Vocations Ope Francis Celebrated the 50Th Anniversary of World Day Pof Prayer for Vocations on April 21St

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The Oﬃcial Newspaper to Don't miss the third of four special pull out sections See pgs7-10 the Diocese of Lancaster on Year of Faith themes that will build into a home for Part Three Issue 249 + May 2013 study pack on the Catechism of the Catholic Church Please pray for Vocations ope Francis celebrated the 50th anniversary of World Day Pof Prayer for Vocations on April 21st. And starting on the great feast of Pentecost, Sunday 19th May we, as a diocese, begin nine weeks of prayer for vocations, turn to page 16 for more details.

We begin by remembering that we are first called in Baptism to be disciples – followers of Christ. In Confirmation we receive the Holy Spirit to help us live out that commitment in the way God chooses, just as the first disciples did at Pentecost.

Each week at Mass we will be provided with a speciﬁc Intention to pray for as a parish, at home, in schools and colleges or in prayer groups. The Intentions and weekly updates can also be found at www.lancastervocations.org

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EDITORIAL ope Francis’ first homily was simple, hard hitting and The Catholic Voice of Lancaster would challenge those critics of Psignalled that we truly have a prophet for pope, who will the Church, both in the mainstream media and Catholic press, not only challenge the world, but will challenge us all in the who are attempting to present Pope Francis as opposing the Church. pontificates of Blessed John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. The election of Pope Francis does not represent a break with Blessed That the Holy Father would so starkly draw the dichotomy John Paul II and Pope Benedict’s ‘vision of Catholicism’ . between Our Lord Jesus Christ and the devil must surely have its origins in St Ignatius of Loyola’s meditation on the ‘Two These critics of the Church are self-deluded when they mistake Standards’ , the standard of Christ and the standard of Satan. Pope Francis’ radical Christian evangelism for being a sign Pope Francis is showing himself in his first homily a true son of that the Holy Father will change the Church’s teaching on St Ignatius. Pope Francis said: contraception, abortion, same-sex marriage, divorce and homosexuality. The mistake they always make is to think that there are different two versions of Catholicism in the Church, progressive, otherwise known as dissenting, and orthodox. We can walk as much‘ we want, we can build Blessed John Paul II, Pope Benedict’s, and Pope Francis’ ‘vision of many things, but if we do not confess Jesus Catholicism’ is the Catholicism of the Depositum Fidei (substance Contact us of faith) , expounded and defended at the Second Vatican Council. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster Christ, nothing will avail. We will become a is published on the last Sunday of the pitiful NGO, but not the Church, the Bride of It is significant that in his first homily Pope Francis refers to month previous to publication date. Christ. When one does not walk, one stalls. the French Catholic writer, Leon Bloy, who was known for his uncompromising, uncomfortable, prophetic critique of Godless The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is When one does not build on solid rocks, what society and bourgeois, hedonistic Christianity. If Leon Bloy is one published by its owners. The Trustees happens? What happens is what happens of the inspirations of Pope Francis’ pontificate then many rich, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of self-satisfied Catholics in the West are going to be called to a Lancaster, a registered charity, to children on the beach when they make radical conversion. (No. 234331), and is wholly independent sandcastles: everything collapses, it is without of and separate from any previous consistency. When one does not profess Jesus Leon Bloy is famous for saying, ‘The only real sadness, the only real newspaper published by or on behalf failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.’ He of the diocese. Christ – I recall the phrase of Leon Bloy – also wrote, ‘What sorry Christians we are! We have received the “Whoever does not pray to God, prays to the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders sometimes…and EDITOR: yet with all that, we lack character! There is a deceptive form of Edwina Gillett devil.” When one does not profess Jesus Christ, humility that resembles ingratitude. We have been made saints by 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 one professes the worldliness of the devil. Our Lord Jesus Christ and we dare not believe and say resolutely [email protected] that we are saints!’ www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

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cardinals, and popes being worldly, and not disciples of the Lord r o 01223 969506 . if they fail to follow Christ Cruciﬁed was also startling, and a sign s [email protected] w of his commitment to Pope Benedict’s determination to purify e n c

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the Church. Pope Francis said: l o h t

DESIGN & LAYOUT: a ‘This Gospel continues with a special situation. The same Peter who c / Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative r confessed Jesus Christ, says, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living u z 01253 730343 God. I will follow you, but let us not speak of the Cross. This has a M [email protected]

nothing to do with it.” He says, “I’ll follow you on other ways that do © www.hot-creative.co.uk not include the Cross.” When we walk without the Cross, when we build without the Cross, and when we profess Christ without the PUBLISHED BY: Cross, we are not disciples of the Lord. We are worldly; we are CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow bishops; priests, cardinals, Popes, but not disciples of the Lord.’ Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 / www.cathcom.org Articles to: Oh mighty Holy Spirit, pour Your fire on me, First the fire to cleanse me, [email protected] Let my soul feel the love You have for me, then your life-giving water, I need to feel this passion in me Lord, Sparkling like diamonds, Letters to: Let me burn with love for You, Refreshes me, nourishes me, [email protected] All the days of my life. Quenches the fierce thirst for You Lord, How can I ever repay Your love to me, VoiceXtra: Lord, I sense Your presence, From my very soul Lord, Waiting for me to call and invite You, I thank you, for these amazing gifts, [email protected] Into my soul, You give me so much Lord, pouring into me, And yet I am so unworthy, Your love, until I am overflowing, Postal Address: So sinful, so wilful, so damaged, and still You give me more and more, FAO Edwina Gillett But You love me even in my darkness, Limitless is Your patience, Your love, 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Purifying me in your fire, Your joy, Your peace and mercy, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ and then washing me in Your love. Limitless is your generosity,

Please send articles for publication on CD Oh Lord thank you for the ﬁre of Your love. or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self-addressed packaging. Thank you for the Fire Anon www.catholicvoiceoﬂancaster.co.uk May 2013 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 Kate Morgan is a Mum to Sam, who is 7 years old, who has special needs. Sam attends a Catholic primary school and faces challenges in areas relating to concentration, speech and language, balance and co-ordination and has a development delay.

knew from the very start it was going I stood there looking at the boards, a Sometimes we would follow the progress with his hands at some point Ito be another very busy day; but, after picture caught my eye. It was a picture of therapist’s plan and sometimes we would when we are not expecting it. driving back and forth to school, then St. Thérèse and the information boards do activities such as peg work, dough travelling to an occupational therapy illustrated the life of St.Thérèse and and clay work, baking, drawing or finger So rather than trying to tackle everything session followed by a speech therapy explained how she did things in little ways, painting, but whatever we did, it was all at once, doing things in little ways has session and then back to school for with great love, and with no expectation relaxed and fun. Sam really started to really helped us become a happier, more the afternoon assembly, I was feeling of return. St. Thérèse liked to keep things enjoy ‘our special time’ together and it relaxed family, who take one day at a completely overwhelmed and drained. simple and focussed. This simple and became part of our routine. And then time. Thinking in little ways has also inspiring way of being really captivated something really unexpected happened; helped me curb my anxiety, so that when Overwhelmed, because despite having me and I started to think about how I after a few weeks of doing the exercises I I find I am worrying about Sam’s future, excellent therapists who advise us could build this philosophy into our life. noticed that when we sat at the table I concentrate on the present and enjoy the and help us with our home therapy From that point, I started to think a little across from each other Sam seemed a lot here and now, the future is another day... programmes, I couldn’t begin to imagine more clearly. more relaxed, happier, much more chatty how I was going to fit in school homework, and animated. Although I had made the • For information on St.Thérèse please speech therapy, therapy for Sam’s motor I thought about how over the past year decision not to focus on Sam’s speech go to www.littleflower.org skill development and therapy to develop our life had been anything but simple and difficulties, I realised that his speech had his balance skills. Not only did I not how focussed and how we felt we were doing improved naturally as a result of us • For information on speech, balance I was going to fit all this is in, but I also far too many things to try and make Sam’s spending more time together chatting, and motor skill challenges, please go knew how difficult it was going to be for life easier, but that we never seemed to joking and singing, when we were doing to www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk a child with concentration issues to make progress in any one area. the hand exercises. The day when Sam undertake all the therapies needed. The said “Mummy, I felt really angry today • For information on development worry of all this was completely draining So I looked at the area of challenge that because...... ” was the day I felt pure joy as delay, speech, language and and it was also starting to turn me into frustrates Sam the most, and it is the I could see Sam was starting to overcome attention challenges, please go to an anxiety ridden mum who constantly inability to use his hands properly. He one of his challenges. I also felt so www.autism.org.uk worried about her son’s future. would love to be able to write like the privileged that not only did my son feel other children in his class, hold a knife able to discuss his emotions with me but So, by the time I dropped Sam off in the and fork properly, and to be able to do he was now starting to communicate his school hall for his assembly, my head was everyday things like wrapping birthday thoughts and feelings and express himself pounding and tears were threatening. Not presents for family and friends. more clearly. This can be a difficult task wanting to be seen in this state, I looked for a child with a speech and language to the door to see if I could make my Knowing that Sam was receiving help disorder. escape, but with crowds of parents with his speech and language and balance entering, I decided the best thing to do difficulties at school, I decided that I We are still working on therapy exercises would be to walk across the room to the would focus on his motor skills and build for Sam’s hands and are making progress, information boards and pretend I was activities in our daily life that would help albeit slowly, but progress is progress, no reading them. This would give me a Sam gain some strength in his fingers matter at what rate. I also have faith, that Finger painting chance to regain my composure. But as and hands. just like Sam’s speech, we will see real by Sam

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Being a Young Chocolate and Catholic Today

Louise, 18, the Resurrection Lancaster

Flame of my Faith

eing a Catholic has always Bplayed a role in my life and despite drifting slightly as I began to grow up, I am glad that I did ‘ hat does Easter mean to you?’ ‘Chocolate and the joy and happiness and light’. ‘A time to thank Jesus’. ‘A time when we because now my faith is so much Resurrection’ , replied one of the thirty young people who keep the joy of Jesus as our strength – and a time when we live it by stronger. It was a school retreat to W attended the Easter Retreat at Castlerigg this year. walking with Jesus’. Castlerigg which rekindled the flame of my faith and reminded me Arriving on Maundy Thursday, our team led the young people Rachel, 16, from Whitehaven, concludes, ‘Up to now I have said of the beauty of prayer, there are through the journey of Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the Easter all these things at Mass and I didn’t know what it meant, but now few sights more incredible than a Vigil and celebrations. All the young people were fully involved I know. Our hearts are a tomb and Jesus rolls the stone away’. chapel filled with candle light. in decorating and preparing the house for the celebrations: the conference room was transformed into a garden with branches I continue to return to Castlerigg for Change of Heart and greenery hanging from the ceiling to reflect Gethsemane, Easter and Advent retreats, each time Do you know what it is like to have a heart of stone? a live passion in the gardens of the Manor, everything stripped leaving more tired than the last but Do you know how it feels to be completely alone? bare for Holy Saturday, a blazing bonfire on the Easter night and also feeling more renewed than ever then an overflowing of music, colour, and joy at the Easter Do you know what it is like to live in the dark? before; and ready to take on the world celebrations. Have you ever entered a room without leaving a mark? luckily I was, as these past few years Up until now I’ve not felt alive. have been the most difficult of my We were delighted to be able to share in the joy of one of our entire life, with illness the cross I now This has given me something to work and strive. young people, Liam, 17, from Workington , who was received have to bear. With no likelihood of Now my heart has started to glow; into the Church. He explained, ‘Easter is a time when all emotions a cure, it would be easy to become Love is present and I’m starting to know. are released in the events that happened – in Jesus’s Crucifixion and bitter and self-absorbed; instead I Resurrection. For me, I had prepared myself to receive the body and I am now ready to accept this light. offer up my suffering to the Lord as blood of Jesus, but in the event it was so much more: it really was the I’ve got the strength to win this fight. a sacrifice and pray that He will help Body of Christ!’ someone because of it. Of course I The love in my heart grew and grew would rather be pain-free but as Jesus After I was given the Spirit by You. Wandering around the young people at the end of an exhausting held onto his cup in the Garden of Have you ever entered a room and felt full of love? few days, I asked other young people to comment on what they Gethsemane, so I will carry mine, as it thought Easter now meant to them and here is a variety of Do you know what it’s like to feel light from above? is not my will but the Father’s which responses: Do you know what it’s like to start afresh? should be done. Do you know what it’s like to have a heart of flesh? ‘It’s about fulfilling the Scriptures. You only realize when you come to Being a Catholic has given me the find Jesus that you were empty but now you are one with Christ’. Composed by some of the teenagers at Castlerigg over Easter as strength to face what life throws at ‘A time of celebration and a time when we can all come together in they reflected on Ezekiel 36: 26, one of the readings for the me, into your hands Lord, I commit our faith’. ‘A time when we can celebrate the amazing sacrifice Jesus Easter Vigil, ‘I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and my Spirit. has made for us. I just feel so happy that He is Risen’. ‘A time when give you a heart of flesh’. Jesus gave up his life for us and came back to us’. ‘A time of New Life, Fr Philip Conner, Chaplain to the Youth Service www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk May 2013 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 G Young People Reflect on Pope Benedict and What questions their hopes for Pope Francis.

o do you dread your ver the past 7 years, young people from our diocese have had the chance Oof meeting with Pope Benedict at World Youth Days in Cologne, Sydney and Madrid, on pilgrimages to Rome, and upon the Pope’s own visit to England in children asking? September 2010. Here three young people reﬂect on his gift to the Church and their o hopes for the new man. he Youth Service is currently travelling around the diocese oﬀering week-long mini-missions for the Year of Faith. John Paul, a seminarian at Oscott, writes, “I was coming home from work listening to the T Already we have been to the Barrow Peninsula and to Radio when I heard the news of the election of Pope Benedict in 2005. When the newsreader

d Lancaster and Morecambe. We have been visiting primary read out the name ‘Joseph Ratzinger’, I remember cheering and being so filled with joy. Over schools and the High Schools, and in the evenings the team the next few years he would be a special Pope for me as it was around this time that I began has been running ‘faith in the family’ sessions in parishes. thinking more seriously about my vocation to Priesthood. What always struck me about As we travel around it is heartening to discover many good Pope Benedict was the prayerful silence he introduced at World Youth Day while adoring Our things. David Shakespeare, from St Peter’s in Lytham shares Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. He showed young people what it was to pray in the Presence with us one such initiative. of God: he taught us what it is to have Faith. Now the Lord has blessed us with Pope Francis who even in these first days of his papacy is showing us what it is to live our Faith through a “In this ‘Year of Faith’, do you want to learn more about how to help humility and simplicity, doing lots of small things for others. People may attack the Pope for your children or grandchildren grow in the Faith, or are you content these actions, but back when I was very little, Blessed John Paul II was doing exactly the same. with answering 'Just because that's what the Church says'? At My hope for Pope Francis is that we don't try and compare him to Benedict, or JPII or Pius XII, n St Peter's, Lytham, we have developed a short series of seminars but to Christ and see His holiness lived out in the world”. offering parents and grandparents the opportunity to hear brief presentations on some key topics and discuss with others their Lizzie, 19, from Blackpool, writes, “I remember seeing Pope Benedict at an audience in experiences and challenges in helping children to grow in the Faith. St Peter's in Rome in 2006. We were so close to him when he drove past and everyone was 'Dreaded questions' can be key opportunities to help children shouting 'Papa, Papa'. We thought that 'Pope, Pope' sounded silly to shout, and so we joined d understand how a deep personal faith can light up their lives, and if in with 'Papa'. I remembered that we had prayed FOR him at the Stations of the Cross on the parents and grandparents can communicate this to their children Good Friday and a few days later there I was praying WITH him. In 2011 I was lucky to be part then this is often the most powerful and valuable witness that they of the Diocesan World Youth Day group that went to Madrid. We spent a night in the Quatro will remember for the rest of their lives.

Vientos Airﬁeld sleeping under the stars with a few million youth pilgrims. It was so windy and stormy that at one point Pope Benedict had to postpone his speech. It didn't bother us.

F Please visit www.stpetersoflytham.org.uk to see the presentations We were just so happy to be there and to see him and to show him how many young people and some points from the discussion at the first few seminars, or were involved with the Church and living out their faith. When I heard that he had resigned contact [email protected] for more information about the my heart went out to him as it must have been a tough decision to make. I watched the series.” David Shakespeare, Lytham election of the new Pope at my university. My flat mates were quite dismissive that I was a wanting to watch it and they didn't understand why it was important. I hope that Pope Francis is supported by our prayers as he takes up this huge responsibility as leader of over 1 billion world wideCatholics. May God bless him in his ministry”. RYECR OFT Ltd i And Becky, 20, from Bispham, reflects, “I will always remember that morning, in General Building & Civil Engineering - Established 2000

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” S and contemplation each day. I found it really striking that, as Pope Francis emerged onto the Telephone: 02476 676986 balcony of St Peter’s, one of his ﬁrst acts was to call the world to silent prayer. As St Peter’s Square fell silent, I realised the power behind silent prayer, as a way to connect people across the world in a beautifully profound way. Through the witness of Pope Benedict, I have learned to see the Pope not as someone distant and unapproachable, but as a wise leader e who, by sharing his own relationship with the Lord, can help us all to grow in our faith. And I am sure that Pope Francis will continue to do this”. r v a n t 6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + May 2013 www.catholicvoiceoﬂancaster.co.uk

Dear Editor Human beings are the most important Food for thought! feature of God’s creation, we through baptism are God’s adopted children made in His image.

He created male and female, the human species complementary to each other, mainly for the procreation of children to live together in a loving relationship as husband and wife joined together in holy matrimony Your letters to create a family unit which is the bedrock How to send us of society. your letters: This is why it is against God’s law for two Write to: people of the same sex to live together in The Editor, a marriage situation. 99, Commonside, Ansdell, In a Christian society we cannot make our Lytham St. Annes, own rules, Christ has already laid down the FY8 4DJ. way we must try and follow.

Email to: Why does the Govenment want to make its’ [email protected] own laws against God’s will?

• Please keep your letters concise We must remember the words from the (max 300 words), greatest Christian prayer ever spoken • Include your full name and address ordained by Jesus Christ, God’s son: • Letters should not include any personal criticism or attacks “Thy will be done on earth • The editor reserves the right to: as it is in heaven” - amend or shorten letters or to refuse to publish them (no Anyone who believes that God is their correspondence to discuss decisions creator should be against this change. he only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, un-inhabited taken will be entered into) Tisland. He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him, and everyday he - publish a response if deemed Yours faithfully scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. appropriate Mrs M. I. Atherton, Preston Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to ﬁnd his little hut in ﬂames with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened! Everything was lost! He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger.

“GOD, how could you do this to me?” he cried.

Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. “How did you know I was here?” asked the Accounts Preparation We are not just weary man of his rescuers. accountants - we are “We saw your smoke signal, ” they replied. here to help you with Moral of the story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't all family & business lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain, and matters. suffering. Remember that, the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the Retirement Planning ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of GOD. • Statutory Audits • Accounts Preparation • Tax Planning • Advice and Compliance The more we let God take us“ over, the more truly ourselves • Payroll we become - because He made us. He invented us. He • VAT and Book-keeping Services invented all the different people that you and I were Business Planning • Management Accounts • Business Planning & Financial Projections intended to be. It is when I turn to Christ, when I give • Family Tax Planning up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have • Retirement Planning a real personality of my own. • Inheritance Tax advice If it’s on your mind C.S. Lewis Tax Planning … it’s our business ” Everyone should pray for half an hour each day, The Old Surgery 43 Derbe Road “ Lytham St Annes Lancashire FY8 1NJ except when they are very busy. Then they should (T) 01253 789809 (F) 01253 728939 pray for an hour. (E) [email protected] St Francis de Sales Family Tax Planning (W): www.keenancharteredaccountants.co.uk ” www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk May 2013 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7

Part Three

The Catholic Voice of The Catholic Lancaster Year of Faith Supplement on the Catechism of the approach to Catholic Church Morality ear brothers and sisters...The Lord is calling me to “climb Dby Dtheea mcoount aNinic”,k to D doevnontee mllyself even more to prayer and meditation. But this does not mean abandoning the Church, indeed, if God is asking me to do this, it is so I can continue to serve the Church with the same dedication and the same love with which I have done thus far, but in a way that is better suited to my age and my strength”. “We will always be close in prayer!” Pope Benedict XVI’s farewell Angelus

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Part Three The Catholic approach to Morality

by Deacon Nick Donnelly

ope Benedict XVI made it clear • Who am I? Who ought I to become? Pthat at the heart of the Year of I am made in the image of God. I Faith is the transforming encounter ought to become a child of God with Our Lord Jesus Christ, an through my sacramental encounter that is the basis of our incorporation and moral imitation moral life. of Christ.

‘During this time we will need to keep our • What kind of attitudes and what gaze fixed upon Jesus Christ, the “pioneer kind of actions can lead me to what and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2): in I ought to become? My attitudes him, all the anguish and all the longing and behaviour must be those that of the human heart finds fulfilment. are in conformity to the holiness, The joy of love, the answer to the drama life and love of God. of suffering and pain, the power of forgiveness in the face of an offence • What kind of community can help received and the victory of life over me attain the ideal to which I am the emptiness of death: all this finds called? The community that will fulfilment in the mystery of his enable me to attain my vocation is Incarnation, in his becoming man, in the Church, the Body of Christ, his sharing our human weakness so People of God, Temple of the Holy as to transform it by the power of his Spirit, established by God. resurrection.’ (Porta Fidei, 13). So, the moral life does not start with a Instead of fear being the motivation list of commandments or prohibitions, of moral behaviour, Scripture tells but with God who calls us to be his us that God’s gift of love and our friends. (This does not mean that response of love to that gift should be observation of God’s commandments the driving force of our moral ideas are abandoned, but that they are not our and actions. This brings us to the very starting point). This explains why the heart of the meaning of Christianity Catechism’s presentation of Catholic St Walburge's and being Christian: morality starts with setting the good Church life in the context of the Holy Trinity, ‘We have come to believe in God's love: One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Weston Street, Preston in these words the Christian can express the fundamental decision of his life. Friendship with the God the Father, Open for Visitors Being Christian is not the result of an God is the source of all goodness, ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the beauty and truth in our lives, ‘You shall every Saturday encounter with an event, a person, which be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy’, 10am until 2pm gives life a new horizon and a decisive (Lev 19:1); ‘You must be perfect, as your direction’. ‘Christianity is not an heavenly Father is perfect’ (Matt 5:48). intellectual system, a collection of The truth, beauty and goodness of the For more information dogmas, or a moralism. Christianity is Father is presented to us through his contact instead an encounter, a love story; it is incarnate Son, Jesus Christ. an event. (Pope Benedict XVI) Richard How do we know this and what does it Simply put, Catholic morality is not a mean becoming friends with God? The McCann on rulebook but a transforming friendship Gospels tell us that Jesus did what was with the One God, Father, Son and Holy pleasing to the Father (John 8:29) and 01772 Spirit. When one truly realises this, Jesus lived in perfect communion with what follows is a radical understanding the Father: 733862 of the whole moral enterprise, the motivation behind doing the good and Christ Jesus always did what was pleasing avoiding the evil. Instead of it being to the Father, and always lived in perfect a legalistic calculation of how to communion with him. Likewise Christ's navigate a minefield of prohibitions, disciples are invited to live in the sight of To Advertise, please call the moral life becomes a search for the Father “who sees in secret,” in order the answer to these three fundamental to become “perfect as your heavenly Caroline on questions. Father is perfect.” (CCC 1693). The Three Basic Questions Friendship with God the Son 01223 969506 or of the Virtuous Life The Catechism states that friendship As the Catholic philosopher Alasdair with God does not start with the email carolineg@ MacIntyre puts it, Instead of asking imitation of Jesus – which comes later – only ‘what must I do?’ , the Catholic but with our sacramental incorporation cathcom.org should ask the classic questions of into the life of Christ that enables us the virtuous life: to participate in the life if the Trinity. www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk May 2013 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9

The Catholic Voice of Lancaster Year of Faith Supplement on the Catechism of the Catholic Church

To become a friend of God and live a The tragedy of the human situation is life worthy of his friendship one must that we know that we not only ignore be in live in the communion of the God’s manual about how to live a Church made by the Eucharist. As human life, we also intentionally break Aidan Nichols puts it, only through his Law, irrespective of the disastrous our immersion in the Lord’s paschal and damaging consequences to mystery by our baptismal participation ourselves and others. in His death to sin and His resurrection to newness of life can we hope to have The Catholic Church describes the the ‘mind’ of Christ: situation in which we find ourselves as the ‘grandeur and misery’ of human life. Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, We are called to share in the wonderful Christians are “dead to sin and alive to life of God, but instead choose to reject God in Christ Jesus” and so participate in our destiny through sin. Even though the life of the Risen Lord. Following Christ we share in Jesus’ divine life, Sin and united with him, (Jn 15:5) Christians remains a lethal threat to our life of can strive to be “imitators of God as grace. The Catechism defines Sin as beloved children, and walk in love” (Eph follows: 5:1-2) by conforming their thoughts, words and actions to the “mind . . . which Sin is an offence against God: “Against is yours in Christ Jesus, (Phil 2:5)” and by you, you alone, have I sinned, and done following his example. (Jn 13:12-16). that which is evil in your sight.” (Ps 51:4). (CCC, 1694). Sin sets itself against God's love for us and turns our hearts away from it. Like Friendship with the God the first sin, it is disobedience, a revolt against God through the will to become the Holy Spirit “like gods”, (Gen 3:5) knowing and determining good and evil. Sin is thus Through baptism, and confirmation, “love of oneself even to contempt of we also enter into the life, power, and God.” (St Augustine). In this proud assistance of the Holy Spirit. As Aidan self-exaltation, sin is diametrically Nichols puts it the Holy Spirit becomes opposed to the obedience of Jesus, which a renewing principle of moral action, achieves our salvation. (Phil 2:6-9). helping us resist the disturbance of our desires and faculties resulting from What does this mean in practise? Sin original sin, so that we can embrace describes the act by which a person ‘all that is good and right and true knowingly acts contrary to the truth (Eph 5:8,9): made known by the Law of God and conscience, thereby deviates from the “Justified in the name of the Lord Jesus loving plan of eternal law and in this way Christ and in the Spirit of our God,” (I Cor offends and opposes God. (St Thomas 6:11) “sanctified . . . [and] called to be Aquinas). saints,” (I Cor 1:2) Christians have become the temple of the Holy Spirit. Sin is anything said, done or desired (I Cor 6:19) This “Spirit of the Son” that is contrary to the eternal law of teaches them to pray to the Father God. As we pray in the penitential rite (Gal 4:6) and, having become their life, of Mass, ‘I confess to almighty God, and prompts them to act so as to bear “the to you, my brothers and sisters, that I fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22,25) by have sinned through my own fault in my charity in action. Healing the wounds of thoughts and in my words, in what I have sin, the Holy Spirit renews us interiorly done, and in what I have failed to do…’ through a spiritual transformation. (Eph 4:23) He enlightens and strengthens us Sin is even more heinous when to live as “children of light” through “all committed by Christians because a that is good and right and true.” (Eph believer knows, or ought to know, that 5:8,9) (CCC, 1695). their freely chosen immoral acts not only violate God’s loving plan for human The Danger of Sin existence but also viciously or casually repudiate his offer of divine life and God’s revelation tells us that an divine love. (William May). unimaginably wonderful destiny awaits There are many different types of sins: each one of us in our future – the beatitude of heaven. God has given There are a great many kinds of sins. us this hope of eternal happiness to Scripture provides several lists of them. encourage and enable us to obey His The Letter to the Galatians contrasts Law – his manufacturer’s manual on the works of the flesh with the fruit of how to live our human life as it was the Spirit: “Now the works of the flesh designed. are plain: fornication, impurity, 10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + May 2013 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

Part Three The Catholic approach to Morality

by Deacon Nick Donnelly

Mass Listings – May 2013 Sunday May 5th at 3.00 pm Fifth Sunday after Easter Christ the King, Harraby, Carlisle Thursday May 9th at 6.00 pm Ascension of Our Lord Cathedral Church of St Peter, Lancaster Sunday May 12th at 3.00 pm Sunday after Ascension St Mary's, Hornby Sunday May 26th at 12.15 pm Holy Trinity Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Lancaster Sunday May 26th at 12.30 pm Holy Trinity St. Mary of Furness, Barrow-in-Furness licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, answer of Jesus to the rich young man: against God’s eternal law. Venial sin, Thursday May 30th at 6.00 pm strife, jealousy, anger, selﬁshness, “Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not while morally evil, does not mean Corpus Christi Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Lancaster dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not acting in a way that separates us from Friday May 31st at 7.00 pm Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I defraud, Honour your father and your the love of God. Venial sins are serious, Sizergh Castle Chapel warned you before, that those who do mother.” The gravity of sins is more or less but are not, in themselves, deadly. Mass is also celebrated every Sunday at 9.00 am at St Mary Magdalene, Leyland Road, Penwortham. such things shall not inherit the Kingdom great: murder is graver than theft. One However, if we develop the habit of If travelling long distances, please contact the Latin Mass Society before you set off, of God." (Gal 5:19-21cf. Rom 1:28-32; I must also take into account who is wronged: committing venial sins they can so as changes do sometimes occur.

Local Representatives: Bob & Jane Latin Cor 6:9-10; Eph 5:3-5; Col 3:5-8; I Tim violence against parents is in itself graver weaken us that they predispose us to Telephone: 01524 412987 Email: [email protected] 1:9-10; II Tim 3:2-5). (CCC, 1852). than violence against a stranger.(CCC, commit Mortal Sins. Website: latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com 1857). However, the Church distinguishes One commits venial sin when, in a less two fundamental categories of Sin Our actions determine the type of person serious matter, he does not observe according to the gravity of offence we become – we can become the image the standard prescribed by the moral and opposition to God – Mortal Sin of God or the image of anti-God. If we law, or when he disobeys the moral law and Venial Sin: choose not to be like God and not act like in a grave matter, but without full God by rejecting His commandments and knowledge or without complete Mortal or Deadly Sin having attitudes opposite to those of consent. Venial sin weakens charity; it Jesus, then we are in a state of Mortal Sin. manifests a disordered affection for Mortal or Deadly sins are like a lethal If we die in this state of Mortal Sin, in the created goods; it impedes the soul’s bodily disease that will surely lead to image of anti-God, then we will exclude progress in the exercise of the virtues death unless there is a saving ourselves from Christ’s kingdom and enter and the practice of the moral good; intervention by someone with the the eternal death of hell. When learning it merits temporal punishment. power, skills and expertise to remove this it’s important not to panic or Deliberate and un-repented venial sin the lethal infection. Just as we cannot anxiously worry. Always remember that disposes us little by little to commit save ourselves from a lethal bodily God is a loving and merciful God, and he mortal sin. However venial sin does not disease, we cannot save ourselves from has given us, through the forgiveness of break the covenant with God. With Mortal Sin through our own efforts, Christ in the sacrament of confession, the God’s grace it is humanly reparable. only Jesus’ forgiveness through the means to regain God’s love and be free “Venial sin does not deprive the sinner sacrament of confession can save us. again from Mortal Sin. However, it would of sanctifying grace, friendship with be a mistake to think that God is a God, charity, and consequently eternal If God’s love is lost within us due to pushover and presume that he will forgive happiness.” (CCC,1862-1863). Mortal Sin there are no inner resources us without a sincere act of contrition and within the sinner to repair the harm he recourse to the sacrament of confession. It is important to be constantly aware or she has done in sinning. If you are aware that you are in a state of of the tragic fact that we live in a Mortal Sin at this moment, make a sincere culture that accepts, and, often, Mortal sin destroys charity [divine love] in act of contrition now and resolve to go the celebrates the sinful acts of the heart of man by a grave violation of confession as soon as possible. individuals, thereby allowing these sins God's law; it turns man away from God, to become part of our society’s way of who is his ultimate end and his beatitude, Act of Contrition life. As William May puts it, the ‘world’ by preferring an inferior good to him…If it shaped by sin (cf. Rom 5:12; I John 5:16; is not redeemed by repentance and God's O my God, I am heartily sorry for having John 1:29) obscures true values, provides forgiveness, it causes exclusion from offended you, and I detest all my sins bad example, and frequently pushes us towards sin, and even puts pressure on Christ's kingdom and the eternal death because of your just punishments, but us to sin. of hell, for our freedom has the power to most of all because they offend you, my make choices for ever, with no turning God, who are all good and deserving of all back.(CCC, 1855-1861). We must always be aware of the fact my love. I firmly resolve with the help of that as Christians we are engaged in your grace to sin no more and to avoid the If we freely and knowingly break the spiritual combat against the forces of Ten Commandments as understood by near occasion of sin. Amen. evil around us. However, we must not the Catholic Church then we are in a grow discouraged because Christ has state of Mortal Sin. Venial Sin already won the final victory on the Cross and has given us the sacramental Grave matter is specified by the Ten Venial sins are those sins that do not means to share in his victory against Commandments, corresponding to the freely and knowingly oppose and offend human and satanic evil. www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk May 2013 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11

amuel Kelly receiving a cheque for £100 to help towards Shis costs for a trip to help build a school in Naromoru, hildren from Holy Family School, Blackpool held a day of Kenya at Easter from the North Lancashire Catenian Circle. Cprayer with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in school during Lent. Eddie Hignett said “the Catenians have a Bursary Fund and encourage students who are planning a summer trip to help The day started with School Councillors attending morning overseas or on the Lourdes pilgrimage to apply for a grant”. Mass with parishioners and then going together in procession to school with the Blessed Sacrament where, throughout the For more information on the Catenians in the Lancaster / day, parents, pupils and parishioners joined together for Morecambe area please talk to Eddie Hignett (St Mary of the prayer. Helen Moreton Angels, Bolton le Sands) or phone 01524 733868.

ytham St Annes Catenians held Martin's The Funeral Directors Ltheir Annual Clergy Night 188, Tulketh Brow, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston celebrations recently in thanks for 1, Stonebridge Parade, Preston Road, Longridge the spiritual guidance from active and Tel. 01772-733007 or 01772-782121 Proprietor W. Martin Wootton retired clergy within the local Deanery. Dedicated and Blessed Chapels of Rest Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans To ﬁnd out more about The Catenian Association please visit their website: The complete funeral service www.thecatenians.com from a private family owned and run firm Curry Aid raises £7,000 urry Aid funds totalling £7,000 has gone to feed, clothe Cand put in a safe environment 300 children, which include some who are disabled, mentally handicapped and some elderly people in India. The money has also been able to provide mattresses for the bunk beds bought last year.

Jessie Oddy who recently returned from India said “I have been asked to say a very big thank you to everyone who has raised funds in numerous ways, baked cakes, made preserves, donated raﬄe prizes, made sweets, bought tickets for a curry evening, gave donations and many other ways.”

During the visit the children were given a real treat that included a wonderful meal, some toys, books, pens, ice creams, cakes, sweets, a lunch box and some skipping ropes. Jessie said “On a previous visit a lady called Uma was provided with a modified scooter and as a result she has been able to open a small shop and is now self sufficient which has made such a huge difference to her and her family. Uma is so very grateful to everyone who supports Curry Aid, she will never forget what you all did for her.”

Paul Holroyd is available to talk about Curry Aid and can be contacted on 01539 23261. Alternatively please contact Jessie Oddy on 017683 51227 if you would like to organise a Curry Aid event. Air Ambulance helped by CWL

he Catholic Womens’ League in TBolton le Sands presented a cheque for £1,000 to the West Air Ambulance Service following a number of fundraising events in the parish of St Mary of the Angels during 2012. 12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + May 2013 www.catholicvoiceoﬂancaster.co.uk

oe was ordained along with Tony Howe ‘a nice priest’, ‘he will chat with anyone’, ‘a end” . That is the reason why our first Jby Bishop Flynn on 19 May 1951. Bam - good listener’ and ‘an outstanding visitor to reading is Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11, in Joe’s bers were a well known family and apart the sick – he would often spend time just mind it was in God’s providence to end his from Joe, two of his uncles were priests sitting with them’ . Joe had a stubborn side life on earth at 10pm in Royal Preston and Fr Leo Bamber was a first cousin. to him and not a few people in his former hospital. The second reading Romans 8: parishes would agree with all of the above. 31-39 is a pointer to Joe’s spirituality that His first appointment was for 2 years at St nothing can separate us from the love of Mary’s Barrow, followed by appointments Joe did a lot of manual work to improve God in Christ Jesus. The gospel Matthew 5: to Kendal, Carlisle, Preston, Ulverston and Thurnham and especially Yealand in 1-12, none of us scores ten out of ten in 1966 as an Army Chaplain in which the grounds, new grave yard and the on the beatitudes but Joe had a great capacity he served the troops in Germany, Presbytery. attempt to accept the challenge of Jesus the Persian Gulf and Northern Ireland (he to bring about the reign of the Father now was in Derry on Bloody Sunday) . In many of Joe was happy on his day off going down on earth as it is in heaven. May he rest in his parish appointments he made friends to Preston and spending time with Eileen the peace of the Risen Christ. easily with parishioners but truth to tell his sister. Together they bought a house in Rev Harry Holden he was not over happy in many of the Lytham Road, Preston. His request to retire RIP parishes. It was a different tale in the Army was not granted by the bishop until April Postscript: I have been well blessed by God and Joe was singularly happy and fulfilled 2009. The tragedy was that Eileen died in these last two years to have the health in my Rev. Joseph Bamber in his priesthood during his posting to the February before. retirement to supply for our priests and Germany. From 1975 to 1980 he was serve our people in 26 parishes in our 19 September 1925 parish priest at Thurnham and finally In his retirement he enjoyed his gardening diocese. The experience has given me a big parish priest at Yealand until retiring in and the friendship of Geoffrey Lewis and lift to see the great work being done by God – 25 February 2013 April 2009. Bob Blacoe. Regina and John Quinn had by priests and people. I hope and pray that looked after Joe at Yealand and continued the deacons and priests together with What was Joe like? He was a private person to care for him over the next four years. No Bishop Michael will lead and SERVE the even with his fellow priests. He was praise and thanks can do justice to their people of God and our people will play the RIP dedicated to his Divine Office and a daily outstanding love and care. They were with full responsible part that is theirs to building Mass – though he was no lover of modern him at 10pm on Monday 25 February the Kingdom of God on earth. Fr Holden Rev. Geoff Severs liturgy. Comments from lay people include when Joe’s dying words were “it is time to

he ﬁgure of Abraham dominates our Liturgy of the TWord today. In Genesis 17:3-9 God promises Abraham a covenant, and that he is destined to be the ‘father of many nations’ , while Christ remarks somewhat mysteriously in the gospel John 8: 51-59 that ‘Abraham saw his day, and was glad.’

God’s covenant with Abraham was an expression of the divine love and fidelity, the first step in a process that would culminate in the one whom the apostle Paul would call ‘the true seed of Eternal rest gran‘t unto him O Lord Abraham’ , Jesus Christ. It was Jesus Christ who put the final seal and perpetual light shine upon him, on God’s covenant with humanity, in fact he himself in his flesh may he rest in peace Amen. and blood was that covenant. With good reason priests are called ministers of the new covenant, and Fr. Geoff Severs served as a priestly minister of that new covenant for over forty-six years. Today in his requiem Mass we remember and give thanks to ’ the Lord for that long period of priestly - service of Fr. Geoff here in the diocese of Lancaster.

Geoff Severs entered into that covenant as a priest and by remaining faithful in his priestly ministry to the end kept his side of the bargain. Geoff did not have an easy road to the priesthood. I first met him in September 1960 at Campion House, Osterley, that unique Jesuit-run late vocation college, where the emphasis onLatin proved a major hurdle for him to surmount. Other difficulties presented themselves along the way, but it all eventually came good with his ordination on 25th January, 1967, in the basilica of Boarbank where he found a welcome, a home, and devoted care St. Paul’s outside the Walls in Rome, by to the end. no less a person than Pope Paul VI. How Geoff must have savoured that occasion! Fr. Geoff’s final illness was a particularly cruel and debilitating A further moment of glory, as it were, took one which gradually reduced his physical capabilities, yet on my place when as parish priest of Appleby he visits to him I never recalled a word of complaint or expression of once welcomed the Prince of Wales to the self-pity. He simply described his condition as he experienced it, Saturday evening vigil Mass. and I found his sense of quiet acceptance remarkable. Since his death that text of St. Paul to the Romans keeps coming into my Geoff was never in robust health, but mind, and seemed to have particular application to him in his soldiered on as best he could in his various frailty and increasing helplessness: ‘I appeal to you, therefore, assignments. I had a letter from the brethren, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and secretary of the Apostleship of the Sea acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.’ (Rom 12:1) . In who had heard of Geoff’s death, recording a mysterious manner Fr. Geoff’s priestly ministry continued with gratitude his years as chaplain on despite his feeble state, and he made his own very personal cruise ships – a side of Geoff I never knew contribution to the sufferings of Christ, for the sake of his body, to have existed. His final appointment the Church, as the apostle Paul expressed it. (Cf. Col. 1:24) . Now was as parish priest here in Grange-over- that his earthly pilgrimage is complete, may Fr. Geoff Severs rest Sands before retiring to Middlesborough for ever in the peace of his Lord, our one high priest. Eternal rest to be close to his only sister, now grant unto him O Lord and perpetual light shine upon him, may he deceased. With that link gone and his rest in peace Amen. health declining Geoff considered himself +Michael G Campbell OSA, Bishop of Lancaster very fortunate in being able to come to Abridged homily given at Fr Severs requiem Mass www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk May 2013 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 St Francis of Assisi

t Francis was born at Assisi in church of St Damian, outside the walls of In 1210, Francis wrote a primitive rule for Extract from Pope Francis’ homily SUmbria in 1181 or 1182. His father Assisi, he seemed to hear a voice coming his small order and it received papal at his inauguration Mass Peter Bernardone was a merchant who from the Byzantine-style crucifix, which approval. The friars continued their work, did much of his trade with France. His said to him three times, “Francis, go and labouring in the fields and doing good …Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that son, having been born while he was in repair my house which you see is falling works while often begging for food. we can protect others, so that we can France, was given the name Francesco, down.” Francis eagerly set about selling protect creation! “the Frenchman” by his mother, though bolts of his father’s cloth to buy building Francis and his order began preaching and he had been given the name John at his supplies to repair the church. His undertaking pilgrimages to reach a wider The vocation of being a “protector,” however, baptism. father was livid and beat him severely audience for God’s words. After hearing is not just something involving us Christians demanding he change his ways, pay back Francis preach in the spring of 1212, a alone; it also has a prior dimension which is In his youth Francis was devoted to the the money or lose his inheritance. This young girl, St Clare, left her home in Assisi simply human, involving everyone. It means ideas of chivalry propagated by the was a pivotal moment in Francis’ life. He and established an order of nuns which protecting all creation, the beauty of the troubadours who were the romantic poets had no objection to being disinherited but soon became to the Franciscans what the created world, as the Book of Genesis tells us of the time. He spent money lavishly. said that the other money now belonged nuns of Prouille were to the Dominicans. and as St Francis of Assisi showed us. It When he was about twenty, strife broke to God and the poor. Summoned before means respecting all of God’s creatures and out between the towns of Assisi and Guido, Bishop of Assisi who told him to Small communities of friars sprang up respecting the environment in which we live. Perugia. Francis was taken prisoner by make reparation to his father, Francis took throughout Umbria, Tuscany, Lombardy It means protecting people, showing loving the Perugians which he bore with great the clothes off his own back and his father and Ancona. The number of Francis’ order, concern for each and every person, especially fortitude and patience but on release a left the court burning with rage and the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) , children, the elderly, those in need, who are year later he fell gravely ill and, although exceeding sorrow. quickly grew to include 5,000 individuals. often the last we think about. It means his body was weakened by illness, his spirit caring for one another in our families: seemed to gather greater strength and he Using monies begged from the It was in 1223 at Grecchio where Francis husbands and wives first protect one became more serious. townspeople, Francis rebuilt the church spent Christmas that a “crib” was set up at another, and then, as parents, they care for of St Damian and began living the life of his behest. “I would make a memorial of their children, and children themselves, in After his recovery, he determined to a penniless pilgrim, serving the poor and that Child who was born in Bethlehem and time, protect their parents. It means building fight with the forces in southern Italy and infirm, including lepers and eventually in some sort behold with bodily eyes the sincere friendships in which we protect one dressed in his finery he set out exultingly setting up a communal life with other hardship of his infant state, lying on hay in a another in trust, respect and goodness. for the front until he met a poor man men near a leper colony on the manger with the ox and the ass standing by.” clad in rags. Francis was touched with outskirts of Assisi. God illuminated the In the end, everything has been entrusted to compassion and changed clothes with understanding of His servant with a light This use of the crib by St Francis is said to our protection, and all of us are responsible him before continuing on his way to and wisdom that is not taught in books. have begun its subsequent popularity. for it. Be protectors of God’s gifts! Spoleto. Once again he fell ill and When a certain brother asked leave to Francis was blind when he died at the age perceived a voice telling him to turn study, Francis told him that if he would of 45 in the rural chapel of Portiuncula, in Prayer for Pope Francis back and, “serve the master, not the man.” often repeat the Gloria Patri with devotion Assisi. He was canonized in 1228 and, in he would become very learned before God. 1230 his body was moved to the New O God, who in your providential design Riding one day in the plain of Assisi he He was himself an example of knowledge Basilica in Assisi which was built to house willed that your Church be built upon met a leper, whose sores were so unsightly so attained. his remains. blessed Peter, whom you set over the and his suffering so obvious that Francis apostles, look with favour, we pray, on dismounted, and as the leper stretched His love for and power over animals was Prayer of St Francis of Assisi Francis, our Pope, and grant that he, out his hand for alms, Francis, while he astonishing and many of the stories before the Crucifix whom you have made Peter’s successor, bestowed it, kissed the man. From that written about him pay testament to this. may be for your people a visible source time onwards, Francis began serving the Because he loved and cherished the Most High, glorious God, enlighten the and foundation of unity in faith and of poor and the sick, helping them however universe God made and all the creatures darkness of my heart and give me true communion. Through Our Lord Jesus he could. in it, in 1980 Pope John Paul 11 officially faith, certain hope and perfect charity, Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with proclaimed Francis the patron of ecology sense and knowledge, so that I may carry you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one One day as Francis was praying in the and the environmental movement. out Your holy and true command. Amen. God, forever and ever. Amen.

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We also cater for most specialist diets - see below 14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + May 2013 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk The Joy of the Priesthood St Joseph Canon Alf Hayes Ordained: 2nd September 1972 Currently: Parish Priest of close to Sisters St Wulstan’s and St Edmund’s, Fleetwood iniature statues of St Joseph are of hospitality. That is what our name Little Mcarried in the habits of members of Sister of the Poor denotes. the Congregation of Little Sisters recently celebrated with my family and am working with saints. I love teaching the of the Poor in recognition of the For Jeanne Jugan, the poor defined her my parish my Ruby Jubilee – forty faith to enquirers, and being used by God I devotion to him by the foundress of vocation. God had waited for her in the years a priest. Can’t believe where to lift peoples’ burdens in confession, the Congregation, St Jeanne Jurgen. poor; she had met and found him in the poor. the time has gone. It has been and although I do wish more people would continues to be a rich, rewarding life take advantage of that wonderful This little known fact emerged in an To be a Little Sister of the Poor, reminds of amazing variety. sacrament – they don’t know what interview by the Catholic Voice with the the Little Sisters of those to whom they they’re missing. Mother Provincial of the English Province, have vowed their lives, and of their desire One of my favourite jobs was four years Mother Caroline Emmanuel, during her to go always to the poorest, to create as hospital chaplain to the Cumberland Life is an adventure, and I have had plenty first official visit to the Jeanne Jurgen a flow of apostolic collaboration and Infirmary, as a valued member of a team of it on my travels, working with people of residence for the elderly in Preston. fraternal charity, in order to assist Christ with an holistic approach to healing, all religions or none, and sharing a few in the poor. For each one personally, it is in which faith had an obvious and steps with them on the way to heaven. London based, Mother Provincial was an invitation to share in the beatitude of recognised role to play. Even today, in the more settled life of a elected in July 2012. She has charge of spiritual poverty, leading us towards that parish, there is plenty of variety. When the nine homes for the elderly in England radical dispossession which surrenders a From Carlisle I was sent by Bishop Pearson doorbell goes, or the phone rings, as and Jersey. Her name recalls Caroline soul to God. to become an Army Chaplain which I was Forrest Gump would say, “You never know Sheppard who, as a convert from a strict for over 18 years before returning to the what you’re gonna get!” Some people have Unitarian background, in 1851 became The grace of hospitality towards the aged Diocese. It took me a little while to adjust very complicated lives, so, like any good the first English member of the French poor, Jeanne Jugan's charism as foundress, to Army life, but I came to love it, and soldier, you often have to adapt and based Congregation and took the name was welcomed by her with simplicity of had many experiences which would not improvise, knowing that in God’s hands Sister Emmanuel. soul. Pursuing her particular charism, she normally have come my way in parish life. nothing can possibly go wrong. found in this vow a privileged means of Mother Provincial spoke of the need for expressing the gift of ourselves to our Where does the joy of the priesthood lie Read more at www.lancastervocations.org vocations to the congregation, and of her apostolate of charity. Consecrated for me? It has to be in the sheer goodness gratitude to all the benefactors who make hospitality is, in the midst of the world, of people. I am inspired by the way the Little Sisters work possible. a witness to the mercy of the Father and ordinary everyday folk live out the gospel Andrew Seacombe, Preston compassionate love of the Heart of Jesus. in a matter-of-fact way, and often feel I (Excerpts from the Constitutions of the Little About the Little Sisters Sisters of the Poor) The spirit of the Congregation is the evangelical spirit expressed by Jesus in the To find out more about the work of the A stunning retirement community Beatitudes. Jeanne Jugan, faithful to the Little Sisters, to find out if we can help inspiration of the Holy Spirit, radiated you, or to find out about vocations set on the edge of the Ribble Valley particularly in her life gentleness and and becoming more involved with our humility of heart, which enabled her to mission please tel 01772 717454 or email The next phase of this success story is well surrender herself, in simplicity, to the joy [email protected] under way – SHOW HOME NOW OPEN Caring for the elderly - inspired by our faith. Located at Beardwood in Lancashire, these elegant one and two-bedroom apartments and bungalows are situated in the delightful wooded grounds of the former Nazareth House. Village leisure facilities include lounge, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, hairdressing salon, games room, activities room, library, minibus, cinema, therapy room and visiting GP’s surgery. A daily Mass is celebrated in the Chapel, which is always open for quiet reflection; spiritual support is provided by a priest and visiting Sister. Available support services include handyman, domestic Nazareth cleaning, laundry, 24hr emergency response and Retirement personal care. Selected properties are available for purchase or rent. Villages One month trial period and ‘Try before you buy’ schemes are also offered. Prices from: £150,000 Telephone: 01254 677926 to arrange your village tour Larmenier www.nazarethretirementvillages.co.uk Village t b o P e t T l n J P w A W P C w i o h v o e n f y h a w

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + May 2013 www.catholicvoiceoﬂancaster.co.uk

2013 Diocesan Novena

Week 1: starting Pentecost Sunday, Week 6: starting 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 19 May 2013 Intention for this week: 23 June 2013 Intention for this week: For the grace to live out our baptismal call For single people who devote their lives Let us pray for the grace to be faithful in following Christ, who to God calls us in baptism and gives us His Spirit in Conﬁrmation. Let us pray for all single people who devote their lives to serving Prayer +++++++++++++++++ God and His people – that they may know His love and His grace. Week 2: starting Trinity Sunday, God our Father, You created 26 May 2013 Intention for this week: Week 7: starting on the feast of Sts Peter and Paul, us and in baptism You called For vocations to the religious life, and for 30 June 2013 Intention for this week: us to be Your people. those in formation for religious life For vocations to the permanent diaconate Let us pray for vocations to the religious life, and for all who are Let us pray for vocations to the permanent diaconate – that the trying to answer God’s call to serve Him in poverty, chastity and Church may always show forth the Gospel, preached in words Grant courage to those You obedience. and lived in charity. are calling to the priesthood, diaconate, religious and Week 3: starting on the feast of Corpus Christi, Week 8: starting 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, consecrated life. Guide 2 June 2013 Intention for this week: 7 July 2013 Intention for this week: those who are discerning For vocations to the priesthood For seminarians Let us pray for vocations to the priesthood – that God’s people Let us pray for those who are preparing for priestly ministry – their vocation. may always know the joy of meeting Christ in the sacraments. that the Lord may help them to grow in faith and in love as they seek to devote their lives to His service. Bless the love of husband Week 4: starting 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time, and wife and help all parents Week 9: starting 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 9 June 2013 Intention for this week: to be open to Your will for 14 July 2013 Intention for this week: For those discerning their vocation their children. Let us pray for those who are seeking God’s will for their lives – For the courage to respond to God’s call that by prayer they may discover the path the Lord has chosen Let us pray for all those who are unable to hear or respond to for them. God’s call to serve Him – that they may ﬁnd courage to listen and Make us generous in to follow where He leads. responding to You and help Week 5: starting 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time, us to see that true happiness 16 June 2013 Intention for this week: Throughout the Novena: is found in Your will alone. For married couples and for parents Weekly updates on Let us pray for married couples, that the Lord may strengthen www.lancastervocations.org their love, and for parents, that they may reveal God’s love to These texts may also be downloaded Through Christ our Lord, their children. from the same website. Amen

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