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MEETING THE Coronavirus Onwards Challenge >> PAGES 3-7 >> PAGES 3-7 l At the time this magazine was published England was in a lockdown situation due to Coronavirus and was produced in accordance with government WELCOME guidelines on social distancing.

By ARCHBISHOP BERNARD LONGLEY To our Diocesan family,

WELCOME to the Advent 2020 issue of The Sower magazine. It has been several long months since our last magazine was published due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Every single one of you has been affected in some way by this devastating disease, which shows no sign of abating. Many of us will have lost family and friends to Covid-19, jobs and livelihoods Together we can overcome have gone, our way of life significantly changed. But with all the hardships we have endured, and difficulties and continue to continue to endure, we are learning to trust more in God’s loving care and to care more for each other. support the Church’s mission We are all learning to live a ‘new normal’. celebrate Mass, and pray together, in October, entitled Fratelli Tutti, You can read more about these The threat of Covid-19 remains albeit online. Technology has couldn’t be more timely. It is appointments on page 10. constant, and the restrictions played a huge part in keeping dedicated to human fraternity There is no doubt that we will imposed are ever-changing, people connected this year and social friendship. continue to face many challenges but we are adapting our lives and that will continue moving We have to focus on working on the road to recovery from accordingly. forward. together for the benefit of each Covid-19. In this edition of The Sower I want to thank our Parishes, other and our world. But together we can overcome there is of course reflection and the entire Diocesan school Pope Francis draws on many difficulties and continue to on how we coped during the community, for keeping going important themes in this support the Church’s mission in first lockdown. It has shaped a during the lockdown. In such publication and I encourage you the months ahead. significant part of our lives in difficult times people rose to the to read it. We must do all we can to make 2020 and cannot be downplayed. challenge and went above and This year, despite the sure the Gospel message is heard But there is a message of hope beyond to serve others selflessly. restrictions faced, our Archdiocese through the experience of our and encouragement too. And when our church doors has been blessed with four new daily Christian lives. During the lockdown period reopened that momentum priests, who were ordained at When churches across the there were countless wonderful continued. Helping to keep people St Chad’s Cathedral. Archdiocese reopened for the stories emerging across our safe and well while we pray has to This was a momentous celebration of public worship, Archdiocese of communities remain our priority. occasion for Frs Clive Dytor, numbers were of course working together to help the most We are now facing a fresh Alex Taylor, Benedict Skipper restricted, but it was encouraging vulnerable. beginning in a very different and Sean Gough, who had spent to see so many going back to be Daily acts of heroism which will setting, but with the Lord always several years studying at St Mary’s with the Lord in a building that continue as we move forward. beside us. College, Oscott. is truly home. By the time this Voluntary groups and schools The pandemic has focused our Three new Permanent Deacons magazine is published I hope that making much-needed PPE minds on what really matters. We have also been ordained. You can we will be able to soon worship equipment for our medical and have had the opportunity to get meet Deacons John Garvey, Dirk together again. health teams. back to the basics of our faith and Hermans and Dominic Kerr, and You are in my prayers always. Foodbanks being set up and become acutely aware of the part their wives, in a special feature on With every blessing for the people donating what they could. we all need to play in the service pages 16 and 17. Advent and Christmas season. Neighbours checking on each of others, especially those in We are also delighted to other through phone calls, emails, particular need. have celebrated the episcopal online chat groups. We are all part of God’s family, ordinations of Bishops David We saw a surge in the number we are all brothers and sisters. Evans and Stephen Wright and of Churches offering a live stream The publication of the Holy the appointment of Canon facility, so we could continue to Father’s third Encyclical Letter Richard Walker as Vicar General.

2 The Sower Advent 2020 The Journey ONWARDS

As Covid-19 continues to impact the world, The Sower looks at how the Archdiocese of Birmingham community is rising to the challenge through innovative ways of worship, personal endeavour, technological support and Caritas – while, all the time, planning for a post-Coronavirus future… Medical team astonished by priest who ‘died’ twice

PARISH priest of the He fell ill at the start of a short Archdiocese who spent break from his role at Christ the A nearly 25 years as a King in Coventry where he had hospital chaplain was himself been supporting the parish and given Holy Communion at his deanery in his semi-retirement. bedside as he battled to survive The 69-year-old, who Coronavirus earlier this year. during his church career was Father Michael Stack “died” hospital chaplain at four high twice and was in critical care for profile hospitals in Nuneaton, five weeks before he miraculously Wolverhampton, Birmingham and pulled through, astonishing the Coventry working in critical care medical team with his recovery. wards, was planning to stay with He is full of praise for the his sister in East Anglia. doctors and nurses – but he also Within a short time of arriving drew strength from being visited in Norfolk he had developed a bad by two priests and from the cough and started hallucinating. support of a Baptist Minister who He was admitted by ambulance to was acting as chaplain. hospital. Father Michael Stack who made a remarkable As the author of a book entitled “I was on a ventilator for 21 recovery from Coronavirus earlier this year. Lord When Did We See You Sick, days and 36 days in critical care,” about the healing power of said Father Michael. “I don’t having the sacrament helped me, with his sense of humour intact prayerful companionship with the remember much because I was I felt better. – and he has already been back sick and dying, Father Michael completely medicated – a blessing “It strengthens my faith to to visit the critical care ward at feels the experience has only in disguise. know that we are part of the Queen Elizabeth’s where he met strengthened his faith. “When the priests came in healing process of Jesus Christ.” other survivors. Prayers were said around to give me the sacrament of Father Michael had a He also returned to Christ the world for him as he lay anointing it was quite strange tracheotomy to help his breathing the King in Coventry to give unconscious with the most because I had been independent and he had to learn to walk again thanks for his recovery and show severe form of the virus in Queen for so long – but we all need after his 10-week hospital stay. gratitude to the parishioners who Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn. other people. The knowledge of He is now back on form – still offered prayers for him. Parishes find many new ways to stay in touch PARISHIONERS at St Augustine’s others, our parish is big on prayer,” church in Solihull came together said evangelisation group member via Zoom to discuss practical ways Helen Brookes. of demonstrating their belief that “The hope is that the bouquets prayer should be “at the start and will serve as a reminder to the the heart” of everything. staff, students and families of our They pledged prayers by way of schools and college that the parish support for St Augustine’s Catholic community cares about them and primary school, St Peter’s Catholic that we wish to offer them our secondary school and St Peter’s friendship and support.” sixth form college. Meanwhile, St Peter Apostle In a token of their support the parish in Leamington Spa group presented the schools with organised a community picnic in framed Prayer Bouquets beautifully the Pump Room Gardens near the produced by the Carmelite sisters of church with others attending from Wolverhampton. the parishes of St Joseph’s and Our event in September enjoyed the Father Dominic, left, and Father Joseph of surroundings of the recently “With parish priest Father Lady’s. St Augustine’s church Dominic Kavanagh frequently Practising social distancing, restored gardens while meeting in Solihull, with one of encouraging ‘prayerful support’ for those who attended the outdoor up with other parishioners. the prayer bouquets.

Advent 2020 The Sower 3 Staying connected through technology

GROUP of four Catholic churches turned to technology when the A Covid-19 outbreak enforced restrictions on communal worship. The members of the St Newman Cluster began livestreaming masses via their shared website and Facebook so that parishioners could stay connected. St Joseph’s Wolverhampton, St Mary’s Willenhall, St Joseph’s Darlaston and Holy Trinity Bilston also launched their own YouTube channel. The online initiatives were led by Father Father Craig Fullard Craig Fullard of St Joseph’s Wolverhampton of St. Joseph’s who, despite having no prior knowledge of the Wolverhampton taking part in a virtual coffee technology, was quick to realise the potential morning through Zoom. of using webcams and Zoom. He and the volunteers who helped with the project took inspiration from Pope Francis’ were organised, incorporating videos sent in know that their community has not forgotten description of the internet as a “gift from God”. by teachers of pupils doing Mass readings and them. In the livestreaming people liked to see They also followed pointers in Dr Stephen bidding prayers. a priest they know saying mass in a church Bullivant’s book Catholicism in the Time of Members of all four congregations took that they know. Older people especially Coronavirus which discusses the impact of the part in Zoom discussions which were also appreciated the online offerings if they were pandemic on ways of worship. organised, logging in individually from their shielding. I am amazed at how many of them “I launched our live streaming at the start homes. have gone on to YouTube. of the first lockdown,” said Father Craig. “I got Zoom bingo sessions were run on a weekly “We also had teams of volunteers phoning my laptop out, turned on a webcam and off we basis by volunteer Tom Hanlon, raising £700 parishioners to support them and when one went. The parishioners really appreciated it. I for a local hospice, while a Zoom coffee of our servers for more than 70 years died we asked for donations towards the project and morning brought parishioners together for were able to livestream his Funeral Mass.” they raised more than £12,000.” chat. “We found that people who would not Recognising that there is no substitute for The cash enabled all four churches to normally get together were taking part,” said physically meeting together, the St Newman install specialist cameras which allowed a Father Craig. “Neither would they normally Cluster is taking steps to reopen churches close-up focus on different areas as the masses have used the new technology. once again as progressed. “The online initiatives were launched as a soon as it is In a parallel move, virtual school masses way of creating community, of letting people safe to do so. Adapting and responding to the pandemic

WITH the pandemic situation and helping the Church in its reopened with social distancing changing by the day there is a Mission have, like many of you, we all accepted the wearing of risk that by the time you read had to adapt and respond. We masks, constantly sanitising our By DAVID BROOKS this copy of The Sower we will have all got used to working hands, and helping with the new CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER have entered some new phase remotely and meeting colleagues cleaning regimes required after or some new tier of risk as the virtually in ways we never every Mass. mission entrusted to us by Jesus country takes the necessary thought possible. For some it When all this is behind us and Christ”. How can we help build steps to tackle the virus and its has meant being ‘furloughed’ we have put away the masks those “vibrant communities of impact. and having to deal with feeling and the sanitiser there will be an faith, joyful in their service of All of us I am sure are looking disconnected from our work and opportunity to consider whether God and others” and what we forward to the day when our colleagues. some of the things we have can do to be among the ever current difficulties and sufferings Life in our parishes has been learnt and experienced could be increasing number of lay people are something in our past. even more deeply affected. of benefit to us individually and who need to be engaged in co- However, it is fair to say that However, in a short space of in our lives of faith. responsible ministry? the impact of the pandemic will time we have shown that we can That will be the time for us That is something that we change certain aspects of our respond and find ways to still to reflect on the Archbishop’s can keep in our thoughts and lives for many years to come. celebrate our faith – many of us vision and determine what part prayers as we look forward with Those of us who work in the will have experienced going to we can all play in becoming hope and in the knowledge that curial team supporting parishes Mass online, and when churches “ever more faithful to the Christ is with us.

4 The Sower Advent 2020 The Journey ONWARDS Appeal to return to live Mass once lockdown is over

HE Dean of St Chad’s Cathedral is appealing to the faithful to return to T attending live Mass when lockdown restrictions come to an end. Monsignor Tim Menezes highlights the importance of experiencing sacramental life in an actual church building. He also stresses that all churches across the Archdiocese have adopted Covid-safe procedures after rigorous risk assessments and they are among the safest of public spaces. Safety measures include the wearing of face masks by the congregation, socially distanced seating arrangements and the use of masks and gloves by stewards. Holy Communion is received only on the hand and the sign of peace is omitted. Although the live streaming of Masses from churches has been a great solace, it is not a substitute for the full experience of worship provided in a holy space. “When people returned to physical attendance at Mass after a lay-off of four months during the first Covid-19 lockdown Dean of St Chad’s Cathedral, Monsignor Tim Menezes, with a ‘Stay Safe’ pop-up banner. many were moved to tears,” said Mgr Tim. When people “They realised how much it meant to them. We never stop being called by Christ as the However he seeks to reassure worshippers returned to physical Apostles were to step out in faith and have that Covid-safety remains paramount as they courage. return to sacramental life. attendance at Mass after “There’s something about the church that “Our churches are safer than most other a lay-off of four months we attend that speaks to us of the other life public spaces,” he said. “Only by coming back beyond this one. to church and trying it will people realise this during the first Covid-19 “We are called to make the life of Heaven – they will be surprised how safe they feel. lockdown many an influence on our life today.” “I would like to add from the Clergy’s point Mgr Tim says the Archdiocese fully of view we have missed our people. were moved to tears. understands the factors that have caused “We would love to see them return people to be absent from Mass attendance. whenever they can.” Monsignor Tim Menezes Environment must remain a top priority despite virus

ENVIRONMENTAL matters councils and individuals to and now the Covid Pandemic. from a range of different must remain critical to the bring about the fundamental And he has called on people backgrounds, the Commission Church and parishioners, changes needed to save the to focus on a new future with advises and informs the despite the Covid-19 planet. proper regard to the health of Archbishop and is in the pandemic. The organisation is echoing the planet. process of producing an That is the message from the writing and actions of The Birmingham Justice and Environmental Policy for the the Birmingham Justice and Pope Francis in which he has Peace Commission has existed Archdiocese. Peace Commission, which focused on the world’s peace in different forms since the As well as supporting groups supports all efforts to bring and justice and called everyone 1970s. It seeks to encourage and individuals through about a “Green Recovery” as to experience a personal Catholics within the diocese website news and organising part of its agenda to create a “ecological conversion”. to put their faith into practice an annual assembly, it also more just and peaceful world. His Holiness has made through action for a more just hosts an annual Justice and It is encouraging people to the link between ecological and peaceful world – which Peace retreat day. step back, reflect, pray and devastation, depletion and includes care for creation, Our n For more details about support whatever actions uncontrolled exploitation of Common Home. planned events in 2021 visit: are taken by governments, the earth’s resources, poverty Consisting of nine people www.birminghamjandp.org.uk

Advent 2020 The Sower 5

GROUP of parish volunteers in Tamworth A have been taking to their phones to make contact with parishioners during the Covid-19 lockdowns and beyond. The Connect scheme at St John the Baptist was devised as a means of helping to restore a sense of church community on an ongoing basis. As well as asking people how they are coping under the stressful circumstances and Ring-around helps restore offering help where necessary, the volunteers are supporting them for a safe return to church. During the telephonic a sense of community conversations, and with the consent of the parishioners, their personal details are being “The 18 volunteers make Connect, which has the Above, Evangelisation Field Worker updated on the parish database their calls from their own homes blessing of parish priest Father Alex Parker, left, with Connect scheme volunteers Trish Shaw, centre, and they are being reminded at their own expense. They Michael White, aims to eventually and Lisa Fahy. about the various services the have signed confidentiality reach all the 2,000-plus church can offer. agreements and they are aware of parishioners on the database. “The volunteers were all safeguarding procedures. A further five volunteers given training in advance “The Connect scheme is a great have stepped forward to assist and a checklist of the topics example of how lay people can with the administrative tasks they should cover,” said lay get the church moving, finding associated parishioner Lisa Fahy, one of the positive ways to reconnect even with the organisers. in difficult times.” project. Young performers unite to strike a chord during church services

GIFTED young performers in Warwickshire “I record a piano, keyboard or guitar made recordings in their own homes so part and tracking vocal and send this that they could provide music remotely for to the youth group parents’ WhatsApp church services. chat,” said Caroline Graham, music Members of the Unite Catholic Youth leader of the youth group. Group, aged between seven and 15, donned “The young people can then listen headphones to sing worship songs or play to the music through headphones and along with musical instruments. record themselves singing along – some They or their parents sent in the have also added drums, bass, flute and recordings via email or WhatsApp which guitar. I then put the track together and were mixed together to be used at the send it on to Martin. face-to-face Saturday Masses at Our Lady’s “Our music tracks have also been church, Lillington, as well as Sunday face-to- used during prayer times in our online Youth band leader Caroline Graham with, left to right, Chris, face and livestreamed Masses at St Peter the youth group and in liturgies at our 13, Esther, 10 and Sophie, 7, who recorded music together. Apostle’s church in Leamington Spa. Catholic secondary school, Trinity. Our cover shows Unite Catholic Youth leader Emma Rayment with her children Jacob, 13, and Lucy, 12, who recorded The scheme came about after the youth “I hope that recording the songs at worship songs to be used during their online Masses. group took part in the Kenelm Youth Trust’s home is a prayerful opportunity for the It’s A Knockout competition. young people to praise God with their One of their tasks was to record a worship singing voices whilst we are unable to do this first the recording process was a bit strange song and they were helped to remotely in church.” but as soon as I learned how to use the record their entry by Martin Barry, musical The 17 young musicians and youth software it was really fun.” Jacob’s sister Lucy, director of Our Lady’s. leaders involved were missing the youth 12, who sings and plays the flute, said: “It Thanks to his guidance they became Masses which are run by the Unite group was a great way of still being able to take so proficient in online recording that they in Leamington and Warwick and they were part in the church services from home.” could start contributing to the online Mass delighted to take part in the home-based Blandine de l’Estoille, 10, of Warwick, said: music which he was producing with remote scheme during lockdown periods. “I made the recordings with some friends in input from the family choir at Our Lady’s Jacob Rayment, 13, of Leamington Spa, the youth group. I especially enjoyed singing and the choir at St Peter Apostle’s. who sings and plays bass guitar, said: “At Bread of Life and Sing it in the Valleys.”

6 The Sower Advent 2020 The Journey ONWARDS

A series of imaginative campaigns and initiatives are enabling organisations such as Tabor House and Father Hudson’s Care to enhance the help and assistance they provide to people in society who most need it. Here, The Sower looks at the tireless efforts of these agencies as they aim to overcome the obstacles of Covid-19 and plan for next year... Support and care for the most vulnerable boosted for 2021

OCIAL care charities in the Archdiocese are S launching a series of forward-looking initiatives as they continue supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. Birmingham shelter, Tabor House, has signed up to a national fundraising campaign which they hope will make a vital difference to the support given to people experiencing homelessness. It has joined the Big Christmas Give Challenge, securing £8,000 in pledges from two local businesses who will match any donations made by the public from 1-8 December. This generosity from the firms means that money given during the campaign will be doubled, thereby strengthening Tabor House’s work with vulnerable Project Manager at Tabor House Sharon Fear people. with Tabor House guest Carlos Moscoco. Before the pandemic, Tabor House was having great success in getting people back Tabor House, one of Father the New Year, highlighting the moved to telephone befriending into work and into their own Hudson’s Care’s collaborative charity’s work throughout the for more than 300 people they accommodation, thanks to their projects overseen by an iShelter pandemic. were already working with. strength-based approach to committee, was able to move At St Joseph’s Care Home in The Sandwell-based support. from providing overnight support, Coleshill, Father Hudson’s has partnership, Brushstrokes At the height of the first to offering 24-hour work that installed WiFi points and live Community Project, delivered lockdown, they worked with supports guests with becoming streaming, to reduce feelings of food parcels to vulnerable families Birmingham City Council to independent in their own isolation and increase residents’ in self-isolation. support over 50 people at a hotel accommodation. wellbeing. St Chad’s Sanctuary, a place as part of the Government’s The funding from the Big Staff at the home, as well as of welcome for asylum seekers ‘Everybody In’ scheme. Christmas Give will also support in St Catherine’s Bungalows and in Birmingham, and Hope When this scheme ended, Tabor the development of a second Domiciliary Care, supported Community Project, which are House reopened – not as a night building, which will allow them to residents throughout the pandemic independent charities, provided shelter but as a 24/7 supported work with more guests increasing by helping them keep in touch with telephone support services, online accommodation project, with new current capacity from eight to 11. loved ones. English classes and food support. measures in place to protect the Elsewhere, Father Hudson’s Their New Routes fostering Andy Quinn, Chief Executive health and safety of guests. Care continues to make strides service and Family Support Officer of Father Hudson’s Care The open plan living area across all its projects to rise to the schools service continued said: “At a time when people has been transformed by the challenges brought about by the providing crucial support to needed support doors were introduction of Perspex pods, to pandemic. vulnerable children and families. closing. eliminate any potential spread There are plans to launch the In Staffordshire, Father “We were determined to keep of infection and to meet social annual Good Shepherd appeal Hudson’s Young at Heart scheme, ours open in our 17 services. Like distancing measures. through a series of interactive supporting older people who the Innkeeper 2,000 years ago we These changes mean that online assemblies for schools in are experiencing social isolation, find that God is on our doorstep.”

Advent 2020 The Sower 7 On Easter Saturday, senior leaders Teaching School is rising to the challenge of from every school in the MAC delivered 348 meals for families to enjoy on Easter resources Sunday. Included were supermarket vouchers for the following week’s food providing vital support to community shop as well as Easter eggs. inspire “It is hard to articulate the positive response this simple gesture evoked,” pupils with ROVIDING essential Sinead said. “Some families said they support to pupils and their Pupils Mateus, James and Therese from St hadn’t had food in the house for two Thomas More School, part of the Holy Spirit a message P families while safeguarding MAC, with some of the donated food. or three days prior to the meal being against the threat of Covid-19 has delivered while others said they hadn’t been one of the greatest challenges seen another person for over a week.” of hope ever faced by our schools. The MAC now has a programme to In many cases it has not just repeat the meal deliveries and additional IMAGINATIVE teaching been about ensuring education supermarket vouchers every two to three resources are helping pupils of needs are fulfilled but helping weeks and accepts monetary donations all ages understand where they with some of the most basic to support buying the food and goods. fit in to the Catholic global Secondary Schools requirements of life – such as To date they have delivered over family and how they can be a CPD Coordinator Susan having enough food to eat. 2,500 meals, vouchers and basic living powerful voice in building a Kambalu with some of Sinead Smith, Senior Executive supplies to families and collected over better world. the information packs they send to schools. at the Holy Spirit Catholic Multi £10,000 in donations to support the CAFOD – the Catholic Academy Company, is one of the initiative. Families can now contact Agency for Overseas many school leaders who has Sinead directly if they need support and Development – works with secondary schools tapping into fellow human beings and an found herself trying to put in food and vouchers are then delivered as Catholic schools as well as the host of resources available. unwavering commitment to place such a safety net during the soon as possible. youth groups to further young Susan Kambalu, CAFOD’s resolving the problems of unprecedented health crisis. In addition, Holy Spirit has now people’s knowledge about Secondary Schools Continuous society.’ This is the focus of our The response of her MAC – launched its Christmas outreach communities facing global Professional Development most popular training course, which comprise a secondary and programme – this year extending the injustice. (CPD) Coordinator, said: “We as it reflects the Catholic life four primary schools in North support to the five parishes serving A whole range of teaching were able to adapt our teaching and mission of our schools. Warwickshire – has been to set up a the MAC. This will include delivering resources, activities, lesson resources during the period of “But what is key is that the regular home meal delivery system a full food shop for Christmas Eve and plans and factsheets are lockdown. So, for instance, we language we use to deliver this for families, a decision warmly young people in our schools, tripling charitable cash donations Christmas Day and presents for all available to schools in England were able to provide an online message is age appropriate. We welcomed by the local community. not because they are at risk of compared to the same period three children. and Wales through CAFOD, assembly called ‘The World We want young schoolchildren Sinead said: “It has become contracting Covid-19 but because years ago. Sinead added: “Unfortunately, for along with prayer and liturgy Want’ and encouraged students to be inspired and inquisitive increasingly clear that many years many families have suddenly been Sinead added: “This led us to set many of our families, the new normal resources, themed assemblies to share their lockdown legacy about the challenges that face of austerity have seen the demise plunged into unexpected poverty up our own foodbank for families in is fairly bleak so the programme of and videos. All are inspired by on Twitter. We also asked the world and feel they want to of so many public services which with no access to a safety net.” the Holy Spirit MAC. From the first supporting families with basic living the Pope’s inspirational letter younger pupils to create their learn more and contribute.” would at one time have supported Sinead explained that since the week of closure we advertised via essentials and food will undoubtedly be Laudato Si’, which discusses very own Jars of Hope.” This CAFOD’s work is certainly young people and their families Holy Spirit MAC was formed there social media resulting in us initially a prominent ongoing feature of provision the damage being inflicted on was the first of many online going down a storm in the through periods of hardship. has been a clear emphasis on delivering over 300 food parcels to Sinead Smith. in the Holy Spirit MAC for some time to the Earth by humans and calls assemblies from CAFOD which Archdiocese with many schools Instead, large numbers of families charities and social action. So much families. come. on ‘every person living on this are now a regular event for taking action on Twitter based now rely heavily on charities. so that in the 18 months leading up “However, as our supply of food community and amongst many “We are hoping that those in need in planet’ to make urgent changes Catholic schools. on what they have learned. “So we suddenly found ourselves to the lockdown in Spring, they had began to dwindle, we recognised of our families. We therefore our local community – not just schools to our lifestyles and how we Susan added: “The imagery For instance, St Margaret in the midst of an unprecedented donated over 10 tonnes of groceries that the need to support families began to consider how we could – will feel that they are still not alone consume energy to protect the and language we use is very Mary’s Primary in Erdington, health crisis which is threatening to foodbanks in Nuneaton, was growing rapidly. Alongside address both factors affecting many at the end of what has been a very planet. important. Although CAFOD Birmingham, tweeted: “Year the health and well-being of the Bedworth and Atherstone, while this, there was a tangible fear in the families.” challenging year.” In addition, CAFOD’s 200 as an agency aims to work 4 enjoyed the assembly but trained volunteers visit schools alongside the poorest of the we were upset that so many to deliver global-themed poor we want to also convey schools across the world don’t workshops and assemblies and an uplifting message of hope – have access to clean water. We New role will help improve children’s life chances the organisation also provides that we can all help.” will try to help.” TEN schools in the West Midlands running the two companies in tandem ethos and a collective approach to continuous professional The resources are available They fundraised for CAFOD are coming under the same umbrella while preparing to join them together as enable our children and our faith to development courses for to pupils aged three to 19 and during Lent last year and under the guidance of a Catholic Senior one larger MAC. thrive,” said Suzanne, who has worked teachers and chaplains as well as a result the message being during lockdown shared Executive Leader (CSEL). The new grouping will initially consist in Catholic education since 2006. as training for youth leaders delivered is tailored. CAFOD prayer tweets on many Suzanne Horan is one of the first of 10 schools sharing the same purpose “As CSELs we look to develop and youth outreach teams. Bethany Friery, CAFOD’s occasions. occupants of the newly-created CSEL of mission and it will be called Emmaus ourselves and our own faith formation During the Covid-19 Primary Schools CPD Meanwhile, Holy Cross role (the equivalent of a Chief Executive Catholic Multi Academy Company. and crucially to utilise this and the lockdown, CAFOD was able Coordinator, said: “The work Catholic MAC school group Officer) which exists to foster a spirit Suzanne works collaboratively as a discernment it brings continually within to maintain its level of service being carried out by CAFOD in Coventry joined CAFOD’s of community and shared purpose in system leader with stakeholders and our work and decision-making. through virtual and online very much follows in the national assembly and shared Catholic Multi Academy Companies. partners across the MACs to improve “Part of my role is to encourage resources that teachers could footsteps of Laudato Si’ – the hashtag “summer of hope” Holding the post of CSEL at both St the life chances of children and young and enable others to do the same in then relay to children. paragraph 91 – which states: along with schools around the The Archdiocese of ‘Everything is connected. country. Nicholas Owen MAC, which spans the people. “The post of Catholic Senior fulfilling their own unique vocation and Catholic Senior Executive Leader Birmingham was no exception n For more about CAFOD and local authorities of Birmingham, Dudley Executive Leader is about embracing working towards the common good Suzanne Horan pictured with Concern for the environment and Worcestershire, and St Catherine of the outlook of the Church on education within their academy, parish and wider Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic in accessing these, with thus needs to be joined to book online training visit Siena MAC in Sandwell, she has been delivering a Catholic strategy, a Catholic communities.” Primary School Andrew Carry. many Catholic primary and to a sincere love for our cafod.org.uk

8 The Sower Advent 2020 Advent 2020 The Sower 9 Senior appointments take on crucial new responsibilities in the Archdiocese OUR key appointments have has been caring for the Birmingham been made in the Archdiocese and Worcestershire parishes since last F this year. September, alongside his teaching Canon Richard Walker, who has been responsibilities at the Maryvale Institute. Director of Ongoing Formation since He said: “With St Chad and St Cuthbert Canon Richard Walker. 2015, has taken up his post as the new to guide me, and with the prayers of Vicar General. priests, deacons and people, I hope to be a Former parish priest Canon Walker, humble, diligent and receptive servant of who has a licentiate in Dogmatic the Church.” Theology from the Gregorian University, Both Auxiliary Bishops were ordained Rome, has also been made a Trustee of in a ceremony at St Chad’s Cathedral on the Archdiocese. October 9. “My new role is a big change from my Father Jan Nowotnik has taken up the time as a priest in the parishes of St John posts of National Ecumenical Officer the Evangelist and St Joseph the Worker and Secretary to the Departments for in Banbury,” he said. Dialogue and Unity and Evangelisation “I now find myself working closely and Catechesis at the Bishops’ Conference with the Archbishop and with the clergy in London. of the Archdiocese across a range of Fr Jan served as a parish priest in a responsibilities, but particularly as we total of four parishes in the Archdiocese respond to the challenges in all our of Birmingham, the last of these being parishes and institutions as a result of the St Brigid’s in Northfield, before he left to Covid pandemic.” study in Rome in 2015. From 2003-2014 Canon Walker was He is currently completing a a member of the Formation Staff at St. doctorate in Ecumenical Theology at Mary’s College, Oscott, for the majority the Pontifical University of St. Thomas of which time he was Vice Rector. From Aquinas (Angelicum) and he is a member 2017-2020 he was a member of the of the Russell Berrie Foundation for Archdiocesan Safeguarding Commission. Interreligious dialogue. Canon Stephen Wright has been “It is also clear to me that both my Bishop Stephen Wright. ordained as Auxiliary Bishop with new roles at the Bishop’s Conference are pastoral responsibility for the deaneries concerned with the missionary activity of in Staffordshire, Wolverhampton and the the Church as we strive to make Christ’s Black Country. message known in the world,” said Fr Jan. Until recently he was Episcopal Vicar “It is as important to do this by drawing for Religious and played a prominent role people to the life of faith as sharing in enabling the Archdiocese to respond to the journey and learning from other the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Christians and those of other faiths.” Abuse (IICSA). Bishop Stephen said: “I continue to be blessed in serving the people of this Archdiocese and at this difficult time let us pray we will be wise and generous in caring for the most vulnerable in our society. St Chad, pray for us.” Canon David Evans has also been ordained as Auxiliary Bishop. He will continue to have responsibility for the deaneries in Birmingham and Worcestershire. Bishop David served several years ago as Episcopal Vicar for Coventry, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire and he Father Jan Nowotnik. Bishop David Evans.

10 The Sower Advent 2020 Parishioners asked to pray for those in prison this Christmas

Bishop William Kenney, whose visits have been appreciated by Bullingdon Prison’s Catholic community.

RAYERS for men at Bullingdon Prison even more separated from family and friends – in Oxfordshire will have special are appreciated by the men. P poignancy this Christmas as Covid Prison is not an He said: “The thought and effort bring restrictions prevent some of the special events attractive place to them comfort in the knowledge that, in the which actively include them as members of eyes of the Church, they are not forgotten, the Church. be, and Pope Francis nor are they written off. “They are members Sacraments and Mass will still be delivered frequently reminds us of the local parish and the diocese, and this is by the local chaplain, but given the current symbolised by the visit of the local choir.” situation, bureaucracy is too complex to that people do not lose Bishop Kenney urged parishes to include arrange the Christmas Eve visits by Bishop their human dignity the Bullingdon men, and all those imprisoned, William Kenney which have taken place every in their prayers during Advent and Christmas. year since he returned to the UK in 2007 after because of what He added: “They are in our thoughts. Prison 37 years in Scandinavia. they have done. is not an attractive place to be, and Pope His visits are appreciated by the prison’s Francis frequently reminds us that people do Catholic community, and the attendance of not lose their human dignity because of what a local parish choir has helped deliver the Bishop William Kenney they have done.” message that whatever the men have done, Bishop Kenney is one of a number of senior they are not forgotten by the Church. the men at Bullingdon, and the men will be figures in the Archdiocese who make visits “After all,” said Bishop Kenney,” the Gospel reciprocating by including their neighbours to prisons, youth detention centres and other tells us in the works of mercy to visit the and fellow parishioners in their prayers.” similar venues during the Christmas period, imprisoned. We have an active group of lay Around 1,000 men live at the prison, which including Archbishop Bernard and the other volunteers who visit the men throughout is located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and a new diocesan Bishops. the year, the chaplain will celebrate the chaplain is currently being recruited for the The visits not only help to celebrate the sacraments and Mass and normally I will visit job, which takes up between 20 and 40 hours joy of the coming of the Christ Child but during the year for a confirmation or similar. a week. also provide support and reflection on the Seminarians from Oxford also visit the prison Bishop Kenney said parishioners’ focus on loneliness of this time for those who find as part of their pastoral work. the men – especially at an important time of themselves in prison and the impact on their “This year we are asking parishes to pray for Advent and Christmas, when they might feel family and friends.

Advent 2020 The Sower 11 In a regular feature, The Sower asks people to name their favourite saint and explain why the My favourite saint is so important to them. Here, Maggie Duggan, Deputy Director of Catholic Education and a member of The Sower Editorial Board, chooses Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint SAINT of animals and environment.

AINT Francis of Assisi has been my favourite S saint since, aged just 8, I took his name at Confirmation. My choice at the time was based on two things: a clip on television from a film about the life of St. Francis where he was fearlessly balanced on a roof top surrounded by doves, and Francis was a name which belonged to no-one else in the family. Whilst my decision was based on child-like reasoning, St. Francis has been a constant presence throughout both my personal and professional life in Catholic Education. As a teacher a favourite Literacy project was based on a book about St. Francis. Sharing with young children his story and his love and care for all of Creation was a way of opening up the idea that the saints are our role models and that we should be inspired by what they said and did (and what they continue to do). Now some 20 years later this has been brought so sharply into focus through the Papal Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’’. The children and young people in our Diocesan family Maggie Duggan with a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, of schools have responded whose name she took at Confirmation. magnificently to Pope Francis’ call to protect Our Common Home, and possess a much delight in God’s gift to us all places, there were opportunities better understanding of our whilst the reflective ‘Lord Make for quiet, still contemplation. Sharing with relationship to one another Me a Means of Your Peace’ is a St. Francis was also a great and the Earth. As a result, this personal favourite, conveying teacher, understanding people’s young children generation are very aware of the way I want to serve God and need to learn through their his story and his their responsibilities and are so others. senses. He created the first active in school Eco groups and Assisi itself has been a great Nativity crib scene so that love and care for charitable works. spiritual source. As a pilgrim people could gaze in wonder all of Creation Alongside faith in action, I visited the places where St. at ‘the word made flesh’. St. Francis gifted us his own Francis lived. What is striking This Advent, we hope was a way of creative expressions of faith are the many wonderful visual once again, to encourage the opening up the through sung prayer. For me images which tell you more about children in our schools and music, particularly singing, St. Francis and how he lived his parishes to create their own idea that the has always been an important vocation. Baby Jesus figure to be blessed saints are our dimension and is a part of life in This gives you such a strong on Bambinelli Sunday so that school I miss greatly. sense of the man that it felt that on Christmas Day they can role models... His Canticle of Creation in he had only just left. Even in the welcome the Christ Child into the hymn ‘Laudato Si’’ exudes midst of the busyness of these their homes. Maggie Duggan

12 The Sower Advent 2020 In a regular feature, Father Peter Conley, Assistant Priest at St Joseph The Worker, Coventry, and author of Newman: A Human Harp of Many Chords reflects on Saint John Henry Newman’s life. Here, he focuses on his experiences during three cholera outbreaks in the 19th century.

Father Peter Conley pictured at St Joseph the Worker, in Coventry, reading Saint John Henry Newman’s letters and diary entries about his experiences with the Cholera outbreak in Bilston during the 19th Century. Pandemic’s impact on ministry did not shake faith in the Lord AINT John Henry Newman lived any time he spent recuperating away from his think, at least thirty. A new year has commenced, through three global cholera duties either from overwork or due to illness. and a new half century - great events are before S outbreaks in the mid-nineteenth His diaries mention the “Anti-Cholera masses” us, though we may not live to see them.” century. In anticipation of its arrival in his he said and the thanksgiving service he Newman’s thought-provoking conclusion area, in 1832, he admits he is tempted to travel planned when it abated. is very revealing. It indicates that the sense of by coach while he can – but hesitates and does His most poignant and vivid reflections, trepidation, in the illness’s wake, was real for not do so. As soon as the epidemic surrounds however, are shared with his sister Jemima on him – despite his faith in the Lord remaining him “a second and third time” in Oxford he 9th January 1850: unshakable. describes himself as “living a charmed life…” “I have seen very little of severe illness but Caring for the poor was a particular because he remains healthy. certainly the cholera is very shocking to see. We priority for Newman because they were most As an Anglican vicar, at the first instance of went over for a time to Bilston, where it raged vulnerable to disease. He helped them in a case of the disease in Littlemore, Newman so, that the priests were unequal to it. Multitudes practical ways: providing coal, paying bills tells us he visited the house “straight away”. crowded for reception into the church, and, alas, and securing employment. He also defended After becoming a Catholic priest he records could not be received for want of instructors their dignity when it was undermined how his fellow Oratorians covered London and confessors. They did not send for us till by the Temperance Society who spoke of parishes “in the thick of cholera” in 1854. He one priest was ill abed, and by that time the “drunkards”. Newman responded that this also responded, instantly, when an urgent disease was abating – but the sight of the sick “during the prevalence of the cholera was very request was made to go to the Black Country in the hospitals was terrible and brought before presumptuous and hard-hearted.” on supply, travelling from the community one most awful thoughts. The night calls, which He reassured grieving families that they house in Alcester Street, Birmingham, in were frequent, involving walks from nightfall to now had “additional friends in heaven” 1849. All of which shows the bravery and morning of four to (I think) seven miles were the and emphasised God’s love for them. He compassion of Newman and his Confreres. most trying part of the toil, but I had none of encouraged those who were struggling to Medical science only made the discovery that that, though my dear companion had. Before we understand difficult circumstances, like he the disease was not contagious, but due to came, the priest had had in succession (the same did Marianne Bowden: “Be courageous and impure water, in 1854. priest) three or four journeys through the night generous, and give Him your heart, and you Newman’s ministry during the pandemic – just getting into bed to be called out again. will never repent of the sacrifice.” May St John had a profound impact on him. He wrote what But I believe none died all through the country; Henry Newman calm our anxieties with these he called a ‘Cholera Memorandum’ detailing whereas the fever the year before carried off, I words too.

Advent 2020 The Sower 13 Virtual Lourdes ensures pilgrims can ‘visit’ sacred site THE Archdiocese is remaining the pilgrimage, which proved a were marked and there was Bishop David said: “None of open-minded about what format great success. a celebration of the faith of us could have anticipated the the 2021 annual pilgrimage to Virtual Lourdes was held young people on the pilgrimage profound changes and loss Lourdes will take. from May 24 to 29 and had the too. There were interviews that the coronavirus pandemic In light of the Covid-19 hashtag Lourdes2Brum. with previous pilgrims and the would bring into our lives. restrictions and the ever Over the course of the six-day Closing Liturgy was provided “Nevertheless, the pilgrimage changing international picture, event a number of key speakers by Bishop David McGough, still goes on, the pilgrimage the pilgrimage Executive addressed viewers online. These Chairman of the Lourdes that is our shared journey into Committee are monitoring the included Archbishop Bernard Pilgrimage Committee. the presence of a Lord who situation in consultation with celebrating the Opening Mass, The virtual pilgrimage also never abandons us, and who the relevant medical bodies, the and a virtual Marian Procession gave participants the chance is especially close to us in our Sanctuary of Lourdes and the praying the Glorious Mysteries. to pray for Canon Gerry darkest moments.” Tour Operator. Later in the week there Breen who died late last year n For the latest information A decision will be made in was a service of Healing and and was remembered by so about Lourdes 2021 visit the coming weeks as to whether Adoration of the Blessed many for his role as director the Diocesan website www. the 2021 event will go ahead, Sacrament and a virtual of the Birmingham Lourdes birminghamdiocese.org.uk/ either with a group travelling to celebration of Mass in the Grotto pilgrimage. lourdes-pilgrimage. For all Lourdes or virtually. in which Our Lady appeared to Speaking about the desire to enquiries contact the pilgrimage It follows this year’s decision Bernadette Soubirous. ensure Lourdes continued in office onadmin.lourdes@rcaob. to hold an online version of The Stations of the Cross some form despite Covid-19, org.uk

Tribute to national re-dedication of Mary’s Dowry PRIEST of the Archdiocese issued a of this land have been placed in the hands national re-dedication which was both a personal tribute to Our Lady at the of our Blessed Mother. We could not be in a personal promise of the people of England, A height of the coronavirus lockdown. better place.” and a renewal of entrustment vows made Father John Peyton believes the recent re- Father John, who is now priest at St John’s by King Richard II in 1381. dedication of England as Mary’s Dowry – an and St Joseph’s churches in Banbury and St act traditionally dating back to Edward the Thomas’ church in Wroxton, encouraged The statue of Our Confessor’s time – is highly relevant at this people to renew their commitment to the Lady of Walsingham, time of national crisis. daily Rosary as a way of fully appreciating the displayed during the His written tribute was made in the significance of the re-dedication. Dowry tour. wake of a simultaneous service which His simultaneous service in he held at St Thomas More’s church in March involved him praying Sheldon, Birmingham, to run parallel with the Rosary and the the livestreamed re-dedication Mass at the Angelus along with the National Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham on re-dedication prayer March 29. before Our Lady’s statue in Father John’s personal tribute, issued in St Thomas More’s church. Mary’s month and entitled “May in the Time “I decided to carry out the of the Coronavirus Pandemic: Our Country is service as I try to practise the in Our Lady’s Hands,” was published on the Total Consecration to Jesus Archdiocesan website. through Mary devotion, as He said: “I do believe that the Holy Spirit explained by St Louis-Marie guided the Bishops to choose this year for de Montfort,” he said. this re-dedication – it could not possibly have n Churches throughout been better timed. the Archdiocese “At the time of our greatest need, the people acknowledged the

14 The Sower Advent 2020 Pivotal role in widening knowledge and forming lay faithful

ARYVALE Institute fulfils a pivotal role at the centre M of the Diocesan Vision – and its approach,” teaching services are more vital than ever to said Dr the formation of the laity. Birute Briliute, From enabling parishioners to widen Dean of Maryvale their catechetic knowledge to forming the Institute. lay faithful to become priests, the Institute Maryvale’s Further is inspired by St John Henry Newman’s Education courses are open aspiration for “a laity… who know their to all who are interested in religion.” deepening their encounter with God Its scope ranges from Further Education through a fuller understanding of the courses to BA, MA, Ecclesiastical Licence and Faith. PhD level, all based on a sound adult lifelong The learning opportunities available learning methodology and high academic include catechesis, the study of Sacred standards. Scripture, Church teachings and the Laity are being encouraged to take further Catechism, the support of marriage and education courses in catechesis, parish family life, ministry to youth, ministry to ministry and family catechesis as well as to the sick and housebound, sacramental pursue academic degrees in theology. preparation, prayer and adoration, All courses are now online and parishes alongside different forms of charitable Pictured at Maryvale are, front to back, Administration Assistant Linda Beirne, are being urged to communicate with their outreach. Academic Administrator (undergraduate) parishioners via email and social media to Some students take the first step PA Viktoria Meszaros and Accessibility encourage them to take part in the virtual through a module that focuses on an Co-Ordinator and Academic Administrator academic forums. area of interest to them – for example, (postgraduate) Melissa Pearce. Maryvale itself is set to use its wide online an introduction to philosophy – and then presence to promote the new Directory continue on to a short course of study which for Catechesis, guiding the Church on the can vary in length from six months to two The Directory is a ministry of faith formation, which was issued years. really exciting and by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Alternatively there are students who begin the New Evangelisation earlier this year. with a course of studies and then look for long-awaited key Pastoral workers as well as the Diocesan a particular module that will help them to document, which will Bishops, Maryvale staff and the wider further develop their knowledge in an area academic community will be involved during such as the Rite of Christian Initiation for facilitate the revaluation the Institute’s work to integrate the new Adults (RCIA) programme. guidance into its teaching curriculum. “The different learning opportunities and renewal of both “The Directory is a really exciting and long- available through the Further Education our catechetical and awaited key document, which will facilitate Programme prepare the students to the revaluation and renewal of both our contribute to key dimensions of parish evangelisation efforts... catechetical and evangelisation efforts within life,” said Mary Killeen, Further Education the diocese by means of a deeper integrative Programme Director. Dr Birute Briliute

Advent 2020 The Sower 15 Continuing a series of regular features, The Sower asks the same questions of people carrying out similar Dirk and Marleen Hermans THREE service in the Archdiocese. Here, we put the questions Dirk is Deacon at to three newly ordained St Edward’s Parish in of a kind Deacons and their wives. Selly Park, Birmingham.

What led you to become a Deacon? Dominic and Frances Kerr Simply put: I was led. Over the years, I was Dominic is Deacon at strangely drawn to articles on the diaconate, St Catherine of Siena or diaconate workshops at conferences that in Birmingham I attended. But the notion of being a deacon was always promptly rejected by myself. But there is no escaping from God’s plan, What led you to become a Deacon? and just when he bathed me in His Grace, at I’m also planning to help the local hospital Catholic Charismatic Renewal events each Well, I’m hoping the answer to this is that a key moment in my life, He made sure the chaplain and the university chaplaincy team year, to refresh our spiritual batteries, and it’s God’s doing! For most of my adult life I question was put to me. when I can. I stand ready for whatever else have discovered virtual retreats during this believe I have felt a calling, something tugging How could I say no? At first unsure His Grace the Archbishop may want me to pandemic. away at me, gently and persistently pulling how I could be His servant, the Formation consider doing. We have a growing library of religious me forward. I haven’t been able to explain Programme has helped to give confidence that books that we are slowly working our way this and am still unable to, only to say that the Lord will always provide what I need to do Marleen, when your husband said he wanted to through and share what we’ve discerned with in the responding, I have found myself to be His work. become a Deacon how did you feel? each other. We both hope to continue to find increasingly more at peace. Over time, I have Excited but also confused. This was not part What will your new role encompass? inspiration and comfort in reading the Word come to see the deacon as someone who, of our plan. Why did God call him on this new As long as I’m in full-time work, not much of God. in the name of the Gospel, witnesses to the path? I have now come to understand that our can be added to my current commitments, Father’s love for all, particularly in those places Lord is a Lord of surprises and that we are safe but it is clear my contribution to the liturgy What do you do to relax? where people are in greater need and for in His hands. We are ready for this next step in will change and I hope to be able, after the Spending time with our four children and their those who are struggling to believe they are our lives. We are on this journey together. worthwhile or good. Perhaps this is what we Covid-19 pandemic, to re-engage with some families, including playing about with the five are all called to do and to be in the world for pastoral works, e.g. bringing Christ to those in How do your nurture your faith as a couple? grandchildren and doing some DIY around the in any case? Nonetheless, preparing to become nursing homes. We now have a well-established prayer house, plenty of projects there until well after a deacon now seems like something I have I will need to be conscious that, even routine, with Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer retirement! always needed! more than at present, I will be looked upon and a Rosary said daily as a couple. Regular We like a good read, particularly anything was calling him knowing our concerns and on TV or at the cinema and, of course, (and judged) as a Christian in my secular Mass attendance is a given. historical, a bit of television and a Sudoku What will your new role encompass? frustrations. So we embarked together and I supporting the mighty West Ham. workplace. Pre-pandemic, we used to attend a few puzzle a day to keep the mind sharp. As a fledgling, I have imposed myself already know Dom will stay grounded. Frances: West Ham. Hmmm. Not interfering on the good will of two parishes near in the garden. Humph! Aside from the above Birmingham city centre and practise on them How do you nurture your faith as a couple? I love meeting up with friends, reading, oil for 33. We have both had challenging jobs, me most weeks! Here, I have opportunity to learn, Dominic: We pray together sometimes and painting, serving on the till in Harborne John and Jane Garvey originally as a Paediatric Oncology Nurse, John as a at least a little, how to serve as a deacon in a have done many times over the years, though Oxfam and gazing lovingly at the John is serving as Deacon at St Nicholas, police officer, now both teachers, and we have both parish and am very grateful and happy to be this is not something we’ve done, or perhaps architecture in Birmingham! Boldmere in Sutton Coldfield. seen the stark reality of life for some people and doing so. I am drawn still to pastoral work in felt the need to do, routinely or every day. having four children, a long marriage with ups and the prison and am waiting for a time when We frequently talk about the many things of What led you to become a Deacon? downs, means John has a realistic view of what life I may begin to revisit this. All the while, I faith that matter to us: questions of belief, the I would like to say that this was a slow burn over can hold for some people and offer his support. He continue in my various roles at school and Church, the things happening in the world, a long period but this was something that was is a wonderful father, son and husband and I know hope to discover what it means to be a deacon prayer for those in need and our hope in Pope suggested to me by my Parish Priest, Father Vann. that he will give his time willingly to support those here also, with the many young people I Francis. I think that each day we try to be It was a complete shock but once I had got over around him. encounter from day-to-day. In prayer too, I deeply kind to each other in all the great or the ‘I am not worthy’ excuse (which one of us is, hope that the diaconate will be a blessing on small things we share and perhaps it is in this after all?) I felt that perhaps this was something I How do your nurture your faith as a couple? all whom I know and have known, and on my most of all that we find together our living may be able to do. I do feel that at times, I am being We have always had a strong faith but with a young family and our lives together. faith in action. dragged, kicking and screaming through formation family it was perhaps a little less structured than it Frances: Not having Dom beside me at Frances, when your husband said he wanted to but in doing so, I am becoming more attentive to His is now. It is easy to lose a little focus when life is full Mass has been one of the hardest things about become a Deacon how did you feel? calling and more faithful in trusting to his designs. of the beautiful chaos that parenthood brings but his training. I did try joining in the Daily Bewildered, supportive, pleased, angry, we have been blessed with the four year formation Office for a bit so we would be together but appalled, indignant, frustrated... and now... What will your new role encompass? process which has positively impacted the whole it is not for me. I prefer meditation and more peaceful and happy! Dominic brings such I am currently teaching in a secular school but have family. Religion is a regular subject for discussion informal praying and our lives are so full-on good humour, gentleness, shrewdness and contacts with the Diocesan Prison Chaplaincy team (and debate) in our house. We both passionately that to do both is too much if the house is to wisdom when being with people and I knew which may be an option in the future. That being believe in faith in action and that does at times, stay standing and the cats fed. he was embarking on training that would said, working with vulnerable students at this time result in some frustration in how our society enable him to be available to more people in What do you do to relax? of uncertainty is certainly God’s work. I hope to conducts itself. order to help and serve them. I also trusted Dominic: In the good weather, I love sitting be involved in parish life and my experience with Dom’s sense of being called. I had to be in our garden, which Frances constantly young people will, I am sure, be utilised. What do you do to relax? reassured many times that our daughters’ maintains and makes beautiful without my We run a large youth group (over 200 children) needs and my needs would come first. interference. Together, we love walking out in Jane, when your husband said he wanted to become a together with some close friends. Contrary to how it All my frustrations with clericalism surged the hills when we get a chance, sharing lovely Deacon how did you feel? sounds, this is a great source of relaxation. We love forward, and indignation that only men food, meeting up after work on Fridays to At first I was a bit taken aback but after our Parish spending time with our four children and also, with were being allowed to follow their calling. enjoy the pub and a nice meal, watching films Priest had mooted it we went home and discussed it our four dogs and two cats. Beautiful chaos is never But I know Dom felt the same and that God and series of anything truly funny or gripping at length. We have been married 30 years, together far away.

16 The Sower Advent 2020 Advent 2020 The Sower 17 Continuing the series where The Sower highlights how A Parable the parables of Jesus are strongly relevant in modern-day life, Brother Andrew Ferris, SCJ, highlights the enduring for our time resonance of the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Congregation seeks to bring God’s love into the lives of all – just as Good Shepherd did

HE Parable of the Good to not only speak about Shepherd tells how a the love of God in Jesus, T shepherd should be but to be another sacred prepared to leave his flock of 99 heart, in other words to sheep in open country to go in actively both bring and search of one sheep that is lost share God’s love into the and needs rescuing. lives of each person we Jesus describes the meet. celebrations that would follow Each of the Sacred after the stray is discovered and Heart Communities forms says: “I tell you that in the same part of a parish, which way there will be more rejoicing is of great importance to in heaven over one sinner who me and a real blessing, repents than over ninety-nine to help and support the righteous persons who do not parish community in so need to repent.” (Luke 15: 4-7) many ways. As a member of the Sacred I also work as one of The parable’s modern relevance is Heart Fathers and Brothers the Chaplains at John to show us how we are the recipients of of Betharram (SCJ), living Henry Newman Catholic since 2015 in their religious College, Chelmsley Wood. acts of kindness, mercy and compassion, community at the Holy Name It is a great privilege to witness allowing us to recognise that we of Jesus church in Great Barr, the love, mercy and compassion Birmingham, I believe the parable of the Lord Jesus within the are loved and cherished by God. has a profound meaning. daily life of the school. I have Just as the Good Shepherd recognised the presence of Jesus, Brother Andrew Ferris sought out the one in need, the Good Shepherd. members of our religious In times of difficulty, Jesus the Through these acts we know Grotto one night (until the early congregation strive to bring God’s Shepherd will leave the 99 sheep, that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, hours) I gently heard and felt love into the lives of all people – coming in search of you and me. continually comes in search of the voice of the Lord saying: “I even those on the margins - that This is how much we are loved by us. Then we are called by him to have some definite purpose for they meet. God in the person and presence of share this love with others. you Andrew, will you follow the St Michael Garicoits, the his Son, Jesus, the Good Shepherd. I have been privileged to voice of the shepherd?” It was at Founder of the Sacred Heart The parable’s modern take part in the Archdiocesan this moment I recognised the call Fathers and Brothers, desired his relevance is to show us how Pilgrimage to Lourdes – and it to Religious Life. I now have the Religious Community would have we are the recipients of acts of was there many years ago that I privilege of being the Vocation the Patronage of the Sacred Heart, kindness, mercy and compassion, had a very personal experience of Guide for the Sacred Heart the Heart of Jesus. allowing us to recognise that we the parable. Fathers and Brothers English He often spoke about the need are loved and cherished by God. While quietly sitting in the Vicariate.

18 The Sower Advent 2020 Monsignor Daniel McHugh celebrating Mass and recording his Reflection for the Burning Bush Vlog.

TEAM of YouTubers inspired by the miracle A of the Burning Bush is producing a weekly Vlog as a resource for worship at home. Monsignor Daniel McHugh, Diocesan Co-ordinator of Ethnic Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions, came up with the idea of an online offering relating to the Sunday Scripture reading after the Covid-19 pandemic took hold. Members of the Burning Bush team get together on Zoom to fine-tune the contents of the Vlog which includes a video of Mgr Daniel’s Homily, a time before the Blessed Sacrament, music, pictures and scripture. “The initiative is so-called because in the Burning Bush team Book of Exodus we are told Moses came into the presence of God at the extraordinary miracle of the Burning Bush,” he said. “The Vlog is a resource for Chaplaincies and blaze a trail with those on Facebook, for friends and contacts all of whom can have a 10-minute period each Sunday – or another day if they wish – to YouTube resource pause, reflect, pray and decide on personal action.” The Burning Bush team includes Professor Damien Walmsley, a keen amateur for worship photographer, Dr Ian Morgan, a keen choir member, and Con McHugh, Mgr Daniel’s cousin who is expert in the use of technology. He is keen to use the internet to ensure the Intercultural Mass. This was broadcast via the Con edits the different elements – including Ethnic Chaplaincies have an enhanced place diocesan website. the Homily produced on Mgr Daniel’s dining on the diocesan website. “The internet has contributed so much to table using an iPhone – and uploads to A new complementary website has also keeping the Church community together in YouTube each Friday morning. been created entitled “Our Lady of Good faith and prayer during the pandemic,” he The Ethnic Chaplaincies Co-ordinator has Counsel Ethnic Chaplaincies” so that stories said. “It will continue to play an important been using digital technology ever since he of the work of the ethnic communities can be part in our liturgical celebrations, education, was appointed to his role. disseminated. catechesis and communications.” He uses email to circulate his weekly Meanwhile the Monsignor planned an Mgr Daniel also celebrated and livestreamed newsletter, posts regular Reflections on the online celebration marking One World Week from his home in Solihull the opening Mass diocesan website and livestreams Masses from from 18 to 25 October, which featured an of the Annual Novena to the Sacred Heart his home onto his Facebook page. online Intercultural Celebration, replacing the at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Maryvale, an event which he inaugurated in 1981. n Meanwhile, a regular YouTube broadcast set up by Fr Paul Lester of St Mary on the Hill church, Wednesbury, came into its own during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fr Paul started the channel called In Montem Sanctum (On Holy Mountain) in January with the aim of sharing prayer, hope and encouragement. “I now realise what a blessing it was BURNING that I set up the channel, because since BUSH TEAM: the Covid lockdown so many people have Pictured with Mgr expressed their appreciation at this kind of Daniel McHugh are, left to right, sharing,” he said. Professor Damien “Especially in these times we need to Walmsley, Dr Ian know that whatever is happening around Morgan, and Con us, our faith is the foundation and the McHugh. security that only God can give.”

Advent 2020 The Sower 19 Sending out an SOS worldwide IVE streaming has many faithful in South Africa proved an international and the USA. L success for one parish – The live streaming began in and earned it a mention in the March as it became clear the Catholic news weekly The Tablet. church would be closed for an As well as daily transmissions extended period. of Mass at the Sacred Heart A candle is lit for those who church in Henley-on-Thames have lost loved ones, often Father Paul Fitzpatrick at Sacred Heart Church, Henley-on- there are devotions at 5.05pm victims of the pandemic. Thames, with supermarket gift cards that have been bought with money raised through a hardship fund. which are called “SOS-505”, “This is how word of the live supporting people during the streamed Masses has spread,” Covid pandemic. said Father Paul Fitzpatrick, widely acclaimed. “I have had donations of non-perishable Sacred Heart’s virtual whose inspiring homilies and requests from across the country food and toiletries for the local congregation for Masses is around reassuring manner during and across the world as our foodbank, a hardship fund has 400 with participants including the live streamings have been parishioners share the link with been set up to allow them to give family and friends elsewhere.” money remotely for a range of Father Paul holds Mass to an empty church, which is live streamed and The Tablet praised the charities in the area. watched all around the world. He also lights candles for those who have virtual worship as “good, clear Donations have exceeded been lost, which people can request. live streaming” in a section £4,000 of which £1,500 has highlighting resources for gone to the foodbank with the Catholics during the crisis. rest being converted to Tesco The Sacred Heart works with a vouchers for local charity company called MCN who have NOMAD, the homeless and installed the necessary filming recipients of free school meals at equipment and software. the local primary school. In another Covid-linked All donations are given initiative the parish has expanded under the parish’s cashless its support for those in need. arrangements, many by standing Whereas previously order with the additional option parishioners would leave of giving under Gift Aid. Continuing to deliver campaign throughout 2021

ORGANISERS of The God Who Speaks Bible through the life of Jesus, Mary, the interpretations of the campaign are continuing to deliver their Trinity, St Jerome and other saints. Scriptures. programme across England and Wales The showing of this artwork around the David McLoughlin, in order to deepen Catholic Scripture dioceses has now been re-scheduled as part Chair of the Committee engagement in all 22 dioceses. of the ongoing Scripture Tour programme and Emeritus Fellow Despite lockdowns and the restrictions for 2021. The aim is to offer at least 10 tour of Christian Theology placed on society by Coronavirus, a number events and to find new opportunities to at Newman University, of key initiatives have grown to fruition create other bespoke God who Speaks events explained why the campaign was so relevant to maintain awareness and encourage in schools, cathedrals and in cities as well as during the current situation. participation. collaborating with ecumenical partnerships. “The pandemic offers us an opportunity They include the development of a Within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, to go further in our reading of the Word of new website, which can be found at many plans are also being looked at for God, to find guidance in a time of suffering godwhospeaks.uk, and is the national go-to potential events throughout 2021 – with a and distress,” he said. bible portal for the Catholic Church. focus on Mark’s Gospel. To help with this, “New situations always provoke us to New sections include Our Word at Home, new material has been commissioned for re-read the texts in fresh ways and see resources for use during the pandemic and a schools and parishes ready for Advent. things we had previously missed. Our rebranded education section for primary and The diocesan God Who Speaks Planning global pandemic is one such situation, and secondary schools. Committee is also looking into the feasibility generous pondering of the Biblical texts now There is also a Our Dioceses section of a conference at Newman University, will bear fruit in the years ahead and among showcasing two dioceses per month and potentially in response to Pope Francis’ the challenges that are yet to come.” their God Who Speaks activities. recent Apostolic Letter Scripturae Sacrae For the latest details visit www.godwho In addition, artist Peter Codling has Affectus/Devotion to Sacred Scripture. speaks.uk – with local events also completed his artwork commission “Little This celebrates the work and influence of featuring on www.birminghamdiocese. Bits of God” – a multi-panelled polyptych the year’s patron, St Jerome, and reflects org.uk in Venetian mosaics telling the story of the on the need for good translations and

20 The Sower Advent 2020 Third annual talks will focus on the ‘new normal’

Father Jeremy Howard helping to set up an after school club in the community room at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Hednesford, which has recently received funding for renovations thanks to the work of the Development Team.

ISCUSSIONS to share best practice how their buildings are used and how we work around supporting income generation on adapting church life, buildings fund the delivery of community projects. and embedding digital-giving at parish level, D and communities for “the new Speakers from church bodies and funders but there is more to be done. normal” will be even more significant like The National Lottery will address the “I think the 2021 event will be the most because of Covid. questions “How do we adapt to change?” important we have done so far, given Covid’s The pandemic’s unprecedented impact on “What is the new normal?” and “How can unprecedented impact on the church, church attendances and finance, as well as the digital church complement church attendances, finances and buildings.” the questions it asks of a church’s properties, buildings and how do they work alongside Details of the event, and how to register, will form the agenda of the third, day-long each other?” will be circulated widely via the Archdiocese ‘Fit for Function’ event, taking place in Archdiocese Head of Development and website and also via a targeted mailing Kidderminster on 22 April, 2021. Fundraising, Steve Baylis, said the event campaign. Organised jointly with the Church of would reflect on the response to Covid, share Steve added: “It will help us answer the England, this ecumenical event will provide best practice and learnings, and debate the question of how we maintain the Church at an opportunity to join the discussion for way forward. the heart of communities in such changing anyone interested in their parish’s future, He said: “Since March we have done lots of and challenging times.” Assurances for Remembering all whistleblowers genocide victims THOSE who wish to raise concerns about alleged fraud, wrongdoing or misconduct PARISHES across the Archdiocese are being within their parish are being reminded of invited to take time to remember and reflect on the Archdiocese’s Whistleblowing Policy. the great losses and pain many people suffered Since last summer, the Archdiocese as the result of some of the world’s worst has been working with the independent reasons for them and setting out the atrocities. charity, Protect, to provide an additional background and history of the issue. Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), which takes safety valve to support all whistleblowers, All matters are treated confidentially place on 27 January, is a chance for everyone whether they be employees, volunteers or and measures taken to protect to remember the millions of people murdered postholders. the individual from harassment, in the Holocaust under Nazi persecution, and This reinforces the legislation that has victimisation or bullying. in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, been in place since 1998 – called the In the first instance an individual Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Public Interest Disclosure Act – through should bring the matter to the The theme for HMD 2021 is ‘Be the light in which individuals are afforded protection attention of Human Resources and the darkness’. It encourages everyone to reflect if they flag up alleged infringements in Communications Director Gerry Dryden. on the depths humanity can sink to, but also areas such as fraud, safeguarding issues, He can be contacted via email at Gerry. the ways individuals and communities resisted health and safety risks, damage to the [email protected] that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and environment, miscarriages of justice or In his absence, or if the issues relate after genocide. criminal offences. to him, contact Chief Operating Officer More details about HMD along with People are encouraged to raise their David Brooks at David.brooks@rc- resources for all schools can be found at concerns in writing, indicating the birmingham.org www.hmd.org.uk

Advent 2020 The Sower 21 Sacrament of the Sick provides great solace on journey of faith

ICHAEL Doyle has vivid experience of M how administering the Sacrament of the Sick can provide the strength, peace and courage to overcome difficulties associated with a serious illness. In 1999 his son was involved in a car collision and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, with a severe head injury. Due to the grave nature of the injury, Michael asked the hospital’s Catholic Chaplain to administer the Sacrament of the Sick – which provided great solace to everyone gathered around the bedside. Fortunately, his son went on to make a miraculous recovery, for which Michael continually gives praise to the Lord. The experience encouraged Michael – who is retired, and lives Michael Doyle with the article he had The Faith Companion in Walsall – to write an published in . article on the subject for The Faith Companion, a two-monthly magazine Spirit. May the Lord who frees aimed at accompanying Catholic How beautiful is our Catholic you from sin save you and raise parishioners on their faith Faith. It provides a solution for you up.” journey. ‘‘ Michael explains: “A particular Entitled ‘The Wisdom of Holy our anxieties, calms our minds gift of the Holy Spirit and a major Mother Church: The Sacrament and fills our hearts with hope. grace of this sacrament is the of the Sick’, its publication earlier strengthening, peace and courage this year was also a timely to overcome the difficulties of St Josemaría Escrivá reminder that even in a world ’’ serious illness or the frailty of old affected by Covid-19, Catholics age.” can feel a great deal of hope and for showing us His Mercy.” “How beautiful is our Catholic He also says that in sharing comfort in their faith whatever During his son’s spell in Faith. It provides a solution for his spiritual story with others, life throws up. hospital, Michael explains in our anxieties, calms our minds Michael now understands the Michael said: “The Sacrament his article that he turned to St and fills our hearts with hope.” Wisdom of Jesus in instituting the of the Sick gives strength, peace Josemaría Escrivá de Balageur y Michael added: “These words I Sacrament of the Sick to help us and courage to overcome the Albás, who founded Opus Dei believe, give everyone assurance all on our Journey of Faith. difficulties that go with the and wrote The Way, a book which on our life’s journey of Faith.” He added: “One really needs condition of a serious illness. aims to encourage people to love The Sacrament of the Sick is to recall the faith of St Peter, who “This assistance from the Lord God and live by God. given to those who are seriously walked on water believing in the by the power of the Holy Spirit He said: “I asked St Josemaría ill by anointing them on the Lord, when he started to sink. brings healing to the soul of the Escrivá to intervene on my behalf forehead and hands with blessed Sometimes we think the Lord has sick person and also to their body, to ask for the human strength to oil and saying, only once: forgotten us, but He has not. if it is God’s will. My son did make accept ‘The Will of the Lord’.” “Through this anointing may the “He is still with us even in our a miraculous recovery, which I In the article he also quoted Lord in His love and mercy help darkest hour helping us in ways shall continually thank the Lord from the Saint’s book, stating: you with the grace of the Holy we do not comprehend.”

22 The Sower Advent 2020 Team volunteers Felicity Hawley, 19, and Becky Palser, 20, are filmed at Alton Castle for a TikTok promotional video by fellow team member Lucas Weaver, 19. It was one of the things that helped them receive recognition with a Million Minutes award.

A ‘million thanks’ for volunteer team providing wellbeing and faith support

NLINE community initiatives by valuable opportunity to reach young people selfless Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) Lockdown was with an experience of faith virtually. O volunteers during the first Covid-19 “I tried to be a source of energy and joy not lockdown are set to continue thanks to a such an important and only for the people watching but also for the special award. team.” Eight members of the Trust’s Mission Team valuable opportunity to Felicity Hawley, 19, who is in her second were recognised by the Catholic national reach young people with year at Alton Castle Retreat Centre and youth charity Million Minutes for their efforts is an education studies undergraduate at in supporting young people’s wellbeing and an experience of faith Staffordshire University, said: “I think our life of faith. virtually. I tried to be a online worship recordings were important as The Pier Giorgio Frassati Award, which they brought happiness and hope in difficult comes with a grant, commended the way the source of energy and times. I helped by making PowerPoints so “quaran-team” used social media platforms to joy not only for the the young people could follow what we were proclaim the joy of the Gospel. singing.” Volunteering to remain in a “bubble” at people watching but All eight recipients of the award have Alton Castle when the first lockdown took also for the team. the opportunity to apply for up to £300 to hold, the group of eight ran online sessions progress social action projects in their area, and created vital resources for parishes and Becky Palser allowing them to continue into 2021 with schools. their inspirational youth support. “The awardees bravely stayed on at the worship for primary school children and KYT is planning new ways to support parish Youth Trust in the midst of the gap year when showcased a vibrant Youth Mass. youth ministry next year including online the lockdown happened,” said Erin Doughty, Going in front of camera they praised training and virtual events. Soli Programme Director. the Lord, played instruments, and sang for Online offerings will include Youth “They could have gone home to their segments which were transmitted across Alpha, a monthly online Youth Mass and a family but they responded generously to the YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Their virtual youth group while a comprehensive invitation to stay, so that they could continue dance sequences were showcased on TikTok. Catholic mental health resource for schools, their mission.” One of the volunteers, Becky Palser, 20, who called Quo Vadis, has been developed, The Mission Team members created is in her third year with the Mission Team and based around 12 classroom sessions and a videos for a YouTube series on How to is studying theology at Maryvale Institute, mentoring programme. For more details visit: Pray, introduced livestreamed Wednesday said: “Lockdown was such an important and www.kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk

Advent 2020 The Sower 23 finance 2019 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

from REPORT Total Income and Expenditure 2019 (including restricted funds) £1.05m Pandemic has THESE summarised financial results for the year ended 31st December 2019 have been extracted from the complete set impact on funds of annual financial statements on which the auditors have FOR many parishes, With God’s help diocese will grow expressed an unqualified audit opinion. The full financial especially those with high statements are available on the Diocesan website and cash giving, the Covid-19 HERE is no doubt that By ARCHBISHOP we will continue to grow and £3.19m a highlight of 2019 was become a diocese that is ever on the Charity Commission website under our charity pandemic has had a major reference number 234216. impact on income. T the canonisation of St BERNARD LONGLEY more faithful to the mission Some costs have been John Henry Newman in October. entrusted to us by Jesus Christ, The Statement of Financial Activities of the Archdiocese reduced as buildings have He spent much of his life in the communities are fully supported full of intentional disciples in for the year ended 31 December 2019 shows income of been used less and some Archdiocese and at this difficult as they carry out our shared vibrant communities of faith, £22.23m (2018: £22.58m) analysed as follows: salaries were mitigated by time for us all we ask for his Mission. One area that was the joyful in their service of God £1.88m the Furlough Scheme. prayers as we live through the focus of much of our work in and others, where many more n £14.15m But cleaning materials devastating effects of the global 2019 was safeguarding. The lay people are engaged in Donations and legacies – £14.15m and PPE for reopening of pandemic. Archdiocese has committed collaborative ministry offertories, donations, legacies, Gift Aid, etc. churches have cost more. n I am grateful to the many additional resources to this area Whilst the 2019 Report and Income from charitable activities – £1.96m £1.96m Priests also missed out on people who have given and fundamentally changed its Accounts state our financial votive candles, repository and fees, etc. Easter offerings. themselves in service to all practices and processes. results, they also are an n In many cases general Income from other activities – £1.88m aspects of our work as we As I look forward I am very opportunity to reflect on all the bazaars, etc. costs reduced since offices proclaim the good news to aware that the pandemic leaves work that so many do to further n were temporarily unusable those whose lives we touch. us with many challenges. our Mission. I am grateful to all Investment income, including interest – £3.19m and salary costs were We continue to strive to ensure However I have every confidence who have contributed in so many n Other income – £1.05m 2018 £0.37m reduced by furloughing. that our parish and school that with prayer and God’s help ways. including net gains on disposals of tangible fixed assets £3.27m

The objectives of the Archdiocese may be We support: Expenditure amounted to £26.13m (2018: £26.59m) analysed as follows: summarised as follows: £2m

We provide: 2019 £0.59m £0.29m £1.62m £15.32m

£0.54m The provision Maintenance and upkeep of churches, £0.44m of religious schools, presbyteries and parish services. buildings. £0.33m Maintenance and support of Relief of the £3.91m clergy during their active service poor and those and in retirement. in need.

EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS: £6.29m n Generally, for any such charitable purpose Education and youth Education and Fundraising operations – £0.29m or purposes as in the opinion of the services for children training for n Investment management costs – £0.44m Archbishop may be conducive to the attending Diocesan clergy and those £10.59m advancement or maintenance of the Roman schools, and young wishing to be CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES: Catholic Religion in the Archdiocese. members of the Church. ordained. £3.15m n Liturgical, Chaplaincies, grants made etc. – £3.91m THERE are many people across the Archdiocese ■ Working with those struggling financially to n Curial, Parish and Chaplaincies* etc. who undertake work to benefit the public at large supply basic needs for their families such general and administrative costs – £10.59m n and the communities served by the parishes. as clothing and food, by providing support 2018 £2.36m £0.36m Clergy costs – £3.15m through the activities of organisations such These include: n Property – £6.29m as the Society of St Vincent de Paul and food £0.81m £0.45m including depreciation and impairment ■ Evangelisation and Catechesis. and clothing banks. n Votive candles, newspapers and ■ Outreach work with disadvantaged and ■ Family and Marriage guidance, and £0.36m £3.05m repositories costs – £0.33m vulnerable members of society. It has been estimated ■ Family support. that volunteers n Schools costs – £0.54m ■ Provision of support to the elderly, particularly contributed £10m £6.7m n Legal and professional fees – £0.59m at parish level by providing essential worth of time to the These objectives are achieved primarily including auditor’s remuneration** community gathering places, organised Archdiocese through the parishes and schools £9.46m activities, support and advice. in 2019, which does working together with the many * Chaplaincy etc. general costs include Diocesan activities relating to university and other chaplaincies not feature in the catering for specific communities and groups within the Archdiocese. ■ Assisting with mental health and other Catholic societies and organisations financial statements. health issues through our hospital and prison based in the Archdiocese. £3.04m ** Legal and professional fees include costs relating to IICSA of £0.28m (2018: £2m). chaplains.

24 Finance Report 2019 2019 Finance Report 25 finance 2019 REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY UNRESTRICTED FUNDS – INCOME AND EXPENDITURE £1.1million funding success supports 2019 2018 INCOMING RESOURCES Parishes *Diocese* Total Parishes Diocese Total unrestricted unrestricted funds funds 68 grants across 40 individual projects £m £m £m £m £m £m Donations and legacies 11.45 0.41 11.86 13.5 0.48 13.94 URING 2019, the Development Income from charitable activities 0.96 1.00 1.96 0.9 0.69 1.62 Department secured funding valued Income from other activities 1.78 0.02 1.80 1.9 0.02 1.94 at just over £1.1 million from 68 D Investment income, including interest 2.49 0.57 3.06 2.5 0.65 3.12 individual grant applications, supporting over Other income 0.88 0.18 1.05 0.4 0.00 0.37 40 separate projects. Two of these projects (including net gains on disposals of tangible fixed assets) were capital works valued at over £100k which resulted in new community facilities being TOTAL INCOME 17.56 2.18 19.74 19.1 1.84 20.98 developed at St Joseph’s in Wolverhampton and the church of St John & St Martin in RESOURCES EXPENDED £m £m £m £m £m £m Balsall Heath. In 2019, Development engaged with a Cost of raising funds number of churches to trial contactless giving Fund raising operations 0.23 0.01 0.25 0.31 0.00 0.32 schemes and embarked upon a number of investment management costs 0.43 0.01 0.44 0.43 0.01 0.45 planned giving initiatives, which will become increasingly important in the years ahead. Expenditure on charitable activities Liturgical, Chaplaincies, grants made etc. 1.72 1.95 3.66 1.87 0.90 2.76 Maryvale Parish, Curial & Chaplaincy etc. general costs 6.97 3.55 10.52 6.24 3.02 9.26 With effect from 31 July 2019 the work of the Clergy 1.41 1.37 2.78 1.33 1.24 2.57 Maryvale Institute (charity number 1068634) has been absorbed into the Diocese. Property inc. depreciation costs 4.18 0.70 4.88 4.48 0.95 5.43 The assets and liabilities of Maryvale Father Michael Puljic points to Votive candles, newspapers and repositories etc. costs 0.33 0.00 0.33 0.35 0.00 0.35 Institute were transferred to the Diocese on the many new windows that have Schools costs 0.01 0.39 0.40 0.02 0.38 0.40 that date. been installed at the Sacred Heart Legal & professional fees incl Auditors remuneration 0.00 0.59 0.59 0.00 2.35 2.35 Work is progressing on the integration of parish social centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Maryvale’s work into the Diocese with the TOTAL EXPENDITURE 15.28 8.57 23.84 15.04 8.86 23.90 creation of a sub-committee to oversee its activities on behalf of the Trustees. Dr. Birute one of the four key themes underpinning the INCOME & EXPENDITURE SURPLUS/(LOSS) 2.29 (6.39) (4.10) 4.10 (7.02) (2.92) Briliute, PhD, STD, KU Leuven, FHEA was vision of the Diocese. Fidelity to the apostolic before gains and transfers appointed as Dean in January 2020, with tradition leads to an emphasis on formation Gains on stock market holdings and investment properties 5.4 2.3 7.7 1.65 (0.69) 0.96 responsibility for developing and leading for the laity and for the clergy. Maryvale has Internal transfers (including levies) (2.29) 2.49 0.2 (1.99) 2.44 0.45 the academic programme and maintaining an important role to play in supporting lay Maryvale’s position as a centre of academic people to grow in faith INCOME & EXPENDITURE SURPLUS/(LOSS) 5.40 (1.60) 3.80 3.76 (5.27) (1.51) excellence. As you will know, Formation is in a parish setting. *Diocese - covers the wider diocese which includes Central Curia, Diocesan Eductaion Services, Maryvale institute, Aston Hall and numerous other entities. The centre’s old windows were rotten. Parish Centre Manager at St Joseph’s, Wolverhampton, Angie Holder, in the newly refurbished parish centre. The Diocesan annual pilgrimage to Parish levy balances charity’s income with vital Lourdes was a wonderful success: support for clergy, bishops and communities pilgrims. CROSS the charity as a whole and as the diocesan tax) is a sum of money Financial support is also given to 709 after taking into account gains on contributed by each parish to the diocese, Catholic national organisations together our investments there was an overall in order to fund the wide range of services with chaplaincies and commissions within pilgrims travelled with A the pilgrimage tour surplus in 2019. However it is also the case it provides for our parishes, our clergy the Archdiocese such as prisons, hospitals, 576 operator. that whilst parishes are in surplus, the central (including our bishops) and the wider universities, ethnic and disability groups, Diocese runs at a deficit. So it is reviewing community and the church’s work within the ecumenism, interfaith, justice and peace, and what it spends to ensure it achieves best value Archdiocese. overseas development. affiliated pilgrims who for money in all the activities it supports. The Archdiocese maintains the offices made their own travel 112 It has also undertaken a review of the Where does the parish levy go? of the Vicar General, Safeguarding Team, arrangements. levies that our parishes pay to support the The Diocesan Curia (the administration offices Matrimonial Tribunal, Property, Fundraising, work undertaken centrally. The table above of the Archdiocese) supports the activities of Finance, including Gift Aid, together with the sick pilgrims shows the breakdown between income and clergy in our parishes, sick and retired clergy Communications Team, Diocesan Archives accommodated in expenditure between 2018 and 2019. (alongside the Johnson Fund), Vocations via and Historic Churches Committee. 21 hospital. Behind these numbers are a huge range the Clergy Training Fund as well as providing In addition, it also supports the Bishops’ of activities and support that are given by financial support for activities relating to houses together with the Liturgy Commission people visited the parishes and the diocese to the furtherance of pastoral care such as youth formation, and the Art and Architecture Committee. Lourdes page on the our Mission to spread the Gospel. religious education – including the Diocesan The Archdiocese works closely with, and 1,5 74 Diocesan website. Education Service and the Maryvale Institute, supports, its associated charities: Father What is the parish levy? area catechists, marriage guidance and poor Hudson’s Society and the Kenelm Youth The parish levy (also known in Canon Law parishes. Trust Ltd.

26 Finance Report 2019 2019 Finance Report 27 finance 2019 REPORT SCHOOLS

HE whole purpose of our Diocesan Multi-Academy T Strategy is to continue Strategy develops coherent the Church’s great mission in educating children as we strive 240 to secure, protect and improve maintained the quality of Catholic education vision for Catholic education Catholic across the Archdiocese for the schools in the foreseeable future. coming together and last year The MACs are also providing College, Oscott, and five students Archdiocese Even in these difficult the St Francis & St Clare MAC in new ways to both retain and at the Venerable English College, times with the challenges of Wolverhampton was formed from prepare school leaders for the Rome (three of these had been Diocesan Education Service Covid-19, the academy strategy two smaller MACs. great task of educating our ordained priests in July 2019 and 2019 is the major component of the The Diocese will also create children now and into the future. were completing the final year of Diocesan Education policy that is our largest new MAC, Our Lady The leadership of our MACs their STL). In this academic year £7.6 million allocated successfully developing. and All Saints Catholic MAC, is also developing through our there were also twelve students for capital works in At the time of writing, 146 bringing together 13 schools network of Catholic Senior in formation for the permanent our schools from the schools are currently either in or in Solihull, South Birmingham Executive Leaders (CSEL) and we diaconate. about to join one of our multi- and Warwickshire. This work are working partnership with Satis grant assisted capital academy companies (MACs). is enabling the development of Education to recruit our future Youth activities programme. This means that 68% of pupils in a coherent vision for Catholic leaders. All provision for young people Diocesan schools will be educated education for children aged was amalgamated under The Evangelisation Field n different projects. Worker Paul Northam holds 79 in a school which is part of a 3-19. Key features of the MACs Vocations Office and Clergy Kenelm Youth Trust Limited Divine Renovation training n 22 projects cost over MAC. working together include greater Training Fund (CTF) (KYT) in 2016. KYT receives a at the home of Maureen £100,000. Current MACs are growing in opportunities for school leaders to In the academic year 2019/20 significant amount of funding O’Leary, right, with group size with the mergers of some collaborate together to improve there were three students at the from the Archdiocese to maintain participant Maria Northam. n were over 2 £200,000 MACs to create stronger ones. the quality of education and to Venerable English College in provision of the This year St Nicholas Owen and develop the distinctive Catholic Valladolid, Spain, five students Diocesan youth St Catherine of Siena MACs are mission of the schools. for the priesthood at St Mary’s services. schools operating Programme brings Gospel 237 under the charity’s trust to all ages around the world deed OF WHICH: N 2019, Evangelisation focused on several Evangelisation collaboration in Midland key events which embraced people of all Missioners, regular support for those involved in schools for I ages from the parishes at locations around church mission and Fresh Expressions mission children aged the world. They included: training. 203 four-11. Sharing Hope in Crisis training introduced a The department’s work continued to focus on caring approach to sharing our faith, particularly Evangelisation training, Alpha training and courses, schools for with those facing challenging situations. Divine Renovation training and Nightfever. those aged The first Diocesan Thanksgiving 34 11-16/19, Mass for Marriage was held at the operate under A Sharing Hope in a the charity’s Oskar, 10, from St Dominic’s, Crisis presentation. Cathedral in February 2019 and Rosie, 10, from Saint Anne’s and Grace, 12, from was attended by over 700 couples. trust. Blessed William Howard school, updating the Mary’s Meals totalizer at Blessed William Howard Catholic operate under High School, Stafford. separate trust 113 deeds.

maintained A climbing wall schools activity at an 112 converted Alton Castle to Academy residential weekend. Status.

Multi- Academies 112 merged and one new one Martha from St James was formed. Primary School with her Year 8 prayer Academy partner from St schools operate Thomas Aquinas 114 under 18 Multi- school, Siyanda, Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage. Academy trusts. making rosary beads together.

28 Finance Report 2019 2019 Finance Report 29 finance 2019 REPORT FUTURE PLANS

Weekly average Mass attendance was approximately 53,300 (2018: 55,700) Reaching out... Elizabeth, left, and During the year there were: Niamh, right, are welcomed with croissants to the Church 4,442 Ablaze event by Kenelm baptisms and Youth Trust Volunteer receptions Rebecca. (2018: 4,971)

504 Evangelisation, Formation, charity marriages Everyone was brought together in 2019 in warm rejoicing for the canonisation of Saint John Henry Newman. Pictured at the Ecumenical Vespers at St Chad’s Cathedral are, left to right, Bishop of (2018: 705) Lichfield Dr Michael Ipgrave, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham David McGough, Dean of St Philip’s and worship at heart of local plans Cathedral Matt Thompson, Dean of St Chad’s Cathedral Mgr Timothy Menezes, iconographer Noreen Thornhill, Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley, Bishop of Aston Anne Hollinghurst, Bishop of Sunday mid-morning Mass at the Coventry Dr Christopher Cocksworth and Bishop of Birmingham David Urquhart. At the front, is the Church of Immaculate Conception EFLECTING on the By CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 3,233 work of the curial team icon of Saint John Henry designed by Noreen Thornhill. Photo courtesy of c.Mazur/cbcew.org.uk and St Dominic at Stone. funerals R during 2019 allows us DAVID BROOKS (2018: 3,440) a brief moment to remember a world before the impact of the who serve as Parish Safeguarding Giving back to God funds the diocese Mission coronavirus pandemic that has Representatives and Parish Health changed all of our lives in so & Safety Coordinators. HE Birmingham Diocesan Trust things come from God. One way we can all make a big difference. Parish offertories many different ways. Work on unfolding God’s (Archdiocese of Birmingham) do this is to remember the work of our parish • You don’t need to be rich to help in this and other collections During 2019 we made further plan for our diocese continued. T receives a large proportion of its in our will. This is a simple way to thank God way. Many Catholics have already done so, (excluding tax reclaims) progress in ensuring that in The Archbishop set out his income from donations and legacies from its for all His goodness to us during our lives not just the better off. decreased to the vitally important areas of Vision and has called for many supporters who are generally parishioners and ensure that our faith will live on in future • All gifts in wills are tax efficient, as no Safeguarding and Health & more lay people to be engaged or those who have close connections to the generations. inheritance tax is paid on a gift to the £7.7m Safety we were developing and in collaborative ministry. The • (2018: £7.8m) Church. Without this valuable support the Leaving a legacy to your parish is the logical Church. implementing improved systems Diocesan Plan Steering Group Trust would not be able to carry out most of continuation of a life-time of giving. So next time you make or update your will, In 2019 we also began to and processes that would protect has been working on how we can its mission. • It is good stewardship and a simple way please remember your local parish with a gift. The average offertory look at the activities that the our parish communities and the support our parishes in taking The Church encourages us to be mindful to ensure your faith will live on in future It can be your gift of gratitude to God for all giving amount per head curia undertakes on behalf of most vulnerable within them. up this call to action and using of God’s many blessings and of His provision generations. the blessings you have received. (including children) all parishes and the diocese, and There is further work to do the four themes (Evangelisation, for us. In so doing, our natural response is to • It is an affordable way to give. If all of us left Find out more on legacy giving at: increased by the level of funding available to in these areas and I would like Formation, Charity & Social want to give back, recognising that all good a gift of just 1% of our estate, this would www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/legacy to thank all those volunteers Outreach and Worship & finance it. 10p to £2.55 This work has carried over per week in our parishes who give their Sacramental Life) to develop local plans to help them grow as into 2020 and once finalised (2018: £2.45) time so generously in so many ways but particularly to those communities of faith. should deliver a more sustainable We ARE the Church – how we can all help outcome that balances more What can you do? effectively curial activity and THERE is already so much valuable work if you are not already doing so, please consider How useful did you funding. done by so many people within our Church, making your offerings via bank standing order. AS we take to heart Of course it remains to be seen a huge amount of selfless giving of time and This is easier to administer in parishes, find this report? Archbishop Bernard’s call what the lasting impact of the resources from our people right throughout removes the security risks of cash, reduces If you have any comment or for many more lay people to bank charges, and allows your priest to be be engaged in collaborative pandemic will be on parish and the Archdiocese. Do please consider how feedback in regards to the more certain as to the income that can be ministry it is perhaps the curial finances and we will need you might be able to serve the Lord by financial report, please do expected. words of Pope Leo XIII that to take this into account as we helping in your parish. contact Sue Simkiss at the could be the focus of our look forward and consider how Offertory giving is vital, as much of our work Your parish will be able to provide you with Treasurer’s Department. can only be done with the financial resources bank details for you to set this up. If you are prayer – “What about you? we can best support the work of to support it. For many, the pandemic eligible to, please also Gift Aid your donations. email: sue.simkiss@rc- What are you going to do?” the diocese. has affected their family finances, and we This increases the value of your offertory by birmingham.org How are you being called In thanking all the members to play your part in Christ’s appreciate that many already give all that they 25% with no extra cost to you. tel. 0121 230 6283 of the curial office for their work Mission. Could you become are able. You can find out more about standing during 2019 I would also like a school governor? A MAC If however you find that you are in a position orders, Gift Aid and online giving at: to remember our much-loved l For the full financial director? Or could you set to do so, perhaps you might be able to www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/support- report, please visit www. up a standing order, or colleague Pat Flanagan who sadly increase your regular giving – even 50p per our-work Charitable pupils... with their Mary’s Meals money boxes are Olivia, left, birminghamdiocese.org.uk/ review your giving? and Daniel, right, of St Joseph’s Primary, Uttoxeter, and Roxanne, second passed away last year, may she week would make a significant difference, and Thank you! left, and Arthur, second right of St Mary’s Primary, Leek. rest in peace. annual-report

30 Finance Report 2019 2019 Finance Report 31 For editorial enquiries about The Sower, please contact our publisher on 01782 829850 or email [email protected] – the next issue is at Easter. The Sower is produced in conjunction with the Archdiocesan Communications Team.

MISSIONARIES OF FAITH: Pictured in St Catherine of Siena Supporting Diocese and Church in Birmingham are, left to right, Father Prabhakar Pamisetty from St George’s in Worcester, Father Subba Rao Perumalla, from St John the Baptist in Tamworth, Father Srinu parishes whenever help Bonthu from our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Birmingham and Father Jagadishmario Kurapati from St Catherine of Siena in Birmingham and is needed in Mission Ss John and Martin in Balsall Heath.

N most Sunday afternoons four extended as far and wide as the Philippines, Fr Mario is now parish priest at St Catherine Archdiocesan priests of Indian heritage Samoa, Ecuador and India as priests went of Siena church and Ss John and Martin church O gather together at St Catherine of out to answer the need for mission in remote in Birmingham. Siena church in inner-city Birmingham to parishes. “As Missionaries of Faith our charism is to share a sense of community and deepen their The first of the four Fathers to arrive in help the Diocese and parishes whenever they faith (Covid regulations allowing, of course). England from the subcontinent was Fr Mario, need our help in Mission,” he said. They have spiritual discussions, celebrate responding in 2014 to a request for help by “Alongside my priestly duties I teach and Mass, exchange ideas, chat about their the Diocese and with permission from his give sacraments in four schools and I am a respective churches across the Archdiocese order. On arrival he worked as an assistant in school chaplain.” and even cook together. The four devotees St Christopher’s parish to Fr Dominic Chukka, Fr Srinu, who arrived in England in 2017 are members of the religious congregation of who had acted as a link between the Diocese and is priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Missionaries of Faith and they are serving their and the Missionaries of Faith superiors and in Rednal, said: “We practise complete vocation in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. who frequently attends the “community obedience to our order and we never say ‘no’ Fr Jagadishmario (“Mario”) Kurapati, Fr house” meetings at St Catherine’s. when we are asked to travel anywhere in the Prabhakar Pamisetty, Fr Srinu Bonthu and Fr world to take up a ministry. Subba Rao Perumalla all originally served as “My evangelisation includes work in schools priests in St Peter’s Province in India, where I am learning so and at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.” they were based in the city of Eluru, Andhra many things about Fr Prabhakar, assistant priest at St George’s Pradesh. ‘‘ church in Worcester who arrived in England in It was there that they first pursued their the English language 2018, said: “As well as my church duties I have calling as Missionaries of Faith, a religious and culture – everyone also given sacraments to the housebound and family established by Mother Anna Maria I am helping with sacramental activities in the Andreani. was so generous to parishes.” She was a Carmelite nun in Italy, also known me when I arrived in Fr Subba Rao, assistant priest at St John the as Magdalene the Divine Martyr, who in 1982 Baptist in Tamworth who arrived in England set up a small sacerdotal community where Birmingham it felt like in 2019, said: “I am learning so many things an intense life in religious consecration aimed about the English language and culture – to help priests in crisis with a lifestyle of deep my home town. everyone was so generous to me when I faith and fraternal reception. arrived in Birmingham it felt like my home Within 25 years her congregation had been Fr Subba Rao Perumalla’’ town.”

32 The Sower Advent 2020