Galloway Diocese Lent Edition

March NEWSNEWS 2020 Mass for Saint Margaret, Queen of Scotland

Bishop Nolan celebrated Mass with staff sand pupils in Queen Margaret Academy, Ayr, on 16th November, the feast day of St Margaret of Scotland, to honour their patron and celebrate the opening of their new school.

More about QMA on page 9.

The Bishop Writes

We have a Christian duty to protect the planet and care for the environment. Small changes can make a big difference.

Pre-loved clothes for sale”. I after the Paris meeting when saw that sign outside a governments took on commitments to charity shop. “Pre-loved” is lower their emissions of carbon more appealing than “second dioxide. -hand”. Did you know that It is also five years since Pope “using charity shops is not just a good Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, which way of helping a charity but is also puts the care of our common home in a good for the environment? Nowadays Christian context. That is a document we are urged to reduce, reuse, recycle. that is always worth re-reading to Reusing preloved or second-hand remind ourselves that God’s creation clothes cuts down on manufacture, transport and waste. has been given to us on trust. Not only do we have to care for For the past year Justice & Peace Scotland have been it now so that all who are alive today can benefit from the encouraging us all to make small changes to our lifestyles to world’s resources, but we also have to pass it on to a future help protect the environment. Perhaps shopping in a charity generation. We should not leave our children and shop could be one of those changes. grandchildren to sort out problems that we have created, nor Other changes might be a bit more challenging. For should we use up for ourselves all the resources that nature instance, what about the milk I put on my cornflakes? gives us. The scene of cows grazing in a meadow may be educe, reuse, recycle is the motto nowadays. But it picturesque, but cows produce more than their fair share of R will take a lot to get us to change our wasteful ways. methane gas that contributes to global warming, and We have developed a throwaway culture, as can be seen in the environmentalists question whether pasture land is a good use plastic that pollutes our oceans. We buy new clothes, while of agricultural resources. That pint of milk comes at a heavy our wardrobes are full of clothes. We throw away food, while environmental cost. others in our world have no food to eat. And we are now addicted to our holiday abroad, as we chase the sun on un- During Lent, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, we are environmentally friendly aircraft. asked to abstain from meat. But perhaps we should abstain more often. Not only do we eat too much meat than is good God has blessed us with the gift of creation. But the world for our own health but producing meat takes a heavy toll on is there for us to use, not to exploit. Its resources are there to the earth’s climate. be shared and the environment is there to be cared for. That is the challenge that we have to face if we are to pass the Later this year COP26 takes place in Glasgow. This blessings of our common home on to a future generation. United Nations meeting on climate change comes five years

The priests of the diocese at the Assembly of Priests in November 2019

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Memories of a spiritual journey

Jim McKendrick remembers his visit to the Holy Land and the immediate connection to the Lord.

ast November, Florence and I were privileged to visit Peter’s house (his mother-in-law’s really) have been revealed, the Holy Land. To actually see places we have read and what is thought to be a 1st century church dating from L about so often in the Gospels, to be able to visualise around 50AD. There is also a 2nd century, synagogue which the scene of so many of Christ’s miracles, was like a TV has been partially restored. Excavations beneath its programme switching from black and white to HD colour. Our foundations have revealed an earlier 1st century synagogue pilgrimage took us to some of the most atmospheric places which is thought to have been where Jesus preached. which had played such an important part in Christ’s life. To In Jerusalem, on a single day at, and inside, the walls of have walked in the footsteps of the Lord, to have breathed the the Old City, we visited some of the holiest sites air that he breathed, to have seen the sights that he saw – what of Abrahamic religions. First, we prayed at the Western a privilege! What an experience! So many memories! And it (Wailing) Wall, divided for men and women. These stones was made all the more poignant by the fact that it all occurred date back to the First Century B.C. when King Herod the as we were approaching the start of the fiftieth year of our Great built a retaining wall around the Temple. For present married life. day Jews the Wall is the place they can worship which is My memories of our visit are a kaleidoscope of closest to the Temple Mount, where tradition says Abraham experiences; washing our feet in the River Jordan; Nazareth prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. And Jews have continued and St Mary’s Well; the House of Joseph and the beautiful, to experience God’s presence near this site for over 3500 years. I was very fortunate to witness a beautiful scene. A group in the corner of the men’s section was celebrating a Bar Mitzvah, and at one point the men lifted a young boy in a chair and were dancing around holding him up. Immediately afterwards he proceeded to proclaim out loud for the first time verses from the scroll of the Torah. he Mount of Olives presents the most wonderful view T across the Kidron Valley to the old city walls .and the golden Dome of the Rock. As I stood in the Garden of Gethsemane, I thought of a disappointed Jesus, looking out across the Kidron Valley at Jerusalem, where just outside the modern Basilica of the Annunciation; the old City of city walls he would be crucified in less than 24 hours. Jerusalem. So many very special experiences it is hard to My lasting memory of the Holy Land is the visit to the single out a particular one. However there were a number of Canacle or Upper room, (pictured) where such great things extra special memories for me. happened; the Last Supper, The Washing of the Feet and the After leaving Nazareth and the River Jordan, we spent the Descent of the Holy Spirit. It was an immense emotional and rest of a delightful day in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee. spiritual moment. Above all else, I will always remember We stopped for lunch at a spot on the shores where lunch was Florence reading the words of Consecration, as we all bowed St Peter’s fish, a tilapia, which swims in abundance in the our heads in silent contemplation. lake. Afterwards walking down to the lake side, it was easy for me to imagine Jesus preaching on its shores, meeting his disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John, fishing and inviting them to follow him. It all became so much more real. I was profoundly moved by the beauty and panorama at the modern, octagonal Church of the Beatitudes and experiencing the peace and tranquillity of the Mount of Beatitudes where the Lord gave us his model for Christian living. Standing outside the Church, and looking down the hill towards the Sea of Galilee, the contours of the land seemed to form a natural amphitheatre, perfect for outdoor preaching. The visit to Capernaum, the site of so many miracles, was a very spiritual moment. We saw so much ongoing archaeological excavation. The site where the remains of St

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Two SSVP Christmas Events

t Joseph’s Church, Stranraer S SSVP once again entered a Christmas Tree in the Christmas Tree festival at Penningham Church of Scotland, Newton Stewart. The tree was decorated to highlight the work of SSVP locally, nationally and globally. There were over 70 from around the Diocese trees in the church, and donations from visitors raised over £900 for the work of the Bethany Trust with homeless people in the Dumfries area.

SSVP Christmas Party: Amélie Davidson reports

he Society of St Vincent de Paul at St Joseph’s Church, Kilmarnock, T organised a Christmas party for the recipients of their drop-in centre. They enjoyed sandwiches followed by homemade Christmas cakes and of course, mince pies! S2 pupil at St Joseph’s Academy and altar server Joseph kindly made Christmas cards which were greatly appreciated by the recipients. A great time was had by all!

Pizza and Panto Night!

pproximately 40 young A people gathered in St Margaret’s Cathedral Hall during Christmastide to participate in the Youth Ministry Office “Pizza and Panto” night. The young people travelled from all parts of the diocese: from Largs in the north to Dumfries in the south, and some hailed from Italy! The Youth Ministry Team did a great job with their new director, Father Jim, on their first activity together. The evening was attended by Bishop Nolan who joined us for a time to spread Christmas cheer among the young folk. The evening was full of fun, games, drama and a beautiful candle-lit prayer around the Christ Child to end. Look out for our next event on World Youth Day, Palm Sunday in St Margaret’s Cathedral Hall, Ayr (KA8 0BS) on Sunday 5th April from 6 pm till 8.30 pm . All young people (of all ages) are more than welcome to this free event.

Diocese of Galloway Youth Ministry Office (YMO), Director: Father Jim Hayes. Office contact: St Teresa’s, Glasgow Street,, Dumfries, DG2 9DE. Tel: 01387 252603

Galloway Lourdes Hospitalite

alloway Lourdes G Hospitalite thanks everyone who attended Mass at the Cathedral on 9th February to celebrate World Day of Prayer for the Sick and attend their AGM.

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A Work of Art

The new Church of St John the Evangelist, Stevenston, which was solemnly opened on Thursday 4th July 1963, has many features which greatly enhance the liturgy including the brass baptismal font. Jim McKendrick explains the imagery.

striking, unique feature of the church is that However, in 1980 it was there are only two brick walls (at both gable moved nearer the ends), the sides of the church consist of four Sanctuary, just in front of A large, stunningly beautiful, stained and frosted the Resurrection window. glass windows which represent biblical scenes, and at the This allows the gable end, behind the choir loft, a window depicts St John the congregation to participate Evangelist, and below this is the Baptistery window. The more fully at the Easter overall visual impact is all the more arresting as there are no Vigil blessing of the font, pillars supporting the roof. or at any Baptism. The image of the deer seeking running water is common in Christian iconography relating to baptism, dating from at least the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Perhaps the most well known example is the gift of the emperor Constantine to the Baptistery of the Lateran Basilica in 312AD of a gold statue of the Lamb of God and seven silver deer, arranged around the font and designed to feed water into it. This illustrates the clear link between baptism and salvation. In his commentary on Psalm 42, St Jerome states that the deer symbolises catechumens, thirsting for spiritual water; while St Augustine had a preference for baptism where Psalm 42 was chanted or sung. Use of this imagery carried on down through the ages, ranging from the Venerable Bede to Canon Joseph Maxwell in 1963. he association of sung versions of the Psalm with the T Rite of Baptism, and, in particular, with the baptism The impressive wooden altar was the only one of that of catechumens, dates back to the early church. Over the ages, material in the diocese at the time of the church’s opening. On there have been many musical arrangements of the Psalm, the front of the altar is displayed the symbolic representation ranging from local parish choirmasters to famous composers of St John the Evangelist. like Handel and Mendelssohn. By many accounts, the most Another unique feature is the outstanding example of Renaissance Baptismal font. Fashioned entirely in choral art is the Sicut Cervus, composed brass, it depicts the font as a half trunk by Giovanni Palestrina and published in of a tree, beneath which shelters a deer Venice in 1604. This is still in use on a – a reference to Psalm 42 , “As the regular basis today. Rather fittingly, deer longs for streams of water, so my Psalm 42 was sung as the Responsorial soul yearns for you, my God”. The Psalm during the Mass to celebrate the first few words of the Psalm are 40th anniversary of the new church. written in Latin around the lip of the We are so fortunate in St John’s to font: “Sicut cervus ad fontes aquarum” worship in such a beautiful church are often abbreviated to Sicut cervus which links the modern era with the and used to denote musical settings or earlier church with such striking arrangements of Psalm 42. imagery. A guided tour of the chapel Originally, the font was situated can be accessed from our website in front of the Baptistery window. www.stevenstonstjohns.com

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Bird’s Eye View ...

Galloway Glimpses from the air

Three unusual views of churches in the diocese, taken from above

On the left is a photograph of St Peter’s Ardrossan with the ruins if Ardrosssan Castle in the background taken by Michael J. Timmons with his drone.

Below is St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock; also a drone picture from Michael Timmons.

Below is a dizzying photo of the steeple of St Andrew’s, Dumfries, taken, not from a drone, but a cherry picker. (inset)

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Safeguarding In The Wayside Club visits Galloway Diocese Stevenson A Message from the Safeguarding team Canon Martin Poland recalls a pre-Christmas festive ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who evening with the Wayside Club trespass against us’’

he Safeguarding team want to invite you to join in an open conversation on Safeguarding in our diocese. In T the Galloway Diocese News through this year there will be an article informed by your thoughts and experiences as members of our parish communities. In this our first article, the focus must be on survivors of abuse within the Catholic Church. We need to remember and acknowledge that the trust of so many vulnerable members of Catholic communities was betrayed; that they were subjected to criminal and violent assaults and that sadly, many of those with responsibility for assuring their safety and protection failed in this key duty.

We cannot change what has happened but we must ask the Wayside Club in Glasgow cares for the question, how do we ensure that we don’t forget? We must The homeless and people suffering from hardship also put in place measures to prevent a repeat of this history. or addiction. Every year for over 20 years, a group from As members of our Catholic communities we all have a the Club has visited St John’s parish community, shared responsibility in this commitment. Stevenston, for Christmas lunch and a fun day of As Pope Francis said in his address to survivors in entertainment which this time was on Sunday 24th Philadelphia in September 2015 ‘I pray that many people of November. Canon Martin Poland welcomed them on the Church will respond to the call to accompany those who behalf of the parish. As well as helpers from St John’s, have suffered abuse. May the door of mercy be opened wide there were also a good number from St Mary’s Saltcoats, in our dioceses, our parishes, our homes and our hearts, to mainly from the Tuesday Lunch Club. It was particularly receive those who were abused… We promise to support your gratifying that a group of Caritas students from St continued healing and to always be vigilant to protect the Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats had given up their children of today and tomorrow’. Sunday to serve the poor. In our own diocese, change has been demonstrated by an external audit, which has shown that not only is there Christmas lunch was a full three course meal with the commitment to challenging complacency, but also that Caritas students playing a big part in the serving. A great incorporating ownership of Safeguarding is core to the many guests and students joined in the karaoke and theology, spirituality and culture of our Catholic mission. dancing and bingo session, although no budding Adele’s That ownership is still not as core to the priorities of our were discovered! After so much excitement and exercise, parish communities as we need it to be, but there are lots of it was time for a rest, afternoon tea and a good chat. people across the four deaneries who are, and will be, actively Each guest received a raffle ticket for the prize draw committed to the continuing development and delivery of and a bag of clothes, toiletries and other goodies. All too safeguarding practice. soon it was time for them to go; It was obvious that our We must remember that many survivors and those guests had enjoyed a great day out and were very grateful affected by the impact of abuse are no longer members of the for the gifts they had received. However on reflection, it Church and certainly do not believe that there is evidence of was clear that over the course of the day, they had given change that would allow them to trust and believe that the us so much more. Catholic Church is committed to the necessary changes in Safeguarding culture and practice. We need to understand that there are members of our communities whose lives and faith were shattered and who to reach out to them, their families and those who support continue to feel betrayed and unable to trust because of the them to help them in their healing and to ask for their abuse suffered within the Catholic Church. We recognise that forgiveness. we face a major challenge in enabling survivors, and all If you wish to be part of the conversation, or think you people who have been affected by abuse within our Church, can help, or if you have any suggestions or experiences you to accept that enough change has taken place that they feel wish to share, email [email protected] or able to begin to accept the hand that is offered to support phone the diocesan office 01292 266750 and leave a message them on their journey of healing. We need help to find ways for the Safeguarding team: we will get back to you.

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Mission in Action

Beatrice Gardner of St Teresa’s parish describes the outcomes of the parish’s Mission Project in Ethiopia, and added a P.S. after their recent visit.

Teresa’s parish, Dumfries, has had an association with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady St (FMOL) in Ethiopia since the drought of 1985 that the TV brought in to our homes. The nursing home at Langholm, in our Deanery, was run by the FMOL and we had a visit from the late Sister Colette who became a great friend of ours, so at that time we decided to send the money raised in the parish direct to the sisters (and by-passed Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, who were doing a great job overall). We managed to visit nine of the 11 FMOL communities in Our Mission began mostly as medical but nowadays Ethiopia, Nazret, Retirement Community, Addis, Buccama, education has become a bigger part of it. We call this TEACh, Metcha, Methara, Konto, Debre Zeyt, Woliso. At each one we (Teaching and Education a Child.) As Father Jim’s area of were received so well and welcomed as friends. Fr Jim was care increased, the Parishioners of Holy Trinity Lockerbie and able to say Mass for them at most places and con-celebrated St Luke’s Moffat joined in supporting the Project too, along both in English and Ethiopian. with friends and family from other parishes and none. It wasn’t all work of course. The sisters were very keen The third parish trip to visit our Mission Project in that we should relax too. They arranged for us to visit a Ethiopia seemed a long time coming round. The first was National Park and a Crocodile Ranch. Our final weekend was undertaken by nine parishioners in 2012 and the second by at a Retreat Centre in one of the prettiest places on earth, three in 2013. Three people travelling was so much better for Debreyzhet. ease of getting around within Ethiopia and things were much It is so good for us to have this Mission Project. £240 per less complicated. year is all it costs to educate, feed and clothe a child in the Chelsea Lawson, aged 19, Father Jim and Beatrice TEACh Programme. It keeps us in touch with our poorest Gardner decided to go this time and visit the projects we friends and reminds us how fortunate we are to be born here. support and to meet our friends and acquaintances. It being It also brings us together as a parish and gives us so much Chelsea’s first time, she was very surprised to see such more than we give them. poverty but coped very well. The people we support are the very poorest; they live in such squalor in what is actually a very beautiful and lush country. It is vast too, and mostly P.S. We have recently received some great news extremely rural, with very poor infrastructure which makes from Buccama, where we had been invited in to a lady’s travel difficult. The towns are growing faster than houses are ramshackle home. She had no furniture and her house leaked being built and many youngsters flood to the cities hoping for like a sieve. We decided that we could and would build her a work to send money home. new house which has been undertaken by local people and The most valuable visits for all of us were to the homes of recently completed. She is so very grateful and, as you can our beneficiaries from TEACh. We saw how they ‘hide’ their see, very happy with her new dry house. precious shoes and school books from thieves. They virtually have no furniture, and a dirt floor both in the towns and countryside. However poor they are it seems to be a must that coffee is offered and taken on entering their homes. I got the impression more than once that the cups had been borrowed from a neighbour. Often the neighbour came too and acted as hostess. They are most gracious and thankful for a visit. To see the Methara Sisters in action was another very valuable lesson. When a patient arrived late at night in the final stages of labour, in a Bajaj (moped-taxi vehicle) they just dropped everything and ran to her assistance. The baby girl was born there and then in the vehicle. We visited the young mother, baby and granny in the clinic the next morning and were able to give her a few gifts. The child’s name is Bethlehem and she is just perfectly beautiful, but small.

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Spotlight Queen Margaret Academy

on Queen Margaret Academy’s new building opened its doors in October 2019. In advance of its official opening head teacher Oonagh Browne looks Education forward to another chapter in the life of the school.

ueen Margaret Academy’s new building opened its doors in October 2019. Q The £25 million School is South Ayrshire’s only Catholic Secondary school. The 601 young people who attend the school have settled in well to the new state-of the-art facilities. The school features a mechanics workshop, two all-weather pitches, modern classrooms, interactive learning spaces and a fitness suite. Our new school is much more suited to our needs and the warm welcoming atmosphere that Queen Margaret Academy is known for has transferred and filled the new building. The oratory is a central feature of the new building and the stained glass was designed by pupils. The oratory is at the heart of the school and the stained glass cross can be seen throughout the building. Moving school signifies another chapter in the school’s 164 year history. Queen Margaret Academy is more than the building that houses us. It is a community of faith that we enjoy every day. These fantastic new facilities will enhance the strong sense of pride and belonging that staff and pupils, past and present, contribute to and enjoy.

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Spotlight South Ayrshire Primary Schools

on News from St John’s, Ayr, St Patrick’s, Troon, Sacred Heart, Girvan, and St Ninian’s, Prestwick. Education

The pupils of Sacred Heart Primary have been preparing for the Sacraments

Charter for Catholic Schools permeates Our everything that we do here at Sacred Heart Primary and we are extremely proud of all of our pupils regardless of their religious or spiritual background. All pupils are guided in faith on a daily basis but none more so than our pupils receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Communion this session. In February, children in Primary 3 and 4 were invited to take some very important steps along their journey in faith. Pupils in Primary 3 received their Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our children took time to examine their conscience in all areas of their lives; their thoughts and words, what they have done and what they have failed to do (to paraphrase the Confiteor). A lovely service celebrating the importance of recognising our wrong-doings and asking for forgiveness was had in school, officiated by Canon McGee and attended by parents, carers and friends. Pupils in Primary 4 have been preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, also taking place in February, confirming the promises made on their behalf at Baptism. Our candidates are being well supported by their parents and families, school staff as well as our parish community in their understanding of how to live their lives as a follower of Christ. Pupils are looking forward to becoming full members of the Church and their parish community and we ask that you continue to keep our Sacramental children in your prayers.

St John’s Primary values partnership with parents, pupils and the wider community

recognise the importance of developing as a community of faith and We learning where all staff and pupils display a commitment to supporting and promoting the aims, values and ethos of the school. We have consulted with parents/carers, pupils and the wider community to ensure our Values collectively reflect an inclusive ethos and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We have demonstrated our commitment through our support of the local charity ‘Crossroads’. This organisation provides time off for people in South Ayrshire who care for a relative or friend at home. We have been raising awareness of the fabulous work of this service at our assemblies to all the pupils in the school and their families. We have raised money for them through charity boxes in every class, selling juice and biscuits at break time and running Bingo for upper pupils. We thoroughly enjoyed showing off our wonderful singing talents at a Saturday Christmas coffee morning the charity organised. We also invited some pupils from our cluster primaries along to our showcase to share how we put into practice the seven themes of Catholic social teaching. We have enjoyed a full week of ‘Find Your Brave’ activities for Children’s Mental Health Week 2020 looking at different ways that we show bravery every day. Well done to the boys and girls who planned and ran all the activities. The children also wrote little prayers that others could use to pray to God whenever they needed help to ‘be brave’. “Lord, Please give me courage to be brave. I know I can talk to you if I am upset.”

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St Patrick’s Primary have been raising awareness of Friends of the Holy Land

Patrick's Primary have been working with our Cluster St schools to raise awareness of the charity Friends of the Holy Land. Father David Borland led a very thought provoking workshop for our pupils looking at the work of the charity. Our pupils then reported back to the school and linked the Rights of the Child to the work of Friends of the Holy Land. The pupils then created an information board to raise awareness of the charity. The board was displayed in the Cathedral at our annual Cluster Carol Service for all our parents and family to see. We have continued to link the work of the charity with our RE lessons and P5 have been exploring significant places in the Holy Land linked to the life of Jesus. This has been a great learning experience for all our pupils. Particular thanks to Father David Borland for sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for such a worthwhile charity.

St Ninian’s pupils are living their faith and making a difference

Ninian’s pupils had a fabulous sports day, organised by a group of St students from the University of the West of Scotland. It truly was a community event, with support from Sports Leaders from Queen Margaret Academy. Pupils enjoyed every minute of it and participated in a range of inclusive sports. The children worked together to earn tins for South Ayrshire Foodbank. This was an excellent opportunity for the children to make a positive difference in their community. Through working together, we raised £120 and gave 200 tins to the foodbank. This is only one of our projects, where we pray for those in need and act to make a positive difference. Our other projects include; Big Breakfast; school uniform bank; book swap and singing and reading to Berelands nursing home. By living our faith we are making a difference!

Sacrament of Confirmation

As this edition of the Galloway Diocese News is being prepared Bishop Nolan is conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation to our children in Churches throughout the diocese. Photographs of the children will appear in the Pentecost edition.

Your Galloway Diocese News

God’s Joy we would like to hear from you

Joy. At the Galloway News we want to hear from you, God’s joy. the priests and parishioners of Galloway. Is there an Joy is love event taking place in your parish or school? Would you like to share it with others via the Galloway that we can share. Diocese News? You can send your items to the Family and friends we trust. editor at any time or look out for the ‘email hotline’ We all might lose our trust and ‘reply’ to the reminder email: we will do the work for you. Don’t forget your photographs for but we can all trust in God. ‘Galloway Glimpses.’

No matter what we do he brings us joy. God will forgive and always keeps us safe. Send your contributions before 24th April 2020 for inclusion in the Pentecost edition to: He will ask his angels to protect us with love. The Editor The Galloway Diocese News, Candida Casa, By Amy Muir 8 Corsehill Road, Ayr, KA7 2ST. St Joseph’s Academy Email: [email protected]

RC Diocese of Galloway, charity number SC010576

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Cardinal Winning Lecture 2019

Catholic Schools Good for Scotland

Amélie Davidson reports on the latest lecture held in Glasgow

n November 16th 2019, also the Feast of Saint Margaret, over three hundred people from across the O dioceses of Scotland gathered in the Bute Hall of the University of Glasgow for the annual Cardinal Winning Lecture. The first Cardinal Winning Lecture, previously known as the Catholic Education Week Lecture, was delivered in 1993. In 2018, the lecture was given by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to mark the centenary of the 1918 Education (Scotland) Act which saw Catholic schools change from diocesan control to state governance. This time, the lecture of Hodelm or Hoddam, which is just outside Lockerbie. It was was delivered by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, (pictured) the a monastic foundation established by St Mungo and is to be Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States for the Holy See. found in the modern Diocese of Galloway, so I renew my promise to Bishop William Nolan not to cause him any Mass before the lecture was concelebrated by trouble. So, I have a cherished connection with Scotland.” Archbishop Tartaglia in the beautiful Memorial Chapel. In attendance were the Principal The lecture effectively highlighted how Catholic schools and Vice Chancellor of the are an integral and highly successful part of public education University, Sir Anton and that Catholic Schools are good for Scotland. Muscatelli; Deputy First Minister, John Swinney; Director of the St Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher Clergy and their Education, Dr Roisín Coll; and Director of the Scottish Catholic cameras Education Service, Barbara Thanks to Deacon Bob Simpson for this Coupar. stunning photograph.

During the thought-provoking This mosaic of Jesus Pantocrator, is in the Byzantine morning, Archbishop Gallagher style, and dates to the late 13th or early 14th centuries. It can be seen in the Cathedral, near Palermo in Sicily. focused on the context of Global Catholic Education and the positive contribution of Catholic Education both to the Church and the nation, stating: “There is a sincere desire in the Church that our schools and colleges should be as good as is humanly possible… Education has no fixed destination but is rather a point of departure. We should never stop trying to learn and understand others.” He continued, “...I am no less than the Titular Archbishop

Dates for your diary

Sunday 29th March: Fifth Sunday of Lent Sung Evening Prayer of the Church with Adoration and Benediction St Margaret’s Cathedral, Ayr, at 6.00 pm

Tuesday 7th April Mass of Chrism St Margaret’s Cathedral, Ayr, at 7.30 pm

Thursday 21st May: The Ascension of Our Lord Holyday of Obligation

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A View from Westminster

Dr Philippa Whitford, MP, recalls a difficult few months but looks forward during Lent to making some time each day for prayer.

t has been a difficult six months for me since I last wrote noise. Westminster will still be busy in the coming months as for this newsletter. From breaking my ankle and being there is a lot of Brexit-related legislation but, as Lent gets I immobilised, the rigours of a winter election (on underway, I hope to find some quiet space in my life to focus crutches!) and then finally the arrival of 31st January when the better on the preparation for Easter than I managed last year. Britain left the EU. It may seem difficult to give up alcohol or sweet things for It was indeed, a very sad day for me which began with an six weeks, and often that is what we think of when we talk of early morning interview for a radio station in Berlin. In Lent, but doing something extra, such as going to Mass during response, I received a kind email from a school teacher in the week, is a greater challenge in our time-poor society. Berlin whose class had been listening to Brexit-day coverage Harder still is to actually find the genuine time to spend in and wished to express their solidarity with Scots saying “You thought and prayer with God as even going to extra Masses are Europe and you will remain it...You belong to Europe!” can easily become a tick-box exercise of just counting how Many of us wrote ‘Dear EU’ letters and mine was much extra we have ‘done’ for Lent. addressed to other EU families like my own, in the UK and on ith so many things competing for our time and the continent, that have come about due to Freedom of W attention, 24 hours a day, perhaps time is indeed Movement: probably the the greatest thing we could biggest advantage we offer up during these six gained as individuals from weeks and if we can our membership of the EU. genuinely set aside some I met my German time each day for prayer, we husband during his will be much better exchange year at Glasgow prepared, mentally and Medical School and, spiritually, for Easter than because of Freedom of just cutting a few calorific Movement, he was able to treats. Despite its come, settle and work here different prominence in without difficulty: including society, and among media 20 years as a GP looking advertisers, Easter is the after people in Ayr. Now, The beautiful St Mary’s Undercroft high point of our Church after 34 years, he has to year rather than Christmas. apply for permission to remain in his own home in Scotland! A moving Triduum, from the sorrow of Holy Thursday and European citizens are among our friends, neighbours, Friday to the uplifting victory of the Easter Vigil, requires us colleagues and loved ones and it is vital that we make them to put in the spiritual groundwork in the preceding six weeks. feel welcome. Sadly, our young people are losing the We often talk about finding the time but, if it is important to opportunities we enjoyed; previously afforded by their us, we must MAKE the time. automatic right to study or live in any one of 31 countries. Regardless of what we do, whether as a busy professional There was also no recognition of the EU’s important role or a hectic parent, the time will not just drop into our laps so in securing more than seven decades of peace in a continent perhaps we need to look at the small lacunae in our days which endured two devastating world wars. Its forerunner was where we could prioritise prayer. We could take our formed in the mid-1950s, as Europe recovered from the headphones out and listen to the birds as we walk to work or, ravages of World War II, and the EU helped offer a route to instead of reading the paper on the train or bus, we could zone democracy for the new states which emerged after the Balkan out of the bustle for a little while. I know that, like everyone war and provided stability to the countries of Eastern Europe else, I will find this a huge challenge but am sure that, if I can after the fall of the Soviet Union. Closer to home, Europe’s make the space to really pray, it will mean more to me and role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland was totally have more impact than six weeks without cake! I wish overlooked, as indeed were the problems Brexit would pose everyone a peaceful and spiritual Lent and, when it comes, a for Northern Ireland. truly Happy Easter. ver this tumultuous year it has been hard to get away from the politics for time with family or for myself. Doctor Philippa Whitford is a parishioner of Our Lady of the O Assumption and St Meddan in Troon. She is the MP for It has been difficult even to get to the Wednesday Mass in St Central Ayrshire and SNP Health Spokesperson at Mary’s Undercroft, the ancient chapel under Westminster Westminster. In these articles she hopes to convey how her which provides a peaceful half hour for MPs to step back from faith informs and impacts her politics. The views expressed in these articles are those of the author. the cut and thrust of politics and find some calm among all the

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The Teaching of Pope Francis by Father William McFadden

Pope Francis has made mission and evangelization recurring themes in his teaching and preaching. He has also put these at the centre of his proposed reforms for the Roman Curia, the administrative centre of the Church’s organisational structure.

sing his Council of Cardinal advisors, the pope has over the past few years sought to streamline the bureaucracy and to make the various offices and secretariats more pastorally sensitive, collaborative and mission focussed. In a dramatic U move he has now appointed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines as prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. With this decision, Francis has given one of his closest Cardinal allies the principal role of ensuring that evangelization and mission remain at the heart of the Church.

he Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples is be infected by the defeatism T the Vatican office that has traditionally dealt with according to which everything most of the dioceses in Africa, Asia and Oceania. Under goes wrong,” but instead “let us Francis’ proposed reforms, soon to be published in his invoke its author every day, the Apostolic Constitution “Praedicate Evangelium” (Preach the Holy Spirit, who makes life a Gospel), the Congregation will now have two sections: one for love story with God.” the missions and one for re-evangelising the old Christian similar plea for a world. As prefect of the Congregation, Cardinal Tagle will A missionary and therefore help shape the church not only in the developing transformative outlook was territories but also have the opportunity to influence the wider made when Pope Francis met Catholic world of the more traditionally Christian countries. with the cardinals and officials of the Vatican offices during Pope Francis has signalled that it will be this Congregation their traditional pre-Christmas meeting. Using strong words, that will be the most significant of the reformed Vatican the pope stated: “Rigidity, which is born of the fear of Congregations, and so be placed at the head of the Vatican’s change, ends up erecting fences and obstacles on the terrain of organizational chart. Evangelisation and mission will the common good, turning it into a minefield of therefore remain the core of the Church’s purpose and incomprehension and of hatred ... and today this temptation of message. rigidity has become very evident.” The pope has already outlined his vision for the Church as Pope Francis quoted Saint John Henry Newman: “To live missionary and evangelical in his Apostolic Exhortation is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often” as he “Evangelii Gaudium,” and in a recent talk given to those encouraged those present to be committed to growth and taking part in the International Meeting “Evangelii Gaudium: development as they respond to God in their lives. Reception and Perspectives. The “Church which goes forth”,” “Conversion” and “transformation” must take place within the he repeated this message. Stating once again that “we need a Curia as well as in the wider Church, as it is the role of the free and simple Church, which does not think of looking good, Curia to be at “the service of the Church” in its efforts to share of convenience and of entrances”, but is instead “outward the Gospel. looking,” he encouraged his listeners that those who He also quoted the 19th-century composer Gustav Mahler, evangelize “can never forget that they are always on the road, who said, “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the searching with others.” He continued that we must not be preservation of fire,” as he encouraged the Vatican officials to held back by “our fear of making mistakes and our fear of serve the “weakest and most marginalised, in particularly following new forced migrants, who represent at this time a cry in the desert paths,” nor should of our humanity,” and are “the symbol of all those thrown we be saddened by away by our globalized society.” things that are not ith these two addresses, and with the appointment going well, or by W of Cardinal Tagle and the raising of the profile of misunderstandings, the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, Pope as these are small Francis has continued to show that the Church today must be things in the face of missionary and dynamic. It is not about preserving the past, no “the sublimity of matter how good that past may seem, but is about serving the the knowledge of needs of the people of today. That is the task of all her Christ Jesus our members, whether they be cardinals, Curia officials, or us the Lord.” He laity and clergy seeking to work for the upbuilding of God’s Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the new concluded by Kingdom here in the Diocese of Galloway. prefect of the Congregation for the saying: “Let us not Evangelization of Peoples. allow ourselves to

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Station Masses

Michael Kearns, our seminarian, tells of the revival of an ancient tradition in Rome and why it persuades him to set his alarm even earlier than usual!

is a Tuesday morning, it is 4.45 and my alarm is other Catholics might. sounding. An even earlier start than normal. In And so the tradition was re-born. To allow the seminarians It what is a rare occurrence, the snooze button is not to attend university as normal, the Masses would now be at deployed. By the time I have showered, dressed and sorted my dawn, not dusk. They’d be in English, for convenience, and backpack for the day – and consumed what could be described they’d each be held at a different, historic church for every as a very quick coffee – I am out the door of the Scots College day in Lent, corresponding to the old tradition. And everyone and heading to the bus stop. It is freezing cold and still would be invited. completely pitch black. A few of the other seminarians are And so, I go. Free once per week to forego our usual already there when I arrive. One or two more appear moments morning prayer and Mass participation in our own College, behind me. None of us are going to Morning Prayer in the should we wish, we have the opportunity to go instead to the College today, which won’t begin for another hour at least. station Mass, to visit and acquaint ourselves with a variety of So what’s going on? churches in the city, many of which are not all that well- We are making the journey (which, given Rome’s known, and we may never have visited otherwise. We also idiosyncratic public transport network, will likely take well have an additional day where the entire Scots College over an hour) to today’s ‘station Mass’, taking part together community attends the station Mass together. with hundreds of priests, seminarians, religious Sisters and lay To me, the station Masses are more than just the Catholics, in both an ancient and very modern Lenten opportunity to visit a new place. There are always several tradition. hundred people in attendance, (I don’t think I’ve ever had a The origins of this practice date back to the first few seat) from all walks of life and from so many countries, and centuries of Christianity. The Bishop of Rome would make a yet despite the business there is a calm. Despite the point, much as many Diocesan bishops do today, of visiting excitement there is a reverence. It’s a beautiful, different way the various churches throughout his city and celebrating Mass to start a normal, run of the mill day. It marks Lent out as there. Over time, the process developed a structure, with different and puts us in touch with the rich history of the individual churches being tied to specific dates to host the Church in this city, as well as the universal nature of it today. Pope’s Mass. The organisational high point would be the The fact that so many of the congregants are young season of Lent. Back then, Christians would observe a fast for seminarians, from all over the world, is a little encouraging for the entire daytime every day, and following the evening Mass me too. The station Masses are truly one of my favourite at that day’s ‘statio’ church, they would eat together as a things about being here. After all, why else would I community. Dinner with the Pope was quite the selling point, voluntarily set my alarm even earlier?! and the Masses became more and more popular. ent is, of course, for all of us a pilgrimage, or journey. Sadly, over time, the practice waned and the tradition fell L I get to physically express this by travelling one dormant for centuries. Popes had become global morning per week to the station Mass, but spiritually we all administrators for the entire Church (as well as political have the opportunity to journey closer to Jesus at this time of figures) and hadn’t the time to visit local city churches every year, reflecting on his sacrifice at Calvary and what it means day for six weeks. Eventually, by the time of the Avignon for us in our own lives. Yes, we normally express this by chaos, there wasn’t even a Pope in Rome at all. ‘giving something up’. But maybe instead of, or as well as, However, in 1975 – not for foregoing chocolate or fizzy the first time in the 20th century juice, we could ‘take – Americans arriving on something up’. A good European shores saved the day. suggestion might be to go to Some history-keen seminarians one extra Mass per week, if of Rome’s Pontifical North you can. Maybe an evening American College had a bright Mass for those who work. This idea: they could find the old could be at your own parish, or Lenten station schedule and maybe you could even journey organise their own Mass at each to other churches in the church for each of the days. The diocese. Maybe we could make bishop of Rome may not be our very own ‘station Masses’ able to make it, but plenty of here in Galloway.

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Praying with Children By Father Martin Chambers

“Dear God, “Dear God, Please put another holiday in between Did you mean for the giraffe Christmas and Easter. to look like that There is nothing good in there now.” or was it an accident?”

hese quotes from a children’s prayer book remind us like a little child will never enter it.’ that, when you are working with children, you have Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them T got to be prepared for the unusual and the unique. and gave them his blessing.” Certainly that has been the case with me as I have prayed with Whilst the disciples desired to remove children from Jesus’ children both in schools and in Churches. Expect the mission and teaching, Jesus himself wanted to embrace their unexpected! Yet over my thirty years as a priest I have simplicity and their innocence. Jesus desired that the children thoroughly enjoyed being able to celebrate Mass and lead should come into his presence and become a moment of prayers with children in many different places: from packed inspiration for all people. In this simple action, Jesus teaches Cathedrals and Basilicas to humble shanty chapels where us all that our prayer doesn’t need to be complicated; it can be people and priests are crushed together. In this article, simple. Indeed Jesus teaches us that children themselves can therefore, I would like to share with you some thoughts about lead us to God. praying with children and how they can enhance our liturgies here are many examples of moments when we and our own individual prayer life. Whether it is praying with T ourselves can gather with children in prayer. Some of children in Lourdes while on the HCPT pilgrimage or in the most moving liturgies of my priesthood have been with the school during class Masses and or when the priest receives disabled children in Lourdes who have acted out the Gospel, children back into Sunday Mass after having taken part in the who have led prayers at the Grotto or who have said a simple Children’s Liturgy, my own experience tells me that children “God bless Mummy, God bless Daddy” at the end of the day. I can inspire us adults to grow closer to God and can help cannot count the amount of tears that have been shed by everyone fulfil the classic meaning of prayer “raising our Lourdes helpers as they share a prayer with the children on minds and hearts to God.” pilgrimage. It is the same for our parish volunteers who lead My inspirational starting point for looking at how to pray the Children’s Liturgy at a Sunday Mass; ask them why they with children has to be looking at the way Jesus himself continue to volunteer after many years as a leader and they tell interacted with children in the Gospels. Of course, he would you that the children are the inspiration to lead them in their have been constantly surrounded by children, whether prayers. As well as that, our school teachers always make sure performing miracles or teaching the crowds that followed him; that each classroom has a small He would have interacted with children all the time while on prayer corner where the his Missionary journey. And one of the mysteries of the children gather each day and Rosary reminds us that Jesus himself as a child went to the where they turn when they need Temple and was involved in lengthy discussions with the God’s help each day. Yet, of religious leaders of the time. Yet the passage of Scripture that course, I do think that the comes most quickly to mind when thinking about Jesus with classic example of people who children is the passage that is most often used during Infant spend time in prayer with Baptism: children has to be our parents “People were bringing little children to him, who, at the end of each day, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them, encourage children to turn to but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, God in prayer to say thanks for ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; the day ended or asking God’s for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. help for the day ahead. In truth, I tell you, So what can we learn from being with children in prayer? anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God Apart from simply being welcoming to them, why would Jesus draw our attention towards children? I feel that Jesus is inviting us to be simple and innocent, as it were, in our own prayer. Our prayer shouldn’t be too complicated. If anyone asks me “can you teach me to pray?” I would encourage them to speak to Jesus as you would to a friend. Tell Jesus in a relaxed way about the hopes, joys and dreams of your life and those of your family. Speak to Jesus about the day’s fears, anxieties and stresses. Perhaps remember those key moments of your life when, as a child, you were close to Jesus in prayer:

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Adult Faith Formation in the Diocese

“Rejoice and be Glad”

For more information contact Father William McFadden on [email protected].

uring 2019 the small group faith sharing initiative promoted by the D diocese was Pope Francis’ “Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel” using the Group Reading Guide produced by Bill Huebsch. Over 200 participants from a variety of parishes were involved in this project which allowed the pope’s document to be reflected upon in a friendly and informal manner. Building on this project the diocese is once again offering small group faith sharing material for 2020. The document to be considered this time is Pope Francis’ “Gaudete et Exsultate – Rejoice and be Glad.” This Apostolic Exhortation is a call to all people to commit themselves to holiness, and to encounter holiness in their daily lives and in the lives of others. Using Huebsch’s guide which presents the document in accessible paraphrased summaries, individuals are invited to see how Pope Francis’ words apply to their situation, and how they might better live out the call to holiness. “Gaudete et Exsultate” complements the teaching found in “Evangelii Gaudium,” and parish groups are once again encouraged to use the Huebsch booklet with its summaries and reflection questions to inspire sharing.

Praying, continued the day of your Baptism (where was it?, who was there?); the day of your First Communion and Confirmation; the days when, as an adult, you made that extra pledge to be a faithful disciple. In other words, imagine you are sitting opposite Jesus and talk to Him as you would a friend. Finally ask Jesus for light, praying that any darkness you feel will be dispelled by that hope which Jesus brought to the children in the Gospel. Remember the words of the recent Gospel from This poem is a response to the recent Midnight Mass are fulfilled in Jesus present among us: Sunday of the Word of God. It was written by Mair W E Christie, a parishioner of “The people that walked in darkness Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Beith. has seen a great light; on those who lived in a land of deep Lord, shadow Your word has come to us, a light has shone. Vibrant and living, For there is a child And we born for us, Have set it down on paper, a son given to us Kept it in covers, and dominion is laid Locked it in words, on his shoulders; Translated and interpreted it. and this is the name they give him: We take it out and read it, Wonder-Counsellor, May hear it read on Sundays. Mighty-God, But this is not enough. Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.” Rather, it should be A seed sown, P.S. When thinking about praying with children, I cannot A flame lit in our hearts, forget the response that one of our parish children gave me Growing, when he came back into Sunday Mass. In response to my Filling them, general question “What did you learn today in the Breaking them open, Children’s Liturgy?”, he shouted out “Jesus drives a Causing them to overflow Suzuki!” With your love.

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Diocesan Holy Land Pilgrimage 2020 12th - 19th October 2020

nce again it is time to start planning our Diocesan s we leave Jericho and head north along the Jordan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land – it hardly seems A Valley we will visit the traditional site where Jesus like two years since so many of us were blessed was baptized in the River Jordan by John. At the river we will O to walk in the footsteps of our Lord and visit our all have the opportunity to renew our own Baptismal Promises Christian brothers and sisters who live there. and reflect upon our own personal commitment to Christ. This year we will fly direct from Manchester to Tel Aviv, Our hotel in Tiberias sits above the Sea of Galilee and this Israel, and transfer to the West Bank to stay in the City of will be our base for three nights. From here we will visit all Bethlehem for four nights. While there we will visit the holy the holy sites on the shores of the Lake – Capernaum, Tabgha, sites of Bethlehem, including the Nativity Grotto and the Peter’s Primacy and the Mount of Beatitudes – and we will Shepherds’ Fields, and also visit St Martha’s House, a day- sail on the Lake itself. From Tiberias we will also visit the city centre for Christian Widows, supported by the UK charity of Nazareth to go to the Basilica of the Annunciation and the ‘Friends of the Holy Land’. On our last pilgrimage we were village of Cana where the married couples with us will have honoured to celebrate our first Mass, and have lunch, with the the opportunity to renew their wedding vows – this part is ladies at St Martha’s and we hope to do so again this time. completely optional! The last day of our 2020 Diocesan Pilgrimage begins with what for many in past years has been the highlight of the whole trip – the ascent of Mount Tabor and our final Mass,

While staying in Bethlehem we will also visit the holy sites in Jerusalem including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Garden of Gethsemane and walk the Via Dolorosa to name only a few. Our two days in the city of Jerusalem are always both spiritually uplifting and physically exhausting, but are an essential and moving part of any pilgrimage to the Holy Land. there is no better place than Mount Tabor to give thanks to After three hectic days in Bethlehem and Jerusalem the God for the blessings we have received and to renew our pace of our pilgrimage slows down – just a little! We leave commitment to try to live out our faith more fully at home. Bethlehem and drive through the Judean desert to Jericho, Transfer to and from Manchester Airport from the Diocese catching a glimpse of the Dead Sea as we drive. The city of will be arranged at a later date by Father David Borland, the Jericho sits 250m below sea level, the lowest, and oldest, Director of the Pilgrimage. In the meantime booking forms inhabited city on earth, and there we will view the Mount of and a poster with more information has been sent to every Temptation and visit the site of Zacchaeus’ encounter with parish in Galloway Diocese (and is on the back page) and Joe Jesus – there’s even a sycamore tree! Walsh Tours are now accepting bookings. For further information, or if you simply need anything clarified, contact Father David in the following ways:

Email: [email protected] Facebook Messenger: RCAyr page Telephone: 01292 263488 Post: St Margaret’s Cathedral 27 John Street, Ayr, KA8 0BS

Hoping and praying that many of you have the chance to experience the joy of this Pilgrimage.

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Fund raising #2 – a close shave

ecently Father David R Borland ‘agreed’ to have his head shaved as a way to raise some funds for the charity ‘Friends of the Holy Land’. Father David said, “Please God the funds we have raised will make life a little easier for our Christian sisters and brothers living in the Holy Land. Life is very Before ...

difficult for them just now Fund raising #1– a marathon effort and there is little hope that things will improve soon.

I pray that more parishes he ‘Friends of the Holy Land’ recently celebrated its across the diocese will 10th anniversary with an ecumenical service in Saint T respond to their needs and Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow, which was attended by support the work that Bishop Nolan and Father David Borland, our Diocesan Co- Friends of the Holy Land ordinator for the charity. are trying to do. Anybody We are delighted to report that fundraising events to help can contact me by email our Christian sisters and brothers who live in the Holy Land After ... (below) and I will explain have taken place in Dumfries and Ayr and we would love to how they could help.” hear of more. email [email protected] One fundraising activity that everyone could help with is Doctor Allan McNeill’s run; he is travelling out to Bethlehem to A Family Prayer run the Freedom of Movement Half Marathon on Friday March God made us a 27th. The route starts and ends in Manger Square in front of the family. Nativity Basilica. It is a We need one technical route with steep hills and passes through two refugee another, camps before running along the We love one another, side of the Separation Wall which restricts the movement of the Palestinian people on we forgive one another. their own land. we work together, Allan is a GP and he is running for FHL so that they we play together, can provide health care to some of the Christian families who live in the Holy Land. If you are in a position to help we worship together. with this then you can sponsor him at: www.justgiving.com/ Together we are God’s word. fundraising/allanmcneill or you can send a cheque to Father David Borland at St Margaret’s Cathedral, 27 John Street, Together we grow in Christ. Ayr, KA8 0BS; cheques payable to St Margaret’s. Together we love all people. Thank you. Together we serve our God. Together we hope for heaven. These are our hopes and ideals, Help us to attain them O God through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

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