20p 20p WHERE SOLD WHERE SOLD MORE THAN 24 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER MORE THAN 24 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER Published by Published by Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 Telephone: 01440 730399 Editor John Clawson. Tel: E-mail johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Editor John Clawson. Tel: E-mail johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Catholic News ISSUE 312 ISSUE 312 MAY 2023 MAY 2023 A A v v e e r r y y f f u u l l l l C C a a t t h h e e d d r r a a l l f f o o r r t t h h e e M M a a s s s s o o f f C C h h r r i i s s m m S S e e e e p p a a g g e e 3 3 A A c c r r o o s s s s w w a a s s c c a a r r r r i i e e d d f f r r o o m m H H a a y y f f i i e e l l d d t t o o t t h h e e t t o o p p o o f f L L a a n n t t e e r r n n P P i i k k e e S S e e e e p p a a g g e e 5 5 A message from Bishop Patrick Our vision for the Diocese of Nottingham is to become a more outward-looking missionary Catholic community. After much consultation, we have revised our deanery pattern, and are now in the process of reorganising and sometimes amalgamating our parishes. To ensure our faith communities are well served and supported in mission- focused initiatives, we have also launched our Mission Enabling Programme. Looking to the future, we must now develop the most effective financial plan, one that is well informed and meets our needs. To achieve this, we are commencing a new three-month consultative phase which will begin shortly after Easter Sunday. With the help of professional support, we will gather opinions from clergy, laity and parishioners to help shape our funding strategies. If you are asked, I would greatly appreciate your participation and the sharing of your insights either through a one-to- one conversation or an at-Mass survey. I look forward to beginning this consultation process and to updating you on a regular basis. In the meantime, I ask that you please pray for our mission and for this journey of discernment, that it will bear fruit and enable us to assist our communities in their discipleship and to equip them with tools to share the love and message of Christ with others more widely. Becoming a more outward looking missionary Catholic community HM King Charles III will be crowned alongside Queen Camilla on Saturday 6th May 2023 in Westminster Abbey A National Celebration In 1953, in the week preceding the Coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Cardinal Griffin, on behalf of the Bishops of England and Wales asked for a “,Triduum of Prayer”, that “,God may bless Her Majesty and her realms.”, The culmination of the Triduum, on the Friday evening immediately before the Coronation on Saturday 2nd June, was that “,In every public Catholic church throughout the country, Mass will be celebrated at 8pm.”, He continued “,it will be the supreme moment at which the Catholics of England and Wales will be asking God’,s blessing upon our Queen.”, A commemorative booklet for the Mass was produced and distributed. HM King Charles III will be crowned alongside Queen Camilla on Saturday 6th May 2023 in Westminster Abbey. The Bishops of England and Wales have proposed that an act of prayer similar to that of seventy years ago should be requested of all the faithful in our countries to pray for the King as he is crowned. To this effect: i. A Triduum of Prayer (from Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th May) when in each community, people are encouraged to pray for the King as he assumes the fulness of his responsibility. This can be in any form that the community thinks best. ii. On Friday evening 5th May, a Mass for the intentions of the King should be celebrated where possible. iii. On Sunday 7th May, the day after the Coronation, a Prayer of Intercession for the King should be included in the Universal Prayer along with the option for saying (or singing) the Domine, salvum fac in English or Latin and/or the National Anthem at the end of Mass. source Wrecsam Clarion King Charles III

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MORE THAN 24 YEARS OF MORE THAN 24 YEARS OF BRINGING THE BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER TOGETHER The monthly paper for the The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham Diocese of Nottingham FRANKLY SPEAKING FRANKLY SPEAKING Page 2 The Catholic News. May 2023. Editor: John Clawson Editorial Office: Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 email: johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Website: www.bellcourtltd.co.uk Distribution enquiries: Nick Layton e-mail nick@cathcom.org, Bellcourt Limited, Publication date: Fourth Sunday of the month for the following month. Opinions ex - pressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Diocese. P ublishers and Owners : Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Advertising: tel: 0207 112 6710 Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors. Views expressed in The Catholic News are not necessarily those of the editor Wanted Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper. All items to be emailed to johnclwson@icloud.com before 10th of the month On Saturday May 6th most of the country will witness a new experience. The Coronation of King Charles 111 and Queen Camilla will be relayed to a worldwide audience from Westminster Abbey. Aged 9 at the time of the last crowning, I still have some memories of that rather wet day in June 1953 when the same Westminster Abbey celebrated the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11 . A small screen black and white television was a rare luxury that a few homes had, and my mother persuaded the village shop to stock Tea bags rather than loose tea. The local Catholic and Anglican schools allowed their children to join together on a recreation ground to have a ",sports day", which included egg and spoon races. Young men in their late teens could still be called up for National Service. The military implication of the last sentence is a useful lead to how the world has changed as we prepare for a newly crowned monarch. In 1953 Joseph Stalin had just died, in 2023 Finland has just joined NATO. The map of Eastern Europe is now so different as we continue to pray for Ukraine with its loss of life There is not space to fully comment on our young people who are unable to make progress in life not least to afford good quality housing or even afford to rent a property. The new king will be aware of this In Britain we had a flurry of political announcements in Holy Week which did coincide with local election campaigning. We will not get any comment from the King on this but the plight of our senior citizens and of young people is clearly different from 1953. The announcement of funding for our social care workforce being reduced is surely a backward step after so many promises over so many years. Those who care for others do a difficult but essential act of humility and are surely allowing God to work in their lives, they surely should be rewarded better. The coronation will be a Christian service but we will have to see how it differs from 1953. The world is changing fast and with 24 hour news and the internet we now have much more knowledge of world affairs. In his loyal address on behalf of the Catholic Community of England and Wales Cardinal Vincent Nichols assured King Charles of our support and prayers and he spoke of people of different nationalities, languages and cultures. The month of May is not only dedicated to Our Blessed Lady but we also celebrate many feast days of our great saints who will surely help us to pray for the human dignity of those most in need in our world today not least in our own country. Frank Goulding Holy Trinity Pariah Newark Restoration of the Ukrainian Madonna and Child The story begins around 1890 in a small village in Western Ukraine, where the parish Priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Church Dioniziy Bilinski and wife Albina, were preparing for the forthcoming ordination of their son Joseph. They had a beautiful gift for him and his wife Halyna, a painting of Our Blessed Lady feeding the infant Jesus. Sadly there are no details of where it came from or the artist. Both Joseph and his father had studied in Vienna, so perhaps it came from there,butwe will never know. As Joseph and Halyna settled into their new life in the small village of Skowyatyn, they hung the painting in the village church where he was the new parish Priest. They had three children, Roman, Stefania and Irena who was my mother. The village was rather isolated so they managed to survive both the first world war and the holodomor the enforced famine by Stalin of 1932-33. Father Joseph died around 1930 but the family continued to live in the family house. Terror struck again with the outbreak of the WW2 in 1939. The family had been warned that the Soviet army was approaching and anyone with either religious connections or educated people were being killed or taken prisoners to Siberia. They decided to escape to Poland and quickly packed a few possessions, and went into the church, removed the painting of Our Lady, rolled it up and stitched it into the hem of a winter coat. As they were fleeing they were captured by the Nazis loaded onto cattle trucks and taken to a camp somewhere in Poland. By a miracle they managed to keep together and hold onto the coat. Mum recalled that they had to sew on blue patches saying Oster, meaning Oster arbeiten, East European slave labour, she refused to sew it on, but her mother told her to do it, saying was only a patch and what was on the outside of the coat was not important. What was important was inside the coat, the picture. That would protect and strengthen them in days. So the guards did not take much notice, the three women took it in turns to wear the coat and used it as a blanket. During their internment they were taken to various camps and it was in one of those camps that Halyna my grandmother died from starvation and exhaustion. In the morning a wooden barrow was wheeled round and any bodies were thrown onto the cart and either buried in a pit or burned. Sadly my grandmother has no grave, no marker. After the war mum did not want to stay in Germany so she came to England while my aunt stayed in Germany. They decided as Stefania was the eldest she should take the coat with the painting. Mum came to a camp in Nottinghamshire where eventually she met my Polish father, they married and settled down. Mum and her sister lost touch but mum would often recall the beautiful painting, she died in 1989. I managed to trace my aunt and we met in 1994. I visited her a few times,she told me after her death,I had to take the painting and look after it. So I became the custodian, it was very badly damaged and I was unsure what to do with it, as I felt it needed a true expert. After the sudden death of my husband, it was quite a while before I thought of the painting again. Eventually I applied to the TV programme, the Repair Shop, and was accepted. In 2022 I took the painting and met Lucia Scalisi the restorer, eventually the call came to return for the reveal. Lucia had left the damaged paint around the outside of the picture because we both felt that it told the story, but the central figures just took my breath away, it was very emotional, I was totally overwhelmed. She explained that not only had it been rolled but it had also been folded which had actually protected the faces. Lucia also recommended Derek Tanous in London to make the frame,which we all chose together to compliment the beautiful restoration. The journey now continues. I want to return the painting to Ukraine and I know the Madonna will guide me in what I have to do. I am merely the custodian.This painting and its story have touched very many people, because so many have asked, I will place it on display for a while so people may come to see it. I will always be grateful to everyone at the Repair Shop and the Tanous family for all their kindness and support, and especially to Lucia for her skill and faith. If you would like to see the restoration episode, it is the first program in the new series and iis available on iPlayer. Celebrating 60th Anniversary of Priesthood Bishop Patrick was pleased to visit Fr Paul Entwistle recently. He said “,It was good to visit Fr Paul Entwistle to congratulate and celebrate with him his 60th anniversary of priesthood! I was delighted to present him with a beautiful Papal Blessing and to enjoy lunch cooked by his caring and long-serving housekeeper,”,

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The Catholic News. May 2023. Page 3 A Lenten Pilgrimage But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God`s wrath through him! (Romans 5:8-9) Following an advert in the parish newsletters, on 22nd March seven members of the Lincoln Catholic community walked from St Hugh’,s Church in the city to Jerusalem (and back), for a Lenten pilgrimage. That is Jerusalem, Lincolnshire, rather than, Jerusalem, Israel! A small ribbon development/hamlet adjacent to the village of Skellingthorpe, it lies to the west of the city of Lincoln. The entire walk covered approximately ten miles. Various images on the day called to mind sacrifice, including the abattoir, war memorial and a cross and brought home how freedom always comes at a cost, whilst an abundance of sunshine, spring flowers, birdsong and good cheer, together with a stop at a pub for lunch, all reflected the new life and joy promised to those who believe in Jesus. With thanks to all who contributed to the day in any way and blessed be God for His great love for us. Mass of Chrism A very full St Barnabas Cathedral for the Mass of Chrism with the blessing of the holy oils and the renewal of ordination promises The Mass takes its name from the blessing of the holy oils used in the sacraments throughout the year, which are then given to priests or extraordinary lay ministers to take back to their parishes. A walk from St Hugh’,s Church in Lincoln to Jerusalem Memorial to Fr John Cairns After Mass on Sunday, 16th April Fr Emanuel Abbem, parish priest of The Church of The Assumption, New Mills, Derbyshire blessed a memorial, donated by Jeremy Unsworth, to Fr John Cairns, parish priest from 2002 to 2023. For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org

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Page 4 The Catholic News. May 2023. Subscribe@catholicpost.co.uk 01440 730399 www.catholicpost.co.uk Monthly National Catholic Newspaper National and International News from a Catholic Perspective with thoughtful articles to deepen Faith The UK’,s ﬁ, rst Carbon Neutral National Catholic Paper See, I do a New Thing Bringing our Church social mission to life A Caritas workshop near you this Summer Saturdays, 10.00 a.m. –, 3.00 p.m. Lincolnshire: 3 June at Our Lady of Lincoln Derbyshire, Peak &, Burton: 10 June at St Alban, Chaddesden Nottinghamshire: 8 July at Good Shepherd, Arnold Leicestershire &, Rutland: Contact us for the local date A year on from last summer’,s Springboard workshop, you’,re invited to another day for anyone who wants to see the Gospel come alive in their neighbourhood and wider world. We’,ll: •, Celebrate how parishes across your county have been responding in the post-pandemic cost-of-living crisis •, Help each other develop what comes next for local and global outreach •, Build peer-support and collaboration with your local Caritas Hub and the diocese. “,See, I do a new thing!”, Paul Bodenham invites you to an upcoming Caritas workshop This winter we saw what we’,re capable of. Over 25 parishes in the Diocese of Nottingham ran ‘,warm spaces’, or something similar. It was one the biggest outbursts of mission the diocese has ever seen. Intriguingly it all happened spontaneously, from the grassroots, with laypeople taking the initiative –, and it’,s only a fraction of what good people around the diocese are doing. See, I Do a New Thing is a workshop near you to celebrate the impact you’,ve had over the last year, discover God at work in it, share what we’,re learning, and invest in the future. We will take time out to listen afresh to God’,s call, and focus on developing two things which many have said they need: •, Self-confidence and practical skills for outreach •, Parish and diocesan structures to help lay leaders pray, plan and act. The workshop will introduce a wider project called Paving the Way. Much is said about ‘,missionary discipleship’,, but what do you and your parish need for this outward turn to happen in practice? And how might Catholic social teaching, often called the Church’,s ‘,best kept secret’, become an engine of grassroots renewal across the diocese? With your help, at this workshop and over the next two years, we will find answers to these questions –, and put them into practice for the common good and the kingdom of God. To book your place visit bit.ly/new-thing Pope appoints Archbishop Maury Buendí,a new Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain Pope Francis has appointed His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendí,a as Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain. Commenting on the news, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’, Conference of England and Wales, said: “,I welcome the appointment of Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendí,a as Papal Nuncio to Great Britain. On behalf of our Bishops’, Conference, I assure him not only of our warm welcome but also of our full cooperation when he takes up these new responsibilities.”, Born in Madrid on 19 November 1955, Archbishop Maury Buendí,a studied philosophy and theology at the Conciliar Seminary of Madrid before being ordained a priest for the Archdiocese on 26 June 1980. He followed a two-year program of studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome, and entered the Holy See’,s diplomatic service in July 1987, serving in diplomatic missions in several countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Morocco, Nicaragua, Egypt, Slovenia and Ireland. In 2004, he was called to the Section for Relations with States within the Secretariat of State of the Holy See. Four years later, in 2008, he was appointed titular Archbishop of Italica and Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Romania on 5 December 2015, and to the Republic of Moldova on 25 January 2016. He was appointed the Apostolic Nuncio to the Court of St. James’,s on 13 April 2023, filling a post vacant since the previous Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, was named prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches on 21 November 2022.

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The Catholic News. May 2023. Page 5 Palm Sunday Pilgrimage Hayfield Christians Together had their annual Palm Sunday Pilgrimage Way of the Cross, when a cross was carried from St Matthew’,s Church in Hayfield Derbyshire to the top of Lantern Pike on the outskirts of Hayfield. After erection a short service of hymns and prayers followed. Around 20 Christians from surrounding churches took part. Hay ﬁ, eld Christians Together A cross was carried from St Matthew’,s Church in Hayfield to the top of Lantern Pike

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Page 6 The Catholic News. May 2023. Alive Young Catholics! I joined 150 young people from across the UK who took time out to enter into an environment of encouragement, friendship and faith. Participants were urged to delve into their own hearts so as to be open to the heart of our King, the risen Lord Jesus. To facilitate this, there were inspiring talks and workshops, adoration and worship both powerful and reflective, daily Mass and Reconciliation, personal prayer ministry and spiritual direction. We were welcomed by the Monks to join them for Morning and Evening Prayer of the Church, and the extensive grounds provided a beautiful, even though rain-sodden, environment. Sporting activities, team games and karaoke added to the relaxation. Excellent food was provided three times a day. Joel’,s Bar was part of the Celebrate Family Conference held in Ilfracombe every Easter Week for over 20 years and is now continuing a separate Conference with its own skilled and experienced young Catholic Leaders. With the help of excellent speakers and workshop leaders, they provided an opportunity for the participants to encounter afresh the risen Jesus of Easter, to understand more and go deeper into Jesus’, open and aching heart for each one of us. Out of this encounter we cannot help but want to share with others what is awaiting them. And so, says Pope Francis, like Mary, the Mother of Jesus, we arise and go in haste [Luke 1:39], with renewed minds and hearts, to fulfil our vocation in life and welcome others into the heart of our King, Jesus. Speakers included Ian Yardley, a business entrepreneur with many years of experience in youth ministry in the Catholic Church, Ashley Johny, a echocardiographer from Sheffield who loves to share details of Eucharistic Miracles and their links to Cardiology, Javier Campos, a member of the Cor et Lumen Christi Community and ministers in evangelisation, healing and supernatural prophecy, Lauren Windle, a journalist and powerful public speaker, now freed from addictions, has qualifications in Neuroscience &, Addiction Studies, Paul Kidd, the Director of the Craig Lodge Mission House in Scotland, where young people are equipped to share the Gospel, Pippa Baker, a full-time missionary and part on the One Hope Project, and Dr Johannes Hartl, founder of the House of Prayer in Augsburg, Germany, and a philosopher, theologian and author of many books including on prayer and the spiritual life. The week was so attractive that young people who had booked in for a day or two extended their stay for the week. A-level revision and dissertations were put on one side for the week and many young people spoke of their inner spiritual lives renewed and an eagerness to get involved in church life and anxious to find opportunities. It seems to me that through events like Joel’,s Bar and the experience of World Youth Day, with over 400,000 young people already booked, we have a secret army of alive Catholic young people, blessed with the fire of the Holy Spirit. The Ascent Programme, Youth2000 and Net Ministries Scotland are further examples. I see a growing army longing to be accepted, listened to and allowed to exercise their leadership skills in ministry. A useful resource here is: www.catholicyouthwork.com. As well as the umbrella body: cymfed.org.uk. I pray that the small number of opportunities for our young people increases, filling all of us full of hope for the future. In preparation for the World Youth Day this year in Lisbon, Portugal, during the first week of August, the Pope urges young people to thirst for horizons in their lives rather than put up walls that turn us in on ourselves. The Pope urges young people to expand their horizons and look beyond because horizons help us grow. With this in mind, there was no better response to Pope Francis’, words than the Joel’,s Bar Conference for young people, called The Heart of the King, held at Worth Abbey during Easter Week in April. By Fr. Jonathan Cotton The Feast of Divine Mercy On the Feast of Divine Mercy we held a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament. We prayed to seek God’,s mercy on this special day when “,all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened”,. We prayed the Three o’,clock Prayer, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and The Holy Rosary as well as an Act of Entrustment to the Divine Mercy and a prayer for healing of the family tree. Jesus made an awesome promise to St Faustina and to the whole world when he told her “,Whoever will recite it (the chaplet of Divine Mercy) will receive great mercy at the hour of death... Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy... Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything if what you ask for is compatible with My will”,. On the occasion of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, imparted a special Apostolic Blessing “,to all the faithful, who during Adoration of Our Most Merciful Saviour in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar will be praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the sick and for those throughout the world who will be dying in that hour.”, The Apostolic Blessing extends indefinitely for all who participate. Submitted on behalf of the Good Shepherd Church, Arnold St Bernadette’,s SVP Conference, Scunthorpe St. Bernadette’,s Conference, Scunthorpe was founded in 1987. The President was Terry McLoughlin till 2001, followed by Marie McLoughlin (2001-2006), Padrig Noone (2006-2012), Sue Scotter (2912- 2016), Cynthia Myers (2016-2019), Patricia Ryan (2019 till present dates). The Conference has always been on the small side. To dates, we have 5 active members and 2 non visiting members, age between 54 and 91. Scunthorpe has been and still on National news because of its declining steel industry. The pending redundancy from the industry increases the hardships of its population on top of the current living crisis. The Conference is actively supporting the local food banks and the Women’,s Refuge Centre by regular cash and goods donation especially during Easter and Christmas seasons. The members have resumed visiting providing companionship, financial, practical and emotional supports to families and beneficiaries. The main activity of our Conference is organising a monthly luncheon afternoon for the seniors of the Parishes and of the local community. The menu comprises of soup, sandwiches and dessert/pie, peas and dessert/fish, chips, peas and dessert. There is Eucharist Service in Church before lunch. Apart from catching up, The VIPs get to exercise their brains and gambling on their lucks, quiz, bingo and raffle!

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The Catholic News. May 2023. Page 7 St Patrick’,s Day Nottingham Following Mass and blessing of shamrock at Our Lady and St.Patricks Church, the Meadows, Bishop Patrick joined all the other VIPs on stage for official opening of the afternoon of music song and dance. VIP`s included Cllr Wendy Smith (Lord Mayor), Raymond Mullen (Embassy of Ireland) Mike Meehan (Grand Marshall) . Gerry Molumby organiser ",we were blessed by Patrick with such fine and sunny weather",. Pictures with compliments but credit Ellen Troop if reproduced, all pictures captioned at source . Gerry Molumby St Patricks day Celebrations at Our Lady &, St Patrick’,s In Nottingham, celebrations began early in the morning on St Patricks day at Our Lady &, St Patrick’,s Catholic Church, Meadows, Parish Priest Father Wilfred Pereppadan SCJ welcomed Bishop Patrick McKinney, who celebrated Mass in honour of the fifth-century saint! For all there, it was a beautiful start to the day of celebrating heritage, culture, and deep faith. The large congregation included the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Wendy Smith, Raymond Mullen, Deputy Director Foreign Policy of the Embassy for Ireland, Mike Meehan, Grand Marshal for the Nottingham Saint Patrick`s Day Festival 2023, many individuals and families from across the city, and was enhanced even more by the presence of staff and students from St Patrick`s Catholic Primary School, Wilford, who even presented Bishop Patrick with a special `feast day gift` after a round of ",Happy Feast Day To You",, led by Fr Wilfred! Children’,s Good Friday Service Our annual children’,s Good Friday Service took place this year with parishioners and visitors to our parish enjoying a moving and prayerful occasion for all to share in together. Over 30 children from the parish met for an hour before the service to rehearse readings, prayers, songs and a beautiful liturgical dance. The children represented all ages of our parish and all groups –, the youngest being two years old from our children’,s liturgy group through to our confirmation young people, who were integral in supporting and leading our younger members. Over 100 people participated in reflecting and praying together –, with the focus of the Stations of the Cross. The spirit of the event carried on after the service where all families sampled hot cross buns and made beautiful prayer crosses to take home as a reminder that Jesus died on the cross for us all. Thank you to all who participated in our wonderful event and for giving so generously of yourtime to support others in their Easter journey to meet our risen Lord. Submitted on behalf of the Good Shepherd Church, Arnold.

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Page 8 The Catholic News. May 2023. NATIONWIDE SERVICE IN DESIGN, INSTALLATION &, MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTNING PROTECTION AND EARTHING SYSTEMS HAVE YOU BOOKED IN YOUR ANNUAL LIGHTNING PROTECTION TEST AND INSPECTION? IS YOUR SYSTEM COMPLIANT TO THE STANDARD BS EN 62305: 2012? CONTACT US NOW TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION OR FREE ADVICE AND SUPPORT REGARDING YOUR LIGHTNING PROTECTION WWW.LIGHTNING-PROTECTIONUK.COM 0115 8411 211 INFO@LIGHTNING-PROTECTIONUK.COM SVP –, What We Do Please support our Advertisers Two members of the Good Shepherd St Vincent De Paul Conference based at the Good Shepherd Church Arnold in Nottingham, Jim Thomson and Kathleen Camm, were presented with long service award certificates and the Frederick Ozanam commemoration medal for over 50 years meritorious service to the SVP spanning 6 decades. They are both very well known in the Good Shepherd parish for their work but their kindness and support for people who have faced hard times has touched both the local community and other parts of Nottingham, the country and worldwide. Unfortunately Kathleen was unable to attend the Holy Mass in person due to Covid but was able to watch the proceedings online. We’,ll present Kathleen with her certificate and medal at a future Holy Mass when she is able to attend. There was a nice surprise at the end of the SVP presentation when Father Philipp also gave out a certificate and a medal from Bishop Patrick McKinney of Nottingham for Jim and Kathleen’,s service to the Good Shepherd Parish over many years. The photographs below capture the moment Jim was presented with his SVP Certificate and medal by current Good Shepherd President, Ken Steele, Jim receiving his Bishop’,s medal off Father Philipp and Jim showing his certificates to the congregation. Submitted on behalf of the Good Shepherd parish, Arnold. Migrants and refugees are human beings not just statistics, says Bishop In 2023, people making dangerous journeys across the Channel to reach the UK are called by various names: ‘,refugees’,, ‘,asylum seekers’,, ‘,migrants’,, and often by more derogatory terms. Love the Stranger is a new publication by the Catholic Bishops’, Conference of England and Wales` Department for International Affairs that articulates our Christian duty to look beyond such labels and see the person who has left their homeland in search of a better life. You can download the document here: cbcew.org.uk/love-the-stranger Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees for the Bishops’, Conference, emphasises the need to uphold their innate human dignity: ",Our starting point as a society must be to recognise migrants and refugees as people. We need to understand their stories, their reasons for leaving their homelands and hopes for building a future here. “,We should never view people arriving from elsewhere as a political problem to be solved, but rather as brothers and sisters who we have a responsibility towards, and who greatly enrich our communities. “,People are driven to leave their countries, sometimes making dangerous journeys or risking exploitation, because of conflict, poverty, oppression, or lack of opportunities. Looking beyond our own borders, we have a duty to help people flourish in their homelands, as well as welcoming those who leave in search of a better life.“, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’, Conference, welcomed the publication: ",Love the Stranger draws together more than one hundred years of Catholic teaching to guide our response to migration in England and Wales today. While it does not propose detailed solutions to complex problems, it clearly calls for procedures which permit safe and controlled access and a fair hearing to those seeking asylum. Present arrangements in this country are dramatically lacking in both of these requirements.", Vatican endorsement Father Fabio Baggio CS, the Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, praised Love the Stranger’,s rich review of, and reflection on, Catholic social teaching: ",The text promotes an authentic culture of encounter at all levels and among all the actors involved. As we live in times in which the defence of the dignity of each human person may seem under threat, Love the Stranger invites us to not give up on the opportunity to live our catholicity ever more fully, to build more just and equal societies for the benefit of each and every person, and to be open to the contribution that strangers can offer as we care for their integral human development and ours.", Protection of migrants and refugees a shared goal Fr Manuel Barrios Prieto, the Secretary General of COMECE (Commission of Catholic Episcopal Conferences of the European Union) welcomes the publication as an important step forward towards the promotion and protection of migrants: ",This advocacy document on the Catholic response to migrants and refugees is a timely reference and guidance in our polarised European societies. It offers sound orientations on migration and asylum not only for Catholics, but for any person of good who considers human dignity as the basis for a harmonious social coexistence. It is not a mere compilation of principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church on the matter, but a reflection on how these principles should be applied to the current challenges faced by our states and societies.", Christine Allen, Director of CAFOD, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, stresses that people have a right to flourish in their homelands: ",People around the world continue to be tormented by conflict, which drives them from their homes as they seek safety. Communities are also losing their homes and their livelihoods to a climate crisis they did not cause. ",Working toward peace and tackling the climate crisis are the defining challenges of our time and we must show solidarity to those in need. The UK government can rise to these shared global challenges by reversing the counter-productive cuts to the aid budget, and prioritising countries impacted by conflict and climate change. ",Failure to act will mean people around the world continue to see their lives turned upside down and their homes destroyed by conflict and climate change.", DAILY: Holy Mass at 9am Adoration and Evening Prayer from 6pm –, 7pm WEEKLY: Every TUESDAY 7pm –, 8.30pm. BIBLE STUDY: A study of the ACTS OF THE 7.30 am Morning Prayer 9.00 am Holy Mass 5.45 pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Adoration, Evening Prayer, Benediction 2.30 pm –, 3.30 pm: BIBLE STUDY –, The Book of REVELATION Thursday 20th April at 2.30 pm “,St Therese of Lisieux –, The little way”, (Cyprian Blamires OCDS) Ascribed Meeting: Thursday 27th April, 10 am to 12 noon EASTER TRIDUUM at the Rosmini Centre: Maundy Thursday at 7 pm: Holy Mass Good Friday at 3 pm: Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of the Lord Easter Vigil at 8 pm Easter Sunday, 9 am: Holy Mass of Easter Rosmini Centre, 433 Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SJ Tel. 01509 81 3078, Mob: 07828781537, aabelsito@hotmail.com Why not join our ZOOM group from the comfort of your home? Send us your e-mail and we shall send the link. LECTURES IN APRIL DAILY: 7.30am Morning Prayer 9am Holy Mass 5.45 pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Adoration, Evening Prayer, Benediction BIBLE STUDY Tuesday 2nd May 2.30pm –, 3.30pm –, The Book of Revelation (Next meetings: Tuesday 6th June, Tuesday 4th July). From September BIBLE STUDY will begin a series of lectures on each of the Books of the Bible, to cover the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, one lecture per book. More information will follow nearer to the time. LECTURE IN MAY THURSDAY 25th MAY at 2.30 pm “,The Spirituality of St. John of the Cross”, (Cyprian Blamires OCDS) LECTURE IN JUNE THURSDAY 15th JUNE at 2.30 pm “,Fr John Bradburn, Vagabond, Poet, Saint”, (Fr Jonathan Cotton) ASCRIBED MEETING (open to all) THURSDAY 11th MAY, from 10 am to 12 noon Rosmini Centre, 433 Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SJ Tel. 01509 81 3078, Mob: 07828781537, aabelsito@hotmail.com Why not join our ZOOM group from the comfort of your home? Send us your e-mail and we shall send the link.

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The Catholic News. May 2023. Page 9 Donate now at www.reachfoundationuk.org Your money goes a long way! Reach Foundation UK - charity no: 1171521 For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org A real presence An interfaith festival took place in Lincoln between 13th - 16th March. Its theme was ‘,Hope and Resilience in Turbulent Times’,. It involved a three day exhibition in the city Waterside shopping centre and a faith trail, with a fourth and final day on the university campus, which, apart from more exhibitions, included stands by organisations such as the Counter Terrorism Police, guest speakers, workshops, crafts, music provided by different bands and refreshments. The Catholic community was represented with a stand hosted by the Catholic Chaplaincy at the University of Lincoln, St Hugh’,s Church on the faith trail and Councillor Sue Burke, a parishioner at St Peter and St Paul Church, who was invited to speak on the final day. The exhibitions provided people, whether local or visiting, an opportunity not only to read about various faiths but also to speak to members from the faith groups, learn about the places of worship locally and take away literature. In the shopping mall it was good to see shoppers stopping and taking an interest. The trail invited people to walk around the city visiting places of worship of different denominations and faiths and learn about the history of the city at the same time. Two trips were also planned, one to the Holocaust museum and the other to Leicester (visiting various places of worship to raise awareness of different faiths) but both have been postponed to later in the year. Organised by The Centre for Reconciliation (an interfaith organisation that works for peace and unity in Lincolnshire and has projects in Asia) in conjunction with the University of Lincoln, the Lincolnshire Faith Council, Lincoln BIG (business improvement group) and Lincoln Students Union, the organisers would like for the festival to become a regular feature in the city each year, providing opportunities to discover and learn about the different faiths represented in Lincolnshire and to meet and socialise with people from different communities. Simply by its presence the event was a reminder of the role and importance of faith, of places of worship, of community and of fraternity and cooperation between faiths and people of goodwill (especially where we live) for living with hope and building resilience in our present somewhat turbulent times, not only for ourselves but for our neighbourhoods too. It gave a renewed sense of what a privilege it is for a person to receive the gift of faith and belong to a faith community and how with that privilege comes responsibility, the responsibility to respond to the call to holiness, such that our lives, each day and in their own way (probably unknown to ourselves), like the festival, make that privilege wider known and provide Christ with chances to draw people to Himself. Reaching Out to Mothers and Children REACH (Reaching East Africa’,s Children) a small charity is making a huge difference to the lives of women and children in Uganda. Established in 2002 and formerly called Bury African Outreach it has had a recent change of name as Chair of the charity Lydia Demetriou now lives in Marple and is a member of the Parish of St Mary’,s church, Marple Bridge, Stockport which is part of the Nottingham Diocese. The charity raises funds to support the care and education of vulnerable children in Uganda and was very active during the Pandemic in supplying emergency food to those in need. One of the current projects called, ‘,The Joy of Learning’,, delivers basic education to the poorest of children living in one of the slums of Uganda’,s capital (Kampala) in an informal setting. The ‘,Joy of Learning’, is an interim project to educate these children until sponsorship can be found for them to attend formal education. REACH is restarting a project (Post Pandemic) linking groups of women in the UK and Uganda with the aim of improving quality of life, developing and learning new skills and empowering women so that they are better able to support their families in the long term. The charity had a big fund raising concert on 3rd March 2023 at Marple Sports and Cricket Club which raised over £,1,750.00 with over 100 people supporting the event. The concert featured Taylor Giacoma, singer/songwriter. Raintown Seers, Americana, roots and blues, Lazlo Baby, world music, ska, punk and folk. Everyone had a great evening and the money raised will go towards funding a doctor in Uganda to train as a gynaecologist as there are few gynaecologists and many women with birth injuries go untreated. The rest of the money raised will fund the education projects and a meal for the children who often go hungry. If you would like to REACH out to Uganda and join with the charity in making life easier for women and children then please see the website where you can make a donation. www.reach-children-uganda.org.uk.

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Page 10 The Catholic News. May 2023. Book Reviews Book Reviews In Reimagining Religion: A Jesuit Vision Maher starts from the premise that to be human is to be in relationship. However, he notes that the prevailing norm in our society has become individualism rather than community and as a result we have become distanced from each other, from our environment, from our responsibilities and from our own true identities. Maher offers four guiding principles or ‘,apostolic preferences’, identified by the Jesuits as a way of reconsidering the religious and spiritual quest so that it has relevance and traction in our twenty-first century. The foundations of reflective living, social and climate justice and creating a hope-filled world for our young people can influence values, attitudes and beliefs and guide our behaviour and actions so we can both fully live our potential as ‘,persons in relationship’, and rediscover the Christianity we need. Jim Maher SJ is a Jesuit priest, born in Limerick. He has spent most of his Jesuit life ministering and teaching at Crescent College Comprehensive SJ. He managed the Fifth Year social outreach programmes and led Sixth Year pilgrimage retreats and continues to provide pastoral support at the school. This is his second book with Messenger Publications. Reimagining Religion: A Jesuit Vision by Jim Maher SJ €,19.95/£,18.95 published in Ireland and the UK by Messenger Publications ‘,Proactive, engaged, reflective yet outward-looking’, –, one could be forgiven for assuming that this describes a social enterprise of some sort and not a spirituality and religiosity founded on Ignatian principles. In a new book, Jim Maher SJ sets the bar high for himself in the task of reversing the contemporary perception of Christianity as irrelevant, useless and an heirloom from the past. He highlights the value of spirituality and religion, how they complement one another and their role in providing purpose and meaning to life. Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life £,6.95 https://www.ctsbooks.org 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.”, Looking Ahead: A Catholic Handbook for School Students Catholic Truth Society, The Association of Catholic Women £,14.95 https://www.ctsbooks.org Looking Ahead answers big questions about life, God, and the world. Full of useful information, quirky facts, assorted prayers, stories of saints and heroes, and beautiful illustrations, this is a book to help you make sense of your amazing calling to follow Jesus Christ. John Bradburne Fr Gerard Skinner £,6.95 https://www.ctsbooks.org A Secular Franciscan from Cumbria, Servant of God John Bradburne poured himself out in love for the lepers he served, unwilling to abandon them even to save his life. His legacy offers a striking example of authentic holiness in the modern, conflict-stricken world. The New Evangelisation Fr Stephen Wang £,3.50 https://www.ctsbooks.org Why do we need a New Evangelisation? What is the history and theology of this idea? What does it look like in practice? How can we engage in the New Evangelisation in our parishes and communities? What are the key documents we can turn to for inspiration? These are some of the questions explored in this booklet, which also collects the most important writings about the New Evangelisation by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Sisters leave the Dowry House Retreat Centre in Walsingham after ten years The Sisters of the Community of our Lady of Walsingham have announced that they are leaving the Dowry House Retreat Centre in Walsingham after ten years, but they will continue to work with the National Shrine at particular events being held there. The Community of Our Lady of Walsingham has been serving in Walsingham for over ten years, initially by helping at the Shrine at weekends and major pilgrimages and, since 2016, by running retreats and hosting pilgrims at Dowry House Retreat on behalf of the Walsingham Trust. Bishop Peter Collins, on behalf of the Walsingham Trust, said: “,The COLW sisters will continue to work with the Shrine at future events, while being based in their mother rcdea.org.uk They will continue to work with the National Shrine at particular events. house in Dereham, rather than at Dowry House. Their ministry at the Shrine continues to be highly valued.”, Sr Camilla Oberding, from COLW, said: “,It has been a fruitful ministry and one which we have enjoyed immensely. “,Whilst saddened by the thought of leaving Walsingham, we know that, “,in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”, (Rom 8:28). We trust that God, in his loving Providence, has arranged that we should all be based at our formation house in Dereham for the time being. This will give us time to focus on the formation of our new members, the accompaniment of more candidates and to expand other areas of mission. “,We assure all staff, villagers and pilgrims of our prayers, especially during this time of transition as the Shrine awaits a new rector.”, Picture below is the COLW Sisters in Walsingham. Picture courtesy of COLW.

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The Catholic News. May 2023. Page 11 The Repository growing from strength to strength The Repository at Nottingham Cathedral has been expanding over the years, growing from strength to strength supported by the local parishioners and from visitors further afield when the Cathedral hosts large diocesan events. The stalls have found a new home in the Ellis Room in the Cathedral Hall, alongside the mini Cathedral Cafe run by parish volunteers. A modest but very reasonable priced menu is on offer every Friday (10am-2pm) and Sundays (9am-2pm) So if you are looking for a peaceful oasis in the middle of town when visiting, why not pop in and enjoy our hospitality? Our Repository is home to a wide selection of devotional items: medals, crucifixes, statues, prayer cards, candles, missals, a wide selection of spiritual reading material, old (but forever new) and new books, gift wrapping: sheets &, gift bags and so much more. We are glad to introduce some stunning art work from a South African artist who has dedicated her life to sharing her Christain faith with others through her artistic talents. Mounted prints, framed prints and cards are available in this range. In addition, one of our parishioners, Justine Alves, has added his considerable talents to the mix, launching his range of “,Memory Bears”, , beautifully, one of a kind, handcrafted bears of high quality which definitely need exploring as unique gifts for relative and friends held dear to us all. Sacramental teddies will soon be on offer hugely popular with adults and children alike. The Memory Bears are made from your loved ones clothes or materials that have sentimental value to you. They can be personalised with embroidered messages, ribbon or devotional medals. ‘,Let your memories live on in an unique handcrafted way…,”, When those energy levels are flagging we have a mini sweet bar to tempt you! Yes, you have guessed right a challenge for all parents with small kids! Soon we will also be offering short runs of personalised magnets &, key rings. Maybe you need a souvenir for an parish or some parish event? Or some personal celebration? Please contact for a quote and we’,ll see if we can help. Cheryl at cbroodryk62@gmail.com We also have a large comprehensive catalogue available to view and available for personal orders. These orders will incur a postage charge. We accept cash and card payments. We look forward to meeting and serving you, both in our shop and mini Cafe. Rest a while…, Submitted on behalf of the Nottingham Cathedral. Lifetime opportunity to sing on West End stage Pupils at a Derby school have won a once in a lifetime opportunity to sing on the same stage as West End stars, in front of a 2,000 strong audience at a European theatre festival. Thirty-eight Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy students will perform a song from Frozen at Music Theatre International’,s Junior Theatre festival, Europe’,s biggest celebration of musical theatre for young performers. Hundreds of youth groups and schools from across the country submitted applications to be in with a chance to perform at the festival and take part in workshops with West End professionals, as part of a programme backed by Disney. News of the Saint Benedict students’, success was shared on social media and prompted a kind-hearted donation of costumes for the performance, all the way from America. Anna West, Director of Performing and Creative Arts at Saint Benedict, in Duffield Road, said she burst out crying when she found out that her students would be performing at the festival. Students will sing the song ‘,Fixer Upper’, on stage, a song from Frozen that they submitted as part of their application to perform at the festival. Ryan Macauley, producer and director of the MIT Junior Theatre Festival, paid a visit to Saint Benedict to help students prepare for their performance. He said: “,Saint Benedict was chosen to perform at the festival because the application from the staff there was exemplary and the children are all ages and from all backgrounds and they are doing it together. We really saw that in the application and they deserved the chance to perform. We will have workshops from Aladdin, Les Mis and Wicked and there will be West End directors and choreographers.”, Student Lucy Finnegan, who is playing Anna, said working with Ryan had been a great experience. She said: “,We were all so excited when we found out that we were going to perform at the festival and to work with someone like Ryan has been amazing. We wouldn’,t normally get the chance to go through our performance in so much detail.”, Headteacher Hazel Boyce said: “,This is another fantastic achievement for the Performing and Creative Arts Team. At Saint Benedict, we recognise the positive impact the Arts have on young people and we are incredibly proud of our pupils and staff who have won this competition.”, The students will be performing Frozen as their school show at Saint Benedict, in Duffield Road, Derby, from 1st to 5th July 2023. Information about tickets will be released soon. Visit www.saintbenedictderby. srscmat.co.uk for details. Please support our Advertisers Can you make a difference? Have you ever considered becoming a school governor? Ratcliffe College is currently looking for new governors to join its existing team. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who has: •, the desire to support children educationally, pastorally and spiritually •, an interest in school performance •, experience of strategic planning •, an open and inquiring mind •, the ability to look at issues objectively •, the confidence to ask questions and join in debate •, a willingness to listen and to make informed judgements •, the ability to work well with others •, time to volunteer We welcome applications from everyone but are particularly interested in those with experience in secondary education. In terms of time, the minimum commitment would be attendance at four meetings a year, with additional support of one meeting per term attending sub-committees is encouraged. Ratcliffe College is a Roman Catholic, co-educational, independent boarding and day school in Leicestershire. It has a strong reputation and in the most recent ISI Integrated Inspection was rated as ‘,Excellent’, in all areas. As a Governing Body, we have an ambitious 5-year strategic plan to support all of our pupils both educationally and pastorally. Being a school governor is rewarding, bringing you great personal and professional benefits. Enquire about becoming a school governor at Ratcliffe College today by e-mailing the Clerk to governors Jenni Scothern j.scothern@ratcliffecollege.com on or before 19 May 2023.

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Page 12 The Catholic News. May 2023. 2-in-1 Crossword by Axe You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. SOLUTION CRYPTIC Across 7 Dead set, if else fails, to make 18 when in Rome (6,7) 8 I am the Spanish waiter in Messiah! (8) 9 Mountain in Joshua can be seen in section of Horeb, altitudinally (4) 10 Friend from Troy, one leaving an ecclesiastic band (7) 12 Drama queen`s back to support the lead in Dallas –, the Dynasty chap? (5) 14 Youngster gets sophisticated in front of the king... (5) 16 ... one in Judah has Henry bound by kinky Joe to tree (7) 19 It`s the first name in jeans for Matthew! (4) 20 Early Christian sect which barely made it out of 21? (8) 22 To which place did Jesus ride a girl`s horse? (5,2,6) CRYPTIC Down 1 Esau`s people`s place, where style`s in ascendant (4) 2 First of Issachar`s successors really annexed extra land here (6) 3 Exist, being raised in African surroundings, to name brother of 2 (7) 4 Passage from article is on the Spanish uprising (5) 5 Missionary`s desirable little home in Darjeeling? (6) 6 Drugs prisoner detained by the Pope is ascetic (8) 11 Get trees from 11 or 16 by the thousand, to rebuild lone Philistine city... (8) 13 ... and cedars from here to build Jerusalem, the French and British find later (7) 15 Queensland site`s stop-start finish confused CIA and the Navy (6) 17 God`s pupil is confronted by a very large introduction (6) 18 Is she, looking up, last one raising any cash at Christmas? (5) 21 First family`s home study is situated below, note (4) QUICK Across 7 Latin hymn translated into a popular carol by a canon of Westminster Cathedral (6,7) 8 Christ or the Messiah, as named from a reference in Isaiah (8) 9 Where Moses commanded Joshua to build an altar (4) 10 White vestment like a double-Y embroidered with crosses, worn by the Pope (7) 12 Dynast and hymnodist from humble origins, integral to both Testaments (5) 14 Young bird, especially of domestic fowl (5) 16 Kings of Israel and Judah sharing the same name (7) 19 Son of Jacob cursed by his father for attacking Shechem (4) 20 Early Christians who aimed to return to man`s primitive innocence (8) 22 Hill overlooking Jerusalem where Solomon built an altar (5,2,6) QUICK Down 1 Mountainous region south of the Dead Sea in OT times, also called Seir (4) 2 Name God gave to Jacob... (6) 3 ... and one of Jacob`s twelve sons (7) 4 Extension of the nave in a church (5) 5 Nun and missionary dedicated to helping the poor in India (1910-1997) (6) 6 Ascetic 5th century British theologian (8) 11 One of the five Philistine cities (8) 13 Area north of biblical Israel famous for its cedar trees (7) 15 Queensland resort city facing the Great Barrier Reef (6) 17 Greatest of all the gods of ancient Egypt (6) 18 Joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ (5) 21 Land west of Nod (4) Across: 7 Adeste fideles, 8 Immanuel, 9 Ebal, 10 Pallium, 12 David, 14 Chick, 16 Jehoash, 19 Levi, 20 Adamites, 22 Mount of Olives. Down: 1 Edom, 2 Israel, 3 Zebulun, 4 Aisle, 5 Teresa, 6 Pelagius, 11 Ashkelon, 13 Lebanon, 15 Cairns, 17 Osiris, 18 Carol, 21 Eden. Stella Maris appoints new CEO Stella Maris has announced that Tim Hill MBE has been appointed as the charity`s new National Director and CEO, effective from 1st June 2023. Tim is a proven leader focused on empowering individuals and developing people, with considerable experience in complex strategic thinking, decision-making, planning and effecting transformational change. He has served in the British Army for the last 35 years in all corners of the world, exercising in the USA, Canada, Europe, Africa, Australia and the Far East, with operational service in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded the MBE in 1995. Tim has commanded different units, including an Army Training Regiment where he was responsible for training men and women joining the Army. Tim was promoted to Colonel in 2016. His last appointment from 2019 to 2023 was commanding the British Army`s contingent in Germany, leading a diverse mix of military personnel, UK civil servants, locally Stella Maris employed staff, and their dependents. Tim owes his grounding in the Catholic faith to his late mother and a very happy education at Worth Abbey School. Throughout his 35 years in the Army, his faith has been central in his life and service to others. It has provided him with the strength and courage to do God`s will and through Jesus` teaching, it has helped him to do the right thing on a difficult day. In dangerous times, separated from family and loved ones, Tim and his soldiers were able to seek comfort in God`s love from their shared Christian faith and values. Tim has recently returned from six years in Germany and is now a member of his local parish of St Augustine`s, Tunbridge Wells. He is a keen ocean yacht skipper and RYA instructor, with several transatlantic and Southern Ocean crossings under his belt. Tim succeeds Martin Foley who has held the post for the last 13 years and has moved on to be the CEO of Arise, an anti-slavery NGO. Stella Maris Chair, Captain Esteban Pacha, said: ",On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is a privilege to welcome Tim to Stella Maris as our new CEO. ",Tim has had years of outstanding service in the British Army, serving soldiers and their families throughout the world, and we know that he will bring that same passion to serving It is a huge honour to be selected as the CEO for Stella Maris seafarers, fishers and their families. Tim has significant strategic planning and operational delivery expertise. We look forward to his leadership in developing the vital work that Stella Maris currently provides, as we strive to grow and reach more seafarers, fishers, and their families worldwide. ",We thank Martin for 13 years of sterling service and dedication to Stella Maris. We wish him all the best in his new role as CEO of Arise. We look forward to our continued work with Arise as we tackle the global fight against slavery and human trafficking in the maritime industry.", Tim said: ",It is a huge honour to be selected as the CEO for Stella Maris. It is an amazing organisation dedicated to the People of the Sea and their families, I look forward immensely to working with industry partners, supporters and the Trustees, staff and our many wonderful chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers, who work tirelessly in the service of others. I hope that I can play my part in extending Stella Maris` outreach and support, both nationally and internationally.", As Tim leads Stella Maris into its second century of existence, the charity renews its commitment to promoting and advancing the general and pastoral welfare of the People of the Sea worldwide. Stella Maris works with seafarers, fishers and their families regardless of their creed, gender or ethnic origin in ways consistent with Christian principles and the recognised practices of the Catholic Church. Stella Maris, (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea), is a registered UK charity. It relies on voluntary donations to continue its work. 90% of world trade is transported by ship. However, the life of a seafarer can be dangerous and lonely. Seafarers may spend up to a year at a time away from home, separated from their families and loved ones, often working in harsh conditions.

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