we had ‘,4 white veils’, , 4 juniors in the house just for 2 days! Our Prioress General, Sr. Mary Helen, came to celebrate with us and receive her vows. Traditionally we make the vows of Obedience, Stability and Conversion of life rather than the traditional evangelical vows. The ‘,Suscipe’, , the raising of hands and voices is very important in the ceremony. Chapter 58 of the Rule of Benedict recommends the use of a certain prayer during the ritual of profession. As is often the case, this prayer is named after its 昀,rst word in Latin –, here Suscipe - - which means ‘,receive’, . Based on the prayer in Psalm 119, the Sister asks to be upheld by God in prayer. “,Uphold me O Lord, according to your word and I shall live. Let not my hope be in vain”, . Two things are being asked: that this freely given gift of self to God’,s service be acceptable, and that God may respond by ful昀,lling the sister’,s hopes. This is sung request three times, while raising outstretched arms to God - - and the community responds in kind each time. All then bow as the Doxology follows. It is a very moving moment for the community and all present. It was an occasion of great joy, and we ask your prayers as we continue to support Sr. Reina on her monastic journey and for those sisters still in formation as Bernardines. Hyning Monastry Solemn Profession of Sr. Reina Our Lady’,s Catholic College Open Evening Thursday 3rd February 2022 5.30 - 7.30pm

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk December 2021 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 Prayer to Our Lady recited by Sr. Reina’,s at Vespers on the day of her Solemn Profession: O Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Peace and Queen of Citeaux. On this day of my Solemn Profession, I come to you, asking for your prayers and support as I continue my journey in this monastic life. Help me with your prayers, that I may always truly seek God in prayer and in work, in community life and in the service to our brothers and sisters. Sustain me with your support, that through the vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience which I have promised until death, I may let myself be shaped into the likeness of Christ through his pascal mystery. Holy Mary, Mother of God, You gave yourself totally to the Father. Teach me that I may learn the fear of the Lord by listening to his words and obeying his will. Mary, Queen of Peace, In words and in silence, you embrace the humanity of Christ while trusting his Divinity. In this way you dewlt in the peace of Christ. Guide me into that same true peace, the peace which the world cannot give, the peace which helps me to remain in his love and uni昀,es me with all his creations. Mary, Queen of Citeaux, With your attentive love for the Holy Spirit, you never fail to protect the Cistercian Order. Direct me towards that same Spirit which unites us in the service of love. Intercede for me so that I may always be thankful. Let my whole life repond to the goodness of God. I ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. £,1.80 provides a child with a meal every weekday for a month Donate Now at www.reachfoundationuk.org THE REACH FOUNDATION UK

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2021 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk A bright late September weekend drew to a close for Bishop Dr. James Chadwick who opened the newly built St Cuthbert’,s School on Monday 25 September 1871. A new seat of education at the corner of Union St and Myddleton St, Carlisle. One hundred and 昀,fty years after that happy and memorable evening, the history of this proud School has been documented in 104 pages of words, pictures, drawings, plans, newspaper extracts, and memories of former pupils. “,A School’,s Life 1871-2021”, Celebrating St Cuthbert’,s Catholic Primary School, Carlisle is a must-read book, not only for those who have been associated with the school, church or historians, but also for those who wish to take a nostalgic look back. The pages carefully look at the political, social, and economic background that the school has coped with over the past 15 decades. The land was obtained from the Duke of Devonshire with help from Mr Howard following the inspiration of Parish Priest Rev Luke Curry. Upon its opening 250 children were taught by newly quali昀,ed 23-year-old Miss Jane Burton in one single large hall which was heated by a coal 昀,re and lit by gas mantles. As the pages unfold, looking at the formal records shown in its Log Books, highlight fascinating aspects of school life. Progressively as the 20th Century dawns, we look at some of the lessons that those young children were taught and the enlargement of the school. The role of the Carlisle’,s Education Board, subsequently becoming the Education Committee is discussed including the unique electoral system which was used at that time. The Board had a powerful role to play as it developed additional facilities for the children. The school’,s managers, from a passive to the current managerial function is discussed in detail, as successive men and women were challenged by change including enlarging the school and debates with government and its bureaucratic o

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk December 2021 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 St Mariam cookery, as well as the traditional ‘,3Rs’, are covered as we move through the years into this electronic age. The 20-year acrimonious public debate regarding the replacement of the school until it was replaced in 1972, is fully articulated. A debate that was led by the Head Teacher who came to Carlisle in 1954 as the youngest Head in the County, and the 昀,rst male too. John Letts engaging character, and leadership style read like a whirlwind, including when he saw o昀, a young pupil who had stayed behind to swim for the school. Her parents had moved house and John boarded the train, but before he could get o昀,, he was on the way to Preston. But not until he had become involved in the fascinating incident of a lost shoe! He nurtured two boys who became both FA Cup Winners and England players too. Fundraising for both the school and charities, including abroad is articulated, and illustrated. With the new building opened, pupils say good bye, in pictures, to their former 100-year-old class rooms, as life in the current building unfolds too. The children’,s health from the early 20th Century including, school meals are discussed, as we move from vaccinations for now forgotten childhood illnesses to the current Covid -19 situation which the school has battled through. Former pupil memories grace the pages, as they comment on the fond memories of their teachers, and their outdoor visits to The Lakes and Silloth. Misdemeanours and punishments are fondly remembered as was the feared 11+ and School Inspectors. This book 昀,nishes with some interesting appendix too. Bishop Paul Swarbrick, writes in his introduction, “,The result is not simply a history of a school, but the story of a living communi ty, and acknowledgement of those who have contributed to its growth and blossoming”, ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ‘,A School’,s Life 1871-2017’, published by P3 Publications ISBN 9 980993 488979 is available from the School, Church or local bookshops £,12.50. For further information please contact either the school or Derek Nash, Bramerton Lodge, Wood St, Carlisle, CA1 2SF. Unfortunately owing to the stringent Covid -19 Regulations formal celebrations of this important Milestone have been deferred for the time being. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ “, I am delighted to say that with considerable help from, former pupils, parishioners, friends and many books, papers, plans and records, I have been able compile this celebratory book of the 150 years of the school. ”, Derek Nash WILLIAM HOUGHTON FUNERAL DIRECTORS An Independent Catholic Family Firm Serving our community for over 100 years Fulwood 01772 788020 Ingol 01772 722415 www.williamhoughtonfunerals.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 SELF STORAGE Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates Open 7 Days Curly Tail Storage Park Lane, Forton PR3 0JX Tel: 01524 791837 E: andrew@curlytailstorage .co.uk www.curlytailstorage.co.uk

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2021 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk T he Laudato Si Action Platform is the work of the Dicastery for Promoting Human Integral Development, which is a relatively new department of the Holy See (2017) , which has the responsibility for “,issues regarding migrants, those in need, the sick, the excluded and marginalized, the imprisoned and the unemployed, as well as victims of armed con昀,ict, natural disasters, and all forms of slavery and torture”, , which “,takes place by attending to …, justic e, peace and the care of creation.”, - Pope Francis What the Dicastery says is that “,The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us, he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.”, So, what is this Laudato Si Action Platform? What has been gleaned so far is that it appears to be an attempt to get all of us in the Catholic Church, literally everyone, involved in putting Laudato Si’,, the Pope’,s famous Encyclical, into practice. The Pope wants us all to undergo an ‘,ecological conversion’, , because, he says, “,We …, need a new ecological approach, which transforms our way of living in the world, our lifestyles, our relationship with the Earth’,s resources and in general the way we look at people and live our life”, to respond to “,the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”,. It is a very ambitious programme introduced in October which will last for seven years. It is aimed at ‘,families, parishes and dioceses, schools and universities, hospitals, businesses and farms, organisations, groups and movements, religious communities, working together’, , which does not leave anyone out. And it is designed to address seven areas for action: Response to the cry of the Earth: to work toward carbon neutrality through greater use of clean renewable energy and reduced fossil fuel use, support e昀,orts to protect and promote biodiversity and guarantee water access for all. Response to the cry of the poor: to defend human life from conception to death and all forms of life on Earth, while giving special attention to vulnerable groups such as indigenous communities, migrants and children at risk of tra

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk December 2021 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 Angels in Scripture Back in September on the feast of the Archangels Sr. Michaela Toulmin of Hyning Monastry gave the following talk on Angels in Scripture. In this season of Advent and Christmas it seems appropriate to publish what Sr. Michaela had to say: I’,ve decided to talk about angels in scriptures today for a variety of reasons: 1/ Firstly, today is the 29th September and it’,s the feast of the Archangels so it’,s very relevant. 2/ Secondly, my name is the same as one of the Archangels! I’,d like to be able to say that my parents named me after St. Michael, but the reality was Mum was a big fan of a TV show in the 60s presented by Amand and Michaela Dennis so I guess I need to be glad I was born a girl then! 3/ I have also always been fascinated with angels since I 昀,rst started reading the Scriptures mainly because of my name and it is also combined with an interest in old black and white 昀,lms! I remember a lot of old 昀,lms where angels seem to appear. Sometimes they take, whether consciously or not the theme from the Hebrews passage where the writer says that sometimes we meet angels and we don’,t always know it. Or we have many blessings in life, and we don’,t realise it until a friendly angel comes down and reminds us of all that we have. Apparently, angels are mentioned at least 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament. It will depend on the translation. There is a lot of information available in Scripture to allow us to build a foundation for our knowledge of angelic beings. The word “,angel”, actually comes from the Greek word “,aggelos”, , which means “,messenger”,. The Hebrew word mal’,ak has the same meaning. Sometimes, the Bible uses these words for human beings: •, ordinary people who carry messages (Job 1:14, Luke 7:24, 9:52) •, prophets (Isaiah 42:19, Malachi 3:1) •, priests (Malachi 2:7) •, church leaders (Rev 1:20) •, Sometimes, it speaks 昀,guratively of things or events as “,messengers”,…, the pillar of cloud (Exodus 14:19) •, pestilence or plagues (2 Samuel 24:16-17) But it usually describes the whole range of spirits whom God has created, including both good and evil angels, and special categories such as cherubim, seraphim, and the archangel. We don’,t know whether every angel carries out the same tasks, or whether some of them specialize in certain areas. The Bible does speak about classes of angelic beings like cherubim ( Ezekiel 1) and seraphim (Isaiah 6) . We also know the names of several archangels: Michael (Daniel 10:13, Jude 9) , Raphael in the book of Tobit and Gabriel (Daniel 9:21, Luke 1:19,26) .

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2021 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk The unnamed angels who appear most often in Scripture carry out a variety of tasks—,all designed to serve God…, Worship and praise - This is the main activity portrayed in heaven (Isaiah 6:1-3, Revelation 4-5) . Revealing - They serve as messengers to communicate God’,s will to men and women. They helped reveal the law to Moses (Acts 7:52-53) , and served as the carriers of much of the material in Daniel, and Revelation. The Annunciation to Mary is just one of many examples throughout salvation history. Guiding - Angels gave instructions to Joseph about the birth of Jesus, (Matthew 1-2) , to the women at the tomb, to Philip (Acts 8:26), and to Cornelius (Acts 10:1- 8). Providing - God has used angels to provide physical needs such as food for Hagar (Genesis 21:17-20) , Elijah (1 Kings 19:6) , and Christ after His temptation (Matthew 4:11) . Protecting - Keeping God’,s people out of physical danger, as in the cases of Daniel and the lions, and his three friends in the 昀,ery furnace (Daniel 3 and 6) . Delivering - Getting God’,s people out of danger once they’,re in it. Angels released the apostles from prison in Acts 5, and repeated the process for Peter in Acts 12. Strengthening and encouraging - Angels strengthened Jesus after His temptation (Matt 4:11) , encouraged the apostles to keep preaching after releasing them from prison (Acts 5:19-20) , and told Paul that everyone on his ship would survive the impending shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25) . Answering prayer - God often uses angels as His means of answering the prayers of His people (Daniel 9:20-24, 10:10-12, Acts 12:1-17) . Caring for believers at the moment of death - In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, we read that angels carried the spirit of Lazarus to “,Abraham’,s bosom”, when he died (Luke 16:22) . These are just a few examples of some of the ways angels appear in Scripture. What I thought I would do then was to focus on stories in the Old Testament which focus on various ways that angels help us in our relationship to God. These three stories I’,ll try and relate to the old 昀,lms I mentioned before even it seems the connections are slightly tenuous. 1. Messengers from God –, “,The Bishop’,s wife”, - Dudley Abraham and oak of Mamre One of the old 昀,lms I watched when I was young was a 昀,lm called “,The Bishop’,s wife”, . The author of the letter to the Hebrews writes “,Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’,s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it.”, Cary Grant is sent to the Bishop who is struggling with his faith, he tells the young Bishop that sometimes he had walked the streets and looked into the face of an angel and not realised it. He also tells the Bishop that he has prayed for the wrong thing. The Bishop wants to build a cathedral but Dudley challenges him to 昀,nd out what he really wants! Perhaps like the Bishop, Abraham’,s faith is wavering. He has been incredibly patient with God, he also done everything God wanted and yet he is still waiting for a son, born of Sarah. God had promised him a Son but he was an old man, and Sarah an old woman so it seems that Sarah and Abraham had taken matters into their own hands and had produced the heir through Hagar instead. Picture the scene then, Abraham sitting down in the heat of the day, perhaps dreaming of things in the past, his own land, his own people, of a time when things were easier. He is rudely interrupted by three visitors but true to his hospitable nature he gets up and sees they are looked after. These three men are in fact messengers of the Lord and the text moves from the word men, to the word, Lord, during the course of the conversation. Not only then do these angels help Abraham with his plans for a son, but they also then save Lot and his family in the next part of the story. Yet, this story also tells us that messengers from God are not all like Cary Grant! The angels are then sent to Sodom and Gomorrah and their message there is only one of destruction and terror. We can try and tame God and his angels, but ultimately the whole Abraham cycle is a call to wake up, remind us that we can make all the plans we want to but God is there with a master plan and ultimately we must learn to let God be God! 2. Allowing God’,s blessing in our lives - “,It’,s a Matter of Life and Death”, Jacob and wrestling with an angel Genesis 32:24-31 David Niven seems to encounter angels a lot in his 昀,lms. He was the Bishop in the Cary Grant 昀,lm! He is also in the next one I’,ve chosen to look refer to. He plays a RAF pilot shot down over the English Channel. Before bailing he recites poetry over the radio to June, an American girl positioned in the R.A.F. control tower. Washed ashore, Peter awakes the next morning. His 昀,rst thought is that he’,s Heaven, he soon realises his mistake and encounters a girl cycling home, it’,s June, and naturally, true movie style, it’,s love at 昀,rst sight. Only there’,s been a mix-up. Peter’,s time was up, he was meant to have been taken to Heaven but because of the bad English weather, he got lost in the fog. A “,Conductor”, i.e. angel, is sent down to fetch him but Peter refuses to go, after all, he argues, his heart and soul now belong to June. A battle commences between this world and the next which can only be decided in one place: the divine court. Will love conquer? And is it really happening or is it all just in Peter’,s mind? It’,s a fascinating 昀,lm. Peter 昀,ghts on two fronts on earth and in heaven, he is dying on earth because of a brain tumour and dying in heaven because of Our Lady of Fidelity The church needs religious sisters URGENTLY to bring Christ to others by a life of prayer and service lived in the community of Ignation spirituality. Daily Mass is the centre of community life. By wearing the religious habit we are witnesses of the consecrated way of life. If you are willing to risk a little love and would like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette Mature vocations considered. CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY 1 Our Lady`s Close, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3FA Telephone 07760 297001 090699502

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk December 2021 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 a decidedly anti-English jury deciding his fate! There is a cost to his happiness in the end because the death of a friend and great sacri昀,ce. I won’,t spoil the 昀,lm for you... Fighting God can leave a lot of bruises and marks, ask Jacob who walked away from God with a limp! The scriptures call us into a personal struggle like Jacob’,s. And that personal struggle for Jacob involved angels! He wrestled with the angel of Yahweh, and was even wounded in the struggle, from which he limped for the rest of his life. In our personal wrestling match with the mystery of God, in encountering angels, in encountering God’,s presence, we come to faith and blessing. Jacob has met angels before. In the 昀,rst account where Jacob has a dream of YHWH he is in the process of running away from di

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + December 2021 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk Church Supplies –, serving Schools, Business and Homes

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