Issue 213 April 2015 ` Ecumenical Gathering Page 8 What is the Pope to us? Page 10 HCPT NEWS Page 6 PLYMOUTH DIOCESE - RITE OF ELECTION 2015 A small child of six or seven stops in front of the ambo in the Cathedral and asks a nearby priest about the focal point that is there. As any good teacher or catechist knows, it is often more interesting to see what a child thinks before giving any answer, not least because they can surprise us. In this case the priest asked her what she thought about it. Carefully she responded by describing one lighter coloured cloth as water, flowing down to a stream of pebbles. A dark green plant she describes as something to do with Easter and the footprints as people moving towards the water. It was a beautiful of moment of catechesis and reflected profoundly the journey of the people who had just gathered in the Cathedral for the Rite of Election. Catechumens seeking Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation stood alongside Candidates seeking full communion with the Church. Sponsors and Godparents, friends and family were all there to support and encourage them. Lent marks for us a new beginning and, in the words of Bishop Mark, these catechumens and candidates offer us, the Church, a new beginning also. As we enter Lent we are all invited through prayer, fasting (in the case of the Bishop by turning off all technology from 8pm- 8am) and almsgiving. For those preparing for the Sacraments of the Church at the Easter Vigil it is a particular time of deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ. The celebration was simple, joyful but also poignant, a courageous and loving step on the part of those who feel called to become a part of the Catholic community one of hope, faith and love. We who participated could not help but be delighted for these people and at the same time deeply grateful for their witness and desire. As we walk towards the waters of Easter we take time to pray for all those who became, in Cathedrals across the world, the newly elect. Sarah Adams RE Adviser Vicariate for Evangelisation, Catechesis and Schools Plymouth Diocese GATHER 2015 –, A ‘,WATERSHED MOMENT’, Editor: whilst talking with David Wells (Diocesan Vicariate for Evangelisation, Catechesis and Schools) in the days after Gather 2015 he described this year’,s conference as a ‘,watershed moment’, and it seemed to me to be an appropriate title for this report about the ‘,happenings’, at the Toorak Hotel, Torquay in February: Fifteen years ago about sixty catechists from across the diocese came together for a weekend to discuss, reflect and consider their catechetical mission of helping to introduce others to Jesus Christ. The initiative was completely new –, an experiment and something of a work-in-progress. Since that time however, the catechist conference, now known as Gather, has gone from strength to strength. It is open to everyone, although it is of particular interest to teachers, catechists, parents, chaplains and youth workers. Those who have experience of this annual event knew that it would have been carefully planned, by a dedicated team under the leadership of David Wells, and would challenge us each day. Each year the delegates have feasted upon and been nourished by keynote talks, often from highly acclaimed theologians, as well as workshops, group discussions, musically accompanied liturgies and of course the celebration of the Sunday Mass. The ‘,feast’, became a ‘,banquet’, for the people who attended this year, Gather 2015 began with a Clergy Day at Buckfast during the day on Friday 6th February - this allowed our Priests to spend time with Bishop Mark and Fr Stephen Wang before returning to their parishes to celebrate weekend Masses for their parishioners. Bishop Mark, Fr Stephen and the other key speakers then joined delegates at the Toorak Hotel where Gather 2015 continued over the weekend. The theme for Gather 2015 was ‘,It is the Lord’, and was designed to consider the future of the diocese in the light of Evangelii Gaudium. Speaking to delegates at on the Friday evening Bishop Mark reminded everyone that our mission from Pope Francis was to cast our nets afresh, he also said that, if we struggle to understand how to do this, then we have no need to worry because love will show us the way, love will recognise the Lord in this work and show us exactly how to cast those nets. Bishop Mark continued: “,our diocese has reached a point where we must move from a world of ideas to a concrete reality.”, He also spoke about ‘,Night Fever’,, an impressive outreach programme which began in Cologne in 1995, took place later in Soho and more recently in Plymouth. Fr Stephen Wang, Senior Chaplain at the University of London, inspired delegates with his clarity of thought on how to actually communicate our faith to others. His two keynote talks on the Saturday encapsulated the notion of going out of our churches to reach others and then bringing them back to the church: “,to be successful we must humbly desire to do so and be accompanied by prayer and a genuine friendship for all.”, Fr Stephen expanded on a ‘,Night Fever’, project planned by some of his students: the beautiful Soho Church was prepared with banners, lit candles and gentle background music, teams of people were praying all night and priests were present waiting to deal with whatever situations arose. Students carrying lanterns went out and, in a low key way, gently invited people into the church to light a candle and, if they wished, to talk to someone. The result was amazing! Lapsed or indifferent Catholics together with people of no faith, were sitting down asking for prayer. These were great moments of grace in response to a gentle invitation. Continued on Page 2

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2 - Catholic South West April 2015 ‘,Catholic South West’, is the monthly newspaper which serves the commu- nications needs of the clergy, organi- sations and people of the Diocese of Plymouth. EDITORIAL Editor: Felicity Stead 07906 234 210 01803 326929 felicitystead@btinternet.com Your letters, articles and photos are most welcome. Ideally please send by email, otherwise by CD or paper copies to the editor, c/o The Presbytery, Priory Road, St Marychurch, Torquay, TQ1 4NY ADVERTISING Sales Manager: Ray Lambert rayl@cathcom.org PUBLISHER &, DISTRIBUTOR Published by: CathCom Limited, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, CB9 7BN Tel. 020 7112 6710 Website: www.cathcom.org REGIONAL MANAGEMENT Deanery Contacts Cornwall Deanery Rev Adrian Dyer, 01209 213698 adrian153@Live.com Dorset Deanery Bridport: Pat McEvoy, 01308 424358 pat.mcevoy@bluebottle.com Poole: Brian Condon, 01202 687392 brian.condon@uwclub.net Weymouth: Esmé,e Nicholls 01305 834098 Exeter Deanery Exeter: Frances Canning, 01392 209542 francesandedward@blueyonder.co.uk Plymouth Deanery Monica Evans, 01752 663388 monrobin@uko2.co.uk Torbay Deanery Richard Stead, 07952 670292 rfv.stead@btinternet.com Editorial Panel Canon Michael Lock (Chairman), Rev Tony Irwin, Susanne Kowal, Sue Walsh, Adrian Wardle COPY DEADLINE: last working day of each month Please note that opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publishers, Editor, The Diocese of Ply- mouth or the Roman Catholic Church. www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk Diocesan News GATHER 2015 –, A ‘,WATERSHED MOMENT’, After breaking into smaller groups to discuss Fr Stephen’,s views and ideas delegates then heard testimonies from the McCarthy family about love and evangelisation in the domestic church: the home. Glancing around the room it was impossible not to notice the intense quiet of a captivated audience. Gather 2015 reached its climax with Bishop Mark’,s address on the Sunday morning when he set-out his vision for the diocese and described practical schemes to implement the Pope’,s directive: Parish evangelisation teams are to become ‘,the centre of missionary outreach’, throughout the diocese and these will be targeted towards three groups of people - those Catholics who went to church but remained doubtful of God’,s existence, non-church going Catholics who have little connection with the parish, those of no denomination at all to whom God and faith is little known. The full text of Bishop Mark’,s address is available to view/download at http://www.plymouth- diocese.org.uk/content/pastoral-message-diocese-plymouth. And, the various keynote speeches and contributions from other speakers which were recorded by AGAPE Ministries and would be an invaluable resource for parishes are available from AGAPE Ministries, 58 Marshside Road, Southport, PR9 9TH. At the end of the conference, everyone brought their hopes, dreams and fears before the Lord at the Mass, concelebrated by Bishop Mark and the clergy present at Gather. Delegates at Gather 2015 left full of inspiration and eager to start the new evangelisation process across the diocese and with Bishop Mark’,s words of encouragement ringing in their ears: “,…,let us never, never, forget that the Lord accompanies us. When we doubt, when we are challenged, when we are asked, “,why do you do this?”, Let our answer be, “,It is the Lord…,. It is the Lord.”, Editor: I am grateful to Julia Beacroft and Pat Poulain (Torbay Deanery) for their contributions which I have used to compile this report and to Simon Grimmett (St Boniface House) for sending me an excellent selection of photographs to choose from. Continued from Page 1 FLORES DE MAYO AND SANTACRUZAN Flores de Mayo (Spanish for ",Flowers of May",) is a Catholic and Aglipayan festival held in the Philippines in the month of May. It is one of the May devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary and lasts for the entire month. The Santacruzan is the pageant on the last day of Flores de Mayo, held in honour of Helena of Constantinople (known as Reyna Elena) and Constantine the Great finding the True Cross in Jerusalem. This year’,s Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan Procession, organised by members of the Filipino community from across the diocese, will take place in Exeter on Sunday 3rd May, full details of the programme for the day are shown below. Merlyn Maguire Liskeard To advertise in the next issue of Catholic South West please contact Ray at CathCom on 01440 730399

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April 2015 Catholic South West - 3 Diocesan News APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA (AOS) John Pinhay, AoS port chaplain to Falmouth and Fowey, reflects on another busy year and how small gestures can make a big difference to the lives of seafarers. In February 2014, I received a call informing me that two seafarers from different ships had been taken into the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske. It was at the time that Britain was being hit by severe storms and the seafarers were injured while carrying out their duties on board their vessels. Nico, from the Philippines, had broken his leg after he was tossed around the deck. I was able to offer phone cards so that he could contact home. After a week he was transferred to a hotel in Falmouth and I was able to visit him daily until he was repatriated to the Philippines. When he arrived back home, he sent me a message to let me know he had arrived safely and thanked AoS for all the support. He contacted me again just before Christmas last year to let me know he was still not able to go back to sea and he required discharge papers from the hospital in Treliske so that he could continue to obtain financial support for himself and his family. I was able to organise this for him. The second injured seafarer, Sarawut, came from Thailand and could not understand English. However, the hospital was able to supply an interpreter and I discovered that, although he had cracked four ribs and punctured his lung, his priority was a lead for his laptop. When, after sustaining his injury, Sarawut was taken off his ship by helicopter his crew mates had grabbed his belongings but had forgotten the lead. I was able to locate a replacement lead, which allowed Sarawut the opportunity to Skype his wife and family. We could not talk directly, but his smile told me everything. Whenever possible I arrange to take seafarers to Mass. However, due to work schedules it is not always possible for them to attend a church. In this situation I liaise with Fr Jon Bielawski, Parish Priest at Falmouth. He has found himself using a variety of tables as an altar, anything from a coffee table to a wooden crate containing a dishwasher! Easter is a very special time of the year when we reflect on what God has done for us by sending his Son to die for our sins. I try to bring this message to the seafarers I meet over this period. My parish will collect over 100 Easter Eggs for the seafarers and when I go on board ship I offer an egg to all seafarers, regardless of their faith background. These are received with great joy, as they realise they have not been forgotten. I will also offer a blessed palm cross and the seafarer will normally recognise the symbol of the cross and what it stands for, whether they are a Christian or not. ",Whatever challenges come my way, I always remember that I am just a cog in this worldwide AoS mission and that colleagues all over the globe are conducting the same ministry as I am conducting here in Falmouth and Fowey.", The Apostleship of the Sea, AoS, is a registered charity and agency of the Catholic Bishops’, Conferences of England &, Wales and Scotland. It is wholly reliant on voluntary donations and legacies to continue its work, for more information visit www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk Please remember in your prayers the AoS Chaplains in our Diocese and those to whom they minister: John Pinhay (Falmouth and Fowey), Ann Donnelly (Plymouth and Teignmouth) and Rev Roger Stone (Weymouth and Portland). Fr Jon Bielawski with John Pinhay and the ship’,s crew Port Chaplain John Pinhay The Devon Branch of the Catholic Women’,s League (CWL) held its annual Retreat at St Rita’,s Honiton from Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th February this year. Twelve members were in residence for three days with forty members attending for the whole of Wednesday. We were looked after with the usual care and love that St Rita’,s Centre is famous for. Fr Gerald Wilson directed the retreat taking as his theme ‘,The Joy of the Gospel’,. He had distilled the contents of Gaudium Evangelii into 17 pages and he gleaned from that what he considered to be the most important lessons to be learned. It was an inspiration that informed and enthused the whole retreat thanks to the Pope’,s spiritual insight and Fr Gerald’,s communication skills. Pope Francis drew some of his inspiration from one of his great predecessors Pope Saint John XXIII who, in opening the Second Vatican Council, urged us to avoid defeatism, stating that if we start without confidence we have already lost the battle, and reminded us of what St Paul had said of Our Lord’,s continuing care for us all “,My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,”, Christian triumph is always the cross, let us not berobbed of hope. This concept of robbery, or rather the danger of robbery, became a recurring theme of Evangelii Gaudium: we must never allow ourselves to be robbed of community, of the gospel, of fraternal love, of missionary vigour. Pope Francis crystallised his message into two great issues, one –, the poor and the other - peace and social dialogue. There is no room, he says, for doubt or explanations that might water down the clear message: “,The poor are the privileged recipients of the Gospel, I want to state not mincing words there is an unbreakable bond between our faith and the poor –, may we never abandon them...I prefer a church that is battered, bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, than a church which is sick from being confined by clinging to its own security.”, By widening the concept of the poor a link is made to peace and social dialogue, peace can be threatened when concern for the poor and human rights are at the risk of suppression for the benefit of a contented minority, when these values are threatened a prophetic voice must be raised. The church must be involved in dialogue with the state, with society and with non-Catholics, he says: “,We must never forget those who do not belong to any religious tradition but who seek the truth, they are precious allies in defending human dignity, this is a path to peace in our trouble world, it is up to us to demonstrate the Gospel message by our words attitudes and deeds.”, Throughout the retreat Fr Gerald stressed the importance of Evangelii Gaudium and how he had personally found it a transforming document. Each of his talks were edifying and educational as well as using jokes and anecdotes to drive home an often profound message with a light touch. He brought a very personal perspective to bear on contemporary CWL DEVON BRANCH RETREAT Catholic life in a way that made Evangelii Gaudium very much part of that life. For example, in discussion on the sacrament of Confession Fr Gerald reminded us that if we have to ask ourselves if we have a mortal sin on our conscience, then we haven’,t, we cannot commit a mortal sin by accident - we have to be deliberately offending God. On the subject of inclusiveness he made the point that we all know people, often family members, who are good people but who have given up coming to Mass. We also know people in the Church who are gay –, including amongst the clergy. Fr Gerald said that, in his experience many of these men made very good priests and, in this respect, the words of Pope Francis are relevant: “,Every single person is worthy of our giving …,. our duty, our mission is being in the heart of the people, it is not a badge that can be taken off - we have been branded.”, Edward and Frances Canning, Exeter

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4 - Catholic South West April 2015 Diocesan News We stock a large selection of religious books, Christian resources, Cards, Jewellery, CDs and DVDs. We also sell Religious Items including gifts for Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Weddings. The Monastic Produce Shop has now joined our premises on a permanent basis. The Monastic Shop sells goods from Abbeys and Monasteries from Europe and beyond. It is an ideal place to buy unusual gifts and items whilst supporting small Monastic Communities. Please call in and visit us opposite the Abbey. Car Parking and entry to The Abbey is free. Alternatively telephone us on 01364 645506, email us on bookshop@buckfast.org.uk, monprod@buckfast.org.uk or visit our website on www.buckfast.org.uk Buckfast Abbey Bookshop CAFOD’,S SUPPORTERS IN DIOCESE OF PLYMOUTH DOUBLE THEIR GENEROSITY THIS LENT U Than Win takes his role as village leader very seriously, “,the village is here,”, he points gently to his chest, “,in my heart.”, He gives up everything to be the leader of his small jungle village in Myanmar, he can’,t fish or farm because he has to advise, to help, to guide. The needs of his community, indeed of any community, never stop. No more so than now. Life can be difficult in this remote part of Myanmar, and after Cyclone Nargis hit the village in 2008, the whole ecosystem changed. Trees that formed a natural, protective barrier were blown down and farmland flooded with saltwater. Many women, men and children from U Than Win’,s village were killed and those who survived, struggled to rebuild their homes, grow their crops and resume their fishing and farming as a way of earning money. As well as the lingering threat of another severe storm, the highly respected leader also faces the huge challenge of a changing climate. He is concerned about the punishing and longer dry seasons. At the end of the dry season in June it is an oppressively humid 42 degrees. U Than Win said: “,Earlier in the year, it was hotter –, we found it hard to cope. Because of the heat, water dried up and I became ill through drinking what was left. This didn’,t happen before.”, U Than Win and his community are struggling to cope. Extreme, unpredictable seasons are now a fact of life for millions around the world –, with floods, droughts and storms destroying crops, clean water, homes and taking countless lives. CAFOD and its partners are at the forefront of not only rebuilding lives after disasters but supporting communities to be better prepared before disaster strikes so the risks to lives and lifestyles are drastically reduced. Across the Diocese of Plymouth this Lent parishes, schools and Catholic associations have been busy fundraising for CAFOD’,s Lent appeal, not only through Fast Days but through Lenten lunches, table top sales and lots of sponsored events amongst many other creative fundraising initiatives dreamt up by CAFOD’,s volunteers and supporters to raise money for CAFOD’,s Lent appeal. The Catholic community is galvanising behind Pope Francis’, climate change vision and the focus of CAFOD’,s appeal this year is to support people affected by weather- related disasters around the world. Any fundraising will have double the impact after CAFOD was awarded UK Aid Match funding for their Lent appeal. This means the UK government will match, pound for pound every donation given between 18th February and 17th May - up to the value of £,5million. International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: “,By fundraising this Lent, the people of Diocese of Plymouth are making a real difference to others around the world whose lives are vulnerable to floods and devastating storms. That is why the UK is doubling donations to CAFOD’,s important appeal, to help even more families across the world withstand the effects of extreme weather.”, As Catholics, the issue of climate change goes to the heart of our faith. The idea that Creation is good is rooted in the first book of Genesis, with humanity being given a special place and responsibility within that Creation because we are made in the image of God. Creation is a gift to us and the rest of the created world but we are also a part of Creation, not above or separate to it. We can act individually, but when it comes to climate change it is collective action that is going to make the biggest difference. The Catholic tradition of solidarity shows us that we are experienced in knowing what such collective action might mean. In U Than Win’,s village in Myanmar, the unpredictable weather is also affecting something that may be more precious to him than even his own health –, the relationship with his village. “,We have never had cross words,”, he says. “,Never. But now people come to me asking me to do something. But what can I do? I don’,t have power over the rain and sun. You might say that we should leave, but how? Why? We can’,t leave. This is where we live. This is our home. This is where our family lives. We should be able to drink clean, fresh water without worrying if the hot weather will take it from us or poison it.”, Simon Giarchi, CAFOD’,s Diocesan Manager for our diocese said: “,Your support following Cyclone Nargis that devastated U Than Win’,s village, enabled the villages to rebuild their homes and build a barrier to protect their crops. This meant they could feed themselves immediately and make something vital that would save them in the long term. And, thanks to your continued generosity, the villagers have safety equipment, medicine and training so that they can take part in life-saving cyclone emergency drills. The drills involve the entire village –, from the leader’,s newborn grandson, Xavier, to the oldest great grandfather and ensure everyone knows where to go for safety in an emergency, what to do, how to keep possessions and money safe and how to treat the sick and disabled in the event of a storm. “,A changing climate and increasingly extreme weather have the biggest impact on those who are least able to cope. But we can help our sisters and brothers around the world to adapt to their impact now. With your support, U Than Win and his fellow villagers are now able to live lives of hope and dignity with less fear of another storm. “,A huge thank you to everyone who has or will be joining in and doubling their efforts or cutting something out in order to support others experiencing hardship due to weather related disasters. The lives of millions of people, as well as the lives of future generations and a myriad of other creatures depend on our positive action. It is not too late to act now.”, For more information on CAFOD’,s Lent appeal or its work around the world contact Simon Giarchi Tel: 01364 645440 email: plymouth@cafod@cafod.org.uk website: www.cafodplymouth.org.uk Simon Giarchi CAFOD Diocesan Manager

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April 2015 Catholic South West - 5 Diocesan News Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam &, fabrics sent by first clss mail When phoning please quote MV101 To advertise in the next issue of Catholic South West please contact Ray at CathCom on 01440 730399 JUSTICE &, PEACE COMMISSION –, PLYMOUTH DIOCESE Network have developed four questions for you to ask election candidates: Q1: What will you do to make work pay? Q2: What will you do to guarantee access to a genuinely affordable home? Q3: What will you do to speak out for the poorest and most vulnerable people around the world? Q4: What will you do to make tackling climate change a priority and to prevent it pushing people deeper into poverty overseas? CAFOD &, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) would like to hear the response you received from election candidates: , For responses to Q1 &, Q2 email: election2015@csan.org.uk or tel: 020 7633 4971 , For responses to Q3 &, Q4 email: election2015@cafod.org.uk or tel: 020 7095 5692. Take Action The arms trade has a dev astating impact on human rights and security. The UK plays an active role in the trade. In the first six months of 2014 alone, the UK granted arms export licences to 18 of the 28 states on its official blacklist, states about which the Foreign Office has significant human rights concerns (source: The Observer, 9th November 2014). This includes states with long histories of repression, intimidation and violence. The arms trade can be challenged because Governments have to listen to ordinary people. The trade can be stopped if enough people speak out. A campaign is being organised by John Dowling from Newcastle-Upon- Tyne to try to get people to write to Government asking that the UK withdraw from its role in the global arms trade. If you are interested in being part of this, please write to him at the following e-mail address: jjthegeordie@outlook.com. John writes: “,This should not place an onerous commitment on anyone. The idea is that two or three times a year, I will write a draft letter on issues around the arms trade and send it to those in the group. The people in the group will be asked to personalise it and then send it to the relevant Member of Parliament responsible for the arms trade. The letter will be concerned with the major issue of the day, usually one those brought to public attention by organisations such as Campaign Against the Arms Trade.”, For reflection Prayer proposed for the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking: “,O God, when we hear of children and adults deceived and taken to unknown places for purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labour, and organ ‘,harvesting’,, our hearts are saddened and our spirits angry that their dignity and rights are ignored through threats, lies, and force. We cry out against the evil practice of this modern slavery, and pray with Saint Bakhita for it to end. Give us wisdom and courage to reach out and stand with those whose bodies, hearts and spirits have been so wounded, so that together we may make real your promises to fill these sisters and brothers with a love that is tender and good. Send the exploiters away empty-handed to be converted from this wickedness, and help us all to claim the freedom that is your gift to your children.”, Amen. For more information about the Justice &, Peace Commission in the Plymouth Diocese please contact Mary Conway Tel: 01364 645386 Mob: 07715 371 276 email: Mary .Conway@prcdtr.org.uk Plymouth Diocese Summer Camps 2015 Dates for the 2015 Camps have been confirmed as: 26th to 31st July Senior Camp (Years 7 –, 10) and St Petroc’,s Camp (Years 11 –, 13) 2nd to 7th August Junior Camp (Years 3 –, 6)

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6 - Catholic South West April 2015 Diocesan News Brigid McEleney-Smith, Group leader of the HCPT West Country Youth Group, ran the notorious Devon `Grizzly` twenty mile cross country race on Sunday 1st March. Brigid, who is a keen runner said: ",it is a few years since I ran `The Grizzly` and I still remember the pain! But I’,m a firm believer that stepping - or in this case, running - outside your comfort zone is the way to go and I really enjoyed it! And, I’,m really grateful to all those who generously sponsored me - raising over £,600 towards the fares of 13 young helpers who are travelling with Group 706 to Lourdes at Easter. We will light a candle at the Grotto for you all.", For more about this year’,s Easter Pilgrimage read on: Grizzly by name, Grizzly by nature! HCPT Easter Pilgrimage 2015 –, Rejoice! Every Easter ‘,HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust’, organises a pilgrimage to Lourdes especially for children, and, each year volunteers from a different HCPT region organise themed activities and materials to accompany pilgrims in Lourdes. The HCPT pilgrimage theme for 2015 will be Rejoice! Resources regarding the theme will be available in early 2015, and are being coordinated by HCPT volunteers from the West Indies. Introducing their theme they wrote: “,Our theme ‘,Rejoice’, has been chosen for several reasons. Firstly as a region we are celebrating 30 years of participation with this wonderful HCPT pilgrimage. Secondly, Christian joy is crucial and essential to all of us, but especially to those who suffer and those who are sick. And lastly, Joy has always been a specific characteristic of the HCPT pilgrimage that is witnessed every year by other pilgrims. “,Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice”,, these are the words of St. Paul to the Philippians but also the words of Mary at Lourdes, who brought happiness into Bernadette’,s heart and who still today, brings happiness into our hearts and especially those of our children.”, Prayer for the 2015 HCPT Easter Pilgrimage Heavenly Father, you gave us your Mother Mary, as an example of holy joy. We ask that you fill us with this joy, the joy of the Holy Spirit. Through the intercession of our blessed Mother and Bernadette, may we share with each other, the joy of being your sons and daughters, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Cornwall Deanery The West Cornwall Catenian Group was formally inaugurated by Director Vince Walsh, Province 13, on Thursday 13th November 2014 at the Carbis Bay Hotel, near St Ives, Cornwall. Brothers and their wives from the Duchy of Cornwall, Exeter, Plymouth, Macclesfield, West Somerset, West London and North Devon joined the celebrations.

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April 2015 Catholic South West - 7 Cornwall Deanery Fairtrade Campaign Parishioners at St Mary’,s have the opportunity to buy Fairtrade goods in the church hall on the second Sunday of every month during the parish coffee morning. During the recent Fairtrade Fortnight Pat Fitzpatrick –, a member of the Fairtrade Foundation Fundraising team and a parishioner at St Mary’,s, Falmouth –, gave a talk at one of the Parish Lenten Lunches. During her talk Pat highlighted several key facts about the Fairtrade Campaign including: Many farmers and workers in developing countries struggle to provide for their families. Poor market access and unfair trade rules often mean that the price they get for their crop doesn’,t cover the cost of production. The Fairtrade certified mark is an independent label which appears on products as a guarantee that disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries are getting a better deal. What makes Fairtrade different is that it’,s the only label that is 50% owned by farmers themselves. Fairtrade producers receive a price that covers their production costs - plus a premium, a little extra money to invest in their business, or in community projects of their choice. Workers have rights to decent wages, to join unions and work in safe conditions. Farmers and workers, including woman, have the opportunity to have their voice heard. Fairtrade stands for changing the way trade works, through fair prices and better working conditions, to offer a more stable future for farming communities in developing countries. It’,s about the people behind every single product carrying the Fairtrade mark - 1.4 million Farmers and workers in 74 countries around the world belong to Fairtrade and 23% are woman. Pat Fitzpatrick, Falmouth Parish of St Mary, Falmouth Annual Novena in honour of St. Rita of Cascia Patron of the Helpless Starting on 14th May and finishing with Mass at 12 noon on her feast day 22nd May To join in the Novena please write to: St Rita’,s Promotions, St. Rita’,s Retreat &, Conference Centre, Ottery Moor Lane, Honiton, Devon EX14 1AP For more information: Tel: 01404 42635. Email: stritas@btinternet.com. Web Site: www.stritascentre.org.uk After the feast day, blessed rose petals will be sent out to those who request them.

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8 - Catholic South West April 2015 Watch EWTN Live TV at ewtn.co.uk 020 8350 2542 Normal Delivery Terms: 5-7 Working Days or Next Day Nationwide, if needed Whether you are looking for kiln-dried crates, heaps of wood or simply a few bags of sea- soned timber or bags of coal, Logs Direct are guaranteed to have a solution for you! From their base in Halton Nr Lancaster and through distributors across the country, Logs Direct Ltd offers free delivery throughout mainland UK. Dorset Deanery A Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies course begins at Easter in the Parish Hall at St Anthony of Padua Church, Broadstone. Tutors include Fr Mark Skelton, Fr Barry Hallett, Fr Kenneth Noakes, Mgr. Robert Draper, and many more. No prior study is necessary and the course is open to all including non-Catholic friends. Whilst taster sessions have already taken place you can obtain more information about the course to help decide if it is right for you by contacting Debbie Beach, Vicariate for Evangelisation Catechesis and Schools Tel: 01364 645393 email: Debbie@plymouth- diocesan-office.org.uk Rediscover the depth, breadth and richness of the Catholic faith An Ecumenical Gathering The two Christian meditation groups in Dorchester, along with the two recently established groups in Weymouth, got together recently for a shared lunch at the Quiet Space, Poundbury. We meet weekly at our various venues so it was really good to meditate together, sharing the profound silence of our inward journey, and then get to know each other better over a shared lunch. Our Christian meditation follows a long and well-established tradition of contemplative prayer in the Christian Church and is part of the World Community for Christian Meditation (wccm.org) which is led by the Benedictine monk, Dom Laurence Freeman OSB. It is an ecumenical, contemplative community which welcomes people of all traditions. Our busy life with its constant activities and demands often leaves us longing for a breathing space, for a little time to ourselves, where we can touch and be aware of a deeper self which brings some balance and harmony to our lives and a greater awareness of the Spirit who lives in our hearts through love. If you would like to know of a meditation group in your area please email me anitafinnigan@hotmail.co.uk or give me a call on 01305 259032 and I shall be happy to help. Anita Finnigan WCCM Regional Coordinator for Dorset Holy Trinity Parish, Dorchester Fr John Rice’,s 60th Birthday Over one hundred parishioners recently helped Fr John celebrate his 60th birthday. The variety and quantity of food was amazing, and to complete the picture was a beautiful cake made by our talented Pat Charles. Deacon Nicholas spoke about the changes Fr John had made in the parish. He had implemented the cleaning of the beautiful reredos and the painting of the side panels. One of Fr John’,s many talents is gardening and he redesigned the garden. But probably the most important vision of Fr John’,s was to invite the St Francis de Sales Sisters to the parish. The Sisters are important, loving and caring members of our parish community. On a personal level, Deacon Nicholas said how much he appreciated Fr John’,s frequent visits when he was in hospital, a ministry many other members of the parish greatly appreciated. Anita Finnigan Dorchester A Dorset link to St David of Wales. On Sunday 1st March, St David’,s Day, a new statue of the patron saint of Wales was unveiled and blessed in the RC Metropolitan Cathedral in Cardiff by Canon Peter Collins, Dean of the Cathedral. The large statue was designed and hand carved from one piece of Welsh oak by Dr Beatrice Fannon, who has been resident in Wales for almost 15 years. However, formerly she attended St Augustine’,s RC Primary School in Weymouth, Dorset, and was a parishioner at St Augustine’,s Church in Weymouth until leaving for University in Cardiff to read for a degree in English Literature. St David was a sixth century saint and a contemporary of St Patrick, both giants of the Celtic Church. The statue shows him with a bishop’,s crozier but also shows him dressed simply as the monk he was too. The dove resting on his shoulder represents the Holy Spirit inspiring his life and his preaching. Family, friends and colleagues of the sculptress joined the congregation to celebrate the Mass. The wonderful Cathedral choir sang the Kyrie from The Mass for Three voices (Byrd), the Sanctus and the Agnus Dei in plainchant and in addition there featured a Communion Anthem from the Offices of St David. The final hymn was in Welsh, with words by Lewis Valentine to the music Finlandia by Sibelius, praying that the faith in Wales be defended and Wales become a haven for truth and loyalty to Christ. John Fannon Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Weymouth In our refurbished restaurant, with its covered outdoor terrace, you can enjoy tea and homemade cakes or choose from our tasty range of hot meals and light snacks produced by our chefs. All in the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey grounds. Grange Restaurant and Tea Rooms, Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0EE. 01364645504

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April 2015 Catholic South West - 9 To advertise in the next issue of Catholic South West please contact Ray at CathCom on 01440 730399 Exeter Deanery Dorset Deanery Multi-Cultural Celebration From 7 o’,clock on Saturday 7th February people began arriving at the Church Hall, Holy Ghost, Exmouth bearing gifts from afar literally. We were celebrating the diversity of our parish community in food, dance and song. The event had started to be planned towards the end of last year by a group of volunteers and on the night a truly memorable evening unfolded. Old and young turned out in their national dress bringing their country flags and food. By 7-30 the tables laid down the middle of the hall were groaning under the weight of food from different countries. We had traditional Indian Curries, Polish Stews with sausage, Irish Soda Bread, Cream Teas, Roast Beef, Filipino Fish &, Rice dishes, Italian Pasta, Turkish Meze and of course to finish Belgian Chocolate!! There was a compere in bowler hat, pin stripe suit and rolled umbrella (he was from Surrey!) assisted by Dame Edna Everidge who had ‘,flown in’, for the night. After an opening prayer given by Terry Enright, our Deacon, and a short introduction it was on with the food and everyone gathered round the tables to sample the international offerings –, it was definitely a case of ‘,one visit to the table was not enough’,. As the evening mellowed we were entertained by a poem in Old Devon Dialect, a Four Nation medley of songs from our own Holy Ghost Music Group, a rousing duet of a classic Polish folk song and Silent Night sung in German! To keep the true spirit of audience participation going everyone joined in with the chorus of Uncle Tom Cobley to all 9 verses! The music was rounded off by an inspiring performance of an Indian hymn by one of our younger Indian parishioners –, she explained that this was what they sang in their churches back home. The whole experience filled everyone with not only wonderful food but warmth and joy. It was so good to see children and adults from all cultures mixing so easily and talking as one big family. It made us all realise that we have so much to be thankful for and to share that feeling with our wider community. Ian Stewart Exmouth Holy Ghost, Exmouth Organ Recital helps Iraqi Refugees Parish Priest, Canon John Deeny, and the congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Heavitree Exeter are very proud of their organ which has recently been completely rebuilt. So all were delighted when Carl Bahoshy a London based organist asked if he could come to Exeter and give an organ recital. His intention, as well as to bring culture, was to raise money for Iraqi Christians in Need - a charity close to his heart. Before the performance on Saturday 31st January 2015, Carl read a very moving letter from an Iraqi refugee describing how he and his family had lost everything fleeing from extremist groups. They now live in tents whereas, just a year ago they had nice homes, good jobs and happy families. An enthusiastic audience of parishioners and other music lovers were treated to a programme of music fare ranging from the staunchly Protestant Johann Sebastian Bach to the mystically Catholic Blessed Sacrament Parish, Exeter Olivier Messiaen with stalwarts of the French organ school well represented. Of the latter Widor’,s Toccata provided a rousing finale and with Franz Schubert’,s Ave Maria gave the audience two inspired melodic morsels to take away with them. As Canon Deeny later remarked the organ had turned the church itself into a magnificent musical instrument. There was a retiring collection to which people responded generously. Many members of the audience made their way ready for another treat in the Saint Richard Reynolds’, Centre, a delicious spread served with an international flavour ranging from Iraqi baklava to Cornish pasties, served in a festive setting, the room was decorated in Iraqi colours provided, to their usual outstanding standard, by members of the Exeter section of the Catholic Women’,s League and other supporters of the charity. Further donations were made and, together with a draw, a total of £,782 was raised for Iraqi Christians in Need. Before returning to London to play the organ for Sunday Mass the following day, Carl thanked everyone for their support and asked us to pray for all Christians who are being persecuted, especially those in Iraq. Edward and Frances Canning Exeter

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10 - Catholic South West April 2015 Torbay Deanery Torbay Street Pastors take the presence of Jesus out into the world and make a real difference in people’,s lives. The teams never go out on the streets on a Friday and Saturday night without a small group of Prayer Pastors staying at the base in the Memorial Hall to pray for the teams and the people and situations that they come across. Numbers of Prayer Pastors have dwindled recently and more are urgently needed. As well as praying, the Prayer Pastors also support the teams when they come in for breaks, their work is sacrificial, but it is also very rewarding in contributing to the transformation of the community - crime is down 40% in the area since Street Pastors have been operating. If you would like to know more about being a Prayer Pastor, please contact either Trevor Staveley email: torbay@streetpastors.org.uk Tel: 01803 411214 Mob: 07517867349, or Graham Fry email: graham.fry@virgin.net Tel: 01626 335928. PRAYER PASTORS: Sacred Heart &, St Theresa Parish, Paignton Divine Mercy Sunday More information about the Divine Mercy Sunday event can be obtained by calling Tel: 01803 557518 or Mob: 07516 882 510 What is the Pope up to? On the evening of Friday 27th February the two Parishes of The Assumption of Our Lady and Our Lady Help of Christians &, St Denis came together in the Chapel at Torre Abbey for a unique event. Firstly to celebrate Mass in the historic chapel and secondly to hear Dr Austen Ivereigh, Papal Biographer and author of ‘,The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope’, give a talk entitled ‘,What is the Pope up to?’, The evening began with Mass in the Chapel concelebrated by Mgr Adrian Toffolo, Canon Michael Lock and Frs Kieran Kirby and John Smethurst. It was only the fourth time since the Reformation that Mass has been celebrated in the chapel and therefore a significant event in the history of the Torbay Deanery. After Mass and a following a short break for refreshments in the beautifully appointed entrance hall guests returned to the Chapel to hear Dr Ivereigh talk about his book and his presence in Rome on the night of Pope Francis` election and, more recently, when he had the privilege of being present at a morning Mass celebrated by Pope Francis and was able to present him with a copy of ‘,The Great Reformer. It was an enjoyable and enlightening evening and we are all very grateful to Della Shenton, Dr Ivereigh’,s mother who has recently moved to Torbay, for her help in arranging the event. Felicity Stead Editor Extract from the online souvenir guide: Torre Abbey was founded in 1196 as a monastery of the Premonstratensian order. By the end of the 15th century it was the wealthiest Premonstratensian abbey in England. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, under King Henry VIII, the abbey church was demolished while the abbots’, apartment and the south range were adapted as a private house. In 1662 this house became the home of the Cary family, who lived here for nearly 300 years. What is now the Chapel began as the Guest Hall of the monastery, where the Abbot would receive and entertain his visitors. When Parliament passed the Catholic Relief Act in 1778, the Carys converted the room into a chapel. Although the walls are lined with memorials to the Cary family, the chapel was used by all the Catholics of the neighbourhood and had a congregation of 85 in 1788. It remained the only Roman Catholic place of worship in Torquay until 1854, when the Church of the Assumption opened in Abbey Road - the result of generous gifts of money and land by the Cary family. For more information about Dr Austen Ivereigh visit: https://twitter.com/austeni For more information about Torre Abbey and to become a ‘,Friend of Torre Abbey’, visit www.torre-abbey.org.uk Assumption of Our Lady Parish, Torquay and Our Lady Help of Christians &, St Denis Parish, St Marychurch The Catholic Children’,s Society (Plymouth) is looking for exceptional new Trustee Directors to fill a vacancy that has arisen as a result of retirement but also to develop the diversity of the existing Board. The Society is a registered charity (No 282803 –, Limited by guarantee - company number 1546053). Our stated purpose and core values are to provide aid to families in need, and to alleviate child poverty, avoid neglect or abuse and prevent homelessness and where possible, to educate parents and enable them to provide a better quality of family life. Our Board meets at least four times a year, and we like our Directors to take an active role in the Society. The position is voluntary and unpaid, although reasonable travelling expenses are paid. If you think you would like to know more, please contact Heather Rothwell on 01364 645420 for an informal chat and an information pack. St Boniface House, Ashburton, TQ13 7JL 01364 645420 ccs@prcdtr.org.uk www.ccsplymouth.org.uk

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April 2015 Catholic South West - 11 Diary Dates April 2015 If you would like an entry for your Parish or Deanery to be included in the Diary Dates section please email details to the Editor at felicitystead@btinternet.com by the last working day of each preceding month. MARRIAGE CARE SOUTH WEST (MCSW) MCSW preparation course dates for 2015: , Torbay Saturday 10th October For further details please contact Jenny Allen email: jenny.allen96@btopenworld.com , Plymouth Saturdays 18th July and 21st November For further details please contact Clare Danes email: claredanesuk@yahoo.co.uk MCSW also offers FOCCUS, a guided questionnaire-based exploration and essential relationship know-how for individual couple with a trained facilitator. For more information contact mcsw.admin@marriagecare.org For all other enquiries about MCSW please contact Sue Burridge, head of MCSW centre Tel: 01395 272799 Mob: 07875 161 595 email: sue@marriagecare.org.uk. April 2015 Sunday 12th April, Paris Marathon: Catholic Children’,s Society (Plymouth) are looking for runners for the 2015 Paris Marathon. For more information and to apply for a place please contact Claire Mob: 07783 156 284 email: fundraising@ccsplymouth.org.uk Saturday 25th April, ‘,Act justly, love tenderly’, from 10am to 4pm, Cullompton Community Centre: A day conference with Bernadette Farrell, for more information email: gillbehenna@me.com May 2015 Sunday 3rd May, Flores de Mayo &, Santacruzan Procession 2015: This year’,s procession will take place in Exeter, full details will be published in the April edition of Catholic South West. Saturday 9th May, A Day with St Benedict, Buckfast Abbey: form ore information about this year’,s ‘,Quiet Days with Dom Christopher Delaney OSB, contact the Warden’,s Office tel: 01364 645532. Saturday 16th May, A Call to Action (ACTA) meeting, St Joseph`s Church Hall, Newton Abbot, 11am: for more information contact Peter Farrell Tel: 01626 369478 Future events Saturday 4th July, A Day with St Benedict, Buckfast Abbey: for more information about this year’,s ‘,Quiet Days with Dom Christopher Delaney OSB, contact the Warden’,s Office tel: 01364 645532. Saturday 25th July, A Call to Action (ACTA) meeting, St Joseph`s Church Hall, Newton Abbot, 11am: for more information contact Peter Farrell Tel: 01626 369478 Sunday 26th to Friday 31st July and Sunday 2nd August to Friday 7th August, Diocesan Catechetical Summer Camps for years 7 –, 10, years 11 –, 12 and years 3 - 6: for more information go to the Diocesan News section of this edition or visit www.pdsummercamps.org.uk Saturday 3rd October, A Day with St Benedict, Buckfast Abbey: for more information about this year’,s ‘,Quiet Days with Dom Christopher Delaney OSB, contact the Warden’,s Office tel: 01364 645532. Saturday 31st October, A Call to Action (ACTA) meeting, St Joseph`s Church Hall, Newton Abbot, 11am: for more information contact Peter Farrell Tel: 01626 369478 REGULAR EVENTS Cornwall Deanery , First Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm, Afternoon Tea Club: The Church Hall, Our Lady of the Portal &, St Piran RC Church, Truro. , First &, Third Tuesdays from 10.30am, Coffee morning: Charles Langdon Room, St Cuthbert Mayne Church, Launceston. , Second Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm, Justice and Peace/Poverty Meeting followed by prayers for persecuted Christians: St Mary’,s Church Hall, Killigrew Road, Falmouth. , Third Tuesdays from 12.30pm to 2pm, Parish Soup Lunch: The Church Hall, Our Lady of the Portal &, St Piran RC Church, Truro. , Thursday evenings at 7.30pm, after evening Mass, Film Evening: The Church Hall, Our Lady of the Portal &, St Piran RC Church, Truro. , New life House Groups focusing on prayer, scripture and fellowship (Acts 2): contact Sheona 07790 413562 for more information and directions o Wednesdays 10am to 12noon 13a Pentire Rd, Newquay, TR7 1NX. o Wednesdays 7.30pm to 9.30pm (during term-time) 18A Ferris Town, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3JH or , New Life Praise and Worship Evenings: o First Wednesday of each month 6.15pm to 7.15pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by praise and Worship at 7.30pm: Our Lady of the Portal and St Piran Catholic Church, Truro. Contact Sheona 07790 413562 for more information or visit www.newlifecatholiccommunity.com , Wednesdays, 11.30am to 4pm, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - with Rosary at 12noon: Church of St Mary Immaculate, Falmouth. , Wednesdays, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Table Tennis: Church Hall, Falmouth - parishioners of all ages welcome. , First &, Third Fridays 7pm to 9pm, Prayer Group, Mary’,s Eucharistic Renewal: St Paul’,s Social Centre, Tintagel. , Saturdays, after the 10am Mass, Rosary: St Cuthbert Mayne Church, Launceston, all are warmly invited to join a small group of parishioners and pray the Rosary. , Saturdays at 11am, Legion of Mary: St Paul’,s Social Centre, Tintagel. , Sundays from 6pm to 7pm, “,Come and See”, evening, St Mary’,s Church Hall, Killigrew Road, Falmouth: Soup/Roll and chat, for anyone of all faiths and none, especially welcome are strangers and those on the margins of society. Followed at 7pm by prayers with intercessions and thanksgiving with Exposition. Dorset Deanery , First weekend of every month, after weekend Masses, Prayer Ministry for healing or any other need: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Weymouth. For more information contact Mike Newbery tel: 01305 776296 email: miknewb@btinternet.com , Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, Inspire 20s to 40s Church Friends Group and Home Group: St Mary’,s Church, Poole after the 7pm Mass. , Monday evenings at 8pm, Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation Adult Education: Murray Muscat Centre, Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth. Admission free and all are welcome. For details of the topic for each session please contact Spencer Nathan email: spencer.nathan@lineone.net Exeter Deanery , Monday evenings at 7.30pm, Meditation Group: Richard Reynolds Centre, Heavitree Road, Exeter. , Tuesday evenings from 8pm to 9pm, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Mount St Mary Convent, Wonford Road. , Third Saturday of each month, 4.30pm, Kerala Community Mass: Blessed Sacrament Church, Heavitree, Exeter. Plymouth Deanery , Tuesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Union of Catholic Mothers: Cathedral Centre. , Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, Discussion Group: Jeremiah Centre, Stott Close, Efford, Plymouth to reflect on the liturgical readings for the coming Sunday. , Thursday mornings at 10.30am (coffee from 10am) Bible Study Group: Cathedral Centre. , Thursday afternoons at 2pm, Rosary in Malayalam: Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the Cathedral. , Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8.30pm, Legion of Mary: Cathedral Centre. , Friday evenings at 6pm, Holy Hour: The Cathedral , Sunday evenings, after the 6pm Mass –, CREDO: A forum for young adults wanting to deepen their faith and spiritual life in the Catholic Church through prayer, discussion and community. CREDO meets in Cathedral Centre. , Second Saturday of each month, 11am to 12noon –, SPUC Anti-Abortion Prayers, Derriford: For more information contact Christine Hudson Tel: 01752 224018 , Second Sunday of each month, Sunday Lunch Club, Efford: for individuals, couples or families who would like to come, to book please contact Deacon Simon Fletcher or Suzanne Tel: 01752 667433. , Second Monday of each month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Knights of St Columba: Cathedral Centre. , Third Monday of each month at 7pm, FOCOLARE –, Word of Life Group: Cathedral Centre. , Second Tuesday of each month, Patricians - Legion of Mary discussion group: For more information please contact Raad Binham Tel: 07816 542 349. , Normally First Friday of each month after the 7pm Mass –, St Padre Pio Prayer Group: For more information contact Rev. Deacon Tony Irwin Tel: 01548 853413. Torbay Deanery , Third Monday of every month, 7.15pm, South Hams Catenians: Seven Stars Public House, Kingsbridge. Please note new venue. , Wednesdays from 6pm, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (with Vespers at 6.30pm and Benediction at 6.50pm): Holy Angels, Chelston, Torquay. , First Saturday of every month (except January) 7.45am for an 8am start, Christians Together in Torquay: Prayer Breakfast at St Luke`s Parish Church, St Luke`s Road. , First Sunday of every month, Polish Mass: Church of the Assumption, Abbey Road, Torquay at 4pm with confessions from 3.30pm. RETREATS IN THE DIOCESE OF PLYMOUTH Silent and individually guided retreats by members of the Plymouth Diocesan Ignatian Spirituality Team: offering each person the opportunity for space, SILENCE and prayer with a spiritual companion to help you pray and reflect. Contact details for bookings and general information post: The Presbytery, 19 Fosse Road, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1NG tel: 01548 852670 email: mjbutler@yahoo.com or adriantoffolo@yahoo.co.uk. Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April: Weekend Retreat Buckfast Abbey. Monday 8th to Friday 12th June: Midweek Retreat, Fowey, Cornwall. *Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October: Weekend Retreat, Buckfast Abbey. *Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October: Midweek Retreat, Buckfast Abbey. * these 2 retreats can be ‘,joined’, together to form a 6-day retreat. Friday 13th to Sunday 16th November: Weekend Retreat, Buckfast Abbey Chemin Neuf Community, Sclerder Abbey, Looe, Cornwall: Formed in 1973 and established internationally in 27 countries the Chemin Neuf Community specialises in Marriage &, Family days, youth work, evangelisation. For more information please call 01503 272238 or visit www.chemin-neuf.org.uk/annuaire/united-kingdom/sclerder-abbey Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th April 2015: 8-day retreat based on the Spiritual exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola PILGRIMAGES 2015 Sunday 5th to Sunday 12th April: HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust, Easter Children’,s Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Full details of this and other HCPT 2015 Pilgrimages will be published in following editions of Catholic South West. Tuesday 28th April to Friday 8th May: Walking pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is being organised by the Parish of Crewkerne, Chard and Ilminster but open to members of other parishes. The pilgrimage covers the final stage of the ‘,Camino’, and includes hotel accommodation + ferry and coach travel, for more information please contact Bridport Parish Office tel: 01308 422594. Wednesday 13th to Friday 22nd May: HCPT Group 507 Joint Services Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes. For more information please contact Richard Tipping tel: 01752 787697 email: richard.tipping@blueyonder.co.uk or Charles Brunel tel: 01752 695090 email: charles.brunel@sky.com. Saturday 16th to Saturday 23rd May: Medjugorje Pilgrimage flying from Bristol, Spiritual Director - Fr John Delaney OFM. If you are interested in joining the pilgrimage please contact Tony Allbright Tel: 01736 362925 email: tobright@btinternet.com. Anticipated cost £,539 (+ single room supplement), arranged with `Joe Walsh Tours`. Saturday 23rd to Friday 29th May: Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by Bishop Mark. Flying from Exeter and staying at Hotel Chappelle et Parc, close to the Grotto. Enquiries to Pilgrimage Director, Fr Kieran Kirby, Diocesan Director tel: 01803 294142. Booking through Joe Walsh Tours tel: 0203 468 0617 Online: www.joewalshtours.co.uk Thursday 18th to Thursday 25th June: Medjugorje Pilgrimage flying from Bristol, if you are interested in joining the pilgrimage please contact Philip Illsley Mob: 07967 687 077 email: pgs.illsley@sky.com post: 18 Meadow Hill, Church Village, East Glamorgan, CF38 1RX. Cost £,544 (+ single room supplement).

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12 - Catholic South West April 2015 HAPPY HAPPY EASTER EASTER PLYMOUTH DIOCESE L EGION OF M ARY Send you our B EST W ISHES FOR A H OLY E ASTER SPUC Branches in Plymouth Diocese send best wishes to reader of CATHOLIC SOUTH WEST for a HAPPY and HOLY EASTER 2015 HAPPY AND HOLY EASTER Easter Messages Book Reviews Faith formation and sacramental preparation for people with learning disabilities Author: Diana Klein in collaboration with Caritas St Josephs Symbols of faith offers parents, priests and catechists creative insights and ideas on the faith formation and sacramental preparation of people with learning disabilities, which is in keeping with Church teaching. It recognises the gifts and talents of people with learning disabilities. The materials are adaptable, flexible and appropriate to their ability, to help them come to know the person of Christ, who leads us to the Father through the Holy Spirit. A CD is included with this book, providing additional resources and unlimited use of activity sheets to complement the sessions. The author, Diana Klein, has worked for many years in the area of catechesis and pastoral theology as a catechist, catechetical adviser, lecturer, writer and editor. Symbols of Faith, developed and trialed in collaboration with St Joseph’,s Pastoral Centre (in the Diocese of Westminster) whose principal aim is to support families who embrace members with learning disabilities in parishes, is available from Redemptorist Publications Symbols of Faith I handled it badly, Opposing that Knavery, Warred in me sadly Cowardice and bravery. Cowed by the Council’,s outrage, Silenced by angry breath, At least I had the courage To vote against His death. Lurking in fear and quiet From men’,s and Mary’,s loss, At least I bearded Pilate And took Him from the cross. Poor substitute for giving (no need of wine or bread) Afraid to house Him living, At least I housed Him dead. Though wary, no hero, These points in my favour At least draw me nearer To my blessè,d Saviour. Joseph O’,Shea A man of Arimathaea Obituary Fr George Robson SBD 1934 –, 2015 Fr George died in the early hours of Friday 6th February 2015 at St Joseph’,s, the residence for elderly and infirm Salesians in Bolton. Born in Wigan on 15th August 1934, the feast of the Assumption, George was baptised at St John’,s Church, Standishgate where he also made his First Holy Communion and was Confirmed. At the age of 11 he began his secondary education at Thornleigh College, Bolton, in the summer of 1948, he chose to move to the Salesian Missionary College, Shringley Park, to complete his secondary studies and prepare for his entry into the Salesian novitiate at Burwash in the summer of 1951. George made his first profession on 8th September 1952 and his perpetual profession at Battersea on 8th September 1958. After a further period of studies George was ordained priest in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Turin on 25th March 1963, the Feast of the Annunciation. His priestly ministry included continuing his studies and receiving an honours degree in physics from the University of Surrey, teaching at the Salesian College and at Shringley, taking on the roles of community bursar, vice-rector and rector before moving to parish ministry from 1987 to 2014. Fr George was a good and faithful minister of the Gospel, preaching and teaching, sharing the Good News by what he said and what he did, by who he was and how he lived. He will be greatly missed by those whom he loved and served, especially the Salesian community and his family.

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