JANUARY 2024
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Edition 25
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Journey of Change: A New Way of being a Parish
The Emmaus Project
A New Bishop for Plymouth
page 4
page 8 & 9
page 14
HOLY LAND: Bethlehem Christian – “Without faith I couldn’t continue” acnuk.org
“These days, there are bombs in the sky over Bethlehem – children are scared, my kids don’t want to be separated from our side.” A Christian living in Bethlehem has recounted how war, disease and economic crisis are hitting the faithful in the place where Christ was born. Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Rony Tabash, a member of a Christian family that has lived in Bethlehem for generations, described how the current conflict is directly impacting the Christian community in the West Bank. Mr Tabash said: “The situation is terrible, it’s not easy at all. Every day, new challenges arise. I’ve never experienced anything like this before, never! It’s a war, not like a war, it is a war.” Mr Tabash, the owner of a shop that sells religious items in Bethlehem’s Manger Square, had hoped to finally pay off his debts and recover economically after the COVID-19 pandemic, but he now finds himself confronting a bleak reality. The absence of pilgrims has left the local economy in ruins, affecting all sectors that rely on religious tourism, from hotels and restaurants to olive-wood craftsmen and souvenir sellers. He stressed the importance of pilgrims to the Christian community in Bethlehem and added that the lack of visitors has left many families “jobless and hopeless.” Mr Tabash said: “There are no pilgrims – everything is empty, there’s no one. And they say it will last until Easter.”
Shops closed and shuttered in Bethlehem. He also expressed concern for the safety of his family and other citizens of Bethlehem.
Nativity, and people ask me why I’m going; I’m the only one opening the shop.
tired – we want peace, only peace for our children and our families.”.
He told ACN: “These days, there are bombs in the sky over Bethlehem – children are scared, my kids don’t want to be separated from our side.”
“The only thing that sustains me is faith, without faith, I couldn’t continue, not even for a minute. We’ve lost hope – all that’s left is faith.”
Speaking to ACN, Mr Tabash made an appeal to preserve the sacred place where Jesus was born.
Mr Tabash also highlighted the additional difficulties experienced by those who “due to the COVID pandemic, and the absence of pilgrims during that long time in the West Bank, sought work in Jerusalem. Now the checkpoints are closed, and entry permits for Palestinians have been blocked.”
Mr Tabash stressed that his family planned to stay in Bethlehem.
The few who have dual nationality are leaving because they have lost hope. He said: “A friend of mine who had a small bus business is leaving the Holy Land this weekend.” He added: “I keep opening my shop every day, I go to the square, in front of the Basilica of the
He said: “I can’t leave this – I can’t leave my father. Our family has owned this shop since 1927 when it started renting the space from the Armenian Church. My father tells me, ‘Have faith, Bethlehem is a sacred place, it won’t be touched.’ “Yes, I will stay because it’s a sacred place; we’re living in the place where Jesus was born; we can’t leave; if it weren’t for that, I would leave instantly.” “But as a Christian Palestinian my mission is to be here, even though every day new challenges come. The war has to end. We are
He said: “Is this place only sacred to me, to my family, to us Palestinians in the West Bank? Isn’t it a sacred place for all Christians in the world? “Many people have the desire to come to the Holy Land, and it’s time to help us, to be present in these holy places.” Due to travel restrictions and the danger in the region, Mr Tabash knows that people can’t physically visit Bethlehem, but he urged them to be present in other ways. He said: “Come with your prayers, come with your actions asking for peace, come by defending the integrity of these places. The silence scares me. Come, with your support for the Christian families in the Holy Land.”
Page 2. The Catholic Post. January 2024.
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“Tradition!” From the presbytery.............. by Fr Neil McNicholas
The dictionary defines tradition as “the transmission of long-established customs or beliefs from one generation to another”. I don’t know whether you have seen either the musical, or the film, Fiddler on the Roof ? It’s the story of a small Jewish community in the Ukrainian village of Anatevka, The story begins with the main character, Tevye, explaining that what holds the Jewish community together is tradition. The opening scene focuses on a fiddler standing precariously on the roof of a house. Tevye says: “A fiddler on the roof… sounds crazy, no? But here, in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof, trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. You may ask why do we stay up there if it’s so dangerous? How do we keep our balance? In one word – tradition! Because of our traditions, we’ve kept our balance for many, many years.” Basically the rest of the story is about the personal challenges to tradition that Tevye experiences and which he tries to uphold, but he finds he has to make compromises. In the first case his eldest daughter has been promised in marriage to an elder of the community. However, she has already promised herself in marriage to a young man in the village but, because this goes against tradition, at first Tevye refuses to accept what his daughter has done, but later relents. In the second case, the next of Tevye’s daughters accepts the proposal of a young man passing through the village and, although he is Jewish, once again Tevye refuses to accept the arrangement because the young man isn’t a member of the community. But once again he relents.
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When the next of his five daughters declares her intention to marry outside the Jewish faith, it all becomes too much for Tevye. In one of his constant conversations with God he asks, “How can you expect me to bend that much? If I do I will break.” Tevye refuses to be reconciled with his daughter - she is lost to him.
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At the end of the story the Russian authorities drive the entire Jewish community out of the village to live wherever they can. The fiddler
goes with them, playing his usual tune as he goes. The moral of the story seems to be that tradition is important to them and wherever they go tradition goes with them. The dictionary defines tradition as “the transmission of long-established customs or beliefs from one generation to another”. They are passed on because they are considered to have intrinsic value, and that is the reason why one generation wishes to ensure that they are taught to, and hopefully accepted and respected by, the one that follows. Our Christian tradition would include practices and teachings that have been handed down through the centuries as a consistent expression of our Christian faith. We also need to be clear on the difference between Tradition (capital ‘t’) and tradition (small ‘t’). In a Christian context, the catechism says: Tradition [capital ‘t’] comes from the apostles and hands on what they received from Jesus’ teaching and example and what they learned from the Holy Spirit. (It) is to be distinguished from the various theological, disciplinary, liturgical or devotional traditions [small ‘t’], born in local churches over time. These are the particular forms, adapted to different places and times, in which the great Tradition is expressed. In light of Tradition, these traditions can be retained, modified or even abandoned under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium. Clearly Tradition (capital ‘t’) cannot be changed or compromised because it was established by divine authority. Tradition (small ‘t’) devotions, practices, policies and so on - that developed subsequent to that, may be changed or adapted with the authority of the Church by which they came into being in the first place. And so, for example, “We have always done it this way” is really no justification for continuing to do it if that is the only reason. Such a situation may not be so much “tradition” as a lack of imagination or creativity. Things can change (and may need to) with time, culture and interpretation. We just need to be careful that we are not “selling the family silver” by compromising things that really are important to us even if they aren’t part of Sacred Tradition as such.
So how do we decide on the importance of tradition and how flexible or changeable (or otherwise) it might be? In Fiddler on the Roof, the crises Tevye faced were aspects of the traditions his people lived by. In the case of his first two daughters, it hadn’t anything to do with the Jewish religion as such but with the culture - though the two are closely interconnected. Both daughters had decided for themselves who they wanted to marry without reference to the community’s matchmaker. Tevye’s sole reason for at first rejecting his daughters’ requests was that that’s not how things were done – it was not traditional. We may find ourselves lamenting changes to traditional Church practices or devotions or teachings that we have experienced over the years, seeing them only as loss. “We’ve always done it this way.” The thing is that nothing of Sacred Tradition can be changed – as we have seen – and so any changes that we may have experienced are not part of that “family silver” as it were. There were good reasons for those changes - they weren’t just arbitrary decisions - and we got used to them over time. It’s just that change doesn’t always sit too well, though it would help if a proper explanation was given at the time and that hasn’t always happened. What we are saying, overall, is that there is a difference between something being traditional and something being done because no one has ever considered doing it differently. Back in Anatevka, there was absolutely no reason why Tevye’s daughters shouldn’t have married their respective fiancés just because the matchmaker hadn’t made those matches. In our own day and age, and from the perspective of our own culture, we would surely question anyway the fact of a young girl being promised in marriage against her will and to an elder. Because that isn’t our culture now, we might say it shouldn’t happen, but it used to happen. Since then we have made better choices, changing things for the better. Tradition (capital ‘t’) – the Sacred deposit of our faith entrusted by Our Lord to the Apostles and in turn to the Church – will never change. On the other hand, some things that we have come to see as tradition (small ‘t’) may change over time but hopefully always for sound reasons and for the good. In reconciling ourselves to such changes we have to trust in the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. The Church is not a rudderless ship at the mercy of whatever waves are currently crashing against her, nor is she in the precarious position of a fiddler on the roof.
The Catholic Post. January 2024. Page 3.
The Wayfarers Lantern; a Welcome for Christ The legend and tradition of the Wayfaring Lantern is a most thought provoking activity for Christmas Eve. A lantern (or candle placed safely in a jar) is lit and placed on the doorstep at dusk, and a prayer of welcome is said to the Holy Family. The lantern shines on through the night, being a sign to the Holy Family, that should they pass by in search of lodgings, that they would be welcome within the home. It is however also a confirmation that we are ready to welcome those that Christ may choose to send to us during the coming year, those who are marginalised and in trouble, those who need a helping hand through life’s challenges and hurts. Those who just need someone to speak to, to hear their story. Again, at the end of each year, as we light the Wayfaring Lantern to welcome Christmas Eve once more, it is equally a moment to ponder over the previous year and how we have lived it. And we can hope that in some small way, even just by listening, we have maybe made life easier for someone and their load lighter. That, in a critical situation, someone has found warmth and understanding and onward support.
Parliamentarians show support for Ukraine catholicunion.org.uk
Visits like this help to remind our politicians of the impact this terrible war is having on people’s lives and the need to support the Ukrainian people. A cross party group of MPs and peers visited the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London recently to see firsthand the support being provided to people displaced by the war in Ukraine.
to Ukrainian families – including access to computers, a play area for children, and a place to cook and eat together.
The visit was organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Holy See with the support of the Catholic Union.
The group, which included the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall, also had a private meeting with Bishop Nowakowski to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine and what more the UK Government can do to help.
The group of twelve parliamentarians visited the Cathedral near Bond Street in London on 28 November. The Cathedral has become a focal point for efforts to support Ukrainians who have come to Britain since the full-scale invasion of their country began in February last year.
Earlier this year, the Catholic Union welcomed Bishop Nowakowski to Parliament for a meeting with the APPG in Westminster. The visit to the Cathedral was a return invitation offered by Bishop Nowakowski and taken up by the group’s Chairman, Alexander Stafford MP.
Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London, welcomed the group to the Cathedral. He showed them the Welcome Centre which has been set up to provide help
The Catholic Union will continue to support parliamentarians in their efforts to keep the conflict in Ukraine on the agenda at Westminster as the country faces its second Christmas under invasion.
Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski comments: “It was a great joy to welcome MPs and members of the House of Lords to the Cathedral. Visits like this help to remind our politicians of the impact this terrible war is having on people’s lives and the need to support the Ukrainian people. I appreciated the opportunity to pray with the group and to thank them for their continued support. Sadly, you do not need to look far beyond Ukraine to see other parts of the world where peace is badly needed. My message is simply – please do not forget Ukraine. We will need your prayers and support all the more as another year of this conflict approaches.” Catholic Union Deputy Director, James Somerville-Meikle comments: “We are extremely grateful to Bishop Kenneth and the team at the Cathedral for making this visit possible. As this terrible conflict continues, we must not forget the people of Ukraine and those who are helping them. The work of the Cathedral and the Welcome Centre shows the Church at its best – providing a place of prayer and practical support to those seeking refuge. Thanks to all MPs and peers who took part in the visit and helped to promote this brilliant work.” Online donations to support the Ukrainian Welcome Centre can be made on their website www.ukrainianwelcomecentre.org/donate
It is not usually large actions that make a difference, but rather those small and often repetitive actions of goodwill and kindness, of encouraging others and raising hopes where confidence has failed. At Crown of Thorns we continue our support of chaplains with items for their work with prisoners, seafarers and hospital patients and visitors. Small actions that support their work and make a big difference to those that they encounter. Thank you, to all who assist this work and make it possible. Together we make a difference. www.crownofthorns.org.uk email: office@crownofthorns.org.uk
Crown of Thorns
Mission of Hope
Promoting the Holy Rosary in the U.K. & throughout the world to bring hope, comfort and peace to the marginalised, the oppressed and the imprisoned, enabling wounded hearts to find healing and shattered lives to find breath and space to renew. Supporting priests and chaplains in their ministry, outreach and welfare. “I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue always to pray the Rosary every day.” (Our Lady at Fatima)
www.crownofthorns.org.uk email: office@crownofthorns.org.uk Phone: 01342 870472 Registered charity no: 1042751
Page 4. The Catholic Post. January 2024.
Holy Family Parish: St Augustine’s Church, Woodborough Road – Grade II listed building – a gem in the City of Nottingham, embracing the changing face of the Church.
Journey of Change: A New Way of being a Parish Diane Williams
Parishioners are making new friends, reviving old acquaintances and there are many more opportunities for people to come together. IT’S WORKING!!! You may have noticed that due to a reduced number of active priests serving dioceses around the country, more parishes are working together or merging under the guidance of one parish priest. This places an extra burden of work and responsibility on the priest and is extra work for any staff and volunteers, so how has The Holy Family Parish in Nottingham managed this change so far? Our new Parish of the Holy Family was formally created in 2022, merging the former parishes and churches of St Augustine’s, Our Lady & St Edward’s (both in St Ann’s) and Sacred Heart in Carlton; three communities forming a diverse and large geographical area, with three partner Catholic Primary schools. All three churches had already been working together in different ways for several years, so formal merger was a natural progression. A Pastoral Leadership Team had already been formed, bringing together parish clergy, religious and staff with representatives of all three communities, and a joint PPC had already been meeting for several months. After
the formal merger, the most recent change was in April 2023, when we went down to one Parish Priest serving the parish, along with other clergy as part of the Pastoral Leadership Team. We then faced another challenge – to reduce Masses to an achievable schedule for the Parish Priest. The decision was made by our Pastoral Team and PPC to close the Mass centre in Sneinton, a very difficult decision as there had been a Catholic presence and Mass celebrated in the area for over 80 years. Then we needed to reduce our Masses by another two, so, in April 2023 we went from six Sunday Masses to three. We were worried about the potential loss of congregation, loss of sense of community and also a loss in income. Yes, the process was hard but our initial findings, after 6 months, have been a revelation. The October 2023 Mass count showed that the average attendance over the four weeks was the same as 2022 and our income over the first 6 months… was the same as last year! Some of our congregation have found a Saturday Mass elsewhere but they are still part of our community and support us in other ways, as we do them, and some attend a weekday Mass and continue on rotas. The churches, with one Sunday Mass in each (no Saturday evening Mass), are even more vibrant communities, all working together, people moving around churches, sharing resources, joining in events, and notably readers and musicians ministering at more than one church. It’s great to see full churches – God is definitely present amongst us. Parishioners are making new friends, reviving old acquaintances and there are many more opportunities for people to come together. IT’S WORKING!!!
How did this happen? Our Pastoral Team meets fortnightly, overseeing the parishes areas of liturgy and prayer, catechesis and faith formation, pastoral care and outreach. They deal with the day to day running of the parish and try to resolve any problems. We make mistakes as a team, and so resolve them as a team. The Parish Pastoral Council works more strategically, authorising major expenditure and projects, dealing with buildings, social life and inclusivity. On merger, the finances of the parish were brought together and the Finance Committee keep a close eye on these. Crucial to all of this was the decision taken a few years ago to employ a part-time Adult Formation Coordinator and more recently a full time Community Coordinator. Bringing in professional expertise makes a huge difference to the smooth running of the parish and our ability to creatively engage with the community. Our Parish Priest’s vision; “is that the communities that make up the parish work together to support each other in the daily life of the parish and in having a positive impact on the local area; our churches should be seen as essential places for the local community and part of the wider family of the Church that welcomes people. Alongside our essential Catholic primary and secondary school provision, we have the ability to reach out to and support hundreds of people, so that they become more aware of God’s presence in their lives and how belonging to a Church community can make a difference to one’s life. A healthy and thriving parish is one in which clergy and lay people work together, so that there is joint responsibility for the running of the parish …. the days of the Parish Priest deciding everything himself are long-gone.
Partnership means the priest letting go of some of his authority so that the church is led by those whose church it is.” Why have a Community Coordinator? The role involves all the usual day to day running of the parish and church admin (the list is too long) with added interest in working in the community, meeting representatives from organisations and seeing how we can work together. Practically, the Parish Priest and Community Coordinator share the same office which is open most days for people to pop in, so we work in unison. Tasks and meetings are dealt with and attended by whoever is available or by both. No two days are ever the same; meetings, discussions, questions, roof leaks in three of our ten buildings, one building with no heating or water but hey-ho, we wouldn’t change a thing!! Well, perhaps find a pot of money to fund the extensive essential building and mission work that we have planned. We never stand still. Yes, it’s a busy parish but communication and transparency are key, along with a strong vision and impetus to journey together. So, a message to those who are about to go through the process or going through the process of merger; trust in the Holy Spirit, embrace the change and find ways to make things work - your community, too, will thrive.
Diane Williams, Community Coordinator, Holy Family Parish, East Nottingham
The Catholic Post. January 2024. Page 5.
Archbishop Mark offers support to the Ukrainian Community in Wales on the 90th Anniversary of the Holodomor Famine rcadc.org
“We pray that the Lord may grant them a place of peace and rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, where ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes’.” Archbishop Mark O’Toole attended the solemn 90th Anniversary commemoration of the Holodomor Famine on Saturday, November 25th, at the Senedd in Cardiff. The Holodomor, also known as the Great Ukrainian Famine, marked a tragic chapter in history, resulting in the deaths of millions of Ukrainians. The Welsh Parliament has officially recognised it as a genocide against the Ukrainian people.
welcome the members of the Ukrainian community among us” he said. The service included poignant moments, such as the laying of wreaths and sheaves of wheat to symbolise the stolen harvest during the famine.
Archbishop Mark was honoured to speak at the event, joining other faith leaders, the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, Bishop Kenneth Nowokowski (the Ukrainian Bishop in the UK), the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor, the Ukraine Response Team, and members of the Ukrainian community.
Reflecting on the occasion, Archbishop Mark expressed his condolences, saying, “Today, we pray for a just peace. We pray for all those who died as a result of the Holodomor – the genocide – and as a result of the war that is still ongoing. We pray that the Lord may grant them a place of peace and rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, where ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes’.”
“We know that it is the aspiration of Wales to be a place of Sanctuary. I want to recognise today that this is not just an aspiration. We
In a significant step towards strengthening the bond between the Welsh and Ukrainian communities, Archbishop Mark revealed that
People with disabilities are among the most fragile among us thepopevideo.org
Archbishop Mark met with Bishop Kenneth Nowokowski and members of the Ukrainian community. Bishop Nowokowski had formally requested help supporting the Ukrainians population in Wales. Responding to this appeal, Archbishop Mark wholeheartedly granted his consent. A permanent parish home for the Ukrainian population of South Wales is being sought in
the Archdiocese to serve their spiritual and social needs. Archbishop Mark noted that Ukrainian Community need “a place where they can worship. Where they can gather together and where they can support and encourage one another.”
Monthly National Catholic Newspaper
The Pope’s Video for December centres on the disabled in our communities. He says:
National and International News from a Catholic
People with disabilities are among the most fragile among us. Some of them suffer rejection, rooted in either ignorance or prejudice, which then marginalizes them. Civil institutions need to support their projects through access to education, employment, and places where they can express their creativity. Programs and initiatives are needed that promote their inclusion. Above all else, big hearts are needed who want to accompany. It means changing our mentality a little and opening ourselves to the abilities and talents of these people who are differently abled, both in society as well as in the life of the Church.
Perspective with thoughtful articles to deepen Faith And so, creating a completely accessible parish does not only mean eliminating physical barriers. It also assumes that we stop talking about “them” and start talking about “us.” Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation. Listen to Pope Francis’ words for yourself at thepopevideo.org
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Page 6. The Catholic Post. January 2024.
A sustainable Christmas Virginia Bell
Christmas is the best time of the year for many, but the worst time of the year from an environmental perspective. On Christmas Day last year, BBC Radio 4 broadcast a programme, “Christmas Recycled” which looked at how we could make Christmas more sustainable and less wasteful in the UK. They looked at the presents we might buy, the wrapping paper we might use to enclose the presents, the trees and decorations we might choose and the sort of food we might enjoy. They also looked at companies whose Christmas products are designed to be more sustainable. Where the programme has found one company offering a particular innovative scheme or produce, there must be others, perhaps near your locality. And remember that recycling is not the best answer to tackling waste – reducing consumption is far better. Clothes They found that Christmas jumpers, so attractive around Christmas time, usually end up as landfill or are burnt, which is both wasteful and polluting. Some companies, like British Christmas Jumpers, offer Christmas jumpers made from recycled materials. And there are companies that hire outfits, which is a much more sustainable option. The Independent has listed its top 8 clothes rental companies. And of course, we’re encouraged to donate our unwanted clothes to charity.
Presents Presents come with packaging. 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging will be binned not recycled at Christmas time, according to Wildlife and Countryside Link.
huge proportion of which can’t be recycled because of the glitter and plastic they contain.
Each year the UK spends £700 million or more on unwanted presents, according to research done by eBay and Wealthify. Find out what people need before you buy. Offer homebaked treats. Arrange a spending limit with family and friends. Check that the items you buy are green and ethical –workers properly paid, not tested on animals, sustainably sourced. Lists of ethical companies can be found by looking online. Best of all, make reciprocal arrangements with family and friends not to buy each other presents. They may be relieved!
Or we can use online greetings in place of actual cards, which more and more people are doing.
Presents for children are an environmental headache, as they are only needed for a while before being discarded and new toys bought, because children grow out of them very quickly. Yet toys can be reused again and again.
Wrapping Paper In Britain every Christmas it is generally estimated that we use 227,000 miles of wrapping paper, at the expense of 50,000 trees. Lots of it is single use. There is no need to throw it away. It can be re-used many times. You can buy reusable bags, and you can buy wrapping paper made from recycled paper, or from hemp (organic hemp is one of the most sustainable fibres you can use). Chirpy in Leeds sells cloth wrapping. One company, Wrag Wrap, sells cloth wrapping made from recycled bottles from post-consumer waste.
There are companies and schemes that rent out toys. You pay a subscription and get a box of toys every month or so. When you send that box back you get another box. There are also local schemes that take unwanted toys. And national initiatives like Trash Nothing which enable you to give away your unwanted goods – and take other people’s offerings. Cards The Greeting Card Association tells us that 1 billion Christmas cards are sold each year, a
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Dear editor We must be in the run-up to elections, as immigration is getting the blame for everything, everywhere. Remember Suella Braverman’s "hurricane" of mass migration outburst and the Illegal Migration Bill. The UNHCR has explained that the Bill will not comply with the UK's obligations on human rights. It was strongly criticised by Anglican and Catholic churches. The gospel reminds us to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:31-46). Our bishops support this in their document 'Love the Stranger'. Pope Francis has blasted the "fanaticism of indifference" greeting migrants to Europe and described the Mediterranean as becoming a shameful vast cemetery. Catholic social teaching calls us to respect the dignity of all people - not just those nearest. ‘Illegal immigration’ (e.g. small boats) is just 6% of total immigration, which is otherwise
‘legal’. The government issues visas to fill job vacancies – often in the NHS and in nursing homes. With ageing populations and declining birth rates, Western nations are actually reliant on immigration. Ageing populations inevitably need more health and home care. Desperate migrants often travel ‘illegally’ because they cannot access legal routes. Returning Afghans and Iranians (2nd and 3rd largest “illegal” groups) back to savage treatment in their states is surely not an option. A significant number of illegal migrants are also being trafficked into “modern” slavery. Hence blaming immigration for a government's failure to invest in services and facilities is wrong. We have to invest in suppressing the evil of people trafficking and smuggling. A Christian response is not as easy as playing the “blame the illegals” game. Jan Paciorek
Organic waste can be turned into cards, which is what Earthbits in Huddersfield is doing.
Do you really need to buy cards for people you see regularly? If you decide not to, explain that you are trying to reduce consumerism. Homemade cards are a great idea – people like the thought and effort that goes into them. You can use up leftover resources – cards, calendars, things around the house etc… A better idea is to send a Happy Christmas email. If you receive cards, recycle where possible, don’t bin them.
Or use attractive and re-usable cloth bought from charity shops. Use ribbon instead of tape for sealing, so that the wrapping can more easily be re-used or re-cycled. The ribbon can be re-used as well, as can any bows used. Trees Millions of Christmas trees both real and artificial are discarded every year in the UK. To cut down on plastic dependence and to offset carbon emissions, buy a living tree, and keep it in the pot in the house or garden when not being used. It can be re-used year after year. Norfolk pines are suitable, as they don’t grow large. Many Local Councils will collect and compost your tree when you’ve finished with it. Or you can take it to the local recycling centre, or compost it yourself in your garden. But burning or mulching trees will release CO2 back into the atmosphere, so a rooted tree is best. You don’t even have to buy one – some companies rent out rooted trees. One company, Rooted Christmas Trees, rents them, then ‘retires’ them at the end of their decorative life, by planting them in land where they are needed to prevent flooding. Tree decorations There’s no end to sustainable possibilities for tree decorations. Make your own out of unwanted household materials and waste, and/or out of home-baked treats. Use greenery - we could grow our own mistletoe and holly. And use LED lights, as they use up to 95% less energy than traditional bulbs. You can buy craft kits of pre-used, unwanted things like buttons, material scraps etc to make into tree decorations. Alcohol Toast Ale sells beer made from surplus fresh bread from bakeries, which would otherwise go to landfill. This not only prevents waste, but
also reduces the carbon and water footprint of beer compared to malt. Some companies offer a refill scheme for bottles of alcoholic spirits. Food One manufacturer estimates that each Christmas, households bin 270,000 tons of food. The waste figure for producers and supermarkets is much higher – 2 million tons of edible food waste produced each year. Food waste has the biggest carbon footprint after the USA and China. FareShare is an organisation that uses food that would otherwise go to landfills, to feed people. Rotting food creates methane. But it could be used to produce energy and fertiliser instead, if Councils invested in recycling food waste. At least one company in the UK is doing that, Saria Ltd. There are things you can do at home to reduce waste, such as don’t cook more than you will eat, and freeze leftovers for a future meal/s. You’ve probably seen headlines like “Tackling the world’s most urgent problem: meat” (United Nations Environment Programme). Growing animals for food involves destruction and pollution of the land, forests, waters and atmosphere, and takes resources from the poorest people. Include some vegan meals over the Xmas* period. Vegan meal recipes can be found online – at Veganuary.com for instance - and there are plenty of vegan ready meals in the shops. Online When buying online, add the words "ecofriendly" to whatever you’re looking to buy. You’ll be surprised at the number of sustainable offerings available. ‘Xmas’ You may have noticed that I used the abbreviation ‘Xmas’, and be getting ready to write to the editor in protest. Some Christians feel strongly that one should not abbreviate the word 'Christmas' to 'Xmas'. The abbreviation is seen as an unwanted secular downgrading of the religious season. But the origin is the Greek word 'Χριστός', meaning Christ, and Greek was the language of the Christian scriptures. The first 2 letters of the Greek word for Christ are chi (resembling X) and rho (resembling P), which is why the Easter candle, along with a lot of traditional Catholic art and sacramentals, has the Chi-Rho sign (☧). (No argument about that abbreviation.) So, whether or not one uses the ‘Xmas’ abbreviation is a matter of personal choice, though some feel that the abbreviation is itself a sacred tradition which should not be lost. Let’s use Christmas time to move closer to God by thinking about how we can care for His creation. Have a healthy, holy, wholesome green Christmas! VB, Laudato Si’ Animators 2023 This article takes much of its information from the BBC Radio 4 programme “Christmas Recycled” www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001ghwd
The Catholic Post. January 2024. Page 7.
Archdiocese of Liverpool Donates Vacant Wigan Church to HPBC to be Transformed into Affordable Homes liverpoolcatholic.org.uk
With the support of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, HPBC plans to convert this landmark into 10 two and three-bedroom houses/apartments In a significant initiative aimed at revitalising the heart of Wigan, the Archdiocese of Liverpool has teamed up once again with Housing People, Building Communities (HPBC), a leading charity dedicated to addressing the housing crisis through innovative community housebuilding. The project involves the transformation of the vacant St William’s church and presbytery, which have stood empty since 2017, into a vibrant community of affordable homes. St. William’s Church, a beautiful early twentieth-century red brick lancet Gothic-style church built in 1911, holds historical significance for the Ince community. With the support of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, HPBC plans to convert this landmark into 10 two and threebedroom houses/apartments, preserving its architectural charm while providing muchneeded housing solutions.
This collaboration marks the third time the Archdiocese of Liverpool has donated a church building to HPBC, with St. Bernard’s Church in Toxteth being another successful transformation under this partnership. One of the key innovations of this project is HPBC's 'sweat equity' model, allowing aspiring homeowners, referred to as Home Partners, to actively contribute to the construction process. By dedicating 500 hours of their time, Home Partners can reduce their deposit by up to £10,000, making homeownership accessible to a wider range of residents. Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare at Wigan Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “This project is right in the heart of the community and is providing a fabulous opportunity for local people to help build their
own home and fulfil the dream of getting on the housing ladder. This has been made possible through the support and vision of HPBC, their collaboration with Prima Housing Group, and the generosity of the Archdiocese of Liverpool.” HPBC Chief Executive Liza Parry highlighted the project’s significance: “The launch of St William’s is a milestone for Wigan, offering a development that we hope will make a real difference to local people and serve as a
blueprint for the future. We are actively seeking Home Partners who want to call the church their home.” The homes, designed to integrate seamlessly with the church's existing architecture, are expected to be completed by February 2025. This collaboration between HPBC, Prima Housing Group, and the Archdiocese of Liverpool exemplifies a shared commitment to creating sustainable solutions for the housing crisis while preserving historical landmarks and fostering a sense of community.
Parishioners learn British Sign Language indcatholicnews.com
At the end of the course Shell gave us information about where we can take more courses in BSL A group of Westminster parishioners recently completed a Taster Course in British Sign Language, (BSL) given by Shell Roca, Caritas Deaf Service, at Sacred Heart Church, Kilburn. Shell was an inspiring teacher - she taught us some basic greetings, questions, Mass parts and prayers but more importantly - gave us some understanding of what Deaf people experience in their parishes. It's estimated that one in six parishioners is Deaf or hard or hearing - they have so much to offer the Church community - whether it is learning about our faith or other skills - but we really need to make our communities more accessible to them. I always imagined that Deaf people were able to communicate through lip-reading but in fact it is estimated that only 30-40 percent of speech sounds can be lip-read even under the best conditions! More than 150,000 people use BSL. It was considered a true language in 2003, but officially
recognised as a language with legal status in the UK last year. (Read more about BSL here: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Sign_Langu age ) Shell showed us that BSL isn't simply English with hand signs. It is a different language with its own grammar and sentence construction, using graceful combination of hand gestures, facial expressions and body language. They might take us quite a long time to time to learn - but at least we've made a start! Shell also explained that there are lots of other sign languages around the world - even the Irish use a different one. (Fr Terry Murray, Parish Priest at Kilburn uses that one) - but that's another story. At the end of the course Shell gave us information about where we can take more courses in BSL. Several of us are planning to do that.
Course group with our certificates During the recent Synodal discussions the main response from Deaf people in Westminster Diocese, was the need for more interpreters, so that Mass and the life of the Church is more accessible to them. Deaf Catholics want to practice their faith, contribute to their parish and be fully part of Catholic Church.
UPCOMING EVENTS Christmas Eve Online signed Mass YouTube channel www.youtube.com/channel/UCrWCl2cbndpSo gtD-iK0SvQ or visit our Facebook page
www.facebook.com/wddservice Previous online Bible study sessions are still available to watch.
Sunday 7 January 4.30pm London: Signed Mass Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue, Victoria SW1P 1QH - Entrance to the hall via choir school car park. Mass starts at 4.30pm and there will be the opportunity for confession before Mass starts.Mass is in BSL and in spoken English. Entrance to the hall is via the choir school car park (the Hall is also wheelchair accessible).
Page 8. The Catholic Post. January 2024.
The Emmaus Project ‘Working together to promote environmental and social justice’
emmaus.org.uk
“We would like to invite any school, any individual or any organisation that might be inspired to help us to get in touch with Emmaus”. We live in a world where some of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters pay as much as 22 per cent of their income to get clean water from street vendors. 8,000,000 Ugandans lack access to clean drinking water and a further 27,000,000 lack proper sanitation facilities. These are just two of the problems being addressed by a ground-breaking partnership project between Catholic schools in the Diocese of Clifton and humanitarian organisations working in Africa.
Uganda
Led by Stephen Whelan, Mission, Ethos and Charity Lead of St Edward’s RC SEMH School in Hampshire, The Emmaus Partnership Project is working hard to alleviate water and sanitation problems in the hard-pressed Masaka district of South-West Uganda. Teachers and students at Lubanda on the day the water tanks were commissioned “As teachers in Catholic schools we believe passionately in the collective integrity and power of young people: a power that can be harnessed and be brought to bear on some of our planet’s most pressing challenges,” said Stephen. “The work we are doing in Uganda, as a Catholic community, is far greater than a charitable venture. It is about living out the values of Fratelli Tutti; it’s about empowering children themselves to break the cycle of poverty and to tackle some of the effects of climate change; it’s about inviting many other Catholic communities to work together on something that lives out in a practical way the very principles of Catholic Social Teaching. In short, it’s about Faith in Action.” Uganda’s poverty levels have risen sharply as a result of the pandemic, reversing a lot of the economic gains made in the last 10 years. High population growth has also stretched water
and sanitation services, with millions of Ugandans now lacking access to safe water and improved sanitation facilities. Climate change in the last two years also added to the economic effects of the pandemic with a significant number of Ugandans forced to buy water from vendors at exorbitant prices, and a history of subsistence farming is also contributing to rising poverty levels. A recent survey conducted by the Emmaus Partnership at the St Maria Gorreth School in Masaka demonstrates vividly the seriousness of the problem. With 679 pupils and 20 staff, the school is just 35 miles from the equator and the range of needs of the children were categorised as ‘needy’ or ‘critical’. Water is a real issue, for both sanitation and agroforestry, and the school relies on two ageing 10k litre storage tanks that can only provide enough water for two weeks. With the increasing effects of climate change even this has become unreliable, and at times the children have even had to resort to collecting urine in plastic cans to keep the school’s cherished and vital tree nursery alive. One concrete and achievable way to break this damaging cycle of poverty is to encourage the development of sustainable local economies that a combination of tree planting and clean water resourcing can bring about. “Emmaus is an international development group whose project in Uganda can be seen as a blue-print for faith in action, providing a practical answer to the very real problems of water and food shortages,” said Stephen. The Emmaus Partnership comprises the International Tree Foundation (ITF), the Masaka and District Land Care Chapter (MADLACC), an agro-forestry group in Uganda, WaterHarvest, a water-harvesting charity in Winchester and 34 Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Clifton. In a clear commitment to a preferential option for the poor, the Partnership is currently working to empower children in 23 primary and secondary schools in the Masaka area, a few miles north of the equator. ITF and MADLACC
provide saplings and then train these young people to plant, nurture and sustain trees in their school nurseries. The provision of ‘amenity’ trees, trees that address medicinal and dietary needs, are intended to address two primary concerns: firstly, the need to supplement a poor diet and give communities a chance to develop sustainable economies. Secondly, to tackle head-on some of the worst excesses of climate change which has been exacerbated by the proliferation of palm-oil trees. The new trees will build climate resilience by eradicating non-native species in favour of those which have an environmental symmetry with that district. “The 34 Emmaus schools partnership here in the UK, working with WaterHarvest, is committed to the monumental task of providing viable water resources in all 23 partner schools,” said Stephen. WaterHarvest has taken a lead role in raising funds and, having funded the pilot project at St Jude’s Catholic Primary, works with the Clifton Diocese in a generous match-funding arrangement that allows our diocesan schools to make a significant impact for themselves. “We are doing this through the use of ferroconcrete water harvesting technology. The water harvesting tanks currently serve several purposes. These include the irrigation of the tree nurseries provided by ITF and MADLACC, and the immediate WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) needs of those schools.” What distinguishes The Emmaus Partnership project from similar attempts to alleviate chronic shortages of water in this part of Africa is the central role it affords children. The Emmaus / ITF / WaterHarvest / MADLACC initiative empowers young people to learn valuable lessons in the planting and care for trees within their school communities. Moreover, it plans for children to ‘cascade’ that knowledge to their peers, teachers, parents and local farmers. In this way a generation is being trained to create sustainable economies around the planting of trees. This interrupts the ‘cycle of poverty’ in Masaka and helps tackle some of the problems posed by climate change. Continued on page 9
The Catholic Post. January 2024. Page 9.
Water tanks at last can I love a God I cannot see, if I do not love my brothers and sisters whom I can see.’”
We are presenting to our Catholic communities, and all who wish to work with us, a practical model of how we might work in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in other countries to bring about environmental and social justice.
If you would like to know more or become involved in the Emmaus Partnership project please contact Stephen Whelan on 01794 855 252, or email swhelan@melchetcourt.com
The finished tanks at St Jude Continued from page 8 To date, the Emmaus Partnership has completed the first 3 of 9 phases of building projects in 5 schools already in Masaka, fitting a total of 24 x 20,000 litre water-harvesting tanks plus guttering and appropriate filters. These tanks cater for the varied needs of over 2,200 children and adults. Organisations that propose to join our project need to be aware that we have gone to great lengths to establish a clear database for our work and have thus relied on the expertise of our Project engineer, Mr Dan Kilimani who wrote a detailed Baseline report backed up by a comprehensive Hydrology and Aridity survey of all partner schools. These can be provided on request. The Partnership’s engineer in Uganda, Mr Dan Kilimani and our NGO, Mr Mathias Wakulira of MADLACC have recorded evidence of significant social, cultural and health related changes. (see Analysis of Impact addendum
below) Nominal rolls have risen in all schools with new staff being employed to cater for the higher numbers. Most significantly, the evidence shows that girls are now receiving education for 5 days a week instead of being forced every month to stay at home because of a lack of sanitation. The transformation wrought by simple access to clean water is profound and augurs well for the future. “We believe our work has real significance for every Catholic School and Catholic organisation that seeks to live out their mission for social justice. We would like to invite any school, any individual or any organisation that might be inspired to help us to get in touch with Emmaus,” said Stephen. “We are not a charity: we are about empowering brothers and sisters in Uganda to achieve financial security in a Developmental Partnership of equals.
We should recall the words of St John when discussing the work Emmaus is doing … ‘How
Emmaus Project Analysis of Impact St Judes Catholic Primary School population before and after construction Boys
Girls
Staff
Total
Before
148
144
19
311
After
164
166
22
352
Increase
16
22
3
41
Average attendance of girls has risen from 120 to 161 per week Previosly 40 children a day sent to collect water from a stream = 40 class hours a day saved
Lubanda Islamic Primary School School population before and after construction Boys
Girls
Staff
Total
Before
120
130
18
268
After
149
171
20
340
Increase
29
41
2
72
Girls now attending 5 days a week instead of 3 10 hours class time a week saved from daily collection of water
Kiwangala State Primary School School population before and after construction
Dan Kilimani (Engineer) with some of the pupils at St Jude’s
Boys
Girls
Staff
Total
Before
179
141
23
343
After
197
181
23
401
Increase
18
40
0
58
90% of girls now able to attend school 5 days a week 12.5 hours class time a week saved from daily collection of water
Page 10. The Catholic Post. January 2024.
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These Walls Have Spoken
Given a new lease of life on TV’s "The Repair Shop"
page 8
page 6
"You're not a priest, what do you do?"
page 13
Junior Semi-Finalist For BBC Young Chorister Of The Year!
Saint John Paul II 22 October
page 3
Emmaus - A Unique Partn
ership
of the project with tanks Children are at the centre and big plans for more built in three schools already
page 13
All Saints – 1st November Icon of All Saint of Kyiv
cafod.org,uk
The completed tank at the new tank at St Jude's
page 5
Memorable Pilgrimage from Louth to Poland
CAFOD launches Appeal for Crisis in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory and urges civilians to be put first
the water resources and estimating is the result of a current they would The Emmaus Project of 20,000 litre water tanks number of schools in number of water commitment made by a need to achieve the amount support a unique each to be able the Diocese of Clifton to for the school’s community in a decision by the needed water along initiative that originated sufficient clean drinking (ITF) in Africa to to have cooking and International Tree Foundation water for all washing, NGO in Uganda’s with work with an agro-forestry needs. and District Land irrigation Masaka province, the Masaka ITF and MADLACC a priority list for the 23 Care Chapter (MADLACC). in selected Having established complete elected to plant tree nurseries WaterHarvest elected to training pupils in schools, whilst schools across the district, the St Jude’s RC Primary School, with a view to work at fund schools in the UK began tree planting and management in which the Emmaus creating sustainable economies This was our pilot project. role in breaking raising. children played the formative will then pass at the the cycle of poverty. Children was successfully completed and local farmers St Jude’s 2023. Within days of onto their peers, teachers at St Jude’s end of the summer term a learned. with some of the pupils have reported they what of Dan Kilimani (Engineer) the essence completion, the Headteacher Catholic schools hub and a year with the Trowbridge rise in the nominal role in a generous matchlist. ourselves to significant We have Our school, St Edward’s, for the next school on the We, in Emmaus, committed WaterHarvest have fund raising joy in the whole community. they needed. In genuine that funding arrangement with reports from Dan Kilimani providing the water resources works at the Lubanda Islamic a water since received to use the full since completed of time in which we have partnership with WaterHarvest, local community were able indication of the multi-faith During a period Winchester and the the and an dry season, School as an harvesting charity based in tanks during the recent St Francis School in suffered both a global pandemic in Southammpton, water holiday. aspect of the project. is Kisoboka Trust, a charity similar works at the economic crisis, The Emmaus Partnership pupils were on their summer of a Nailsea, Bristol, completed Mr Dan Kilimani, an whilst has transformed the lives we decided to employ with WaterHarvest’s proud to have completed 3 schools already, report for the The project Kiwangala Primary, again people. That was the start! of engineer, to produce a detailed number more…a significant large help. precisely their with plans for up to 5 chosen 23 schools, outlining to complete the We are now actively planning achievement. end of the financial next 4 schools before the
Pupils sit in front of their
Cambridge priest to walk 82km for charity
Lubanda Islamic School
CAFOD joined 11 other major humanitarian agencies in calling for the UK to use its influence to help protect civilians caught up in the conflict and bring an end to the fighting The Catholic aid agency, CAFOD, has launched an Appeal following the escalation of violence in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. People are being killed and thousands of homes are being destroyed – families will need urgent, practical help to recover. Funds raised will ensure life-saving aid can be transferred Caritas Jerusalem, has a into Gaza, Israel and other number of staff in plays parts of oPt as soon its part in upholding international Gaza and commented: as access is available, law, Thousands and that local ensuring humanitarian aid of people have begun to can reach people in move to organisations have what they need to help the south of Gaza, but the need, and working with other “Most of our employees lack of food, water those most affected. world leaders to have been forced to or shelter will have disastrous secure a lasting peace for leave their homes. Some the region. humanitarian have sought refuge consequences. The attack in the Holy Family Compound The situation in Gaza is increasingly on Al Ahli Arab in Gaza City, desperate others in Elizabeth hospital is a shocking Funnell, UNWRA (United Nations with an urgent need for CAFOD’s reminder of how Country Relief and water, electricity and Works Agency for Palestine Programmes Representative fuel. It is reported that residents Refugees) schools, for the Middle nowhere in Gaza is safe. are consuming and some East, said: “We condemn in the homes of relatives and contaminated water from the horrific killings friends. wells, which could Several and kidnappings led by Hamas of our employees’ houses lead to the spread of waterborne have been and the scale “The situation for families in Gaza is extremely disease, and completely of the Israeli government’s demolished. They’re in vital services are on the brink shock, violent retaliation, severe and our local experts in Gaza of collapse. Over confused, are and perplexed. They don’t which is causing more 3,000 Palestinians and 1,300 have civilian deaths and already providing support where they Israelis have been electricity, can. The and the internet is sporadic.” killed since the violence escalated injuries. We urge all parties to end the violence level of need is huge, and other and 1 million partners will people are estimated to have and abide by international fled their homes In a law. This means start to provide urgent help to statement released on Saturday, people living and are living in dire conditions CAFOD protecting civilians, releasing hostages in central and joined and not there as soon as it is safe to do so.” 11 other major humanitarian Southern Gaza. agencies in punishing innocent civilians by stopping food, calling for the UK to use its influence to help fuel and water reaching Gaza. Pope Francis has also urged protect civilians caught up CAFOD has worked for people to take the in the conflict and many years in both bring an end to the fighting. side of peace, saying during Israel and the occupied his weekly General Palestinian territory “Right now, people are literally trying to stay Audience on 18 October: (oPt) and is in regular contact “War does not solve with partners as alive. It’s virtually impossible CAFOD has also asked supporters for people to any problem, it the situation develops. CAFOD’s only sows death and to write to leave Gaza so local partner, there’s no way for civilians the UK Foreign Secretary, to destruction, increases hatred, urging that the UK escape multiplies the current Israeli bombardment. revenge. War erases the future.”
The Prince and the Shepherd Dr Jay Kettle-Williams
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But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s His birth which we are now celebrating over these twelve days of Christmas, or do I mean Xmas? Night after night at their bedtime, I used to regale our two with true story after true story as to how Mummy and Daddy had first met. They’d peep out from under the bedclothes listening in awe at how Dad, a supremely handsome prince clad in bright shining armour, sitting proudly astride his white charger, defeated merciless dragons, demons and devils – in true Christmas panto style - to free their helpless captive. As they galloped away - rescuer and rescued both astride Dad’s faithful steed – to the safety of the castle, the hood covering the ex-captive’s head would be blown back in the wind to reveal the smiling face of the world’s most beautiful fairy princess. Not that the kids always believed me. At times I wondered who was humouring whom. But they would always engage, with willing suspension of disbelief, clamouring for another true story. I don’t think I ever came up with a story about a shepherd. However, the two themes of prince and shepherd do now come together, but not with armour, not with a castle, not with a trusty charger but simply with a humble donkey stumbling under the burden of a young woman about to give birth.
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‘There’s probably room for you round the back. Try the stable.’ Well, they’re hardly the most attractive words of welcome and comfort. But that’s all there was by way of a maternity unit some two thousand years ago for one couple in particular, the wife heavily laden with child.
Well, Advent is now over. That time of anticipation, preparation, a peaceful and reflective time heralding the launch of the Christian message is behind us. The infant Jesus enters our world. Thankfully most of us these days don’t have to be born in a cowshed, although a lot of society’s problems and ills of yesteryear – human rights, intolerance, military occupation et al. - have simply morphed into the ills of the current day. But a lot has changed for the better since the birth of Jesus, since He went on to prove His point: rising from the dead following His crucifixion. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s His birth which we are now celebrating over these twelve days of Christmas, or do I mean Xmas? I’d always thought, perhaps erroneously, that the term ‘Xmas’ was a lazy, short-hand, commercialised even disrespectful way of referring to Christmas. That was until it was suggested to me that the shortened format could perhaps refer, albeit obliquely, to the ChiRho. Also known as the Monogram of Christ, Labarum or Chrismon, the Chi-Rho is one of the earliest forms of the Christogram. It’s formed by superimposing the first two letters chi and rho (i.e. X and P) of the Greek word ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ (Christos) in such a way that the vertical stroke of the rho intersects the centre of the chi. Well, Christmas – or Xmas – covers a very special twelve days, a time of joy and happiness, camaraderie and the giving and receiving presents. Who doesn’t like getting presents? In The Spanish Ambassador’s Suitcase (Matthew Parris and Andrew Bryson, Viking, 2012) we learn of the US radio station which interviewed several ambassadors in 1946 and asked what they would like for Christmas. The Russian ambassador said he wanted ‘peace on earth and understanding between nations’. The French ambassador said he wished for ‘a
brighter future for humanity and for the spread of freedom throughout the world’. Then came the British ambassador’s response: ‘That’s very kind of you – a small box of crystallized fruit would be lovely’. Well, whether your wishes have such macro or such micro implications, it’s a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year that I wish you all in the full spirit of this season. Pax vobiscum … Pax nobiscum. Acknowledgements and Attribution: Texts/References adapted and/or adopted from http://en.wikipedia.org under the terms of the Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike License 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/; Photograph © David Bumgardner (Unsplash): Chi Rho.
Dr J L Kettle-Williams is an experienced business communications consultant and wordsmith (tutor, writer, translator).
Ten places of worship from across Yorkshire are celebrating
The Catholic Post. January 2024. Page 11.
yhct.org.uk
Over the past couple of years we have witnessed the important role churches play in bringing their local communities together and helping them thrive Ten places of worship from across Yorkshire are celebrating this month after receiving a share of £74,000 to help towards the cost of repairs and maintenance work. The grants have come from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT), a charity set up to help churches, chapels and meeting houses with the increasing costs of repairs, restoration and maintenance needed to keep buildings functioning for their congregations and communities. The much needed funds will help a range of churches and chapels continue to offer warm and dry spaces for both worship and an increasing number of local community services. One church receiving funds is St Augustine's Catholic Church in Harehills, Leeds, an impressive brick-built church of the 1930s, bold and original in its art-deco design, which won
the Royal Institute of British Architects bronze medal for 1936. The church is in need of urgent roof repairs, with buckets needed to catch the rain. The total cost of the repairs is more than £50,000 and the church has undertaken fundraising among the congregation and received funding from the Benefact Trust and other charitable trusts. The YHCT were delighted to award the final £6,000 to ensure that the repairs can be undertaken. St Augustine's serves eight different communities from Zimbabwe to Ukraine, and host five different choirs from the Filipino, Nigerian, Indian, Guinea Bissau and other international communities. Father Ghebreyesus Ghebrezghi, from St Augustine's said: "St Augustine's is a thriving parish of worship, which is supported greatly by parishioners from all four corners of the world. The roof is desperately in need of repair as is the brick work at the entrance to the Church.
There are many other repairs and renovations that need doing as well, which is why we are deeply grateful to the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust for considering and awarding a grant to us". Tom Ramsden, Chairman of the YHCT said: "Thanks to the generosity of our Friends and donors, we have been able to support a wide range of places of worship. Over the past couple of years we have witnessed the important role churches play in bringing their local communities together and helping them thrive. Now, more than ever, they need our help to ensure those churches continue to support their communities for many years to come".
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Just before Advent and on the feast of Saint Andrew we learned of the passing of a prominent political figure. Alistair Darling’s death brought warm tributes from a number of former Prime Ministers and many other politicians. A prominent scotsman he was praised for outstanding competence, integrity and a strong sense of social justice. Mr Darling guided our country through the global financial crisis of 200710. We need many more of his calibre at Westminster.
I have only visited Scotland briefly but am aware that Saint Andrew is not only the patron saint but his name is fully incorporated into its history. Andrew was the first apostle to be called, the brother of Saint Peter, a brave Martyr he is also patron saint of Russia and Greece. One of those great pro-active saints who set a good example.
National and International News from a Catholic Perspective with thoughtful articles to deepen Faith
Grants continue to be available for repairs, restoration and maintenance to churches of any Christian denomination, including investigation grants.
Frank Goulding Writing this article on the eve of Advent I have to admit has not been easy. Possibly many have had to be reactive this year rather than pro-active as events have unfolded. At Christmas perhaps we are reactive when we open surprise presents but is should be accompanied be pro-active in this special season and maybe for the year ahead. This surely applies to those who hold public office.
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have dominated the international news agenda this year. At the time of writing this article the prospect for peace in the areas near the Holy Land are not encouraging. A week long truce seemed not enough to prevent further sad tragedy.
As Advent commenced we in Britain experienced freezing weather with the usual extra concern for what some call “rough sleepers”. The organisation of compassion by the charities and volunteers does relate to the need for an end to homelessness. It seems that a target to end this by 2027 is now as far away as ever. This also applies to another ‘target’ to build 300,000 homes a year. We have now had 16 housing ministers in 13 years, many young people, and sadly an increase in those over 55 are never likely to afford their own home unless we see significant changes.
Pope Francis has been particularly proactive this year on climate change. Despite health issues preventing him attending COP28 he has used scientific data, diplomatic arguments and theological reasoning to speak out. The Pope has not hesitated to show his concern for the world’s poor and most vulnerable who are paying the highest price for the harm being done to the planet. Whilst we can only observe these issues it is possible for us to help those in greatest need by acts of kindness, by going the extra mile or even offering a kind word. We surely gain most satisfaction by being pro-active this way.
If decent housing is a problem in our country it is a major grave issue in the war zones which
A peaceful Christmas to all readers particularly those who live alone.
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Page 12. The Catholic Post. January 2024.
Introducing the Permanent Diaconate: Deacon Davie Nalikata dioceseofsalford.org.uk
“Faith has always been part of my life, I think, and it’s something that’s been passed down” Deacon Davie was ordained in June 2022 as part of our very first cohort of Salford permanent deacons. Fifteen months later, we’re catching up with one of the four deacons ordained that day to find out more about their work and their unique call to ministry. “Faith has always been part of my life, I think, and it’s something that’s been passed down – especially from my mum. My dad died when I was quite young – about 10 – and my mum never stopped practicing her faith. We used to joke that it was like she was married to Christ because she’d go to work first thing in the morning, finish at 5.30pm, and straight after she’d be at the parish and it was something that ran throughout the week, Monday to Sunday. “I think when you’re growing up and you see that normalised as something people can do, especially from a single parent home, you grow up thinking that’s the norm and something to aspire to, so everything you do is inspired and influenced by that.” From an early age, Davie had aspirations to be a doctor or a lawyer but enrolled at seminary a couple of years after the death of his father. There, under the guidance of his uncle – who was a rector at the seminary – Davie’s life became centred around prayer. “On one hand, I’d always wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer, but going into seminary, you have a different structure to the day, which consisted of waking up early in the morning, going to Mass, prayer, learning. In the afternoon, we would go to the farm to grow crops to share with everybody equally. And with my uncle being the rector, and very enthusiastic celebrating the Mass, you begin to see a different kind of role model. I think that was the first time I began to think I could be a priest.” After a few years of life in seminary, Davie decided that the priesthood was not for him and finished his studies elsewhere with the view of reading law at university. However, with only one university in Malawi that had just 1,300 places for over 40,000 applicants, Davie sought opportunities to build a career overseas. He said: “I came to Manchester and got my undergraduate in marketing and went on to study international business management. At that point, I was quite excited by the idea of going to work in the corporate world, even if it wasn’t exactly what I started off with. “Around the same time, I got married and we had our first child. When he was born, he spent a lot of time in hospital, but that was quite a transformative moment because to see the
support he was getting from the nurses and the staff was incredible. It was a changing point because the idea of working in the corporate world didn’t give me that spark anymore.”
Marketing for God Davie’s search for something more led him to Manchester-based organisation, Citywise, and a volunteering opportunity as a mentor in local schools. He said: “The first project I did was in this school – Loreto High School – where I now work as a chaplain. At that time, I mentored year 10 and 11 students coming from very difficult backgrounds. I enjoyed that so much that when a job came up at the Sixth Form College, I jumped at the opportunity. So, I began work in the college chaplaincy and, as you see, the rest is history!” As Davie got to grips with his life as a chaplain, a new call presented itself through a conversation with his parish priest one day, asking if he’d ever thought of the permanent diaconate before. The priest explained more about the ministry, but that Salford Diocese did not – at that time – have a permanent diaconate programme. Davie said: “A few days later, the priest emailed me with further details, and it looked interesting, but I thought that if God really wanted me to be a permanent deacon, we would have deacons in Salford. I thought that because Salford Diocese hadn’t had deacons for years and years, this was never going to happen, so I suppose it was my way of saying no.” A few years later, Bishop John announced the beginnings of a permanent diaconate programme in the Diocese of Salford, a move that caught Davie by surprise: “That actually scared me quite a lot because – it was vivid, I remember what I said – and I thought this was God saying, ‘I’ve done my part, now you need to come into your promise’”, Davie explained. Not long after, a new priest arrived in the parish and within just two weeks, Davie received a second tap on the shoulder, followed by a third from a priest who worked alongside Davie in his role as chaplain. Davie went home and spoke to his wife Nancy for the first time about his possible call to the permanent diaconate. He said: “I was expecting Nancy to say something else, but she just laughed and said that before the first priest had spoken to me, he had spoken to her and she said, ‘I think you’re right, but you’ll have to ask him first!’
“I think in life you know God is calling you to something but it’s human nature to want proof. For me, I think it was the establishment of the permanent diaconate in the diocese and also the different people at different stages in my life making that same call.”
Equipped with a unique set of gifts, talents, and charisms, each one of us is called to use our skills in the service of God and of others, Deacon Davie explains, helping to build a Church of one body made up of many parts – each with our own role to play.
With the full support of his wife Nancy, Davie began the training process for the permanent diaconate, continuing the remarkable journey that began in the corporate world of marketing.
He explained: “When you look at the permanent deacons in our diocese, we’re all so different and I think that’s the joy. When you bring the whole community of permanent deacons together, you’ll see it includes every kind of person from every walk of life: there are police officers, cleaners, headteachers, data analysts – when you see that, every person can recognise something in themselves and that the Lord is calling them to some kind of service too – and that call could be a job, a ministry – anything.
He said: “I often joke by saying that marketing gets you to understand a person and apply strategies to present a solution to the needs of that individual person. I look at faith the same way: every single person is missing something and what we’re missing is the core element of what our lives are ordered towards: God. And what we’re bringing to people is Christ, so in a way it’s like marketing – just marketing for God!”
A single mission of service More than 12 months on from ordination and Deacon Davie is enjoying a flourishing ministry that balances family, work, and diaconate life. He said: “As a permanent deacon, you have to always balance your life in the right way in terms of family, work, and ministry – and the balance has to be that way round, and once you do that, your ministry just flows.” In his parish of Sacred Heart and St Francis of Assisi in Gorton, Deacon Davie has become a welcome figure in the parish community, ministering at the altar, preaching at Mass, helping with catechesis, baptising, and presiding at funerals. He said: “Being a permanent deacon is quite a privilege. Every four weeks, I get to preach the homily, and I think it’s perhaps easier to connect the Gospel message with people because you’re right in the messiness of life. “I’m beginning to see that there isn’t really a boundary between my ministry, my home, and my work life: it’s all service – it just becomes who you are.”
Our own call to service This call to service is an invitation extended to each and every one of us through baptism.
“In everything we do, we need to look at the gifts we have and try to live life by using these to serve others as best as we can. When you start with that, you realise how much God has given you as a gift, and that gift is never about you or for you – it’s about discerning what God is calling you to do with that gift.” But discerning our call – whatever that might be – can be both challenging and daunting, especially when navigating the ups and downs of everyday life, but it is precisely these doubts and worries – Deacon Davie explains – that makes us able to carry out our ministry. He said: “That in itself is a very good start because you realise your weaknesses, your frailties, your humanity, and therefore recognise our dependence and need for God. That sense of humility is already a great character to serve. “The next stage is to remember that God has also entrusted you with something, a gift so special that it cannot be put under a bushel basket. It is this gift that God has called you with at your baptism, to go out as a missionary disciple – to build, to heal, to console and to show his love to others. When you look at it this way, then all you can do is say yes to the Lord, then ask him to make his calling clear to you – and he will – then allow him to perfect you to carry out what he is asking of you.”
The Catholic Post. January 2024. Page 13.
URGENT Help a young person reach a safe place tonight This winter thousands of young people in the UK will have nowhere safe to sleep. Some are visible on the streets, but for many, their homelessness is hidden. The danger for all of them is very real. Nightstop is our national emergency service. Trained and vetted volunteer hosts welcome young people into their homes and provide a safe and warm place to sleep.
Will you help?
A donation of £54 could pay for a night of safety, a hot meal and a listening ear with a Nightstop host.
To donate scan the QR code or go online at: depaul.org.uk/donatetoday
Cheques payable to ‘Depaul UK’ can be sent to Freepost RTXK–XRRE–AHLC, Depaul UK, Sherborne House, 34-36 Decima Street, LONDON, SE1 4QQ Your donation will support Depaul UK’s services wherever it is needed most. Depaul UK, Sherborne House, 34-36 Decima Street, London, SE1 4QQ • Patron: Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President: Sir Trevor McDonald OBE Registered Charity Number: 802384 • Company Number: 02440093 (Registered in England and Wales) Registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Number: SC049244. Copyright © 2023 Depaul UK
Page 14. The Catholic Post. January 2024.
New Bishop Appointed plymouth-diocese.org.uk
Please pray that I may have the gifts of courage, wisdom, prudence and discernment, as your servant On Friday 15 December 2023, His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Canon Christopher Whitehead as the Tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth. He replaces the former Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Reverend Mark O’Toole who moved to Wales in June 2022 when he was appointed by His Holiness Pope Francis as Archbishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia. On hearing the news of his appointment Bishop-elect Christopher said: “With complete trust in the gentle, guiding hands of the Lord, I take up the appointment that our Holy Father Pope Francis has entrusted to me. This is not something I could have ever imagined and willingly give myself to where the Lord has called me to serve and with all I have to offer.” “Like my own diocese of Clifton, Plymouth is such a beautiful part of this country and I am truly happy to have the opportunity to make my home among its great people. Clifton has been my home for the 54 years of my life, and it is where I learned to walk in the ways of faith and where my priestly vocation was born and nurtured. For that I will be eternally thankful. So too for the teachers and guides who have shown me the way, the priests and religious who have inspired me, and all who have supported me with their love and prayers. I am where I am because of their love, their witness, their example and their kindness.” “As I begin this challenging and exciting journey in the service of God’s Church and the
People of the Diocese of Plymouth, I ask for the prayers of the children, women and men of my new diocese. I need these and the prayers of my brother priests, and the religious communities, and all people of good will. Please pray that I may have the gifts of courage, wisdom, prudence and discernment, as your servant. Naturally I feel apprehensive about the ministry now entrusted to me, and so I place myself in the loving hands of our God, knowing he is always faithful. I thank God for his merciful love and pray that God’s most Holy Spirit may enable me to be faithful in all I do, remaining ever attentive to the Gospel and his love. I pray that I be a gentle shepherd to God’s people and a loving father to those I have been called to serve – wanting to ensure that the Church in the Diocese of Plymouth continues to be a safe and welcoming space for all.” The Diocesan Administrator of Plymouth Diocese, Canon Paul Cummins, who has been looking after the diocese since Archbishop Mark O’Toole’s appointment to Cardiff and Menevia in June 2022 said: “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Bishop-elect Christopher Whitehead as the news of his nomination by the Holy Father as the Bishop of Plymouth is announced. We welcome him with open arms to this beautiful diocese in the south-west of England. May St Boniface and St Cuthbert Mayne and all the saints and martyrs of the Diocese of Plymouth pray for him. I assure him of my full support and prayers as he prepares to join us here.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales said on the news of Bishop-elect Christopher’s appointment: “I am delighted at the appointment of Canon Christopher Whitehead as the next Bishop of Plymouth Diocese. He brings a wide pastoral experience from his years in Clifton Diocese, together with a dedication to the work of evangelisation and education. “I welcome him to the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and assure him of lasting friendships and support from his fellow bishops. “I assure him of my own prayers, and ask you to keep him in your prayers as he prepares to take up these new steps in his service of the Church.” The Metropolitan Archbishop John Wilson added: “I was so pleased to hear the good news of the appointment by Pope Francis of Canon Christopher Whitehead as the new Bishop of Plymouth. I know there will great gratitude for his ministry as a priest in his home Diocese of Clifton. “The Lord has now called him to be a shepherd in new pastures. In the Advent time, when we think of Our Lady’s generous response to God’s call, I thank God for Bishop-elect
Christopher’s generosity in saying ‘yes’ to the Lord. He will receive a warm welcome in the Diocese of Plymouth where Canon Paul Cummins has served so effectively as Diocesan Administrator following the translation of Bishop Mark O’Toole to be Arch-bishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia. “I can assure Bishop-elect Christopher of a warm welcome too to the Metropolitan Province of Southwark. As his fellow bishops, and together with the clergy, laity and religious of the Diocese of Plymouth, we will hold him in our hearts before the Lord and as he prepares to take up the example of the Good Shepherd in a new and beautiful way.” The Bishop-elect’s home Diocese of Clifton’s Bishop, the Right Reverend Declan Lang said: “My congratulations for Bishop-elect Christopher Whitehead as he prepares to take up his episcopal ministry in the Diocese of Plymouth. He has many talents arising from his experiences as a parish priest and one time Director of the Adult Education and Evangelisation Department. He is also the Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate. His singing voice is noteworthy and also his cooking! “Our prayers and thanks go with him as he leaves the Diocese of Clifton to commence a new journey in the Diocese of Plymouth.”
St Bonaventure’s launches new Catholic Leadership Course for Educators in England dioceseofbrentwood.net
“I am incredibly proud that we were able to host this day and help form future leaders of Catholic education”. St Bonaventure’s School in East London launched its new Catholic Leadership course, bringing together 35 aspiring leaders in Catholic education from across England. The event was led by former school leader and current Chief Executive Officer of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Raymond Friel OBE. Friel passionately delved into the purpose and principles of Catholic education and leadership, emphasising “the integral formation for the
common good – the head, the heart, and the hands”. The event was designed to equip educators with essential skills to promote Catholic education and prepare them to tackle future challenges. Headteacher Christopher McCormack kicked off the day with a warm welcome, underlining the significance of Catholic education. Morning sessions featured insights from Friel, outlining key principles of
Catholic education and leadership. The event emphasised the vocational call to the attendees, underscoring the vital role of Catholic schools in shaping the future success of education. St Bonaventure’s Deputy Headteacher Andy Lewis said: “I am incredibly proud that we were able to host this day and help form future leaders of Catholic education. It was wonderful to welcome them to East London, a real heartland of Catholic education and, of course, our fantastic school – as ever, our students excelled themselves in welcoming our guests.” Miss Baidoo, Assistant Curriculum Leader for RE at St Bonaventure’s, shared her insights, stating, “The Catholic leadership course provided profound insights, seamlessly
blending faith and leadership principles. Empowering, enlightening and a transformative journey towards compassionate and purpose-driven leadership. I thoroughly enjoyed today, and it has truly inspired me as a Catholic educator, reminding me of the importance of our role.” For additional information and registration, please contact agnusdei@stbons.org
The Catholic Post. January 2024. Page 15.
Catholic schools save £500,000 by going green Catholic Education News
The prices just kept going up, we had to take control of it Seventy Catholic primaries and secondaries in the Archdioceses of Birmingham and Westminster have saved over £500,000 - enough to employ 30 teaching assistants - by clubbing together to commission reviews of how their premises use energy. Known as Heat Decarbonisation Plans (HDPs), these detailed assessments, commissioned by the Archdioceses’ education services, revealed that upgrading building management systems could make big savings through more efficient energy use. The schools then put in place a range of measures including improved metering for gas and electricity monitoring, LED lighting, and for schools installing solar panels these then provided up to half of their electricity. St John Paul II Multi Academy runs nine schools in the Birmingham area, including in Walmley, Erdington and Sutton Coldfield, which have since saved £80,000, equivalent to 871,000 units of gas. John Carroll, Facilities Manager for St John Paul II Multi Academy, said: “The prices just kept going up, we had to take control of it. “The HDPs recommended new control panels for the boilers, and straight away we found we
were saving a lot of money. By managing data for energy use it’s made a huge difference – we've cut down gas usage by 30%. “Schools are looking at conservation now, and headteachers can talk to staff and pupils with savings for the past year and say ‘this is what you’ve done, now let’s keep it going’.” The Archdioceses used Churchmarketplace, a not-for-profit procurement service set up by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales to help Catholic schools and parishes bulk-buy collectively to save on costs.
C R O S S WO R D
The Archdioceses then contracted energy efficiency consultancy Zeco to work out where savings could be made in schools, supported by Churchmarketplace. Much of educational budgets are spent on products and services, such as stationery, transport, catering, computers, broadband, and printers, all of which can be made much cheaper by bulk purchases with multiple schools. Jennifer Williamson, Director of Churchmarketplace, said: “Headteachers
2-in-1 Crossw
continue to come under huge pressure from inflation when setting budgets. By buying together with other schools real savings can be made on costs, and energy-efficient systems put in place which go on to save even more.” Two of the key texts of Pope Francis are Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home, and Laudate Deum, which emphasise the importance of protecting the environment against a culture of disposability.
ord by Axe
You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. 12 Abbot's story is written up following Rector's recording outside (7) 15 She was unfaithful to OT chap; married an all-round raver (5) 17 All over English meet with French negativity, which produces zilch (4) QUICK Across 5 Either of two books of the NT (11) 7 Archaic term for Christmas from a 12-day heathen festival (4) 8 Muslim philosopher who influenced the medieval Schoolmen... (8) 9 ...and a pillar of Islam? (7) 11 Word appearing in the OT meaning the underworld or place for departed souls (5) 13 Daughter of Jacob and Leah (5) 14 Ancient Greek set of religious beliefs associated with Hades (7) 16 A ---- ----: parable appearing in Luke (4,4) 17 Females who have taken their final vows (4) 18 Alternative name for members of the Premonstratensian Order (11) QUICK Down 1 Composer of two oratorios, but more famously Rule Britannia (4) 2 First year's revenue of an ecclesiastical benefice, passed to the Crown in 1535 and abolished in 1926 (7) 3 Part of a church containing the seats of the clergy (5)
4 Town fortified by Rehoboam for which Micah prophesied disaster (8) 5 Means of Christ's death as recorded by all four evangelists (11) 6 OT anthology of love poems, alternatively called ‘Canticles' in some Bibles (4,2,5) 10 Word in the Eastern Church which equates to the Eucharistic Prayer (8) 12 High-ranking ecclesiastic (7) 15 Hosea's unfaithful wife (5) 17 The last of the 'Little Hours' of the Divine Office (4) SOLUTION Across: 5 Corinthians, 7 Yule, 8 Avicenna, 9 Minaret, 11 Sheol, 13 Dinah, 14 Orphism, 16 Rich fool, 17 Nuns, 18 Norbertines. Down: 1 Arne, 2 Annates, 3 Choir, 4 Mareshah, 5 Crucifixion, 6 Song of Songs, 10 Anaphora, 12 Prelate, 15 Gomer, 17 None.
CRYPTIC Across 5 Sports two letters from Paul (11) 7 Log all chocolate that's eaten around Christmas? (4) 8 Naive can, strangely to medieval Schoolmen, be an influence (8) 9 Building that appeals for Indian ruler to 'go back in time' in retrospective (7) 11 This kind of hell hole's diabolical (5) 13 Levi's sister's anger initially follows row with husband (5) 14 Golden premier of chap being inducted into a mysterious religion (7) 16 Note a retrogressive toilet's showy façade: a parable that highlights greed (4,4) 17 ' No union, no strike' letters initially given to women with habits (4) 18 Bernstein, or alternative name for the Premonstratensians (11) CRYPTIC Down 1 He composed a tune ultimately the navy embraced (4) 2 Key number among Poles eroded benefice's income (7) 3 Some in macho Irish group getting vocal when together (5) 4 Horse old Persian tracks to a town fortified by Rehoboam (8) 5 Means of executing Rugby's capacity to bind individual's attachment to one across? (11) 6 Solomon's greatest hit? Perhaps not... (4,2,5) 10 ...Eucharistic Prayer heard in Athens maybe a rap Noah composed (8)
Page 16. The Catholic Post. January 2024.