NOVEMBER 2022 Edition 11 page 9 Church devastated by Daesh restored page 12 New Bishop for East Anglia Worldwide Church Gathering page 3 Registered Charity no.1108428 Would you be willing to open up your heart and home and welcome individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine? If you are willing to share your space with those in need of a safe place, you can find out more information here and register your interest: www.sjog-homesforukraine.uk Supported by S t C h a r l e s B o r r o m e o F e a s t d a y 4 t h N o v e m b e r Public Spending Cuts Unjust On Friday 23September, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, presented a fiscal plan to Parliament which represented a sharp departure from the plans of the previous government to push up taxes to pay for public services, including social care and to reduce the NHS backlog. The Chancellor’,s intervention was focused on economic growth by cutting taxes, reversing the National Insurance increase and scrapping a planned increase in corporation tax. That reckless return to an unfettered neoliberal economic agenda now seems a long time ago, such is the bewildering pace of politics at the moment. Among other things it exposed the fantasy of Brexit sovereignty. Far from striding the global stage as a newly liberated economic heavyweight in charge of its own destiny, Britain and its political leaders were reminded in a humiliating way that the markets call the shots. Nor should we think the markets have had a sudden conversion to the common good. The main problem seems to have been that the Chancellor’,s plans had not been submitted to the Office for Budget Responsibility to check their impact and affordability. Britain looked risky. Continued on page 6 Are the poor to pay a high price for the recklessness of the wealthy again? Raymond Friel CEO, Caritas Social Action Network We want to see welfare benefits uprated and an end to the two-child cap on universal benefit payments Scottish archbishop calls for boost to bene ﬁ, ts Ellen Teague Working people aren`t getting a living wage Archbishop William Nolan of Glasgow has called on UK Government to increase benefits in line with inflation. ",The poor must not be sacrificed in an attempt to shore up the Government`s credibility with the markets,", he said last week. “,Making the poor poorer is not an act of fiscal prudence, it is an act of injustice.", He felt it is a “,fundamental injustice", that “,working people aren`t getting a living wage,", and said, ",we then need to really look at how we reward people in our society.", He drew attention to the applause for key workers during Covid lockdowns, “,but they need more than a clap, they need decent pay,", adding that “,we`ve got a low-wage economy and people Archbishop William Nolan are struggling, poverty won`t go away until we pay people a fair wage.", He reported people telling him that inflation, along with the increase in energy bills, has hit household budgets hard. “,Everywhere I go people are talking about this,", the Archbishop said: “,the increase in fuel costs, how it`s going to affect them and their families.", Continued on page 7

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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? Usually it seems to work out best if contributors simply say what they have to say and let us worry about finding a spot for it in the paper. What is the submission procedure? Please send as a Word file attached to an e-mail. To submit articles for publication, contact John Clawson by email at johnclwson@icloud.com Charts, graphs, and photos should be submitted as separate PDFs. Electronic photos should not be embedded or pasted into a Word document as this reduces their quality. Photographs and Illustrations Photographs and Illustrations should be supplied electronically as high resolution JPEG (*.JPG) files). Photographs and illustrations should be sent in colour with a resolution of 300 dpi and a minimum size of 100 mm x 100 mm when printed (approx. 1200 pixels wide on- screen). Computer print-outs are not acceptable. Screen captures are not ideal as they are usually not very high Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors. 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. November 2022. From the presbytery.............. by Fr Neil McNicholas Traditionally the first two stages in the formation of candidates for the diaconate and priesthood are lector and acolyte –, respectively reader and extraordinary minister of holy communion. In 1972 Pope Paul VI issued a document in which he authorised lay people to be admitted to those two ministries –, not as lectors and acolytes as such, but as ministers of the word and extraordinary ministers of holy communion. The term “,extraordinary minister”, refers to the fact that the ordinary minister is a deacon or priest - the services of a lay minister are only called upon when a deacon or priest isn’,t available to lead a Eucharistic Service, or to take holy communion to the sick and housebound, or when numbers at Mass make it necessary for a minister to assist the priest so the distribution of communion isn’,t unduly prolonged. When lay ministries were first introduced, I suspect that what typically happened was that priests approached people who were already doing things in the parish or at the back of church, and asked them if they would become a minister of the word or of holy communion –, possibly both. I also suspect this is how it continues to be done in many cases though it really shouldn’,t be, and our diocesan policy has been that a person isn’,t commissioned to both ministries given that there’,s enough involved in a full and proper commitment to either one. Finding someone to be a minister of the word might be presumed to be the easiest of the two, but it isn’,t simply a matter of reading but rather of proclaiming, and not just stories from a book but the word of God. It’,s very rare to find people who can read well right from the start, most will need some basic training in light of what is required to carry out their ministry in a way that will enhance the proclamation of God’,s word. Finding people to be extraordinary ministers of holy communion can be a little more problematic and for a number of reasons. First of all they need to be people who are in good standing with the Church given that they will be ministering the Body and Blood of Christ, but also the typical response of individuals when they are asked by their parish priest will be that they are not worthy. None of us is worthy in terms of our own merit, but we have been made worthy by our baptism into membership of the body of Christ. Training provides ministers with the practical know- how, commissioning provides them with the authority despite any feelings of unworthiness. Ministers of the word and ministers of holy communion are specifically commissioned to their ministry (or should be) by their bishop and therefore minister with the authority of the Church. This is why it is particularly sad when you see people quite deliberately receiving communion from the priest and not from the lay minister. Just like the priest, that person is ministering in the place of Christ and a refusal to receive from them is a denial of that fact and of the authority of the bishop and the Church. It is also, very sadly, a rejection of lay ministry. None of those things is acceptable and especially in approaching to receive communion at Our Lord’,s invitation. And this brings us to two further and important considerations. The first is the question of commissioning. My diocese was, I believe, one of the first in the country to introduce official training and commissioning for ministers and a regular system of recommissioning thereafter. In addition, ministers are required to attend an annual in-service day of reflection along with hundreds of their fellow ministers from all over the diocese. It is this policy and process of centrally training and officially commissioning ministers that helps to highlight the legitimacy of their ministry. The second consideration is how people are selected to become ministers. Basically it should be God who does the selecting. It may take the prompting of the priest, or an invitation from him to consider the possibility, but ministry should ideally be something to which the individual feels personally called –, and by God rather than by their priest. This requires an appreciation of what their ministry is all about –, it isn’,t just “,helping out”, or “,filling a gap”,, it’,s responding to a call to take on and fulfil a ministry of service to the altar and to their parish community, whether by proclaiming the word of God or by administering his Sacrament, and doing it because they can and because God is asking them to. Finally, just a few miscellaneous thoughts... •, Sometimes you come across a youngster who has an extraordinary talent when it comes to public reading –, some can be better than adults. Whilst it would be appropriate for them to read at a school Mass for example, the requirement for reading at a regular weekday or Sunday Mass is to be sixteen years of age or older and commissioned to that ministry. •, In most parishes there always seem to be individuals who object to having to take part in training days, recommissioning days, and days of reflection, but perhaps they need to remember that priests have to complete six or seven years of fulltime training prior to ordination to their ministry and regular in- service days thereafter. People would expect no less. Why, then, is a day now and again for those commissioned to their lay ministry too much to ask? •, If the privilege of proclaiming the word of God, or assisting with holy communion, or taking communion to the sick or housebound ever starts to become a chore, then it may be time to take a break. Those aspects of ministry should never become a burden. •, In my experience in parishes over the years it’,s amazing how often ministers will resign, or threaten to resign, over even the slightest of issues. When someone is commissioned to a ministry, they can’,t just step in and out of it –, commitment comes with commissioning, or it should do if it is something to which God was calling them in the first place. So now, is either one of these ministries something you could be doing? We have come to expect there to be ministers to proclaim the word –, could you be one of them? Pre-Covid we enjoyed the privilege of receiving holy communion under both kinds and hopefully will soon be able to return to that practice, but in most parishes there have to be ministers to make it possible –, could you be one of them? It’,s also a great privilege, and one greatly appreciated by those who benefit from it –, especially for the sick and housebound to be able to receive holy communion as an extension of the parish’,s eucharistic celebration. Could you be ministering to them? If you would like to know more, please ask your parish priest - but above all take things to prayer and ask God. Lay Ministers and Ministry The term “,extraordinary minister”, refers to the fact that the ordinary minister is a deacon or priest Lector’,s prayer Cleanse my heart and my mind and open my lips that I may worthily proclaim Your word.

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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 The Catholic Post. November 2022. Page 3. A Most Extraordinary Encounter It was the first time that the pilgrimage had taken place since 2019, the two-year gap being caused by the Covid pandemic. Bishop Alan Hopes and Archbishop Emeritus George Stack of Cardiff presided over the renewed event. The pilgrimage was a celebration by many nations in many languages, with flags and banners representing diverse communities and many pilgrims dressed in traditional costume. India, China and Africa were all well represented, and a large contingent of Congolese stood out with their matching clothes, dancing, drumming and waving of handkerchiefs. The event began with a presentation of banners to Bishop Alan, including ones from the Keralan, Zambian, Chinese, Congolese and Ethiopian chaplaincies, along with Filipino and Sri Lankan parish groups. The Shine Director, Fr Philip Moger, invited the groups to say the Hail Mary in their own languages, which came from many corners of Asia and Africa, with a German- speaking pilgrim representing the smattering of westerners. In his welcome, Bishop Alan said how wonderful it was to see people gathered from so many nations to make Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother known. He remembered Christians around the world who suffer persecution and prayed for peace and reconciliation, remembering especially those who have suffered and died in Ukraine or become war refugees. He then celebrated Mass in the Church of Reconciliation, opened to include an outdoor overflow which itself overflowed all the way to the cafe and the Slipper Chapel behind. Following the reading of the Gospel in English and Cantonese, Archbishop Emeritus George Stack gave a homily which took the pilgrims on a journey through the life of Mary and the doctrines which the Church teaches about her. He lingered on the words of Mary at the Feast of Cana, “,Do whatever He tells you”, and how she not just spoke the words but personified the obedience they call for. The visit to England of the relics of St Bernadette gave him an opportunity to speak about the Immaculate Conception, which made Mary the symbol of everything the human race could be and the paradisal freedom this brings. “,Throughout my life,”, he concluded, “,God has wanted the best for me, but so often I choose something so much less. Woman of obedience, keep us in mind, woman who listened, remember us to God, Mother of God, be our Mother also, Amen.”, The end of Mass was interrupted by sirens and milling police, and pilgrims evacuated calmly to a field opposite the Shrine. Bishop Alan afterwards thanked them for the exemplary way they had responded to an emergency which turned out to be not such an emergency after all. Worldwide church gathers rcdea.org.uk Nearly 3,000 pilgrims representing the worldwide Catholic Church gathered in the National Catholic Shrine at Walsingham for the colourful Dowry of Mary Pilgrimage After a delayed picnic lunch, the pilgrims processed, many singing and dancing, along the Holy Mile between the Catholic Shrine and the ruins of Walsingham Priory. Archbishop Stack placed the Blessed Sacrament under a marquee by the western arch of the priory, on an altar embroidered with the words ‘,Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus.’, A reading from chapter six of John’,s Gospel about the Bread of Life was followed by a long silence in the evening sunshine. Bishop Alan then called the pilgrims over to the site of the original holy house which had been destroyed along with the priory at the Reformation and led a prayer for the conversion of English, followed by a sung Salve Regina. The pilgrimage is named after the 14th-century convention of England being known as the “,Dowry of Mary”, and is the principal pilgrimage in honour of Mary. Eldred Willey A group of ladies were praying the rosary to support their priests. Nearing the end of the Mysteries, they became aware that the main door of the church was opening. Whoever had entered was wearing handmade leather shoes because one squeaked as he walked, which he did as quietly and unobtrusively as he could. He was a man of maybe mid-fifties, wearing clean but well-worn country clothes. He had thick tussled hair, pleasant countenance and a genuine warmth, confidence yet great humility. He was slightly lame, and highly respectful of all that was around him. He stopped at the statue of the Sacred Heart and bowed reverently, placing a candle on the stand, then proceeded to cross the church towards the ladies, his shoe squeaking at every step. He bowed low to the tabernacle. He noted the ladies glances as he approached, and with the most reassuring and warm smile he knelt directly behind their semi-circle of chairs. On finishing their rosary, during a final moment of quiet contemplation, the man rose to his feet, meeting their glances again with a smile and slight nod, and started back across the sanctuary. Again he bowed reverently towards the tabernacle and retraced his squeaky steps towards the back of the church. The ladies had presumed that this gentleman must be known to one of the group, yet nobody knew him, and on racing after him to say hello and flinging open the church door, there was found to be no one there. Whoever this visitor was, he gave great comfort and certainty to all those who were praying to support their priests that day. Crown of Thorns is a registered charity dedicated primarily to the promotion of the Holy Rosary and working to support our priests and chaplains in their work and welfare. www.crownofthorns.org.uk

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Page 4. The Catholic Post. November 2022. Parish Matters Why did people queue? As a sucker for pageantry and ritual I confess to have been drawn into and captivated by the late Queen’,s final journey from Balmoral to its conclusion in Windsor: a veritable feast of pageantry on the grandest scale. What did intrigue me was the willingness of so many thousands of people who were so drawn to the Lying in State that they were willing to queue for up to ten hours and beyond to spend a fleeting few minutes in the presence of a beloved monarch. Like every media interviewer, I wanted to raise the ‘,why’, question. Yet, in spite of the undoubted sincerity of most of the answers, even the most articulate struggled to offer a profound and convincing response. Looking for an answer in the context of the enactment of each carefully planned and choreographed stage of the entire mourning, was the substance of much of the commentary on television. One could have been excused censure for wondering just how often Huw Edwards would have persisted in posing the same question before he gave up in exasperation. To his credit (and a knighthood perhaps), he persisted. The answer to my question, if I may be so bold as to suggest, lay in the action, not in the written or spoken word. Every single stage of the via dolorosa of a family in mourning compelled millions to walk beside them in, what became, a collective, and very genuine, expression of grief and, importantly, thanksgiving for an exceptional and self- professed ‘,servant of the people’,. The key response from those whose perseverance in the queue was rewarded, was a clear message that those few minutes passing the coffin in Westminster Hall were revelatory, an encounter that made all the hours shuffling along endlessly, well worth every minute. Described by some as an epiphany. My next question is this, why would any Catholic be surprised that behind the most profound questions lies a greater truth that is beyond our understanding but is revealed through immersion in ritual and symbolism. We are drawn into the experience by the symbolic. Symbols are described as having no language but can be understood by anyone from any culture. (Large companies with powerful brands know this only too well.) This is the fundamental nature of a symbol: an object which makes present another greater reality, and acts as a gateway through which to move and so encounter that greater reality. Pope Francis in a recent document (Desiderio Desideravi) asks the question, ‘,how can we become once again capable of symbols? How can we again know how to read them and be able to live them? ‘, He calls the Church to seek to enter more deeply into the Sacred Rites …,. that lead to an encounter with the risen Lord. The symbols in themselves are finite, and we will lose wonder in them, the realities they convey however are infinite (cf. The Paschal Mystery) and so a source of constant wonder. The culmination of the ritual of the Queen’,s funeral was, fittingly for the Head of the established Church, the service at Westminster Abbey at which the Archbishop of Canterbury referring to Her Majesty’,s commitment to service, declared “,People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But in all cases, those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten.”, Echoing Pope Francis’, sentiments of our ultimate reward, he added: “,The pattern for many leaders is to be exalted in life and forgotten after death. The pattern for all who serve God –, famous or obscure, respected or ignored –, is that death is the door to glory.”, My final question is: ‘,where did the pageantry stop and the liturgy start? If at all? Willie Slavin MBE The call came as part of Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’,s “,A Million Children Praying the Rosary”, initiative, which asks young people in parishes, pre-schools, schools and families to come together in prayer every 18th October. ACN’,s ecclesiastical assistant Father Martin Barta said: “,Some of the most positive reactions we had come precisely from the regions where peace is most necessary. “,It is especially moving to know that there are children in Iraq, Syria, Belarus, or Myanmar praying along with those who gather in Fá,tima, Portugal, or in Canada, or the USA. “,It gives us hope that the love that comes from faith can triumph over violence.”, A message from ACN’,s international president Cardinal Mauro Piacenza and Fr Barta –, released ahead of the day of prayer –, stressed that ACN wanted to put countries where there is no peace into the hands of God the Father, through the intercession of St Mary. The message read: “,Let us especially entrust to the powerful and loving hands of the divine Father and the mighty intercession of the Mother of God those countries where war, violence and deep poverty prevail –, as in Ukraine, the Middle East, Nigeria, the Sahel region of Africa and all those places where people are unable to live in peace.”, The prayer campaign particularly encourages young people to trust in God during difficult times, and the 2022 campaign poster shows a pair of hands supporting the globe. The hands symbolise those of God the Father, who created the world in love and desires that everyone should be saved. According to the message from Cardinal Piacenza and Fr Barta: “,We all need this living hope that the Father holds all things in his hand.”, Now in its seventeenth year, “,A Million Children Praying the Rosary”, began in Venezuela’,s capital Caracas in 2005, when a group of children came together to pray. ACN started supporting the campaign in 2008 and began running it in 2018. In October 2020, Pope Francis gave his backing to the prayer initiative during one of his Angelus messages, saying: “,I encourage Children around the world have been praying for peace in countries devastated by war, violence or crippling poverty acnuk.org Some of the most positive reactions we had come precisely from the regions where peace is most necessary New Shrine to Mary, Mother of Persecuted Christians this beautiful event that involves children throughout the world.”, The first shrine in Europe dedicated to persecuted Christians was blessed on 6th September at the Ordinariate Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory by Father Benedict Kiely. ",The shrine features an icon of Our Lady with the words “,Mother of the Persecuted”, written in Aramaic, which was the language of Jesus and is still spoken in parts of Syria and Iraq. The icon was painted by Sister Souraya, a Lebanese Melkite nun.",

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The Catholic Post. November 2022. Page 5. Archbishop Mark O’,Toole (Archbishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia) gave a paper recently on the new Ministry of Catechist at an International Conference on Catechesis at the Vatican. The Conference was attended by over a thousand people from across the globe, including a delegation of fifty from the UK, all of whom are involved in the work of communicating the faith in their home countries. It was organised by the Dicastery for Evangelisation, and concluded with an Audience with the Holy Father. The Holy Father’,s address can be found by visiting www.rcadc.org and searching for Archbishop Mark speaks at International Conference on Catechesis at the Vatican and clicking on the link. Archbishop Mark stayed on in Rome after the Conference to attend a meeting of the International Council for Catechesis, a group of fifteen Bishops, Priests and Lay experts, who come together with members of the Dicastery for Evangelisation at the Holy See, to reflect on the significant challenging issues which face the Church in the communication of the faith, and to look at models of good practise for encouraging this. Archbishop Mark speaks at International Conference on Catechesis at the Vatican rcadc.org All are involved in the work of communicating the faith in their home countries Saint Paul’,s at Chatsworth’,s Burning Man Exhibition A group of students from Saint Paul’,s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester recently visited the Burning Man exhibition on the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire to support the start of their GCSE Art and Design course. The students enjoyed the large-scale Burning Man exhibition of 12 monumental sculptures which were displayed in the park surrounding Chatsworth. Burning Man is a unique event that usually takes place annually in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, USA, but this year, Chatsworth has worked with the Burning Man team and artists to bring its distinctive culture of possibility and creativity to the Derbyshire landscape. The pupils were set a photography brief to find all 12 sculptures in a treasure hunt with a map of photography based activities at key sculptures. They learned how to follow a brief, to gather their own primary research, gather It was an amazing day with fabulous autumn weather and simply stunning art Saint Paul`s Catholic High School evidence and develop their own photographic ideas to present and analyse on their return to school. Miss Rebecca Coyle, Head of Art at Saint Paul’,s, said: “,This was a wonderful visit which provided masses of inspiration. It was an amazing day with fabulous autumn weather and simply stunning art. It allowed students to experience a wide range of artistic styles and ideas whilst appreciating the sheer scale of some of the pieces and the media used. The setting was exhilarating and amazingly beautiful.”, Mr Mike Whiteside, Deputy Headteacher at Saint Paul’,s, added: “,This was a great experience for all the art students, aided by a well thought out tour of the sculptures. Visits like these provide a very valuable experience for our students and enhance the learning curriculum.”, Stowmarket launches project to bring bells back to life Our Lady Stowmarket has been raising funds for new ironwork and a ladder to get the church bells ringing again. “,The bells at Our Lady, Stowmarket have not been rung for over 20 years.”, explains Sandra Portas, Stewardship and Fundraising Coordinator for the East Anglia Diocese. “,The bells hung in the tower for swing chiming are dated 1747 (the larger one) and 1857 (the smaller one) and are the work of the Mears Foundry in Whitechapel. All canons are intact, and the bells retain their cast-in crown staples.”, The project comprises two elements: repair to the supporting ironwork of the two bells which is in an advanced stage of rusting, this involves two new canon straps to be manufactured and installed on the bell headstocks. The second element of the project is the improvement to the access to the bells. The current ladder and slab are deemed to be unsafe from a health and safety perspective. The necessary works include the fabrication and installation of a steel-runged CAT ladder to reach from the main entrance of the tower to below the slab floor. The current slab floor will be reinforced with steel to ensure it is made safe to use. The final part of the project is to install electrically operated chime hammers to the bells, so that the daily Angelus and Mass Tolling could be automatically sounded and also a “,key fob”, wire free push button control could be used to sound the bell in the Mass, and to activate continuous tolling on command. Grants have been raised externally from a number of trusts including Suffolk Historic Churches Trust (£,4,250), DC Moncrieff Trust (£,500), Alfred Williams Trust (£,2,000) and Sharpe Trust (£,200). “,The bells at Our Lady, Stowmarket have not been rung for over 20 years.”, Eldred Willey, East Anglia Pictured above is one of the Stowmarket bells.

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Page 6. The Catholic Post. November2022. The World Day of Social Communications will be celebrated on 21 May 2023. The theme, which connects with that of 2022 –, “,Listen with the ear of the heart”, is intended to form part of the path that will lead the entire Church to the celebration of the Synod in October 2023. Speaking with the heart, explained a statement, means giving “,a reason for your hope”, and by doing so gently, “,using the gift of communication as a bridge and not as a wall.”, It is an invitation to “,go against the grain”, at a time characterized by polarization and heated debates that exacerbate tempers –, even in ecclesial life. Speaking the truth with a style of mercy The theme further invites everyone not to “,fear to state the at times uncomfortable truth that finds its foundation in the Gospel.”, This proclamation, however, must not be separated from “,a style of mercy, of sincere participation in the joys and sufferings of people of our time,”, as shown in the dialogue between the mysterious wayfarer and the disciples of Emmaus in the Bible. Non-hostile communication In the dramatic context of conflicts in different regions of the globe, the theme affirms the importance of non-hostile communication. Thus, it promotes, “,a communication open to dialogue with the other, that fosters “,integral disarmament”,, that strives to dismantle the “,psychosis of war”, that lurks in our hearts,”, as Saint John XXIII prophetically exhorted sixty years ago in Pacem in Terris. In this regard, everyone, and in particular those who work in the field of communications, are called upon to exercise their profession “,as a mission for building a more just, more fraternal and more human future.”, “,Speak with the heart: Veritatem facientes in caritate”, Catholic People Vatican announces theme for 57th world day of social communications Procession to Our Lady of Willesden Archbishop’,s House, Westminster More than 300 pilgrims joined with Seminarians and Staff from Allen Hall, Westminster`s Diocesan Seminary, to make the October Devotion at the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden. As the processional image was carried through the streets of NW10, the Rosary was prayed for the gift of Vocations to the Priesthood, seminarians leading the decades. On return to the Shrine, Canon John O`Leary preached the homily, reminiscing on how this prayer had been essential in his own vocation, how it was an effective prayer for the gift of vocations to the priesthood, and commenting particularly on the Mysteries of Light, how our meditative praying deepens and sustains our own Christian Vocation. The devotions concluded with a period of Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and an Act of Consecration in the Shrine Chapel. Our meditative praying deepens and sustains our own Christian Vocation Fr Stephen Willis, rector of the Shrine, expressed his hope that ",many blessings may flow from this joyous evening of intercession.", Papal medal of honour awarded to caring Chris Middlesborough Catholic Voice Parishioners at St Mary’,s Cathedral in Middlesborough were delighted to share in the celebrations as Lourdes head handmaid Chris Tillotson was presented with the Benemerenti medal. Chris was taken by surprise as Bishop Terry called her onto the altar during Sunday morning Mass. Chris is an inspiration to all who know her, working tirelessly for Lourdes and many other good causes throughout the diocese. She has been involved in planning the pilgrimage for 10 years and also helps organise the conference of Lourdes directors. Since being appointed head handmaid in 2012 she has brought in many innovations, introducing the formation day and health and safety protocols, as well as the famous Lourdes tea parties, both on the pilgrimage and back home in Middlesbrough and Hull. During the pandemic she has constantly kept Chris Tillotson is presented with the Benemerenti medal by Bishop Terry in touch with our supported pilgrims offering any help possible, making sure they are in contact with someone while in isolation. She is a Eucharistic Minister in the cathedral parish, helped organise the Millennium Mass at the Riverside in 2000 and has played an important role in running the diocesan youth service. Chris, who is married to Lourdes Director Keith and has three children and seven grandchildren, has also organised fundraising events including shows at Middlesbrough Theatre, race nights, Irish nights and bingo, to name but a few. Congratulations, Chris –, the papal honour couldn’,t go to a more deserving person. Chris is an inspiration to all who know her, working tirelessly for Lourdes and many other good causes throughout the diocese Continued from page 1 Kwasi Kwarteng has paid the political price for his ideological gamble and now, at least at the time of writing, the Chancellor is Jeremy Hunt, a Remainer and One Nation Tory. This hardly spells a return to the pragmatism of the Johnson government which acknowledged that higher taxes would be necessary to address the lengthening backlog in NHS procedures and the dysfunction of social care in an ageing society. In his statement on Monday 17 October, issued before he spoke to Parliament in order to reassure the markets, Hunt confirmed that one of the few parts of the minibudget to be retained was the scrapping of the rise in National Insurance to fund a ‘,health and social care levy.’, He spoke of difficult decisions ahead and has not ruled out cuts to public spending. The plans, such as they were, to fix our ailing NHS and care system, have been ditched. Paul Johnson, the Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, commenting on the new Chancellor’,s statement, said that it was “,hard to see where significant cuts would come from”, in the big areas of health, pensions, welfare, education and defence. The fear is that we are about to enter into another phase of austerity as brutal in its impact as the first period of austerity following the financial crash of 2008, when the poorest paid a high price for the recklessness of the wealthy. Cuts to public spending is only one option when faced with a ‘,black hole’, in government debt. It is a political choice, not an inevitability. Catholic Social Teaching will always insist on the dignity of the human person, indeed the preferential option for the poor, and the common good. Catholics have an opportunity now to speak out, to contact their MPs, and make it known that they will not support cuts to public spending, including welfare benefits, which are relied upon by the most disadvantaged in our society. Indeed, as the Department for Social Justice of the Bishops’, Conference of England and Wales said in its briefing paper of 5 September 2022, we want to see welfare benefits uprated and an end to the two-child cap on universal benefit payments. Pope Francis has spoken out often about the impact of an unjust economy on the most vulnerable. In Evangelli Gaudium he says, “,Just as the commandment ‘,Thou shalt not kill’, sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘,thou shalt not’, to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills (53).”,

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The Catholic Post. November 2022. Page 7. A Mission of Mercy Edwina Gillett Frances King has delivered healthcare to people from the world’,s poorest nations. But her achievements go further than this as, after conquering a fear of public speaking, she raised £,76,000 delivering more than 270 talks about Mercy Ships. The grandmother of five, who is married to Mike, lives in Wrea Green and has volunteered on board the Africa Mercy three times. A retired nurse, Frances worked in the NHS for nearly 50 years. She first came across Mercy Ships in the early 2000s from another speaker and was inspired to volunteer. Frances says: “,They perform life-changing surgery in low-income and lower-middle- income countries where nine out of ten people have no access to basic surgical care. Mercy Ships sail directly to these people to offer the medical care they need –, for free.”, Frances says: “,My first time was to Ghana in 2006. I was so moved by what I saw and the work being performed by all on board that I wanted to return again and I did. Next time to Liberia in 2008 and finally to Togo in 2010, after which my nursing registration expired.”, In 2007, Frances was asked to do a talk about her experience on board and found the prospect extremely daunting. “,I was so scared of talking in front of people. Having never spoken in public in my life, I dreaded the thought when my local Mothers’, Union asked me to share my experiences. It was whilst we were in our caravan on holiday that Michael persuaded me to do it and he helped in putting a presentation together one evening. I thought I would only do it once.”, But her talks had a significant effect, including encouraging donations to the charity. However, it was only after 10 talks that Frances felt more comfortable with public speaking. Mercy Ships is a faith-based international development organisation that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering vital, free healthcare to people in desperate need. The charity brings hope and healing to those suffering from disability, disfigurement, and disease. Volunteers pay for their own travel (air fare) with many of the younger volunteers often receiving help and support from their local churches. Those wishing to help do not need any medical training as only 50% of volunteers are medics. “,The joy and appreciation of those coming to be treated, whether on or off the ship. Many have been outcasts in their local community, often due their disfigurement. “,Working on and off the ship I was quite overcome when seeing hundreds waiting to be seen in the heat on their feet for hours, they would sing and smile, never complaining waiting to be seen –, not like here in the UK. It was like being part of a large family.”, Frances says that if anyone is considering volunteering on board the Africa Mercy, then “,it would be a life-changing experience that would remain with you for the rest of one’,s life”,. Meanwhile, Mercy Ships UK chief executive officer Joanne Balaam says: “,We are so incredibly grateful for the astounding effort and impact Frances has had on fundraising and spreading the word of Mercy Ships from her first-hand experiences. Every talk that Frances has given has inspired remarkable donations as she travelled over eight counties to deliver them. “,Her talks have helped make a vital difference to countries in West and Central Africa through ensuring surgery to those who need it most and delivering ongoing training and expertise to local medics to guarantee a lasting legacy.”, Frances is retiring from the Mercy Ships network, but she has some advice for anyone who would like to support Mercy Ships. “,They could possibly bring it to the attention of family members, or friends who may wish to serve on the ship. There are many roles from doctors, nurses, technicians, teachers, people with computer expertise, hospitality etc. “,There is a network of speakers in place who would be willing to give a talk. I personally believe it helps if the speaker has served on the ship and is able to include in their talk their own experience and photos in addition to Mercy Ships information.”, Frances has attended the Church of St Annes at Westby for the past thirty-nine years. Article courtesy of Catena I dreaded the thought when my local Mothers’, Union asked me to share my experiences Secretariat of Synod sends message for Vatican II anniversary In a Message for the 60th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II, the General Secretariat for the Synod notes that the Synod itself is a “,fruit”, of the Council, “,and indeed one of its ‘,most precious legacies’,”, (quoting Pope Francis). The Secretariat’,s Message recalls that the Synod’,s purpose is “,to prolong, in the life and mission of the Church, the spirit of the Second Vatican Council”, and “,to foster in the People of God the living appropriation of its teaching.”, The ongoing synodal process, dedicated to “,Synodality in the life and mission of the Church,”, likewise follows from the Council, and is rooted in Vatican II’,s theology of the people of God. Although the term synodality does not appear in the conciliar documents, the concept appears throughout the Council, while the three terms “,communion, participation, and mission…, are eminently conciliar words.”, “,The Church that we are called to dream and to build is a community of women and men drawn together in communion by the one faith, our common Baptism and the same Eucharist, in the image of the Trinity.”, Finally, the Message emphasized the significance of synodality for the Church going forward, recalling that both Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have described synodality as a “,constitutive dimension”, of the Church, with Pope Francis proclaiming that the path of synodality “,is the path that God expects from the Church of the Third Millenium.”, By Christopher Wells To foster in the People of God the living appropriation of its teaching vaticannews.va Continued from page 1 He described it as a “,hot topic and people are very worried about it.", His comments were made before the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced on Monday that the cap on energy prices charged to households is now only guaranteed until April next year, rather than the two years promised by Liz Truss. After April, help will be targeted to help hard-up households, although details of this were not revealed. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition, an umbrella body for 60 charities and campaign groups, immediately warned that the financial cliff edge faced by millions ",has now become even steeper",. Archbishop Nolan also urged all Catholics to look after those around them amid fears that energy costs will leave many struggling to stay warm this winter. “,Catholic Churches tend to be quite big and drafty so maybe not the best place to come and get warm,", he said, “,but if we`ve got a church hall in a central location we should open it up and invite people in so they can get warmed up.", London: Shrine for Bl Carlo Acutis unveiled Bishop Nicholas Hudson has celebrated a Pontifical Sung Mass at the unveiling and blessing of the newly-carved Shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Covent Garden. The shrine, which contains a first class relic of Blessed Carlo, was unveiled on his feast day on Wednesday, 12 October. In his homily, Bishop Hudson advised young people to look to Blessed Carlo as their inspiration to draw closer to Christ: ",Ask him to be your guide in this life. ",There`s a roadmap, suggests Fr Anthony Figueiredo, in all that Carlo did and said which we should seek to make our own. It`s captured in Carlo`s own saying: `Always to be united with Jesus: this is my programme for life,` as he would say.", The shrine was carved by Ferdinand Stuf - lesser in Italy, who carved the statues of Our Lady of Walsingham, St Anthony, Padre Pio and the Curé, d`Ars. “,Ask him to be your guide in this life.”, Archbishop’,s House, Westminster Image: mazur/cbcew.org.uk

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YOUR PEST, OUR PROBLEM. For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org Page 8. The Catholic Post. November 2022. Bishop Kevin Doran on Day for Life: Caring for the Older Person Homily Almost forty years ago, when I was in my early thirties, I was a member of the chaplaincy team at UCD. I spend a lot of time with young people and I didn`t think much about growing old. Now that I am heading rapidly towards 70 years of age, I am all the more convinced of the importance of a new and deeper relationship between the generations. We have much to learn from one another, as Pope Francis often reminds us. During this past year, the Pope, who is in his eighties and who continues to make an enormous contribution to the Church and to the world, gave a series of very rich reflections on the meaning and value of old age. When we celebrate ‘,Day for Life`, we focus on ",caring for the older person",, I want to begin by reflecting on the theme of ",service", about which Jesus speaks in the Gospel. The two things are not unconnected. Let us go back for a moment to UCD in the 1980`s. All human life was there. I was out around the campus one afternoon, when I met a student I knew from the Science Faculty. She said, ",I called to your house earlier but the servant said you were out.", I had an immediate negative response to the word ",servant",. We did have a ",housekeeper",, but we would never have thought of her as a ",servant",. In a modern democratic society, where the focus is on everybody being equal, the idea of having ",servants", seems out of place. In the final analysis, of course, most people are employed by other people to provide some kind of service for which they are paid. Others generously give hours of their time in voluntary service, in sports clubs, community associations, meals on wheels and ministries in the Church. We all expect to be served in different ways. So there should really be no problem with the idea of ",service",. I don`t think it really matters what word you use to describe the service people give. What counts is how we treat people, whether we pay them properly, speak respectfully to them, involve them in decision-making, or perhaps treat them as if they were in some way inferior. Jesus told his disciples, ",the greatest among you is the one who serves",. When we use our gifts and skills to serve others, or when we serve God himself, it is an expression of gratitude. It is a way of showing appreciation for the gifts we have received. In a Gospel passage, Jesus describes our relationship with God as that of good and faithful servants. With our modern focus on equality, we may even have come to think of God as our equal, and that presents a real difficulty. The fact that He loves us and walks with us on the path of life, does not change the fact that God is God, the source of life, and beauty and truth. We are not his equals. It is a privilege to be invited into his service. Now, perhaps, we can go on to reflect on how we care for older people, both by respecting their capacity to serve and by serving them when they have particular needs. Most of us who are older, and I include myself in that, don`t define ourselves as old. These things are relative. While some of us may need a bit more medical attention than we did in the past, we don`t think of ourselves as being particularly vulnerable or in need of care. Many older people continue to offer service of one kind or another, in the family, in the Church and in the wider community and are glad to do so. Their gifts should be acknowledged and appreciated. Caring for older people begins by making sure that they are not pushed to one side, or excluded from participation, making sure they have the opportunity to serve in whatever way is appropriate to their health and their energy. In a world where everybody is so busy, grandparents are there for their grandchildren, listening, loving and sharing the wisdom of their years. In a world torn apart by war and mistrust, with energy prices going through the roof, older people have seen it all before. In the midst of all the anxiety and turmoil, they continue to have hope, because they know that the Spirit of God is even now at work, and that peace and healing will come. Some older people do, of course, need more care, whether they live at home or in a nursing home. Even when people are frail due to old age, we should be slow to suggest that they have nothing to contribute. Even then, they have a mission. So many of our older people bear witness to the Gospel by their presence, their prayer and their patience in the face of suffering or reduced mobility. If we return to the image Jesus offers us in the Gospel, we remember that the servant, having served the master, is entitled to sit down and have his or her meal. In much the same way, after a life-time in which they have generously given of themselves, as parents and grandparents, as employees and as volunteers, those who have become frail due to old age deserve the very best that society can give them. It is our turn to serve them. As Pope Francis says, this can sometimes be experienced as a burden, but in reality it is a great privilege. The very fact of spending time caring for older people, who are coming towards the end of their lives, invites us to slow down, to listen, to reflect differently on the meaning of our own existence. It is important that we don`t forget the lessons of the recent pandemic, when older people, especially those in nursing homes, were exposed to greater risk, because they were not adequately factored into public policy. I take the opportunity to send my best wishes and blessings to all those older members of our parish communities around the Diocese who are unable to join us for Mass in person. Please let us know if we can offer you any practical or spiritual assistance at home. In the meantime, please stay close to us in prayer and be assured that there is nothing more important that you could be doing at this moment in the history of the world. Bishop Kevin Doran is Bishop of Elphin and chairman of the Council for Life of the Irish Bishops` Conference. This homily was delivered on the Day for Life Sunday, 2 October, at 10.30am Mass in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo. Irish Catholic Media O ffi ce “,It is important that we don`t forget the lessons of the recent pandemic, when older people, especially those in nursing homes, were exposed to greater risk, because they were not adequately factored into public policy", Bishop Doran

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The Catholic Post. November 2022. Page 9. Frank Goulding For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org www.st-josephscranleigh.surrey.sch.uk No limits ... Just Possibilities Education, Care and Integrated Therapies across 52 weeks for young people Aged 5 - 19 with Autism, Complex and Severe Learning Difficulties Both Care and Education positions available! Talk to us about joining our fantastic team and supporting our young people! St Joseph’,s Specialist Trust Tel: 01483 272449 Email: office@st-josephscranleigh.surrey.sch.uk Executive Principal - Annie Sutton Follow: atStJoscranleigh On Monday September 19th the nation witnessed the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The massive number of people who stood for hours and the huge television audience indicated what a loss to the nation and the world we had all experienced. No one was left in any doubt that the well reported strength of the late Queen’,s Christian Faith was her inspiration during her remarkable 70 years reign. On the morning of that sad historical day I went for an early walk, the empty streets gave me an opportunity to take notice of a row of terraced houses built in 1824. I did become to wonder how the Christian faith had changed in our country since those houses were built. 1824 was just 5 years before Catholic Emancipation. So 148 years after the martyrdom of Saint Oliver Plunket, Roman Catholics could attend Mass with at least some being aware that both Houses of Parliament had voted for this on St Patrick’,s Day in 1829. I rely on history for all this information but 148 years after Oliver Plunket was the last to die for the faith after the Reformation one does wonder how Roman Catholics in Britain passed on their faith from one generation to the next during the 18th century. In 1829 we are told that King George IV was opposed to Catholic Emancipation, it was only the persuasion of two prominent politicians that encouraged him to change his mind and to agree the legislation. The two politicians were the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel better known for their activity at the Battle of Waterloo and the repeal of the Corn Laws. Nearly 200 years since these events times really have changed. In 1972 the Rector of Newark preached at a church Unity Week Mass and commented that he was the first Anglican to do this in Newark since the Reformation. Canon Kingsnorth also spoke of the “,Scandal of our disunity”,. Many readers will have memories of the late Cardinal Basil Hume. Just before his death Queen Elizabeth presented him with the Order of Merit, not only the highest honour, but the Queen’,s personal gift which is bestowed on individuals of “,exceptional distinction.”, Many media commentators today are not religious let alone Christians. As they reflected on the life of Queen Elizabeth they just might feel that despite all the changes during her reign she inspired and encouraged in such a special way. We need to do this with all our young people and play our part in the future of their lives. Charity helps restore Church devastated by Daesh (ISIS) John Newton - acnuk.org After two years, we decided it was time to restore the church, to give the people hope A church destroyed by Islamist extremists during their occupation of northern Iraq is set to be fully restored next month. Church sources in the country told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which helped fund the restoration, that all repairs to the Church of Saints Benham and Sara in Qaraqosh (Baghdeda) are on course to be finished by the end of October 2023. During the Daesh (ISIS) occupation of Qaraqosh in Iraq’,s Nineveh Plains, extremists destroyed the Syriac-Catholic church’,s two towers with explosives. ACN project partner Father George Jahola told the charity: “,The first time I visited the city, four days after its liberation, in 2016, we saw absolute devastation, the church burned, the bell tower knocked over. My feeling was of great sadness.”, But, despite the building also suffering extensive damage from missiles and gunfire, Christians returning from Iraq’,s autonomous Kurdistan Region, where they had been IDPs, found the church was structurally sound. They subsequently resumed holding services there. Father Jahola added: “,The community was thrilled to be able to return to pray in this parish. “,We wanted to strengthen and encourage this faith, and explain that the Church is more than buildings, it is the souls of the people who live in the parish. “,After two years, we decided it was time to restore the church, to give the people hope.”, Repairs to the interior were completed earlier this year and work begun on the outside. The project has cost more than £,400,000. Parish priest Father Boutros Sheeto also told ACN that the restoration of the church has given hope to Christian families in the Qaraqosh. He said: “,Having the church restored gives the community psychological and moral strength. Without this reconstruction, many families today would be thinking about emigrating.”, Father Sheeto went on to put the suffering of Iraq’,s Christians during the Daesh occupation in the context of Jesus’, passion and death He said: “,Since its inception to this day, the Church has been persecuted. A Church that is not persecuted is a Church that does not carry Christ, because Jesus was crucified and suffered during his life and his mission. “,If Jesus suffered, died, was buried and rose, we have to suffer with Jesus and suffer with the Church so that we can live the Resurrection and be witnesses to the gospel of joy and hope in the world.”, With thanks to John Smith and Filipe D‘,Avillez The restoration of the Church’,s exterior in progress (©, ACN)

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Page 10. The Catholic Post. November 2022. A Christian predicament over climate change If the fossil fuel industry had ceased to farm and promote its product when it discovered that it was rapidly heating the planet, we should not now be in a climate emergency. Instead, it denied. We subconsciously accepted this because it suited us to do so, and because the warnings of the opposing argument frightened us. This remains true. Even the last two candidates for the leadership of our governing party needed to be forced by the media and public opinion to confirm their allegiance to the net zero policy. The writer Jonathan Freedland, in The Escape Artist, contends that “,humans are innately unable to believe in their own extinction, right up to the moment of death”,. Denial remains integral to many crises we face today. The French philosopher Raymond Aron said of the Holocaust: “,I knew, but I didn’,t believe it. And because I didn’,t believe it, I didn’,t know.”, If we know, as St Paul reminds us, we have to speak (2 Corinthians 4:13). Otherwise, our faith is inauthentic. Speaking must result in action if it is to be authentic. Our awareness that this is so will lead to difficulties when resultant action involves inconveniencing, even endangering, others and here many of us, understandably, draw the line. So far, I have not been inconvenienced by now essential protest. I have not had a loved one unable to reach hospital because protesters (like me) were blocking the road. Nor have I had to witness suffering or dying for the same reason. Others have, and this is awful. Does this justify, condone or advise my silence or inaction? If we remain silent, if inaction has set in, then humanity is doomed. We have, as John Harris wrote in The Guardian, a “,very human talent for just about averting our eyes from what is directly in front of us, so as to live a quiet life, and a political culture that just about keeps the ‘,everything will be OK’, veneer in place.”, If our governments still fail the planet and humanity in its hour of need, this is because we have not made clear enough our desire that they address the problem. Do we really want our leaders to grasp the nettle? The answer has to be “,So far, no!”, Is this the crisis of democracy, that we do not do what we know we should? Carmody Grey, a distinguished theologian at Durham University, argues that our inaction results from our awareness of the facts not corresponding to our stated, merely to our real values. If real values are determined by modern western consumerist and egocentric preferences, lacking a “,transcendent horizon”,, then our own failure to grasp the nettle should not surprise us. St Luke quotes our Saviour: “,...where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”, (Luke 12) So where do you go? My answer: I should try humbly to establish the facts regarding, for example, global overheating and the reasons for it and then, in line, I hope, with my faith, I should try to speak and act within my competence to prevent our continuing down the same disastrous paths. In doing this, I know I shall be inconvenienced and occasion inconvenience. I shall certainly be criticised, but I should try to hold on to the Common Good of Catholic Social Teaching. None of this is easy, but, as people of faith, our transcendent horizons mean we will not lose hope. After five or so years of noisy opposition, firstly to fracking and then to climate change denial, and consequent inaction or worse by our leaders, I remain amazed at those who insist politics has no role in religion. Our Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as other Church and religious leaders, have all contradicted this position. What use is my belief if I do not act? Otherwise, I hide my light under a bushel. The recent impressive BBC2 documentary Big Oil vs. The World (available on BBC iPlayer) reveals the extent to which humanity has been intentionally nourished on a lie to the point where our increasing awareness of this fact risks being too late. Now is a time to speak and to act. Archbishop Justin Welby has recently told bishops to speak, act and take risks at any and every level: “,To be silent...is to be one of the oppressors.”, Middlesborough Catholic Voice A personal view on the need to act to protect our planet, from Our Lady and St. Benedict’,s, Ampleforth, parishioner David Cragg-James... Cardinal to PM: No valid reason to move British Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem cbcew.org.uk Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’, Conference, has written to Prime Minister Liz Truss to express his “,profound concern”, after it was announced that the PM told her Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid that she is reviewing the location of the British Embassy in Israel. The suggestion is that the review is focussing on whether to move the embassy from Tel Aviv, where almost all other countries have their embassies, to Jerusalem –, a move that Cardinal Nichols says “,would be seriously damaging to any possibility of lasting peace in the region and to the international reputation of the United Kingdom. “,The Cardinal also adds his voice to that of Pope Francis and Christian leaders in the Holy Land, saying:“,Pope Francis and the leaders of churches in the Holy Land have long called for the international status quo on Jerusalem to be upheld, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. The city must be shared as a common patrimony, never becoming an exclusive monopoly of any party. “,Expressing his view that there is no valid reason to move the embassy, Cardinal Nichols writes: “,I ask you earnestly to reconsider the intention you have expressed and to focus all efforts on seeking a two-state solution, in which Jerusalem would have a guaranteed special status.”, It would be seriously damaging to any possibility of lasting peace in the region and to the international reputation of the United Kingdom Zach and Elizabeth rise to the challenge My two children, Zach age 10 and Elizabeth age 8 had great success over the summer with their challenge to climb Scafell Pike to raise money for Catholic Children`s Society Plymouth and Shekinah Plymouth. They reached their target of £,500 to be split between the two charities: as well as reaching the summit! It was a massive feat completing the brown tongue and yellow stones route taking 7 hours 43 minutes to climb up and back again. It was a shame not to be rewarded with a view from the top- unfortunately, it was misty and hit lows of 5c at the summit. Sarah (Mum) Zach Elizabeth

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The Catholic Post. November 2022. Page 11. I want to reflect on the teaching of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew 25:14-30, otherwise known as the Parable of the Talents. We are told of a master who was leaving his house to travel and, before he left, entrusted his property to his servants. According to the personal abilities of each man, one servant received five talents, the second received two, and the third received only one. The first two servants used the talents they received and were praised and rewarded by the master for being faithful. But the third, who did not even believe in what he had been given or felt he had received something too small, decided to keep it for the master and never used it as his fellow servants did. What, then, was his reward? He lost it…, “,so take the talent away from him and give it to the one with the ten talents “,. Because he decided not to use it, he lost it. One thing you must not forget is that no one created by God is useless. I often hear people say they are useless just because they can’,t do a particular thing the way the others do. Therefore, you shouldn’,t allow anyone to make you feel worthless or make yourself feel the same way. That you can’,t do this does not mean you can’,t do that. There must be something you can do very well. There is something God has given to each of us. The problem is when we don’,t see what we have and want what others have that we feel we don’,t have. We can only be who God has made us be and no one else. The passage says, “,He gave each of them according to their abilities”,, meaning that God looks at you and knows what you can handle, which He gives to you. But the fact is that you must use it. You must develop the talent that has been given to you, if you don’,t, the possibility is that you may lose it, just like the servant. For instance, if you have been gifted with a singing voice, you must sing, practice continuously, and develop that talent. Only then will your gift make way for you and bring you before kings (Proverbs 18:16). Stay for a year without singing, and you will notice that your voice will gradually start going out of tune. Fr Alvan Ibeh re ﬂ, ects on the Parable of the Talents You must use it or you will lose it rcdea.org.uk The problem is when we don’,t see what we have and want what others have that we feel we don’,t have You will be surprised that you will begin to struggle to sing, unlike before. Therefore, you must use it, or you will lose it. How do I make use of what God has given me? First and foremost, I must believe and affirm that God has blessed me with a talent just as He has blessed others. I must believe that I have something that the other person I am trying to be like does not have. I must acknowledge my talent is fantastic, just as I am unique. I must not forget that whatever I have has been given to me for a purpose. Therefore, I shouldn’,t see myself as superior to others (1 Corinthians 4:7). Whatever God gave to me is meant to be used for His glory and the good of others, not for my self- aggrandizement. I should be proud of what God has given me but not let pride take it away. Most importantly, don’,t be shy to use your talent. It has been given to us, and on the last day, God will demand an account of how we have used what has been given to us. Someone once said that the most fertile place on earth is the cemetery. This is because you will find many unused talents buried beneath the ground. You must not carry your talent to the grave without touching the lives of others with it, which is the primary purpose why God gave them to us. We must, therefore, live full and die empty. Have a blessed month. May God help us to begin using our talents to the greater glory of His name and for the good of humanity. Amen. Care Not Killing disappointed by ITV`s Emmerdale `discriminatory and outdated` suicide storyline Responding to the decision by ITV`s Emmerdale programme to feature the suicide of Faith Dingle who is taking her own life because she is in the last stages of terminal cancer, Dr Gordon Macdonald, Chief Executive of Care Not Killing, commented: “,What a pity that ITV are yet again choosing to promote a view that dying and disabled people live terrible lives and have no option but to end them by suicide. ",This discriminatory and outdated view, pushed by a few campaigners, has no place in the modern world and certainly should not be promoted by one of our nation`s most loved soap-operas. ",Changing the law to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia would place huge pressure, real or perceived on terminally ill and disabled people to end their lives exactly as we see in the handful of places that have legalised assisted suicide or euthanasia. ",In the US State of Oregon, which has assisted suicide six in ten (59 per cent) of those ending their lives in 2019 cited the fear of being a burden on their families, friends and caregivers as a reason for seeking death and a further 7.4 per cent cited financial worries. There are other problems too. ",Legalising Physician Assisted Suicide also seems to normalise suicide in the general populations. Indeed, academics who looked at this emerging trend concluded that legalising assisted suicide was associated with an increase of 6.3 per cent in the numbers of suicides, once all other factors had been controlled. Among over 65s the figure was more than double that. ",While testimony from Professor Joel Zivot, casts doubt on the myth being put forward by those who want a change in the law that patients opting for the lethal cocktail of drugs die a quick and painless death. Evidence from Tennessee which uses the same drugs to kill people on death row as the ones used in Oregon suggest the inmates die from drowning in their own secretions or what doctors call a pulmonary oedema. The Professor goes on to explain why in US executions, even though the person is sedated first, before the lethal cocktail of drugs is administered, the authorities have to strap down both the person`s hands and even their fingers to stop them moving. ",But it`s not just in Oregon we see problems. In Canada, last year 1,700 people who were euthanised cited loneliness as a reason. At the same time limits on who could be killed, the so-called safeguards have been eroded or scrapped and the Government has talked about the millions of dollars introducing euthanasia has saved regional health budgets.", Dr Macdonald concluded: ",Perhaps next time they might talk to one of the UK`s amazing hospices, palliative care doctors, or groups that actually look after the terminally ill and disabled people to hear about the reality of the lives of those dealing with conditions like cancer.", Care Not Killing What a pity that ITV are yet again choosing to promote a view that dying and disabled people live terrible lives Archbishop celebrates 10th Anniversary Mass at St Augustine`s ICN A very joyful and jolly celebration took place in Ramsgate on Wednesday evening when Archbishop John Wilson arrived to celebrate Mass at St Augustine`s. Newsreader Alastair Stewart, an old boy of St Augustine`s School, joined local dignitaries including the Mayor Raushan Ara, Dannii Lancefield and Simon Marshal, headteachers of the Ursuline College and St Ethelbert`s schools and many local clergy including monks from the former monastery. The Archbishop preached on the need for evangelisation in the modern world in the mould of St Augustine. Afterwards the congregation queued for photos with Archbishop John, then repaired to the Cartoon Room in Pugin`s Grange for the reception. Andrew Kelly Image by Marie Muscat King

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Page 12. The Catholic Post. November 2022. Having accepted the resignation of Bishop Alan Hopes as the fourth Bishop of East Anglia, in accordance with Canon 401§,1, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Rev Canon Peter Collins, a priest of the Archdiocese of Cardiff, as the fifth Bishop of East Anglia. The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Alan Hopes as the Apostolic Administrator until the Ordination and Installation of Bishop-elect Peter Collins takes place. On hearing of his appointment, Bishop-Elect Peter Collins said: “,As I emerge from the shock of hearing that the Holy Father has appointed me as a bishop, it is with sincere humility, deep trust and great hope that I look to the future. As I prepare to leave the Archdiocese of Cardiff, I give thanks to Almighty God for all I have received from the community of faith that has nurtured me throughout my life. I wish to thank Archbishop Mark and Archbishop George for their consistent and enduring support. “,To God’,s Holy People in my new diocese –, clergy, religious and laity –, I offer the assurance of my prayers and ask for their prayerful support over the coming weeks as I prepare for my ordination and episcopal ministry. I am so grateful to Bishop Alan for the warmth of his welcome and in communion with the whole diocese I thank him for the generosity of his apostolic service over the past nine years. I will undoubtedly be drawing upon the wealth of his wisdom and experience in the days ahead. “,As I leave the mountains and valleys of the West for the expansive plains of the East, I realise that my horizons will change and that I have much to learn. Trusting in God’,s grace and mercy and obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, let us discern together the pathway that awaits us and recognise that the Gospel is forever new and that the Church remains forever young.”, Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Alan Hopes said: “,It is a great joy for me and the Diocese that the Holy Father has appointed Bishop-elect Peter Collins as the fifth Bishop of East Anglia. As the new bishop prepares to come and serve God’,s people in this diocese, he comes with great personal, pastoral and theological gifts, and with many years of dedicated service to the Church in the Archdiocese of Cardiff. “,Leaving his present roots in Wales, Bishop- elect Peter comes to this equally ancient part of the Church here in East Anglia, in which I have been privileged to serve as bishop for the last nine years. I pray that the Lord will strengthen and support him for his new mission. May Our Lady of Walsingham, St Felix, St Etheldreda, St Edmund and all the saints and martyrs of East Anglia pray for him.”, Archbishop Mark O’,Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff –, Bishop of Menevia, said: “,In Bishop- elect Peter, the Diocese of East Anglia receives a good and holy pastor. We are sorry to see him leave Cardiff, but he goes with our prayers, love and support. I am sure that he will be warmly welcomed, all will quickly take him to their hearts, as they come to appreciate his many generous qualities and gifts. May the Lord richly bless him, and through him, all in the Diocese, in this his new mission.”, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’, Conference, said: “,I welcome warmly the appointment of Bishop-elect Peter Collins. The new bishop brings with him a wealth of experience both in Cardiff and in Valladolid. I am sure he will be warmly welcomed not only in his new diocese, but also in the Province of Westminster and in our Bishops’, Conference. I look forward to working with him. “,At this same point, I wish to thank Bishop Alan Hopes for his tireless and dedicated leadership of his diocese –, especially during these last years. He will hand over his crozier to his successor with both confidence and relief! May God bless our new Bishop Peter Collins and Bishop Alan Hopes in the years ahead.”, cbcew It is a great joy for me and the Diocese that the Holy Father has appointed Bishop-elect Peter Collins as the fifth Bishop of East Anglia Bishop Alan Hopes Advisors at CRE o ﬀ, er cost cutting guidance to churches As energy prices soar, many stands at the three-day Christian Resources Exhibition in Sandown Park, Surrey, were kept busy advising on the way in which churches and individuals can save money. “,One church in Hull was paying £,1,800 for electricity and received a renewal offer of £,15,100 - a ten-fold increase,", said Andrew Silley, an independent energy specialist who had a stand at the exhibition. ",I was able to provide a price that amounted to an estimated annual cost of £,6,660 - less than half the renewal cost quoted. I was also able to reassure the church that they would be covered by the government`s Energy Bill Relief Scheme until March 31, 2023 meaning the annual cost would be less than the £,6,000.", Andrew - who started his company more than 12 years ago - pointed out that a number of visitors to the exhibition wanted help for their church or themselves, adding ",one of the problems is that some brokers will give advice which they profit from as well as the suggested company, even though there may be cheaper alternatives. My name may be Silley - but wasting money on energy is stupid.", Other stands reported similar interest. Chris Dunphy, of ChurchEcoMiser explained that many Anglican churches in particular were keen to become `net zero carbon` by 2030 as called for by the Synod. ",This often means replacing the heating system to become carbon neutral,", he said, pointing out that there had been a lot of interest in his all-electric radiator system which does away with pipes and boilers and gives a cleaner heating system. John Calandine, managing director of Calandine Certified Accountants, also reported a lot of interest in how their not- for-profit advisory and consultancy services could help charities expand their operations. VAT consultant Les Howard had also had a number of enquirers and said: ",Churches can save money on VAT - especially when constructing accessibility works such as a wheelchair access or toilet facilities for the disabled.", Pete Cunningham believes that as the economic situation worsens more people are going to be made homeless and will need the support of local churches. He set up Green Pastures more than 20 years ago and they now partner with 85-plus ministries to house more than 1,400 people. He said: The mission enables churches to end homelessness by purchasing houses to be used for the homeless in that community, and then equips the church to provide ongoing care for residents. I believe churches have got to take some of the responsibility for homing those who are or will become homeless and demonstrate that Christian values are real.", The three-day event is the nearest thing to a trade show for clergy and all those involved in the maintenance and mission of their local church with more than 160 organisations displaying everything from computers to candles, sound systems to stained glass, pianos to puppets, and even emergency sleeping pods for the homeless. It was opened by comedian Tim Vine who cut a tape with a enormous pair of scissors. Among a list of more than 50 seminars was a full day dealing in all aspects of children`s work, talks on how to deal with the cost of living crisis, fundraising for capital projects for churches, and how to engage with those hurting from porn. Dave Hall “,One church in Hull was paying £,1,800 for electricity and received a renewal offer of £,15,100 - a ten-fold increase,", said Andrew Silley ICN New Bishop for East Anglia –, Canon Peter Collins Seminar in progress

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The Catholic Post. November 2022. Page 13. The movement Pilgrim’,s Walk for Future started in 2021 when a group of people walked from the pilgrim town of Vadstena in Sweden to the climate summit COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Following that they designated the first Saturday during Season of Creation a “,Global Walk for Future Day”,, with everyone around the world encouraged to organize a walk for the climate and for climate justice, combining pilgrim spirituality with a call for action and reflecting on the theme for the Season for Creation, which for 2022 is: Listen to the Voice of creation. Inspired by the idea, and using the resource on the website for a short pilgrimage, a walk in the local park was organised by the Live Simply team at St Peter and St Paul Church, Lincoln to mark the first day of the Season of Creation (Thursday 1st September). Four people came together, from two parishes and after morning Mass made the short journey to Boultham Park following a blessing by Canon Geoffrey, a fifth person joined us in the park. The route passed through different scenery including: woodland, riverside and lake. Parts of the walk were undertaken in silence, with four stops along the route for reflection, prayer and discussion. Upon completion we headed for the park cafe (which provides work placements to young people and adults supported by Linkage, a registered charity that helps individuals with learning disabilities to realise their full potential) and enjoyed hot chocolate and cake, undoing all the physical benefits of our walk! We had a lovely morning, allowing the natural world to speak to us not only through the sounds of birds, rustling trees, flowing water, barking dogs, the laughter of children as well as through each other, but also the silence of flowers, grass, still water, fluttering butterflies, insects and sky. Coming across a dry stream and an area of burnt vegetation affected by a wildfire brought home to us the cries of the earth. We basked in the glory of God yet also considered the cries of the poor and what small steps we could possibly take to do ‘,our bit’, for creation, concluding making changes is no walk in the park. All agreed they would like the mini pilgrimage to become a regular feature of the Season of Creation in the parish going forward. Apart from inspiring us to lift up our hearts to God in praise and thanksgiving (at one point a rendition of the hymn “,Majesty, worship His Majesty”, burst forth from our lips) the morning hopefully sparked in each person a renewed enthusiasm to become more attentive to the natural world (Ex 3:3) and to consider what God is saying through their environment (Ex 3:4). The silence and stillness of the first lockdown for the pandemic, back in 2020, served to provide an opportunity for this attentiveness but life has become noisy again. Once again it seems, we need reminding it is God’,s world we live in and of the need to listen to the silent, sometimes seemingly hidden, presence of God’,s goodness and providence (Ex 3:7-8), for only then can we safely listen and respond to His call for us to care for the poor (Ex 3:10) knowing God will be with us (Ex 3:12). Glory be to God. The route passed through different scenery including: woodland, riverside and lakes Jo Bailey A walk in the park? #Liverpool4Ukraine - fourth aid convoy leaving Archdiocese of Liverpool Three more consignments of aid for Ukraine are set to leave the Archdiocese of Liverpool this week bringing the total consignment so far to twelve trucks of aid over four journeys as part of the `#liverpool4ukraine` appeal. The aid is now more vital than ever as it comes when there are new attacks on the country with the war intensifying. It is also a further example of the growing partnership between the two countries with Liverpool hosting next year`s Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. The trucks, which left early in the morning on Friday, 14th October, will be carrying dried food, thermal clothing, building tools and generators which will be delivered directly to Bishop Gregory Komar, from the Ukrainian diocese of Sambir-Drohobych, who will take the goods for distribution in the Lviv region of western Ukraine. Bishop Gregory is the auxiliary bishop of the diocese and has a close association with the Archdiocese of Liverpool. He has expressed his gratitude for the donations and explained how the aid will be used, `we have a number of centres where there are refugees that the Church looks after and we will use this aid for those people. We will also send what is necessary to the east of the country through our parish system. We need human contact, and it is important that we see you, that we talk with you and that you understand our situation. Pray and keep praying so that people will remember us and hold Ukrainians in their minds and hearts`. For this fourth journey the drivers will be Jill Boggan, Nicky Hegarty, and Andrew Davis from the archdiocesan staff together with Jill`s husband, Phil, and Molly Durkin and Megan McWhire from Greenmount Projects. There will be a Service for peace and for the blessing of the drivers and trucks on Thursday 13 October at 4pm at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. Canon Aidan Prescott, the Chancellor of the archdiocese will lead the service. The archdiocese partnered with local organisations Greenmount Projects who supplied building tools, and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust to help make this trip possible. The food supplies have been financed by donations from the #Liverpool4Ukraine appeal which has so far raised over £,145,000. Donations are still welcome and details of how to donate can be found at: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/ukraine- support

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Page 14. The Catholic Post. November 2022. Our Global Community Participants with Pope Francis About 50 participants from all over the world met in Frascati at the John XXIII Centre to listen, dialogue and discern from the Synodal Syntheses produced from the consultation of the People of God. Adopting the method of spiritual conversation, during the twelve days of work, the ",experts", wrote the Document for the Continental Stage. At the end of the meeting, Pope Francis met the participants in private audience. ",We come to you, at the end of a unique and extraordinary ecclesial experience that has made us aware of the richness of the fruits that the Spirit is awakening in the Holy People of God. We truly feel a sense of awe at the wonders God is working in his Church! ... After sitting for so many days, in order to better realise a prolonged and patient listening to the voices of the People of God, returning to walk together with our brothers and sisters is a joy multiplied. We will be, each in the portion of the People of God with whom we walk, witnesses of the wonders that the Lord is working. We will be able to say that the Church offers itself as a home for all, because the experience of synodality that we are living leads us to ",widen the space of the tent", (cf. Is 54:2) to truly welcome everyone",. These were the words of Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, greeting Pope Francis during the private audience that the Holy Father granted to the participants on the afternoon of Sunday 2 October. The meeting with the Pope, held in an atmosphere of great fraternity, took place at the end of the twelve days of work during which the group of `experts` drafted the document that will be offered to the discernment of the People of God for the second stage of the 2021-2023 synodal process. At the heart of the work were the 112 syntheses of the Bishops` Conferences (out of 114), but also those of the Eastern Catholic Churches, Religious Congregations, Ecclesial Associations and Movements, the Vatican Dicasteries and individual contributions that reached the General Secretariat of the Synod. An unprecedented response from the local Churches! In Frascati, the participants tried to carry out a community discernment through the method of spiritual conversation as experienced by numerous groups in the first stage of the synod process. Through times of listening and dialogue, plenary meetings or in working groups according to geographic affiliation, ecclesial status or gender, the participants first identified those generative tensions, as they emerged in the Syntheses, and then came to the actual drafting of the Document, with a first and then a second draft, cross-readings, discussions and corrections. Particular attention was given to the spiritual preparation of the participants and to the liturgy with the celebration of daily Mass and various moments of prayer to open and accompany the process. Coordinated by Father Giacomo Costa SJ, member of the Coordination Committee of the Synod Secretariat, the meeting was jointly chaired by Cardinal Mario Grech and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, General Reporter of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. This drafting group, composed of men and women, whether bishops, priests, religious or lay people, was joined on 30 September by members of the XV Ordinary Council of the Synod of Bishops. The discernment carried out, both in terms of the large number of participants and the method adopted, is a unicum for the General Secretariat of the Synod. The Document for the Continental Stage, produced simultaneously in Italian and English, was approved by the Council and delivered to the Holy Father. It will be made public in mid- October and sent simultaneously to all the bishops as an act of restitution to the people of God. Desperate ﬂ, ood victims protect cattle before themselves ICN A bishop has described the scenes of destruction following the floods in Pakistan, with villagers resorting to extreme measures to protect their livestock. Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad spoke to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) after his visit to Catholic village Mariamnagar, Sindh province and went to repeat his claim that the government has not done enough to support Christians. Bishop Shukardian said: “,Instead of protecting themselves, the locals had placed mosquito nets on their livestock. The goats and cows are their source of income, as well as milk. It is very difficult to spend a single night in flooded villages due to mosquitos. “,All Church-run schools in the swamped rural areas are closed, their furniture is destroyed and the walls are leaking. I was born in Hyderabad but I have never seen so much rain in my life.", He added: “,There is a lack of planning by the provincial government, accused of mismanaging the funds. It will take at least six months for the water to dry. There is no drainage system in the villages. “,None of the local parliamentarians have helped the Christians affected by the flood. Flood-related aid is also our aid.", During the floods between July and August, a total of 2,016,008 houses were damaged while 1,596 people and 1,040,735 animals were killed. An official study revealed that the floods caused a combined loss of £,1.52 billion. Bishop Shukardin said: “,It`s a serious situation. I am concerned about the coming months. The destruction continues after the torrential rains. A solidarity visit by clergy or religious is a great source of consolation for those trapped by flood waters.", The floods have left poor people owing money to rich landlords, called waderas, who own hundreds of acres of farms. The bishop said: “,Nobody can compete with the waderas. Sadly, the poor are always affected by annual flooding. Most of the affected include those living illegally in dried riverbeds. Generations of poor peasants are already under bonded labour.", Patras Baagh, a 65-year-old farmer in the region, told ACN: “,The mosquitoes returned after a day of fumigation. The children are now being infected with throat infection, malaria, dengue and skin diseases. We don`t have money to buy schoolbooks.", ACN committed £,180,000 to provide emergency aid to more than 5,000 families and to help repair the damaged churches and community infrastructure in Hyderabad diocese. The charity agreed a further £,27,000 for the Archdiocese of Karachi to distribute 310 food packages, cooking utensils and hygiene kits to struggling families. Fionn Shiner With thanks to Kamran Chaudhry Statement at end of meeting drafting Document for Continental Stage General Secretariat of the Synod We come to you, at the end of a unique and extraordinary ecclesial experience Instead of protecting themselves, the locals had placed mosquito nets on their livestock Catenian Louis van den Berg writes: Matumaini Centre for Children with Disability in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, was founded some ten years ago by the Holy Union Sisters (LSU). With no landline telephones and unreliable postage, a mobile phone is essential for communication, education and money transactions. Some mothers at the Centre even use their phones to play soothing music when their children become disturbed. But most of them have barely enough to live on as it is. I am therefor asking if you could dig out any old mobiles you, your family or your work colleagues might have to spare and send them to me. Smartphones are obviously favourite, but I am told that any relatively recent mobile will be welcome. Ideally, could you include chargers and cables. Make sure you remove the SIM card and wipe the phone`s memory if necessary. Think of it. That old phone which is languishing in a drawer could literally provide a lifeline for a disabled child and its mother. For more information please email: louisvdb@me.com Photo by Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash ICN Urgent request for your old mobile phones

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Meditations on the Stabat Mater Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP £,3.95 CTS Product Code: D844 Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone ISBN: 9781784697402 Join our Blessed Mother at the foot of the Cross of her Son and walk with her on the road from life to death to eternal life, by meditating upon the Stabat Mater line by line. The Catholic Post. November 2022. Page 15. Book Reviews Book Reviews CTS Calendar 2023 £,7.96 CTS Product Code: M56 Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone ISBN: 5060139000871 Containing a beautiful image for each month, with the feasts and seasons clearly marked. Also features the daily Mass readings, Pope Francis’,s monthly prayer intentions, and inspiring quotations. The CTS Sunday Missal 2023 £,9.95 CTS Product Code: M56 Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone Categories: New Titles, Times &, Seasons ISBN: 5060139000871 The ideal companion for the liturgical year, the CTS Sunday Missal 2023 features the Order of Mass and readings for all Sundays &, Solemnities, all helpfully presented in calendar order. The Identity of the Catholic School Congregation for Catholic Education for Educational Institutions £,4.95 CTS Product Code: ED21 Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone ISBN: 9781784697327 A practical guide for educators in understanding the essence and mission of Catholic schools in the life of the Church and society, offering insight on how to navigate some critical issues faced by Catholic schools in the modern world. “,Evangelisation and integral human development are intertwined in the Church’,s educational work.”, In its new instruction, the Congregation for Catholic Education offers a practical guide for educators in understanding the essence and mission of Catholic schools in the life of the Church and society, considers the roles and responsibilities of those involved in Catholic Education, and offers insight on how to navigate some critical issues faced by Catholic schools in the modern world. The Priesthood –, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, Fr Richard Whinder £,5.95 CTS Product Code: EX65 Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone ISBN: 9781784697440 Two bishops and three priests offer a series of brilliant insights into the Catholic priesthood –, its past, present and future. Two bishops and three priests offer a series of brilliant insights into the Catholic priesthood –, its past, present and future. These essays examine the identity of the priest, his spirituality, his role in the liturgy and the challenges which he faces in contemporary society –, always with an eye on what can be learnt from our past. At a time of change and uncertainty, these es - says call us back to unchanging truths, which in turn provide a firm foundation for priestly ministry both today and tomorrow. This book will be read with special interest by priests, but it offers to all Catholics a better un - derstanding of the challenges and opportuni - ties of pastoral ministry in the contemporary world. Stabat mater dolorosa –, “,The mournful mother was standing”,. This is the opening line of the extraordinary hymn attributed to the 13th-cen - tury Franciscan friar Jacopone da Todi, which is still a popular Lenten devotion. In this book Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP med - itates upon the Stabat Mater line by line. This is a book to help the reader to walk the road from Lent to Passiontide to Easter –, and in - deed from life to death to eternal life –, in the company of the most Blessed and Sorrowful Mother, who stands at the foot of the Cross of her Son. ",If you truly wish to be transformed by Christ, go to the Cross and contemplate his Passion. If you truly desire to plumb the depths of knowledge of Christ’,s Passion, go to his Blessed Mother…, If you want to know some of what the Blessed Virgin Mary teaches about her Son’,s Passion, read this book.", (Mother Marilla, OSB, Superior General of the Tyburn Nuns). ",This beautiful little book, born of prayer, is just what I need, what every Catholic needs, for the fruitful praying of the Stations of the Cross.", (Fr John Sayward, Blackfriars Hall, Oxford ) As Christians we live in a time which is marked by God, each day a gift of life from his hands. The cycles of nature, together with the Church’,s seasons and liturgical year, teach us to live in joy and freedom, one day at a time. This wall calendar is designed to help those who wish to participate in these seasons and times of grace, to be encouraged to reflect on Holy Scripture, on saints’, days and feasts, to pray and to live a life of peace and hope. Containing a beautiful image for each month on seasonal themes, with a calendar grid marking out secular days of note, feasts and seasons of the Catholic calendar (in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland), the readings for the day and Pope Francis`s prayer intentions for each month, plus an inspiring quotation. Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life £,6.95 CTS Product Code: DO962 Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone ISBN: 9781784697501 By providing pastoral guidelines for clergy, couples, and those involved in marriage preparation or family ministry, this document is intended to offer support to the local Churches “,in thinking about or rethinking their pathways to marriage preparation and pastoral accompaniment during the first years of married life.”, The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life responds to Pope Francis` request for the Church to offer a better and more thorough preparation of young couples for marriage. By providing pastoral guidelines for clergy, couples, and those involved in marriage preparation or family ministry, this document is intended to offer support to the local Churches “,in thinking about or rethinking their pathways to marriage preparation and pastoral accompaniment during the first years of married life.", “,We urge particular Churches to be courageous and embrace a faith-filled perspective, recalling Jesus’, teaching that the works of the Kingdom always begin as a small mustard seed, but that in time they can become large trees offering shelter and protection to those in need. “,By offering younger generations a catechumenal journey of growth toward marriage, the Church shall meet head-on the urgent need to accompany young people toward the fulfilment of what remains one of their greatest “,dreams”, and among the main goals they set out to achieve in life: to establish with the person they love a firm relationship upon which to build a family.", As Christians we live in a time which is marked by God, each day a gift of life from his hands. The cycles of nature, together with the Church’,s seasons and liturgical year, teach us to live in joy and freedom, one day at a time. This wall calendar is designed to help those who wish to participate in these seasons and times of grace, to be encouraged to reflect on Holy Scripture, on saints’, days and feasts, to pray and to live a life of peace and hope. Containing a beautiful image for each month on seasonal themes, with a calendar grid marking out secular days of note, feasts and seasons of the Catholic calendar (in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland), the readings for the day and Pope Francis`s prayer intentions for each month, plus an inspiring quotation. During the lockdown Fr Robbie Low produced two children’,s books with his friend and neighbour the artist Jan Burrell. The first, ‘,Mama Mia and the Pizza Pie Party’,, taught you a little Italian and how to make the ideal authentic Pizza in a story about family faith and friendship. The second, ‘,The Night Journey’,, begins and ends in the family farmhouse in the Fowey River Valley and links the Midnight Mass with the wonder of the Christmas story in a children’,s adventure. Between them these books have raised over £,12,000 for children’,s charities. Now Jan and Fr. Robbie have produced a third volume entitled ‘,Fabulous Friends’,. Jan provides the cast of colourful Cornish characters with Fr Robbie’,s amusing and touching biographical poems to accompany the wonderful illustrations. Fabulous Friends £,6.50 each inc p&,p or £,15 for all three (BACS &, payment details available on request) All three books are available to order from Fr Robbie at robbielow2@hotmail.com If you are looking for children’,s Christmas presents and a way to help children’,s charities, look no further .

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Page 16. The Catholic Post. November 2022. Sport CRYPTIC Across 5 Achan –, he in trouble, being David`s musicians` roadie (9) 8 Grill fish? (4) 9 Live with Gran when occupied by Chinese family`s clan leader (3-5) 10 God, about Thursday, and late, finally gets to Rebecca`s dad (7) 11 China setting is quasi-American in part (4) 13 Father of the first Israelite king and the first king in south Haran (4) 15 Tabernacle he designed out of misplaced zeal, being consumed by 10`s god (7) 18 False claims queen is involved in Bible`s supernatural bits (8) 19 Articles going back and forth citing Tobit`s wife (4) 20 Is a Scottish policeman last month, first to put ten cities in the Book? (9) CRYPTIC Down 1 Chaldean place found among the chapters is a place to worship (6) 2 Given the chance to become talented in goal (7) 3 Upright individual with a North Dakota base (2,3) 4 20 city of silver toppled by revolutionary modern-day artillery (6) 6 Epic Hanoi struggle made the old country (9) 7 No point in Ealing lass working for these Jesus People (9) 12 Moses` boy is found in stranger`s home (7) 14 Lift needed to the north –, that`s the place to get to! (6) 16 Goth in the French style, endlessly wealthy (6) 17 Bathsheba`s dad, one investing in land bordering on Persia (5) QUICK Across 5 One of David`s leading musicians, in charge of transport (9) 8 Partially burn, domestic cleaner (4) 9 Clan leader in Judah (3-5) 10 Father of Rebecca, nephew of Abraham (7) 11 Roman province of W Turkey, which included Ephesus (4) 13 Mordecai`s great-grandfather (4) 15 Exodus craftsman and designer (7) 18 Spectacular unexplained events, particularly in the NT (8) 19 Temple prophet who saw the infant Jesus (4) 20 Series of Greek, non-Jewish, towns to the south of the Sea of Galilee (9) QUICK Down 1 Holy site, from the Greek `kuriakon (doma)` (6) 2 Authorized, facilitated (7) 3 Without pause or interruption over a considerable period of time (2,3) 4 One of the 20, locale of the miracle of Legion and the swine (6) 6 Maritime country of ancient times, chief ports Tyre and Sidon (9) 7 Compatriots of Jesus (9) 12 Son of Moses and Zipporah (7) 14 Dwelling place of the blessed, Nirvana equivalent (6) 16 Barbaric Visigoth whose army sacked Rome in 410 AD (6) 17 Warrior of David and father of Bathsheba (5) 2-in-1 Crossword by Axe You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. SOLUTION Across: 5 Chenaniah, 8 Char, 9 Ben-Hanan, 10 Bethuel, 11 Asia, 13 Kish, 15 Bezalel, 18 Miracles, 19 Anna, 20 Decapolis. Down: 1 Church, 2 Enabled, 3 On end, 4 Gadara, 6 Phoenicia, 7 Galileans, 12 Gershom, 14 Heaven, 16 Alaric, 17 Eliam. Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Gateshead had a fantastic day at their annual sports day. The children took part in an egg and spoon race, space hopper race, bean bag relay, water balloon toss, sack race and a target throw event. Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Gateshead have a fantastic day Sports Day 2022 The children were really excited and had a lovely time taking part in all of these events. It was great to welcome parents in to watch sports day as they enjoyed some of our refreshments along with some scones, strawberries and cream! After a 3 year break due to Covid, St Thomas More Catholic High School in North Shields Sports Day at Monkton Stadium returned with a bang! The sun was shining and the students were excited to experience the day they had heard so much about. Many newer members of staff didn’,t even know what to expect. “,I had an absolutely amazing time at Sports day. There was lots of friendly competition and it was a really character-building experience competing with my form, especially the way everyone felt included and respected. We were really pleased with a win from our girls relay team after a lot of training leading up to the race.”, –, Chloe.

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