Pentecost 2021

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>> CENTRE PAGES l Photos in this magazine take into account social distancing measures in place in due to the Covid-19 pandemic. WELCOME

By ARCHBISHOP BERNARD LONGLEY To our Diocesan family,

HELLO and welcome to this Pentecost edition of The Sower, your Diocesan magazine. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you blessings for this very special season, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Our Lady and the Apostles. Many of you will be joining in the Pentecost Novena, which offers several days of intercessory prayer for evangelisation and renewal of the Church in the days from Ascension to Pentecost. I hope you find this spiritually uplifting. We pray that the Gift of the Holy Spirit we receive through Baptism and Confirmation is once again poured upon us Power of the Holy Spirit is as we celebrate Pentecost this year on Sunday, 23 May. Over the last 12 months evident in countless acts of the power of the Holy Spirit has been ever more evident in our daily lives as people have stepped forward to support compassion and goodwill foodbanks, make PPE, become stewards at their church to inspire us as we rebuild our There are four areas I am parish community and we hope ensure it can open safely, checked church communities. asking us all to focus on: others will respond positively to on neighbours and many other We have an opportunity to Evangelisation, Formation, Liturgy the call to evangelise. countless acts of compassion and focus on renewal and be open to and Worship and Social Outreach. I also encourage you, if you goodwill – the transformation of change. A key part of this is our I invite you to join me in haven’t already, to complete a words into actions. Diocesan Vision, Unfolding God’s looking with fresh eyes at our Covid-19 impact survey. I hope and pray that this strong Plan. Over the coming months mission. Please share your experience sense of community continues as I will be sharing much more We must take this opportunity of faith during the pandemic we navigate our way through the information on where we are with to do all we can to make sure the with us. This will help us to ‘new normal’ and that it helps to this important piece of work, and Gospel is seen and heard through understand what has been reignite our spiritual fire. how we want you to be involved. the example of our daily Christian happening in our communities Although the devastation I have commissioned a number lives. and see the bigger picture of faith caused by the pandemic of groups who are looking at how For now, in preparation, I in action as we move forward. continues to affect us all, it has we work in our parishes and in will be praying about all that is You can complete the survey focused our minds on what really the Archdiocese to increase the before us as we step out on this here: birminghamdiocese.org. matters and offers the chance for opportunities that enable us to pilgrimage of faith together. I uk/C19survey change. do God’s work and to fulfil the hope you will too. As we continue on our faith Even though our church promises of our baptism. It is very timely that the theme journey I look forward to the buildings haven’t been fully open, I want us to look at how we running through this edition of days when more of us are able to the communal life of our Church will individually respond to God’s The Sower is evangelisation. gather together in our churches has continued with the support call to be missionary disciples Stories and examples focus on and be reunited in person. of so many people across the in the Church and in our local encouraging others to know God’s With every blessing for the Archdiocese. We have kept going. communities, working joyfully love for them by inviting them to days ahead. Now, as we make a fresh together to spread the Word and church, to pray and to encounter beginning in a very different the work of God. Christ, and to groups where they setting, and as we celebrate In essence, how will we unfold can learn about Him. Pentecost, let us pray that the God’s plan for our Diocesan Many of you will recognise that Holy Spirit will guide us and church? this is already happening in your

2 The Sower Pentecost 2021 With COVID-19 continuing to make overseas travel difficult, this year’s annual pilgrimage to Lourdes is, once again, a virtual online event, with everyone invited to tune in and take part... Pilgrims to make virtual journey to visit sacred © i.creation Lourdes site ILGRIMS of all ages from virtually through their TV, across the Archdiocese computer or smart device. P and beyond are invited to “We want to encourage as take part in the Virtual Lourdes many people to get involved Pilgrimage 2021; taking place as possible, whether they from Sunday, 30 May until Friday, are seasoned pilgrims or 4 June. have never joined us before destination of the Archdiocese’ The pilgrimage will draw to The theme of the six-day but would like to take part. own annual pilgrimage to the an end with a Closing Mass on event is “I Am The Immaculate “As it is taking place during the Marian shrine) and people are Friday, 4 June, led by Bishop Conception” and it will include half term break, we are hoping able to send in petitions to be David McGough – Chairman of daily Masses, virtual Marian many families will want to tune in presented during the ceremony. the Lourdes Pilgrimage Executive Processions, a Service of Healing, and watch the events unfold and Wednesday, 2 June, will be Committee, followed by a virtual Stations of the Cross, a Blessed join us in prayer and maybe even a youth-focused day and will farewell to the Grotto with the Sacrament Procession and a create their own Grotto as a focus include a Children’s Mass from lighting of candles. Reconciliation Service; together for the week.” Cannock and a Youth Worship with visits to key sites in and The virtual pilgrimage will Night, organised by the Kenelm n People will be able to access around the holy site in southern start on Sunday 30 May (Trinity Youth Trust (KYT). the virtual pilgrimage directly France. Sunday) at 3pm with a live- In association with this, the from the Diocesan website – It will also build on the online streamed Opening Mass from St KYT has launched a challenge – birminghamdiocese.org.uk/ version of the pilgrimage staged Chad’s Cathedral. encouraging young people and lourdes. In the run up to the last year, which was a great This will be the first of a schools to take part in a virtual event more information, including success. series of Masses, which will be sponsored walk to Lourdes. a full timetable of events will also Kath White, Lourdes Pilgrimage broadcast from places of worship All proceeds raised will be be published on the site. There Administrator, said: “It was with around the Archdiocese. donated to the will also be regular updates on a very heavy heart that the Each day there will also be a Diocesan Pilgrimage social media under the hashtag Executive Committee had to take virtual tour featuring significant Sick Fund. Lourdes2Brum. the decision to cancel this year’s locations in Saint Bernadette of annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lourdes’ life and each evening Flashback to 2019... “But our aim is to offer a virtual Marian Procession. Young pilgrims from the people the home experience, Monday, 31 May, the Feast Archdiocese take part in the so that individuals can join in of Visitation Mass, will be International Procession. communion with fellow pilgrims broadcast from Hednesford (the New MAC welcomes pupils A NEW Multi Academy Trust from the Secretary of has been launched as part of State for Education Gavin the Archdiocese’s Education Williamson. Strategy Programme. The MAC has welcomed The formation of Our more than 700 staff and Lady and All Saints Catholic 4,500 children and young Multi Academy Company people from 13 schools (MAC), took place on across the Birmingham, Holy Thursday (1 April and Warwickshire 2021) following approval areas.

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EVER has the work of evangelisation been N more vital across We want the Archdiocese, and a video to support conferencing platform is ensuring that essential resources remain people in these available during the Covid crisis. challenging Despite the restrictions arising from the pandemic, formation and restricting and training for clergy and lay times. parishioners are being provided through a series of monthly webchats. Natalie Orefice Evangelisation Zoom Meetings provide materials, networking I are trying to make ourselves contacts and a general forum for as available and accessible as people wishing to share their faith possible to people,” said Natalie. in their local settings. “Zoom is allowing us to be in all Organised by Advisor for Parish places in the Diocese at once.” Evangelisation, Natalie Orefice, The Zoom sessions, which the on-screen meetings are link up with people in their shared by around 20 people at homes, begin with prayers and a time with a lunchtime session include a talk and formation from 1-2pm and an evening on evangelisation followed by session, which takes place from discussion. 7.30-8.30pm. “We want to support people in Advisor for Parish Evangelisation The virtual attendees hail these challenging and restricting Natalie Orefice. from all four corners of the times,” said Natalie. “We give tips Diocese, from Goring near on how people can share their opportunity for them to share Natalie is urging parish teams Reading to Coventry, from Thame faith on social media, how they the joys and frustrations of their to think about how they will in Oxfordshire to Stoke, from can share personal testimony and parish at this time.” welcome people – some of them Stafford to Leamington Spa. how they can evangelise in their As well as encouraging newcomers – into church once “As hosts, Evangelisation local parish. parishioners to reach out by the restrictions are lifted. Fieldworker Paul Northam and “The meetings are also an phone to people who are isolated “The pandemic is making some people ask ‘is there a God?’,” she said. “We need to respond by saying ‘Yes there is’, and letting everyone know we welcome them.” Paul is supporting individual parishes by helping them to move their evangelisation meetings online. “We continue to discuss how Catholics can evangelise in their own places, sharing ideas to help them and their parishes, and even offering online retreats,” he said. “The Evangelisation Office posts regular links to evangelisation resources as well as posting and tweeting about conferences and live streamed training sessions which are aimed at growing missionary disciples and parishes.” Evangelisation n Fieldworker Anyone wishing to take part Paul Northam. in the Evangelisation Zoom Meetings should contact Natalie on [email protected]

4 The Sower Pentecost 2021 Creative encounters with Christ continue to inspire

HE God Who Speaks campaign is continuing to highlight the place of T the Bible in the life of the Church. St Mark’s Gospel has been designated for scriptural readings this year and so there is a special section on the Archdiocese website with resources to open up the first of the written gospels. Visitors to the site can access ‘A Whistlestop Tour of Mark’ by David McLoughlin, the Scripture Champion for the Archdiocese. He discusses Mark’s style and technique, the astonishing power of his story and his twin emphasis on Jesus’s suffering and the disciples’ initial misunderstanding of His message. Also available on the site is David’s Echoes of God, a parish-based online resource journeying through the whole Bible, which helps readers appreciate its myriad scriptural treasures. Meanwhile Fr Dries van den Akker SJ, an art expert and Bible scholar, contributes a series of Sunday by Sunday picture meditations, reading the Gospel in the light of works of art. Around the Archdiocese a series of posters David McLoughlin have been issued to schools and parishes on the stood at the Bronze theme of the God Who Speaks. Festal lectern at St Chad’s Cathedral. One of them, entitled Fish With Mark, pictured right, emphasises the parables which are Jesus’ way of evangelising. Its Catholic Scripture Another, for schools, depicts the Bible as a Engagement Manager Fleur set of bookshelves with all the separate texts Dorrell, the National Co- displayed. ordinator of the God Who At St Chad’s Cathedral, the Festal Bronze Speaks Campaign, said: Lectern which was positioned at the front of “Through the campaign the sanctuary during 2020 is set to reappear we’ve seen how creative at key points throughout the year (Covid encounters with Christ restrictions permitting). inspire our dioceses. By Parishes are being encouraged to organise making the Word of God virtual Bible reading groups using Zoom visible and dynamic in our or WhatsApp, to help Catholics read the evangelisation, education, scriptures with greater facility, devotion and creative arts and social enjoyment. action, we deepen our love under the umbrella of The God Who Speaks The Bible Society is collaborating with the of the Gospel and its power to transform our campaign. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Church.” To find out more, visit the God Who Speaks Wales to celebrate, share and live out faith n The Bishops’ Conference decided to extend section on the website: birminghamdiocese. through deeper scriptural engagement. 2020’s Year of the Word until January 2022 org.uk/god-who-speaks

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Parishes sign up to quick and easy way to donate GROWING number of At the time of writing parishes have signed up contactless devices have been set A to a contactless payment up in 14 parishes and a further scheme which provides more 10 are in the process of setting up options for people who wish to an account or ordering devices. give money to the Church. To donate, parishioners can The electronic Tap and Go choose from one of a number of system allows parishioners to pre-set amounts and then just tap donate quickly and easily by card their card. when they come to celebrate The devices can be configured Mass. for general use around Mass The roll-out of contactless and they can also be used for devices within the Archdiocese, clergy collections, other charity led by the Development Team, collections or to take payment for recognises that the UK is a wedding or room hire. Parish Secretary Andy Walker increasingly becoming a cashless “Tap and Go will not replace demonstrates contactless giving society with around 70 per cent of cash donations, but will give at St Mary Immaculate, Warwick. transactions now made by card. parishioners more options when More than two-thirds of it comes to giving – and their Meanwhile regular giving difference a legacy can make. Diocesan income came in via cash donation will go straight into the by big-hearted parishioners The Development Team’s new before the Covid outbreak and parish bank account,” said Steve is greatly appreciated and legacy programme will ensure the “new normal” has necessitated Baylis, Head of the Development valuable information about that parishes have access to a the introduction of a cashless Team. standing orders is available at new suite of relevant materials model. “Our team will help every step birminghamdiocese.org.uk/ including an updated legacy Parishes wishing to move of the way and easy-to-follow support-our-work. booklet as well as guidance on over to Tap and Go are urged to guidelines are provided. Legacies are also really how to leave instructions for a contact the Development Team “We’re asking parishes to please important to the Funeral Mass, the importance of for advice on the different options give serious consideration to and after a lifetime’s worship writing a will and organ donation available for making the best hosting this facility. It’s quick, people are being encouraged to from the perspective of the investment. easy and accessible.” think about what Catholic Church. Team is here to help...

THE role of the Development Department since June 2019. Previously is to support the mission and work of the employed by Father Hudson’s Archdiocese, its parishes and entities. Care, she has a background The team raises funds through an active, in charity management and comprehensive and professional programme volunteer management with of fundraising and support activities organisations such as Oxfam, including contactless giving, promoting Alzheimer’s Society and British legacies, writing trust and grant applications Red Cross. Jane’s work across Steve Baylis and Jane Bamber. and supporting parish giving activities. the charity sector has provided Steve Baylis, Head of Development her with invaluable experience management. For the last 10 Steve has been running the Development of building successful relationships years he has worked in the Team since 2016 and in the intervening between funders, businesses and the wider voluntary sector as a trusts years the team have brought in some £8.6m community. In her spare time Jane is a and foundations fundraiser in new funding for a range of capital and trustee of a local charity supporting local for organisations including revenue projects. Coming from a community people in the community of all ages who The Leprosy Mission and the development and business background and find themselves disadvantaged or disengaged Children’s Liver Disease with extensive experience in the voluntary due to learning disabilities. Foundation. Outside sector, Steve leads the team to offer a range Kevin Baugh, Funding Officer his work he is helping of support functions. Kevin, who has been in post since to secure fundraising Jane Bamber, Senior Development 2018, assists with the bid writing of grant to rebuild his own Officer applications. He spent the first part of his local Anglican Jane has been with the Development Team career in finance, specialising in investment church in Dorridge.

6 The Sower Pentecost 2021 Toby Duckworth and Steven Fleming are both preparing to enter the diaconate this summer and are set to become priests next year. Here, they tell The Sower how immersing themselves in parish life has helped to stand them in very good stead for their continuing faith journey... Sharing faith is at heart of role for new ‘HERALDS OF

Steven Fleming in the chapel at St Mary’s College, THE GOSPEL’ Oscott, Birmingham, where he has been studying. WO seminarians who English College in Rome. are set to be ordained After school, aged 18, he spent For me my passion is to bring T as Transitional Deacons two years working as a full-time have a similar history – and are volunteer youth minister at the ‘‘the Gospel to people through both looking forward to becoming Soli centre at Alton Castle. whatever means I can. “Heralds of the Gospel.” He was involved in helping Toby Duckworth and Steven to lead retreats, largely for Steven Fleming ’’ Fleming are preparing to enter 14–18-year-olds, trying to answer the diaconate this summer on their questions of life through the formation, at the age of 20, in the Bronx and Harlem, New the way to their ordination to the eyes of faith as their peer. Toby spent a year helping York, sharing their “zeal for priesthood in 2022. In order to inform this ministry, with parish work in inner-city evangelisation” amongst the poor Evangelisation is at the heart he studied firstly for a foundation Wolverhampton. During his and needy. of their mission and early in their degree in Youth Ministry and then formation he has undertaken “For me my passion is to bring faith journey they both worked as for a BA(Hons) in Theology (at pastoral placements back in the the Gospel to people through volunteers at the Catholic youth Newman University, Birmingham). Archdiocese. whatever means I can,” said retreat centre at Alton Castle in “It was a busy but blessed time “Being ordained as a deacon Steven. Staffordshire. when I learnt a lot, both in terms really means that I am finally Returning to Europe he took Both have also taken the of faith and life more generally,” being commissioned by God to go his Pontifical Degree in Ireland opportunity to immerse he said. “My relationship with the out into the world as his willing and is now in the fifth year of his themselves in parish life in an Lord deepened during these years, friend and servant, being an extra formation at St Mary’s College, inner city setting along the way to to the point that others and then, pair of his hands able to make Oscott. “It is a privilege to feel entering seminary life. as I perceived it, the Lord himself him present through the Word that God has called me to this Sutton Coldfield-born Toby began asking me to consider and His Sacraments.” mission,” said Steven, who also is currently in the fifth year of becoming a priest.” had a life-transforming experience his formation at the Venerable Before applying for priestly STEVEN, who was also born in on a Diocesan visit to Lourdes Sutton Coldfield, was an altar when he felt the overwhelming server in St Anne’s Church, presence of the Lord. Streetly, when young and he took “Jesus will work through me a full-time post as a youth leader and come through to people so at Alton Castle in his gap year that they know he is truly alive from college. and present. “Our job was to bring people “Being a deacon in its essence from the inner city into the is about service – it is a complete nature of the Churnet Valley and laying down of my life so that communicate to them the beauty when I go into priesthood I am so of God’s creation,” he said. conformed to Christ that he can After subsequent work as a work through me.” missionary with the Divine Love Steven hosts a weekly show Community in Hungary and on YouTube called Catholic Romania he spent time with the Kickstarter Live. Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Watch at: bit.ly/3gZGvH3

Toby Duckworth at the Venerable English College in Rome. Pentecost 2021 The Sower 7 Performer joins forces with pupils to record ‘peace’ song PUPILS at a school in Coventry Adam Hedge, aka ShadowCV with pupils, left to right, Lee Masih, 14, have worked with a recording Keira Kabama, 16, and Maka Dodo, 16, artist, who is also a former pictured in front of the peace garden at pupil, to create a powerful song the Cardinal Newman Catholic School. promoting non-violence in an urban setting. page 22). At the time of the workshops featuring the song. the driving force behind Adam Hedge, a music song’s release assemblies were “Our song Pray for Peace the song. Adam, who performs mentor at Cardinal Newman arranged so that all year groups was featured at a live event in as ShadowCV, said: “After Catholic School, which belongs could listen to Adam and the February for the City of Culture working with many students to the Beacon Peaceful students performing it, posters launch. We are very proud that and talking to them about their Schools network, held student and banners around the school the song continues to deliver anxieties and fears growing up, workshops to develop Pray for backed up a social media such a powerful message within I thought it would be a great Peace on an anti knife crime publicity campaign and peace our wider community,” said idea to put together a song theme. hoodies were designed for the Head Teacher Emma O’Connor. that really represents these The song has been watched pupils. The school’s anti knife feelings and to create something more than 10,000 times on Adam and the pupils crime project was inspired by that resonates with the whole YouTube and is set to be performed at the school Awards the arrival of the Knife Angel country, to spread a message of widely aired during this year’s Ceremony and went on to work sculpture at Coventry Cathedral peace and hope.” Coventry City of Culture with one of Cardinal Newman’s and the message of peace on The official music video can celebrations (see article on feeder schools in further the streets is be viewed at bit.ly/2PRhF0V

RECORDED weekly Mass filmed by Father Peter Weatherby a tech-savvy Cannock priest is being records one of his online A shared by thousands of schoolchildren Masses at his Church in Cannock. and their families across the Archdiocese. Father Peter Weatherby, of St Mary and St Thomas More in Cannock, makes colourful, fast-paced videos of Mass especially for primary children and their families. Fr Peter invites schools to provide feedback and ideas, and includes readings, music and artwork from the children in the recordings. “We also have ‘shout outs’ to a growing number of schools across the Archdiocese each week,” he said. “Currently there are about 25 schools watching the Masses.” The ‘Family Mass’ is posted on YouTube each Wednesday in term time and is based on the Gospel and Mass of the following Sunday. A ‘Graphic Homily’, lasting 2-3 minutes is Online Mass for children also available for download separately. Fr Peter records the Masses in his church “For many years there has been a Leavers’ recorded readings, artwork, music and some in Cannock. The format and content take Mass celebrated by the Bishop in one of the lovely feedback. inspiration from the Directory for Children’s Cannock Chase parishes but this could not “The children especially enjoy the special Masses. “The Mass is aimed at children of happen in 2020 due to the pandemic,” he said. effects and I have also introduced some primary school age (5 to 11 years) and their “We worked with the schools to provide interactive elements into the Liturgy.” families,” Fr Peter said. “However at least a a recorded Mass. It was well received and it Fr Peter was specially asked to celebrate a couple of secondary schools are also using the became very clear that there was a need for ‘Family Mass’ for the feast day of St Thomas videos in class.” something like this in the circumstances.” Aquinas Primary School in Stoke, and there The seed for the video project was sown last Fr Peter then began recording and posting a will also be a ‘Family Mass’ which will form year when Fr Peter and Fr Jeremy Howard (of Mass each week. The numbers watching these part of the programme for the virtual Diocesan Our Lady of Lourdes, Hednesford) were asked have grown rapidly: “I record the Mass entirely Pilgrimage to Lourdes this year. to provide a recorded Leavers’ Mass for Year alone,” Fr Peter said, “and do all the video 6 pupils at the Catholic schools of Cannock editing myself, but I am massively helped by n The Family Mass can be viewed at Chase. all the schools, staff and children who provide https://bit.ly/FamilyMass

8 The Sower Pentecost 2021 Monsignor Daniel McHugh, who is Co-ordinator for the Ethnic Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions in the Archdiocese, looks at the recent ‘virtual’ celebrations surrounding the Intercultural Mass and examines how the Archdiocese is supporting its own diverse communities in their faith journeys... Unity not uniformity is mission of the Church N my role, I am seeing first hand priests, rites and languages, is resulting how Evangelisation is approached in in their playing a greater part in our I different communities. Diocese, parishes and schools. Themes like youth work, handing on the Sustaining and promoting worship Faith, involvement of women and lay people according to their traditions and having and support for new arrivals are important. support of their communities among different An initiative everybody is invited to is the ethnic groups, enables and strengthens them Intercultural Mass, initially launched in the to play a part in the wider Church and society. 1970s to mark United Nations Day. During In these days, the Ethnic chaplaincies the pandemic, it migrated online with music, are focusing on how they can reach out to dance and song, together with Scripture bringing the Faith to the wider world. Efrem Tesfamariam plays the drum during Mass readings, prayers and a reading from Most recently, the Ukrainian Eparchy has at St Vincent’s Church, Birmingham – music has proved successful for the Eritrean Chaplaincy in Francis’ ‘Fratelli Tutti’, drawing on the teaching been involved translating into English the involving young people in worship. of the Scripture and the Church to promote Byzantine Liturgy for the whole Church. The unity and fraternity among all peoples and Syro-Malabar Eparchy is translating their Members of the Cameroonian Chaplaincies faiths. Rite into English and also creating a new Ladies’ Committee take part in last year’s Two of the many Catholic Ethnic programme of catechesis. Intercultural Mass celebration. Communities participating in the International For all of us in the Church of Celebration this past year were the Roman and Eastern Rites, from Cameroonian and Eritrean Chaplaincies. Fr different nations and colours, Julius-Simomia Ngunjwo of the Cameroonian with our various languages and Chaplaincy speaks of the importance of music customs, there is the challenge and dance for African people. He says: “African of communicating and living our people sing and dance for joy at every moment Catholic faith. in life”. We are called to come together The Ladies’ Committee he founded a few to celebrate all that we have that is years ago emphasises this through the special good in our cultures, and to connect contribution the women make to the Liturgy, the answer to be found in Christ to bringing their own culture to bear in worship, the needs and aspirations of people underlining the key role of women in family today. and community. He says: “Women see what That is what St Paul was so needs to be done, and do it!” successful in doing, building bridges between Father Solomon Tesfamichael Ghebray in peoples’ current experience the Eritrean Chaplaincy celebrates Mass in the and the fact that Jesus is risen Alexandrian Rite and has been particularly from the dead. successful in involving young Eritreans. On Pentecost, the first The drawing together of music, especially outreach with the Gospel to with drums in worship, and a focus on justice the wider world is celebrated; and peace back home in Eritrea and across the we remember how St Paul world is inspirational. reached out to the people Fr Solomon emphasises the importance of of Athens, seeing their prayer for the young people in his community; altar to the unknown God, they have regular days of Adoration which and bringing to them sustain their faith life. He is now working on the good news of the creating a television channel for the Eritrean Resurrection, the story community. of the God they did not ’ visit to Iraq gave us know. opportunity to see the Chaldean Rite and to For more details Monsignor Daniel McHugh with experience the joy of the Gospel even in places about ethnic Father Julius-Simomia Ngunjwo where there is so much suffering. chaplaincies please visit: of the Cameroonian chaplaincy The support of Ethnic communities in ourladyofgoodcounsel. at St Anthony of Padua Church, the Archdiocese and their having their own org.uk. Wolverhampton.

Pentecost 2021 The Sower 9 In a regular feature, Father Peter Conley, Assistant Priest at St Joseph The Worker, Coventry, and author of Newman: A Human Harp of Many Chords reflects on Saint John Henry Newman’s life. Here, he focuses on how he engaged with people to spread the Gospel Our local saint who lived out the good news of Jesus

VERY spreader of Gospel seeds seeks Newman was faithful to them in this life and entitled ‘St Paul’s Gift of Sympathy’ when what St John Henry Newman longed offered Masses for the repose of their souls in he remarks that pledging to be missionary E for: heaven. His commitment was total. He aimed disciples means: Ah! If l had any portion of St Paul’s true zeal at being non-judgemental and sensitive, given ...we want to enter fully into the fabric of in my heart, l should have some portion of the varying degrees in which they practised society, sharing the lives of all, listening to gentleness in my words. (Letters and Diaries their faith. He explains this approach, born of their concerns, helping them materially and XV, p.227). experience, to his father: spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those Our local saint strolled along the streets ...I have told them all, ‘I shall make no who rejoice, weeping with those who weep; arm of Oxford and Birmingham, chatting about distinction between you and Churchgoers – I in arm with others committed to building a new the message of Jesus when the opportunity count you all my flock, and shall be most happy world. (Evangelii Gaudium, 269). naturally arose and calling on his parishioners to do you a service out of Church, if l cannot Newman engaged with Victorian culture. on foot or horseback. He invites us, in our own within it’. (Letters and Diaries I, p184). Fascinated by the “magnetic telegraph” he areas, to proclaim the risen Lord each day by: Twenty-five years later in 1849, Newman would recognise the strength and weaknesses ...thinking habitually and constantly of Him revised his first Alcester Street homily, given of websites, Twitter and blogs to promote and His deeds and sufferings. It is to have in the former gin factory he converted into religious teaching. He always strove for clarity, Him before our minds as one whom we may a chapel, in a series of talks delivered to accuracy and simplicity. contemplate, worship, and address when we rise Catholics, non-Catholics and those with no St John Henry emphasised the urgency of up, when we lie down, when we are at home or particular faith affiliation. the Gospel message. In doing so he advises us abroad, when we are working or walking, or at Speaking on behalf of his Oratory not to jump to conclusions about where the rest, when we are alone, or again when we are community, we can imagine he would want us ‘trace of providence’ is going, because there in the company; this is meditating. (Parochial to offer these words to those we are hoping, are various ways of looking at the same scene. and Plain Sermons VI, 4). like them, to reach: Rather, to wait patiently (something he admits Newman was dedicated, as an Anglican We come to you in the name of God; we ask to struggling with) for the Lord’s guidance, clergyman and Catholic priest, to pastoral no more of you than that you would judge for while avoiding “getting into a way of muddling visiting. He lived out the good news of Jesus, yourselves whether or not we speak God’s word; away (our) time; shuffling through the day.” the bridegroom of the Church, whether people it shall rest with you… (Discourses Addressed (Letters and Diaries III, p118). were richer or poorer, in sickness or health, joy to Mixed Congregations, 1). May he pray with and for us in all we will or sorrow. Pope Francis alludes to Newman’s reflection speak and do in Jesus’s name.

10 The Sower Pentecost 2021 New COO Eric Kirwan in his office at Aiming to share Cathedral House. a clear Diocesan vision with all

HE Archdiocese of Birmingham’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO) Eric T Kirwan is set to play a key role in the unfolding of the Diocesan Vision. Lifelong Catholic Eric, who takes up the post following the retirement of David Brooks, has wide experience in both the business and charity sectors. As chair of the Steering Group supporting Towards a Diocesan Vision - Unfolding God’s Plan, he will co-ordinate resources for clergy and the lay community as they embark on a new chapter of working co-responsibly the Diocesan Vision to move forward in in liturgy, evangelisation, formation, and the parishes, starting with the reshaping of charitable outreach. The immediate the deaneries later this year and secondly Eric’s day-to-day role as COO sees challenges are to to manage the financial challenges as we him overseeing the management of the hopefully recover from the impact of the Archdiocese’s main departments including prepare and ensure pandemic,” he said. “I am hoping to make finance, property, human resources, support is in place to a positive contribution towards the long- safeguarding, communications, IT, term security and growth of the Catholic development (or fundraising) and legal. enable the Diocesan community in the Archdiocese, helping to But he is also keen to get out and about Vision to move forward create an environment where we can develop to act as a conduit between deaneries and future Catholic leaders in our parishes, schools parishes, ensuring they feel connected and in the parishes... and the wider community. part of the Diocesan family. “Having spent the last 18 months as chair “I intend to visit as many parishes as New COO Eric Kirwan of one of our local MACs I am very excited possible to meet with clergy and laity to by the potential for forging even closer understand how we can best support them in Working all over Europe, the USA and Asia relationships between our schools and our the unfolding of the Diocesan Vision and to he later became Group CEO before retiring parishes and using this as a platform to share experiences,” he said. in 2019. Not long afterwards he was invited involve more young people and their families “Whilst change can be a little frightening at to join Holy Family Catholic Multi-Academy in the work of the parish.” times, it can also be empowering and exciting Company (MAC), a group of six Catholic Eric will seek to ensure that all the resources if the outcomes are shared and clear to all.” schools in Warwickshire where he is currently available are used in the best possible way and Born in Coventry to Irish parents, Eric took Chair of Directors. are aligned with the Diocesan Vision while a degree in town planning but embarked on a He enjoyed working within the Diocesan encouraging and motivating people to make career in sales and marketing. Education Service so much that he applied the most of their God-given talents. He progressed to become Managing for the COO role in the hope that he could Eric is a church warden and reader at St Director of the UK subsidiary of Danish-based contribute at a wider level to the long-term Francis Catholic Church in Kenilworth. He Modulex, a member of the LEGO Group, future of the Catholic community. and his wife Liz, who have two children, supplying products to the construction “The immediate challenges are to prepare moved to the Warwickshire town more than industry. and ensure support is in place to enable 30 years ago. Religious figures move a step closer to sainthood TWO well-known religious an Anglican priest but was who was born in Shrewsbury, Holy Cross and of the Passion figures, with close connections later received into the Catholic lived the life of heroic virtue. of Our Lord Jesus Christ. She is to the Archdiocese, have moved Church. The Catholic Church will now often referred to as the ‘Mother a step closer to sainthood. He worked predominantly in seek two miracles as signs from Teresa of Manchester’. Father Ignatius Spencer was the Midlands, where he built God that Mother Elizabeth is a The Diocese of Shrewsbury, declared Venerable by Pope churches and nurtured the faith saint. where she was born, is one of Francis at a ceremony earlier of people he served. For a time If discovered, these will two suffragan dioceses of the this year. he was Spiritual Director at St lead to her beatification and, Archdiocese of Birmingham, the Fr Ignatius, who lived from Mary’s College, Oscott. subsequently, her canonisation. other being Clifton. 1799 to 1864, was born into Meanwhile, Pope Francis has Mother Elizabeth, who lived Fr Ignatius and Mother one of the wealthiest and most approved the promulgation of a from 1820 to 1864 founded Elizabeth are buried beside one influential families in England. decree formally recognising that a congregation of religious another in Sutton St Helens, in He was originally ordained Sister Mother Elizabeth Prout, women called the Sisters of the Lancashire.

Pentecost 2021 The Sower 11 HIDDEN GEM of an attraction...... aiming to spread the story of Catholicism even wider

ISTORIC Harvington Hall ensured the venue is now safe is a shining example of for visitors to return when Covid H the power of Catholic restrictions allow. evangelisation – and its new-look With Deacon Paul in place management team aims to tell its since December 2019 the process story to a wider audience. of recruiting a new management The Tudor manor house in committee is ongoing and a bright Worcestershire, owned by the future for the house is being Archdiocese, was closed for a year mapped out. for conservation purposes. The decision has been taken to When it reopens a new guided rebrand the visitor experience as tour will present an enhanced – “Discover the House of Secrets,” and sympathetic – interpretation of with an increased focus on telling the house’s unique history. the recusant history of the house During the reigns of Queen as part of a great family day out. Elizabeth 1 and King James 1 Visitors will learn how show more and more visitors, experience and make the the Catholic faith was outlawed Harvington’s residents lived in from schoolchildren to property one of the most well- with harsh penalties including a perpetual state of nervousness, students and adults, the way known UK attractions.” imprisonment for those who fearing the arrival of the priest- of the faith in Tudor times that The moated property, which defied the call to attend Anglican hunters, yet still kept steadfastly to will revitalise or bring forward was gifted to the Archdiocese ceremonies. their faith. devotion in our day.” in 1923, has the greatest Faced with a country-wide ban They would have been aware Phil Downing, the Hall and number of priest hides of any on Mass, Catholics needed to hide that St Margaret Clitherow had Programmes Manager, said: house in the country. a priest in their house so that they been executed in York in 1586 for “Harvington is a unique house, Master builder St Nicholas could worship in secret. Deacon Paul O’Connor with harbouring Catholic priests. a hidden gem. We plan to give Owen, believed to have At Harvington Hall, around Hall Manager Phil Downing in “They evangelised through their people a better understanding been the creator of four of 1590, devout Humphrey Pakington one of the priest hides, which defiance and kept the faith alive in of the darker side of the them, is remembered during instigated the building of seven he spent 24 hours in for charity. this country so that it could grow Elizabethan period by telling the Archdiocese’s annual priest hides, secret chambers where in later times,” said Deacon Paul. the Catholic side of the story. pilgrimage to commemorate Mrs Ellen Ryan Ferris who recusant clergy could take refuge example we give that shows the here demonstrated through their “Our job is to ensure that their “Our long-term aim is to the English Martyrs at purchased the hall in 1923 for from the pursuivants who might importance of Christ, our faith and commitment to the Mass and the story is told faithfully so that create a totally new customer Harvington Hall. £1,100 and gifted it to the Diocese. be hunting them. the Church to us is at the heart of sacraments and their acceptance people of our day can understand Deacon Paul O’Connor, Chair of evangelisation. of the draconian fine system, that the trials and tribulations they the Hall’s Management Committee, “Harvington Hall is a fantastic they witnessed their love of Christ.” experienced, their deep faith and The Elizabethan wall paintings said: “St Francis is said to have said, their love of the Mass that meant example of that message of The Hall was closed in October of drops of ‘Preach the gospel and if necessary evangelisation right here in our 2019 when a vaulted ceiling in the that they would be prepared A stained glass Christ’s blood use words.’ That message is at the Archdiocese. withdrawing room was found to be to harbour priests which was a window featuring St in the small , found chapel. very heart of evangelisation. It is “As a place of recusant defiance insecure. criminal act. in St Mary’s Church, not so much what we say, but the to the realm, the people who lived Removal of the ceiling has “We look forward to be able to across from the hall.

Deacon Paul O’Connor showing the vaulted ceiling School that caused the hall to close for repairs in 2019. children in front of the hall circa 1900s.

An image of the original brush matting that was found on one of the priest hides.

Phil Downing reveals another hidden priest hide under the floorboards.

12 The Sower Pentecost 2021 Pentecost 2021 The Sower 13 In a regular feature, The Sower asks people to name their favourite saint and explain why. My favourite Here, Deirdre Finucane, former Head Teacher at St Edmund’s, Wolverhampton, and a former Director of St Nicholas Owen Catholic MAC (which includes Hagley Catholic High School) SAINT chooses St Nicholas Owen.

OST of us know little Deirdre Finucane in front of a or nothing about St sculpture of St Nicholas Owen, M Nicholas Owen, even located at her parish church – if in the Midlands his name is St Mary’s in Harvington. well-known. Some of us may be Below, the prayer card familiar with the fact that in a used at Hagley Catholic High period of our regional history School. (early 17th century) when life was grim for Catholics and priests were often on the run, Owen designed and put together priest hides. These offered the clergy refuge and, even under torture in the , Nicholas did not reveal their whereabouts. Born and active in the Midlands, Nicholas Owen is one of us. That Midland bond with Owen was highlighted for me by a visit to Harvington Hall during which I realised the extraordinary risks he and others took in practising the faith in such dangerous circumstances. To them the fewer priests would be had to be broken a second time in credit must be given in large captured and the longer they order for it to set properly. Father measure for the survival of might live to continue their Gerard tells us that everyone at Catholicism in our area. ministry. the inn to which Nicholas was Nicholas was born into a The most fascinating taken after his injury admired his staunchly Catholic family in story about Nicholas Owen patience and virtue, expressing Oxford in about 1562. is not that of making the view they would love to He was the second of priest hides at Harvington, see him again. He was caught five children: four of them Hindlip, Coughton and a second time in 1606 and was were boys and two, John Huddington, those Midland sent to the prison and Walter, trained for the places of refuge associated where he insisted on keeping a priesthood. Nicholas was with his name, but rather very low profile lest any careless diminutive – possibly no his involvement in the conversation be overheard by more than five feet - and spectacular escape of Father spies. He devoted his time to was therefore considered SJ from the preparing for his coming ordeal. unsuitable for Holy Orders. Father SJ, leader Tower of London. Nicholas remains hidden to He needed to acquire a trade. of the Jesuits in England, and Owen had horses at the ready this day because his service to ‘Little John’, as he was called, entered his service. This decision at Spitalfields so that Gerard, the Church of his time made it rather than be apprenticed to to ‘relieve, comfort, aid [and] having shinned down the Tower essential that he operate out of a carpenter as his father had maintain’ a Jesuit meant that, and been rowed up the Thames, sight. He was there to arrange, been, opted to train as a joiner. were he captured, Nicholas would could ride to safety in Uxbridge to support, to build places of He might well be suggested as face certain execution as a traitor. one October morning in 1597. refuge so that others were able to the patron saint of those whose On the first occasion he was Owen was not just an ingenious celebrate the sacraments, preach life dreams never quite worked caught, in 1594, sent to prison craftsman. and transmit the Catholic faith. out the way they wished. Or in Cheapside and tortured, the He was very resourceful, His steadfastness, his quiet, the patron saint of those who civil authorities thought he of good cheer, and utterly unseen diligence and his personal discover hidden talents and apply was a mere servant and, once a trustworthy. He was a man of integrity make Nicholas Owen them to the highest level of skill ransom was paid, he was released. deep faith. His body had begun a sterling example of faith and and commitment. This makes This experience must have lent to feel the burden of the years virtuous living and a truly Owen’s vocation exceptional, at renewed urgency to Owen’s when, in 1599, his horse fell on appropriate patron saint for least in my view. construction work. The better him, causing such injuries to his Hagley Catholic High School, In 1588 Nicholas Owen met the hiding holes he could create, leg that, having been broken, it Worcestershire.

14 The Sower Pentecost 2021 Shining spotlight on a vital resource for faith teachers

ICT Controller Dr Tony Brown pictured in the Drinkwater Library at Maryvale taking part in the first session of the virtual conference.

virtual conference included Archbishop Bernard calls each believer to focus on organised by Maryvale Longley, Bishop David Evans their relationship with the Lord A Institute shone a and Archbishop Rino Fisichella, and asks us all to be creative in spotlight on the new Directory President of the Pontifical finding new ways to proclaim for Catechesis and its value for Council for the Promotion of Christ in our own day and age. faith teachers and evangelists. the New Evangelisation. “The Directory reminds us A variety of expert speakers For Deacon Dr Harry that this is a journey that we from the UK and around the Schnitker, Director of the take together, so a conference world explored the document Pastoral Theology Centre, who where we listen and share which is a vital resource for chaired the final session, the together is a good way to model all engaged in the Catholic Directory identifies the key what the Directory asks of us,” Church’s work of proclaiming challenge of the global Church, he said. the Gospel. the need to identify the wide Dr Tamra Fromm, Instructor The Directory, published range of cultures to which it at the Catholic Bible School of Deacon Dr Harry Schnitker. in March 2020, is set in the preaches the Gospel. Michigan, who spoke in the context of Pope Francis’ “With our speakers and second session on her specialist ‘Evangelii Gaudium’ which sets respondents coming from subject of Evangelisation of the out clearly that Evangelisation England, Kenya, the US, India, Digital Continent, describes is the task of the Church. Lithuania, Holland and Belgium the main focus of the Directory The conference took place we set out to examine the as the ever-deepening link across four sessions over three underlying philosophy for between catechesis and months, focusing on different catechesis and the challenges evangelisation. aspects of the Directory and of catechesis in totally different “The Directory champions examining how it sets out environments and cultures,” for groups of people who have essential elements in teaching he said. perhaps been more on the and personal formation For Fr Jan Nowotnik, Director peripheries in the past in terms required by the mission of of Mission and National of catechesis,” she said. catechesis. Ecumenical Officer at the “The catechist is called to be The themes of the first Catholic Bishops’ Conference less of a teacher or expert and Dr Tamra Fromm. three sessions were: “Dynamic of England and Wales, who more of a witness to the faith, Continuity: the purpose and spoke at the second session showing forth God’s mercy, and distinctive emphases of the about the vocation of being a using dialogue as a means of new Directory,” “Key Emphases/ catechist, the new Directory proclaiming the Gospel.” Foci of the new Directory” and “Growing in Faith: A Lifelong journey of Catechesis,” while a final academic session was The Directory reminds us that this hosted by the St John Henry is a journey that we take together, so a Newman Centre for Pastoral Theology at Maryvale. conference where we listen and share The conference was open together is a good way to model that. to curia, bishops, priests and deacons, religious and lay Father Jan Nowotnik Father Jan Nowotnik. people and keynote speakers Mazur of the Catholic Photo courtesy of Marcin of England and Wales. Bishops’ Conference

Pentecost 2021 The Sower 15 Continuing a series of regular features, The Sower asks the same questions of people connected to Father Craig Szmidt, parish priest at St Christopher FOUR the Archdiocese. Here, we put the questions in Codsall and St Thomas of Canterbury in to four priests and their mums. Tettenhall, and his mum Susan Szmidt whose parish of a kind is St Wulstan in Wolstanton, Staffordshire.

Father Marco Egawhary, Assistant Parish Priest at Susan, can you tell me a little bit about your Matt Corrigan, our Parish Priest Holy Trinity, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Sacred Heart, background and family as well as the role the at the time, was a great support Catholic faith has played in your life? and encouraged him in his Silverdale, and his mum Clemencia whose parish is St Born to Leonard and Amy in 1953, I was involvement. It is also important to Thomas More in Kidlington. Baptised in the but mention the dozens of supportive converted to Catholicism in 1976. I suppose parishioners who were following his head. An example of this was when he Clemencia, can you tell me a little bit about your When did you first find out that your I was drawn to the Catholic faith because his journey in faith. was asked to be a deacon at Cofton Park for background and family as well as the role the son had received the calling to be a Edwin, my future husband, was already a When did you first find out that your son had the Papal visit of Pope Benedict in September Catholic faith has played in your life? priest and how did you feel about that? practising Catholic and we attended Holy received the calling to be a priest and how did 2010. I grew up in Colombia and my parents were I found out when Marco finished his Mass together. you feel about that? Fr Craig, what is the best piece of advice your both Catholic (I also have five siblings). I went first degree in Biology. I advised him To obtain a greater understanding of After finishing university, Craig had mum has given to you and how have you to a primary and secondary Catholic school to continue with another career and what it meant to be a Catholic we both had apparently been speaking to our then Parish employed that in your day-to-day duties? run by nuns (Las Hermanas Rosaristas). see if after that he still felt the calling the pleasure of attending several weeks of Priest, Father Anthony Dykes, about his sense Since the day that I had the difficult The Catholic faith taught me morals and to be a priest. When he went on to instruction with Sister Patrick, one of the of vocation. conversation with my parents about the principles (which I also learnt from my parents study Medicine I was proud that he Fr Marco, what is the best piece of advice your parish sisters. We believe his sister, Karen, was the possibility that God might be calling me of course). Religion for me has always been a would be a doctor, but when he told me that mum has given to you and how have you Looking back, what influence do you think you first member of the family he confided in to the Sacred Priesthood, they have been guideline for making any decision. Of course he would not continue to practice I felt a bit employed that in your day-to-day duties? had on developing and deepening your son’s regarding his sense of calling. Maybe he was so incredibly supportive. I remember my we make mistakes but at least with the sad at first. But I’m happy for Marco because it My mother has always encouraged me to be faith? testing the water temperature, but we can’t mum telling me that they would support Catholic faith I have had a great guide to live is what he wants to do and it is his choice and faithful to the truth and open and faithful to Being part of the Catholic community it was imagine why. me whatever I decided to do. This was a real by. his life. the Gospel, never changing the Gospel out of only natural that we should wish Craig to Shortly afterwards he spoke to me and I joy to hear, and a great comfort, particularly Looking back, what influence do you think you What attributes do you think your son brings to convenience to myself or others. I have tried attend the local Catholic nursery, primary and told him I was not surprised in the least. I feel when things are difficult. On the day of my had on developing and deepening your son’s the role that help him perform his duties? to apply that by being faithful to the Church’s later secondary schools. I feel that the schools very privileged to have a son who always puts Ordination, after my hands had been anointed faith? Marco is conscientious, responsible, dedicated teachings, even if the message is sometimes and attendance at Holy Mass deepened his others before himself. with the Oil of Chrism by the Archbishop, I made sure that Marco was baptised, had first and hard-working, he has always been a good difficult and I would rather preach an “easier” faith. He began serving on the altar after his What attributes do you think your son brings to I wiped them on a special cloth called a Holy Communion and was Confirmed. I also student. He organises his day to make the Gospel! But I think the best lesson my mother First Holy Communion and was MC when he the role that help him perform his duties? maniturgium. At my First Mass I presented taught Marco how to pray the Our Father, the most out of it, not to waste time. I think a has taught me has been by her example as a started his priestly training. In today’s society, being a priest, it is certainly this cloth to my mum as a joyful sign that she Hail Mary and the Glory Be and I taught Marco priest needs to have these qualities to be loyal deeply-loving, caring mother who is willing He even developed his role in the parish in not an easy vocation. He has a vast range of has given her son as a Priest of Jesus Christ. to pray at night before going to bed. to what he has learnt in seminary and to help to make any sacrifice for the sake of my sister a number of ways: giving talks to the parish skills at his fingertips: patience, being a good I am truly thankful to God for my mum and carry out all their duties. and me. primary school children, instructing new altar communicator, the ability to cope under dad, and their immense support and guidance servers and preparing older servers for their extreme pressure and problem solving. He that they have always to offer to me so freely. St Stephen’s medals when appropriate. is caring and always puts others before I will always remember them both, along with Father Chris Yule, parish priest at Christ the King in Throughout this period, Canon himself. He does not let things go to all of my family, at the Altar each day. Coventry, and his mum Christine Yule whose parish is the Holy Name of Jesus, in Great Barr, Birmingham. Father Paul Smith, Parish Priest at St Mary’s, Looking back, what influence do and inclusion unit manager in an inner Brewood, and his mother you think you had on developing city high school taught him a lot about the Josephine Smith and deepening your son’s faith? difficulties that many families face and this has whose parish is St Ambrose Barlow in Hall We had Christopher baptised into been a help to him in his parish work. Green in Birmingham. our Catholic faith when he was He is a good communicator and is very a baby and he attended Catholic caring and willing to help people. Most of my activities delighted of course, but a bit apprehensive. schools. He has had problems with his health in revolved around the parish It’s such a big step and priests need a lot of We attended Mass every Sunday the last couple of years, even during the most – junior Legion of Mary, prayers. and holy days as a family. I tried difficult times, he looked on this as a blessing Young Christian Workers, What attributes do you think your son brings to to teach him the importance of as it made him better able to help others. He the parish youth club, the role that help him perform his duties? Christine, can you tell me a little bit about praying every day and receiving has a good sense of humour (except when his church choirs and then the A friendly, caring disposition. the sacraments regularly. Catholic Women’s League. your background and family as well as the beloved Aston Villa lose). Fr Paul, what is the best piece of advice your role the Catholic faith has played in your life? When did you first find out that your son had Fr Chris, what is the best piece of advice your Looking back, what mum has given to you and how have you I have lived in Birmingham most of my life. received the calling to be a priest and how did mum has given to you and how have you influence do you think you employed that in your day-to-day duties? My husband Bob and I have been married you feel about that? employed that in your day-to-day duties? had on developing and It’s hard to pin-point one piece of advice from since October 1971. We have a daughter, Christopher was only three when he I have been given many pieces of advice over Josephine, can you tell me a little bit about deepening your son’s faith? my mum. Overall, if I meet any challenges Fiona, and another son, David, both older than announced his vocation to us. (He said he was the years, though mum is adamant I only your background and family as well as the role Difficult to say – we sent our children to in my priestly ministry I’m inspired by Christopher. I’m now retired but was a nurse going to be a bishop when he grew up). We follow them when I think they are my own the Catholic faith has played in your life? Catholic schools and took it for granted they her selfless vocation as a mother to seven all my working life. thought at first it was just a childish notion but idea! I come from a working class background but would attend Mass etc. My husband probably children; especially after the death of our dad My Catholic faith was given to my brother we came to realise that he did have a vocation. But I think the best is to believe in myself. we were encouraged to be ambitious and was more influential. while some of us were still quite young. She and myself by our mother. It has always been I prayed that God would give him all the help Mum’s advice reminds me that God has make the most of our talents. When did you first find out that your son had has also given a lot to her local community. a very important part of my life. I always know he would need on his journey. called me to my vocation as a priest and so My parents were always practising Catholics received the calling to be a priest and how did As a child I was often in trouble and one that my loving God is there when I need What attributes do you think your son brings to he has given me everything I need to meet and apart from when we were evacuated; you feel about that? piece of my mum’s advice I’ll try not to follow guidance and support and I know I can always the role that help him perform his duties? the demands of parish ministry, and so, yes, I I went to Catholic schools and a Catholic I think about the year 2000, not long before is when she’d say: “Find out what Paul’s doing rely on His love. His experiences working as a learning mentor should do as mum advises me! college. he went to St Mary’s College, Oscott. I was and tell him to stop it!”

16 The Sower Pentecost 2021 Pentecost 2021 The Sower 17 Advanced Clinical Practitioner Kathryn Hewitt has A Parable been redeployed to the ICU frontline at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, during the COVID-19 pandemic. for our time Here, she looks at the relevance of the Parable of the Mustard Seed to healthcare workers. Support for each other is lesson we will all take from the pandemic

N early 2020, the UK was test of professional introduced to a deadly resilience, has I virus, continually pushing opened the door to the NHS and its workers to new conversations, unimaginable limits. new opinions and To date, over 450,000 people new opportunities have been hospitalised with for modern-day Kathryn pictured right, with a colleague in frontline PPE, and also inset. COVID-19 in the UK, placing evangelisation. NHS workers in unfamiliar and The opportunity scary situations. to display the How can I describe the Kingdom Every member of the teaching of Jesus in every day multidisciplinary team, from work, to remember and practice of God? It is like a tiny mustard seed. consultants to cleaners, united the vocation given by God. Though this is one of the smallest of to face the greatest threat to The pandemic has emphasised mankind in our lifetime. In that a job in healthcare is seeds, it grows to become one of the the NHS, in normal times, the much more than a job and has largest of plants, with large branches emphasis is on providing ‘Gold highlighted the importance of Standard’ care for its patients; holism on a human level. where birds can come and find shelter. staff have been humbled by Healthcare workers have had providing basic but life-preserving to not only act as the professional, Mark 4:30-32 care for patients. preserving life, but have also had In this parable, Jesus likens the to take on the role of friends and pandemic. Communicating with parables and Word of God to Kingdom of God to the growth family to patients unable to see family and friends to ensure their ordinary people in everyday witnessed from a mustard seed. their own. needs are met as well as they can circumstances. Here, God is The Kingdom of God started To be the cheerful, familiar be, utilising prayer, music and speaking through each and every small, with Jesus and the disciples face beneath layers of PPE, the meditation to help patients and one of us to not only provide and it, like the mustard seed, optimist when in need of a lift, the relatives through their darkest support for patients and their grew across the world, providing cheerleader when rehabilitating, moments. families, but to support each shelter and comfort to unlimited the shoulder to cry on when things Furthermore, the Kingdom other, a lesson healthcare workers numbers of followers. are hard and the hand to hold of God has encompassed and will undoubtedly take forward In a similar way, in this when they can fight no more. united healthcare workers across in their continuing practice. It is pandemic, the NHS can be Within this parable, Jesus is the world, providing comfort, important for us to remember that likened to the mustard plant, teaching that the Kingdom of God support and belief in a time of often, God is doing something big acting as a refuge and shelter for will grow to include all nations hopelessness. This is witnessed in moments that seem small. those inflicted by the virus. and not just God’s chosen people. through the acts of the healthcare Through the acts of healthcare The provision of holistic care workers, no matter their belief, n Kathryn would like to workers in the ongoing pandemic, for patients, encompassing their united together through acts of acknowledge the support of her the Kingdom of God grows. faith and belief, particularly at God; love, kindness, prayer, and sister Samantha Ash, an RE Redeployment to new areas the end of life, has been one of the need to support and be there teacher, who helped her develop and working with new teams, the greatest privileges of working for one another. the theological link running although scary and a definite on the frontline within the Jesus chose to teach the through the article.

18 The Sower Pentecost 2021 A NEW HOME: Father Kevin O’Rourke SJ, left, and Father Simon Bishop EMBERS of the Jesuit SJ, right, at the entrance to community have been Oscott College. M welcomed into a temporary residence at St Mary’s College, Oscott. Four novices and five priests from Manresa House, the novitiate home in Harborne, Birmingham, are enjoying a 20-month stay while their building is being upgraded and extended. The unusual circumstances are mutually beneficial since there are occasional opportunities to meet and strike up friendships informally. At the same time, two of the Jesuit fathers are taking the opportunity to contribute to the Oscott formation programme and one gave a day of recollection at the beginning of Lent. “For Jesuits to form parish priests these days is unusual – as it is for the seminarians to have the Jesuits living with them – and we are being enriched by the experience,” said Father Paul Keane, Acting Rector of Oscott College. “Though we are quite separate, for us it is a great blessing, simply knowing they are in the house. “Both groups can chat in the cloister and novices have been working in the grounds with the maintenance team Extending a very during their formation. “We get on very well and there has been great harmony. Great care and sensitivity has been shown by both warm welcome... communities to each other.” The members of the Jesuit Novitiate (“place where novices are trained”), who Jesuits move to Oscott College are of British, Dutch, Irish and Czech heritage, were invited to relocate to while Manresa House is upgraded Oscott in summer last year. Their stay will last until the completion of works at Manresa House which include the building of a residential wing, library, new chapel, guest wing, We get on very well kitchen and dining room. and there has been great At Oscott the novitiate occupies a separate accommodation wing, dining harmony. Great care and room, oratory and library/classroom. sensitivity have been shown “We feel very much at home here and are most grateful for the warm by both communities welcome we have received,” said to each other. Father Kevin O’Rourke SJ. “The formation programme for Father Paul Keane novices continues largely as if the novitiate were still at Harborne, with its rhythm of prayer, liturgy, study, Our sense of being together in the universal apostolic placements, housekeeping and Church is strengthened all round.” work in the grounds. Manresa House is in normal circumstances “There are benefits for both Jesuits the place where applicants to join the Society and the Oscott community: it gives us an of Jesus (Jesuits) spend the first two years opportunity to know staff and seminarians in of their formation as novices. It is the home a way that would not usually happen. of the novitiate for the Provinces of Britain, “There are formal and informal occasions Ireland, the Netherlands and North Belgium. when we are together for meals, prayer and n A new Rector has been appointed at social occasions. Friendships are formed St Mary’s College, Oscott. Father Michael Above, the statue of Our Lady outside the which, God willing, will last into the future. Dolman will take up his role on 1 July. private quarters of the Jesuits at the College.

Pentecost 2021 The Sower 19 June Power, a close friend of Father Curtin, with a scrapbook documenting his pools win. Pools jackpot generosity helped support football disaster fund

HE 50th anniversary of the tragedy the 1971 Ibrox football in Glasgow T disaster caused many that made the parishioners in Walsall to recall a headlines. remarkable act of generosity by The disaster their priest at the time. happened on “He was a “The only money he spent on Football-loving Fr James Curtin January 2, 1971, great man, the himself out of his winnings was landed a £109,000 win on the when 66 people most humble for a Mini.” pools on the same weekend that were killed person I have Fr Curtin, who has now sadly hundreds of Celtic and Glasgow and more than ever known,” passed away, was appointed priest Rangers fans were caught up in a 200 injured as said Tony to a newly-formed parish for the horrific crowd crush. supporters tried Bradbury, 79, Coalpool and Harden area in His eight score draws included to leave the former head 1958. At first he used a school or the 1-1 result in the fateful Old stadium. teacher at St library for Sunday Mass but by Firm game – so he decided to The crush Thomas of his untiring efforts – including donate a big part of his windfall to on the exit Canterbury raising cash through a football the disaster fund. stairway at Primary School tote - funding was raised to build Parishioners of St Thomas of Ibrox Park who knew the the present church on Dartmouth Canterbury still talk about Irish- happened as parish priest Avenue. “Fr Curtin never thought born Fr Curtin’s selfless act which thousands of well. about himself,” said parishioner was widely reported in the media. people were leaving the “His donation June Power, 78. “Everybody loved As well as giving £25,000 to ground at the end of the to the Ibrox him, and we were all amazed the Ibrox fund he donated most match, which culminated in fund was a at what he decided to do with of the rest of the money to the a last-minute equaliser. typical gesture, his winnings. I remember that church and charities including Because the score draw you could have once he was visiting a hospital cash for a football pitch in his was the last on his coupon predicted that and a woman called him over to home village in County Kerry and effectively secured his pools was what he would do. He was tell him she couldn’t go home where he played the game as a win, Fr Curtin felt strongly that compassionate, hard-working because her electricity had been boy. he had to respond to the tragedy and wise – a selfless person who cut off. He went and paid her bill But it was his response to in some way. served God. for her.” Third Day of Reflection held by Women of the Diocese

REFLECTIONS on the global pandemic of the storm” and including a clip from homeless and the successful UK vaccination formed a central theme of a virtual Day The Shack, the 2017 American Christian programme. The meeting closed with a look of Recollection held by the Women of the drama film. The attendees then shared forward to the future, “trading sorrows for Diocese group on Saturday, March 20. their journeys through the Covid crisis, joys” and with a call to mission. Online attendees came from the highlighting the positives and negatives of Jo described Jesus preparing His disciples Archdiocese and across the UK, with singer- the experience. for their mission and then asked the songwriter Jo Boyce hosting the proceedings. On the minus side were fear, sense of participants if they were also prepared to It’s the third formal occasion on which isolation, separation from family and friends, “get out of the boat” and take on their own the group, formed in 2015 following the the lack of human touch, the exposure of mission. The Women of the Diocese Group Proclaim 15 National Evangelisation Event, inequality in society, and the increase in was set up for women in the Archdiocese has come together to be inspired and affirm domestic violence and mental health issues. who are committed to living out the Gospel each others’ good works. Positives included a slower pace of life, in their homes, parishes and workplaces. Jo, who is the co-founder of CJM, a quietness, appreciation of nature, the Members support, encourage and uphold UK-based Catholic music ministry, led the acknowledgement of the value of key one another and share best practice. To find participants on a journey from Job to the workers – such as carers, bin collectors and out more about the group, email: Synoptic Gospels telling of the “calming bus and train drivers – the housing of the [email protected]

20 The Sower Pentecost 2021 During the Coronavirus pandemic, prison chaplains have had to look at alternative and innovative ways to be there for residents. Here, Deacon Bob Charles gives an insight into how collaborative working has helped him achieve that goal…

Ingenuity required to help provide SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

The pandemic has RISON chaplains are currently facing hold for safety reasons and all religious classes tough challenges in their vital role have been cancelled. put a strain on our P of offering spiritual support to those The postponement is unfortunate because ministry that has had who are behind bars. residents who may have been bereaved or During normal times they find themselves deprived of family visits find themselves more to involve ingenuity, variously comforters, pastors, teachers, than ever in need of spiritual support. patience and team work counsellors, advisors, administrators and However Deacon Bob is supplying the confidants. Catholic residents with printed literature from many directions. But the Covid-19 pandemic has placed including Mass sheets when he makes his restrictions on worship and social gatherings regular tour of the cells. on prison premises and chaplains are having He is also providing pastoral care to Deacon Bob Charles to be ingenious in finding other ways to be residents who have lost loved ones and helping there for residents. them to resolve crisis situations arising from the have always been important but never so For Deacon Bob Charles, who works as Covid-19 crisis. much as in the pandemic. chaplain for 20 hours a week at Swinfen “The pandemic has put a strain on our “Of course all of the pastoral work cannot Hall in Staffordshire, the prison’s culture ministry that has had to involve ingenuity, be done as an individual, especially in a multi- of collaborative ministry is crucial to his patience and team work from many faith environment such as a prison. endeavours. directions,” said Bob, who is based at St John “The culture at Swinfen is one where the He works alongside two Imams and an the Baptist church in Tamworth. true sense of collaborative ministry is realised Anglican chaplain at the jail and he knows “We have not had a religious service since and where the focus is on the person and not he can rely on them to help him ensure an last March and that is just one of the changes on the person’s belief. accessible chaplaincy service at all times. that the residents have had to adapt to. “Our common goal is focused on service The Saturday morning Masses which are “Our walking on the prison wings and and well-being and our triumphs and short usually held at Swinfen have been put on personal contact by knocking on cell doors falls are experienced as a collective.” As the Catholic chaplain, Bob serves mainly Catholic residents but he and his colleagues provide pastoral care for all, irrespective of Take part in Covid-19 survey faith or tradition. By working in a multi-faith context he PARISHIONERS are being the Church has responded. believes he is acting in the spirit of Pope encouraged to share their faith The survey, which takes around 10 Francis’ encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’, which calls journeys and experiences during the minutes to complete, can be accessed for more human fraternity and solidarity. Covid-19 crisis. from: birminghamdiocese.org.uk/ Bob’s regular duties include giving They have been invited to complete c19survey alongside a personal chaplaincy induction for every new arrival, an online survey, which will help message from Archbishop Bernard. visiting residents in the segregation unit daily, discover what effect the pandemic n The deadline for submissions is and supporting the prison staff and their has had on local Catholics and how Sunday 4 July. families.

Pentecost 2021 The Sower 21 Code change promotes equality and provides new

Readers Anthony Hunt and Linda Stokes opportunities at the lectern of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Hednesford.

N experienced liturgical advisor is to take root in the Church and enrich commit themselves to these ministries on a welcoming Pope Francis’s change liturgical life. permanent basis. A to the Code of Canon Law which Fr Allen Morris, who is to serve on “However – for one reason and another enhances the status of lay readers and the newly-formed Birmingham Liturgy – until now Church law permitted only lay altar servers. Commission and was formerly Chair of men to be instituted. Bishops held back on Over many years, following the reforms the Liturgy Commission in the Diocese of instituting even suitable lay men to this of the Liturgy in the light of the Second Westminster, indicates that the canonical ministry because in the meantime it was seen Vatican Council, both men and women have change is likely to strengthen the formation that it was a ministry that could be equally been welcomed by the Church to proclaim of lay people undertaking the role of reader well exercised by men and women. the Word of God or assist in the distribution and acolyte. “Generally, the only exception made was for of Holy Communion during liturgical “This change in canon law means that those men who were preparing for ordination celebrations. formation will be provided for a potentially as deacon or priest who were required to However these lay volunteers have usually life-long service to the Liturgy of the Church, receive first these instituted ministries. been serving in a temporary capacity rather not only enabling ministers to build on the “So a stand was taken against inappropriate than performing instituted ministries, with skills and abilities and understanding that discrimination, but the opportunity to allow only lay men being instituted and only if they they are already likely to have, but also these ministries to take root in the Church were preparing for ordination. providing a trained and committed resource and enrich our liturgical life was rather lost.” Now Pope Francis, in a ‘Motu Proprio’ (a to help develop and extend that ministry Fr Allen, a priest of the Diocese of document issued on his own initiative), has amongst others,” he said. Westminster, and presently serving as parish proclaimed that the ministries of lector and “The intention of the Church after priest at St Nicholas Church, Boldmere, acolyte will be open to men and women. Vatican II was to introduce the ministries looks forward to the time when he will be As well as promoting equality, the ruling of lector and acolyte as instituted ministries discussing the implementation of the change provides the opportunity for the ministries exercised by lay people who would train and with his colleagues on the commission. Celebrating culture and faith

CATHOLICS are taking part in the is to be launched later in the celebrations for Coventry, UK City of year as part of the festival Culture 2021. and which will involve a The city’s year of culture starts faith trail. “We are happy on May 15, with an official launch to be part of the City of event, Coventry Moves, planned Culture celebrations,” said for June 5. Already Coventry Canon Tom Farrell, of parishioners have created stained Christ the King Church. glass artwork for their house “It’s a good opportunity windows, as part of Window to open up our churches and Wanderland where people are see them as representing the being encouraged to light up culture and history of the city.” their streetviews to create n See associated story on page 8. attractive walking trails. The 16 Catholic churches in the city are looking forward to participating in a faith- Canon Tom Farrell pictured at his church, Christ The King, in Coventry, themed initiative which which will be taking part in the Coventry UK City of Culture celebrations.

22 The Sower Pentecost 2021 Setting a shining example through key partnership

ARTNERSHIP working organisations?’ is an important part “I will pass on information P of the Archdiocese’s to our groups, often on a ‘just commitment to be present checking’ basis in case they have in the modern world – and not already heard; everyone Father relations with the West Midlands is encouraged to look at the Nicholas Combined Authority are a shining website! Contact will then be Latham example. made with whoever is heading pictured at his home. The WMCA, which consists of the scheme in the WMCA to seven local authorities and three tell them of our interest and Local Enterprise Partnerships, expertise.” works collaboratively to deliver its Father Nicholas maintains vision of a more prosperous West regular contact with the Midlands. Authority’s Policy Advisor (Faith The Archdiocese began liaising and Communities) who works with the Authority in 2017 when with its Chair, the Mayor of the contact with various other local “Cardinal Vincent Nichols sums Birmingham-based Fr Nicholas West Midlands. authority officials and he takes it up in his book Faith Finding a Latham was asked by Archbishop The Mayor launched a Faith part in webinars and Zoom Voice: we ‘should know that Christ Bernard to take a bridge-building Action Plan in 2018 to enable meetings as well as a monthly must be at the centre of any role. Father Nicholas keeps a strong interaction between ‘Faith Conference Call’ with the statements or pronouncements watching brief on its policies his office, the West Midlands Mayor in attendance. that we make. and outcomes – and flags up Combined Authority and the During the online sessions “We should present the areas where the Church can region’s faith groups. Father Nicholas takes the Christian message with love become involved to his Diocesan Facilitation work by Fr Nicholas opportunity of voicing the and in a spirit of openness in colleagues. has led to Diocesan involvement Catholic point of view and order that all humanity might “The Authority’s webpage, with the Homelessness Task presenting the Christian message experience justice and peace and www.wmca.org.uk, is my first Force, input by the Catenian where possible. the love of Christ’.” source of daily information,” he Association into the Mayor’s “We are not setting out to Until 2014 Father Nicholas said. “When I see or hear of work Mentors project supporting young proselytise, but to share the Good was parish priest of Our Lady of being initiated by the WMCA, people and the first steps towards News,” he said. “One should give Perpetual Succour, Birmingham, my first questions are, ‘Can we becoming a member of the Living an opinion which includes what and he is a former Catholic help here? Does this overlap Wage Foundation. Jesus or God has said or done in Chaplain to the University of with the Church and its many Father Nicholas also has the Bible. Birmingham. Visitors invited to take virtual tour of St Chad’s Cathedral

PEOPLE can now take a 360 degree also responsible for the Palaces of in the Popemobile when Pope Benedict virtual tour of St Chad’s Cathedral Westminster and the iconic clock tower visited Birmingham in 2010. in Birmingham. of Big Ben. Once visitors virtually enter the For the first time, visitors can The new virtual tour is suitable doors they can explore every aspect of explore online this hidden jewel for all ages and is packed full of the cathedral, including the organ loft, on the edge of the city’s Jewellery information. crypt and side altars. Quarter and uncover all its Those preparing to begin the tour Cathedral guides Maureen Dadd, fascinating history. can watch welcome videos from Angela Blackwood and Barbara Peel St Chad’s was the first Catholic Archbishop Bernard Longley and talk about each and every aspect on Cathedral erected in Great the three Area Bishops: David Evans, the virtual tour. Britain in 1841 following the William Kenny and Stephen Wright. The photography was done by Jack of the 16th Among the many fascinating Gutteridge from Lightyear Productions Century. insights, Archbishop Bernard recalls and the tour features organ music It was designed by the his First Holy Communion (with a by Professor David Saint, cathedral great Gothic Revivalist particular memory of the breakfast Organist and Director of Music. Augustus Welby afterwards of cake, jelly and ice cream!) To access the tour visit: Pugin, who was and reveals what it was like to travel stchadscathedral.org.uk

Pentecost 2021 The Sower 23 For editorial enquiries about The Sower, please contact our publisher on 01782 829850 or email [email protected] – the next issue is at Advent. The Sower is produced in conjunction with the Archdiocese Communications Team.

‘One Heart, One Spirit’

motto resonates with THE SPIRITANS FAMILY: Pictured at Holy Cross Church, West Bromwich are, left to right, Fr Fabian Adindu, Fr Stan Nwanunobi, Fr Josephat Ezeanolue, Fr John Baptist Holy Ghost Fathers Baalaboore, Fr Damian Ozokwere. and Fr Eduardo Ushe.

ENTECOST has a special meaning Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Fr John and Obedience, and a life of fraternal and for seven evangelising members Baptist Baalaboore C.S.Sp., Parish Priest of St praying community. The Spiritans in the P of a Catholic Religious Missionary Patrick’s Church, Birmingham and Chaplain West Midlands typify the Congregation’s Congregation who are based at churches of the Birmingham City Hospital, Fr Damian international and missionary flavour. across the Archdiocese. Ozokwere C.S.Sp., Regional Secretary of the Fr Ezeanolue said: “When I started the They belong to the British Province of Spiritans, Midlands Region, and the Parish journey to the missionary priesthood, the the Spiritans family, otherwise known as the Priest of St Philip Neri Church, Smethwick choice for me was between being a Holy Ghost Congregation of the Holy Spirit under the as well as the Chaplain of the West Indian Father or none. The life of witness by the Irish protection of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Catholic Chaplaincy Aston, and Fr Stanislaus ‘Holy Ghost Fathers’ in Igbo land, Nigeria, which was founded in Paris on Pentecost Chukwube C.S.Sp., Parish Priest of Sacred must have been responsible for this.” Sunday 1703. Thus, Pentecost Feast is the Heart Church, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent. Fr Adindu said: “In joining the Congregation Patronal Feast of the Congregation. Inspired by the charisms of their Founder, I desired to be like the Irish Spiritan Their motto, “One Heart, One Spirit,” Claude Poullart des Places, a noble Frenchman missionaries who literally sustained my people remains profoundly significant for more than who turned his back on a career as a lawyer during the Nigeria-Biafra War.” 3,000 Professed Members and Lay Associates to become a priest and help the poor, and Fr Ushe said: “I read about the Spiritans carrying out their mission globally. Venerable Francis Mary Paul Libermann, all in the Catholic Ordo and I was attracted by The members of the Congregation who are of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (as their simplicity.” Fr Nwanunobi added: “I based in the Archdiocese meet about three they are also popularly known) adhere to the provide support to often struggling families, times a year – though during the pandemic “apostolic life,” the life of love and of holiness accompanying ethnic minorities and fostering they have had only one virtual meeting, lived by Jesus Christ. a sense of identity and nourishing them with with their British Provincial Leadership Team Their consecration includes the the Word and sacraments.” led by Fr Kenneth Okoli C.S.Sp. resident in proclamation of the Good News, the practice Fr Baalaboore said: “I joined the Spiritans Manchester. of the evangelical counsels of Poverty, Chastity because I was attracted to their spirit of They are Fr Josephat Ezeanolue C.S.Sp., community life, openness, sharing and prayer. Regional Superior of the Spiritans, Midlands It was like family life away from my family.” Region and the Parish Priest of St Michael’s I joined the Fr Ozokwere said: “My admiration and and the Holy Angels Church, West Bromwich, Spiritans because I inspiration to join the Spiritans started when I Fr Fabian Adindu C.S.Sp., Provincial Secretary ‘‘ was an altar server in our parish administered of the Spiritans, British Province and the Parish was attracted to their by the Spiritan Missionaries. They attracted Priest of St Mary and St Modwen Church, spirit, openness, sharing my attention by their love and zealousness to Burton-upon-Trent, Fr Eduardo Ushe C.S.Sp., reach out to all – hence, I decided to apply to the Assistant Parish Priest at St Mary and St and prayer... it was like them after my high school.” Modwen Church, Burton-upon-Trent, Fr Stan family life away Fr Chukwube added: “My studies in Nwanunobi C.S.Sp., Parish Priest of Holy religious education and my teaching Cross Church, West Bromwich, Chaplain, from my family. experience in the Spiritan School of Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy, West Midlands Philosophy, Isienu, Nigeria, are a great help to and also Chaplain, Sandwell and West Fr John Baptist Baalaboore’’ me in my parish pastoral work.”

24 The Sower Pentecost 2021