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The Official Newspaper to INSIDE: p03 Floods of Support! the Diocese of Lancaster p10 Thank You – Our Prayers Issue 277 + March 2016 & Blessings go with You

Mercy Has No Bounds!

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“There is no one who is beyond God’s mercy, whatever they have done in their lives” – Pope Francis Mercy Has No Bounds! Has No Mercy 2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk EDITORIAL t was truly encouraging to see, at the end of 2015, how the take appropriate action on climate change, as an expression I world came together to confront a challenge faced by all of solidarity with the poor, the most vulnerable and the planet of humanity and to the natural world itself – the very real itself. challenge of climate change. As the Encyclical made clear, acting on climate change is not an The outcome of the climate negotiations in Paris surpassed so add-on option for us as Catholics if we have time after doing other many expectations, committing some 195 countries to sustain the good deeds – stewardship of creation should be at the heart of the global temperature-rise below 2 degrees Celsius compared with duty of care we all have for the poor amongst us. pre-industrial levels and to aspire to an ambitious limit of 1.5 degrees. The mention of 1.5 degrees restores the hope of survival What might that action look like in 2016? First, governments to those people who are most vulnerable to climate change, must be held to account, so that the promises they made in Paris such as those in the Pacific region and other coastal areas eg are kept. They must implement practical policies urgently so as Bangladesh. To avoid creating many more millions of victims to to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, and adopt climate change, these vulnerable countries have also urged the renewable energy. world to bring down their CO2 emissions to zero by 2050. Contact us This applies to industrialized countries, which often made Furthermore, the Agreement promised financial help to poorer their wealth in the bygone fossil fuel era without paying the The Catholic Voice of Lancaster countries adapting to the effects of climate change. Most environmental costs of pollution and climate change. But it also is published on the last Sunday of the importantly, it requires constant review of the world’s collective applies to emerging countries, acting with the technological and month previous to publication date. progress towards meeting the goals set by the Agreement. There financial support of richer countries. Together, they have a was a great effort to secure this historic agreement by politicians, responsibility to protect the environment. is The Catholic Voice of Lancaster civil society and people of faith. Christian, Islamic, Sikh and other published by its owners. The Trustees faith leaders signed the Statement of Faith. Secondly, the Catholic Voice urges each and all of us to be mindful of the Roman Catholic Diocese of of our own individual responsibilities in causing climate change Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent We should also remember here Pope Francis’s landmark Encyclical and environmental damage. Lifestyles and practices according to of and separate from any previous Letter Laudato Si’ on ‘Care for Our Common Home’ and its overconsumption of scarce resources, which deny others the right newspaper published by or on behalf importance in building awareness and confidence in the run-up to safety, health and prosperity, are unjust. Somehow, we need to of the diocese. to the Paris negotiations. That document, published last May, recover - or perhaps discover - what it is to have responsibility for placed climate change firmly in the context of care for the poor the stewardship of the environment. EDITOR: of the world. Edwina Gillett Paris has sent a strong message of change and hope to humanity 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 The Encyclical also highlighted how climate change, social in 2016: all of us must act now, for the livelihoods and dignity of [email protected] injustice and inequality are all intrinsically linked, where resources humanity for future generations, as well as for creation, which has www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk are exploited for the benefit of the few, at the expense of the a value in itself as the Lord’s gift to us. common good. It makes clear that it is the duty of all humanity – ADVERTISING: Christians alongside people of all faiths and no faith, including Let us pray for this intention throughout 2016 and offer our Caroline Gonella / CathCom Ltd. politicians, business people and people from all walks of life – to personal support. 01223 969506 [email protected] www.cathcom.org

EDITORIAL DESIGN: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 Let’s [email protected] www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: Make CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 / www.cathcom.org 2016 a Articles to: [email protected] Year of Letters to: [email protected] Postal Address: Action on FAO Edwina Gillett 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ Climate Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very Change clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self-addressed packaging. www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk March 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 ndy Severyn a teacher and singer/songwriter of St Joseph’s A Ansdell, was greatly moved by the plight of flood victims over the Christmas and New Year period. There were many reports of flood affected areas across and Cumbria so Andy, with the support of his wife Bernie, decided to organise a concert to raise some much needed funds.

Andy scoured the area for local talent and was amazed by the willingness of people to get involved. Performers included the Lytham Youth Choir and Father Frank Osman of Preston. They performed in front of a sell out audience at Our Lady Star of the Sea Social Centre. Many people and local businesses came forward with raffle prizes as the whole venture gained momentum.

A total of £1,200 was raised on the evening and this has already been sent to help the restoration of St Michael’s on Wyre CofE Primary School that had been badly affected by the floods.

Andy said: “It was very much a family event, with something for everyone and we are all delighted to have been able to help others. When I was handed a piece of paper on stage saying £1,200 I was flabbergasted and when I read it out there was a huge round of applause at what we had collectively achieved. I’d thought maybe £700-£800 would have been a decent result so to achieve that total was wonderful. I thought it would be a good idea it give the money to something specific rather than have it diluted around the county and the school is ideal”.

Cathy Brough head teacher of St Michael’s was delighted with the donation and said "Thank you so much for all that you have done. We are really grateful for all of the help which we are receiving, which is enabling the school to function and offer the children all that they need.” Floods of Support!

Photographs courtesy of The Crafty Squirrel 4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Meaning and Purpose for this Generation

www.castleriggmanor.co.uk

Aleksandra, 21, Castlerigg Manor - Keswick Becoming Icons Being a of God’s love

YOUNGCatholic Today

or many years, seeing people filled same, nearby church. Singing the little F with joy and happiness terrified heart out in the children’s choir during me. All the calmness and wisdom rehearsals and midday Mass every radiating from them seemed to be Sunday, being a part of Militia alarming and very suspicious. Immaculatae and bringing flowers to Mary’s statue whenever I got enough his morning, I got a particularly Reef is, I’ve always been a bit of a rebel. How could they be filled with so much pocket money saved, having dear exciting delivery. My wedding shoes love and compassion, willing to share it friends of some sort at church and T had finally arrived! After months of Yes, I am SO excited to put on my wedding with everybody around? Where did they school. searching the shops and scouring dress and feel like a princess, to walk down get the energy to do so, when I was the internet, I had finally found the the aisle of the church I have grown up in, barely able to move out of my bed? How Becoming my worst nightmare perfect pair. to celebrate our wedding day with our on earth could they be so confident and for the years to come family and our friends... But I also can't wait sure of their faith in God when I was What happened in between? I had My fiancée, Freddie, proposed to me last until the day after our wedding, when there, young, lonely, with so many suffered full memory loss, due to August, and we are getting married at my Freddie moves into the home I've been busy questions and prayers unanswered? an accident, with more absent- home parish of The Willows, Kirkham, in preparing for him. This commitment that How could it be that the Lord was mindedness to come. I felt it was a lot May. The church, the priest, the dress, we in our early twenties are being driven present in the lives of so many, but not to take, but God must have been with the shoes, the bridesmaid dresses, the away from, has the potential to be more in mine? Was it my fault? Was I the only me there. Building a life over with no hairdresser, the make-up artist, the beautiful than any landscape, more rich one left alone? I can’t be that special. previous knowledge was one of the invitations, the marquee, the band and the and fulfilling than any salary. Once the Maybe once more, I was just not good hardest tasks I was forced into. I hog roast have been bought/booked. That excitement of the wedding day has faded, enough. wouldn’t have done it on my own, I only leaves us with the rings, the suits, my once all the cake has been eaten, once all know that. Not remembering my family, tiara (very important), the flowers, the the wine has been drunk, once my spray tan With a lovely mind-set like that the only friends, not knowing God. Countless hymns and the readings to sort... Only! has peeled off, Freddie and I will be there, thing I was dreaming of was my own breakdowns, falls, moments to cry on There's so much to think about when husband and wife by the grace of God, sacred space. My room, where I could my own or in prayer. It opened my eyes preparing for the big day that it's easy to probably bickering about whose turn it is to hide from the whole world, get the to the darker side of my life. It gave me forget what's coming after it. load the dishwasher! I'm under no illusion, distractions on and just ignore a full view into the complexity of the it's going to be hard, I'm an imperfect everything that disturbed me so much. human mind - to other people’s At 22 and 23, Freddie and I are, by society's person making the promise of “in joy and Some nights, when having enough behaviour and problems too. And standards, too young to be getting married in sadness, in sickness and in health” to energy left, I would sit in an open what might be surprising and the most anyway. We should be travelling, or chasing another equally imperfect person. But just window of my bedroom, looking at amazing, it gave me a chance to re- our careers, making as much money as we because it's hard, doesn't mean it can’t the sky with all its stars, the moon discover God. This time, on my own. can... Not settling down and thinking about be beautiful. graciously poking through the thick something crazy like commitment. My black clouds … And the cross of the Where am I now? social media feeds are full of idyllic pictures As a married couple, according to Pope nearby church. Happily volunteering at Castlerigg posted by school friends travelling round Francis, we will be “an icon of God's love”. Manor, trying to get back into drama, Australia and Thailand, and how could I not Wow. “The image of God is a married couple, It was a painful reminder of the past slowly overcoming my fear of public long to be out there too, with no worries, man and woman, not only man, not only I could no longer relate to. To the speaking, and singing. I’m halfway no responsibilities, no (that word again) woman, but rather both. This is the image annoyingly happy, calm and sweet girl, through the ‘Bloodaxe Book of 20th commitments? Sure, I could book a one way of God: love, God's alliance with us is that I used to be I suddenly knew only Century Poetry’, painting with plane ticket to South Asia. I could apply for represented in the alliance between man from other people’s stories and some watercolours, drawing, thinking of grad scheme after grad scheme and jump and woman.” photos. Described by thy family as an filmmaking and helping people as much onto the career ladder. Or, I could, as Pope angel, the A student, part of schools as I can. I am loving and feeling loved, Francis suggests, “rebel against this South Asia, I’m sure you would have been dancing and drama clubs with slowly by myself, by other people. Most culture that sees everything as temporary, lovely, but I’m actually kind of busy helping unconditional love to literature and importantly, feeling loved by God. that believes I am incapable of responsibility, God out with His original plan for the arts. Always there to help. Loving and Everything seems to go around. By pure that ultimately believes I am incapable of world by preparing for a holy and beautiful loved. Of course, actively involved in the coincidence I even wear the same hairstyle. true love.” Well... thankfully for Pope marriage! Sarah, 22, Lincolnshire Francis, as stunning as the Great Barrier (Hometown – Kirkham) www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk March 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5

This is Amazing Grace Catholic Youth Ministry at dinner. It turns out we all have a lot in and had some really productive discussions anniversary of the conference celebration, Volunteers Gathering 2016 common…who would have guessed!? on the faces of mercy in our own lives. which took the form of a ceilidh. After a efreshed from our Christmas holiday Following this I attended a great workshop little chivvying we managed to get the R the Castlerigg team descended on We then celebrated Mass and sang my on leading praise and worship and song whole team on the dance floor, with some The Hayes conference centre near Derby favourite hymn ‘This is Amazing Grace’. It writing, both subjects that I’m really secret talents being revealed! for the Youth Ministry Volunteers felt really wonderful to be in a room passionate about! I loved jamming with my conference on the 3rd of January. We celebrating our faith with these people who fellow volunteers and managed to sign In all the weekend was a great chance to began by being split into small groups were now strangers, but would be friends myself up to join a band with a new friend meet other young adults who have chosen with people from other retreat centres by the end of the conference. by the end of the session! to give a year (or more) of their life to youth and getting to know them. Despite ministry and share our tips and tricks and feeling a little nervous about this, we The next day we reflected on the faces of After a great day of discussion and to make some lifelong friends. quickly became friends and sat together mercy with Fr Damien Cassidy O.Carm, workshops we all met in the hall for a 20th Lizzie – Castlerigg Team

t the end of May, Castlerigg will be other – formally in the sacrament of A hosting its annual family weekend. reconciliation – and informally in an Each year families of all ages, shapes and atmosphere made conducive to this: the sizes come together, many not knowing programme so well balanced between each other, but all blessed abundantly by “together time”, sessions and breaks, where the experience. Here, Margaret recounts informal mingling saw near-sacramental her experience from last year: encounters between us at times. Essential to this was the incredible level of practical Brought up a “good Catholic”, I had strived hospitality! Tea and coffee on tap, excellent all my life to do what was “right” and had food and fantastic weather combined with arrived, unexpectedly, in the last couple of consistent cheery willingness to help on the years, at a place where my efforts seemed part of all staff. And the new showers at exhausted. Current demands seemed to the Manor were great! You felt that you be outstripping supplies! How I needed to could really let go of the usual weekend be re-sourced, actively put back in touch family responsibilities. Therein lies one with the Source of it all. It being Pentecost source of the fortitude of Castlerigg – a kind weekend, I hoped for us all to experience of understated strength on the part of all the gifts of the Spirit. staff, working together as a team.

Wisdom was imparted in many ways, for Piety is such a rare quality now, but the me notably in the form of the quality of team at Castlerigg exemplify this gift; it insight and resources offered by the team seems to be the “glue” bonding the team. at Castlerigg - and that shared among the It simply shines out of all members. This adult participants as we ministered to each more than anything replenished my faith other through some (amazingly similar) stories this weekend. I feel that the “spiritual bar” and experiences told into the wee hours. in our family has been reset. A sense of wonder and awe at God is restored in me. Understanding broke among us at so many Since the retreat I have consciously tried different levels. Without doubt the children to spend some time each day in stillness, and young people intuitively came to a appreciating the fact that I am so loved much deeper understanding of what faith by God, by Jesus. To give out love I have to is, especially during prayer services, most experience it poured into my heart each particularly the Eucharist. This was because day. It's so easy to become blinded by daily Receive of the tangible demonstration of a depth demands to the point I fail to recognise this of faith one just cannot put into words. love in action. At Castlerigg, it surrounded the Holy And generally, all activities, from biscuit- us, penetrating my “fog of exhaustion!” decorating to dramatising the Gospel, “Receive the Holy Spirit” – the theme of the Spirit! linked the whole of creation to godliness in weekend – was made a reality in many a way that I think reached everyone - with a ways at this family retreat, far exceeding The next family perfect balance of fun and solemnity. That my already high expectations. The level weekend is on is why we go to Castlerigg - for its relaxed of giving throughout our time together To advertise please contact 27-29 May 2016. yet unequivocally Catholic approach to seemed to me to make it almost impossible To book, or to gain building faith of our children (aged 12, 14 not to “receive!” It was all there was left to Caroline on 01223 969506 more info please and 16). But I did not expect it to deepen do! Grateful thanks to all in the “Castlerigg visit the Castlerigg mine this year. Throughout the weekend family” for sending us home replenished in or email [email protected] Manor website. we were counselled and counselled each all senses. Margaret Johnston 6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

Dear Editor, Dear Editor,

I am 71 now but as a child my greatest wish Last September a group of ladies from SS Michael and Mary , went to Nodfa in was to be an altar server. By the age of ten Wales on a five day day retreat. Whilst there Margaret Wilcox wrote the following poem I had learned all the Latin responses and and she has given me permission to send it to the Catholic Voice. knew exactly what to do during Mass, so I presented myself to the Parish Priest who On the Retreat we had all been asked to write a prayer or a poem but Margaret was the dismissed me with a laugh and “Don't be only one who did. ridiculous child, girls are not allowed on the altar!” When I went home in tears and told Yours sincerely, my father he said “What did you expect? You Theresa Cole, Garstang should have told me what you were going to Your letters do and I would have advised against it, ladies are only allowed on the altar when they are How to send us doing the flowers.” I wish I’d been there on that starry night Caring and helpful to everyone your letters: When a little child was born As His special calling began Write to: So, when it was decided that girls could be With Mary and Joseph so happy and proud The Editor, altar servers, I was delighted for them (if And glad the birth was all over I wish I’d been there when He healed the sick 99, Commonside, not quite jealous!) However, now I see a The troubled, lame and blind Ansdell, possible downside to this decision. Almost I wish I’d been there to touch those hands And to hear tell him how His coming death Lytham St. Annes, every church I attend, and I travel the So tiny and perfectly formed Would benefit all mankind FY8 4DJ. country quite a lot, I notice that girls make That would one day stretch out and heal So many people in the world I wish I’d been there at Calvary Email to: [email protected] up the majority of servers. I mentioned this to one of my daughters who commented With the brave women who stayed behind • Please keep your letters concise that perhaps boys see it as a girls job now, I wish I’d been there to hear his first words To gaze on their Saviour upon that cross (max 300 words), so don't get involved. If that is the case, With Mary and Joseph so proud For the sins of all mankind • Include your full name and address what a shame. There goes another pathway The voice that thousands would come to hear • Letters should not include any to priestly vocations. I am sure many priests As He preached by Galilee to the crowd But I couldn’t be there in that distant past personal criticism or attacks would say that serving at Mass was one Only read about it today • The editor reserves the right to: step on their way to priesthood. I am not I wish I’d been there to see him grow But I know that my Saviour is with me now - amend or shorten letters or to suggesting that we ban the girls but I think Into a fine young man Every minute of every day refuse to publish them (no it is food for thought. correspondence to discuss decisions taken will be entered into) Yours Sincerely - publish a response if deemed Mrs J Bolton, appropriate Bolton le Sands www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk March 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 Reflecting on Grace and Nature during the Year of Mercy

uring the Year of Mercy, the Diocesan “blessed.” Jesus, as the New Moses, gives former ways of sin to a new life of grace. which “we can know whether or not we are D Office for the New Evangelisation is us the Beatitudes as part of the New Law, living as his disciples” (MV, 15). offering a series of talks entitled “Grace the grace of the Holy Spirit. Our conversion In the January talk of the Series, “Blessed are Builds on Nature.” and justification can only come about the Merciful,” we looked at the Holy Father’s Alongside these works, we are encourged through grace; our part is to cooperate with it. characterisation of mercy as “the bridge to nurture our interior life through prayer The theme of the talks is the Beatitudes, that connects God and man,” opening us and the Sacraments, deepening our taken from St Matthew’s Gospel, which Pope Francis in Misericordiae vultus, (The “to a hope of being loved forever, despite our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. appear within the context of the Sermon Face of Mercy), invites us to look again at sinfulness” (MV, 2). This hope comes with Only when we are grounded in Christ, can on the Mount (Mt 5:1-12). This profound the Beatitudes, from which we derive the the joy of conversion and bears genuine we become truly effective evangelisers in sermon summarises Jesus’ teaching about Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. In fruit in evangelisation. We recall those our homes, our parishes, and in the world. the Kingdom of Heaven and a way that this document, he exhorts us to reflect on words of Pope Emeritus Benedict to the Sr Mary Julian Ekman, RSM leads to it. We attend, especially during three areas: clergy that “the new evangelisation begins in this Year of Mercy, to Jesus’ central the confessional,” where “the Sacrament of All are most welcome to attend this teaching: “I have come not to call the • To recognise God’s mercy Reconciliation is itself a proclamation.” Mercy series of talks. The schedule for March is: righteous but sinners” (Mt 9:12-13). • To receive God’s mercy received must then, in turn, become mercy Lancaster 8th March, 7pm • To be merciful to others given; thus, the role of the corporal and (Education Centre) The Beatitudes present us with paradoxes spiritual works of mercy becomes central, Carlisle 15th March, 7pm and challenges which, if we ponder them Using the symbol of the Door of Mercy, the connecting love of God with love of (St Margaret Mary Parish Centre) and truly allow them to bear fruit within Holy Father emphasises that Jesus Christ is neighbor. We could even say that the Preston 22nd March, 7pm us, can change our lives and make us the Door through whom we pass from our Works of Mercy are a kind of examen by (Our Lady & St Edward’s Parish Centre)

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Paris Climate Change Summit r. Hugh Pollock and Paul Kelly from people from countries already threatened F the Diocese of Lancaster represented by the changing climate was both – and the Cafod at the 2015 Paris Climate Summit. humbling and energising. The power of Here are their reflections of the event: trading fairly, of resisting the wanton plunder of land, crops and minerals, Photos: After the bustle and energy of really hits home when you meet the people 1. Fr Hugh Pollock, above next steps Christmastide it is difficult to recognise affected by it. We will never forget the 2. Paul Kelly, left within picture a month already has passed since we were woman from Malawi who cried out with 3. General standing in Paris shoulder to shoulder passion: “Food is not a product; it’s a with campaigners from across the world. basic right”. We are so steeped in the But it is easy to recall the bustle and energy commercialisation of the Lord’s bounty that was there too, as 25,000 negotiators that it becomes almost impossible to from every country of the United Nations recognise what we are doing. Seeing it met on the outskirts of Paris for 2 weeks for from the perspective of indigenous people the 21st annual “Conference of the Parties” was eye-opening. Where did the idea of – COP21. We had travelled from London as owning the land, God’s gift, come from? part of the 25-strong CAFOD delegation, Who does the coal, the gas, the minerals, joining with similar delegations from 17 the water belong to? Many questioned the other European countries for many of our role of multinationals and asked the planned workshops and meetings. So why question, “Who gave the right to some of us did we go, and did the summit achieve to consume these gifts to the exclusion of what we hoped? others?” Paris challenged our assumptions! No wonder Pope Francis in his Encyclical Just as recent changes in patterns of Laudato Si’ is calling each of us to flooding and drought are heightening our “Ecological Conversion”. In Paris we came awareness at home, so Non-Governmental face to face with the “cry of the poor and the Organisations (NGOs) involved in cry of the earth”. international development, (e.g. CAFOD, Sciaf and Trocair) see daily how climate In workshops and talks we heard many change undermines the development and signs of hope. We reflected that many big dignity of the people they work with. We all changes haven’t needed the agreement see the plight of refugees fleeing across and detailed planning of everyone the Mediterranean. As climate change beforehand. Look at the fall of the Berlin intensifies harm to food and water security Wall and Communism for example. We there will likely be huge numbers of climate were shown where flats in run down parts refugees in the future. The NGOs wanted of the city were refurbished to high to demonstrate their solidarity with the standards of insulation, how the city’s world’s poor by coming together on the mayor had removed the ban on gardening streets of Paris, reminding politicians of the on public land to encourage communal extent of public concern and showing that planting and growing, and we heard about they have public support in taking tough a huge supermarket being taken over by a decisions. consortium of local people to enable locally sourced food to be widely available. Every Tackling climate change involves us all. stake-holder gives 3hrs a week of time to At the start of the summit almost a million the store. people demonstrated in major cities all over the world calling for something We visited the main conference venue never before achieved: a strong worldwide and met the CAFOD leaders who were daily climate agreement. We were in Paris as part inside the conference as observers, meeting of that movement. periodically with ministers and officials. They regularly briefed us about progress Meeting so many other campaigners and and explained the influence of NGOs on the www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk March 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9

negotiations. Apparently ministers sit with The amount of financial help to developing their phones on their desks all the time. countries is indeterminate. The list could We know our tweet to Amber Rudd, that go on…. we were just outside the conference hall waiting for a deal, was seen. Shortly But there is hope: the agreement brings afterwards we were in a café for lunch real transparency between all countries, and on the TV screen saw the jubilant rich and poor, about what they are doing. announcements that agreement had been There is a legally binding commitment to reached. make a stronger carbon-cutting plan every 5 years. We think these are the key levers Security in the city was tight following the we need to hold our governments to atrocity just 2 weeks beforehand. Planned account. There is clearly much work to be demonstrations were cancelled, but at the done, with campaigners, activists and last minute the government permitted every Christian person called (as Pope a demonstration on the final Saturday Francis insists) to help care for creation, afternoon. We joined thousands our common home. underneath the Eiffel Tower calling for climate justice, now. We have already seen millions upon millions of people worldwide demanding So does the agreement deliver justice? In action, with 40,000 CAFOD supporters – one sense it is a monumental achievement: including people in the Diocese of the first time ever that all 195 countries Lancaster – adding their names to a have agreed anything, with the strong petition inspired by Francis’ call to action. aspiration to limit global warming to In fact it was a member of our delegation 1.50C compared to pre-industrial who went to the Elysee Palace to present temperatures. Every country has pledged the petition of 840,000 signatures to to take action. Speaking the next day, after President Hollande. We believe our role now the Angelus, Pope Francis called it “historic” is to maintain this momentum. and urged the international community to implement it swiftly. Undoubtedly the We must support each other in the quest to agreement sends a strong message to live more simply and sustainably; we can everyone from businesses and investors regularly correspond and meet with our to governments to ordinary people that MPs to encourage them to support we’re moving away from fossil fuels. And it environmental change; we can help our recognises that developed countries bear spiritual leaders to guide us in ecological a lot of responsibility; they have agreed conversion. As Mother Theresa said: to financial support for countries most “I can do things you cannot, you can do things vulnerable to the impacts of climate I cannot. Together we can do great things”. change. When you remember that until Paris the three biggest emitters of CO2 – There is indeed much to do. There is no China, the US and India – were not bound in greater issue of justice. any way to cut their carbon, then the size of the achievement becomes clear. ------However, in another sense the agreement is very disappointing and can only be seen Fr Hugh Pollock is chair of the Lancaster as a beginning (albeit a beginning with Diocese Faith and Justice Commission; his great hope). Each country has to determine parish is in Kendal. Paul is a member of its own CO2 reduction; the pledges made the environment groups of the Lancaster before Paris are significantly insufficient to Faith and Justice Commission and the keep the temperature rise below 20C. There National Justice and Peace Network and is no deadline for phasing out fossil fuels. lives in Ansdell. 10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk THE SISTERS OF NAZARETH Do you believe there is more to Life? Looking for a Challenge in ...... PRAYER? COMMUNITY? MINISTRY?

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Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates From as little as £5 per week Open 7 Days fter 162 years serving Preston the Sisters of the Holy A Child Jesus closed their Community there with a Mass of Also Caravan/Car/Boat Storage Thanksgiving and a celebration on 15 October last year. The Catholic Voice caught up with Sr. Philomena Grimley to get her Curly Tail Storage, Park Lane, thoughts on this big decision for the Order. Forton Tel: 01524 791837 Sister Philomena, recently your Society celebrated 162 years of www.curlytailstorage.co.uk your life and service in Preston. Can you tell us more about this and how your Order came to be in this diocese?

Yes, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus is older than our diocese of Lancaster! The first five sisters came to Preston in 1853 when the situation in the town was dire. The mill owners had ‘locked out’ the workers who were on strike for better pay. There were soup kitchens for poor relief. Some things never change! Look at the Food Banks needed now and the struggle to get a living wage when zero hour contracts are so prevalent. Owing to bigotry against Catholics the first sisters could not wear a religious habit. They wore typical servants’ dress or widows’ clothes. Three years later more sisters came to live in Blackpool and later still we had a convent in Lancaster, living alongside and working in the Cathedral and parish as well as schools in the city. In every place it was to respond to the need for education which was a critical want of the age and it was that which drew our Foundress, Cornelia Connelly, to come to England at the insistence of Cardinal Wiseman in 1846 when she founded the Society in Derby.

Cornelia Connelly was rather unusual as the Foundress of a religious congregation I believe. Could you say a little more about her and her influence?

Cornelia’s story deserves to be known as her life experience speaks to so many women today whose lives have been scarred and wounded by loss, bereavement, family breakdown and betrayal. Brought up and well-educated in Philadephia in the early 19th century, and then happily married to Pierce Connelly, an Episcopalian minister, with him she became an ardent Catholic. As young converts they journeyed to Rome where they were welcomed and feted and met many influential Catholics from England. Huge financial loss necessitated their return to America where they went to live with their young children in a remote area of Louisianna, working as teachers.

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and after careful discernment with spiritual guidance he asked to “joy of the moment when Jesus looked at me” because a vocation Cornelia if she would agree to his seeking ordination in the “is a response to a call to love.” He knows that “people today…need us . It meant an end to their married life together. to bear witness to the mercy and tenderness of the Lord which warms the heart, rekindles hope and attracts people towards the good… since Cornelia did not want to stand in the way of what would best serve we were created for what the Gospel offers us: friendship with Jesus God’s loving purposes and as their children would remain in their and love of our brothers and sisters.” One of the many wonderful care and were well provided for she agreed, though her heart was signs in the Church of God’s loving presence in us and working broken. through us is the way the Holy Spirit has inspired so many different ways of life, of what we call religious life, communities of people Pierce went to Rome and was ordained. Cornelia and her two who love and serve in various ways. youngest children also went to Rome and lived in the Sacred Heart convent at the Trinitadei Monti. There, in a period of immense My religious family has its own spirit and this is where I feel inner suffering, she gradually came to realise that God had plans totally “at home”. It is very hard to put into words what attracted for her too. She was encouraged by some influential English me and sustains me because it is above all a gift of an ever Catholics to begin a new religious order in England where the deepening relationship with God which I am living out in this need for Catholic education was urgent. In a wonderful way her dear community of the Society and sharing its mission. I would own educational opportunities throughout her life until then like to use some words from our Constitutions here because they enabled her to develop her own philosophy of education, based on express this best: the deepest truth that each and every one of us is God’s unique and beloved creation, called to become God’s fully alive daughters “The humble, hidden life of Jesus is the well-spring of the Society, the and sons, sisters and brothers of Christ. She saw that true Christian source of its ardour and joy… Our life is hid with Christ in God. As we education is developmental, enabling every person to become all grow in intimacy with him, his power at work in us can touch the that God longs for them to be, growing always in faith and living a hearts of those we meet. They will be led to known the Father’s mercy fully human life. and his boundless love through the mystery of Christ among us. For this is our mission: to help others to believe God lives and acts in them This is the vision that has inspired generations of Holy Child sisters and in our world and to rejoice in his presence.” who, over the years, have contributed so much to the Church’s mission of Catholic education in this diocese. In the 19th century it Are you sad that Holy Child sisters have had to close their was in elementary schools and night schools and in pupil teacher community in Preston after such a distinguished history there? Have you been meaning to make a Able Will training and in the 20th century in parishes, primary, secondary, but never got round to it? and comprehensive schools and in the Catholic Sixth Form College In one way I am sad. But our work here is done. Through the growth Wills Do you own property? Professional Will Are your children under 18? in Preston. Our thanks giving celebration last year bore witness to of education new generations of Catholics in this city have taken Writers & Estate Are you worried about nursing home fees? that tradition when St Wilfrid’s Church in Preston was filled with on the responsibilities for the life and service of the Church and we Planners Might your estate be liable friends, colleagues and former students, people whose lives have are proud of that. Though Holy Child sisters are far fewer now in to Inheritance Tax? been strongly influenced by the spirit of the Society. this diocese than once they were, they are still living in community in Blackpool and Lytham where they contribute in varied simple The Catholic Voice this last year has featured other religious and hidden ways to the service of the Gospel. We all rejoice congregations celebrating the Year of the Consecrated Life. What that our Society has become international so that the newer would you like to tell us about being a Holy Child Sister? members are able to bring our spirit and traditions and charism for education to where the need is so urgent, in Nigeria, Ghana, In “The Joy of the Gospel” Pope Francis has some powerful words Chad, Chile and the Dominican Republic. If any readers of the If the answer to any of the above is “Yes” then we can help. Specialists for: Wills and Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney, that say better than I can what it means first to be a religious sister. Catholic Voice would like to discover more about our Society and Property & Discretionary Trusts, Funeral Plans He invites everyone to “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Cornelia, share our prayer and the monthly reflection, read about Call Malcolm Nightingale For a FREE home visit. Christ…to do this unfailingly each day.” This personal encounter is our life and ministry internationally, they can find all this on our 01539 737400 the deep, living centre of our personal life. Francis tells us to return website: www.shcj.org 7, Windermere Road, Kendal 12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

What does a priest do? to familiar prayers. He is there at the joy riests do far more than celebrate of birth and shares the pain at the loss of a P Mass and pray all day. The life of a little premature child. He enters the room priest is busy, demanding, challenging saying ‘peace be with you’; he administers and incredibly rewarding. Individual the sacraments, and sees the sick person priests have a huge variety of tasks relax in God’s peace; he is there when a within the Church. person dies, and accompanies them at their last moments when the heartbeat Father Most priests minister in the parish on the recording machine gradually fades Philip environment, but from time to time the away. He prays with and comforts the Smith Bishop appoints priests to specialise in family, as they commend the soul of the different ministries, working in departed to God. chaplaincies, armed forces, missionary work and much more. Over the coming He can be a chaplain in a busy acute months we will hear from our priests’ hospital. He leads a team of Catholic DIOCESAN SUPPLIERS experiences of ministering in this way. This Volunteers as they meet the constant influx month we are going to hear from Fr. Philip of patients and tend to their spiritual Smith and Fr John Winstanley, who have needs; in a hospice where he is part of the both been Hospital Chaplains working team that ease the mental and physical Complete most recently in Royal Preston Hospital pain of those who are terminally ill; he can and Blackpool Victoria. be that cheerful and well known visitor to pest the rehabilitation hospital. He is a listening Father Philip Smith writes: ear, a quiet companion when there are control Jesus said: ‘I was sick and you visited me ….’ no words to be said. When needed he is a (Matthew 25:36) The Church, following our spiritual counsellor or a person to talk over solutions Lord’s commands, has always cared for the problems with; an advocate for some yet call sick. It has therefore been in healthcare keeping many confidences; available to all, from the beginning. It looked after the sick accepted by staff, witnessing to God’s through the monasteries and religious mercy and care. houses of the Medieval period. The site of St. Walburge’s in Preston was, for example, He tries to be God’s comforting presence, the site of the leper colony run by the especially at the time of great need. Serving Franciscans in the . Churches, Fr John Winstanley writes: Schools, Caring for the sick is holistic, and involves As a priest for sixteen years, I have been caring for both body and soul. The care of a hospital chaplain for ten of them, first Commercial and the sick has always included spiritual care in Carlisle and then in Blackpool. The Domestic and the giving of the sacraments. hospital chaplain’s role is to care for the Sector. If you spiritual needs of patients, relatives and have worked for Today, the Bishop appoints chaplains to a staff. At the heart of this ministry is the the Diocese and hospital or equivalent institution. The work celebration of the Sacraments, especially of a hospital chaplain is one of the most Reconciliation, Holy Communion and the wish to be privileged forms of priestly ministry. The Sacrament of the Sick. Occasionally, included in this chaplain accompanies the sick and their Baptism is celebrated in hospital when an section, please families at a most difficult time. He is there infant is in danger. Marriage can also be contact in the quiet of the night with a family celebrated in very particular circumstances, Caroline watching and waiting by a bedside; he is although I have not had direct experience with the family of an accident victim in the of arranging this in hospital. on 01223 Critical Care Unit, comforting them in their 969506 or shock; he is humbled by the touching faith The hospital chaplain is available in two email of some in their suffering. He witnesses ways. Firstly for emergencies, with a rota carolineg@ the return to God of others at this time of in which other priests in the area cover for cathcom.org decision. He is with the elderly and infirm days off, holidays, retreats, and courses. and with the semi conscious, and sees The bleep can sound at any time, day or their lips move in recognition as they listen night, usually requiring the chaplain to go www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk March 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 into the hospital to anoint a person who is happy to chat. Sometimes they ask us to very poorly or dying. This is the ministry of pray with them. Every encounter is about Father John Jesus - laying hands on the sick; being respecting people where they are. You Winstanley present when life is at its most vulnerable. never know where time spent with Sometimes there is little to say, but someone may lead them to in the future! the presence of the priest can offer reassurance and comfort to the patient It is over five years since I completed six and their relatives. years as chaplain at Victoria Hospital in Blackpool. Now as a parish priest in The second role of the priest within the Blackpool, I assist on the rota of priests hospital is simply being there and seen. who help provide bleep cover for the This is about being part of the daily round: present chaplain, Fr John-Paul Evans. It is smiling to people on the corridor; offering always a privilege to be with people at the to help when people look lost and are most precious times in their lives – it is for looking for a ward or department; gradually me what being a priest is all about. trying to acknowledge staff and gain their confidence; being aware of what’s going on in a constantly changing NHS. Do not be afraid... The hospital chaplain does not work in Think Priesthood! isolation but as part of a team. In Carlisle, I worked with chaplains from other Christian denominations. In Blackpool it was the same but with the addition of Jewish and Muslim faith leaders. Within the specific care of Catholic patients, the ministry of the lay volunteers plays an important part. The work of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, commissioned specifically for work in the hospital, supports the work of the priest. For further information with regard to vocations to the They provide a presence, usually working priesthood please contact: on designated wards, and liaising with the priest when people need to see him. Vocations Director Fr. Darren Carden Tel: 01772719604 Chaplains and volunteers meet many Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07552795060 people on the wards who may not be practising their faith but might be quite Parishes! Advertise your Easter Mass Times in next month’s edition Call Nick on 01440 730399 or email [email protected]

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Every Sunday at 6.00 pm Our Lady & St Joseph, Carlisle contact

Shrine Church of St Walburge, Preston Mondays – Fridays: 8.30 am, Low Mass (except First Fridays & Holy Days 7.00 pm) Caroline Saturdays: 10.30 am, Low Mass Autosave Sundays: 10.30 am, Sung Mass on Friday 11th March at 7.00 pm 10x3 Lenten Feria (Mind Mass for Mr Bill Rodway) St Bernadette, Bispham 01223 Sunday 20th March at 3.00 pm Palm Sunday St Mary's, Hornby 969506

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Mass is also celebrated every Sunday at 8.30 am at St Mary Magdalene, Leyland Road, @cath and 11.30 am at St Catherine Labouré, Stanifield Lane, Leyland. Local Representatives: Bob & Jane Latin Telephone: 01524 412987 Email: [email protected] com.org Website: latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com 14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk The Bernardine Cistercians

e would like to share with you two made the sacrifice of letting me go.’ W of our community’s vocation stories, Sister Mary who is the oldest Irene writes; ‘God works online! I came to member and will be celebrating her know the Bernadine Cistercians through Diamond Jubilee in March and Irene, the internet. That has always been my one of the youngest, who is a second answer each time people ask me how I year novice. came to know the community. Four years ago I searched the internet looking for a “Seek God according to the Rule of Saint contemplative monastery in the U.K. At Benedict, which is for us the interpretation of that time, I was still working in a retreat the Gospel. Our Constitutions adapt this Rule centre in Indonesia but felt an urgent need to the needs of the present time… This search to make a decision of what to do with my for God in faith is the life-force of our whole life. I had graduated with a degree in day, which is divided between prayer and education majoring in English and had work. It is lived out in a community united the experience of teaching for a few years. in love.” (Const. 2) Despite the fact that I was doing well, I Sr Mary writes; ‘My father was a lapsed wasn’t really peaceful with my life. I felt Catholic and my mother a protestant (in that there was something missing. name), but I was blessed with a Catholic Somehow, from the age of 13, I knew aunt who persuaded my parents to send that God was calling me to become a me to a convent school. There, at the age contemplative nun, living a life for the of 8, I asked to become a Catholic. My Lord through silence and prayer, work and brother and I were baptised at Manor Park, community. Thinking about an ordinary Essex by Mgr. Heenan, later to become life, a well-paid job, time to enjoy myself Cardinal Heenan. with all the talents which God has given me and all the circumstances going on in my Leaving school in 1943 I went into the life at that time, it seemed that there was a Foreign Office (then in Downing St.) working great gap between my vocation and how I in the Registry Office, from where two of us should answer God’s call. One evening I were chosen to accompany a delegation was looking at Catholic websites on the travelling to New for meetings including Internet and came across Hyning’s website. the first United Nations General Assembly. I remained in contact with them by email until I eventually joined the community in In 1951, after the death of my father, my 2014 after a 3 month live-in experience mother and I moved to Westcliff-on-Sea. at Hyning the previous year. I am now a I became a member of the cell (prayer) second year novice and am very much movement and in 1953 made a retreat enjoying my life in community.’ when I decided that God wanted me to become a nun. After visiting two Want to know more about the Monastic congregations, I was put in touch with way of life then please get in touch with us Mother Mary Angela at St Bernard’s at: Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning, Convent School and asked to enter with the Warton, nr , Lancashire, LA5 9SE. Bernardine Cistercians. My mother generously Tel 01524 732684 or visit bernardine.org www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk March 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 Sister Mary Cecilia RIP - Bernardine Cistercian

n his homily for the funeral of Sr. Mary grief, not to mention serious opposition”. Hyning a year before the Slough house I Cecilia, Fr Paul Hypher said “The role of closed. She continued to user her gifts for music in Christian faith and spirituality is However, after studying at the Guild Hall of the service of her community. The diagnosis not just a fringe and optional activity. It is Music, Katharine felt called to return to the of Alzheimer’s’ disease a few years ago did an expression of its heart”. Bernardines and joined the Order. This was not diminish her presence in community. not easy for her or for her family, but her She accepted it with faith and the courage This quote could serve as a summary of Sr. tenacity, her stubbornness, her great faith she had shown all her monastic life. She Mary Cecilia’s life. Music and faith were her combined with a great love of her family lived it as faithfully and courageously as life and the two always seemed to go hand made it possible. Her gift and vocation for she had lived her monastic life. As her in hand. Born into a staunchly Anglican music and her religious calling sustained health failed her witness did not, and she family in the years before World War II, her all her life. lived the weakness and helplessness of this Katharine Cavanaugh’s early life was spent condition as an example to all of us, weak living in the choir school at St. George’s, She was involved in the liturgy and in as we are all, as a shining example of how Windsor (where her father was head) and music all her monastic life. Over the next God’s grace can be lived in our weakness. later in the Close at Salisbury Cathedral. 60 years she was the one of the organists “Music came to be at the heart both of her and cantors, she taught the piano and She died peacefully on Friday the 18th faith and her spirituality. It was both her the violin and composed many beautiful of December 2015 in a care home in gift and vocation”. She was sent to the canticles for the liturgy. Though she loved . The community were able to Bernardine Cistercian school at Slough the Plainchant and the richness of the pray with her before she died. To slightly because her father admired its excellent Latin tradition, she continued to use her rewrite Fr. Paul’s words in his homily “We are reputation as a school for young ladies. considerable gifts in the service of the very thankful for the vocation accepted and Here she converted to the Roman Catholic Order. She also helped many religious for the gifts she brought to our religious fam- faith. Fr. Paul continued, “He admired the communities with their music and was ily all those years ago”. education they offered; but the last thing involved for decades in the work of the Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord he wanted was that his Katharine should Panel of Monastic musicians. And let perpetual light shine upon her become a Roman Catholic and still less a After she retired from teaching in 2005, May she rest in peace Amen nun. At the time it caused deep shock and (at the age of 75!) she was moved to Sr Michaela Toulmin 20 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + March 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

n Thursday 3 December, as Storm Desmond gathered wind Blessing of North West Office Oin its sails, members of the clergy and faithful from around the North West defied the weather to gather at Lancaster Cathedral to celebrate the blessing of the new NW Office of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the international Catholic charity that supports the Persecuted Church throughout the world.

Aid to the With Bishop Campbell officiating, the office in Lancaster was blessed in the presence of ACN’s North West Manager, Caroline Hull, as well as the charity’s National Director, Neville Kyrke-Smith. The gathering also included representatives from among ACN’s Church in Need NW Area Secretaries and volunteer workers, as well as school Lay Chaplains and ACN benefactors.

The Blessing took place in the presence of the charity’s ONE NIGHT icon, recently commissioned from the Studite Sisters in Lviv, Ukraine to commemorate ONE NIGHT for Religious Freedom. The icon will shortly return to its permanent home in the Church of the Holy Name in Manchester, in preparation for ACN NW’s annual ONE NIGHT event to be held there on April 17th2016 (5-8pm).

The blessing was followed by a celebratory Mass at Lancaster Cathedral. Bishop Campbell was the Principal Celebrant, with six priests concelebrating; Fr Francis Marsden, Parish Priest of St Mary’s, in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, preached about the work of ACN and his experience teaching at a seminary in Ukraine. The National Director, Neville Kyrke-Smith, took time to thank all those who had come to support the new office and the good work it is already achieving with the help of North West benefactors. He also spoke of his recent trip to Iraq and the extent of religious suffering that he himself has witnessed, reminding those present of the ongoing and urgent need to support Christians affected by persecution and oppression in our world today.

It was a wonderful occasion, despite the stormy weather, and ‘Aid If you would like to find out more about the charity or about ACN events near you, to the Church in Need’ is delighted to have an office in the North please contact Caroline or Catherine at ACN NW 3-3-1 Storey House, Quarry Road, West to serve the growing numbers of benefactors in this region. Visitors are most welcome to stop by the office in the White Cross Lancaster LA1 4XQ; 01524 388739; [email protected] Business Park in Lancaster and supporters can look forward to a series of ACN events throughout the region over the coming year.