Christmas 2018 THE MAGAZINE OF PETERSFIELD CATHOLIC PARISH Priests And Parishes Welcome Helen Our New Parish Secretary to Liphook and asked me to become In early August the the Parish Priest. The parishes Bishop's secretary I am Helen Mason, wife to Simon who would remain separate and Fr Doug is Head of History at Highfield School arranged an Grandon and his wife, from the appointment because and mum to Thomas (14) who is in Year USA, would live in the presbytery 10 at Oaklands and Jemima (11) who is the Bishop wanted and help out when not undertaking to see me. I had little idea what this in Year 6 at Langrish. Simon and I met wider responsibilities. In the event while I was working at Highfield as a might be about until I sat down with this arrangement was not confirmed the Bishop and Canon Paul Matron in the Girls' House and we have and Fr Vitalis Kondo, who is on been married for 21 years. We have Townsend who is Head of the study leave, will be here from Department for Clergy. It seems lived in Petersfield for the last 14 years. January until his situation is that Fr Murtagh the Priest in Charge reviewed in June 2019. Simon and I, along with Tim at the Immaculate Conception, Concannon, are the current co-conveners Liphook, had decided to retire and I would like to express my gratitude of PACT. We are members of Life they wanted to speak to me as to Deacon Andrew Carter for the Church Petersfield, where I also help support he has given during the Coordinating Pastor for the area. with the Admin. period of transition and I look Fr Murtagh has served in Petersfield forward to meeting and listening to I am one of the organisers of Messy (1972-2001) and more recently in many parishioners of the Church in Petersfield and of the Tots Liphook and is very well known in Immaculate Conception in the Disco which is held each month at the the area. However, the years have weeks ahead. Methodist Church. I trained a few years been catching up with him and at ago as a Parenting Support/Mentor the age of 92 he has decided to In the meantime I would like to which I have transferred to my retire. I remember well the first wish you, all the readers, a happy volunteering in the community. I and joyful celebration of the Lord's occasion I supplied the Vigil Mass volunteer with HCC as a family mentor. because he expected a tiring day birth. I have a passion to see the lines between with a family celebration. He asked the churches in Petersfield blurred but me to announce to the congregation still keeping our individual identities that he was still alive! In fact Fr while we work together to display who Murtagh would have preferred to Jesus is to those in our community who come to the end of his life ‘in have never met Him. harness’ but he had recognised that was not to be. Having been offered I like to watch cricket and am currently various options he decided to live at involved at Petersfield Cricket Club as Maryfield Care Home at Hook run the Welfare Officer. As a family we by the Dominican Sisters of Malta. have explored bits of Europe by train but The accommodation, part of a new only in the summer months as I cannot build that has been delayed, should abide that white stuff! be ready in December. I know that I look forward to meeting more of you – Fr Murtagh would still like to keep putting names to faces, not that I in touch with so many friends in the promise to always get that connection Petersfield/Liphook area. right! At our meeting the Bishop told me Immaculate Conception that he did not have a priest to send Church, Liphook

The magazine is published online on the Church website. If you would like a paper copy then a donation would be appreciated to help cover printing costs Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 2

Ecological Conversion: A Necessity, Not an Optional Extra: - Treating the Natural World Like a Person

By Dr Carmody Grey

of the ocean, which no-one has Parishioner Carmody Grey seen or ever will see, is in continues her discussion Christ. The woods and hills, about Laudato Si… the fields and rivers, the mountains, the oceans, the In Laudato Si Pope Francis asked us stars – these are all personal to practise a surprising new set of realities. There is nothing virtues towards creation. We are to impersonal anywhere, show mercy to it; to repent for because, in the words of Pope wounding it; to care for it. It is as Francis, the risen Christ though he regards creation as being embraces it all, penetrates it in some ways like a person. Indeed, all. he suggests as much when he says that the Earth is one of the poor, who Laudato Si gives us many ideas In Berlin two women have created Original Unverpackt, Berlin’s first supermarket cries aloud in her distress. of the sorts of changes that might be involved in learning without any disposable packaging We might be a little offended by the to see creation as personal, as idea that the natural world is like a being ‘in Christ’. Consumption is a abuse the Earth and its creatures. person. Surely, we think, that critical opportunity for us in the UK. compromises the unique dignity of Many agricultural practices rob the Questions for Reflection the human being, made in the image earth of the nutrients it needs to feed • Do I examine my conscience of God. But Pope Francis is helping future generations, and poison the about what I put in my shopping us to recognise that for the Christian wildlife that enriches our lives and trolley? all of reality is personal, because it is sustains our ecosystems. When we • Am I willing to make sacrifices in shaped by and holds together in the buy our loaf of bread without regard order to make more ethical divine Word, which is Christ. for the fields and the waterways choices? Reality as a whole is Christ-shaped. which allowed the wheat to grow, we If you missed Carmody's first article ‘In Him all things hold together’, are treating the Earth as an object on Laudato Si, you can read it in The and through Him, God ‘reconciles to which exists merely to serve our own Dome Summer 2018: Himself all things’. pleasure. In the same way, many https://petersfieldparish.org.uk/get- products are made to be disposable. The word ‘Catholic’ literally involved/thedome/ translated means ‘according to the Plastics and metals are strewn whole’. As Catholics we are carelessly over our land and oceans. concerned with the whole of reality. Many domestic cleaning products We believe that the entire cosmos, poison our waterways when we wash every particle of time and space, is in them thoughtlessly down the sink. Christ. That ladybird crawling over These things are signs of the the windowsill is in Christ. That ‘throwaway culture’ that Pope strange fish which lives at the bottom Francis laments. Seeing the Earth as embraced and penetrated by Christ should make us consider the ways we are complicit in such practices.

Consumer choice is one of the most Editorial Team direct forms of influence any one of

us can have.

Learning what we can buy in good conscience takes time and effort, as we educate ourselves and become aware of the issues at stake. Laudato Si makes clear that this is not ‘above- and-beyond’. It is a Christian's Christine Traynier - obligation. [email protected] Responsible consumption witnesses to our faith that Christ is the one Ann Saunders - through whom all things were made Jane de Halpert - and in whom all things hold together. It is Him we dishonour when we Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 3

A Reflection on The Real Christmas

By Jean Halliday

The meaning of homes by those Christmas has changed a lot for me in authority or by as I have grown older, now it has a violence. Mary richer and much deeper meaning. and Joseph's When I reflect on the gospel story it plight does not relates so well to today. Mary, very end there, later near the birth of her first born, must they must flee journey with Joseph to Bethlehem, from Herod to because Caesar Augustus has another strange ordered a census. (Lk. 2 vs 2 – 5). It country and was an uncomfortable journey on a leave behind a donkey whilst she was heavily massacre of children. From the understand what it is that God is pregnant, with jostling crowds beginning Mary's heart was pierced saying to her in each episode and around them. Arriving at their by a sword, (Lk. 2 Vs 35.) never doubting God's love for her, destination and finding nowhere to and His people, even as she stands stay but a stable, Mary must have her But Mary and Joseph also met with beneath the cross. baby away from family in a strange, kindness and blessings, the unwelcoming place. We see this shepherds and the Kings paid Understanding the real Christmas, its happening daily on the news, so homage to their special son and joys, love and blessings, helps me to many families forced from their Mary… ‘treasured all these things understand my own journey and puts and pondered them everything into context. The birth of in her heart’. (Lk.2 the Saviour is the beginning of a Vs 19.). revolution, Jesus came to serve not to be served. His teaching from the The real Christmas beginning was one of service, love is a mixture of joy and sacrifice. He tells us:‘…Do not and sadness. let your hearts be troubled. You trust Reflecting on my in God, trust also in me.’ (Jn14 vs 1). own experiences This injunction was followed by that have tested me Mary all her life. on my journey to God, I look to Mary Resource: The Jerusalem Bible. as the model of quiet contemplation, she opens herself to the Holy Spirit, attempting to

Celebration of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi

The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi was celebrated on 4th October. He is considered the patron saint of animals and ecology because of his love for all of God's creation.

On the Sunday before the feast, parishioners, cats and dogs gathered to praise God for creation and bless the animals to which they are devoted. Five chickens sent their apologies. After this we retired to the hall for cakes and tea! Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 4

The Finance Committee News From St Peter’s

By Gordon Kettle Catholic Primary School Waterlooville It is probably not salaries and the common knowledge maintenance of the By Joseph - Year 5 that this is the only committee that a properties the church

Parish Priest is required to assemble and the grounds. Since the last magazine my class under Canon Law. We are not a very have been on three trips! In June, The role of the visible bunch, Anne Hyde when we were still in Year 4, we committee includes although we meet and went to visit the Mary Rose. We controlling the many produce minutes for the Parish went around the ship and looked in aspects of recording of newsletter each quarter We also the museum. They have visualisers the parish income. produce a financial return to the around the ship now so you could This income comes Diocese each financial year. see what the Mary Rose used to look mainly from The current members of the like. You could stand beside the collections including Sandy Mary Rose, on a platform, and look Sullivan committee are myself, Gordon Gift Aid contributions, Kettle, as chairman, Anne Hyde is into a glass screen to see what it These Gift Aid the accountant, Nick DeBrunner, looked like in the past. There were contributions are given by HMRC. Sandy Sullivan. and Jerome Clarisse even people walking around it. (Her Majesty's Revenue and and of course Father Peter make up In October, we went on a residential Customs) Basically this is a refund the rest of the committee. trip to the Sustainability Centre to of all the tax, at the basic rate, that learn about how to use resources was previously paid on donations. It Any member of the committee properly to save energy. We built adds another 20% to would always dens and a bridge, strong enough to each donation for welcome any stand on. We went on a night walk which Gift Aid can enquiries. and learnt about animals and their be claimed. activity at night. My favourite part The Committee also was sharing a room with my friends records and controls in a lodge. My mum was a bit expenditure, worried about me going away for 2 apportioning funds to nights, so I think she was a bit upset Nick many charities and when I got back and said I wish we DeBrunner Jerome all the aspects of could have stayed longer. costs for paying Clarisse In November, we went to Fort Nelson. We went around as German Celebrating 130 Years of Marriage spies, finding out information we needed to draw up a plan to blow it Several couples have celebrated up! We have been learning about notable anniversaries in the last few World War 1 and World War 2 this weeks. We wish them all well! term so it was really interesting to put our learning into practice.

At school we are now preparing for Christmas. The younger children are doing nativity plays. My sister, Alice, in Year 1 is going to be an angel.

Above - Terry and Cathy O'Connor celebrated their golden wedding

Above - Colette Page and husband David celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in October at

the Spanish Steps in Rome

Right - George and Daphne Frost who have just recently celebrated Classroom At The Sustainability their diamond wedding anniversary Centre Near East Meon Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 5

Retirement of Fr Cyril Murtagh

By Neil Dobinson

Fr Murtagh was for very many years our St Laurence Parish Priest. Following his retirement from our Parish aged 75, he became Priest in Charge at Liphook.

As such, he was to be in semi- retirement, providing various Masses but not the full services of a Parish Priest. In fact he actually brought new life into that Parish as witnessed by many of his ‘old Parishioners’ from St Laurence who benefitted from occasional attendance at the Saturday 6pm Mass.

Father Cyril was ordained in 1957 so has celebrated his Diamond Jubilee last year.

Eventually, at the age of 92, Fr Cyril has decided to fully stand down and is shortly to move to Maryfield Convent, London Road, Hook run by the Dominican Nuns of Malta.

To celebrate his time in Liphook, a Mass followed by a farewell party was held in his honour on the 4th November

We reproduce some of the pictures from that day here and wish him well in the future. He has not been well recently, but we are pleased to report he is much improved. We wish him a speedy recovery.

In our next issue we plan to have a more detailed article about his life and work. Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 6 The Knitting Group

By Christine Traynier

The knitting group have were, so we have added been busy again this woolly hats to our year. We have made 28 blankets portfolio. th which were collected on the 5 A few months ago December. Ludmilla Boswell went As last year, we are knitting for a to an assembly at Liss homeless charity in Portsmouth run Primary School whose by the Society of St James. The school motto is Some of the children at Liss Primary School charity has a dedicated young Learning For Life. She looking at the blankets and hats persons' service in Portsmouth for 16 explained what we are -25 year olds who are homeless or at doing and made an risk of becoming homeless. Some of appeal for any odd balls of wool the young people have lived within their parents or grandparents might NHS spends more than £2 million the care system for much of their have lying around gathering dust at each year on blood pressure childhood; some have been involved home. The response was amazing treatments, around £300 million on with the criminal justice system. For providing us with several large bags antidepressants and about £26 more information about their work full. In November she and I went million on dementia, and unknown please see their website https:// back to the school to thank the billions on various chronic pain, ssj.org.uk/service/homelessness/ children and show them the blankets perhaps more people should take up and hats we had made from the wool knitting. Recently I was finishing off the edging of a blanket whilst looking they had given. We had a really As one expert says: Research has after 2 of my granddaughters. The enjoyable afternoon visiting 8 classes shown that there is a growing crisis eldest Izzy, aged 10, showing an in the Junior school. The children in primary care. As a skilled and interest in what I was doing asked were so interested and really enjoyed creative occupation, knitting has how we got the blankets to the looking at all the blankets and trying therapeutic potential. There is an homeless. She seemed quite upset on the hats. They asked really enormous amount of research when I told her as she imagined me searching questions such as how showing that knitting has physical long they take to make and what and mental health benefits. going round the streets of made us start doing it. Portsmouth to find a homeless Ludmilla Boswell who started the person to give a blanket to. I was interested to read an article in group 3½ years ago, is stepping

During the Summer I went on a visit Dersingham Parish Magazine whilst down in the new year as Chair of the to Staffordshire to try and find more in Norfolk recently. I reproduce the the group. She will still be involved. article here: I will be taking over as Chair. information about my family tree. Whilst at a church in Upper Tean in Knitting can be astonishingly good Marion Voller helped with the co- Staffordshire we arrived during a for you. This gentle hobby has been ordination of the group has also had meeting of their knitting group. found to lower blood pressure, to take a back seat due to other They were knitting woolly hats for a reduce depression, keep your mind commitments. Thanks to both of them for all they have contributed. homeless charity in Stoke on Trent. alert, slow the onset of dementia, I thought that might be a welcome distracts from pain (such as Our group continues to thrive with addition for our charity, which they arthritis), boost wellbeing and about a dozen people turning up on st rd reduce loneliness. an afternoon of the 1 and 3

A major study by the Wednesdays of each month. If you organisation Knit for would like to help us and improve Peace has found that your own health or just fancy a chat knitting lowers the heart and a cup of tea do come along and rate by an average of 11 join us. beats per minute and induces an enhanced state of calm. The repetitive movement also boosts calming serotin, which lifts your mood and dulls any pain. Knitting also boosts the reward centres of the brain, because it allows people to feel that they can still make a Ludmilla with Carole from St James' Homeless contribution to society.

Charity collecting the blankets and hats. In Britain, where the Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 7 A Priest’s Life in Guyana, South America

by Father Amar Bage

About 5 years ago Ann Saunders met some visiting Jesuit priests on the beach in Barbados near the St Francis of Assisi Church, which incidentally was a former cinema! One of the priests was Father Amar Bage who works in Guyana, a tropical country situated on the northern coast of South America and is about the size of Great Britain. It is the only country in South America where English is the official language. It is bordered by Venezuela on the west, Suriname on the east, Brazil on the south and the Atlantic Ocean on the Palm Sunday procession in Guyana north. Ann asked Father Amar to write a little about his day to day focusing on education, therefore I hours is one hour by small plane, 30 work. have given a library facility to the minutes to two hours by boat to the communities. Mostly students are villages living by the river side and Guyana means ‘Land of many getting a benefit from it. It is now 30 minutes to one hour by vehicle on almost two years and the very rough roads. The Lay ministers' community is happy about it. I role is very important here in am also trying to help in Guyana. I try to be available for community development. The Mass at least once majority of them are in a month. A few communities are Amerindians, the indigenous getting two to three Masses in a people of Guyana. Their source month and the rest once a month. It of living and source of income is hard, but nothing is harder than the for the majority is farming and suffering of our Lord on the cross. some from gold mining and a He is my strength and courage in this few from government jobs and a challenging mission. very minimum from business.

Some of the communities don't have a proper place for worship. We are either having Mass in a school building or in some private family buildings. Below - Kristina Lloyd with husband David People are rich selling poppies at Waitrose in The position of Guyana in heart but poor November, beating their record by raising in material things £2582.08 for the British Legion. This was waters’. It is true. The place at double their total for last year! present where I am working is full of in terms of water and swamps. Everywhere there structure. The are rivers and creeks. I am in a parish number of the named Our Lady of Lourdes, faithful is around Hosororo, near Mabaruma, a sub- 3000. region in the North West District. I I use three means to have 30 communities in total, but as reach out to the some communities are on the move, people: vehicle, I visit only 22 communities boat and air regularly. services. I can't say Sacramental ministry is my main the distance in role with faith formation and a miles but hours. I leadership programme. Lots of visit two training has to be given for the lay communities by leadership in the church. With faith small plane. formation, we as Jesuits, are also Maximum flying Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 8

Why Do We Bother With Bidding Prayers

By Paul Cuss

Questions are often of the whole world’. (GIRM, therefore heartening to know that asked about why and General Instruction on the Roman Bishop Egan complemented the how we do parts of the Mass. As the Missal) parish on ours and how they were person responsible for co-ordinating The intentions announced should be reverently received by the readers at St Laurence I offered to sober, be composed freely but congregation. I trust that we write a series of articles on the parishioners feel the same way. prudently, and be succinct, and they Liturgy of the Word, which begins should express the prayer of the Over the last few years we have with the silence between the Collect entire community (GIRM) – in an changed the way the prayers are and the first reading and ends with attempt to ensure this the prayers are read, principally removing the the Universal Prayer (also known as written by a group of parishioners response after each prayer and Bidding Prayers or Prayers of the (new volunteers always welcome) gradually increasing the time Faithful). As the latter is the source following guidance provided by Fr between prayers. The purpose of this of many comments and questions Hollins and the Liturgy Committee. is to give us the opportunity to that, is paradoxically, where I will Following the GIRM, the prayers reflect on and share in the individual begin. (I apologise in advance for the have the following intentions: prayers, rather than rapidly parrot an dryness of some of what follows.) a) for the needs of the Church; automatic response. From the lectern ‘I urge then, first of all that petitions, b) for public authorities and the it has been interesting to watch the prayers, intercessions and salvation of the whole world; change, initially there was a definite thanksgiving should be offered for c) for those burdened by any kind air of impatience – why don't you get everyone, for kings and others in of difficulty; on with it. Now, even after twenty authority, so that we may be able to d) for the local community. seconds I sometimes feel I am live peaceful and quiet lives with all interrupting the prayers of many, devotion and propriety’ (1 Tim 2:1- maybe even most, of the 2). In the notes to its document on We (yes, I am one of the guilty) try congregation when starting the next the sacred liturgy, Sacrosanctum our best to be relevant and concise, it intercession. Although some Consilium, the second Vatican is sometimes hard to do so and Fr parishioners have complained the Council quoted St Paul as an Hollins wields the editorial knife pauses are too long, others complain authority to support its they are too short – maybe restoration of the Prayer we have reached a happy of the Faithful. I medium. emphasise restoration as In case I need to answer the although absent from the question ‘Why we don't Tridentine Mass, intercessions were a pray for particular people or feature of the worship of other specific intentions?’ It the Church from its is (except for specific earliest days, mentioned occasions such as funerals) by the Fathers of the that the prayers are meant Church, and have to be general and not remained so in Eastern specific as implied by ‘the Christianity ever since. whole world’ and the They appear to have fallen ‘whole church’. We pray out of favour in the West not just as a parish but as during the ninth century part of the Universal when the prayers Church asking that, through following the homily with God the Holy Spirit, God the Father the traditional response of Kyrie, firmly but gently. Personally, I try to will influence those with authority to Eleison, (Lord, have mercy), came to pick up themes from the day's enable all to live quieter and more be, replaced by the penitential act we readings and the ideas of others. peaceful lives. know today. When I first started writing them I

‘For in the readings, as explained by seemed often to also be the one the Homily, God speaks to his reading them and felt embarrassed – people, opening up to them the I have overcome this now, I trust I mystery of redemption and salvation, am writing better prayers rather than being more thick skinned. and offering spiritual nourishment … finally, having been nourished by the A commentary I have read says that divine word, the people pour out the tendency is for intentions that their petitions by means of the ‘are either overly particular and Universal Prayer for the needs of the ideological or, at the other end of the whole Church and for the salvation spectrum, perfunctory and flat’. It is Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 9

A Jamaican Altar Boy In the Fifties

By Wellesley Bourke

Wellesley was the by height and size and wherever Chairman of the Parish Council in possible you always had the my previous Parish in Essex. He same partner. Everything and often produced interesting articles every move on and around the for our magazine. With his Sanctuary and Altar was carried permission, I have reproduced one of out in perfect unison on cue from them here. our leader who was always in tune with the Celebrant and with In the 1950's in Jamaica there was no hands firmly clasped at chest such person as an ‘altar server’. We height at all times. were all ‘altar boys’ (and a few men) Rehearsals and practices, usually on blast, not to mention the subsequent and we had nothing so grand as the throbbing pain which was shooting Guild of St. Stephen behind us, only a Saturday morning, were the order of the day especially leading up to up my arm. Well the finger, which a stern Parish Priest. But every Mass had been split was bandaged and I of every day in our parish had at Christmas and Easter. These sessions inside the church were almost took my rightful place on the altar least two altar boys in attendance (with both hands firmly clasped at who were fully versed in the Latin inevitably followed by football outside after. We had our own team chest height) somewhat sadder but a responses. God help any boy who lot wiser to the effects of fire- failed to turn up on time for his and played against other parishes. We also enjoyed picnics on the crackers. I still bear the scar today. allocated Mass on the rota without a beaches or sometimes in mountain As the old saying goes ‘boys (and very good excuse. resorts. altar boys) will be boys’. We Yes, those were the good old days; Our parish of Sts. Peter and Paul enjoyed a happy and purposeful the era in which I grew up in existence, slightly reckless at times Jamaica. At that time our Diocese of held an annual outdoor garden party on the Friday afternoon/night nearest but we are still here today to tell the Jamaica (now three, the Archdiocese tale. of Kingston, the Dioceses of to 29th June which was a gala affair. Montego Bay and the Diocese of Altar boys had the special privilege Mandeville) was almost entirely of running certain stalls concerned staffed by Jesuit Priests who came with games of chance and there was mainly from their Provincial House great rivalry to see which stall raised the most money. in Boston, USA. Everyone knows how strict the Jesuits are and their Christmas Eve Midnight Mass (at altar boys were treated no midnight) was certainly the highlight differently. In addition to their of our calendar, more so if you were Parishes they ran two boys' schools selected to play a key role on the in Kingston; a Prep School of about altar which would be the two 120 pupils and a High School of servers and two for the incense. nearly 900 boys at the time. I So in addition to the Celebrant, attended both. Deacon, Sub-Deacon and

We, altar boys, were a very close Acolyte (our leader) there would knit band of angelic souls who took a be probably 8 or 10 altar boys in great deal of pride in our early the Sanctuary. Everyone, without calling to serve. exception, would respond in We had our leader unison in Latin and join in singing carols and hymns. (our MC) - now an

ordained Deacon in As already mentioned attendance the Church in and punctuality were the norm Jamaica - who and I have to confess having settled for nothing nearly failed one Christmas Eve, less than the best. of all times. Myself and others Cassocks (red and had been playing with fire- black) and crackers earlier in the night hours Surpluses (white) before Mass. In the frenzied which were taken excitement I failed to let go of home regularly to one particularly big banger in be laundered and time which exploded in my hand. ironed. In order to This caused enormous pain and maintain swelling to my right (bell Here at St Laurence, Altar Servers uniformity we ringing) hand and index finger receiving their medals from were always paired which took the full force of the Fr Peter Hollins last September

Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 10

The Lampedusa Cross

by Ann Saunders

It doesn't seem so long ago that we along with her was made from a blue were basking in glorious sunshine in and yellow wooden boat wrecked off the coast of Lampedusa in Italy on the Summer. One of the high spots th for me at the time was attending the 11 October 2013. This boat had annual Steep Lecture at All Saints' been carrying refugees from Eritrea Church in June. British Museum and Somalia and tragically 311 of curator Jill Cook came to talk to us them drowned, but 155 were saved about the Lampedusa Cross, a simple thanks to the island's residents. A wooden cross (about 15 inches tall) local carpenter Francesco Tuccio and, as we were to learn, so having met some of the Christian survivors in the island's church after meaningful. the tragedy decided to make crosses The cross which Jill had brought from the ruined boat to represent hope and a new life for the survivors

in the future.

Later, back in London Jill Cook heard by chance on BBC World Service journalist Emma Jane British Museum Curator Jill Cook Kirby's programme about Signor Tuccio and his inspirational crosses. objects at the British Museum, Jill explained to us that she was portraying the history of religious mesmerised by the story and decided belief.

that the British Museum should have This ordinary cross is symbolic of one of these crosses in its collection. the Christian story - basically crafted At the time she thought her bosses by a carpenter, the remnants of an would think she was mad, and she iron nail in this cross, a story of new was wondering how on earth she life. could organise it all. So it was with tearful disbelief when after several Emma Jane Kirby aptly said, ‘It is phone calls to Italy and various hard to stand in front of that humble archaeologists, that an ordinary cross, in the middle of so many package arrived at her desk…a opulent and priceless exhibits and Lampedusa Cross sent by the kind not to be moved to tears. Its message is powerful, direct and so deeply sad. and thoughtful carpenter himself. For Jill Cook it is an object upon In 2015 this small crude wooden which hang so many stories. A cross was catalogued and displayed testimony to an extraordinary period in the majestic British Museum. It of history, but also she hopes, a The Lampedusa Cross made and was fitting that this was the final testimony to humanity.’ donated to the British Museum acquisition of the retiring Director, by Francesco Tuccio Neil MacGregor, Jill Cook's boss, and was also used in the Living with Gods exhibition of around 160

Christmas Wordsearch

Find the words below hidden in the grid opposite. They can go up, down, left, right or diagonally. Solution on Page 15. Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 11 Those Who Rock the Cradle Rule the World

by Jan Grey

The beautiful prayer Seeing her daughter struggling with by Stephen Grellet, ‘I shall pass the cares and responsibilities of through this world but once…’ parenthood she decided to gather reminded me of another short and together a group of young mothers of moving prayer we encountered on a every background and class for brief visit to Alresford Old Church mutual support, in what she last summer. regarded as their primary

On a lovely day, having a few responsibility ... to raise their children in the love of God. minutes in hand, we called into this fine flint church to discover it was Recognition of the value of what she the wife of the vicar there in the mid was doing led to the establishment of C19th who founded the Mothers' the Mother's Union in more and Union. Most Anglican churches have more dioceses in England. It now Mothers' Union banners and there is exists in 84 countries and has 4 an active branch in our village, so I million members, still active in was aware of their existence, but I supporting families in the Christian Portrait of Mary Sumner hadn't heard of Mary Sumner. Born life, and defending vulnerable in 1828, well-educated and cultured, women and children all over the promoting Christian values in family life, and as a means of influencing she was seriously devout. After world. public and economic affairs. marriage, three children and years of Mary Sumner's belief that ‘those helping in her husband's parish, she who rock the cradle rule the world’ This was her personal prayer: became a grandmother in 1876. was fundamental to her work in All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for you; and every life I touch, do you by your spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live.

In the next edition Jan will telling us about the Union of Catholic Mothers and their prayers.

Above - Alresford Old Church

Sudoku

The grid on the left is easy and the one below diabolical. Solutions on page 15.

Fill in the squares in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 - 9 No we didn't book online! Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 12 God Calling

Out Of The Blue Being an Agent for

God By Sheila Douglas By A Parishioner In France school classes begin at 8am Years ago at my children's school- and today the children were late up. gates I heard in my head, ‘Make It was 7.20am - fifteen minutes more yourself known to that mother’. I before they had to leave for school. thought, ‘I can't, God, … I'll think Suddenly a voice from the radio bade about it!’ But He made it easy for me, me ‘Good Morning! Today I am as I bumped into that same mother a going to talk about prayer’. ‘Not few hours later on the path to a local now’, I thought, ‘I'm too busy.’ I childminder's house, where we were shouted ‘Hurry up’ and over the both coincidentally dropping our two- thump of feet on the stairs I heard year olds off! I introduced myself…

Rabbi Lionel Blue say ‘I know you During the next few years I are very busy – you will not have occasionally mentioned the time to kneel and pray today – you charismatic house group which I was need a hand. Well God needs a hand Lionel Blue attending at the time and sometimes too, so, if you have no time to get on something about my faith, but my your knees today just be a pair of help? Could I interpret? Maybe new friend always kept quiet. I hadn't God's hands’. His words stuck in next week I … then … suddenly … realised that she had never been my mind. Later that week I attended inexplicably ... while sipping a cup taught the Bible in her childhood and an ecumenical service and had a chat of coffee, there was an intense she felt ignorant and therefore never about the difficulties of prayer with awareness that I had to visit the local commented as she explained some David Gerrish, an Anglican priest clinic right now … in the next hour. years later. It was when she rang me from the Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Such a strong feeling was not to be up after I had been away to say, ‘I've who ministered to expats in denied. gone and done it! I've become a Dordogne. A few days later he sent The receptionist frowned when I Christian!’ I realised then also that me a text by St Theresa of Avila. I gave her my written details, looked there were others working for God in still have it: puzzled when I offered to interpret my friend's life, as a mutual Christ has no body now on for medical staff treating British acquaintance was the one who sat Earth but yours: no feet but patients, consulted a colleague, then down and prayed with her when she said with a smile. ‘Ze couple viz ze accepted Christ into her life. She has yours: yours are the eyes with child are Dutch. Zay speak ever since been involved with her C which Engleesh. No French. Pliz tell zem of E church wherever she has lived.

He looks out with compassion zee little girl 'as peritonitis and we Sadly, she went through a divorce upon the world: yours are the must operate in two hours’. I did as and has had ill-health, but is always feet with which He is to go asked and happily, two weeks later positive and thanks God daily for her about doing good: the child was well enough to be faith. My husband and I are driven back to Holland by her godparents of two of her children and yours are the hands with parents. Was it just a curious which He is to bless His we of course keep in touch, despite coincidence or a nudge from above? her now living far away and joyously people. Who knows. All I do know is that near her first grandchildren. within a period of a week the words Local papers often featured road of a Jewish rabbi, an Anglican Priest, I have only had four audible accidents involving British tourists. and a 16th century Catholic saint messages from God during my life, Did they completely changed the course of my two others have helped tremendously need life over the next thirty years, gave it as warnings, and one as yet is to be new purpose, and enriched it beyond fulfilled. belief.

If any of you would like to share a story like these two

please tell us.

We'd love to hear from you. St Theresa of Avila Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 13

Travels with My Choir by Marianne Evans

In November the Colmar we repeated the concert at St Lloyds Choir, of Matthew's where we were treated which I am a afterwards to local delicacies and member, joined a German and a wine.

French choir, to give two Not having been to Strasbourg performances in Strasbourg and before, it was an eye-opener. What a Colmar to commemorate the end of pretty town the old centre is with a both World Wars. We had been beautiful one-spired gothic cathedral invited because the German of Our Lady (apparently money had conductor wanted to perform ‘A Sea run out in the 15th century to Symphony’ by Vaughan Williams as complete the second spire). At night the main part of the programme and the spire is lit up from within and we had already performed this work looks like lace work. last Easter. The other pieces were Above one of the side doors is a bas- Dance Macabre by Saint Saens, relief of the martyrdom of St St Paul's, designed for the Lutheran Abendlied by Rheinberger and the Laurence which certainly caught my members of the German garrison Lord's Prayer in Swahili by eye. There are quite a few churches stationed in Strasbourg (1870-1918) Christopher Tin to end on an upbeat and joyful note. which ticked all the right boxes: music, friendship, lovely Obviously not everyone location, food and wine. was able to take time off, but about 20 of us (sopranos, altos, tenors Marianne runs the coffee rota and bases) managed at St Laurence's and would love and it turned out to be to hear from any of you who an amazing experience. might like to join her team. We were made so very welcome by the other choirs. We must have been more than 120 singers and the orchestra was very big so we needed a lot of space. Our first concert was in the St Paul's protestant gothic Episcopal Palace with cathedral spire church built late 1800's lit up in background (with 2 spires) and the next day after an hour's coach ride to we just did not have time to visit, one of them being St Thomas where Albert Schweitzer sometimes

officiated and designed the organ.

We missed the Christmas market season by a week, but the town was very busy decorating itself and already looked amazing – every square and possible space being filled with wooden stalls for the special market, and shops and cafes beautifully and imaginatively

decorated.

A boat tour along the two branches of the River Ill gave us a glimpse of the European Parliament and European Court of Human Rights Bas-relief of the martyrdom of Christmas decorations in amongst other interesting buildings. St Lawrence at the Strasbourg All in all, a few lovely days away Cathedral of Our Lady Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 14 St Laurence Day Lunch

By Bernard Elkington

On Sunday 12th August a celebratory lunch was held in the Church Hall after morning Mass. Despite the feast day being in the middle of the holiday season 60 people attended the lunch.

I was beaten down by the Parish Council to keep costs as low as possible so the charge for the meal was a staggering £5 a head

The incredible Marika produced a selection of main dishes: beef goulash with rice; chicken curry with tomatoes, vegan tagine with couscous and a vegan Mediterranean kuku. For dessert there was a choice of chocolate cake, a vegan chocolate cake, or fruit salad, all served with cream or ice cream. To follow there was a choice of tea and coffee . Wow! All very delicious!

It was a very jolly occasion. Many of those who could move after such a feast helped wash up. A good time was had by all.

Thanks to all those who helped in whatever way.

Looking Back

to Summer By Jane de Halpert

The flower arrangers at St. Laurence were asked to contribute to the Flower Festival held at St. Peter's Church in Petersfield last June. We were allocated St. Catherine's window. There were some incredible exhibits and lots of floral talent on show. Warm thanks must go to Jo Clark, Susan Ridley and Elizabeth Kettle (pictured right) who worked together on our window. Snippet from The Times of 25th October Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 15 St Agnes News - Liss Food Bank

By Margaret Effenberg

The food bank has to any official food bank network, been operational for the past six but overseen by Liss Churches years, it supports a growing number Working Together. They do not of local families with emergency work a referral system, but rely on food. Unfortunately it has recently people knowing about them and reached a crisis point and is running stepping forward to help. Thanks to short of stocks. the generosity of people in the

As well as supplying tinned and dry community and a large band of goods , they offer fresh fruit and volunteers they have always been able to meet demand. vegetable vouchers for exchange at Answers Bryant's market stall in Petersfield. If you can help with donations or dry This is funded by donations from goods such as pasta, tinned individuals, and grants from local vegetables, soap, toothpaste to name churches and other organisations. a few, please bring them to church. They are also connected to There is a basket at the back of St FareShare and collect surplus, fresh Agnes for your donations. supermarket food weekly. If you would be interested in Twice a month Two Saints of volunteering , helping in or donating Portsmouth and a CAB (Citizens' please contact St Agnes Advice Bureau) outreach from representative Yvonne Elsworth on Petersfield are available at the 01730 892780. Triangle Centre during their weekly distribution session for advice on all matters of concern such as benefits, housing and debt. The Liss Food Bank is not signed up

If you are a taxpayer then any donation you make to the Church could be worth more at NO extra cost to you!

For more information contact Sandy Sullivan, 01730 300464 Email: sandysullivan@ntl world.com Christmas 2018 The Dome Page 16

Things Children Say Sister Wendy's As Christmas approached a teacher was Christmas Comment covering the Christmas story with a group of eight year olds in Canvey Island, Essex. He was pleasantly surprised at how much they already knew. Hoping to We are lucky enough to have catch them out he asked if anyone could another offering from Sister tell him the name of the place where Jesus Wendy Beckett, contemplative was born. One brave girl eventually put nun and also art historian her hand up. ‘Was it Benfleet?’ (about 5 and critic. For our Christmas miles away) she asked tentatively. A boy issue, Sister Wendy comments in the class piped up, ‘Of course it wasn't on Mary Newcomb's ‘Sun and Benfleet, Benfleet's in another country!’ Rain for the Lamb 1975’,

After a day at the seaside with his cousins depicted on Sister Wendy’s my grandson was told to go in Grandma's Christmas card this year. I car as Grandad was taking the girls home have taken a photo of the to Beckenham. A few minutes later Christmas card, so the Joseph asked ‘Do Izzy and Poppy live colours are not truly with Jesus?’ ‘Why?’ we asked ‘Well representative of Mary they live where Jesus lives.’ Beckenham Newcomb's meaningful does sound a bit like Bethlehem to a painting. Mary Newcomb baby ever was. From now until His seven year old! (1922-2008) was a British artist and her work is in the permanent final sacrifice and He moves back

collection of the Tate Gallery. into His natural brightness, He will

Ann Saunders not only bring the glory of the Son to earth but will take us into it. We do ‘This is not the pure white lamb not just see, but in Jesus we live the Glory of God’. on the green meadow that we associate with the Son of God. Sister Wendy This is a tiny black lamb, almost Quidenham, Norfolk invisible, hidden in his mother's fleece. She is the only support for his frailty and vulnerability, and the field is a barren wasteland, sodden with rain from the storm which is just departing, with an inaccessible farmhouse in ALTON the distance and an empty barn. SCHOOL Yet before that lamb there spreads a puddle in which a watery sun, rain almost over, is making the world beautiful. It was to bring this glory down to earth that the little lamb renounced His royal state in the heavens and came to live among us, as unprotected as any human

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