Invited to New Relationship with Jesus Christ Iocesan Administrator Fr Truth Society and Sponsored by the Diocesan David Bagstaff Schools Commission

The newspaper of the Diocese of East Anglia FREE November 2012 Invited to new relationship with Jesus Christ iocesan Administrator Fr Truth Society and sponsored by the Diocesan David Bagstaff Schools Commission. Resources were also provided for school governors and staff. underlined one of the The Year of Faith began on the 50th aims of the Year of Faith at the anniversary of the opening of the Second OpeningD Mass at St. John’s Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of Cathedral in Norwich on 11 the publication of the Catechism of the October. Catholic Church which Fr David noted was one of the “fruits of the Council and which sets It was to invite us all into “a renewed The Cathedral was packed with people of all ages out our Faith based upon the scriptures and the from parishes across East Anglia for a Mass to relationship with Jesus, the one Saviour of Council documents.” the world”. begin Pope Benedict’s Year of Faith which carries “The Catechism of the Catholic Church will a special message of renewal and a focus on The Cathedral was packed with pupils and help us rediscover the teaching of the Council, schools and their pupils who enjoyed the day students from Catholic schools, lay people and in particular the main documents from around the Diocese, clergy and religious suggested for study by the Pope: the Dogmatic all of whom found a warm welcome and Constitutions on the Church (Lumen hospitality. Gentium) and Divine Revelation (Dei The Year of Faith, which will run until the Verbum), the Constitution on the Liturgy Solemnity of Christ the King on 23 November (Sacrosanctum Concilium) and the Pastoral 2013, was initiated by Pope Benedict for the Constitution on the Church in the modern Catholic Church throughout the world. world (Gaudium et Spes).” Its purpose is to help Catholics reflect upon, Fr David said “Events such as study days, strengthen and celebrate their faith, and to fit prayer days and pilgrimages, both parish and the Church for a new evangelisation – diocesan, are just some of the things which we reaching out to those outside with the Good will experience if we ‘click on Enter’, News of Jesus Christ. experiences which will open to us the “This year we are asked to return to the treasures of our faith. foundations of our faith: the Scriptures, the “Much has changed in the Church since the teaching of the Church and the Catechism.” Council was held in the 1960s: the Liturgy has Speaking directly to the 300 school children been renewed, the Scriptures have been representing the Catholic schools from all over opened up once again to the laity, there has the Diocese who formed a major part of the been a flourishing development in relations congregation, Fr David likened the Year of with other Christians, people of other faiths Faith to a website. and the world. Having arrived at the introductory page “we “All of this is to be celebrated in this Year of are invited to click on the ‘Enter’ button’ and Faith” experience the wealth of information and other “We have a faith to be lived, and shared. All treasure that lie within the ‘site’”. of us are asked to pass on the joy of faith in A special presentation of catechetical Jesus Christ and membership of the Catholic resources was made to all of the schools, for Church to those who have not experienced it use in faith education and development: and not forgetting those who have experienced Each secondary school received 30 copies it but who have drifted away from the Church, of the YOUCAT youth catechism sponsored or who have been hurt or damaged in some by the Diocese and Aid to the Church in Need; way by members of the Church. and each of the primary schools and middle “It will be easier,” he said “for them to walk schools received a selection of books suitable back through the doors of the Church, if we for younger pupils produced by the Catholic walk with them.” Olympic chaplains Fr Christopher Jamison OSB and Lucy Walker, from the Parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Lowestoft, were members of the chaplaincy at London 2012. It was the first time that there was a chaplaincy to the media at the Olympics and Paralympics. “We were part of a 12-strong team ministering to the 26,500 members of the world’s media , Lucy said. She will be giving a talk to the CWL in Southwold on 6 November at 2:30pm about her time at the media centre.

Pilgrimage to Rome to mark the Year of Faith - see page three for details Page Two November 2012 OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY Fr David writes about Bacton Priory For the past four years the Sacred Heart Parish, North Walsham (which includes Aylsham and Hoveton) have celebrated Mass on the Saturday closest to the Feast of The Exaultation of the Cross (14 September), at the ruins of Bacton Priory (known as Bromholme).

Bacton is on the North Norfolk Coast and although the ruins are in private grounds it is possible to get a view of them from the gate house which is close to the free car park, or there are good views from the B1150 on your right hand side, shortly after the hamlet of Pollard Street travelling in the direction of the coast.

Diocesan Administrator Fr David Bagstaff is also parish priest at the Sacred Heart has written about Bromholme. Parishioners from the Sacred Heart after celebrating It attracted pilgrims from all over England and Europe, Mass at Bromholme, above, and the ruins, below including Henry III; and there is a reference to Bromholme in Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”. Times became very Illustrious History prosperous and so they continued until February 1537 when Very little is left now of what at one time was a very wealth the monastery was suppressed by Henry VIII. Priory, although it didn’t always enjoy such prosperity. Was the relic taken back to the court of King Henry, and The story begins in 1113 with the founding of the Priory by sold, or burnt; or was it buried somewhere in the area, which William de Glanville. It was originally made subordinate to is how the local legend would have it? These questions must the Cluniac house of Castle Acre but the relationship between remain unanswered. the two communities was often fraught. It is a privilege to be able to celebrate Mass on this holy By the beginning of the 13th Century the priory had hit site, which in many ways now lies forgotten and undisturbed, quite hard times and in 1206 there were only eight monks but has a peacefulness about it which must stem from the living there, when a surprise visitor turned up at the stream of pilgrims who came here in the past to seek the monastery door and the fortune of the monastery was about to healing of the Lord through his cross and resurrection. take a significant change. The mysterious guest was a priest (Hugh) who had been 15th April 1205 and Hugh took the opportunity of fleeing and Is there a hidden Sacred Historic Site in your area? chaplain and keeper of holy relics to Count Baldwin of taking with him the relics! Then why not write and let us know about it. Please send Flanders. One of the most treasured relics in the collection According to the medieval chronicler, Matthew Parish, he brief details and your parish links to the site to the editor. was a piece of the true cross which by tradition had been went first to St Albans and sold some of Baldwin’s relics but found by Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great. they rejected the true cross; he then went to Weybourne Priory An opportunity has arisen for a committed person to To preserve the cross for all time, she had divided it into in Norfolk, but the Prior there refused to believe in the take over the established role of Marriage & Family pieces. miraculous power of the true cross relic and sent Hugh away. Life Co-ordinator for the Diocese of East Anglia It was believed that one piece bore the bloodstains of Jesus He had better luck at Bromholme - having confessed about where his feet had been nailed to the cross and that this the existence of the relic and an actual miracle being The role includes-: particular relic had miraculous powers and it was this holy performed, he was welcomed to stay at the monastery. Establishing /monitoring parent support courses & resources relic which had come down to Count Baldwin and was looked From that time Bromholme became a place of great within schools and parishes after by this mysterious visitor. How did he come to be at pilgrimage. It is claimed that 39 people were raised from the Increasing Marriage Preparation within the Diocese Bromholme? dead and 19 recovered their sight through the miraculous Liaison with other Diocesan Commissions and Organisations His Master, Count Baldwin, was defeated at Adrianople on power of the relic. Regular updating of the Marriage & Family Life Diocesan Webpage Organisation of the Annual Celebration of Marriage & Family Quarterly meetings of the Marriage & Family Life Commission ItCity is good whenhonour from time to time for the civil communitya significant impact on wider workaspects of life in The writing of reports for various agencies authorities recognise the presence and the city. importance of the Church, Fr David Bagstaff A noted example of this was how together Strategic thinking, planning, and identification of sources of writes. with the Council of local Imans he had helped funding will be key capabilities to enable the successful The City of Peterborough recently did just to bring about close working relations through candidate to develop specific proposals for the continuation this by conferring upon Fr David Jennings the the establishment of the Faith and Cohesion of Diocesan commitment in the area of Marriage & Family Honorary Freedom of the City at a Network, which facilitates closer engagement Life building on evaluation of work done Presentation in Cathedral Square on Saturday between faith groups and the statutory sector 8 September, picture left. tackling social challenges. The successful candidate will need to be able to work Fr David was thanked in particular for Many congratulations to Fr David on on their own initiative and will be home based. The post will serve the whole of the Diocese so travel and promoting cohesion amongst the different receiving the Honorary Freedom of the City occasional work at weekends or evenings may be communities within Peterborough and having of Peterborough. required.

The hours will be 20 per week (average) TheYoung sisters at Quidenham women have provided shareand retiring Carmelite at about 10 pm. They have lifeand for the history weekend of Carmel. One of the It is possible that this job could be shared between 2 people further opportunities this summer for participated in the celebration of Mass visitors commented: “I found the sessions dividing the hours young women to come inside the and the Divine Office, and have also extremely enlightening and helpful. Support is provided by the diocese and by an active national enclosure and experience Carmelite life. shared in the two hours of prayer, one in Many complex questions were addressed network of Family Ministry Workers Six women have visited this year, and the morning and one in the evening, in a remarkably clear and profound way.” Remuneration is £10 per hour + expenses Annual leave is 5 Sister Stephanie, the novice mistress, which are the principal distinguishing For all of them, it has been a chance to weeks + Public Holidays said: “Sometimes their hearts quail feature of Carmelite life. Their experience confront important questions about the Further information from Diocesan Office,21 somewhat at first sight of the timetable has included some monastic work purpose and direction of their lives, and Upgate,Poringland,Norwich NR14 7SH for the weekend, but all of them have (picking raspberries or folding cards), their relationship with God. Tel. 01508 492202 stayed the course and found that the monastic meals (while listening to a One wrote afterwards: “I arrived or rhythm of prayer, solitude, and reader), and the relaxation and laughter of nervous and with little idea what to Mike Kenning, Chairman, M&FL Commission [email protected] community has carried them through.” monastic recreations. expect. I left with many misconceptions or The visitors have followed the same In addition some of the sisters have about the religious life challenged and my M&FL Co-ordinator [email protected] timetable as the sisters, rising at 5.30 am provided some input on prayer, vocation, faith strengthened.” November 2012 Page Three OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY Courtyard of the Gentiles - The Year of Faith by Professor John Morrill

Pope Benedict has called on the whole church to experience a Year of Faith from 11 October 2012 (the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Vatican Council) to the 1st Sunday of Advent 2013. He especially encourages us to study the four foundational documents of the Council on the Church as ‘the light of the nations’ (Lumen Gentium), on the renewal of worship (Sacrosanctum Concilium), on divine revelation and the right approach to scripture and tradition (Dei Verbum) and on the Church’s engagement with modernity (Gaudium et Spes [‘joy and hope’]) – there is much left on all those bones to nourish us further! He also encourages us to deepen our knowledge of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, published by Pope John Paul 20 years ago. Many parishes are already planning to take up this invitation.

The Commission of Evangelisation is arranging study days on each of them. But we only deepen our faith in order to St Paul’s Basilica in Rome share it, and so we need to think of how we can share our courtyards. Are not street pastors an example? faith more freely. I find airport lounges an excellent place to open a space for No-one lights a lamp to put meaningful conversations with strangers who want to share under a tub; they put it on a their apprehensions with the state of a world going to hell in lampstand where it shines for a handcart. everyone in the house [Matthew The Second Vatican Council in Plenary Session One member of the Commission for Evangelisation sells 5:15]. religious books and artefacts at car boot sales not for the So Pope Benedict is linking benefit of the sales but of the conversations. When the ‘the Year of Faith’ with another subject of religion comes up in ordinary daily encounters do initiative: ‘the new evangelisation we ring-fence conversations with our faith firmly behind a for the transmission of the screen? The commission for evangelisation will be looking Christian Faith’. This is an for ideas and models. initiative that is both top-down (it is the theme of the current If you can help, contact John Morrill at 13th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops) and bottom [email protected] or write to him at up (we are all encouraged to do our bit). Catholic Pastoral Centre, 14 Exeter Road, Newmarket CB8 In a fascinating briefing document or ‘Lineamenta’ for the 8LT. Watch out for more announcements and meanwhile go bishops’ meeting (available online as in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life! http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_sy nod_doc_20110202_lineamenta-xiii-assembly_en.html, the John Morrill is a deacon in the parish of Our Lady Pope reminds of us the words of Bishop Michael’s favourite Immaculate and St Etheldreda, Newmarket and he is chair of modern pope, Paul VI. the diocesan commission for evangelisation. Speaking of ‘the primacy of evangelisation’, he wrote that Popes John XXIII and Paul VI ‘it would be useful if every Christian were to pray about the I think that today the Church should open a sort of BOOK NOW - Fr David Jennings said there are still following thought - that through God’s mercy people can Courtyard of the Gentiles in which people might in some places available of the Year of Faith Pilgrimage to gain salvation in other way latch on to God without knowing him and before Rome but people should book quickly as it may fill up. ways besides our gaining access to his mystery, at whose service the inner life preaching the gospel to of the Church stands. them, but as for us, can we Based on this idea, His Holiness himself inaugurated a gain salvation if (through Courtyard of the Gentiles in Paris during his pastoral visit to negligence, fear, shame) France. Thousands of people, believers and unbelievers we fail to preach it’. (seekers) came together in the ‘Ville Lumiere’ over a period The Lineamenta add a of two days. striking comment on this: The aim was not to preach but to listen and share, to Modern man listens more engage and to debate. Out of the Paris Courtyard came a willingly to witnesses than commitment to future sharing – one agnostic philosopher to teachers and if he does asked an Italian cardinal to co-author with him a study of the listen to teachers it is Gospel of St John. because they are More courtyards have been held or are planned, in witnesses. Chicago, Quebec, Stockholm, in Tirana (Albania) and now in Pope Benedict XVI In other words, St other continents. One especially striking Courtyard was held Francis’s words are more relevant than ever: preach the in Bucharest (Romania) where the event was entitled “in gospel and use words if you have to. And how are we to do what does a non-believer believe?” that? The Holy Father has been promoting a very striking In a large open space (by definition not in a church), 2,000 idea which is well worth pondering. students proclaiming themselves non-believers came to He has reminded us that in the Temple of Jerusalem there listen and engage – with remarkable results. was a free space for non-Jews (ie Gentiles) who wished to At all these events the Church can witness against false pray there to the one God, even if only the orthodox could gods (materialism, human self-reliance etc) but not by enter the inner parts. lecturing but sharing experience and listening. That is by It was a place of prayer for the curious and well-wishers, witnessing. those who, the pope says “are dissatisfied with their own Next year there will be a Christian courtyard in Jerusalem. gods, rites and myths, who desire the pure and great even if Googling ‘Courtyard of the Gentiles’ leads to lots of God remains for them ‘the unknown God…” fascinating stories – get to it! But we can all set out our own Page Four November 2012 OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY DIOCESAN SCHOOLS IN FOCUS New building to RE practice Swinst Bede’s Inter award church School Cambridge has been awarded a meet a growing Gold Religious Education Quality Mark, (REQM) which is an accreditation system for population recognising and celebrating new building at St Laurence good practice. Catholic Primary School in Head of RE Ann Pittaway Cambridge was blessed after a said: “As an award it is special Mass celebrated by Diocesan monitored and supported by the Religious Education Council, AAdministrator Fr David Bagstaff. (REC). Other celebrants were Mgr Peter Leeming (Chairman “Together with our REQM of the Schools Commission), Fr Pat Cleary (Parish assessor, we had the chance to Priest), Fr Dick Healey and Fr Paul Maddison. reflect upon the quality and Representatives from the county, LSI Architects and SEH experience provided by RE in French builders also attended along with governors, past our school from the perspective staff and friends of the school. of both students and staff. The school has expanded in response to population growth Celebrating the new building blessed by Fr “The experience of learners within the county and an increase of Catholic families David Bagstaff, left formed a central feature of the moving into the area. whole process, giving students The new build consists of two reception year classrooms a real voice in shaping and with a covered outdoor area attached as a central resource strengthening the quality of RE. area, a separate block of two classrooms and a multi-purpose “As well as affirming our studio and a new centralised staff room, along with internal achievements, the Gold award decorating and reroofing. has left us inspired and eager to Contractors carried out the 36-week building programme provide further enrichment to and worked closely with the headteacher and staff to ensure all those in our care. the smooth running of the project. “We would welcome the Head teacher Jan Southgate said: “ I have been absolutely opportunity to work with other delighted with the new build which is already fully in action. schools in the diocese, in order “The outcomes exceeded our expectations in the design, to learn and progress together.” quality and flexibility of use of all rooms. Should any schools be “The innovative and imaginative ideas and designs have interested in making such links provided us with an amazing stimulating new environment, please contact the Head of RE, which enhances childrens’ learning, and provides us with Ann Pittaway, email: apittaway further creative opportunities to make teaching and learning The seven Year 8 students who won prizes in the National Schools’ Bible Project @stbedes.cambs.sch.uk exciting, memorable and fun! “In the 12 years that I have been a headteacher in three Bible project brought top prizes schools, this has been the smoothest, most positive Seven Year 8 students at St Alban’s The events included the calming of the experience of a build taking place in a school that I have Catholic High School in Ipswich have won storm at sea, the raising of Lazarus, the experienced!” prizes at the National Schools’ Bible healing of Jairus’ daughter and the women Project Competition! finding the empty tomb on Easter morning. The prizes were awarded at a special Joanna said that it was difficult choosing assembly by Joanna Bogle, chairman of the winners. Christian Projects which runs the Schools “There were a good number of entries of Bible Project throughout the country each a really high standard and seven of the year. students have all been awarded runner up A past pupil returned to help Pupils were invited to study various prizes for work of a high standard.” creatre and paint a new mural events in the life of Christ, and to choose The Schools Bible Project was launched for a school in Peterborough. one and write about it as if they had over 20 years ago and involves pupils from Pupils at St Thomas More actually been present. schools across Britain. Catholic Primary School also helped to make the artwork. Head teacher Anne-Marie Talk like pirates day raises cash McElhinney wanted a piece of Pupils at St Mary's Junior School collected art that would inspire and pirate treasure in aid of a Cambridge encourage children to ask charity on International Talk like a Pirate questions and become actively Two students from St Mary’s School in Cambridge battled Day. involved in the creative their way to the final of the Schools Bake Off, part of The Pupils and teachers came to school process. The mural, above, Cake & Bake Show 2012, judged by celebrity chef Paul dressed like pirates wearing eye patches, was to portray inspirational Hollywood. Nina Bates and Daisy Merrell, both in Year 11, pirate hats and neckerchiefs. figures both past and present. impressed the judges with their cake to make it through to Each of them donated £1 to Romsey The central person in the the finals, where they had to bake scones following Paul Mill, a Christian charity that supports mural was Pope John Paul II. Hollywood’s own recipe. They narrowly missed out on young people and families in being crowned the winners but took the runners-up prize. Cambridgeshire. Notre Dame fair Each girl was given a framed certificate, an apron and a Acting head teacher Christepher Hald creative and fun way to raise money for an Notre Dame High are holding goody bag of cake icing ingredients. Head of Food said: “As a Christian school, we encourage important local charity, which the girls an International Christmas Fair Technology Anna Ladds, said: “The girls were extremely our pupils to support community projects chose themselves.” in the school refectory on 8 honoured to take part in such a prestigious and popular and charitable causes. St Mary's pupils are pictured above on December from 10am until event and learnt a great deal from the experience.” “Dressing up like pirates seemed a International Talk like Pirates day. 3pm. November 2012 Page Five The Diocesan Youth Office, OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY The White House, 21 Upgate, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7SH Tel: (01508) 494833 Mobile: (0781) 2004934 Email: [email protected] Leave a message if no answer.

nce again a team “Their presentations, researched Peace and joy message at campsand prepared during a busy Camp of willing leaders and with limited time were amazing and helpers made and we all learned much about the the most of an exciting six nations chosen. O2012, using the Olympic “Costumes, attractions for tourism message and the Flags of the nations and competing for prizes etc were also included and the Diocesan theme of younger children helped out as extras! Justice and Peace to give “The older group also visited 50 children an exciting Quidenham for Vespers, which is Summer Camp at Eccles always a good experience.” Hall. Together, the groups enjoyed fun Organiser Chrissie Storman times. Each team had to work on the said: “Countries such as Bolivia National Anthem for their country, The contest took all forms - singing and dancing rearranging it to a tune of their and Cambodia gained their first choice, but without changing any ever Olympic medals this year!! words. Some very interesting “Cambodia also won some major choices were made! funding from the UN to help Fr Tony judged and Cambodia alleviate some of their difficulties team won for their originality, using and poverty.” sign language and actions. Camp began on Friday 24 August Sports and team games, with with an opening Mass celebrated by Gold, Silver and Bronze up for grabs Fr Matthew George from Thetford. were exciting and lively. “Later in the evening, we gathered Every country won medals and it for night prayer outside, and an was close, with the USA eventual Olympic torch arrived by bicycle, winners! after quite a journey, carried by Dan Ring of confidence, below, and all ages taking part, right Medals were presented when the Greef. The flame was lit from the winners were announced at the final torch and so began our Just and Mass. Peaceful Olympics!,” Chrissie said. The presentations to the UN were Over the weekend the children excellent and our chairman had a were in teams representing either; difficult task choosing the successful The USA, China, Cambodia, country, but Cambodia got the grant. Bolivia, Palestine or Zambia. “Fr Tony was present for much of The Camp is divided into two the weekend, celebrating two ages for much of the weekend, 8 to Masses, leading our reconciliation 10-year-olds and 11 to 14 yrs but all service and hearing confessions with got together to eat, pray and play! Fr Padraig Hawkins,” Chrissie said. The younger group spent the “He attended Vespers with the weekend exploring and learning older group and spent a lot of time about what injustice is and where in each day being with us, available for the world it “Isn’t Fair”. Chrissie said. “They studied the Ten the full. chats, mentoring and Faith, Food “They made a Winge-wall, “They looked at the Olympic (and Commandments and talked about “The older group also discussed and especially Fun in general. sticking their feelings of what isn’t Paralympic) values of respect for all, what their own would be and many the injustices, rights and wrongs of “On the Sunday evening we had fair, on it, with the eventual plan to friendship, courage, determination other interesting and lively our time, with DVDs and talks on the traditional talent show followed make it a Wonder wall to change and striving for excellence, linking activities, artwork and generally the Church’s teaching on social by the Hamish gig, with dancing, those into hope for the world,” them to the rights of all. using their own gifts and talents to justice to guide and set the scene. clapping, singing and stomping “An excellent Fair Trade game galore. The talent on display was also did this very well, with the stunning as usual. harshness and unfairness in world “A busy, busy weekend and we trade and exploitation of the poor waved off some tired, but I think recognised in the playing out of happy children after a joyous Mass roles. Fun, but with a definite for parents and campers to finish. message and much food for thought. “Can’t wait for next year! “They were then set the Hopefully many will return and weekend’s big challenge. many new faces too.” “We had with us Fr Tony This year’s Resources for McSweeney, a UN commissioner National Youth Sunday (25th with a grant to be given to, in his November) are about The view, the country who could present Creed, helping us focus on the best case for need of the funding the Year of Faith. There are to alleviate suffering and social games, reflections and concerns or injustice in their land. various activities that could “The young people were to be used at any time, not just research their country and it’s around National Youth problems and prepare the case to be Sunday. Go to www. considered by the Commissioner nationalyouthsunday.org for and his committee. more information. Page Six Page Seven OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY

Top left, Shrine Director Fr Alan Williams, Diocesan Administrator Fr David Bagstaff, Bishop Top, Mark Maduli and Peter Martin from the Knights of St Columba and, below, a large Ecumenical Diamond Jubilee Flower Festival organiser Marie Drew with Barbara Wilson John Rawsthorne and Deacon Paul Hirons. Left, the altar at the Chapel of Reconciliation and, group of mainly young people from the Brazilian Chaplaincy who came with flags for above, the Blessed Sacrament carried into the abbey grounds. the next World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro Shrine Director Fr Alan reflects on 2012 at Walsingham Flower festival

Wet, wet, wet but raisesTwo major charities and£1250 several local fundraising campaigns are to benefit from an ecumenical flower festival in the Thorpe area of Norwich in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Money will go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, still a year of joy Help for Heroes and individual charities that the churches and groups taking part adopted or named. Some of the sights and joy is shown in the pictures that Walsingham Shrine Director Fr Alan Displays were in four church buildings - Our Lady accompany this article. Williams reviews the past year which Mother of God, the Good Shepherd (part of Anglican St It was led by Bishop John Rawsthorne from the Hallam had some challenges for pilgrims and Andrew’s parish), St Matthews in Thorpe Hamlet and Diocese in Sheffield and he paid tribute to all the people staff alike. the Witard Road Baptist church where flowers were from different countries over the centuries who had come to provided by the Heartsease Lane Methodists, St n 1994 Wet Wet Wet [a Scottish rock Britain with their faith and kept it alive. He spoke of the Irish Francis’s and evangelical groups including the Vineyard in the 19th century, Africans, South Americans, Eastern Some readings and bidding prayers were in the languages of the pilgrim groups and the music group!] had a world-wide hit with Love is Church. Europeans and people from the Far East today. Many of was provided by a modern band with guitars, flute, drums and keyboard all around you. Marie Drew’s husband the late Fr John was a former In 2012 the National Shrine had its wettest ever start them were represented at the Dowry of Mary pilgrimage. Anglican clergyman who joined the Church and was Ito a pilgrim season. Every year at Walsingham we choose a theme to animate ordained a Catholic priest attached St George’s in But amazingly it didn’t seem to trouble our pilgrims! They our preaching. It always reflects the thinking of the wider Norwich. He was a keen cyclist and his bike and helmet came in groups numbering from a handful to over 10,000 in Church and this year we took Pope Benedict’s reflections on appeared in an Olympic display at the Baptist Church a season when it really was wet, wet, wet. Mary, Mother of the Word and Mother of Joy. arranged by the Methodists. In the best traditions of pilgrimage some even walked to Walsingham has always been a place of conversion - like Marie said: “The event was meant to be ecumenical Walsingham - and never a complaint about the weather! Mary, pilgrims are invited to hear the Word of God and “let and this one display proved it was. I had forgotten that I In every season it is always great to welcome young themselves be changed by God’s word”. Singing and dancing reflected the cultures of Africa and India donated John’s bike and it was a pleasant surprise to see people to the Shrine. Mary, the Mother of the Word and Mother of Joy, has in it being used so well.” Student Cross and the John Paul II Walking Pilgrimages fact been the model for pilgrims over the centuries at There are plans for further events to bring the people both had their biggest numbers for some years. Walsingham. of the churches together once again. The Queen of Poland display was This year the Catholic journalist Joanna Bogle spent some When Erasmus visited Walsingham in the early 16th Marie, Rev Chris Ellis from St Matthews and a the first flower arranging attempt time with the JP2 pilgrimage which walked from Suffolk and century he composed a prayer that he would become more member of the Baptist Church also appeared together on by Susan Mountain and The wrote of “the young people taking part in this pilgrimage… and more like Our Lady and, by the grace of God, conceive the Radio Norfolk Sunday programme to talk about the Queen of the Rosary, above, was walking 20 miles a day, sleeping overnight on floors in the Lord Jesus in his inmost soul. festival. by Marie Drew Church halls or schools”. We are already planning for next year’s season. Our As usual we welcomed a wide variety of dioceses, parishes pilgrim theme will, of course, reflect the Year of Faith and other groups. Some are very local - the East Anglian called by the Holy Father. When the missionary journey of Diocesan Pilgrimage was led by the Diocesan Administrator Paul and Barnabas took them to Antioch they told the local Fr David Bagstaff and was blessed with good weather! Church “of all that God had done with them and how he had Gifts were brought to the altar representing many different nations Other groups come from further afield. As I write this opened the door of faith the pagans” [Acts 14.27]. week we will be joined by pilgrims from Scotland and Wales The central concern of all shrines of Our Lady is with and last weekend a group from New Jersey, USA. Cambridge in the reception of national flags and parish banners Evangelization. The Grandparents Pilgrimage this year celebrated their 10th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Walsingham. Large numbers of pilgrims and ‘religious tourists’ - This Catholic Grandparents Association was started by a including many non-Catholics - make their way to Our Walsingham resident Catherine Wiley and is now organising Lady’s Shrine at Walsingham and for some this is the pilgrimages to many other National Shrines. beginning of a journey into the fullness of the Catholic The charismatic renewal is well represented at the New Christian faith. Dawn Conference and Youth 2000 had even bigger numbers The Holy Father has urged to be confident during the Year The altar at Our Lady Mother of God and, below, the painting exhibition and refreshments this year as did the Latin Mass Society pilgrimage. of Faith - “Let us entrust this time of grace to the Mother of Perhaps the most exciting [and joy-filled] pilgrimage is the God, proclaimed ‘blessed because she believed’ [Luke Dowry of Mary Pilgrimage in September which this year 1.45]” [Pope Benedict XVI, Porta Fidei, n15]. numbered around 3,700 - an increase once again. All who come to Walsingham need to enter into a deeper The ethnic chaplaincies were well represented and they conversion to the Lord. and the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre escorted England’s Nazareth guarantees us the prayers and the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham into the old Priory friendship of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Grounds where the day finished with Benediction of the Church. Blessed Sacrament and prayers at the site of the original And let us all pray that the weather will be kind to us next Shrine. year. Page Eight November 2012 OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY NEWS Vital water denied to world’s poor from ‘Water Day’ has been held in the Narthex at St John the Baptist in Norwich by the Norwich AJustice & Peace group. People from across the diocese heard speaker Mary Colwell, a film maker on environment issues and adviser to the Bishops’Conference of England and Wales, give a reminder Justice and Peace looks at the importance of water to everyone in the world of the importance of being thankful people with water related diseases.” Robert Cruickshank of CAFOD for water. Bernard Shaw, from the diocesan demonstrated the importance of She showed an image of a small Justice and Peace group, said: “Mary provision of water, sanitation and Dartmoor well inscribed “Lady Well, provided some stark images to hygiene following emergencies such as Drink, and be Thankful”, a message demonstrate the impact of human the Haiti earthquake. which must have been more obvious to activity on water. He explained how, after addressing Display of stained glass at Cathedral proved very popular travellers before the days of mains water. “These included a stretch of the immediate emergency needs, it was She went on to interweave spiritual, Yangtze river in China totally covered important to build in resilience to future practical and technical threads relating to by plastic debris, the carcass of an emergencies, citing building dwellings the significance of this vital gift of God. HundredsOpen of people door took advantage to of secretsthe heritage weekend albatross which had died with its belly on 1m plinths in Bangladesh to resist the She said: “There are 719 references to in to come to St John the Baptist Cathedral for the first time full of plastic waste, a swathe of the impact of floods. water in the Bible, from God’s spirit and see some of its secret places and treasures. Amazon cleared of trees and the once Children had their own programme, hovering over the water in Genesis 1 to Many had lived in the city for decades yet had not visited mighty flow of the Colorado reduced to starting with a CAFOD interactive water the invitation to all who are thirsty in the the cathedral but were fascinated by its stained glass a trickle. quiz providing surprising facts like a final chapter of the Book of Revelation. windows, Narthex, displays, views from the tower and a tour “With 45,000 dams worldwide, 40% comparison between personal water use “Our planet is unique in that water of the secret places not usually on show. of food grown on irrigated land and 70% in the UK and Ethiopia. exists in all three states, solid, liquid and Visitors were taken to a secret chapel, the Duke’s Gallery, of abstracted water used for irrigation, They next experienced something of vapour. Fresh water available to sustain the Sacristy, the Great South Window parapet, the serious steps to address waste and the effort required to carry water around life is in limited supply, with most locked Columbarium and the West End Crypt. mismanagement are required to counter Cathedral garden to provide insight into away as ice or deep underground. It These areas are normally out of bounds but they give an projections that half of the world, the daily toil for those having to carry provides habitat for more than 10% of insight into the architectural heritage of the building. including Europe, will be water stressed water any distance. This led on to some known animals, 33% of known But there was much else to see besides as parishioners put by 2025.” thoughtful prayer writing and promises vertebrate species and 40% of all fish on displays to show the cathedral’s links with servicemen Daniel Hale of Progressio spoke of about water usage on ‘water drops’. species. and women from America who served in East Anglia during how growing asparagus in Peru, potatoes A story about 11 year old Rosena from “As humans, we are made up of 50- the Second World War. in Egypt and flowers in Kenya can lead Zambia, whose life was dominated by 60% water and in the UK each person But the most fascinating display explained the stained to over-abstraction of water. having to collect water for her family for consumes directly on average 150 glass windows in great detail. Improved farming techniques can three hours everyday, explained how litres/day, each ‘flush’ typically Visitors’ notes on the Great West Window said it alleviate the impact of severe water dirty river water can spread diseases. amounting to six litres. represented St John the Baptist, patron of the church, stress and he cited the example of The children then made their own “By contrast, across the world 4,500 pointing out the Messiah. growing sorghum using agro-ecological water filters and used them to learn how children die each day from unsafe water “In the centre is Christ on the cross surrounded by the four techniques in Zimbabwe - much more CAFOD funded filters help communities and lack of basic sanitation facilities and greater prophets with King David and Malachi. reliable than growing the traditional like Rosena’s made up slogans about half of all hospital beds are occupied by “Above is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and in the maize. saving water. apex the Eternal Father in Glory.” There is a lot more to see and appreciate in just this one window and there are 14 others to explore. LibrarThe Duckett Libraryy is attractinggaining people from reputationfar and wide on across country Hopefully the first time visitors and those who come to the the web and in person. cathedral frequently will return to explore in more detail. A priest from the Nottingham Diocese recently came to St John the Baptist’s library to consult a rare book. Chief librarian Peter Thorn said the collection now amounts to 4,500 books and only £20 has been spent so far with so many donations. There are many books still to be catalogued by the volunteer staff to boost the shelves but first Peter needs to raise funds in earnest. As well as looking for money for new books the library also needs a new computer system and to buy this about £2,000 is needed. “With all the books on an accessible computer system people will be able to see more easily what is available,” Peter said. Peter Thorn and Angela Thomas in the library Links with American’s who served during the Second World War were on display and many people came to see examples of work by the embroidery group WaysThanks to everyone to who contactsends in Send material the to Patrickeditor Byrne material most of which is used but The Editor, Our Diocesan Family, please send pictures as files and do The White House, 21 Upgate, not include them inside documents. Poringland, Norfolk NR14 7SH. Tel: 01603 627409 and email: Also give documents a descriptive [email protected] name - I get too many just labelled Deadlines: Our Diocesan Family is diocesan article or news. bi-monthly and printed early in the month before publication. The current newspaper can be read Material this time must arrive by online now at 28 November for the JANUARY http://www.bellcourtltd.co.uk/ 2013 New Year issue. November 2012 Page Eleven OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY BUILDING BRIDGES in the Holy Land Pilgrim numbers grew by 40% in the past year boosting income for Palestinians “Interest and bookings for the Holy Land were continuing East Anglia continues to support the Christian to grow even in financially challenging times. Not only are community in the Holy Land through various the numbers wishing to visit the Holy Land growing, but parish initiatives and our diocesan project of people are concerned to support the local Church and see repairing the cemetery in Kerak. pilgrimage as a real way of showing solidarity with those We can also be proud of the work being who suffer. undertaken by Palestine Pilgrimage where Fr “The priority of the Charity now is to consolidate the Paul Maddison has been working these past gains made over the past two years and to look at ensuring two years in building up pilgrimage visits to that any growth is sustainable and continues to have the the Holy Land that interact with the parishes twin benefits of helping the living stones of the Holy Land and schools in the Holy Land. Jerusalem is the highlight of a pilgrimage for many and increasing the faith of those who make a pilgrimage to Palestine Pilgrimage has been registered as a charity this One returning pilgrim said: “Having the opportunity to this wonderful land. year and has continued to see growth of over 40% in both visit places I have spent my whole life reading and praying “In all of this work the Diocese of East Anglia shows numbers of pilgrims and profits which are sent to the Latin about was not only humbling but has added the most itself to be a church committed to support and solidarity, Patriarch in Jerusalem for use on humanitarian projects. enormous sense of earthly reality to my shaky faith. reaching out to those less fortunate than ourselves,” he said. Fr Paul said recently that he was immensely proud of the “Scripture has taken on a whole new level of meaning, I could not have asked for a more incredible gift.” Many of the photographs in this feature are from the book work that had been undertaken by the charity, its by St John the Baptist archivist Dora Cowton called He management board and staff where they were making a real Another pilgrim who was asked to read in the synagogue in Capernaum found the whole experience so moving that Brought Them to His Holy Land which chronicles several and substantial difference to the Church in the Holy Land. I visits. have found the whole experience a rather steep learning he said that single experience was the most incredible moment in his life; apart from marrying his wife, of course! curve but one of the real joys of doing this work is The pictures carry verses from the psalms and is in memory speaking in parishes and schools across the country. Fr Paul said that Palestine Pilgrimage was looking at continuing the incredible growth seen over the past two of Fr Harry Wace who encouraged Dora to publish it. It is Not only is the welcome I receive so wonderful, but I available from the Slipper Chapel Book Shop, Norwich have the privilege of seeing firsthand the church in this years. More people are hoping to visit the Holy Land next year with Diocese taking over 120 pilgrims. Christian Resources at St Michael at Plea Church and country as something invigorating and in very good health. from Dora if you email her on [email protected] People are genuinely interested to hear about the lives of Christians in a different part of our world and the desire to help and support them is strong. CAN YOU HELP? Our two ‘Building Bridges’ projects this year are supporting Fr Manoj’s work to rebuild the church of St Andrew in Nikum, and restoring the parish cemetery at Kerak in Jordan. Would you like to support these projects? Cheques should be made payable to the ‘RC Diocese of East Anglia’.

First Name……………………………………......

Surname…………………………………...... …

Title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, etc) …………...... ……… Mount of Beatitudes - pilgrims find that standing in holy places brings the scriptures to life Address……………………………...... …..…….

The effectiveness of support channelled through Palestine ……………………………………...... …...... … Pilgrimage was summed up by a Christian from Jerusalem who said: “the colossal work being done in increasing the ……………………………………...... …………… awareness of Christians in the Holy Land is of crucial importance to us. Postcode………… Amount enclosed………...... …….. “Palestine Pilgrimage has made a big difference for us and we sincerely believe that what you are doing is a Anything you give will be divided equally between genuine help and contribution to both communities.” Cambodia and the Holy Land, unless you indicate below Not only are the Christians in the Holy Land benefitting, by ticking one or other that all your money should go to but also those who go on pilgrimage as they experience that project: what many speak of as the trip of a lifetime. Much of the old part of Jerusalem would be known to Jesus Standing in the Holy Places like Bethlehem, Nazareth, CAMBODIA (Nikum church) …….... Capernaum of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are inspiring in themselves, but to read or hear the scriptures in HOLY LAND (Kerak cemetery) ..…….. the places where it happened is something truly special. Sitting peacefully on the Mount of Beatitudes and hearing GIFT AID DECLARATION (if appropriate) familiar phrases often gives a renewed sense of purpose and I wish the RC Diocese of East Anglia to reclaim tax on this understanding to words that have become a little dull, and donation. I have paid an amount of UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is what could be more inspiring as we are asked to renew our at least equal to the tax amount claimed by all the Charities and faith by Pope Benedict. Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) to whom I have donated in that tax year. Only tax arising from Income or Capital Gains applies to Gift Aid. Other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.

Signed…………………………………………

Date………………………...... … Please send to: ‘Building Bridges’, 21 Upgate, Poringland, Norwich, NR14 7SH Looking out over the Sea of Galilee The birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem Registered charity no. 278742 Page Twelve November 2012 OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY

Hown Understanding to copeMental Health withPartnership Trust dementiaQueens Road, Wisbech (next to the Dementia Day is to from 2002 to 2005. Catholic Church) begins at 11.30am with registration and coffee. be held in Wisbech In 2007 he founded Telos Training and his interests include social There are two sessions separated by a on 8 December 2012 when inclusion, the spiritual and holistic packed lunch that people attending The diocesan service team for charismatic renewal invited Athe main speaker will be dimension to mental health and should bring and the day should finish prayer group leaders from across the diocese to a retreat Ben Bano who led a similar dementia care. at about 3.30pm. day at The Sacred Heart Convent at Swaffham. “We had event at St John the Baptist Over the past two years he has been Donations towards the speaker’s times of prayer and praise, times of quiet and watched two involved in a major church-based expenses and the “Welcome me as I Cathedral Narthex in May DVD’s of Fr Raneiro Cantalamessa speaking at the focus programme on mental health issues and am” programme are invited from those week of Holy Trinity Brompton,” Lucy Walker said. “We last year. this has now developed into the who participate. were also able to share news of the progress being made in Ben has been a social worker for formation of a new, not-for-profit To book or any enquiries please bringing a celebrate weekend to East Anglia next April!” 38 years and was director of older community service. contact: Elizabeth Hoey, 01945 420618 peoples services in East Kent The day at the Rosmini Centre, in or email at: [email protected] ItFr is with Ben regret that and ODF hasd Fr to report Tony the deaths of Fr Ben Grist at a hospice in Ditchingham and Fr Tony Sketch former ThreeDeacon Martin Wellsfamily and his wife celebrationsPenny from Our Lady of Good parish priest at Lowestoft. The next edition will contain Counsel and St Peter at March marked three celebrations with the people obituaries of both and your prayers are asked for the repose of the parish. their souls. The couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, Martin’s 70th birthday and his nine years as a deacon, see picture right. A special celebration was held in the March parish to commemorate these Mixing faith and business Wisbech Interfaith forum is holding a conference on milestones. It coincided with the arrival and first Sunday Mass November 22 entitled Faith and the Market - no entry or celebration by Fr Sean Connolly. open for business. After the Mass of Thanksgiving, all gathered in the parish hall where a This is an invitation led event for local faith members great variety of ‘goodies’ and a cake, made by Iris Dean, were enjoyed when three speakers we will explore the relationship by all. Chairman of the parish council, David Rees, presided at the between faith and business. Among our speakers is the leader celebration and also welcomed Fr Sean. of Fenland Council Alan Melton who will talk about the role of politicians in helping local communities. Church flower group now growing their own A member of the local Quaker community will talk about The Garden Group at St Philip Howard Church in Cherry the Peckover family and a businesswoman will speak on her Hinton has had a most successful year producing flowers to roleas an entrepreneur, farmer’s wife, mother of three decorate their church. children and active Christian. “The money spent on flowers for the church seemed rather wasted, parishioner Rose Desmond said. News in brief + News in brief + “We have a presbytery garden, which originally consisted Norwich rugby club will hold their annual carol service at St mostly of lawn and weeds, and so we decided to use it to try John the Baptist cathedral on 19 December. to grow our own flowers. “In October 2010 we dug and prepared the ground for Friendly, welcoming creative writing group offering planting. In spring we bought some seeds and some dahlia poetry/prose for all abilities restarts at the Narthex, St. tubers were donated. John's cathedral, early September. Contact Hilary 01603 “We also ran a project for the children to plant a sunflower Michael de Wolff, Rose Desmond, Barbara Burnett and 630346. seed and the winning sunflower had 21 flower-heads. The Bernard Shaw with flowers at the church. greatest successes however, were the Dahlias, the Gladioli, “This year the rain has been a godsend and everything Our Lady and St Edmund in Hunstanton joined with St chrysanthemums and the Amaranthus, which our flower seems to have bloomed well. We had tulips for Easter, Cecilia’s in Dersingham to raise £1,300 for parish funds arrangers used for nearly two and a half months in 2011 - followed by the white foxgloves for the First Communion through a summer barbecue and a strawberry fair. right up to Advent. Sundays. Parishioners also visited Oxburgh Hall to celebrate Corpus “During last autumn and winter we planted 140 tulip bulbs “The dahlias, gypsophila, and gladioli are magnificent and Christi with a procession around the grounds. and stored the dahlia tubers till the Spring. Amaranthus self-seeded beautifully. Over Summer more “We prepared fresh flower beds for roses, Kerria and plants have been donated by parishioners and they will be lavender bushes. used again next year.” Pictured on the last Sunday of September are members of Norwich Circle of the Catenian Association with their families enjoying an annual pilgrimage to Walsingham.

TheSt annual Edmunds Christmas Fayre in Bury aiming St while viewing to many Treat interesting exhibits. Yourpersonalities Senses are all on the agenda. Edmunds that attracts thousands of Organ recitals and evening concerts The Christmas Fayre is on 23, 24 and visitors is happening at the same time as are planned, singalongs for children, 25 November. the Catholic Church’s own celebrations. parents, grandparents and teddy bears Some events are free but others require About 25 different events will be held and people can choose their favourite early booking because of limited inSt Edmunds church, its 250-year-old hymns. availability. chapel and crypt under the theme Special floral display, ethnic For details of these events, how to Treating Your Senses. refreshment specialities, workshops, book and to find out more please phone Visitors will see all three recently prize competitions and social activities 01284 754358 or see the website restored and hear about their history where they will meet various http://www.stedmundkm.org.uk/.