Auxiliary Bishop Philip Moger is ordained –, page 3 Bishop Barron helps share the Church’,s story –, page 10 Bishop Peter hears the Loyal Address to the King –, page 11 Newspaper of the Diocese of East Anglia www.rcdea.org.uk April 2023 East Anglia Catholic FREE Flames of youth faith are rising up A 150-strong group from the Diocese of East Anglia attended the largest Catholic gathering of young people in England and Wales –, Flame Congress –, at the OVO Arena, Wembley in early March. n Large groups from Peterborough, Cam - bridge, Ipswich and Norwich as well as individuals from Dereham, Thetford and Haverhill parishes were among the attendees on Saturday March 4. Rise Up was the theme and musicians Guvna B, Adeniké, and One Hope Project were much appreciated for their lively and participatory worship style. The principal speaker was Cardinal Luis Tagle (formerly Archbishop of Manila and now based at the Vatican). Pope Francis sent a message, as did TV presenters Ant and Dec. Further inspirational speakers included Archbishop Timothy Costelloe of Perth, US attorney Robert Bilott and the day was drawn to a close with a quiet time of Adoration led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Below, Ignite team members Sophie Pereira and Elliott Cannon share their experiences of Flame. Sophie’,s experience of Flame n Looking around Wembley Arena and seeing so many young people turning their hearts toward Jesus in a day of prayer can be summed up in just one word. Beautiful. Being able to look all around you and seeing a fellow brother or sister in Christ. Beautiful. 8000 young people singing and praising God. Beautiful. My first experience of Flame can just be described as “,sheer beauty”,. Flame is a gathering of Catholic young people for a day of music, prayer and talks at Wembley Arena. Flame has been the spark of many people`s journey in Christ, as described by one of the speakers, Adeniké, –, a passionate youth leader at her local parish, Our Lady of the Crays Church in Orpington. Her testimony was one of the high - lights of my day as it all began with Flame. She describes how she didn`t know how to pray but during the time of Adoration, made a simple prayer to God –, ‘,Use me’,. This prayer led her on to becoming a y1 outh leader in her church and perform - ing on the stage she once just looked at. Her prayer of ‘,Use me’, is such a simple but powerful prayer, and seems to me to be a prayer a lot of us could do with using. A lot of the time, we could just go about our lives doing things just for our - selves without thinking about ‘,What could I do in my life that would give glory to God and not just myself?’,. Sometimes, what we desire ourselves isn`t always the best way to glorify God through our lives. So simply praying two simple words allows God to work through us and to ‘,use us’, in ways that n story continued on page nine. The 150-strong group from the Diocese of East Anglia outside Wembley OVO , Arena for the Flame Congress. All invited to join Bishop at Chrism Mass n Bishop Peter Collins will celebrate his first Chrism Mass in the Diocese of East Anglia on Tuesday April 4 at 11.30am and all clergy and laity are invited to join him. The Chrism Mass is the most important Diocesan celebration where the Bishop, clergy, religious and laity gather to celebrate the sacramental life. Bishop Peter said: “,I would ask that we gather in a spirit of solidarity to express our Diocesan identity and to reiterate our com - mitment to the mission of evangelisation.”, During the Mass, the Sacred Chrism is consecrated and the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick are blessed. These are the oils that are then distributed from the Mother Church of the Cathedral for use in every parish community. The Mass will also be live streamed at: www.youtube.com/@rcdea

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Bishop Peter’,s engagements n March 25, Sat: Feast of the Annunci - ation –, 12 noon, Walsingham, Mass n March 26, Sun: Suffolk Justice Service, Choral Evensong –, 3.30pm, St Edmunds - bury Cathedral n March 28, Tue: Visit to Magdalene Group, Norwich n March 31, Fri: Clare –, Visit to parish n April 1, Sat: –, 10am Transform Youth event at Clare with Mass n April 2: Palm Sunday 11am, Mass, St John’,s Cathedral n April 4, Tue: Chrism Mass –, 11.30am, St John’,s Cathedral n April 6: Maundy Thursday –, 7pm, Mass and Washing of Feet, St John’,s Cathedral n April 7: Good Friday –, 3pm, Liturgy of the Passion, St John’,s Cathedral n April 8, Sat: Holy Saturday –, 8pm, Solemn Vigil and First Mass of Easter, St John’,s Cathedral n April 9, Sun: Easter Day –, 11am Mass, St John’,s Cathedral n April 11 –, 16, Tue-Sun: Bishop on leave n April 22, Sat: Caritas Steering Committee n April 23 –, 26: –, Spring Bishops’, Conference n April 23, Sun: Veterans Mass –, 2pm, St John’,s Cathedral n April 25, Tue: Our Lady of Walsingham MAT n April 28: Fri, Cathedral Trustees n April 29 &, 30, Sat/Sun: Ignite Festival –, Sacred Heart School, Swaffham n May 1, Mon: Diocesan Pilgrimage –, 12 noon - 4.30pm, Walsingham www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-peter-col - lins/bishops-diary/ Page 2 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 East Anglia Catholic Priests from around Peterborough held a special Mass in the city’,s cathedral to celebrate Katherine of Aragon, Princess of Spain and Queen of England, reports Oliver Wessex. n The service on January 27 was led by the clergy of St Peter and All Souls Church, who were joined by the priests of Peterbo - rough’,s other Catholic parishes. Fr Adam Sowa MS, in his hom - ily, said: “,For the last 487 years faithful Christians have shel - tered in the shade of Katherine, to appreciate the grace of God given to her and the Church.”, Katherine of Aragon was born on December 16, 1485, and passed away on January 7, 1536. Although born a Spanish Princess, by marriage she was the wife of King Henry VIII and thus Queen of Eng - land from the June 11, 1509. Wanting a male heir to the House of Tudor, Henry VIII began to lust after Anne Boleyn. He sought to have his mar - riage annulled, which would lead to the horrors of the English Reformation. When Pope Clement VII refused to annul the marriage, Henry VIII defied him by establishing the Church of Eng - land. In 1533 Henry had his first marriage declared null and void and then pro - ceeded to take Anne Boleyn as his wife. Henry saw that Katherine was ban - ished from the royal court and she lived out the rest of her days at Kimbolton Cas - tle, passing away there in January 1536 of cancer. The English people held Katherine, who is buried in Peterborough Cathedral, with great love and admiration. When her death became known, many English people went into a state of mourning. Pictured above are clergy from Peterbo - rough at the Katherine of Aragon Mass. Newspaper of the Diocese of East Anglia EDITOR: Keith Morris tel: 07712 787762 Pear Tree Farmhouse, Wymondham Road, Wreningham, Norwich, NR16 1AT. keith.morris@rcdea.org.uk Articles and photographs for the next edition are very welcome and should be sent to the editor, ideally via email. by Tuesday April 11. Diocese website: www.rcdea.org.uk Advertising: Contact Natasha at Cathcom on tel 01440 730399 or email at natasha@cathcom.org Publisher: Cathcom Ltd, 0207 112 6710 Inclusion of adverts is the responsibility of Cathcom and does not imply endorsement by the Diocese of East Anglia. Peterborough Mass for Catholic queen Katherine n Representatives of all the parishes in the Diocese of East Anglia twinned with par - ishes in the Battambang Pre - fecture in Cambodia met face-to-face for the first time since lockdown at St Mary &, St Wul - stan, Costessey on February 25. Marie-Madeleine Kenning, from St Mary’,s, Ipswich, said: “,The meet - ing was hosted by Fr David Ward and its purpose was to share insights and ideas and to re-invigorate com - mitment to the twinning links with Cambodia. “,We began by watching a recorded video message from Bishop Kike, Apos - tolic Prefect of Battambang, emphasizing how much they valued the twinning with the Diocese of East Anglia and with indi - vidual parishes or schools. “,Everyone was greatly encouraged by Bishop Kike’,s enthusiasm and his final statement “,together we can do more”, struck a chord with all of us.”, There were 12 lay people and four priests present and they included repre - sentatives from Bury St Edmunds, Costessey, Ely, Ipswich, and North Wal - sham parishes, as well as St Mary’,s. “,There was a packed agenda, with a break for a shared lunch, and it covered videos and pictures of a recent visit to Cambodia, a round table summary of activities since our last get together, and a brainstorming on how to take the Build - ing Bridges scheme forward,”, said Marie-Madeleine. “,Participants were pleased to hear that Fr Philip Shryane had secured a slot in Bishop’,s Peter diary to brief him on recent activities and future plans and we all left with the conviction that, indeed, ‘,together we can do more’,.”, Parish representatives at the Cambodia meeting. Cambodia parishes meet up again

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n In attendance were Cardinal Arthur Roche, prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacra - ments, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster. They were joined by Bishop Marcus Stock of Leeds, where Bishop Moger was first ordained in 1982, and many bishops from England and Wales alongside priests, deacons and reli - gious of the Archdiocese of Southwark. Also present were a number of ecu - menical guests including the former Suffragan Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Rev Bishop Ladds, as well as Rev Kevin Smith, Administrator of the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, and representatives from Southwark Angli - can Diocese and Cathedral. The Mayors of Kingston-Upon-Thames and Lambeth were also present, and were among a number of representatives who extended warm greetings to Bishop Moger. Giving an address at the end of his Epis - copal Ordination, Bishop Moger explained his surprise at the new appoint - ment of Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark: “,The Archbishop spoke of the mystery of God’,s providence and it was certainly a revelation to me when I got a phone call in Rome in November. “,It was a great privilege in Walsingham to enter into the drama of our lady’,s ‘,Yes’,, to God’,s incredible invitation, and with others in some small way, to draw pil - grims into that mystery, into that drama and into a deeper understanding of their own vocation. “,And if that is your constant theme as the rector of the shrine to pilgrims, trying to get them to imitate Our Lady’,s ‘,yes’, to God, how can you refuse when it comes to you? …,.Me? “,And now the God of Surprises has been active again…, I was scarcely able to believe my ears when I received the news of my appointment here, and when I trav - elled down for the announcement to be made in Archbishop’,s House in November, the loving welcome I was given was warm and generous.”, Bishop Moger’,s final thoughts on his appointment referred back to the gift of Ordination and to St Peter Damian: “,I begin my ministry as a bishop in this great diocese with joy and faith above all, in the one who said, you have not chosen me, I have chosen you. And he is the one who knows what an earthen vessel he is placing his treasure in.”, Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCEastAnglia Page 3 news in brief Priest’,s clerical status is set to be removed n Fr Dennis Finbow, a retired priest of the Diocese of East Anglia, was sentenced to six-and-a-half-years in jail for three histo - ric (non-recent) child sexual abuse offences on March 8. The sentence was passed at Cam - bridge Crown Court and follows his conviction at Huntingdon Crown Court on January 31. Fr Finbow was charged in January 2022 by officers from Cambridgeshire Police with the offences relating to his service as a Catholic priest in Peterbo - rough in the 1980s and 1990s. Following a six-day trial, Fr Finbow was convicted by a jury of three counts of indecent assault on a child and found not guilty of the remaining three offences. Rt Rev Peter Collins, Bishop of East Anglia said: “,As a result of Fr Finbow’,s conviction and sentence, I will now begin the process of removal of his clerical status and rights (laicisation) with imme - diate effect, in accordance with our safeguarding policies and procedures.”, Fr Finbow has been retired and not in active ministry since 2001. Prior to his retirement he had served in parishes in Peterborough and St Neots, Cambridge - shire. Bishop Peter said: “,The safeguarding of children and vulnerable people is of paramount importance to the Catholic Church and the Diocese of East Anglia has co-operated fully with the police and other statutory authorities throughout this investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim in this case and also other victims of child sexual abuse. We would encourage any victim of child sex - ual abuse perpetrated within the Catholic Church context to make contact either directly through our Safeguarding Office or with Safe Spaces, our Victim Support Service. “,Should anyone have any concerns or queries about the Dennis Finbow case then I would encourage them to contact Mick Thurley, our Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator on 07429 215344.”, Grant for church n Our Lady and St Edmunds, With - ermarsh Green, was one of 51 Suffolk churches which received Jubilee grants from Suffolk Historic Churches Trust (SHTC). Withermarsh Green was the only Catholic church in the awards list and received £,3,000 to restore its tabernacle and gradine (the ledge on the altar). More Catholic churches are encouraged to apply for grants in the next funding round. “,I am delighted that St Our Lady and St Edmund’,s was awarded this grant,”, said Fr Henry Whisenant, from Withermarsh Green, “,and grateful to the Suffolk Histo - ric Churches Trust for their decision. “,It will enable us to restore the taberna - cle and gradine and thus make a more fitting and honourable home for Our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.”, n Friar James Mary McInerney (pic - tured left) has been appointed as Acting Rector of the Catholic National Shrine at Walsingham by Bishop Peter Collins, Bishop Emeritus Alan Hopes and the Shrine Trustees. In a statement they said: “,We are delighted to announce the appointment of Friar James Mary and congratulate him on his appointment and offer our prayers of encourage - ment and support for his ministry here in Walsingham.”, Bishop Peter said: “,On behalf of the Diocese of East Anglia I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Friar James Mary for his agreement to serve as Rector of the National Shrine and Basilica until a permanent succes - sor to Bishop Philip Moger is appointed in the summer. “,I am most grateful to Bishop Emeri - tus Alan Hopes for his willingness to continue serving as Chair of the Wal - singham Trust until a new Rector is appointed. We entrust the great mis - sion of the Shrine to God’,s protecting grace through the intercession of Our Lady of Walsingham. I call upon all faithful pilgrims to join me in offering the Acting Rector the assurance of our sustained prayer and support.”, Acting Rector appointed at Walsingham Auxiliary Bishop Philip Moger is ordained Bishop Philip Moger was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Southwark by Archbishop John Wilson on the Feast of St Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, on February 21, in St George’,s Cathedral. Auxiliary Bishop Philip Moger holding aloft the Papal Bull which proclaims his appointment. Picture by Marcin Mazur.

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As we con - tinue our Lenten journey of prayer we must remember that there is only one friend who is always available and is never tired of listening to us, says Fr Alvan Ibeh in his latest Voice of Hope series. n Among the three things emphasised by the Church during Lent (prayer, fasting and alms - giving), prayer seems to be the most common. We may not fast or give alms every day, but for most of us, prayer is something we do every day. Prayer for every active Christian is an atti - tude. Just as we would want to always communicate with our loved ones, we should also constantly communicate with our first love, God our father, ‘,We love because He first loved us’, (1 John 4:19). This communication is called prayer. God is always pleased to hear from us, even in our busy schedules. You can imagine what happens when you are in love with someone, you want to hear from the person every minute, if possible. But sometimes, this may not be possible because the person may be too busy and unavailable when we need to hear from them. But one thing I know about our friend Jesus is this, ‘,He is always available’,. With Him, there is no network failure. There is never any time you will reach out to Him, and He will tell you that He is tired. Please call back. You may not want to disturb your earthly friend at night when they are asleep, even though you may be woken up in the middle of the night by a problem, and all you want at that moment is to talk to your loved one and get some com - fort. The person may be too tired to wake up and will ask you to wait till daybreak. They may be one of those that switch off their phone before sleeping or have it put in silence, so even if you call, you won’,t be able to reach them. You can imagine how it feels when you desperately need to talk to some - one, but practically no one is available. We may have a lot of friends, but there will be a time when none of them will be available to answer us or come to our help in time of need. There is only one friend who is always available. He is a friend who is never tired of listening to us, instead, we are the ones who get tired of talking to Him. He is a friend who neither sleeps nor slumbers, ‘,He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep’, (Psalm 121:4). He is a friend that can never disappoint: ‘,whoever believes in Him (whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him) will not be disappointed (in his expectations)’, (Romans 10:11, Ampli - fied version). He is a friend who does not change: ‘,God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.’, Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil? (Numbers 29:19), ‘,He is the same yesterday and today and forever’, (Hebrews 13:8), and in Malachi 3:6, He says to us, ‘,For I am the Lord, I change not’,. Our friends can abandon or betray us, especially when things become too bad for us. I remember someone who told me some time ago that the worst aspect of her sickness was that all her friends had left her. A lot of us, I believe, might have seen our - selves in similar situations or, if not yet, will one day. But the good news is that we have a friend who can never leave or forsake us, no matter the situation. In Deuteronomy 31:6, He says to us, ‘,be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them, for the Lord thy God, He it is that does go with you, He will not leave nor forsake you’,. He is a friend that never fails, and the scripture affirms this time and time again. In times of desperation and grief, we must remember that we may not be seeing God’,s good and gracious purpose from our current vantage point. Above all, He is forever a faithful friend, and His faithfulness is one of His richest charac - teristics, attributes and promises to His children. Deuteronomy 32:4 tells us, ‘,He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.’, As we continue our Lenten Journey, we should reflect on our friendship with Jesus and the price He paid for our sins with His life. What indeed a great friend we have in Jesus. Is He your best friend? Page 4 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 What a friend we have in Jesus Faith club marks anniversary Read the latest Diocese of East Anglia news at www.rcdea.org.uk Gorleston and Great Yarmouth Faith Club has celebrated its fourth anniversary with a special Mass led by the children. n The celebration took place on Sunday Feb - ruary 12. Faith Club opened in 2019 for all chil - dren of primary school age with Fr Alvan Ibeh at its head. “,We had really good times in our first year,”, said Chris Storman, “,meeting twice a month for Faith, Fun, Food and Friendship on a Friday after school. We learned new things about our faith, played games and got to know each other better.”, A summer outing and Christmas away day with a party were special activities, plus a first anniversary Mass and celebra - tion in February 2020. Then came the Covid-19 pandemic. Although sad that they could not meet in the same way and needing to stay safe, the young people began to have Zoom meetings instead. They kept in touch with each other’,s news and sang happy birth - days as they came along. They did online prayer, fun games such as Dog or Bible bingo, quizzes, and rid - dles. As things eased there was a trip to Cambridge and meeting up with friends from St Ives who they had previously only seen online. Since September the group has been meeting in St Peter’,s hall. More distant friends are still invited to join on Zoom. For a Christmas celebration they invited the St Mary’,s and St Peters First Holy Communion groups to party and hope some may like to join as members. On the fourth anniversary the group celebrated at the St Peter’,s regular 9.30 Sunday Mass. The children welcomed everyone, read the readings, sang the Psalm, read the Prayers of the Faithful beautifully, brought the offertory gifts to the altar and sang hymns and responses joyfully. Fr Alvan acknowledged their efforts and bravery, and parents were thanked for their encouragement. This was echoed by Ciaran Losasso, leader of the diocesan Ignite youth team, who attended with three of his team members. He spoke to the children, mentioning that they were lucky to have such a club. All friends are valuable and loved, he said, but extra special when you can share your faith with them as well. The reception in the hall after Mass was wonderful. The children sang some wor - ship action songs and one member, Blake, read a presentation, painting a good pic - ture of the activities. More Faith Food and Fun is planned for Year 5 and Fr Alvan hopes the club will grow and flourish in St Peter’,s and St Mary’,s. Our Lady of Fidelity The church needs religious sisters URGENTLY to bring Christ to others by a life of prayer and service lived in the community of Ignation spirituality. Daily Mass is the centre of community life. By wearing the religious habit we are witnesses of the consecrated way of life. If you are willing to risk a little love and would like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette Mature vocations considered. CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY 1 Our Lady`s Close, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3FA Telephone 07760 297001 090699502 The Leaven Carmelite Secular Institute CALLING Single and widowed women Seeking to dedicate their life to God Through vows in secular society Contact: The President, The Leaven, c/o The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX Email: theleavensi@gmail.com Website: www.theleaven.org.uk Care &, Support in the comfort of your own Home. Days, Nights, Respite at Home &, Live-in care 01603 407976 www.nrcare.co.uk Ferrars Hall Care Home Ferrars Hall Care Home in Huntingdon provides the highest standards of family-led residential &, dementia care. Our home is luxurious &, beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Ferrars Hall feel extra special. For more information please contact Chloe Kenna on 07849 830 520 or email chloe.kenna@countrycourtcare.com www.countrycourtcare.com Faith Club members and helpers with the Ignite Team.

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Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CatholicEastAnglia Page 5 With the opening of Amé,lie House, the North Norfolk SVP Conference has completed its second expansion project for homeless families and individuals. n On February 20, Bishop Peter Collins formally opened and blessed SVP’,s third house for the homeless in North Norfolk, an event celebrated by conference members and clergy from local Christian communities. The Temporary Emergency Accommo - dation House is now operational for a further two homeless families. The whole project of three properties now protects up to four families and six single individ - uals at any one time. Since December 2019 the project has protected 100 lives from homelessness, including 52 children, who have moved on to permanent new homes. Amé,lie House, is named after the saintly wife of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who founded the SVP, is also a part of an international Vincentian initiative started in 2018 that aims to improve and transform the lives of 10,000 homeless people around the world by 2023. Society Project Manager Joey Garande assisted by caretaker Liam Peers were able to show Bishop Peter around Ame ́, lie House, prior to a plaque blessing cere - mony and formal opening. The occasion was video linked to the church hall at Our Lady of Refuge, Cromer, to 21 guests, senior SVP Society staff and North Norfolk SVP conference members. The Bishop returned to the Cromer church for refreshments and to meet con - ference members and guests. Among them SVP Trustee Adrian Abel attended as well as CEO Elizabeth Palmer, Finance Director Christine Knight and Director of Social Enterprise, Helen Voyce. They were delighted with the opening and were pursuing actions to plan similar projects in other parts of the country. Conference President Michael McMa - hon thanked all who contributed to this successful phase and to those who have contributed to the running of the houses, especially the Alive in Faith Outreach Fund and the local Church of England Benefices of Matlaske and West Runton whose parishioners have supplemented funds from St Joseph’,s, Sheringham and Sacred Heart, North Walsham parishes. Pictured above is Bishop Peter with SVP Project Manager Joey Garande, Caretaker Liam Peers, SVP Society CEO Elizabeth Palmer and Priest Admin - istrator Peter Wygnan ́, ski celebrating outside Our Lady of Refuge, Cromer after the blessing and formal opening of Amé, - lie House. Bishop blesses third SVP house for the homeless news in brief Diocese offers a free will writing service n The Diocese of East Anglia has teamed up with the Free Will Network to offer 20 parishioners the chance to have a will written for free. Last month’,s newspaper announced that the Diocese has joined Your Catholic Legacy and the Free Wills Network to shine a spotlight on legacy giving, an area of giving we often ignore. While people are naturally older when they die, people of all ages can and do make charitable wills. By the age of 40, most people will have experienced a life change that puts them in a position to contemplate making a will and therefore a charitable gift. The National Free Wills Network is a scheme which allows parishioners to have a simple will written free of charge. There is also the facility for couples to have mirror wills too. It’,s a really easy-to- use service which has resulted in thousands of wills being written over the years, benefitting a huge range of char - ities. Any number of charities can be listed in a will. To launch this new service and to encourage parishioners to take advan - tage of this new arrangement, the Diocese is offering 20 free wills to the first parishioners who come forward before the end of May. Those parishioners who decide to use this service will have the opportunity to have their wills written/updated free of charge. To take advantage of this easy-to-use service, please contact finance@rcdea.org.uk or call on 01508 492540 or write to: The White House, 21 Upgate, Poringland, Norwich, NR14 7SH and mark your letter for the attention of the Finance Team. Following your enquiry to the Finance Team, you will receive a pack in the post from the Network with all the details you need to go ahead and make a solicitor’,s appointment to write/update your will. You can choose one of the local solici - tors to you listed in the directory and book your appointment at a time that suits you. The will writing service normally involves an initial consultation and then a follow- up to cover any finer details. More slots may be made available later in the year so, if you miss out this time, look out for the next announcement. Winner of book n There was an amazing response to our competition in a recent edition to win a copy of Pope Francis’, bestselling book A Gift of Joy and Hope, with almost 40 entries received. The winner, who correctly said the title of the book in Italy is The Gift of a Smile, is Sukie Elliot from Heacham in Norfolk. So congratulations Sukie. Commissioning for prayer ministry n The Diocese of East Anglia’,s Listening and Prayer Ministry held its second annual Commissioning Mass on Saturday Feb - ruary 25 at St Catherine’,s Dominican convent in Cambridge, during which Helpers were officially commissioned to the Ministry by Bishop Peter Collins. Marriage and Family Life Coordinator, Antonia Braithwaite, said: “,The Helpers of the Listening and Prayer Ministry meet with people in need and endeavour to lead them closer to Christ and assist them in feeling a sense of being healed and strengthened through prayer and active listening. In addition they help them to more clearly identify their current difficulties so that they can decide what steps, if any, they wish to take next.”, This charge of accompaniment to the Lord and of being His loving face to those in need is a blessed calling, the Bishop told the Helpers during his homily. The Listening and Prayer Ministry was launched in the Diocese in 2022 and is now actively working to see people-in-need throughout the Diocese. A new cohort of volunteers are currently being trained and they spend a year being professionally trained as Helpers and then meet in pairs with people-in-need throughout the Dio - cese, either on Zoom or face-to-face, for hour-long sessions up to six times. If you feel you would like to speak to someone in a prayerful Catholic environ - ment about any life difficulties you have been suffering, then you are invited to phone the Ministry. This is not a crisis line, but an answer phone service. All calls are strictly confidential and will be returned within 48 hours. Ring 01603 957653. Any enquiries about this ministry can be directed to the Marriage and Family Life Coordinator, Antonia Braithwaite mflcoordi - nator@rcdea.org.uk Pictured above are the Listening and Prayer Ministry Helpers with Bishop Peter Collins at the commissioning Mass at St Catherine’,s Dominican convent in Cam - bridge.

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Page 6 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 Bishop celebrat e At the Rite of Election in St John’,s Cathedral in Norwich, Bishop Peter Collins welcomed dozens of Catechumens and Candidates from across the Diocese of East Anglia who will be received into the Church at Easter, Eldred Willey reports. n In his homily Bishop Peter focussed on the temptations of the serpent, the evil one, and the grace which came in Christ to free us from sin. “,Our succumbing to the temptations of the serpent did not bestow the prom - ised enlightenment,”, he said, “,but rather stripped us of our graceful pri - mordial innocence.”, He then expounded Paul’,s Letter to the Romans, adding that although “,sin entered the world through one man, and through sin, death,”, nevertheless “,in Christ we bathe in the cascade of grace that brings acquittal, justifica - tion and undeserved righteousness”,. The humility which this recognition brings should make us call out with the Psalmist: “,Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.”, We must all plead that God would place “,a stead - fast spirit within us”,. The Bishop then turned to the chal - lenging opportunities of the season of Lent, encouraging us to confront the temptations which face us all: “,the deceptions of earthly satisfaction…, the manipulations which endanger life itself…, and the blinding pride of self- idolatry”,. In the face of these, he rejoiced that we are “,fashioned by the Father’,s providence…, redeemed by the Son’,s sacrificial obedience…, and sanctified by the breath of the Holy Spirit”,. “,My brothers and sisters,”, he con - cluded, “,may God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfilment. Amen.”, After Catechumens were welcomed by Bishop Peter, they signed the Book of the Elect, which was placed in the font at the end of the service. The Rite of Election, held on Feb - ruary 27, marks an important stage along the journey to undergo the final stages of RCIA (Rite of Catholic Initia - tion of Adults) and prepare to be baptised and confirmed, or to be received into the full Communion of the Church and confirmed. New members of the Church will also receive the Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil. Catechumens are adults who have never been baptised and seek to becomes members of the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucha - rist. Candidates are adults who have been baptised in one of the Christian denominations and now seek to become members of the Catholic Church through the Rite of Reception, whereby they will receive the Sacra - ments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Pictured is Bishop Peter with Catechumens and Candidates at the Rite of Election. Pictures by Henry Bedingfield and Eldred Willey. You can view a picture gallery at: flic.kr/s/aHBqjAtKCD Forgiveness not enough says Pope n Forgiveness is not enough in cases of abuse committed by members of the Church says Pope Francis in his March Pope Video –, action must also follow –, a commitment backed by Bishop Peter Collins. In the video, produced by Vatican News for the Pope’,s World - wide Prayer Network, Pope Francis says: “,In response to cases of abuse, especially to those committed by members of the Church, it’,s not enough to ask for forgiveness. Asking for forgive - ness is necessary, but it is not enough. “,Asking for forgiveness is good for the victims, but they are the ones who have to be “,at the centre”, of everything. Their pain and their psychological wounds can begin to heal if they find answers —, if there are concrete actions to repair the horrors they have suffered and to prevent them from happening again. “,The Church cannot try to hide the tragedy of abuse of any kind. Nor when the abuse takes place in families, in clubs, or in other types of institutions. The Church must serve as a model to help solve the issue and bring it to light in society and in families. “,The Church must offer safe spaces for victims to be heard, supported psychologically, and protected. “,Let us pray for those who have suffered because of the wrongs done to them from members of the Church, may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering,”, says Pope Francis. Responding to the video, Bishop Peter said: “,In this recent broadcast Pope Francis expresses the commitment of the univer - sal Church to place victims / survivors of abuse at the centre of all our safeguarding policies, procedures. “,This is not a declaration that merely offers a structural response to the issues but is rather an expression of our deter - mination to ensure that the Church is a model for ‘,safe spaces’, and an exemplar in the provision of support for the vulnerable –, practical, psychological and spiritual. “,The words of the Holy Father address a global panorama but also cascade down to the local landscape and must be imprinted upon the life and ministry of every parish and pastoral scenario. “,As Bishop of East Anglia I offer my own declaration of commit - ment to the safeguarding of all, a commitment that focuses upon those who are most vulnerable in our midst. In the light of the Gospel, every member of the Church is duty bound to the embrace of this commitment.”, Be part of our global network. The Catenian Association welcomes new members to our international social network of Catholic men committed to friendship, family and Faith. Our local Circles are active throughout the U.K., Ireland, Australia, Malta, India, Bangladesh, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Our U.K. Circles raised over £,250,000 in the past year for local charities as well as supporting the Association’,s two in-house charities, the Benevolent Fund which supports members and their families and the Bursary Fund which sponsors young persons in projects contributing to wider society at home and abroad. Our Circles meet monthly and arrange activities both for members and their families, including meals together, barbecues, picnics, theatre visits, music and sporting events. Golf societies throughout the Association join together in a National Golf Championship week every year and the Catenian Caravan and Camping Fellowship have a popular range of special events Join us today and make friendships for life! To find your local Circle please contact our provincial membership Officer Paul Thompson on p_s_thompson9@hotmail.com thecateniansuk thecateniansuk TheCatenianAssociation membership@thecatenians.com Scan to visit our website:

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Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CatholicEastAnglia Page 7 s Rite of Election Bishop Peter Collins led the Diocese into the journey of Lent with Mass and the imposition of ashes at St John’,s Cathedral. n Daniel Justin and the Cathe - dral choir led an entrance hymn from the gallery as Bishop Peter followed a pro - cession into the Cathedral. He then prayed an opening col - lect, exhorting those present to “,take up battle against spir - itual evils…, armed with weapons of self-restraint”,. In his homily the Bishop said that the reception of the ashes “,marks our willingness to subject our pride to eradi - cation”,. Bearing the ashes was no contradiction of the Lord’,s instruction not to trumpet our good deeds, because it was not born of pride. Ash Wednesday, he said, bound the hidden realm with the public realm: “,The inte - grity of faith that is forged within the hidden realm must be made manifest through the evangelisation of the public realm.”, Now was the favou - rable time, he said, the day of salvation. The denial of sin in the secu - lar world, proposed the Bishop, was the great decep - tion. It promised nothing but a false liberation. In contrast, Ash Wednesday was when we “,consciously, willingly, wholeheartedly confront the temptations to pride”,. Bishop Peter described prayer, fasting and almsgiving as our instruments or tools and said that the Father would see all that was done in secret and would punish all iniquity and reward all virtue. And yet the Redeemer reminded us that “,the Father is all tender - ness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness and ready to repent”,. “,With the courage and trust of faith,”, he concluded, “,we prepare ourselves to bear the mark which reminds us of our sinfulness, we prepare to accept the inscription which proclaims the triumph of grace”,. Then, taking the ashes which were made from last year’,s palm branches, Bishop Peter silently sprinkled them with holy water. Fr Alan Hodgson, the Dean of St John’,s, and Fr Michael Smith joined him in making the sign of the cross with the ashes on the foreheads of those in the congregation. Ashes are distributed at St John’,s Cathedral Fr Alan Hodgson marks Bishop Peter Collins with ashes.

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Page 8 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 SCHOOLS NEWS Students at St John Fisher Catholic High School in Peterborough have been involved in Citizens UK since its inception, putting Catholic Social Teaching into practice in the process, reports Natalie Reay, Head of Sixth Form at the school. n Putting Catholic Social Teaching into prac - tice is central to the Church’,s mission both at an individual and a community level. Our Catholic schools are particularly good at doing this through their charity work and in educating the next generation of adults to understand their role in working towards the Common Good, standing in solidarity with those in need and actively working to improve the dignity of all as children of God. There are countless examples of excellent work being done across all our Diocesan schools, including providing local support to food banks and homeless centres, help for the victims of the terrible earthquake in Tur - key and Syria and of course taking part in the current CAFOD Big Lent Walk. Getting involved in making real changes to people’,s lives often spurs children and young people on to do more. Students at St John Fisher have been involved in Citizens UK since its inception. Over the past 12 months, a group of our Sixth Form students have been working with Peterborough Citizens –, an alliance of diverse civic society institutions, including primary and secondary schools, universities, public and private sector organisations and many more. Their aim is to develop community leaders, strengthen their institu - tions and most importantly take action to bring about real change. In 2022, Peterborough Citizens had three main priorities, Crime and Safety, Mental Health and a welcome for refugees, reset - tling in our city. Our students were members of the Crime and Safety campaign. Ufuoma Ehwerhemuepha, who read at Bishop Peter’,s Ordination in December, and Mental Health campaigner Skye Puga, have worked incredibly hard alongside other delegates to pursue change in these areas. In October 2022, Ufuoma co-chaired the Peterborough Citizens Founding Assembly where she shared why she had become part of Peterborough Citizens and the Crime and Safety campaign. “,I am a student from St John Fisher pas - sionate about working in the community,”, she said. “,As a group, fear was what we first set out to combat. The outer rings of Central Park in Peterborough become pitch-black in the winter nights, a sure sign to stay away for anyone scared for their safety. Lighting was central to our ambitions. The outer area of the park had always been unlit, due to concerns about disrupting the bat habitat. Nevertheless, we found a solution. Over the past year, we have persuaded and guided the City Council to put in a bid to install solar studs around these outer paths. These are small, low, solar-powered lights embedded on the sides of pathways,”, said Ufuoma. In February we were notified that as part of this work Ufuoma and the Crime and Safety group have done, they have managed to secure £,20,000 to install solar stud lighting around Central Park. We are very proud of our students’, involvement in these campaigns and the great work that Peterborough Citizens is making in positive change. On February 21, St John Fisher was rep - resented again at the Peterborough Citizens Delegates Assembly at Nene Park Academy, where over 150 guests were in attendance. Badejo Adebusuyi, Carolina Figueiredo and Ufuoma Ehwerhemuepha represented the school. Ufuoma shared the listening work that she had done in school with over 40 students in the Sixth Form to find out what they would like to prioritise in the city for 2023-24. Her findings were that students wanted to prior - itise littering, the environment and homelessness. During the evening, over 10,000 listening results were shared and a vote was held to establish the priorities for Peterborough Cit - izens over the next year. These were decided as Homelessness, Crime and Safety and No Small Voice. Our Year 12 stu - dents have signed up to these priorities and they look forward to working on them in the next year. Students put Social Teaching into practice Pictured are Ufuoma Ehwerhemuepha (left) Carolina Figueiredo and Badejo Adebusuyi. Want to advertise? Catholic East Anglia regularly reaches an audience of over 7,000 Catholics across Norfolk, Suffolk, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire. To explore the opportunities and value-for-money rates, please con - tact Natasha at publishers Cathcom Ltd on tel 01440 730399 or email natasha@cathcom.org Please contact Margaret Waddingham, Chairman email: margaret.waddingham@msn.com Mobile: 07791 411348 www.cambridgenazarethtrust.co.uk Cambridge Nazareth Trust is a registered charity, no. 289084 Helping young people of the Holy Land to have a bright future Life is very difficult for children in the Holy Land. CNT supports them by funding the necessary online training for their teachers in the forty-four schools of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The charity helps in other ways as the schools request. Education gives hope. If you would like to know more about CNT or to help in funding its support for the Holy Land. We will visit you in the privacy of your own home, or if preferred, you may visit us to make the funeral arrangements The Funeral Home 317 Aylsham Road, Norwich NR3 2AB Tel: 01603 484308 The Funeral Home 2 St Williams Way, Thorpe St Andrew Norwich, NR7 0AW Tel: 01603 702460 C L A R E P R I O R Y A DAY OF REFRESHMENT &, RENEWAL SATURDAY 22 ND APRIL 2023 9.00 for 9.30am to 9.00pm Clare Priory, Ashen Road, Clare CO10 8NX Mass, Praise &, Worship Talks, Confessions, Healing Service S p e a k e r : R O S , P O W E L L C h r i s t i a n E v a n g e l i s t M o r n i n g t a l k : G o i n g D e e p e r i n t h e L o r d E q u i p p e d a n d E m p o w e r e d i n t h e G i f t s o f t h e H o l y S p i r i t A f t e r n o o n t a l k : &, w o r k s h o p Please bring a packed lunch and supper. Tea &, coffee provided. Bring your own cup. Donations on the day To book for all or part of the day contact Kathy at Clare Priory Tel: 01787 277326 Email: clarepriory@clarepriory.net

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YOUTH , MATTERS Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CatholicEastAnglia Page 9 At the end of January, the Ignite Team travelled down to Plymouth to undertake a few days of intense street evan - gelisation training. n They stayed at the Genesis Mission house run by Michele Thompson and Fr Jon Bielawski where they had a daily schedule of prayer and training sessions before being sent out onto the streets to evangelise the city of Plym - outh. The Genesis mission theory is based on a pyramid which illustrates how to evangelise, going from simply connect - ing with people to a conversion to the Catholic faith. The theory works on the principle that most of the time you won’,t be able to see a person all the way from connect to conversion, but even simply planting a seed about God in their minds will allow them to be more easily guided by the Holy Spirit to conversion. “,I was quite sceptical of this theory at first,”, writes Sophie Pereira from the Ignite Team, “,but as the days went on, I really started to under - stand how effective this strategy is, we need to seem like an actual human first and not a crazy religious person before trying to lead them to Jesus. “,We were thrown into the deep end on the first day by being asked to go onto the streets and ask passers-by about their beliefs in God. I was quite apprehensive at first as I didn’,t believe that people would be friendly or open about their beliefs. However, my opinion was radically changed by the end of the first day as I had such a great response from the people I talked to and managed to have many mean - ingful conversations with people about God.”, On the second day, the team were giving out free bacon butties outside a church in Plymouth. “,I started out the day with a similar apprehensive - ness,”, said Sophie, “,as at first I didn’,t really think it was possible to turn a bacon butty into a spiritual conversation. However, I was proved wrong yet again. One of the first conversations I had was with someone who went to an Anglican church, and we had a lovely chat about where God was in his life, and I believe he left that conversation with a sense of wanting to be closer to God.”, “,All in all, the whole experience left me with a renewed fire for spreading the Gospel to people who do not know Jesus and left me with a desire to carry on the work we started in Plymouth in Norwich.”, FInd out more about Genesis at: www.genesismission.co.uk Pictured above is Fr Jon Bielawski anointing the Ignite Team and, below, Elliott Cannon welcoming passers-by for a conversation. Connecting over bacon butties Flames of youth faith rising up at Wembley n story continued from front page. we don`t fully understand, in order to further spread and glorify his Kingdom. The beauty of Flame is that young people have the opportunity to hear talks such as these, talks which many wouldn`t hear otherwise in their normal settings. Hearing testimonies from people who were literally sitting where we were, is such a power - ful thing as it shows young people that we can have experiences just like Adeniké,. In addition, having young people talk about prayer in a casual yet profound way shows that prayer isn`t just for our grandpar - ents, it is something that we can actively engage in and love ourselves. This reassurance that being devout and praying isn`t just for older people or priests. It is something that I feel can be deeply significant in bringing faith to young people in a secular world where having a strong faith may be looked down on or seen as weird by others. Flame helped remind me that exposure to people and events such as these and to other young Catholics, is something that is greatly needed in order to foster faith in our young people. Elliott’,s experience of Flame n My experience at Wembley was certainly unique. Each diocese was asked to volunteer one young person to go on the stage of Wembley arena and I had the privilege of being the diocesan representative for East Anglia. We all met up at an arranged meeting point within the arena where we were quietly ushered into the VIP section of Wembley followed by a 30-minute wait. While waiting, I chatted with some Carmelite brothers I knew, getting to know more about that the life of a brother. The habits were on point as they brought out the full regalia for the procession! I also had the opportunity to chat briefly with other diocesan representatives, finding out what other young Catholics get on with across the country. Then the time came for the procession led by the youth and followed by the bishops and cardinals. On the stage I sat only 15 feet away from the likes of Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Cardinal Tagle but most importantly I sat only three feet away from Christ, exposed in radiance upon the altar in front of 8000 young Catholics. At events like these it’,s easy to get lost among big names and great experiences forgetting who it’,s all about and therefore I want the end of this article to be about Jesus –, all things are small next to such a great name. cymfed.org.uk/flame

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Sharing the Church’,s Story was the subject of a major Catholic conference in London in February addressed by Bishop Robert Barron, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and well-known historian Tom Holland. Keith Morris reports. n Organised by Catholic Voices and the Word on Fire Institute, the conference on February 11 was held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, attended by 1,300 participants from across the country, including at least 20 from the Diocese of East Anglia. Opening the conference, Cardinal Vin - cent Nichols said: “,We must not forget the church’,s history and the giants of faith on whose shoulders we stand. We should be mindful of those who have lived the Catholic faith before us and draw strength from them in handing on this great story.”, Brenden Thompson, CEO of Catholic Voices, said: “,We want to help create another generation of lay Catholics who can put their faith into the public square with charity and clarity. “,During the pandemic, maybe we withdrew from sharing our faith but Catholic Voices wants to partner with you to share the church’,s story really powerfully.”, The keynote speaker was Bishop Rob - ert Barron, founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and Bishop of Winona-Rochester, USA. He reflected on the role of laity in evangelisation and the importance of poverty, chastity and obe - dience to all Christians. Using the example of St Thomas More, who gave up power and wealth as King Henry VIII’,s chancellor to stay true to Christ, Bishop Barron said, “,We should live in a spirit of detachment from the worldly goals of wealth, honour, pleas - ure and power.”, “,Chastity challenges us to break out of the black hole of egotism…, We should lead our sexual lives in an upright way –, to truly love is to will the good of the other,”, said Bishop Barron. The call to obedience is the hardest call, said the bishop: “,You must realise that your life is not about you. Your life is to surrender to God’,s purposes. Prayer is the raising of the heart and mind to God. In every moment of your day you should follow the path of love –, willing the good of the other. God is love and that is all he is.”, A discussion about how the church can tell its story in a post-religious world followed, moderated by Justin Brierley from Premier Radio with Bishop Barron and award-winning historian, biogra - pher and broadcaster Tom Holland. Talking about his best-seller, Domin - ion, Tom explained his belief that, in a society that has become increasingly doubtful of reli - gion’,s claims, so many of its instincts remain irre - deemably Christian. “,Christianity’,s enduring impact is not confined to churches. It can be seen everywhere in the West: in science, in sec - ularism, in gay rights, even in atheism. It is –, to coin a phrase –, the greatest story ever told. And Jesus is the greatest story- teller of all time.”, Bishop Bar - ron said: “,We should confidently proclaim our truths and not go cap-in- hand for society’,s acceptance. The endurance of the Church and the fact that we are still here is an enormous encouragement to me.”, Tom added: “,Christianity survived the implosion of the Roman Empire and comes to the fore in times of war and plague. It is the most successful human attempt to explain the meaning of life and the universe and gives us a future hope.”, An afternoon workshop examined the topic of Evangelisation through the works of CS Lewis and JR Tolkien. In it, Dr Michael Ward and Dr Holly Ordway explained how both authors faced tragic personal circumstances and the horrors of fighting in the First World War which challenged their faiths, to end up with academic careers at Oxford University. Both Lewis’,s The Chronicles of Narnia and Tolkien’,s Lord of the Rings display different approaches to telling the Chris - tian story and to evangelisation in literature, but both provide great resources for evangelists. Rebecca Bretherton, one of around 20 delegates from the Diocese of East Anglia, said, “, I sat with Catholics from other parts of the country who shared their enthusiasm for the Gospel message with me. Bishop Barron reminded us that the Second Vatican Council called all Catholics to step out into the world with our extraordinary story of God’,s love. We can do this by telling stories. All the speakers told stories about their own faith in Christ. They encouraged us to be confident to tell others our personal experience of Christ in our lives.”, www.catholicvoices.org.uk n Watch out for more conference reports next month. Page 10 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 A Pearl of Great Price Silent Retreat Day Margaret Beaufort Institute`s Calendar CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT LEAD BY DR FRANCES IMAGE Pearl (30th) Anniversary Calendar of Events Women as Icons and Subversive Habits REGISTER HERE May May May TUESDAY, 23RD MAY, 2 PM Talk by historian, Nicola Tallis, on her research into the life of Lady Margaret Beaufort followed by book signing. Venue tbc. Oct Oct Oct Taizé, evening with instrumental accompaniment. Venue tbc. OCTOBER, DATE TBC WEDNESDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER, 5 PM Nov Nov Nov Thirty Years of Interfaith Dialogue among the Abrahamic Faiths: A Panel Discussion by Dr Edward Kessler, MBE (Woolf Institute), Dr Michael Barnes, SJ (MBIT) &, Dr Tim Winter (Cambridge Muslim College). Sponsored by the Tablet. Venue Faculty of Divinity. Tuesday 25th April to 13th June 2023 17:30 –, 19:00 course *Bursaries available *Members of Religious Orders receive a 30% discount Contat with us at: apply@mbit.cam.ac.uk With Dr. Pavlí,na Marie Kaš,parová, Find more information at www.mbit.cam.ac.uk REGISTER HERE Tuesdays Summer Term 9 May - 6 June Autumn Term 3- 17 October &, 7-14 November 2023 16.30 - 18.30 Jun Jun Jun SATURDAY, 10TH JUNE, 10 AM TO 4 PM Open day at MBIT 10.00 –, 4.00. Farewell to 12 Grange Road. Adoration in the morning . Final Mass at MBIT 12.00 pm. Concert at Fitzwilliam College at 03:00 pm. Aug Aug Aug SATURDAY, 5TH AUGUST, TIME TBC Walking Tour of Medieval Norwich culminating in a visit to Julian’,s Shrine. Led by Sr Ann Swailes, OP. Sep Sep Sep SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD, TIME TBC Talk on Giotto’,s Florence, Assisi &, Padua by Dr Donal Cooper Date and Venue tbc. Participation in the annual Cambridge Alumni Festival for alumnae with membership of both MBIT and a Cambridge college. Garden at Blackfriars Priory . ETHICS IN PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT Mondays 8 May - 6 June 2023 17.00 - 19.00 + Intensive Saturday 14 October 2023 (13.30 - 17.00) Lead by Dr Anna Abram REGISTER HERE course Sharing the Church’,s story Bishop Robert Barron (left), Justin Brierley and Tom Holland in discussion at the Sharing the Church’,s Story conference. Picture courtesy of Catholic Voices.

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Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CatholicEastAnglia Page 11 Pictured left are the group before the Loyal Address at Buckingham Palace (picture courtesy of the Diocese of West - minster) and below, an earlier picture of King Charles with Cardinal Vincent Nichols, picture by Mazur/CBCEW. Bishop Peter hears the Loyal Address to King CALLING ALL CARE AND SUPPORT WORKERS We are looking for experienced and enthusiastic support workers to join us part-time or full-time at our Supported Living Services in Ipswich, Suffolk. L’,Arche Ipswich is more than just a service provider, we are a diverse, inclusive community of 30 people with and without learning disabilities who live, work and celebrate together. Our aim is to provide a place of belonging to enable adults with learning disabilities live independent yet connected lives. We are rated as an Excellent CQC provider of individualised and person centred care. To find out more: Come and visit us, you will be warmly welcomed. To arrange a time please call Sarah on: 01473 729744. Find out more on our website at: https://www.larche.org.uk/support-worker-ipswich If you are interested in enriching people’,s lives and adding real value to our community, we would love to hear from you! To apply, simply fill in our Support Worker Application Form, which can be found online at: https://bit.ly/3S5gCpJ Bishop Peter Collins was pres - ent on March 9 at an historic occasion when the Catholic Church was among 27 privi - leged bodies to present a Loyal Address to King Charles III in a Buckingham Palace cer - emony. Keith Morris reports. n Cardinal Vincent Nichols presented the Loyal Address on behalf of the Catholic com - munity of England and Wales, accompanied by Bishop Peter and several Catholic lay representatives. Cardinal Nicols said to King Charles: “,When you addressed faith leaders in Sep - tember last year, you told us that ‘,the beliefs that ﬂ, ourish in, and contribute to, our richly diverse society differ. They, and our society, can only thrive through a clear col - lective commitment to those vital principles of freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit and care for others which are, to me, the essence of our nationhood.’, These are values that the Catholic Church holds dear indeed. “,Your Majesty, as you approach the sol - emn moment of your Coronation, and in all the kingly service that you will continue to give in the years to come, I assure you, with great con ﬁ, dence, of the support and prayers of the Catholic community in England and Wales.”, Bishop Peter said: “,I was honoured and delighted to accompany Cardinal Vincent Nichols to Buckingham Palace for the pres - entation of Loyal Addresses. Cardinal Nichols and I were accompanied by nine lay representatives of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. “,The delegations were assembled in the magni ﬁ, cent ballroom for the addresses and there followed a reception with the King in the picture gallery, where we beheld a won - derful collection of famous art works. As we all prepare for the ceremonial and festivities of the coronation let us be united in keeping the sovereign at the heart of our prayer. God Save the King.”, The privileged bodies of the United King - dom are those institutions and corporations which enjoy the historic right to present a loyal address to the Sovereign in person. In modern times this right is exercised on sig - ni ﬁ, cant occasions in the life of the monarch and at a ceremony specially organised for the purpose. A senior representative of each body delivers each loyal address and, after each one has been read, the monarch responds and receives copies of each address. Other bodies taking part included the Church of England, the Free Churches Group, the Quakers, a number of univer - sities, the Bank of England, The Royal Society and historic bodies from London. Read Cardinal Nicols’, full address at: www.cbcew.org.uk

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Picture gallery from parishes around the Diocese Page 12 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia –, April 23 n Bishop Peter Collins has been visiting each of the deaneries of the Diocese during Lent, celebrating a series of Lenten Station Masses. They began with a Mass on Tuesday February 28 at St Peter and All Souls Peterborough. Our Lady and the Eng - lish Martyrs in Cambridge followed, St Mary’,s Ipswich, St Edmunds in Bury St Edmunds, Our Lady Star of the Sea Lowestoft and finally St John’,s Cathedral Norwich on Tuesday March 21. Bishop Peter said: “,Our deanery Lenten Masses pro - vide an opportunity for us to enhance our diocesan communion and to deepen our allegiance to Christ the Suffering Servant. “,I rejoice to see the established pattern of Eucharistic Adoration being coupled with the provision of an oppor - tunity for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in each location. My thanks to Rural Deans for arranging these celebrations as we all under - take the great pilgrimage towards Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum.”, The events follow a regular format for each deanery, with Exposition and Confession at 6pm, Mass at 7pm and Supper at 8pm. Pictured right is Bishop Peter Collins at the supper fol - lowing the Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs in Cambridge. Picture by Douwin Andre. n On the Feast of Our Lady Lourdes, Bishop Peter celebrated a Mass at St John’,s Cathedral with the anointing of the sick. Fr Alan Hodgson, the Dean of the Cathedral, and other priests joined the Bishop for the annual event, which this year took place on February 11. Daniel Justin led a range of music, and there were refreshments afterwards in the Cathedral Narthex. In his homily, Bishop Peter spoke of life as a feast to be savoured. This did not mean, he said, that it could be defined as the pursuit of self-indulgence, nor a jour - ney that could be miraculously free of obstacles. On this Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, he prayed for insight to understand the true nature of human life, including suffering. He expounded the idea of “,God’,s cascading grace”, in the reading from Isaiah, a river that consoles “,on days when all seems well, and on days when despair threatens”,. He contrasted the “,sweet taste of fulfilment”, which comes from this with “,the stone jars of false expectation”, which could never be filled. While recognising that earthly life will always hold pain and loss, he said that we are duty bound to strive for healing. In doing so we had to rely on the cascade of abundant grace, for “,without Christ we will run out of wine”,. He encouraged his listeners to hunger only for what is authentic. “,Dig down into the earth until you find the cascade of water,”, he urged, “,into the soul until you find the flow of grace, into the pain until you find the healing balm.”, “,We must discover,”, he concluded, “,that now is the time to taste and see that life is a feast to be savoured. Now is the time for healing. The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is His name.”, Pictured above is Bishop Peter Collins anointing the sick at St John’,s Cathedral. You can see a gallery of the Mass at: flic.kr/s/aHBqjAs297 n On February 13 St Etheldreda’,s Ely SVP conference held an inspiring commis - sioning ceremony at which new and existing members made or renewed their promises. The group awarded an SVP long-service award to Rodger Germany who has taken many roles in the Ely conference, including President, Vice Pres - ident and Treasurer. The ceremony was conducted by Fr David Finegan. The group hopes to be able to help a lot more people in need over the coming years, building on the support it is currently able to give, including befriending and companionship, financial support for people in cost-of-living crisis and furnishings for refugees and homeless people. n St Peters and All Souls in Peterborough is running a new marriage course in which 13 engaged couples are participating. The course is being led by priests, deacons and lay people from the parish. It is divided into four main sections each covering a wide area of ground, including a basic Catholic understanding of marriage, marriage as a covenant, unity, and sex - uality and married life. The second part of the course will be delivered by a diocesan team in Newmarket as part of a day retreat.

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