Westminster Record April Edition

Westminster Record April 2014 | 20p

Social Action: Fairtrade in the Diocese and Living Simply

Photos Page: Highlights from celebrations of Mass across the Diocese

Parish Profile: Read about the vibrant parish community of St Mary in Hampstead

Pages 3, 6, 7, 8, 9

Pages 10 & 11

Page 5

Love Bids Us Welcome

©Marcin Mazur

We look back on a month of Welcomes, writes John Scott. First it was the diocese, in two great Masses welcoming back Cardinal Vincent from Rome, reminding us through him of the strong ties that bind us to Pope Francis and to the Universal Church.

Then we, in our turn, were welcomed back

by God on Ash Wednesday with the call to repentance which saw our churches crowded out, the ashes remaining a potent sacramental sign of our need for divine help.

Only a few days later Cardinal Vincent, Bishops John Arnold and John Sherrington and the Episcopal Vicars were in the cathedral on our behalf to welcome 712 people from across the diocese, who are this year’s Easter candidates for Baptism or Confirmation and Reception into the Church.

850 mostly young altar servers from the Guild of St Stephen were next to be welcomed as they came together for their Annual Mass.

Large crowds are not everything; daily faithfulness in worship and service in all our parishes and communities are the strong heart of our Catholic faith in Westminster, as elsewhere.

Yet welcome remains the crucial word.

Those who have heard the call to join the Catholic Church need to receive the welcome of our communities, which we express not least in our Lenten prayer for them. And the call which they have heard comes from Jesus Christ who desires to call them, and us, his friends.

One of the greatest poems by George Herbert begins: ‘Love bade me welcome ..’

May this welcome be Christ’s Easter gift among us.

An Altar server in prayer at the Mass for the Guild of St Stephen in March

Editorial Westminster Record – Contact us

Westminster Record | April 2014

A Family of Faith with a Mission

Editor Bishop John Arnold Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Barnaby Johns 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Alex Balzanella 020 7798 9178, Chris O’Callaghan 020 7798 9030 and John Scott 020 7798 9035 Design Julian Game Proofing Michael Holmes, John Scott To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 214 1216 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd.

May publication dates Editorial Deadline: 14 April Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk News and stories call 020 798 9031 communications@rcdow.org.uk Advertising Deadline: 17 April To advertise call 0161 214 1200 Produced by the Communications Office of the Diocese of Westminster. News and articles published in Westminster Record do not necessarily represent the views of the Diocese of Westminster, unless specifically stated.

Appearance of advertisements does not imply editorial endorsement.

This time last year I wrote about the election of Pope Francis and the impact that he had had even in the first month of ministry as the Pope and, as he seems to prefer, as Bishop of Rome. His first anniversary attracted the media coverage that we have now come to expect of this new Pope, with even very secular papers and journals including tributes to his achievements. His own personal example continues to make an impact on people both within the Church and beyond. He speaks in a way that seems to challenge so

many people in different ways. And there is the promise of much more to come with the group of Cardinals reviewing the workings of the Roman Curia and other groups and commissions attending to various key aspects of the life and administration of the Church.

In just a couple of weeks, as we celebrate Easter, we will welcome over seven hundred new Catholics into the Church in our own Diocese. For me, this annual reception of new members is one of the most encouraging moments of the liturgical year. In an increasingly secular and materialistic world these people have found something attractive and meaningful in the Church and they want to be a part of what we are about as a family of Faith. The Rite of Election held in the Cathedral brought together a wide variety of young and not so young, women and men from many different nations who were all united in saying that this is the right moment for them to become Catholics.

So we have the wonderful leadership of Pope Francis, with all the encouragement

and challenge that he shows, together with considerable numbers of people who are responding to the call of Faith in their own lives. This surely is a moment to relish and enjoy and for which to give thanks. It also raises the questions for us about how we, too, can engage more fully in the mission of our Church, as the “missionary disciples” that Francis claims us to be. In these finals days of Lent, let us ask what steps we might be able to make in walking more closely with the Lord.

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News

Westminster Record | April 2014

Ware living simply with those in need

Cardinal Vincent visits St Joseph’s in Hendon

Ware parish live the call to ‘Live Simply’, ‘Live Sustainably’ and ‘Live in Solidarity’ with those in need.

St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in Hendon welcomed Cardinal Vincent to the centre for his third visit on 19 March, the Solemnity of St Joseph.

The Centre aims to enable people with learning disabilities to participate fully in the life of their church and community. As part of Caritas Diocese of Westminster, the centre works in two main areas: supporting families who embrace members with learning disabilities in the parishes in London and in Hertfordshire and at the Activities Centre in Hendon, where over 190 students, from all faiths or none, participate in a varied programme of courses.

Cardinal Vincent met volunteers and those who come to the centre as he was shown around the various workshops and rooms of the centre, including the IT, sensory and music rooms, where the students performed for him. He commended the Centre for its ongoing work with disabled people and accepted their offer of a mosaic of St Joseph made by the students for the Cathedral.

Director of the Centre, John Coleby, praised the Cardinal’s visit and said it gave their work meaning:

Deacon Adrian Cullen, John Vaughan-Shaw holding the 'Live Simply' plaque and the Mayor of Ware, Cllr Mrs Rosalie Standley.

The parish of The Sacred Heart and St Joseph in Ware has become one of the latest in the Diocese to gain the ‘Live Simply’ Award promoted by CAFOD and the Eco-congregation. To mark the achievement Fr John Gray welcomed the Mayor of Ware, Cllr Mrs Rosalie Standley, and her husband to a Fairtrade Buffet following Saturday evening Mass. They were given a review by Deacon Adrian Cullen of the parish’s activities and initiatives that led to the

award. These included selling ‘WOW’ Bags made in the Philippines from recycled drinks sachets, sending Christmas cards to Prisoners of Conscience, contributing to the local Salvation Army food collection and praying the Olympic 100 days Peace Prayer at each Mass, as well as supporting CAFOD and Fairtrade. Many parishioners also signed ‘pledge lists’ for living sustainably at home and doing their own part for the environment.

Nuncio presents Papal Award in Stanmore

by Frances Bright Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Mennini presented ‘Bene Merenti’ medals to two parishioners at St William of York, Stanmore, Alec Moody and Chris Taylor. Both Alec and Chris have both been long-term and devoted parishioners who, in the words of the Parish Priest Canon Michael Munnelly, “have looked after everything from banking to boilers, with many other liturgical and pastoral tasks.”

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‘The Cardinal’s coming here celebrates and affirms the place of disabled people in the life of the Church and in our communities. So often the

focus is on what people cannot do. The work of St Joseph’s highlights the gifts of all people and their contribution to the world around them.’

Nine Jesuits Ordained Deacon

by Ged Clapson Cardinal Vincent Nichols has ordained nine Jesuits as deacons. In one of his first major ceremonies since being made Cardinal by Pope Francis, he presided at the Ordination Mass in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 1 March.

For the past three years the new deacons have been studying at Heythrop College, which is celebrating the 400th anniversary of its foundation by the Jesuits in Louvain. 2014 is also the 200th anniversary of the Restoration of the Society of Jesus worldwide - another reason why Cardinal Vincent had been invited to preside at the Ordinations.

In his homily, he urged the deacons to 'know Christ Jesus'

- quoting from St Paul's letter to the Philippians: 'All I want is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection'. He went on to compare St Paul running and aiming for perfection with the deacons' own journeys of faith.

Those ordained come from four continents and eight different Jesuit provinces. Two of them are from Sri Lanka and four come from India. At least two of them are hoping to return in the future to work in Guyana, a Region of the British Province. The remaining three deacons come from Brazil, Kenya and Germany.

See page 15 to read Fr Richard Nesbitt’s interview with two of the new deacons and for a View from Heythrop.

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The Choir

WestminsterWestminster Record September Record | April2011 2014

St Etheldreda, Ely Place Choir

by John Scott © Kerry Morgan photography

The church may be small, but its musical tradition is long and continuous.

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n the Middle Ages no fewer than eleven Bishops had houses along the Strand and around Holborn, since they served the needs of the State as well as of the Church.

Of all this we have one precious reminder; formerly the chapel of the house of the Bishop of Ely and long lost to the Faith, it is now the parish church of St Etheldreda, Ely Place. As a domestic chapel it is a simple Gothic rectangle, seating maybe a hundred and fifty, bright with glass and overlooked by life-size statues of Reformation martyrs.

The church may be small, but its musical tradition is long and continuous. Stuart Kale, Director of Music, has a career as an operatic tenor, first with Phoenix Opera, the ENO then as a freelance in more recent years, but ‘I always sang in church, too’. He was happy down on Fleet Street at St Bride’s for many years, but moved to the Oratory for a 12-year stint, where the great Ralph Downes still played sometimes; ‘he was very fond of opera’. The connection with St Etheldreda’s began in the early 2000s with deputizing work (that lubricant of London musical life) and led to appointment as Director of Music in 2007. How does he find the differences between the operatic and church music worlds ? ‘Well, we might get four to five weeks to rehearse an opera. For the Sunday Mass music – the plainsong propers, Mass setting and an anthem or

two we have forty-five minutes and that includes a tea break!

It’s crucial that the singers have excellent sight-reading skills.’ So who are they? ‘An absolute mix – one is an opera singer, another works in computers, others just love singing around in whatever they can find.’ Nor is it only the singers who are a complete mix, since they need to be competent in music of all styles. ‘You have a lot of Mass settings in the library ?’ I ask, surrounded by stuffed files in the rather cramped music room. ‘300 to 400, I think,’ says Stuart, whilst adding slyly ‘we’ve now got all of Mozart’s masses, since a wedding party kindly completed the collection.’

Who are the singers?

‘An absolute mix – one is an opera singer, another works in computers, others just love singing around in whatever they can find.’

Is there any problem with resourcing all this ? For about a quarter of the year’s Sundays the choir makes do with just one voice per part. In a building the size of Ely Place, this gives a particular intimacy to the music. It is easy to forget that a great work like Byrd’s 4-part Mass would not have known public performance, but only been sung by catholic sympathisers in relative secrecy at some hidden recusant location. For the rest of the year the numbers can double up,

widening the repertory, although plainsong is fundamental, Lassus and Guerrero are favourites and Renaissance polyphony inspires much of the music list.

What makes St Etheldreda’s music special, though, is an innovation for which we must thank Simon Lloyd, formerly organist at Ely Place and now at the Carmelite Church, Kensington. Only two or three years ago at the Royal Northern College in Manchester Simon met a couple of Romanian sisters, both string players, who expressed a willingness to come and play. They were then joined by a player from the LSO and thus the St Etheldreda’s Consort came into being. Finance may restrict its size, but much more so space in the choir loft!

Depending on the music, three strings and an oboe or two can squeezed in, or four strings.

This makes demands on the choir library, too, but orchestral parts for Mozart and Michael Haydn and others are now available. The principle is that at least once a month the Consort be there to support the choir; and it is this regularity that makes Ely Place’s music quite unique in the diocese.

Yet none of this would be possible without the support of Fr Tom Deidun IC, the Rector, and the congregation, which runs a sponsorship scheme.

‘Could we do something for Verdi’s bi-centenary?’ asked Stuart last year. The answer was Yes; and so Mass ended with the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco – Opera and Church joined happily hand in hand.

Eve of Holy Week Retreat 2-5pm Saturday 12 April Hinsley Room, Westminster Cathedral Oratorian Fr Uwe Michael Lang will give a spiritual introduction to the celebrations of Holy Week: Two talks, time for prayer, opportunity for Confession. Admission free, donations welcome.

Hosted by the Young Friends of Westminster Cathedral; contact: young.friends@mail.com.

One Lord, One Gospel, One Lectionary Saturday 5 April Minimum donation £2.50.

St. Joseph’s Church, Lamb’s Buildings, Lamb’s Passage, off Bunhill Row EC1Y 8LE. 11.30 - Mass followed by Bring & Share Lunch.

13.30 – Fr Thomas O’Loughlin, Professor of Historical Theology, University of Nottingham will lead the session exploring the Lectionary following-up a session in the 2013 Year of Faith Programme when we explored the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Liturgy. It will be of special value to readers and preachers in all Churches using the Common Lectionary.

For more information please contact the Convenor, Sylvia Lucas 07889 436 165 e-mail: sylvia@carmelinthecity.org.uk

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Parish Profile

Westminster Record | April 2014

A Fertile Parish: St Mary’s, Hampstead The Church The Church was founded in 1816 by Abbé Moral, a French priest who escaped the persecution following the 1789 Revolution and set up a community in 1796 in Hampstead village. His tomb is in the Lady Chapel and his remains interred at the entrance to the church. The French presence in the parish has always been strong, and General Charles de Gaulle worshipped here whilst in exile during the Second World War.

There is a thriving Catholic community in Hampstead

A statue of the Virgin and Child presides over the entrance to the Church

by Chris O’Callaghan

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ucked away behind Hampstead High Street on a narrow road is the Church of St Mary, a whitewashed building with a statue of Our Lady over its door, tightly squeezed between period homes and the presbytery and parish office in the historic and affluent suburb.

From outside, the Church looks small but inside it is long and narrow, again with whitewashed walls which contrast with the colour of the mosaics which adorn the sanctuary and the baldachin over the main altar.

The buildings may be tucked away, but there is a thriving Catholic community in Hampstead and a great deal going on to build up the faith of the Church. Parishioners are blessed with an intimate but beautiful building, a committed parish team and personable parish priest.

Mgr Phelim Rowland Mgr Phelim Rowland presently serves as Chair of the Catholic Children’s Society and Dean of Camden, but also has an interesting history. He came to Hampstead in 2006, having served as a chaplain for 27 years

in the Army, rising in 2002 to the rank of Vicar General as principal Catholic chaplain for all British forces. He served in the Falklands, the first Gulf War, Bosnia and Kosovo in a long and well-documented career.

Mgr. Phelim’s military background is evident in his forthright manner as well as in the insignia and photos of him in uniform with the Queen and Prince Charles.

General Charles de Gaulle worshipped here whilst in exile during the Second World War.

The Parishioners Many of the parishioners are hard working professionals with young families and children at local schools.

Despite material wealth, Mgr Phelim says the pressures of London and urban life mean people come to the church with ‘spiritual poverty’. The wealth of the parish is reflected in their Growing in Faith contribution a year ago. Money was used to employ a part time pastoral assistant, Brenden Thompson, who helps Mgr. Phelim run catechetical and sacramental programmes and has had a great impact on parish life. One innovation has been the travelling icon programme.

Parishioners are invited to sign up in Lent and take care of an icon from the church for a day or two. After their time with the icon, they pass it on to the next family or individual on the list and thus around parishioners all the way to Easter. A scrapbook accompanies the icon, and photos are taken and testimonies written down as it passes through the parish. The programme fosters community

Parish Priest Mgr Phelim and Pastoral Assistant Brenden Thompson with the painting of the Church’s founder Abbé Moral in the Presbytery.

relations, allows parishioners to meet one another in new ways and has been a great success.

I went to Hampstead on the Solemnity of St Joseph, 19 March, and attended Mass celebrated with the children of the local St Anthony’s Prep School. Headmaster Paul Keyte explained that the school has an historic link to the Church.

“Since it was founded, the church has served the school as well as the parish community.

You will find most of the families at the school are here every weekend and we have around twenty boys on the First Holy Communion programme here annually”, he explained.

“Mgr Phelim comes into the school most weeks and chats to them in an honest, direct and compassionate way. He doesn’t talk down to the boys but levels with them and I think they really appreciate that.”

Bicentenary in 2016 A committee has already been set up to help organise the celebrations for 200 years of worship in Hampstead. They plan to send some of their young adults to the next World

Youth Day in Krakow and are planning a large trip for parishioners to Abbé Moral’s home town in France. In the church there are structural plans as well to make the appearance of the sanctuary uniform, with a limestone lectern to match the altar.

Mgr Phelim warmly describes his flock as a ‘fertile parish’ where a lot of good work happens. But did he prefer his time in the army or his present situation in Hampstead? He smiled, gave a small chuckle and then simply said: “One was a great experience and one currently is one”.

Founded: 1796 Church built: 1816 Consecrated: 1977 Mass Times: (Sat 6.30pm), 8.30, 10, 11.30, 6.30pm Address: 4 Holly Place, NW3 6QU Telephone: 0208 7435 6678 Website: parish.rcdow.org.uk/ hampstead

Whitewashed walls contrast with the colour of the mosaics which adorn the sanctuary

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News

Westminster Record | April 2014

Students Go Bananas for Fairtrade Fortnight!

News in Brief Convent of Jesus and Mary wins double award

by Angela Clapham, Chaplain, St Dominic’s Sixth Form College.

St Dominic’s College in Harrow marked Fairtrade fortnight by holding a series of events for both staff and students.

We held a ‘Yellow Day’ to raise awareness of Fairtrade on 27 February. Staff and students wore yellow, could have their faces and nails painted yellow, all of which sparked a discussion about why we were doing this. There was also the opportunity to buy raffle tickets to win some Fairtrade Easter eggs.

A day later we held two events for staff. During morning break at the charity cake sale, staff were able to choose from a selection of cakes made using Fairtrade products. Then after College we held a Fairtrade wine and cheese evening, where staff could sample a selection of Fairtrade wine available in local supermarkets. Both events highlighted the range of products available and easily sourced, encouraging staff to change their weekly shopping habits.

As well as the event days, the Fairtrade group planned and delivered an assembly to Year 12 on the issue, and it was also the focus of our general RE lessons during the fortnight. The canteen stocked an increased range of Fairtrade goodies to tempt our taste buds. Many within the College community signed the ‘Stick with Foncho’ petition which is part of the Fairtrade Foundations campaign. Throughout all of the events the challenge was given for us to become more ethical shoppers.

The Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College in Willesden has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Inclusion Quality Mark team.

The school was described as exceptional in its provision of high quality education for young catholic women and highlighted staff professionalism and student behaviour. Headteacher, Mrs Geraldine Freear, commented that it is testament to the hard work of the whole school community.

Youth & Philanthropy = Charity

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The right start to Lent

by Angela Clapham, Chaplain, St Dominic’s Sixth Form College.

Bishop John Sherrington came to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass with staff and students at St Dominic’s Sixth Form College.

Over 200 joined in this voluntary Mass to begin Lent in the right way.

he Mulberry Centre, a charity supporting people affected by cancer, has been awarded £3,000 through the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) run by Gumley House Convent School in Hounslow.

YPI is an international programme run as part of the R.E. & Citizenship curriculum for Year 9 students. It is designed to support young people develop both community awareness and important employability skills. Students are taught about philanthropy and charity through a practical experience of giving, all of

which highlights the positive impact they can have on the community. This has led to a total of £18,000 being awarded to local charities in six years.

Students work in teams to research the needs of the local community and to identify a local charity they believe is best placed to effect a positive change. They then learn how to analyse the charity’s management, budget, strategy, staffing arrangements and programmes. During this process, pupils also develop teamwork, communication and presentation skills, as well as an awareness of the needs of

Bishop John set three challenges for us to work on throughout Lent: 1.

2.

3.

Find at least 10 minutes a day to pray. If not 10 then try 5.

Give something up.

Work out how much you spend on yourself a week and pledge to give 10% to charity instead.

Each of these challenges helps us to focus on the themes of Lent and we’ve continued to work on these through Lenten activities.

Each day through our reflections we are asked to do something that will help mend our relationships with each other and God, deny ourselves or work for the good of others. As the Bishop suggested in his homily, Lent is a good time to renew our faith life.

It’s a chance to pause and reflect and then take some positive action to become a better person. Throughout Lent this will be our College focus.

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the area.

12 teams were chosen for the semi-final with seven going through to the final on 3 March. They gave their presentations before judges (including external business leaders), parents and representatives from all the shortlisted charities. The £3,000 YPI grant was presented by head teacher Ewa Kolczynska.

Emma Cartwright, Chief Executive of the Mulberry Centre, said: “The girls’ enthusiastic approach to the YPI initiative was apparent from the start. We were delighted that such positive advocates selected us as their charity of choice. I was thrilled that all their hard work and enthusiasm paid off on the day.

They really got across the fact that we aim to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives.”

To find out more about the Mulberry Centre’s work, visit: www.themulberrycentre.co.uk Left to right in photo: Emma Cartwright, Chief Executive of The Mulberry Centre, and students: Erica Udunuwara, Trini Cubos, Chiara Mallardo, Sophia Roach, Evie Bedford, Bianca Gazzingan, Sharlene Oola and Gumley’s Headteacher, Ewa Kolczynska.

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Schools

Westminster Record | April 2014

The dizzy heights of St Joseph’s, Covent Garden

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t Joseph’s Primary School in Camden has been recognised by schools inspector Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ in all categories.

The school’s report says children of all abilities make exceptional progress and learning is personalised so that each child is able to fulfil their potential.

Inspectors commented that “Every pupil receives the support they need to achieve as well as they can. They make rapid and sustained progress

throughout the school.”

“Teaching is exceptionally well organised - learning is closely matched to the abilities of all groups of pupils.

Teachers plan creatively and imaginatively.”

Reacting to the good news, Headteacher Helen Tyler, who was praised for her ‘rigorous, relentless and robust’ leadership, said: “This ‘outstanding’ Ofsted judgement is a tremendous achievement for everyone – children, parents, carers, staff and governors.”

The St Benedict’s School SVP Sixth Form Society with the cheque for £326 raised by the Silent, Simple Lunch

Simple Lunch makes a difference

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he Sixth Form Society of St Vincent de Paul at St Benedict’s School, Ealing, organised a Silent, Simple Lunch of soup and bread for Ash Wednesday to raise both awareness of and money for food banks run by the National SVP in the UK. A

total of £326 was raised by the students.

With 20 members they meet every week to organise parties for senior citizens and help out with running the local soup kitchen at St John’s Church in West Ealing. They also have regular fundraising events

called ‘Rich Man Poor Man’ meals.

Alexandra Vangelatos, Sixth Form SVP President said: “We want to make a small but positive difference in our world, where there is much suffering and deprivation, even on our doorstep here in West London.”

St Benedict’s celebrate Feast Day

Mizens spread the Gospel of forgiveness

by Charlene O'Brien When my daughter and I first saw the schedule for the confirmation programme, at Our Lady of Dolours, Fulham Road, I think the scheduled visit from Barry and Margaret Mizen was anticipated to be a difficult talk to attend. Purely because knowing what they and their family have endured with the death of their son, we didn’t know how we would take in their experience.

Barry and Margaret relayed to the group what happened to Jimmy on the day he died and shared very honestly their feelings, and their family’s

feelings, on how they managed to cope with the tragedy. They found their strength from God and through prayer to enable them to carry on with their lives. They have God’s love as their foundation and this has helped them to bear their heartache.

Through the teachings of Jesus and his message of forgiveness they truly prove to us that we can do the same.

Barry and Margaret Mizen impressed upon the Confirmation group the reality of Jesus’ teaching and told them how important it is to filled with the Holy Spirit and let Him guide them through their lives, as He has done for them.

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Bishop John Sherrington with students from St Benedict’s School in Ealing

Bishop John Sherrington joined the entire school of St Benedict in Ealing, to conclude their day of celebration for their patron’s Feast Day on 21 March with Mass.

In his homily Bishop John reflected on the many lessons he had learnt from St Benedict and the Benedictines’ way of life. Mass was concelebrated by a number of the Abbey’s monastic brethren.

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Social Action

Westminster Record | April 2014

Kicking off a better life: Sport and Education

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Two members of St John’s Sport Society in Korogocho take part in a karate lesson. ©Antony Niuguna/CAFOD.

t is not long now until the World Cup kicks off in Brazil. As the world comes together to watch its favourite game, it is worth taking a look at what football, and other sports, can mean for those living in poverty. At its worst, the industry can be harmful, even displacing entire communities to facilitate the construction of stadiums or other infrastructure. At its best, sport offers incredible potential to help people overcome poverty and build community.

An excellent example of this is in the Korogocho slum of Nairobi, where being involved in sport can provided much needed opportunity for young people. The St John’s Sport Society, a CAFOD partner in Korogocho, works by getting

St John’s Sport Society is located in the Korogocho Slum of Nairobi, home to over 100,000 people. ©Antony Niuguna/CAFOD.

young people involved in football, volleyball, athletics and other sports; these help them stay active as well as learn teamwork and other life skills, and build relationships with others. Some young people who have been a part of St John’s have gone on to compete in Kenya’s national teams.

Sport is also a great way for schools and communities here

in England and Wales to stand alongside CAFOD’s overseas partners. A visit from a CAFOD school volunteer this term could explore how sport can help make a difference to communities overseas.

If you’re interested in booking a session or finding out more contact CAFOD Westminster 020 8449 6970 or westminster@cafod.org.uk

Building Bridges to El Salvador For the Diary Saturday 12 April – CAFOD Lent Day of Retreat Fr Augusto Zampini-Davies, of CAFOD’s Theology team, will be speaking and celebrating Mass as part of the day.

10am – 4pm Visit http://cafoddayofreflection.eve ntbrite.co.uk to book or call 020 8449 6970.

Thank you for Lent Fast Day

The new bridge leading to Puentecitos, El Salvador. Built by community members with help from CAFOD partners, the bridge prevents the community from being cut off during the rainy season.

People across the Diocese marked Lent Fast Day this year with reflection, prayer, and support of CAFOD’s long term development work At Our Lady and St Christopher, Cranford, parishioners again marked the day with a community lunch in the parish hall which raised over £670. This year, parishioners also took part in a team quiz between lunch courses. “It was great to see the competitive side of the teams” said Renita Fernandes, who helped organise the event, “but no one was bothered about the prizes, it was taking part that mattered most.”

Schools were also busy organising fundraising events for CAFOD. Students at St

Columba’s College, St Albans, in conjunction with Watford Football Club, took part in a sponsored penalty shootout in February raising £1,500. At St Benedict’s, Ealing Year 9 students challenged themselves with another sponsored “Remember the Digits of Pi” competition. Shattering the school’s record this year was Ainie, who remembered 296 digits of the non-repeating mathematical constant.

Altogether the students raised over £360.

Thank you to everyone who has helped to support CAFOD’s work this Lent Fast Day. For more information visit cafod.org.uk/fastday

CAFOD’s Tony Sheen was welcomed by the Union of Catholic Mothers and the parish community of St Lawrence, Feltham, in late February.

He spoke of his recent pilgrimage to El Salvador with the Romero Trust, sharing inspiring stories of Archbishop Romero’s life and how he continues to inspire CAFOD’s work to the present day. He also spoke of having the opportunity to see firsthand many of the communities supported by CAFOD, including the rural community of Puentecitos which is taking part in CAFOD’s Connect2 Programme.

What stood out for Tony the most during his travels were the inspiring people he met along the way. He spoke of a woman called Sibia, whose community had benefitted from funding

from CAFOD’s World Gifts programme. Sibia received the gift of “chirpy chickens,” and with the supply of eggs the community could set up its own bakery business, providing a livelihood to benefit all its members.

CAFOD’s Connect2 programme is a great opportunity for communities in the Diocese to go and meet people such as Sibia. The programme offers your parish a chance to send and receive updates with communities in one of five countries where CAFOD works. You’ll also get to hear from the community itself how your support is helping make a difference in their community directly. More information about Connect2, including blogs and messages from Puentecitos and elsewhere, is available at cafod.org.uk/connect2

Sunday 18 May – Pedal Against Poverty – Join us for our sponsored bike ride through the scenic Lee Valley Regional Park in North London and Hertfordshire.

All welcome, helmets required, £6 registration fee.

Visit http://cafodpedalagainst poverty.eventbrite.co.uk to register.

Wednesday 10 July – CAFOD Campaign Launch – Join us for the launch of CAFOD’s new campaign, which looks at the effects climate change has on the developing world.

To be held at Amigo Hall, London SE1 6HR. For more details contact CAFOD Westminster: 0208 449 6970 or westminster@cafod.org.uk

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Social Action

Westminster Record | April 2014

Taste and Price: Two challenges to Fairtrade parish organisers

Life before Debt – how Credit Unions can help

Holy Apostles’ Justice and Peace group which organised a tea and coffee tasting

by Barbara Kentish Justice and Peace often comes across parishes where those who decide on bulk buying of tea and coffee for the parish think that Fairtrade doesn’t taste good or it is too expensive. Perhaps I can persuade you otherwise: Taste: There are now dozens of teas and coffees with the Fairtrade label. Twenty years ago the one Fairtrade coffee around certainly didn’t match the nation’s favourite instant coffee. But now there are over 40 varieties to choose from. See our Facebook page for how to run a tasting comparison.

The bigger question is how much we are prepared to sacrifice to be in solidarity with our poorer neighbours who produce our goods so cheaply. Judy Masters, parish administrator at Holy Apostles and one of our taster organisers, pointed out that at tastings the Fairtrade samples were more popular! So if you swap brands you may even discover a better taste in your beverage.

Price: Our recent price comparison for tea and coffee showed that Fairtrade emerges mostly as middle-of-the-range. It is now stocked by the cheaper supermarkets such as Lidl. Holy

Apostles’ research found that by bulk buying at wholesalers, as many parishes do, Fairtrade can even be cheaper than regular brands.

Next steps: Church Marketplace, the Church wholesalers for the Catholic Church in England and Wales, already stocks Fairtrade teas, coffees and sugars. We hope it will promote these vigorously in support of Fairtrade status for all parishes, and not just in Westminster.

Fairtrade Altar Wine?

Wine is a tricky commodity. EU vineyards are covered by quality legislation, a minimum wage structure and reasonable working conditions. The biggest supplier of Fairtrade Altar wine, Poterion, imports from Stellar Organics in Western Cape, South Africa. Buying Fairtrade altar wine supports the development of these vineyard communities, and there are impressive films about development at www.stellarorganics.com In our buying, both personally and collectively, we should perhaps be aiming for best practice rather than always the lower price.

We are blessed with huge consumer choice. We need to choose morally as well.

by Barbara Kentish

SEE The Westminster Diocesan Education Commission is advocating Credit Unions in its schools, as a way to educate young people in the management of money. Credit Unions are member-owned financial cooperatives who provide financial services including credit to their members. The benefits of Credit Unions include: promoting thrift, offering fair interest rates for credit, control by members, efficient management of savings and help for members to manage their affairs wisely.

It is not hard to see why Credit Unions are desirable, especially against a background

JUDGE

Westminster almost a ‘Fairtrade Diocese’ Michael Gidney of the Fairtrade Foundation talked about the new schools and amenities that have been developed as a result of the purchasing of Fairtrade products. With the UK the biggest supporter of Fairtrade amongst western countries, £1.5 billion worth of Fairtrade goods were sold here in 2012.

He encouraged Westminster Justice and Peace to press on with its quest for Fairtrade status, and promised every support.

Only 17 more Westminster parishes need to sign up before the diocese can apply for its Fairtrade status. Get an application pack for your parish at: justice@rcdow.org.uk

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John Battle asserts that the Catholic Church has had a significant role in creating Credit Unions worldwide, backed by its theological teaching. Pope Pius XI’s encyclical Quadragesimo Anno and Pope John XXIII’s Mater et Magistra promote credit union ‘microfinance’ as a challenge to the dominant financial systems which exclude concern for the poor. And more recently Pope Benedict XVI stressed the need for “fiscal subsidiarity”, pointing out that, “if love is wise, it can find ways of working in accordance with provident and just expediency, as is illustrated in a significant way by much of the experience of credit unions.” (Caritas in Veritate).

ACT 1. If your parish has a Credit Union, ensure parishioners know it is there and how it can benefit them.

Photo: ©John Fogarty

Over 150 people from 30 parishes attended the Westminster Justice and Peace celebration at Holy Apostles Church, Pimlico on Saturday 1 March to mark both Fairtrade Fortnight and Justice and Peace’s efforts to achieve Fairtrade status for the Diocese.

Bishop John Arnold, chairman of CAFOD, explained the importance of Fairtrade: “It is two sides of the same coin. In the countries I have visited with CAFOD I have never met anyone who requested something for nothing. All people want is a level playing field to support themselves.

That is what Fairtrade tries to do, paying producers a fair price.”

of payday lending. John Battle, a Catholic and formerly an MP, writes: “Moneylending companies now represent over 25% of all mainstream advertising in the UK and are easily accessible online and even via mobile phone. Their exorbitant rates of interest and charges plunge borrowers into complex multiple debts.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury has taken practical steps to challenge the culture of the payday loan. An ambitious project currently being undertaken aims to use the nation's (Anglican) churches to promote a network of Credit Unions and micro-financing operations.

Chairman of Cafod, Bishop John Arnold

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2. Arrange to hold a talk from a local Credit Union (My Community Bank in Brent was begun by African Caribbean parishioners at Our Lady of Willesden in the 1970s and is still going strong).

3. Contact the London Capital Credit Union for more information about how it can benefit people struggling with debt: www.credit-union.coop or info@credit-union.coop Page 9

In Pictures

Westminster Record | April 2014

In Pictures

Westminster Record | April 2014

©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Altar servers from across England kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer at the Guild of St Stephen’s Annual Mass celebrating their ministry.

Mass is celebrated to mark the arrival of the Youth Retreat Team, SPEC, in their new home at Waxwell Farm, Pinner.

Cardinal Vincent prays before the High Altar, having been formally welcomed into the Cathedral following his return from Rome.

©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Highlights from celebrations of Mass across the Diocese Cardinal Vincent prays with the altar party before the Mass of Thanksgiving.

Ooberfuse

“WYD “WYDhas hasleft leftme meinspired, inspired, spiritually spirituallyenlightened enlightenedand and I Iloved lovedevery everysecond secondofofit.” it.”

Alex Alex ©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Cardinal Vincent presents the Book of the Gospels to one of the nine Jesuits recently ordained to the Diaconate.

Page 10

Members of the congregation kneel to receive Cardinal Vincent’s blessing following the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent.

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Bishop John Sherrington celebrates Mass at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School in Stevenage.

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Page 11

In Pictures

Westminster Record | April 2014

In Pictures

Westminster Record | April 2014

©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Altar servers from across England kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer at the Guild of St Stephen’s Annual Mass celebrating their ministry.

Mass is celebrated to mark the arrival of the Youth Retreat Team, SPEC, in their new home at Waxwell Farm, Pinner.

Cardinal Vincent prays before the High Altar, having been formally welcomed into the Cathedral following his return from Rome.

©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Highlights from celebrations of Mass across the Diocese Cardinal Vincent prays with the altar party before the Mass of Thanksgiving.

Ooberfuse

“WYD “WYDhas hasleft leftme meinspired, inspired, spiritually spirituallyenlightened enlightenedand and I Iloved lovedevery everysecond secondofofit.” it.”

Alex Alex ©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Cardinal Vincent presents the Book of the Gospels to one of the nine Jesuits recently ordained to the Diaconate.

Page 10

Members of the congregation kneel to receive Cardinal Vincent’s blessing following the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent.

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Bishop John Sherrington celebrates Mass at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School in Stevenage.

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Page 11

Westminster Record | April 2014

From the Director:

As Christians, we are Easter People

Welcome to Spring

Your youth ministry team continues to press on with its three over-arching streams of activity; each one adding strength and depth to our mission and bringing joy to young adults in our diocese.

The SPEC Team have moved to Pinner and we thank Jon, Terry and their team for their work with our young people, especially during this transitional period. Their patience, flexibility, creativity and programme delivery skills are highly regarded. The young retreatants, parish and school groups continue to reflect on the strength of the SPEC vision and applaud their work.

Volunteers are being sought. We continue to look forward and are already on a recruitment drive to start this September. If you’re aged between 18 and 25, why not speak to us about a year in SPEC? Parish Youth Ministry continues apace and it’s wonderful that we are run off our feet and supporting an increasing number of parishes. We are blessed to be invited to help them bear fruit. Full facilitation days in Mill Hill and continued work with Harpenden, Borehamwood and Bishop's Stortford, plus the development of a partnership between Maria Fidelis School and Somers Town parish are wonderful opportunities to engage with and support the young adults of the diocese.

by Rebekah Curran

Exciting events are on the horizon: Pilgrimages to Lourdes, Holy Land and Santiago and support for the Brightlights and Kingdom Come festivals, as well as attendance of the world famous Glastonbury Festival in summer.

Catholic Underground hosted their 5th Anniversary evening at the Centre for Youth Ministry recently with Bishop John Sherrington guiding the evening. If that's not enough, we've a volunteer first aid course due to take place in Cockfosters and we're hoping soon to announce a Music Ministry Training Day for young adults.

Finally, our social networking and website developments are always high on our agenda so please follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook and visit our website to keep ahead of all the upcoming developments in the young world of Westminster.

I am making my way through Pope Francis’s ‘The Joy of the Gospel’. I keep being blown away by a sentence or an understanding that the Pope presents and I have to put down my reading and just process it. During Lent I have been pondering one sentence in particular: “There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter” (EG:6). As Christians we are Easter people; central is our belief that Christ rose from the dead, that death is conquered and that humanity has an opportunity to be reconciled with God in eternal, blissful happiness. The question is: Do I live that?

Eternal, blissful happiness?

The psalms are full of song and dance for the glory of Him and to proclaim His goodness and greatness and, yes, there are times when I feel like that.

But in the midst of Lent, in the midst of hardship, suffering, darkness or feelings of futility do I still live the joy of Easter?

As the Pope goes on to explain, joy is not always separate from suffering, but the “joy of faith [is] slowly revived in a quiet yet firm trust” (EG:6). The joy comes from the unshakable knowledge that I am inexhaustibly loved by God. And from that knowledge of being loved comes a deep trust; a trust that, with certainty this Lent will not go on forever but Easter will come. Spending time in Adoration helps me to

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To find out more about the Youth Ministry and experiences of our young people at: wym.rcdow.org.uk.

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remember that: in times of hardship or self-denial I just have to re-focus on Christ, on the knowledge of how much I am loved and trust that God has a plan. And I know as I wait that I sit with Our Mother in her Holy Saturday wait too.

So that is my challenge for Lent; to allow myself to be loved by God in such a way that I can live the joy of Easter anew every day, with the rising of the Son.

See photos of youth events at: http://flickr.com/ photos/catholicwestminster

Youth

Westminster Record | April 2014

Chaplain’s Journal

APRIL 2014 Fr David Reilly, Diocesan Youth Chaplain

The idea of being on a journey is such an enduring and powerful image for Christians.

Perhaps that is because we can all understand its essential meaning instantly and deeply.

In particular, I think of Lent as a journey too. It begins with Jesus in the challenging environment of the wilderness, and takes us along winding roads of self-discovery, temptation and healing. We know that Lent is a journey which ultimately ends in victory, but that there is no path to Easter Sunday which does not lead us through the terror of Good Friday and the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.

If anyone preaches a form of Christianity which does not include these aspects of the journey, then they are not preaching the Gospel of the Lord.

But the whole journey of faith is also characterised especially by the image of pilgrimage. In the last moments of his pontificate, Pope Benedict said, “I am no longer Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church … but simply a pilgrim beginning the last part of his journey on earth.” His powerful words remind me that we are all fellow pilgrims. Each one, young or old, is at a different stage of our pilgrimage on earth. Like the Emmaus disciples, there are times when we seem to journey away from rather than towards the real goal. The key to being a Christian is recognising that the journey is made with others this is the Church - and should lead towards Christ.

Any pilgrimage or journey that you can make is a reminder of these essential truths, and must serve as a reminder of the journey that Christ himself made through the parted seas of death. A journey that delivered Him, at last, to the far shore of the Resurrection.

The Way of the Youth Worker Claire Pritchard, Youth Worker from the parishes at Hemel Hempstead talks about the journey she has taken in diocesan youth ministry Why did you choose to become a youth worker?

I was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend about seven years ago. I knew nothing about it until the first HIYA (Hemel Initiative for Youth Action) Youth Worker was appointed. My friend said “You would be great at that job” and that planted the seed!

What I really wanted to do was make a difference not only to the youth in my parish but to my parish and the Catholic community in Hemel Hempstead. Youth often gets a bad press and I think it’s about time that changed.

What do you enjoy most from the work?

I am privileged to walk alongside some amazing young people and love seeing them grow through their faith

journey. There are times that I can help and teach them, but what I enjoy most are the moments when they help and teach me.

What is the greatest challenge?

Not working too hard!

There is a difference between being productive and fruitful. I struggle when I feel like I have nothing to show for the time that I have worked. I also have to remind myself that the nature of youth work is that one may not see the results immediately. We sow the seeds that, more often than not, will be harvested in adulthood.

How does your faith shape your approach to your work?

Without wanting it to sound like a cliché, I felt called to do this work. My faith is integral to my job. I love having a job where I can worship and serve

the Lord. My youth often tell me that they don’t want to be preached at, so I try not to!

However I hope that my efforts to live a good Christian life will be enough of a good example to them.

It’s now one year since the election of Pope Francis. How do you think he’s going?

He is amazing. Pope Francis has broken the mould. He recognises that we are all trying to be good people. That seems to have touched Catholics and non-Catholics alike, inspiring people to live their faith. He leads by example; I really hope that all the anecdotes in the media are true. I love the thought of him giving his Swiss Guards sandwiches on night shift. It gives him a human side that we can all relate to.

MAGiS Ireland, 6 - 17 August MAGiS is an international event for young adults aged 17 to 30 organised by the Jesuits and the Ignatian family.

It offers an experience of international friendship and living out the faith through immersion experiences across Ireland.

These range from a walking pilgrimage to serving the homeless, from working on an ecological farm to discovering the reconciliation process in Northern Ireland. If you want to participate you must be open to experiencing God and willing to commit to a time of service and a simple lifestyle. There will be daily prayer and Eucharist.

The cost is £150. Travel and international health insurance are not included. Find out more by visiting www.magis14.org or www.facebook.com/magis2014

Brightlights Festival

by Fiona O’Connell The annual Brightlights Festival for 16-30 year olds will be held from 27 to 29 June in the beautiful grounds of the Carmelite Priory in Aylesford, Kent.

The theme is “Fully Human, Fully Alive, Fully Living”, with music from Fred Clarke, Hidden Man, Adam & Kid and the Canterbury Christ Church Gospel Choir. Speakers will include family and friends of Blessed Chiara Luce Badano, as well as drama, catechesis, liturgy and stimulating workshops. Hundreds of young people will be celebrating and faith-sharing in a vibrant but relaxed environment, all packed into three days. Not to be missed!

• Weekend tickets start at £70, including meals • For more information, updates and to book: www.brightlights.org.uk • Day visitors and weekend camping options • Email: info@brightlights.org.uk • Call: 0845 805 7010

To find out more about the Youth Ministry and experiences of our young people at: wym.rcdow.org.uk.

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See photos of youth events at: http://tinyurl.com/5vqohvo

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Marriage and Family Life

Westminster Record | April 2014

Choosing Love Fr Alexander Sherbrooke writes from the ‘Choose Life, Choose Love’ Conference

S

t Patrick’s, Soho, recently hosted the ‘Choose Life, Choose Love’ conference which focused on the beauty of the Church’s teaching on marriage, family life and the mystery of human sexuality.

People came from a variety of groups within the Catholic Church, but there was also strong ecumenical representation. Cardinal Vincent expressed his hope, saying: "I applaud the efforts of all concerned to lovingly explore the vision of the Church and to include practical assistance for couples in matters of their fertility in authentic partnership with the Creator."

The weekend encompassed talks on many issues from natural family planning through to the unique place of married men and fathers in the Church. The highlights for many of us were the testimonies of married couples speaking on how they live out the Church’s teaching on

marriage – not least Humanae Vitae. We were interested to hear a presentation on the marriage course at Holy Trinity, Brompton, leading to a discussion on how the work of Christians from other denominations can help Catholics express the teachings of the Church more bravely and more clearly.

It was a great experience to be together ecumenically with large numbers of young

people. Many of them are actively involved in their local parish and youth ministries with an enormous amount of commitment to encouraging the ‘young from an early age to aspire to lifelong matrimonial commitment in a loving and stable union open to life.’

Participants came away encouraged to seek further both the depth and truths of their humanity within God’s plan.

Some of the participants at the ‘Choose Life, Choose Love’ Conference in Soho

Explore - Making Lasting Relationships Explore addresses the importance of lasting relationships by taking married couples into schools to share their experiences with students aged between 14 and 17 years.

Although there is provision for 'relationship' education within PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) classes, teachers know the subject is difficult, if not impossible, to teach. With Explore, students are invited to ask the couples anything they wish about their marriage in a sensitively managed environment accompanied by a trained facilitator.

Students complete a form after the session and their replies show how inspired they are by what the couples say, with 90% frequently rating the sessions good, very good or excellent.

As we expand this work in the diocese, we need couples prepared to volunteer to join us.

If you feel you might be able to participate as a married couple, we want to hear from you.

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The only qualification needed is a willingness to share experience in your own words of the ups and downs of married life and how staying together is possible and fulfilling. No training is required but there is an opportunity to meet experienced volunteers to learn more.

Experience shows that the students are fascinated about how you deal with disagreements and upsets, when and how you first met, how long you've been married etc. and the frankness and honesty of couples really appeals to the young people.

Couples usually volunteer for no more than two or three times a year. You can always do more if you wish and no one has to visit schools in the area where they live.

WHAT TO DO NEXT? • Look at our Website. (see opposite) • Talk it over with your partner.

• Get in touch with Edmund Adamus (details in the corner)

For more information, please visit: www.theexploreexperience.co.uk and email to info@theexploreexperience.co.uk

The Serious Consequences of Pornography

On 4 March Jonathan Doyle, Founder and Director of Australia’s biggest Catholic media company, Choicez Media, presented a fascinating and challenging message about the urgent pastoral issues and dangers of pornography addiction.

Doyle is at the cutting edge of research into the neurochemical and neuroplastic change in the human brain (especially the very young brain) caused by this addiction: "Pornography massively stimulates the release of the neurochemical striatal D2 dopamine. D2 dopamine then triggers the overproduction of another neurochemical, Delta Foss B which actually eats grey matter in the pre-frontal cortex. This is known as hypofrontality."

This can have two major effects: firstly it causes major problems with impulse control and secondly it creates the inability to foresee consequences.

We cannot afford to ignore this chilling wake-up call from University of Berkeley Emeritus Professor Phillip Zimbardo: “Brains are being digitally rewired in a new way for change, novelty, excitement and constant arousal.”

Doyle argues that this has serious consequences for the capacity of our children to

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make carefully reflected moral choices in future relationships.

The British Independent Parliamentary Enquiry into Online Child Protection data shows four out of five 16 year olds access pornographic content weekly. Thus, with over 30% of all Internet traffic being pornography related, we can see how vulnerable children are and the serious risks to marriage and family life.

As the government threatens to include highly inappropriate information on pornography in sex education, parents need to take a stand now to protect their children from this massively harmful content. The New Evangelisation must include a mission in the ‘digital continent’. The Church must be the vanguard of equipping leaders with sound knowledge and strategies for pastoral care.

See Jonathan Doyle’s website: www.choicezmedia.com.au For further details contact Edmund Adamus at the Diocese of Westminster Office for Marriage and Family Life edmundadamus@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7798 9363 Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Vocations

Westminster Record | April 2014

Jesuit Joy How did it all begin?

Bala: I grew up in rural India and the teachers used to ask us, “What would you like to be when you grow up?” Most said “A doctor”, “An engineer”... but my answer was always “A priest”. Life at church – Mass, morning and evening prayers, the rosary, serving at Mass, helping around the presbytery – was very important for me. When I finished secondary school, I told my parish priest that I wanted to become a priest. He advised me to join a religious order and in particular the Jesuits as a strongly international congregation with very solid formation, as well as being very open-minded, reaching out to people all over the world. So I applied and I have never regretted this for a moment.

Matthias: At the age of 15/16 I felt increasingly alienated from the Church and started to read atheist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. But when I was doing my Confirmation preparation at the age of 18, I rediscovered my faith; all the questions I was asking found their answer in the person of Jesus Christ. This was a real turning point for me.

My father recommended that I should consider religious orders because of their community life.

I decided to talk to a Franciscan, a Dominican and a Jesuit. It sounds a bit like the start of a joke! Of these three it was the Ignatian spirituality which really spoke to me and convinced me that I should enter the Society of Jesus.

What do you think that Jesuit spirituality has to bring to people today?

A view from Heythrop

Cardinal Vincent recently ordained to the Diaconate nine Jesuit students who study at Heythrop College (see page 2).

Fr Richard Nesbitt talks to two of them, Bollineni Bala

by Michael Holman SJ, Principal of Heythrop College Kumar and Matthias Kramm, about their calling.

Recently ordained Matthias Kramm and Bollineni Bala Kumar Matthias: It’s in the Spiritual Exercises, which are at the heart of Ignatian spirituality. One thing is a very positive outlook – to say that the world and human beings are essentially good. Then we really have a purpose and a mission in this world, transforming it into a better place. There is a real intimacy between God and his creatures. God wants us to be happy, fulfilled so that we can wholeheartedly be at the service of others. Thirdly, discernment of spirits is crucial – being very aware of different emotions and reactions within me, discerning what is leading me to and away from God. Can you see all of this coming through in Pope Francis? When you listen to him do you think, yes, that is a very Jesuit way of seeing things?

Matthias: Yes, he has this very positive approach to the world. He seems to have left any anxieties behind – he is happy to be in dialogue with a whole variety of people. He is also deeply rooted in prayer and very pastoral. He speaks

out of a real solidarity with people so what he says rings true as it feels very close to our everyday lives. And then there is a real path of discernment in his ministry – he tries to balance an awareness of what the Church teaches and her tradition with an attitude of charity and hospitality to everyone out there. He is quite simply trying to discern, through different options, what leads more to Christ.

Bala: He is clearly someone who knows that he is deeply loved by God. If I don’t have that self-awareness it is very difficult to give it back to the world. It looks very simple but it is not – to know that I am a child of God and that God is asking me to love others as He does, this is a challenge for all of us. It is true that only if I love myself will I be able to love others. Pope Francis shows us this. Also I am struck by his freedom which removes inhibitions about “What will people think?”; “Will people understand me?” when every word he speaks can be instantly quoted and dissected in the media. He is internally free to believe that what the conscience and the heart speak, if rooted in God, cannot be a lie.

Heythrop College is this year celebrating the 400th anniversary of its foundation by the English Jesuits in Louvain, Flanders in 1614. Remarkably, it is now what is was then, namely a college for the study of philosophy and theology with 450 undergraduates, 225 postgraduates, 50 engaged in doctoral research and a large number of visiting students from home and overseas. Then we have 100 students from our partner institution, Fordham, the Jesuit University in New York City.

60 are studying for the priesthood - Jesuit scholastics from South America, Asia and Africa as well as Europe, seminarians from Allen Hall and students from other religious orders and congregations.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols visited the College on 20 January to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving marking the reopening of the ecclesiastical faculties of theology and philosophy. Our students are now able to study for the full range of ecclesiastical degrees – at bachelor’s, licentiate and doctoral levels – alongside degrees of the University. We very much hope that this initiative will make the College of greater service to the Church both in this country and overseas.

The Jesuit tradition is one which brings theology into dialogue with the modern world. This tradition we are celebrating in our anniversary series, the “Loschert Lectures”. Peter Sutherland, the former Irish attorney general and European commissioner, inaugurated the series last September speaking on Britain’s future in Europe; since when Baroness Scotland, the former British attorney general, and Lord Brennan have both reflected with us on the Christian’s responsibility in politics and public life.

We offer a wide range of programmes which can be studied in the daytime and evening, full-time and part-time, at a cost which is truly competitive and which can be further supported by scholarships. My hope is that many readers of Westminster Record will use one of our programmes as a way of deepening their understanding of their journey of faith.

For further details on the College and details of the events planned to mark the 400th anniversary, please see: www.heythrop.ac.uk

To read the full version of this interview, see www.rcdow.org.uk/vocations To find out more about a vocation to the Jesuits, see www.jesuitvocations.org.uk Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

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Page 15

Technology Review

Westminster Record | April 2014

An App to help you Confess

by Chris O’Callaghan

“Technology has found a way to make receiving the Sacrament a lot easier for us all.”

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T

his Lent, Bishop Kieran Conry is leading a campaign to bring Catholics back to the confessional as the Easter season approaches; and technology has found a way to make receiving the Sacrament a lot easier for us all.

The Confession App is simple but clever and wellstructured. After a simple log in to protect your personal details, the App guides you through an examination of conscience that should be undertaken before going to the Sacrament. Using the 10 Commandments as a starting point, the App takes each individually and breaks it down into a series of questions designed to challenge us and make us question what we need to confess. For example, the list of questions under the Fifth

“I actually quite liked this App. It made the experience of preparing for confession simple and structured.”

Commandment ‘You shall not kill’ includes Have I abused drugs and alcohol? Have I been angry or resentful? Have I physically harmed someone and Do I over-eat? The questions are thoughtful and well-rounded, touching on many areas of our lives where we may need grace.

After completing the examen, the App moves to confession itself. It provides the opening prayer and reminds you to tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession. Then if offers all the sins you have acknowledged in your

examen in a list, so when you are asked what you want to confess, you can read the list of sins that you have already recognised. This encourages a more complete confession and admission of sin. After listing your sins and receiving your penance, the App shows the Act of Contrition and allows you to set a reminder for your next confession.

I actually quite liked this App. It made the experience of preparing for confession simple and structured and although some people may not approve of this regimented style, its accessibility should appeal to many Catholics who may not frequent the Sacrament and thus forget the routine. It is a useful App for teachers and catechists who may want to instruct young Catholics for their first confession and for older people who may have

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become complacent and now want a deeper and renewed examination of conscience.

Confession: A Roman Catholic App is available from the App Store on iTunes priced at £1.49. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch with iOS 5 or later.

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Reviews

Westminster Record September Westminster Record | April2011 2014

Book Review

DVD Review

The Seven Storey Mountain

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days

by Alex Balzanella

by Barnaby Johns The Seven Storey Mountain is the acclaimed autobiographical journey of Thomas Merton on his way to becoming a Trappist Monk at Gethsemani Abbey, Kentucky.

Beginning with his birth, this eloquently written, charming and often self-effacing book chronicles his youth in Europe and America through university years, conversion and an increasingly powerful call to religious life.

Throughout the book the honesty of Merton’s testimony and the sense that he is a sinner are striking. His account incorporates many philosophical and theological reflections as he observes the world he grew up in. His comments and feelings about life in the secular world, in which he had a promising future, are particularly remarkable; they also offer a strong challenge to our own ambitions and pursuits, aims which, isolated from God, will always be unfulfilling.

When published over 60 years ago it rose to be one of the best selling non-fiction books of the year in the United States and was understood to have been responsible for a surge in vocations to religious, and particularly enclosed monastic, life. Undoubtedly even today Merton’s work shows the great value of such a life and how, in spite of how unworldly it may seem, it remains a life to which we can be called in all our ordinary sinfulness.

Available from St Paul’s Bookshop, Amazon UK and all good retailers.

The Seven Storey Mountain: Thomas Merton; pp. 448; Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky where publisher SPCK Classic Merton lived as a Trappist Monk

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It is February 18 1943 and Germany is suffering defeat at Stalingrad where 330,000 soldiers have been killed.

Idealistic 22 year-old Sophie Scholl (Julia Jentsch) and her brother Hans (Fabian Hinrichs) are members of the underground White Rose resistance group in Munich committed to undermining the Nazi war effort through nonviolent protest. They are both caught for distributing leaflets which declare the war unwinnable and urge people to reject Hitler and seek peace.

What follows is a compelling set of interrogations at Gestapo headquarters. Sophie is questioned by the experienced Robert Mohr (Alexander Held).

At first she ducks and weaves, making excuses and false alibis. Soon the truth comes out and she confesses.

As the cross-examination continues, Sophie reveals her loyalty to the dictates of conscience as the only way to a life of integrity. She is unafraid to criticize Hitler’s persecution of the Jews and the Third Reich's curtailment of freedoms.

Increasingly it is Mohr who appears lost and lifeless in comparison. He gives her the party line, to which she firmly replies, "You have the wrong worldview, not me."

This is a remarkable true story, dealing with events from the last week in Sophie’s life.

The screenplay is based on previously unavailable minutes of Gestapo interrogations, eyewitness accounts of the trial staged by the Third Reich as well as interviews. We are presented with a deeply attractive figure and moral mentor.

At several points in the film Sophie looks up at the sky – an action pointing to her Christian faith. That has formed her conscience and she turns to God in prayer at key moments asking for strength. Sophie Scholl is the archetypal Happy Prince from Oscar Wilde’s children’s story, giving everything she has and then seemingly thrown into the darkness of history. But this is not to be. She is a person of huge stature, an icon in modern Germany, who listened to her conscience and even when faced with impending death did not take the easy way out.

(2005) 120 min £6.99 on Amazon

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“This is a remarkable true story, dealing with events from the last week in Sophie’s life”

Page 17

Saints & Obituaries

Westminster Record | April 2014

St Catherine of Siena, Virgin Deacon James Richards RIP and Doctor of the Church Born in 1941, James was What amazes us most about St Catherine? Her youth? Her dedication to Christ began when she was only seven years old.

The depth of her spirituality? The Dialogues which she imagined between God and her soul continue to inspire our understanding today. The power of her personality? She saw clearly the scandal of the Papacy being in exile in Avignon and personally brought about Pope Gregory XI’s return to Rome. Her vision of reformation and unity? She worked tirelessly to end the later Great Schism in Rome. Her correspondence? 400 of her letters survive to people high and low, urging practical reconciliation, advising on prayer. Her care for the sick? This, despite great personal sufferings, ending in death at the age of only 33. The Church celebrates her courage, seeing in her life the motive force of Jesus’ own love for his Body, the Church.

2014 Summer programme in Liturgy and Latin at Ealing Abbey

Fr Geoffrey Webb RIP

Short courses for credit (KU Leuven) or interest “Research Seminar” D. McCarthy 7-18 July (not 12, 13 July) morning “Liturgy in the West: History” E. Carr 7-18 July (not 12, 13 July) afternoon “Liturgy and Ecumenism” B. Nichols 7-18 July (not 12, 13 July) morning “Western Liturgical Books” D. McCarthy 21 Jul-1 Aug (not 26, 27 July) morning “Theology of the Liturgy” E. Carr 21 Jul-1 Aug (not 26, 27 July) afternoon “Christian Initiation” J. Leachman 21 Jul-1 Aug (not 26, 27 July) morning “Beginners, Intermediate and Proficient Latin” D. McCarthy and others 11-22 August (not 16, 17 August)

Born in 1923, Geoffrey Webb spent his childhood near Saffron Walden, winning a scholarship to the Lycée Français, Kensington. His linguistic abilities were put to good use in the Army. In June 1944 he described his wonder at seeing the life of the Church in Rome and the following year he was received into the Church in Vienna. On returning to London he made contact with the Dominicans from whom he learnt Latin and how to pray. A summer on Caldey Island with the Cistercians attracted him to their way of life. However, in 1953 he applied to the Diocese and was Ordained to the Priesthood in Westminster Cathedral on 1 June 1957 by Cardinal Godfrey. Fr Geoffrey was appointed Assistant Priest at Edmonton until 1961 when he moved to Warwick Street

and then became a Cathedral Chaplain in 1967. He spent some time on the Arran Islands, adding Irish to his linguistic capabilities. From 1973 as Parish Priest at Marychurch, Hatfield, he enjoyed the countryside, but returned to central London to work in adult education. In 1980 he became Parish Priest at Borehamwood, remaining there until his retirement in 1992. During his time there he transformed the parish, enhancing the liturgy, involving the Comboni Missionaries and forming lifelong friendships. He loved to travel abroad and applied himself to the study of Arabic.

Textbook theology did not inspire him, but the writings of the Church Fathers and mystics did. His towering intellect and broad experience were not used to belittle others – he generously shared his knowledge and wisdom, touching the minds and hearts of many. Those who knew him came to appreciate his sense of humour and his ability to have fun in their company, and also his need to have his own space.

Fr Geoffrey died at the Peace Hospice, Watford, on 6 March.

May he rest in peace.

educated at Hillingdon High School and Hounslow College. He worked at the Bank of England until his marriage to Diane in 1967.

They had three children, two of whom survive him.

He served as an elected member for the London Borough of Hounslow from 1964 to 1968, when he left to study at Hull, Cardiff and Brunel Universities. Upon qualification James worked first in the Probation Service and later in various social work posts involving children and families. His final, and for him most fulfilling, post was as CEO at the Catholic Children’s Society, where he took an active interest in the hotly debated issues around changes to adoption legislation.

James’ parents were nominally Baptist and Anglican; and James was baptised as a Catholic in 1980.

He was ordained Deacon by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor in July 2006 to serve his home parish of Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Heston. He was an Assistant Director of the Diaconate in Westminster Diocese and a member of the Diaconal Formation Team at St John’s Seminary, Wonersh.

James was also a member of the Westminster Diocesan

In Memoriam: April 3 Fr Francis Kenney (1987)

Fr Clement Tigar (1976)

4 Fr Peter Dunn (1974)

Fr Bernard McGuinness (1978)

Fr Robert Holmes-Walker (2010)

17 Canon Lionel Dove (1971)

5 Fr Albert Parisotti (1970)

Fr Lionel Keane (1997)

Fr David Evans (1989)

19 Fr Joseph McEntee (1978)

7 Fr John Keep (2002)

Canon Harold Winstone ((1987)

9 Fr Fr Thomas Hookham (1998)

20 Fr Patrick Smyth (1978)

Fr Ronald Cox (1994)

21 Canon Reginald Fuller (2011)

Fr James Woolaghan (2003)

22 Fr Herbert Crees (1974)

Fr Gerard Meaney (2010)

“Seminar on Initiation” E. Carr 11-22 August (not 16, 17 August)

10 Mgr Canon John M T Barton

Contact: http://liturgyinstitute.org/cou rses-summer-2014/

11 Fr John Bebb (1975)

Post: 74 Castlebar Road, W5 2DD. Telephone: 020 8862 2156 Email: il@bsac.ac.uk

13 Fr Albert Davey (1987)

Page 18

Safeguarding Commission and had served as a trustee of the Cardinal Hume Centre. In the 2010 New Year Honours list he was awarded the MBE for services to Children and Families.

Diagnosed with cancer in October 2011 James underwent radio and chemotherapy in addition to surgery. A realist with a very strong trust in God, he continued to remain active as deacon in his parish, writing a weekly spiritual reflection until days before his death, which was at home, peacefully and without pain.

Diane was with him when he died.

May he rest in peace.

Fr Robert Tollemach (1998) Fr John Robson (2000)

(1977)

23 Canon Frank Martin (2002)

Fr Brian Laycock (2004)

24 Canon Clement Rochford (1978) Fr Derek McClughen (1991)

Bishop James O’Brien (2007)

25 Canon Francis Hegarty (2004)

12 Fr John Mills (1975)

27 Fr Stanley Harrison (1973) Mgr John F McDonald (1992)

14 Fr Michael Hendry (1994)

28 Canon John Longstaff (1986)

16 Mgr Canon Lancelot Long (1978)

29 Fr Michael Moriarty (1996)

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Events

Westminster Record | April 2014

REGULAR EVENTS

Other regular Masses Deaf Community Mass First Sunday of the month 4.30pm, Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QW

If you have an event, please email communications@rcdow.org.uk Prayer Groups

Liturgical Calendar - April

SUNDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Taizé at St James, Piccadilly W1J 9LL Every third Sunday 5pm. Call 020 7503 5128 for details.

Lectio Young Adults Group Lectio Divina with time for reflection and discussion afterwards. Every first and third Sunday in term time at 6.45pm.

Contact davidreilly@rcdow.org.uk or https://www.facebook.com/ lectio.divina.961 Tyburn Benedictines Monastic afternoon Every first Sunday 2pm-5pm Martyrs’ Crypt, Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde Park Place W2 2LJ. Westminster Cathedral Young Adults meet socially after the 7pm Mass on Sundays and then at the nearby Windsor Castle pub. For further details please contact: westminsteryoungadults@gmail.com

Wednesdays on the Wall (WOTW) Every first Wednesday 6pm at All Hallows on the Wall 83 London Wall EC2M 5ND. A short service of prayer and reflection at 6pm, coffee at 6.45pm followed by discussion.

Corpus Christi Contemplative Prayer group for young adults Wednesdays from 7pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. For further details please contact corpuschristipg@yahoogroups.co.uk

MONDAYS Mothers’ Prayers at St Dominic’s Priory, Haverstock Hill NW5 4LB Mondays 2.30-3.30pm in the Lourdes chapel. All are welcome.

TUESDAYS Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Tuesdays 6-9pm concluding with Benediction at Newman House, 111 Gower Street WC1E 6AR. Details 020 7387 6370 Prayers for London at the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden Tuesdays 7.30pm. Organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Willesden, Nicoll Road NW10 9AX Vocations Prayer Group Second Tuesday of the month 8pm at 47C Gaisford Street NW5 2EB

Evangelisation prayer group for young adults meets from 7pm on Wednesdays at Notre Dame de France, 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX. For further details please contact Armel at apostles.jesus@yahoo.co.uk

1 Tue

Lent feria

2 Wed

Lent feria (St Francis of Paola, Hermit)

3 Thu

Lent feria

4 Fri

Lent feria (St Isidore, Bishop & Doctor), Friday abstinence

5 Sat

Lent feria (St Vincent Ferrer, Priest)

6 Sun

+ 5th SUNDAY OF LENT

7 Mon

Lent feria (St John Baptist de la Salle, Priest)

8 Tue

Lent feria

9 Wed

Lent feria

10 Thu

Lent feria

11 Fri

Lent feria (St Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr), Friday abstinence

THURSDAYS Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life Every first Thursday of the month.

Young adults from all Christian denominations pray and share a meal. Details www.jcfl.org.uk Soul Food A Catholic charismatic prayer group for young adults meets Thursdays 7-9pm at St Charles Borromeo, Ogle Street W1W 6HS. Details at www.soulfoodgroup.org Blessed John Paul II Prayer Group Every second Thursday of the month 7-8pm, Mass, Adoration and Prayer at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB.

FRIDAYS Association of Divorced and Separated Catholics Every third Friday of the month.

All divorced and separated Catholics are welcome. Call Frank or Christine 020 8422 1591 Divine Mercy Prayers and Mass Every first Friday 2.30-4.30pm at Our Lady, Mother of the Church, 2 Windsor Road W5 5PD. Westminster Cathedral Charismatic Prayer Group Every Friday 7.30pm Prayer, Praise and Teaching. First Friday is a healing Mass. Details: 020 8748 2632

Young Adults Mass First & Third Sunday of the month, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH. Quiet prayer 7.15pm, Mass 7.30pm. Social gathering afterward. Contact: organise@fsplus.info or visit www.fsplus.info Mass at Canary Wharf Tuesdays 12.30pm 2 Churchill Place E14 5RB. Organised by Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, Chaplain to Canary Wharf Communities. Details www.cwcc.org.uk St Albans Fridays at 12 noon. Mass in the Lady Chapel of St Alban’s Abbey AL1 1BY EXTRAORDINARY FORM MASSES

12 Sat

Lent feria

13 Sun

+ PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD - HOLY WEEK BEGINS

14 Mon MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK 15 Tue

TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

17 Thu

MAUNDY THURSDAY

18 Fri

GOOD FRIDAY, Fast and Abstinence

19 Sat

HOLY SATURDAY

20 Sun

+ EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD - EASTERTIDE BEGINS

Low Mass 6pm St Etheldreda, Ely Place EC1N 6RY First Fridays only.

IN EASTER OCTAVE

23 Wed IN EASTER OCTAVE

Low Mass 6pm St John the Baptist Church, King Edward’s Road E9 7SF First Fridays only.

24 Thu

IN EASTER OCTAVE

25 Fri

IN EASTER OCTAVE, no Friday abstinence

26 Sat

IN EASTER OCTAVE

27 Sun

+ 2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER (or of DIVINE MERCY)

Low Mass 6.30pm, Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB Second Fridays only.

SATURDAYS

28 Mon ST GEORGE, MARTYR, PATRON OF ENGLAND

Taizé at Notre Dame de France, 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX 7.15pm Call 020 7437 9363

29 Tue

St Catherine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor, Patron of Europe

30 Wed Easter feria or St Pius V, Pope

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Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Fridays Low Mass 7.45am St Mary Moorfields, 4/5 Eldon Street EC2N 7LS. Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP.

21 Mon IN EASTER OCTAVE

Available from the first Sunday of each month, the magazine is designed to be read by Catholics of all ages who want to immerse themselves into the history and present culture of their religion.

Low Mass 9am, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Mondays Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NB.

16 Wed WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

22 Tue

Sundays Low Mass 9.30am, St James Spanish Place W1U 3QY.

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Saturdays Low Mass 12.15pm, St Wilfrid’s Chapel, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP Low Mass 4.30pm, Side Chapel, Westminster Cathedral SW1P 1QW Second Saturday only.

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Page 19

Spotlight

Westminster Record | April 2014

Jo Siedlecka – looking forward to a Tall (Ship) Story

Jo in Rome with Cardinal Nichols shortly after he was made Cardinal

by John Scott Jo has sadly decided to retire as Deputy Editor of the Westminster Record – having served with a succession of Communications Office staff over many years – and so I wanted to know more about her life hitherto as well as her plans for the future.

International by parentage, with an Anglo-Irish mother and Polish pilot father, Jo’s early years were spent in Argentina: ‘Life was very hand-to-mouth’, she says, remembering a cardboard box as a bed. Then the possibility arose of work in Canada and so the family moved north, travelling up the coast by freighter and stopping at every port. The weather may sometimes have been rough, but ‘it was a great experience for a child’. Her father, she recalls, saw everyone as good and would regularly bring new Page 20

friends home for meals, in some cases people he had just met on the streets!

When her parents retired to Norfolk, Jo started Teacher Training at St Mary’s, Twickenham. She describes herself as ‘a hopeless disciplinarian who somehow passed’, yet found fulfillment in working one-to-one with challenging students, moving on to a successful project at a unit for teenage girls in trouble.

Training to teach English as a Foreign Language led to more travel, this time to Japan and to the beginning of her writing career.

An ‘excellent’ journalism course at the London College of Communication brought her to the Camden Chronicle as Senior Reporter, a job with particular perks like free entry to Regent’s Park Zoo – ‘and it was a change from reporting the Police Courts’. It would, however, be hardly typical for Jo to stay long in one place and she was pleased to find that her skills enabled her to go freelance, writing for the Evening Standard, BBC Radio and the World Service. At the same time she could continue her travels, with the needs of the people of West Sahara being one longheld interest.

Baptised as a Catholic, she freely admits that she dropped away from the Church in later teenage years; yet in 1996 she

returned, delighting in the liveliness of her local North London parish where she remains active. This led both to writing for the Catholic papers and finding stories about the Church which she could send on to other local and national papers. To be in Rome at the time of Blessed John Paul II’s death was remarkable, she recalls. Already helping on the Westminster Record, Jo perceived that there was space and a need for a Catholic news service. An upstairs neighbour gave website-building expertise in exchange for baby-sitting, and Independent Catholic News (check it out at www.indcatholicnews.com) was born, attracting huge interest and support, with 56 contributors from all around the world! I know that Jo supplies the Record with stories, but how many people look at ICN? The answer is – quite a lot.

There were over 216,000 separate visits to the site in January of this year, with 6 million hits on the various pages and links. Clearly Jo and her colleagues are supplying a real service to the Church, albeit not one suspected by those passing by an ordinary Kentish Town basement flat. If we are tempted to doubt whether we as individuals can make any real difference or contribution to society or to the Church’s work

Jo on a visit to Japan where she taught English to students

of evangelisation, Jo reminds us quietly and firmly that we can.

She will still be working for the BBC, Al Jazeera and St Anthony’s Messenger, so what new plans does she have?

Unsurprisingly she has travel in mind. The Jubilee Sailing Trust has two sail training ships, the Tenacious and the Lord Nelson, both designed to cater for crews which mix the able-bodied and disabled. A taster trip, she thinks, for starters and then she can move on to longer voyages.

Looking out from the crow’s nest, I ask? Well, she is not sure about climbing the rigging, but then reflects that as there are safety harnesses, perhaps yes.

This could become a hobby for

years ahead –there is no age limit and the Trust has even had centenarians on board.

After a good afternoon’s talk I finish by asking her about the Church. ‘I’m so happy that I was baptised Catholic and that I came back to the Church in 1996. I’m happy with Catholic identity.’ Jo is keen to emphasise what has held together this identity and her professional life: ‘We have the Gospel, the best news story possible. We can rejoice in telling that story in so many ways.’

Thank you, Jo, for all that you have done for us here at the Record, telling the Good News.

“I’m so happy that I was baptised Catholic and that I came back to the Church in 1996.

I’m happy with Catholic identity.”

Jo in the Western Sahara in 1990

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