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Issue 152 MAY 2017
ARCHDIOCESE OF LIVERPOOL
FREE
Our Easter Witness Inside this issue: Peter’s Passion in Woolston
Bake It for Nugent
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contents Issue 152 MAY 2017
Welcome As Canon Philip Gillespie reminds us in our Liturgy Column this month, following Easter Day, ‘we are now given the 50 days of the Easter Season in which to continue our rejoicing’; so there is still plenty of time to wish you a very Happy Easter. This year those 50 days are busier than usual at our Metropolitan Cathedral as preparations are made for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee. As the main celebrations are on the first weekend of June our main feature takes an advance look at what will be happening and all are welcome at the Solemn Mass and afternoon ecumenical service on Pentecost Sunday, 4 June. In keeping with those celebrations the next edition of the ‘Catholic Pictorial’ will be a special 72 page commemorative edition and it will be available a week earlier than usual. As is our normal practice it will be free of charge. It will take a look back at the history of the Cathedral, it’s construction and many of the significant services and events which have taken place there. We will also take a look at how the Cathedral is run from day to day. Busy days ahead for a special celebration.
ARCHDIOCESE OF LIVERPOOL
FREE
Contents 4
Main Feature Celebrations for our Cathedral’s Golden Jubilee
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News From around the Archdiocese
From the Archbishop’s Desk One of my lasting childhood memories is of saying farewell to my mother’s cousin when she set sail for New Zealand. She had been offered a job in Wellington, which must have seemed very exciting for a young woman living in austere Britain in the 1950s. The voyage took several weeks and it literally took her to the other side of the earth. I remember feeling very sad at the thought I might never see her again. In fact it was ten years before she returned to England for an extended leave of six months. In the 1960s air travel had become affordable with the introduction of jetpowered aeroplanes, and her visits became quite frequent. I used to think that the inventors of the jet engine and the jumbo jet should be made saints for reuniting families. Cheap air travel has been wonderful for family holidays. At airports families heading for the sun always lift my spirits. However, I do wonder how long we will be able to travel so frequently for leisure purposes. We are undoubtedly using up our planet’s resources, which are not replaceable, and we are polluting our environment into the bargain. This down side of travel rather takes the edge off my rosy picture. It seems that even holidays can create a moral dilemma. But whatever the answer to that may be; the family and taking time out to be together should always be high in our priorities, even if we stay have to stay at home. Most Rev Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool
14 Sunday Reflections Liturgy and Life 15 Nugent News Bake It for Nugent 16 What’s On Whats happening in the Archdiocese 19 Profile Dennis Hardiman MBE Long serving headteacher and ‘adopted scouser’ 21 Animate Youth Ministry Finding the Light of Christ 25 Cathedral Record Angels, saints and Nations Sing 26 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC 28 Pic Life The fundraising Right to Life Walk
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: Peter Heneghan Main feature: Tom Murphy
Publisher CPMM 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS
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 Bumping into God
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Celebrations for the Golden Jubilee of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King reparations are gathering pace for the celebrations for the Golden Jubilee of Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King with over twenty events scheduled between May and November, many of them free to attend.
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The grand weekend of celebration will take place from Friday 2 June to Monday 5 June and will begin with a spectacular Flower Festival which will see the Cathedral awash with colour and vibrancy as over 25 displays transform its iconic interior. The Festival will be officially opened by Mr Gerry Reid, the President of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, at 10.00 am on Friday 2 June. Entrance is free to all and the event will run until Monday 5 June. The Cathedral was consecrated on the Feast of Pentecost in 1967 and this year Archbishop Malcolm McMahon will celebrate the Solemn Mass of Pentecost at 11.00 am on Sunday 4 June in the presence of Cardinal Vincent Nichols who will preach. To celebrate the 50th anniversary former Master of the Music, Philip Duffy, has written a new responsorial Mass, the ‘Jubilee Mass’. 3.00 pm on the same day will see an ecumenical celebration with Merseyside’s Church Leaders, again Cardinal Vincent will preach. All are welcome to the Mass and Ecumenical service. To celebrate the year, the Cathedral Choir will be releasing a specially commissioned album, featuring music associated with the Cathedral over the past 50 years. In 1967 the Feast of Pentecost was celebrated on Sunday 14 May and this 4
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year on Saturday 13 May in the Cathedral the Bluecoat will present a performance of ‘The Liverpool Mass’ by Pierre Henry who is known worldwide for developing electronic music through ‘musique concrète’, a form of composition using electronically treated natural sounds. The Mass was originally commissioned for the consecration of the Cathedral in 1967 but was not completed and another work was substituted, so this will be the first time that the piece will be staged, with a brand-new sound design. In 1967 Liverpool poet, Roger McGough, wrote a poem to mark the opening of the Cathedral in 1967, he’s now written a new work entitled ‘Golden Jubilee’, a companion piece to the original. The poem will be premiered on the Jubilee weekend. For some months now a team of volunteers, specially formed by production company Metro-Boulot-Dodo, has been interviewing people and collecting their memories of the Cathedral. ‘Voices of the Metropolitan Cathedral’ will form an interactive listening trail along Hope Street telling the story of the Cathedral through the voices of those who know it best: the people of Liverpool. Listening pods will
‘the programme is a celebration of the Cathedral’s fifty-year journey’ be placed in various locations including the Unity Theatre and the Everyman Theatre and anyone can listen along from Friday 19 May to Friday 30 June. Friday 19 May will see Liverpool celebrating its famous Citywide ‘LightNight’. As a special commission artist Andy McKeown will unveil ‘Rotation 18269’, a largescale light performance in collaboration with the Metropolitan Cathedral Choir, who will perform Thomas Tallis' Lamentations alongside organ music by Jehan Alain and Arvo Part. An official Celebration Concert will take place in the Cathedral on Saturday 10 June when the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will perform with leading tenor soloist, Ian Bostridge CBE and the Metropolitan Cathedral Choir as they present ‘Gloria’. The piece was written by Britain’s most high-profile living composer of religious music, Sir James MacMillan who will conduct this special performance. A Choir of over 1,000 school children from throughout the Archdiocese will lead the music at a Golden Jubilee Good Shepherd Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop, Tom Williams, on Thursday 15 June at 1.00 pm. The Mass is organised by Nugent, the social work service of the Archdiocese, and will give thanks for the fundraising efforts of schools and colleges who raise money throughout Lent to support the help which Nugent give to the most vulnerable. An exhibition entitled ‘A New Cathedral, 1960’ will run from Monday 24 July to Sunday 3 September and will look at what might have been had Sir Frederick Gibberd’s design not been chosen for Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral. The exhibition produced by Liverpool’s John Moores University will bring together for the first time a selection of the 299 entries from around the world which were submitted in one of the major
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feature architectural competitions of the post-war period. It will include newly commissioned physical models of key schemes. Archbishop John Carmel Heenan launched the competition in 1960 to produce a completely new building to seat 2,000, which would relate to the existing Lutyens Crypt and be capable of construction within five years. Looking ahead, and in keeping with the architectural theme, Tate Liverpool will
host an exhibition in tribute to the work of English artist John Piper (1903-1992) who designed much of the stained glass within the Cathedral including the famous Lantern Tower. This will run at the Tate from Friday 17 November 2017 to Sunday 18 March 2018.
depicting key moments in our history and yet others a celebration of all that the Cathedral means to us today. The variety of events, exhibitions and services have been chosen in order to involve and attract as many people as possible to celebrate this Jubilee Year with us.’
Cathedral Dean, Canon Anthony O’Brien, says, ‘The programme is a celebration of the Cathedral’s fifty-year journey with events relating to the opening, others
Full details of all events celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Metropolitan Cathedral can be found at: http://www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk
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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
Redemptorist Father Jim McManus leads parish mission in Fazakerley by Father Kevin McLoughlin It was thirteen years ago, as spiritual director of the English College in Valladolid, that I first met Father Jim McManus. It was a wonderful
experience, and I was so impressed that I invited him to visit Valladolid to share his spirituality and wonderful insights with the men beginning their formation for priesthood.
However, it was following a more recent conversation with Father Jim, when he mentioned his parish missionary work, that I invited him to my parishes of Our Lady and St Philomena’s and Holy Name in Fazakerley to lead a mission week. Once he had accepted, his colleague Miss Marie Hogg visited us to discuss our proposals for the mission and help in the planning process. Numerous parishioners got involved in the preparations, producing a special prayer for the success of the mission and designing a brochure which was distributed to over 7,000 homes. The fruit of these efforts was a wonderful experience of parish mission over six days with the main theme of ‘Healing’ and we had some very encouraging attendances, in excess of 200 some evenings. The mission included a daily 7.00 am Mass followed by breakfast, and a later Mass at 10.00 am followed by tea and toast. At midday there was a 45-minute teaching session, with a variety of other events held during the afternoons, including anointing of the sick. There were also times for private prayer and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Then, each evening at 7.00 pm, the main event of the day took place, always with a particular theme including forgiveness, reconciliation, and reflections on a true image of God and self. And to engage parents and children, assemblies and other services were organised in both our primary schools. The mission concluded on the Saturday morning with an open meeting; seventy parishioners attended, and agreed unanimously that the mission had been a truly inspiring and spiritually nourishing experience. In fact, one elderly parishioner declared it the best week of her life. Left: Father Jim McManus, Marie Hogg and Father Kevin McLoughlin
Student Photography Competition 2017 The Liverpool Archdiocese Secondary Schools’ Partnership is holding this year’s Student Photographic Competition at St George’s Hall in Liverpool until 28 May. There will be entries from 38 schools and colleges in the archdiocese, ranging from students in Year 7, through to Year 13. With the theme ‘We are valued, we are unique, we have faith, we are a family and we are the future’ the exhibition will include photographs of what students feel encompasses spirituality within their school and will be accompanied with a description giving additional meaning.
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2016 competition winners
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news diary Success for Catholic School Direct
Places are available on a successful teacher training programme, Wigan and West Lancashire Catholic School Direct, which is currently in its third year of training cohorts of more than 20 prospective teachers. The programme is run in partnership with Liverpool Hope University to enable successful candidates to emerge with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher status, plus two modules of the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS). The students’ apprenticeship is served exclusively in a Catholic setting, in two of the eight Catholic secondary schools and one Catholic sixth-form college in the partnership: St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High, Ashton in Makerfield; St Peter’s, Orrell; St Bede’s, Ormskirk; St John Fisher, Wigan; Our Lady Queen of Peace, Skelmersdale; St Mary’s, Astley; Holy Cross, Chorley; St Gregory’s, Warrington; and St John Rigby College, Wigan. All of which are graded good or outstanding in Liverpool Archdiocese Section 48 inspections. The programme is led by the headteachers of these schools/colleges and run by a director and assistant director, who are both practising teachers at partner schools. School Direct is a teacher training programme that puts schools/colleges at the heart of the process, something past and present participants cite as a key advantage. Trainees start on the first day of the school year, are seen by
pupils as staff members, and work daily alongside outstanding practitioners in their department who guide them in learning their craft. Uniquely, Wigan and West Lancashire School Direct involves solely Catholic establishments, and as if to underline the course’s Catholic ethos, a one-day conference for the CCRS double module was staged at St Edmund Arrowsmith. Trainees took part in workshops on what makes Catholic schools so distinctive and on the pastoral role of a Catholic School Chaplain. University graduates committed to shaping future Catholic education are invited to apply for 2017/18. For details, visit www.catholicsd.org.uk
Obituary of Rev Charles Canning Father Charles Canning, former parish priest of St Ambrose, Speke and St Oswald, Padgate, died on Sunday 9 April at the age of 83 and in the 58th year of his priesthood. Charles Ernest Canning was born on 19 September 1933, the son of Charles and Mary Agnes Canning. He attended St Matthew’s School, Clubmoor, and St Elizabeth’s Central School, Liverpool 6. During war-time evacuation he also attended Holy Cross School, St Helens, for a year. He studied for the priesthood at St Joseph’s College, Upholland, and was ordained priest by Archbishop John Carmel Heenan at St Matthew’s, Clubmoor, on 31 May 1959. Following ordination he served in three parishes as assistant priest at St John’s, Kirkdale from July 1959; at St Mary’s, Kirkby from August 1968 and at St Dominic’s, Huyton from July 1975. There followed two lengthy spells as parish priest, firstly at St Ambrose, Speke from July 1980 and then at St Oswald, Padgate where he was appointed in 1997. He remained at St Oswald’s until his retirement to Maghull in September 2011. He served the people entrusted to his care with great love and fidelity. At clergy gatherings he would often regale the company with stories garnered from a wealth of pastoral experience, as well as many anecdotes about the clergy of yesteryear. For over thirty years, from 1984 until his death, he served as one of seven priest trustees of the Sherburne Heatley Trust, a trust fund established in 1845 for the support of ecclesiastical education. His Funeral Mass was celebrated at St George’s Church, Maghull, on Tuesday 25 April, followed by burial at Yewtree Cemetery.
Liverpool’s Easter Witness Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, Bishop Paul Bayes and Merseyside’s Church Leaders led a Holy Saturday Walk of Witness through a City Centre, packed with shoppers, to Liverpool Parish Church, stopping along the way to reflect on the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
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news diary RCIA Retreat Day at St Joseph’s
Catechumens and Candidates with Archbishop Malcolm On Saturday 1 April catechumens, candidates, sponsors and RCIA team members gathered at St. Joseph’s Freshfield, for a Retreat Day with Archbishop Malcolm. The day offered an opportunity to escape from the clamour of ‘everyday’ and experience a few hours of quiet reflection before taking the final steps to becoming full members of the Church during Easter. Archbishop Malcolm spoke of ‘Putting on Christ’, a reflection
based on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians and then in the afternoon offered some background and history on the Our Father before celebrating a Presentation of the Our Father at the end of the day. In between there were a number of reflective workshops led by different members of the Diocesan RCIA Core Team. Sister Catherine from Pauline Books also attended providing an opportunity for the soon to be New Catholics to purchase some basic guides to help them along their new path.
Archbishop meets Liverpool's top cancer researchers The Archbishop of Liverpool has met leading researchers, scientists and clinicians in Liverpool who are pioneering advances in cancer research. The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP visited the North West Cancer Research Centre at the University of Liverpool and met Dr Jason Parsons, who gave an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art research laboratories. Archbishop Malcolm inherited patronage of North West Cancer Research when he was installed in 2014. During the visit, the Archbishop discovered how Dr Parsons is using funding from North West Cancer Research to advance understanding of effective treatments for head and neck cancer patients. Archbishop McMahon said: 'It was a pleasure and a privilege to see the work being done by North West Cancer Research. I admire the enthusiasm and dedication of all those involved in this vital work and I have no hesitation in encouraging people to support this essential research in any way possible.' North West Cancer Research will fund around £8.1m worth of research at 8
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Liverpool University over the next five years. This includes support for researchers and PhD students as well as the creation of research fellowships, helping attract some of the world's foremost cancer researchers. Nigel Lanceley, chair of North West Cancer Research, said: 'We are honoured to welcome Archbishop Malcolm
McMahon. On behalf of everyone at North West Cancer Research I would like to thank the Archbishop for his continued patronage and support for the work we do. As a charity, we strive to support the very best-in-class cancer research and as such we are lucky enough to be working with some of the city's and country's top scientists and clinicians.'
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news diary ‘Peter’s Passion’ celebrated ‘Peter’s Passion’ written by Bernadette Egan was first performed thirty years ago at St John Almond School in Garston, and later at St Charles Church, Aigburth. Former Parish Priest of St Charles, Father John Gildea, asked parishioners of his present parish, St Peter and St Michael, Woolston, if they would be interested in doing ‘Peter’s Passion’ on Good Friday evening this year. They accepted the challenge and a packed congregation enjoyed the evening meditation. Andrew Glynn who played the part of the Centurion writes: ‘When Father Gildea, asked us if we would do the musical meditation I thought it a mammoth task but knew how much he wanted it to happen and we found a cast. It is hard to imagine the tension, the emotion and the feeling of apprehension as the journey unfolded. It became apparent that we had lots of raw talent between us and with hard work we were determined to pull off something special.
‘Rehearsing was difficult due to school, university and work times but we made it happen. Bernadette Egan joined us a few days before to put in the finishing touches with energy, drive, faith and enthusiasm. Bernie and the Holy Spirit gave us confidence, pride and an opportunity to powerfully remind people of what Christ
did for us all those years ago. ‘A modern interpretation of the Passion of Christ, a message we will never forget, a moving masterpiece enjoyed by both young and old. A story of a mother’s love and a friend’s betrayal. A story of repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation. A story of hope.’
ACN exhibition to raise awareness and funds for Syria's suffering Christians By Dr Caroline Hull 'We have been in Lent for five years now and I wish one day for the resurrection of Syria, Iraq and the Middle East.' These are the words of Sister Annie Demerjian, who lives and works in the war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo. Inspired by Sister Annie's faith in the face of extreme hardship, the north-west team of Aid to the Church in Need – the Catholic charity for persecuted Christians
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– has assembled 'ACN Portraits of Faith: Syria's Christians Search for Peace', an exhibition featuring artworks and crafts made in Syria by Christians who suffer for their faith. Ten paintings by Farid Georges, a Syriac Orthodox artist who chronicled the destruction of his beloved city of Homs, will be displayed alongside handmade table linens created by three Christian women who work by candlelight to support their families in Aleppo.
More than 100 drawings by Syrian children of all faiths will be on view. These are some of over one million drawings sent by young Syrians to the European Parliament, accompanying a petition signed by the children asking for help to achieve peace. Photographs from ACN's extensive archive tell the stories of some of the thousands of Christians remaining in Syria, including Annie and Sarkis, a Christian couple who fell in love as they struggled to survive in Aleppo. 'Syria's Christians Search for Peace' will be showing at Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral from 10.00 am–4.00 pm on Saturday 22 July and Sunday 23 July. Entrance is free and all donations will go towards supplying emergency aid to Christian families in Aleppo, Homs and elsewhere in Syria. Through the exhibition, ACN is raising awareness about the plight of Christians in war-torn Syria and funds to support at least 25 Christian families in Syria for one year. To make a donation or to learn more, contact Dr Caroline Hull: nw.office@acnuk.org
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news diary It's official: St John Rigby College is outstanding!
St John Rigby College has been awarded the highest possible grading of Outstanding by education watchdog Ofsted, putting it among the country’s best-performing colleges. Following a recent inspection of the Orrell-based institution, St John Rigby was graded outstanding across every area of its education programme in an Ofsted report published in March. The award makes St John Rigby only the third sixth-form college in the country to achieve the top grade under Ofsted’s new, more stringent common inspection framework. It achieved the mark in areas such as effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for learners. According to the report: ‘The college is fully inclusive and follows the mission: Give me roots to grow and wings to fly. Students are confident and selfassured, have excellent attitudes towards learning and make exceptional progress.’ Following the inspection in February, Ofsted also praised staff, managers and students of the college, situated in the Orrell district of the metropolitan borough of Wigan. College principal Peter McGhee said: ‘I am absolutely delighted and extremely proud of the judgement and of the comments made. This report is testament to the commitment, passion and dedication shown by staff and students to ensure the highest standards are attained in all aspects of our work. ‘It is fantastic to see the acknowledgement that is given to the College’s inclusive nature, that staff are ambitious for their students and that this results in learners making excellent
progress. We place no ceiling on achievement. Our passion and enthusiasm is described as infectious and enables young people to achieve or exceed their potential.’ The announcement follows on from the publication of Department for Education performance data placing the College in the top ten colleges nationally for A level progress.
Marie Curie is counting on your cuppa! Marie Curie is calling on people across the Archdiocese to hold a ‘Blooming Great Tea Party’ in aid of the charity this June. The Blooming Great Tea Party is Marie Curie’s summer fundraising campaign which encourages everyone to get together with friends and family to hold a tea party between 23 and 25 June. Such efforts will help Marie Curie – the UK’s leading charity for people with terminal illness – to provide vital care and support. Antony Jones, Marie Curie community fundraiser in Liverpool, says: ‘Holding a Blooming Great Tea Party really is a piece of cake. Pick a date, send out some invites and simply raise a cuppa between 23 and 25 June. You’ll join thousands of others across the Liverpool area doing their bit for Marie Curie. ‘As long as you price each slice or put a donation box by the front door, you’ll be sure to raise funds to help Marie Curie support people when they need it most.’ Tea parties around the UK have raised over £5.4m since the campaign began. Visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty for further information or to register a tea party.
Come and See 2017 Spirituality, prayer and reflection are the essence of ‘Come and See’, the biennial conference organised by the Irenaeus Project in Liverpool Archdiocese, which this year takes place in October. The appeal of the conference is clear. As we move around the diocese and listen to people, it becomes apparent how important it is to take time out in our busy lives for reflection and prayer. This helps to make the connections between faith and life. Some people really struggle to make those connections and others are just very grateful for the chance to think and pray. We are very blessed this year to have Father Timothy Radcliffe, the Dominican preacher, as our main speaker. He is a former Master of the Order of Preachers (1992-2001) and is the only member of the English Province of the Dominicans to have held the office since the order's foundation in 1216. He is currently director of the Las Casas Institute of Blackfriars, Oxford which focuses on the promotion of social justice and human rights. Father Timothy is a well-known preacher and speaker, and author of several books including ‘What is the point of being a Christian?’. Pope Francis named him in 2015 as a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. So we are extraordinarily lucky to have him in Liverpool and it is an opportunity not to be missed. We have great workshop leaders including Fiona Castle, Dave and Mary Matthews, Pat Kennedy, Dermott Donnelly and our own Steve Atherton. Music and prayer will be led by Jo Boyce and friends from Birmingham Archdiocese and there will be mime and drama led by Steve Murray who has an international ministry. On the Sunday we will be joined by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon to celebrate Mass with us The 2017 conference takes place, like previous editions, at Christ the King High School in Southport on 14 and 15 October. The Southport location should, of course, mean plenty of residential accommodation available for those who do not wish to travel or for those coming from a distance. If you want more information about the conference or indeed about the Irenaeus Project and the work we do, contact us on 0151 949 1199 or email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk or visit our website www.irenaeus.co.uk.
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news diary Obituary of Canon Richard Firth Canon Richard Firth, who served as parish priest of St Gregory’s, Weldbank, Chorley, for over 25 years, died at Nazareth House, Dublin, on 10 April 2017 aged 97 and in the seventy-second year of his priesthood. Richard Firth was born in Dublin on 19 May 1919, the son of George and Ellen Firth, and brother to Maura, Alice and Eileen. He lost his mother in 1936, when he was just 17, and could easily have lost his father a few years later as he was a sea captain and his ship, the Innisfallen, was sunk by a German mine after leaving Liverpool for Dublin in 1940. Thankfully his father, though badly wounded, survived and he lived well into his nineties. He was educated at Holy Family Convent School in Clontarf until the age of nine, when the family moved to Liverpool, and then at St Francis Xavier’s College. At the age of 12 he began his studies for the priesthood at St Joseph’s College, Upholland. He was ordained priest at Holy Cross College, Clonliffe, Dublin, on 26 May 1945 as one of the first group of priests to be ordained after the ending of the War in Europe. Immediately after ordination he returned to Liverpool to take up a series of fairly brief appointments firstly at St Charles, Aigburth and then at Holy Name, Fazakerley in October 1946 and St Joseph’s, Blundellsands in November 1949. In February 1950 he was appointed as assistant port chaplain with the Apostleship of the Sea, based at Atlantic House, Hardman Street. He spent ten happy years ministering to the many seafarers who came through the Port of Liverpool. During this period he also served in the Royal Naval Reserve and as a chaplain on educational cruises run by the P&O line. He returned to parish life in January 1960, when he was appointed assistant priest at St John’s, Kirkdale, before transferring to St Winefride’s, Bootle, in 1964. He succeeded as parish priest at St Winefride’s in January 1970. In November 1974 he was invited to become parish priest of St Gregory’s, Weldbank, Chorley. For well over a quarter of a century he ministered faithfully to this community until his retirement in September 2000. He continued to live in St Gregory’s parish after retirement until December 2012, when he collapsed while on a visit to his native city. For the remainder of his life he lived at Nazareth House, Dublin. As he was approaching the celebration of his 90th birthday he was numbered among the honorary canons of the Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter by Archbishop Patrick Kelly in March 2009. His Requiem Mass was celebrated in Dublin by Monsignor Michael McKenna, Father Francis Marsden and the chaplain to Nazareth House.
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Celebrate the Child Mass This year Celebrate the Child Mass continues its journey around the archdiocese and will be celebrated at 3.00 pm on Sunday 2 July at St Anne’s Church, Prescot Road, Ormskirk, L39 4TG. Many people come together to prepare this celebration of faith with children, families and their church family and the theme this year is ‘Welcome the Cross'. The day will begin at 1.30 pm when children will be able to join in activities to help prepare for the Mass. Archbishop Malcolm will celebrate the Mass and priests are invited to concelebrate. Afterwards there will be time for a picnic in the church grounds and to join in the many games that are planned. All are welcome at the Mass and do bring along a parish banner if you have one; perhaps join with a neighbouring parish and share the cost of a coach. Confirmation of likely numbers hoping to attend would be helpful when available. For further information call the Safeguarding Department on 0151-522-1043 or email: safeguarding@rcaol.co.uk
Hope in Rome
Students from Liverpool Hope University went on pilgrimage to Rome and were welcomed by the Rector and students of the Beda College. The group were very pleased to be able to celebrate Mass in the Beda College, to share a meal with the students and to meet with seminarians from Liverpool and around the world. They prayed at the main pilgrimage sites in Rome and enjoyed time at the General Audience at which the Pope taught about the meaning of Christian hope. Catholic Chaplain to the University, Father Stephen Pritchard said, ‘for some of our international students this may be the first and only time of going on pilgrimage to Rome, not least for that reason it was a very special experience. The whole pilgrimage helped us to bond together and learn what it is to be a disciple.’
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sunday reflections On a liturgical note I trust you are continuing to enjoy a Blessed and happy Eastertime. Having been given the 40 days of Lent to prepare ourselves for the renewal of our Baptismal Promises, we are now given the 50 days of the Easter Season in which to continue our rejoicing, get back into the habit of singing the ‘Alleluia’ at weekday and Sunday masses, and listen again to the story of the early unfolding of the Easter message through the words of the Acts of the Apostles. One thing which strikes us constantly in the Acts of the Apostles is the dynamic nature of the Gospel: from the enthused preaching of Peter on Pentecost Day, to the miracles worked through the Apostles and the continued growth of the Community of the early followers of ‘The Way’ (later to be called ‘Christians’) to the constant physical journeying of the followers of Jesus, there is a feeling of being always ‘on the move’, eager to recognise and experience new signs of the presence of the
Sunday thoughts I started in the junior seminary at Upholland in 1960. After we prayed the rosary each evening, we said a special prayer for the success of the Second Vatican Council. Called by Pope John XXIII in 1959 it was due to begin in 1962. I remember one phrase in that prayer: ‘Pour out your Spirit as you did on the first day of Pentecost.’ Other times I recall invoking the Holy Spirit were when sitting O Levels and A Levels and for my driving test. We prayed to Saint Anthony if we lost something and to Saint Jude for hopeless cases. Prayer to the Holy Spirit was a commendable private devotion. The Spirit was a problem solver. The story of Philip and the Samaritans in the Acts of the Apostles relates how the Samaritans had ‘accepted the word of God’ but only been baptised ‘in the name of the Lord Jesus’. Up to that point the
Canon Philip Gillespie
Lord, fresh workings of the Holy Spirit in the world. It is a constant reminder and challenge to us to have eyes, ears and hearts open to fresh opportunities to know, to love and to serve. Pope Francis reflects in his first Exhortation after his election, ‘The joy of the Gospel‘: ‘Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says, “We have always done it in this way”. I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelisation in their respective communities.’ Challenging words, but words which seem to chime in well with the season of new life in which we find ourselves. ‘May God who has begun the good work in each one of us bring it to fulfilment’. (Philippians 1:6)
Mgr John Devine OBE
faith of the Samaritans had been twodimensional. Philip sent for Peter and John who prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Although I received the Holy Spirit at Baptism, if I am honest, I operate on a two-dimensional model of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is the life force and pulse of the Church, indeed of creation, yet I am for the most part unaware of it. I operate as if everything I do is the fruit of my own determination: God loves me and I do my utmost to replicate that love in my life. Jesus became man and showed us how to live. On my best days I follow him and my life is effectively a self-improvement programme. I comply but do not flourish. Only the Holy Spirit can bring my faith to life.
Weekly Reflections are on the Archdiocesan website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/reflection 14
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You will find him in Galilee As a university chaplain, I was invited to dinner with a group of students. They were all people of good will, working around the city in their spare time in the hope of making a difference. They volunteered in soup kitchens, night shelters and hospices. They worked with people who had learning difficulties and physical difficulties. They were involved in children's play schemes and worked in local schools and as prison visitors. There were some people of faith, and others motivated simply by a love of humanity. They were an extraordinary group and I felt very humbled by all they did. We ate together and when the meal was finished, there was a time of silence at the end of which each person in the room began to share their experience. It did not take very long for me to realise that what I was witnessing was the life of the risen Christ within these good people. They were telling the story of the risen Christ in the ordinariness of their lives. In Matthew and Mark's Gospels, the first witnesses to the Resurrection are told they will meet Jesus in Galilee, which represents the ordinariness of life. The Disciples and the women had met Him before in their daily lives in Galilee. The promise is that they will meet Him again in their daily lives and we discover that they do. They meet Him in their fear when locked in an upper room. They meet Him in their need for power to proclaim the Good news. They meet Him in the strength they discover within themselves. They find Him in their daily experiences. They discover that He is alive and with them. It is in the ordinariness of life that we will meet Him. It is in the dreaming of dreams and the despairing of pain. It is in the million and one good acts that happen almost unnoticed. It is in the listening ear and the outstretched hand. It is in the kitchens and the bedrooms and the sitting rooms that we inhabit that we will find this risen Lord who is still at work today in the hearts and minds of those who are willing to look for Him. Father Chris Thomas
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nugent news Bake That!...for Nugent At Nugent we offer a diverse range of support to adults and children through our schools, care homes, community and social work services and social enterprise. Marydale Lodge Secure Unit and Clumber Care Homes are part of our Children’s services and provide care for some of the most vulnerable, traumatised and disadvantaged children and young people in our society. Marydale Lodge provides secure accommodation for young people aged 10 to 18 years who are at risk
from self-harm, alcohol and substance misuse, child sexual exploitation and challenging behaviours, and have been assessed as needing the highest level of safety and protection that a secure residential setting can provide. Clumber Care is a warm, welcoming and safe family environment, where dedicated, experienced and qualified staff care for children and young people from birth to 18 years, who are either awaiting adoption or return to their families. The children and young people in our care at Marydale and Clumber face
difficulties most of us never have to, and our staff are dedicated to creating an atmosphere where young people are valued and treated with dignity and respect, showing them that they are people of worth, enabling them to feel good about themselves and confident in their abilities. We strive to help the young people who reside with us to raise their expectations of life and achieve their potential. Bake That! for Nugent is a bake sale event created to help you raise funds for Nugent’s children’s services. These funds help to provide special equipment, toys, trips and days out and other essential but expensive items. We’re looking for 100 churches/parishes to put on a choux-stopping Bake That! event to help us reach our target of £10,000 for Marydale and Clumber. The suggested dates for holding events are on the weekends of 13/14 May and 20/21 May 2017. If you would like a jam-packed fundraising kit to help you raise funds for Nugent’s children’s services contact Nugent’s Fundraising Team Tel: 0151 261 2000 or email: info@nugentcare.org
Nugent establishes Gubay Crisis Fund Front – right to left: Father Michael Fitzsimons (Nugent Chair), Normandie Wragg (Nugent CEO), Phil Thompson (Nugent Patron) Back - St Francis of Assisi choir
Local social welfare organisation Nugent has launched its Gubay Crisis Fund thanks to a donation from the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation. The Foundation has agreed to donate an annual £20,000 for the next three years to enable Nugent, which works at the heart of some of the north-west's hardest-hit communities, to provide desperately needed support. The Gubay Crisis Fund will offer one-off grants to assist families and individuals living within Liverpool Archdiocese where a relatively small amount of funding can make a big difference.
Nugent patron Phil Thompson attended the launch event at Bishop Eton Parish in Childwall, which included a performance from Visualise, the Academy of St Francis of Assisi school choir. 'This is a fantastic announcement,' said Thompson. 'Nugent can now help people in crisis directly and quickly, and do what they do best, giving families and young people the support they need to help them to change their lives for the better.' Nugent provides a diverse range of support to adults and children in Merseyside through schools, care homes, community and social work services, and
social enterprise. The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation fulfils the wish of the late millionaire businessman and philanthropist Albert Gubay, KC*SG to give back his wealth to the communities that helped him create it in the first place by aiding good causes in the Isle of Man, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. The origins of Nugent date back to the 1800s and the pioneering work of Father James Nugent (1822–1905) in child welfare, poverty relief and social reform. His work continues today through Nugent, the social welfare arm of the Archdiocese.
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what’s on Tuesday 2 May Support Group for people living with dementia and their carers 1.00 pm at Our Lady Help of Christians, Portico Parish Hall, Prescot, L34 2QT. Details: Joan O’Hanlon Tel: 07984 735590. Everyone welcome. Wednesday 3 May ‘Songs we Remember.’ A morning of singing and enjoyment for anyone who likes to sing but particularly geared towards those living with dementia and their carers. 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, followed by lunch, at St Thomas of Canterbury Parish Hall, Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: The Irenaeus Project Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk
Gerry Hughes SJ. Details: Ewa Bem IBVM, Loreto Centre. Tel: 01492 878031 or email: loretocentre@yahoo.co.uk Sunday 7 May World Day of Prayer for Vocations Tuesday 9 May Time Out on Tuesdays 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, 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 (bring your own lunch). For further details contact: Sister Winifred. Tel: 0151 722 2271, Email: winniecenacle@mail.com Wednesday 10 May ‘Songs we Remember.’ A morning of singing and enjoyment for anyone who likes to sing but particularly geared towards those living with dementia and their carers. 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, followed by lunch, at St Thomas of Canterbury Parish Hall, Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: The Irenaeus Project Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk
Thursday 4 May Oasis: a listening ear and a cuppa 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm at St Thomas of Canterbury church, Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: Tel 0151 949 1199 or email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Friday 5 May to Sunday 7 May ‘Living Theology’: a weekend of Scripture and Spirituality At The Loreto Centre, Abbey Road, Llandudno LL30 2EL. Keynote speaker: Father Chris Thomas with workshops by Nick Austin SJ, Kathryn Keigher IBVM and
Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Sister Elizabeth Prout CP 2.30 pm at the Church of St Anne and Blessed Dominic, Monastery Road, Sutton, St Helens, WA9 3ZD. Celebrant: Father Nicholas Postlethwaite CP. Guest Speaker: Sister Eileen Fucito CP.
UCM Bi-monthly Mass 7.30 pm at St Philomena, Sparrow Hall Road, Liverpool, L9 6BU Saturday 13 May May Procession led by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon To mark the centenary year of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. Starts at 2.00 pm at the Missionaries of Charity, Seel Street. Special invitation to all who have received First Holy Communion. Details: Jimmy Ross Tel: 07766 706766 Email: jimmy.ross7@gmail.com
World of Atherton
Pierre Henry: The Liverpool Mass 7.00 pm in the Metropolitan cathedral of Christ the King. Tickets: £10/£7 from Bluecoat Box Office. Tel: 0151 702 5324. Email: info@thebluecoat.org.uk Sunday 14 May Liverpool Bach Collective Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata 108: ‘Es ist euch gut, daß ich hingehe’. (‘It is for your good that I depart.’) 6.30 pm at St Francis Xavier’s Church, Salisbury Street, Liverpool L3 8DR. Singers and Players directed by Philip Duffy. Wednesday 17 May ‘Songs we Remember.’ A morning of singing and enjoyment for anyone who likes to sing but particularly geared towards those living with dementia and their carers. 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, followed by lunch, at St Thomas of Canterbury Parish Hall, Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: The Irenaeus Project Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Friday 19 May to Sunday 21 May ‘I will not leave you or desert you’. A journey through the Book of Joshua. Scripture Weekend led by Father Chris Thomas at Irenaeus, 32 Great George’s Road, Liverpool, L22 1RD. Details: Tel 0151 949 1199 or email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Friday 19 May Day conference on Dementia Led by Professor June Andrews, author of ‘Dementia The One Stop Guide’ at Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation. Details and Bookings: Maureen Knight Tel: 0151 522 1046. Email: m.knight@rcaol.co.uk Saturday 20 May ‘Time and Tide’ Concert with the Metropolitan Cathedral Orchestra 7.30 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral. Tickets and details Tel: 0151 707 3525 or
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may Email: bookings@cathedralconcerts.org.uk www.cathedralconcerts.org.uk Friday 26 May Annual Mass of Healing 7.00 pm at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Celebrant: Bishop Tom Williams. Saturday 27 May Quiet Day. 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Liverpool L15 6TW. Time to be quiet, reflect and pray. Offering £10 per person (bring your own lunch). No booking required. For further details contact: Sister Winifred. Tel: 0151 722 2271, Email: winniecenacle@mail.com
Jubilee Organ Recitals Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King Monday 1 May 3.00 pm Martin Baker (Westminster Cathedral) Monday 29 May 3.00 pm James Luxton (Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral) Friday 16 June 7.30 pm Johann Vexo (Notre Dame cathedral, Paris) Friday 7 July 7.30 pm Ian Tracey (Liverpool Cathedral) Tickets £5 per recital. Available from the Cathedral Gift Shop or www.ticketsource.co.uk/lpoolmetmusic
Sunday 28 May World Communications Day Wednesday 31 May ‘Songs we Remember.’ A morning of singing and enjoyment for anyone who likes to sing but particularly geared towards those living with dementia and their carers. 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, followed by lunch, at St Thomas of Canterbury Parish Hall, Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: The Irenaeus Project Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk
Looking ahead Friday 9 June ‘The Way Jesus Looked at People’ (Evangelii Gaudium 141): Wisdom from the Gospels for the Sunday Homily. A day for clergy in the Dioceses of Liverpool, Salford and Wrexham. Led by Dr Ian Boxall Associate Professor of the New Testament at The Catholic University of America. 10.30 am to 3.30 pm at the LACE Conference Centre, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. Cost £25 per person. Lunch and refreshments provided. Saturday 10 June ‘Digging Deeply: Reading Wisely.’ Strategies for exploring John’s Gospel. Led by Dr Ian Boxall Associate Professor of the New Testament at The Catholic University of America. 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at the LACE Conference Centre, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. Cost £15 per person or £60 per parish group of five. Lunch and refreshments provided. Details for both these courses: Pastoral Formation Department, LACE, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. Tel: 0151 522 1040 Email: formation@rcaol.co.uk
Friday 26 May
Living Fully by Eleanor Lalley Living Fully enabling every child and adult with a disability to encounter Jesus in the life of the church today. A ‘Living Fully’ day of study, worship and workshops explores how all life is a gift from God and how every person has a valuable and dignified place within the Body of Christ. The day about disability, catechesis and living fully as a church will take place on Saturday 23 September at LACE. In June 2016 the Pontifical Council for Culture and the Kairos Forum hosted the Living Fully Symposium and Conference in Rome. The conference brought together people with disabilities, theologians, clergy, religious, families, and laity. The events identified the unique role and powerful witness of the Church in making ‘Living Fully’ possible for everyone. Local families and staff from Nugent took part in the historic Rome conference sharing their stories, praying together and exploring the personal, pastoral and theological dimensions and implications of disability for people to live fully in the life of their congregations and communities.
In September Cristina Gangemi, president of the Kairos Forum, will visit Liverpool to present ways to enable every child and adult with a disability to encounter Jesus in the life of the church today. She is a passionate supporter of inclusive parishes and provides specialist advice and resources for people with intellectual disabilities, families, carers and support workers. She says that ‘the Kairos Forum works tirelessly to resource the church and help people explore new and creative ways to ensure that people are empowered and not disabled.’ The Liverpool day will include input, education, support, resources and networking for specialists and non-specialists alike: parish catechists, deacons, priests, school staff, volunteers, as well as specialist workers in the field. Parents and grandparents are also welcome. A highlight of the day will be creative liturgy with the participation of L’Arche, Nugent, and the Faith and Life community. Archbishop Malcolm McMahon will be present for the day which is being planned by the Pastoral Formation Department, Nugent and other volunteers.
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profile
Dennis Hardiman Long-serving headteacher – and ‘adopted Scouser’ – preparing to collect his MBE By Simon Hart here can have been fewer more deserving recipients of an MBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours list than Dennis Hardiman, Liverpool's longest-serving headteacher. It is 34 years since Dennis was named head of St Sebastian’s Primary School in Fairfield and his honorary MBE for contribution to education – honorary because he is a US citizen, born in Long Island – recognises his impressive work ever since. He oversaw the coming together of St Sebastian’s with St Cuthbert’s Primary to form the city’s first federation of schools, along with the establishing of an innovative nursery. The schools have earned many awards and now for Dennis, their executive headteacher, this ‘humbling’ personal accolade. ‘I consider this an award that belongs to others also – my patient, supportive, loving family, and wonderful and generous colleagues, past and present, whom it has been my privilege to work with and learn from,’ he says. ‘And also the many supportive parents and fantastic children I’ve been privileged to work with.’ One particular person warranting Dennis’s gratitude is the late Father Patrick Kelly, who appointed him the
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city’s youngest head teacher in 1983. Father Kelly actually told him, ‘with a smile’, that his appointment was ‘a calculated risk’ yet the pair forged a partnership ‘built on respect, commitment and friendship’ which proved hugely beneficial to school and community. This was clear when over 700 people attended a Mass at St Sebastian’s Parish Church to celebrate Dennis’s 25th anniversary in charge in 2008 – one of many milestones. ‘It was the first Liverpool school to receive an outstanding report during Ofsted’s first round of inspections in 1996,’ he explains. There have been three more since with the same outcomes, together with two trips to meet Prince Charles. Yet Dennis is ‘more proud of the fact the schools are considered by our communities and visitors to be caring, welcoming schools that, with their parishes, are the heartbeat of the communities we serve.’ This success led to the Kensington Regeneration Company approaching the school to create a much-needed childcare facility, the Field of Dreams Nursery. Then, in 2006, came the federation with St Cuthbert’s. Within three years Ofsted had given the two schools – who share a headteacher and
board of governors – an outstanding ranking on leadership and management. Dennis, 65, continues: ‘St Sebastian’s was included in an Ofsted document sent to all primary schools in England called “20 Outstanding Primary Schools Succeeding Against the Odds 2009” and this highlighted the partnership with St Cuthbert’s.’ From a school that was less than half full and under threat of closure, St Cuthbert’s has grown to nearcapacity because of its high expectations and reputation for supporting all children to reach their full potential; in fact, with the support of the Archdiocese, a new school could be built there in the coming year. After making such an impact on education in the city, it is little wonder Dennis considers himself ‘an adopted Scouser’. He was nine when, with his parents and 11 brothers and sisters, he left the US for his mother’s native South Wales. Liverpool has been his home since he came to Christ College for teacher training. ‘Liverpool is where I have married and brought up my six children with my wonderful wife Jo,’ adds the parishioner of Bishop Eton, Childwall. It is only fitting, then, that it will be in Liverpool that he collects his MBE on 11 May, with his family and 94-year-old mother beside him.
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youth ministry
Finding the light of Christ By Michael Oakley As a Youth Ministry team, we carry out school mission weeks several times a year. This is where we spend a week in a school and deliver input based around a theme or piece of Scripture. It is usually a lively affair, centred round stage presentations whereby the theme is explored through game shows, video clips, dramas and testimonies. It is an opportunity for the school to come together as one community to celebrate their faith. Fittingly, our most recent mission week was centred on the theme ‘From Darkness into Light’, thinking about the story of the Road to Emmaus. It details how the disciple Cleopas and his companion are walking away from Jerusalem to a town called Emmaus, following the death of Christ. A man unknown to them joins along the way, and they later discover this man is Jesus. In particular, we were exploring how we can find ourselves shrouded in darkness and it is only by accepting God into our lives that we can move into light. The disciples on the road to Emmaus were in darkness, so how could they not have known whose presence they were in? Why was it only when He broke and blessed the bread that their eyes were opened?
hymns was ‘Shine Jesus shine’. The lyrics almost explain the theme by themselves: ‘Lord, the light of your love is shining. In the midst of the darkness, shining.’ No matter how dark the world may seem, God’s light is constantly shining. ‘Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us.’ Bring me out of darkness; let me experience Your light. ‘Set us free by the truth you now bring us.’ Open our eyes, so that we may see clearly. It is a poignant message that should serve as a challenge to us. How can we best live in the light? How can we invite the Lord to shine on us when times are hard? How can we open our eyes to see clearly?
With prayer and reflection, I am sure we can find out. Dates for the diary: Life and Soul + … An evening of prayer and praise before the Blessed Sacrament with an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. Wednesday 3 May at St Teresa’s, 34 Queensway, Penwortham, PR1 0DS Wednesday 7 June at St Bridget’s, Cinnamon Brow, Warrington, WA2 0EP The evenings will all start at 7pm and end at 8pm but feel free to come and go at any time.
I will admit that there are many times when I am completely oblivious to what is occurring around me. This theme in particular made me think about a host of different areas for self-improvement. How can I become more aware of the needs of others? How can I live to my true potential, and steer clear of the pitfalls along the way? There are so many times we find ourselves in darkness – not literally speaking, of course, but in our thoughts and actions. What can we do in this Easter season to move into the light? Our mission week concluded with a whole school Mass, where one of the
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Enterprise South Liverpool Academy 51 Horrocks Avenue, Liverpool, L19 5NY T: 0151 230 2570 E: enquiries@esla.org.uk
Embracing the community of The Academy of St Nicholas Part of ESLA’s vision as it continues on its improvement journey as The Academy of St Nicholas is to be recognised for its distinctive and inclusive ethos and for the positive impact this has on the community. The embrace group really exemplify this as they strive, through their work and dedication, to improving the lives of others. The embrace group are a group of students who commit their time to helping the community and to promoting equality of opportunity both in and out of School. Their driving aim is to eradicate all forms of prejudice and discrimination and to ensuring that the school joins together to support their vision of spiritualty.
“There is a tangibly growing commitment to the common good.” These were the words of the Archdiocese in their recent Section 48 report. The brilliant work by the RE department and embrace group was recognised by the team who highlighted that staff and students “Work together for the living of British Values within a Christian context that continually enriches the standing and status of ESLA in the local community. Ambassadors for the charity KIND they continually promote key events and have raised hundreds of pounds for the charity.” Their work also includes a tireless drive to support homeless people living in the city by participating in the rucksack project. One of the group Kiera, has travelled to Africa, as part of the schools work with the church to assist in building a school for children. The group arranged regularly for the school choir to sing and entertain the local community group of adults with disabilities. “It is really important that we recognise the importance of helping others at this time of year. ESLA students are fantastic at making
others feel special and valued. Well done to them.” Mrs St John, Assistant Head of School. Perhaps the most important work the students have concentrated upon bringing to the for is the campaign supporting LGBT, co presenting in assemblies and creating an incredible and heart warming display which is highly respected in the school, the group have certainty made huge strides in changing the hearts and minds of others in social and cultural issues such as these.
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cathedral
Angels, Saints and Nations Sing Celebrating 50 years of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool To celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Cathedral the Cathedral Choir have recently recorded a CD of music that has played an important role in the Cathedral’s life during this time. Prior to the consecration of the present Cathedral, the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for Lutyen’s great cathedral took place in 1933, and for this occasion a new hymn to Christ the King was composed to be sung by the massed crowds. That hymn today is sung worldwide but it is cherished by the cathedral as its very own: ‘Hail Redeemer, King divine’. Alongside ‘Hail Redeemer’, the other ‘signature tune’ for music at ‘the Met’ in the first 50 years has been the mediaeval ‘Laudes Regiae’ with its Latin refrain ‘Christus vincit.’ It was chanted at the consecration of the cathedral in 1967, and at many of the special celebrations since, including annually on the titular feast of Christ the King. Also sung at the consecration was the joyful motet ‘Haec dies’ by William Byrd. Moreover, this was the piece that opened the first Two Cathedrals Choirs Concert in June 1967, paving the way for an ecumenical collaboration between the two cathedrals and their musicians that today remains stronger than ever. The Archbishop of Liverpool best known for his ecumenical work was Derek Worlock, who served from 1976 to 1996. In response to the Hillsborough football tragedy in 1989 Archbishop Worlock organised, within 24 hours, a Requiem Mass to pray for those who had died, uniting some 10,000 people who gathered in and around the cathedral to grieve. An LP recording of that most moving service captures the heartfelt singing of the LFC anthem ‘You’ll never walk alone’ and the hymn, ‘Abide with me’, which appears on this disk. One of Archbishop Worlock’s favourite hymns was Luke Connaughton’s ‘Love is his word’, and one of his favourite pieces of choral music, and one he requested to be sung at his own funeral, was John Rutter’s setting of Psalm 22 (23), ‘The Lord is my shepherd’. His successor, Archbishop Patrick Kelly,
by Dr Christopher McElroy Director of Music, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral understanding the transforming power of music and the connection between good music and liturgy, actively encouraged the musical life of the cathedral as it moved into the new century. The hymn most often selected by Archbishop Kelly, and quoted in his homilies, was the setting of Blessed John Henry Newman’s text in ‘The Dream of Gerontius’, ‘Praise to the holiest in the height’. Shortly after Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP was installed in 2014, he was invited to Rome to receive the pallium of a Metropolitan Archbishop from the hands of Pope Francis, as a symbol of his bond with the Holy Father. The Metropolitan Cathedral Choir was honoured to be invited to accompany its new archbishop and to sing at the pontifical Mass in St Peter’s Basilica during which the Holy Father presented each of the newly appointed metropolitan archbishops with this special vestment. On this occasion the cathedral choir joined together with the Sistine Chapel Choir to sing Perosi’s ‘Tu es Petrus’ while the Pope prayed before the tomb of his own predecessor, St Peter. These are just some of the pieces on the new CD. The official ‘launch’ of the new CD will take place at Choral Evening Prayer in the Cathedral on Sunday 14 May at 3.00 pm. This will be followed by a short reception in the Gibberd Room at which the CD will be officially launched. All are are most welcome to attend both Evening Prayer and the reception following. The CD will be available for sale at all the major Jubilee events in the Cathedral over the next few months, or you can order your copy direct from the Cathedral music office Tel: 0151 708 7283 or email: music@metcathedral.org.uk
Cathedral Record Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean Fifty years ago on 13 May 1967 the Cathedral was consecrated in a rather private ceremony by Bishop Augustine Harris and then on the following day, Pentecost Sunday, the Opening Celebrations began with a Solemn Mass of Opening followed by weeks of events and concerts and services. The archdiocese had waited a long time to see their hopes of a Cathedral realised and they were determined to make the most of the occasion. The final part of this Cathedral journey was an abandonment of the Lutyens (later Scott) projects in favour of a contemporary design. It was to cost no more than £1million, be completed within ten years (it took five), seat no less than three thousand people with a clear sight of the altar and incorporate links with the Lutyens Crypt. There were 298 designs submitted which were shortlisted down to twenty with the Frederick Gibberd plans being awarded first prize for the way that he interpreted the brief. Particularly the way that the High Altar is a central focus ‘capturing the mind and directing the heart to the great act of worship that the Cathedral is built to provide’ (words of Cardinal Heenan). Fifty years on we have lived and journeyed with some of the shortcomings of sixties contemporary design, grown to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the building and its appropriateness for large liturgical celebrations and as a result of all that has taken place here over the years it has become a true spiritual home for this archdiocese and region. We have planned a whole series of celebrations to mark our fiftieth Jubilee Year running from mid-May to the Feast of Christ the King. There will be a special Pictorial Jubilee Edition next month, a special events brochure is also available and information on events on our website. We would like as many people as possible to come and celebrate with us, many of the events are free but for certain concerts and events we have had to charge a ticket price to cover some of our costs. There is something for everyone to enjoy and to mark this significant milestone in our history.
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Pic extras Mums the Word The Union of Catholic Mothers’ Annual Study Conference for 2017 was held at Swanwick in Derbyshire from 22-24 March, organised by our two national vice-presidents, Ann Emblem and Mary Piper. Six members from Liverpool Archdiocese attended.
News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba
Knights elect new provincial council
The theme this year was Pope Francis’s Encyclical ‘Laudato Si: On Care For Our Common Home’, in which the Pontiff emphasised that ‘the climate is a common good belonging to all and meant for all’. He stressed that ‘climate change is a global problem with grave implications – environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods.’ And he lamented that the poor, who are least responsible for causing the problem, are disproportionally vulnerable to its harmful effects. In the first session Father Liam Hayes and Father Augusto Zampini Davies from Cafod outlined the key messages of Laudato Si: the world must be viewed in a spiritual perspective, seeing creation as a holy and precious gift from God to be reverenced by all men and women, which we must protect and nurture. Other sessions delivered by Henry Emblem focused on climate change and our carbon footprint; how much we each generate in our daily lives, and how small steps by many people can make a big difference (no, ladies, I am not suggesting that we go back to the dolly tub but could we cut down on the times that we operate our machines?). Food waste, recycling and packaging were other topics discussed, along with the pollution of the seas – another disturbing subject. All those present returned home filled with determination to do their bit, so watch this space for developments. Our next Bi-Monthly Mass is at St Philomena’s on Wednesday 10 May at 7.30pm. I hope to see you there. God bless, Madelaine McDonald, media officer
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A new council was elected at the KSC quarterly meeting on 12 March at Sacred Heart Parish, Southport with Brother Pat Foley, the provincial grand knight, reelected to serve the final year of a three-year term of office. In accordance with the rules of the order, provincial officers must be re-elected annually at this time of year. It is interesting to recall that nine of Brother Pat’s predecessors in this role, going as far back as 1981, have carried on as active members of the order, contributing valuable experience to the Knights’ work. Seven of them came together recently with Brother Pat at the Columba Chapel and the photo (above) of their meeting features: (top row) Steve Laffan (PGK 200609) Phil Carroll (2000-03), Pat McGann (1997-00), Peter Kinsey
(2009-12); (front row) Frank Redmond (1981-84), Pat Foley (2015-present), John Hamilton (2012-15), Bernard McGuigan (Shrewsbury province 1981-83). It was hoped that all could be included but Harry Knight (provincial grand knight 1994-97) and Terry Carroll (PGK 2003-06) were unable to attend, while John Pilkington (PGK 1991-94) has moved abroad. Finally, a word of congratulations for Brother John Webb of Council 18, Widnes on reaching his golden jubilee of membership. He was presented with a commemorative certificate and medal by provincial grand knight Pat Foley at a recent council meeting. Websites: www.ksc.org.uk and www.kscprov02.weebly.com Email: dpokeane@aol.com
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We are
Celebrating
St Cuthbert’s Secondary Modern School was opened by the Most Rev. John Carmel Heenan, D.D., Ph.D., Archbishop of Liverpool, on September 29th, 1957. Three generations of students have now passed through our school, and this year, we celebrate and reflect on 60 years of educating the children of St Helens. We thank our community of staff, students, parents, governors and friends, both past and present, who have worked together as a Christian family to make St Cuthbert’s the thriving institution it is today.
Be part of our anniversary year! Full details of all events and activities can be found at www.stcuthberts.com Highlights include Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Wednesday 20 September, to which all are welcome to attend. Share your memories of St Cuthbert’s using #60at60, or e-mail WeAre60@stcuthberts.com
T: 01744 678 123 W: stcuthberts.com
/stcuthbertschs @stcuthbertschs
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PIC Life Join us on our fundraising Right to Life walk By Moira Billinge The Bank Holiday at the end of May brings one of the highlights of the year for our Right To Life campaigners in Liverpool Archdiocese – the annual sponsored walk in the picturesque Ribble Valley. Scheduled for Monday 29 May, the eight-mile circular walk will start and finish, just as in previous years, at Saint Michael and Saint John’s parish church in Clitheroe. Walkers are invited to congregate in the car park behind the church at 12.30pm for the pre-walk speeches ahead of a 1pm start – and they should know the terrain can be muddy in parts so suitable footwear is required. We are very grateful to Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Kelly, Bishop John Arnold of Salford, and Lord Alton of Liverpool who will walk with us once again. If you are unable to participate in the walk, perhaps you would consider sponsoring one of these special guests and if so, please let us know. As in past years, the event will be expertly marshalled throughout, with refreshments provided during the event and at the end. This is always a joyful occasion, though booking is important in order to facilitate the catering arrangements. Please contact me at moira.billinge@btinternet.com or on 07545118743 for booking and sponsor forms, or if you require any further information. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of the 1967 Abortion Act, so the 2017 sponsored walk holds extra significance. While Right To Life will continue to do its utmost to protect the unborn child (and all vulnerable life from conception to natural death), abortion providers and pro-abortion lobby groups will mark the anniversary with a series of events (already under way) to push for
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abortion on demand, and for any reason, up to birth. Diana Johnson MP tabled her 10-minute rule bill on 13 March to decriminalise abortion. She received Commons approval by 173-143 to proceed to a second reading – a 30vote majority caused by insufficient opposition from MPs. This was notionally to take place on 24 March, but has now been pushed back to 12 May. To highlight the tragic toll of over 8.5million babies aborted since 1967, Right To Life has prepared a series of projects to counter the very determined anti-life efforts. Every pound of the money donated to Right To Life is used effectively, but the number of projects planned to mark the anniversary demands considerable financial resources. Right To Life seldom asks for money but to ensure sufficient financial support, the charity launched the Phyllis Bowman Annual Appeal at the start of this year. As many of you will remember, the founder of Right To Life was Phyllis Bowman, who died in 2012. She worked tirelessly for decades, with MPs and peers, despite her appallingly bad health. Such was her dedication to her work that she persuaded her husband, Jerry, to devise a system whereby her oxygen tubing was extended so it was long enough to reach her house office and so enable her to have the many hours of daily oxygen that she required. She worked often late into the night and only days before she died, she was dictating letters to MPs and peers from her hospital bed. Right To Life and the Pro-Life Research Unit continue her vital work and any help that you can offer will be greatly appreciated – and not least your prayers for the success of our sponsored walk and the cause behind it. • The address for St Michael and St John’s is Lowergate, Clitheroe, BB7 1AG.
Quote from Pope Francis “The family is also a sign of Christ. It manifests the closeness of God, who is a part of every human life since he became one of us through his incarnation, death and resurrection”.
Worth a visit
Visit the beautiful city of Krakow in Poland, for an experience of history, culture and faith, writes Lucy Oliver. Best known as a destination for those visiting the Nazi concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the city offers opportunities to reflect on those atrocities and to pray for peace and wholeness. The Empty Chairs Memorial – with its 70 bronze chairs, scattered around the Plac Bohaterow Getta – is a moving representation of those who lost their lives. It lies on the route to Schindler’s Factory, where you can see how Oskar Schindler used his connections and ceramics business to employ as many Jewish workers as he could, saving them from the camps despite risking his own safety in the process. Indeed, the city and its environs provide a wonderful testimony to faith. In the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, you can marvel at the way craftsmanship and faith come together in the impressive underground cathedral. In the Chapel of St Kinga, there are altars, a carved pulpit, a statue of John Paul II and Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, all carved from salt. Trips to the Salt Mines and the camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau can be booked online, or from your Krakow hotel.
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join in Children’s word search
Eating Out
The Feast of St Joseph the Worker is celebrated on May 1st. Check the clues to find out more.
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More Mullarkey From Johnny Kennedy
We list a few venues for a meal during May. Sapporo Teppanyaki Duke Street, Liverpool 0151 705 3005 Salt House Tapas Paradise Street, Liverpool 0151 706 0092 Fraiche Rose Mount, Oxton, Wirral 0151 652 2914 Red Fox Liverpool Road, Thornton Hough, Wirral 0151 353 2920 Blackberry Grove Grosvenor Road, New Brighton 0151 639 9608 Maray Allerton Road, Liverpool 18 0151 709 5820
Cards from Carmel
The young curate had just come back from London where he had been attending a series of lectures concerning the relationship between the priest and his parishioners. ‘It’s amazing what some of the churches in London are up to’ he told Father Mullarkey. ‘Like what?’ ‘Well they run all sorts of courses for their parishioners on lots of different subjects. I went to a church in Bethnal Green and they were doing a class on New Secular Philosophy.’ ‘I’ll tell Maggie Donnelly and her mates’ said Father Mullarkey, ‘they can cancel their bingo and have that instead.’ ‘Be serious Father.’ ‘I am being serious’ said the auld fella. ‘Maggie asked me a question last week and I couldn’t answer it.’ ‘What was the question?’ ‘At the Last Supper, who did the washing-up?’
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
If you haven’t managed to visit Maryton Carmel maybe now is a good time to try and visit. The shop has a great selection of cards for all occasions and is definitely worth a visit. You can contact the Sisters at the Monastery: Maryton Grange, Allerton Road, L18 3NU. Telephone the card office on 0151 724 7102 or Email the Sisters at marytoncards@outlook.com
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justice & peace Postcard from Valladolid For Joseph Champion-Williams, spending Holy Week at his Spanish seminary and sharing in the traditions of the place was a wonderful time rich in blessings. Dear friends, I write to you wishing that you may be full of Easter joy and peace in the risen Christ. The celebrations of Semana Santa and the Easter Vigil here at the English College in Valladolid were extraordinary, most definitely an experience I will always hold close to my heart. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to live this great week of weeks in a place like this, filled with beauty, goodness and the truth of our faith, celebrating the risen Christ. One particular moment I would like to share with you was from the night of Santo Lunes, the Monday of Holy Week. At around midnight, the college led the city in prayer and adoration of the love between Our Blessed Mother and her beloved son, Jesus Christ, as the students of the college carried the centuriesold statue of Our Lady Vulnerata out of our chapel and onto the street to greet Our Lord. It had been a typical Monday until then, the usual business of the day done by about 9pm. Then a long wait ensued before we were called upon to serve at midnight. So I went into the chapel where, to my great joy, the throne had been prepared with Our Lady placed on top. I looked up at the statue, and although this ancient image of Our Lady has been hacked away at – and she looked wounded and dearly longing for her son – she was beautiful. I used these hours until the procession to spend time with her, to meditate especially on her great 'Fiat' and the way she gave her whole life to God. I then reflected upon these last nine months of my life. The Lord has matured me greatly, but I have a long way to go. Our Lord is wanting me entirely, and I'm still afraid to let go completely. I'm wounded, I'm broken, but like Our Lady Vulnerata, I'm also longing for that unity of will with her son. 'My heart desires You Lord, and with Your Blessed Mother's help I will come to know You better.' It was a special time of prayer for which I was very thankful. The rest of the week was full of the various different processions, liturgies and celebrations, all pointing to, and glorifying, Our Lord's passion, death and resurrection. In fact, I could probably write a book about the wonderful experiences I have had, but I choose to share this with you – because I feel it is these kind of moments, times of deep meditation and prayer, centring our lives on the Lord, with Our Blessed Mother, that give us life and sustain us for our journey. In Domino, Joseph
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Bumping into God By Steve Atherton, Justice & Peace fieldworker. I am often struck by the goodness of people, their kindness and generosity, their willingness to forget themselves and put others first. In terms of whether religion is a force for good that promotes this unselfish behaviour, Karl Rahner famously said: ‘The Christian of the 21st century will be a mystic or he won’t be a Christian at all.’ What a challenge! How can we move the practice of our faith beyond mere observance: beyond attendance at Mass, reception of the Sacraments and the following of rules of behaviour – good though these are – so that we move towards developing the deep, personal relationship with God that is implied in the call to be a mystic? This raises for me the question of what is a ‘mystical’ attitude. No one can look at another person and say with any certainty ‘He’s a mystic!’ or ‘She’s a mystic!’. It’s hardly even a label that we would be comfortable putting on ourselves. So, what does it imply? Is it simply that we must spend more time in prayer or does it call for a radical renewal of the way we look at the world and our place in it? To my mind, it calls for an openness to the connections between creation and the Creator, a willingness to see that God is truly part of our world. As Ignatius of Loyola would say, if we look carefully, we can see God in all things. Since a world which God created must be good, it follows, that, as well as an openness to prayer and reflection, any search for mysticism calls for an awareness of how we relate to the rest of creation, to other people and to the world around us. When science brought home to us that the world is interconnected, even that the universe is interconnected, it was putting into modern language an insight that
Sr Martha Zechmeister CJ religious faith has always had. We operate at a level of interconnectedness. Mysticism is not a retreat into an inner world of fuzzy holiness, but rather an entering into the mystery of God’s involvement with the world, an awakening to the world as it is. Unfortunately, our world is being disfigured by poverty and starvation, by wars and warmongers, by injustice and oppression. The world desperately needs us to set free our human potential for goodness so that we become mystics who take action, able to live in service of God through service of others instead of spending our time worrying about our own survival and comfort. After the installation of the statue of Blessed Oscar Romero in the Metropolitan Cathedral in March, Sister Martha Zechmeister CJ spoke to a gathering in the Gibberd Room. She said that we bump into God in our encounters with the troubles of people. I give her the last words: ‘Christian mysticism is always a mysticism of the way: following Jesus; risking ourselves for the sake of those who are in danger of getting trapped between the cogwheels; losing ourselves in the mystery of God.’
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