Catholic News 20p 20p WHERE SOLD WHERE SOLD ISSUE 304 ISSUE 304 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2022 2022 MORE THAN 23 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER MORE THAN 23 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER Published by Published by Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 Telephone: 01440 730399 Editor John Clawson. Tel: E-mail johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Editor John Clawson. Tel: E-mail johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk S c h o o l g i v e n a n o v e r a l l r a t i n g o f g o o d f o l l o w i n g a D i o c e s a n C a n o n i c a l I n s p e c t i o n S e e s t o r y o n p a g e 5 P a r i s h i o n e r s a n d t h e i r p a r i s h p r i e s t r e c e i v i n g t r a i n i n g i n t h e c a r e o f b e e s f r o m t h e l o c a l L o u t h B e e k e e p i n g A s s o c i a t i o n . S e e s t o r y p a g e 7 Message from Bishop Patrick As I reflect on the past month I’,m reminded first of our Clergy Conference. In spite of the intense heat and the air conditioning breaking down in our Conference room, they were enjoyable and helpful days. It’,s always good for us to meet together socially and for prayer, but there also seems to have been general agreement that the talks given by Raymond Friel (CEO of Catholic Social Action Network), Fr Chris Ryan (an Australian Missionary of God’,s Love) and Deacon Juan Carlos (from our diocese), were all very interesting and helpful. My grateful thanks to Karen Foong for organising the Conference, assisted by Helen Bozicevic and the Ongoing Formation advisers. Earlier in the month it was a joy to be able, once again, to lead our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. We prayed there for everyone in our diocese, especially those who are ill. I am very grateful to Fr Greg, Fr Simon, and all the diocesan Lourdes Committee for their planning and dedication, and to all the pilgrims who joined us. Discussions are now underway for the planning of the 2023 pilgrimage and I hope that many of you may be inspired to join us. Lourdes is a very special place! Continued on page 2 Who is being punished? Christian Aid: New PM must act to help Afghans survive Christian Aid, has challenged the next Prime Minister to end the UK government`s drift and delay on Afghanistan. To mark one year since Taliban forces overthrew the elected government, Christian Aid warns it is essential that whoever becomes UK prime minister must act to prevent the dire situation in Afghanistan turning into a humanitarian disaster. The crisis is being driven mainly by soaring food and fuel prices from the war in Ukraine. The charity has interviewed Afghan families in several provinces to find out how their lives have changed one year on from the Taliban seizing power. Quasi, a widow with seven children living in Kabul, told us how her husband was in a crowd and killed by a suicide bomber last year. She can`t go to the market without a male chaperone due to recent Taliban decrees limiting women`s movements. ",We don`t have money to buy food every day. I and my children survive only with the little food aid that the village representative provides us.", Bibi, a 39-year-old widowed mother used to support her family by selling dairy products from her cow but had to sell it to pay debts after her husband was shot dead by the Taliban. ",I dream of having a safe living room for all of us. I will face all difficulties but I hope my children will have a brighter future and become educated. For myself, I would like to learn a new vocation so that I can work.", Pari, has four daughters but the eldest can`t go to school after they were closed by the Taliban. Her husband was killed on his way home during a clash between Taliban and government forces. ",I take care of my deaf and blind mother so my biggest dream is the welfare of my children. I want them to have decent lives, eat enough food and never face my fate.", Subrata De, Afghanistan Country Manager, said: ",The local authorities have demonstrated their priorities in the last 12 months by restricting women`s movement and enforcing female dress codes rather than saving lives from hunger. But the international community also needs to reflect on the sanctions it has imposed - who are we ultimately punishing and at what cost to ordinary Afghans?", Continued on page 6 Emergency food aid. Image: Christian Aid

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MORE THAN 21 YEARS OF MORE THAN 21 YEARS OF BRINGING THE BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER TOGETHER The monthly paper for the The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham Diocese of Nottingham FRANKLY SPEAKING FRANKLY SPEAKING Page 2 The Catholic News. September 2022 Editor: John Clawson Editorial Office: Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 email: johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Website: www.bellcourtltd.co.uk Distribution enquiries: Nick Layton e-mail nick@cathcom.org, Bellcourt Limited, Publication date: Fourth Sunday of the month for the following month. Opinions ex - pressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Diocese. P ublishers and Owners : Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Advertising: tel: 0207 112 6710 Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors. Views expressed in The Catholic News are not necessarily those of the editor Wanted Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper. All items to be emailed to johnclwson@icloud.com before 10th of the month Please support our Advertisers My rather basic 1950’,s education was concluded by just 1 year at a then new secondary modern school. I ,am pleased to report that St John Fisher is not only thriving but it is now a co-educational success in my home town of Wigan. One lesson certainly remained firm in my memory from those days. The lesson was soon after a speech from the Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. Speaking from memory in Bedford in 1957 he indicated that “,Most people have never had it so good.”, My teacher, seemed to use this as a basis to explore what is “,truth”, and what is “,comment”,. In 1957 we had just 2 television channels (ITV was in its infancy) and our newspapers really did report news as distinct from trying to make the news. Social Media was many many years away, the so called “,Swinging Sixties”, had not arrived and church attendance was higher with new places of Catholic worship being built. Four young pupils from one primary school were to attend Up Holland seminary just a few miles away, sadly only one became a priest. Writing this article in early August, I ,am aware of media speculation concerning the health of Pope Francis after his visit to Canada. I will leave it to others to decide on this but I am confident that he has never had a problem, with what is truth and what is comment. In his message for World Communications Day in 2015 the Pope said the following “,Truth”,. “,A perfect family does not exist. We should not be fearful of imperfections, weakness or even conflict, but rather learn how to deal with them constructively.”, He concluded by saying “,Forgiveness is itself a process of communication.”, My 1950’,s teacher who is now no longer with us would surely agree that in the vital world of communication we should at least attempt to practice this in our own lives. In last months article I wrote about the tough Autumn that our country will face. In early September we will have a new Prime Minister, new policies and lots of “,comment.”, In 2022 we really do need the “,Truth.”, Frank Goulding Holy Trinity Parish, Newark From 2nd August: Father Robbie O’,Callaghan, as Parish Priest of the parish of All Saints, Hassop, continuing as Parish Priest of the parish of Our Lady and Saint Joseph, Matlock with Our Lady and Saint Teresa of Lisieux, Wirksworth. From 16th August: Father Andrew Harding, as Parish Priest of the parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ashby- de-la-Zouch, and Saint Charles Borromeo, Measham. Father Joby John, as Assistant Priest of the parishes of Our Lady and Saint Thomas of Hereford, Ilkeston, Saint John the Evangelist, Stapleford, and Our Lady of Good Counsel, Eastwood, continuing as Chaplain to the Syro-Malabar community in Nottingham. Father Paul Newman, as Parish Priest of the parishes of Our Lady and Saint Thomas of Hereford, Ilkeston, and Saint John the Evangelist, Stapleford, continuing as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Eastwood, and Chaplain to the Nottingham Diocesan Catholic Youth Service. From 31st August: Father Matthew Jakes, as the Clergy Safeguarding Advisor and member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel, in succession to Canon Joe Wheat. Father Matthew will work alongside the Safeguarding Team. We thank Canon Joe sincerely for his work in this ministry over the past five years. From 1st September: Father Liam Carpenter, as Assistant Priest of the parishes of the Holy Spirit, West Bridgford, Our Lady of Grace, Cotgrave, Saint Anne, Radcliffe on Trent, and Saint Margaret Clitherow, Keyworth. Father John Martin, as Parish Priest of the parishes of the Holy Spirit, West Bridgford, Our Lady of Grace, Cotgrave, Saint Anne, Radcliffe on Trent, and Saint Margaret Clitherow, Keyworth Father John McCay, as Assistant Priest of the parish of Saint Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham, in addition to his duties as Prison Chaplain. From September: Father Emmanuel Abbem, as Parish Priest of the parish of Saint Mary, Marple Bridge, and Annunciation, New Mills. Father Patrick Bassey, as Parish Priest of the parish of Saint Winefride, Shepshed. Father David Cain, as Parish Priest of the parishes of Sacred Heart and Saint Margaret Mary, Mere Road, and Our Lady of Good Counsel, Rushey Mead. Father Roji Kuttivaylil MSFS, as Parish Priest of the parishes of Saint Alban, Chaddesden, and Saint Hugh, Borrowash. From 4th October: Father Andrew Harding, as Parish Priest of the parish of Our Lady of Mercy and Saint Philip Neri, Melbourne with Risen Lord, Castle Donington, continuing as Parish Priest of the parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and Saint Charles Borromeo, Measham. Father Joel Nwalozie, as Parish Priest of the parishes of Saint Pius X, Narborough, and Our Lady of Victories and Saint Alphonsus, Lutterworth. Father Gabriel Offor, as Parish Priest of the parish of Holy Cross, Whitwick, continuing as Parish Priest of the parish of Saint Wilfrid of York, Coalville Clergy Retirements Canon Michael Brown Father James (Jim) Cahill Father Hugh Davoran CSSp Father Michael Eastwood Father Anthony Franey Monsignor John Hadley Father Peter Ingman Monsignor John Lally Father Peter Wade Continued from Page 1 The rest of the month was full of celebrations, with a large number of young people receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, several Jubilee celebrations of priestly ministry, and a celebration to mark the retirement of my secretary, Catherine Campbell, after twenty- two years of generous service to the diocese, twenty of which were spent at Bishop’,s House! Thank you, Catherine. It has also been a time of great change for many of our parishes and clergy, with a number of clergy retirements, both priests and deacons, from parish ministry, and some reorganisation and appointments to be made. I take this opportunity to thank both the clergy and parishioners for their openness and flexibility during this challenging time. The moves, which have already been announced in the parishes concerned, are all available on our diocesan website (and detailed above - Ed.) With prayer and good wishes, and the hope that you may enjoy a little relaxation over the next month, +Patrick

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Subscribe@catholicpost.co.uk 01440 730399 www.catholicpost.co.uk Monthly National Catholic Newspaper National and International News from a Catholic Perspective with thoughtful articles to deepen Faith The UK’,s ﬁ, rst Carbon Neutral National Catholic Paper The Catholic News. September 2022 Page 3 Taste and see that the Lord is good On the evening of the 22nd July, the church of St Hugh’,s, Lincoln, provided the setting of the silver anniversary celebrations for Fr Patrick Bassey, assistant priest. The evening started with Mass celebrated by Bishop Patrick, who was joined by several priests and deacons from around the Diocese. With a church packed by parishioners from all three city parishes, the service proved to be a joyful extravaganza of music, colour and dancing in the aisles and was followed by a sumptuous buffet of both African and English food in the hall, which had been decorated in the colours of the Nigerian flag. If the singing and dancing worked up an appetite, aside from the buffet, there was plenty of cake to restore energy with two beautiful cakes made specially for the occasion, the first created by parishioner Anna followed the Nigerian theme, with the second, also elaborately adorned, made by the Polish community. Bishop Patrick, in his homily, spoke of the blessing of being a priest and it was a delight to see priests past, present and future in attendance, whilst Fr Patrick, in his address, told of how God had been good to him throughout his life. Speaking of blessings, what a blessing for us to be able to share this special moment with Fr Patrick before he moves to a new parish in September, for one night, the Lord did indeed turn our mourning into joyful dancing (Psalm 30:11). Thank you Fr Patrick for your vocation, you will be much missed in Lincoln and congratulations on 25 years of ordained priesthood, God bless you and your ministry. From: Elston Hermitage…,…, I write this on the Feast of St. Clare the temperature being 30c in the garden and not much cooler indoors. The garden is dry and the water butt is currently empty and a hose pipe ban imminent. It would seem that our world is plagued - covid, rising prices and quite a different world from that we experienced a couple of years ago.The price of petrol has escalated and most of us are topping our tanks more often so that it costs less to keep our tanks full. But what about our spiritual tanks? Are they full or maybe running half empty or even on red? There are certain natural laws in our lives - if no money goes into our banks then there is none to take out, if we do not put petrol into our cars then they will not run. The same being true of our spiritual life, if we do not pray then we have no spiritual power. We know that for certain Satan has strong powers in our world, we are all tempted to sin and if we have no spiritual power and spiritual wealth we may over come by sin. The circumstances of our lives make many demands on us. Who knows if tomorrow something will come which will try our temper or challenge us and our courage. There may come a sudden demand to be patient, and we are impatient. Something tempts us to lie and we do. Why does this happen? It could be simply that our spiritual tanks are half full, or even running on red, we may be spiritually bankrupt and we may make a demand on capital that does not exist in our spiritual accounts. Maybe our spiritual bank and that of the Church is empty - maybe we are not working hard enough in our discipleship and missionary discipleship. To keep our spiritual tanks fully topped firstly there needs to be a discipline in our prayer, a great love of Our Lord in the Holy Mass and Blessed Sacrament and a striving to daily grow ever closer to our Lord. Maybe the heat is on us - but despite this we as individuals and as members of Christ’,s Body must not be fatigued. Fr. David H.D.N Hermitage of Our Lady &, Saint Benedict We need female support workers to provide support to female rough sleepers who are fleeing domestic violence or abuse &, are in need of emergency housing. Please apply today: emmanuelhouse.org.uk/about-us/jobs/ We’,re hiring! Female Support Workers * Day and night shifts available * Sessional or contracted hours * Providing high quality support to female rough sleepers who are fleeing domestic violence or abuse and are in need of emergency housing

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Page 4 The Catholic News. September 2022 Around our diocese A most joyful Mass of Thanksgiving in St Hugh’,s Church, Lincoln, to celebrate Fr Patrick Bassey’,s Silver Jubilee of Priesthood Bishop Patrick was pleased to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in Hucknall. He said “, It was so good to join Fr Frank Carvill and brother priests and guests at Holy Cross Church, Hucknall, for a wonderful Mass of Thanksgiving for 50 years of priesthood. It’,s a great &, fulfilling life. May many more answer Christ’,s call to become priests.”, A beautiful Mass of thanksgiving celebrating the wonderful Year 6 pupils. at St Augustine’,s Catholic Primary Academy with Bishop Patrick

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The Catholic News. September 2022 Page 5 Appropriate that the Corpus Christi procession of Nottingham Diocese should pass the NHS Mary Potter Centre It was so appropriate that the Corpus Christi procession of Nottingham Diocese should pass the NHS Mary Potter Centre . Led by Bishop Patrick, the procession left from St. Mary`s Church in Hyson Green, the area of the city that the Venerable Mary and her fellow sisters ministered to the poor in the middle of the 19th century. On arrival at the cathedral and following benediction, prayers were offered at her tomb for her intercession . Her proven heroic life of virtue is surely cause for her eventual sainthood being declared. Visit the Little Company of Mary website www.lcmsisters.org.uk for further details. F Molumby Inspectors from the Diocese of Nottingham said that the quality of Catholic Life, Religious Education and Collective Worship at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, were all good. How well leaders and governors promote, monitor and evaluate the provision for the Catholic Life of the school, and the provision for Collective Worship, were graded outstanding. The report said that St John Fisher CVA was well supported by the St Ralph Sherwin CMAT, which is committed to increasing all aspects of school improvement. Inspectors said that pupils were proud to be a member of the St John Fisher community and they enjoyed the responsibilities the school provided for them, including as part of the chaplaincy team, the pupil council and as eco-champions. The report said: “,St John Fisher is a caring school with a family feel which is evident when you enter the school, and which is spoken about by so many of the stakeholders.”, Commenting on the Catholic Life of the school, they said: “,The Catholic Life of the school is highly valued by all stakeholders and leaders have ensured that it is the driving force for future school improvement across the school. This has a tangible impact on the aspirations that school leaders, staff and parents have for the future of the pupils in their care.”, Pupils’, charity work and fundraising was also highlighted in the report. Inspectors said: “,A very large majority of pupils value opportunities to raise money for local, national and global charities and they have done so with great success. Most importantly, they understand why raising money for those in need is important. A Year 1 pupil said, ‘,We raise money because Jesus is our example, and this is how we show we love one another.’,”, Inspectors described St John Fisher as a calm and spiritual school community “,where staff want the best for pupils in their care.”, Angelina Brett, Headteacher, said she was delighted with the outcome of the inspection. She said: “,Due to the COVID pandemic, we had to wait much longer than we thought we would for the inspectors to visit us! We have worked hard to maintain our high standards and I am so proud of the St John Fisher CVA community. The children, staff, parents, governors and parishioners shared their love and support of the school with the inspectors, highlighting that we are a family who are committed and care deeply for each other.”, Trust CEO, Sean McClafferty, said: “,I speak for all our Trust schools when I say that we are so proud of this achievement at St John Fisher. “,I know the whole school community, let by Angelina Brett, has worked incredibly hard to ensure that enhancing the Catholic ethos has been the priority for everyone. The fact that leaders and governors of the school have been judged as outstanding in their work shows how much progress is being made. Well done to all.”, St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy has been given an overall rating of good following a Diocesan Canonical Inspection A welcome and support for Ukrainian refugees in the East Midlands As the months have passed, the war continues, and the needs of those fleeing Ukraine remain pressing. With the help and support of our local Caritas network, people from across the Diocese of Nottingham continue to welcome and support Ukrainian refugees here in the East Midlands. Paul Bodenham, our diocesan Caritas Coordinator, has hosted two online ‘,Parishes of Welcome’, workshops, to help ensure refugees from Ukraine and elsewhere find a warm welcome in our diocese. Here is a snapshot of some of the good work happening in our Diocese, with regards to this ongoing conflict. St Wilfrid’,s parish, Coalville, are hosting a thriving support group for refugees from the conflict in Ukraine. Every Monday some 20 Ukrainian guests gather in the parish hall, together with sponsor families from the Coalville area and other local volunteers. The evenings give guests the opportunity to meet other Ukrainian families and to build friendships and support networks with each other and local people. The group also received donations, clothing, toys and other provisions. Young people at St John the Baptist parish in Melton, worked hard to prepare a guide for young Ukrainian refuges who have found safe haven in Melton following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Melton Catholic Youth Club set to work thinking about what their new Ukrainian friends should know in order to enjoy their stay in Melton. The booklet, translated into Russian and Ukrainian, features 28 pages of useful information and ideas covering everything from public transport to performing arts to support networks in local churches. The group are very happy to share the template for this work, with any parish who would like to adapt it. Following a ‘,Parishes of Welcome’, workshop hosted by Caritas Nottingham, parishioners at St Mary’,s Marple Bridge were inspired to host a ‘,Concert for Ukraine’, to raise both money for and awareness of the situation in Ukraine. The event at Marple Cricket Club featured five local acts, including a quartet from Stockport Ukrainian Society called ‘,Mirage.’, The Concert opened with traditional Ukrainian songs and one of the quartet shared with the audience about the present conditions in Ukraine. The evening was a huge success, raising nearly £,2000 for the DEC Ukraine Emergency Humanitarian Appeal of which CAFOD is a partner. And thanks to the generosity of the venue and all the performers, all funds raised went solely to the Appeal. If you would like to find out more about how to make your parish a ‘,Parish of Welcome’, or to share your outreach stories, contact Paul Bodenham our Diocesan Caritas Coordinator for more information.

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Page 6 The Catholic News. September 2022 The Cathedral Church of St Barnabas, or Nottingham Cathedral, is not just a busy parish church in the heart of Nottingham City Centre but it is also the mother church for much of the Catholic Community here in the East Midlands. In 2019 the Cathedral celebrated its 175th anniversary and around this time Bishop Patrick asked the Cathedral Chapter to look at establishing a group of ‘,Friends.’, The idea being this group would support the Cathedral Church in its mission within the city and diocese, through prayer, financial support and encouraging social and cultural opportunities. The project took on more importance as plans began to develop more formally to restore original Pugin design work the Cathedral and to look at the redevelopment of the whole Cathedral site as a ‘,hub for mission’, in the heart of the City, and at the service of the Diocese. So, in December 2021 ‘,The Friends of Nottingham Cathedral’, launched with a celebration of the first vespers for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of our diocesan patronal feasts. ‘,The Friends’, now see its role as being one of sharing the spiritual, cultural, historical and architectural riches of the Cathedral to the Catholic Community and further afield. Amidst the regeneration Work it seeks to help raise the profile of the Cathedral but also support initiatives to protect, restore and promote its precious patrimony. Since December, activity has centred on providing considerable support for the incredible and prestigious ‘,Happy and Glorious’, concert to mark Her Majesty the Queen’,s Platinum Jubilee in June. Given the considerable costs involved in staging this event with an orchestra, multiple ‘,guest’, and home-based choirs, ‘,The Friends’, were pleased to be able to underwrite the event financially, through their own funds and securing local sponsorship. They were also delighted to support many practical elements of the evening from stewarding, to writing programme notes and serving refreshments. With overwhelmingly positive feedback and participation from both ‘,regulars’, and those who had never set foot in the cathedral before, it was clear that this event had ‘,put the Cathedral on the map’,, deepened relationships with local civic actors and provided a focal point of celebration and unity for the City and County. As an added bonus, we also raised over £,1000 in donations to Emmanuel House during the interval, as well as strong ticket sales for the event itself! At the end of June, ‘,The Friends’, hosted its inaugural Summer lecture with Sophie Andreae, CBE, DSG, FSA, IHBC Speaking on ‘,Hidden Treasure: The Beauty of Our Catholic Churches’,. It was a lively and detailed education on our Catholic Architecture post- reformation in England and Wales, with a specific focus on local Churches of note such as the Cathedral, Woodthorpe, Hassop and St Mary’,s Derby. The occasion also provided an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely glass of wine with friends. ‘,The Friends’, have committed to project managing the acquisition, development and launch of a new Cathedral website. We hope this will launch at the end of the year and provide a new and engaging ‘,touch point’, for all have an interest in the life, mission and history of our cathedral church. ‘,The Friends’, have also commissioned a set of high-quality photos and video content to support the new website, but also wider promotional and grant activity around the Cathedral. In the months ahead, ‘,The Friends’, have a series of tours, talks and an exhibition of Pugin vestments planned to coincide with the National Heritage Open Days in September The historical information being gathered for these Heritage Days will contribute to the development of a hub of knowledge and expertise on the Cathedral Church. In December we will celebrate the First Vespers of The Immaculate Conception, patroness of our diocese. An inaugural ‘,Winter Lecture’, is planned hoping to take a deep dive into the design, architecture and history of the Cathedral. And there are ambitious plans in the pipeline to engage with the City’,s ‘,Light Night’, seeking to highlight, or should we say, to illuminate the Cathedral’,s presence in the city. It is an exciting enterprise at the Cathedral and ‘,The Friends’, hope that their work will be of service and a source of pride for the Catholic community here in the East Midlands. It is hoped that these plans and activities will also showcase the beauty, richness, life and mission of our Mother Church and our Catholic faith with our City, county and region. This spiritual and architectural gem, nestled on the busy Derby Road for over 175 years, is a gift for all people in the region. ‘,The Friends’, mission is simply to find new, creative and compelling ways to preserve and share that gift. If you would like to find out how to become a ‘,Friend of Nottingham Cathedral’, or to be kept informed of ‘,Friends’, events, please fill in this form: http://eepurl.com/h3Gcfv ‘,The Friends’, are also looking for people with specific expertise and interest in communications, fundraising, community engagement, heritage conservation or architecture to join their management committee. To express interest in volunteering in this way, please send a short letter of interest with a brief note of your experiences/qualifications to Mrs Anne Verdon, Secretary of ‘,The Friends: anne.verdon@dioceseofnottingham.uk Source dioceseofnottingham.uk The mother church for much of the Catholic Community here in the East Midlands Our Diocese is now split into three ‘,CMATs’, or ‘,Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts’, which cover 86 schools in our diocese and educated around 30,000 students. It has been a busy term in our schools with everything from eco-projects, supporting Ukrainian refugees, Platinum Jubilee celebrations, fundraising, developing a mental health retreat pod, e- safety and saying goodbye to staff retiring and those moving onto new opportunities. You can read more in the newsletters for the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire CMATs here: www.srscmat.co.uk/news/newsletters/or www.ololcatholicmat.co.uk/our-trust/news/ Or check out the Twitter feeds for the Leicestershire and Lincolnshire CMATs here: https://twitter.com/sta_cmat https://twitter.com/STL_CMAT Source dioceseofnottingham.uk It has been a busy term in our schools Continued from page 1 Fionna Smyth, Head of Global Advocacy and Policy, said: ",We have no illusions about the Taliban rulers but the Afghan people cannot be abandoned to their fate. They did not vote for the Taliban and, even if the Taliban control the country, that must not stop us trying to help people make a living and give them hope for a future free from hunger. ",Christian Aid is already delivering pro - grammes to provide livelihoods and water and sanitation but no NGO can do the job of the Government. Conditions are becoming even more desperate with the price of food and fuel rising due the impact of the war in Ukraine. Those needs are going to grow as summer ends and we approach winter. ",That is why the UK government, alongside its international allies, need to do far more to support the economy to get back on its feed and advocate for the rights of women and girls who are being erased from public life.", Christian Aid is calling for the UK govern - ment and the international community to: - Reverse the cuts in last year`s aid budget back to 0.7% of GDP so there is more funding to go around. - Donors must give more to meet the UN`s hu - manitarian appeal for $4.4bn and, with winter approaching, urgently increase life- saving humanitarian aid. - Permit a broad range of development work by expanding the existing humanitarian exemption to international sanctions. - Restoring the Afghan central bank so that money can be printed and circulated for the economy to function properly and reach those most in need. - Afghan civil society organizations, particu - larly women-led organizations inside and out - side Afghanistan, should be able to access funding and support so that 20 years of civil society development is not lost. Women`s par - ticipation at all levels and in all decision-mak - ing processes must be promoted. - Human rights and especially the rights of women, girls and minority groups must be respected by the authorities. Source: Christian Aid and icn

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The Catholic News. September 2022 Page 7 Just over a month ago, the first honeybees took up residence in the newly installed hives, behind the parish hall at Corpus Christi Church in Cleethorpes. The ‘,St Valentine’,s Beekeeping Group’,, an initiative of the Catholic Community in North East Lincolnshire, hopes that once the bees have settled into their new homes, they will be able to produce honey and beeswax which will, in time, be sold to support parish funds and other charitable causes. Over the last few months, parishioners and their parish priest have been receiving training in the care of bees from the local Louth Beekeeping Association. They have learned how hives, communities and colonies work, the ways in which queen bees, drones and worker bees develop and work together, how to care for bees as livestock, bee health, extracting honey and beeswax and much more. Alongside this, parishioners have been engaged in preparing space for the bees, making the hives and acquiring the necessary bits and bobs for beekeeping. In an interview with BBC Radio Humberside about the project, Fr Andrew Cole Parish Priest spoke of the ancient tradition of the church in cultivating bees for honey and St Valentine’,s Beekeeping Group beeswax. He shared that many of the bee colonies in Britain and Western Europe owe their origins to a Benedictine Monk, Brother Adam Kerhle OSB, who started beekeeping at Buckfast Abbey, Devon during World War One. For Fr Andrew, the St Valentine’,s Beekeeping Group is simply a matter of environmental justice. It is an expression of care and concern for our natural environment and a commitment to respecting, safeguarding and stewarding the gift we have been given in planet earth. Bees are essential to a healthy planet and to human flourishing. However due to habitat loss, climate change, certain pesticides and disease, there has been a 1/3 reduction in the bee population in Britain. The parish hopes that its beekeeping project will be a small but significant contribution to remedying this. The bees are currently resident in two hives, named after the evangelists St Matthew and St Mark. Fr Andrew is looking to recruit and train more volunteers, so that next year they might add a St Luke and St John hive to their collection. The parish is very happy to welcome anyone who would like to learn more about beekeeping and if you have further questions, then email office@holytrinitygci.uk

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For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org Page 8 The Catholic News. September 2022 SVP –, What We Do History of the Society in England and Wales Part 2 The abject poverty experienced by those in the mid-19th century unfortunate enough to be trapped within its clutches is almost too much for us to comprehend today. It had a dramatic impact in a vast range of ways: unemployment, hunger, social deprivation, lack of education, oppression, persecution and perhaps most devastatingly, health and hygiene. It was such conditions that faced members of the newly formed Society of St Vincent de Paul as they worked to fulfil their Vincentian mission of seeking out those in need of help and offering practical assistance and support. Given this context the SVP was to find itself invaluable as it became more and more involved in the community. One of its first challenges was to help the sick. Epidemics left many widows and orphans Epidemics of cholera swept the country in the 1830s and 1840s, spread through poor sewage and contaminated drinking water. Of the 71,000 reported cases, 13,000 died. It was not until the 1860s that the epidemics ceased, by which time 80,000 had died of cholera. The total was probably much higher, as the poorest in the city slums were unlikely to appear in official statistics, neither seeking help nor able to afford proper burial. The 1832 Cholera outbreak in Sheffield was particularly devastating, claiming 402 lives. More lives were lost in subsequent outbreaks over the next few decades. Cholera was the worst but not the only killer. “,Endemic fever”, was a term frequently used for diseases spread by the filthy conditions in which the poor lived and worked. In 1838 in England and Wales, the deaths of men under 45 from such causes resulted in 43,000 widows and 112,000 orphans seeking Poor Law relief. The prevailing view, stated in the reports of the Poor Law Commissioners, was that “,the elderly should have provided for themselves through thrift in their earlier years,”, and that, as far as the children were concerned, “,someone should have provided in advance for them”,. Concern for the victims of epidemics It was despite the seemingly callous view of the authorities towards the poor that the SVP felt moved to take action. True to its mission to seek out and find those in need and provide practical assistance the St Vincent de Paul Society soon got involved in providing funding for nurses and for the purchase of medicines –, and coffins. Infant mortality was high and death a constant threat to the poor because of the conditions they lived in, compassion was in short supply as the apparent belief of those in charge was that the poor only had themselves to blame! No Welfare State Such were the conditions which existed generally at the time the SVP was founded in England and Wales. The poor lived in extreme poverty, with no welfare state such as we have today. The Poor Law provided relief to some, and the workhouse for others, but neither was welcomed by the poor, in general. There were of course degrees of poverty, and Irish immigrants largely Catholics, were amongst the poorest of all. A court for King Cholera The poorest of the poor –, Irish Immigrants Many Irish poor had travelled across the sea to escape the desperate conditions the potato famine had caused. Having arrived at ports such as Liverpool, many walked across the Pennines arriving in Sheffield looking for work in the burgeoning steel industry. Many ended up in an area known as ‘,The Crofts’, which quickly developed as a slum area with each house a shelter for several families. The Census of 1851 indicated the Irish making up 3.3% of the population, mainly centred in this part of Sheffield. True to their mission and keen to put their faith into action, the SVP became actively involved in a series of initiatives and projects to help alleviate the distress and suffering of the poor. What they did will be explained in further ‘,chapters’,. Sheffield slum –, 19th Century On 31 July 2022 Graham Mckenna received the Gold Medal of Merit at St Margaret Clitherow church in Keyworth, Notts. Graham started serving in 1951 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Moortown Leeds, 71 years ago. Received the Gold Medal of Merit `When life is decided by court, humanity is defeated` Twelve year old Archie Battersbee died on Saturday 6th August after doctors removed his life-sustaining treatment following a High Court decision. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, took to Twitter on Saturday to express his sadness. He said: ",I pray for Archie Battersbee and his family. When the life of someone is decided by a court, humanity is defeated: atPagliaAbp atmonspaglia",.

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The Catholic News. September 2022 Page 9 For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org 07801 940 759 07806 798 191 Like2move@hotmail.com Reassembling Services Packing Services Courier Services House Removals Home Cleaning Office Removals Local Removals Please support our Advertisers DAILY: Holy Mass at 9am Adoration and Evening Prayer from 6pm –, 7pm WEEKLY: Every TUESDAY 7pm –, 8.30pm. BIBLE STUDY: A study of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, a handbook for the Church of today Tuesday 7th June: Acts 1, 1-26 LECTURES IN SEPTEMBER THURSDAYS –, from 2.30pm to 4pm Holy Mass at 9am Midday Prayers at 12 noon Rosary Adoration and Evening Prayer from 5.45pm –, 7pm Every TUESDAY 7pm –, 8pm. BIBLE STUDY: The book of the ACTS of the Apostles, a handbook for the Church today (Tuesday 6th September: ACTS 7, 1-60 from 7pm to 8pm). Thursday 8th September 2.30pm –, 3.30pm DO WE HAVE A SPIRITUAL SOUL OR ARE WE MERELY MATERIAL BEINGS? PART II (Fr Antonio Belsito IC) (Many schools of Philosophy today tell us that there is no evidence that we have a spiritual soul or mind: are they right?) THURSDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 2.30pm - 3.30pm: CANON LAW FOR BEGINNERS with Fr Ted Mullen IC Rosmini Centre, 433 Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SJ Tel. 01509 81 3078, Mob: 07828781537, aabelsito@hotmail.com Why not join our ZOOM group from the comfort of your- home? Send us your e-mail and we shall send the link. Cardinal Tagle addresses Lambeth Conference Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle gave an address at the Lambeth Conference which took place at the University of Kent. The Conference takes place every ten years and marks a key moment for discussions about the Anglican Church, world affairs, and the global mission of the Anglican Communion for the decade ahead. Speakers are invited from around the world. The global meeting has taken place every decade since 1867, and consists of one of the four Instruments of Unity in the Anglican Communion. This year`s meeting marks the 15th Lambeth Conference. Speaking at a meeting on the theme: `God`s Church for God`s World - walking, listening and witnessing together`, convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, Cardinal Tagle, who has been Pro-Prefect for the Section of Evangelization of Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican since June this year, offered his own reflections with a talk entitled: ‘,The Church of Peter for the Decade Ahead.` Cardinal Tagle began by imagining St Peter`s Letter was addressed to us, the Church, and world we know today. The Letter encourages Christians to remain faithful in beliefs and conduct, and being of one mind, loving, compassionate and humble, despite the risk of persecution and suffering. Cardinal Tagle said he dreams of this reality, this home for the Church today, united as a human family and together with creation, encouraging everyone to dream together to allow the Lord to create this home for the Church. He observed that the Letter is addressed to Christians in the diaspora who were made to feel like strangers or exiles. He asked if we can still feel that reality today as we move towards a future homeland, especially as we can be so set in our ways of being and doing, whereas we are called to be a Church that goes forth and reaches out to others, a Church that is a spiritual home with peoples of diverse backgrounds and cultures through its encounters.This calling brings to mind the displaced peoples of today, Cardinal Tagle continued, the forced migrants, refugees, victims of war, human trafficking and forced labour. They are the new strangers in our midst, often marginalized are scapegoated for today`s problems, he observed. The Letter asks all of us, especially as members of the Church, how we are treating these millions of ",homeless", people and if we are showing the compassion and hospitality that is part of the Christian vocation. Cardinal Tagle lamented that even within the Church we have allowed ethnic and cultural divisions to ruin our spiritual home, making the dream of a common human family ever more elusive for future generations due to our neglect and succumbing to violence and war. Populism has also played in role in this reality, he admitted, as it actually shows disregard for people by deepening polarisation in already divided societies, by categorising entire peoples, groups and societies, especially on social media. He stressed that we must not let culture or religion be used for partisan interests that undermine efforts at fostering positive relationships and creating a human family marked by respect and fraternity. The invitation to walk and live together requires humility, Cardinal Tagle pointed out, and our diversity comes from our culture of origin and not only individual freedom and choices. Therefore, Church pastoral leadership needs to better develop its own ",cultural intelligence,", by first reflecting upon our own backgrounds and then by putting ourselves in the shoes of others who express their humanity based on their own cultural backgrounds. Doing so, he explained, can help us do away with any traces of cultural superiority and prejudice, when uncovered and rightly admitted. We can learn from each other greatly by humbly observing one another and learning to appreciate other experiences and cultures that make us who we are. Reading the Gospels, we have many accounts of how much Jesus suffered for his openness and compassion for outsiders, strangers, and public sinners, Cardinal Tagle added, leading to Jesus` condemnation and crucifixion. In conclusion, Cardinal Tagle recounted some of his own experiences that remind him of the Letter of 1 Peter, saying they brought to life a dream for the future here in the present. In one anecdote, he recalled visiting a refugee camp in Greece where he met so many people who risked their lives by fleeing suffering back home. The camp brought together people of every culture, religion, economic, and social background imaginable, but united by their journey from desperation to safety and seeking a brighter future for their children. He spoke with a town governmental official while there and discovered she was not there in any official capacity, but instead donating her time in the camp. She told him: ",My ancestors were refugees too. I have refugee DNA. These refugees are my brothers and sisters.", That struck him profoundly and marked a teaching moment of how to think and walk humbly with others and allow God through us to build a common home, marked by compassion and fraternity. Lost Angels return to Rosary Shrine On the feast of the co-patroness of the Dominican Order, St Mary Magdalene recently, Fr Lawrence Lew, Prior and Parish Priest at St Dominic`s, Haverstock Hill, announced the completion of restoration works at the Rosary Altar in the Lady Chapel. This includes the replacement of the missing statues of two beautiful angels and two votive lamps in the Chapel. Work on phase 1 was completed ten years ago when the altar was restored, re-gilded, and the painted angels were remade after they had been whitewashed. Now, phase 2 (the `Lost Angels` project) is complete. With the two angels in place, the two votive lamps burn here perpetually: one for the intentions of the `Friends of the Rosary Shrine`, and one for the intentions of the Benefactors of the Rosary Shrine. Holy Mass is now celebrated every weekday at the Rosary Altar: Mondays and Fridays at 10am, and Tue, Wed, Thu, at 7:30am. Entry is only through the newly-restored Lady Chapel porch accessed via Alan Cheales Way. Lady Chapel

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Page 10 The Catholic News. September 2022 Our Global Community A summer festival focusing on Hope I was privileged to be present for the Trondheim International Olavsfest in Norway - a week of festivities and folklife from 28 July - 3 August, as the guest of `Together in Hope Project` from the USA. It was the first festival that could be attended in person since Covid- 19. The week was filled with quality concerts and religious services, pilgrim walks, outdoor hymn-singing, market-stalls, conversations and gatherings in small churches as well as in the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral where Gaia (the Greek goddess of Earth, mother of all life!) was hanging from the high vault. Saint Olav`s shrine in Nidaros Cathedral Trondheim has been the most important pilgrimage site in the Nordic countries since his canonisation in 1031. The Norwegian Saint King retained his status as the most esteemed Nordic Saint throughout the Middle Ages. According to the festival`s website, ",Each year during the week of St. Olaf`s Day (29 July), Trondheim International Olavsfest shall organise a festival relevant for today with well-defined associations with the past, of a quality that appeals to a wide audience, both national and international.", I don`t know how many know about this annual festival. It`s a very multi-faith, multi- ethnic gathering that aims to promote good relationships between the Churches, Faith groups and people from all countries. The 2022 theme of this festival was `Hope`. With the backdrop of war, it was poignant that on the feast of St Olaf, the Kyiv Chamber Choir sang at the 11am Lutheran High Mass to a full congregation in Nidaros Cathedral and again at the Catholic High Mass in the afternoon. The particular emphasis on `hope` centred on refugees and migrants - with a strong message of encouragement to open our hearts and doors of welcome to offer hospitality to those seeking a safe, secure and better life. `Together in Hope Project,` the brainchild of Celia Ellingson and Gary Aamodt, partners with UNHCR. Its 60-strong choir from Minneapolis-St Paul performed their world premiere `The Stranger` -new music composed by Kim André, Arnesen accompanied by Trondheim Solistene, under the leadership of conductor Mark Stover. `The Stranger` aims to raise awareness of refugees and displaced persons and raise funds for humanitarian aid for refugees. The Together in Hope Choir (music with a purpose) was invited to deliver the opening concert at this largest cultural festival in Norway. When CAFOD first raised awareness of refugees and campaigned for those seeking asylum for a better life across the world in the 1990s, I wrote the poem `Call No One Stranger` and which, set to music by Kim André, Arnesen, featured in `The Stranger,` sung by the 60-strong Together in Hope choir. Their goal is to use the universal language of music to raise awareness of shared issues. Today`s issue of refugees and displaced people is one of those critical for our time. More than 100 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes - a number greater than at any other time since the end of World War II. One cannot but be conscious of the fact that almost 700 desperate migrants crossed the English Channel in 14 small boats a few days` ago, 1 August - the highest number in a single day so far this year. Desperate people taking desperate measures seeking refuge in the UK. This brings the total to more than 17,000 since the start of this year. Despite the harsh policy of the Home Office, it does not seem to deter them. Despite also that Ms Patel has agreed with the East African country, Rwanda, to send those deemed `illegal` under the new immigration rules, to that country. Religious Leaders have been outspoken in their criticism of this harsh policy, calling it shameful and immoral. Pope Francis calls us to act in solidarity with refugees and migrants. One way we can respond to this call is to raise awareness of their plight, offer hospitality,assist with humanitarian aid, pray earnestly for peace, assist with development so people do not have to leave their homes. The need is great. It calls for our generous response. Sr Patricia Mulhall is a Brigidine Sister, based in Windsor. Gaia in Nidaros Cathedral Credit: Sr Patricia Mulhall Grappling with the legacy of colonialism Quakers are drawing church attention to work by an Oxford museum and a Naga research team to return human remains to the mountainous border area between Myanmar and India. The on-going decolonisation work at the Pitt Rivers Museum will see the return of more than 200 items of Naga ancestral remains, including human skulls and bones. Many churches are examining their own colonial legacies, and the Quakers agreed at their annual meeting this year to consider how to make meaningful reparation for Quaker involvement in the slave trade and colonisation. Friendship between Quakers and the people of the Naga Hills date from Horace Alexander`s visits of the 1950s and Marjorie Sykes` peace missions in the 1960s. Two Naga anthropologists, Dr. Arkotong Longkumer of the University of Edinburgh and Dr. Dolly Kikon of the University of Melbourne, have worked with Naga civil society, elders, researchers, church leaders and the Pitts River Museum in an exploratory dialogue. Longkumer and Kikon published an article about this process last month, and hope to build solidarity and understanding through sharing it. Other churches are actively exploring anti- Pitt Rivers Museum racism and decolonisation and the Racial Justice Advocacy Forum of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have been running a series of webinars exploring reparations.

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The Catholic News. September 2022 Page 11 Please support our Advertisers Book Reviews Book Reviews Encouraging Big Ideas Open Morning Saturday 24th September 2022 | 09:30-12:00 Book your place online now www.ratcliffecollege.com/visit Judged ‘,Excellent’, in 2022 Fr Lawrence Lew’,s photographs of sacred art inspire his contemplations of each Mystery of the Rosary. Beginning with a foreword by the Master of the Order, Fr Gerard Francisco Timoner III, O.P., the words and images in this book make the Mysteries we contemplate vivid and real, helping all of us –, those who pray the Rosary faithfully and those who struggle with the devotion –, to pray with deeper reverence and greater understanding. Fr Lawrence Lew, OP is a Dominican friar, the Promoter General of the Rosary for the Order of Preachers, and the rector of the Rosary Shrine at Haverstock Hill, London. He is also a well-known photographer. Endorsements “,This informative and beautifully illustrated book is a wonderful introduction to the Rosary prayer, and even more importantly, an irresistible invitation to pray it regularly.”, Bishop Robert Barron Goal: Give Your Prayer Life a Boost Mysteries Made Visible ISBN: 9781784697334 CTS Product Code: D840 £,12.95 - www.ctsbooks.org ",What a truly delightful book on the Holy Rosary of Our Lady! The use of illustrations to pray the Rosary is a tried and true aid in praying the Rosary more attentively and `Mysteries Made Visible` will be a great blessing to all who use it.", Fr Donald Calloway MIC, Author of `Champions of the Rosary` ",The Rosary is a crossroads of prayer, confession of the central mysteries of the Catholic faith, and contemplation of saving truths. It can be said in a train station or prayed quietly in a church. Fr. Lew leads us through a beautiful, thoughtful and clear consideration of this most central devotion of the Church. This is a work that will help us pray and a book to give others to invite them to pray.", Fr Thomas Joseph White OP, Rector Magnificus of the Angelicum (Rome) ",Mysteries Made Visible by Fr Lawrence Lew OP is a feast for the heart, the mind, and the eyes. In words inspiringly phrased and images beautifully captured he draws us anew into the ancient prayer of the Rosary. This is a book to ponder and linger over. As we pray with tangible beads Fr Lawrence helps us enter the eternal mysteries of salvation.’, The Most Reverend John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark ",Mysteries Made Visible is destined to become the `go to` book for members of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. By both word and imagery, the Promoter General has fashioned a work that educates and inspires souls to a deeper longing for the Author of all through the lens of the Queen of Heaven.", Dennis Girard, Director, Marian Devotional Movement Message of Bernadette Donal Anthony Foley, Mgr Vernon Johnson ISBN: 9781860824869 CTS Product Code: SP23 £,3.50 - www.ctsbooks.org Suffering is something that the modern world, including many Catholics, finds very difficult to endure or even to understand. What is the point of it? Why would a good God allow it? The Christian response to these questions is one of the underlying messages from Our Lady`s apparitions at Lourdes in 1858, not least through the life of Bernadette Soubirous, the seer of Lourdes, who endured so much suffering in her short life. This classic text by Mgr Vernon Johnson, and updated by Donal Foley for the 150th anniversary of the Lourdes apparitions in 2008, encourages readers to meditate deeply on the cross and the meaning and value of illness and suffering. Stations of the Infant Jesus By St Alphonsus Liguori ISBN NO:9780852315651 £,3.95 - www.rpbooks.co.uk Doctor of the Church, St Alphonsus Liguori, inspired many with his writings and wis - dom. This beautiful, new edition of his classic Stations of the Infant Jesus will serve as the perfect accompaniment for those looking to draw closer to Jesus this Advent. Through twelve stations –, that follow the pattern of an opening response, consider - ation, affection and closing response –, St Al - phonsus, simply and thought-provokingly, draws our focus to scenes from Jesus’, infancy.

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Bumpers You`ve probably driven an `electric car` (kind of) without realising it. Dodgem cars are electric and have been around since the 1920s. Many use dodgem cars as bumper cars, bumping those in their way and those they seek out. The goal of dodgem cars, however, is to dodge, not bump others. On the highway of life, some want to bump those `in their way` or whom `they don`t like`. Bumpers absorb impact, and on the highway of life, forgiveness is our bumper absorbing the effects of those bumping us. Every morning the rhythm of life begins, and off we go. Life`s arena is no fairground, yet the following theme park advice applies: `Step into the arena, take control of your own dodgem car, and race around as you try to avoid the chaos!` 1 Are you more dodgem car or bumper car? Either way, thank God for bumpers! Engine For many, the inner workings of a car engine are a mystery. It`s a similar story with ourselves. Most people lack awareness of what`s going on within their spiritual engine. Take, for example, your thoughts. Is your mind over-active like an engine unnecessarily revving? Do you struggle to switch off, like an engine overrunning? There are loving (positive) thoughts and unloving (negative) thoughts. Have you learnt to observe your thinking? Which ideas are inspired by God and which are not? Pay attention to your spiritual engine. Number plates In the United Kingdom, number plates were first used in 1903. A number plate identifies a vehicle`s registered keeper, not the owner. We are the registered keepers of our lives, but God is the owner. No false number plates are allowed at the Pearly Gates—,we must be ourselves. Know who you are: a child of God, a loved sinner. Milometer How much mileage has your car done? In the past, going around the clock (100,000+ miles) was an achievement, nowadays, some vehicles can go around twice, even more. People live longer too. The desire for immortality is within humanity. Fr. Richard Rohr, in his book Falling Upward, says we`ve got to die before we die. He is referring to the second stage (phase) of life, where we learn to die to all that is unnecessary to ‘,being’,. This second stage, says Fr Richard, is not tied to chronological age. It often is, yet some die early to the unnecessary while others perhaps not until their death bed. What matters on the highway of life is the mileage on our spiritual milometer. How much have we died to that which is not of God? MOT An MOT checks a vehicle`s roadworthiness. It groups test items into five categories: interior, exterior, under the bonnet, under the vehicle, and emissions. Consider using the following adapted test report to check your roadworthiness on the highway of life. MOT Test Report REGISTRATION MARK: son or daughter of God MAKE/MODEL: human/male or female VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: your name DATE[S] OF FIRST USE: date of birth and date of baptism ODOMETER READING: your spiritual journey thus far INTERIOR CHECKS: How are your emotions/feelings? What might they be telling you? Deep down, are you sad or joyful? EXTERIOR CHECKS: What are the circumstances of your life? How are you responding to these circumstances? What are the obstacles to love? What is helping you grow in love? UNDER BONNET CHECKS: What are your negative thought streams? What are your positive thought streams? Do you have the mind of Christ? UNDER VEHICLE CHECKS: Are you centred on God? Do you rest on God in the present moment? Can you be still and have faith to let God be God? EMISSIONS: On the highway of life, do you pollute or purify? FAIL: You are a sinner, and you refuse God`s love. PASS: You are a sinner, and you allow God to love you. ADVISORIES: You are not as good as you think you are, but you are loved more than you realise. (A point based on the thought of Gerald M. Fagin S.J., Discovering Your Dream). 1 ‘,Dodgems Ahoy’, on the Drayton Manor Theme Park website at www.draytonmanor.co.uk. Page 12 The Catholic News. September 2022 This article is an extract from Dr Paul Dixon`s forthcoming book, The Road Pilgrim. Over the coming months we shall be publishi ng extracts. For more details, email: info@theroadpilgrim.com CRYPTIC Across 1 Enemy of Gideon`s defeated during the witching hour, said one (9) 6 Musical about a High Priest (7) 7 Riddle to penetrate? (5) 9 Change in a little while going back to protect the testament (5) 10 Fielder`s body parts used to take wickets in the end (3,4) 11 Foot part`s essential to dancing, they say (6) 13 Grand aura about directions for the Holy Roman Emperor (6) 16 Hymn book each sailor kept (7) 18 One has a habit of getting into minicab bother (5) 20 Harsh being back at sea (5) 21 Bigbrewersarenuts,ridiculous(3-4) 22 Tyre here company backs after one phone order (9) CRYPTIC Down 1 Recommendation when weather`s bad in French wine area? (5) 2 Poles follow east Maine river banks to estate (7) 3 Saint Poles back from 2, and the Spanish, see in the morning (6) 4 One`s no good in charge at first, but is very sweet (5) 5 Christian Roman`s spreading mostly rubbish between Europe and America (7) 6 Paul`s fellow soldier damaged pup`s chair (9) 8 It runs in Iraq on Brussels tariffs top two phones supported (9) 12 Disturbance with fish supper only half wolfed down (5-2) 14 Spooks wreck a comeback, totally, for ancient language (7) 15 Frenchman`s to the fore in Brexit –, real European traditionalist on nationality (6) 17 `Beat retreat` code-word (5) 19 Gunners in the ascendant during support for Hebridean island (5) QUICK Across 1 One of a tribe from whom Moses took a wife (9) 6 High Priest who opposed the Maccabees (7) 7 Soak,suffuse(5) 9 Eurofractions?(5) 10 Close fielding position in cricket (3,4) 11 Arch area of the foot (6) 13 The - -- -- -`s War: alternative, now dated, name for World War I (6) 16 Book of hymns or poems associated with the Old Testament (7) 18 Archimandrite,prelate(5) 20 Demanding,forbidding(5) 21 Large vats for steeping and serving beverages (3-4) 22 Ancient Levant maritime country with ports at Tyre and Sidon (9) QUICK Down 1 Town noted for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir/Gamay Burgundies (5) 2 Manorhouse,estate(7) 3 Abbot of Bec who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 (6) 4 Cupcake topper (5) 5 Roman Christian who sent greetings to Timothy via Paul... (7) 6 ...and Christian at Colossae cited by Paul (9) 8 Western river boundary of Mesopotamia (9) 12 Organize a new restructure(5-2) 14 Language probably spoken by Christ (7) 15 French, previously Armorican (6) 17 Staccato, energetic, South American dance (5) 19 Outer Hebridean island home of Dad`s Army`s Private Frazer (5) 2-in-1 Crossword by Axe You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. SOLUTION The Road Pilgrim Part Seven - Car Parts &, MOT Across: 1 Midianite, 6 Alcimus, 7 Imbue, 9 Cents, 10 Leg slip, 11 Instep, 13 Kaiser, 16 Psalter, 18 Abbot, 20 Stern, 21 Tea-urns, 22 Phoenicia. Down: 1 Macon, 2 Demesne, 3 Anselm, 4 Icing, 5 Eubulus, 6 Archippus, 8 Euphrates, 12 Shake-up, 14 Aramaic, 15 Breton, 17 Tango, 19 Barra.

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