Cath pic june 2014 by Educate Magazine

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Issue 117 JUNE 2014

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ARCHDIOCESE OF LIVERPOOL

Cathedral Choir to sing in St Peter’s INSIDE THIS ISSUE

May procession at St Albert’s

Thank you to the Daughters of Charity

Bishop Paul Bayes appointed to Liverpool

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contents Welcome Next week we celebrate Pentecost, the Feast on which our Cathedral was consecrated (May 13th in 1967). It is also a time when we celebrate Christian Unity with our traditional ‘Two Cathedrals Service’, this year beginning in the Anglican Cathedral and concluding with Evening Prayer in the Metropolitan Cathedral. It is appropriate therefore that just a few weeks after Archbishop Malcolm’s Mass of Installation we had the announcement that Bishop Paul Bayes is to be the next Bishop of Liverpool. He will take up his post later in the year and we join with so many, from all faith communities, in welcoming him. Our Cathedral Choir are to travel to Rome to sing at Mass on the Feast of St Peter and St Paul in St Peter’s Basilica. It will be at that Mass that Archbishop Malcolm will receive the Pallium from Pope Francis. The Pallium is a sign of communion with the Holy Father and is presented to new Metropolitan Archbishops from throughout the world on the Feast of the great Apostles. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Archbishop Malcolm as he receives this symbol of his, and our, unity with the Holy Father and the Church.

Contents 4

Main Feature Catenian gathering showcases chains of support

News From around the Archdiocese

From the Archbishop’s Desk At the time of writing my desk is in chaos, which is not surprising since I am still in the process of unpacking and sorting through my things after moving from Nottingham. Part of the problem is that I didn’t have time to pack my boxes myself so I am not sure what I will find when I open them up. A few days ago one of those long school photographs unfurled itself from a box of old pictures and knick-knacks from my teenage years. A quick glance showed several of my school friends who were at my Installation Mass on 1st May. Life had been fairly generous to us. They told me about their families and careers and although their stories were tinged with sadness at times, generally they were stories full of happiness and love. Our old head teacher, Brother Hilary, came up in conversation, and we all acknowledged what a great and good man he had been. They say you never forget your teachers and we certainly hadn’t forgotten him. His care and kindness was what we remembered. I know he taught us some valuable things but above all it was his love for us that endured in our memories. A phrase that occurs several times in Psalm 118, ‘his steadfast love endures for ever’ came to mind. Of course this refers to God’s love for us, but how else does God show his love for us except through each other? In times of upheaval and chaos, it is good for us to remember that God’s love for us never changes.

15 Sunday Reflections Liturgy and Life 16 What’s On Whats happening in the Archdiocese 18 Animate Youth Ministry Spreading the Gospel…with football shirts and game shows 19 Profile Bishop Paul Bayes to be Bishop of Liverpool 20 Justice and Peace Raising the plight of West Papuans 25 Cathedral Record Cathedral Choir to sing at St Peter’s 26 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC

Most Rev Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool

Editor Peter Heneghan Editorial Catholic Pictorial Magazine Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA Tel: 0151 522 1007 Email: catholicpictorial@rcaol.co.uk Pictures: Main feature: Paul Abbott Advertising Andrew Rogers 0151 709 7567 Publisher 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS

14 Spotlight The Friends of SFX

Copy deadline July issue 16 June 2014 CPMM Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Catholic Pictorial Ltd. can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers.

28 Pic Life Why the time comes to stop making excuses 29 Join In Family Fun More Mullarkey

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Catenian gathering showcases chains of support Archbishop highlights need for caring during Liverpool’s hosting of Catenian conference by Mike O’Neill and Simon Hart s Archbishop Malcolm McMahon delivered his homily during a Mass for the Catenian Association at the Metropolitan Cathedral last month, he chose to focus on one particular word.

This word was ‘catena’, the Latin for chain, and the word from which the Catenians take their name. Looking across at a congregation featuring Catenian members who had come from far and wide for their annual conference, the Archbishop spoke of the significance of the chains of support that the association provides for its members and their families. ‘The idea of the name Catena is the chain and how everyone is a link in the chain,’ he said. ‘This association of Catholic men has been supportive to its members and to the Church and indeed to wider society because of the strength of those links.’ The Catenian motto touches on the significance of these bonds: ‘strengthening family life through friendship and faith’ and its influence extends not just across the United Kingdom but around the world, with its 10,000-strong membership including groups in Ireland, Malta, Australia, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe and Zambia. This year’s national conference took place in Liverpool over four days in May and concluded with the 11 am Sunday Mass at the Cathedral. 4

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This Mass on 11 May also doubled up as a Mass of Welcome for the new Archbishop, and concelebrants included the Bishop of Wrexham, Peter Brignall, and the former Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Malone, as well as Father Chris Fallon. It was Good Shepherd Sunday and in front of a congregation of 1,700, Archbishop Malcolm used the example of the shepherd to reflect on what it means to live life to the full. He suggested that ‘by reaching out to others, by caring for others, by giving a bit of ourselves, we will be healed ourselves and begin to live a life which is more full’. The Archbishop continued: ‘That is the paradox of caring: by giving of ourselves by self-sacrifice we are cut to the heart and we live our lives in a more wholesome way. It is a difficult message to explain to people when living life to the full for many people means gaining possessions, means accumulating wealth, means having lots of different experiences, means having money in the bank.’ It seemed a fitting message for the Catenian members given their own tradition of offering support and care to others. The origins of the Catenian Association date back over a century to 1908, when a Catholic man named John O'Donnell and his friends approached Bishop Louis Casartelli, the Bishop of Salford, to ask about forming an association of Catholic laymen. Bishop Casartelli recognised the struggles of the emerging class of educated Catholics at the time and the

hostility they faced in society. He saw a role the laity could play in the Church and helped guide the embryonic association whose first group, or circle, was duly formed in Manchester. Today there are nearly 400 circles and members come from all different walks of life. Bob Butler, for instance, who was elected as the new Grand President on the first day of the conference, is a former primary school head teacher from Plymouth who, as a keen cyclist, has completed the fearsome 21km Ventoux Climb of the Tour de France, a.k.a. the ‘Giant of Provence’. Membership is open to practising Catholic laymen from the age of 21 years and local groups, or circles, meet at least once a month at dinners and other social events for members and their families. Each circle appoints a president annually and between the various circles it is estimated that they raise many hundreds of thousands of pounds each year for charities, both local and national. The association also seeks, where possible, to support the interests of members and their dependants and provides assistance for young Catholics. There is a Catenian Association Benevolent and Children's Fund, helping for example, a member or member's family in financial difficulty, and a Catenian Bursary Fund which gives grants to many young Catholics aged between 16 and 24 who are volunteering to work abroad. The association holds local public speaking competitions for fifth and sixth form students throughout the UK, culminating in a final for heat winners in Manchester every September, with expenses paid and cash prizes.

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feature ‘The idea of the name Catena is the chain and how everyone is a link in the chain’

For one group of Liverpool Catenians, the first evening of this year’s conference had special significance, on Thursday 8 May, the Liverpool number 4 circle held their 1,250th meeting. This circle was inaugurated in 1910, just two years after the first circle in Manchester, and their meeting at the Adelphi Hotel drew association members from all parts of the UK and even as far afield as Australia. There followed a celebration dinner for members, their wives and friends, at which the circle president, Tony Garrigan, provided a typically entertaining Liverpudlian welcome. Conference delegates also got a flavour of some of Liverpool’s landmark buildings: there was a Friday evening reception at the Anglican Cathedral for members and their families, attended by Cathedral Dean, Dr Pete Wilcox, and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Gary Millar St George’s Hall, meanwhile, was the setting for the main conference on the Saturday, where some 500 members gathered to hear an address by the new Grand President, Bob Butler. This was followed by discussions on topics

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feature

including worldwide membership, youth and the future development of the association; on the latter, there is a feeling that with the enlarged European Union, there are a growing number of Catholic families settling in the United Kingdom who could benefit from the faith and fellowship that the Catenians offer. This was an important opportunity not only for the grand council of the association to put forward their ideas but also for the members to respond.

‘by giving of ourselves by selfsacrifice we are cut to the heart and we live our lives in a more wholesome way’ 6

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The Saturday evening brought a banquet at the Marriott Hotel at which Frank Cottrell Boyce, the novelist and screenwriter, gave a memorable talk about his career. Indeed members were spoiled for choice that night with a Carnival Ball hosted by the association’s Grand Vice President, Peter Woodford, and his wife Ann at the Adelphi Hotel, where the former Grand President, John Rayer, and his wife Anne also hosted a Chinese night. It was a conference memorable for many things, not least the hospitality,

humour and generosity of the hosts from the Liverpool area, as well as the blessings received from the newly installed Archbishop at the closing Mass. The Catenian Annual Conference in 2015 will take place in Durham while in 2016 the association’s members will gather on the island of Malta. Yet Liverpool 2014 will be a hard act to follow. • Anybody interested in learning more about the Catenian Association, or seeking eligibility details for the Catenian Bursay Fund, should visit the website www.thecatenians.co.uk. Alternately, call any local circle or the head office on 02476 224533.

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News diary If you’ve got any news from your parish that you’d like featured e-mail us with the details at: post@merseymirror.com

Sacramental Spirituality When do catechists find a quiet moment to reflect upon their responsibility of spreading the Gospel while working with adults, families, RCIA, children, the

bereaved and funeral ministries? How often do we Catholics take a day of retreat to feed spirits and reflect on God’s amazing love and blessings?

Father Jim Clarke from Los Angeles presented just such a day of Eastertide refreshment at St Joseph’s, Chorley last month. The reflection day began with thanks from the speaker for all that catechists, sisters and clergy do in their parishes and communities to be missionaries for Christ. Father Jim’s beginning with a simple ‘thank you’ set the tone for the day. Drawing on scripture and the wisdom of the Church, he challenged those attending to explore a sacramental spirituality. People reflected on how to grow in the Spirit, how to bless others with the gifts we have been given, how to build up others, and how to keep ourselves open to God. Conversation flowed as people grasped Father Jim’s mix of theology, psychology, spirituality, and practical advice. Sacramental spirituality is lived out simply, Father Jim stressed being Eucharistic by honouring God through our attitudes and actions. His comments on the Sacraments were especially meaningful: we are meant to become loving (Baptism), a blessing (Confirmation), grateful (Eucharist), forgiving (Reconciliation), whole (Sacrament of the Sick), united (Marriage), and a servant (Holy Orders). And now to take this message back to the parishes: refreshed, thankful and challenged.

Our Lady’s Mission Week As part of Our Lady Queen of Peace Skelmersdale’s Mission Week, Barry and Margaret Mizen were invited to come and speak to Year 10 and 11 learners and staff about the story of their son Jimmy who was killed in London in May 2008. They also spoke about the tremendous work that they do in travelling the country and speaking to young people in schools, colleges and prisons about forgiveness and reconciliation in memory of Jimmy. All those who heard the Mizens’ story were profoundly moved, and undertook to write their own messages to the Mizens and also on behalf of the school to Corpus Christi School in Leeds, where staff and students are mourning teacher Ann Maguire. All at Our Lady, Queen of Peace are really putting the theme of the Mission into action as a living witness to their faith.

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news diary If you go down to the woods today

Jospice Annual Teddy Bears Picnic will this year take place on Saturday 28 June starting at 1.00 pm. There will be an array of stalls, together with refreshments and BBQ. Admission is free and guests are invited should they wish to bring a picnic and use the grounds of the hospice. The important part of the day, of course, is to bring your Teddy Bear.

They love to picnic and there is the Grand parade of teddies at 3.00 pm Entrance to the competition is just £1 per bear and there will be fierce competition for the categories of best dressed teddy, the oldest looking teddy and the most unusual teddy. It’s a great day with lots going on and a great family day out supporting the work of Jospice during their 40th anniversary year.

Mary’s Walk Ten This year, for the first time, Marie Curie’s Walk Ten will take place at Liverpool’s iconic Speke Hall. On Saturday 16 August, everyone is invited to put on their walking shoes, pack a picnic and enjoy the experience of having exclusive evening access to the grounds of the Tudor mansion. Walk Ten at Speke Hall is part of a series of 10k walks and celebrations which will take place at venues throughout the UK this summer in support of Marie Curie. Joining walkers on the evening with her family and friends and walking in memory of her late sister Pat Foley will be Mary Brade, 67, who manages Our Lady of Mount Carmel Social Club in Toxteth. Mary says ‘Pat attended the day care unit at Marie Curie’s Liverpool hospice before sadly passing away on August 16 2000. The care she received at the hospice was second to none and I have supported Marie Curie whenever I can ever since. The Walk Ten at Speke Hall is taking place on the same date that Pat passed away so it will be even more special for me and my family to take part and mark this anniversary.’ The walk starts at 6.30 pm and afterwards families can enjoy a picnic in a festival atmosphere with activities for all ages including live music, fireworks and a live performance from the Rock Choir. Registration is £10 per person (children under 16: free; on the night adult registration is £20) Register at www.mariecurie.org.uk/walkten or for more information call 0845 052 4184.

St Albert’s May procession

Some three hundred children from two schools, St Albert's and St Brigid's, joined with teachers, family members and parishioners for a May Procession at St Albert's, Stockbridge Village writes Father David Potter. To the familiar melodies of ‘Immaculate Mary’ and ‘Bring Flowers of the Rarest’, every boy and girl laid a red or yellow carnation before Our Lady's statue, before one pupil from each school came forward for the crowning. There were white flowers in the crown for Mary's purity, ‘diamonds’ for the stars in the sky, and ‘pearls’ for the waters of the sea. It spoke of the height, depth and beauty of Mary's queenship. And Mary's queenship is not a forbidding regality. In most ancient Near Eastern cultures, the person regarded as queen was the king's mother rather than his wife. So in honouring Mary as our Queen, we are revering her as Mother of the Saviour and loving her as our own Mother. Ultimately, we are also acknowledging Christ as Universal King. Rain was forecast for the procession, but instead the sun broke through and the church was bright. A fitting tribute to her who is, in the words of Blessed John Henry Newman, ‘the first of creatures, the most acceptable child of God, the nearest and dearest to Him’.

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news diary

Farewell and thank you The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul bade farewell to the Metropolitan Cathedral Convent last month after over fourteen years of ministry in the Cathedral and local communities. Decreasing numbers and an increasing age profile have caused the Order to reconsider their commitments across the country. The Sisters and their friends marked the occasion with a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral Crypt celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus, Patrick Kelly. Among the concelebrants were the Cathedral Dean, Canon Anthony O’Brien, and priests who currently serve or who have served at the Cathedral. The homily at the Mass was preached by Father Paul Roche CM, the Provincial Director of the Daughters of Charity in Great Britain, who said ‘The Daughters of Charity have a very important and remarkable role in the service of the Christian community, of caring not just for the community itself but for those outside and even for those of no faith at all. They were invited here to do a very specific task but very quickly they brought a whole variety of gifts and of service with them.’

Speaking after Communion Sister Marie Raw, Provincial of the Daughters of Charity in Britain said, ‘It is a privilege to live and to work in the shadow of this great Cathedral and we count ourselves blessed in the opportunities we have had to take part in the life of the Parish and of the Archdiocese and to meet so many wonderful priests and people.’

During their ministry at the Cathedral the Sisters’ work has included nursing, counselling, hospital chaplaincy, sacristan to the Cathedral and Crypt, and family support. Although the Sisters are leaving the Cathedral their work will continue in the Archdiocese at Christopher Grange in Liverpool and in Southport.

HCPT Pilgrimage in Lourdes Over one hundred children from Merseyside with their helpers have just returned from Lourdes and the 58th annual HCPT Easter Pilgrimage. This year the theme was ‘We are God’s House’. A group of former leaders and helpers from Merseyside, ‘Toujours Amis’, also travelled to Lourdes to be with the Pilgrimage and relive the joy and excitement. There were many highlights including the huge animal party in the underground basilica on the Monday, the visits to the Grotto, trips to the mountains, and the cafes. Thursday was very special when 5,000 people from HCPT: from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and also international groups including the USA, Spain, Romania, Croatia, Poland, and the West Indies all gathered together to celebrate Mass. Several groups of young people travelled with the pilgrimage to help with essential marshalling and gave extra support to 10

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the family groups. This year they included groups from St Mary’s College,

Maricourt, Speke Youth, and a group from Valencia in Spain.

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news diary

Bishop Ralph Heskett appointed to Hallam Four years after leaving Liverpool’s Redemptorist community behind to take up his posting as the Bishop of Gibraltar, the Right Reverend Ralph Heskett CSSR will return to these shores following his appointment as the new Bishop of Hallam. Bishop Heskett’s selection as Bishop John Rawsthorne’s replacement in south Yorkshire was announced on 20 May and heralds his departure from the Rock, his home since July 2010. The Sunderlandborn cleric said that he would be moving on ‘with great sadness’ and revealed, with typical humility, his surprise at the news: ‘I have been asked by Pope Francis to be the next Bishop of Hallam in the UK in succession to Bishop John Rawsthorne. I was surprised to be asked to be Bishop four years ago and I am even more surprised now to be asked to be the new Bishop of Hallam. Over the last four years, when I have been asked, “How long do you expect to be in Gibraltar?”, I have always replied: “Until they bury me in the crypt of the Cathedral.”’ Reflecting on a special relationship with Gibraltar born out of summers spent supplying for local priests there, he added: ‘My first visit to Gibraltar was in 1981. I think that it is fair to say that I immediately fell in love with Gibraltar and its people. For nearly 30 years, I regarded Gibraltar as my second home and then, to my great surprise and delight, in 2010, it became my permanent home and the people of Gibraltar, my extended family. Over the last four years, I have been very happy here and experienced at first hand the warmth and affection of the people of Gibraltar for which I shall be eternally grateful.’ Prior to becoming a Bishop, the 61-yearold had been based at Bishop Eton, Childwall, supervising the formation of postulants, preaching parish missions and giving parish retreats. It was his second spell in the south Liverpool parish, where he was parish priest from 1990-96. He has also served the Redemptorists in Perth, Birmingham and London and becomes the Order’s first

British-based Bishop since the 1890s. He continued: ‘I came to Gibraltar to be bishop in a spirit of obedience to Pope Benedict and now, I must leave in a spirit of obedience to Pope Francis to take up the new mission he has entrusted to me. To be asked to be pastor and shepherd of two different diocesan families is a privilege I do not deserve and a responsibility I feel inadequate to undertake. This will be a great personal challenge for me as I leave Gibraltar and the priests and people I love. It is also an invitation to be generous in serving the diocese of Hallam.’ The Crosby-born Bishop John Rawsthorne said of his successor: ‘He will fit in very well in Hallam. He has a lot of parish experience as he is a very fine pastor as well as being a good preacher. The people of this Diocese are very warm and welcoming. They will take him to their hearts in no time at all.’

Celebrations at St Joseph’s, Brindle

At the 9.30 am Mass on Sunday 18 May, ten youngsters from Brindle St Joseph’s were confirmed by Bishop Vincent Malone and then made their First Holy Communion. After Mass there was a celebration in the Parish Hall. The group is pictured with Bishop Malone and Parish Priest, Father Raphael Jones OSB.

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news diary

A Liverpool welcome Archbishop Malcolm was welcomed with great love and joy when he was invited by Father Peter Morgan, Parish Priest of St Anne and St Bernard’s, Overbury Street, to celebrate his first Sunday Mass as Archbishop of Liverpool on 4 May. The church was packed and the atmosphere electric at this happy and thought provoking occasion. Parishioner, May Devoy, was celebrating her 100th birthday the following day; and was at the Mass with her daughter, Mary. Both were overwhelmed when at the end of Mass Archbishop Malcolm went straight to Mary and greeted her with a kiss and hug. Many parishioners had tears in their eyes at this wonderful gesture. Archbishop Malcolm was presented with a caricature of himself specially framed by former parishioner, Tom Kelly. The Archbishop showed the congregation the cross he was wearing which was given to him by his nieces and nephews, the Cross of St Francis, and told us Pope Francis wears a similar one and ‘that’s where I’m coming from’ he said.

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spotlight

Friends of St Francis Xavier’s church By Judith Callaghan t Francis Xavier’s Church has always had fans, but in 2010 it became official. The Friends of SFX was launched as a forum for those who wanted to celebrate the history, community and architecture of the church.

SFX, which opened in 1848, became one of the largest parishes in the country. At its peak there were 13,000 parishioners. Originally built as a chapel with funding from local businessmen. who wanted a Jesuit presence in Liverpool, numbers surged in the 19th century with massive Irish immigration. Just as dramatically, numbers fell away with the housing clearances in the second half of the 20th century. Threatened with demolition in the 1980s, it was saved due to a vociferous group of supporters, both local and national. Nowadays, the parish, which has always been staffed by Jesuits, is busy and through the Friends and other activities, contact is retained with many of the people who cherish their SFX roots. The church is a Grade II* listed building, and has been described by one church historian as, ‘the most moving repository of Victorian Catholic art in the country’. This view is clearly shared by others as we are asked by various groups to offer tours of the church, which we are more than pleased to do. It’s very rewarding to showcase a building, packed with so much beauty and lots of interesting stories. Friends include parishioners, descendants and friends of past parishioners, and people who admire the Victorian architecture. Current members say:

‘My support for the Friends derives from my love for a fine Victorian building which had once been under threat of partial demolition.’ Graham Fisher - former Chairman of the Victorian Society, Liverpool Group ‘I joined the friends because, although I live outside the parish,

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each time I go to SFX I feel as though I am going home.’ Mary Pearson ‘As an Old Xaverian who is an out-oftown member of the Friends, I much enjoy the Newsletter and like the range of interesting events and activities, organised in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere around a wonderful church: this is the real, timeless spirit of SFX -- and it bodes well for the future.’ Maurice Whitehead, Professor of History, Swansea University Members live mainly in the north west of England, but there are some from further afield. All are invited to contribute to a newsletter. It includes articles about church upgrades, the history of the building and the community, and reports of Friends’ events. There is an example on our website, which also includes many photos, old and new. www.friendsofsfx.site11.com. This year Friends have visited the Grade I listed Holy Name Church in Manchester, and will enjoy a Chester barge trip, and afternoon tea at the Athenaeum Club. We also fundraise for church enhancements. Our main target is to pay for the reconstruction of a Blitz damaged stained glass window of St Ignatius. The pieces were found hidden away in a box; someone

during the war had gathered the pieces in the hope that one day they would be found and restored. Our plan is to fulfil that wish and remount it as a war memorial. At the moment, we are applying for Lottery funding and will be involving the wider Everton community in the bid project. We always welcome new members. So, if you have SFX connections or simply love the building, why not join us? It’s £10 a year or £12.50 for two people at the same address. For more details email friends.of.sfx@gmail.com or write to Friends of SFX, St Francis Xavier Church, Salisbury Street L3 8DR.

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sunday reflections On a liturgical note In devotion, this month of June is associated with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Solemnity this year falling at the end of the month on Friday 27th. It was Pope Pius IX who, in 1856, extended the liturgical celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to the universal Church, but naturally its imagery and appeal go back much further. It was in the Middle Ages that a devotion to the physical heart of Christ – the centre and seat of human emotion and love – became a common theme in the writings of saints such as Bonaventure and Bernard of Clairvaux, Julian of Norwich and Gertrude. However, we need only read Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, and especially the Gospel of St John, to see how close to the Christian mind and spirituality is the image of Christ’s loving heart, the sign and symbol of the Lord’s self-giving. We are invited to enter more deeply into the mystery which is the love of God. Love is the heart of the Mystery of the Trinity; love is the example and command of Christ in the Eucharist; love is the content and theme of the particular Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Yet it is always a love which is

Sunday thoughts The term Islamic Fundamentalist occurs regularly in the media. The word fundamentalist was originally used by branches of Protestants in the United States in the early 20th century, to refer to those opposed to liberal developments in Christian theology. Fundamentalists, Protestant or Muslim, are characterised by a zealous defence of the purity of the ‘original’ message and an aggressive rooting out of those perceived to be watering down and betraying their faith. Fundamentalism assumes that ‘things that no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ can be so accurately captured in words that the authorised definition assumes the status of the unfathomable reality itself. To use another image, it is as if a map or painting or poem or piece of music is assumed to exhaust a reality it can only attempt to describe. Fundamentalists use authority to override individual insight and experience. The Inquisition, the KGB, Senator Joseph McCarthy, Chinese and

Canon Philip Gillespie

not content to be inward-looking or selfish but which, of its very nature, wants to be open to others, to be shared with others: ‘My dear people, since God has loved us so much, we too should love one another…’ (1 John 4:9) These themes are gathered together in the words of the Preface which will be prayed on the Feast; the wounded heart of Jesus is the fount of all graces and blessings in the Sacramental life of the Church, because the Sacraments are given to us that the life of God, and his love in us, may be strengthened and deepened day by day: For raised up on the Cross he gave himself up for us with a wonderful love and poured out Blood and water from his pierced side, the wellspring of the Church’s Sacraments so that, won over to the open Heart of the Saviour, all might draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Mgr John Devine OBE

North Korean secret police as well as successive Iranian Ayatollahs have scrutinised the behaviour of their citizens and silenced those whose orthodoxy was questionable. Individuals in all of these societies have been encouraged to denounce their neighbours for any deviation from the party line. The most famous fundamentalist in history has to be St Paul, or should I say Saul, prior to his Damascus road conversion. His conversion was nothing other than the realisation that in pursuing those deviating from the strict letter of God’s law, he was persecuting the person of Jesus himself. As a reformed fundamentalist, Paul campaigned for the baptism of nonJews without obligatory circumcision. He was opposed by those insisting on strict adherence to original practice. In the Acts of the Apostles the Holy Spirit overrides the defenders of what they assumed to be non-negotiable.

You are beloved I was listening recently to a young man who said that the biggest crisis in the world today was that people did not have any real sense of identity. He was referring to young people but I do not think this is limited to age. He used two fictional characters from the world of film to illustrate the point: James Bond, who had a very clear sense of his own identity, and Jason Bourne from ‘The Bourne Identity’ who is struggling to discover himself. His view was that today most people are like Jason Bourne. We do not know who we are. If you can have a favourite Gospel, I would say that mine is Luke's. It is probably because I am a story teller and Luke, more than any of the other evangelist, tells stories and has Jesus telling stories. Just after Jesus has Peter put out his nets for a catch in chapter four of the Gospel, Peter says to him: ‘Leave me Lord I’m a sinful man.’ He knew that he was a mess and so his first response to Jesus was to back off. He was not good enough, able enough or even worthy enough. Peter makes the same mistake that I think we all do. He does not really know the truth of who he is. Most of us listen to the voice within that is programmed through the events of our lives to tell us we are not good enough and we believe it. Thank God that we are not defined by the mess of our lives and the sin and shame that dog us because this is not how God sees us. I often think that the whole mission of Jesus was to help us see with different eyes. That is what biblical repentance is all about and it starts with recognising who we are in God’s sight. You are a child of God, a son, a daughter. You have a dignity and a value and a worthiness that has nothing to do with you; it is the gifting of God. That is our identity. The biggest conversion experience in my life was when I realised at a gut level that I was a child of God. I discovered that I was more than I had ever imagined. I began to understand that I was of immense value, Let God tell you who you are and pray each day that you be set free from anything that might stop you knowing that you are beloved. Fr Chris Thomas

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what’s on Tuesday 3 June UCM Business Meeting 7.30 pm in the Gibberd Room of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

Wednesday 11 June Good Shepherd Mass 1.15 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

Friday 6 June Continuous Prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Unity of Christians 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral concluding with Evening Prayer at 5.30 pm.

Friday 13 June to Sunday 15 June ‘Do whatever He tells you’ Northern Catholic Conference at Liverpool Hope University Speakers include: Father Pat Collins; Sir Peter Fahy (Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police); David Wells; Father Pat Deegan; Grace Nowakowska and Kristina Cooper. Details: www.northerncatholic.co.uk or telephone 07543 800812 or write to: “Regina Coeli”, 6 Warner Drive, Liverpool L4 8US.

Continuous Prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Unity of Christians 12.45 pm to 5.15 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Evening Prayer for Christian Unity 5.45 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Charismatic Prayer Group led by the Chemin Neuf Community 7.30 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Saturday 7 June Continuous Prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Unity of Christians 9.30 am to 2.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Two Cathedrals Pentecost Conference: ‘Seeking the Spirit Together’ 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Evening Prayer for the Unity of Christians and the coming of the Holy Spirit 5.15 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Sunday 8 June Pentecost Sunday 11.00 am Solemn Mass of Confirmation. 11.00 am in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. KSC Mass on the eve of the Feast of St Columba 11.00 am in St Columba, Hillside Avenue, Huyton, L36 8DL.

3.00 pm Two Cathedrals Service Begins in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral before processing along Hope Street to conclude with Evening Prayer in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Tuesday 10 June Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter Mass 12.15 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

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Saturday 14 June ‘Bach and Finzi’ Concert 7.30 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Tickets and details Tel: 0151 707 3525 or www.cathedralconcerts.org.uk Sunday 15 June Ordination of Deacons 3.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP.

Be a Chorister for a Day 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Girls in Year 5 who would like to join the Cathedral Girls’ Choir are invited to come and meet the present choristers and have an opportunity to sing in the Cathedral. Details and to register for a place contact the Music Administrator, Sarah O’Keefe Tel: 0151 708 7283. Friday 27 June Mass with Jubilarians 7.00 pm in the Metropolitan cathedral of Christ the King. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. Saturday 28 June Mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Survive-Miva 12.00 noon in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Jospice Annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic 1.00 pm in the grounds of the hospice. Entrance free; competition entry fee £1.00. Details: www.jospice.org.uk

Wednesday 18 June UCM Annual Mass 7.30 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. Saturday 21 June The Biennial KSC Memorial Mass for deceased members 3.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Sunday 22 June Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).

World of Atherton

Sunday 29 June Feast of St Peter and St Paul.

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june Looking ahead: July 2014 Saturday 5 July English Contemporaries Concert 7.30 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Tickets and details Tel: 0151 707 3525 or www.cathedralconcerts.org.uk

Celebrate the Child Mass

Sunday 6 July ‘Celebrate the Child’ Mass 1.30 pm at St Mary, Lowe House, St Helens, WA10 2BE. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. Details from the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Department Tel: 0151-522-1043. Wednesday 9 July UCM Bi-monthly Mass 7.30 pm at All Saints, Oakfield, Anfield, L4 2QG. Saturday 12 July Choral Symphony Concert 7.30 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Tickets and details Tel: 0151 707 3525 or www.cathedralconcerts.org.uk Sunday 13 July Sea Sunday Wednesday 16 July Cafod Annual Mass with Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP 7.30 pm at St Oswald, St Oswald Street, Old Swan, L13 5SB. Cafod Speaker: Tom O’Connor, Director of Communities and Supporters. Refreshments available after Mass. Sunday 20 July Lourdes Departure Mass 3.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

This year's ‘Celebrate the Child Mass’ will take place on Sunday 6 July at St Mary’s, Lowe House, St Helens at 1.30 pm. The Celebrant will be Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. It will be a good opportunity for as many as possible to attend and say ‘hello’ to our new Archbishop. The Mass is the opportunity to give thanks to God for the gift of children and those who nurture them practically and spiritually, so children, parents, catechists and clergy are invited to attend and make the celebration as vibrant as possible. St Mary’s Lowe House is an ideal venue with a large church, substantial gardens and a Café facility enabling, if the weather is kind, for a picnic after the Mass. If not there are facilities indoors with hot and soft drinks and the ‘Animate’ tuck shop. St Mary’s, Lowe House is situated close to the town centre in St Helens. Though there is limited car parking at the church in Crab Street, nearby public car parks can be found within a few minutes walk, Birchley Street car park being the nearest. Council car parks are free on Sundays. Coaches and mini buses can drop off outside church and return later for collection for larger groups attending.

Friday 25 July to Friday 1 August Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Sunday 27 July Day for Life.

Arrival is from from 12.30 pm. Children arriving for 12.30 will have a task to prepare (artwork) for the Mass. Volunteers from parishes are needed to assist with: welcome, readings, bidding prayers, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, musicians and Ushers. It would be helpful to have confirmation of likely numbers hoping to attend. For further information or to offer help please call the Safeguarding Department on 0151 522 1043.

More details at :www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk or www.catholicpic.co.uk

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profile

Bishop Paul Bayes Another new spiritual leader for Liverpool by Simon Hart

Roman Catholics in Liverpool are not the only ones becoming acquainted with a new spiritual leader. Six days after the Mass of Installation of Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, the city’s Anglican community welcomed Paul Bayes as the eighth Bishop of Liverpool.

The new Bishop of Liverpool already has one notable connection with this city. During his training at the ecumenical Queen’s College in Birmingham, he took part in an exchange programme with Oscott College led by Patrick Kelly, then Oscott vice-principal and now Archbishop Emeritus of Liverpool.

Although Bishop Paul’s appointment was announced by Downing Street, the man himself was in the less grandiose setting of a food bank in Clubmoor when the announcement came on 7 May. That first day in his new surroundings included Communion at Wigan Parish Church and evening prayer at Liverpool Cathedral for the native Yorkshireman, who had previously served as Bishop of Hertford.

Bishop Paul spoke of working together with Liverpool’s Catholics when he added: ‘As Christians we have been given an amazing gift – our faith in Jesus Christ, his teachings and his living presence. Together with my sisters and brothers from the other churches I will want to offer our faith in Jesus with confidence, gentleness and respect, as we work and walk together into God’s future. It will be great to be with you all.’

Looking ahead to the challenge of succeeding the retired Reverend James Jones, Bishop Paul – son of a Bradford churchwarden – said: ‘This is a great city and a great region with great people. It deserves a great church. It’s a huge privilege to be invited to come to this diocese, to learn from the fantastic Christians here and to work with the team here to give some guidance and leadership for the future.’

Ordained in 1979, Bishop Paul served as a curate in Whitley Bay before moving to London as a university chaplain where he served as national co-chair of Christian CND and, with wife Kate, became involved in the Ecology Party, now the Greens. The father of three later moved to High Wycombe, ministering as team vicar and then team rector, and then on to Totton in Hampshire to serve as team rector.

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A central feature of his ministry has been his work in ‘planting’ churches – small groups relating to parts of the community that the church has struggled to reach; in Totton, for instance, he helped set up youth initiatives and a team of street pastors in partnership with the police and social services. His stated wish is for the church to ‘make a bigger difference in our lives and the life of these communities. We need to be humble as Jesus was humble: a poor church with a rich message.’ He continued this work as the Church of England’s National Mission and Evangelism adviser before, in 2010, moving to St Albans Diocese as Bishop of Hertford. Archbishop Malcolm welcomed him with the words: ‘I warmly welcome the appointment of Paul Bayes as Bishop of Liverpool and look forward to working with him to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and serve all who live in this region. He can be assured of the prayers of the priests and people of the Archdiocese as he prepares for his new mission here in Liverpool.’

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youth ministry

Spreading the Gospel… with football shirts and game shows Dominic Cain reports on another busy month for Animate Youth Ministries WE hit the ground running after the Easter holidays, with our fourth Mission Week of the year taking place at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Skelmersdale at the end of April. The theme we shared with pupils and staff from the school was ‘We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need’. The head teacher, Mr Smart, spoke of his school’s overall mission ‘to make Jesus Christ known to all’, and this is where we began. The opening session highlighted the individuality of each and every one us, while also pointing out that we are also part of a much bigger picture, the body of Christ. One motif we used as a means of illustration was the football shirt. The young people competed against each other in ‘football kit dress-up’ – a game whereby pupils had to dress their classmates in a kit, with the aim of getting it on over their uniform more quickly than their rival

teams managed. The symbolism of the kit offered a suggestion of how we can use our uniqueness as part of the body of Christ: the manufacturer designs the kit, in the same way God creates us; the badge brings together everybody associated with the team, just as the Sign of the Cross can be the ‘badge’ for Christians; the number on the back indicates a certain position and God has given us all a role to play for His cause; and finally, the name on the shirt identifies the player, just as the name we are given at baptism makes us unique. Classic game shows seemed to be the flavour of the week, as we played ‘Family Fortunes’ with Years 7, 8 and 9, and ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ with Years 10 and 11. Usual hosts Les Dennis and Vernon

Kay were replaced by our very own Amy, and the games – slightly competitive, but mostly fun – had a serious function: to show that we can rely on other people on our faith journeys, emphasising that when we do reach out to people as the hands of Christ in the World, we will have our brothers and sisters in Christ doing the same beside us. Unfortunately we were without the silver-tongued Chris Tarrant, so we asked our very own smooth talker, Sean, to take his place. Instead of ‘Phone a friend’ we used ‘Ask a teacher’ alongside ‘Ask the audience’ – showing that we need to be ready to do our Christian duty to help others at a moment’s notice. We also spent an afternoon working with Year 6 pupils at St Anne’s Primary School in Rainhill. The school have been looking at Christian values recently, so we went and delivered a session with this in mind. We asked the pupils which people had inspired them to live a good life and used famous examples of people who had used their gifts and talents to make the world a better place. The pupils then designed their own flames and wrote about how they were going to be a light for other people, and inspire them to live a good life. We have since spent time working with pupils from St John Fisher, Wigan and St Peter’s, Orrell and will provide further details in next month’s issue. Keep up to date with us via our website and social media platforms, and please keep us in your prayers as we try to spread the Gospel. www.animateyouth.org Facebook: Ani Mate Twitter: @animateyouth

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justice & peace

We must open our eyes to the plight of West Papuans By Steve Atherton, Justice and Peace fieldworker Do you ever have one of those days when you cannot bring yourself to listen to the news? I do. Then, after a while, I remember Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Kelly saying, ‘It is our duty to become a little less illinformed’ and I turn on the TV or pick up the newspaper or go on the internet to catch up with what has been happening. The last time that I made myself pay attention, I was surprised to read an item by Benny Wenda, a man who has visited our diocese and talked to people in some of our schools and parishes. Benny was back in the news – and it was not good news. Benny was first introduced to the Justice and Peace Commission by Fr Neles Tebay, a priest who had been sent to the United Kingdom by his bishop to keep him safe from the Indonesian army in West Papua, which is one of the forgotten conflicts of our times. Benny is the leader of the West Papuans in exile in the UK and has been speaking to Justice and Peace groups in Crosby, Aigburth, Widnes, Preston and Wigan. In the article that I read, Benny said the following:

‘I am writing this statement today to express my concerns over current events within West Papua. I want to tell the world that now is a time when our people are in incredibly grave danger, especially those who have become refugees. We desperately need international attention and support during this time of increased Indonesian military violence in our country. ‘The Indonesian Government is extremely worried. They will therefore likely send their military across the border into Papua New Guinea to look for West Papuans to punish and persecute. They will look for West Papuan refugees near the border and deport them to Indonesia where they will be killed. As a former refugee myself, I am deeply worried and concerned about these threats that many of my people are now facing. Before something terrible happens, we need to tell the world about this situation. ‘In the last few years, the Indonesian government has been trying to find and persecute Papuan refugees, in attacks that regularly involve burning villages and

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West Papuan refugee camps, forced deportation and even armed attacks on refugees. Incidents like this have happened many times in the past and continue today. ‘We urgently need the United Nations and the world to see what is really happening to our people. Sometimes it feels like everyone has forgotten that 100,000 West Papuans have been killed in the last 50 years and that more than 10,000 West Papuan refugees suffer daily in Papua New Guinea. My people are urgently asking for UN intervention to stop the Indonesian military from killing more of our people. ‘People still face massive food shortages, have little or no education and fear the constant threat of Indonesian military violence. Please hear our voice; we need to act now to stop Indonesia from killing more innocent Papuans.’ West Papua is on the other side of the world but does that excuse us from a moral obligation to raise the plight of people who are being butchered like animals? For more information, visit http://freewestpapua.org

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Anna serves up success Bellerive FCJ student Anna Carmichael cooked up a storm in London when she travelled to Westminster to take part in the final of the prestigious FutureChef cookery competition and returned as the national champion. The Year 10 student served up a winning menu of lamb shoulder with butternut squash, turned potatoes and wilted spinach followed by chocolate fondant with raspberry syllabub and chocolate chip cookies in a MasterChef style cook-off. Anna beat off strong opposition from 12 other young chefs, despite being ill on the day with a bout of laryngitis. Anna entered ‘FutureChef’ along with the rest of her GCSE catering class last October (and an initial field of 8,250 students across the UK) and was selected to take part in the Merseyside heats in January. She was mentored by Gareth Billington, the head chef at Everton FC ahead of the next stage of the competition in Manchester where she once again kept her cool in the kitchen and secured her place in the national final. Celebrity chef and chairman of FutureChef Brian Turner CBE and TV’s James Martin were both on hand at Westminster Kingsway College to congratulate Anna on her success. Anna’s catering teacher and competition mentor Mrs Gavin described Anna’s success as ‘brilliant’ and described Anna as ‘the most promising young chef in the country’. Anna has a long standing interest in cooking and baking and is keen on pursuing a career in this field in the future, she said: “I’ve always helped my mum out in the kitchen, I really enjoy it. I hope to be a chef in the future and open my own restaurant.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR MAJESTY

FutureChef star Anna Carmichael with Gareth Billington, the head chef at Everton FC

Musical Interludes at Notre Dame It is becoming more commonplace for the pupils at Notre Dame Catholic College to listen to musical interludes as pupils take the opportunity to perform before a live audience during lunch times. Miss Hart, the Head of Music, is calling the performances ‘Surprise Concerts’ as they are not advertised and they can be located anywhere on the ground floor of the college on any day of the week! The design of the new college building, opened in September 2013, now lends itself to this type of performance. The music is often classical and allows the audience to become familiar with a genre of music that would not be the first choice of many young people.

Rachel Dyas with the letter she received from the Queen

Rachel Dyas a Year 7 pupil from St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning was delighted, when she received a letter from none other than the Queen. Rachel had sent Her Majesty a birthday card, which she had designed herself, and recently received a letter of thanks from the Palace. “We’re very proud of our pupil,” said teacher Carol Finn. “We’re absolutely delighted by it. Obviously we’ve made a great fuss of her in school and she’s really proud of her letter. 22

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Pic extras Mums the Word

News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Our May bi-monthly Mass at St Margaret Mary’s parish in Knotty Ash was different from usual owing to the fact that Father Mark Madden, chaplain of Liverpool’s Union of Catholic Mothers, was not able to attend. In his place, we had another Fr Mark – namely, Fr Mark Moran, parish priest of St Margaret Mary’s, who kindly celebrated Mass in our own Fr Mark’s absence. Fr Mark gave us a homily on Our Lady. He explained how from the age of 14 he has been to Lourdes almost every year. He has been to Medjugorje and to Fatima too, and all because of Our Lady. During his teenage years Fr Mark prayed only to Our Lady; he could not remember praying to Jesus or the Holy Spirit, just to Mary. In time, he drifted from Our Lady to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to the Father and the Holy Spirit. He admitted that he started to feel guilty at ignoring Our Lady but as he grew older, he realised that Our Lady did not get upset at fading into the background for Mary only ever wants to lead us to her beloved Son. Mary is an integral part of our story as we journey towards knowing Jesus more and more. The UCM has a significant role to play in leading others to Jesus, just as Mary did. Mary pointed to Jesus by how she spoke and acted and prayed. The UCM is an organisation rooted in supporting family life in our modern world and rooted in praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It aims to be a voice for the voiceless in our society.

I thank Fr Mark for letting me share with you some of his comments and look forward to seeing you at our business meeting on Tuesday 3 June and our Annual Mass on Wednesday 18 June. God Bless, Ann Hogg, Media Officer

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New Archbishop to continue as KSC ecclesiastical adviser Archbishop Malcolm McMahon’s connection with the Knights of St Columba as our ecclesiastical adviser goes back a number of years and we are pleased to confirm that he has agreed to continue in this role following his elevation as Archbishop of Liverpool. For the Archbishop’s Mass of Installation on 1 May, our Supreme Knight Bro Ron Lynch received an invitation to attend, and we now look forward to Archbishop Malcolm celebrating the Biennial Memorial Mass for deceased members of the KSC on Saturday 21 June. The Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral, starting at 3pm, is a special occasion which brings together members and their families from England, Scotland and Wales. This month sees another special occasion in the life of the order which is the celebration of the feast of our patron, St Columba, on Monday 9 June. There will be a Mass held at the parish church of

St Columba, Huyton on the eve of the feast, Sunday 8 June, at 11am for all members of Liverpool province and their families. Isle of Man council members will hold their own Mass at the parish church of St Columba, Port Erin at 4pm. • The knights of Liverpool province were invited again this year to assist with the stewarding of the annual Mass of Healing at the Cathedral on Friday 25 April. The Knights will also be assisting at the Northern Catholic Conference at Hope University from 13-15 June. • The new provincial council for the coming year was installed at a Mass at Our Lady, Star of the Sea in Seaforth on 27 April, celebrated by our chaplain, Father Tom Wood. Our picture shows the newly installed provincial officers with other members of the order following the Mass. Websites: www.ksc.org.uk and www.kscprov02.weebly.com Email: dpokeane@aol.com

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cathedral

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir to sing for the Pope The Choir of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King have received a prestigious invitation to sing at a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome to be celebrated by Pope Francis. At the Mass the Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP, the new Archbishop of Liverpool will be presented with the Pallium by the Pope.

since the 1970s, tours have included Belgium, Spain, Holland, Hungary and the USA and Canada as well as many cities within the British Isles. All 45 of the Cathedral’s boy and girl choristers and 14 lay clerks are thrilled to have received this invitation, and are working hard on learning the new music for the Mass. Head Chorister of the boys

somewhat hectic for the Metropolitan Cathedral Choir, making no less than 3 CD recordings, including featuring on Jack Topping’s debut disk ‘Wonderful World’ which reached the Classical charts no. 1 shortly before Christmas. Further tours this Summer are also planned to London and the Isle of Man. Canon Anthony O’Brien, Dean of the

The Pallium is given to newly created Metropolitan Archbishops from throughout the world by the Pope each year on the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul. It is a sign of communion with the Pope and of leadership. The Pallium is a woollen band worn across the shoulders while celebrating Mass and is made of wool taken from lambs presented to the Pope on 21 January, the Feast of St Agnes. The invitation for the Metropolitan Cathedral Choir to sing at the Papal Mass in Rome on Sunday 29 June was approved by Pope Francis himself. The Choir’s journey to Rome at short notice is an expensive undertaking costing in the region of £45,000 and has to be financed through voluntary contributions and fundraising. Donations may be made to the Cathedral Music Administrator, Sarah O’Keeffe (music@metcathedral.org.uk Tel: 0151 708 7283.) As well as its significant role within the working life of the Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral Choir is active within the Archdiocese and the City of Liverpool, singing at many civic, ecumenical and academic services. Broadcasting regularly, the Choir has sung many times for both BBC television and radio and independent broadcasters and has also made a number of recordings. Singing away from home

choir, Charles Warrington (13) said ‘this is such a great privilege for us to travel to Rome and sing for the Pope – a once in a lifetime opportunity!’ Director of Music at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Christopher McElroy, is the one tasked with the job of ensuring that the choir is note perfect when they sing in Rome said ‘This is a wonderful opportunity for the choir to travel to Rome with our Archbishop as he begins his ministry here in Liverpool, and to be with him when he receives the Pallium from Pope Francis.’

Metropolitan Cathedral said ‘We are very proud that the dedication and talent of our choir have been recognised in the invitation to sing in Rome for the Pope and Archbishop Malcolm: the choirs sing at services on a daily basis here in the Metropolitan Cathedral, so it is very appropriate that they should sing at a special liturgy whilst in Rome.’ The trip won’t all be all singing for the choristers. There will be opportunities to learn and explore the fascinating history and culture of Rome and the Vatican, including trips to the Trevi fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

The last twelve months have been

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EXCLUSIVE CATHOLIC PIC READER TRAVEL OFFER

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND FR PETER MORGAN - Parish Priest of St Anne & St Bernards, Overbury Street, Liverpool will lead this Exclusive Catholic Pic Pilgrimage at the special request of our previous Holy Land Pilgrims (February 2013)

29th SEPT - 9th OCT 2014 £1375 per person Accompanied by Fr Richard Sloan of Liverpool Archdiocese they will lead you on an incredible journey to the Holy Land following in the footsteps of Jesus. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience. If you would like to know more about this wonderful offer, please call Barbara on:

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PIC Life Why the time comes to stop making excuses By Moira Billinge A 1962 hit single by Bernard Cribbins tells the tale of a group of unenthusiastic workmen moving a piece of furniture. In ‘Right Said Fred’, a cup of tea quickly becomes the solution to every problem, the platform for every thought and for yet another daft suggestion. In the end, the song tells us: ‘So Charlie and me had another cup of tea and then we went home.’ As the saying goes, it is a poor workman who blames his own tools! When I was a student nurse, my late submission of an assignment generated a rapid response from my Sister Tutor, a lovely SMG nun, despite my giving – what I thought to be – a perfectly plausible explanation. ‘If excuses could get us into heaven, nurse, you would be there in a flash!’ she said. My self-justification had obviously failed to impress. Happy are those who have a ‘good’ excuse conveniently to hand, one that is genuine and watertight when it is suddenly and unexpectedly required. Yet often, the more bizarre the justification, the more likely it is to be accurate. Last year I was very late for a meeting because I could not find my car keys despite having turned the house upside down, only to find them in the murky depths of the vegetable box in the fridge. My shoelace once somehow managed to wrap itself around the clutch as I tried to change gears and with one foot

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tied to the pedal I had to make a precarious and undignified stop; that excuse would have looked decidedly dubious as a written statement on an insurance form had there been an accident.

Prayer of the month Every day I need you, Lord, but today, especially, I need some extra strength to face whatever is to come. This day, more than any other day, I need to feel you near me, to strengthen my courage and to overcome my fear. By myself, I cannot meet the challenges of the hour. We are frail human creatures, and we need a higher power, to sustain us in all that life may bring. And so, dear Lord, hold my trembling hand. Be with me, Lord this day. And stretch out Your powerful arm to help me. May Your love be upon me, as I place all my hope in You. Amen

A favourite prayer from the Parish of Saint Jude, Wigan Please send your favourite prayer to: Barbara, Catholic Pictorial, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS

Worth a visit

Sometimes excuses can become so much part of our lives that they actually prevent us living to our full potential. We can come to believe our self-created explanations and fail to see what lies beyond such habitual, unproductive and spirit-draining thinking. It can be so much easier to blame others or blame our past for the psychological traffic jam which stops us from moving forward. The trouble is that the ‘tried and tested’ is so much less complicated than risk-taking and making changes. It is a comfortable crutch providing a good excuse to not even try. An old Chinese proverb declares that: ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.’ Rather than trying to envisage the possible joy, fulfilment and sense of achievement which could be realised through embarking on something new, we fret over the imagined obstacles. Making excuses for the past and for historical injuries can stop us from seeing that something could be done about them in the present. Past wrongs only make us prisoners – effectively binding us to their negative aftermath – if we allow them to do so. True freedom can be realised if we can instead ‘let go and let God’.

This month, enjoy a summer stroll back into the past with a trip to a historic settlement along Hadrian’s Wall, writes Lucy Oliver. The Roman Empire’s furthermost frontier extended for approximately 84 miles and just along the A69 from Carlisle, the Birdoswald Roman Fort sits on its longest surviving stretch. Surrounded by milecastles and turrets, the former garrison housed troops from across the empire. The tur f wall, which preceded the fort’s stone wall, is most apparent to visitors and the river crossing is another major point of interest. A haven for nature, Hadrian’s Wall attracts visitors for both its historic and picturesque appeal, and just a ten-minute drive along the A49 (or five-mile walk) is another local treasure, the 12th century Lanercost Priory. Founded in 1169, this welcomes visitors to experience its tranquil beauty undisturbed by the passage of time. The Augustinian monastery was once attacked by Robert the Bruce and was later stripped of its treasures in Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. The priory was also the refuge of the mortally ill Edward I, and its well-preserved cloisters and noble 13th century church testify to the endurance of faith. For more information on Birdoswald Roman Fort, call 01697 747 602.

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join in Eating Out

Children’s word search We celebrate the solemnity of the birth of St John the Baptist on June 24. See if you can find out about him from our word search clues.

JOHN

THE BAPTIST

PROPHET

Some restaurants in the city for you to enjoy a nice meal Hope Street Restaurant Hope Street, Liverpool L1 0151 709 3000 Bistro Jacques Hardman Street, Liverpool L1 0151 709 1998

CHOSEN BY GOD n

BAPTISM

N W

WITNESS

ELIZABETH

ZACHARIAH

W O

W U

JUDAEA WILDERNESS

More Mullarkey From Johnny Kennedy It was a lovely sunny day and the bride and groom came out of the church after Father Mullarkey had married them.

Sapporo Teppanyaki Duke Street, Liverpool L1 0151 705 3005 Cafe Rouge The Terrace, Liverpool L1 0151 709 8657 City Wine Bar and Kitchen Old Hall Street, Liverpool L2 0151 294 3344 Matou Pier Head, Liverpool L3 0151 236 2926

Greeting Cards from the Carmelite Monastery

He stood watching as the photographs were taken and little Sam, one of the primary school children and a good pal of Fr Mullarkey, said: ‘Father, why is the bride dressed in white?’ ‘She's dressed in white, Sam, because this is the happiest day of her life.’ ‘Oh, I see,’ said Sam… ‘So why is the groom dressed in black?’

Beautiful cards for:

Audio copy of the Pic out now

First Holy Communion & Confirmation cards

An audio version of the ‘Catholic Pictorial’ is available free of charge, compiled by students, technicians and Chaplain, Helen Molyneux, at All Hallows RC High School, Penwortham

and new range of Mass cards now available.

Anyone interested in receiving the audio copy should contact Kevin Lonergan Tel: 01772 744148 or 01772 655433 (home).

Maryton Grange

Ordination Anniversary of Ordination and all occasions are on sale at: The Carmelite Monastery Allerton Road Liverpool L18 3NU Please contact the Monastery card office on 0151 724 7102. Email: marytoncards@outlook.com

Catholic Pictorial

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JEAN LITTLE COUNSELLING TRAINING celebrating over 20 years of successful business

54 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, CH41 5AS Counselling courses starting September 2014 COURSES COMPLY WITH QCF GUIDELINES PSYCHODYNAMIC MODEL

Would you be able to help us deliver this magazine to churches in Southport, Chorley, Preston, Leyland, Wigan and Warrington areas. Magazines would need to be collected from Liverpool each month and delivered in the above areas. The work will be paid. Please leave your name and landline number on 0151 733 5492 and we will get back to you.

Certificate in Counselling Skills Thursday evenings Diploma in Counselling – Wednesday evenings Diploma in Casework Supervision – 6 weekends various short courses available – held at weekends Not just teaching! Training is experiential and shows participants how to put their learning into practice Enquiries: Tel: 0151 666 1383 or email: jean@jltraining.org.uk www.jltraining.org.uk

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