Issue 252 December 2017

TAKE THE WAITING OUT OF WANTING - A MEDITATION FOR

By Helping to help the helpless…the true spirit of as ignored by a dreadful advertising ploy he shops have been Tdecked for Christmas for over a month now. The TV Christmas advertisements have been bringing tears to the eyes over the same period of time. Although it hasn’t yet been announced if Tesco’s or Lidl’s or Waitrose or Sainsbury’s have won the “competition” for the most What was their intention then? To show a total disregard and disrespect for one of the deepest mysteries of our faith? And replacing a Jewish child in the crib with a pork sausage roll? How much did Greggs pay their advertising executives for that particular insight? An opinion poll run by attracted more than 3000 votes, two thirds of them declaring the image offensive. No Greggs mince pies for me this year! “You keep us waiting. You,the God of all time We need Christian virtue of hope Want us to wait So here we are at the beginning of Advent. It is For the right time in which to discover a season of ‘Watching’ and Waiting’ ‘Hoping’ Who we are,where we must go, and ‘Seeing’ but, above all, of ‘Believing’. Who will be with us, and what we must do”. These themes are repeated time and again in (Iona Community Worship Book) our prayers and hymns during this beautiful time as we make our own the extraordinary The great spiritual writer W.H. Vanstone prophecies of Isaiah – not least “...the people spoke powerfully on the subject of “The God who walk in darkness have seen a great light”. who waits”. He writes that God himself has (Isaiah 9:2) chosen to wait on us, to be a receiver of our The world seems pretty dark at present and attention, to place Himself in our hands. But we needs the Christian virtue of hope more than have to be prepared to give time to the sights ever. It is no accident that we celebrate the and sounds and signs of God revealing birth of the “Sun of Justice” (Malachi 4:2) at the himself in the most unexpected ways, darkest time of the year. All this is made sometimes through the most unexpected possible through the response of Mary to the people. Looking beyond the message of the angel and her ‘pondering’ on immediate,searching deeper than the the word of God, her desire to ‘treasure’ these obvious,gracing each moment and every things and ‘store them up’ in her heart. action with a word of thanksgiving and praise. In this way “..the hopes and fears of all the Slick advertising message years are met in Thee tonight”. No other way. “Take the waiting out of wanting” is a The seasons of Advent, Christmas and contradiction of all that we try to do during offer the time and space to do these Advent as we “…wait in joyful hope for the things. They remind us of the words of T.S. coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ”. The slick Eliot who speaks of attentiveness to the love, advertising message tells us that waiting is a waiting to be surprised by the joy of God in waste of time and wanting is the ultimate these words: good. The Christian life teaches quite the I said to my soul be still, opposite. It teaches no time is wasted in which And without hope. God is served. For hope would be hope The service of God, our discovery of God For the wrong thing; afresh, in new ways, in the changed Wait without love. circumstances of this year, is the sanctification For love would be love of time. Purposeful expectation, seeing and For the wrong thing. hearing things anew, bringing the loving There is yet faith. revelation of God to bear on the life of each But the faith,and the love, and the hope person, different this year to what they were a Are all in the waiting. year ago. Another thought for Advent. See editorial- Page 3 2 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

ARCHBISHOP GEORGE’S THE CHRISTMAS TREE ENGAGEMENTS O Christmas Tree, O Christmas The critics will say the celebration and happiness as families Tree Christmas Tree is a 19th gather around it to open presents and How faithful are thy branches. century invention, brought from perhaps even sing carols. As usual, the Green not alone in summertime his native country to England by wonderful 20th century poet T.S. Eliot has DECEMBER But in the winter’s frost and Prince Albert, husband of something beautiful to say about the most rime. Queen Victoria. Whatever the traditional things. Here is what he says 2017 view, the Christmas Tree has about the Christmas Tree: (Ernst Anshutz) become the focus of THE CULTIVATION OF CHRISTMAS TREES Friday 1 Funeral of Sr. Mary Clare There are several attitudes towards Christmas, Much Birch 12.00 Some of which we may disregard: Saturday 2 Diaconate Ordination of Rev. Peter The social, the torpid,the patently commercial, Davies. St. Brigid’s 12.00 The rowdy (the pubs being open till midnight), And the childish –which is not that of the child Sunday 3 St. David’s Cathedral Lunch at The For whom the candle is a star; and the gilded Cornerstone 1.00 angel Monday 4 Meets Czech Ambassador Corpus Spreading its wings at the summit of the tree Christi School 10.30 Is not only a decoration, but an angel. Tuesday 5 Meeting of NFP team Archbishop’s The child wonders at the Christmas Tree: House 2.00 Let him continue in the spirit of wonder Wednesday 6 Meeting in Swansea 2.00 At the Feast as an event not accepted as a Friday 8 Mass for Diocesan Patronal Feast St. pretext; David’s Cathedral 7.00 So that the glittering rapture, the amazement Fund Raising Dinner for St. David’s Of the first remembered Christmas Tree, Cathedral at The Cornerstone 8.00 So that the surprised,delight in new Sunday 10 Meeting with Education Consultants possessions Archbishop’s House 6.00 (Each one with its peculiar and exciting smell), Monday 11 Schools Commission Meeting The expectation of goose or turkey. Archbishop’s House 10.00 And the expected awe on its appearance ICEL Executive Teleconference 12.00 So that reverence and gaiety Tuesday 12 Meeting with Newport St. May not be forgotten in later experience, Mary’s Stow Hill 7.00 In the bored habituation,the fatigue,the tedium, Thursday 14 Christmas Carol Service St. David’s The awareness of death, the consciousness of College 7.00 failure, Or in the piety of the convert Friday 15 Advent Day of Recollection Which may be tainted with a self conceit Sunday 17 Christmas Carol Service St. David’s Displeasing to God and disrespectful to Cathedral 3.00 children Tuesday 19 Christmas Carol Service St. Alban’s (And here I remember also with gratitude School Pontypool 2.00 St. Lucy, her carol, and her crown of fire): Friday 22 Senior Citizens Christmas Mass St. So that before the end, the eightieth Christmas David’s College 12.00 (By ‘eightieth’ meaning whichever is the last) Saturday 23 Christmas Mass Parc Prison The accumulated memories of annual Bridgend 9.00 emotion Sunday 24 “Midnight Mass” St. David’s May be concentrated into a great joy Cathedral 10.00 Which shall be also a great fear,as on the Monday 25 Christmas Mass Cardiff Prison 9.00 occasion Third Mass of Christmas St. David’s When fear comes upon every soul: Cathedral 11.00 The annual Christmas tree outside St Peter’s, in Rome. This year’s tree was a Because the beginning shall remind us of the spruce and a gift from Norway end And the first coming of the last coming.

ARCHDIOCESAN “The accumulated memories of annual DIARY OF EVENTS emotion”. Each one of us will have our own PUC accumulated memories, not least of our loved ones who have died and to whom we are S particularly close as we pray for them during this Christmas season. This year, the Christmas trees at St. David’s Cathedral will mark those accumulated memories in a special way, by hanging on them silver stars in PLEASE HELP AND SUPPORT BEL – Belmont Abbey – The Retreats Secretary - email: memory of those who have died. The names OUR WHITE FLOWER APPEALS [email protected] or tel: 07799 811 646. All retreats begin with Vespers of deceased loved ones will be written on at 6.00 pm – check-in at Hedley Lodge from mid afternoon each star, a light shining in the darkness of IN CATHOLIC CHURCHES LL – Ty Croeso Centre, Llantarnam Abbey, Cwmbran tel: 01633 867317 Christmas night. If you would like to be part of JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 PRC – Pastoral Resources Centre, 910 Newport Road, Rumney, Cardiff tel: 029 this commemoration, please write the name 20360044 you wish to be remembered and enclose it St.P – St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street, Cardiff CF24 3BA with an offering made out to “St. David’s December Cathedral” and addressed to the Dean, St. David’s Cathedral. Charles Street, Cardiff CF10 Saturday 2 Diaconate Ordination of Rev. Peter Davies, St Brigid’s, Cardiff, 1200 2SF. “SPUC defends life with love from Friday 8 Mass for Diocesan Patronal Feast, St David’s Cathedral, 7pm. conception to natural death Thursday 14 Christmas Carol Service, St David’s College, 7pm by educating all about the humanity Sunday 17 Christmas Carol Service St David’s Cathedral 3pm. Your Catholic People… of the unborn child and Tuesday 19 Christmas Carol Service, St Alban’s School, Pontypool 2pm. the true nature of abortion. Friday 22 Senior Citizens’ Christmas Mass St David’s College 1200. Editorial Dr James Campbell-Editor. Archbishop’s House, 43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HD Sunday 24 Offeren Nadolig yn Gymraeg - Vigil Mass for Christmas in Welsh. Further information about our work Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email: Contact Janet Thomas 029 20 512397 St Teilo’s, Whitchurch, Cardiff 4.30pm. . ‘O deuwch ac addolwn’. [email protected] and [email protected] Email [email protected] Croeso cynnes i bawb. No Mass in Welsh on 31 December but Articles to be received by the 20th of the month for If you are struggling after an abortion there will be on January 28. inclusion in the following month. Contact - Abortion Recovery Care To list Archdiocesan and Deanery Events in this Diary contact: Dr James Advertising Tel: 0151 709 7567 & Helpline Campbell-Editor. Archbishop’s House, 43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HD (ARCH) 0845 603 8501 Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email: [email protected] and Designed & Produced Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry [email protected] Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Evenings 7pm – 10pm Articles to be received by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email: (All calls at local rate) month. [email protected] CATHOLIC PEOPLE 3 WORLD DAY OF THE POOR - THEIR VOICE IS HEARD Editorial Special Report: F B Callus & J many years the has BarnavillMembers of Justice & been at the forefront of raising funds Peace Group for the poor either overseas [Family Fast Day and the work of Cafod] or for Total Sunday 19th November 2017 was those in poverty at home designated the first World Day of [organisations such as the SVP]. This the Poor by . It was a World Day of the Poor was disrepect call to recognise the special established so that we could better relationship we must develop with understand their needs and hear their Our Archbishop quite rightly takes offence the poor. The Pope had written to voice. The Holy Father asked for at the cack—handed publicity stunt by all Christians in the summer of Christians to encounter the poor, to Greggs the Bakers over the Nativity (See 2017 asking for a new awareness demonstrate their Christian values page 1). Pope Francis - “We must be aware of the of their needs and the ways in through sharing in their sense of needs of the poor”. Not only is the substitution of a sausage which the Church had a being marginalised. roll for the Christ Child hard to swallow, it responsibility to help their voice to At heart, Pope Francis was widening In his letter the archbishop called on is enough to cause revulsion to any be heard our perception of poverty, to include Catholics to respond dynamically to Christian as a complete disrespect for one It was a meeting of the ACTA group not only those in financial diffi-culty the needs of those who are often on of the deepest mysteries of our faith, as in Cardiff in June 2017 where but those who were excluded from the edge of society. It recalled, too, the Archbishop said. discussion of a need for a diocesan participating fully in society the the good work done by a number of re-sponse to the call of Pope Francis elderly, the addict, the rough sleeper organisations to relieve poverty in the Like him there will be no Greggs mince was raised. It became clear that there and the convict were among those diocese, but with a new focus on pies for me this Christmas…and their was no planned activity but there was who were often living at the margins. encountering the marginalised as the sausage rolls are on my forever banned a sense that committed laity needed Archbishop George Stack Pope has called for Delegates from list! to take a degree of responsibility for emphasised the importance of this many of the in the We do welcome the more secular joys of any activity. For the next few months work with a Pastoral Letter, read in archdiocese attended the 11.00 Mass Christmas; the family meal on Christmas groups have gathered in each of the churches across the diocese on that at the Cathedral. The Prayers of the Day, the opening of presents, the joys of Deaneries to examine how the Sunday. The text of that letter is Faithful focussed on the Pope’s call our young children with their new toys. Catholic Church in that area could be available at and the Offertory involved a more authentic witness to the https://rcadc.org/wp- taking a copy of the papal message to But has not the commercial spirit of Gospel and support the marginalised content/uploads/2017/11/Letter- the altar as a symbol of our Christmas gone too far when through TV to be heard. The issue is complex. For 2017-1.pdf commitment. adverts Mammon seems to hold the upper hand rather than Christ? No one wants to be a spoilsport but “Love one another as I have loved you” - Jesus please let us have more balance as we The Cornerstone was the venue word of God, celebrating the assistance, but also refreshment and care for celebrate our great Christian for a meeting of delegates from sacraments and exercising the their souls” (cf. Deus Caritas Est, 28). On the occasion…the Nativity of our Saviour. Cardiff, Hereford, North Gwent ministry of charity. These duties Service of Charity, Pope Benedict’s Apostolic and Ponty-pridd Deaneries. The presuppose each other and are Letter issued Motu Proprio (2012) World Day of the Poor principal exercise was to listen inseparable” (Deus Caritas Est, 25). He went on to explain that we need to love, to It is great to see how the various to the stories of those who have “The service of charity is also a listen to and to learn from God and neighbour. organisations and parishes in the lived out a life in poverty and constitutive element of the Church’s ‘In the great Commandment we are called to archdiocese have responded to the Pope’s exclusion. Jim Barnaville, the mission and an indispensable love God and neighbour as ourselves and recognition that we must do more for the Caritas representative and Co- expres-sion of her very being (cf. Jesus has shown us the way with His new poor and are planning activities chair, opened the meeting by re- ibid.); all the faithful have the right commandment ‘love one another, as I have calling the three elements of the and duty to devote themselves loved you’.’ The first World Day of The Poor (see Church’s mission: personally to living the new ‘To truly love, we need to listen to God and to article on this page) and its intentions as “The Church’s deepest nature is commandment that Christ left us neighbour and to learn from them. We need to proclaimed in our Archbishop’s pastoral expressed in her three-fold (Jn 15:12), and to offering our do this per-sonally, collectively and letter have been enthusiastically taken up responsibility: of proclaiming the contemporaries not only ma-terial intentionally.’ ‘This first World Day of the Poor we have, in with various initiatives which are the Mass, listened to God’s Word. In this expressed in the Church’s three-fold Refugee tells of his traumatic experiences meeting we begin to listen intently to the responsibility of: The presentations started with a dialogue between Sr Ruth O’Neill and struggles of some of our sisters and brothers in • Proclaiming the word of God Azizi (not his real name) a refugee from East Africa which was among Christ. We do this so that we may learn personally and collectively how to engage in a • Celebrating the sacraments, and the more moving moments of the afternoon analysing his torture in his • Exercising the ministry of charity. home state for refusing to participate in genocide and then his escape true encounter with poor and marginalised from prison and arrival in this country. people and de-velop a sharing that becomes a He described his battle to be recognised as a refugee by the Home personal and collective way of life. Well done all involved! Office. Delegates were aware of how traumatic his experience had been. Shelley’s story was presented by Restorative Justice’s Julia Houlston Clarke. Shelley experienced all the hardships of life from a young age. Self harming and a chaotic life culminated in a period of imprisonment for murder. With the right level of support and the trust that was built up over time, Shelley has now attained a purpose and direction to her life and is in a position to help others. Being elderly in today’s society can be an example of poverty a poverty of association, of opportunity as much as financial. Angela Rigby gave a presentation on the circumstances of many elderly people living in society today the isolation, the loneliness and the sense that life’s opportunities are diminishing. Age Cymru identified some 84000 elderly people living in poverty in Wales and a high percentage of those were living in extreme poverty. While there are many different reasons for the isolation that elderly people can suffer, parishes, she said can do much to provide opportunities for association and welcome. Liz Perrett Atkins of Rainbow of Hope spoke on behalf of Helen a woman who has had a life marred by rejection, and early abuse which led to a life dominated by drug and alcohol misuse and a sense of hopelessness. Several suicide attempts were a mark of a life that was desperate and dysfunctional. Over the last few years, Helen has achieved a more stable life and helps at the Rainbow of Hope in . Liz reminded delegates that the love that Christ had for the people He met must be the same unconditional love that we offer to those without hope. There followed a set of discussions about how different Deaneries were taking forward some of the issues that Pope Francis had emphasised. More about the World Day of the Poor on page 4 4 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Deaneries report on their work In North Gwent, a number of moves to support those who poorest in the city parishes were adapting had become isolated as a Sr Ruth O Neill of the their Sunday liturgy to result of infirmity and old age. Daughters of St Vincent de reflect the fact that it was The World Day of the Poor Paul had come to Cardiff the first World Day of the liturgy was being adopted by some ten years ago to work Poor and the local Catholic a number of churches across with refugees and asylum primary school was the city. seekers. There are currently collecting for the local food As delegates had heard over two hundred people in bank. earlier in the afternoon from the city who are in the In Hereford Deanery, in those with direct and personal process of claiming asylum or addition to the adoption of the experience of poverty, so the testing their claim to be a liturgy for the World Day of the latter half of the afternoon refugee. She spoke of her Poor, there was a recognition session was taken up with work with those who had that the luncheon club in presentations from agencies been denied refugee status. Hereford was meeting the that worked with those who They are the most vulnerable needs of isolated elderly were living in poverty. in society as they are not people. It provided for the allowed to work but receive A homeless man sells the Big Issue in Cardiff material and social needs of Winter Homeless Project no benefit they exist in a the elderly who were often Rev Mike Randall, a limbo of have on the victims of crime as Michael Scarlett, President of alone for much of the week Permanent Deacon based at uncertainty, awaiting a well as helping perpetrators to the Central Council of the SVP in The representative from St Peter’s in Cardiff spoke decision by the Home Office understand the impact of their the diocese, spoke of the work of Pontypridd spoke of the work about the overwhelming about their right to reside actions. Delegates received the organisation and its effort to of Catholics in that Deanery response of parishioners and permanently. The acquisition detailed information about the reflect the principles of its founder, collaborating with other others to support the Winter of some premises within a effect of poverty on the prison Frédéric Ozanam. It encouraged church groups to address the Homeless Project. local Methodist church population. people to give of their time as a problems of the homeless in It was seen by many as a allowed for language classes There were direct links between sign of their service to the poor Caerphilly Borough. In tangible and practical and a safe place for people to being a child of a parent who had and countless people across the addition to providing shelter response to the call of Christ: meet and discuss their served a prison sentence and the diocese were helped by visits from and food, they were working “When you did this to the specific needs. There is a likelihood of that child entering the parishes in every part of the with the local authority and least of my brothers, you did it constant pressure to find penal system when older. Eighty diocese. others to address some of the to me”. The Project alleviated housing, medical facilities and five per cent of juveniles in the There was more work to be underlying causes of their suffering to an extent schooling for those who are penal system were functionally done and the Society was always homelessness for some and it gave them a sense of granted the right of illiterate. Rates of re offending are seeking more supporters. He people. being loved, which was permanent residency. static with sixty per cent of contended that the Society was reported on important. The Project is prisoners on a short sentence actively delivering on Pope the Winter Homeless Project entering its third year, with Problems created by crime re offending within one year. Francis’ vision of encountering and with St Peter’s working with improved facilities and a Julia Houlston Clarke spoke of Restorative Justice aims to break embracing the poor and making other Christian churches. renewed commitment to the work of Restorative Justice the downward spiral of offending them feel valued by our love and Several delegates referred to encounter and assist the and the positive impact it can and re offending behaviours. concern. Contact details Below are the contact details of individuals and organisations featured in this Report. If you would like to support some of this work or to volunteer these are the people to contact

Justice& Peace Network Angela Rigby Telephone: 07952 483361 Email: [email protected]

Cafod Kieran O Brien Telephone: 02920 344882 Email: [email protected]

St John’s College: Fair Trade Welsh Independent Secondary School Damian Murphy Telephone: 02920 480437 Email: [email protected] Rainbow of Hope of the Year 2017 Perrett Atkins Telephone: 07584044364 Email: [email protected]

Winter Homeless Project Cardiff (Rev M Randall) Telephone: 02920 451535 Email: [email protected] St John’s College, Cardiff is delighted to have been Caerphilly (Cliff Bray) Telephone: 0782688683 Email: [email protected] “recognised by The Sunday Times as the Welsh Restorative Justice Independent Secondary School of the Year. This Julia Houlston Clarke Telephone: 07903041862 Email: [email protected] SVP Central Council achievement is based on the school’s outstanding C German Secretary Telephone: 02920340776 Email: [email protected] A-Level academic results and our commitment to an exciting programme of co-curricular activities. Caritas Social Action Network Telephone: 07870 879621 Email [email protected] Space4U Refugee Support Emphasis on an ethos that promotes the Sr Ruth O’ Neill Telephone: 02920679594 Email: [email protected] development of the whole child, in preparation for ACTA (A Call to Action) University and careers after school, has been F Callus Telephone: 07956 005459 Email: [email protected] critical in attaining this accolade. This could not have been achieved without the support of all our parents and the dedication of our committed staff. Plans for the way ahead Mr Gareth Lloyd, Headteacher The final session of the day was devoted to considering the things that might be achieved during the coming year in each of the Deaneries represented. There were a variety of options and these are set out below: • Support for a regular meeting of clergy and laity within a Deanery area to identify key actions. • Further training on becoming a listening - training in the skills of listening and Open afternoon ” supporting people to express their views • Develop a directory of specialist organisations within the diocese for supporting those who are Friday, 8th December 2pm to 3.30pm marginalised. • Encourage other organisations that support the marginalised to speak to parish groups / congregations [This would include those working with refugees / homeless/young Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit: unemployed/people with mental health issues] 029 2077 8936 • Create opportunities for linking parishes that want to develop a specific set of skills to address some of the issues raised today. (Often the skills to support a development exist in adjacent www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com parishes) @SJCCardiff These are some of the points that will be discussed in Deanery meetings in the weeks and months ahead. CATHOLIC PEOPLE 5 The two-way love which strengthens us and the Pope

Story and pictures by James Pope Francis’ General Audience Christ’s victory over sin and Campbell and listen to his inspiring homily death and, by the power of the after readings in the Old and Holy Spirit, we are given a share I have been lucky enough to New Treatments, delivered in in his very life. By making be in St Peter’s Square, in many languages, including present the Lord’s paschal Rome, to be part of the English. It opened with: mystery, the Eucharist thousands of pilgrims at a “Dear Brothers and Sisters: In strengthens us to bear witness, Papal General Audience. our continuing catechesis on like the martyrs of old, to his I was there in the final days of the Eucharist, we now consider triumph over death and to love Pope John-Paul II when he the Mass as the memorial of others as he does, freely giving faced severe illness to meet us Christ’s passover from death to of ourselves for their good." and listen to our tributes. It was life. In the Bible, a “memorial” is Also, in several languages he far from the day in 1982 when, more than a mere sent a messages to the many he was as a fit and active Pontiff remembrance of a past event; it nationalities gathered in front of and I went with him as the only is the making present of that St Peter’s Basilica, saying: foreign media representative to event, which enables us to “I greet the English-speaking Pope Francis waves to the crowd on entering St Peter’s Square visit one of his parishes on the share in its saving power. At pilgrims and visitors taking part outskirts of Rome. every celebration of the in today’s Audience, particularly in our Lord Jesus Christ.” And as with Pope John-Paul II, His planned two-hour visit Eucharist, Jesus pours out his the groups from England, the The audience lasted an hour…but those many years ago, he seemed extended to four hours and he mercy upon us, as he did on the Netherlands, , Australia, two hours had passed and Pope to draw energy from the masses took obvious joy in talking to cross, in order to renew our China, Indonesia, Singapore and Francis still circulated amongst there to hear and greet him and, local people in the church, hearts, our lives and our entire the United States of America. I various pilgrim groups, stopping and despite his age, he spritely almost school and community centre. world. In the words of the offer a particular greeting to the chatting to them. He talked to every bounded down the stairs from the He seemed to draw inspiration Second Vatican Council, “as Marist and Marianist Brothers wheelchair disabled person there, Basilica and into the open from them and the human often as the sacrifice of the taking part in a programme of individually greeting them, kissing Popemobile! electricity flowed into the Holy cross is celebrated on the altar, spiritual renewal, and to the those who could not speak, children He eschews tight security in his Father from the thousands of the work of our redemption is members of the priestly and giving his Papal blessing to all, aim to meet and greet his flock on a people gathered to meet him.. carried out” (Lumen Gentium, fraternity Companions of Christ. including several new brides in their personal level. So it was on November 22, 3). Upon all of you, and your wedding dresses who had come for Long may he do so! 2017 in Rome, when I attended Each Sunday, we enter into families, I invoke joy and peace a Papal blessing.

Two ladies in their national dress wait to greet the Pope Francis talks to a bishop who lead a group of Holy Father pilgrims to the audience

Some of the new brides the Pope gave his blessing to

The Pope took two hours to give his individual greeting and blessing to pilgrims 6 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Catholic Bishops’ funds aid mental health initiative

By Joanne White – FAMILY LIFE WORKER The Spirituality & Dementia Project is for Cardiff Friends Champions, delivery will extend wider across Archdiocesan Family Support Project Archdiocese, working to become a Dementia Friendly the diocese. Resources will be provided to parishes Community; for the benefit of all our parishes, who will be encouraged to have these available for use Thanks to the Day for Life funds generously given parishioners and communities. It is for the deaneries, by members of the congregation living with dementia. by parishioners the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and consequently individual parishes, to experience the How will service users, carers or carer supporters be of England and Wales established a Small Grants DF Awareness session and to gain an appreciation of involved in the project? Fund for mental health projects to further the Spiritual needs of those living with dementia. This Anyone living within our parish communities, who is encourage and inspire us as communities of will include the provision of resources. caring for or supporting those living with dementia, will understanding. What are the aims of the project? be encouraged to attend the local DF Session; to Here in the Cardiff Archdiocese an application was To become a Dementia Friendly Church by raising engage with the parish group as a useful source of made to fund work on raising awareness of Dementia awareness of Dementia and the spiritual needs of lived experience which will help provide more relevant and the spiritual needs of those living with it, and we those living with it; by encouraging welcoming and support. They in turn will benefit from belonging to a are pleased to announce that £2,575 has been understanding practices and the use of specialized more understanding parish community and will have awarded. Sr Susan Armond (Sisters of St Joseph of resources. access to resources. Annecy) & Joanne White (Family Life Worker) are How will the project be delivered? If you are living with dementia or working with those working collaboratively on this project with the support Dementia Friends awareness sessions will be held, who are or are a Dementia Friend/Champion we would of His Grace, Archbishop Stack. initially at deanery level (6 deaneries therefore 6 love to hear from you; please contact Joanne White at What is the project and who is it for? sessions), and then with the help of further Dementia [email protected] Renovation of the Welsh Martyrs Church in Aberystwyth has started

The renovation of the Welsh Martyrs church in grounds, Bishop said: “I have been Aberystwyth has been announced by the Bishop acutely aware of the difficulties and pain of the of Menevia, the most reverend Tom Burns. past few years. Aberystwyth has been uppermost Generous donations have made it possible for a in my thoughts and prayers. Also, I have been high quality renovation of the existing church and conscious of the wise words of Cardinal Newman for the purchase of a presbytery on an adjacent who said: A man would do nothing, if he waited site approximately 200m away, with a Parish Hall until he could do it so well that no one could find planned for the future. fault. Now, at long last, we have a way forward An architect and contractor have been that is both realistic and achievable: one that instructed to bring the former church, with celebrates our Welsh Martyrs to whom we owe so seating for 150 people, up to a high standard in much and whose spiritual legacy we treasure.” materials and workmanship. The work, expected Unique in all of Wales, this Parish of to be completed by Summer 2018, will start on Aberystwyth, is the only church to be dedicated the Welsh Martyrs site on 20 November 2017. to six Welsh martyrs canonised in October 1970 Referring to the closure of St Winefride's by Blessed Pope Paul VI. church five years ago, on health and safety The six Welsh martyrs are:

Top row left to right: Saint David Lewis, Saint John Lloyd Middle row: St Richard Gwynn, Saint Philip Evans Bottom row: Saint John Roberts and Saint John Jones A moment of quiet reflection at the graveside of one of our martyrs during a pilgrimage this year CATHOLIC PEOPLE 7 Requiem Mass for Cardiff’s benefactor On Thursday November 2nd the Church called to mind and to prayer Wanted for the the souls of the faithful departed starting a period of month long prayer for the Holy Souls. Missions Faithful around the world gathered to pray for those who have gone before us in the hope of entering into the glory of the kingdom of heaven. During the day Archbishop George Stack visited the chapel at Cardiff Large Statues (Even damaged Castle of offer a Requiem Mass for the deceased members of the Bute ones), old vestments, pictures, lineage. The title ‘Marquess of Bute’ is a title of peerage of Great Britain. The first church fittings, rosaries, prayer Marquess of Bute was John Stuart, a politician who was granted the title in books, religious books, relics etc. 1744. Since then the title has been handed down the line within the Stuart family and the present day Marquess John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute. Notably in 1868 the 3rd Marquess of Bute, John Crichton-Stuart, Please ring converted to the Catholic Faith. Since then, the family has remained Mr. B. Ferris KSC, Catholic. The family as a whole brought power and prosperity to Cardiff, which 102 Moor St, Earlsdon, they turned from a backwater into one of the greatest coal exporting ports Archbishop George in the Bute Chapel Coventry CV5 6EY in the world. Modern day Cardiff owes much to the lineage. In addition, Cardiff Castle and the surrounding grounds were the remit of the family. It pray for the deceased members of the family. Tel: 02476 676986 was the 5th Marquess of Bute that gave the castle to City and people of The Mass has become a tradition in Cardiff. commemoration of the once faithful stewards of Therefore it was very poignant that on the Feast of All Souls the present the city of Cardiff. should visit the chapel at the former family home to May they rest in peace. Amen. Catholic school in record-breaking award win To advertise in

St Robert’s Catholic Primary school, giving reasons and agreeing and concepts such animal rights and Aberkenfig, is the latest school in disagreeing with each other; punishment’. Alfie added ‘P4C is a way the next issue the UK and the FIRST in Wales to • Junior children using videos and to collaborate and a way to hear other receive the SAPERE Silver School songs as a stimulus to devise their people’s opinions. It helps us to Award, in recognition of their own philosophical questions e.g. can understand that people have a different of The Catholic commitment to the Philosophy for you be friends with everyone? and do opinion to us but this is okay!’ Jack and Children (P4C) approach. you have to be able to speak the Charlotte like P4C because they can The P4C approach has a prime place same language to be friends with express their ideas to their friends and People within the ethos and values of the someone? learn more about their friends’ opinions. school and is identified within The day ends with classes coming Mrs Carmen Beveridge, Headteacher curriculum areas, particularly in English together and sharing what they have and Mrs Barbara Murphy, Deputy please call and RE. The school feels that P4C is a discovered and questioned. These Headteacher and P4C Leader, are both powerful approach that boosts days have been shared with advisors proud of the school’s achievement and children’s reasoning and higher order and governors, who all comment that this award has acknowledge the 0151 709 7567 thinking skills, developing a high level positively on the use of the approach. hard work of the staff and pupils in of dialogue with older children using Pupils in the school really enjoy P4C embedding this approach throughout the language of reason e.g. counter- sessions. Keira commented ‘it’s great the whole school. argument, making distinctions, giving to talk and explore about different examples. Other benefits found by the school are increased self esteem, FUNERAL SERVICES increased motivation and improvement in pupils’ communication skills. It also provokes from the children more thoughtful and reflective responses to other learning situations and current Caerphilly issues. The school carries out termly P4C days, focussing on concepts such as Funeral Services friendship, heroes and villains, as well Parc Avenue, Caerphilly as using the approach within subjects Independent Family Funeral Director such as RE and the arts. These days involve all children engaging in an • Complete Funeral Service • enquiry related to the theme, explored • Private Rest Rooms • at an age appropriate level. Examples • Personal care and attention day or night • of activities carried out include: • Foundation Phase children deciding We are pleased to serve the Catholic whether the monster is allowed to community in Caerphilly and surrounding areas. come to school and organising Tel: (029) 2086 2100 Disney characters on a Hero to Zero scale, with children focusing on BACKGROUND INFORMATION - About Philosophy for Children

P4C is a powerful approach that meeting the criteria for the Award. This their curriculum. boosts children’s reasoning, social includes: In the early 1970s Professor Matthew skills, and overall academic • Evidence that children demonstrate Lipman of Columbia University, New performance. Almost 3,000 teachers emerging philosophical language York observed that his degree level a year now are now trained in the and skills (written examples of the philosophy students typically showed a H. TOVEY • J. TOVEY P4C pedagogy, reaching around language and skills that children lot less intellectual curiosity than his 6 J. CORTEN • R. DALE 50,000 new pupils each year. have started to use, sound file of year old child. Experience in the UK, backed up by children speaking) As he investigated why this was, he K. FOSTER • D. O’CONNELL academic research both here and in • Evidence that children are asking developed a new teaching method other countries, has shown that there open questions, moving towards called Philosophy for Children (P4C) are numerous benefits from the P4C philosophical questions ie which was designed to promote and approach including: increased self- emphasising big idea sustain children’s thinking and learning 01633 266848 esteem; increased motivation to • Evidence of emerging quality P4C skills. P4C proved especially effective enquire and learn; substantial gains in practice in helping children in tough oral communication skills, literacy and • Evidence that P4C practice is neighbourhoods in New Jersey. Newport Funeral Home, numeracy; enhanced respect for the facilitated by a team of committed The BBC picked up on this and 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport views of others and increased practitioners who progress P4C broadcast a programme in the UK in confidence in one’s own judgements; practice within their own classrooms 1990 called Socrates for Six Year Olds. (opposite Royal Gwent Hospital) and more thoughtful and reflective • Evidence that the P4C team reviews The programme had a profound impact responses to other learning situations. P4C sessions and plans for on educators and parents alike and in www.toveybros.co.uk About the School Award Scheme progression 1992 a group of teachers and SAPERE introduced the School Award About SAPERE education experts came together to Scheme in January 2012 to recognise SAPERE is a registered charity and is introduce P4C to the UK through the A trusted family business serving and showcase schools that use P4C responsible for promoting Philosophy formation of a charity called SAPERE. regularly. Schools are invited to apply for Children within the UK. We provide We are the UK’s leading provider of local families and the community in for an Award and must submit training and support to schools who P4C training. See www.sapere.org.uk South East Wales for six generations evidence to show that the school is introduce Philosophy for Children into 8 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Transformative conference on evangelisation On Saturday 21st October, attending mass it is a question that on Newport Road at 7:30pm-9pm on parishioners gathered from all many parishes are asking! Julia spoke Monday 11th December (every across the diocese in St David’s of the ‘Crossing the Threshold’ second Monday of the month). Sixth Form College for our initiative that was piloted in Evangelisation Conference Nottingham diocese and how it can be A disciple’s prayer: designed to kick start utilised here in our parishes. “Jesus, I want to be your disciple, no evangelisation in our parishes by Fr Jonathan Cotton explored matter what the cost. I believe this is giving everyone practical steps deepening the faith of churchgoing your call for my life, and I say yes to forward for the work of the Church. Catholics and focussed on key this call. Your grace is sufficient for me The conference was truly themes in his book ‘Evangelising the to be faithful to this call. Father, your transformative with delegates coming Baptised’. It is estimated that only 5% love is more than enough to sustain away with practical tips, ideas and of mass going Catholics are intentional me. Thank you for giving me your initiatives to begin evangelistic work in disciples of Jesus - are you one of peace, joy, and rest. In you alone will I their parishes. Do you want to get them? Have you made a conscious find fullness of life!” involved too? Get in touch with commitment to follow Jesus? It is Missed out on the event? Want Madeline using the details at the important to ensure that our parishes more information on how to bottom. are not only helping those who are not evangelise? Get in touch with our Not only did we learn how to coming to mass to meet Christ but evangelisation officer, Madeline evangelise, but we actually also that we form parishioners and Page, on [email protected] Archbishop Longley: “We are all called to be evangelised in the midst of Storm journey with them as we grow into a / 029 2036 5965. missionary disciples” Brian! In the afternoon, our deeper relationship with Our Lord. Evangelisation Officer Madeline, took a group down to Wellfield and Albany Take one step closer to the road and passed out scripture verses, Catholic faith praying that the Holy Spirit would For those that do not have an HAPPINESS IN THIS LIFE ensure the ‘right’ verse would go to evangelisation team, Fr Gareth the ‘right’ person. Leyshon, Director of Evangelisation for One lady, after being handed the the diocese, led a seminar that drew A Passionate Meditation on verse, said that she would put it on her on research from Sherry Weddell’s Material Existence and the fridge - pride of place for the words of book ‘Forming Intentional Disciples’ Meaning of Life our Lord! Another gentleman said ‘this showing how we can nudge people to is perfect, you have no idea how take one step closer to the Catholic Pope Francis Translated from the perfectly this fits with my life today, faith. It was followed by a workshop by Italian by Shaun Whiteside thank you so much’. There are people Deacon Rob Coyne and his wife Sue Bluebird - 14 December, that have never heard God’s word! on testimonies and how we can share 2017 Hardback, £14.99/ eBook, People have never experienced His our faith story with those around us - £10.99 love and mercy and this conference crucial in not only witnessing, but was an opportunity for us to learn how proclaiming, our faith. In time for Christmas, Happiness in this best to proclaim our faith. Br Loarne focussed on starting an Life by His Holiness Pope Francis evangelisation group in a parish and delivers key advice in warm and Disciples of al nations how to move the parish from being engaging language on how to find love As Catholics, we are all called to be focussed on maintenance to being a and happiness in a chaotic world. missionary disciples; we are all called, missionary parish. Penny Cavill spoke Through the search for this universal inherent of our baptism, to ‘make about Alpha and how it can be a great concept of the pursuit of happiness, he disciples of all nations’. Archbishop tool to draw in the ‘unchurched’ - shows how we can bring meaning, Bernard Longley spoke of this, of the those who have never heard of Christ purpose and context to our daily lives New Evangelisation and of how we before. in a way that is accessible to can live this out in our daily lives. Were you unable to make the everyone – all faiths and none. Along Archbishop Longley sits on the conference? Resources from the day the way, Pope Francis discusses the Pontifical Council for the Promoting of have been made available online at sanctity of women’s rights, how the the New Evangelisation in Rome and www.rcadc.org/evangelisation/resourc love of sports can bring out our best therefore brought with him a wealth of es qualities and why fighting discrimination Holiness’s initiatives and ideas that are being You may also like to come along to is the essence of loving thy neighbour. papacy – mercy, support for utilised across the globe to spread the our monthly Keep FIT sessions which He shares personal stories and marginalized people, and diplomacy – Good News. give training on evangelisation. Next anecdotes from his life and provides shine through. Julia Palmer, Diocesan Adviser on session will be quite relaxed as we comforting messages of hope. The Biography Pope Francis, born Jorge Parish Catechesis and Adult Formation bring and share some nibbles and result is an engaging book of wisdom Mario Bergoglio in December 1936, has in Nottingham, gave a seminar and bring and share ideas! We will be and reflection, inspiration and sheer joy, been the Bishop of Rome and 266th workshop on non-church going looking towards 2018 and making and one that offers extraordinary insight Pope of the Catholic Church since March Catholics, and how we can better plans for the evangelistic focus in the into the mind of one of the world’s key 13th 2013. His first book, The Name of engage with those no longer attending new year – all are welcome! It will take figures. At a time of global uncertainty God is Mercy, was published by Bluebird mass regularly; with only 1 in 5 place at the Pastoral Resources and unease, the core ideas of His in 2016. Catholics in England and Wales Centre behind St Illtyd’s High School Northern Star Travel …The art of travelling 0161 773 2115 FATIMA ROME 2018 ASSISI POLAND For the Feast of the 5 days departing 26th Feb from Bristol 5 days departing 30 April from Bristol 7 days departing 13th May 2018 4 days departing 07th Dec from Bristol 4 nights bed & breakfast 4* Hotel 4 nights half board 4* Hotel Krakow Half board 4* Hotel Fatima Full Pilgrimage and sightseeing Superb itinerary, Following the footsteps Includes flights and transfers Papal Audience Great flight times of St John Paul II £375 per person sharing £550 per person sharing £625 per person sharing £690 per person sharing £450 in a single room £650 in single room £750 in a single room £840 in a single room

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