2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2024 CONTACT US: The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published by its owners. The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese. EDITOR: Edwina Gillett 01253 73 66 30 / 079 6 9 9 6 72 68 edwinagillett@hotmail.co.uk ADVERTISING: Charlotte Rosbrooke / CathCom Ltd. 01440 730399 charlotter@cathcom.org www.cathcom.org DESIGN &, LAYOUT: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 rob@hot-creative.co.uk www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Su昀,olk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6 710 www.cathcom.org Articles to: voicenews@hotmail.co.uk Letters to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk POSTAL ADDRESS: FAO Edwina Gillett 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self- addressed packaging. Deacon Paul Wawsyczyk - looks back on a lifetime of service Deacon Paul assisting at Mass. Deacon Paul at his birthday party.

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March 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 I was ordained by Bishop Brewer in 1984 at St Thomas More’,s in Lancaster which is part of the Cathedral parish. My wife, Anne, has always shared in my ministry in a very prayerful and active way and we were asked, by Bishop Brewer, to move into the presbytery as a family with our three young children. The congregation were, at 昀,rst, somewhat bemused by this married “,deacon”, but we were made very welcome. I was also head of RE at Our Lady’,s Catholic College so these were busy times but we were young, energetic and enthusiastic. We stayed in the presbytery for two years and continued to minister at the church for another two years until we moved to St Bernadette’,s parish Lancaster in 1988, as Anne had become increasingly unwell. Diaconate has been a wonderful experience, so I felt some trepidation as I tendered my resignation to Bishop Paul on my 75th birthday. I asked him and Fr David Branford, my parish priest, if I could still be active but in a less strenuous way –, both because of my wife’,s ongoing medical condition, my age and granddad duties! Diakonia is a call to service –, both to my family, to the parish, to our schools, to the Church and even to the world. It has been a great privilege to know, serve and love. I have received far more in return than I have given. St Bernadette’,s is such a lively, thriving and active community, of young and old and with people from diverse nations –, from Africa, Asia and the rest of Europe. We celebrate together the Good News of Jesus Christ in song and music! St Bernadette’,s is a loving and caring parish. Over 20 years ago, when our daughter was seriously ill, parishioners organised a prayer service one Sunday afternoon which was packed. We regularly found meals left on our doorstep by them and the same happened when Anne and I were very ill with Covid –, a meal train was organised so that we were provided with a hot meal every day for several months. Service goes two ways! Diaconate is not always easy –, there are times when the cross is heavy but is this not the case for all of us? And as we are called to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we are given the strength of the Holy Spirit. As we look to the future, I wonder whether deacons have a part to play as some of our parishes merge because deacons generally arise from the parish and have a stability of place. This can be important to a community who get to know you and are known in return. This is why I pray for an increase in diaconate vocations especially that we may see them in our own parish as I fade away! A 昀,nal thanks to Anne, our children and grandchildren, to the parish, to our ecumenical friends and all the priests I have worked with. Please continue to pray for myself, Anne and the family as I will do for you. Deacon Paul on his ordination day. The Birthday cake. K&,M Maintenance Heating - Electrical - Drainage Established 25 years Telephone: 01772 704530 Fax 01722 798801 Heating, Electrical and Drainage and Plumbing services across the North West of England Gas •, Emergency Boiler Repairs for all makes •, Boiler Installations &, servicing •, Central Heating System repairs/upgrades/leaks •, New fitted Central Heating Systems •, Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) Electrical •, New consumer units supplied and fitted •, All emergency breakdowns •, Power tripping •, New lighting •, Additional sockets •, Faulty sockets •, Rewiring •, Outdoor lighting/sockets •, EICR - electrial safey certificates Drainage and Plumbing •, Blocked drains, internal and external •, Leaks •, New taps •, Camera surveys Prices Boiler Service - £,49 + VAT plus £,10 for every additional appliance. Tel No: 01772 704530 Mobile: 07941 554730 Fax No: 01772 798801 Address: K &, M Maintenance Services Ltd, Unit 8A, Electron Mill, Brook Street, Preston PR1 7NH More information: www.kmmaintenance.co.uk OUR WORLD IS ON A COURSE Prefer nothing whatever to Christ. May He bring us all together To life everlasting! Saint Benedict.

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2024 Faith &, Modern Challenges –, Guiding Youth in Today’,s Complex World In a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world, the role of the Church in addressing contemporary social and ethical issues with young people is more crucial than ever. Today’,s youth are growing up in an era marked by signi昀,cant societal shifts, technological advancements, and moral complexities. The Church can provide a guiding light in navigating these challenges, helping young people to understand and integrate their faith with the realities of the modern world. One of the primary tasks is to address the apparent disconnect between what the Church teaches and contemporary societal norms. Issues such as climate change, social justice, human rights, and technological ethics are at the forefront of young people’,s minds. They are looking for guidance on how to align their faith with their desire to engage with and improve the world they live in.

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March 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 28-31.03.2024 EASTER RETREAT T o begin with, the Church must foster open and honest dialogues. Creating a safe space where young people can express their doubts, ask tough questions, and discuss controversial topics is essential. These discussions can be facilitated through youth groups, workshops, or forums. It’,s important that the Church doesn’,t shy away from di

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2024 I n the Parish of Christ the Good Shepherd, Workington, we are blessed to have 40 Altar Servers in the parish team across all age ranges. There is a vocational character to the work we do. Serving becomes more than just turning up on a Sunday every week or once in a while and supporting the big parish occasions. It is a ministry to which each one has been called and each has had the courage to respond. The parish rises up by supporting and encouraging them. Servers have an environment to grow in their awareness of why they have been personally called to serve the Lord at the Altar. Yes, it is important they look smart, pray before Mass to prepare themselves, attend training workshops and learn what, how and why they do what they do…, but it’,s about nurturing a ‘,holy’, curiosity. It is wonderful to see those who have taken on other roles in the parish, or continued serving while at university or gone onto chaplaincy work. We have some who went on an Easter Triduum retreat to deepen their faith and make new friends. We have those who joined the diocese in Lourdes this last year and met other servers along the way. Then it was World Youth Day in Lisbon and two servers went and shared their experiences with the parish. There is a social dimension to this journey and having fun. Football matches after Mass most Sundays, Team building activities in the summer and away days like a day pilgrimage in the footsteps of St Bega starting out in St Bees Priory then for Ice cream, a cli昀, top walk 昀,nishing with a race on the secluded pebbled dashed beach of Fleswick bay with time for quiet re昀,ection and prayer. We also plan to have a 昀,ve-week course ‘,Altaration’, The Mystery of the Mass revealed and so enter deeper into the mystery of the Mass. The Archconfraternity of St Stephen, to which they are enrolled, plays its part in recognising their commitment and their promise to o昀,er themselves, to do their best, to serve with reverence and understanding, all for the glory of God, the service of his Church and their own eternal salvation. Paul Briers St Stephen, Pray for us Christ the Good Shepherd Workington, Cumbria I’,M STANDING WITH CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND “,I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. WHOEVER FOLLOWS ME WILL NEVER WALK IN DARKNESS BUT WILL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.”, —, JOHN 8:12 May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds’, especially that caused by war in the Holy Land, and may you help us bring Hope and Healing to our brothers and sisters this Eastertide. Give today: friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/hope Tel: 01926 512980 Registered Charity Number 1202568 B S C _ F H L C a t h c o m E a s t e r A d _ H 2 4 - B S C - 2 1 4 . i n d d 1 1 2 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 4 1 5 : 3 0

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March 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 T hree altar servers from the Parish of the Holy Cross (Kirkham and Wesham) were presented with medals and inducted into the Archconfraternity (Guild) on St Stephen’,s Day 2023. Dulcie Richardson, Connor Dobson and Gerard Boylan were presented with medals by Parish Priest, Fr Andrew Broster. The Guild exists to encourage the highest standards of serving at the Church’,s liturgy, and so contribute to a more fruitful wors hip of God. It seeks to provide altar servers with a greater understan ding of what they are doing, so that they may serve with increasing reverence and prayerfulness. Congratulations to all three of ou r servers on what was the 昀,rst presentation since 2019. It truly was a happy and blessed day for all involved. Christopher Massey St Stephen’,s Day We would like to thank these schools for always supporting the paper St Vincent’,s Road, Preston PR2 8QY Telephone 01772 716912 Email admin@ccc.lancs.sch.uk www.ccc.lancs.sch.uk Together in One Body CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Headteacher: Mr John Hankin Cardinal Allen Catholic High School Melbourne Avenue, Fleetwood FY7 8AY Headteacher : Andrew Cafferkey Tel : 01253 872659 E-mail : head@cardinalallen.co.uk

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2024 Following the closure of the Carmelite Monastery in Fulwood, Preston, after over 100 years of dedicated service to the Diocese, the Calvary that was a feature in the monastery grounds was gifted by the Carmelite Sisters to St Joseph’,s Ansdell. T he Carmelite Sisters spent nearly 106 years in Preston and the Calvary was more than just a feature in their grounds, it was a focal point of prayer to the cruci昀,ed Christ and countless prayers and intercessions were o昀,ered there. When it became clear that the Sisters could no longer sustain a presence at the monastery it was decided that the monastery and grounds should be sold and the Sisters gradually vacated the property at the end of 2023 moving to other monasteries in Liverpool, Birkenhead and Scotland. At this time the Calvary was removed for safekeeping and complete restoration at the instigation of Frank McGrath of Our Lady’,s and St Edward’,s in Preston. With the help of Martin Flowers and Lee Atkinson the structure was removed very carefully, piece by piece before the 昀,gure of Christ was lovingly restored by Geo昀, Beesley. The 昀,gure of Christ was sculptured from Bavarian wood over 100 years ago and had su昀,ered from the ravages of time and weather. The next task was to 昀,nd a new home for the structure and St Joseph’,s were immensely pleased when Sr Josephine, the former Mother Prioress, of the Carmelite community agreed that it should be rehoused in Ansdell. The actual site, on the side of the church looks out onto a busy main road, Fylde Rugby Club and a bus stop so has maximum exposure to the wider community and, although only in place for a few months to date, it has generated a lot of interest from the passing public. The rehousing and installation, (funded by private donation) , was carried out by the aforementioned Martin and Lee over a series of very cold Saturday mornings before illumination was arranged to complete the job. In front of Calvary a plaque has been installed to re昀,ect our gratitude to the Carmelite Sisters and it is 昀,tting that the structure sits in a 昀,owerbed which contains a Magnolia that was planted by a parishioner in memory of those who died during the Covid pandemic. Carols were sung in front of Calvary in Advent with Bishop Paul in attendance before it was formally blessed at a service of candlelit night prayer by Bishop Paul on the evening on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In addition, the Carmelite Sisters also gifted a Cruci昀,x to St Joseph’,s which is now sited in the Sacristry. The photographs accompanying this piece chart the various stages of installation. Calvary installed at Ansdell

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March 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2024 What did we learn from the temptations of Jesus in the desert? The temptations of Jesus in the desert recapitulate the temptation of Adam in Paradise and the temptations of Israel in the desert. Satan tempts Jesus in regard to his obedience to the mission given him by the Father. Christ, the new Adam, resists and his victory proclaims that of his passion which is the supreme obedience of his 昀,lial love. The Church unites herself to this mystery in a special way in the liturgical seas on of Lent. Further reading: CCC 538-540, 566 Who is invited to come into the Kingdom of God proclaimed and brought about by Jesus? All are invited by Jesus to enter the Kingdom of God. Even the worst of sinners is called to convert and to accept the boundle ss mercy of the Father. Already here on earth, the Kingdom belongs to those who accept it with a humble heart. To them the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed. Further reading: CCC 541-546, 567 Know Your Faith Why did Jesus manifest the Kingdom by means of signs and miracles? Jesus accompanied his words with signs and miracles to bear witness to the fact that the Kingdom is present in him, the Messiah. Although he healed some people, he did not come to abolish all evils here below but rather to free us especially f rom the slavery of sin. The driving out of demons proclaimed that his cross would be victorious over “,the ruler of this world”, (John 12:31). Further reading: CCC 547-550, 567 In the Kingdom, what authority did Jesus bestow upon his Apostles? Jesus chose the twelve, the future witnesses of his Resurrectio n, and made them sharers of his mission and of his authority to teach, to absolve from sins, and to build up and govern the Church. In his college, Peter received “,the keys of the Kingdom”, (Matthew 16:19) and assumed the 昀,rst place with the mission to keep the faith in its integrity and to strengthen his brothers. Further reading: CCC 551-553, 567 Editorial credit: Adam Jan Figel / Shutterstock.com Boarbank Hall Contact: Sr Marian Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus “,She who accepts the common life possesses God”, St Augustine A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer •, Community •, Hospitality •, Care of the poor and sick SELF STORAGE Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates Open 7 Days Curly Tail Storage Park Lane, Forton PR3 0JX Tel: 01524 791837 E: andrew@curlytailstorage .co.uk www.curlytailstorage.co.uk £,1.80 provides a child with a meal every weekday for a month Donate Now at www.reachfoundationuk.org THE REACH FOUNDATION UK 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

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March 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 Editorial credit: Taljat David / Shutterstock.com B ishop Paul Swarbrick celebrated the 昀,rst Stella Maris Mass in the Diocese of Lancaster at St Peter’,s Cathedral on 10 February. More than 30 people attended this 昀,rst Mass in the Diocese, organised by the Catholic maritime charity Stella Maris ( formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) . ++++++ 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. Stella Maris’, chaplains and ship visitors provide seafarers and 昀,shers with pastoral and practical support, information and a listening ear. ++++++ Parishioners, supporters of the charity and employees came together to pray for seafarers, 昀,shers and their families, and for the work of Stella Maris. Bishop Swarbrick spoke of the vital spiritual, pastoral and practical support provided by Stella Maris’, chaplains and volunteer ship visitors, in bringing the church to ports around the UK. Tens of thousands of seafarers and 昀,shers visit British ports each year, making brief stops after days or weeks at sea. Whils t they largely remain invisible to the rest of society, Stella Ma ris’, chaplains and volunteer ship visitors go out to meet them. They listen and chat, arrange Mass onboard ships, o昀,er practical help in a crisis and bring free Wi-Fi onboard so seafarers can call home. These simple practical kindnesses make a great di昀,erence. First Stella Maris Mass held in Diocese to pray for seafarers and 昀,shers and for the charity that supports them A reception was held after the Mass. During this, Tim Hill, Ste lla Maris CEO and national director gave a welcome address. He was followed by Anne McLaren, Stella Maris North of England Senior Area Port Chaplain, who gave an overview about the ministry of Stella Maris, and how the charity plans to set up more ship visiting teams in the Northwest of England. Next came a moving testimony from Stella Maris’, volunteer ship visitor, Hugh Ward, who with his wife Mary, volunteer for the charity in North Tees. He explained how, following a routine ship visit, they assisted a seafarer whose wife had given birth to premature triplets in the Philippines. The babies needed urgent medical care, but the family were unable to access free healthcare, and this led to thousands of pounds being racked-up in hospital bills. Hugh and Mary’,s intervention led to Stella Maris raising funds to pay o昀, the family’,s outstanding debt. Their support made a tangible di昀,erence to their lives and the triplets are now heal thy toddlers. Stella Maris has a very special place in the hearts of the seaf arer and his family and Hugh and Mary are in regular contact with them even till this day. “,Every time we speak to them, they can’,t thank us and Stella Maris enough for being there in their time of desperate need,”, said Hugh and Mary. Billy Barnett and his wife Jun Li, another Stella Maris volunte er ship visiting couple, also shared their experiences about being ship visitors with the charity. Together they have supported many seafarers arriving at Teesport. To 昀,nd out more about the work of Stella Maris, or about volunteering, please visit www.stellamaris.org.uk If you wish to make a donation, please go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate/ facebook.com/StellaMarisOrg atStellaMarisOrg instagram.com/stellamaris_uk/ atStellaMarisOrg JILL GLENCROSS FUNERAL DIRECTORS An Independent Multi Award Winning Family Funeral Directors Female and Male Funeral Directors Private Chapels of Rest Nothing Is Ever Too Much Trouble 16 The Square, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7PY Tel: 01228 317373 https://www.jillglencrossfuneral - director.co.uk/ To advertise please contact Charlotte on 01440 730399 or email charlotter@ cathcom.org Michael G Maddison Independent Funeral Director 57 –, 61 Newtown Road, Carlisle, Cumbria CA2 7JB Tel : 01228 317577 I offer a 24 hour 365 day a year Caring, Professional Service and have over 20 years experience Private Chapels of Rest and Memorials Pre Paid Funeral Plans Able to support you when needed Michael George Maddison holder of an Advanced Diploma in Funeral Directing email: mgm.funerals@outlook.com website: www. mgmfunerals.co.uk fb: Michael G Maddison Independent Funeral Director

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2024 Calling All Young People If you are aged between 15 and 21 a great opportunity awaits you. Please consider joining the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in July. Interested then please book your place, see the end of this article for details of how to reserve your place. You will not regret it! D ear young people from all over the Diocese of Lancaster, you are invited to take part in this year’,s annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. You will travel overland leaving from pick up points in the Diocese on 22nd July 2024, arriving in Lourdes on 23rd July 2024 where you will join the main pilgrimage from the Diocese led by Bishop Paul Swarbrick. Young people form an integral part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage, sharing their strengths and talents and the joys and blessings of Lourdes. You will join in with all aspects of the diocesan pilgrimage, coming together each day for prayer and the sacraments, as well as social times. You will work hard in Lourdes, assisting those who need help to get about, but the spirit of Lourdes means that you will 昀,nd this the most rewarding aspect of the pilgrimage. In the months before the pilgrimage we meet up to get to know each other, learn about the story of Lourdes, practice some of the practicalities, e.g. pushing wheelchairs, and pray for a successful pilgrimage. For any of you who join the pilgrimage, Lourdes o昀,ers a special experience, faith is renewed and strengthened, and friendships are formed that last a lifetime. This year we are very pleased that we are able to add to our itinerary an overnight stop with a day sightseeing in Paris. This will be a great opportunity for you to experience the excitement and atmosphere of the centre of Paris as it welcomes the 2024 Olympics. The Youth Pilgrimage departs by coach on Monday 22nd July 2024 and arrives back in the UK early hours of 2nd August 2024. The pilgrimage cost per youth is £,795. To book please go to https:// joewalshtours.co.uk/tours/diocese-of- lancaster-youth-pilgrimage-2024/ or check out the Lancaster Lourdes Pilgrimage page at: www.lancasterlourdes.co.uk or e-mail Katie O Donnell, Director of Youth at: youth@lancasterlourdes.co.uk Places are also available on the 昀,ight with the main pilgrimage group for those young people that cannot travel overland. Worried about the cost then please consider fundraising in your parish or school (car washes, sponsored walks, cake stalls etc are all good to raise money) . We look forward to meeting you all very soon. And now a special plea to the wider community of the Diocese. Please consider supporting one of our young people as they endeavour to go to Lourdes. Some of our young people despite their best e昀,orts struggle to raise the money they need to go to Lourdes. So please send any donations (cheques

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March 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 should be made to Lancaster Diocesan Pilgrimage Trust) to Linda Wisdom, Director, Diocese of Lancaster Lourdes Pilgrimage, 22 Clifton Drive, Blackpool, FY4 1NX, Lancashire. Want to do more then why not organise a fundraiser in your parish. Date for your diary: A pre-pilgrimage Mass is to be held at 12 noon on 6th July 2024 at St Peter’,s Cathedral, Balmoral Road, Lancaster followed with refreshments at the centre. This is a great opportunity to meet with other 2024 Lourdes pilgrims. Everyone welcome! Linda Wisdom, Director, Diocese of Lancaster Lourdes Pilgrimage The Easter Triduum at St. Joseph’,s and St. Peter’,s 2024 Ansdell and Lytham Maundy Thursday 28th March St. Peter’,s 7pm Mass of the Lord’,s Supper and watching until 10pm with Night Prayer of the Church at 9:50pm Good Friday 29th March Stations of the Cross St. Peter’,s 10am St. Joseph’,s 3pm and St. Peter’,s 3pm Solemn Celebration of the Passion of the Lord Prayers around Calvery: Outside at St. Joseph’,s 6pm Holy Saturday 30th March St. Peter’,s 7pm Easter Vigil and Service of Light Easter Sunday 31st March St. Joseph’,s 9:15am Easter Sunday Morning Mass St. Peter’,s 10:30am Easter Sunday Morning Mass DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 7th April 2024 . 2.30pm - 4pm St Clare’,s RC Church Sharoe Green Lane Fulwood, Preston PR2 9HH Introduction and talk on The Divine Mercy. Holy Hour before The Blessed Sacrament Blessing of The Divine Mercy Image and relic of St Faustina 3 O’,clock Divine Mercy Prayer Chaplet with meditations from the Diary of St Faustina Benediction Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image and relic of St Faustina Afterwards refreshments and gathering in the parish hall. Wishing all our readers a Holy and Happy Easter from all at CathCom and the Diocese of Lancaster Holy Week Mass Times

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2024 A ll of us in Consecrated Life in our diocese were invited to share a special day on Saturday, February 3rd. This was held in Boarbank, the community home of the Canonesses of St Augustine. Their large convent, nursing home and guest house is set in the Cumbrian countryside overlooking Morecambe Bay. A large number came, as you will see from the group photograph. The community made us all very welcome with their warm and generous hospitality throughout the day. The day began with celebration of Mass at which Bishop Paul Swarbrick presided. He formally introduced the newly appointed Vicar for Consecrated Life, Father Richard Simons OSB and the three women who will work with him as a team: Sister Mary Helen Jackson from Hyning monastery, Sister Margaret Atkins from Boarbank and Chris Doyle, representing those in single Consecrated Life in the Day for Consecrated Life 2024 L -R Fr Richard Simons OSB, Sr Margaret Atkins, Sr Mary Helen Jackson, Chris Doyle, Mgr Frank Slattery. Philomena Grimley SHCJ reports on this annual occasion for those in Consecrated life in the Diocese of Lancaster diocese. The Bishop, also thanked on our behalf, Monsignor Frank Slattery, who was present with us, for his service as Vicar for many years in the northern part of the diocese. In the morning Father John Farrell OP spoke to us, providing some theological background to Consecrated life and, in the afternoon he spoke to us about St Catherine of Sienna. But the emphasis of the day was to give us an opportunity to tell each other more about ourselves, and to begin to discuss and plan ahead. Each congregation and those in single Consecrated life had prepared a short talk about their story, life and ministry and provided an illustrative photograph that was shown on a large screen whilst representatives spoke. It was truly impressive because it gave a rich overview of the lives and ministries of so many who are, day by day, serving in the diocese in so many ways. Website, Graphic &, Logo Design for Parishes &, Charities christiancreativedirectory.com/rob-hotchkiss

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March 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 A t Hyning Monastery, there are a number of interesting possibilities in the coming months. A Prayer and Gardening Retreat will take place from 6th –, 10th May 2024. The programme includes daily talks and meditations re昀,ecting on the glory of God in nature, and participants work as a team in the beautiful landscaped garden of Hyning at this glorious time of the year when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full 昀,ower. For those who enjoy exploring their spirituality through the visual, how about an Icon Retreat? (5th- 9th August 2024) The ancient art of writing icons has always been honoured within the Church. Beginners learn the basic techniques and are guided through writing an icon from beginning to end. Those with more experience are given a freer rein. The icon writing takes place in a silent and Retreats with a Di昀,erence at Hyning We can have all sorts of ideas about what a religious retreat involves, certainly it includes taking a step back from everyday life and having more time for personal prayer and re昀,ection to deepen our relat ionship with God. But it doesn’,t mean spending all day on our knees and can be combined with various life-giving activities. meditative atmosphere which helps each one to make of their work an o昀,ering to the Lord. See photo of icon workshop. Finally, are there any 昀,autists out there who would enjoy an Ecumenical Flute Retreat (1st –, 5th October) ? This includes conferences, time for personal and community prayer –, with an opportunity to explore how music can be a path to God. There will be plenty of time to enjoy playing the 昀,ute both in a group, as a solo player and during the liturgy. It is particularly suitable for adult players (18+) of grade 4+ ability who use their 昀,ute within the liturgy or who would like to play their 昀,ute in a Christian context. If none of these appeal to you, there are other residential and non-residential options on o昀,er at Hyning –, do look at our webpage for these or any further information about the retreats in this article. www.hyning.org

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2024 Rite of Election 2024 C andidates from across the Diocese were received by Bishop Paul Swarbrick in St Peter’,s Cathedral Lancaster on the First Sunday of Lent. The candidates continued their preparations throughout the remaining weeks of Lent in readiness for their reception into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Please remember them all in your prayers. Yelana, Ashton and Tom, St Mary’,s Barrow. Wren, Laura, Kelly and Isaac, St Joseph’,s Ansdell and St Peter’,s Lytham. Church Supplies –, ser v i ng Sch oo ls , B usi n ess and Hom es Our advertisers are great supporters of the Lancaster Voice, so please help them by supporting their businesses To advertise please contact Charlotte on 01440 730399 or email charlotter@cathcom.org

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