Newyddiadur Swyddogol Esgobaeth Caerdydd Issue 255 March 2018 Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cardiff

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Lenten journey Cornerstone marks the start of appoints poet transition in residence Pages 4-5 Page 8 Churches combine to help the homeless …and in a wintery Rome comes to the rescue

Left: St Peter’s Square covered in snow... the Pope has acted to help the homeless in this bitterly cold weather. Here, in St Peter’s Square someone has built a Snowman Priest... probably a seminarian with a sense of humour.

n Sunday 28th January Wayne David beds and bedding are brought in from an MP and Cllr Lisa Phipps, Caerphilly outside store, and set up. Dining tables and OBorough Council’s Cabinet Member chairs are arranged and the table laid. Though for Homes and Places, spent an evening we lack shower facilities, towels and toiletries with night shelter volunteers and guests at at laid out on tables in the gents and ladies Saint Helen’s Church in Caerphilly, just as and the disabled facility. Pope Francis is caring for homeless people As the guests arrive, they are welcomed in Rome. with hot drinks and snacks. They claim their Once again this winter, churches in the beds, put down their bags and belongings, Caerphilly county borough have worked and begin to relax. A great success this year together to provide shelter to the homeless. has been the introduction of board games, Now in its sixth year, the Caerphilly Churches chess, and cards. At about 7.30 guests and Night Shelter is set up by nine churches and a helpers sit down together to a large and team of volunteers to provide shelter, hot healthy meal, with plenty of chat, after which meals, essential support, and advice to the some settle, others go for a walk around the homeless during the most difficult months of park or the castle, and others choose and put the year. This winter the shelter has run since on a film, which usually plays, with ciggie 3rd December and will continue until 4th pauses, past the 11pm lights out. March. How does it work? The service is run on a A life saver referral only basis through the Council’s At 10pm the evening team leaves and three Housing Advice centre working in partnership volunteers arrive to cover the night. They are with a local firm, Cornerstone Support relieved at 6am by the morning team, who Services. Once contacted and cleared the begin to prepare and cook breakfast, wake the Guests are welcomed at that night’s pop-up guests at 7.30 with tea or coffee: ‘Milk in first!’ shelter: Saint Helen covers the Sunday nights, for one; another can tell if he is cheated of and each participating church has their night. even one of his seven spoons of sugar. This year there have been an average of 7 Before breakfast guests and helpers strip guests a night, including 3 women, and a and dismantle the beds, and as breakfast is range of ages. The Shelter does not claim to shared, the sleeping area is cleared and be a solution, but provides a staging-post steam-cleaned. The guests are provided with which gives a time of stability during which a packed lunch, and slowly begin to move out, social services can work with the guests to get some picked up and driven away by them into suitable housing. Cornerstones, others walking up to the library or into town. The whole premises are cleaned A large and healthy meal through, and some of the helpers delight in In Saint Helen’s, we open up just after 5pm. staying to help the Parents and Toddlers Volunteers start preparing supper. Others start group set up toys and mats for their morning moving the chairs to form a temporary divide session. between the sleeping and eating areas, with a discreet area for the ladies. The fold-away • Continued on Page 2 2 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

ARCHBISHOP GEORGE’S Churches combine to ENGAGEMENTS MARCH 2018 help the homeless least a dozen deaths. • Continued from Page 1 5 March Liturgy Commission Meeting - Allen Hall London 11.00 “In these very cold days, I think and I invite you to think of the people who live on the 6 March Standing Committee Meeting – Eccleston Square 10.30 Our tireless organiser, Cliff Bray, says “Being streets, struck by the cold and, many times, by able to provide shelter for the homeless 7 March Staff meeting – Allen Hall London 1.00 indifference,” Pope Francis told people in St through the winter months is a whole Peter’s Square on January 8. Community effort: As well as the three teams “Unfortunately, some have not survived,” the 8 March Patrimony Committee Meeting - Eccleston Square 1.00 Lenten in the hall, others volunteers provide delicious Station Mass – St. Mary’s Newport 7.00 Pope told people who had bundled up against desserts, give donations, provide bedding, the midday chill to recite the Angelus prayer 9 March Attends Lenten Lunch and Talk –St. David’s cathedral 1.30 clothes, etc., and pray” One helper ‘enjoyed with him. “Let us pray for them and ask the getting to know and listen to the guests, and Lord to warm our hearts so that we can help 11 March St. David Lewis Parish – Usk 9.00 also bonding with fellow-parishioners in what them.” 13 March Lenten Station Mass – Our Lady’s Church Hereford 7.00 14 March was an intimate time.’ Several times the guests Because of the cold weather, the papal Lenten Station Mass – St. Dyfrig’s Treforest 7.00 themselves will tell us that the Churches Night charities office instituted a 24-hour open-door Shelter has been a life-saver for them. And the policy at the shelters it runs with the 17 March Preparation Day for “Adoremus” – Eucharistic Congress – St. aim and hope is that by March all will have David’s College Missionaries of Charity for homeless men and been rehoused.” homeless women. Usually the shelters open in 18 March Mass and Commissioning – Blessed Sacrament Church Rumney the evening and close in the morning. The Pope acts 11.45 19 March St. George’s Retreat - 150th anniversary The Vatican has also distributed to some celebrations 11.30 Meanwhile, in Rome, looking out over St homeless thermal sleeping bags that protect Peter’s Square where icicles hung from usually down to minus 20C (minus 4F). Some Vatican 20 - 21 March “Welsh Places of Worship” meeting – The Cornerstone 1030 bubbling fountains, Pope Francis prayed for vehicles, their doors unlocked, were left at Meeting with Headteacher Designate of St. Illtyd’s High School 2.00 the homeless. night outside the Vatican City’s high walls, so Lenten Station Mass – St. Mary’s Bridgend 7.00 The freeze in Rome, subzero temperatures in homeless people could take turns going inside large parts of Europe and heavy snowfalls in St. Joseph’s High School Newport – 50th anniversary 6.00 Attends the cars to warm up. Several homeless sleep many areas in early January forced the closure outside, under Vatican porticoes. Lenten Lunch and Talk - The Cornerstone Cardiff 1.30 Universtiy of roads and schools and were blamed for at Chaplaincy Newman Hall 1.00

25 March Cardiff 11.00

26 March Blessing of Palms, Procession and Mass – St. David’s Cathedral Meeting – St. David Lewis Church – Usk 11.00

28 March Cathedral Cardiff 11.30

30 March Cardiff 3.00

31 March Mass of the Lord’s Supper – St. David’s Cathedral 6.30 Liturgy of the Pasion and Death of the lord – St. David’s Cathedral

ARCHDIOCESAN DIARY OF EVENTS

BEL – Belmont Abbey – The Retreats Secretary - email: [email protected] or tel: 07799 811 646. All retreats begin with Vespers at 6.00 pm – check-in at Hedley Lodge from mid afternoon LL – Ty Croeso Centre, Llantarnam Abbey, Cwmbran tel: 01633 867317 PRC – Pastoral Resources Centre, 910 Newport Road, Rumney, Cardiff tel: 029 20360044 St.P – St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street, Cardiff CF24 3BA Left to right: MP Wayne David, Father John Kelly with March the Good Samaritans helping at the night shelter. Below: St Peter's Square covered in snow. 7 March Lent Wednesday, An English Spring. Start 10.00 includes soup lunch BEL Apologies 8 March Lenten Station Mass St Mary's, Newport 7pm Due to computer server difficulties some 9-11 March Lord, Make me Whole Again, weekend retreat on spiritual healing BEL copy submitted has not been able to be 9 March Lenten Lunch and talk St David's Cathedral 1.30pm processed and will appear in the April 13 March Lenten Station Mass - Our Lady's Church, Hereford 7pm edition of Catholic People. My apologies to those people who 14 March Lenten Station Mass St Dyfrig's Treforest 7pm submitted copy. 14 March Lent Wednesday, An English Spring. Start 10.00 includes soup lunch BEL The Editor 17 March Preparation Day for Adoremus -Eucharistic Congress, St David's College 18 March Mass and Commissioning Blessed Sacrament Church Rumney 1145am 21 March Lent Wednesday, An English Spring. Start 10.00 includes soup lunch BEL 21 March Lenten Station Mass St Mary's Bridgend 7pm Your Catholic People… 23-25 March – Last Week of Jesus weekend retreat. BEL Editorial Dr James Campbell-Editor. Archbishop’s 25 March Blessing of Oils, Renewal of Priestly Vows, St David's Cathedral House, 43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HD 29 March-2 April Easter at Belmont BEL Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email: [email protected] and Articles to be received by 13th-15th April Weekend retreat on the Spiritual Meaning of the Liturgy BEL the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following 28th April What does the Spirit Say to the Church, day retreat with Dom Andrew month. Berry BEL Advertising Tel: 0151 709 7567 To list Archdiocesan and Deanery Events in this Diary contact: Dr James Designed & Produced Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Campbell-Editor. Archbishop’s House, 43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HD Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email: [email protected] Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email: Articles to be received by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following [email protected] month. A Reflection for Lent by CATHOLIC PEOPLE 3 Archbishop “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the ourselves with the world in order Editorial wilderness…..He fasted forty days merely to possess it, and enables us and forty nights” (Matthew 4:1-2) to see the world in a light coming from elsewhere. Then every creature, every The Forty Days of Lent have a great thing, becomes an object of biblical precedent, not least in the contemplation. Fasting puts between Your Editor forty years the people of Israel ourselves and the world a wondering wondered the desert in search of and respectful distance”. writes… the Promised Land. The example for our own practice of It was 15 years ago that I was “Quadragesima” lies in the forty days received into the in Jesus was in the wilderness before he the Call to Continuing Conversion. My undertook his public ministry. A time of family, wife and son and daughter discipline and preparation is important were there to see me received by before any important event or decision Archbishop . I had been in life. Prayer, Fasting and Abstinence baptised in the Church of Scotland are the three tools we use as we and had produced my baptismal prepare to celebrate the great mystery papers before the ceremony. of Easter the Passion Death and Resurrection of our Lord. No accident Canon Peter Collins was my guide and that the Lenten exercises really came mentor who gave me so much support into focus with the Baptism of Adult Olivier Clement - “Fasting leads to thanksgiving.” in my way to becoming a Catholic. I Converts at the Easter Vigil and the am deeply grateful to him as I am sure Reconciliation of Sinners during the all the candidates are to their priests. days preceding it. These important So wrote Olivier Clement, an events also lie in the foundation of the Orthodox Christian theologian who And seeing the substantial numbers Lenten Season. was born into an agnostic family in Saint Ambrose of Milan Catechumens and Converts flooding Fasting and Abstinence have 1921. St David's Metropolitan Cathedral on nothing to do with hating or despising Real enjoyment of the world comes Sunday 18 February 2018, (see nourishment for the spirit”. (Ambrose the world and its material goods. not from possessing it or consuming it, photographs on pages 4 and 5) it of Milan c.339-97). Neither are they ways of punishing but from a detached enjoyment of its brought back so many happy When Jesus fasted in the ourselves. Fasting is one way in goodness. Far from being a negative memories. which we deepen our awareness of wilderness for forty days, he did so in reaction to the material world, fasting order to clarify his relationship with God. By denying ourselves food, or a is a positive affirmation of it. Fasting There they were, young and old, short God and the nature of his calling. To luxury (the sweets, the cigarettes, the leads to thanksgiving. In fact, there is haired and grey haired, ages face inner temptation, he needed to alcohol) what else do we do except no effective act of thanksgiving -no stretching from around 10 to an explore how he stood in relation to say “I do not depend on these things”. Eucharist- without some form of self estimated 80! Families flocked to see material needs and worldly power, and It enables us to step back from the restraint. their relatives and friends received to affirm that his ultimate trust was in usual habits and distractions and give Fasting is always linked in the into our Church. particular attention to God. An God “Man does not live by bread teaching of the Fathers with prayer alone but by every word that comes outward restraint can be a sign and and almsgiving. Charitable giving is My eyes dampened at the invitation from the mouth of God”. (Matthew symbol of an inner attention, and a part and parcel of Lent. Solidarity for Catechumans: help towards it. This is a meaning of 4:4). demands that others who are in need Our fasting and abstinence, if we the great symbol of ashes given on benefit from our self restraint – As the deer pants for water are serious about them, have a Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. otherwise even fasting and abstinence so my soul longs after you. particular significance in a world This is also the Prayer which lies at the can be seen as self indulgence, as the You alone are my heart's desire dominated by a culture of heart of Lent. Reminding ourselves to slimming world reminds us! Each one and I long to worship you. give time to God so that God may consumption. Today we are all of us will have our own good encouraged to think of ourselves as speak to us in the silence of our heart. intentions as we receive ashes on Ash And there was that proud moment ‘consumers’ or ‘customers’, as if the All major faiths encourage fasting Wednesday. Self denial and solidarity when Archbishop George pronounced: and abstinence as spiritual disciplines. material things of creation had no with the poor must surely be part and other meaning than to be used by The Christian Faith is no exception. parcel of our Lenten practice. My dear candidates, I now declare you human beings. Fasting is a form of Jesus himself fasted in the desert as The Diocesan charity for Lent 2018 to be members of the elect to be restrain in which we stand back to part of his preparation to meet his is the support of the Syrian Refugee initiated into the sacred mysteries at contemplate things as they are in tempter. The early Christians observed Families Project. Let our prayer, fasting the next Easter Vigil. fasts. (Acts 13:2 14:23). The Fathers themselves, as they are in relationship and abstinence be of benefit not just to God the creator, and not just a they of the Early Church recommended the to ourselves but to those who are in It was a most moving occasion. practice also. exist for us. desperate need of our charitable “Fasting is food for the soul, “Fasting prevents us from identifying support. “Prayer over abortions is not harassment” - SPUC

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has strongly criticised remarks made by Fabian Hamilton, MP for Leeds North West, about pro-life vigils outside abortion clinics. “It is absolutely astounding that Fabian Hamilton MP considers prayer is a form of abuse and harassment,” said Antonia Tully, SPUC’s Director of Campaigns. “Mr Hamilton is perpetuating the myth that women are being intimidated by the presence of a small number of peaceful people praying near an abortion clinic. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every year hundreds of women have their lives turned round for the better when they decide to keep their baby after an encounter with a pro-life vigil.” Writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Mr Hamilton said that the Marie Stopes Centre in his constituency “has become a target for fanatical groups who aim to harass women.” He categorised prayer as abuse and harassment, and called for Government legislation to create “access zones” around abortion clinics. “Mr Hamilton wants government legislation specifically to outlaw prayer and peaceful witness outside abortion clinics,” Mrs Tully continued. “This is an out and out attack on the pro-life movement in this country. 4 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Lenten Journey marks the start of a transition for the new Elect of God by Archbishop George Stack

The First Sunday of Lent is desert at the beginning of his land, although he saw it from an important one in the life public ministry sets the scene afar. At a time when modern Green Willow Funerals of the Church. Together for our Lenten journey. We day slavery is on the agenda Personalised Funeral Services and Funeral Plans with Ash Wednesday it are told he was ‘tempted’ for in every western country, it is marks the beginning of that forty days and forty nights. good to be reminded of the journey we all make in ‘Tested’ is a better things that enslave us as following Jesus to his translation. He struggled to individuals whether these be Passion in Jerusalem, is discern how best he was to money, material goods, death at Calvary and his fulfil his mission and purpose, power, or earthly appetites. Resurrection in the Easter affirming at the end of this The most painful slavery Garden. time that “Many does not live suffered by the Israelites was Whilst this is a personal on bread alone but on every that they were forced to journey for each of us who word that comes from the worship the false gods of the follow him, it is also the mouth of God”. Egyptians. Their escape to journey of the church as we The forty days of Lent also the Promised Land enabled move together towards the take their inspiration from the them eventually to worship heavenly Jerusalem where forty years the People of the one true God in the we shall be united with God Israel wandered the desert in Temple in Jerusalem. through the saving works of search of the Promised Land. Lent is a time to examine All profits donated to charity Jesus Christ in the power of They had escaped from the false gods that we the Holy Spirit. slavery in Egypt, led by the worship in our own age and Caring, sensitive bespoke funeral services The gospel passage of faithfulness of Moses who take seriously the words of Jesus stepping out into the himself never entered that Ash Wedensday “Repent and Telephone 02920 52 42 00

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www.greenwillowfunerals.com Archbishop George welcomes one of the youngest applilcants CATHOLIC PEOPLE 5

Above: Archbishop George with those from all our parishes and their families and sponsors who will be welcomed into the Catholic Church

Archbishop George is handed the book with the names of the Catechumens. A proud moment for Catechumans on their way to being accepted into the Church Believe in the Gospel”. therefore, to witness the Rite of Election Our photo shows the 28 Catechumens received, confrirmed and receive Holy Each of us is invited to make a journey at St. David’s Cathedral on the First and 38 Candidates who gathered with Communion as members of the Body of to that desert place which is deepest Sunday of Lent, of those adults who are their sponsors and hundreds of family Christ. within us. Dry and arid because this is a seeking Baptism in the Church and and friends to mark this significant “We are an Easter People and Alleluia place where no light is shone, no growth those who are already baptised inother moment in their journey of faith. They is our Song” said Pope John Paul ll. We takes place, no healing water of God’s Christian denominations an wish to can be assured of a warm welcome at look forward to celebrating that truth, healing grace is allowed to refresh it. come into Full Communion with the the Table of the Lord in their own and so much else, during the coming The psalmists have a great deal to say Catholic Church. parishes when they will be baptised and Easter Vigil. about healing waters and dry bones which need to be brought to life again by our turning back to God. The Lenten exercises, prayers and penances we undertake are The church grows stronger! meant to be our signs of that inner conversion. Catechumens (to be Baptised at Easter) / Candidates (already Quote from one Catechumen: “It was a really moving Although individualism is one of Baptised in another Christian tradition – to be received into occasion. Wonderful to see people from near and far the identifying marks of the age in Full Communion with the Catholic Church at Easter) attending and to be welcomed personally by the archbishop.” which we live, being members of Each Catechumen was accompanied by the parishioner who the community of faith which is the will be their godparent and Candidates by their sponsors. 220 In the words of the final hymn Church reminds us that we are not attended. ‘Many the gifts, many the people, alone. Many the hearts that yearn to belong. Those who have gone before us Catechumens adult = 25 Let us be servants to one another, have made the journey of faith, too, Catechumens children = 3 Making your kingdom come. and are an inspirtation to us on our Candidates adult = 38 (Christ be our light – Bernadette Farrell) pilgrim way. What an inspiration, 6 CATHOLIC PEOPLE What do you think about organ donation?

Your Editor writes: health then surely this fits in with Christ...witness the story of You can see the copy below on organ and tissue donation, the Good Samaritan! the view from Bishop (pictured right) on the An organ donation, whether or not with the support of the serious nature of this subject. family but, freely given from the donor, is surely within our My feeling is that if anyone could live from the use of my Catholic faith. organs...then that is God’s will. Mind you, I drink too much When I die...and hopefully this will be a long way from my red wine so I am not sure if my liver would be an present 71 years old... I would be immensely proud if acceptable donation! extended life could be given by someone who could have But, I have to say, an opt-out clause from my point of an extended life from the poor organs I could donate. view, is not following Christian feelings. Yes, our soul goes Would you like to give us your views? If so please look at on to a better place when we die, but if we can leave the the contact details for the Catholic People on Page 2. body parts behind to help others less fortunate in their Government’s views are against our choice PLC welcomes The Government has launched an open consultation titled, “Introducing ‘opt-out’ consent for organ and tissue donation in England”. This consultation will run until 6 March. two new polls Responding to the consultation, Bishop Paul Mason, the Catholic bishop responsible for healthcare, said, “The Government’s plans to introduce ‘opt-out’ consent for organ and tissue donation in England undermine the concept of donation as a gift, and cross the line of what is a reasonable action for the state to take in relation to the individuals on abortion within it. “Moreover, the structure of ‘opt-out’ consent doesn’t necessarily succeed. This system was introduced in Wales in December 2015. The Pro Life Campaign has welcomed two realise what repeal of the Eighth Amendment Since then there has in fact been a slight decrease in organ transplants new opinion polls on abortion showing a would lead to in practice, I'm confident the in Wales, compared with an increase in England over the same period. shift in support towards keeping the Eighth polls will continue to move in the same “When an ‘opt-out’ system is implemented for organ donation, it is no Amendment. direction. longer a gift. Voluntary organ donation is an intrinsic good and The polls published today in the Sunday “No matter how it’s packaged or presented, something I’d encourage all people to consider.” Independent and Sunday Times both show a repeal of the Eighth Amendment would strip drop in support for the Government’s proposal unborn babies of all meaningful protections to introduce abortion on wide-ranging and lead to abortion on demand similar to grounds. countries like England where 1 in 5 48% of respondents to the Sunday pregnancies now end in abortion. Independent poll support allowing unrestricted “The point we have been making that abortion up to 12 weeks, 33% says it goes too there’s no such thing as limited abortion is far and a further 19% are undecided. starting to resonate with voters. This is not The Sunday Times poll shows a broadly surprising as the evidence from other similar result. 43% of respondents support the countries on this point is so strong. The Caring Funeral Service Government’s proposal with 35% opposed to “It makes no sense talking about doing Award Winning Independent Funeral Homes abortion up to three months and a further 22% away with all constitutional protections for undecided. unborn babies through repeal and in the same Commenting on the two polls, Pro Life breath arguing that meaningful protections for Campaign spokesperson, Dr Ruth Cullen said: the right to life could somehow be provided for Award Winning, “Obviously I welcome the shift in support in a in legislation. The vote on repeal is about Independent pro-life direction indicated in the two latest whether we introduce abortion on demand or Funeral Arrangers polls. As more and more people come to not. It is about nothing else.” Taoiseach using same speaking points that led to Privileged to have served the Catholic abortion on demand in other countries, says PLC community since 1989 The Pro Life Campaign said remarks by beginning to realise that the government’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on the Eighth proposal would lead to abortion on demand Amendment “are identical to the speaking and that Repeal would essentially involve • Private Rest Rooms points used by abortion campaigners the stripping unborn babies of all meaningful • 24HR Call-Out Service world over that resulted in abortion on protections, leading to an an abortion regime • 5* Client Reviews demand in those countries.” in Ireland that has no regard whatsoever for • Caring, Dignified, Personal & Professional In an interview on RTÉ’s This Week the right to life.” programme the Taoiseach said that allowing Service unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks was Bishop Lang condemns • Pre-Paid Funeral Plans simply a matter of ‘trusting women’ and nothing more. civilian deaths Commenting on the Taoiseach’s remarks, Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Dr Ruth Bishop , Chair of the Bishops' Caerphilly Funeral Services Cullen said: “If the Taoiseach and other Conference Department for International Parc Avenue Funeral Home members of government pushing for Repeal Affairs, has called the killing of civilians in really trusted women they would be honest Eastern Ghouta a “grievous offence to our Crossways, CAERPHILLY common humanity” and criticised the CF83 3AZ with them about what happens to their baby international community for failing to (02920) 862100 during an abortion and about the adverse protect innocent people over seven years of mental health consequences of abortion for war, conflict and turmoil in Syria. caerphillyfuneralservices.com many women. “The slaughter of civilians, including many “All of these inconvenient truths were children, in Eastern Ghouta is a grievous glossed over and ignored during the recent offence to our common humanity. Church Village Funeral Services Oireachtas hearings. Today the Taoiseach “Their suffering underscores how over seven Cardigan Close Precinct attempted to reduce the debate to a slogan years of conflict in Syria, the international community has failed to protect the innocent. Tonteg, PONTYPRIDD about ‘trusting women’ that leaves so much out and hides the real betrayal of women that “In this dark moment I urge Catholics in England and Wales to pray for the people of CF38 1LD goes hand in hand with legalised abortion.” (01443) 203966 Eastern Ghouta and Syria; to encourage our Dr Cullen said: “I don’t believe the electorate own government to help end the violence; and churchvillagefuneralservices.co.uk will fall for the government’s presentation and to support generously those humanitarian packaging of this referendum. With each day agencies that are bravely working to save that passes more and more people are lives.” CATHOLIC PEOPLE 7 In hospital? Let your priest know! Hospital Chaplaincy matters! should also ask the person registering emergency. In this eventuality the Meanwhile, both in the Cardiff area, However the present state of the you and the staff nurse on the ward to hospital switchboard will try to make and throughout the rest of the Diocese, NHS and manpower issues mean that let the chaplaincy service know that you contact with the patient’s own parish you are urged to work with your own there are fewer designated Catholic are a patient, and that you are a catholic. priest. If this proves not to be possible priest and parish arrangements to Chaplains in our hospitals. So it is To provide better cover in the busy then with the agreement of the ensure that you or any member of your ever more necessary for any Catholic Cardiff hospitals, the Diocese has set up patient/family the generic (non- family who is ill, either at home or in who is waiting to go into hospital to an On-Call service for emergencies. But Catholic) on-call chaplain will be hospital, get the care and support they let their parish priest know in plenty pressures are also increasing on the contacted. want and need. of time. small band of priests who provide this The more catholic priests we have on Though our priests and the parishes The priest will then be able to 24/7 emergency cover. the rota will obviously mean that this work hard and always want to care for celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick with This means that even with this service, situation is less likely to arise, which is you in any need or crisis, the onus is in you or provide any pastoral support there may not always be a priest why there has been a renewed push to you first to make sure they know what is needed. Once you go into hospital, you immediately available in a hospital recruit more priests. happening, and what help you need. ‘Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord’

Godspell is coming to Cornerstone Charles Street on March 22 until March 27 (please note there will not be a performance on Sunday 25 March) at 7.30pm If you’ve not heard of it Godspell is a hugely popular musical dating back to 1971. It is based on the gospel according to St Matthew and it follows Jesus and a group of eccentric characters who explore the New Testament's teachings through parables and games. With original music and new lyrics from Stephen Schwartz (the musical mastermind behind the hit show Wicked and winner of three Grammys and three academy awards) Godspell has been a long running success of Broadway for nearly 50 years. In Godspell the life of Jesus from His Baptism to His Resurrection is Wanted for the presented in a colourful, vivid, fast moving and energetic way. At times it is or a circus/magic show. The This is a wonderful musical humorous and at others, full of pathos. songs are written in a variety of show which really encapsulates Missions The acting varies throughout swinging from styles and these will be the joy of the Gospel message. simple straight forward narration to over the accompanied by a three piece What better way to prepare for Large Statues (Even damaged top farce, giving the flavour of street theatre, band. the great celebration of Easter. ones), old vestments, pictures, church fittings, rosaries, prayer Celebrating Leadership in our Catholic Schools books, religious books, relics etc. By Angela Atkinson In its first year, 45 teachers from Recruitment for the second both Anglican and Catholic cohort took place before Christmas Please ring Over 100 people attended the inaugural schools attended training sessions and there are 56 teachers from Mr. B. Ferris KSC, “graduation” event at the Cornerstone in and were mentored by Aberystwyth to Chepstow signed Cardiff on January 24th to celebrate the experienced head teachers of up for the programme this year. If 102 Moor St, Earlsdon, completion of the first cohort on the Church Schools. Already a number anyone is interested to find out Coventry CV5 6EY programme. of these participants have been more about the programme please Candidates were delighted to be presented promoted to leadership positions contact Angela Atkinson, the Tel: 02476 676986 with their certificates by Archbishop John in their own or other church Programme Coordinator at Davies of Wales and Bishop of schools. [email protected]. Menevia. The ceremony included reflections on Left: Attendees the course from two of the participants and at the celebration musical items by the choirs of St Paul’s CW in the Primary School and Mary Immaculate Catholic Cornerstone, High School. Cardiff. Below left: In a brief address, both Archbishop John and Bishop Tom Bishop Tom expressed their belief in the Burns of Menevia H. TOVEY • J. TOVEY importance of church school education as part addresses of the church’s mission and outreach and the attendees from J. CORTEN • R. DALE across Wales K. FOSTER • D. O’CONNELL key role that development of Christian Below right: The leadership in our schools plays in this mission. Archbishop of The Church Schools’ Leadership Programme Wales, John Davies, began in 2016 as a collaboration between congratulates the 01633 266848 Church in Wales and Catholic schools to 2016-18 cohort encourage and develop aspiring church school leaders. Unlike other leadership courses, it Newport Funeral Home, focuses on developing a Christian vision of 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport school leadership and supporting the distinctive character of church schools. As one (opposite Royal Gwent Hospital) of the participants stated “It has helped me articulate a vision of not www.toveybros.co.uk only what faith education means to me but what I want a faith community that I lead to look like- not just in terms of exam outcomes A trusted family business serving but in terms of young people who emerge to local families and the community in go on and lead happy and successful lives, with Gospel values at the heart of all that they South East Wales for six generations do”. 8 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Wonderful poetry festival at Cornerstone

Listeners to “Poetry Please” with work, as well as workshops on Books and Christian Brown. Roger McGough on Radio Four creative writing and an enjoyment of Archbishop George Stack was the each Sunday evening will be the company of so many fellow guest at a special “Desert Island familiar with the power of poetry writers. Discs” session on poetry. Amongst requested by the audience, Afternoon tea, buffet lunch, his eight choices were two by William explained by Roger McGough and refreshments over the weekend and a Shakespeare, others by John read by actors. A wonderful celebration lunch on Sunday brought Masefield and W. B.Yates as well as program enjoyed by an in more particpants who were thrilled “Names” by Wendy Cope, “The enthusiastic audience. at the superb amenities offered by Minister” by Anne Stevenson and The wonderful Poetry Festival held ‘The Cornerstone’ for the first Festival “Prayer” by Carol Ann Duffy. They say at “The Cornerstone” on the weekend of Poetry held in Cardiff for a long that poetry is emotion recollected in of 16/17 February brought together time. It is bound to become an annual tranquillity. poets and critics, writers and fixture. Congratulations and thanks to There was plenty of happy emotion Archbishop George, a keen poetry fan, enthusiasts to listen to many famous all involved in the organisation of this at The Cornerstone Poetry Festival talks about his ‘Desert Island poems’. Welsh poets read and discuss their successful event, particularly Seren last month. Cornerstone appoints poet in residence Celebration of Over the weekend of 16th – 18th February 2018, married life Cornerstone in co-operation with Seren Books played host to Cardiff’s first, highly successful, poetry festival. In excess of 600 people attended the event featuring 18 poets including Monmouth’s Jonathan Edwards and well loved Poet Gillian Clarke. Given the success of the event, Cornerstone’s Project manager and Poetry Festival Patron Christian Brown OBE KSG has appointed Katherine Stansfield as poet in residence. The residency will last for one year leading into the next poetry festival in February of 2019. A pamphlet of her poems about the experience will be produced in time for next year’s festival. The appointment takes another step in the partnership of the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Heritage Lottery Fund in marking the arts more widely available to the Following on from the Family Life community of Cardiff and Commission Mass last month, here is a surrounding areas; an action picture of the newly married couple. point for the community Married at St Peters Church, Roath on approach of the Cornerstone 15th December. Katherine and Ieuan project. Moorcraft. 2018 Public speaking success at St David’s College

Early in February local Catholic students took part in the annual Public Speaking Competition, organised by the Cardiff Circle of the Catenian Association for local Catholic schools and colleges. The event took place once more in St David’s College and Michael Halloran, President of the Cardiff Catenians, thanked Mark Leighfield, the Principal and his staff for the use of their facilities. The winner on the day was Tom Delve of St David’s College. He accepted the Winner’s certificate, a voucher for £30.00 and the ‘Bernard Deere Shield’ which will be retained by the College for 12 months. The Chief Judge, Mrs Helen Stevens, commended the candidates for the way they approached the wide range of topics, from: “Is there a real future for Christian belief in the UK?” to “Grades don’t Matter!“ The presentations were delivered with confidence, passion and flair. Helen hoped that the experience of speaking in public would be valuable to the students, as they prepare to move into the Winners - Bethan Linbourn (3rd place), centre - Tom Delve (1st place), right - Lowri Lewis (2nd place). Judges: Canon Peter Collins, Mrs Helen world of Higher Education or their chosen Stephens, Mr Jim Winterbottom. Contestants: Natalia Tonner, Hesham Ahmed, Bethan Linbourn, Tom Delve, Lowri Lewis, Tom Greenfield, careers. Renee Eshel, Mr Mike Halloran, President of Cardiff Catenian Circle 36

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