April/May Catholic 2021 EastAnglia FREE Newspaper of the Diocese of East Anglia www.rcdea.org.uk 600-year-old Tributes paid to Newmarket manuscript of heroic nurse food project is Psalm found in Estrella honoured Norfolk – page 8 – page 15 – page 6

An Easter Year of the Family message from

Bishop Alan launched at Mass All of us have been walking a long way of the Cross this year, says Bishop Alan Hopes in his Pope Francis has Easter reflection. proclaimed a Year of the Family, starting in n On the way of the Cross, blood is mingled with March, and it will be tears – the Blood of Christ, and the tears of the marked across the Virgin Mary, of St Mary Magdalene, the women, and St John. With the saints leading us, by faith Diocese of East we know that we ourselves have walked along Anglia with Masses, that way of the Cross. retreats, prayers and It is part of the Christian mystery that our own lives are caught up in the life of Christ. Our own social events. Eldred passion is absorbed by his compassion. Not a Willey reports. drop of our tears, blood or sweat falls to ground without being touched and transformed by those n Pope Francis has pro- of Christ. Nothing is wasted by God. His guiding claimed a Year of the Family hand draws us through the valley of darkness within a year that also into the brightness of the empty tomb, where he marks the 150th anniversary weaves human thorns into crowns. of St Joseph as the Protector All of us have been walking a long way of the of the Church. Cross this year. And we continue to walk it. Suf- The year of events began fering brings strong reactions, whether to those with the Mass of St Joseph at of Christ on the Cross, or of my own personal the Cathedral of St John’s in suffering, that of my neighbour or of the whole Norwich on Friday March human family. As was the case with the saints, 19. we can be left incoherent, confused and lonely. This Mass included a Looking at our wounds, however, we can blessing of the new diocesan never forget that Jesus, once suffering and once Fr Luke Goymour with his icon of the icon of the Holy Family- dead, is now alive and present to us, not only in which was created by Fr Holy Family which will be travelling our sentiments, but in reality – his real, Luke Goymour from the St across the Diocese of East Anglia. sacramental Presence before us. Thomas of Canterbury At Easter, and every day in the celebration of parish in Brandon. with his prayer,” concluded “Plans are underway for brate this year, helping to the Mass and in the Church’s whole life of wor- The icon will travel to Bishop Alan. each Diocese and each par- strengthen family life and ship, proclamation, and love, we are reminded each parish during the year Talking earlier about the ish to be able to mark this assisting those who have that the horror of Calvary is not the end of our and return to the Cathedral year of celebrations, Bishop important year. Our Dioce- gone through difficulties. for a final Mass on St Alan said: “During this past san Marriage and Family “Renewing those essential story. Joseph’s Day 2022. year, we have seen just how Life Commission have and close family ties will The mystery of the Resurrection breaks into In his homily for the Feast important the family is. So already been discussing how also be vital for the Family our confusion with a bright and radiating change of St Joseph, Bishop Alan many have experienced how we might assist in this of God – the Church.” for the better. Nothing can ever be the same Hopes asked people to vulnerable relationships renewal of the Family. Over Talking about the icon he again. Men and women can never remain remember three things. within our families can be. 20 people are being trained has created, Fr Luke said: exactly the same. The truth and brightness of Firstly, that Joseph was a Children who no longer live across the Diocese for a “The icon is of the Holy the Resurrection shattering our prison bars is worker, a carpenter. “Jesus at home have been unable to Prayer and Listening Mini- Family, which depicts St not a distant theory, but our real, Christian must have stood often by visit their parents. stry to discuss problems big Joseph standing very experience of a life of faith in the Risen Lord. him, and in his apprentice- “Grandparents have not and small,” said Bishop slightly forward of Mary and Our co-operation with God’s guiding hand over ship the Son of God blesses been allowed to hug or see Alan. Jesus. The image of St time gradually changes the way we act, and all human work and gives it their grandchildren. Jour- “There will be Masses and Joseph breaks out of the bor- how we read the signs of the times within and a great dignity,” said the neys to visit friends have not retreats to celebrate Mar- der and approaches us at the around us. After tragedy, God re-creates. Bishop. been possible. Like our riage and the Family during bottom of the icon. This is to Wounds remain, but with eyes of faith focussed Second, he is a family faith, our family life was not the course of the year, show that St Joseph is the in hope on God’s promises, we may see the man, one who had a deep intended to be lived in together with occasions protector of the family. vitality of his new creation. love and concern for Jesus isolation. when those who have lost a “In approaching us the We have received the gift of new life through, and His mother Mary. And “So this will be a year, child, or who cannot have icon also shows us how in with, and in Jesus Christ for a particular third, St Joseph was a “great when the pandemic is over, children, can come together the Year of St Joseph, St purpose: to enable us to see his guiding hand in model of faith”, someone for coming together once to share their griefs and Joseph now draws us into our lives, that no wound is wasted, and that who did not speak in the more and renewing those hopes. the Year of the Family.” always and everywhere, we may give thanks to Gospel, but listened to God.“ essential and close family Every parish will need to n See events to mark the him, as we sing, Alleluia! May Joseph guard us all ties. reflect on how it might cele- Year of St Joseph – page 3. Page 2 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021

news in brief

Care home team are honoured

CAFOD asks n Sr Thaya Moses OSB, Manager of Montana Care Home in Great supporters to Barton, has been awarded the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk’s special Certificate of Merit for her work, and walk for water that of her team, during the Covid-19 n CAFOD supporters from across the pandemic. Diocese were walking for water this Lent The award from Clare Countess to support those who must walk for water of Euston, the Lord Lieutenant of every day. Jane Crone from CAFOD in Suffolk and Bridget McIntyre, High East Anglia reports. Sheriff of Suffolk, was made in This year’s CAFOD Lent appeal fea- recognition of outstanding service to tures the story of 23-year-old Abdella who the community in Suffolk during the lives in a remote and mountainous part of pandemic. Ethiopia and has no choice but to walk ten The Lord Lieutenant wrote: “As hours a day collecting water. He says his Her Majesty the Queen’s personal life is being wasted as he has no time to representative in Suffolk, I would like do anything else. to thank you for the contribution you Moved by his story, communities in East have made during the extraordinary Anglia are finding ways to support and difficult circumstances caused Sr Thaya Moses and her team CAFOD’s 2021 Lent appeal by Walking for by the Covid-19 crisis. Your selfless- at the Montana Care Home Water. ness and sense of duty are a credit Lowestoft parish set up a JustGiving to you. page and invited other parishes in their “The innovation, collaboration, courage in this county.” at Montana.” deanery to join them. Mairead Perkins, and generosity shown by so many across Montana Care Home has excellent facil- Sr Thaya Moses also acknowledged the CAFOD deanery coordinator, explained for the county during this time has been truly ities to care for 19 residents and is rated guidance and support she received regu- motivation for joining the Walk for Water. inspirational and uplifting. Our care homes Outstanding by the Care Quality Commis- larly from Sr Kathy Yeeles, Prioress “Walking in solidarity has to be done! have been at the forefront of the battle. sion. General, and Sr Carmel Murtagh, Vicaress God calls us to love our neighbour as our- Thank you for the huge amount of work Sr Thaya said: “I am very honoured and at the Generalate of her Community, the selves. I see the Walk for Water campaign you have all done to care for some of the humbled by the award and it is really for Grace and Compassion Benedictines and as a way of acting out my faith together most vulnerable people in our community. the whole team comprising of the Sisters, the assistance she received often from with my neighbours in my deanery and my You are a shining example of all that is best lay staff and volunteers who work very hard Friends of Montana and other well-wishers. neighbours worldwide.” Norwich supporters have also taken up the challenge. Sarah Ebelewicz from St John the Baptist Cathedral parish was aiming to raise £750 which will pay for the work involved in installing solar panels, pumps and irrigation channels for a village Celebrating the gift water supply for clean safe water. St George’s parish team of Fr Sean, Joyce, Heather and Mary have signed up to walk 10,000 steps for the 40 days of Lent as they walk the dogs, Dylan, Susie, Blue and Bertie. If you’d like to sponsor of consecrated life them through JustGiving donate through At a Mass for Religious in St the St George's Just Giving page. St Laurence’s Parish in Cambridge had John’s Cathedral on the Feast an ingenious plan to virtually walk the of the Presentation of the Lord, 5,640 miles from Cambridge to Addis Bishop Alan spoke of the role Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. It’s a long way so they invited other parishes in of obedience in Religious life. Cambridge to join them. n Bishop Alan began the celebration on Catholic February 2 with a word of appreciation. “I want to thank all you Religious,” he EastAnglia said, “for the generous offering of your lives and the many gifts at the service of Newspaper of the Diocese of East Anglia the Church which you have given: lives of EDITOR: Keith Morris dedicated service and prayer and witness. tel: 07712 787762 “So many of you have been involved in Pear Tree Farmhouse, teaching, in mission and healthcare, in Wymondham Road, pastoral care in the parish and in prison. Wreningham, Norwich, Many of you have worked in very difficult NR16 1AT circumstances and in many other parts of email: the world. Today your generosity and [email protected] courage are recognised and acknowl- edged by the Diocese and the Church. Articles and photographs for the next The occasion was the Feast of the Pres- edition are very welcome and should entation of the Lord, or Candlemas. There be sent to the editor, ideally via email. was a special section of the ceremony for set out on the path of obedience in imita- Lord renew in you’re a joyful response to the blessing of candles, representing the tion of the Lord. This new and vigorous His freely given and faithful love.” Diocese website: www.rcdea.org.uk light of Christ. way of living, radical as it is, is something In his homily, Bishop Alan focussed on which you dear Religious brothers and Pictured above are the concelebrants at Advertising: Contact Charlotte at the theme of obedience which ran sisters have taken up in one of its most the Mass, with Sr Camilla Oberding Cathcom on tel 01440 730399 or email at through the readings. “Today’s feast radical forms – poverty, obedience, chas- COLW, the new Vicar for Religious [email protected] reminds us that Jesus came to do not His tity. It is the way in which you are invited Women. From left to right: Fr Keith Tul- Publisher: Cathcom Ltd, 0207 112 6710 own will but that of the Father,” he said. to continue to tread with joy and perse- loch MS, Fr Leszek Rygiewicz SChr, “For the Son of God obedience meant first verance as you present Jesus to the Bishop Alan Hopes, Fr Waldemar Inclusion of adverts is the responsibility of of all a life of humbling Himself.” world. Śmiałek MS, Fr Karol Porczak MS, Fr Cathcom and does not imply endorsement The Bishop went on to explore what “So we join you in thanksgiving for the Gregory Pearson OP and Fr Charles Fitz- by the Diocese of East Anglia. this meant for his listeners: “We must all precious gift of consecrated life. May the gerald-Lombard OSB. Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCEastAnglia Page 3

news in brief

Bishop marks Silver Lenten Station Jubilee of ordination Masses held

Bishop Alan Hopes has across Diocese celebrated the Silver Jubilee n At the first of a series of Lenten Station Masses in Peterborough in late February, of his ordination to the Bishop Alan spoke of how the cross is a Priesthood with a Mass at St new beginning for each one of us. John’s Cathedral in Norwich. The Lenten Station Masses across the Diocese took place in each deanery at 5pm for Exposition and Confession and n Also celebrating priesthood jubilees, 6pm Mass. and con-celebrating with Bishop Alan on Bishop Alan celebrated that first of the December 4, were Fr Dick Healey (40 series at St Peter and All Souls in Peter- years), Fr John Barnes (25 years) and Fr borough. In his homily, he spoke of how Luke Goymour (10 years). the cross is the centre point of the Incar- Other diocesan priests celebrating jubi- nation. lees last year include Canon Simon “God comes into the messiness of our Blakesley (30 years) and Canon David human lives,” said Bishop Alan, “locking Paul (25 years). eternity into time and space in order to Many diocesan priests and a socially- redeem us and the whole of creation from distanced congregation joined Bishop sin.” Alan at the 10am Mass and it was also He went on to speak of how that had to broadcast live online. be a total self-emptying of God in Jesus “Bishop Alan said: “There is so much Christ: “Jesus emptied himself down to for me to be thankful for and so much for the last dregs…He faced all the human which to ask mercy. I thank the Lord for Bishop Alan Hopes receives a experience of fear, pain, dereliction, yes, the great joy and privilege of this wonder- gift from Fr David Bagstaff and even the depths of hell itself.” ful vocation in which the Lord has called during his SIlver Jubilee Mass. Yet it was on the cross that the Incarna- me to share in his own priesthood. tion was completed and accomplished, “I thank God for all amongst whom I said the Bishop. “The ending on the cross have ministered and all those who have years served as Assistant Priest at Our Westminster with the title of Titular is a beginning…The cross which we cele- inspired and encouraged me throughout Lady of Victories in Kensington, London, Bishop of Cuncacestre (Chester-le-Street) brate this Lent is the centre point and these years and also for my parents. I also before becoming Parish Priest of the Holy successor to Saint Cuthbert. purpose of the Incarnation. It is the centre offer this Mass that many will hear the Redeemer and St Thomas More Parish, This appointment made him one of the point in the salvation of the world and the call of the Lord to serve him as a priest Chelsea. most senior members of the Anglican wonderful love and mercy which God has and especially in our Diocese of East In 2001, Cardinal Cormac Murphy- clergy to have converted in the 1990s. for each one of us.” Anglia.” O’Connor appointed him Vicar General of On January 24, 2003, he was ordained to In 1968, Bishop Alan was ordained for the Archdiocese of Westminster and in the Episcopate in Westminster Cathedral ministry in the Church of England and 2002 he became a member of The Bishops’ by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor. Shrine needs a served until 1994 when he was received Conference Committee for Liturgy and On June 11, 2013, Pope Francis into the Catholic Church. Worship. appointed Bishop Hopes as the fourth financial controller He was ordained a Catholic priest on The following year on January 4, 2003 Bishop of East Anglia and he was duly December 4, 1995, by Cardinal Basil Hume he was appointed by Pope (now Saint) installed on July 16, 2013, at St John’s n The Catholic National Shrine of Our in Westminster Cathedral, and for three John Paul II as an Auxiliary Bishop of Cathedral in Norwich. Lady at Walsingham is looking to recruit an experienced accountant to work part- time in the role of Financial Controller. Reporting to the CEO, this role will pro- vide efficient and effective operational Events to mark Year of St Joseph financial management to the organisation. The key duties will include managing n Throughout the Year of St Joseph know more about this international the finance team, produce the financial in the Diocese of East Anglia, there network of families, please email: cen- and management accounts, produce the will be Masses and retreats for [email protected]. budget, develop a suite of consistent and everyone, explains the Diocesan For mothers and daughters, we will concise management reports and analyse Marriage and Family Life Co-ordi- be offering a number of Cycle Prep the financial performance of operational nator. afternoons throughout the year. These areas. On June 12 at 11am our annual events enable mothers and daughters You will help to optimise and manage Mass for Marriage and Family will take to work together on the general prac- banking arrangements, maintain appropri- place at the Cathedral; this year with tices of charting fertility in a relaxed ate financial controls, help to develop the addition of livestreaming. Later in atmosphere. To participate please financial systems which support opera- the year there will be Masses for mis- email: [email protected] tions, provide robust reporting capability carriage (Sunday October 10 at noon This year, the diocese will also be and deliver confidence to senior manage- in Newmarket) and for infertility (Sat- launching its new prayer and listening ment. Undertake regular pricing and urday November 6 at 11am). ministry. Around 20 listeners are being financial performance analysis to enable Retreats will be available for men trained to offer prayerful help to any informed decision making. Prepare (July 3 in Walsingham), for women parishioner needing assistance for annual statutory accounts. (January 2022 in Cambridge) and for any reason. Ideally you will be a qualified account- both men and women, Rachel’s As we emerge from the Covid-19 ant ACA/ACCA/CIMA and have proven Vineyard will be running an abortion- enrichment retreat. You are also invited to pandemic, we are being encouraged experience as a Financial Controller/Head recovery retreat in Norfolk. join one of the family groups operating in by Pope Francis and Bishop Alan to renew of Finance/Company Accountant. Throughout this year, Bishop Alan is invit- the diocese, or to start a diocesan branch our faith in a Church whose quiet worker This is a two-day a week permanent ing everyone to participate in renewed of an existing organisation. and protector, St Joseph, listens to our role in a friendly setting offering a mixture prayers, especially the novena and con- In Newmarket we already have a CANA needs and seeks to secure and enrich the of home and office working. Charitable secration to St Joseph. The pandemic has group who meet regularly for weekend or ties that hold us together as families and experience would be advantageous but isolated so many of us from each other, so online retreats. For more information email: parishes. by no means essential. the Marriage and Family Life Commission [email protected]. TEAMS May we remember how much we need Interested applicants should contact are also encouraging parishioners to take also operate throughout the UK but do not each other and reach out for any help we Justin Murray at Big Sky Additions at part in an online Smart Loving marriage yet have a diocesan group. If you want to may need as we begin to rebuild our lives. [email protected] Page 4 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021

Read the latest Diocese of East Anglia news at Chance to do evangelisation course www.rcdea.org.uk

n The Diocese of East Anglia has entered is waiting, or might or have to who is wondering how to a partnership with colleagues in the wait for others to join. The answer the call of the Gospel Diocese of Plymouth to offer the Mission advantage of the Zoom-based to take part in this course. Made Possible evangelisation programme. programme is that you don’t Learning with others will build The seven-week programme includes need to find five participants in your confidence and reading and praying with the bespoke your parish; the others may be strengthen your commitment to resource Mission Made Possible at home from other areas of the UK or share your faith with people and joining weekly Zoom meetings with abroad. you meet every day." Free Sample Pack of Foam & fabrics sent by first class mail. When phoning please quote CEA101 five other participants. The course is led by You are invited to learn, from To take part and for more Fr Jon Bielawski and Michele Thompson of your home, how to have con- details, please send your tele- the Diocese of Plymouth Evangelisation versations about faith: with friends, family phone number in an email to: Team. or in everyday encounters that don’t make [email protected]. Your message The course timings are flexible. When anyone feel awkward. will reach Michele Thompson of the Dio- there are five participants, the Diocese of Rebecca Bretherton, Diocesan Co-ordi- cese of Plymouth Evangelisation Team. Plymouth team will run the course. So nator for the Commission for the New There is more information about the pro- The Leaven Carmelite enquirers might be offered a course which Evangelisation says, “I encourage anyone gramme at genesismission.co.uk Secular Institute CALLING ALL Single and widowed women Seeking to dedicate their life to God Diocese makes progress in Through vows in secular society Contact: The Secretary, The Leaven, c/o The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX Tel: 01582 766580 Email: [email protected] its key aims, says report We bsite: www.theleaven.org.uk The Annual Report and from £6.74m in 2018 to £7.33m in 2019. Already Costs of raising funds have decreased from Already Accounts of the Diocese of £0.25m in 2018 to £0.23m in 2019. The Dio- We holdhold youyou inin prayer.prayer East Anglia have been cese’s investment properties were revalued published online and show as at the year end with an increase to the val- Living in the heart of London, the uation of £0.73m (2018 increase: £1.34m) Tyburn Benedictine Community that, in 2019, it made good has as its special mission, prayer The activities of the Diocese are largely for the people of England and progress towards its key aims undertaken through its parishes. Of the over- Wales. Our monastery is built on all diocesan finances, parishes account for the site of the Tyburn gallows focused on spreading the where 105 Catholics were Catholic faith, while also over 71% (2018: 78%) of income and approx- martyred during the reformation. imately 68% (2018: 58%) of expenditure with Our life of prayer draws Sisters showing a small excess of some 65% (2018: 69%) of the Diocesan char- from many nations. income over expenditure. ity’s net assets being held at parochial level. Please remember my intention/s in prayer. The main expenditure headings are pro- vision of worship (£2,237,529), clergy and …………...... ………....……...... n The report for the year to December 31, ...... ………………..…….………...... parish support (£3,736,374), pastoral care 2019, was published at the end of October ...... ………………..….………...... and community support (£450,550) and ...... 2020 and showed that the Diocese ordained schools programme (£677,782). a record number of priests and deacons, school in Norfolk I would like to help your Mission Foundations. The main sources of income are donations, My gift of £____ is enclosed (payable to Adorers made a successful bid for a new Catholic n Administering school building programmes of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). Thank you! legacies and grants (£6,246,975), charitable primary school in Peterborough and 70% of and providing advice to school governors. Please send me vocations information. activities (£280,986), income from other trad- parishes started projects funded under the n 70% of our parishes have now started to ing activities (£498,972) and investments Name:…….…………...... …...... Alive in Faith appeal. draw down funding for projects established as (£451,490). Address:…..………...... The annual report outlines that the key a result of the Alive in Faith appeal. These n Future finances and Covid-19 ..……………………………………………………… aims of the Diocese are to further the pro- range in scope from refurbishment and ……………...... ……...... ……... Please print. To address an overspend on unrestricted gress of the Diocese by increasing the repairs for church buildings, to installation of REPLY TO: Mother General, Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde funds, the Diocesan Trustees agreed that number of clergy able to support the Catholic photovoltaic panels in schools, to supporting Park Place, London, W2 2LJ Tel.: 020 7723 7262 central Diocesan budgets for 2020 should be population of East Anglia, increasing the our young people and the elderly, to helping reduced by 10%. The medium-term financial number of children able to access Catholic the homeless or to support family life. The strategy depends on increases in offertory education and reaching out to the wider com- total amount pledged to Alive in Faith stands Our Lady of Fidelity collections to balance the budget over the munity, particularly the marginalised and at over £6.3 million. medium term. The church needs vulnerable. n The support of a growing number of retired There was a reduction in the real value of religious sisters n Key achievements URGENTLY to bring clergy (currently 22) offertory collections and work to increase Significant charitable activities undertaken Christ to others by a n Statistics income levels has begun and will develop to achieve these objectives include: life of prayer and The total Catholic population of East Anglia further during 2020 and 2021. Nine parishes n The continued maintenance and improve- service lived in the now stands at an estimated 108,000. First are now able to receive donations via their community of Ignation ment of places of worship and other parish Holy Communions remained stable at 1,051 websites and two large parishes have been spirituality. facilities (1,050 in 2018) as did Confirmations at 405 piloting contactless payments. The Diocese Daily Mass is the n Continued recruitment, education and train- (396 in 2018). There was a decrease in bap- centre of community has appointed a Stewardship and Fundrais- ing of priests and deacons, which resulted in tisms from 1,005 in 2018 to 807 in 2019 and life. By wearing the religious habit we are ing Coordinator to work with parishes who will the ordination of seven priests, one deacon witnesses to the consecrated way of life. a fall in marriages from 242 to 197. Sunday start in 2021. If you are willing to risk a little love and and three permanent deacons during 2019, a Mass attendance is counted each Sep- In view of the developing Covid-19 situ- would like to find out how, contact Sister record year for this Diocese. A further two tember/ October and was 22,975 which was ation, it was decided to close the Diocesan Bernadette. priests and two permanent deacons were a drop of 985 compared with 23,960 in 2018. offices in March 2020 for the period of lock- Late vocations up to the age of 46 ordained during 2020. This represents an average attendance rate down, with staff working from home. Parish welcomed. n Encouraging local communities to make of 22%. COVENT OF employees were placed on furlough leave, as use of parish facilities At the end of 2019, the Diocese had 73 were two employees working across the Dio- OUR LADY OF FIDELITY n Participation in community life through our active priests, 24 active permanent deacons, cese. The government twice instructed all Central Hill, Upper Norwood, Catholic schools including support of religious five seminarians and 72 curia and parish places of worship to shut completely or partly. LONDON SE19 1RS education, leadership and management in employees (of which 14 were employed in the The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on par- Telephone: 07973 6002563 our schools Diocesan curia). ish offertory has been assessed and further or Fax: 0208 766 6579 n A successful bid to the Department for n Finances work on the budget to cope with this unprece- Mobile: 07760 297001 Education to establish a new primary school The total income of the Diocese increased dented situation is ongoing. This has resulted Ministers of Religion in Peterborough and the opening in from £6.98m to £7.48m during the year. Total in revised budgets for 2021 and new projec- September 2019 of a voluntary aided primary expenditure for the Diocese increased also, tions for future years. Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CatholicEastAnglia Page 5

news in brief Bishop Alan prays for Covid victims Parish records n Bishop Alan Hopes joined bishops and hope for the entire continent. numerous victims – of the pandemic,” said celebrating a chain of Masses across Each nation came together to celebrate CCEE President Cardinal Angelo Europe during Lent to pray for the victims Mass on a designated day to be part of Bagnasco in his message to launch the lockdown music of the Covid pandemic. this continental prayer network and to initiative. n The parish of St Edmund at Bungay The bishops of England and Wales create a Eucharistic chain. “Each European Bishops’ Conference was distressed to learn that it could have united to pray on Tuesday March 2. In Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Vice President has engaged in the organisation of at least no singing at Masses during lockdown, so East Anglia, Bishop Alan celebrated the of the Council of European Bishops’ one Mass. It will be like creating a prayer recorded its own collection of favourite 10am live stream mass from St John the Conferences, celebrated a special Mass in chain, a Eucharistic chain in memory and music. Baptist Cathedral. Westminster Cathedral. in suffrage of so many people. In this Clare Seabrook, organist and music “Today we offer this Mass for all those Bishops across England and Wales also prayer we also want to remember the director in the parish, enthusiastically took who have died from the Covid pandemic,” celebrated Masses in their own dioceses. bereaved families and all those who are up a suggestion from a parishioner of said Bishop Alan. “We also pray for those Since the start of the pandemic, bishops still suffering from the virus and whose making an album. who grieve the loss of loved ones. We pray from across Europe have added their lives remain in uncertainty. It is a recording by the parish choir of for an end to the pandemic. voices to that of Pope Francis to reiterate “We, the Bishops of Europe, are all familiar pieces from its repertoire, to be “And we pray for our doctors and nurses the Church’s closeness to all those strug- united alongside our Christian played before, during and after Mass to fill and carers, who work in hospitals, gling with coronavirus – the victims and communities and our priests. We are the spooky silence. hospices and care homes, and all our their families, the sick, health and social grateful to all those who continue to devote Clare wrote a short introduction for the priests who work among them.” care workers, the volunteers and all those themselves to those most in need. We sleeve and after several recording ses- The continent has suffered over 770,000 on the front line at this challenging time. support them with our words, and above sions settled on no fewer than 21 short deaths from the virus. “Together, we have assessed the oppor- all, with our prayers so that their commit- pieces. The initiative, promoted by the Council tunity, or rather the need to remember in ment and their hope that we must all have, One stroke of luck was that the son of of European Bishops’ Conferences the Holy Mass in a particular way during maintain and increase can help us to look one of one of the parish’s leading families, (CCEE), aims to offer a sign of communion this season of Lent, the victims – the forward together to a better future.” Leo Altarelli (who lives in Australia) had the necessary equipment to master the recordings into a coherent collection with an attractive sleeve and brochure. The CD has now covered its costs and is available from the parish at £7. Welcome for those on Hamish on Radio 4 n Hamish MacQueen, Diocesan Director of Youth Services, featured recently in a Radio 4 service from a new community their journey of faith for young people at Ditchingam. Hamish read the Gospel from St Luke, At the Rite of Election at St which described the finding of the boy John’s Cathedral, Bishop Alan Jesus in the Temple by his parents. welcomed Catechumens and The broadcast focussed on the With community in Ditchingham, Norfolk. The Candidates from across the ecumenical community will be living on diocese who will be received site all year round and will be committed in prayer and mission to supporting and into the Church at Easter. serving the UK’s young people. www.bewith.community n “I especially welcome those of you who are not yet baptised,” said Bishop Alan. “You are now entering that final and Retreats to restart more intense stage of your preparation, to n The Community of Our Lady of Wal- receive the sacraments of initiation at singham have been running a series of Easter, and be welcomed into the family online retreats, and it will be gradually of God, the Church. I also welcome those opening for visitors as the year goes on. of you who are already baptised, who are As lockdown hopefully eases, self-cat- being welcomed into the full communion ering retreats for households and bubbles of the Catholic Church at Easter.” will begin on April 12. From May 17 indi- Bishop Alan spoke of the opportunity viduals will be welcome to come and stay which the 40 days of Lent provided to for between two and five nights. The “journey with Jesus to the cross”. He said retreat house will open to parish groups that the Rite of Election was “a celebra- on June 21. tion of your hope and trust in Jesus Christ n The desire to learn about God has we have found that a bond has been estab- There will also be both residential and to whom you are turning for salvation”. been the glue bonding an RCIA group lished even through this medium. online retreats for young adults. The word ‘election’, he explained, was at Our Lady and the English Martyrs in The desire to know about God and his For more information, ring 01328 “a translation of the Latin word for Cambridge. Mgr Eugène Harkness Church and the work of salvation and 801018 or visit: www.dowryhouse.org.uk ‘chosen’. Today you are being elected. You reports. Christian living has been the glue keeping are being chosen. You are being called to Here at Our Lady of The Assumption and this group of enquirers together. The joy will salvation. And that is why the Church The English Martyrs, Cambridge, we have come at Easter when, please God, they will Martyr’s 100 poems rejoices with you.” “During the days of turned to the use of Zoom for our weekly be able to meet each other for the first time n John Bradburne, the Norfolk schoolboy sessions of instruction for the RCIA pro- in the context of the Sacred Liturgy of Holy Lent,” he added, “you are being called to who became a Franciscan missionary gramme. Saturday. become saints of God…the Lord is calling and martyr, is having his centenary We have three who have been elected as For us as priests, it has been a learning you to become His witnesses.” marked this year with 100 days of Catechumens and six who are Candidates experience using this modern medium but The Rite of Election, held on February readings of his poetry. for Reception. Our sessions usually last one which along with Live-Streaming we 21, marks an important stage along their Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Charles about an hour and we are able to find time have come to appreciate. journey as they undergo the final stages of Moore, and Gyles Brandreth are among for a question-and-answer period. Although Pictured above is one of RCIA sessions RCIA (Rite of Catholic Initiation of well-known figures who are taking part in we cannot meet personally at the moment, at Our Lady and the English Martyrs. Adults) and prepare to be baptised and the readings. They join Fr Colin Carr and confirmed, or to be received into the full Brother Charlie Annis from Cambridge members of the Catholic Church through baptised in one of the Christian denomi- Communion of the Church and con- and Anthony Purvis from Walsingham. the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation nations and now seek to become members firmed. They will also receive the On July 1, 2019, the cause of beatifica- and the Eucharist. After being greeted by of the Catholic Church through the Rite of Eucharist for the first time, both of which tion of John Bradburne began. Bishop Alan, they were invited to write Reception, whereby they will receive take place at the Easter Vigil. www.johnbradburne.com Catechumens are adults who have their names in the Book of the Elect. the Sacraments of Confirmation and never been baptised and seek to become Candidates are adults who have been Eucharist. Page 6 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 600-year-old Psalm manuscript found at Oxburgh Hall

Pictured above is a fragment of the manuscript being examined by cura- tor Anna Forest. Picture (c) National Trust/Mike Hodgson.

An archaeologist working turies,” said Anna. hole at Oxburgh to shelter Catholic “The peak of each wave of dust, debris Factfile clergy. alone through lockdown in the and objects was highest under the crack The manuscript parchment and other attic rooms of Oxburgh Hall in between the boards. In was often inches objects found may well have been used in n The £6m roof project was already Norfolk has uncovered one thick and lay on top of a layer of lime underway when the first lockdown illegal masses and hidden deliberately by plaster, which drew out the moisture began and is supported by funds from the family. of the largest underfloor from the debris and resulted in much of it Some tiny pieces of books have been archaeology hauls of its type The National Lottery Heritage Fund, being perfectly preserved over the cen- The Wolfson Foundation, as well as identified including extracts from the in a National Trust house, turies.” the European Agricultural Fund for 1590 edition of book one of “The ancient, Anna continued: “One particular chal- Rural Development through the famous and honourable history of Ama- including a 600-year-old lenge was in areas with south-facing dis de Gaule”, a chivalric romance from illuminated manuscript of LEADER programme, the Sylvia Wad- windows, where hundreds of pins were dilove Foundation UK and The the Iberian Peninsula, first written c.1420. Psalm 39. Keith Morris reports. found, so Matt had to use thick gloves Constance Travis Charitable Trust, as It is noted that Catholics of the period when searching. The rooms, being well well as ongoing support from tended to read the romances set in Spain, lit, had clearly been used for sewing, and National Trust members and donors. especially since the books mention the n A page from a rare 15th-century illumi- for organising correspondence, with evi- Mass. nated manuscript was among the items dence of wax seals and fragments of late The most recent discovery, spotted in nMore information is available on 18th-century handwritten documents in an attic void by a builder, is a complete recovered, many dating back to the Tudor www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh- English and French. book called the King’s Psalms dated 1568. period. Finds range from fragments of hall late 16th century books to high-status “The value of underfloor archaeology to Complete with its gilded leather binding, Elizabethan textiles, as well as more mun- our understanding of Oxburgh’s social it is almost intact – a few fragments from dane modern objects such as cigarette history is enormous.” James Freeman, Medieval Manuscripts it had previously been found in a rats’ packets and an empty box of Terry’s choc- The star find was the 15th-century Specialist at Cambridge University nest. Research into the book has just olates that date to the Second World War illuminated manuscript fragment on Library, who explained that the leaf may started. – which may have been hidden after the parchment spotted in the rubble of the be from a Psalter, but its small size – just Russell Clement, General Manager at chocolates were eaten. eaves by one of the builders. Despite cen- 8cm x 13cm – suggest it once was part of a Oxburgh Hall, said: “We had hoped to The discovery was made during a pro- turies amongst debris, the glimmer of Book of Hours. These portable prayer learn more of the history of the house dur- ject to re-roof Oxburgh Hall, a moated gold leaf and bright blue of the illumi- books were for private devotion. ing the re-roofing work and have manor house, which includes lifting nated initials was still vibrant. “The use of blue and gold for the minor commissioned paint analysis, wallpaper many of the floorboards in the attic rooms Anna said: “The text is distinct enough initials, rather than the more standard research, and building and historic graf- to repair floor joists. Independent archae- for us to identify it as part of the Latin blue and red, shows this would have been fiti recording. But these finds are far ologist Matt Champion agreed to continue Vulgate Psalm 39, “Expectans expectavi” quite an expensive book to produce. It is beyond anything we expected to see. through lockdown on his own and carried [I waited patiently]. We contacted Dr tantalising to think that this could be a These objects contain so many clues out a careful fingertip search. remnant of a splendid manuscript and we which confirm the history of the house as The house was built by Sir Edmund can’t help but wonder if it belonged to Sir the retreat of a devout Catholic family, Bedingfeld after he inherited the estate in Edmund Bedingfeld, the builder of who retained their faith across the cen- 1476. The family still live in part of the Oxburgh Hall.” turies. We will be telling the story of the building today. The Bedingfeld family at Oxburgh Hall family and these finds in the house, now Anna Forest, the National Trust cura- were once rising stars of the Tudor Royal we have reopened again following lock- tor who is overseeing the work, said it Court but Sir Henry Bedingfeld refused to down. was the first time anybody had searched sign the Act of Uniformity in 1559 – which “This is a building which is giving up under the floorboards in centuries. outlawed Catholic Mass. The devout Cath- its secrets slowly. We don’t know what “When the boards came up, we could olic family stayed true to their faith over else we might come across – or what see a wave pattern in the debris which centuries despite being ostracised and might remain hidden for future gener- showed it had been undisturbed for cen- persecuted and even had a secret priest ations to reveal.” Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCEastAnglia Page 7

news in brief

Fr Denis welcomed Plague priest is

remembered n Parishioners in Diss gathered on Feb- into the Diocese ruary 1 for a virtual celebration of the feast day of St Henry Morse, known as Fr Denis 'The Priest of the Plague'. Judith Tooth Gallagher was reports. Their church, built in 2012, is dedicated formally to the local saint who became known as welcomed, or 'The Priest of the Plague' for his work car- incardinated, ing for the sick. Parishioners also gave thanks and into the prayed for the repose of the soul of Joan Diocese of Westwood, the parish's eldest parishio- East Anglia by ner, who had died, aged 101, just a few days earlier. Over many years Mrs West- Bishop Alan wood had researched the history of the Hopes at a Henry Morse, shared her findings and Mass at St encouraged wider devotion for the saint within the parish. Thomas of Henry Morse was born in 1595 in the Canterbury in village of Brome, near Diss, and raised Wymondham nearby in the Tivetshalls, at a time of vio- lent persecution towards Catholics. on Sunday Despite the dangers he became a Jesuit December 6. priest. When plague broke out, he perse- vered in nursing the sick and dying,

undeterred by spells in prison and in n It was witnessed exile. by a socially-dis- In 1645, without trial, Henry Morse was tanced found guilty of treason for being a Catho- congregation of lic priest, and executed on February 1, at around 50 people, Tyburn in London. He is among the 40 plus an online Pictured, from the left, Fr Pat Cleary, Fr Martyrs of England and Wales canonised audience on the Denis Gallagher and Bishop Alan Hopes. in 1970. church’s brand new video and live- streaming service. cese of East Anglia and I look forward to Fr Denis made a profession of faith and continue ministering with him here in took an oath of loyalty and an oath of the parish of Our Lady and St Thomas of obedience to Bishop Alan and his Canterbury Wymondham. successors. Fr Denis comes from Achill in County “I am delighted that Fr Denis has Mayo and was ordained in 1993 and Catholic Theology and Practice: a learning space for catholic women decided to join us in East Anglia,” said moves from the Irish Archdiocese of Bishop Alan, “and I know that he has Tuam. Join us for this module, led by Dr Férdia Stone-Davis: Catherine Keller: Process, Relation endeared himself to your hearts in He said: “I am very happy to be here and Entanglement. Thursdays online 19th April – 20th May 2.00 pm – 5.30 pm. Catherine Wymondham. in East Anglia and am most grateful to Keller is a philosopher of religion and constructive theologian. She speaks across a range of “I know he will also do so when he Bishop Alan, Fr Pat and to the parishio- contemporary issues, including social justice and the environment, issues that are very relevant moves on in the future to a different ners in Wymondham for their welcome to our world today as we emerge from the pandemic. This module is an introduction to her parish.” and the kindness and support they have thinking and writings in feminist, political and ecological theology. Fr Denis has spent the last year in the shown me.” Cost: £180. Apply: [email protected] To change dioceses, canon law diocese in Wymondham alongside Parish Why not take your study further and sign up for a Masters Degree? The Masters Programme requires diocesan priests to get permis- Priest Canon Pat Cleary. He now becomes we offer has been created by the Cambridge Theological Federation, and is awarded via ARU. assistant priest in the parish. sion to transfer from the bishop at the Fr Pat said: “I’m very pleased that Fr diocese he’s moving to. This is known as MA in Contemporary Ethics Denis has been incardinated into the Dio- incardination. Learn about the link between moral thinking and its applicability in contemporary contexts. The course discusses what is it that makes society good and considers how to apply ethical values to all aspects of life. Abbey 1000th anniversary Programme leaders: Dr Anna Abram and Dr Férdia Stone-Davis (MBIT) MA in Contemporary Faith and Belief n Both St Edmund’s Church and St musical performances, a community week- A timely exploration of the role of faith and belief in the modern world, considering the Edmundsbury Cathedral have held services end and a lighting spectacular. philosophical complexities that theological engagement with the contemporary world present. to celebrate 1000 years since the founding For the celebration in 2020, pupils of St Programme leaders: Dr Christoph Schneider and Dr Razvan Porumb (IOCS) of St Edmund’s Abbey. Edmund’s Primary School participated in MA Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Many events that were planned for the Mass on November 20, which was live anniversary in 2020 have been moved for- streamed, attracting over 300 views. Gain an in-depth understanding of Pastoral Theology as it relates to the goals of chaplaincy ward to 2022 due to Covid-19. The celebrant, Fr Mike Brookes, preached and care in a variety of different contexts such as hospitals, schools, prisons, parishes. John Saunders, a member of the Abbey on the words of the Lord’s Prayer ‘Deliver us Deputy Programme leader: Dr Sue Price (MBIT) 1000 coordinating group, said: “Whilst we from evil’ and their relevance to the life and MA in Spirituality have had the disappointment of 2020 being martyrdom of St Edmund. He also Join in a lively debate on the meaning and role of spirituality in the context of the Christian marred by the Coronavirus, this has led us highlighted Edmund as being one of the Traditions and today's multi-cultural and multi-religious environments. to even greater determination to roll the year patron Saints for times of pandemic. Programme leaders: Dr Louise Nelstrop Dr Gemma Simmonds (MBIT) and forward. We will be providing a large pro- As has become customary, a relic of St Fr Dragos Herescu (IOCS) gramme of events that will be enjoyable and Edmund was exposed on the altar, this hav- memorable whilst recognising the ing been generously given to the parish by Contact [email protected] significance of the history and heritage of the former Parish Priest, Rev Canon Mark to arrange for an informal discussion with Dr Louise Nelstrop the Abbey.” Hackeson. Amongst those events will be a gathering A chalice that is thought to date back to of Benedictine monks and nuns, exhibitions the 16th century was also used during the of Abbey manuscripts, modern sculptures, Mass. Page 8 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 Caritas workshop on putting social Heroic nur

Tributes have been paid to action into practice devoted Norwich nurse, Pictured is the vigil and requiem mother and St John’s Mass for Estrella Catalan at St John’s Cathedral in Norwich. A Caritas online meeting has He has found that most people tick the Cathedral steward Estrella Pictures by Keith Morris. provided practical advice second option. SVP, he said, puts the focus on early Catalan, who died on about how to launch a social intervention. It’s a case of “How can we February 5 at the Norfolk outreach project, especially to help you before you need food hampers and Norwich hospital where support isolated older people. or suicide advice?” Many SVP she worked, after a month- Edred Willey reports. volunteers were previously beneficiaries, long battle against Covid-19. so are very committed to the cause. n Caritas Development Worker Jacinta Carol Hill from Catholic Care in Leeds Keith Morris reports. Goode led the meeting, which was then spoke, drawing on 25 years of

joined by some 20 people from around working for the charity. “No barrier is too n Emergency Department Staff Nurse the diocese. big to get around,” she said. She gave Estrella, aged 52, worked in Accident “We are here because lots of people examples of how her project had & Emergency and was also an impor- are in need,” said Jacinta. She recalled adapted to the pandemic, organising tant member of the acute stroke team. an earlier webinar which had taken place exercises on Zoom and taking hot meals Altogether she had worked at the hos- in November, focussing on ‘The Rich- to people rather than inviting them to a pital for nearly 20 years, since ness of Many Years of Life’. “Honour lunch. arriving from the Philippines. Col- your father and mother is the first of the Carol gave a very useful step-by-step leagues and friends flooded social commandments dealing with love of guide on how to set up a new project, in media with touching tributes as her other people,” she said, reminding partic- which she emphasised the importance of death and funeral was widely featured ipants that many older people were talking both to the parish priest and to in the media and on local TV. feeling isolated at the moment. the leaders of existing groups when An active member of the St John’s Fr John Warrington, Chair the Dioce- starting a new initiative. Cathedral parish, where she served as san Caritas Commission, opened the Carol also spoke of the Toolkit which a steward, Estrella leaves behind a webinar in prayer. He prayed that we Catholic Care Leeds produced in col- husband, Melvin, and sons John and would all be able to reach out with some laboration with CSAN (the Caritas Social Josh. Their middle son, Vince, sadly small act of love to older members of the Action Network). The Toolkit contains a died two years ago. community. huge amount of information about how to The Duke of Cambridge paid tribute Jane Crone, Community Participation set up new projects and can be found at: to Estrella. Speaking during a video Coordinator at CAFOD, then gave a www.csan.org.uk/embrace-downloads/ meeting of the East of England's NHS reflection on Fratelli Tutti, the October Hamish McQueen, Director of Dioce- leadership team, Prince William said: 2020 encyclical by Pope Francis on san Youth Services, added some "I also want to just sort of pass on my social friendship. comments about getting younger and thoughts to all of you and your teams The Pope wrote that this was ‘a time older people together. “I’ve never come about Estrella Catalan, who I believe for bold and renewed hope’. The second across an example of it not being fantas- was a much loved member of most of chapter of his letter is a meditation on tic when you get young people involved your teams and had been in the region the parable of the Good Samaritan. We inter-generationally,” he said. He advised for a long time at I think King's Lynn make ourselves vulnerable, he says, connecting with catechists, leaders of and the N&N. when we respond to the needs of a confirmation groups and headteachers "And I imagine that's hit everyone stranger. But rather than thinking what so as to link with a ready-made group of very hard so I'm very sorry to hear will happen to us if we help, we need to young people. that, and my thoughts from my family think of what will happen to the other A time of open discussion followed, are all with all of you who knew her person if we don’t help. and Jane Crone came back with a com- and her family." Jane then gave a presentation illus- ment on Zoom chat which attracted a lot A Requiem Funeral Mass was cel- trating the message, drawing on a young of interest: ebrated at St John the Baptist Cathedral in doctor in Beirut who had volunteered her “When I was teaching in a village Norwich on March 5 for 30 family and close services after the explosion there last school, we invited older village members friends, joined by many other via the cathe- August. in to share their memories and the chil- dral live-stream service. The next speaker was Jon Cornwall, dren interviewed them. It was fantastic, Bishop Alan Hopes who celebrated the Director of Membership of the St Vincent the children came up with questions and Mass, paid tribute to Estrella, saying: “We de Paul Society (SVP). He began with a wrote up the results. Once the pandemic give thanks for all that Estrella has meant quotation from St Vincent de Paul him- is over….” to each one of us. She has touched our lives self: “Love is creative to infinity.” In terms of funding, Jacinta informed in so many different ways – as a much-loved “Last year we were posed one of the participants that two funds were avail- wife and mother, a fellow parishioner, a biggest obstacles,” he said. “Our ministry able in the diocese: the Alive in Faith friend, a sister, a colleague, and in particu- could not happen face-to-face.” fund, which is for long-term projects, and lar as a nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich However, he had found ways around this the St Edmunds Fund, which is more Hospital.” by suggesting five things people could orientated towards emergencies. She In his homily Cathedral Dean, Canon do every time he had to tell them there invited people who have an idea which David Paul, said: “Many tears have been was something they couldn’t do. needs funding to contact her on shed over Estrella’s death. Hearts have He describes how he attracts vol- [email protected] been filled with sadness and grief. Many of unteers to this work, not by giving history If you would like to set up a new us have felt the pain of separation. Yet we lessons or by making the work sound project you can contact Jacinta for can rejoice because we can see in the easier than it is, but by demonstrating support, or go directly to your parish Estrella the seed of eternal life. how rewarding it is to meet genuine priest. Parish priests can also provide pandemic, we have been distressed by the “Estrella’s life was one of service. She needs, and by emphasising the truth that the necessary forms to request funding suffering we have seen in so many people. loved being a Catholic. She loved worship- “together we can give so much more”. from the St Edmund’s Fund and the Alive Yet in the midst of this we have seen in Faith Fund. ping in the Cathedral. She loved being a glimpses of great goodness. I think Estrella Jon has discovered that an effective steward to welcome people as they came in. has brought out the best in us, for we see in way to get people signed up is to give n If you would like help from Caritas in Her vocation as a nurse was not a job or a them a questionnaire which has three setting up a new project to support the her life of service someone touched by God. profession. For Estrella is was a vocation options to tick: 1) I am interested and elderly and isolated, or any other social We feel we are better people for having given to her by God. have time 2) I am interested and would action project, please contact Jacinta: known her.” “During these awful times of the like to pray 3) I am not really interested. [email protected] Canon Paul read out tributes from Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CatholicEastAnglia Page 9 Sandra to focus se Estrella on time, talent and treasure

The Diocese of East Anglia Treasures approach to stewardship. She is currently busy learning about has appointed Sandra each parish in order to prepare a Portas as its new part-time schedule of the first tranche of par- Stewardship and Fundrais- ishes she will be working with. Sandra’s support will be carefully ing Co-ordinator to help planned and delivered over the next parishes with these two three years so that all parishes are important areas. able to participate in the programme. She said: “I am really keen to work

with all parishes so that this proven n Sandra joined the Finance and Stew- methodology can deliver results that ardship Team in January in the new really make a difference for them. role which has been created specifi- “The feedback from parishioners in cally to help parishes undertake other areas is that, as a result of imple- stewardship campaigns and to be a menting this programme, they gain a key initial point of contact for col- greater understanding of the needs leagues seeking help with fundraising. Sandra has lived in North Norfolk for 20 years with her hus- band and two sons. Prior to joining the diocese, she worked in the City of London in the banking sector and more recently in both a national and regional charity in fundraising roles. She also has several years’ experience of investigating exter- nal funding sources and of writing suc- cessful grant applications. She has spent her first few weeks being inducted and learn- ing (remotely) about the very successful John, Estrella's son, wrote: “Mama, you stewardship and and Papa have shaped me into the person I fundraising method- am today. You have taught me how to be ology in use in other Sandra Portas. strong in the lowest periods of our life. A dioceses. The tried mother and son bond is unbreakable even in and tested methodol- death. You were taken away from us too ogy, which is rooted soon by this cruel and awful virus. I was in biblical stewardship and respect for within their local church and more hoping and praying for a miracle. God has the individual, has delivered impres- importantly, gain an understanding of other plans for you and for us Ma. God loves sive results in different dioceses with how they can help, be that with their you so much that he did not want to see you over 100 volunteers coming forward in time, prayers or treasures or a suffer any longer. one parish alone. combination of these. “I will miss your vibrant and joyful The programme seeks to invite “I plan to share the stories of energy, I will miss everything about you. I parishioners to share the gifts that parishes that I work with through our will make you proud and follow in your foot- God has given them, be that prayer, diocesan website and newspaper so steps by becoming a nurse like you. You are time and talents and their financial that the work can be more widely my hero and my inspiration.” blessings. understood within the diocese and Estrella’s husband Melvin, said: “I am Above all else, it focuses on steward- everyone can gain an awareness of the very proud of what you have achieved. It is ship and it has delivered impressive benefits of this new approach.” a testament how many people had their lives results with an increase in the Gift Aid Increased offertory resulting from Estrella’s family during the Mass. touched by you. You are our hero, God’s gift and offertory income of over 30% this approach will remain in the par- Josh, Estrella's son, wrote: “I will miss you but your legacy will remain.” in parishes in which it has been ish for their general use. This is chanting from the sidelines, cooking in the Afterwards, the funeral procession visited adopted. different from Alive in Faith which is kitchen, jamming to songs, the list goes on Estrella’s home and the Norfolk & Norwich Sandra’s ability to get out and about focused on the priorities of supporting about the things you would do for me. You University Hospital, where colleagues paid and meet people in order to under- retired priests, seminarians and social are one of the strongest people I know. You a final tribute, before a committal at stand each individual parish has been outreach along with specific parish could never see a day without your bursting Earlham Crematorium. limited by the Covid-19 rules, but she projects. energy and smile. I will love you forever and You can watch the funeral Mass on the is keen to hear from any parish in the If you would like to find out more, always.” Cathedral YouTube channel. diocese that would like to find out please get in touch with Sandra by more about the Time, Talents and email at [email protected]. Page 10 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 Diocese St Peter and All Souls wins grant takes n With the help of the Diocese, St momentum going. This generous grant will pay for an asbes- Peter and All Souls in Peterborough The total project cost would be over £1 tos refurbishment survey to enable future has won a grant of £20,000 for vital million, and it would completely surpass the necessary works to the church. It will also stock of repairs on the church. Parish Priest Fr resources of the parish; therefore, it needs to pay for clearance of rainwater goods as well come to completion in little steps. The recent as for a surface water drain survey to identify Adam Sowa explains the significance. Covid-19 period did not completely stop location and condition. Remedial works to For some years, the parish of St Peter and many efforts to realise this worthy project, but drains, as identified in the survey, will be church All Souls, with the assistance of the Diocese slowing it down gave the parish time to think covered by the grant, too. of East Anglia, have embraced the costly and it through more deeply. Also, the Steering The Parish Steering Group is meeting via onerous task of repairing the subsiding Group and the diocese made more applica- Zoom online to consider the next steps and heritage church building. The Diocese appointed the tions for funding. how our parish can help to further the repara- construction engineers, Canham Consulting, I am delighted that we have been success- tion of our beautiful church building. The A comprehensive conservation architects Caroe Architecture as ful with our grant application to Historic parish Finance and Resources Committee is well as a fundraising consultant, to assist the England, which awarded our parish with £20k also meeting on regular basis to keep the architectural and histori- parish in raising the funds and keeping the in January. parish solvent and plan for the future. cal review of Catholic churches across the Dio- cese has been published online as part of the major Taking Stock project. Church raises the roof n Taking stock is an architectural and historical review of Catholic churches and chapels in England St Mary’s parish in Great and Wales. The project is a partner- ship between the Patrimony Yarmouth has received a Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ grant of £148,598 from the Conference of England and Wales, National Lottery Heritage individual dioceses, and Historic England. Fund for repairs to a leaking They range from the spectacular roof. Eldred Willey reports. architectural glories of churches like St Benet’s Minster in Beccles and Our Lady and the English Martyrs n The grant comes from the Culture in Cambridge to the Diocese’s Recovery Fund and is specified to be many humbler yet much-loved used for the re-roofing of the sanctu- church buildings. ary, both side chapels and the old Cedric Burton, Secretary of the sacristy. The contribution that St Historic Churches Committee, said: Mary’s parish must raise towards the “This audit of the Catholic churches repairs is £37,150. and chapels in the Diocese is an The Grade II* listed building dates important tool. It will help to enable from 1850 and was designed by the to proper preservation, and appro- acclaimed Catholic architect, JJ priate development, of the Church’s Scoles. The roof has deteriorated, and patrimony. In particular it will pro- water has seriously damaged a mural vide the committee, and the new painted by Archibald Jarvis in 1921. Historic Churches Support Officer, The building not just has broken with a base line from which to and missing tiles, but also displaced assess the needs and proposals of beams, cracks in the walls and inter- parishes.” nal damage due to leaks. Some of the The review was carried out by tiles which have come off are above Andrew Derrick, Director of the the organ loft, and water has been Architectural History Practice, who coming in, threatening the valuable carried out the Taking Stock review. organ. He said: “We are all familiar with the The original slate tiles over the Conservation work underway at great legacy of medieval church nave, as well as over the chancel and side chapels at the western end, were St Mary’s in Great Yarmouth. buildings in East Anglia,” he said Picture by Brian Lafferty. “but not so well known is the mod- replaced by concrete tiles in the 1960s. ern heritage of Catholic churches. The excessive weight of these has dis- placed beams supporting the roof. By modern I mean those built after experience of being apart from their friends in The current repairs, being made in n Taking the opportunity of roof repairs, St 1791, when Catholic church build- Mary’s parish in Great Yarmouth is planting a this unusual time and asked catechists to partnership with Caroe Architecture, ing once again became legal in time capsule to capture a moment in history. invite offerings from their groups. Members of are dealing with the eastern end of England. “It’s 60 years since we had the roof off,” the congregation were invited to send photos the building. To protect all the beams “There are 25 listed churches in explained Brian Lafferty, chair of the parish as well as stories to capture their present of the church, the concrete tiles the diocese, including a couple of finance committee, who came up with the idea. experience. across the whole roof would need to medieval outliers (the Slipper “It will be 60 or 100 years before it needs At the last count, the congregation had be replaced with slate. A 2019 report Chapel at Walsingham and the replacing, so I thought, why not put a time members from 48 nationalities, and an earlier from Nicholas Warnes architects put church at Clare Priory). The most capsule in there?” project involved inviting them to obtain their the cost of a complete repair at recent is Eric Gill’s 1939 church at He has received contributions for the time national flags. “We hung them around the £1,500,000. Gorleston. Many other churches, capsule from the SVP, the Knights of St church,” said Brian, “and it brought a real “The past couple of years we’ve while not listed, are of local value Columbo, and nurses in the congregation, who sense of belonging. Pictures of these flags are been doing concerts, race nights and and, of course, important to those have helped to capture the experience of the now going into the capsule, with comments raffles,” said Brian Lafferty, chair of who worship there. Taking Stock pandemic. Bishop Alan has also added a letter from people about how they are feeling.” the finance committee at St Mary’s. has assessed the architecture and and a photograph. He explained that the purpose of the project “The parish are very committed and history of all of them and aims to St Mary’s currently has three Nigeran priests. was twofold: “We are trying to create a record enthusiastic. We had everything ensure that heritage considerations “That could be of great interest when the of where we are and where we have been, so planned for last year, and then along are given their proper weight when capsule is opened,” comments Brian. He that someone who comes along in 100 years’ came Covid.” changes are proposed.” commissioned a report from them “on how time can understand. We are also raising The parish has launched a “buy a The listings for the Diocese can they have settled, pleasures and pains of awareness of our current situation: that we candle and save our church” appeal. be found at: taking-stock.org.uk/dio- serving us here, freezing weather and all”. need £1,500,000 to preserve the church build- You can support this appeal at: cese/east-anglia/ The parish asked children to share the ing for future generations.” www.stmarysgy.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCEastAnglia Page 11

news in brief Hospital role in a pandemic Virtual craft Fr Mike Brookes recently idea to be inviting people into the hospital at the moment,” he said.

spoke on Radio Maria Fr Mike and the rest of the team are still fair donations England about his work as a on call for urgent admissions 24 hours a n The parish of Our Lady of Good Coun- chaplain at the West Suffolk day. Much of his role, however, has moved sel at Clare Priory in Suffolk marked the Hospital, and how it has to talking to people on the phone or through beginning of Advent with a charity dona- a tablet. There is, though, frequently a relax- tion of £3,000 from the proceeds of its changed in the face of Covid- ing of rules – both for him and for families – first-ever virtual summer craft fair, which 19. Eldred Willey reports. when a patient is near death. If a dying will be held once again on 2021 due to

patient is unconscious, he can offer an Covid-19 restrictions. n Fr Mike is relatively recently ordained. apostolic pardon rather than normal confes- The money went to a range of charities Prior to that he was a nurse for 25 years, sion. working across East Anglia in the frontline which gives him great empathy with staff “It’s still a wonderfully powerful and prov- of the Covid-19 crisis. Recipients and a developed understanding of the idential ministry,” he said. included SVP homelessness projects in needs of patients and their loved ones. He is concerned that some people – North Norfolk, Gatehouse, REACH, He is also an assistant priest at St including staff – are neglecting themselves Foodbank, Ormiston Families, EACH, St Edmunds parish in Bury St Edmunds. “Here because they take the view that others have Nicholas Hospice and some local char- in the Diocese of East Anglia you tend to be it harder. “We have to allow people to be ities. a bit of a generalist,” he said. “There are stressed and unhappy at the moment,” he Robin Hughes, Craft Fair committee only half a dozen clergy who specialise in a said. member said: “I'm delighted that as a first chaplaincy.” In the moments of drudgery, he said, “you attempt our virtual craft fair this summer In normal times, he told listeners, the istering sacraments – rarely baptism and just keep going and offer it up. I do what I was such a success. We had no idea chaplain’s routine would consist of Mass in confirmation, and more commonly confes- have to do.” when we started that we would attract the hospital chapel and visiting people on sion and the sacrament of the sick. Patients All the same, he questions the way in visitors from across the globe or help the wards when a request had been made. awaiting a serious operation often took the which we all too often focus on the negative generate sales for our crafters as far He worked with a large number of vol- opportunity for confession and the sacra- when we think of hospitals. “There is also afield as the US and Singapore.” unteers, who were bringing communion and ment of the sick the night before. great news in a hospital,” he pointed out, Each July, Clare Priory in Suffolk supporting patients and staff. Since the Covid pandemic began, much “the birth of a baby, and the salvation of so usually hosts a Craft Fair in its beautiful “The volunteers carried out their work with has changed; Fr Mike only managed to fit in many people through the professionalism of grounds, featuring a range of quality arti- great energy and prayerfulness,” he said. one Mass between lockdowns, and the role the staff. People are being cured, hope is san arts and crafts items. The other side of his work was admin- of volunteers is in abeyance. “It’s not a good coming, and it’s wonderful to be part of that.” Garden adoration n Fr Luke Goymour from St Thomas of Canterbury in Brandon has been arrang- ing adoration and Benediction in the Help for those in need gardens of some of his parishioners. Not someone to be wrong-footed by St Vincent de Paul Confer- Covid restrictions, Fr Luke has been ences across East Anglia have taking the Blessed Sacrament to the homes of his parishioners, and blessing excelled themselves over them after a short prayer time, either at recent months, assisting those the front door or in their garden. Some of his parishioners prepared an in need during the lockdowns. altar in their garden and he came to their back door for the ceremony. n The variety of social action work which Conferences and volunteers have been doing across the Diocese during the pan- Grotto dedicated demic gives an idea of the continuing n On All Saints Day Fr Philip John from creativity of SVP. St Philip Howard in Cambridge dedicated In North Norfolk a Conference has a new grotto to Our Lady in the grounds helped temporarily house a man and sup- of the church. port him with essential groceries. The It replaces an older grotto which was Dereham Conference has helped several already a place. The new grotto, built by families referred via housing and debt parishioners, faces the road. support officers. In both of these cases, Like the cross, which likewise faces the St Edmunds fund has helped with another road, the new grotto is a visible grants. symbol of faith. It invites people to come Meanwhile debt relief orders, funded by in. Created just before the second lock- A member of St Laurence the SVP, have been paid to help families down, it offers a place to pray, even when SVP Conference sorting struggling with a financial crisis. the church building is not open for private St Laurence's in Cambridge has helped out donations from the parish's Giving Tree. prayer. with parish-donated items, such as a bicycle, items for babies and gardening tools. The Conference helped an ex- heating costs. property in East Anglia, this time in Sr Camilla’s role offender, who was recently relocated to Similarly, Ely Conference helped a Cromer. It will have a similar function to Cambridge, with heating costs and con- family with a donated tumble drier and the one currently operating in Shering- n Sr Camilla Oberding, from the tinues to offer regular support to an Christmas gifts for the children and have ham, but it will support single men who Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, elderly couple. Additionally, a large undertaken some other fundraising for are temporarily homeless. A suitable has been appointed by Bishop Alan number of donations were received from children at Christmas. Other Conferences house has been identified and it is hoped Hopes as Vicar for Women Religious for the parish for Christmas, which were dis- across the region have also been busy that the purchase will be completed the Diocese of East Anglia. She is looking tributed to families (as well as some to supporting beneficiaries with Christmas within the next couple of months. Local forward to working with and supporting other local charities) during the festive hampers, gifts and grocery vouchers. SVP members are crucial to the success religious, consecrated virgins and period. Conferences have been holding meet- of this venture, and to support those who consecrated widows and to promoting Over on the east coast, the Great Yar- ings mostly via Zoom and helping those will benefit from this housing. consecrated life in its many forms in the mouth Conference has been keeping in in need via the phone or socially dis- “SVP members across East Anglia have diocese. In the light of this Sr Theresa is touch with people by phone and this year tanced visits. demonstrated resilience, determination now the new director of Dowry House offered modified Christmas hampers to Christine Knight, National Treasurer and kindness throughout the year, and and Sr Gabi is to become the local over 30 families and elderly parishioners, for the SVP, adds: “The SVP National particularly during these most challeng- servant from January. including grocery vouchers and help with Office has agreed to purchase a second ing of times.” Page 12 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 SCHOOLS IN FOCUS School pupils create opera about pandemic

n Pupils at St Augustine’s Primary and and in school participated in virtual St Francis of Assisi Primary in Norwich workshops with Into Opera producing have collaborated with children at four poetry, letters, journals and artwork other city schools to share a message about their lockdown experiences. in song about the coronavirus These went on to be curated into pandemic. lyrics by Into Opera’s artistic director, Internationally renowned composer Genevieve Raghu and performance Will Todd and Into Opera collaborated poet Adisa the Verbalizer then set to with the schools to develop a major music by Mr Todd. artistic song cycle, called 2020: You Ms Raghu said: “The public Won't Hold Me Back?, that captures a response to the pandemic seems to slice of social history and encourages have been dominated by adults and the children to share their thoughts and politicians. We’ve not heard very much feelings about the impact of Covid-19 from children at all. I wanted to on their lives. develop a project which would give Mr Todd, who has previously worked children a voice and encourage them with the Halle Orchestra and BBC Con- to dig deep emotionally.” cert Orchestra said: “It’s been St Francis of Assisi deputy incredibly moving to work with the headteacher Claire Furness said: “The words which the children have shared children are so excited that their with us. Their words are heartfelt, words, their feelings, their emotions thoughtful, kind, grateful, frustrated, have been put on to paper…it’s not funny, sad and utterly brilliant. I hope the fears, and hopes as they move forward into can be an inspiration to everyone who only increased their self-esteem but it’s music we’ve created with their words can the next part of their journey. I hope that hears them singing these songs.” shown them that their thoughts are valued.” help them express their thoughts, feelings, what these children in Norwich have to say During lockdown in July, children at home It premiered on YouTube in December.

An architect’s representation of the new school, courtesy of DLA Architecture.

Chili is named a

World Changer n A student at Notre Dame High School in Norwich has been named as 'World Changer of the Year' for her efforts in help- ing young people with their mental health during the pandemic. Year 10 student Chili Tozer won the Peterborough school Pearson accolade after teaching herself to use an electric sewing machine in lock- down with the help of her grandma on Facetime. Chili created and sold over 1,500 colour- ful facemasks for her community, through reveals its new look her @Chilis_facemasks Instagram account. She succeeded in raising £4,000 for young people’s mental health – a cause The team behind the new St any other primary school and that drop-off mary schools and you can find more infor- close to her heart. John Henry Newman Catholic parking will be provided. mation about this on Peterborough City Her entrepreneurial efforts helped fund The school is set to open in September Council’s website.” vital twice-weekly counselling sessions for Primary School, set to open in 2022 and building work is expected to start Addressing resident concerns over traffic young people struggling with their well- Peterborough in September on site in early summer 2021. levels, Shadow Governors said: “We don’t being over lockdown, as well as education 2022, has reassured residents Details of what the school building and site think this school will cause any more traffic and sport courses that work to increase will look like, were revealed in a planning than any other primary school of this size. confidence and motivation among young that any local child wanting a aplication submitted at the end of January We don’t believe that lots of pupils will be people through local mental health charity place at the school is and are on the new school website driven to school from a very long way partly Providing details on schools places, the because distance from the school will be a Inspire Suffolk. expected to get one. "Chili is an inspiration and well-deserved Shadow Governors said: “We know that this factor in deciding who gets a place in the ‘World Changer of The Year’,” said Chantel is the biggest concern for parents, especially school.” Carpenter, Director at Pearson & World n Answering common questions, the those living close to the new school. Even Catholic schools have to teach the Changer Awards judge. “She defines what Shadow Governing Body have also set out though this is a Catholic school, we still National Curriculum just like non-Catholic a world changer is all about. She has learnt the timetable for school applications and expect that every child who wants a place at schools, say Shadow Governors: “Religious a new skill for the good of her community reiterated that the school will be following the the school, where St John Henry Newman Education is an important part of the curricu- and used her facemasks to affect real National Curriculum, as do all primary School is their closest school, will be able to lum in Catholic schools but only accounts for change for a cause that is close to her schools. get a place. around 10% of the timetable.” heart - all while studying for her GCSEs!" They have also reassured residents that “The admissions process for this school traffic is not expected to be any more than for will follow the same timetable as for all pri- st-johnhenrynewman.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CatholicEastAnglia Page 13 YOUTH MATTERS Hamish’s rock band revelation Over 25 years ago, A few years ago, some of the band started meeting up occa- Hamish MacQueen, sionally and jamming together. Director of the Diocesan This led to recording new material Youth Service, founded a and re-recording some old mate- Where are they now? rial with different arrangements. n Pictured right, full-time Catholic rock With the advances in technology the Revelation band called Revelation. compared to 25 years ago they band as it was in They have just released a have also been able to contribute 1995. From left to parts of songs and send them to new album. right, Ian O’Shea is each other without always meet- now a guitar ing. teacher; Lubosh n Hamish started the band in 1995 Then the lockdowns happened, Uchityl became a with the aim of sharing the Gospel and it meant the keyboard player, policeman; Hamish message through music. They David Wood, was able to work on MacQueen is Dioc- toured extensively throughout the the songs to the extent that they esan Youth Service UK and Europe. now have a new album – the first Director in the Dio- cese of East For a time, they were based in in over 20 years. Anglia; Claire Alta- Hamish’s mum’s bungalow in “I guess there is something quite mura (née Gunton North Walsham, and they played cringy about a band getting back together when they are much and also originally several gigs in East Anglia. from East Anglia) At the height of their success, older, but then again, why not?” commented Hamish. works at a Chris- they played a stadium in Germany tian performing The question now is, will they and at World Youth Day in Paris. arts conservatoire tour again? “We’re talking about They stopped touring full-time in in America; Andy 1998 and in recent years have it,” said Hamish. “I think we’d all Bunting works for rarely played together. like to, but it’s so difficult to find a the Sion time when we are all free enough, “We never officially split up and Community for joined Revelation when the line- an educational welfare officer and at the same time, for it to have stayed good friends,” said Evangelisation; David Wood up changed), Sarah Darcy but also recently had an album Hamish, “but we all moved onto happen, but maybe one day.” works for his family business; works with people with special in the Top Ten UK Classical different things and in different You can order copies of Rev- and John Bain works with needs; Carol Cade works with Charts; and Andy Jaxa-Chamiec parts of the UK, so it just became elation’s new CD ‘Thank you adults with learning disabilities. the Cor et Lumen Christi Com- is a priest in the Diocese of impractical to play together very Father’ and stream it for free at Also (not pictured as they munity; Donna-Marie Povey is Westminster. often.” www.revelationband.co.uk

Celebrating Candlemas

n Pupils and school staff right across the School Chaplains in our Diocese, wrote spe- Diocese of East Anglia joined together in cial prayers which were sent out to schools celebrating Candlemas on February 2, to enable us all to prayer together. Staff lit spreading candle light and using prayers in candles and with their pupils said the special many school and home settings. prayers in school, or at home online. This Candlemas takes place forty days after gave a powerful message of support to us Christmas day to mark Jesus’ presentation all. Where ever we are, we are one com- at the temple, forty days after his birth. Dur- munity in Christ, thinking and praying for ing Mass, the priest blesses all the candles each other… Together we give each other in the church and then the community hope of brighter days ahead. spreads the light by lighting each other’s “Thanks to the school communities of St candles. Thomas More, St Alban’s, St Mary and St Notre Dame High School lay chaplain, Peter’s, St Francis of Assisi, St John Fisher, Alex Savage, said: “This year, for the first St Benedict’s and Notre Dame for sharing time, the Ignite Team with the Secondary their candle photos.” Page 14 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 OBITUARIES An entrepreneur and inventor

Eric St John Foti, a Norfolk ects and called the children to be guards of honour or just to have an extraordinary Catholic entrepreneur and experience. They came to hand roses to inventor, has died at the age Dame Barbara Cartland and experienced of 94. Sr Francis Ridler FDC the opening of the Pink Room dedicated to her. They met the actress Lisa Goddard and

pays tribute. drove around the premises with her in one

of his famous Sidley Armstrong cars. n Eric was a man of faith and someone who Freddie and the Dream Makers was made things happen. With his wife, Marion another time we celebrated together and he raised 8 children of his own and fostered heard one of the band perform. The children another 24 children. were able to visit the magical Dickens He was born on January 13, 1926 and Museum which culminated in a Christmas when he died, on January 4, was nearly 95. World of wonder. Eric with all his ingenuity My relationship with Eric began when his and innovation had a child-like heart and the Suffolk Catholic prisons family were adults and he was living at real meaning of Christmas was something Downham Market, and Collector’ World was he wished to make known and celebrate all chaplain, and pastoral assis- his brain child. It was a truly an eccentric year round. tant, Antoinette Askin died place with an eclectic mix of collections that He loved Our Lady and on one of his trips recently at the age of 73. Fr he had hoarded and that people had to Turkey he and Marion visited the house donated to him, a museum that appealed to at Ephesus where Mary lived with St John Tony Rogers pay tribute. children and the young of heart. groups, rush them to be printed and present until her assumption into heaven. In order to Eric was an inspiring and generous char- them to the pupils at the end of their extraor- build a replica of their home he brought n Until her death on January 11, Antoinette acter who loved nuns and had brought up dinary retreat day. back photos and a stone to be the founda- (or ‘Tonie’ as she was known), was his large family in Arundel Priory, part of We formed a partnership with Eric and for tion of the building. This was a shrine Catholic Chaplain at HMP Warren Hill and Arundel Castle. So, in Downham Market, he years we brought children to perform at a dedicated to peace and a place where HMP Hollesley Bay on the Suffolk coast. soon made friends with the Sisters from carol concert interspersed with small dra- Christians and Muslims would meet in She had been in post for nearly seven Sacred Heart Convent, Swaffham. He had a mas given by our speech and drama group prayer. It was blessed by our Bishop Peter years, and was a wonderful and caring small chapel with the Nativity always on in the Nelson Room. It was like a theatre Smith and the children were privileged to friend to the residents. She took up her show and we would sometimes go to the with an upper room leading out onto a bal- attend. post at the age of 66, and her niece said at Tuesday Masses. cony and the audience below. Eric believed Together we organised a Diocesan Youth her funeral in Perth that it had taken her Eric’s faith was deep and strong and he that anything was possible so, with only an Day on the grounds of Hermitage Hall with that long to settle in her ‘dream job.’ used to explain the existence of God by talk- hour’s practice, these performances took Bishop Michael Evans taking part and being She was a Dublin northsider, who tried ing about the workings of a watch. This place. Afterwards we were all treated to the main celebrant at the Mass. It was a her vocation with a religious order in fascinated the teenagers who we took for mince pies and the famous non-alcoholic truly special day for our young people who France, before coming to England, where retreat days at Hermitage Hall. Eric would Norfolk Punch. were inspired by Eric’s enthusiasm and love she worked for many years in London with take fantastic photos of the Year 11 leavers’ Eric involved the school in his many proj- of God and teenagers. Social Services. But a change came about when she took the decision to come to the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology in Cambridge in the 1990s to study for a degree in theology. When she graduated, Cambridge chaplain and she was appointed as Pastoral Assistant at Our Lady and the English Martyrs in Cam- bridge, where she stayed until 2013. Her inter-personal skills were soon evi- dent as she began to minister to a great Westminster Administrator number of individuals – many of whom were people on the margins. It was among Catholic Chaplain to the said: “Since March 2020, 18 priests of West- these people that Tonie was most at home minster Diocese have died. The latest sad – something that was also characteristic of University of Cambridge, Mgr death is that of Mgr Mark. Each of these her prison ministry. She also did great work Mark Langham, a former priests contributed mightily to the work of the with groups and in the Anglia Ruskin Administrator of Westminster Church, as did Mgr Mark. We pray for them chaplaincy. all, and today we pray especially for Mgr Tonie delighted in sharing her love of Cathedral, died on January 15, Mark. May they rest in peace and rise in scripture with others, and was always tak- after a long battle with cancer. glory.” ing initiatives in faith development in the Diocese of East Anglia Chancellor, Mgr parish. These interests and skills were n From 2013 to his death, Mgr Mark served Eugène Canon Harkness, paid tribute saying: honed and refined and used to the full in as Catholic Chaplain to the University of “Mgr Mark has left a huge legacy of pastoral her work at Hollesley Bay and Warren Hill, Cambridge – a place he studied Classics in care throughout his priestly life. He is now where she devised programmes for those 1979. called on to continue his work of intercession in bereavement, rosary and scripture A few weeks before his death, he wrote to for us as we will for him. We thank God for the sessions, and helped to set up a scheme the community at Fisher House, the univer- gift of his life and commend him into His care for men who were not receiving any visits. sity’s Catholic chaplaincy, thanking them for that he may rest in peace and rise in glory.” She worked in an ecumenical and multi- their support and prayers and insisting he A staff member of the Vatican’s Pontifical faith chaplaincy team, playing her full part didn’t want any “fuss” as he moved into a Council for Promoting Christian Unity from in all the statutory duties which chaplains hospice for end-of-life care: 2009-2013, Mgr Mark retained his great inter- had to undertake. “I have had a wonderful and varied ministry est in ecumenism when he returned from As well as her work, she gained a and priesthood, and undertaken extraordinary fruitful work at Fisher House among the Cath- Rome to join the chaplaincy team at Cam- Master’s degree, and embarked on a doc- tasks, but none has thrilled and delighted me olic and many other students of Cambridge bridge University. torate on prison chaplaincy. But, for some like the chaplaincy at Fisher House. The University. Also for his support and encour- Before his death, Mgr Mark thanked time, her health has not been good, and in opportunity to encounter and influence the agement for many of our clergy in the work of Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for the autumn of 2020 she had to give up her young people, to be fired by your enthusiasm spiritual direction and assisting in the work of their “wonderful treatment” that enabled him prison work, and spent a good while in and holiness, and to build the wider commu- ongoing formation. Our prayers and thoughts to “lead a full and active ministry” towards the Addenbrooke’s Hospital, before recently nity, has given me great hope for the future of are with his family and the members of the end. moving to Scotland where she was lovingly the Church and of our society.” Cambridge Catholic Chaplaincy at this time. Mgr Mark died peacefully at the Hospice of cared for by members of her family. May Bishop Alan Hopes paid tribute, saying: May he rest in peace.” St John and St Elizabeth, St John’s Wood, she rest in peace. “The Diocese of East Anglia has reason to be On learning of Mgr Mark’s death, Cardinal London where he received end-of-life care grateful to Mgr Mark for his wonderful and Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster since January 6. Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021 like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CatholicEastAnglia Page 15

news in brief

Newmarket food box Triplets and SVP project is honoured spread cheer n In King’s Lynn triplets Angel, Nigel and Rachel created a nativity scene as part of a fundraising drive The Lord Lieutenant by SVP which raised almost £1000 for those in need. Donations in kind have been made to the Foodbank, of Suffolk has the Night Shelter, and the Purfleet Trust, a local charity awarded a project providing help to the homeless. A turkey and Christmas in Newmarket a puddings were delivered to residents at Merchants Ter- race to ensure they had a happy Christmas. Certificate of Merit for its work to bring food parcels to needy Pupils quiz scientist families. n A Level Biology students at Notre Dame High School in Norwich interviewed "Naked Scientist" Cambridge Medical Consultant Dr Chris Smith, via Zoom about the n The Countess of Euston, challenges faced by scientists in creating a Covid-19 who is Lord Lieutenant of Suf- vaccine. folk, sent the Certificate of Chris is Medical Consultant at Cambridge University Merit to Deacon James Hurst and Addenbrooke's Hospital and specialises in clinical from Newmarket Parish. In a microbiology and virology. He also co-presents the covering letter she writes: “As Naked Scientists and 5 Live Science on BBC Radio 5 Her Majesty the Queen’s per- Live. sonal representative in Suffolk, The students were amazed to discover the chal- I would like to thank you for the lenges faced by scientists in understanding Covid-19. outstanding contribution you all Dr Smith also answered their questions on the have made to the County dur- science behind the latest vaccines being developed by ing the extraordinary and Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna and the University of Oxford. difficult circumstances caused by the Covid-19 crisis. Your selflessness and sense of duty are a credit to you.” Volunteers at Our Lady and A Polish crib The project has provided St Etheldreda parish church. n Jurek Oleszko, A Polish artist in Bury St Edmunds, food parcels to families whose made a beautiful outdoor crib to celebrate the coming children are eligible for free of Christ in an unusual year. He constructed the stable school meals. It has recently moved its ing the first lockdown and initially con- their cars and fuel free of charge. of pallets and boards, and the figures from chicken wire base into the parish church, as the tinued until the end of August. It Local businesses as well as wealthier and papier-mâché. church hall is now being used as a test- delivered parcels again in the October families from the local school have “It has been such a holy message to passing people ing centre. half term and Christmas holidays, and provided the bulk of funding for the and is much appreciated by so many,” said parishion- The project is a partnership between relaunched on January 12 when the project, and a national Catholic fund erAnji Fuller. “Let’s create cribs round the diocese next the SVP Conference at Our Lady and St third lockdown was imposed. It is cur- named after Albert Gubay has also Christmas and bring back the tradition of outdoor cribs. Etheldreda parish and Newmarket rently supplying 95 families, including made a significant grant. All the family could get involved.” Community Church. It has been built on 156 adults and 233 children. the existing Make Lunch project, in Over 70 people have volunteered for which volunteers cooked and served the project, of whom 35 are Catholic hot lunches one day a week during parishioners. school holidays for families whose chil- Most of the remaining half belong to dren were eligible for free school meals. other churches in the town. The The project in its new form began dur- volunteers give their time the use of Parish hall becomes Covid testing centre n Our Lady Immaculate and St Etheld- centre each day.” reda parish in Newmarket has supported The centre is for people who are the wider health effort by making its asymptomatic. As around one in three church hall available as a Covid rapid test- people who contract Covid display no ing centre. symptoms, the government is encourag- Fr Christopher Smith, parish priest in ing people to get tested regularly. Newmarket, said: “The parish was The tests take a swab from the nose approached early in the New Year by the and throat, and the process takes around NHS to see whether it would be possible 15 minutes. The person tested will then to use the parish centre as a Covid test- receive a text message giving the result ing centre. The finance committee readily within an hour. gave their consent to this proposal. It This is the fifth of such rapid testing was felt that as a Christian community, centres to open in Suffolk, as the govern- we should in the name of the Common ment seeks to control the spread of the Good offer this facility for the people of disease. Appointments can be booked Newmarket and the surrounding villages. online or by ringing 0333 772 6144. “The NHS set up the testing centre on Anyone who is showing symptoms, or February 8. The centre is open seven who may have been in close contact with days a week, from 7am until 6pm and someone who has, should not visit the people can make an appointment online centre. Instead, they should ring 119 or or simply turn up during quieter periods. go to the NHS website to book a test at a On average 80 to 100 people use the symptomatic testing centre. Page 16 latest online news at: www.rcdea.org.uk Catholic East Anglia – April/May 2021

News picture gallery from parishes around the Diocese

n Students, parents and staff from St Alban’s Catholic High School in Ipswich have been collecting food and Christmas treats for deserving families in its community. Deputy Head, Simon Corless, said: “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, mince pies, Christmas puddings and Christmas crackers are amongst the items that have filled 103 hampers, being delivered by our dedicated staff on the last two days of term after work. “We would specifically like to thank the local firm Stokes Sauces (Woodbridge), who supplied a significant amount of beautiful jam. We hope that this brings a little joy and happiness to those families, as well as shine a light on the good that we can bring to each other in challenging times. Deo gratias.” Pictured left are some of the team at St Alban’s School in Ipswich packing some of the 100+ Christmas hampers.

n Parishioners at the Church of St Henry Morse, Diss, gathered at sunset on the Sunday before Christmas for socially distanced ‘Carols in the Car Park’. The gathering of around 30 people was led by members of the church choir – who hadn’t sung together, or even necessarily seen each other in person, since March. Parish priest, Fr Alex Anaman, offered an opening prayer, and parishioner Anne Steel read the Christmas story from the Gospel of St Luke between a selection of favourite carols. “A fire was a lovely welcoming touch, and the Christmas lights gave an extra festive feel,” said choir member Judith Tooth. “We even had Saturn and Jupiter lighting our way! It was lovely to be singing together again.” Picture by John Hutton.

n An amazing 230 tubs of choco- lates have been given to prisoners at HMP Peterborough, thanks to n Our Lady of the Annunciation in St Luke’s Parish in the city. King's Lynn lit up the church in red Every year, there is an appeal in solidarity with Christians and for tubs of chocolates to be shared others who are suffering persecu- with the prisoners at HMP Peter- tion. Stephen Farr reports. borough. Although this year has This is the second year running been filled with uncertainty that the parish has supported Aid to because of the current pandemic, the Church in Need’s campaign to this did not hinder the parishioners draw attention to the ongoing human of St Luke’s Parish and the friends rights tragedy of persecution. Par- of Fr Jeffrey Downie, Fr Jude Bel- ishes across the country similarly lit nas and seminarian Bienn Carlo up their churches on November 25. (pictured above) in making pos- While we had hoped to do more sible this annual act of kindness. this year towards Red Wednesday, Led by Bienn Carlo, the parish the current lockdown restrictions was able to collect 230 tubs of prevented this. chocolates for the chaplains to However, we were fortunate to share with inmates over Christ- have had the church open for an mas. Bienn Carlo said: “We keep extra hour in the evening for private in our hearts the words of our Lord prayer and the exposition of the that whenever we do acts of kind- Blessed Sacrament. ness to our brothers and sisters: A number of parishioners were in ‘Whatever you did for one of these attendance throughout the hour, and least brothers of mine, you did it to all social distancing measures were me,’ (Matthew 25:40). Many strictly adhered to. This proved to be thanks to those who have helped a very thought provoking and yet and contributed to this endeavour peaceful time spent with The Lord. and may the new born Saviour Picture taken by Deacon Shaun bless us all.” Morrison.