Catholic pic september 2017 by Educate Magazine

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Issue 156 September2017

Meet our students for the priesthood

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2017

Education special: Results Day 2017

A New Cathedral 1960

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contents Issue 156 September2017

Welcome Our front cover shows the Chapel of the Venerable English College in Rome. The Bull of Foundation of the English College was issued by Pope Gregory XIII on 1 May 1579, since which time it has been home to those studying for the priesthood, many of them from our own archdiocese. This month we meet our current group of students, studying not only at the English College but also at the Pontifical Beda College, Rome; St Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham; St John’s Seminary, Wonersh, Surrey and St Alban’s College, Valladolid, Spain. Please remember them in your prayers.

Meet our students for the priesthood

Among them is Joseph Champion-Williams who, over the last year, has provided us with a ‘Postcard from Valladolid’ as he began his studies. He now moves on to Oscott and so from next month we have a change of face and a change of venue as Joshua Dixon, studying in Rome, takes up the baton to offer us a ‘Postcard from Rome’. We also take time to reflect on this year’s Lourdes Pilgrimage which returned at the beginning of August, and we meet His Excellency Michael Byrne, the new Lieutenant for England and Wales of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2017

Four page education special

A New Cathedral 1960

Contents

From the Archbishop’s Desk

Main Feature Meet our students for the Priesthood

I can’t get the image of the burning Grenfell Tower out of my mind. The extent of the tragedy is still unfolding as families wait to be rehoused and the mortal remains of their loved ones who died are sifted from the ash and debris. The bereaved relatives are crying out for justice, and the authorities are coming to terms with their own often inadequate response. In the midst of the devastation there has been an emergence of a real sense of community. I thank God that a community has emerged from the ruins and found its voice. We need to listen to that voice because as Christians we believe that at the heart of community we can discover Christ suffering for us.

News From around the Archdiocese

Community is often used to describe a group of people who live in a particular area or have a common origin, but in this case people from many diverse backgrounds and social classes have discovered something fundamental which has united them. The etymology of the word ‘community’, suggests being one together. In the Church we have a related word: ‘Communion’ that has the particular meaning of being one together in Christ. As Catholics we need to put that idea of Communion into practice in our daily lives, not just at Mass, by reaching out to others with compassion (suffering together?) and by being companions (bread sharers?) to enrich our local communities. That is one lesson we can learn from Grenfell Tower. Most Rev Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool

12 Sunday Reflections Liturgy and Life 14 What’s On Whats happening in the Archdiocese Lourdes Pilgrimage 2017 15 Profile Michael Byrne A Liverpudlian Lieutenant for the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre 16 Lourdes 2017 Reflections on the Pilgrimage 18 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC 29 Cathedral Record Diana, Princess of Wales, remembered 32 Pic Life How a broken computer led to a lesson in trust

Editor Peter Heneghan

Copy deadline October 2017 issue 8 September 2017

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33 Join In Family Fun and More Mullarkey 34 Justice and Peace Welcome to the season of creation

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Our Students for the Priesthood This year the archdiocese has twelve students studying for the priesthood, we meet them as they continue or begin their studies.

Philip Carr Pontifical Beda College, Rome Philip Carr writes: It was on my first visit to Lourdes with the Archdiocesan Music Group at the age of 18 that I first felt a strong and overpowering call to serve the Lord, but I never felt ready to say ‘yes’. It was again on pilgrimage to Lourdes some 18 years later, when this call I had buried deep inside, came fighting its way to the forefront of my thoughts and this time I couldn’t bury it. In September 2013, I was sent to Valladolid in Spain for the propaedutic year, which helped me a lot in my discernment. The Archbishop then sent me to Rome to study at the Beda College. I was ordained deacon at St Paul’s Basilica in Rome on 14 June this year.

Anthony Kelly Pontifical Beda College, Rome Anthony Kelly writes: I am currently studying at the Beda College in Rome where I will undertake my final year of studies as a deacon. I was ordained on 14 June at St Paul’s Outside-the-Walls, followed by a celebration in the College with family and friends who had also made the trip to Rome. Previous to this I completed a year at St Alban’s College, Valladolid. Over the summer I have been getting used to being a deacon in my own parish of St Mary’s in Wigan and I am currently enjoying my final seminary placement in the parish of St Wilfrid in Widnes. Thank you to all who have supported me: it does make a big difference.

Is the Lord calling you to be a Priest? Responding to the call. Monthly meetings for those discerning the call are held on the first Saturday of each month at St Charles Borromeo Presbytery, Aigburth Road, L17 9PG, from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. For further information contact Father James Preston, Vocations Director: frjamespreston@gmail.com

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Carl Mugan Pontifical Beda College, Rome Carl Mugan writes: I am a mature student for the priesthood at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, currently preparing for my 4th and final year there. My time in Italy has been an amazing experience, allowing me to discern properly what plans God has for me, as well as making some fantastic friends and the opportunity to study and deepen my faith. Prior to joining the Beda College, I was Chaplain to St Peters Catholic High School in Wigan, which was great preparation for the journey I have been on. None of this would have been possible without the support of the archdiocese and my fantastic family and friends. I would kindly ask that everyone keep all those discerning and training for the Priesthood in your thoughts and prayers.

Joshua Dixon Venerable English College, Rome Joshua Dixon writes: Having grown-up in Huyton, attending schools in Cronton and Liverpool, I opted to study Theology at university. I was fascinated by the deeper questions of faith, meaning, why things are and, ultimately, who or what God is. More personally, who is God for me. Although I had been in touch with the diocesan vocations director before university, I began to discern if the Lord was calling me to a monastic vocation, over time, however, I came to realise that the diocesan priesthood allows for a broader mixture, a cocktail, if you will, of spirituality, lived out in a more direct service of God's people. Archbishop Malcolm sent me to the Venerable English College in Rome, where I am about to begin my third year of Philosophy at the Dominicanrun Angelicum University. It has been a rewarding and exciting journey of growth and development thus far.

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feature

Joseph Champion-Williams

Thomas Clarke

Hugh Dunleavy

Peter Murphy

St Mary’s College, Oscott Joseph Champion-Williams writes: I am from the parish of St. Wilfrid in Garston, an exArmy Reservist and I am also a graduate of Liverpool Hope University, reading Politics with International Relations. More recently I've spent this past year, as ‘Pic’ readers will know, in Northern Spain completing the first year of my formation in what is known as the propaedeutic year. I had a wonderful time in Valladolid, and I am sad not to be returning. However, I must go on and continue my formation, please God, to the priesthood and I am now being sent, as of September, to Oscott college in Birmingham. I am looking forward to this new challenge.

St Mary’s College, Oscott Thomas Clarke writes: I am 23 years old and have been in priestly formation for the archdiocese since September 2012. My parish church is St Charles Borromeo, Aigburth, and as a child, I attended Carleton House Preparatory School and then St Edward’s College. I have wanted to be a priest since early childhood and applied to Archbishop Kelly to begin seminary formation on the Lourdes pilgrimage in 2012. I spent my first year in formation at the English College in Valladolid and have spent the subsequent four years at St Mary’s College, Oscott. I have just begun my fifth year at Oscott, and please God, I will be ordained a deacon next summer and a priest the following year.

St Mary’s College, Oscott Hugh Donleavy writes: I am 21 years old and starting seminary at Oscott in September. I was born and grew up in Warrington, in a catholic family of four brothers and four sisters. Ever since I was little I’ve felt called to be a priest. When I finished my A levels three years ago I joined a missionary group based in France, called the Paris Foreign Missions. I did three years of seminary in France, and during that time I discerned that my vocation was to come back to the Liverpool archdiocese to be a diocesan priest. I arrived back in the country this summer and am really looking forward to starting at Oscott.

St John’s Seminary, Wonersh Peter Murphy writes: I am from St Marie’s on the Sands parish in Southport, and will begin my fourth year of seminary formation this September. For the next nine months I will be undertaking a long placement at St Matthew’s, Clubmoor and St Cecilia’s, Tuebrook with Father Conor Stainton-Polland and his parish team. After this placement, I will return to St John’s Seminary, Wonersh in the Surrey Hills for the final two years of formation. Before heading to Hertfordshire University to study Business Management, I was Head Boy at St Mary’s College, Crosby. It was during my time at St Mary’s that I first began to think I may have a vocation to the priesthood.

‘Please pray for me and the other seminarians ’

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feature

Simon Bristow St Alban’s College, Valladolid Simon Bristow writes: I am 55 and will be going to Valladolid in Spain for my continuing journey towards the priesthood. I converted to Catholicism in the early 80s. I have had a varied working life: as an office administrator, in the casino industry, for a funeral company and recently owned martial arts schools where I taught Taekwon Do. My journey started when I went to church with a Catholic friend, because it was a Sunday morning and he couldn't play football as he had to go to church, and was taken aback by the sign of peace, complete strangers wishing me peace. I decided to find out more.

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Peter Cusick St Alban’s College, Valladolid Peter Cusick writes: My home parish is St Michael's, West Derby Road. I have been assisting Father James Preston at St Charles', Aigburth, for the past eighteen-months, and during this time I have shared my spiritual journey with that of the communities and I have learned more about the priesthood and what it entails. I am still involved in my home parish, on Sundays, preparing a meal for the local community. I previously worked as an alarm and CCTV engineer, and will miss this work, but I am now looking forward to going to Valladolid, this September, to begin my training for the Catholic priesthood. Please pray for me and the other seminarians who will begin formation this September.

Martin Fyles St Alban’s College, Valladolid Martin Fyles writes: I am originally from Our Lady and St Joseph’s parish, Southport, and I moved back there in 2014 after teaching English in Spain for three years. Since then, I’ve worked in various roles, while continuing to discern a vocation to the priesthood that first suggested itself around twenty years ago. I’m very glad to have the opportunity to move forward in this journey, starting with the propaedeutic year in Valladolid. Before teaching in Spain, I worked for several years in the refugee field, as well as in the Chaplaincy and student accommodation at Liverpool Hope University. I love languages, travel, walking and watching football, and I support both Everton and Southport (more than enough penance for most people). I’m looking forward to seminary, please keep me in your prayers.

Peter Ross St Alban’s College, Valladolid Peter Ross writes: I am extremely excited to start my training for the priesthood at Valladolid this September. Since a young age I have felt a calling to the priesthood, and for the past five years I have been meeting with our vocations director to discern my vocation. I have just finished studying at the University of Derby where I completed a degree in youth and community development, alongside my role as a youth worker at YMCA Derbyshire. After many years of prayer I now feel I am ready to enter formal discernment at seminary. I would like to ask you all to pray for me, as I embark upon my training. Likewise, I sincerely promise to pray for you all.

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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

Ramsey’s annual strawberry fair

The annual Strawberry Fair, held in a marquee in the grounds of the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea and Saint Maughold, Ramsey, Isle of Man, was more successful than ever this year as a combined fund raising and community event. The cream teas have become so popular that there was a huge demand for tickets before the day itself. A Strawberry Prince and Princess competition was a big hit with the children and the Strawberry cake stall was a sell-out. The Strawberry mascot can be seen standing between parish priest, Father Brian O’Mahony and former chief minister Allan Bell CBE, who opened the Fair.

Workhouse to Worship An exhibition on display in the Hornby Library in Liverpool Central Library in William Brown Street shows the Mount Pleasant site prior to the construction of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. The crypt for the uncompleted Cathedral by Sir Edwin Lutyens was opened in 1937, previously the site was occupied by Brownlow Hill Workhouse which was finally demolished in 1931and at one time the largest workhouse in England. Brownlow Hill Workhouse opened in 1771 in open countryside to provide shelter for the poor and destitute of the parish of Liverpool. Known as a ‘town within a town’, it occupied a 9 acre site that in time came to serve 5,000 inmates. The responsibility for building the Workhouse, its staffing and administration fell on the local Board of Guardians, or in Liverpool the Select Vestry. Religious worship was encouraged and an Anglican church was built within the

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confines, although Roman Catholic services were not allowed until 1844 and did not become a regular occurrence until 1856. Father Joseph Kelly celebrated Mass for the Catholic congregation from 1907 to 1927. His Police Identity Certificate is available to view on display along with the

monstrance used in services. There are Workhouse architectural plans, paintings, maps, photographs, apprentice indentures, Christmas invitations and many more related records of interest on display. The exhibition remains open until 29 September 2017.

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news diary Flash-mob at SMMJ for Father Mark

St Margaret Mary’s Junior School paid tribute to their parish priest, Father Mark Moran, who is leaving after 14 years in the parish writes Headteacher, Marcella Armstrong. Although everyone was very saddened to hear of his departure, the children, staff and Governors wanted to make his leaving celebrations very special. They began with an assembly when the children read poems, sang and paid tribute to his wonderful work at the school. Father Mark was presented with a leaving gift which consisted of a piece of art work which included the thumb print of every child and member of staff in the school; following the assembly an amazing ‘Flash Mob’ took place in the school grounds and all the staff alongside the 500 children danced and sang their hearts out to an emotional Father Mark. Tribute was paid to his work in the parish and the unconditional support he always provided. Father Mark will be very sadly missed by everyone at SMMJ and the children, staff and Governors send him best wishes for the future.

Happy Platinum Anniversary John and Anne Murphy of St Thomas’s parish Waterloo recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. John was invited to train for the permanent diaconate by Monsignor Cyril Taylor, the then Parish Priest of St Thomas’s. His wife Anne, and his entire family, fully supported him throughout his training and his subsequent ministry. John was ordained in 1980 and served as a deacon in St Thomas’s and in latter years in Holy Spirit, Ford. He now assists daily at Nazareth House Chapel as he had done for decades previously in Park House Chapel. As always he is accompanied by his beloved wife Anne.

Obituary of Rev Patrick Harnett SCJ Patrick Joseph Harnett was born in Dublin on 22 May 1929, the third of seven children of Eileen and Michael Harnett. As a boy, he attended St Bridget's Convent School, before proceeding to St Mary's College, Dublin. While at school, Patrick Harnett served daily Mass for the Capuchin Franciscan Fathers and hoped one day to join them. However, a chance meeting with a young seminarian, who was a member of the Sacred Heart Fathers, led to a change of direction. Aged 15, he went first to the Sacred Heart Fathers' Seminary in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, and later to St Joseph's College, Malpas, making his Religious profession in 1949 at the age of 21. He was ordained priest on 8 December 1954. Father Pat's first appointment was to teach history and Latin at the Sacred Heart Fathers' Seminary, Woodcote Hall, Shropshire. Then in October 1961 he took up residence in St Patrick’s Presbytery in Liverpool and, at Archbishop Heenan’s invitation began what was to become the Archdiocesan Youth Service based in Evesham House in Aigburth. Father Pat's youth service ministry was to span twentyeight years. A new type of work awaited him when in September 1989, he was asked to establish a Christian presence in the Albert Dock. On behalf of the Merseyside Christian churches, he set up the Riverside Ecumenical Chaplaincy. At the same time, he was appointed Chaplain to St Mary's College, Crosby. Further chaplaincy work was to follow when, in January 1992, he was appointed Port Chaplain and Director of the Apostleship of the Sea, Liverpool. Additionally, in December 1997, he became the parish priest of St Robert Bellarmine, Bootle. This was Father Pat’s first and only appointment as a Parish Priest. In May 2011 he underwent major surgery before going to Ince Blundell Hall for recuperation. It gradually became evident that his days as Parish Priest were over He accepted ‘the Lord’s will’ with great trust, telling one of his visitors, ‘He knows what he is doing’. On 6 August 2016 Father Pat went to live in Stanley House, a Dementia Care Home in Toxteth, in the area where his Liverpool ministry had begun some 55 years earlier. He died there peacefully on 17 July 2017. His Funeral Mass was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Malone at St Robert Bellarmine, Bootle prior to burial at Malpas.

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news diary Level 1 award for St Paschal Baylon In January 2016 St Pascal Baylon Catholic Primary School in Childwall embarked on a journey to become a UNICEF Rights Respecting School. A steering committee was established with children from different year groups, two staff members and a governor. They held weekly meetings and produced a monthly newsletter focusing on a particular article from the Convention so that gradually the whole school is becoming familiar with all of the 54 articles. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the group along with Governor, Mrs Kelly; Teaching Assistant, Mrs Maclean and the training delivered to other members of staff by the lead teacher, Mrs Ashton, the children are rapidly becoming global citizens. They now have a voice in all matters affecting them and can see that Rights are something they, and all children throughout the world, are entitled to. They can also recognise when these Rights are being denied. One of the articles of the month concerned refugee children and, as the school has a campaign group led by Year 3 teacher Mr Gowans, they focused on

drawing attention to the plight of refugee children separated from their parents by collecting signatures to send a petition to local MP Maria Eagle. She was very impressed and visited the school to collect the petition in person and to meet some of the children. On the 4th July, a UNICEF representative visited the school, evaluated all the written

A New Cathedral 1960 Visitors from throughout the world have been viewing a remarkable exhibition being held as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral. ‘A New Cathedral 1960’ provides a unique insight into the competition which was called by Archbishop John Carmel Heenan in 1959 to find a design for the Metropolitan Cathedral. In all 298 entries were received and a selection of the ones which weren’t chosen are on display. The exhibition has been produced by Dominic Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the Liverpool School of Art and Design, and has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund North West with thanks also to John Moores University and the Cathedral Jubilee Committee for their support. It runs until Sunday 10 September in the main entrance area of the Cathedral and is open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm each day; entry is free.

evidence and spoke to children, staff, parents and governors. At the end of the assessment visit the school was informed that they had achieved their second milestone (the first milestone being Recognition of Commitment) of the UNICEF award and St Paschal Baylon is now proud to be a Level 1 Rights Respecting School.

World of Atherton

Dominic Wilkinson who has produced the exhibition

Designs were sent from all over the world

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news diary

New Certificate in Pastoral Ministry for Dioceses in the north of England ‘by Veronica Murphy This unique opportunity is available from January 2018 to dioceses in the North of England and others. The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is being offered by Loyola University, Chicago and has the support of local dioceses. It will provide the foundation for our own Archdiocesan Diploma in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership. The customised certificate will consist of ten six-week modules delivered in an online format allowing participants the freedom and flexibility of study in their own home. Integral to the course will be three days for participants to meet each other face to face facilitated by Sister Catherine Darby SND and Mrs Veronica Murphy who are the UK co-ordinators for the course. They will gather students together for prayer, reflection and creative engagement with the overall themes. Participants will need to be serious about their own faith development, willing to serve in the local Church and have competent computer skills. It is a non-degree, non-credit programme offered over two years, equipping teachers, deacons, catechists, and lay leaders with up-to-date knowledge, skills, and education for contemporary pastoral ministry. Those who successfully complete the entire ten module series will receive a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University, Chicago. Participants from Liverpool will then be able to extend their study for a further year to qualify for the Archdiocesan Diploma. The course will model adult learning and shared praxis and be rooted in theological texts and the lived experience of participants. Each module will require approximately 20 hours of time for on-line engagement, reading and reflection. The modules offered will be: What is Pastoral Ministry? Students will explore what being called to pastoral ministry in the Church means today. God who reveals: looking at the Old

Testament Students will be introduced to the whole range of Old Testament texts revealing a God who Loves God’s People Christ and his disciples: looking at the New Testament Students will explore the New Testament texts with particular attention to the ministry of Jesus and of his followers. Missionary disciples: The story of the Church in Britain Students will explore the historical background to the current situation of the Christian churches in Britain. Vision of the Church: Vatican II This course covers the story and promise of the Council, including a study of selected texts, discussions over its interpretation and implementation, and a dynamic view of its on-going relevance for the Church’s self-identity Holiness and Wholeness: how we grow as people of faith Students will explore human, spiritual and psychological development and the unique call each person receives to be fully human and alive. Building a fairer world: Catholic social thought and practice Students will become familiar with the development of Catholic Social Teaching in relation to particular contemporary global and local issues. Particular attention will be given to history, texts, methodology and significant figures.

Building Parish Communities Parishes are where many Catholics experience their faith in community. Contemporary and emerging models for building parish communities will be explored in detail. Students will also learn about best practices for healthy parishes and effective collaboration and team work. Making connections: Catechesis as sharing faith today This course will deepen students’ understanding of catechesis and its importance for the life and mission of the Church particularly the priority of adult formation. It will explore ‘critical conversation’ as an essential process for growth and development, and the relationship between evangelisation, catechesis and religious education. Serving and leading: skills and strategies for ministry Students will explore the skills and strategies of effective pastoral ministry. Information sessions: Wednesday 4 October at LACE, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. 7.00 for 7.30 – 9.00 pm or Tuesday 10 October at Salford Cathedral 250 Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5LL. 7.00 for 7.30 – 9.00 pm. Light refreshments available on arrival. For further information contact either Pastoral Formation email: j.mercer@rcaol.co.uk or Sister Catherine Darby email: Catherine.m.darby@gmail.com or Veronica Murphy email: v.murphy@rcaol.co.uk

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sunday reflections On a liturgical note The arrival of September makes me reflect on new beginnings – perhaps a new school or university beckons, a new job or teacher or employer or boss. In some of our parishes it may be a new priest to welcome, while for the priests themselves there will be new faces to get to recognise, new parishioners to know, and a fresh community about whom they must learn and with whom they exercise their service of the Gospel. For our new students here at the Beda College in Rome, there is the challenge of a new country, no doubt a change of lifestyle and the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new ‘rhythm’ of community life. Despite our best efforts to ‘normalise’ things and to make people feel at home, the induction period for the ‘nuovi’, the new students, is always a balancing act between the excitement of new challenges and the fear of the unknown! Newness and change is something which some of us take in our stride, a natural part of what it is to grow and develop: for others of us, it is always challenging and slightly unnerving –

Sunday thoughts We have a discussion group at St Mary’s in the Isle of Man in which we focus on the following Sunday’s readings. I have a terracotta crucifix from my time in Peru. For a change, a few weeks ago, I passed around the crucifix and asked each person to hold it for a moment before passing it on to their neighbour. We then shared our reactions. This crucifix is almost grotesque in its depiction of the sufferings of Jesus. The hands and feet, grossly out of proportion with the rest of Christ’s body, are clenched in spasms of pain as they are penetrated by the nails. There are copious drops of blood. Jesus’s face is contorted in agony. The week of our meeting had seen the conclusion of the BBC drama series ‘Broken’ in which Sean Bean, unexpectedly but amazingly convincingly, played the part of a Liverpool inner-city parish priest. Some of the group had seen it. Each episode told a story of human suffering among his parishioners as

Canon Philip Gillespie

until the new becomes so much a part of everyday we get to the stage of looking back and saying, ‘Haven’t we always done it like this?’. On the 14th of this month we keep the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross when the Liturgy invites us to recognise in the Cross of Christ the still and stable sign of the love of Jesus for his people. Amid the many changes and challenges of everyday life, this remains static and trustworthy. I am reminded of the motto of the Carthusian Monks, ‘Stat crux dum volvitur orbis’. This translates – roughly – as ‘The Cross stands steady while the world is turning’. So, if a new challenge faces you, a change from the way things have always been done, bringing a fresh perspective and direction on your life, remember also the words of Jesus which conclude the Gospel of Matthew from which our Sunday Gospel readings are taken this year: Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the ages.

Mgr John Devine OBE

they struggled with the tragedies, cruelties and absurdities of modern urban living. This was not light entertainment. Each episode presented the parish priest with challenges to his own faith as he attempted to sustain the faith of his people. And he, too, had his own demons. Central to each story was the celebration of daily Mass in the parish church attended by characters featured in the series. In an interview in the Tablet, the author Jimmy McGovern was asked why the series was called ‘Broken’. Peter Stanford, the interviewer, confessed that he had expected the answer to lie in ‘broken lives’, ‘broken Britain’, ‘broken church’ or even ‘broken priesthood’. No, said Jimmy McGovern. The ‘Broken’ of the title referred to the broken bread of the Eucharist, the broken Body of Christ.

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

The practice of discernment As I wrote last month we are all called to love. Within that call to love, God has a plan for us. One of the ways of discernment is through the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius was a soldier who was badly wounded in battle and taken to recover to his brother’s castle in Loyola. While he was recovering, he had two vivid daydreams, both of which were pleasurable. In one he dreamt of doing great acts of bravery and winning a lady’s favour. The second set of dreams was about giving his life to Jesus. He became aware that at the end of the dreams he had two different experiences. After the first, he was generally just out of sorts. After the second he was left with a sense of deep contentment. He decided that the dreams of following Jesus were inspired by God and the other dreams by other realities and so his journey into God had begun. He then went to live near Montserrat where he spent time in prayer which changed him deeply. He wrote down what happened and these notes became the Spiritual Exercises. These exercises have presuppositions. He believed that God wants a personal relationship with us and that every moment of our existence is an encounter with God. He knew from his own experience that the journey is never smooth and he knew that for anyone taking discernment seriously there was a need to have someone to accompany you as you seek God's will for your life. Ignatius discovered that God has hopes and dreams for all of us and will make known these hopes and dreams during times of prayer and reflection and conversation. He invites us to look at our motivation and our responses to what we think God may be saying. The Spiritual Exercises help people to come to decisions about what to do in our lives. The process involves us becoming more sensitive and aware of the action of God in our lives, trusting ourselves and our feelings. The peace and joy of God only comes when we trust ourselves and trust God working in and through our emotional life. Much of the prayer and reflection in Ignatian decision-making has to do with achieving the detachment necessary to choose freely. The process of discernment requires work. It asks that we make every effort to discover God's will, weighing all the circumstances and likely outcomes. This involves a real commitment to prayer, listening and responding. When we have finished making a choice this way, we should ‘feel’ comfortable and consoled with the final decision. God is at work in our lives leading us more closely into the mystery of His plan for us. Ultimately we are called to love and in every decision we make, we are called to more love because love brings us life in its fullness. Father Chris Thomas

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what’s on september Wednesday 6 September ‘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 Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 7.15 pm at St Edmund of Canterbury, Waterloo, L22 8QF. Preacher : Father Joe Kendall. Thursday 7 September 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 Saturday 9 September Charity Tea Party In aid of Beacon Counselling Trust, a local charity based in Clubmoor. 12.00 noon to 4.00 pm at St. Matthew’s, Clubmoor, L13 9DL. Free admission. Tea, Coffee, Cakes, Tombola, Raffle, Book Stall and hand knitted and crocheted goods. Sunday 10 September Liverpool Bach Collective Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata 33: ‘Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ’ (‘Only on you, Lord Jesus Christ, does my hope rest’) 6.30 pm at St David’s Church, Rocky Lane/Queen’s Drive, Childwall, Liverpool L16 1JA. Singers and Players directed by Philip Duffy. Tuesday 12 September 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 13 September Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 7.15 pm at St Edmund of Canterbury, Waterloo, L22 8QF. Preacher : Father John Bradley. Thursday 14 September ‘Blessed are you…’ Discovering the Beatitudes Scripture Morning 10.00 am at lrenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Sunday 17 September Home Mission Sunday Wednesday 20 September ‘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 Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 7.15 pm at St Edmund of Canterbury, Waterloo, L22 8QF. Preacher : Father Blaise. Thursday 21 September ‘Blessed are you…’ Discovering the Beatitudes Scripture Morning 10.00 am at lrenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Friday 22 September to Sunday 24 September ‘I believe in miracles.’ Reflections on the miracles of Jesus Scripture Weekend at lrenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Sunday 24 September Day of Prayer in thanksgiving for the harvest and fruits of human work.

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Saturday 23 September 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 Wednesday 27 September Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 7.15 pm at St Edmund of Canterbury, Waterloo, L22 8QF. Preacher : Father John Cullen. Thursday 28 September ‘Blessed are you…’ Discovering the Beatitudes Scripture Morning 10.00 am at lrenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk

A New Cathedral, 1960 Designs from the architectural competition for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. Continues daily from 10.00 am-4.00 pm until Sunday 10 September. Free entry. The Marriage and Family Life Department offers support meetings for the Divorced and Separated. The next series starts on 20 September 2017. 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 about the meetings and the venues and dates and other events or to book a place please contact Frances Trotman Tel: 0151 727 2195. General enquiries may be directed to Maureen O’Brien at LACE Tel: 0151 522 1044. Email: m.obrien@rcaol.co.uk The National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco will be travelling around the country, visiting various Cathedrals abbeys and churches this year, 2017, which is the Centenary year of the Fatima message, which was given by the Blessed Virgin in 1917. They will be at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on 6/7 October: Heritage Open Days The following churches in the Archdiocese will be open as part of the Heritage Open Days programme between Thursday 7 and Sunday 10 September: Metropolitan Cathedral Art Studio Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TQ Friday 8 September to Saturday 9 September: 10.00 am to 3.00 pm Holy Cross and St Helen Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1EF Saturday 9 September: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm (Tours at 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm) Sunday 10 September: 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm (Tour at 2.15 pm) St Anthony of Egypt Scotland Road, Liverpool, L5 5BD Thursday 7 and Friday 8 September: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Saturday 9 September: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (Mass at 12.00 noon; Lecture and Tour from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm) Sunday 10 September: 11.00 am to 3.00 pm St Clare Arundel Avenue, Sefton Park, L17 2AU Saturday 9 September: 10.00 am to 4.30 pm St Francis Xavier Salisbury Street, Liverpool L3 8DR Thursday 7 September to Sunday 10 September: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm St Mary Broadfield Drive, Leyland, PR25 1PD Sunday 10 September: 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm St Oswald, King and Martyr St Oswald Street, Old Swan, L13 5SB Friday 8 September to Sunday 10 September: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm St Vincent de Paul St James Street, Liverpool, L1 5EE Saturday 9 September: 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm

website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk 14

Monday 25 September to Saturday 30 September ‘Come to the Quiet.’ An individually directed residential retreat at lrenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Limited places available. Suggested donation £210. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk

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profile

Michael Byrne A Liverpudlian Lieutenant for the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre By Simon Hart During his many years as a Circuit Judge at Preston Crown Court, Michael Byrne never, he says, let his experiences ‘detract from my optimistic view of humanity as a whole’. Today, as the recently installed Lieutenant of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre for England and Wales, he is seeking to help maintain a source of optimism in a place further afield: the Holy Land. The Knights’ modern raison d’être – as laid down by Pope Pius IX in the 1850s following the revival of an order first created during the time of the Crusades – is to support the Archdiocese of Jerusalem, and this support is needed more than ever. ‘I cannot overstress this, we’re not a political organisation at all, but we’re operating in a very sensitive political region and there’s no doubt there are political moves to encourage the Christian Palestinians to leave and there are various mechanisms used by the Israeli state to do that,’ says Michael. ‘Quite often the Christian population, which is now down to less than two per cent, are feeling very beleaguered and isolated so quite apart from the practical needs, a presence of support is very much appreciated.’ Michael, who grew up in the Woolton

area of Liverpool, still misses his work as a judge, having retired on his 70th birthday in December 2015. Yet he is now fully occupied with his commitments overseeing the KHS’s England and Wales Lieutenancy, following his installation at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark in June. Next month, he will help lead their latest pilgrimage to the Holy Land – an opportunity to visit the Beit Jala seminary in Bethlehem, which the order helps to support with donations along with twiceyearly visits. ‘There was a heavy emphasis right from the beginning of our work on supporting the seminary and assisting them,’ he explains. ‘We always visit the seminary on our pilgrimages and one of the things we’ve developed now is every year a number of seminarians – students usually in their last year before ordination – come over to England, up to Lancashire, for the summer, so see how parish life here is organised. ‘We also make it an essential part of our pilgrimage to go into parishes and schools,’ he adds, ‘as it has become apparent to us, ever since the time of the second Intifada, that above all else what local people appreciate is presence.’ A parishioner at St Bartholomew’s in

Rainhill, Michael has a wish to ‘increase the vibrancy of the Order’ during his four-year tenancy as Lieutenant. ‘One objective is to increase membership,’ he says of an organisation with almost 600 members, Knights and Dames, in England and Wales, and around 23,000 worldwide. ‘Membership is not just a question of numbers and as with every other Catholic organisation there is the question of an ageing membership. Also, the time has come to be more outward-looking and make ourselves much more widely known in parishes and in dioceses. ‘People often say to me, “What’s the difference between the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and any other fundraising charitable organisation giving to the Holy Land?”. What I say is, we’re a specific order established by popes and maintained by successive popes with a specific purpose in mind and although we don’t take vows at our installation Mass we take promises before the Blessed Sacrament to be devout and established practising Catholics. I always say you can’t do your best work in the Holy Land without your spiritual base back home.’ For further information about the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, visit their website, khs.org.uk

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Our week in Lourdes here were 475 of our young people who departed on 20 July for this year’s Archdiocesan youth pilgrimage to Lourdes. Here pilgrims from the nine youth coaches reflect on the memorable week that followed.

Coach 1, Liverpool – Ciara Mooney, 19 One of my favourite moments was the night when Coach 1 met on the prairie within the domain for the prayer stations. This was an opportunity to stop and reflect on our own lives. Lourdes is place of a sanctuary, where people feel empowered to open up. It felt humbling to be able to help comfort fellow pilgrims as they discussed their difficulties. That night was particularly overwhelming, as I witnessed God’s presence around me in other people. Overall, Lourdes has had a massive impact on me personally. When I first went, I was only 15 and it was daunting for someone as quiet as me to get on a coach filled with

“

Veronica Grayston, assisted pilgrim from Holy Rosary parish, Aintree It was very humbling to be on the receiving end of the kindness, consideration and friendship of these young volunteers who paid their own expenses and gave freely of their time to assist people like myself who are unable to walk the distances required to take a full part in the pilgrimage.

”

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some big characters. Now, though, after five years of volunteering in Lourdes, I’m eager to begin a career as a paramedic. For me, helping the sick and vulnerable is a privilege and profoundly rewarding. Coach 2, Knowsley – Bethany Holt, 21 Everything you do every day in Lourdes is special. This year was particularly special to me as it was my last as a youth pilgrim. It made me look at each activity in a new light. At every Mass I found myself reminiscing on other Masses I’d been to over the past five years. Every time I was with an assisted pilgrim I found myself thinking of those I had met before. Every time we socialised as a coach, I was reminded of favourite moments – and songs – from previous years. All of this prompted me to speak in the closing liturgy and to highlight the biggest gift I'd been given: my coach family.

Coach 3, St Helens – Frankie Lennon, 18 This was my third year of being a volunteer and, most importantly, a pilgrim in probably my favourite place on earth. The energy we share together is awe-inspiring and a pleasure to be part of. It was my first time as an Over-18 and meeting friends old and new was a lesson in how we can all band together and be inspired by the faith we share. It goes without saying I'll be returning next year! Coach 4, Wigan and Leigh – Jack Simpson, 21 This was my sixth year and Lourdes remains for me an incredible place to serve people you’ve never met before, to develop new skills and make new friends. While it is always difficult to pick out a single highlight, my favourite moments came from taking the pilgrims down to Mass and socialising with them on Over-18s duty. I met one woman, in particular, who shared some truly

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inspirational stories with me and one day we spent some time in prayer together down at the Grotto. It’s amazing for people of different ages and backgrounds to come together like this and share their faith.

everyone gives me hope for this future and reinforces my faith.

Coach 5, Penwortham & Chorley – Gemma Smith, 20 My most touching experiences came from my work in the baths. Everyone who goes to the baths wants to be healed – whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually – and no matter what their language or culture is, you’re there to support them. This can be tough, yet the work is immeasurably rewarding. For anyone thinking of trying Lourdes, I advise them to go for it. You might not think you’re the type of person to go but send the form in on 7 November and you won’t regret it.

Coach 7, Sefton – Emily Crewe, 17 I often try to explain how much I enjoy Lourdes to others and find myself struggling to put it into words. There’s something special about spending time with other members of the Liverpool Youth. This year the theme of our pilgrimage was ‘The Almighty has done great things for me’. We were asked to consider where we could find God in our lives, and we found that He was there in everything we appreciated and were thankful for. I personally found God in the bonds I made with people throughout the week and in the smiles on the faces of the assisted pilgrims. It’s the simple things like this that mean the most.

Coach 6, Warrington – Emily Nevinson, 20 Lourdes is a place where I have made friends for life, and each year I come back, those bonds are strengthened. Seeing so many young people there makes me realise that the Church has a future, and the kindness and accepting nature of

Coach 8, Ormskirk & Leyland – Harriet Cunliffe, 17 One of the great things for me is that though you’re busy every day in Lourdes, you still feel a sense of peace. You’re given the time to sit and reflect, and this is time that you don't really get during the rest of the year. Even the 24-hour coach journey is

fun – a chance to make new friends as well as sing our heads off to the film Pitch Perfect! Getting to know people our own age who are Catholics is important. It’s uplifting and inspiring to be with so many people who share your beliefs and it shows you’re not alone in your faith. Coach 9, Widnes & Isle of Man – Molly Darracott ,17 My second year at Lourdes has confirmed that it really is the best place in the world. And it’s not just Lourdes itself but the people too. Everyone has their own reasons for being there but we all have a common yearning to serve. A highlight for me was definitely the torchlight procession. The rain meant we weren't able to take our assisted pilgrims on the procession but it meant also that several Coach 9 members were asked to be stewards in front of the Rosary Basilica. This meant standing on the steps of the basilica beside the figure of Our Lady and seeing the crowd and the candles below. It was one the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. When the crowd raised their torches to 'Ave Maria', the domain lit up and I looked to my friends in disbelief.

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Pic extras Mums the Word elcome back, Ladies, from a well-earned summer break. Whether you have been away for a complete change or have enjoyed a restful time at home, I hope you are all filled with enthusiasm for the year ahead. I know that some foundations hold their elections for new officers at this time of year so let us pray that we are blessed with enthusiastic volunteers.

News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Wirral Knights continue Cathedral Jubilee celebrations

September is a wonderful month for devotion to Our Lady as two of her feast days fall within this month. The 8th is celebrated as Our Lady’s Birthday, a day that truly changed the world. The 24th brings us the feast of Our Lady of Walsingham, which is so close to us as members of the Union of Catholic Mothers. Perhaps this could be the theme of one of our meetings this month. There was not the space last month to tell you what wonderful sports our chaplains are, ever ready to join in the fun. In the evening after the prayerfulness of our pilgrimage day in Walsingham, the Liverpool ladies enjoyed a five-minute pantomime of Cinderella, in which the chaplains took part. Father Mark Moran from St Margaret Mary’s was the Handsome Prince, with Fr Aidan Prescott of St Clare’s and Fr Dominic Curran of St Thomas of Canterbury playing the parts of the Ugly Sisters – such talent and such a loss to the acting profession! Finally, please note that our next bimonthly Mass will be at St Paul’s, West Derby on Wednesday 27 September at 7.30 pm. They are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of a UCM group in their parish and would love to see as many members there as possible. Please let their committee know if you will be staying for tea and biscuits. See you there. Madelaine McDonald, Media Officer

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A Mass in the Columba chapel proved the perfect way for Wirral KSC council members to celebrate the Metropolitan Cathedral’s golden jubilee. It was council chaplain Father Bernard Forshaw who proposed the celebration (pictured) and the Mass at the Cathedral took place on Tuesday 18 July with the support of other local councils. Brothers John Hamilton and Charlie Newport provided the musical accompaniment to a popular selection of hymns and we thank the Cathedral Staff for all of their support with the arrangements that led to such a joyful event. • Also in July, KSC members came together to attend the Annual Mass at Harkirk Chapel on the Ince Blundell estate in Little Crosby in honour of those who suffered persecution for their faith in penal times in Crosby and South Lancashire. The open-air Mass took place on Sunday 30 July in a clearing beside the Chapel, and was concelebrated by Mgr Peter

Fleetwood (celebrating the Ruby Jubilee of his Ordination) and our provincial chaplain, Fr Dunstan Harrington. The weather stayed fine and a good congregation appreciated the uplifting experience and historical nature of the occasion. • The Knights will again be supporting the Embrace Liverpool Youth Conference, which will be held this year at the Cathedral on Saturday 25 November. This is a Catholic Youth Conference organised by young people for young people to show that the Church is still alive. The programme of events will include Praise and Worship, Drama, Workshops, Key Speakers, Youth Testimonies, Adoration and Reconciliation and a concluding Mass celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. For further details, visit the Conference website: www.embraceliverpool.co.uk. Websites: www.ksc.org.uk and www.kscprov02.weebly.com Email: dpokeane@aol.com

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With Jesus we love, learn and grow

Open Day Thursday 19 October 2017 1.30-3pm & 4.30-6pm All children and parents interested in joining our thriving school community in September 2018, or before, are warmly welcome to view our school. A short presentation will be held at the start of both sessions in the school hall.

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education special

Students celebrate A-level exam success Carmel College Results Day 2017 has been another successful year for Carmel’s College students as they celebrated their success in style with bubbly and cake. Carmel College principal, Mike Hill, was delighted. He said: “A-level results day is one of the highlights of the college year. The class of 2017 has excelled. This year there has been added tension as it’s the first set of results for the new linear Alevels and many students have received their grades. However, staff and students have worked very hard over this year to

ensure that we continued to achieve the best possible results here at Carmel and we are thrilled. It has been a real privilege to share their success and to have the

Bellerive FCJ Catholic College

chance to wish them all the best in the next stage of their lives. I know they will go on to even greater success.”

St John Bosco Arts College

From left to right: Isabelle Bailey, Zakiyyah Hoskins and Chloe Roberts, all heading to the University of Liverpool. Isabelle will study biogical and biomedical sciences, Zakiyyah will study medicine and Chloe will study architecture

Bellerive FCJ Catholic College A-level results have seen further improvement this year, which has been in large part due to the extremely high standards the school have set for staff and students alike. Sister Brigid welcomed the results and said: “We are delighted with the improvements that have been made this year, the staff and students have worked tirelessly to ensure that these results are what all the students deserve.” This year’s A-level results at Bellerive FCJ Catholic College have improved by 12%, and the average grade has increased by a full grade. This has also been another outstanding year for students taking BTEC courses in the Sixth Form. Distinction stars were at 57% and 90% of the cohort received distinctions, with an average grade of a distinction* for the whole vocational cohort, which is an outstanding achievement.

St John Bosco Arts College celebrated yet another successful A-level results day. Overall, St John Bosco achieved a pass rate of 98.6%. Among those celebrating their A-level results was Veronica Brecevich, who gained five A-levels, three of them at grade A. Emily Martindale and Hannah Young both achieved ABB grades in their A-levels with Leah Demellweek achieving four Distinction* grades in her vocational studies. Headteacher Darren Gidman, said: “We are delighted that so many St John Bosco sixth formers have achieved so highly. “The A-level results today, are testament to the student’s dedication and hard working attitude, the high quality of teaching here and the outstanding individual support we offer students to reach their true potential.”

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Inspiring In spiring personal p ersona n la and nd a academic cademic

excellence e xcellence OPEN O PEN E EVENING VENING TTuesday uesday 3rd 3rd October October 6.00-8.00pm 6.00-8.00pm

‘‘Pupils Pupils are ar e m otivated an d motivated and c ompassionate... compassionate... w ell p repared for f or well prepared ttheir heir role role in in m odern ssociety’ ociety’ modern Ofsted Ofste ed 2016

Welcoming W elcoming students students ffrom rom all all areas areas of of Liverpool Liverpool & beyond beyond Bellerive iiss a vvery Bellerive ery popular popular choice choice for for girls girls from from across across Liverpool. Liverpool. C Contact ontact us us for for a guided guided tour tour and and ﬁnd ﬁnd out out why why we we are are such such a unique unique school. school.

Bellerive B ellerive FCJ FC CJ Catholic C atholic College College 1, A 1, Aigburth igburth Drive, Drive, Sefton Sefton P Park, ark, LLiverpool iverpool L1 L17 73 3AA AA TTel: el: 0151 0151 727 727 2064 2064 www.bellerivefcj.org www.bellerivefcj.org Specialisms S pecialisms in in Sciences, Sciences, A Applied pplied LLearning earning a and nd M Maths aths & C Computing omputing

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education special St Francis Xavier’s College

St Mary’s College Students and staff at St Mary’s College in Crosby are celebrating another excellent set of A-level results this year. Candidates recorded a 99% pass rate in the key examinations this summer - up from 98 per cent in 2016 - with more than a third of students (34%) achieving three or more A*, A or B grades. In total more than half of all passes (52%) were at the highest A*, A or B grades. St Mary’s principal, Mike Kennedy, said: “These are very pleasing results which reflect the hard work and commitment of our students and staff - and the support they have received from parents throughout their time at the school. “It’s particularly encouraging that many students did better than their predicted grades, proof of the excellent progress young people make at St Mary’s”. St Francis Xavier’s College (SFX) is celebrating a successful A-level results day. The class of 2017 have worked extremely hard over the past two years to achieve amazing results. At a time of great uncertainty and change in the world of education, SFX achieved an excellent A-level pass rate, with a third of all A-level grades securing A*-B and a 100% BTEC pass rate, with some two thirds of BTEC grades recorded at Distinction*/Distinction. The vast majority of students secured places at the university of their choice. They will now go on to study at leading universities across the country, such as Kings College, Durham, Lancaster and our home Universities; The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moore’s University and Liverpool Hope University, plus apprenticeships, training and work options also being undertaken. Among those celebrating their A-level results were David Comerford , who achieved A*A*A and will be studying history at Lancaster University, Thomas Howard, who will be studying classics at Kings College, London, Joseph Mcgowan who gained a perfect three Distinction* at BTEC, Michael Goodwin, who achieved ABB and is going to study pharmacy at Liverpool John Moore’s University, Ellie Barlow, who is going to study chemistry at Liverpool University, with A*BC, and Callum Bissett, who worked incredibly hard and achieved a grade A, D and Distinction* at BTEC to go on to study architecture at The University of Liverpool. Gez Flowers, head of school, said: “Results day is always a great opportunity to share in students’ success and we wish them good luck as they take their next steps. “The A-level results today are testament to the hard work of our sixth formers, and the dedication of our encouraging teachers.” “Congratulations to the class of 2017, we are very proud of them and are excited to see what they go on to achieve.”

St Edward’s College An overall pass rate of 97.6% was achieved by students from St Edward’s College and of the 338 entries, 41.4% were graded at A*-B. Excellent results were attained by a number of the cohort with 21 (approximately 1/6) students achieving exclusively A*/A/B grades representing tremendous effort and deserved success. Students who undertook the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) achieved outstanding success; 10 out of the 14 candidates achieved an A*/A grade. Principal Stephen Morris said: “In spite of the challenges associated with A-level reform for students and teachers, the school is very pleased at the achievements of so many students and congratulates them warmly upon their progress. “Our congratulations go to all students who have gained entry to university courses in recognition for their hard work and effort over the past two years. We wish them well in their next steps as they become the Catholic leaders of the future.”

Catholic Pictorial

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education special Cardinal Newman It is celebration time for all at Cardinal Newman as they welcome this year’s A Level results. They are celebrating not only a 100% A Level pass rate, but also an impressive 73% of Advanced Level students achieving high grades at BTEC & A Level, with a phenomenal one in three students achieving either an A* or A grade at A Level. But it is not just the A Level students who are celebrating! The College’s BTEC students have also done fantastically well, with 100% pass rate and 100% high grades in 25 Level 3 BTEC courses, which means that they not only passed, but passed with flying colours! But the success doesn’t stop there! Each year a number of the College’s students go on to secure places at the most highly sought after and competitive universities in the country, including Oxford and Cambridge. This year 11 students successfully gained places at the prestigious institutions, with eight at Cambridge and three at Oxford. This can be put down, in part, to the College’s HE* Programme, which is run in conjunction with Cambridge University’s HE+ scheme. As the Cambridge University Hub for Lancashire, Cardinal

Newman students are at the front of the queue when it comes to receiving the best advice, guidance, support and preparation when applying to not just Oxbridge but also to other Russell Group universities. Which, along with the hard work and dedication of the students, is one of the reasons why the success rates for their students gaining places at these institutions is so high. Cardinal Newman College Principal, Nick

Burnham said: “Each year I am blown away by the results achieved by our students. It is the combination of hard work, determination and dedication from not only the students themselves, but also our fantastic staff, who always go the extra mile to support our diverse range of students. Congratulations to one and all, you really do deserve to celebrate your fantastic achievements!”

Holy Family Catholic High School Another impressive set of results in the Sixth Form. • 100% pass rate in all subjects • Over 56% of all the grades achieved were at A*/A or Distinction*/Distinction • Over 36% of all grades achieved were at A* or Distinction* • Average grade was a B Once again Holy Family Catholic High School are delighted with this year’s achievements with a 100% pass rate in all subjects and over 56% of all the grades achieved at A*/A or Distinction*/Distinction. There have been many strong individual performances across the ability range and the vast majority of students have been accepted onto a university course of their choice or achieved the grades they needed for their chosen career. The results are a reflection of the hard work and commitment of students and staff underpinned by great support from parents. Congratulations to all students and very best wishes for the future, were expressed from headteacher, Mr M Symes.

Catholic Pictorial

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education special Students shine at GCSE exam success St Augustine of Canterbury Students from St Augustine of Canterbury have been celebrating another great set of GCSE results this year. Headteacher Mark Hagan, said: “We are delighted that the sustained hard work and dedication of students and staff at St Augustine’s has been rewarded once again with another great set of results. “There were lots of successes including the following students who had particularly good results: Niamh Jones who achieved 11 A*/A grades, Zak Willets, Lauren Holland and Alisha Isherwood all achieving 10 A*/A grades and Robbie Swift, Jade Lloyd and Jessica Hooson all achieving 9 A*/A grades.” Luke Roberts who will be attending Carmel College to study maths, further maths and physics said: “I’m so pleased with my results, there’s just too many people to thank!”

St Mary’s College Students and staff at St Mary’s College in Crosby are celebrating another excellent set of GCSE results this year, the first to feature a new grading system in some subjects. As in 2016, the outstanding feature of this summer’s performances at St Mary’s is the large number of pupils who have achieved multiple passes at the highest levels, which this year can include a pass at 9-7 grades in English and mathematics. The new 9-1, highest-to-lowest GCSE grading structure will be phased in to other subjects over the next two years. In this summer’s exams almost a fifth of St Mary’s candidates (18%) achieved ten or more A*, A or 9-7 grades, and close to a third (30%) achieved seven or more passes at these levels. Overall, almost half (48%) of all the GCSE passes at St Mary’s this year were at the highest grades. In terms of individual performances, the college’s top trio of Adam Bennett from Aughton, Hannah Briant from Crosby and Georgia Shirley from Kirkby achieved a staggering 37 top-level passes between them, 30 of which were at the highest A* or 9 grade. However, of these pupils it was Hannah who proved herself to be top of the class, achieving the highest possible grades in all 13 of her GCSE subjects, including three 9 grades in English language, English literature and mathematics as well as an A* with distinction - a so-called ‘super grade’ - in further mathematics. Hannah commented: “I was amazed when I opened my results and saw that I got A* and 9 grades in all my 13 subjects. I’m absolutely over the moon and really pleased that all my hard work has paid off. “I’ve loved every minute of my time at St Mary’s, which is why I’m staying on in the sixth form to study biology, chemistry, maths and RE.”

St Mary’s College Principal, Mike Kennedy, said: “I am delighted with these results which reflect all the hard work of our pupils, and the support they have received from staff and their families, throughout their time at the school. “The high percentage of passes at the highest grades is particularly pleasing, and shows that our students have the academic strength in depth to do well in future at A-level, at university and in their chosen careers. “All our students and their parents should be very proud of what they have achieved

in these important GCSE examinations, and rightly I am sure they will be celebrating their many successes over the next few days,” added Mr Kennedy.

The Academy of St Nicholas Students at The Academy of St Nicholas in Liverpool are celebrating their GCSE results day, ahead of its launch in September. The south Liverpool academy, formerly ESLA, is launching this September under its new name of The Academy of St Nicholas. Student successes include Anthony Li, Owen Wilson, Natalia Szumiec and Amber Parr, who racked up 19 A*s and As between them. Two students achieved the coveted Grade 9 in their maths GCSE. Student Anthony Li achieved a prestigious Grade 9 in his maths GCSE and took his AS maths exam a year early, achieving an A*. Anthony’s results are even more impressive alongside his five other A*s in biology, physics, chemistry, computer science and RE. Anthony also achieved Distinction* in both ICT and music. Other success stories at The Academy

of St Nicholas include: • Owen Wilson (9 in maths, 7 in English, A* in Spanish, A in chemistry, A in physics, A in computer science and Distinction* in ICT) • Natalia Szumiec (8 in maths, 6 in English, A* in art, A* in RE, A* in Polish, A in science, A in PE, Distinction in music and Distinction in ICT) • Amber Parr (8 in maths, 7 in English, A* in art, A in history, B in science, B in Spanish and Distinction in ICT) Newly appointed head of school David Lancaster, said: “This is a special GCSE results day for us as it is our first under the Academy of St Nicholas brand. Our students and staff have worked hard so I am thrilled to see all of their work pay off. “Our motto is ‘inspiring excellence’ and our students today have done just that! On behalf of all the staff I wish all of our class of 2017 the best of luck for the future.”

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education special Bellerive FCJ Catholic College Bellerive FCJ Catholic College students were celebrating some excellent GCSE results. Results in virtually every subject came out ahead of the national averages, including the numbers of students achieving A/A* grades. A significant number of students managed to achieve a clean sweep of A/A* grades and they were delighted to see that some of their students also managed to achieve the new top grade 9 in the reformed GCSEs in English and maths. This year group is the first cohort to be assessed using the new grade descriptors for English and maths ranging from Grade 9 for exceptional performance to Grade 1. Bellerive’s headteacher, Sr Brigid Halligan said: “Our students have once again made us very proud of them and their results are fully deserved. They were a wonderful group of young people to work with and we wish to thank all staff, parents and governors who have supported them along the way’

St John Bosco Arts College St John Bosco Arts College celebrated yet another successful GCSE results day. Year 11 students attained fantastic results, with many students achieving their target grades in both English and mathematics. Headteacher Darren Gidman, said: “I am very proud of all our students, who have worked tirelessly alongside staff, and with the support of parents and carers. While some grades look a little different today, with the introduction of the new 9-1 grading system, what’s not changed is our students’ great achievements which will propel them to exciting careers and further education. “Many students have achieved excellent results, but a special mention goes to Ayesha Jamal who achieved 9 GCSEs at the highest 9-7 / A*-A grades, including a coveted grade 9 in mathematics. Caitlin Gore and Erin Scullin achieved 8 GCSEs each at the highest 9-7 / A*-A grades, including grade 9s in English Literature. I congratulate all our students and wish them every success in their next pursuit!”

De La Salle Academy Pupils were celebrating at De La Salle Academy, Liverpool as the Class of 2017 celebrated their GCSE results. The school have seen improvements across the board this year. Outcomes in maths 4+ (C+) have almost doubled from last year and have also seen the best English examination only results for at least five years. There have also been improvements in history, Spanish, technology and P.E. On an individual note, congratulations to Emmanuel Benny for gaining the highest grades and amount of qualifications. Congratulations also goes to Jack Morrey for showing the most improvement. Headteacher David Hayes said: “Congratulations to the class of 2017, many of whom are celebrating great improvements due to their hard work this year. The Academy has seen improved outcomes in a number of subject areas, in particular mathematics which has almost doubled from last year. We are all looking forward to continued improvements next year and beyond”.

St Edward’s College St Edward's College, West Derby is celebrating another year of strong GCSE results, with 1/3 of all entries being awarded A or A* grades. This is the first year of the new tougher GCSEs in maths and English, graded 9-1 rather than A*-G. St Edward’s pupils have risen to this challenge, with 78% of the cohort achieving at least five GCSEs graded 9-4 or A*-C, including English and maths. The overall ‘pass’ rate (for a GCSE grade 4/C or above) was 85%. One half of all pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate, gaining a GCSE grade C/4 or above in all of the five ‘core’ academic disciplines of maths, English, science, a language, and history or geography; a superb achievement which is more than double the national average of 24%. Of 159 candidates, a stunning 1 in 5 achieved seven A grades or better, thus qualifying to undertake the College’s Honours Programme in the Sixth Form. This extended curriculum caters for the brightest students who would be expected to aim for entry to the very top universities in due course, and is directed by the College’s new Assistant Principal (Sixth Form & Scholarship), Mr George Ray, who joins St Edward’s from St Anselm’s College Birkenhead, where he has been Head of German and Assistant Head of Sixth Form. Principal Stephen Morris commented upon these results; “I am delighted to congratulate St Edward's College pupils upon a very strong set of GCSE outcomes. Their hard work, coupled with the strength of their teachers and the support of their parents, has found its reward. We look forward to the vast majority of them being able to continue their studies in our revamped Sixth Form here at St Edward’s, offering academic A Levels, the Honours Programme for academic scholars, or BTEC studies for those who prefer or are better suited to a continuous assessment programme. Many congratulations to all who have done so well.”

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education special Holy Family Catholic High School Another impressive set of GCSE results for Holy Family • Another increase in the percentage of students achieving A*-C (9-4) grades at GCSE. • More students achieving a pass grade in maths and in English. • Nearly 80% of students achieving a pass grade in English. • Over 75% of students achieving a pass grade in maths. • Across all subjects, 75% of all grades at A*-C (9-4) The School are delighted with this year’s examination results which have improved, once again, on the previous year. There have been many outstanding individual achievements across a wide range of subjects and the students and their families can be extremely proud. The results are a reflection of the hard work and commitment of both students and staff, underpinned by great support from parents. The school is looking forward to welcoming many of them back to their Sixth Form in September.

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi Students at The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) in Kensington are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results. This year, 13 subjects at the Academy showed an improvement in results since last year. These subjects included history, biology, physics, drama and MFL. The Academy also saw 8% more students achieve a grade 4 in English language based on last year’s number of grade ‘Cs’. This year saw the introduction of a new grading system for English language, English literature and maths. These subjects are now graded 9-1, with 9 being the top grade (above an A*)

and 4 being the standard pass rate (equivalent to a grade C). Many students will be heading to the brand new All Saints Sixth Form College, a collaboration between ASFA and The Academy of St Nicholas. With lots of students also heading into alternative education training and work options, it was truly a day of celebration for all. A special mention goes to Fiorella Gallardo, who joined the school in 2014 after moving to Liverpool from Columbia, for achieving 11 GCSEs at grade A*-A. Roshan Tripathi achieved 9 As and A*s and has made 7 levels of progress from Key Stage 2 in English and 6 levels in both history and RE. In addition to this further mention to Waael Gubran (8 GCSEs at grades A*-C), Declan Bradshaw (11 GCSEs at grades A*-C), Marilyn Kumwenda (5 As, A*s in RE and history) and Fionna Gallardo (A*s in French and Spanish) who all achieved outstanding results. Headteacher Tracey Greenough said: “Congratulations to all of our year 11 students who received their GCSE results. All of our students have worked tirelessly throughout the year and I am thrilled to see that all of their hard work has paid off. “The results are testament to the dedication of our students and the high quality of teaching here at the Academy.”

St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School St Cuthbert’s are celebrating great results and some excellent individual achievements this year - including the first wave of new 9-1 grades. 54% of students achieved five standard GCSE passes including English and maths, consolidating the improvements the school are constantly making. The first results of revised GCSEs in English and maths saw 72% of students achieve the standard pass in English and 58% in maths. There were fantastic results in other subjects too with 100% of students achieving grades A*-C in music and chemistry. There were significant improvements in RE and history. These results are a testimony to the hard work and determination of the students and staff at St Cuthbert’s, not just in the new-style exams, beginning with English and maths but the changes to the specifications in other subjects to make them more demanding. Headteacher Mrs Catherine Twist, said “There have been concerns over numerical grading and questions about a system that will have two different types of pass grade but today is the day when the St Cuthbert’s family celebrate our

students’ last five years with us and all their achievements. “We wish them the best of luck as they move on and encourage them to continue to “Live life in all its fullness”. As we adjust to a different style of qualification I am delighted with this year’s results and look forward to continuing on our journey to outstanding”.

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cathedral Diana, Princess of Wales, remembered by Neil Sayer Archdiocesan Archivist The Cathedral’s Book of Condolence on the death of Lady Diana and Dodi Fayed is to go on display again for the first time in 20 years. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since the tragic accident in Paris that led to such an outpouring of grief nationwide. The condolence book was opened very soon after the death of Lady Diana on 31 August 1997, allowing visitors to the Cathedral to express their thoughts and find comfort in their faith. In his column for the ‘Catholic Pictorial’, the then Cathedral Administrator, Monsignor Peter Cookson, said that ‘the Cathedral has been thronged with people all week, of every degree and condition, race and religion, seeking a place of comfort in their grief, to say a prayer, to leave a posy of flowers, to express their sadness in their own words by writing a message in our Book of Condolence’. In fact three Books of Condolence were filled, covering several hundred pages, and they were bound into one volume and placed in the Archdiocesan Archives. One comment, the signature is sadly unreadable, might stand for so many of the sentiments people felt bound to commit to paper: ‘A life so short, yet so full of compassion, love and true acts of generosity. A nation mourns the loss of a true

Cathedral Record Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean Following an eventful summer of Jubilee events the pace of life at the Cathedral starts to quicken with the onset of September.

Princess, in every sense of the word. May God protect William and Harry and may you rest in peace in the loving embrace of God our Father.’ On the Sunday following Lady Diana’s death the BBC broadcast ‘Songs of Praise’ from the Metropolitan Cathedral in celebration of her life with Archbishop Patrick Kelly leading a congregation of 2,000 in prayer. If you would like to see the Book of Condolence, perhaps you were one of those who wrote a message and you’d like to revisit it after the passage of time, then it will be on display in the reading room at the Archdiocesan Archives during September. For visitors to the Crypt it may be seen during office hours Monday to Friday. For anyone else who may be interested please email n.sayer@metcathedral.org.uk

The Liverpool Heritage Days are on the weekend 8/9 September. The Cathedral Art Studio will be open to the public from 10.00 am until 3.00 pm on those days. There is an opportunity to view the vestment and banner work in the Art Studio and speak to some of the volunteers and coordinators who are involved in creating them. The Exhibition on the Architectural Design Competition for the Cathedral is still on public view in the Cathedral entrance. Our Annual Cathedral Community Mass to mark the beginning of the new term is on Sunday 10 September at 11.00 am. The Sixteen, Choral Ensemble, will be performing religious music by Palestrina and Poulenc at the Cathedral on Friday 22 September as part of their National Pilgrimage Tour. Following this on September 24 BBC Radio Four will be broadcasting a Service of Choral Morning Prayer from the Cathedral in commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Blessed Oscar Romero with the homily given by Bishop John Rawsthorne. This will be broadcast live following the 8.00 am news on Radio Four. Looking ahead we will be having the visit of the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on 6 and 7 October. The statue will arrive at 2.00 pm on the Friday afternoon and there will be the opportunity for prayer and Marian devotions leading up to Evening Mass at 7.00 pm, Archbishop Malcolm will preside at this. Following the evening Mass the relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta will be available for veneration. The next day, which is the Feast of the Holy Rosary, there will be a public recitation of the rosary at 11.00 am followed by Mass and farewell procession at 12.00 midday.

Catholic Pictorial

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Catholic Pictorial

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PIC Life How a broken computer led to a lesson in trust By Moira Billinge had a problem recently with my internet security system and, having been badly compromised a couple of years ago by fraudsters, I was, understandably, very anxious to sort it out quickly. I am not great with technology and I resigned myself to the fact that rectifying the situation wasn’t going to be an easy task.

I contacted the internet service provider and was connected to a technician who gave me the good news first – that he was able help me – followed by the bad news that it would involve him taking over my computer by remote control. If I granted him the required permission, then, with a few simple steps he could, from a call centre in India, take over my entire computer in order to make the requisite changes and put me back on to a secure footing. The technician was polite, friendly and sounded as though he knew what he was doing, and in my desperation I granted him permission. A notice came up on my screen informing me that I could now ‘Sit back and relax and watch the work being done for me’. My idea of ‘relax’ felt very far removed from this concept of the word; after all, I was giving a total stranger carte blanche to access the very heart of my machine. I witnessed the disembodied cursor darting across my screen, pressing one icon or another, and even detected when the operator was hesitating as the curser hovered or lingered a little longer in a particular area. It was a strange, unnerving process that seemed to take forever. I had visions that at any moment something was going to go terribly wrong and I’d find

Catholic Pictorial

out that all my passwords, bank details and information had gone astray and the technician and his pals would have a party at my expense.

Quote from Pope Francis “May there be an end to armed conflicts which cover the earth with blood. May the clash of arms be silenced and everywhere may hatred yield to love, injury to pardon and discord to unity. Lets us listen to the cry of all those who are weeping, who are suffering and who are dying because of violence, terrorism or war”.

Worth a visit

Eventually, the problem was sorted and amid my profuse and very genuine thanks, I promised the technician – now my knight in shining armour - that I would fill in a customer satisfaction form. When it arrived I happily scored him ten out of ten on every question and I’d have added a gold star if such a facility had been available. My relief that my security had been restored was tempered by a deep sense of guilt and disappointment in the lack of trust that I had, initially, afforded the person who had helped me during the process. I am realistic enough to accept that there are legions of charlatans around who pretend to be trustworthy when they are far from it and I’ve seen too many people exploited by, ‘nice’ conmen. Suspicion, however, should not be our instant knee-jerk reaction, because as human beings we need to and want to trust one another. In the musical The King And I, Yul Brynner, playing the part of the King of Siam, sings: ‘Unless, one day, somebody trusts somebody, there’ll be nothing left on earth excepting fishes.’ His words have a ring of truth about them. A problem shared is a problem doubled if it is with the wrong person, but we all have to learn to trust at some point in our lives, or we run the risk of becoming isolated from the rest of society. Of course, we must always be vigilant, but at the same time we need to be open to the possibility that the person with whom we are dealing is actually being honest with us – just like my technician.

This month, enjoy some September sunshine amid the beauty of the Balearic Islands, writes Lucy Oliver. In Palma, the capital of Mallorca, the Gothic cathedral welcomes visitors by sea or by air from its position on a cliff edge. Constructed in the local ‘mares’ sandstone, the 13th century building is often described as a ‘ship of stone’ for its proximity to the sea. Indeed, many treasures are contained within – from Flemish tapestries in the alms house to a bell tower complete with five gothic bells. Known as La Seu, its magnificent interior raises the spirits and eyes towards heaven as 61 stained-glass windows reflect the Mediterranean light throughout the building. The Christian faith has been an important part of life in Mallorca since the fifth century, and though the passing of centuries has demanded restoration work – for example, after flooding in the Middle Ages – this has been done sensitively. In the early twentieth century, Antoni Gaudi, renowned for his work in Barcelona, was responsible for reenvisioning the high altar. Before you leave Palma, take a stroll along the cobbled lanes and enjoy a traditional ensaimada pastry with a coffee in one of the many pavement cafes. You can fly direct to Palma from Liverpool John Lennon airport.

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join in Children’s word search

Eating Out

Look at our clues to find out a little more about Our Blessed Mother Mary whose feast we celebrate on 8 September

The lovely month of September has arrived. Try to drive out to the beautiful countryside close to us and observe the way nature is changing. Maybe you could call in for a meal at one of our listed eateries.

MARY

MOTHER OF GOD

PURE

HAPPINESS

SINLESS

FULL OF GRACE IMMACULATE JESUS MOTHER

VIRGIN MARY OUR MOTHER

More Mullarkey From Johnny Kennedy The young curate had bought four loaves from the supermarket but when he looked in the bread bin, it was empty. ‘Have you moved the four loaves I bought?’ he asked Father Mullarkey. ‘Sort of,’ said the auld fella. ‘What does that mean?’ ‘Well, I've moved them in the sense that we don’t have them anymore.’ ‘Why not?’ ‘Well, some of Mrs Donnelly’s old pals had no bread so I gave them our four loaves.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because their need was greater than ours.’ ‘I stood in a long queue for that bread,’ said the YC. ‘Your reward will be in heaven,’ said Fr Mullarkey. ‘Maybe,’ said the young curate, ‘but what will we eat now we’ve got no bread?’ ‘Toast,’ said Fr Mullarkey.

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

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Greeting Cards from Carmel

The shop at Maryton Carmel has many lovely designes of cards for all occasions, you will find it hard to choose which ones to buy. Do call along and visit the shop when you can at 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

Welcome to the season of Creation By Steve Atherton, Justice & Peace fieldworker. We are used to the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost and Ordinary Time and now Pope Francis is encouraging us to celebrate Creation Time – a period running from 1 September through to the feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October. Towards the end of his encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis says that we ‘have a shared responsibility for others and for the world’ (Laudato Si’ paragraph 229). One of the themes of his teaching is that the problems of the world are interconnected. He writes: ‘Given the scale of change, it is no longer possible to find a specific, discrete answer for each part of the problem. It is essential to seek comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems’ (Laudato Si’ paragraph 139). The Pope takes it for granted that our faith demands that we are part of the solution as well as part of the problem. He continues: ‘We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.’ This is a profound analysis, challenging the assumption that each of the different sections of our lives has nothing to do with the others: e.g. the way we shop has no link with climate change; the food we eat is unrelated to others going hungry; and, ultimately, that some people are too poor because some people are too rich. He finishes this paragraph by saying: ‘Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.’ This makes clear that concern for the environment cannot be separated from concern for the poor. The Pope is calling us to think and pray

Catholic Pictorial

about the situation in our world today. To help people in our parishes gain a better understanding of this, the J&P Commission and Cafod Liverpool have written an easy-touse resource for Creation Time. It has material for five meetings, one for each week of this season. Each meeting follows the same pattern: the Gospel of the Sunday, a story to illustrate the week’s theme, short quotations from Laudato Si’, questions for discussion in each section, suggestions for action and prayers to end the session. Here is a very brief outline of the resource: Week 1. Stumbling Blocks: What does the Gospel mean in the context of creation when it says ‘for what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life’? Can it be true that ‘less is more’? Week 2. See-Judge-Act: To whom do we need to listen? From where do we get our information? Who to believe? Week 3. Right Relationships: Who are the people and what are the situations for which we need to ask forgiveness? Debt has many forms. Week 4. A Fairer World: Is the Pope calling us to a different relationship with the world? What sort of consumers should we be? Week 5. A Call to Action: Will good intentions be enough to save the world? Is plastic a hidden killer? Are we prepared to get involved? The resource is free to access and download from the diocesan website: http://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/userfiles/files/Justice_and_Peace/Creation%20Time% 202017%20(web%20version).pdf Printed copies are available from the Justice & Peace desk at cost plus postage. Ring Steve or Maria on 0151 522 1080/1081 or email one of us on s.atherton@rcaol.co.uk or m.hardacre@rcaol.co.uk We would love to hear from groups who are meeting to use the resource so that we can direct people to join existing groups. If you would like to offer the resource in your parish but feel short of confidence, contact either myself or Maria and someone from the J&P Commission will come along and help with leadership.

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