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Issue 140 MAY 2016

ARCHDIOCESE OF LIVERPOOL

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Inside this issue: Pentecost Pageant: A celebration of Hope HCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage Celebrations for St Julie’s

‘Amoris Laetitia’ ‘The Joy of Love’

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contents Welcome Amoris Laetitia’ ‘The Joy of Love’, the long awaited Apostolic Exhortation from Pope Francis gives us our main feature this month. It is a document which needs careful reading and thought and one which cannot be hurried. It would be impossible to fit everything into three pages of the ‘Catholic Pic’ but it will hopefully provide a starting point for prayer and reflection. This month we celebrate the great Feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church and the anniversary of the dedication of our own Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. It is now 49 years since the opening of the Cathedral and next year we will celebrate the Golden Jubilee. 34 years ago Pope Saint John Paul II visited the Cathedral on the Feast of Pentecost and on his journey from Liverpool Airport processed along Hope Street. The churches have commemorated this with a ‘Two Cathedrals’ service and walk every two years since. This year they have joined forces with Liverpool City Council and Visit Hope Street Community Interest Company (CIC) to make it a day long event. The festivities for the ‘Pentecost Pageant’ begin at 12.00 noon with the Two Cathedrals’ Service starting in the Anglican cathedral at 3.00 pm. A day not to be missed.

From the Archbishop’s Desk Pope Francis’ new document, ‘The Joy of Love’, which has been described by one author as an ode to married love, has been well received by Catholics but not always for the same reasons. For those who wanted nothing to change it is a restatement of traditional church teaching regarding marriage and in particular the reception of the sacraments for those who are divorced and in second marriages. Others in the church who are seeking a pathway back to reception of the sacraments believe that Pope Francis offers them one. Can both groups be right? That is the question that is foremost in the media and in the minds of many Catholics. In answering that question we must remember that Pope Francis is not trying to please anyone except his Master, and he does this by seeking the truth, and this is found not only in the doctrine of the church but also in the face of the person before him. That is a lesson that we too must learn. Thank God, we are surrounded by many happy marriages that offer us so much inspiration. On the other hand, we are all affected by broken and irregular relationships in our families. ‘The Joy of Love’ is a plea by the Holy Father not to give up on them, but to encourage them to remember that they too have been redeemed by the death and resurrection of the Lord, that they too have a place in the Church and that living with ambiguity in their lives does not exclude them from the mercy of the Father. 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 Cover and main feature ©Mazur,catholicnews.org Profile: Sean Murphy Advertising Andrew Rogers 0151 709 7567 Publisher 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS

Contents 4

Main Feature ‘Amoris Laetitia’ ‘The Joy of Love’

News From around the Archdiocese

14 Sunday Reflections Liturgy and Life 15 Nugent News Nugent Care at 135 16 What’s On Whats happening in the Archdiocese 19 Profile Rebecca Rollinson An RCIA Journey 25 Cathedral Record Raising awareness of the Diamond Fund 26 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC 27 Animate Youth Ministry God sees the bigger picture 28 Pic Life Walking for Life

Copy deadline June issue 13 May 2016 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.

29 Join In Family Fun and More Mullarkey 30 Justice and Peace Welcoming the Stranger

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Amoris Laetitia: The Joy of Love ‘Pope Francis urges compassion for all in landmark statement on family values’ (The Guardian) ‘What is the Pope's Amoris Laetitia and how will it affect Catholic families?’ (Daily Telegraph) ‘Church leaders praise Amoris Laetitia but warn against hurried reading’ (Catholic Herald). hese were just some of the headlines which greeted the publication of the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis: ‘Amoris Laetitia’ ‘The Joy of Love’ on Friday 8 April.

A press conference was held in the Holy See Press Office to present the document which had been signed by the Holy Father on 19 March, the Feast of St. Joseph. ‘Amoris Laetitia’ brings together the results of the two synods on the family which were convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015. Among those on the panel at the press conference were Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the Synod of Bishops and Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, OP, Archbishop of Vienna, Austria. With nine chapters and 325 paragraphs it will take time to study and reflect on the Apostolic Exhortation. The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales issued a statement and summary following their spring meeting: ‘The Bishops of England and Wales welcome the Pope’s Exhortation Amoris Laetitia. Following the two synods on the family, the Exhortation is intended to

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aid reflection, dialogue, and pastoral practice on love and family. It offers great help and encouragement to families in their daily commitments and challenges. We are inspired by the Pope’s portrayal of God’s love present in the daily and often messy realities of family life. The Holy Father offers a rich scriptural presentation of the meaning of love, in a reflection on that well-known text of St Paul’s, ‘Love is patient, love is kind’ (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) (Paragraph 90). This Exhortation has to be read in the context of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Pope Francis reminds us that the Church is a tender Mother who ‘must accompany with attention and care the weakest of her children, who show signs of a wounded and troubled love, by restoring in them hope and confidence’ (291). The Church is ‘a field hospital’ ready to bind the wounds of the broken and her sacraments are powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak. The Pope emphasises that this Exhortation needs to be read patiently and carefully, and needs time for reflection. We have begun to do this together at our plenary assembly. We recognise that the Exhortation presents new pastoral challenges for evangelisation and catechesis. Pope Francis says: ‘In order to avoid all misunderstanding, I would point out that in no way must the Church desist from proposing the full ideal of marriage, God’s plan in all its grandeur’. (307). It makes clear the need to find new pastoral methods to assist ‘Christian families, by the grace of the sacrament

Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Bishop Peter Doyle at the Synod.

of matrimony, who are the principle agents of the family apostolate, above all through their joy-filled witness as domestic churches’ (200). Pope Francis presents the challenge of educating people for lifelong love. Parents, as the first educators of their children, supported by schools, are given this challenge so that an integral moral and spiritual life is developed. The Exhortation pays special attention to the education of the conscience informed by the teaching of the Church so that people are enabled to grow in their faith and spiritual lives (cf 37). Formation of pastoral workers, and the formation of priests and deacons, must involve married couples and include preparation for the effective pastoral care of families. The Exhortation pays special attention to the very important tasks of marriage preparation and the care of families at different stages of married life (205ff). ‘Today, more important than the pastoral care of failures is the pastoral effort to strengthen marriages and thus to prevent their breakdown’ (307). The Holy Father considers the pastoral care of families who are struggling in their daily lives. He

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feature ‘Pope Francis offers a rich scriptural presentation of the meaning of love’

notes the acute difficulty of judging difficult situations and calls priests to be close to these families and understanding of the reality of their lives, however untidy these may be. Prayer, discernment and the Sacrament of Reconciliation can help many grow in their relationship with God whatever their situation. Pope Francis states that pastors are not only responsible for promoting Christian marriage, but also for the pastoral discernment of their situation before God of a great many who no longer live this reality (293). In the particular case of the divorced and civilly remarried, there is a need to consider both those elements which can lead to a greater openness to the gospel of marriage in its fullness and those factors which may limit a free response to the Gospel in order to understand the subjective situation of a person before God. ‘Hence it can no longer simply be said that all those in any irregular situation are living in a state of mortal sin and are deprived of

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feature

Above: The Synod in session

sanctifying grace (301). Through this spiritual discernment they should feel confident in the promise of God’s mercy, the love of the Church and discover the next step in their response to God. Pope Francis therefore encourages all who find themselves in difficult situations to speak confidently to their priests in order to understand their personal situation before God and discover a path of personal growth.

‘Prayer, discernment and the Sacrament of Reconciliation can help many grow in their relationship with God whatever their situation’ 6

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The remarkable increase in the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation which, in many places, is an early fruit of the Year of Mercy, encourages us that this invitation will indeed be taken up. The challenges presented in this Exhortation, whilst not changing Church teaching, are far reaching and radical. Embracing them will take time, effort and patience. Finally, as bishops, we are grateful to

the families who witness to Christ in the midst of complex and busy lives. We thank all those engaged in marriage and family life ministries in our dioceses, and all our priests called to be the living face of the Father’s mercy.’

At the conclusion of the press conference in Rome Cardinal Schönborn said, ‘Pope Francis trusts in the joy of love. Love is able to find the way. It is the compass that shows us the road. It is both the goal and the path itself, because God is love and love is from God. Nothing is more demanding than love. It cannot be obtained cheaply. Therefore, no-one should be afraid that Pope Francis invites us, with Amoris Laetitia, to take too easy a path. The road is not an easy one, but it is full of joy’. The full document together with a more detailed summary can be viewed on the Bishops Conference website at www.cbcew.org.uk/amoris-laetitia

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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: catholicpictorial@rcaol.co.uk

Running for the Good Shepherd

Pauline Ronan, Head of RE at Notre Dame Catholic College, Liverpool, is delighted to have raised £1,000 for Nugent Care’s Good Shepherd Appeal. Pauline ran the Liverpool half marathon on Sunday 13 March and raised the money with the support of her colleagues and pupils. Nugent Care provides vital services to people who experience poverty, homelessness, the elderly, those experiencing mental health issues and also provide an adoption service amongst a wealth of other vital services to the Merseyside area.

Over 40 years of loyal service Pat Murphy, Director of Fundraising at St Joseph’s Hospice (Jospice), has announced her retirement after 40 years of loyal service. She first became involved with the hospice in 1970 as a sixth form student when the founder of the hospice, Father Francis O’Leary, was raising funds to ship a flat packed hospital to Negritos in Peru. Later becoming Fundraising Manager and, more recently, Director of Fundraising, Pat has worked tirelessly within the wider community to generate support and income for the hospice in order to keep its services running. Pat will officially retire at the end of June and over the next few months will be working with the hospice’s chair of trustees to record and archive the hospice’s long and impressive history. Mike Parr, Chief Executive of Jospice, said: ‘Pat has been here for so many years and has made so many connections with the local community. The hospice simply wouldn’t have been

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able to continue running without Pat’s hard work and devotion. We all wish her a long and happy retirement.’ Pat says, 'Fundraising for Jospice has been a way of life for me since schooldays, but sometimes you have to pull back a little. I am proud of what I have achieved over the years at Jospice, and of course the hospice and especially the overseas work will always be very close to my heart. Working with Father O'Leary left a wonderful legacy in the work of Jospice and that works continues daily’.

Legion of Honour award for Tim Fitzgerald A 90-year-old Liverpool Catenian has been awarded the French Legion of Honour in recognition of his services in France during World War II. Tim Fitzgerald received by post his admittance to the highest French military and civilian order, the Légion d’honneur, with the prospect of a presentation ceremony to come. The nonagenarian served with the Irish Guards, seeing action at D Day in Normandy, at Nijmegen and Arnhem, either side of the Rhine in the Netherlands, as well as in northern Germany. With his unit he helped to capture the notorious traitor and Nazi propagandist Lord Haw Haw. ‘This is a great honour for Tim and recognises his war service,’ said local Catenian president David Willson. ‘I have congratulated him on behalf of the Catenians.’ Tim, a former president of 164 Circle of the Catenians who lives in Christ the King and Our Lady’s parish, was also the recipient of a Papal Blessing, from Pope St John Paul II, for services to the nuns at Knolle Park. Post war he was in the Territorials and the Irish Guards Choir. He met his wife Pat while working for Merseyside Police, they have four sons. He also served as a Catholic schools governor for many years.

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news diary Archbishop Emeritus Patrick in tribute to Morecambe’s Queen’s Guide

Queen’s Guide Cedric Robinson pictured with Archbishop Emeritus Patrick and the ‘Walking Feet’ plaque

Archbishop Emeritus, Patrick Kelly, was invited by Grange-Over-Sands Town Council to give a formal dedication and blessing of a bronze plaque in honour of Cedric Robinson, which they had commissioned in recognition of the 52nd anniversary of his appointment as Queen’s Guide. Cedric is just the 25th guide since the role was created in 1548 has helped to raise millions of pounds for charities by guiding walkers across Morecambe Bay. The plaque of Cedric’s ‘Walking Feet’ will be installed later this year in Grange, below the new street sign, ‘Cedric Walk’. The beautiful Morecambe Bay was however brought sharply into international focus in 2004 when over 27 Chinese cockle-pickers drowned in the perilous seas.

The search and attempted rescue of these vulnerable, economic migrants, exploited by their ‘Pay-Masters,’ is well documented. Cedric Robinson took part in the rescue and recovery process of the victims. His knowledge of the Bay is probably unsurpassed, and only perhaps equalled by his father (who died at the age of 102) after passing on all his experience to his son. Archbishop Emeritus Patrick, born in Morecambe, has led sponsored walks with Cedric across the Bay for the Right To Life Charity and also wrote a forward in Cedric’s book published in 2013, ‘Time and Tide: 50 Golden Years on Morecambe Bay.’ The event, in honour of Cedric, was an extremely joy-filled celebration of a great, yet utterly unassuming and humble man.

‘Funny Money’ to help the Cathedral There are many coins and notes both British and foreign lying in everybody’s cupboards, drawers and tin boxes. Individually these are of no value but collectively they can be converted into ‘real’ money. Coins are found on the collection plate and people bring back money from holiday not knowing what can be done with it. The Metropolitan Cathedral can and will make good use of these coins if it is possible to get them to the Cathedral or to LACE. If you have a collection in excess of 1kg in weight it may be possible to arrange collection. For any further information contact Phil Dobbins Tel: 0151 724 6644 or email: philip.dobbins@talktalk.net

Obituary of Brother Nicholas Hutchinson FSC Brother Nicholas Hutchinson, a De La Salle Brother, teacher and author, died peacefully on the Feast of St Joseph, 2016, at the age of 61, after a long illness. Brother Nick was born in Royton, Oldham, on 17 April 1954. His secondary education was at Cardinal Langley school where he first met the De La Salle Brothers. To his contemporaries it was obvious that Nicholas would become a Brother as he displayed a spirituality that was rarely found in one so young. He made his first vows in 1971 and his final vows in 1980 and after qualifying as a teacher at Hopwood Hall, he joined his old school, Cardinal Langley, Middleton, where he taught RE and the sciences. Brother Nick had a natural concern for his students and one past pupil recalls that ‘he was a wonderful, gentle and kind man. An excellent teacher and an inspiration to all he taught’. He was a founder member of the liturgical support group known as ‘Lasallian Resource’ whose highlight came in 1982 when they played at Ninian Park, Cardiff, when Pope John Paul II met with the Nation’s Youth. In 1988 he moved to St Helens and taught RE at De La Salle School and was Head of Year 8 and later Head of Year 7. Sadly his teaching career was cut short in 1993 with the onset of M.E. commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In 1996 he officially retired from teaching due to ill health and moved to the Brother’s Community in Liverpool, next to De La Salle School, Carr Lane East, where he became Clerk to the School Governors. It was whilst he was in Liverpool that he turned his attention to writing several books on prayer, producing his most famous book, ‘Praying Each Day of the Year’, with the accompanying website of the same name. In 2005 he had major surgery for cancer and moved back to the Brothers’ Community in St Helens for care. During the next eleven years his health slowly declined and on the 19 March he died peacefully at home.

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Anglican Deans meet in Liverpool The National Conference of Anglican Deans met in Liverpool from 4-7 April. In a packed programme which emphasised the theme of partnership they included a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. During their visit they were addressed by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States at the Vatican, and by Archbishop Malcolm and Bishop Paul Bayes who spoke on the impact and legacy of the Sheppard-Worlock era. The Deans also took part in a celebration of Choral Evening Prayer. Right: Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Bishop Paul Bayes and Archbishop Malcolm McMahon addressed the Conference

Hope University’s CathSoc Pilgrimage to Krakow Students from Hope University’s Catholic Society had a post Easter pilgrimage to Krakow to celebrate the Year of Mercy.

Katie Jones, CathSoc President, commented that ‘It was a great week spent reflecting on the theme of mercy with other young people as we followed

the path of mercy through St Maximilian Kolbe, St Faustina and St John Paul II’. The group, some of whom are returning to Krakow for World Youth Day later in the year, took time out to visit Auschwitz and consider when mercy is absent from an ideology. Father Stephen Pritchard, Hope University’s Catholic Chaplain said, ‘the Year of Mercy has inspired a number of students to look at how they can live their faith more meaningfully and the pilgrimage to Krakow enabled people to talk openly about their lives and how to live it for God and others.’

Becoming a Dementia Friendly Church As part of Dementia Awareness Week, 15th -21st May, the Archdiocese is holding a day conference on Tuesday 17 May from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at LACE. The day will feature Professor Emeritus June Andrews, former Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at Stirling University and author of ‘Dementia: the One Stop Guide’. In a recent article entitled 'Comfort that cannot be measured', Professor Andrews wrote that for Christians with dementia, the sense of the sacred often remains part of their lives when many other memories have faded, so parish communities are a vital part of the support they need. There is a great deal we can do enable our parish communities to become more dementia friendly and more supportive to people who are living with dementia and their carers. At the conference, Gina Shaw, the 'poster 10

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girl' for the Dementia Friends campaign and a member of our diocesan Dementia Working Group, will share her experience of living well with dementia, and there will be discussion about the practical things that can be done to ensure that parishes and chaplaincy settings become more dementia friendly. There is no charge for the conference and lunch will be provided, but early booking is recommended as places are limited for this unique opportunity for everyone who meets people living with dementia and their carers. One of the ways to make parishes more dementia friendly is to raise the awareness of parishioners by hosting a Dementia Friends information session. This takes less than an hour and is designed by the Alzheimer’s Society to get across key message about dementia. To book a place on the conference or to arrange a Dementia Friends session for

your parish, group or organisation, contact Maureen Knight at the Pastoral Formation Department, email: m.knight@rcaol.co.uk or Tel: 0151 522 1046.

Professor Emeritus June Andrews

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news diary

Celebrations for the Year of St Julie This is a special year for St. Julie’s Catholic High School in Woolton as 8 April, marked the 200th anniversary of the death of their patron saint, St. Julie Billiart, SND. To celebrate her continuing legacy, the school community went in pilgrimage to the Metropolitan Cathedral on 30 March for a service to honour her. They were joined by Sisters of Notre Dame from throughout the North West. Notre Dame schools from throughout the country sent video messages and a specially commissioned baton was passed by the Sisters of Notre Dame to members of the school community of all ages. The baton was then carried round the Cathedral culminating in the youngest pupil in the school, Leah, proclaiming her pride in picking up and carrying this baton as a symbol of the continuing work of St. Julie herself. Members of the 1804 Society (the school council named after the year of founding of the Sisters of Notre Dame) had earlier made a walking pilgrimage of sites within the city of Liverpool associated with the Sisters. They then carried the school banner and flags up the steps to the

Cathedral, flanked by over eleven hundred pupils and staff who cheered and clapped as they climbed up to the Cathedral entrance. The choir sang ‘World in Union’ while other hymns were led by the school’s music ministry team, ‘Overtone’. The

dance company ‘Overload’ were joined by members of the musical theatre group in performing the school’s new hymn ‘My Lighthouse’. The service ended with everyone committing to live out the school motto to ‘Serve the good God well with much liberty of spirit’.

Holy Saturday Walk of Witness A Liverpool tradition was revived on Holy Saturday as Archbishop Malcolm McMahon and Bishop Paul Bayes led a walk of witness through the City Centre. The event was organised by the City Centre Mission and Ministry Group with the aim of bringing the Easter story to visitors and shoppers. The Walk began at the Metropolitan Cathedral finishing with a short service at Liverpool Parish Church. Along the route there were pauses for prayer recalling Christ’s passion. Archbishop Malcolm said, ‘Our journey through the city reflected both the road to Calvary and our longing for the joy of the resurrection. It was an opportunity for all journeying with us to reflect

on the Easter message.’ Bishop Paul said ‘Holy Saturday is an important time

of reflection and a great day to bear witness to our faith ahead of the resurrection. I

was encouraged that many fellow Christians joined us on the walk’

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new diary Obituary of Rev Joseph Mercer Former Parish Priest of St Marie’s, Standish, Father Joseph Mercer died on Saturday 19 March, the Feast of St Joseph, at the age of 91 and in the 63rd year of priesthood. Joseph William Mercer was born on 27 May 1924, the son of Joseph and Margaret Mercer. He attended Our Lady of Compassion School, Formby, and St Mary’s College, Crosby, followed by his studies for the priesthood at St Joseph’s College, Upholland, during which time he served as a minor professor. He was ordained priest by Bishop Joseph Halsall, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, in the Chapel of St Joseph’s College on 30 May 1953. Following ordination he had two short appointments as assistant priest firstly at St Joseph’s, Grosvenor Street, Liverpool in August 1953 and then at Our Lady Immaculate, Liverpool in September 1956. In 1958 he returned to Upholland College, taking up an appointment on the teaching staff of the school to teach science, particularly biology and chemistry. He also served as Chaplain to the Carmelite Monastery at Roby Mill from 1973 until his departure from the College in the summer of 1976. Upon leaving the College he was appointed as assistant priest at St Edmund, Waterloo. In March 1978 he took up what was to be his only appointment as parish priest at St Marie’s, Standish. Here he ministered faithfully for twenty-one years until his retirement to his native Formby in July 1999. In retirement he remained active until relatively recently by supplying for various priests. His Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Compassion church, Formby on Wednesday 30 March.

HCPT Diamond Jubilee Pilgrimage

It was a very special year in Lourdes this Easter as HCPT celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. Over one hundred children from Merseyside with their helpers joined with other groups from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales together with groups from elsewhere including the West Indies, the USA, Croatia, Italy and Spain for the traditional Easter celebration of joy and excitement that is the HCPT Easter Pilgrimage. Youth groups also took part including St Mary’s College and a group from Valencia to give help and support where needed. Former leaders and helpers were not forgotten with Merseyside’s ‘Toujours Amis’ group joining the Pilgrimage. The theme this year was ‘Thanks be to God’ as the Trust celebrated and gave thanks for sixty years and looked forward to the next sixty. Cardinal Vincent Nichols celebrated the Trust Mass and led the Blessed Sacrament Procession. In his homily he spoke of Jesus being our anchor and, to huge cheers from the Merseyside contingent, recalled his own family links to the sea and to Liverpool. The Torchlight Procession ended with a spectacular firework display and the children celebrated in the cafes with friends, in the mountains, the grotto and with prayer. During the Jubilee Year Masses of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at venues throughout the country with Bishop Tom Williams as the Celebrant for the Liverpool Mass on Monday 2 May at 12.00 noon in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. All are welcome to join HCPT in saying ‘Thanks be to God’ for sixty years of service and devotion.

Brightening up a child’s day The community of St Joseph the Worker Catholic Primary School, Kirkby, gave that little bit extra during Lent. After seeing a notice on the Knowsley Council website staff decided to ask for donations of eggs for the James Apter Friendship Fund. The response from the families and staff was been overwhelming. Kim and Philip Apter visited the school to collect the donations in person. Headteacher Jude Ryan shared why the charity meant so much to the school community ‘The James Apter Friendship Fund is all about brightening up a child’s day and when we heard about the Easter egg collection we wanted to be part of it.’ The Easter eggs were taken to the children on the Oncology and Respiratory units of Alder Hey’s Hospital. The vision of the trust is to bring a smile to every child’s face, just like James always had on his. 12

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sunday reflections On a liturgical note During these weeks of Eastertide the Liturgy invites us – over the 50 days of the season – to reflect on how the gift of peace given by the Risen Christ to his disciples is to be lived out and made something truly transformative in our lives today. The readings from the Acts of the Apostles are not given to us as a mere history lesson – 'this is what happened once upon a time'; rather, they are intended to act as an inspiration from which we can take lessons for our own Christian living in this year of the Lord 2016. So there is a sense in which the Acts of the Apostles is a book that is still being written. It is the story of the grace and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit at work, both then and now, meaning in the everyday witness of your life and my life, our parishes, schools and families. The work of the Holy Spirit is stressed and highlighted throughout this book of Acts: it is the Holy Spirit that leads us into a more perfect

Sunday thoughts Last summer I spent a week in Avila. I've been several times. I never tire of this walled medieval city in central Spain, home to Saint Teresa of Avila and her companion Saint John of the Cross. A remarkable woman, her writings are as challenging, fresh and relevant today as they were when written in her bold and confident handwriting. Teresa's commonsense presence fills every corner of the city. She began writing the Interior Castle on the Feast of the Holy Trinity 1577. A favourite passage of mine reads as follows: 'Let us look at our own shortcomings and leave other people's alone; for those who live carefully ordered lives are apt to be shocked at everything and we might well learn very important things from the persons who shock us. Our outward comportment and behaviour may be better than theirs, but this, though good, is not the

Canon Philip Gillespie

understanding, a more perfect love, a more perfect discipleship. None of us are perfect – or indeed yet perfected. The growth and transformation which are needed in our lives may be as instantaneous as the Damascus road experience for Paul, or as gradual as Peter's when he remarks 'the truth I have now come to realise …'. However, change and transformation there need to be. As we draw closer to the 50th day, the day of Pentecost, the Liturgy invites us to give renewed thanks for the action of the Holy Spirit and to pray: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. May we be always truly wise. Wishing you a happy and fruitful Eastertide! Canon Philip

Mgr John Devine OBE

most important thing; there is no reason why we should expect everyone to travel by our own road, and we should not attempt to point them to the spiritual path when perhaps we do not know what it is … It is better to attempt to live in silence and in hope, and God will take care of his own.' In John's Gospel for Pentecost Sunday, Jesus says: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive they are forgiven.' Reading that, maybe the Holy Spirit wants me to shut up. Why do I assume that virtue requires me to root out wrong in others? Judging others is above my pay grade and should be left to God. Teresa slams the pious assumption that I know what is best for others. Alternative paths, chosen by those who shock me, may be superior to my own.

Weekly Reflections are on the Archdiocesan website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/reflection 14

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If you seek, you will find … Philip was a young man I met years ago. He had been involved in the drug scene and when he realised it was futile chasing fulfilment there, he headed to India, looking and searching for what he didn't know. Later returning to England, he went to work with a Christian group whose work was on the streets with people who had nothing. He said that as his love grew for those he assisted, he discovered God's presence in the most broken and most poor. Love had helped him to see but if you asked him how, he couldn't say. It was just that his love grew and that helped him see more clearly. I love John's accounts of Jesus's appearances post resurrection. It seems some were able to see and others weren't. There's shock, fear, anxiety and shame but most beautifully there's love. It is love that sends Mary Magdalene to seek the body of the Lord. She wants to anoint his body and prepare it for burial. Love, pure love. The other disciples stay locked inside worlds of pain and broken dreams yet love looks and searches. In response to her story of the empty tomb, Peter and John run to see if it is true and find everything as she said. Peter goes into the tomb but the disciple Jesus loved, having arrived first, waits for Peter to enter. Love doesn't need to go in. He sees and he understands. As Ronald Rolheiser says, 'Love grasps the mystery. It is what lets us see and understand the resurrection.' Love is the only reality that helps us see and know the risen Christ. Rolheiser adds, 'That is why, after the resurrection, some saw Jesus but others did not. Some understood the resurrection, others did not. Those with eyes of love saw and understood. Those without eyes of love either didn't see anything or were perplexed or upset by what they did see.' So do we have eyes of love? Are we searching for him every moment of our lives? Is it because of our love that we are able to see him in ordinariness and brokenness as well as joy and happiness. Christ is risen yet only those with eyes of love will see him. Only those whose love has them searching and looking will find him. Seek the Lord in love and you will most surely find him. Father Chris Thomas

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nugent news Nugent Care reveals a vision for the future

Father Michael Fitzsimons, Lady Mayoress and Lord Mayor Ann and Tony Conception, Normandie Wragg Chief Executive, Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE Lord Lieutenant

At Nugent Care we celebrated our 135th anniversary in April, a time to reflect and confirm our dedication to upholding the kind and essential work started by Father Nugent in 1881.

The conference was the first step in making our aims a reality, giving us the confidence in our ambitions and committing ourselves to delivering for our people.

It is also a time to look forward, and in the same month we revealed our ambitious and exciting plans to ensure we continue to help the most vulnerable people in our communities.

This commitment reaches across our relationships with parishes within the archdiocese, and relates directly to our faith based origins within Catholic Social Teaching including; human dignity, community and participation, peace and reconciliation, care for creation and dignity in work.

At our Start of the Year conference at the Museum of Liverpool we announced our strategic plan for 2016 – 2020, in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Liverpool, Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Liverpool, Tony and Ann Conception, and staff and trustees, led by Chair, Father Michael Fitzsimons. Our new strategic plan outlines our new Mission, Vision and Values and has been a year in the making. It has involved service users, staff, volunteers and stakeholders across the organisation in consultation to develop not just ideas and rhetoric, but real missions and values aimed at improving people’s lives. The consultation helped us to define our vision: to be an entirely dignified and outstanding organisation by 2020. This ambitious vision is delivered through a set of common values which will form the foundation of our work.

We hope you will join us on our journey to create a fairer and more equal society for everyone, create better lives for the people who need us and be the voice of the voiceless.

‘Why doesn’t she just leave if the abuse is that bad?’ Nugent Care is a member of the Catholic Social Action Network, CSAN. We work closely with CSAN in order to advocate issues that affect communities nationally. This month I read a very interesting blog post by Porhsa Nunes-Brown, Network Development Officer at CSAN. Porsha wrote, ‘Despite there being a wealth of evidence that domestic violence is a common tragedy experienced by women throughout this country, there remains a lack of investment and political will to affect any substantial change to make this country a safer place for women and young girls.’ Porsha discussed how in many instances women are not getting immediate assistance for the support they require when they are experiencing abuse. This is an issue that not only affects an individual, it affects family. It affects children. The NSPCC note that 20% of children in the UK have been exposed to domestic abuse. The Royal College of Psychiatrists indicated that where there is domestic violence ‘children witness about threequarters of the abusive incidents’. RCPsych further states that ‘children of any age are affected by domestic violence and abuse. At no age will they be unaffected by what is happening’. Children are affected by these experiences and this manifests itself in many physical and emotional ways. The RCPsych states that girls are likely to ‘keep their distress inside’, perhaps experience anxiety or depression and may experience low perceptions of self-worth. We have courage and optimism for the future. Nugent Care, has for decades, supported young women (and young men) and children who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse or violence. Our children’s homes provide specialist care and support in order to increase positive life chances in the future. In 20142015, we supported 145 children and young people with behavioral difficulties with special education, 102 children with 24 hour residential care and 109 young people through our School Social Work programme. Through this valuable and much needed work, we will continue to ensure that we provide creative and innovative ways that meet the needs of the children and their families, including those that have experienced domestic abuse. Normandie Wragg Chief Executive – Nugent Care

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what’s on Support meetings for Divorced and Separated Catholics The Marriage and Family Life Department offers support meetings for Divorced and Separated Catholics. We welcome Catholics and other Christians who are divorced or separated (recently or in the past) or who are experiencing the breakdown of a marriage or a long term relationship. The small groups are informative, affirming, free and confidential. For information or to book a place please contact Frances Trotman Tel: 0151 727 2195. General enquiries may be directed to Maureen O’Brien Tel: 0151 522 1044. Email: m.obrien@rcaol.co.uk Monday 2 May HCPT Diamond Jubilee Mass 12.00 noon in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Tuesday 3 May All Hallows RC High School, Penwortham 40th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving 7.00 pm in the School Sports Hall. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. Tickets from the School Office Tel: 01772 746121. Wednesday 4 May UCM Bi-monthly Mass 7.30 pm at Holy Rosary, Altway, Liverpool, L10 2LG. Thursday 5 May Agape Mass 8.00 pm at St Mary’s, Prescot Road, Aughton, L39 6TA. Details: Archie Cameron Tel: 01704 224286. Friday 6 May First Friday Vigil of Prayer for the Year of Mercy 8.00 pm Mass at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Blundell Avenue, Freshfield, Formby, L37 1PH. Tel: 01704 875850 Email: theprayercentre.stj@gmail.com Sunday 8 May Feast of the Ascension of the Lord World Communications Day ‘Come down, O Love Divine.’ Octave of the Holy Spirit Novena ‘Baptism’ Speaker: Father Ian McParland. 6.00 pm Mass in the Church of St Philip Neri, Catharine Street, Liverpool, L8 7NL.

‘Come down, O Love Divine.’ Octave of the Holy Spirit Novena ‘Ordination and Ministry’ Speaker: Father Peter Morgan. 6.00 pm Mass in the Church of St Philip Neri, Catharine Street, Liverpool, L8 7NL.

‘Come down, O Love Divine.’ Octave of the Holy Spirit Novena ‘Eucharist’ Speaker: Father James Claffey OP. 6.00 pm Mass in the Church of St Philip Neri, Catharine Street, Liverpool, L8 7NL.

Saturday 14 May Car Boot Sale 8.00 am onwards in the Cathedral Car Park. Pitches £10. Details from Claire Hanlon 0151 709 9222, Ext. 201 or c.hanlon@metcatherdal.org.uk

Wednesday 11 May A Day for Prison Chaplains Led by Bishop Tom Williams and Father John McLoughlin. 10.00 am to 3.30 pm at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Blundell Avenue, Freshfield, Formby, L37 1PH. Tel: 01704 875850 Email: theprayercentre.stj@gmail.com

‘Come down, O Love Divine.’ Octave of the Holy Spirit Novena ‘Marriage’ Speaker: Dr Rachel Ballinger. 6.00 pm Evening Prayer in the Church of St Philip Neri, Catharine Street, Liverpool, L8 7NL.

‘Songs we Remember.’ Are you living with dementia or caring for someone who is? Come and join our Dementia Community Choir. The aim is to learn some songs we can sing at an Ecumenical Dementia Friendly Carol Service in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in December and to have some fun along the way. 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, followed by lunch at St Thomas of Canterbury Parish Hall, Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. We meet on the second Wednesday of every month. Details: The Irenaeus Project Tel: 0151 929 1199.

Magnificat Concert: Bach Cantatas 34, 74, 68, 174 with Warrington Choral Society. 7.30 pm at St Mary’s Shrine, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NS. Tickates: £10, £7 (over 65), £5 (Students), under 16s (free) from St Mary’s Shrine Office Tel: 01925 635664 or at www.warrchoral.com Sunday 15 May Pentecost Sunday Solemn Mass of Pentecost 11.00 am in the Metropolitan Cathedral of

World of Atherton

Monday 9 May ‘Come down, O Love Divine.’ Octave of the Holy Spirit Novena ‘Confirmation’ Speaker: Eleanor Lalley. 6.00 pm Mass in the Church of St Philip Neri, Catharine Street, Liverpool, L8 7NL.

‘Come down, O Love Divine.’ Octave of the Holy Spirit Novena ‘Reconciliation’ Speaker: Sister Rachel Duffy FCJ. 6.00 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church of St Philip Neri, Catharine Street, Liverpool, L8 7NL.

Tuesday 10 May Time Out on Tuesdays 10.00 am at the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove,

Thursday 12 May ‘Come down, O Love Divine. Octave of the Holy Spirit

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Friday 13 May 49th anniversary of the dedication of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

Lance Lane, Liverpool L15 6TW. Open to all who are involved in any form of ministry or service to others, giving time for silence and personal reflection. Offering £10 per person. For further details contact: Sister Winifred. Tel: 0151 722 2271, Email: winniecenacle@mail.com

website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/holyweek2016 16

Novena ‘Anointing of the Sick’ Speaker: Father Stephen Pritchard. 6.00 pm Mass in the Church of St Philip Neri, Catharine Street, Liverpool, L8 7NL.

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may Christ the King. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. Celebration of Hope Two Cathedrals’ Service 3.00 pm in Liverpool’s Anglican cathedral followed by a walk along Hope Street concluding with a Service on the Piazza of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. ‘Come down, O Love Divine.’ Octave of the Holy Spirit Novena ‘The Church, sacrament of Christ’ Speaker: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. 6.00 pm Mass in the Church of St Philip Neri, Catharine Street, Liverpool, L8 7NL. Liverpool Bach Collective Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata 172: ‘Erschallet, ihr Lieder’ (‘Ring out, ye songs, resound, ye strings’) 6.30 pm at St Faith’s Church, Crosby Road North, Liverpool, L22 4QQ. Singers and Players directed by Philip Duffy. Wednesday 18 May ‘A day with St Paul: the Man and the Mission’ led by Bishop John Arnold. 10.30 am to 3.30 pm at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Blundell Avenue, Freshfield, Formby, L37 1PH. Tel: 01704 875850 Email: theprayercentre.stj@gmail.com The day includes Mass. £20 including lunch. Friday 20 May Annual Mass for Healing 7.00 pm at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Celebrant: Bishop Tom Williams. The evening begins with hymns of praise and worship. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows the Mass while priests, deacons and members of the Prayer Teams are available for prayer and a blessing. Priests will be available to hear confessions. Sunday 22 May Feast of the Most Holy Trinity A talk by Cardinal Charles Bo of Myanmar/Burma

2.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King followed by Sung Evening Prayer at 3.00 pm. Entrance Free. Retiring collection for ACN’s work in Asia. Saturday 28 May Quiet Day 10.00 am at the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Liverpool L15 6TW. Time to be quiet, reflect and pray. Offering £10 per person. For further details contact: Sister Winifred. Tel: 0151 722 2271, Email: winniecenacle@mail.com Missionaries of Charity May Procession Liverpool City Centre with a special invitation to children making their First Holy Communion, but open to all who would like to walk. Begins 2.00 pm at Seel Street walking to Whitechapel finishing at the Blessed Sacrament Shrine. Details: Jim Ross Tel: 07766 706766. Saturday 28 May to Monday 30 May Forty Hour Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament At St Teresa of the Child Jesus, Utting Avenue East, L11 3BW. Opening Mass 6.00 pm (Saturday) with all night watching until 9.30 am. Watching resumes after 6.00 pm Mass (Sunday) concluding with Mass at 7.00 pm on Monday. Details Terry Graham Tel: 07742 698028 Email: grahterry1@gmail.com Sunday 29 May Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Monday 30 May Pilgrimage walk on Heath’s Marian Trail At St Austin’s, Thatto Heath, St Helens, WA9 5NN. 10.00 am Mass, Celebrant: Bishop John Rawsthorne, followed by the Heath's Marian Trail: a modern day pilgrimage route in the heart of St Helens linking nine school, church and community groups and drawing on the inspiration of Mary.

Looking ahead: Thursday 23 June to Saturday 25 June ‘Called to Care’ a national conference for health and social care professionals at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. It will focus on the spiritual vocation of all of the people who work in health and care through presentations from professionals and figures in the Catholic Church along with a range of workshops. The conference will support and deepen the vocation and spirituality of those being called to care; explore ways in which faith in practice can enhance the quality of care and compassion in health and social care organisations and enable participants to apply the insights of Catholic Social Teaching to current issues in health and social care policy and practice. Speakers at the conference will include Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster; Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive, Public Health, England and Dr Anna Rowlands, Senior Lecturer at Durham University Details: www.cbcew.org.uk/healthcare

On Pentecost Sunday, 15 May, the traditional Two Cathedrals Service will take place with a difference as Liverpool City Council and Visit Hope Street Community Interest Company (CIC) have joined with the Cathedrals to expand the biannual celebrations, making it a full day event. Prior to the Service from12.00 noon to 3.00 pm, the free event will see music, dance, performance and colour all the way along Hope Street, with five main performances spaces creating a unique atmosphere and experience. Samba bands, the Liverpool Welsh Choral, stilt performers, dancers and creations from the Liverpool Lantern Company will fill the length of the street. At 3.00 pm the traditional procession will take place and anyone intending to join in is asked to wear to wear red or white clothing: the colours associated with Pentecost. The walk will culminate with a service on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, said: ‘The Feast of Pentecost is recognised as the birthday of the Church so it is fitting that so many from our city and region can come together to celebrate with music and worship. ‘Our celebrations take place in our Cathedrals joined by a street called Hope, what better symbol of unity for our Churches and for those who will rejoice with us.’ The Bishop of Liverpool, The Right Reverend Paul Bayes, said: ‘Hope is always something to be celebrated and for the church a great outpouring of God’s grace and hope came at the festival we call Pentecost. This hope is for all and how better to mark this than with a vibrant celebration of music, art and colour on one of my favourite streets in this great city.’ ‘I am delighted the city has embraced this desire to celebrate and I invite everyone to join in for a lively afternoon on this famous street.’ BBC cameras will be present at the event to capture the sights and sounds for a future ‘Songs of Praise’ broadcast.

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profile Each year across our Archdiocese there are people who enquire about becoming a Catholic, often with no previous religious affiliation. They are accompanied by RCIA teams who guide them through the different stages of the RCIA process and prepare them to celebrate the liturgies which mark these stages. Here is one young woman’s story of her journey this year. She was accompanied by members of the Wigan Pastoral Area RCIA team he decision to embark on my journey towards becoming a Catholic was not one I made hastily or alone. My fiancé Chris had always joked I would have to become a Catholic if he were to marry me. Despite the jokes I knew it was important to him, so I made my decision.

I knew all about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) through my soon-to-be brother-in-law who undertook the process a few years ago. After he told me what to expect, I was excited about starting the sessions on a Tuesday evening. Though I had doubts, and was convinced I would have questions that would never be answered, I believed I would enjoy the exercise of learning about Catholicism from an academic perspective. I expected little else. My very first week of RCIA completely altered my expectations, as did so many of the sessions after that. I not only learnt a great deal about Catholicism and what life as a Catholic would entail practically, but more importantly I learnt much more about myself and about the God that had been there for a long time – out of sight, out of mind, but there nonetheless. The catechists who so quickly became my friends showed me the path I needed to follow. The rest was up to me. As the weeks went by, I realised I was on an important journey and that my life was improving for the better – I was becoming a happier, calmer and more peaceful person. On Sunday 31 January I was formally welcomed into the church I have attended each Sunday since moving to Wigan last summer. While I had never been made to feel unwelcome, I always felt I was not the same as everyone else – something was missing; I was an outsider. That day I stood on the altar and proclaimed my desire to become a

Rebecca Rollinson An RCIA Journey Catholic in front of my family and the congregation. As I stepped off the altar the whole congregation began to applaud. It was as if I had achieved something wonderful and I was touched that this group of people who did not know me so openly welcomed me into their community. I sat in the front row and as people moved to the front of church to receive Communion, some congratulated me. I was astonished at the reception. On Sunday 14 February my family and I were invited to Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral for the Rite of Election. I was joined by catechumens from across the Archdiocese as Archbishop Malcolm welcomed us in turn and asked us to enter our names into the Book of the Elect. The service was relaxed yet that did not detract from the importance of the day. I felt proud to stand with my family and friends behind me, my godparents at my shoulder. During Holy Week I was then lucky enough to return to the Cathedral and carry the Oil of Chrism to Archbishop Malcolm during the Mass of Chrism. It was a great honour to be assigned this

role, and an experience I shall never forget. However, none of these special occasions compare to my Baptism on Holy Saturday night, when at last I was received into the Church and had my First Holy Communion. While I was nervous, I knew I had little to worry about and everything to look forward to. I stood once more on the altar before my closest family, my godparents again at my shoulder. For me, Sunday Mass had always been the time I felt closest to God. But that Easter Vigil, and the following Sunday, I felt I was truly celebrating – and was part of something much bigger and better than myself. If I were to offer advice to anyone considering RCIA and becoming a Catholic, I would say: come with an open mind and an open heart; you will not regret it! A diocesan core team exists to support parishes with RCIA. For further information please contact Veronica Murphy 0151 522 1048 v.murphy@rcaol.co.uk

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youth ministry

News from Animate God sees the bigger picture by Tom Hallsworth As Easter continues to unfold, it can be difficult to think about all the different aspects of the season as we tend to focus on one thing at a time. For me, the hard part can be to reconcile the events leading up to Easter with those after Easter. For instance, this month we celebrate Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and wondrous things happened. It is a great feast, but you may ask why the Spirit did not descend earlier – or indeed why the Holy Spirit did not fill the disciples days, weeks or even years before? However, we have to believe that God's timing is perfect and that He knows what lies in front of and behind us – what has been and what will be. It is not for nothing that we find many references to time, e.g. John 7:6 and 7:30, before Jesus's death on the cross. In this context I would like to share an anecdote which I feel really brought this home to me in my own life. I ride a motorbike and a couple of years ago was driving back from Wales and got terribly lost. I took a wrong turn and ended up in some vast estate – and because everything looked the same it took me half an hour to find my way out. Eventually I recovered my tracks and continued my journey back to Southport. Come Runcorn, though, I broke down. I had lost a bolt and my gears would not change, leaving me stuck at the end of the Runcorn Bridge, at a busy junction with traffic lights. I pulled over to one side and tore

through my backpack, looking for a quick fix to help me home. It was getting late, it was dark and it was a Sunday; nowhere would be open. I had nothing to remedy the situation. I was dismayed. Then, out of the gloom, a leatherclad hero – no, not Batman! – emerged towards me. It was a sympathetic biker who said he lived five minutes away and would be back with a bolt. 'Brilliant,' I thought. 'I hope he comes back.' Let's just say it was a long 10 minutes that followed! But return he did, and I was quickly on my way again, soon to reach Southport safely and very gratefully. Now what does that tell anyone? Obviously, the basic reason I broke down was poor maintenance on my part. But something told me to take that wrong turn, to ignore the signs and to enter that great estate. And had I not been lost in there, my motorbike would have packed in somewhere else instead, perhaps somewhere more dangerous. Maybe I might have been involved in a serious accident. I believe God was at work in my taking that wrong turn in order for the right outcome to materialise. What we possibly see as incorrect, such as misreading a map, could in fact be God making sure we remain safe and secure. Of course, it is easy to say it was just me losing concentration or having bad mapreading skills. But I think that when you have faith, you can see God's hand in such an episode, whereas others may not.

With faith, we have to believe that God's timing is always perfect. It might not necessarily be the timing that we want – and it might make no sense to us at the time. Yet with faith we believe that God always wants the best for us. We read it throughout the Bible; we know that He cares for us, e.g. Jeremiah 29:11. God sees the bigger picture that we cannot begin to fathom. The apostles had probably been hoping for Pentecost – or some form of intervention of the Holy Spirit in whichever way they understood it – for a while. They might have thought it would happen while Jesus was still with them, or shortly after he died or even when he rose again. But ultimately it came at the right time for them, so that they could reach out to the most people and thus prosper as disciples. Therefore we can be certain that whatever our Pentecost moment may be, it will occur at the right time. We need only put our trust in the Lord and listen to him, knowing that the Holy Spirit will protect us and give us the gifts we require, just as it did the apostles.

‘Then, out of the gloom, a leather-clad hero – no, not Batman! – emerged towards me.’ Catholic Pictorial

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cathedral Raising awareness of the Diamond Fund by Dr Christopher McElroy Director of Music, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

Cathedral Record Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean

April is a proud month for the Cathedral Choir. One of our choristers has been specially selected to sing at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of a massed choir from around the country taking part in a fundraising concert on April 27.

Over the past few months we have enjoyed the opportunity to welcome most of the deaneries to the Cathedral for the Holy Year Pilgrimages. It has been a grace filled time for us and I hope for those who have come on pilgrimage over the weeks. There is now a long break with just two further deanery Saturdays in October. So we revert back to our former role of welcoming cruise liner visitors for the Saturdays during the summer months.

15 year old Pheobe Cook, (right), a pupil at St Edward’s College, will join the 120-strong choir as part of the concert being organised by the Friends of Cathedral Music (FCM), which is raising money for its £10m Diamond Fund for Choristers, set up to provide funding towards cathedral choristerships around the country. We are delighted that Phoebe will be travelling to sing in this wonderful concert at St Paul’s organised by FCM. They have provided many of our choristers with financial assistance and we are always grateful for the support they offer us as a Cathedral Choir as well. Liverpool is particularly well represented by the Cathedral choral tradition having two cathedrals with fine choirs and daily choral worship. The Diamond Fund has been created in the 60th year of FCM’s founding, in June 1956. The organisation has 4,000 members and each year hands out up to £300,000 in grants to help cathedral music departments and some churches both in the UK and overseas. In recent years, mounting financial pressures on these choirs has meant that demand for FCM support now far exceeds the charity’s ability to help. Professor Peter Toyne, Chairman of the FCM writes: ‘Unless something is done very soon the difficulties of finance and recruitment for cathedral choirs will threaten the very existence of this unique heritage. ‘British cathedral choirs are acknowledged as the finest of their kind in the world and FCM stresses that the training young choristers receive

The Handicapped Childrens’Pilgrimage Trust celebrate their 60th Anniversary this year. The Northern Section have organised a Mass on Bank Holiday Monday, 2 May, at 12.00 noon in the Cathedral to celebrate with all who have supported or taken part in HCPT pilgrimages over the years.

provides them with valuable skills and attributes later in life. Adult choirs clearly benefit from a regular throughput of trained choristers and many big names in the musical world have passed through the cathedral choral tradition. ‘But the benefits of choral training go beyond music. Many former choristers go on to do well across a broad range of careers, such as Diamond Fund patrons Simon Russell Beale (actor), Jon Snow (Channel 4 News), Alexander Armstrong (comedian, actor, TV and Classic FM presenter), and David Lammy MP. If this living heritage is not sustained, the nation stands to lose a lot more than just sung cathedral services.’

The concert on 27 April will be presented by Classic FM’s Aled Jones and during the concert, Alexander Armstrong will speak about the value of a choral education. To find out more about the Diamond fund for choristers, visit http://www.fcm.org.uk/

On Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the Cathedral 49 years ago. As well as our own celebrations there is the Two Cathedrals Pentecost Service and joint walk of witness along Hope Street. This year the BBC will be in Liverpool to film a ‘Songs of Praise’ and morning service at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral over the weekend and they also intend to film some of the afternoon procession from Liverpool Cathedral to ours with a short service finishing outside on the steps and Piazza of our Cathedral. This year we have managed to work in partnership with the city council and organisations along the route. This has meant that Hope Street will be closed to traffic for most of the day with the whole of the Feast day being a festival with activities and music along the Street culminating in the afternoon procession and pageant between the two Cathedrals; one not to be missed. The following Sunday Cardinal Charles Bo from Myanmar (Burma) will be presiding at 11.00 am Solemn Mass in the Cathedral and giving a talk on behalf of ‘Aid to the Church in Need’ at 2.00 pm in the Gibberd Room followed by Choral Evening Prayer at 3.00 pm.

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Pic extras Mums the Word At the recent bi-monthly Mass at Blessed Sacrament, Aintree, it was wonderfully encouraging to have 10 new members enrolled – four from Blessed Sacrament, five from Saint Gregory’s and one from Saint Richard’s. This follows the six new enrolments at Saint Wilfred’s, Widnes and two at Saint Helen’s, Crosby. Let’s keep up the prayers and the work, and shout about UCM from the rooftops. At the Mass, Father David Potter reminded us of the great blessings that the Year of Mercy can bestow on us – ‘enabling us to be lifted up in the Spirit of God and restored to His friendship’. I find this a very comforting thought. • On your behalf, the Union of Catholic Mothers is a member of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) which represents Catholic women’s views worldwide, serving as a link between us and other international bodies and faith communities. UCM’s representative is our international officer Maureen Meacher, who has received the following lovely prayer, asking if we would say it on the first Friday of every month or at our meetings: ‘During this Year of Mercy, Lord, we pray for all families of the world and seek to bring the Gospel of Mercy to each person. We pray for all mothers sacrificing to feed and clothe their children. Guide all new-borns and guide the young in their vocations. Open our eyes to see the beauty and future in our youth; give us the ears to listen to their stories; keep them safe from all addictions. Free the victims of human trafficking. With the loving patronage of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family of Nazareth, the WUCWO women of hope pray that the family be a sanctuary of peace, love and faith. Amen.’ 2016 Prayer for the family (We thank the regional vice-president for North America, Velma Harasen, for this prayer.)

News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

St Paul's and St Timothy's, West Derby and Knights of Columba raise £1,648 in support of Asylum Link When, in April 2015, Pope Francis announced an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, he said he wanted to make it evident that the Church’s mission was to be a witness of compassion. Within days, the Vatican released the bull of indiction ‘Misericordiae Vultus’ (or The Face of Mercy) formally convoking the Holy Year. In this, the pontiff wrote: ‘It will be a way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty, and let us enter more deeply into the heart of the Gospel where the poor have a special experience of God's mercy … Let us rediscover these corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead.’ In view of Pope Francis’s words, KSC Council 493 discussed the possibility of a sponsored walk with Father Sean Kirwin, parish priest of Saint

Paul’s and Saint Timothy’s, who had expressed a wish to support the Pope’s aims in the Year of Mercy. It was agreed that the West Derby parish would hold the walk and that the Knights of Saint Columba would coordinate these efforts. The parishioners promptly raised the magnificent sum of £1,648 in sponsorship money and on 13 December, Grand Knight Andrew Cleary together with Brothers Mark Thompson, Terry Kelly and members of their families, attended Mass at Saint Anne’s, Overbury Street where Brother Andrew presented a cheque for that amount to Father Peter Morgan (pictured below) in aid of the Asylum Link based in that parish. Websites: www.ksc.org.uk www.kscprov02.weebly.com www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk Email: dpokeane@aol.com

• Lastly an early reminder that Archbishop Malcolm will be celebrating UCM’s annual Mass at the Cathedral on Wednesday 8 June from 7.30pm. See you there! Madelaine McDonald, Media Officer 26

Catholic Pictorial

Father Peter Morgan shakes hands with Andrew Cleary

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PIC Life Walking for Life

Quotes from Pope Francis for the Year of Mercy “Let us ask for a great and merciful heart that desires the good and salvation of all” “There is no saint without a past and no sinner without a future”

Worth a visit By Moira Billinge ‘It was a glorious sunny day for a riverside stroll. The setting was perfect. The river Ribble meandered its way westwards from beneath the shadow of Pendle Hill, noisy and fast flowing, occasionally giving way to swirling pools where wading fishermen gently cast their lines, trying to lure the hungry trout. Birds and mallards went about the business of early summer, while families picnicked on the banks, children splashing in the water with their pets. Every bend in the river provided a new landscape, a picture of inspiration, crafted by God.’ This description of the annual sponsored walk in Clitheroe for Right To Life was written a couple of years ago by one of the event’s regular participants. It is repeated because it captures so well the essence and spirit of each wonderful occasion – although the weather is not usually quite as clement as it is depicted in the account. The walk will take place this year on Bank Holiday Monday, 30 May, from 1pm. We ask that people try to come earlier to enable photographs to be taken and instructions and guidelines to be issued prior to setting off. Although it is an important fundraising event, the occasion also offers an extremely valuable opportunity for those who believe in the sanctity and dignity of human life to meet up with likeminded individuals from all walks of life

Catholic Pictorial

and whose ages have ranged, in past years, from six to 76 and beyond. The eight-mile circular walk starts and finishes at the same venue as in previous years – Saint Michael and Saint John RC Church, Lowergate, Clitheroe, BB7 1AG – with participants congregating beforehand in the large car park behind the church. The walk is meticulously planned and expertly guided by Monsignor John Corcoran, parish priest, and his large team of helpers who make sure we are cared for and guided every step of the way so that nobody gets lost. Refreshments are supplied by his generous parishioners both during and after the event in the parish centre. Lifts are made available back to the centre for anyone who is unable to complete the walk. The terrain is rather uneven in parts, and rain can of course make the ground slippery, so suitable walking shoes are necessary. Taking part in the forthcoming edition are Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Kelly, the Right Reverend John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, and Lord David Alton of Liverpool. We are very grateful for their ongoing and generous support. If you are unable to get involved in the walk yourself, perhaps you would consider sponsoring one of them? If so, please let us know when you contact us. For sponsor and booking forms (important for catering arrangements) and for any queries whatsoever, please email me – moira.billinge@btinternet.com – or call on 07545 118743.

Greenwich is a town six miles from central London, writes Lucy Oliver, which is steeped in history and innovation. Its eponymous former royal palace was built by Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, and later beautified by two queens, Margaret of Anjou, married to Henry VI, and Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV. It was then largely rebuilt by Henry VII and was the birthplace of Henry VIII and his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, as well as the scene of Anne Boleyn's arrest. All that remains of the old palace is the 17th-century classical Queen's House, though visitors can still see the 12th-century tree dubbed Queen Elizabeth's Oak, where she is said to have 'oft partook of refreshments' from its hollowed trunk. The adjacent Greenwich Park surrounds the Royal Observatory, the first purposedesigned scientific building in England. Here visitors can stand inside the famous dome, step onto the historic Meridian Line and learn about the Great Equatorial Telescope. Before you leave Greenwich, take a tour of the market (open Tuesday to Sunday) selling everything from food to antiques. For Greenwich, get the train from Bank to Cutty Sark – the Old Royal Naval College is a short walk away – or take the Thames Clipper (runs every 20 minutes) from one of these piers: Waterloo, Embankment, Blackfriars, Bankside, London Bridge, Tower or Canary Wharf.

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join in Children’s word search

Eating Out

The wonderful month of May is especially devoted to Our Lady and is also on May 1. The Feast of St Joseph the Worker look at our clues see if you can find out more.

Now we are in the lovely month of May why not take a drive into our countryside and take in the beauty of the trees, flowers, shrubs and the wonderful wildlife and know Godhas given us another miracle.

OUR LADY

SAINT JOSEPH

FATHER

MERCIFUL

CARPENTER

MOTHER HUSBAND QUEEN

ROSARY GUARDIAN

Farmers Arms Halsall Sqaure, Great Eccleston 01995 672018 The Ship Wheat Lane, Lathom 01704 893117 Red Lion New Street, Mawdsley 01704 822208 Rufford Arms Liverpool Road, Rufford 01704 822040 Dolce Vita Station Road, Ainsdale 01704 575535

More Mullarkey

Saracens Head Summerwod Lane, Halsall 01704 840204

From Johnny Kennedy ‘I don't like Danny Melling,’ said the young curate. ‘I know you don't,’ said Father Mullarkey, ‘but just because you’re a priest doesn't mean you have to like everybody. And what's he done to upset you now?’

Easter Cards from Carmel

‘Well, after Mass, he came over and said could he ask me a question and when I said of course he could, he asked me if I thought Heaven would be a very big place.’ ‘And what did you say?’ ‘I told him it would be a very big place indeed.’ ‘And what did he say to that?’ ‘He said he was very pleased to hear it because it meant he'd be able to hide from his wife.’

Audio copy of the Pic out now An audio version of the ‘Catholic Pictorial’ is available free of charge, compiled by students, technicians and Chaplain, Dan Antonio, at All Hallows RC High School, Penwortham Anyone interested in receiving the audio copy should contact Dan Antonio on 01772 746121

Lovely greeting cards for all occasions including priestly jubilees, get well and thinking of you messages are on sale at Maryton Carmel. Call to the Monastery at: Maryton Grange, Allerton Road, L18 3NU. Telephone the card office on 0151 724 7102 or Email the Sisters at marytoncards@outlook.com Try to make a visit to the monastery to buy some of the delightful cards.

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justice & peace

Welcoming the stranger A Guide: Refugees, Asylum Seekers & Migrants By Steve Atherton, Justice and Peace fieldworker One of the priorities for the Justice and Peace Commission this year was to do something useful to help reduce some of the confusion and misinformation surrounding the refugee and asylum-seeker situation. We are delighted to have produced a 52page booklet which has been published by Churches Together in the Merseyside Region. The guide was a real ecumenical project, written by a sub-group of the Justice and Peace Commission which features members of the Anglican Diocese, with Together Liverpool influential in the key decision to include illustrations. We think it is ground-breaking in the clarity of the information, the use of stories and illustrations, the prayers and the list of useful contacts. We hope it will help churches and other groups find a way to respond positively to the refugee crisis. The ten easy-to-read sections begin with explanations of how the words ‘asylum seeker’, ‘refugee’ and ‘migrant’ are used before exploring the reasons people flee their countries in the first place. The booklet gives important factual information and dispels myths that accompany this national and global crisis. Importantly the document offers guidance and support to help church

Catholic Pictorial

communities and others provide practical help as they seek to welcome the stranger. The booklet intends to ‘inspire us to “see, judge and act”, a process, in the Christian tradition, of reading and responding to the signs of the times. We aim to provide the basic information which will allow the reader to inquire further, and judge the matter for themselves, so we can respond and act as Christians to the plight of asylum seekers and refugees.’ One of the most moving sections of the booklet is the collection of stories from actual refugees and asylum seekers. The stories and the straightforward information make the booklet an easyto-understand and easy-touse guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the crisis. The stories are backed up with photographs, the facts and diagrams. The call for action to all churches and communities include: • Helping new arrivals integrate into local communities • Donating money to groups and charities who help asylum seekers and refugees • Donating clothes and goods to these organisations • Volunteering to develop skills, like teaching English to asylum seekers and refugees • Helping asylum seekers with transport costs, like buying saver tickets or

travel passes • Campaigning and adding Christian voices to the local and national picture • Praying and reflecting, and keeping the issue in the forefront of our minds • Supporting the City of Sanctuary and Places of Welcome local and national movements The booklets were produced primarily for church groups

and have been distributed to any parishes asking for them. Copies were made available during the Chrism Mass at both cathedrals and will be available in the Metropolitan Cathedral during Year of Mercy pilgrimages. The booklet, available from LACE, can also be downloaded from the Archdiocesan website http://www.liverpoolcatholic. org.uk/refugeesituation.

‘When Pope Francis reminded us of our duty to respond to the refugee situation he touched our hearts and our consciences. This booklet will help to remove some of the confusion surrounding this complex situation so we will be better informed. We can then hope to make wise decisions about how to use our resources in the face of this continuing crisis.’ Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, OP

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