Mercy Has N O Bounds!
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FREE www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk 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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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 Lancashire 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 Blackpool 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.