The Catholic Post April 2024 WEB FINAL

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Diocese publishes results of ‘Bishop Alan Listens’ research report

svp.org.uk

My faith has not waivered, my relationship with God will always be strong, but it is the judgement from the Diocese and the Church which needs to change to become more inclusive of everyone.

Churches must open their doors to all, not just to those defined specifically as ‘practising’ Catholics.’

Last summer, Bishop Alan of the Diocese of Brentwood, in partnership with the Margaret Beaufort Institute, invited Catholics who no longer regularly come to church to get in touch. Bishop Alan, and our wider church, wanted to seriously listen to their stories and experiences to understand why so many Catholics no longer feel as though they belong in the Church.

Fr Liam Hayes, Director of The Centre for Ecclesial Ethics at the Margaret Beaufort Institute, Cambridge, undertook the research on Bishop Alan’s behalf. He says: “Our research revealed that many of the 80% of baptised Catholics who no longer go to Church do not feel welcome, appreciated or even visible, for they experience a Church in which they nolonger see their face, hear their voice or recognise their story in too many of the church’s ethical teachings and its wider praxis.

“The Covid pandemic afforded many Catholics the opportunity to reappraise their relationship with faith and Church, and when Catholics feel judged, unwelcome, invisible and neglected, they tend to leave and seek joy and hope elsewhere in order to make sense of the griefs and anxieties of their lives.

Visit www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/ to see the responses in the diocese

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“Bind Us Together”

From the presbytery.............. by Fr Neil McNicholas

We weren’t trying to convert one another, it was just curiosity and a desire to learn, but with a mutual respect for our differences

Before I became a priest, I worked for several years in the Middle East in a country where all religions other than Islam were banned - and so, therefore, was any form of proselytising. One of my Muslim colleagues, an elderly man, had a great love of information and learning, always reading and full of questions. He and I would have long conversations about all sorts of things including our respective religious beliefs. We weren’t trying to convert one another, it was just curiosity and a desire to learn, but with a mutual respect for our differences.

In the middle of the complex that is Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport there is a “Meditation Centre” - a nondenominational prayer room which, over the years, I have used on a number of occasions to catch up on my prayer time whilst waiting interminably for connecting flights. The last time I was there I found myself sharing the room with a Muslim family and a young Jewish lady. There are not many places where you will find Muslim, Jew and Christian praying together - not saying the same prayers, of course, but praying to the same God and that’s a start.

I recently concelebrated at a funeral Mass and a Muslim colleague of the deceased was in the congregation – which was heart-warming to see. He was there out of friendship and respect and while he may not have understood the Mass, he remained for all of it nonetheless.

Here in our own country where we may think we are broad-minded and tolerant, it’s still possible to experience anti-Catholic attitudes four centuries after the Reformation. And there does also seem to be an increasing effort to denigrate and sideline Christian beliefs and principles – not by people of other faiths, but by those who don’t believe at all. Should we be trying to convert everyone to faith in Jesus Christ? Probably, but personally speaking I am less concerned about converting people who already believe in God even if they know him by a different name. I respect their beliefs and

their religious practices just as I hope they respect mine.

What causes me more concern is those who seem to have no knowledge of God (or the things of God) whatever his name and you don’t have to go very far to find them. They show up in our churches all the time for baptisms, first communions, weddings, and funerals and, while welcome, they seem to have no idea what it means to be in church or how to conduct themselves accordinglywhich in itself is sad but understandable under the circumstances. We have work to do there. Of even more concern is the conduct of those also visiting our churches who are nominally Christian, or even nominally Catholic, and who therefore should know better but don’t seem to these days. We have work to do there also.

On the subject of world religions the Church says: When she delves into her own mystery, the Church, the People of God in the New Covenant, discovers her link with the Jewish People, the first to hear the Word of God. One (People) awaits the return of the Messiah who is recognised as Lord and Son of God; the other (still) awaits the coming of the Messiah (a waiting) accompanied by the drama of not knowing, or of misunderstanding, Christ Jesus.

The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims (who) profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us adore the one, merciful God.

All nations form but one community – all stem from the one stock which God created to people the entire earth, and also because all share a common destiny, namely God. The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among the shadows and images, for the God…who wants all people to be saved. Thus the Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as a preparation for the Gospel.

Returning to that prayer room in Schipol, people use it because they want to pray. Therefore it doesn’t make any difference what their religion is, it is simply a place of peace and quiet where they can find their God in the middle of a busy international airport, with each one respecting the right of every other person to be there.

If such a unity of purpose can be achieved between Christian, Muslim and Jew, you would think that, all the more so, it could be achieved between Christian and Christian, but experience shows we still have a long way to go. Four-hundred-and-fifty years after Henry VIII began the disintegration of our Christian family, we don’t seem to be moving very fast, or to have moved very far, toward any real or effective reunification.

Like those who end up praying together in Schipol, small worlds coming together by chance, our individual and personal efforts at ecumenism seem to work pretty well but, unfortunately, there are limits to what we can do and how far we can go. As individuals committed to our own particular denominations we simply do not have the authority to circumvent the issues that continue to divide us – things like papal authority and transubstantiation for example –and which we might hope greater minds than ours are seeking to resolve.

Even once-promising efforts by, for example, the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) seem to have come to nothing, and there seems to have been even less going on in terms of effective dialogue with other denominations.

Concern for achieving unity involves the whole Church, faithful and clergy alike. But we must realize that this holy objective – the reconciliation of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ – transcends human powers and gifts. That is why we place all our hope in the prayer of Christ for the Church, in the love of the Father for us, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“There is only one God, there is only one Body - Lord, bind us together with love.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, para’s 839 & 840, para 841, para’s 842 & 843.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, para 822.

“Picking up the pieces” The SVP responds to the Spring Budget 2024

This budget falls short of the essential investment needed to bring about meaningful changes to the lives of the people we support every day

The recent Budget set out by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt does not do enough to address some of the important issues affecting people in the UK. Particularly in light of a recession and an estimated 14 million people living in poverty in the UK today, this budget falls short of the essential investment needed to bring about meaningful changes to the lives of the people we support every day.

Our CEO, Elizabeth Palmer says “Over the past two years we have seen a steady rise in requests for help. Our national office alone has seen a 49% increase in requests for help. This is in addition to the over 19,000 people supported by our centres, community hubs and volunteer member groups. Policies announced today will provide little relief to people who are struggling to meet their essential needs

including food, heating and housing. We will continue to respond to calls for help, but we urge the government to act urgently to provide support for millions of households who are simply not coping.”

We welcome the extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) for a further six months, however, we are concerned this won’t go far enough to help households in need. Several of our frontline centres have used the HSF to provide people with essential items including white goods, cooking facilities for families who had none, and beds for families in temporary accommodation. With Local Authorities’ increasingly stretched budgets, this funding helped to prevent crises from escalating. A temporary extension does not go far enough, long-term funding is urgently needed.

Abby Wootton, Centre Manager at our St Vincent’s Wirral says “The need for support with essential items is so high, in the last month alone we have supplied over £10K worth of essential items, mostly white goods. Without HSF funding, and the cost of living payments ceasing, I really wonder how lowincome households will be able to afford any unexpected expenses”.

We continue to call for an increase in the basic rate of Universal Credit to allow people to at

least afford their essentials. Whilst welcome measures were announced, including an increase in the repayment period for Universal Credit advanced payments, this budget does not do enough to support households in need. The recent budget did not provide the respite people were looking for. Failing to extend the Household Support Fund beyond six months, or not replacing it with alternative funding, will result in charities and local groups picking up the pieces – something they lack the resources to do. Growing numbers of people are increasingly relying on charities like the SVP to meet their essential needs. This highlights the need for urgent action to empower people and families to not only meet their current needs but also to break free from the cycle of poverty and plan for a better future.

Women's prayers in Kilkenny and Ukraine

Lent for me this year has been enriched beyond measure by two L'Arche prayer services: one in Kilkenny; the other, via Zoom, in Ukraine.

I was pleased to hear at the start of Lent that 'The Golden Girls' would be having a daily prayer at 11am. Every day, that is, except for Tuesday which is their outing day! The Golden Girls is a sort of retirement group in L'Arche Kilkenny (just for women!), but we don't use words like retirement any more, do we! It's delightful to be with them at any time of the year and the Lenten prayer times have been extra special. There's a set format. Maggie welcomes everyone, Peggy plays a bit of music on her phone, Mary speaks about a picture she's holding, Maggie does the gospel reading for the day, Helen and Catherine and Nora and others pray for anyone in need of prayer. And then I'm invited to read an extract from a book. The first time I joined for the prayer I was incredibly touched to see that the book being used by them throughout Lent is one of my own, 'The Universe Provides.' I've happily been reading the pieces allocated to me by Peggy! Now and again we just start laughing about something or other, which is lovely. We finish with another piece of music.

That's the formal structure, at any rate. In L'Arche, things often don't go completely according to plan. That's one of the things I've always loved about L'Arche. There's a spontaneity and a joy about the prayer time which is so refreshing. I feel totally welcomed and relaxed. I feel loved for who I am. And what more important message could we take from our Lenten journey: to hear God say to us, "You are my beloved son," "You are my beloved daughter." I was once on a L'Arche retreat and the speaker, a most inspiring woman, said to us, "Imagine how it would be to live each day in the knowledge that I am the beloved."

The prayer service from Ukraine that I had the privilege to attend was also, as it happened, led by a woman. She's a member of one of the two L'Arche communities in Ukraine. Both are in the West of the country and so relatively safe, at least in comparison to other parts of the country. However, it's all relative. My friend Peter, who has been attending the twiceweekly prayer since it started at the outset of the war, tells me that there have been times when bombing has occurred during the service.

The prayer service, like the time with The Golden Girls, was emotional, joyful, wonderful. It commences with a mass greeting, in several languages. There are various exclamations of 'Oh, it's so and so! Hello!' One of those present was in Moscow and she received one of the

Continued plea for Lenten Prayer for Peace

There has been a heartening response from parishes and individuals for Lenten prayer for peace. Please join with us.

Originating over thirty years ago through the work of aid workers witnessing the effect of war on humanity, Crown of Thorns has kept the promotion of the Holy Rosary for world peace as the central work of the charity. We can all do something to help bring peace. We can ease suffering. Every person can do something positive to stop war.

Our Lady has repeatedly asked us to pray the rosary, with the assurance of our prayers being heard. It is a simple prayer, and humble. It takes us on a journey through the life and times of the Holy Family, bringing them close.

The Rosary is a hugely adaptable prayer which can be prayed in it’s entirety, or even just one decade at a time. Using this method, maybe with scriptural texts between each Hail Mary, or reading the relevant passage in the bible before the decade, works very well.

For a sick person, even the act of holding the beads in their hand, with no words spoken, can bring great comfort and communion with God. This a silent prayer in it’s self, for often no words are needed between those who know each other well.

A prayer before starting your rosary: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

warmest greetings of the evening. Members of L'Arche Ukraine then sing and pray in their language and that included some Taizé chants. I provided 'Ubi Caritas.' There are readings in Ukrainian and English, a time of intercessory prayer. There are also some set prayers and one of them doesn't mince its words: 'Just punishment for war criminals!' After we'd said the 'Our Father,' each in our own language (it was a true Pentecost) I was invited to do my second song. I'd chosen one that's special to me, 'Lord you have come to the lakeside.' I sing it each year on a L'Arche retreat in the French Alps that I help on. I often end up in tears when I sing it. Judging by the messages that were coming into the Zoom Chat, it seemed to strike a chord with those gathered, especially when it got to the chorus:

With love you have looked in my eyes Lord Smiling gently, you called me by name and I left my boat by the lakeside Now with you, I will seek other shores

The service ended with people waving to one another on the zoom screen. Nobody wanted to leave.

I almost can't wait for the next Ukraine prayer, and I reckon I'm not the only one. And as I look forward equally to the next time of prayer with The Golden Girls I think to myself that, for once, I don't want Lent to end!

Eddie Gilmore

Where there is hatred, let me bring love.

Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.

Where there is discord, let me bring union.

Where there is error, let me bring truth.

Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.

Where there is despair, let me bring hope.

Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.

Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.

www.crownofthorns.org.uk 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

ICN/L'Arche Ireland

100 Schools achieve LiveSimply Award championed by CAFOD

CAFOD

In a momentous occasion for Catholic schools across England and Wales, 100 schools have now achieved the LiveSimply Award

The LiveSimply Award, championed by CAFOD, the Catholic international development charity, recognises schools and parishes that pledge to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities. This accomplishment is a testament to the commitment and dedication of over 30,000 pupils in primary and secondary schools across England and Wales.

These schools have embraced a holistic approach to live simply and the pupils demonstrated their commitment through a range of activities, including but not limited to:

· creating prayer gardens and celebrating peace days

· visiting and forging strong links with local care homes

· supporting foodbanks and homeless shelters

· campaigning and taking action to speak out against global injustice

· introducing Fairtrade initiatives at school and participating in CAFOD’s ‘Big Lent Walk’.

The LiveSimply Award is deeply rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si’ and encourages personal transformation. Pupils learn not only about the actions they undertake but also understand the reasons behind them, the impact they have and how faith inspires their involvement.

Siobhan Farnell, CAFOD’s LiveSimply for Schools Coordinator, expressed her excitement, stating:

“We’re thrilled that 100 schools have now achieved the LiveSimply Award. Congratulations and well done to all the schools who have achieved this and to everyone who has supported them along their journey.”

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Birkdale, paved the way by becoming the first school to achieve the Award in October 2017, while St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, Newcastle Upon Tyne, followed suit as the first secondary school in November 2018. Interest in the Award surged in recent years, with over 100,000 pupils currently working towards the LiveSimply Award across 20 dioceses in England and Wales.

Siobhan continues: “It’s so inspiring to hear about the actions the schools have taken and how much the young people have enjoyed themselves, embracing the ethos and sentiment of LiveSimply. The schools have demonstrated living in solidarity when they stood side by side with Salina, a small-holder farmer from Bangladesh, by signing a letter to the World Bank to fix the broken food system. They campaigned by writing letters to the Prime Minster about climate change and how the world’s poorest communities are most impacted despite being the ones who have done the least to contribute to it.”

The living sustainably element focuses on actions that steward our planet, including schemes promoting reduction, reuse, and recycling. Pupils have actively engaged in environmentally conscious practices, such as walking and cycling to school, creating allotments, and participating in community clean-up initiatives.

While the living simply element is a chance to slow down, spend more time in prayer and reflection, spend time in nature and quality time with others – putting the electronic gadgets away and really engaging with people around them.

The inclusive nature of the Award has led to strengthened community ties, with parents, families, local parishioners, businesses, MPs, governors, and councillors actively participating. David Harris, Adviser for Catholic Education (Primary) at Birmingham Diocesan Education Service said: “The LiveSimply award has been well received by Primary and Secondary schools within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Children have been enthused and inspired to live out Catholic Social Teaching through living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others.”

Josh Marshall, RE Coordinator and Year 5 Teacher at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan, described the LiveSimply Award as "the most inclusive Award we’ve ever done."

All Catholic schools and colleges within England and Wales are invited to join the LiveSimply movement. More information can be found at cafod.org.uk/livesimplyschools

Parkminster Monks Switch To Solar Energy

abdiocese.org.uk

The move could lead to a carbon saving of an enormous 2,307 tonnes of CO2 over a 20 year period

The Carthusian monks of St Hugh’s Charterhouse in Parkminster, near Horsham, have invested in solar panels to power their monastery. The monks have made a significant commitment to green energy by investing in 500 PV panels to power their 240 hectare site with free, clean, and silent solar energy.

The move could lead to a carbon saving of an enormous 2,307 tonnes of CO2 over a 20 year period.

There are 26 monks living at St Hugh’s – the only post-Reformation Carthusian monastery in the UK. They commit to a life of solitude, spending much of their day praying, reading and chanting. They also support the community by cooking, gardening and working in the monastery’s library. Parkminster is a place of incredible beauty and serenity, the perfect setting for a

Facade of St Hugh's, a broad, solid, stone-built monastery simple life of prayer and worship, and the Carthusians have long shown a commitment to the natural environment by growing their own food and following sustainable practices.

As well as installing 500 solar panels, the community is also investing in a battery which will store any excess electricity that can be used when the panels are not generating power. The organisation helping the monks, OHM Energy, is one the South Coast’s most experienced renewable energy consultants. Brother Hesychios, a monk at St Hugh’s,

80% of Palestinian Christians have lost their tourism-related income due to the combination of Covid-19 and the current war. With such an unstable political situation, it is unlikely that tourists will return for some time.

For the future of the Christian community in the Holy Land, it’s essential to support careers and businesses that don’t rely on pilgrims and tourists.

Working with Bethlehem University and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, we are supporting selfemployed people through the AFAQ Project.

We have helped 29 existing small businesses by providing business development, professional coaching, and grants for muchneeded equipment.

Tomah was able to open a small barbershop in his village. The grant helped him to buy a barber’s chair with adjustments for children, as well as razors and scissors. He is proud to build his business, and welcomed the Parish Priest as one of his 昀rst customers.

This family has been able to develop their pastry business and o昀er a larger selection of products in their community thanks to the AFAQ Project. The grant meant they could invest in a food mixer, freezer and kneading machine. Working together makes the family feel more hopeful about the future.

These two entrepreneurs were about to close the business they’d been 昀ghting so hard to keep. Support from the AFAQ Project helped them to buy vital kitchen equipment, and to work on a sales plan in order to turn their sandwich service into a success.

The AFAQ Project helps people start a new chapter in their professional lives – it builds resilience and self-esteem and o昀ers a way for Christians to create a source of income in the Holy Land without having to cross into Israel or rely on tourism. That means fewer Christian families emigrating.

The Hope & Healing Fund will help to power this project.

Thank you for your donations.

Tel: 01926 512980

Registered Charity Number 1202568

explains: 'Initially, when beginning this process we were complete beginners, so we were hoping to be able to rely on a solar panel installer who had the ability to put themselves in the shoes – or sandals as the case may be –of the novice solar panel user to be able to explain to us in layman's terms step-by-step the process involved. I am very glad to say that the OHM team did this.'

Jason Lindfield, Director at OHM Energy Solutions, says the system will pay for itself in under seven years: 'The new system is not only

silent but will transform operations, helping St Hugh’s financially as well as environmentally. The projected energy yield is 231,650 kWh with an annual saving of £27,196. At current energy prices, the entire system should pay for itself within 6 years and 7 months, which makes a very sustainable investment for the community.'"

Sources: story Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales; image St Hugh's Charterhouse.

I’M STANDING WITH CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND

Gaza's Christians: 'We are closer than ever to the crucified Saviour'

acnuk.org

"People walk for long hours to get a small box of food, which in the end is not even enough for three people.”

Gaza's Christian community is facing the most difficult time since the outbreak of the war but remain encouraged by their faith, according to local sources. There is a critical shortage of food and clean water, a source in Gaza who wished not to be named told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

The source said: "People walk for long hours to get a small box of food, which in the end is not even enough for three people.

"In this forced diet, sharing is becoming part of daily life and their new Christian identity."

With the help of ACN (International) and other organisations, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is able to provide two full meals a week and a loaf of bread every two days for each Christian in Gaza.

The source said that access to clean water is one of the greatest challenges, explaining: "We have dirty water for toilets and sanitary units, and water is being purified using traditional methods."

He added that many people have lost weight, and illness is common because of the lack of adequate sanitation.

He highlighted: "Children are suffering from a virus that causes nausea and diarrhoea - and some of the elderly are facing serious illnesses and would require immediate hospitalisation. This is impossible at the moment."

Last month ACN reported that, out of about 1,000 Christians remaining in Gaza, 30 have lost their lives because of the conflict - 19 have been killed by military action and 11 have died due to a lack of medical care.

A priest and seven religious Sisters are looking after 512 Christians - including 120 children and 84 people over 65 - sheltering at the Holy Family Parish, Gaza's only Catholic church.

2 March- 27 April

For the past two weeks, the area around the church has suffered intense military clashes and shelling.

The faithful taking refuge at the parish have daily Mass, pray the Rosary together and are given catechesis.

The parish also organises activities for children and meetings for trauma healing through prayer, with help from the staff of the St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Centre, which moved to the Holy Family compound after its building was bombed.

The local source said that those sheltering at the church "are all exhausted - no one can really experience what they are going through.. With God's grace, our children are now even closer to their faith than ever before.

"It is a very special Easter. We are closer than ever to the crucified Saviour."

Sister Nabila Saleh of the Rosary Sisters - one of the Sisters staying at the Holy Family Church - requested prayers for peace.

She said: "Pray for us, pray for the whole population, that this war might end."

ACN has provided emergency aid - food coupons, life-saving medicine and help with housing costs and tuition fees - for 3,448 Christians in the Holy Land who have lost their livelihoods.

But ACN's UK office is only able to contribute to the support in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The UK government's counter-terrorism sanctions make it impossible for ACN (UK) to transfer funds into Gaza but vital aid is getting through via the charity's other national offices.

With thanks to Maria Lozano

barconvent.co.uk

An exhibition at each house is enhanced by the other and will explore the intertwining story of the two illegal Catholic houses

This March saw the launch of an exciting new joint exhibition between two of York’s most iconic historic houses.

With a shared history of strong Catholic women, Fairfax House and the Bar Convent have announced the collaborative project: ‘Two Houses, One Story: York’s Forgotten Women’ (2 March-27 April) to mark International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.

An exhibition at each house is enhanced by the other and will explore the intertwining story of the two illegal Catholic houses; one a secret convent operating a pioneering school for girls, the other belonging to a prominent local Catholic family.

Dr Hannah Thomas, Special Collections Manager at the Bar Convent, said “The histories of the Bar Convent and Fairfax House are so closely intertwined that a joint exhibition such as this makes perfect sense.

“Not many people are aware of the links between the houses but both Anne and Mary Fairfax attended the school here and Lady Hungate lived here with the sisters for 29 years!

“This exhibition gives us a fantastic opportunity to explore and share this exciting little-known narrative with the public and to work with the incredible team at Fairfax House.”

Sarah Burnage, Curator at Fairfax House, said: “We are delighted to be working with our friends at the Bar Convent on this joint venture. The exhibition tells the story of women living in York in the eighteenthcentury and offers a fascinating glimpse into the little known world of Catholicism in York”.

The exhibitions will include recently discovered documents, beautiful portraits and intriguing artefacts that give new insight into the day to day lives of these exceptional local women. It will explore how they navigated their faith during an era of persecution and suspicion, and how some were linked to dangerous underground activity which ultimately aided the survival of the Catholic faith in York and beyond.

At the Bar Convent, discover the early years of the Fairfax daughters who attended the school, how and why their grandmother Lady Hungate lived at the house for 29 years and the significance and legacy of this alliance.

At Fairfax House learn more about the limited life choices woman, like Ann Fairfax, faced in the eighteenth century. Also discover more about the Catholic networks in the city and how this clandestine community supported each other.

Each exhibition is enhanced by the other and visitors to one house receive a 30% discount on admission to the other with proof of receipt.

Prayers at Holy Family Church

St Teilo’s Enlarges their Tent by reaching Out to the Community

Interestingly, this observation led to the creation of the Knit and Natter (with a cuppa, of course!) Group. But more of that later!

This project is the result of many people coming together off the back of the findings of the Synodal Process

If you visit St Teilo’s Church in Cardiff, there is every chance that you will hear Parish Priest, Canon John Griffiths, say, “you are welcome to St Teilo’s. There’s room for everyone is this church.” And, it would seem, he has taken Isaiah’s words to heart,

“Enlarge the space of your tent, spread out your tent cloths unsparingly, lengthen your ropes and make firm your pegs” (Is 54:2).

Gill Kane, a parishioner of St Teilo’s, is an extraordinary minister, a reader, a welcomer, one of the parish’s Synodal leads and, if that’s not enough she is also a Roman Catholic chaplain for Cardiff and the Vale Trust which covers five hospitals. She is also Project Director of the “Reaching Out” Project.

Putting Words into Practice: St Teilo’s Response to Synodal Feedback

The Reaching Out programme resulted from the Synodal Process. The first stage was about listening; everyone had a say within the parish. The feedback identified some very clear themes: as a parish they were deemed to be inward looking, in need of ongoing formation, and reaching out to the periphery was also seen as important.

In response Canon John asked, “How can we take this forward? What falls out of this?” and was keen to scope out the possibility of setting up a food bank and was aware of the food bank in St Mary’s in Canton, with Deacon Maurice Scanlon. Gill decided to do an informal visit to see how it worked. It was immediately clear that St Teilo’s didn’t have the facilities for packing food and taking food to recipients. However, Maurice, kindly offered them the use of their facilities.

Setting up the Steering Group

When Gill and Canon John proposed to the parish that they set up a food bank, it was well received. In fact, in the first two weeks, 54 volunteers signed up. The first step was to set up a committee called which was made up of: Gill, Christopher Llewellyn Jones, Angela Jones, Nick Davies, Jo Hudson, Madeleine Walters, Peter Curran and Canon John.

From the outset, it was decided that its purpose was to reach out to those who were benefit-dependent or on low incomes. Time and again it emerged that parents were having to make a choice as to whether to feed their children or turn the heating on – heat or eat!

Collaborating with Local Schools: Impacting the Community

The first school the steering group identified was Gabalfa Primary School, a non-faith school within the St Teilo’s/Our Lady of Lourdes boundary. Many of the families whose children attend struggle economically, and the number of children eligible for Free School Meals is very high. Headteacher, Carrie Jenkins, was very open to working with the parish on this.

Reports of students at St David’s Catholic College sofa surfing triggered alarm. These young people had left home because things weren’t going well. They were living in somebody else’s house and coming into college having had no food. The creation of an on-site food pantry quite literally provided them with sustenance. The college said it hadn’t been aware of the extent of the problem until the pantry was set up, when they witnessed the numbers using it.

Assistant Principal Ruth Jones was so engaged with the project that the college bought special backpacks so the youngsters could come to the pantry and not be soon carrying food. A further observation was that some youngster asked if their siblings could have some food. The college raised money to develop a breakfast club.

Another school that has benefited from the generosity and support of the project is Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf. Bethan Rees, the school’s Pastoral Administrative Officer identified families in need and personally delivers weekly food bank parcels. The school has also set up a Breakfast Bar. Ysgol Glantaf is not a Catholic school, but it is important that St Teilo’s mission be seen within the boundaries of its parish, and they want their witness value to be experienced beyond the walls of the church.

“Enlarge the space of your tent”.

This collaboration has gone so well that when Ysgol Glantaf heard that St Teilo’s was trying to source sanitary products, for women and girls who couldn’t afford them, it sent over the surpluses they had -boxes and boxes of them. Quite a lot of were distributed by the SVP to asylum seekers.

How does this all happen?

Maurice Scanlon and his team are responsible for sourcing food supplies. A large group of people from St Teilo’s and St Mary’s are responsible for getting the parcels packed and delivered to families and schools. They are now a well-oiled team. As Gill says, “People have got to know each other now and there is excellent communication at all levels.

Funding and support for the project comes from a variety of sources:

n Nick Davies, along with Owen Collins and Zoe Oldman from the Archdiocese Development Team, secured a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund

n Some people leave food donations at the church and others have set up standing orders

n Fundraising concerts by Frank Hennessey, the Cardiff Arms Park Male Choir and The Local Vocals (of which one of the parishioners is a member)

n A second collection every quarter Social and Craft Group initiatives

n Support from local shops in Whitchurch

The Knit and Natter Group: Spreading Warmth

As mentioned previously St Teilo’s set up a knit and natter group where people (read women!) would come together during the week, over a cuppa, and knit blankets. Gill suggested these were delivered to schools as she was aware that parents were making the difficult decision to heat or eat. The first batch went to Gabalfa Primary School – large blankets for parents and small ones for youngsters to cover their knees. To say they were well received would be an understatement. 39 blankets were set out at 2:45 p.m. and by 4:30 p.m. only 3 were left. Headteacher Carrie Jenkins phoned Gill in tears saying she would never have imagined how well received these blankets would have been. The parents were absolutely overjoyed.

What are the benefits?

Well, aside from the obvious benefits of helping to support society’s most vulnerable the programme has had myriad other benefits.

n It has brought the parish community together; people have taken ownership of the scheme and are now more aware of the hardships faced by families in their neighbourhoods.

n Ysgol Glantaf ascribes to the scheme a change of behaviour in their pupils. They are more engaged with their teachers and other children. Much of this is put down to the trust that has grown and the belief that they are being cared for in the truest sense, as Gill says, “the best that could be given, was being given”.

n Staff deliver to the homes and say families open up more which, in turn, means they have a better idea of the social side. They have a snapshot of their lives which gives them a better understanding of these youngsters when things may present themselves in school.

n St Teilo’s now raises funds for Mary’s Meals and last year gave £1,000 to Mary’s Meals (which provides school meals to children in impoverished parts of the world). Friends of parishioners have shown their support through donations. As Gill says, they may not be coming to church but “we have to scatter the seeds somewhere. It’s not our business how and when they germinate. It’s about doing it with goodwill and faith.”

n The parish has been featured in RE today Magazine and the editor thanked Canon John and Gill saying. “Many children in schools across the UK will be learning about Christian values and the importance of churches to local communities with your fabulous work as an example.”

n The parish has started an online formation programme that all parishioners can access. This is accompanied by formation meetings which are attended by 25 every week.

n Last, but not least, church numbers have also grown!

This project is the result of many people coming together off the back of the findings of the Synodal Process. Canon John lit the paper, but Gill and the steering group set everything in motion. And they were reliant on the help and goodwill of many other people: Maurice Scanlon and his team at Ely; the headteachers, teachers and support staff at Gabalfa Primary, St David’s College and Ysgol Glantaf; the packers and deliverers; the S.V.P; the people who donated time and money; those who prayed and, let’s not forget, the Knitters and Natters!

Finally, let’s also pay tribute to all the people who are housebound and unable to physically help out. As Canon John is keen to say, “your ministry is prayer, please pray for the project”.

Catholic and Anglican Prisons bishops support bill amendment on hidden “devastating consequences” for children when primary caregivers are imprisoned

svp.org.uk

According to the two bishops, this will help society understand the “devastating consequences” that the imprisonment of a primary caregiver can have on a child

Bishop Richard Moth, the Lead Bishop for Prisons for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and Bishop Rachel Treweek, Anglican Bishop for Prisons, have issued a joint statement supporting Amendment 172 to the Victims and Prisoners Bill.

The amendment to the Bill, currently at the Committee Stage in the House of Lords and due to be debated on 12th March, requires the central collection and publication of data that shows the number of primary carers in the prison system, how many children they are responsible for, as well as the ages of those children.

According to the two bishops, this will help society understand the “devastating consequences” that the imprisonment of a primary caregiver can have on a child.

This is the full joint statement by Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton and Catholic Liaison Bishop for Prisons, and Rt Rev Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester and Anglican Bishop for Prisons, in support of amendment 172 to the Victims and Prisoners Bill

We would like to express our shared strong support for an amendment to the Victims and

Words of Faith: finding the best words to witness to our Faith and answer tough questions

Six-session online course starting Tuesday 9 April, 7.30pm-9pm

Clifton Diocese in partnership with ‘Light of Truth’ are offering a short course to find the best words to give an account of our faith and answer the hard questions Catholics can be asked about God, Jesus, the Church, morality and Catholic practices.

The six sessions begin at 7.30pm on a Tuesday evening:

1. God – Creator and Revealer – 9 April

2. Jesus Christ – God in History – 16 April

3. The Church – Service and Authority – 23 April

4. The Human Person – Body and Soul – 30 April

5. Christian Morality – Grace and Happiness – 7 May

6. Catholic Practices – Weird and Wonderful – 14 May There will be opportunities for you to ask your own questions as well.

To sign up for the series, Visit cliftondiocese.com and search for Words of Faith

Prisoners Bill, currently at Committee Stage in the House of Lords and due to be debated on 12th March, that seeks to better understand and address the complex needs of children affected by the imprisonment of their primary carers.

Laid by Lord Farmer with support from the Bishop of Gloucester and Labour Peers Lord Ponsonby and Baroness Thornton, amendment 172 would require the central collection and publication of data identifying the number of primary carers in prison and the number and age of their children.

Given the absence of any systematic recording and reporting of the number of children affected by imprisonment and the compelling evidence that the imprisonment of a primary carer can have devastating consequences for the development of a child, we believe that such an amendment is both necessary and proportionate to inform our criminal justice policy in an area of great and growing social concern.

As Christians, we share a common calling to care for all those affected by crime and punishment, including those who have been victimised. Substantial research has revealed that children affected by the imprisonment of a primary carer are hidden victims of the criminal justice process, especially in the most common cases where their mother has been sent to prison.

A mother’s imprisonment is often a profoundly disruptive and traumatic experience affecting all aspects of a child’s life, regardless of the age of the child or the length of the sentence, while the rupturing of relationship between a

prisoner with primary caring responsibilities and those in their care can itself be a significant stumbling block to rehabilitation. Although voluntary organisations, such as the Prison Advice & Care Trust, do much valuable work in maintaining healthy connections between prisoners and their families, the scope and scale of the challenge of parental, particularly maternal, imprisonment surely requires a much greater response.

Although the catastrophic impact of maternal imprisonment on children and the importance of family relationships in reducing reoffending have previously been highlighted by the Corston Report and the Farmer Review, there are still more than 17,500 children estimated to be separated from their mothers in prison. By gathering more accurate information on the number of children in such cases, we can better inform an integrated approach across Government, HMPPS, local authorities and voluntary organisations to address the complex needs of such children and their imprisoned primary carers whose voices have been unheeded for too long.

In the midst of his public ministry, Christ reminded us to “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). The inherent dignity of children and their need for care in vulnerable situations is paramount to Christian teaching and underpins our support for this amendment. When we consider that 31% of our female prisoners and 24% of our male prisoners were themselves taken into care as children, we can see that caring for children, especially those affected by imprisonment, is critical for the flourishing of all within our communities.

reuse shop saves more than 100 tonnes of items from going to waste

svp.org.uk

It's brilliant to see the shop becoming so popular, and so many shoes, books and items that people no longer have a use for being recycled and resold at affordable prices to take on a new lease of life in a new home

A Reuse shop at Sunderland’s Pallion Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) has saved more than 100 tonnes of treasured household items from going to waste in its first year.

Among the 135,000 plus items which would otherwise have been burned to produce electricity were 3076 pairs of shoes, 14,898 books, 724 lamps, 393 jigsaws, 3700 CDs and 886 women’s jumpers.

The St Vincent’s Revive Reuse shop, which allows people to donate things they no longer need to be recycled, resold and reused rather than being burned to produce electricity, is part of Sunderland City Council's commitment to being a clean green city.

It is operated by the St Vincent De Paul Society for England & Wales (SVP), with all the proceeds going towards the charity's work to tackle poverty and help some of the most vulnerable people in society through their

person-to-person support. This includes a befriending service, debt advice and the provision of emergency food parcels.

Finds donated to the shop in its first year include a Mulberry handbag, vintage Barbour coats, Ercol furniture, a rare, boxed set of Matchbox cars – and a euphonium. And the shop has also become so popular that it's not unknown for customers to visit several times a day to check for new stock which is coming in all the time.

An appeal for prom dresses last Spring resulted in the reuse shop being able to give away more than 40 dresses to people who would otherwise have struggled to afford them.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Clean, Green City at Sunderland City Council, said: "The reuse shop has been a fantastic addition to the facilities on offer at Pallion HWRC since it opened last year.

“We know how important the environment is for our residents, so ventures like this are a key part of our ongoing drive to make Sunderland a clean green city.

“It's brilliant to see the shop becoming so popular, and so many shoes, books and items that people no longer have a use for being recycled and resold at affordable prices to take on a new lease of life in a new home.

"Having the shop on site means that anyone who’s having a clear-out can bring things they no longer need or have room for, to the re-use shop when they visit the household waste and recycling centre, instead of just throwing them out. It's also been brilliant for people looking to make their budget go further in the current cost of living crisis.”

Elizabeth Palmer Chief Executive of the St Vincent de Paul Society, said: "Thank you to everyone who has made the first year a resounding success. Revive Sunderland has shown that by donating pre-loved items that would otherwise have been destined for waste, we can raise vital funds for the SVP to support our work in local communities. The number of people turning to us for help has steadily increased as many more face food poverty, are struggling to pay bills, and face loneliness and isolation, so please keep your donations coming."

The shop has also become popular that there are sometimes queues outside the door before it opens and it's not unknown for people to pop in several times a day to check for new stock.

Carbon savings from 100 tonnes of items being reused rather than going to waste, also support Sunderland’s target to become carbon neutral by 2040. The savings, which equate to 2.13 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (or CO2e), demonstrate the impact residents can have in helping make Sunderland a clean and green city.

The reuse shop opens 7 days a week to shop or donate and there is no need to have a permit to shop or donate.

Donna Scott, who manages the shop on behalf of the SVP, added: "It's a real team effort. We currently have 15 staff and volunteers who work super hard to keep things going. We also offer learning opportunities for students from Springboard and have had some amazing things donated."

The £5m Pallion HWRC, where the reuse shop is based, was opened by Sunderland City Council in February 2022 in response to residents' demands for bigger and better household waste and recycling facilities.

Managed by Suez, the HWRC operates a booking system and is open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day, and has more than 18,000 resident bookings each month.

View from the Pew

Making ends meet

Dr Jay Kettle-Williams

‘I’ve been very fortunate,’ the Bishop explained as he poured the coffees. ‘Now, what would you like to know?’

Bishop Peter, who had been Bishop of Northampton for 15 years, explained that diocesan Bishops and their dioceses have responsibility and a duty of care for retired incardinated Priests with regard to board, lodging and general support. On the other hand, retired religious Priests – such as friars and monks – become the responsibility of their respective congregations.

I had driven across country following increasingly narrow and winding lanes on my way to a market town in Hampshire, in the diocese of Portsmouth. The satnav brought me to the local parish church where I drove onto the open, rough surface of the church’s large, sloping car park. I’d come to determine the financial ins and outs of what comes into play when priests retire. Who better to help me with that than the new resident, now four years retired: the Right Reverend Peter Doyle, Bishop Emeritus of Northampton, who had previously been a priest in the Diocese of Portsmouth for 37 years under Bishops Worlock, Emery and Hollis.

I selected the topmost corner of the car park, furthest from the road, right in front of a high garden fence which was punctuated by a similarly high gate. As the car crunched to a halt, the gate swung open and Bishop Peter beckoned me into his garden at the back of the priest’s house. ‘The coffee’s on,’ he explained. ‘I’ve even got some lemon drizzle cake for us to enjoy while we discuss what you wanted to chat about. Care for Priests in retirement, no?’

We moved from the garden through the patio doors into the Bishop’s sitting room, at one end of which, away from the sofa and armchairs, was an elegant writing desk with computer and associated matters. He beckoned me to sit down on the armchair of my choice.

‘I’ve been very fortunate,’ the Bishop explained as he poured the coffees. ‘Now, what would you like to know?’

‘Well,’ I started, ‘I just wonder how it all works. What forces, considerations and support come into play when priests retire? I presume the picture is far from plain sailing, probably affected by any number of issues of concern both within and beyond the Church.’

I was already aware that dioceses often have a Retired Priests’ Fund or some such for which the laity would be encouraged to constitute a much-needed revenue stream integral yet presumably keenly ringfenced within the diocese’s accounting procedures and which could be independently invested. But diocesan finances as a whole often follow offset principles. Offset accounting removes or limits liabilities whereby a deficit in one area can be eliminated, or otherwise offset or counterbalanced by an equal profit or credit in another.

Bishop Peter went on to explain that, by way of monitoring and support, the trustees of a diocese will usually appoint a welfare officer normally working in association with and supported by a Priests’ Welfare Committee.

Different dioceses, faced with differing and varied financial burdens, will differ in the quality and grade of support they are able to offer. Longevity, rising costs and reduced income streams are challenging factors to add to the mix.

To purchase property exclusively for the use of retired priests will be beyond the reach, be that in part or whole, of many dioceses. Their only option then in that regard is to finance the conversion of existing property with whatever concomitant entitlement.

In some instances, there may be a requirement for nursing. This may place further burdens in cases where state aid is not available.

Priests may have made private arrangements for their own personal or state pension. Others may have inherited their own family property or wealth.

Once retired, Bishop Peter continued, priests might be able to supplement any pension -

assuming they still be fit, willing and available – by ‘supply’, receiving a fee and travel expenses for celebrating Mass where there is no regular priest available or if standing in for a fellow priest who may be off sick or on holiday.

Mass intentions constitute a further revenue stream but only active parish clergy have access to the Christmas or Easter offerings.

On death, procedures will obviously follow a priest’s wishes but a Bishop will be buried in or near his Cathedral.

And on that note the Bishop served more coffee and we set about finishing what was left of the lemon drizzle cake.

Acknowledgements and Attribution: Grateful thanks to Neil Roseman, Director of Communications at Northampton Diocese, for providing the photograph of Bishop Peter Doyle; Texts/References adapted and/or adopted from http://en.wikipedia.org under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bysa/4.0/;

Dr J L Kettle-Williams is an experienced business communications consultant and wordsmith (tutor, writer, translator).

Bishop Peter John Haworth Doyle

Bishop Sherrington responds To Select Committee report On Assisted Suicide

abdiocese.org.uk

For Catholics and many others, consolation and support in times of terminal illness can be experienced through prayer, the sacrament of the sick and the caring and compassionate presence of loved ones as a person prepares for eternal life

Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, has issued a statement in response to the publication of a report by the Health and Social Care Select Committee on Assisted Dying/Assisted Suicide:

"Given that Parliament has already rejected any changes to the law on assisted suicide in 2015 and 2021, I welcome the decision of the Select Committee not to recommend the legalisation of assisted suicide. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales opposes its legalisation out of concern for the good of every person in society, the protection of this good in law, and the spiritual and pastoral care of the sick and dying. The act of assisted suicide violates the dignity inherent to every person’s life, which is to be cherished and cared for at all stages until natural death.

"As highlighted in the Committee’s report, experts have noted that there have been major problems in safeguarding the vulnerable and those without full mental capacity when assisted suicide and/or euthanasia has been introduced in other jurisdictions.

"Recognising the distress and suffering of those who are sick and vulnerable, I welcome the Committee’s recommendation that the accessibility and provision of palliative and end of life care needs to be improved – something the Catholic Church has consistently called for.

"For Catholics and many others, consolation and support in times of terminal illness can be experienced through prayer, the sacrament of the sick and the caring and compassionate presence of loved ones as a person prepares for eternal life.

"As Pope Francis has written, 'human compassion consists not in causing death, but

Frank Goulding

When we reach Easter this year your 2024 will have completed one quarter of its time allocation. British Summer Time will commence on Easter Day when Christians rightly celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord.

In May 1945 Winston Churchill allowed us a brief celebration at the declaration of peace in Europe but knowing the war in the Far East was still not over. The American President John F Kennedy once commented how “Churchill mobilised the English language and sent it into battle.” After the first quarter of 2024 we have no need for a battle but a desperate requirement for leadership leading to an end of conflicts. With so many appeals for peace in a year of big world elections it seems we really must rely on hope and a lot of charity.

The feast of Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter, some regard this as the start of Christianity. Well I am no historian but there is little doubt of the bravery of our great saints during those early years. To show not only bravery but also leadership is surely what we need from our political leaders today. In our country there are many challenges, challenges mean difficult obstacles are going to be met. For many years there has been a shortage of what we call affordable homes. So why has the great city of Sheffield got nearly 7,000 empty houses with hundreds having been empty for years?

The last statistic is sadly accompanied by the fact that our local councils are running short of money with two thirds likely to bring in cuts to services. This can only mean those in greatest need, with local and national

in embracing the sick, in supporting them in their difficulties, in offering them affection, attention, and the means to alleviate suffering'."

The Catholic Union has also responded to the Report. It had "submitted evidence to the inquiry based the results of a survey into assisted suicide which found that 88 per cent of responders did not want to see the law changed." The Catholic Union further commented on the Report's description of access to palliative care and end of life care as "patchy", saying:

"Crucially, the report finds that while advances in palliative care have been made across the world, progress has been less in countries where the state provides assisted suicide. The report also highlights a 'pressing need' to provide better mental health support for people along with guidance for those living with a terminal diagnosis."

government at least partly blaming each other we all know who are the losers.

Finally I turn to Artificial Intelligence. Many people are rightly nervous about what the future holds with AI. Will it increase the risk of cyber-attacks and erode trust in online content or will it lead to new jobs? Either way it looks likely to be an accepted part of our life. We all need to be aware of this, not least our young people.

In his reflections for the Third Sunday of Lent this year Pope Francis spoke of “pleading for the people when they are most in need” and called on Christians to share in prayer as he linked this to the redemption of the whole world.

A Happy Easter to all readers.

Preparing a welcome for the stranger: curry and conversation at Lincoln Mosque Plans to reach out to asylum-seekers

dioceseofnottingham.uk

The former airbase lies in an isolated location seven miles north of Lincoln off the A15, one of Lincolnshire’s most dangerous roads for pedestrians

On 31 January Lincoln Catholic parishioners shared curry with friends from the city’s Mosque and other Christian churches to plan a welcome for asylum seekers at nearby RAF Scampton. With help from the 80 attended, foundations are now being laid for a compassionate response to the pastoral and practical needs of the city’s new neighbours.

The Home Office plans to house 2,000 men at RAF Scampton, just north of Lincoln, for up to 9 months while their asylum claims are processed. It will be the biggest asylum accommodation centre ever anywhere in the UK.

There are serious concerns about their welfare. Residents at similar sites elsewhere in the country attest to ‘prison-like’ conditions which put already vulnerable people at risk of further trauma. The site will be largely self-contained

with a checkpoint at the gate. Residents will in theory be free to come and go, but will receive a cash allowance of only £8.86 a week to spend.

The former airbase lies in an isolated location seven miles north of Lincoln off the A15, one of Lincolnshire’s most dangerous roads for pedestrians. The only immediate neighbours are families on an estate of former RAF housing, many of whom are anxious about how their own lives will be changed.

There are many different views on migration, but wide agreement locally that Scampton is ‘the wrong plan in the wrong place.’ Nonetheless the Gospel calls us to uphold the human dignity of those who will now be housed there, whilst also seeking policy change to safeguard the dignity of every individual.

Catholic social teaching unpacks what that could look like in practice. The Bishops of England and Wales last year published an invaluable teaching document, Love the Stranger, which sheds a compassionate light in the migration debate. The publication encouraged Catholic Outreach Lincoln, the new social action group of the three city parishes, to convene the first open meeting in the city on the proposals back in August 2023.

Our diocesan Caritas department is now working with Lincolnshire YMCA and other faith and community leaders to convene a countrywide alliance committed to supporting the asylum-seekers - and that’s what the Mosque’s hospitality helped to nourish.

We want to create a culture of welcome, perhaps reviving an earlier “Lincoln City of Sanctuary’ initiative, and counter any attempts to stoke hatred, agitation and division. We are setting up an operation to collect and distribute essentials, such as clothing and toiletries: to help people learn English and access support from local services; to perhaps enjoy recreation and even volunteer their time and skills in the city. Those who are granted

refugee status will then need move-on accommodation to avoid homelessness.

The heart of our offer from the Diocese is support for a chaplaincy service. Most of the asylum seekers are likely to be from majorityMuslim countries, but some will be Christians, even some fleeing persecution. With friends from other faiths we are developing pastoral care, religious worship for many traditions, befriending and counselling, and all the safeguarding they will require. The work of chaplaincy staff and volunteers could be crucial in monitoring living conditions and human rights, since religious representatives could be among the few ‘outsiders’ allowed in to the accommodation.

The task is immense and will call on the goodwill of folk across the country and beyond.

Please get in touch at caritas@dioceseofnottingham.uk if you would like to help develop the Church’s response.

Paul Bodenham

resignation of the Bishop of Clifton and appointment of a new Bishop

CBCEW

As I embark on this new journey, I am filled with gratitude for the prayers and affection of so many wonderful priests and people, family and friends, far and wide

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of the Right Reverend Declan Lang as Bishop of Clifton. Bishop Declan was ordained the ninth Bishop of Clifton on 28th March 2001 and has served the Diocese for 23 years as its bishop.

The Holy Father has appointed Rev. Canon Bosco MacDonald, a priest of the Diocese of Clifton, until now Dean of the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, Bristol, as the tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Clifton.

Bishop-Elect Bosco MacDonald said, on hearing the news of his appointment: I am humbled that His Holiness Pope Francis has called me to become the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Clifton, following the retirement of Bishop Declan Lang who has served us so lovingly and faithfully for 23 years, giving his life completely to the joys and hopes as well as the challenges of our Catholic communities here in the West of England.

As I embark on this new journey, I am filled with gratitude for the prayers and affection of so many wonderful priests and people, family and friends, far and wide.

I am eager to renew my profession of faith and deepen my communion with the Successor of Peter and my brother Bishops. And just as Pope Francis encourages Bishops to be close to their people in a spirit of service, I accept this new role in obedience to my priestly call with

a commitment to serve the priests and people of Clifton to the best of my ability, with care, tenderness, and compassion.

May the love of Christ and the intercession of Our Blessed Lady, Conceived Without Sin guide every step I take as the 10th Bishop of this lovely Diocese of Clifton.

Bishop Declan Lang said: I would like to congratulate Canon Bosco MacDonald and accompany him with my prayers on his appointment as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Clifton. He has many years of pastoral experience having worked in a number of parishes both as an assistant priest, parish priest and Dean of Clifton Cathedral. He brings much experience to his new ministry within the diocese which he will carry out with dedication and faithfulness.

I am sure he will also be a valuable member to the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales as we discern the way forward in a changing society.

Please remember Canon Bosco in your prayers as he prepares for this new ministry.

The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-Elect MacDonald will take place in the Cathedral Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Clifton, Bristol. The date will be announced in due course.

New edition of Laudato Si' Animators Course

ICN

Registration has begun for the Laudato Si' Animators course, 2024 edition, which trains leaders on Pope Francis' encyclical to guide communities towards an ecological conversion.

Laudato Si' Movement announces the reopening of the Laudato Si' Animators Program, a five-week course that trains leaders who are members of a global community of prayer and action, encouraging their parishes and local communities to commit to ecological spirituality, sustainable lifestyles and advocacy for climate and ecological justice.

The course is free and 100% online, allowing participants to follow the classes

synchronously, starting on April 8 and concluding on May 5; or asynchronously, following the program at their own pace, according to each student's personal possibilities.

More than 16,000 people of various ages around the world have already been certified as Laudato Si' Animators and are serving in their communities, heeding Pope Francis' call: "The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development" (LS 13).

The course objectives are to sensitise the Catholic community to the socioenvironmental challenges of our common home and how they can be interpreted in the light of faith; and to promote the active

participation of members of the Catholic Church and people of good will within communities working for integral ecology. The methodology followed by the training program is inspired by the " See, Judge , Act" pedagogy. It consists of 4 modules, each with audiovisual materials and an evaluation, live spaces (synchronous) and a module for the elaboration of a final project that will allow participants to apply the knowledge acquired in their local community.

For course details, please visit the website https://laudatosianimators.org.

About Laudato Si' Movement: Laudato Si' Movement (LSM) is a global Catholic organization dedicated to addressing the climate and ecological crisis. Inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si'," the movement seeks to

integrate faith, science and action to protect and restore our common home. LSM collaborates with a broad network of individuals, parishes and organizations to promote environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual renewal.

Bishop-Elect Bosco MacDonald

The outgoing Rt Rev. Bishop Declan Lang

Book Reviews

Deliver Us From Evil

Bishops' Conference of England and Wales

£9.95

CTS Product Code: DO968

Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone

iSBN: 9781784697693

www.ctsbooks.org

This attractive volume is a treasury of prayers and supplications from Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition that can be used by the faithful in spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness, in any time of fear, distress or temptation.

This attractive volume is a treasury of prayers and supplications from Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition that can be used by the faithful in spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness, in any time of fear, distress or temptation.

Fiducia Supplicans

Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith

£3.95

CTS Product Code: DO972

Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone

iSBN: 9781784697792

www.ctsbooks.org

The Vatican explains the pastoral meaning of blessings.

“[Blessings] lead us to grasp God’s presence in all the events of life and remind us that … human beings are invited to seek God, to love him, and to serve him faithfully.”

The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith explains the pastoral meaning of blessings.

"Blessings are among the most widespread and evolving sacramentals. Indeed, they lead us to grasp God’s presence in all the events of life and remind us that, even in the use of created things, human beings are invited to

seek God, to love him, and to serve him faithfully. For this reason, blessings have as their recipients: people; objects of worship and devotion; sacred images; places of life, of work, and suffering; the fruits of the earth and human toil; and all created realities that refer back to the Creator, praising and blessing him by their beauty." (FS8)

30 Day

Consecration to St Joseph

Fr Gerard Skinner

£3.95

CTS Product Code: D850

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iSBN: 9781784697730

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St Joseph shows us a very special example of holiness. In this beautiful book of consecration, Fr Gerard Skinner provides meditations to bring us to Jesus through the powerful intercession of his foster father, St Joseph.

St Joseph shows us a very special example of holiness. The titles given to him by the Church tell us he is the most just, chaste, prudent, strong, obedient and faithful. He is named the Pillar of Families, Solace of the Wretched, Hope of the Sick, Patron of the Dying, Protector of the Church and Terror of Demons.

In this beautiful book of consecration, Fr Gerard Skinner provides the prayers and meditations to bring our hearts and our needs to Jesus through the powerful intercession of his foster father, St Joseph.

The religion of the Day

£14.95

CTS Product Code: DO973

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We are living in a highly religious age. Secular gospels and dogmatic faiths promising salvation are all around us. So what is the belief system that is displacing Christianity as the assumed narrative by which our post-Christian, modern societies live?

Sequel to From Christendom to Apostolic Mission

We are living in a highly religious age. Secular gospels and dogmatic faiths promising salvation are all around us. So what is the belief system, the religious vision, that is displacing Christianity as the assumed narrative by which our post-Christian, modern societies live? And what is the religion that we ourselves need to be converted out of, if we are to be fully converted to the Christian faith?

This is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic revival

Bishop robert Barron

£6.95

CTS Product Code: DO969

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Discover the profound truth flowing out of Jesus’s words at the Last Supper: “Take, eat; this is my body. . . . Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant.”

7 Words on Marriage

Fr ivano Millico

£6.95

CTS Product Code: PA69

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iSBN: 9781784697778

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Drawing from the marriage promises, married couples in Scripture, and the insights of Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II, we can discover the faithful presence of our loving God in the life-journey of every married couple.

Raphael. I take thee. Ring. Blessing. Nuptial bed. Cana. Sunem.

Many Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This indicates a spiritual disaster in the Church. “This Is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival” from Bishop Robert Barron is designed to accompany renewal of devotion to Christ truly present in the Eucharist.

A recent Pew Forum survey revealed the startling statistic that 69% of US Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and the state of belief in the UK, as outlined by Professor Stephen Bullivant in the foreword to this UK edition, is not dissimilar.

This indicates a spiritual disaster in the Church, for the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” This Is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival is designed to accompany renewal of devotion to Christ truly present in the Eucharist. In this brief but illuminating text, Bishop Barron offers a threefold analysis of the Eucharist as sacred meal, sacrifice, and Real Presence, helping readers to understand the sacrament of Jesus’s Body and Blood more thoroughly so that they might fall in love with him more completely.

These are seven life-giving words on your marriage and to your marriage, as it is here and now, whether you took your vows decades ago, are newly-wed, or even still preparing for your wedding day. Drawing from the marriage vows, from stories of couples in Sacred Scripture, and from the practical and inspirational insights of Pope Francis and Pope St John Paul II, we can discover the faithful presence of our loving God in the life-journey of every married couple.

Every marriage is different, yet the same: joys and sorrows, blessings and failures.

These seven words reveal marriage as a sign of hope: an assurance that we can still have faith in marriage, the most beautiful thing God has created.

Female prisoners punished for praying out loud

csw.org.uk

That prisoners of any kind are being subjected to inhumane treatment as punishment for the simple exercise of their religious beliefs is unconscionable.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) sources report that female prisoners including some political prisoners have been subjected to inhumane treatment after praying out loud and with rosaries in the Women’s Holistic Penitentiary System, commonly known as La Esperanza, in Tipitapa in Managua Department, Nicaragua.

The women have been denied time outdoors, as punishment, since mid-January 2024. Previously they were allowed out once a week. Some have also reportedly been beaten during interrogations, leaving bruising on their arms and legs. Political prisoners are not allowed to have a Bible or any writing materials, in violation of the Nelson Mandela Rules (the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners).

Among the prisoners is Olesia Auxiliadora Muñoz Pavon, choir director for the Santa Ana Parish in Niquinohomo, Masaya Department,

who also provided pastoral services. Ms Muñoz Pavon, age 52, was arrested on 6 April 2023. She was previously imprisoned from August 2018 until June 2019 on false charges. During that time, she became well known for singing hymns inside the prison.

La Esperanza is overcrowded and has a shortage of drinking water, beds and medicine or medical care. Cells lined with bunk beds hold up to 75 prisoners, while other prisoners are isolated in individual confinement cells. In October 2023 La Prensa Nicaragua reported that the maximum-security cells, in which political prisoners are held, have been altered so as to virtually seal the inmates inside.

The Nicaraguan Centre for Human Rights (CENIDH) has been denied access to the country’s penitentiary centres since 2010. The Red Cross, which used to regularly visit prisons, was expelled from the country in 2023.

On 29 February 2024 the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua (GHREN) published their latest report on the country. The report found that the government continues to perpetrate serious systematic human rights violations, tantamount to crimes against humanity, based on political reasons.

The GHREN called on the government to immediately release all those who have been arbitrarily deprived of their liberty.

CSW’s Head of Advocacy Anna Lee Stangl said: ‘Many of these women should not be in prison in the first place. That prisoners of any kind are

being subjected to inhumane treatment as punishment for the simple exercise of their religious beliefs is unconscionable. CSW demands that the Nicaraguan government ensure that the Nelson Mandela Rules are upheld in all prisons and for all prisoners across the country and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Nicaragua. We echo the calls of the GHREN to the international community to expand sanctions against individuals and institutions involved in human rights violations in Nicaragua.’

Southwark prayer campaign seen by over 1.5 million people in its first week

rcsouthwark.co.uk

The most popular prayer so far has been the Nicene Creed

A campaign encouraging people to take up prayer by the Archdiocese of Southwark has been seen by over 1.5 million people in its first week

During Lent, the Archdiocese of Southwark is releasing a prayer video a day across social media promoting much loved prayers within the Catholic Church as part of its campaign to encourage people to “Give Prayer a Go”.

It’s already been a huge success on social media, with over 1.5 million people seeing the campaign on Facebook alone since it began on Ash Wednesday (14 February 2024). The campaign’s aim is simple, to help people connect with Christ through prayer by providing content which enables them to do that in their everyday life.

Prayers released so far include the Act of Contrition, a prayer used in the sacrament of confession by Catholics, a prayer by St John of the Cross “stillness of my soul” and the Nicene Creed, which is a statement of faith used by the Catholic Church.

The Most Reverend John Wilson, the Archbishop of Southwark said: “Prayer is a gift from God, it’s his way of revealing his desire to have a meaningful and lasting relationship with each of us. But too often, with the busyness of life, people put up barriers between themselves and God. Too often people find it hard to take a moment to lift their hearts and mind to God.

“I want people to rejoice in the wonder of prayer and that is why I’m encouraging people to give prayer a go. Christ thirsts for us and our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.

“The extraordinary reach of this simple prayer campaign underlines how much people do desire a relationship with Christ, but sometimes just need a little support in lifting their hearts and minds to Him. Prayer is a precious gift and I am delighted people are embracing it this Lent.”

The prayers to be released during the campaign include those which feature part of the Catholic liturgy and those written by Saints of the Catholic Church. Many of the prayers are much beloved by Christians, while some are lesser known and aim to help people connect with Christ in their prayers.

The campaign’s success is entirely organic, as the Archdiocese of Southwark hasn’t spent a single penny on advertising of the videos or advertising the campaign itself.

The most popular prayer so far has been the Nicene Creed, followed closely by a prayer attributed to Saint Padre Pio.

Facebook defines “Reach” as the number of unique users who have seen a post. The reach of the videos released on Facebook so far includes:

n The Nicene Creed: 510,000 people

n Trust & confidence by St Padre Pio: 491,000 people

n Stillness of my soul by St John of the Cross: 322,363 people

n Fatima prayer: 146,000 people

n Act of Contrition: 105,000 people

The wider #GivePrayerAGo initiative by the Archdiocese of Southwark began on the 1st January and is being run to support the Year of Prayer designated by Pope Francis ahead of the upcoming Jubilee in 2025 for the Catholic Church. A Jubilee in the Catholic Church is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation, occurring every 25 years.

The video prayer campaign is one part of the wider prayer initiative, which will also be highlighting ways to enrich prayer life including features on Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which is a devotional prayer of the Eucharist, as well as encouraging children and families to pray the rosary.

Under Archbishop John Wilson’s leadership, the Archdiocese of Southwark – which covers South London and Kent in England – has had a firm focus on evangelisation and leading people to Christ. The impact has been profound, with increasing numbers of people completing Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) – the process to become a Catholic as an adult. Mass count statistics are also increasing again since the pandemic.

This new approach of online evangelisation looks to build on the Archdiocese’s already successful and varied approaches to lead people to Christ.

The prayer video campaign will continue throughout Lent and will finish on Easter Sunday. The campaign can be seen across the Archdiocese’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Pope Francis highlights women's role in Church and society

"The Church needs to keep this in mind, because the Church is herself a woman: a daughter, a bride, and a mother," said the Pope

Pope Francis addresses an international conference on women in the Church, and emphasises the importance of recognising women's contributions while calling for unity and education to promote women's rights and dignity.

In his address to the participants of the International Conference titled "Women in the Church: Builders of Humanity," Pope Francis extended a warm greeting to all attendees, expressing gratitude for their presence and the organisation of the event.

"The Church needs to keep this in mind, because the Church is herself a woman: a daughter, a bride, and a mother," said the Pope.

He highlighted the significance of recognising and valuing women's contributions within the people of God, and he called for unity, discernment, and collaboration to achieve this goal.

The conference, which gathers individuals from all over the world, focuses on highlighting the exemplary holiness of ten women: Josephine Bakhita, Magdeleine de Jesus,

Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mary MacKillop, Laura Montoya, Kateri Tekakwitha, Teresa of Calcutta, Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès, Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi, and Daphrose Mukasanga.

Pope Francis underscored the significance of their charitable, educational, and prayerful initiatives, which exemplify the unique reflection of God's holiness through the feminine genius.

"The contribution of women is more necessary than ever," emphasised Pope Francis, acknowledging the challenges of hatred, violence, and ideological conflicts in today's world.

He spoke about the urgent need for women's contributions, which he said are characterised by tenderness and compassion, in order to foster unity and restore humanity's true identity.

On the topic of education, Pope Francis commended the collaboration between the conference and various Catholic academic institutions.

C R O S S W O R D

"Every effort to present students with testimonies of holiness, especially of feminine sanctity, can encourage them to aim higher," he said, stressing the importance of presenting role models to inspire future generations.

Pope Francis concluded his address by highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by women worldwide, including violence, inequality, and injustice.

By Francesca Merlo

He called for concerted efforts to address these issues, emphasizing the transformative power of education for girls and young women in promoting overall human development.

Bringing his address to a close, Pope Francis entrusted the outcomes of the conference to the Lord and imparted his blessing upon the participants before urging continued commitment to the advancement of women's rights and dignity.

2-in-1 Crosswor

You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same.

CRYPTIC Across

5 Cavort with miners about a place in Galilee (9)

8 Good little boy Scots defile (4)

9 Impossible poet Noah employed (3,1,4)

10 Book comfortable-sounding passage to a Baltic port (7)

12 Regular Bishop's oddly dismissed in retrospect from West Country town (5)

14 Ultimate craft leading seaman needs to cross u unknown depths (5)

15 President's vital new study's reviewed internally (7)

17 Embarrassed girl in front of the king (8)

18 Cheese one finds in buffet areas (4)

19 Jerk attending university in jeans is in the book (9)

CRYPTIC Down

1 He was a killer in California's north (4)

2 Hero lover's name appears in editorial (7)

3 Number in party keeled over, getting bugs (5)

4 He reformed instrument to capture the earliest piece of Handel performed (8)

6 She's on coins – one or two sovereigns, for instance? (9)

7 The goddess Portia he'd metamorphosed (9)

11 Spielberg's limited knowledge about a part of Lincolnshire (8)

13 Demise comes in a short time (at ten to one) earlier, for the guitarist (7)

16 Pagan priest is an odd fake, receiving scripture training throughout (5)

18 Amusement one gained seeing a spirited old goat (4)

QUICK Across

5 Jesus' base when he was teaching in Galilee (9)

8 Secluded valley (4)

9 Without a prayer; forget it! (3,1,4)

10 Book and major prophet of the OT (7)

12 County town of Cornwall (5)

14 Bottomlesspit;chasm(5)

15 US President inaugurated in 1961 (7)

17 King of Wessex (865-871), succeeded by Alfred the Great (8)

18 Greek, sheep and/or goat, salad cheese (4)

19 Third book of the Torah (9)

QUICK Down

1 First child of Adam and Eve(4)

2 Lover of the priestess Hero in Greek myth (7)

3 In some Bibles an Egyptian plague equating to 'Mosquitoes' (5)

4 Of a form of Protestantism outlawed by a particular Diet in 1521 (8)

6 English settlement in New Jersey where Princeton University was founded in 1746 (9)

7 Greek goddess of love and beauty (9)

11 One of the three historic Lincolnshire 'ridings'; administrative centre, Sleaford (8) 13 Jimi -------, US R&B/Rock legend (1942-1970) (7)

16 AncientCelticpriest(5)

18 Roman woodland deity close to the Greek satyr

(4)

Truro, 14 Abyss, 15 Kennedy, 17 Ethelred, 18 Feta, 19 Leviticus.

Down: 1 Cain, 2 Leander, 3 Gnats, 4 Lutheran, 6 Elizabeth, 7

Aphrodite, 11 Kesteven, 13 Hendrix, 16 Druid, 18 Faun.

Pope Francis greets participants in the conference Pope Francis greets participants in the conference (ANSA)