2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2022 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. I t’,s an easy thing for most people, a trip to the barbers to get your hair or beard trimmed to make you feel good, or if you’,ve an upcoming special occasion. Not so for elderly housebound Franciscan Friar Brother John De Montalt from South Shore, Blackpool, who celebrated his 89th birthday last November. John’,s carer, Kevin wanted to do something nice and so asked his barber Allan if he could help. Allan from Alanya Turkish Barbers on Vicarage Lane in Blackpool said, “,Kevin told me about John and how he was bed-bound and It was my pleasure to be able to visit, meet and help John. For well over 20 years John could be seen walking the streets of Blackpool and St Anne’,s searching for people to support including those less fortunate, the homeless, those with mental health and those on the “,margins”, of Society. Kevin added, I’,ve known him for almost 20 years and he’,s always been helping people. He spent almost 40 years working for our beloved NHS as a nurse and Podiatry Specialist. John who returned home from Residential care in June was so pleased that Allan could visit and in his own way said a personal thank you. John took his vows to become a third order Franciscan Friar in the 1990’,s following the life of St Francis, spending much of his time o昀,ering pastoral care and support to many people. He also took on to live a simpler life in Obedience to his Catholic faith. The order was formed in 1221. Kevin Lonergan, Blackpool A cut above!

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk February 2022 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 S ister Margaret of Boarbank hall has produced a wonderful document called ‘,Fantasy Schooling: Imagining Laudato Si in practice,’, whereby schools submit a document outlining their dream ‘,Laudato Si’, school of the future. Although we are in the very early stages of developing this project it is hoped that at some stage we can work with schools to produce their own aspirational ‘,Fantasy School’, whereby ideas can eventually be achieved in practice. The Ecological Conversion Platform Journey to 2030 (parish guide to Laudato Si) has now been sent to all parishes within the Diocese. It is a fabulous resource and a great way to get started! Churches Together in Lancashire are launching the Ecumenical Working Party (EWP) for Social Justice/ Responsibility. Over the next few weeks the process of rethinking how this forum can best support and share practice, learning and opportunities for local church engagement in this area of work will be undertaken. The Anti Slavery event in Preston raised awareness about modern day slavery (#See ITShare It) and encouraged us to look out for signs of possible victims of slavery. If you suspect it may be happening or want more information about modern slavery, please contact Lancashire Victim Services by calling 0300 323 0085 or by visiting www.lancashirevictimservices.org Catholic schools in Blackpool took part in the Eyes of the World campaign by bringing artwork and re昀,ections they had been doing in schools relating to the current climate crisis. Declan and Shawn, our Diocese’,s Step Into the Gap volunteers, who attended COP26 as part of the CIDSE delegation, opened the event with a talk. They will be sharing their experiences and re昀,ections with us and outlining the impact COP 26 had on young people as a whole. Pupils from St Mary’,s Catholic Academy were also interviewed and their statements can be viewed on the link below: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/43146 The Lancaster District Food Poverty Alliance networking group highlighted the need for a ‘,cash 昀,rst’, approach to food and security by promoting a Worrying About Money? Lea昀,et. The is also information relating to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants with no recourse to public funds. Please email the Independent Food Aid Network lfanuk.org/cash昀,rst for free copies. LANCASTER DIOCESE FAITH AND JUSTICE COMMISSION Fantasy Schooling: Imagining Laudato Si in practice 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 + February 2022 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk Reduce Recycle Reuse I nspired by Pope Francis’, encyclical Laudato Si’,, the YCW Impact Action Group which is facilitated by Terry Mattinson our Youth Worker has established a recycling scheme across the whole school. Ava in Year 7 came up with the idea and 昀,rstly she presented her idea to the rest of the Group and with the support of the Head Girl, Isabelle they presented the group’,s proposal to headteacher Mr Marsden. Mr Marsden gave his backing to the scheme. The scheme is simple, it means every room in school has a reused cardboard box, so that we can all put our wastepaper and cardboard in. Twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) recycling reps from every form and year group empty the boxes into the recycling bins. It has been such a great success that instead of sending huge amounts of used paper and cardboard to land昀,ll, the overwhelming majority now gets recycled. Many opportunities to recycle in the past have been missed but our young people are 昀,lled with a sense of hope, they can’,t change the past but they can impact the future. In just the 昀,rst two weeks of the project the pupils and sta昀, 昀,lled 16 wheelie bins with paper and cardboard. The project has also made us all in the school community think about how much paper we use and this is hopefully making us think about trying to reduce our paper usage, which in turn should over time mean that we then have less paper and cardboard wastage. It is also making us think about our plastic usage and wastage, currently very little plastic is recycled –, in 2022 the pupils of the YCW Impact Action Group want to encourage the school community to signi昀,cantly reduce its plastic usage and wastage and where it is used they want to campaign for the ability to be able to recycle it. Our young people want to make the world a better place, not just for them but also for future generations. Pope Francis reminds us all that each and every one of us have our role to play in being good stewards of God’,s creation because Creation is a project of love given by God to humanity: ‘,In some ways, the current pandemic has led us to rediscover simpler and sustainable lifestyles. The crisis, in a sense, has given us a chance to develop new ways of living. Already we can see how the earth can recover if we allow it to rest: the air becomes cleaner, the waters clearer, and animals have returned to many places from where they had previously disappeared. The pandemic has brought us to a crossroads. We must use this decisive moment to end our super昀,uous and destructive goals and activities, and to cultivate values, connections and activities that are life- giving. We must examine our habits of energy usage, consumption, transportation, and diet. We must eliminate the super昀,uous and destructive aspects of our economies, and nurture life-giving ways to trade, produce, and transport goods.’, We all have our part to play. Mr J Harding, Teacher of RE, Saint Bede’,s Catholic High School T wo nurses from St Peter’,s Lytham, Pia Ashton and Anne Aitken created a real splash in November. By taking early morning dips in freezing cold water throughout the month of November they really caught the imagination and raised well over £,20,000 for cancer research. Their swimming locations included Fairhaven Lake, the pond in Lowther Gardens in Lytham, the Ribble Estuary, the Dub in Wrea Green and a cattle trough on a local farm. The challenge required them to stay submerged for at least 30 seconds –, no mean feat! A tremendous achievement! Charity Bene昀,ts from Cold Dips

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk February 2022 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2022 - An Act of Faith F ollowing two years when it was not possible to travel to Lourdes, we have decided that this year gives an opportunity to re-establish the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Our Lady’,s Shrine. It will be an expression of our living Faith, and I do hope that many of you will be encouraged to accompany me. Caution and prudence will play their part, but the overwhelming element will be our Faith. The Pilgrimage will be an expression of our con昀,dent trust that Our Blessed Lady is close to her children, keeping us safe, and drawing us closer to her Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Pilgrimage will be an Act of Faith and generous trust on our part. It will be guided by the Holy Spirit, and will serve the Church in Lancaster, inspiring con昀,dence in a time when many are tempted to retreat into themselves, tempted to stay at home, tempted even to doubt that our lives can ever be the same again. I am particularly moved to make this Pilgrimage this year because in the autumn the relics of Saint Bernadette will be brought to England and be welcomed in every Cathedral. Speci昀,c dates have yet to be given as to when we will welcome Saint Bernadette’,s relics to Lancaster. It is 昀,tting that a good number from the Diocese will 昀,rst have made a Pilgrimage to the Grotto at Lourdes and have prayed in that place so dear to Saint Bernadette. We know that her mystical experience at the Grotto changed her life. Our time spent in procession and prayer there will be an experience of personal blessing and bring a great blessing to so many others unable to travel abroad. I pray that this news will plant a seed of Faith in your hearts, and that you will respond with enthusiasm and generosity. May it be an experience of Grace for each of you, and bring new heart to those for whom you pray. I also ask you now to keep this endeavour in your prayers as this new year is still just beginning. May it serve to change the pervading atmosphere of fear and anxiety into a time of encouragement and hope. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. With my blessing, +Paul Swarbrick, Bishop of Lancaster L inda Wisdom, Director of Operations provides us with details of this year’,s Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. There are a number of very important changes to arrangements in previous years so please read the following information very carefully. When is the Pilgrimage? We depart from Manchester airport to Lourdes on Friday 22nd July and return on Friday 29th July. There are many challenges within the planning process and there is little doubt that the pilgrimage will be di昀,erent to other years. However, we will thoroughly plan the pilgrimage in order to make it a safe and enjoyable time and leave us spiritually renewed. We will continue to be guided by the government and our Chief Nurse. We should bear in mind however that planning is time sensitive, it is based on the restrictions and situation at that moment in time. Therefore, preparations laid will be regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with merging data and guidance from both the UK and France. Things will likely need to change along the way. Some changes for 2022 The Booking Forms will be more comprehensive than in previous years because we will all have requirements to meet in order that we may travel, currently this includes the need to be fully vaccinated and we have decided this should include youth volunteers. Additionally, a comprehensive booking form is needed so that the Chief Nurse can examine individual applications. Unfortunately, this year it will not be possible to take pilgrims to Lourdes that need personal/nursing assistance from the Medical Team. This is because the Medical Team will be on-call to serve the wider needs of pilgrims. Those that need personal care can still apply to come to Lourdes if they have the support of relatives or friends who are able to look after them during the week. We will still provide the usual wheelchair assistance service. Pilgrims who require wheelchair assistance will only be accepted provisionally until 1st May 2022 –, which is the deadline for all bookings. This will allow us to work out our pilgrim and volunteer numbers, so that we can ensure an adequate assisted pilgrim to helper ratio is retained. For this reason, no bookings will be accepted after May 1st 2022. Overland travel comes with an increased risk and so, with this in mind, it has been agreed that there will be no youth coach or independent coach this year, all pilgrims will travel on the diocesan chartered 昀,ight. One of the many advantages of travelling together is that there will be the support of the Medical Team on hand. The Tour Operator used for the 2022 pilgrimage will be Joe Walsh Tours operated with Northern Star Travel (Atol Protected 11313) . It will be mandatory this year for all pilgrims to take out the Travel Insurance o昀,ered by the Tour Operator. This will provide pilgrimage organisers with certainty that pilgrims have full comprehensive cover inclusive of Covid-19 related claims. You may be asking ‘,how safe is it to go to Lourdes?’, The Sanctuary in Lourdes along with the hotels, bars and shops have put in place extensive measures to mitigate the risk associated with Covid-19 community spread. Covid-19 cases in Lourdes and the surrounding area are reportedly very low, and the area has the highest vaccination up-take levels in France (96%). The Diocesan Hotels we will be using this year are the Hotel Eliseo, Hotel St George &, Hotel Agena. To book please contact: 0161 820 8790 or via the website www.joewalshtours.co.uk The Pilgrimage Theme for 2022 “,Go and tell the priests to build a chapel here and that people should come in procession”, During the 3rd apparition, Bernadette had received and accepted an invitation from the lady: “,Would you do me the honour of coming here for 昀,fteen days?”, And now during this, the 13th apparition, this personal, intimate although demanding dialogue, which was full of politeness, tenderness and a昀,ection, was opened up to the whole Church, to the whole of humanity. Bernadette had just received, for the 昀,rst time in her life, a mission that concerned other people: continued on next page >, To advertise please contact Charlotte on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org Independent Catholic Funeral Director Arranging and conducting funerals in the Catholic Diocese of Lancaster since 1986 Lytham Funeral Service Ltd. 42 Clifton Street, Lytham FY8 5EW Tel. (01253) 733909 www.lythamfuneralservice.co.uk David Pope dip FD MBIFD

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2022 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk Yo u r Letters “,Go and tell the priests to build a chapel here and that people should come in procession”,. Calling all Lourdes Helpers The need for helpers is greater this year as we must ensure we have plenty of support for pilgrims. Anyone who‘,d like to work as an adult volunteer in any of our teams please contact Nikki Wisdom chiefnurse@lancasterlourdes.co.uk Youth Team If you are 16 years or older please consider coming on pilgrimage this year. We need you! Information will be available soon: www.castlerigg.co.uk Posters and further information will be sent out to all parishes very soon. After 2 years of this global pandemic, which has brought much su昀,ering and sadness, let us respond to our Blessed Mother and St Bernadette’,s mission to all humanity and go to Lourdes in procession! Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. St Bernadette, pray for us. ... Continued from page 5. Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2022 ‘,Exodus’, Dear Editor, At a local park in Manila, I saw a piece of the Berlin wall, a gift from the German government. One side is covered with colorful gra

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk February 2022 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 D uring November, the children and sta昀, at The Cathedral Catholic Primary School remembered and prayed for those who have died. They created their ‘,Tree of Remembrance ’, where the names of those who have died have been written on leaves and decorated by the children. Families sent in names of loved ones who have died so they could be added to our ‘,Remembrance bowl’, and we could pray for them in school. Finally, Father Chapple led the children in a liturgy of prayer in our parish cemetery which adjoins the playground. The children prepared prayers to remember those who have died in our families, our community, our city and world. It is wonderful to remember and hope that those who have gone before us now pray for us, as we do for them. Praying for those who have died 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 + February 2022 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk T he Catholic Teaching Alliance North started its journey back in 2013 with a shared passion to train and develop outstanding and inspirational teachers, to work within the catholic schools throughout our Diocese and beyond. With an eye on the future and an aspiration to grow Catholic leaders of the future, they have trained a remarkable total of 220 teachers across Early Primary, Primary, Secondary and post 16 education. The Alliance is a cross phase alliance of over 70 schools across the Diocese of Lancaster with 5 teaching training hubs across Lancashire, covering an extensive area from Blackburn to Carlisle. They provide PGCE with QTS in partnership with Cumbria University. Based at Our Lady’,s Catholic High School in Preston the training centre is ideally situated for easy access from the M55 and M6. Teaching is an enormously challenging profession but the rewards are immense and the CTA 昀,rmly believes that the training programme and the support that follows is of the highest quality, preparing their trainee teachers to face the demands of any classroom and to meet the needs of the pupils within it. Teaching placements across the partnership ensure that trainees are immersed in the Catholic Ethos and holistic life of the school. whilst also being given opportunities to work alongside outstanding teaching professionals, to share ideas and build knowledge together. A super strength of the Alliance is the trained, experienced mentors within the Alliance schools who, are fully committed to supporting the CTA trainees within the classroom and beyond, providing support, challenge and opportunities to 昀,ourish. A quality assured training programme, planned in line with the ITT Core Content Framework and the Teachers’, Standards the CTA’,s PGCE with QTS quali昀,cation is full time and lasts for one academic year. To enhance the PGCE with QTS course, upon successful completion trainees can achieve 60 credits towards their MA, an optional completion of two modules of the CCRS and the PSHE Association Teaching Award. Past trainees working within the Catholic Schools within the Diocese describe their journey into teaching: New Year –, New You! Train to teach with the Catholic Teaching Alliance For information and bookings visit www.minsteracres.org, Phone: 01434 673248 Email: info@minsteracres.org Minsteracres Retreat Centre, nr. Consett, County Durham, DH8 9RT You are a thought of God led by Fr Ben Lodge CP a Passionist priest and Postulator for the Causes of Dominic Barberi and Fr. Ignatius Spencer This is a preached retreat for Religious. The retreat will start on Sunday 20 March at 6:00pm and finish during the morning of Saturday 26 March. 20 to 26 March, Suggested donation, £,470 On a Journey with the Northern Saints, led by the Minsteracres team Spend a week at Minsteracres journeying in the footsteps of the Northern Saints such as Aidan, Cuthbert, Oswald, Hilde and Bede. Find out more about their spirituality and motivation, and visit the iconic places where they lived out their faith. Includes visits to Holy Island, Bamburgh, Durham Cathedral and Heavenfield and other early monastic sites. All travel costs are included. 25 to 29 April, Suggested donation: £,500 Christian life in a new world: meditations on discipleship drawn from the gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles led by Fr Donald Senior CP The experiences of the past three years—,the pandemic, the effects of climate change, raging political and social conflicts–, have brought profound change to our world. It is time Pope Francis has noted, to set out as pilgrims on a new and life- giving journey. The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles provided direction to the early Christian community as it, too, entered a new time and a new place. Fr Donald Senior CP, a renowned Scripture scholar will draw on this biblical wellspring to reflect on the possibilities of Christian discipleship now. 11 to 15 July, Suggested donation: £,560 Memory, Experience and Imagination: Aids to all Things Being Made New led by Rev John Bell, a member of the Iona Community We tend to sift anything new through one or more of the three sieves of memory (what has been), experience (what is) and imagination (what might be). This is true as much for our spiritual and liturgical life as it is for our health and wellbeing. In his teaching about God’,s radical kingdom, Jesus draws on the past, present and imagined future to enable us to be open to the newness which God intends. 21 to 23 October, Suggested donation: £,220

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk February 2022 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 PRIMARY Rhiannon Pearson, Year 1 Teacher Holy Family Ingol Preston As long as I could remember, I wanted to be a Primary Teacher and when the Catholic Teaching Alliance was recommended to me by a family member, I knew it was the perfect route for me. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology before deciding to continue to pursue my dream of teaching. I found the Primary Teaching course informative and gave an insight into lots of di昀,erent aspects of teaching, with training courses delivered by specialists. I received lots of support both from the course leaders and from my fellow course mates, a group which still bounce ideas o昀, each other to this day. This support continued on my teaching placements and I secured a permanent job at the same school. I have been given lots of opportunities in my job such as leading subjects and helping design a new project-based curriculum. I would recommend the CTA to anyone who is considering becom ing a teacher: fantastic placements schools, support and working with a close-knit group of like-minded people, all who have aspirations to teach and guide children. Alexandra Cocks A teaching assistant in an Alliance primary school is where my journey into teaching began. Before long, I applied to do my teacher training through the CTA. I had seen many of the CTA students come though the school I was working at as a TA and friends of mine had also trained through them. They all expressed their enjoyment for the course and the way it was shaped, so I knew I would be well supported on my journey. Throughout my training, I gained a wealth of experience in di昀,erent catholic schools and got to experience di昀,erent parts of teaching such as school trips and extra-curricular clubs, as well as learning how to run a classroom in the most e昀,ective way from supportive teachers. Towards the end of my training year, I secured a teaching job in a school within the CTA Alliance. I have now just begun my 4th year of teaching. Throughout this time I have been challenged to continue to develop myself professionally. I lead Computing and Maths throughout the school. This year, I am delivering my own work groups for our local Maths Hub. This has been a fantastic opportunity for me to reach out £,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 + February 2022 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk to other local primary and secondary schools to strengthen links between our schools and improve transition for our pupils from primary to secondary. Not only have the experiences that led me here bene昀,tted my classroom practice, but also my con昀,dence, understanding of the whole school journey and are setting me up for a great career in teaching and leadership. SECONDARY Alex Thompson, Teacher of Mathematics, Assistant Learning Manager and Assistant principal teacher I studied Mathematics and Sports Science at University and for many years after I was unsure of what career paths to follow. On speaking to the director of the CTA I was convinced that a career of teaching was for me and this course was the best place to start. I received lots of support throughout and was given fantastic mentors at both of my secondary placements. Since being appointed as a Teacher of Mathematics I have gone on to achieve other roles such as Assistant Learning Manager and the chance to take on the role of assistant principal teacher on a temporary basis. I would highly recommend the CTA to those thinking of a career in secondary education. Maria After completing a degree in English Language and Linguistics, I felt that I needed some time to consider the di昀,erent career options that were available to me. As teaching was something I had considered, I started working at a primary school as a TA on supply. During this time, I decided that teaching was the career that I wanted to pursue, albeit in a secondary school instead! I looked at the di昀,erent university courses that were available but I could see that the time spent in schools was in small placement chunks. Therefore, I was delighted when I came across the CTA Schools Direct route: it o昀,ered considerably more time in school whilst still allowing the trainee teachers to complete a PGCE. I am now 7 years into my career at a Catholic school in the diocese. I will forever be grateful to Adrian, Mary and the CTA for providing us with high quality training that has enabled me to thoroughly enjoy my career as a teacher. Lyndsay Huck After graduating with a degree in Biochemistry, I worked in the Biotech industry. Teaching became a big part of my role and it was the most satisfying part of my day. After going on maternity leave, I realised that I wanted to be teaching full time and with the support of my family, I was able to change careers. I researched quite a few training providers but I always kept coming back to the CTA. I really liked the idea of the School Direct training programme. It had a good balance of face-to- face training with time spent on placement. The ability to gain my PGCE through the University of Cumbria was also a huge bonus. I must admit that I was anxious at the enormity of what I was about to embark on but I needn’,t have been. From the very start we were supported by our course leaders and my fellow students. My 昀,rst placement was at Christ the King Preston. My mentor, Lisa Matthews, was an incredible support and guide. She honed my skills and inspired me to be the best I could possibly be. I was so excited when I was able to return to the CTK family as a full-time member of sta昀, the following year and I’,v e never looked back. Working with young people had always been a big part of life through Guiding and coaching swimming. It seems cheesy to say that I feel that I found my calling but I really did. The CTA supported me through every step of my teacher training and beyond. I have made lifelong friendships and have a career that I love. The Catholic Teaching Alliance is committed to working collaboratively with all their trainees in order to achieve the vision and to establish a reputation as an outstanding provider so why not take a leap into teaching and train to teach with the Catholic Teaching Alliance? Cate Gili-Ross, Headteacher St Joseph’,s Primary School Wesham HOW TO APPLY To apply go to the Department for Education (Find postgraduate teacher training service) website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ 昀,nd-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses-in-england and search for us by postcode PR2 3SQ, name ‘,Catholic Teaching Alliance’, or provider code 1GB. You can also apply directly on ‘,Apply’,. Subjects/Phases available for 2022-2023 Early Primary 3-7 years General Primary 5-11 years Secondary (Preston and Blackburn hubs) Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Physical Education, Religious Education, Computing, Art and Design, Drama, MFL (French and German), Music, PE with EBacc Secondary with Post 16 (Cardinal Newman College) Dance, Psychology, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Media Studies, Maths, Economics, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Physical Education, Religious Education, Health and Social Care, Computing, Art and Design, Drama, MFL (French and German), Music For more information contact Adrian Gormally on (01772) 326931 CTAschooldirect@olchs.lancs.sch.uk www.catholic-teaching-alliance.org 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 M ass Listings –, February 2022 St. Margaret Mary, Scalegate Road, Carlisle Saturdays at 10.00 am Saturday 5th February, 10.00 am Sung Mass for Holy Souls Shrine Church of St Walburge, Preston Mondays –, Fridays: 8.30 am, Low Mass Saturdays: 8.30 am, Low Mass Sundays: 10.30 am, Sung Mass Friday 25th February: 6.00 pm High Mass for Feast of St Walburge with veneration of the relic Shrine of the English Martyrs, Preston Mondays –, Saturdays: 12 noon, Low Mass Sundays: 9.00 am, Low Mass (Please check the website for any variations: https://icksp.org.uk/preston/) Our Lady &, St Michael, Banklands, Workington Second Fridays at 7.00 pm (Please always check with Canon Watson before travelling: 01900 602114) St Mary`s, Main Street, Hornby Saturdays at 11.00 am (Please check with Fr Docherty before travelling: 015242 21246) Local Representatives: Bob &, Jane Latin Telephone: 01772 962387 Email: lancaster@lms.org.uk Website: latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk February 2022 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 O n a blustery November evening, the Altar Servers, their families, and the Clergy of the diocese, together with Bishop Paul Swarbrick assembled at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal for the annual Altar Server’,s dinner. It was great, as Canon John Watson, the guest speaker remarked, as always at diocesan events in our small but famously friendly diocese, to meet up and see people again after such a long absence due to the pandemic, to cement some of those bonds of friendship, respect and a昀,ection, this evenin g being no exception. This event, an island of near normality in our still uncertain times. After the meal and a light-hearted quiz, awards were presented by Bishop Paul to several of the dioceses’, most experienced servers for 10, 50 and 65 years long service respectively, recognising the remarkable dedication of our lay servers to our parish communities and the diocese at large. In his after-dinner speech, Canon Watson recounted that at a special Mass he attended recently, he was aware that ‘,something’, was di昀,erent about it before realising during the Mass, that it was the absence of any Altar Servers at all. Such has been the di

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2022 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk I f you’,re anything like me, your childhood taught you to open a book and treat it with great respect! We were certainly never allowed to underline things, highlight things or scribble or doodle in the margins! Books would only be opened to be read, closed and placed 昀,rmly on a shelf. And if you too are like me a dyslexic, then books and reading generally 昀,lls the pit of your stomach with dread. The Bible, with all that small print, and so much text on such thin pages, was and still is one of the most terrifying books to open! So many words on so many pages. Complex names and places and set in a time sometimes unimaginable. It was impossible to remember let alone understand, so there was no surprise when I shamefully failed my A-level religious studies (sorry Mr Wawszczyk) and put the Bible down as one of those books never again to be picked up. Even now years into my adult life, I shrank away from voluntarily opening up my Bible, my copy over 25 years old and still in pristine condition! Frequently I heard it spoken from the pulpit that us Catholics needed to become more familiar with the Bible. Many priests have preached or run seminars to help us all understand more, but it’,s a big book, and a lot of explanation is needed! I would sit through these sessions trying with all my might and concentration to absorb but would still come away dazzled! 2021, enter social media, tech and the Bible In a Year (BIAY) ! A daily podcast o昀,ered freely by Ascension, speci昀,cally for Catholics to help us read the Bible each day and understand it! With the dulcet tones of Fr. Mike Schmitz, the podcast isn’,t just about reading the Bible cover to cover but instead following Je昀, Cavin’,s Bible Timeline. It o昀,ers a narrative and context, the story and life of times gone by and how they relate to life today. Clicking on the ‘,subscribe’, button meant that each day at 5am without fail, the next episode is released ready to be digested by millions! So, on the 1st January 2021, my new resolution began, it was time to stand up to my fears and read the Bible! Some managed to stay on track. Others like me fell behind. But do you know, when you did fall behind things happened, little coincidences or themes would come through for listening right now. The Holy Spirit worked even when we weren’,t actively listening, and because you were more into the Word of God, you noticed! Some like me stopped because life got too busy. But as each day passed, I missed it, and so began pressing ‘,play’, from the last episode I heard. Others stopped because they felt their mind wandering and wanted to give 100% attention to every single word. They got discouraged and would listen over and over till they got the context and understanding, often 昀,ogging the horse and missing out in the joy of this special moment. Others got into the middle of the Exile Period or The Prophets and just bailed out! But no matter how behind we got, or wherever we got stuck, once we realised that we were not alone and what we needed to do was to surrender, relax, and simply press ‘,play’, so that the Word of God would wash over us. Each day we A New Year’,s Resolution you can keep!

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk February 2022 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 began to realise that 100% attention, whilst it might have been a great idea wasn’,t all together necessary. As I write this article I’,m on day 303, about two weeks (14 episodes behind the release) . “,As of November 3, 2021, people have spent 3.3 billion total minutes listening to the podcast. There have been 142 million cumulative downloads, with an average of 464,000 downloads per day. So far, 75,000 Catholics have joined the Ascension Bible in a Year Facebook group. Further, by the end of the podcast on December 31, listeners will have spent 148 hours (that’,s 6.2 days) this year listening to the word of God!”, (Ascension Press Release 3.11.21) There are over 142 million cumulative downloads for this Podcast. Thousands of Catholics following this together, and we are a virtual community who pray and support each other on this journey. It’,s never too late to click Day One and begin. And if you did begin but got lost, just pick up where you left o昀,, take the pressure o昀,, and enjoy. We all have responsibilities, and our time is precious, but 20 mins (maybe occasionally 30 mins) a day of sitting down with your headphones on the presence of God is possible, even if you’,re (especially if you’,re) exhausted and worn out! This is 20 mins a day you can class as prayer time and your time without you inputting in any way other than listening and following along. It’,s really really worth it! The BIAY has been my lifeline through this strange year. It’,s strengthened the depth of my relationship with God, and it has helped me to understand our history and how we are His people of today. Reading the history of the chosen people has helped me understand humanity, con昀,ict and the in昀,nite patience and mercy of God. And when life has gotten tough, it has given me somewhere to escape to, like any good book does! The level of healing that I personally have felt from the context narrative and prayers led by Fr Mike’,s short talks has been exceptional and completely unexpected. And it has all helped me understand my catholic faith in far more depth. In a week’,s time the Old Testament will be completed, and I can’,t wait to 昀,nish o昀, the New Testament gospels understanding now what I know. But strangely I will miss the land of the Old Testament. Any great story, any great 昀,lm or adventure has certainly gained so much of its inspiration from the Old Testament! So, if you set new year’,s resolutions (or don’,t at all) try this and don’,t be scared! Don’,t put it o昀, 昀,nd Ascension Press and pop on your headphones. Revel in the opportunity to be in the presence of God more and let the Holy Spirit speak. If you have a Bible, don’,t be afraid to open it, follow along, highlight doodle or jot notes in the margins! Take the easy road to understanding and reading the Bible by tapping the ‘,play’, button! I promise you, it will be worth it! In Fr Mike’,s famous words “,I’,m praying for you…, please pray for me..”, Find the Podcast: The Bible in a Year Archives - Ascension Press Media. Available on Apple Podcast, Hallow App and various others. Lisa Vallente-Osborne

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2022 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk T he dictionary in the prison library tells me that a dilemma is a position where each of the two alternative courses is eminently undesirable. I must decide tonight on one c ourse or another with life changing consequences whichever I choose. I will explain. My name is Nick. I am 27 years old and serving the last 9 months of a prison sentence for assaulting a police o

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www.catholicvoiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk February 2022 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 Can you help Fr Bob? Fr Bob Halshaw, Head of Chaplaincy at HMP Haverigg and Lancaster Diocesan Prison’,s Liaison, is appealing for Volunteers to become O

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2022 www.catholic voiceo昀,ancaster.co.uk Become a Relationship Counsellor with A re you a natural, empathic listener, looking for an opportunity to develop and use your skills to help couples in distress? We are looking for volunteer counsellors to join our local teams across England and Wales. We will train you on our Certi昀,cate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) providing you with all the skills, knowledge and practical experience you need to start counselling couples safely and e昀,ectively. For the right candidate this will be a lifechanging opportunity to train and volunteer within a supportive, nurturing and inspiring community and make the world of di昀,erence to couples and families. Marriage Care: Marriage Care are the largest faith-based relationship support-specialists in the UK. We provide nearly 6,000 relationship counselling sessions each year from 100 locations. All our centres and services are run by volunteers and this means that we can provide counselling sessions on a donation basis, ensuring everyone can access our support. “,If it wasn’,t for our counsellor we would probably have separated - now we can look forward to the prospect of a happy life growing old together”, Counselling client “,The Marriage care training allowed meto develop my skills with excellent hands-on support.”, Counsellor The CRC Course: The 2 year Certi昀,cate in Relationship Counselling course will start in Spring 2022 and will bedelivered via a programme of face to face and online training weekends. This training opportunity has been made possible in thanks to the generous support of the Diocese of Westminster Cardinal’,s Lenten Appeal Fund and the voluntary commitmentof Marriage Care’,s training team and Centre members. Whilst there is no charge to trainees for the course itself, if selected there is a non- refundable deposit of £,150 to secure yourplace and we invite trainees to set up a monthly donation (suggested amount of £,40) for the 昀,rst 12 months - towards costs of accommodation and meals at training weekends. For more information visit our webpage: www.marriagecare.org.uk/crc or access the QR code above. Church Supplies –, serving Schools, Business and Homes Our advertisers are great supporters of the Lancaster Voice, so please help them by supporting their businesses

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