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Jun 2022 edition of the Catholic Post
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JUNE 2022 Edition 6 page 10 page 9 page 16 What can parishes provide for people who are Deaf? Declaration of Friendship Judy Murray OBE Takes Centre Court S a c r e d H e a r t o f J e s u s , I b e l i e v e i n y o u r l o v e f o r m e . Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Mark O’,Toole as Archbishop-elect of Cardiff and Bishop-elect of Menevia. Bishop O’,Toole has been Bishop of Plymouth since his appointment in 2013. Previously, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Westminster in 1990 and served as private secretary to Cardinal Cormac Murphy- O’,Connor between 2002-2008, before his appointment as the rector of Allen Hall seminary in 2008. CBCEW Archbishop-elect O’,Toole will become the eighth archbishop of Cardiff in succession to Archbishop George Stack, who has been Archbishop of Cardiff since 2011. The installation will take place in Cardiff Cathedral on 20 June, the feast day of Welsh martyrs Saints Julius and Aaron. Continued on page 6 I am grateful and humbled by the trust that the Holy Father has placed in me New Archbishop for Cardi ff, Heat or Eat Ten new Saints On Sunday 15 May Pope Francis presided over a morning Mass with the canonization of ten Blesseds: Titus Brandsma, Lazarus, also known as Devasahayam, Cé,sar de Bus, Luigi Maria Palazzolo, Giustino Maria Russolillo, Charles de Foucauld, Marie Rivier, Maria Francesca di Gesù, Rubatto, Maria di Gesù, Santocanale, and Maria Domenica Mantovani . James Robert Welton The government`s legislative agenda for the next parliamentary year contained in the Queen`s Speech does not tackle the cost of liv - ing crisis and threatens to pull hundreds of thousands more households into poverty, says the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP). The government has been vocal in claiming it is tackling the cost of living crisis, however families across England and Wales facing rapidly rising food and fuel costs will find little comfort in the Queen`s Speech. The government raised the National Living Wage by 6.6% to £,9.50 from April 2022, how - ever implementing the higher £,9.90 Real Living Wage would have gone further to appease anxiety for millions of people who have seen spiralling inflation outstrip wage and benefits rises. Food poverty is on the rise in 2022. Image: SVP The long-awaited Employment Bill, promised by the government on at least 20 occasions and aimed at strengthening workers` rights, was notably absent. The SVP has campaigned for improved security and flexibility for low- paid workers, and making the Employment Bill a priority in the next parliamentary term would have contributed to job and income security for hard pressed families and individuals. The government`s measures to tackle spiralling energy costs for households simply do not go far enough to offset the over 50% rise in bills for millions of families, many of whom are having to make the decision to heat their homes or put food on the table. This is plainly unacceptable in one of the world`s leading economies. Continued on page 6 Families across England and Wales facing rapidly rising food and fuel costs will find little comfort in the Queen`s Speech
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CONTACT US: The Catholic Post is published by its owners Bellcourt Ltd and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper. The Catholic Post is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. EDITOR: John Clawson email: johnclwson@icloud.com ADVERTISING: Natasha / Bellcourt Ltd. 01440 730399 / 07903 377019 ads@bellcourt.org DESIGN &, LAYOUT: David Lodge, david@bellcourtltd.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: Bellcourt Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7BN 01440 730399 ARTICLES TO: The Catholic Post email: johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Please send articles for publication by email, supplying any photos separate to the text We welcome contributions Here are answers to some basic questions about writing for The Catholic Post How long should articles be? 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Source information - DW = Diocesan Website. ICN = Independent Catholic News Views expressed in The Catholic Post are not necessarily those of the editor Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Page 2. The Catholic Post. June 2022. From the presbytery.............. by Fr Neil McNicholas I Didn’,t Know That (about parishes) Psalm 84 –, How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord, my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Dioceses are divided into parishes and each parish has a boundary which defines the limits of the geographical area within which the parish priest exercises his spiritual and pastoral ministry. The best and most comprehensive definition of a parish is to be found in Canon Law - the law of the Church: A parish is a certain community of Christ’,s faithful stably established…, whose pastoral care, under the authority of the diocesan Bishop, is entrusted to a parish priest as its proper pastor. As a general rule, a parish is to be territorial, that is, it is to embrace all Christ’,s faithful of a given territory. (CC515 &, 518) Canon 530 lists the functions especially entrusted to the parish priest and which include: the administration of baptism, the administration of Viaticum and the anointing of the sick, assisting at [i.e., celebrating] marriages, and the conducting of funerals. These in particular are examples of something people don’,t necessarily understand concerning the authority of the parish priest to minister. Let’,s just look at three further excerpts from Canon Law: Except in a case of necessity, it is unlawful for anyone without due permission to confer baptism outside his own territory, not even upon his own subjects. (CC862) This is saying that a parish priest is not allowed to baptise anyone outside of his own parish, even if it is one of his own parishioners, without the permission of the parish priest of the parish where that would take place. As long as they validly hold office, the local Ordinary [the bishop] and the parish priest can delegate to priests and deacons the faculty to assist at [to celebrate] marriages within the confines of their territory. (CC1111) In other words a priest must receive permission from the parish priest in order to celebrate marriage in a parish other than his own. The funeral of any deceased member of the faithful should normally be celebrated in the church of that person’,s proper parish. However, any member of the faithful, or those in charge of the funeral, may choose another church [but] this requires the consent of whoever is in charge of that church and a notification to the proper parish priest of the deceased. (CC1177) The point being made in the Code is that the parish priest has primary pastoral responsibility for the people of his parish. A priest cannot come into another parish to celebrate a public Mass or a sacrament without the permission of that parish priest - even if it involves one of his own parishioners. Quite apart from the fact that this is required by the law of the Church, it is also a matter of common courtesy - in response to which it will usually be given. A typical situation would be when a priest has moved on from a parish where he may have served for some time. People he has come to know socially may then ask him to come back and celebrate a baptism or a wedding or a funeral. Whilst it is an understandable situation, it can be a little difficult for the incumbent when people ask other priests to celebrate these spiritual landmarks with them. The current incumbent is their parish priest and, as we said above, he has primary pastoral responsibility for the people of his parish. Unless the previous parish priest is a particularly close friend of the family concerned, they really should respect the fact their parish priest should be celebrating these occasions with them. There is also a risk of the parish priest taking offence that a family would ask someone else. It would probably help if previous priests made it a policy not to accept such invitations unless, as I say, there is a particularly close connection with the family. There certainly should never be a situation where the family takes their celebration to that other priest’,s parish. That would require their current parish priest’,s permission anyway because he has primary pastoral responsibility for them, but it puts him in a very difficult position especially if he refused –, and he would have every right to do so. By the same token a priest shouldn’,t, and by Canon Law can’,t, presume to minister to another priest’,s parishioners without his permission. A typical example would be someone wanting their child baptised but not being willing to take part in the preparation programme in their parish and so they phone around the neighbouring parishes until they find a priest who will baptise without such a requirement. Or you may get a couple who have no connection whatsoever with a particular parish but ask to be married there because they like the look of the church. What is basic to these considerations is which parish people consider to be their faith community. Obviously the vast majority of the people of a parish will be those who live within its boundaries and who therefore choose to worship at that church and are committed to that parish spiritually, socially, and through their financial and other support. Just as there will be some living in a parish who, for whatever reasons, choose to worship elsewhere, so there will be those who live outside the parish boundaries but who - for reasons of family history, convenience of location, or whatever - choose to worship there and consider it to be their parish. What becomes important is for such people –, those who live outside the parish boundaries but for whom in every other way that is their faith community –, to declare the fact officially and that would normally involve registering as a member of the parish and making a commitment to it and to what it means to be a parishioner there. Without that specific commitment through registration, the priest of the parish where they live has every right to object and complain if he finds their babies are being baptised elsewhere, or their children making their first holy communion elsewhere, or their marriages and funerals are being celebrated elsewhere, because they are “,his”, parishioners until they declare themselves to be otherwise. Similarly if I get an enquiry about having a baby being baptised, or about a wedding, or a call from a funeral director, if I don’,t recognise the name, or they aren’,t on the parish register, and in particular if they are resident in another par - ish, then the first thing I am obliged to do out of courtesy (but also in Church law) is to refer them to their actual parish priest, because they are not officially members of my parish and I don’,t want to get into a dispute with another priest for “,stealing”, his parishioners - as he may understandably see it. This would be the case, also, if I received a call asking for someone to be added to the list of those receiving communion visits. If I don’,t recognise the name, and the address is not in this parish, it may be that the person who rang simply chose the nearest church, in which case I would refer them to the priest of the parish where they are living because he needs to know the situation of people in his “,patch”, and to be able to minister to them accordingly. Here in Yarm –, where I am as I write this –, people from a number of neighbouring com - munities come to church here because it is a lot closer to where they live than their actual geographical parish church, and that’,s fine. The parish is located within a horseshoe bend in the river and not only are there other parishes on three sides of us, but crossing the river ac - tually takes you into a completely different dio - cese. So,while people are free to choose to go to church in a different parish and even a dif - ferent diocese to where they live, I am con - scious of having to be particularly careful not to inadvertently trespass on the authority not only of other parish priests but also of another bishop. In that respect it’,s even more important that people who consider this to be their faith com - munity register the fact so that they are not just coming to Mass here, but have made a commitment to the parish through their spiri - tual and social involvementand, hopefully, their financial and other support. These are then people who are in every way - apart from where they live –, active members of this parish and therefore I am not treading on any other priests’,(or bishop’,s) toes in terms of jurisdiction or authority.
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The Catholic Post. June 2022. Page 3. Promoting the Holy Rosary in the U.K. &, throughout the world to bring hope, comfort and peace to the marginalised, the oppressed and the imprisoned, enabling wounded hearts to find healing and shattered lives to find breath and space to renew. Supporting priests and chaplains in their ministry, outreach and welfare. Response from parish priests: “,The rosary cards that you sent me have had a tremendous effect on the devotion and prayer life of the parish.”, www.crownofthorns.org.uk email: office@crownofthorns.org.uk Phone: 01342 870472 Registered charity no: 1042751 Crown of Thorns Mission of Hope Boris Johnson sponsors a slate for St Mary’,s Yarmouth Invitation to join Marriage and Family Life celebration The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has signed one of the slates which will form part of the roof repair at St Mary’,s in Yarmouth. Brian Lafferty, Chair of the Finance Committee at St Mary’,s, had set the ball rolling when Brandon Lewis CBE, MP for Yarmouth, came to visit the church recently. The MP showed great interest in the work and Mr Lafferty asked him to sponsor a slate. “,I asked if he fancied getting Boris to sign one too,”, said Mr Lafferty. “,He said he would pay for it now and get the £,10 off Boris later. I had no reason to doubt him. “,Thanks to everyone who made this happen. Again, we have another little piece of history to attach to our wonderful church.”, Eldred Willey The PM’,s signature, written in permanent marker, will be displayed on the inside of the roof, along with hundreds of others. The slates will be going on in the next few weeks and the scaffolding coming down. Some 300 slates have now been sponsored at £,10 each to support the £,1.6 million roof repair project. Another £,1m worth of work still needs to be done. You can sponsor a slate or find out more on visit www.stmarysgy.org.uk. “,We still have 200 slates left to sell,”, said Mr Lafferty, “,Once they are gone, they are gone!”, Boris Johnson with the slate for St Mary’,s Again, we have another little piece of history to attach to our wonderful church Bishop Alan Hopes is inviting all married people in the Diocese of East Anglia to bring their families and celebrate at the annual Marriage and Family Life Mass on June 18 at 11.30am at St John’,s Cathedral in Norwich. Those who are celebrating significant anniversaries (one year, five years and every multiple of five years thereafter) will receive a certificate and a blessing from the Bishop, but all are welcome to attend. If you would like to register for a certificate please visit www.rcdea.org.uk/marriage-mass- registration/ Certificates will be posted after the Mass. There will be tea and cake provided in the Cathedral Narthex after the Mass. A collection will be taken at the Mass for those who wish to help the Marriage and Family Life Commission in their work. For more information contact Bonnie Lander Johnson on mflc.eastanglia@rcdea.org.uk. Keith Morris Those who are celebrating significant anniversaries (one year, five years and every multiple of five years thereafter) will receive a certificate and a blessing from the Bishop, but all are welcome to attend Homes for Statues, Rosary for Peace It was saddening recently to see a beautiful statue of Our Lady openly sold on a popular TV program to a salvage firm for resale into private hands, and we would like to remind all monasteries and parishes of our work in re- homing such items into parishes in need. This also applies to other church requisites and fixtures, good vestments, pascal candles, cassocks etc. Over the years we have placed many statues into new homes, including a life-size Our Lady of Lourdes for a rocky grotto to which some 15,000 pilgrims now flock for the feast of the Assumption, some pilgrims travelling a whole week on foot to be there. There are sad yet amusing stories surrounding some statues before we received them. One Sacred Heart was found by police ‘,loitering in a corridor’, and was handed in to us. Another statue of Our Lady was found on a tip and a distressed person alerted the police who rescued her and strapped her into the back seat of their car. They then got diverted to arrest a burglar... He too was picked up and put in the opposite rear seat. On arrival at the police station, the poor thief travelling with Our Lady was found to be shaking like a leaf... This brings me to mention our work with prisoners and those in mental institutions. For many, the gift of our rosary card sparks fond memories of cherished times and maybe a grandmother who taught them to pray. Moments of tears tumbling down cheeks, stories of life, joy and sadness, new commitments. May we urge all parishes to utilise the Holy Rosary as a means towards world peace, starting with peace of heart, and including every parish’,s hidden prayer-asset of the housebound and elderly. Please contact us for rosary cards where necessary. www.crownofthorns.org.uk
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Page 4. The Catholic Post. June 2022. Fait h f o r th e fu tu re It could be the most signifi,cant gift of your life. During Catholic Legacy Week, could you consider a gift in your Will to Catholic causes –, to pass on your faith? yourcatholiclegacy.org.uk/week Catholic Legacy Week 5-11 JUNE Photograph: Thom Flint/ CAFOD Leicester parish celebrates 100 years of faith Begun over a bakehouse, with a chalice bought from the proceeds of a raffle, St Edward`s in Aylestone, Leicester is a pilgrim church. Families have gathered here from many places around the world to worship over the past century. To this day most parishioners still live within walking distance. This lovely church was built in 1922 by the architect Clement Stretton. Pastored originally by the Dominican Community, it still has happy relations with Holy Cross Priory in Leicester city centre. Sunday, May 8, at midday, we saw the start of the centenary celebrations, the festival Mass celebrated by Bishop Patrick McKinney was followed by an International Buffet (all St Ed`s families can cook!) and A Hundred Years of Music! ICN Families have gathered here from many places around the world to worship over the past century Amongst other events, there will be: the Queen`s Jubilee High Tea (HRH is celebrating too!) which is on June 3, a stunning Centenary Flower Festival 9-11 June, which will be open to the public from 12 midday-3 pm, a Summer Fayre, June 25, and a pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Edward, Westminster Abbey, October 15. St Edward`s would love to welcome any old Edwardians, especially those who were baptised or married here and have moved on, and local or not-so-local people of all faiths who love the special atmosphere of this warm and friendly community. Sr Maria Juliana Happy and Glorious: A Musical Celebration for Her Majesty The Queen’,s Platinum Jubilee On Thursday 2nd June 2022, the Catholic Diocese of Nottingham are kickstarting the Queen’,s Platinum Jubilee weekend with a concert in her honour, at Nottingham Cathedral. At the invitation of Bishop Patrick McKinney, civic dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant Sir John Peace, will be in attendance and it promises to be a joyful musical celebration marking the extraordinary life and service of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Speaking ahead of the event, the bishop shared his delight ‘,that we can host this exciting concert at Nottingham Cathedral as a way of expressing our admiration for Queen Elizabeth in this her Platinum Jubilee Year.’, Conducted by Gregory Treloar, Director of Music for the Diocese of Nottingham, the concert features a selection of royal themed pieces, including Handel’,s ‘,Zadok the Priest’, and Mozart’,s ‘,Coronation Mass K.317.’, It will also include music by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry and a number of ‘,Last Night of the Proms’, favourites. The evening has a distinctly ecumenical flavour drawing together a number of local choirs: Nottingham Cathedral Choir, Derby Cathedral Choir, St Andrew’,s with Castle Gate Choir and Nottingham Cathedral Boys’, and Girls’, Choirs. It will also feature the award- winning Helix Ensemble, an orchestral group of musicians from across the East Midlands and Mr Alexander Binns, Director of Music at Derby Cathedral on the Organ. In the midst of preparations for the concert, Gregory commented, ‘,I am really excited to be joining forces with local churches and musicians in what promises to be a joyful event on a scale we haven’,t see at the Cathedral for quite some time, due to the pandemic. At a time of national celebration, it is great to be welcoming people from across the city, county and diocese to celebrate Her Majesty’,s remarkable life of service.’, Tickets start at £,8.00 and include a glass of wine/soft drink in the beautiful Cathedral gardens during the interval. Doors open at 630pm for a 7.00pm start. Visit www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events/jubilee to book. Diocese of Nottingham The concert features a selection of royal themed pieces What’,s your gift to the world? Catholic Legacy Week 5-11 June Imagine being at the first Pentecost. Think of the sound of the violent wind, the dramatic sight of the tongues of fire above each person…, On that day, the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the Church. It’,s a gift that has inspired faith through generations. And it’,s a gift that shapes our own life and actions, too. What does the gift of faith mean to you? Catholic Legacy Week starts on Pentecost Sunday (5 June), and during the week, Catholics like you are being asked to consider an important question: If the gift of faith matters, could you pass it on to future generations by remembering Catholic causes in your Will? When you leave a gift in your Will, your values live on. You pass your faith on into the future. And you keep making a difference, for generations to come. Thirty Catholic organisations have come together for Catholic Legacy Week, so you can give to the causes close to your heart. Of course, your loved ones come first when you make or amend your Will, but any gift to a Catholic organisation can have a significant impact. It’,s also very simple to include your chosen charity as a beneficiary in your Will. We’,ve received the gift of faith –, and it changes everything. A gift in your Will can pass on the gift of faith for future generations. If you would like to find out more visit yourcatholiclegacy.org.uk or call Lily on 020 7095 5370 If the gift of faith matters, could you pass it on to future generations by remembering Catholic causes in your Will?
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The Catholic Post. June 2022. Page 5. Justice and Peace in prison - an unhappy divorce ICN Justice means fair treatment and Peace, freedom from disturbance or war, agreement/harmony among people. However, justice is commonly understood to mean the implementation of laws and law institutions, such as police, courts, prisons and probation - that is, something systemic. So justice is seen and experienced as a legalistic process, rather than `fair treatment`. Prisons demonstrate the divorce of justice (fair treatment) and peace (freedom from disturbance/harmony). The reasons are self- evident: chronic disinvestment and Photo by Devon Wilson on Unsplash underfunding and corresponding institutional stagnation and dysfunctionality. Entering HMP Wandsworth is like being in an episode of the BBC sitcom `Porridge` without the laughs. Our Victorian prisons maintain a bleak Victorian culture, a time warp in which the prisoner is stripped of dignity and decency. Nothing is explained. You are left to cope as best you can, to stay well, to get enough to eat, to keep warm, to avoid violence, with no guidance or apparent care. It is dirty and insanitary and feels like being at the bottom of a well where the predominant feelings are of disorientation, abandonment and fear. It`s not Our Victorian prisons maintain a bleak Victorian culture, a time warp in which the prisoner is stripped of dignity and decency. surprising that self-harm and suicides are daily occurrences, since the prisoner realises very quickly that he has lost most human rights. Inside the `law` is that of the jungle, bullying, intimidation and abuse (and not merely from other prisoners). In prison you have choices. Since cells are unlocked for brief periods only you choose between getting a shower, or medication, walking in the yard or getting something to eat. These activities take place simultaneously so as not to place to great a strain on staffing resources. To the outside world this would seem barmy, however the outside world is unaware. Dysfunction in prisons leads to stupid things happening, things that are not logical, or defensible, however, a system that is short- staffed, ignorant and unaccountable, casually cruel, permits this nonsense. It feels surreal, an Alice-in-Wonderland world. More than fifty percent of inmates have mental or emotional health issues, however, prisons lack the resources to deal with them. The long- term effects of this situation on vulnerable prisoners (and incidentally on their families, friends and wider society) are grim, as are the further effects of the last two-year lockdown for Covid 19. The popular `Porridge` stereotype of the cheeky, cheery rogue is way off the mark, even if the Victorian ugliness of the cell block is not. What is so chilling is that, when the official statistics for violence, self-harm, suicides and unaccounted-for deaths are published, some two years in arrears, there appears to be no follow-up but just a general shrugging of shoulders. Remember, there are no votes in prisons. Remains of medieval church under threat SAVE Local conservation experts have uncovered the remains of the medieval parish church of St Olave`s amongst a complex of flint warehouses in Anglia Square, Norwich. SAVE Britain`s Heritage is supporting a listing application in light of the special significance of the site. Dedicated to the Norwegian King Olaf in 1030, St Olave`s church was originally built shortly after the death of the canonised king in 1030, on the corner of St Crispin`s Way and Pitt Street. Despite the loss of the church and churchyard which once dominated the site until the mid- 16th century, unusual coursed flintwork thought to be part of the church`s original retaining wall still survives. The discovery was made during a survey of the site by local conservation expert and Surveyor of the Fabric for the Norwich Historic Churches Trust Mark Wilson, following a tip off from researchers at the University of East Anglia. However, the church remains and the surviving streets and buildings around it are now threatened with demolition under controversial redevelopment plans for Anglia Square by developer Weston Homes. Under the plans submitted to Norwich City Council in April 2022, the entirety of Anglia Square would be cleared and rebuilt with 11 large residential blocks of up to eight-storeys high. As well as the loss of the remains of St Olave`s and nearby unlisted buildings, SAVE is concerned that the scale and massing of the proposed new blocks fail to respond to their historic surroundings. We consider that achieving an appropriate scale is critical to the success of this development within the city centre conservation area, and at a scale commensurate, not at odds with the surrounding predominantly much lower scale streets and neighbourhood. SAVE is due to submit comments on the planning application imminently. Evidence including historic maps and land title deeds unearthed in the listing research suggest that a church has existed on the site since the 10th century, with subsequent developments along Cherry Tree Yard enveloping the remains of the original church. With an Anglo-Scandinavian community known to have existed in this part of the city since the year 900, the listing application makes the case that the church remains are of high historic value ",as one of the rare surviving remains of an Anglo-Scandinavian Church in Norwich north of the River Wensum, an area identified as an early Anglo-Scandinavian enclosure in Norwich",. Located near Botolph Street and the present- day Surrey Chapel, the remains of St Olave`s also survived heavy bombing during the Second World War and the subsequent major redevelopment of Anglia Square in the 1960s which saw almost all the surrounding streets of terraced houses pubs and factories swept away. The warehouses which enclose the church remains, and a number of other nearby surviving historic buildings at the corner of St Crispin`s Way remain in use by a variety of local enterprises, including a film studio and the Men`s Shed, a charity supporting craftwork and skills in the local community. SAVE Britain`s Heritage has now written to the government`s heritage advisor Historic England to support the listing application for the medieval remains, a discovery of the highest heritage significance. The discovery was made during a survey of the site by local conservation expert and Surveyor Barn and wall believed to include Medieval remains of St Olave`s. Image: Mark Wilson Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain`s Heritage said: ",It`s extraordinary that the medieval remains of St Olave`s appear to have survived not just Second World War bomb damage but the 1960s redevelopment of Anglia Square as well. We strongly support the listing of this site, and highlighted the importance of these historic buildings along Pitt Street at the public inquiry. We believe these buildings could be successfully incorporated into any development at Anglia Square - and must not be demolished.", Marcus Binney, executive president of SAVE Britain`s Heritage, said: ",Norwich is increasingly recognised as one of the best surviving cathedrals cities in England and demolition of historic buildings in the central conservation area is unacceptable and unnecessary.",
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Page 6. The Catholic Post. June 2022. Appointment of Westminster Cathedral Architect CBCEW The Cathedral is delighted to announce that Suzi Pendlebury has been appointed as Cathedral Architect, succeeding Michael Drury after his 25 years in the role. She is a highly experienced conservation architect with the firm Caroe Architecture, having worked on a number of high profile repair projects including the major re-roofing of the dome at Ickworth House which is in the care of the National Trust. She is also Architect to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich and has been overseeing grant-aided repairs at a number of Catholic churches in the diocese of East Anglia, notably the fine Victorian church of St Mary, Great Yarmouth. Announcing the appointment, Fr Witoń, said: ‘,We are delighted to have Suzi joining our team at the Cathedral. Her knowledge and experience of repairing important historic buildings will be a great asset to us as we embark on new phases of repair’,. Suzi grew up in Kent, initially captivated by Augustus Pugin’,s church of St Augustine in Ramsgate, and went on to study not only further buildings by him but also those of the great ecclesiastical architects of the 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside the main architectural curriculum. She has worked across a range of sectors in sensitive environments and, following an award- winning refurbishment of the 1927 housing for working women in Hampstead Garden suburb, moved to work with Purcell Miller Tritton. There she focussed on works of conservation, repair and sensitive adaption including projects for English Heritage, the Royal Parks and the Palace of Westminster. In 2012, she joined Oliver Caroe, working as his deputy at St Paul’,s Cathedral and assisting with other buildings in the firm’,s portfolio, such as Ripon Cathedral and York Minster, along with her own appointment for George Gilbert Scott Jnr’,s Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich. She notes: ‘,I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Westminster Cathedral Architect. Through all my work I enjoy conserving, repairing and keeping our built heritage thriving through careful interventions. Working not only with churches and cathedrals but with other buildings of high significance, I have built a broad understanding of the ever-changing challenges and opportunities that face these places, as they continue to serve us as our needs and expectations evolve through time. The work of the St Anne’,s Gate Practice hitherto has brought the Cathedral to a turning point where it is now possible to fully develop and realise a plan for the future, serving as the Mother Church for our faith in England and Wales. It is a great honour to be able to serve Fr Witoń, and the team caring for the Cathedral and its complex of ancillary buildings, conserving their past and ensuring their future’,. ‘,We are delighted to have Suzi joining our team at the Cathedral. Her knowledge and experience of repairing important historic buildings will be a great asset to us as we embark on new phases of repair’, Suzi Pendlebury On hearing of his appointment, Archbishop- elect O’,Toole said: “,I am grateful and humbled by the trust that the Holy Father has placed in me. I face the task ahead both with excitement and a certain trepidation, conscious of my own weaknesses. Throughout my life I have learnt to trust the Lord’,s will more deeply, and in these days of Eastertide especially, I have taken much comfort from Jesus’, words to His first Apostles, “,Do not be afraid. I go before you…,”, It is with this deep sense that the Lord goes before all of us in this new mission, that I fully embrace this new calling in my life. “,I express my heartfelt gratitude to all in the Diocese of Plymouth. You have taught me what it is to be a bishop. I will leave with many happy memories, and with sadness, too, in saying farewell to good friends. Thank you for the love you have shown me these past eight years. It strengthens me as I face this new opportunity, and I am sure you will be praying for me. “,I know, too, that I can count on the cooperation and prayer of the Priests, Deacons, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Diocese of Menevia. I look forward to meeting you all and, in time, to us getting to know one another. I am delighted that Archbishop George will be staying in the area, and I know I can count on his support and wise advice. I look forward to working with fellow Christians, with people of other faiths, and with all people of goodwill, for the good of all in our local communities. “,Wales and Herefordshire are new territory for me, having only visited for holidays and retreats. I am struck by the rich history and dramatic geography of the two dioceses, with their vibrant multicultural cities, rural valleys, and beautiful coastlines, their agrarian and modern technological innovation and diversity. I am grateful for the roots we share in our rich Celtic culture. I hope it gives us a certain fellow-feeling for one another. I know what it means to be uprooted, to make a home in a new and different land, and it will be good to get to know our migrant brothers and sisters. I look forward, too, to steeping myself in the historical reality and diverse experience of the two Dioceses, as we work more closely together. I recognise that this will take time. As one of our Welsh sayings puts it, “,Rhaid cropian cyn cerdded (You must crawl before walking).”, “,I have much to learn and I know I can count on your patience and understanding. I ask especially for your prayers. When I first became bishop, I chose the motto, ‘,Into your hands, Lord’,. It is a prayer I have had cause to make many times in recent days. It is a prayer that I ask us all in Cardiff and Menevia, to make together today, and in the weeks and months ahead. For it is in the Lord, as His missionary disciples, that we find our deepest identity. It is for Him that we set out afresh, to deepen our love of Him, and to bring others to Him. I commend myself, and all of us, to Mary, Immaculately Conceived, that she light the way for us to Her Son, we seek also, the intercession of St Joseph, St David, and all our local patron Saints, in making this new pilgrimage together.”, Archbishop George Stack said: “,I warmly welcome the appointment of Archbishop–,elect Mark O’,Toole to the 8th Archbishop of Cardiff and the 4th Bishop of Menevia ‘,in persona Episcopi’,. This provision has been made by the Holy See maintaining the identity, juridical reality, history and pastoral life of each diocese.“, Archbishop-elect Mark will bring great gifts to this new ministry. The peoples of each diocese will be blessed by his experience as Bishop of Plymouth. His pastoral, theological and administrative skills will be of enormous benefit to us all. His national work as Chair of the Department of Evangelisation and Discipleship for the Bishops’, Conference of England and Wales has been recognised by the Holy See in his membership of the International Council for Catechesis. His Celtic heritage will resonate with the Catholic faithful in Wales and in the wider community of his new home. Ad Multos Annos!”, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’, Conference said:“,Today’,s news of the appointment of Bishop Mark O’,Toole as Metropolitan Archbishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia, in persona Episcopi, is most welcome. I offer Bishop Mark my fullest support and fervent prayers as he prepares to take on this new role. I am sure that the Catholic community throughout Wales will welcome him warmly, as will leaders of other churches there and those of civic society. St David and all saints of Wales, pray for him.”, Continued from page 1 However, the SVP welcomes the inclusion of the Renters Reform Bill and Social Housing Regulation Bill, both of which should reinforce renters` rights in a market which has moved the option of a house purchase out of the reach of millions. SVP National President Helen O`Shea says: ",Every day our members working in communities and our staff in our St Vincent`s centres and shops across England and Wales see the effects of the cost of living crisis on families and individuals. We see the agonising dilemma of heat versus food, and we witness the effect this has on families, children and vulnerable people. ",Food banks are carrying out heroic work to support struggling people. Through their compassion and kindness, our members are working tirelessly to help those facing poverty in all its various guises, but it is only through legislation built on equality, fairness and inclusion which will provide long-term solutions to the current squeeze on household incomes.", She continues: ",Until the government addresses the reality of the cost of living crisis for millions struggling to cope financially and mentally, the number of people falling into the vicious circle of poverty will continue to rise.", Pope Francis appoints Bishop Mark O’,Toole as new Archbishop of Cardi ff, Continued from page 1
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The Catholic Post. June 2022. Page 7. Bishops issue statements on migration The Bishops` Conference of England and Wales held their plenary meeting in Cardiff from 2 - 6 May 2022. The was the first full plenary meeting in Wales since November 2004. At the end of their meeting the Bishops issued statements on migration and on the return to Mass after the pandemic. Other issues discussed were the food crisis and cost of living, the Synodal process, the forthcoming tour of the relics of St Bernadette and the environment. There were also reports on the work of Stella Maris and Missio. During an online press conference, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: ",This was the first opportunity we`ve had in a while to discuss the migrant issue.", He pointed out that there was a ",mismatch", between the generosity shown by the British public in response to the scheme for families to take in Ukrainian refugees - and the slowness with which visa applications are being processed. Afghan refugees are still being kept in hotels, he pointed out. The upcoming Nationalities and Borders Bill could lead to migrants being deported. The Cardinal said: ",We support a concerted effort against human trafficking, but lets not punish their victims... Those seeking refuge in the UK should be provided with safe routes for travelling, have the opportunity to tell their story, be listened to and have their cases assessed justly. We keep in mind that there is no illegal asylum seeker, to claim asylum is a human right.", Those seeking refuge in the UK should be provided with safe routes for travelling, have the opportunity to tell their story, be listened to and have their cases assessed justly. We keep in mind that there is no illegal asylum seeker, to claim asylum is a human right.", CBCEW This was the first opportunity we`ve had in a while to discuss the migrant issue King`s Lynn celebrates a foundation and a prophecy Our Lady of the Annunciation in King`s Lynn is soon to mark the 125th anniversary of its foundation and of the restoration of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Bishop Alan Hopes will be celebrating a Mass in King`s Lynn at 12 noon on Friday June 10 to mark the historic anniversary. The year 1897 was when Pope Leo XIII made a prophecy concerning Our Lady`s Shrine, which was initially restored in King`s Lynn and then moved to Walsingham. As Pope Leo signed the rescript for the Restoration of Our Lady`s Shrine he said, “,When England goes back to Walsingham, Our Lady will come back to England.", A newsletter from the Shrine in Walsingham comments on the significance of his words: ",The presence of Our Lady of Walsingham invites us all to meditate on the missionary role of Our Lady of Walsingham for the re- evangelisation and conversion of England. “,Catholic England is yet to truly awaken to this call. Many thousands during the Dowry Tour of Our Lady of Walsingham greeted Our Blessed Mother of Walsingham in the various English Catholic Cathedrals, and hundreds of thousands have gone on pilgrimage to her hallowed Shrine in Walsingham. What remains is for all Catholics of all parishes in England, Mary`s Dowry to acknowledge her and the great calling upon them as Catholics of England, Mary`s Dowry. ",For it is only when Catholics awaken and become holy that we can hope for the conversion of the entire Realm.", The Slipper Chapel Diocese of East Anglia When England goes back to Walsingham, Our Lady will come back to England Catholic Post correspondent Frank Goulding admitted he was shocked to be invited to Windsor Castle to receive the Maundy Gifts on Maundy Thursday. The distribution took place during The Royal Maundy service in St Georges Chapel by HRH Prince Charles on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales was accompanied by The Duchess of Cornwall. Frank was accompanied by his niece Georgina from Warrington. One man and one woman for each year of the monarchs age was chosen to receive the two purses one red and one white. This year the Red Purse contained A £,5 coin and 50p coin portraying the Queen’,s Platinum Jubilee. Both coins where minted in 2022. The White Purse contained uniquely minted Maundy Money which also equals the number of years of the Monarch’,s age. The Royal Newark parishioner receives Maundy Money Catholic Post correspondent ‘,shocked’, to be invited to Windsor Castle to receive the Maundy Gifts on Maundy Thursday Maundy can be traced back in England with certainty to the thirteenth century and Maundy Money started with an updated issue of hammered coinage in 1662, The service derives its name from the Latin word “,Mandatum”, meaning a commandment and its opening words are Jesus said, ‘, I give you a new commandment.”, Couples celebrate over 5,000 years of marriage Diocese of Westminster Westminster Cathedral welcomed more than 430 couples for the annual Mass in thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony on Saturday 14th May, celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols. The couples came from 144 parishes, representing all 22 deaneries. Together they celebrate over 5,000 years of marriage. In his words of welcome, Cardinal Vincent said: ",Marriage is a mosaic that you build with your spouse: it is as diverse as the smalti, and can shimmer, like them, catching the eye of the world. Just as there are millions of mosaic pieces in this cathedral, there are millions of stories, events and tiny moments that go into creating married love.", During the Mass the couples renewed their marriage vows and were blessed by the Cardinal. Thirty-five couples were celebrating at least 60 years of marriage, with a further 74 celebrating 50 years together. Deacon Roger Carr-Jones, Marriage and Family Life Coordinator, spoke about the witness of these couples: ",Each couple who joined us in the cathedral are heralds of married love, a beautiful and demanding vocation, each of which tells a unique story. Through them, the good news of married love and the quietly lived out vocation of that love, will gleam, glisten and sparkle. Now that is something to celebrate.", During the Mass the couples renewed their marriage vows and were blessed by Cardinal Vincent Nichols
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For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org Page 8. The Catholic Post. June 2022. YOUR PEST, OUR PROBLEM. Letters to the Editor All correspondence to Letters to the Editor to be sent by post to CathCom Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN or via e-mail to johnclwson@icloud.com and must give a contact name and place of residence. Anonymous correspondence will not be considered for publication. Please support our Advertisers Dear Editor, Ten years ago (it seems longer), the Archdiocese of Birmingham’,s web-site published a “,Discussion paper for Parishes following the Lent 2012 Pastoral Letter on future planning”, (such planning being occasioned by diminishing and ageing priests). The Archdiocese has a surely-unsurpassed talent for armour-plated serenity, fostering an illusion that the present is good and that the future is bright, but the Discussion paper contained a seemingly-very-rare acknowledgement to the contrary. A section entitled “,Ongoing evangelisation - a cause for hope”, stated that “,...the norm for many Catholics”, [is] `I know what I believe, but I don`t want to talk about it, and if pushed, I`m not sure I`d be confident about what I believe`.”, When the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation was launched in 2010, its President, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, said that missionary activity in modern societies required a systematic effort against the lack of awareness of the basic contents of the faith among many Catholics (“,The Catholic Herald,”, 15th October 2010, p.1). He said also (ibid.) that “,We need to avoid, above all, that ‘,new evangelisation’, comes across like an abstract formula”, (which it does). The Birmingham Discussion paper suggested that parishes might arrange for talks to be given on aspects of the faith [and perhaps –, surely not an unreasonable extension –, of the Church itself]. My enquiries indicated a lack of interest among priests, some of whom blamed a lack of interest among the laity. A significant cause of lay apathy is probably prevalence of tedious, trite sermons and non-denominational ‘,wool’,. The error that each version of religion is a valid option is left unopposed, and no conclusions about belief can safely be drawn from description as a ‘,Catholic’,. On the rare occasions when the prescribed readings at Mass mention a subject on which Church doctrine is (at least ‘,on paper’,) opposed to widespread belief and practice, the following sermon ignores it and focuses on something non-contentious. Vatican II’,s “,Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity”, (paragraph 31) said that Catholics should “,learn doctrine more diligently, especially those main points which are the subjects of controversy.”, If we don’,t know the truth, we can’,t advocate or defend it. Were people to be asked, I wonder which ignored subjects they would want to be raised either in sermons at week-end Mass or in separate talks. Anthony Hofler, Wolverhampton . Dear Editor At the weekend Mass I noticed a batch of Catholic Post papers suddenly appear at the back of our parish church - St Joseph`s, Blaydon, Tyne and Wear - and they`re free! I took one and very much enjoyed the varied and interesting articles inside. Some very interesting readers` letters were published too. I see the April edition is Edition 4, so presumably this publication started in January this year. I certainly hope this new monthly paper continues as I imagine it`s a very welcome addition for the Catholic communities across the country. John Mair, Blaydon, Tyne and Wear Dear Editor Many of us are very disturbed by the war in Ukraine and I have had so many conversations with people about their fears of a very uncertain future. When I was growing up in Poland, I heard so many stories from my grandmother about the time of the ",liberation", of Poland in 1945 by the Red Army when she was a young girl at the end of WWII. The stories were about her fears, rapes on young girls and her escaping by hiding `in a basement full of rats, or running when the soldiers` attention was caught by food. My grandmother had to choose between her fear of the retreating Germans and the possibilities of being killed if she did not follow their instructions and her fear of the Red Army and what they might do with her. This morning, I have been on FaceTime with my grandmother in Poland, to ask her permission to share some of her stories because when I watch the news I hear similar stories once again!! In 2022! Grandma has confirmed that she feels she was extremely lucky as she was never raped but she did not want me to give any details to identify her, as ",they could get to her",…, She is 92 now and I am feeling rage that because not only she fears again but that so many innocent people in Ukraine are going through the same in the 21st century. So, here at St John of God Hospitaller Services, we have been developing a response to support the victims of the war! Luckily, we are part of the great network of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God. The Order in Poland is not only involved in helping those who flee to seek safety in Poland but also we have three Brothers in Ukraine that are directly supporting the local community (followed my grandma`s advice, I am not going to share the details of their service in Ukraine, so as not to put them at higher risk than they are already). However, I am in a regular contact with the Polish Provincial Brother Franciszek who provided a list of items needed. As he said: ",the need is for yesterday!", We are launching our first part of the response. Please see the link http://sjog4ukraine.uk/ Please get involved by donating items, money or food! And share the link within your networks via emails, social media etc. Pawel Zabielski, Darlington Dear Editor Last year, abortion campaigners brought forward an amendment to the UK Government’,s flagship Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that would have introduced abortion on demand, for any reason, up to birth (including sex-selective abortion). Thanks to the support from people, this amendment did not go to a vote and pass, but we at Right to Life expect the abortion lobby to make another attempt to introduce this extreme abortion law change shortly. This would be the single biggest change to abortion legislation since 1967 and would leave England and Wales with one of the most extreme abortion laws in the world. Please ask your readers to sign the petition to Boris Johnson on the Right to Life website at www.righttolife.org.uk asking him to ensure that his Government does everything in its power to stop the introduction of abortion up to birth. Molly Burton Dear Editor I had to write to say what a wonderful article ",A CAR WASH FOR THE SOUL", by Fr Neil McNicholas was/is. I shall keep this and refer to it often. Mr A Green, Woolton Dear Editor I hope you can give us some publicity for the first time, parishioners in Melton Mowbray are opening their gardens and inviting guests to visit, look round, enjoy some refreshments and browse plants and garden items for sale. There will be seven gardens open, including the church and the convent, and admission is just £,5 to get in them all, with accompanied children under 16 free. All proceeds from the day will go to Friends of St John`s Church, to help with the ongoing restoration and development of the church. For tickets, a list of the open gardens and a location map please contact Frances at franceslevett@gmail.com or 07790 631635. You can book in advance, or pay on the day at any of the gardens. Frances Levett, Melton Mowbray
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The Catholic Post. June 2022. Page 9. This new publishing company is providing books on Franciscan theology and spirituality, continuing the tradition of the charism in the UK. Promotion Code: Francis10 Please visit : www.franciscanpublishing.com God Is Not A Man In The Sky Lizzy Peck has written the book we have all been waiting for. Those of us who have to do with the education of the young have heard all too often from them that religion... has been disproved by ‘,science’,. This is simply not the case, indeed Christianity, and especially Catholicism has played an immensely important role in the development of science, it was, of course, a Catholic priest who first drew our attention to the ‘,Big Bang’,, and the Church has always been in the forefront of scientific achievement, Galileo or not. This is a marvellous book, admirably directed at quite young children, with a really intelligent commentary for their long-suffering parents and teachers... it should be widely read by those who care about this extraordinary ‘,disconnect’, in our society between science and religion. Fr Nicholas King SJ, Campion Hall, Oxford. FRANK GOULDING f Join Optima Care as a Support worker and become part of a fantastic team! We have services in London and in Kent (Deal/Eastry). We support people with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health. Whether you are an experienced support worker or looking for a career change we would love to hear from you! Full time and Part time contracts available –, all shifts are 12 hours. Both day and night shifts available. With the Support Worker rate of pay ranging from £,9.50 - £,9.85, Optima Care can offer a rewarding career along with the following benefits: o Enhanced overtime payments o Early pay for hourly paid staff o Training opportunities and the ability to progress o Employee Assistance Program All Optima Care Employees are entitled to register for the Blue Light Card registration fees are reimbursed by Optima Care. Apply today and join our fantastic team! Contact us by: Email: recruitment@optimacare.co.uk danielle.garside@optimacare.co.uk Phone: 07483114844 or 01843 822 508 and select the HR option For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org What can parishes provide for people who are Deaf? Image courtesy Caritas Deaf Service Michelle Roca, Director of Caritas Deaf Service writes for Deaf Awareness Week: “,There are no Deaf people in my Diocese", - a response that I got from a Diocesan deacon when I asked him about provision for Deaf people in his area. I was on a pilgrimage to Lourdes some years ago and that response has stuck with me. Of course, his response was utter rubbish, there are definitely Deaf people in his Diocese (which for the purpose of this article should probably remain nameless!) There are Deaf people in every Diocese, there are Deaf people in all walks of life and if we do not see Deaf people in our parishes and Dioceses, then it is us that needs to change and make sure that our places of worship are welcoming and accessible to Deaf people. Last week, a huge milestone was reached, British Sign Language (BSL) was given legal recognition as an official language in the UK. This is 19 years after BSL was first accepted to be a real language. Change can be slow to happen, but more people are beginning to see Deaf BSL users and interpreters as part of everyday life. The main response from the Deaf people in Westminster Diocese, who took part in the recent Synod discussions, was the need for more interpreters so that Mass and the life of the church is accessible to them. Deaf Catholics want to practice their faith, contribute to their parish and be fully part of Catholic Church. Deaf people have a huge amount to offer the wider Catholic Community and we all have a great deal we can learn from the Deaf people. Whether it is about our faith or about other For the first 25 years of my life I was fairly familiar with some of the many fine churches in what was then South West Lancashire. Two such outstanding places of worship were dedicated to the Mother of God and thus St Mary’,s, Wigan and St Mary’,s, Warrington are both adjacent to the town centre’,s of their respective towns. When I moved to the East Midlands I was fortunate to be taken to visit the church of St Mary the Virgin in Bottesford which is tucked away in the far north-east corner of Leicestershire on the edge of the Vale of Belvoir. The church dates back to the time of William the Conqueror although the present fine structure is detailed about 120 years later. A number of special features include the tombs of six Knights of the Garter amongst others covering a large part of English history. The Lancashire churches date from much more recent times and like many others they were constructed when Roman Catholics had their freedom restored. I am not sure how many churches are dedicated to Saint Mary but these 3 beautiful examples surely indicate the importance of the Mother of God to all our parish communities over many years. At a period when the news from Ukraine is so tragic with many families facing tragedy (not least mothers) the news from Westminster in the closing days of April was particularly difficult to grasp. A week of allegations on the behaviour of a small number of MP’,s escalated to two of them resigning and much concern about the safety of women MP’,s who form around 35% of the House of Commons. During my life I have heard much about the role of women in the Church. My own mother was an Anglican Sunday School teacher who converted to the Catholic Faith in 1937. Like so many others from a working class background (her own mother was a labourer in the local colliery) she chose to serve the church and assisted both the Anglican Vicar and then the Catholic priests with equal enthusiasm. At her Requiem in 1986 there were many Anglicans present. There are many more who were driven by their personal faith and local parish communities have been so much the better for it. Earlier this year I wrote about the previous visit to our country of the relics of Saint Therese and a similar tour later this year when we will be honouring Saint Bernadette. Some of our parliamentary representatives would do well to study their lives. They might also reflect on the life of Saint Catherine of Siena whose feast day co-incided with those difficult and, at times, sad examples of how not to govern our country. The Church calendar this year has the feast of Pentecost co-inciding with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen. In this most difficult year I hope readers can not only celebrate but also remember the immense bravery of the apostles that the Holy Spirit filled them with. Mary the mother of Jesus was also present. Driven by their personal faith and local parish, communities have been so much the better for it. I have heard much about the role of women in the Church ICN skills, like learning to adapt quickly, problem solving and educating others, issues that Deaf people deal with every day - we can learn a huge amount, if we are open and welcoming to Deaf people. There are many skilled Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people throughout every Diocese. Maybe amongst those people is someone who can help you in your parish? Imagine you are looking for someone to help with the parish online newsletter. When you announce at Mass you are looking for someone to help, you don`t have an interpreter present, the request is not included in the written newsletter and the hearing loop is not switched on. In those circumstances, approximately 1 in 6 people within your congregation will not know you have made that request. The same could be true if you are looking for someone to drive the minibus (and yes before anyone queries this, Deaf people can drive!). There are many roles in the parish that Deaf or hard of hearing people could volunteer for, if you make your request accessible. So what can you do in your parish? ·, Make sure that your hearing loop is working and that everyone who speaks uses the microphone. Having a loud voice is not substitute for an effective hearing loop. When using the microphone, keep your head still, if you move your head from side to side, when speaking using a fixed microphone, those relying on the hearing loop will only hear part of what you say. ·, Provide a printed copy of all the announcements and the homily too. If your parish priest does not write his homily beforehand, maybe someone in your congregation knows shorthand and could provide any Deaf or hard of hearing people with a transcript? ·, Make sure there is good lighting so that anyone who is lipreading can clearly see people`s faces. Lights should not be behind people`s heads as this creates a shadow, make sure the light is on the face of the person speaking or reading. ·, Have a BSL interpreter at Mass, BSL is a beautiful language to pray and worship in. An interpreter at Mass means Deaf people can be part of the Mass. Have a Deaf person sign a reading or the bidding prayers (interpreters change BSL into English as well as English into BSL!) Many hearing people find having signing at Mass enhances their experience. Children at Mass love to learn their prayers in sign language. Deaf people in your parish will be happy to share their language with you all. As many have experienced from the recent Synodal process, listening to others has a positive and humbling effect, and strengthens people`s faith. This Deaf Awareness week therefore, be open to listening to the Deaf and hard of hearing people in your parish or Diocese and invite them to help you shape your plans for the future. Shell Roca A huge milestone was reached, British Sign Language (BSL) was given legal recognition as an official language in the UK
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Page 10. The Catholic Post. June 2022. Book Reviews Book Reviews EATING DISORDERS By Julie Je ff, s ISBN NO:9780852315224 £,3.95 Psychotherapist Julie Jeffs specialises in working with people with eating disorders. Her insight, experi - ence and practical suggestions help the helpers to give sup - port and encourage - ment in difficult situations. CHILDHOOD BULLYING By Daniel Kearney ISBN NO:9780852315064 £,3.95 How do you help the bullied and the bully - ing child to see things differently and to grow towards self- confident adulthood? Retired headteacher Daniel Kearney draws on his many years of practical experience in a book which will help parents and pastoral care workers to deal with some very difficult situations in the class - room and online. The Self-Care Squad Journal Amy Claire Veritas: €,16.99 www.veritasbooksonline Although it was very obvious before, the pandemic has thrown into sharp focus the necessity to view the maintenance and growth of mental health as an active process. We are all probably more knowledgeable about and aware of the ways in which we can take action for the benefi t of our physical health and this book helps support young people to view mental health in exactly the same way: something that needs attention and time. The book is beautifully presented and designed. Although marketed at teens and pre-teens (as the blurb on the back rightly states) anyone could enjoy and benefi t from gradually making it a treasured possession. The techniques on offer (including mindfulness, gratitude-journaling, goal-setting, affi rmations) can no longer be dismissed as faddy or lacking in substance. This is all stuff that has a fi rm evidence base in the growing fi eld of positive psychology. This is the area of psychology that focuses not on the pathology of when things go wrong, but instead researches the conditions needed for human thriving: shifting focus away from worries, wants or comparison with others to what we have to be grateful for, having a purpose and sense of working towards something bigger than ourselves (this may or may not be faith- based), the ability to live in the present moment rather than wasting time on regrets from the past or anxieties about the future, being kind and of service to others. Just like we need to train our bodies if we want to make them stronger and more resilient, our minds need to be trained to counteract an inbuilt human tendency to skip over the good and focus on the bad. The good news is that our young people are becoming increasingly conversant in the language of emotional well- being and mental health and are undoubtedly already several steps ahead of older generations. I would recommend this book as a beautiful resource to support anyone’,s journey and as a stimulus to fi nding out more about the research that lies behind the techniques on offer. Catherine Mallard Headteacher: St Begh’,s Catholic Junior School, Whitehaven. About the Author: Amy Claire is a career and mindset coach at The Coaching Programme. She has a BA in industrial design and business, and a diploma in executive coaching and stress management. Amy is the author of The 3-Minute Gratitude Journal, Coaching through Covid and Beyond, and The Ultimate Coaches Companion Toolkit. Available from: https://www.veritasbooksonline. com/self- care-squadjournal-9781847309860-46350/ Reclaiming the Common Good: How Christians Can Help Re-build Our Broken World A Collection of Essays Collated and Edited by Virginia Mo ff, att, Sabine Dramm ISBN 0 780232 533156. £,12.99 As a reader who has rarely found a collection of essays as rewarding as first anticipated, and who has learned to be satisfied with the occasional gem therein, this one reads like a book and an engaging one at that. I would almost go as far as describing it as compelling, but would have to declare a personal bias as a fully paid up member of the Christian Church with a commitment to social justice and action. What that declaration offers me however, is a view, informed by study and action, that allows me to judge the authenticity of each essay and its contribution to reaching its stated wish to: ‘,inform, challenge and inspire readers, so that together we can reclaim the common good for a better today and brighter tomorrow.’, There are two basic assumptions sitting within the title that are worth exploring. The fi rst, the need to re-claim, implies that the common good has been lost, or at least endangered. The second is that the Christian community has a role to play in its rediscovery. Both of these questions are acknowledged and explored from a variety of perspectives by Christian thinkers from a range of disciplines starting with a blunt assessment of the reality of life at the present time which, in the words of Patrick O’,Riordan SJ in his essay, “,The History and principles of the Common Good”,, is characterised by ‘,diversity, plurality, disagreement and confl ict’,. The author offers a concise trawl through the stages of the historical thinking from Aristotle, through Mediaeval Christianity, the challenge of the Enlightenment to Catholic Social thought with an emphasis on Vatican II from which Gaudium et Spes stated “,The common good embraces the sum total of all those conditions of social life which enables individuals, families, and organisations to achieve complete and effective fulfi lment.”, John Moffatt SJ goes on to explore how the post war consensus that brought us the welfare state in all its manifestations may well have been little more than a relatively short lived phenomenon that barely made it to the end of the seventies - the era that saw the dawn of the age of entrepreneurship in a land of economic opportunity. Human collateral damage was a price to pay as “,We became our consumer-selves looking to the government to guarantee quality goods, on the shelves at a reasonable price.”, The free market philosophy of Adam Smith became the driving infl uence. Moffatt skilfully describes how we have all been drawn into complicity with the double standards of wanting the “,well stocked supermarket shelves but do not want the Eastern European fruit pickers”,. (Personal confession: I recently bought a theological book from Amazon –, the company owned by the richest man on the planet who does not pay the living wage. It was cheap, convenient and quick.) Various contributions describe how the state has been rolled back and no longer provides critical services following the rush to privatisation. ‘,Trickle down economics’, simply doesn’,t work, poverty increases, inequality widens, government is shrunk but has become more centralised and controlling. Austerity has had disastrous consequences for the most vulnerable while, paradoxically, failing to meet its objective of decreasing the deficit. All this “,did not happen by mistake”, as Virginia Moffatt observes placing the blame securely on the transatlantic Thatcher –, Reagan alliance and its insistence on public services being run according to the principles of laissez faire economics. Successive governments have embraced the idea and, inadvertently or otherwise, have created the conditions in which the exploitative rich get richer and the poor get poorer. While the range of contributions extends to the critical areas of stewardship of our environment and the desperate need for peace, both of which take the same arguments on to the global stage, the collection’,s strength lies in its consideration of the common good within our own national boundaries. The challenge to the (wider) Christian Church, which has never been far away from promoting the common good, is eloquently and carefully considered by Simon Woodman who offers an insightful way forward by engaging in an exploration of Revelation and a recovery of the notion of the New Jerusalem. Starting with the question “,What on earth are we here for?”, he is quite unequivocal that the Church does not exist for itself but to proclaim the good news to the those who need to hear it most and, critically, it must seek allies in those many people “,of goodwill”, who are similarly committed to the common good. He recalls the infl uence of Archbishop William Temple in the establishment of the welfare state, the work of Methodism Missions in transforming our poorest Victorian inner city areas and the infl uence of Catholic Social Teaching’,s principle of ‘,subsidiarity’, on the founding principles of the European Union. In a very real sense this book could well be read as a critique of the ‘,Church’,, however we perceive it. Nothing less than a collective recovery of the prophetic vision of mercy and justice that is evidenced right through the Old Testament and exemplifi ed in the prophet Micah’,s exhortation: “,To act justly, and to love mercifully and to walk humbly with your God”, will do. In Woodman’,s view: “,The Church is called to look beyond itself, to take into action the conviction that in Christ every life matters, and that Christ always has a bias to the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised…,the people of God are where dreams become real and visions get built…,they are the people who live into being the reality for which they pray, that the Kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. This is a book that deserves a wider audience than may at fi rst be attracted by the title. It is as much about ecclesiology as it is about social activism. I recommend it, but only from a reputable supplier who pays the living wage. I am now ‘,informed, challenged and inspired.’, The Pastoral Outreach Series are available from www.rpbooks.co.uk
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The Catholic Post. June 2022. Page 11. The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will be invited to welcome an historic Declaration of Friendship with the Catholic Church in Scotland that offers `a decisive and irrevocable statement of our friendship with one another, based on our shared faith in Christ.` The culmination of more than 100 years of ecumenical relationship building between the two Churches, the Declaration of Friendship will be presented to the General Assembly on Monday 23 May. It has already been approved by the Bishops Conference of the Catholic Church in Scotland. The declaration speaks of the shared faith and common ground that unites the Churches, saying: “,We recognise each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, and we wish to express our friendship and respect for one another as fellow Christians, citizens and partners in announcing the kingdom of God in our land. “,Since the World Missionary Conference (Edinburgh, 1910), and the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) much has been done ecumenically to repair what was broken and to restore mutual respect and friendship. SCMO/Church of Scotland Lord Wallace and Most Reverend Leo Cushley “,A great deal has been achieved spiritually, practically and affectively, through joint prayer among our parishes, various joint commissions, and the growing knowledge and appreciation of each other as Christian friends and fellow pilgrims.", Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop and Metropolitan of St Andrews and Edinburgh, said: “,Returning to live in Scotland after many years abroad, I was soon struck by how far the people of the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland have come along the path of friendship in these last decades. We have now spent forty years working diligently to respect and understand each other, what we have in common, what still divides us. In the meantime, through prayer together and social action, we have also become friends, and have grown to appreciate each other as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I believe this is something to acknowledge and to celebrate. My brother bishops and I welcome this declaration, and we hope that it will likewise be welcomed by our Catholic brothers and sisters throughout the We have now spent forty years working diligently to respect and understand each other www.st-paulshigh.net Year 7 pupils from Saint Paul’,s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester took part in a competition to design a flag for Antarctica. The winning flag was then taken to Antarctica as part of a project with Antarctic scientists. The aim of this initiative is to inspire new generations about the Antarctic and Antarctica Day. Mrs Helen Allsopp-Medley, Head of Geography at Saint Paul’,s, explained: “,Following a Geography lesson about Antarctica, the pupils were asked to design a flag for the Antarctic –, as it does not have its own –, based on what they have learnt. The wonderfully colourful flags were then sent off to the Antarctica team and entered into a competition. The winning flag, which was designed and created by Year 7 Saint Paul`s pupil, Esther, was taken to Antarctica by the expedition scientists who have sent us some photos. We are very proud of Esther and delighted to see her design in Antarctica.”, On December 1st 1959, 12 nations signed the Antarctic Treaty, a document declaring that Antarctica would be off limits to military activity and setting it aside as a place for peace and scientific discoveries. As of 2010, December 1st has been celebrated each year to mark this milestone of peace and to inspire future decisions. It is hoped that the celebrations can be extended worldwide through the Antarctic Flags initiative, giving new generations the opportunity to learn about the Antarctic Treaty and to share, interpret and cherish the values associated with Antarctica! “,This really is a remarkable achievement, we are extremely proud of those students who took part in the project. They enjoyed the work and showed so much enthusiasm for the topic,”, commented Mr Alex Hren, Head Teacher.”, We received some amazing entries from our Year 7s for the competition –, well done to all those who took part!”, The wonderfully colourful flags were then sent off to the Antarctica team and entered into a competition Available from your local bookshop. Also directly from our website: www.messenger.ie Phone +353 1 676 7491 or email: sales@messenger.ie Trust your Feelings: Learning how to make choices with Ignatius of Loyola Nikolaas Sintobin SJ 96pp €, 12.95 Books for personal prayer Messenger Publications A book about discernment, learning how to identify and examine the feelings brought about by our life experiences in order to guide our behaviour towards God. Discover God Daily: Seven Life-Changing Moments from the Journey of St Ignatius Brendan McManus SJ and Jim Deeds 96pp €, 9.95 Using seven distinct moments from the life of St Ignatius, the authors illustrate how God works through the unexpected twists and turns of life and how this process plays out over time. Channelling the Inner Fire: Ignatian Spirituality in 15 Points Brendan McManus SJ 64pp €, 4.95 Synthesises Ignatian spirituality into 15 practical steps and techniques developed by St Ignatius Loyola to enable us to 昀,nd God in our lived experience. God in Every Day: A Whispered Prayer Deirdre M Powell 96pp €, 12.95 Encourages us to pay attention to what is happening in our own hearts and by exploring usual and unusual images of God shows how we can 昀,nd God in the activities of our everyday lives. country. The strands of a more profound dialogue will continue as before, but there is much to be said for acknowledging all that we hold in common, and for celebrating the friendship of the members of our two churches. I also hope it will lead to a deeper bond with all our fellow Christians in Scotland.", Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “,During my term as Moderator, I have very much valued the friendly and productive working relationship I have had with Archbishop Cushley, Bishop (now Archbishop) Nolan and other members of the Catholic Church in Scotland, as we have sought to navigate our way through Covid restrictions and address crucial issues facing our country and, indeed our world, such as the cost-of- living burden, and the climate crisis. Our respective churches have also collaborated in Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees. “,And one of the most profound moments I`ve experienced in recent months was joining worship and standing in solidarity with Father Vasyl and members of Edinburgh`s Ukrainian Catholic community, when their homeland has been under such unprovoked attack. “,These are all ways in which we show that what unites us is so important to the lives of our fellow citizens and to being witnesses to the Gospel message in this land of Scotland.", An agreement based on shared faith and common ground Written by senior figures from both Churches, the declaration describes the Churches` shared beliefs, `rooted in the Apostles, Christ`s first disciples,` and acknowledges a common heritage as Christians in Scotland. ‘,We recall with gratitude to God the earliest missionaries, our forebears in the faith, who lived and preached the Christian faith to our land,` it says. `We recall those from that time who led and formed the Church, nurturing a society inspired by Christian values, including St Ninian, St Columba and St Margaret.` The declaration also recognises the divisions of the past, apologises for the hurt and harm caused and seeks to make amends, asserting ‘,we repent and ask forgiveness of one other.` Some divisions between the Churches remain challenging and more work will be needed on reconciliation and healing. Nevertheless, the Churches say that what they hold in common is far greater than what divides them, and they commit to continue working towards greater unity. `We therefore pledge ourselves to live as sisters and brothers in Christ, in public and in private, in life and in mission, to pray with each other and for each other, to be good neighbours, both to each other and to all people among whom we live, of all faiths and none, and to work together for the common good of the nation, as it is given to us to see it.` Peter Kearney Year 7 pupils design colourful fl, ags Catholic Church and Church of Scotland release Declaration of Friendship
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Page 12. The Catholic Post. June 2022. Peter Boylan KSG Parish Matters Synthesis Team begins work on Synod submission to Rome Left to right: Dr Mark Nash, Canon Christopher Thomas, Miss Kate Wilkinson, Sr Elaine Penrice fsp, Mr Dominic Belli, Miss Sarah Adams, Fr Jan Nowotnik, Dr Austen Ivereigh and Dr Mary McCaughey. CBCEW The Diocesan Syntheses, the `local` part of the Synodal process, were submitted to the Bishops` Conference of England and Wales on the Friday before Holy Week as part of the two-year process requested by Pope Francis for the Catholic Church. Now, having received each document from the dioceses, along with submissions from national Catholic organisations and other bodies, a National Synthesis Team has started work discerning and drafting the national synthesis for England and Wales that will be sent to the Synod Office in Rome by 15 August 2022. The Team met from 27-28 April to begin its work so that an `initial findings` report can be given to the Plenary Assembly of the Bishops` Conference. The work will continue between now and 1 June when a national synod gathering of bishops and lay people who helped produce the submissions received by the Conference will take place in St George`s Cathedral, Southwark. A first draft of the national synthesis will be considered on this day. Taking into account the reflections, thoughts and conversations in Southwark, the National Synthesis Team will continue its work and present a second draft of the national synthesis in May 2022 to an additional Plenary Assembly of the Bishops` Conference for their consideration. Following this meeting, to be held on 28 June in Westminster, a final draft will be presented to the Bishops for their assent for submission to Rome by the 15 August deadline. Members of the National Synthesis Team are: Miss Sarah Adams, Director of the Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation, Diocese of Clifton (Serving Wiltshire, Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire) Mr Dominic Belli, Diocese of Menevia Dr Austen Ivereigh, Catholic journalist, author, commentator and biographer of Pope Francis Dr Mary McCaughey, Lecturer in Theology and Director of Studies, St Mary`s College, Oscott A National Synthesis Team has started work discerning and drafting the national synthesis for England and Wales Dr Mark Nash, Director of the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis, Southwark Rev Jan Nowotnik, Director of Mission and National Ecumenical Officer, Catholic Bishops` Conference of England and Wales Sr Elaine Penrice fsp, Daughter of St Paul, Director of the National Office for Vocation Rev Canon Christopher Thomas, General Secretary, Catholic Bishops` Conference of England and Wales Miss Kate Wilkinson, Archdiocese of Liverpool Episcopal oversight of this work will be given by: Archbishop John Wilson, Southwark Bishop Marcus Stock, Leeds On the first four Sundays in May, at 3pm, members of Plymouth`s Legion of Mary assembled in front of the Stella Maris wall mounted statue at Plymouth Barbican, in Plymouth`s historic Barbican waterfront. They led the public recitation of five Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. They also greeted passers- by and explained how they are celebrating the month of May which for centuries in England has been dedicated to Our Lady, the Mother of Christ. The Stella Maris statue is that of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Patron Saint of all mariners, hence Adrian R Wardle Open Air Rosary Rosary at Stella Maris, Plymouth Barbican. its location on the waterfront close to the original Seamen`s Mission. The worn and battered statue itself was rescued from a lost cargo of marble from a ship which sank off Plymouth. All were welcome to join this brief service whether they are members of the Legion of Mary or not - past or present. Those who could not attend in person are encouraged to recite five Mysteries of the Holy Rosary in their own homes -if they are able - to commend all those who are suffering in mind or body, in war or poverty to the loving care of our Holy Mother, Mary. Legion of Mary lead the public recitation of five Mysteries of the Holy Rosary How was Holy Week marked in your own Parish? For our parish the significant Holy Week liturgies were missing, simply because no priest was available. In this area with scattered and sparse populations, no supply priest could be found. Our parish priest serves three parishes and five mass centres, many miles apart. This is not said with any degree of criticism but with an example of reality in the Church today. This shortage of priests has been forecast for many years but for many parishes that future is now. Elderly and aged priests continue to serve long after they should be able to take life more easily. In rural areas priests serve on their own but speed from one community to another always with an eye on the clock and road conditions. In urban areas distance may not be the difficulty but the challenge of numbers and expectations are a constant feature. Synodal discussions have highlighted this problem, with obvious comments about married priests, women priests and even women deacons. Importing priests from other countries is another solution, but the answer must be more simple. There is a story from the mid nineteenth century, when one of the Bishops of the newly restored hierarchy said in a derogatory tone, “,the laity, who are the laity?”, only to receive Newman’,s reply “,we’,d look pretty silly without them.”, Therein lies an answer. There is a large body of laity, well educated, knowledgable and experienced who have not necessarily volunteered their services or been asked to become involved with their local Church. There are experienced people from all walks of life who have skills that should be welcomed by any community. I wonder if many parishes have ever carried out an audit of available skills among the whole parish congregation and subsequently invited individuals to contribute those attributes to the parish. In Paul’,s message to the Romans he writes that the body, made up of many parts, all contribute to the well being of the body in their own way. He continues “,the spiritual gifts we have, differ according to the special grace which has been assigned to each.”, Whether as prophet, administrator, teacher, preacher there is a role for each. “,Each must perform his task well, giving alms with generosity, exercising authority with anxious care, or doing works of mercy smilingly.”, [see Romans 12, 4-8] I heard one Bishop telling his assembly that while many of his clergy understood this theory they were unable to put in into practise, while the laity acted in practise without the theory. The gap seems to be one of understanding and trust. The gap between the demands of the tasks undertaken by clergy or laity on a daily basis would appear not to be shared or understood. What is not understood is feared or mistrusted. While there are good examples of parish communities that involve their lay members in sharing responsibilities, in leading liturgies, managing building or financial matters, there are many more where this would be clearly resisted. Is this the basis for a Christian community?
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The Catholic Post. June 2022. Page 13. Salford Cathedral has publicly revealed the first exciting details of its multi-million pound restoration project. The works involve extensive repairs, redecoration, and future proofing to bring this historic focal point of Salford into the 21st century. Details of the work are on display in the cathedral alongside architectural drawings and concept art explaining the next steps on the restoration journey. The plans give a glimpse of what the cathedral may look like when it reopens following the restoration project. On display is the detailed floor plan, showing the proposed changes to the flooring and layout of the cathedral. A spokesperson for the cathedral said: ",The interior designs aim to restore the original glory of the cathedral, creating a richly decorated and atmospheric space, restoring some of the original design features that have been lost over the years. Using contemporary techniques to reveal the former glory of the building will allow us to become a sustainable cathedral for future generations.", In addition to this update on the work that is to come, Salford Cathedral have provided details of immediate external repairs and improvements. This work includes refurbishment of the roof and tower and secondary glazing to all the windows. Diocese of Salford Salford Cathedral plans multi-million pound restoration project The spokesperson said: ",Large parts of the cathedral are in poor condition due to unsympathetic works carried out in the past. Extensive repairs are necessary to prevent further deterioration to the cathedral. The work to the interior of the cathedral cannot start until the building is watertight.", Our recent inspection report identified sections of the existing roof that require re-roofing. The nave roof, for example, is not under-felted, presenting the risk of water ingress into the building. All replacement work will be done in a like-for- like material or will replace modern repairs not in keeping with original look of the cathedral. ",Parts of the roof are uninsulated, and this does not help us heat the cathedral in the most efficient way. The refurbishment work will help us on our journey to be the most sustainable cathedral in the UK. It will also provide long term solutions to increasingly unpredictable and extreme patterns of weather associated with climate change.", If you have any further questions on the external repairs or would like to submit any feedback, please fill in this form or email communications@salfordcathedral.co.uk. Further consultation on Phase 2 (internal works) of the Restoration Project will take place later this year. Details of the work are on display in the cathedral alongside architectural drawings and concept art explaining the next steps on the restoration journey As I write this, I have just returned from a week in Lourdes with hcpt, the Pilgrimage Trust. For those who don’,t know, hcpt was founded in 1956 to help disabled and disadvantaged children come on a pilgrimage holiday to the shrine during Easter week. For obvious reasons (I won’,t mention the ‘,p’, word) this year was the first time since 2019 that the charity has been able to come and bring some people out to Lourdes. This first year back, 600 managed to travel, a much smaller number than the usual 5000. It was a great week. Those who came out braved the variable weather (which included snow) to celebrate Easter and to answer the call of Mary through Bernadette to come and pray. Lourdes has been affected more than most places by the events of the past two years. It is a town that relies on hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world to come and stay in the hotels, eat and drink in the cafes and buy souvenirs in the many shops. The sanctuary area around the grotto only exists to welcome pilgrims to come and pray and comes alive when there are crowds of pilgrims there. Without these people coming, the past two years must have been devastating for the town. The evidence of this is still there, with some hotels closed for good, cafes struggling for business and shops only just starting to open up again. It will be many months, even years, before Lourdes recovers and sees the crowds of pilgrims in the great numbers it is used to. hcpt has been for many years the biggest Canon’,s Corner Canon Joe Wheat VG and first pilgrimage of the season and it always brought joy to the shrine and surrounding town. It was clear from the reaction of those in hotels, cafes and shops that they have really missed the injection of colour and song that the groups brought with them. Some people I met were moved to tears when they realised the hcpt was back ...... Hope is a funny thing. It is more than a cheerful optimism ‘, Oh it’,ll be ok in the end ....’, and it is felt not just in adversity. Real hope is to trust that in God’,s hands and good time, the struggles we experience and difficulties life throws at us will not win. The return of hcpt and other groups to Lourdes has given people hope. I imagine that at times over the past two years, they felt that the shrine and town would never recover. Maybe we too have felt that about parish life ...... some of us have really struggled with the lockdown experience and even now, feel that things will never be the same again. Hope is born out of the resurrection of Jesus. His rising from the dead was the ultimate and final act of hope becoming reality. It is the triumph of light over darkness, love over hate, and it stops us from being overwhelmed by despair. Hope is not the Lord saying to us ‘,don’,t worry, just cheer up .....’, but it is the Lord saying ‘,stay with me .... hang on in there...... I won’,t let you down.’, The seminary I studied at, Allen Hall, had as its motto ‘,Vivamus in spe’, ..... let us live in hope. May we make that our prayer and hope, as we see signs of life returning to our parishes. This first year back, 600 managed to travel to Lourdes, a much smaller number than the usual 5000 Parishioner Restores Cruci fi, x in Calvary Shrine at St Joseph’,s Church in Hudders fi, eld A Memorial Service was held at St Joseph’,s Church in Huddersfield on the 9th of April 2022, for James Garland who died on the 11th of April in 2020. James died at the beginning of the Pandemic, and nobody was allowed to go to his Funeral. During the last year of his life, James restored the Crucifix in the Calvary Shrine at St Joseph’,s Church in Huddersfield. In October 1957, Father Heeran, the Parish Priest of St Joseph’,s at that time, and his parishioners, created a Calvary Shrine in St Joseph’,s Church Grounds. For many years, people enjoyed the garden with its Beautiful Shrine. Then one Sunday morning in 2010, when the Priest arrived to say Mass, he found the body from the Crucifix in the middle of Somerset Road. Our Beautiful Shrine had been destroyed. Vandals came in the night, equipped with chain saws, and destroyed the Shrine. Only one Statue was left standing. The Crucifix was left broken in the middle of Somerset Road, and the other two Statues were left in big pieces in the garden. One day in February 2019, James Garland, a parishioner, came across the broken Crucifix in one of the cellar rooms beneath St Joseph’,s Church. He decided the Crucifix needed restoring. The Cross was beyond repair, so James made a new one. He then began to work on restoring the body of Jesus, the figure was so damaged, the chain saw cuts were deep. James so lovingly restored the figure of Jesus. When the work was completed, James asked the young men of the parish to help him to re- erect the Crucifix in the Shrine Garden. The response was terrific, and at 8am on the 2nd 0f November 2019, James and his helpers re- erected the restored Crucifix in the Calvary Shrine at St Joseph’,s Church in Huddersfield. Bernadette Royston James Garland, a parishioner decided the Crucifix needed restoring
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Page 14. The Catholic Post. June 2022. Our Global Community Vulnerability and synodality: 2022 UISG Plenary Assembly IUSG/Vatican Media The Plenary Assembly of the International Union of Superiors General was held in Rome from May 2-6 on the theme ",Embracing Vulnerability on the Synodal Path", with the participation of over 700 Superiors General. The Assembly focused on the contributions they can bring to the synodal process, particularly given their ",vulnerability", with declining numbers in most places and their lack of power and status. Described as a space for growth, learning and sharing for all the participants, the Assembly was an important time of deep listening with numerous interventions and testimonies such as that of Sr Carmen Mora Sena, hcsa, who brought the experience of pain of the pandemic that for two years now has been a challenge of vulnerability for all humanity ",the experiences I have lived have led me to discover that vulnerability makes synodality possible, since it allows us to recognise in a palpable way how much we need to walk together",. Presenting the meeting at a press conference, Franca Zonta, Superior General of the Marianist Sisters, said: ",Our journey together is born precisely from the desire to witness to the communion between the different charisms",. ",There`s a huge amount of energy in religious life, both from the men and the women, and a tremendous investment in the synodal process,", said Sr Gemma Simmonds, a member of the Congregation of Jesus, who is one of four religious charged with synthesizing contributions from hundreds of religious communities for a joint contribution to the Synod of Bishops from both the women`s and men`s international unions of superiors. Sr Gemma, who is director of the Religious Life Institute at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology in Cambridge, said: ",Some of the responses point out that of course, synodality is part and parcel of religious life,", For instance, she said, the Rule of St Benedict allows an abbot or abbess and his or her council to make decisions on unimportant matters, but requires them to consult the whole community, including the youngest monks or nuns, on anything important. They also model for the whole church a life animated by personal and communal prayer, living and working in a group of people of different ages and from different cultural backgrounds, constant collaboration with bishops, priests and laypeople in carrying out their mission, outreach to the poor and those on the margins of society, and, increasingly, joint projects with other religious congregations that may have vastly different charisms. The report It`s High Time commissioned in 2020 by the Women`s Executive of the Conference of Religious India raises issues of the struggle of some sisters to achieve justice from clerical authorities who abuse their power by depriving religious women of just wages, land or simple respect as co-workers in the pastoral field, where they often do the `heavy lifting` in terms of work, but are airbrushed out of the picture in terms of recognition. The study also reports problems with bishops deciding to close schools, hospitals or other institutions without consulting the sisters who had operated them for decades, and even bishops or priests using ",access to the sacraments", to force sisters into accepting their decisions. ",This is a grotesque injustice that should not be tolerated among the people of God,", said Sister Gemma, ", but while the submissions to the synod were honest, they did not focus exclusively on problems",. ",What also came across is the appreciation of how powerful it is when religious do collaborative work with laypeople, with clergy, with bishops,", she said. ",It is there over and over again, the evidence that this works, it`s good. It`s good for the people. It`s good for the mission. It`s good for the church. What`s not to like?", The responses make clear that charisms given by God to the founders of religious orders and shared with their members for decades or centuries can remain alive and active in the church by sharing them with others, she said. Through the religious and the laity who share their spirituality, ",Benedict and Francis and Mary Ward and Louise de Marillac are still alive in the world.", Our journey together is born precisely from the desire to witness to the communion between the different charisms Pakistan: Woman tortured, threatened says: `I`ll never deny Jesus` A Catholic woman held for eight years on death row in Pakistan for false blasphemy allegations said that, despite torture and blackmail, she refused to deny her Christian beliefs. Shagufta Kausar, arrested in July 2013 with her husband, Shafqat Masih for allegedly sending offensive texts about the Muslim Prophet Mohammad, spoke with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) about her eight years on death row. She said: ",In jail, we were tortured. The officers told my husband that if he did not confess, they would rape me in front of him, and so he confessed, even though we were both innocent. ",We were in jail for eight months before a judge found us guilty and sentenced us to death. Our lawyer was not allowed to complete his closing arguments, and neither of us were heard. I fainted when I heard this judgement of death.", Despite attempts to blackmail her into converting to Islam, Shagufta - who was released with her husband last July - refused. She said: ",Several times I was told that if I converted to Islam my death sentence would be turned into life in prison, and that eventually I would be released. I always said no. The risen Lord Jesus Christ is my life and saviour. ",Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for me though I am a sinner. I will never, ever change my religion and convert to Islam. I would rather be hanged than deny Jesus Christ.", While Shagufta was on death row in Multan, Punjab, for texts that were sent in English despite neither Shagufta nor Shafqat speaking the language, Asia Bibi was her neighbour. Ms Bibi was the first woman to be placed on death row in Pakistan, also for alleged blasphemy. Shagufta said: ",Whenever we met, we used to pray together, console each other and renew our firm faith in Jesus Christ. When I heard that Asia was set free, my heart was filled with joy, and I was convinced that one day I too would be released. ",But how unfortunate it is that, just like Asia Bibi, Shafqat and I could not stay in Pakistan with our family and had to get asylum and settle in another country, because fanatic and extremist Muslims were set on killing us if we stayed in Pakistan.", When Shagufta was first imprisoned, she had three sons aged 13, 10 and seven, and a daughter aged five, who all suffered greatly due to their parents` captivity. She said: ",They had to keep moving and spent their time hiding from Muslim fundamentalist who threatened to attack them, and only visited me every five or six months, for about 20 to 30 minutes. I cried every day for not being with my children.", Shagufta praised the work of the international community for pressurising the Pakistani government into setting them free. She said: ",Very strong voices were raised against our unfair trial and sentence…,as well as by the Catholic Church, and Aid to the Church in Need.", With thanks to Father James Channan who carried out the original interview ACN In jail, we were tortured. The officers told my husband that if he did not confess, they would rape me in front of him, and so he confessed, even though we were both innocent
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The Catholic Post. June 2022. Page 15. Pope repeats warning on nuclear weapons Pope Francis has once again strongly spoken out against nuclear weapons. In a 25 minute meeting today with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, before the General Audience, he said the use and possession of nuclear weapons is inconceivable. A statement released by the Holy See Press Office said after his meeting with the Pope, the Japanese Prime Minister held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. The statement said: ",During the cordial talks at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the bilateral collaboration, evoking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Japan.", The statement also noted and appreciated the positive contribution of the Catholic Church in many sectors of Japanese society. International issues were also addressed, with particular attention to the war in Ukraine, emphasising the urgency of dialogue and peace and the wish was expressed for a world free of nuclear weapons. Pope Francis has spoken out against the arms trade and nuclear weapons on several occasions. In 2020, marking the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima, he sent a message the anniversary commemoration organisers, recalling that he had prayed at the Hiroshima peace memorial during his 2019 visit to Japan and met with survivors. He said: ",It has never been clearer that, for peace to flourish, all people need to lay down the weapons of war, and especially the most powerful and destructive of weapons: nuclear arms that can cripple and destroy whole cities, whole countries.", Vatican News During his 2019 visit to Japan, Pope Francis described the possession or deployment of atomic weapons as ",immoral.", He has also repeatedly called for their abolition and expressed his support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Addressing participants in an International Symposium on `Prospects for a world free of nuclear weapons and for integral disarmament` in November 2017, the Pope stated: ",Unless this process of disarmament be thoroughgoing and complete, and reach men`s very souls, it is impossible to stop the arms race, or to reduce armaments, or - and this is the main thing - ultimately to abolish them entirely.", Statue of St Agnes from ruins of Nagasaki Catholic Cathedral after the bomb - now on display in the UN Headquarters. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC It has never been clearer that, for peace to flourish, all people need to lay down the weapons of war Remembering Sr Mary Benedict (Birmingham) Augustinian Canoness of the Mercy of Jesus, Boarbank Hall www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk Sr Mary Benedict, otherwise known as Aunty Phyllis, who died on 19th March 2022, was born on 26th July 1927, a twin and one of 11 children, of a warm and hospitable farming family. As a young woman she brie fl, y tried her vocation with the Carmelites, before visiting her younger sister, Una, who had already entered Boarbank as Sr Maria Goretti. Phyllis decided to stay. She entered the Community in 1951, and was finally professed in 1957. For the next 67 years she was, in the words of her Prioress, ‘,a faithful religious Sister, dedicated to prayer and the care of others.’, Sr Benedict nursed in Boarbank Nursing Home (‘,Marymount’,) until the late 1970s, and both colleagues and patients have recalled their happy memories of that time: ‘,she covered some nights with me as a Carer - in the days when only two of us were on! She was lovely to work with’,. ‘,She and so many of the Sisters at Boarbank shaped my early career as a nurse.’, One ex-patient jokingly referred to her as his ‘,Sister Confessor.’, Sr Benedict then moved to the Guest House, where she continued to work until she was well into her 80s. Where the guests were concerned, nothing was too much trouble for her, and she was much loved, for her merry, even mischievous, humour and her warmth. As one regular guest put it, ‘,She was very much, “,the face of Boarbank”,’,. She was also remembered with awe by guests who had been children at the time, for her prowess - and relentless competitiveness! - at rounders. One former volunteer remembers ‘,the wonderful working holidays I had as a teenager’,, and said of Sr Benedict: ‘,The last of an era of sisters. I remember her in her prime, running the dining room with ultra efficiency, making sure we helpers did things properly!’, In recent years, Sr Benedict had moved to the Nursing Home, where despite her failing memory and her frailty, she retained her a ff, ectionate nature and her sense of fun, sometimes surprising us by the speed and wit of her repartee! A favourite enjoyment was singing ‘,Mollie Malone’,, often with the addition of verses of her own invention. Sr Benedict retained close ties with her increasingly large family, and continued to visit Ireland for annual holidays, which were occasions of extensive hospitality and celebration. As her own siblings died, the next generation continued its links with Boarbank, and we were delighted to welcome fi, ve of her relatives to her funeral, celebrated by Fr John Mackie, with Fr Dixie Taylor, on Thursday 24th March. The funeral was zoomed so that the wider family were able to join us virtually (and it is now available on the Boarbank website). Although her memory loss deprived her of much that had brought pleasure to her life, she never lost her sense of God’,s presence, or her desire to pray. She would have thought it very appropriate to die on the Feast of St Joseph, patron saint of the dying. She might have been more surprised to have known that she was to appear in a newspaper article: in her great modesty she never expected praise or recognition for the tasks she carried out with so much dedication. ‘,Well done, good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy of your Master.’, Sr Margaret Atkins A faithful religious Sister, dedicated to prayer and the care of others
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Page 16. The Catholic Post. June 2022. CRYPTIC Across 7 Landmass of alkali –, silicon, iron, aluminium, primarily (4) 8 7 city Paul sought, but could not see? (8) 9 Brigand hierarchy`s share supplies a 7 political leader... (6) 10 ...toplaceAmericansailorswestofSaul`splacein7(6) 11 Guy retired following return of writer`s block (7) 13 Tree tissue needs unspecified quantities of citrus fruit, mostly (5) 15 Titus helped make Church here tangible without deception (5) 17 Rebel top guns pulled out of housing project being built in 7 town (7) 21 Apostle has cheek to back a Greek character (6) 23 Italian town –, East-South-East following French department`s lead? (6) 24 Praise for Capri`s evacuation of American leader to Rome (8) 25 Ancient 7 country`s secure wall: extra dam`s eventually built (4) CRYPTIC Down 1 Father`s vessel`s first-class, about to go north to fish (8) 2 In need of cash for Oliver Trophy after Yacht Club pulled out (4,2) 3 Recommendation to expose weakness after promotion (6) 4 Rug`s edging looks top-notch –, it`s an enduring fiddle (5) 5 One in flight seen above quarry`s very large (6) 6 African stays after little Benjamin somehow gets free from Zebulun (4) 12 7`s British administration conflict is overturned (3) 14 Record a fellow and a Welsh girl being recipient of a letter from Paul (8) 16 Jewish commentary on the Torah, and thanks over Left`s abuse being put down (6) 18 The King`s hard to follow, like Tolkien`s take on some in Middle Earth (6) 19 Setback: part of a clear single-mindedness of this 7 country? (6) 20 One of Joktan`s boys at work: say hello, Rex (5) 22 Sacred-soundingfestivalin7(4) QUICK Across 7 Roman province of western Turkey, and home to 14 for instance (4) 8 Syrian home to Aramaeans who fought and lost to David (8) 9 Mohandas Karamchand - -- --, leader whose nickname meant `Great Soul` (6) 10 One-timehomein7forNTcorrespondent?(6) 11 Assembly of church canons (7) 13 Woody tissue (5) 15 One-time island home of the Philistines (5) 17 First city taken by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land (7) 21 Son of Herod the Great –, the first husband of Herodias (6) 23 City of Lombardy set between Lakes Maggiore and Como (6) 24 Emperor, 41-54 AD, who forced all Jews to leave Rome (8) 25 OT country east of Babylonia, capital Susa (4) QUICK Down 1 One of the Twelve Tribes (8) 2 Penurious, impecunious (4,2) 3 Counsel,warning(6) 4 Cremonaviolin-makerandmusicteachertoStradivarius(5) 5 Marine bird of prey: rugby player from a merged Welsh regional team (6) 6 Part of the Nguni group of languages along with Swazi and Xhosa (4) 12 British rule in colonial India (3) 14 One in receipt of a letter from Paul, written about 62 AD while in prison in Rome (8) 16 Some Jews` interpretation of the Torah (6) 18 Puckish, imp-like (alternative spelling) (6) 19 David, `the sweet psalmist of - -- -- -` (6) 20 Descendant of Shem, one of Joktan`s sons (5) 22 BoisterousandcolourfulHindufestival(4) 2-in-1 Crossword by Axe You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. Stonyhurst pupils had the privilege of attending a tennis coaching masterclass by the Scottish tennis coach as part of their elite tennis programme. www.stonyhurst.ac.uk Leading Catholic boarding school, Stonyhurst in Lancashire, and its pupils were honoured to welcome Judy Murray OBE for a Q&,A evening on Friday 29th April. Stonyhurst pupils also had the privilege of attending a tennis coaching masterclass by the Scottish tennis coach as part of their elite tennis programme. The mum of Wimbledon champions Andy and Jamie was invited to the school by Stonyhurst’,s Director of Tennis, David Shaw, whom Judy first met in 1995 when they both completed their final tennis coaching qualifications. Pupils had the opportunity to ask Judy questions about her career in tennis and coaching, her life in tennis and work to promote more women to get involved in the sport. Stonyhurst Tennis Academy pupils were thrilled to have the opportunity to attend a tennis masterclass led by the former Scottish tennis international the following day. Judy is set to return to the school in the future and commented: “,The children that I have met here [Stonyhurst] have been absolutely exemplary, they’,re so incredibly curious, they’,re polite and they’,re looking to learn.’,’, Stonyhurst, recently named Lawn Tennis Association’,s Lancashire Tennis School of the Year for the second consecutive year, boasts a successful Tennis Academy which has seen increasing success under the directorship of former professional David Shaw and his team of coaches who have developed a cohort of national and regional players within the school. The Strictly Come Dancing star said she was impressed with the tennis facilities and could see that the future was bright for Stonyhurst’,s Tennis Academy: “,I’,ve been so impressed with the facilities here. For tennis to have two [outdoor] courts and an indoor dome allows you to play all year round and it means that you can really put on a meaningful tennis programme if you’,ve got covered facilities. I’,m sure that tennis in the school will go from strength to strength and the kids are very very lucky to have the opportunity to train here alongside all their other academic pursuits.’,’, A video of Judy’,s visit to Stonyhurst can be seen by visiting YouTube and searching for Stonyhurst Judy Murray. Credit: Vanessa Fry Photography Sport Judy Murray OBE Takes Centre Court at Leading British Boarding School Across: 7 Asia, 8 Damascus, 9 Gandhi, 10 Tarsus, 11 Chapter, 13 Xylem, 15 Crete, 17 Jericho, 21 Philip, 23 Varese, 24 Claudius, 25 Elam. Down: 1 Issachar, 2 Hard up, 3 Advice, 4 Amati, 5 Osprey, 6 Zulu, 12 Raj, 14 Ephesian, 16 Talmud, 18 Elvish, 19 Israel, 20 Ophir, 22 Holi. SOLUTION
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