Westminster Record November 2016 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record

November 2016 | 20p

Schools News

Chapel of St George and the English Martyrs

Annual Report & Accounts 2015

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Journeying with St Alban

On Saturday, 8 October, Bishops John Sherrington and Paul McAleenan led a pilgrimage of mercy to St Albans, in honour of the proto-martyr of England who is also a patron saint of the diocese. The ecumenical pilgrimage was a sign of the shared witness to the message of Jesus Christ. Over a hundred pilgrims from Hertfordshire and London joined the pilgrimage, which saw a re-enactment of the life and martyrdom of St Alban in Verulamium Park and the cathedral orchard, before processing into the cathedral

past the shrine of the martyr. Several schools from the diocese took part in the re-enactment and procession, including Nicholas Breakspear, St Michael’s Catholic High School, Newman Catholic College, St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School and Pope Paul Catholic Primary School. On hand to welcome the pilgrims for ecumenical Evensong was Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, and the Bishop of St Albans presided at the service, giving the final blessing. Preaching at Evensong, Bishop John referred to the

commissioning of the 19 pairs of Anglican and Catholic bishops by Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby earlier in the week in Rome at an historic meeting to mark the 50 years of dialogue and friendship between the two churches. The bishops, he said, ‘were sent to the countries of the world as a sign of the common desire to renew our common service together and witness to our common mission to spread the promise and hope of Jesus Christ’. He explained: ‘In the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the meeting in Rome and our pilgrimage today are symbols of the way in which

we seek to proclaim the power and freedom of God’s mercy not only to believers but to those who are distant from the Church and those who have never heard the promise of Christ to love, save and walk with all people.’ Referring to St Alban’s martyrdom, as well as to the calling of St Matthew and the conversion of St Paul in which they all received the gifts of God’s grace and mercy, he continued, ‘like any gift, the joy of receiving is to share it with others’. In this Year of Mercy, all are called to share this gift through the corporal and

spiritual works of mercy, to bring the love of Christ to those on the margins. Recalling the words of the common declaration of Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury, he said that as the pilgrims leave this Cathedral, ‘we carry in our hearts the hope and encouragement…“that Catholics and Anglicans will work together to give voice to our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to bring relief to the suffering, to bring peace where there is conflict, to bring dignity where it is denied and trampled upon”’.

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Westminster Record | November 2016

‘Putting faith into practice’

Editor Mgr Mark Langham Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Hannah Woolley, Fr John Scott 020 7798 9178, and Martha Behan 020 7798 9030 Design Julian Game Photography Marcin Mazur To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 908 5301 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd.

December/January publication dates Editorial deadline: 18 November 2016 Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk News and stories call 020 7798 9030 Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk Advertising deadline: 25 November 2016 To advertise contact Carol Malpass 0161 908 5301 or email carol.malpass@thecatholicuniverse.com Produced by the Communications Office of the Diocese of Westminster. News and articles published in the Westminster Record do not necessarily represent the views of the Diocese of Westminster, unless specifically stated otherwise. Appearance of advertisements does not imply editorial endorsement.

The publication of the diocesan Annual Report and Accounts hardly sets the blood racing. Detailed scrutiny of income and expenditure quickens the heart of very few. Yet even the most numerically phobic of us should take note of, and feel cheered by, their appearance. Behind the rows of figures is the reality of the generosity of countless parishioners throughout the diocese, and, as Cardinal Vincent notes, something like four million volunteer hours. These accounts are, if you like, the documentation of our Christian calling, putting our faith into practice. We may not be moved overmuch by financial returns, but we would hardly wish to belong to a Church which saw its life as measured only by what happens in a church on a

Sunday. If we are to clothe the naked, tend to the sick, succour orphans, then we need to engage in society, we need structures, and we need funding. Caritas is showing the way here in our diocese. Its members have visited the refugees in Calais, where on our doorstep, as it were, there are so many hands reaching out in need. Caritas is also reaching out to the homeless, and to prisoners, a direct response to our Lord’s call to feed the hungry and to visit those in prison. We report on these initiatives, as well as many others taking place around our diocese. We cannot forget our own, either, and we have an article on the help given to elderly and infirm priests who have served us so faithfully, a mark of our commitment to the Church past, present and future. It is unlikely that many of us will scrutinise the diocesan accounts. We can be thankful that our diocese works on so many fronts to make the mercy and love of God a reality in the lives of those who are most in need.

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Zdenek Makar RIP

A memorial service was held St Mary and St Joseph’s Church, Poplar, for Zdenek Makar, who died on 22 September 2016 after being attacked. The memorial service was attended by Mr Makar’s sister, Czech Ambassador Libor Sečka, as well as friends and many members of the local community. Zed, as he was known, was a parishioner of Poplar and had lived in London for 10 years. A fund has been set up to cover the cost of Page 2

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repatriating his body to the Czech Republic and to support Zed’s mother and sister who he was sending money home to. Cardinal Vincent expressed his condolences in a message which was delivered by Fr Keith Stoakes at the memorial service, read: ‘Today, at this sad moment, I offer my sincere condolences to all who mourn the tragic death of Mr Zdenek Makar. His death was the result of acts of violence which should have no place on our streets. Those actions are to be condemned. ‘I also offer my most sincere prayers for the repose of his soul. I pray that God our loving Father will have mercy on him and welcome him into his heavenly home, there to await the glorious resurrection of all the dead. I pray particularly for Zdenek’s family, especially for his elderly mother. May God strengthen her at this moment of grief.’

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Westminster Record | November 2016

Furthering the Work of Combatting Modern Slavery

The Santa Marta Group, a partnership between the Catholic Church, governments and law enforcement agencies around the world, met on 26 and 27 October to report on their progress and continue their collaboration in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery.

Welcoming the group in Rome, Cardinal Vincent spoke of his recent visit to Bakhita House, the shelter for rescued victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. He stressed that ‘building trust is vital’ to helping these women ‘rebuild their lives’ and to defeat this ‘appalling crime’. He added that building trust

is also necessary to deepening the Santa Marta Group’s ‘practical collaboration’ and that it was heartening to see ‘evidence that this cooperation is strengthening in many places’. The Cardinal also explained that the purpose of the meeting was to ‘enhance accountability’ and to ‘speak of what we have achieved and what we have not tackled’. In presenting the reports of the group’s achievements to Pope Francis on the second day of the conference, the Cardinal explained it as sign that symbolically ‘we recognise that we are accountable to a higher authority than that which our own separate structures embody’. The reports detailed progress made in 30 countries in prosecuting criminals, caring for victims, and launching initiatives aimed at long-term prevention of trafficking in the country of origin of victims. The reports also included expressions of frustration, which is itself a sign of the group’s ‘strong determination to see the elimination of human trafficking given a greater priority and tackled with more urgency’.

At the same conference Home Secretary Amber Rudd who pledged £11 million to a Modern Slavery Innovation Fund, ‘set up to tackle the horrendous crime in high-risk countries from which victims are trafficked to the UK’. The Home Office had also set out details of an £8.5 million fund to help law enforcement agencies tackle modern slavery. Along with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Prime Minister’s announcement that she will chair a Modern Slavery Taskforce, these are concrete signs of the UK Government’s continued commitment to work with the Catholic Church to combat modern slavery.

Cardinal Vincent Prays for Victims of Hurricane Matthew Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew, Cardinal Vincent has written to Jean Robert Pillard, the Chargé d'Affaires for Haiti, to express condolences and offer prayers for the victims. In his letter, sent 11 October 2016, he writes: 'I am writing to offer my sincere condolences for all those who died and the destruction caused by the impact of Hurricane Matthew. 'I assure you of the Catholic community in England and Wales. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died.'

Cardinal Vincent Affirms Support for the People of Mosul

In an address given at a service to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce and to inaugurate the office of the Anti-slavery Commissioner at Westminster Abbey on 12 October, Cardinal Vincent reaffirmed the Church's commitment to combating modern slavery. Comparing the current situation with the one facing Wilberforce, the politician who campaigned to abolish the slave trade in the eighteenth century, the Cardinal explained that then, as now, it 'disfigures our society and calls for an unremitting effort to bring it to an end'. 'Human trafficking and modern day slavery are perpetrated by large, criminal international networks,' he said and emphasised that the Catholic Church is 'slowly mobilising its considerable,

international networks, contacts and resources' in an effort to eradicate this trade. The Cardinal paid tribute to the work of religious sisters, working in the Talitha Kum network, who 'put their lives at risk every day to get close to the victims of human trafficking in the most dangerous of circumstances'. He expressed his confidence that the Government, already known for working to combat human trafficking, would work with the Government of France, to tackle child exploitation in the Calais camps and 'very urgently improve the effectiveness of the asylum-seeking procedures, especially for children there, who may well have a right to be here and are certainly at terrible risk in the coming weeks'. This was echoed by Theresa

May who said she wants Britain to lead the fight against modern slavery and trafficking. Speaking of the Santa Marta Group, the international effort of the Catholic Church working with law enforcement agencies and the Church of England World Wide, the Cardinal said that the progress it has made has been 'effective and measurable', and said that when it presents its progress reports to Pope Francis in two weeks times, he felt confident that the Holy Father would be 'greatly encouraged'. Also speaking at the service and reaffirming their commitment to combating human trafficking and modern slavery were Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Prime Minister Theresa May and Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland.

Cardinal Vincent Reaffirms Church’s Commitment to Combating Modern Slavery

Cardinal Vincent met with refugees from Mosul and the surrounding areas last year on a visit to Irbil. With a concerted push to liberate Mosul and other areas currently underway, Cardinal Vincent said: 'My prayers are with the people of Mosul as efforts continue to liberate the city and surrounding areas from the tyranny of Daesh. It is vital that protection of civilians, respect for humanitarian conventions and support for those fleeing their homes are at the forefront of this operation.

'It will undoubtedly take time for the physical liberation to be realised. Only then can the hard work begin to establish the rule of law and rebuild the region’s diverse social fabric of which the Christian community, many of whom I met in Irbil last year in the refugee camps offering them sanctuary from the violence, is an integral part. This rebuilding is a crucial step which will allow them and other refugees to return to their homes. 'My prayers are also with people from across the Middle East region suffering from the continuing violence.' Page 3

Westminster Record | November 2016

Lawyers Challenged to Love with Mercy

Bishop John Wilson celebrated the annual Red Mass at Westminster Cathedral on the first day of the legal year, 3 October. The intention of the Mass is to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide the work of the judiciary and legal profession in the coming year. In his homily Bishop John reflected on the love that Christ has for us, and how we can see this in his suffering. Taking as his starting point the mercy that Christ shows us, he quoted St Augustine, saying: ‘It is easier for God to hold back anger than mercy.’ Addressing the gathered legal professionals, Bishop John continued: ‘In front of the Cross of Jesus we face and accept the truth that we are

ransomed, healed, restored and forgiven, in short, that we are loved.’ He reflected on the fact that being loved by God calls us to love others, but that this ‘merciful loving…can never make what is bad to be good nor what is wrong to be right. But it can seek to echo compassionately the forgiving heartbeat of Jesus.’ Bishop John also noted that, at the start of the legal year, it is especially important to remember that the Holy Spirit is our advocate, who can be relied on for strength and guidance. Explaining why mercy is so important in our lives, Bishop John continued: ‘We must love them with a love that is merciful

‘Prayer and Adoration Have a Very Special Place Here’ On 27 September Cardinal Vincent joined the Tyburn Association of Adoration and their guests for Mass to celebrate their Golden Jubilee. In his homily, the Cardinal reflected on the history of the contemplative community since its approval by Cardinal Heenan 50 years earlier, focusing on what communities like this can offer people. He mentioned especially the writing of former member Eva Jennings, who said: ‘I think it is the universal experience that sometimes during the night there is that feeling of closeness with Our Divine Lord, an almost physical consciousness Page 4

of the Real Presence, a feeling of being happy with God, a small foretaste of paradise.’ He also spoke about Pope Francis’s recent words on contemplative communities, addressing the issues that the modern world presents to people and communities such as the Tyburn Association of the Adoration. ‘The great challenge faced by consecrated persons is to persevere in seeking God with the eyes of faith in a world which ignores his presence.’ The Cardinal concluded by inviting everyone to be more aware of the ways in which God shows himself to us.

like our heavenly Father’s love is merciful. Pope Francis puts it like this: ‘Without a witness to mercy, life becomes fruitless and sterile, as if sequestered in barren desert…It is time to return to the basics and to bear the weaknesses and struggles of our brothers and sisters.’ (MV 10)’ Looking at how those who administer justice might live out this relationship, especially in times of struggle, he said: ‘In this, the agencies of state, of justice and of society, will all rightly play their part. But in our personal sense of powerlessness before human wrongdoing and misery, sometimes all that we can do is put ourselves before Christ crucified and surrender at the foot of his Cross all that which appears so humanly futile.’ Finally he called on the Holy Spirit to ‘teach us to adore Christ and to praise him, because by his holy cross he has redeemed the world.’

Leeds Trinity University Celebrates 50 Years of Education On 12 October, the feast of St Wilfrid, Leeds Trinity University celebrated their 50th anniversary with Mass at Westminster Cathedral celebrated by Bishop John Wilson, previously a priest of the Diocese of Leeds. In his homily Bishop John reflected on the Catholic commitment to education: ‘Leeds Trinity University gives vibrant contemporary expression to the noble Catholic tradition of seeking to enable, what the Second Vatican Council called, “an inalienable right to an education”. (Gravissimum Educationis 1) We give thanks

that Leeds Trinity continues to unlock potential, to create possibilities, and to inspire futures.’ In this way, Leeds Trinity is ‘an evangelising community’ as described by Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium. This form of community is ‘filled with joy’, ‘joy that is infectious and attractive, and a persuasive witness to hope’. Bishop John concluded: ‘With a renewed ecclesial spirit and Catholic commitment, may Leeds Trinity University continue to move forward as an evangelising community in the successful service of education.’

A Wave of Gratitude

The Stella Maris Mass was celebrated at Westminster Cathedral on 22 September to mark the feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea and to pray for seafarers, with Bishop Nicholas presiding. It was attended by Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) supporters, volunteers and staff. In his homily, Bishop Nicholas reflected on Mary pondering on the life of her Son. ‘She can’t have known that she and Jesus would suffer all of this when she said that huge “yes” to Gabriel,’ he said. Pointing to Michelangelo’s depiction of the Pietà, he explained that, despite the weight of Mary’s suffering, ‘she is still strong. Crushed? Yes. But defeated? No. What you see in her face is hope.’

It was this hope that she shared with the Apostles which must have been a ‘consolation’ and ‘a light in their darkness’. As Mary explained those parts of the Scriptures which were about her Son and which she had pondered, ‘hope must have risen like the Ocean Star in their hearts’. Bishop Nicholas explained that Mary ‘waits to give us strength too’ and that ‘never was it known that anyone who fled to Mary’s protection was left unaided’. He encouraged everyone to pray and remember the words of the Memorare. Following the Mass, Cardinal Vincent hosted a reception at which he paid tribute to AoS and the work of their port chaplains. Caring for seafarers, he said, is a ‘profoundly Christian thing to do’. ‘An astonishing percentage of the things sold in our shops in the UK arrives by sea, underlining our dependence on those who work on these ships. To care for them is a profoundly Christian thing to do. It is also very important for the wellbeing of the country,’ he said.

Paying tribute to the work of port chaplains, he added: ‘For many of the ships, [the support from port chaplains] is hugely important in terms of seafarers’ religious belief and practice. Really this is great work that goes on.’ AoS, a registered charity and agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, has port chaplains in Tilbury as well as in 40 other ports up and down Great Britain who visit seafarers on board their ships to offer pastoral and practical support. For more information please visit www.apostleship ofthesea.org.uk

Westminster Record | November 2016

A Church Transformed On Sunday 25 September, Bishop Paul McAleenan celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St John Fisher, Chorleywood, for the completion of the re-ordering of the church. The work, which was the parish Growing in Faith project, has transformed the church, re-siting the altar on a new dais and removing a partition wall to ensure that all parishioners can clearly see the altar and so participate more fully in the celebration of the Mass. After the Mass, Bishop Paul marked this special occasion by cutting the cake and meeting parishioners.

Homerton Parish Celebrates 60 Years of Faith

On 9 October Cardinal Vincent visited Homerton parish to mark the 60th Anniversary of works to rebuild the church after it was damaged by a bomb during the Second World War. From 1941 to 1956 Mass continued to be celebrated there despite the church having no roof. The parish priest Fr Tony buried a lady earlier this year who had been married here in 1951 with the roof open to the elements. The parish had a wonderful day celebrating such an important milestone with the Cardinal. The Mass was lively and vibrant, with plenty of singing accompanied by drums and organ. The Cardinal remarked during Mass that he could see the devotion and prayerful nature of the parish.

Ever Ancient, Ever New The parish of St Augustine’s, Hammersmith, celebrated their centenary on 9 October with Mass presided by the Augustinian Cardinal Prospero Grech followed by a party. In 1902, Cardinal Vaughan asked the Augustinian Friars to fill a missionary gap in west London to serve primarily the large number of Irish immigrants living and working in the Hammersmith area. By 1903 a small church was erected on the site of the current church on Fulham Palace Road, and by 14 October 1916, the church, as it stands today, was formally opened by Cardinal Bourne. Such was the need for a Catholic church in Hammersmith that, in September 1961, the apse was opened to extend the church into a hall behind the altar owing to a regular Mass attendance of 6,000 on Sunday. On 3 April 1915 The

Tablet covered the blessing of the foundation stone, where Cardinal Bourne ‘prayed that the church might be the centre of spiritual life and the source of blessings to Catholics who lived in that district, and to those who should be brought to embrace the faith by their means.’ In this centenary year, the parish will begin building works for an ambitious regeneration of the site and continue the very work that Cardinal Bourne prayed for so many years ago. Parish Priest, Fr Gianni Notarianni explained that: ‘This is not a nostalgia trip. When we recognise God’s presence in the past, we are assured that he will continue to shape our lives in the future. Jesus Christ is, as St Augustine described, “everancient and (crucially) ever new”. This year each one of us can help our church community to be faithful to the future.’

150th Consecration Anniversary at Hertford in 1087 by Sir Ralph de Limesi, a nephew of William the Conqueror. This was destroyed on 9 February 1959 by King Henry VIII. In his homily, the Cardinal explained the importance of the town of Hertford in Christian history: ‘Not many people know that it was in this town that the system we still use today for working out the date of Easter was established. That was one of the decisions of the Synod of Hertford, held in 673.

Another resolution the Synod fathers made was that “bishops and clergy when travelling shall be content with whatever hospitality is offered them”.’ Additionally, the first three Archbishops of Westminster also had strong links with Hertford. Most importantly, the Cardinal reflected, is the community that has been gathered together in faith at Hertford. ‘The memory of our family is, inevitably, much more

personal. In a long-established parish like this one, the stones resonate with family history: of baptisms and First Communions, of weddings and funerals. Many in this church today, I am sure, will have such personal memories, of grace received at the font and the altar, of loved ones who have made this church their spiritual home. Today is the best of days to pray for them, and to thank God for them and for their gift of faith to us.’

The parish of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, Hertford, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the church on 16 October with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vincent. The church was originally built by Cardinal Vaughan in 1858 and was consecrated on 16 October 1866 by Cardinal Manning. Previously on this site stood the Benedictine Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary founded

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Westminster RecordRecord September 20112016 Westminster | November

Mike Freer MP Visits Bishop Douglass School On 23 September Mike Freer MP made a congratulatory visit to Bishop Douglass School on their conversion to Academy status. He was met by the Head Boy, Tisloh Danboyi and Head Girl, Charlotte Moore and their deputies Rewayda Abdulahi and John Marulanda-Beltran. Mr Freer discussed with the students the benefits of Academy status and spent time discussing UCAS applications and the universities students were applying to. Mr Tissot said, ‘Our extremely good examination results and conversion to Academy status

make this a double celebration. Our partnership with other schools in the Cardinal Hume Academies Trust will help us to continue our upward trajectory.’ Charlotte, Head Girl added, ‘I am pleased that Academy status will allow our Catholic ethos to remain at the heart of the school.’ John, Head Boy who is planning to study Economics at the London School of Economics said, ‘I think that being an Academy will give us access to greater funding opportunities, which can only be for the good of the school.’

European Day of Languages at St Paul’s The European Day of Languages has been celebrated every year at St Paul’s School since 2001. On 26 September a huge effort was made to immerse students as much as possible in other languages and cultures. The day began on with a French `cafe style’ breakfast for some lucky students in Year 7, 8 and 9 who had received a golden ticket for their

achievements the week before. This golden ticket meant they were able to enjoy delicious French pastries and jam. The students continued to feast on European food throughout the day, with canteen staff putting on an amazing spread of dishes at lunch, including paella, chicken provençale, potato dauphinois and ratatouille, to name but a few. During languages lessons

students embarked a carousel of activities that included working out the language of a text, answering questions based on authentic materials from a range of different countries and discovering some interesting facts about different cultures and traditions. The day was rounded off with a viewing of a film in Spanish and in French. Popcorn was, of course, provided!

Finchley School Gives Thanks On the 27 September, the community at Finchley Catholic High school came together to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving to mark the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the school. There were over 270 people in the congregation, including staff, students, past students and local dignitaries. We were honoured to welcome Cardinal Vincent to celebrate the Mass along with priests from our local parishes. In his homily, Cardinal Vincent drew on the changes the school had seen in the last 90 years and encouraged students to continue their own projects, developing their own identities within their spiritual life, their education and in their social lives. He also spoke about the big decisions facing them in their futures, referring to Arsene Wenger’s theory on the stages of development in football: by their early teens, players will have developed their technique, by 17 they will have worked hard to improve Page 6

their resilience, by 18 they are looking at the game in an analytical way and by their early 20s will be showing leadership skills. He spoke about how the teachings of the Bible can help us along this path and encourage us to continue through difficult times. The choir sang beautifully under the guidance of Ms Retelsdorf and accompanied on the piano by Mr McMillan. Students also volunteered as altar servers, readers and musicians. The offertory procession was led by representatives from each of the six houses carrying their house ties to the altar. Following the Mass, guests were invited to the Canon Parson’s Sixth Form Centre to see the Cardinal bless the new lectern, which was carved in wood by the school Technology Technician Mr Doyle, and for refreshments, including a delicious commemorative cake made by Ms McManamon.

Newman Catholic College Patronal Feast On 7 October Bishop John Sherrington went to Newman Catholic College to celebrate the feast of their patron, Blessed John Henry Newman with a beautiful liturgy at Our Lady of Willesden Church. After Mass, Bishop John came back to the school to bless and officially open the new reception area. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Westminster Record | November 2016

Golden Jubilee for the Rosary Catholic School

50 joyous years as a Catholic school, at the heart of Heston community, was marked by Cardinal Vincent who celebrated Mass with the school and parish on Tuesday 18 October. The Cardinal touched the hearts of all those who attended the Mass as he spoke of Our Lady’s aspiration to be all that God asked of her. He also reminded us that Our Lady offers us a pathway to Christ so that we can become united with him.

Nicola McDermott, Chair of Governors said: ‘The establishment of the Rosary school owes much to the vision of Fr Moore, who later became Canon Moore. Fr Moore was appointed to the parish in 1960. After achieving his first goal of building a Catholic church on the site of the old convent in 1964 he was then determined to have a Catholic school built to serve the local community. The school was built despite opposition from the then Heston and Isleworth council.

‘After difficult negotiations, permission was granted and building began in 1965 with the school being opened in September 1966.’ Head Teacher Tressa Paczek said: ‘Since the beginning the school has gone through various transformations, however one thing has remained steadfast in the school’s history, and that is the original vision to teach children to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.’ The school was named the Rosary because permission was formally given to open a Catholic school on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was a one form entry Infant and Junior school to begin with, but the roll increased to the extent that permission for a second building was granted. In 1972 a two form entry Infant School was opened and the original building became a two form Junior School. In September 2007 the school was successfully amalgamated under one Head Teacher and returned back to Fr Moore’s original vision of one Catholic school to serve the Catholic families of the community.

Student Wins European Debating Final

A sixth form student from St Benedict’s School, Ealing, has won the final of the European Youth Debating Competition, held in Budapest on 4 October. Caroline Gakpetor defeated competitors from nine other European countries, including Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, and was one of only three students to represent the UK in the

competition. The UK team also included Ambrose Mac-Fall, also from St Benedict’s. The subject for the debate was: ‘How would you imagine your future – with or without the petrochemical industry?’ Caroline argued the case for more investment in renewable energy in the future, and less reliance upon petrochemicals. The aim of the competition, organised by the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA), was to inform about sustainability and resource efficiency, and to promote STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). It was adjudicated by representatives of the chemical and petrochemical industry, academics, journalists and NGOs. CEO of the European Petrochemical Association, Cathy Demeestere, said: ‘I was profoundly impressed and inspired by the overall level of

maturity and debating skills the young debaters have presented. Seeing the challenges Europe faces, I am convinced that initiatives like this are crucial and deserve our continued support.’ Caroline said: ‘It was an honour to represent the UK in this competition, and the experience of debating in Budapest, against students of eight nationalities, was great fun.’ Debating is very strong at St Benedict’s and there are numerous opportunities for debates each week. Pupils can join the Middle School, or Senior School Debating Society, and take part in the ‘Youth Speaks’ competition each year. There is also a Model United Nations, for pupils interested in political debate, while the Aquinas Society is for those interested in debating theological and philosophical issues.

New School for Golders Green St Anthony’s School for Girls, the new independent Catholic school located at Ivy House, Golders Green, welcomed founding parents, governors, and other guests on the evening of 12 October to celebrate its official opening. Laura Martin, head teacher of St Anthony’s School for Girls, joined by Graham Able, Executive Deputy Chairman of Alpha Plus, the educational

group which the school is part of, shared the vision for the school and its aspirations for its pupils. St Anthony’s School for Girls is holding an open day 10.30am - 12.30pm, Saturday 12 November. Parents wishing to attend should please contact Jessica Green, our school administrator, on: 020 38693070 or info@stanthonysgirls.co.uk

Trio of Schools Visit Rome

Pupils from St Thomas More Catholic School, along with pupils from St George’s Catholic School, Maida Vale and Bishop Douglass School, East Finchley, have successfully completed their second annual pilgrimage to Rome. St Thomas More is committed to developing pupils spiritually and the annual pilgrimage to Rome enables students to grow as individuals. On the first day of the trip, pupils and supporting staff were privileged to attend the papal audience at St Peter’s Square. The time spent at the Vatican museums was very memorable for pupils who were fascinated by the exhibits and deepened their understanding of art, sculpture and mosaic. On the second day, pupils visited one of the world’s ancient monuments, the

Colosseum. Tour guides explained the purpose of the antediluvian structure and its reputation as a sacred spot where Christian martyrs met their untimely fate. A walking tour of the Roman Forum followed during which pupils’ and teachers’ knowledge of the Roman Empire and various emperors’ work was further developed. During the trip, pupils visited Rome’s fascinating fountains and churches. Ms Henry and Mr Narisetti, teachers from St Thomas More and Bishop Douglass respectively, explained to pupils the importance of places such as the Church of St Ignatius of Loyola, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. This trip was a great learning experience for pupils and offered an insight into the rich history of Rome. Page 7

Westminster Record | November 2016

Holy Rood School Celebrates 120 Years of Catholic Education

Sir Michael Wilshaw

Following an inspection of the seven highest performing multi academy trusts (MATs) in the country, among them the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust (DOWAT), Sir Michael Wilshaw praised their work of ‘raising standards and providing a high-quality education for all their pupils’. He paid tribute to their commitment to ‘instilling a culture and ethos of high expectations among staff and pupils across their network of schools’, for their ambition for ‘transforming educational achievements for their poorest pupils, including the most able children’, and for their optimism ‘for their pupils’ futures and refus[ing] pointblank to accept excuses for children failing to reach their potential’. Sir Michael made special mention of DOWAT’s 11

schools in their success in narrowing the GCSE attainment gap between their disadvantaged pupils and others. In 2015, the gap for those attaining 5 or more A* to C grades, including English and mathematics, was 18 percentage points, comparing favourably with the average of 28 percentage point gap that still exists nationally between disadvantaged pupils and the better off. He commended all seven MATs for their ‘carefully planned curriculum’ focusing on scholastic excellence and making sure ‘every pupil – and not just those whose parents can afford it – has the chance to benefit from enrichment activities’. He noted their support of pupils moving between academies, as well as ‘ensuring that pupils better

suited to a technical or vocational pathway into employment are catered for well’. He also applauded their commitment to investing in their staff’s professional development to improve both teaching and leadership skills, saying: ‘The opportunities that staff members are given to expand their horizons and pursue a well-defined career path across different schools within the same trust are also good for recruitment and retention.’ Sir Michael also expressed admiration for the commitment of senior leadership of the constituent academies in supporting ‘the trust as a whole, working in tight, usually local networks to share best practice and act as critical friends to neighbouring academies in the same trust’. Bishop John Wilson, Chair of the Education Commission for the diocese said: ‘We have worked very meticulously with our academies’ leadership teams and governing bodies to construct a MAT structure where resources and talents are effectively shared to provide the best possible outcome for all our pupils, recognising their inherent dignity and nurturing their individual gifts, all within a Catholic ethos. It is gratifying that our efforts have been recognised and commended on the national level.’

130 Years at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School On Thursday 13 October, St Paul’s Catholic Primary School celebrated 130 years of Catholic education in Wood Green with a thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vincent in the parish church. Among the concelebrants was Canon Vincent Berry, who was a student at the school in the 1940s. Canon Vincent shared memories of his school days when all the students shared a single classroom and school uniforms were not yet the norm. Following on, Cardinal Vincent explained in his homily the importance of learning from the past in order to carry the Page 8

Catholic faith into the future, mentioning Canon Vincent’s experiences and memories. Using St Paul, for whom both the school and the church are dedicated, as an example of someone whose memories and experiences shaped him into the great saint that he became, he encouraged the children to learn from all who had gone before them and to emulate the example of St Paul in growing in holiness. Head Teacher Richard Curry paid tribute to past generations of teachers and students who shaped the history of the school. He also thanked the current school community,

including the parents, many of whom were present at the celebrations At end of Mass, Cardinal Vincent blessed the statue of Our Lady given to the school by the parish to commemorate this milestone.

On 22 September, Holy Rood Catholic Primary School in Watford celebrated 120 years of Catholic education. The school first opened its doors in September 1896 and was at that time, the only Catholic primary school in South Hertfordshire. The pupils and staff of 2016 were very pleased to be able to welcome Cardinal Vincent, as well as priests from the parishes served by the school, to celebrate Mass to mark this special occasion. The school community was also joined by a large number of guests to help them in this celebration including past and present parents, former pupils and staff members, representatives of the other Catholic schools in the Watford Deanery and representatives from the Diocesan Education Service. With almost 700 people in attendance, the Mass was held in a beautiful Marquee on the schools grounds, decorated with 120th themed bunting designed by each of the pupils at the school. The theme of the anniversary Mass was Christ’s call to love one another, as reflected in the school’s mission statement: ‘The family of Holy Rood School will try to live, learn, grow and celebrate together, as friends, through the love of Christ.’ Cardinal Vincent spoke to the children about the importance of loving others in the way that Christ has loved us. He spoke about how the school community was a

community that had been built on this love, given and shared by many people, over many, many years, bringing the school to the point that it is at today. During the Mass the school presented a cheque for £11,000.00 to Monica Basham, representing the Missionaries of the Poor Supporters Association (MoPSA), whom the school have been working with for three years to provide support for Missionary brothers living and working in Nairobi, rescuing young children from a life on the streets and providing them with an education. This money was the result of a special fundraising drive over the past 12 months as part of the school’s 120th year. When receiving the cheque, Monica revealed to the children the news that in recognition of the work that the school has done to support the Nairobi Mission, the brothers have taken the decision to name their school ‘Holy Rood’, a very humbling and touching gesture, linking the two schools and communities together in a very tangible way. Following the celebration of Mass, His Eminence met with a number of the pupils and their parents in the playground and contributed his signature to the school’s new ‘Garden of Mercy’, recording the names of all members of the school community in this 120th year and this Year of Mercy and representing the school’s ongoing commitment to living lives of mercy. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | November 2016

Collection for Ukraine A total of £66,921.56 was raised for the people of Ukraine by the diocese after Pope Francis asked for a special collection. The Holy See had set up an office in Ukraine for receiving the monies raised and allocating the funds. Cardinal Vincent said: ‘I’d like to extend my warmest thanks to everyone in our parishes who responded so generously in support of this cause.’

Celebrating 60 Years of Consecration

New Rosary Shrine Inaugurated On Saturday 22 October, members and friends of the Dominican Order, parishioners, and clergy of the diocese gathered to witness the inauguration of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary at St Dominic’s Church, Haverstock Hill. The principal celebrant was Cardinal Vincent, who was joined by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley, an old friend of the Priory, and Bishop Nicholas Hudson. Also in

attendance was the Mayor of Camden, Cllr Nadia Shah. At the beginning of the Mass, banners embroidered over 100 years ago by Dominican sisters and depicting each of the mysteries of the Rosary were brought in procession. During the Mass, the Cardinal’s decree inaugurating the shrine was solemnly proclaimed. As he granted the official status of a shrine to St Dominic’s, Cardinal Vincent invited the faithful to come to the new shrine on pilgrimage

and discover the riches of the Church’s tradition of prayer embodied in the Rosary. In his homily, the Cardinal reflected on how difficult it often is for us to understand the atrocities of this world, to see God in all things. ‘If this is to happen then we have to take up our station with Mary, who stands there at the foot of the Cross. Only there do we have any chance of beginning to understand.’ He continued: ‘The Rosary is the prayer for us in our darkest hour. This we know. We say the

Rosary when we awake at 3am full of anxiety… The Rosary slowly releases its power to calm us, to open our hearts, to allow God’s mercy in. It is a most precious prayer.’ ‘I hope and pray that this church, established as our Shrine of Our Blessed Lady of the Rosary, will help us all to come closer to the Lord and let the saving mysteries of his life, death and resurrection, find a throne in our hearts. I pray that the rhythm of the Rosary will become the rhythm of our lives, a powerful beat indeed.’

Honouring Our Lady of Willesden The October procession in honour of Our Lady of Willesden was led by Cardinal Vincent on Sunday 2 October. Prior to the procession, Cardinal Vincent blessed the new icon depicting St Thomas More and Blessed Álvaro del Portillo venerating the statue of Our Lady, near the entrance of the shrine. Leaving the shrine, about 100 people, made up of Catholics young and old who

came from different parts of the diocese, made their way through the streets of Harlesden, reciting the Rosary in English, French and Portuguese, and singing hymns to Our Lady. The procession crossed Acton Lane twice, stopping traffic each time. Back at the shrine, Cardinal Vincent preached a homily on Mary the Mother of Mercy, who points us to her Son.

On Wednesday 19 October, Corpus Christi Church in Covent Garden celebrated the 60th anniversary of consecration with a Solemn Mass. Fr Alan Robinson was the principal celebrant and Bishop Robert Byrne preached the homily. The church was the first in England since the Reformation to be dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, a re-affirmation of the teaching of the Church on the Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Opened on 20th October 1874, it could not be consecrated until 1956, when the building debt of £8,000 was fully paid.

A survey around the time of opening listed over 2,000 Catholics in the district allocated to the new parish, which covered Covent Garden, the Strand, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. Today, the church remains a welcoming presence for locals and visitors to the area. After Mass, Fr Alan officially launched the Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament, which will meet every first Thursday of every month for Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and for a social gathering afterwards. Those interested in joining the sodality are invited to contact the parish on 020 7836 4700 or at www.corpuschristimaidenlane. org.uk Page 9

Westminster Record | November 2016

New Decorative Scheme for St George’s Chapel by Michael Drury RIBA DipArch DiplConsAA AABC

The recently completed decorative scheme by Tom Phillips CBE RA (pictured below) in the Chapel of St George and the English Martyrs at Westminster Cathedral was dedicated by Cardinal Vincent on 28 October.

This event marks the end of a long programme of work that started on site five years ago, but its completion in 2016 is appropriate as the chapel contains the cathedral’s war memorial. Its soot-stained brickwork has stood unclad for over a hundred years and the unveiling of its marble and mosaic decoration this year will commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. The chapel’s dedication is to St George and the English Martyrs and Tom Phillips’ scheme links the Great War with another chapter in the nation’s suffering, that of the English martyrs in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The names of the forty Catholic martyrs are emblazoned in mosaic across a dark sky in the chapel vault and their suffering is recalled by a depiction of the Tyburn gallows in marble on the west wall. ‘I thought the martyrs should be given their names’, says Phillips, ‘and be in heaven in the vault, the flames of their burning faith still bright. The west wall shows the gibbet at Tyburn as traditionally represented, with the ladders which served it now depicted as ascending above, into the vault. As you face it you are pointing directly towards the site of Tyburn, two miles away at Marble Arch.’ The ladders also echo Phillips’ earlier marble work relating to Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius in the adjacent Chapel of the Holy Souls. The artist recalls how the St George’s Chapel project started over a dozen years ago when Mgr Mark Langham, then Cathedral Administrator suggested the Page 10

texts from St Luke and the Nunc dimittis, now realised in contrasting overlaid mosaic in Latin and English over the arches. As Tom Phillips rightly tells us, he first put forward his initial thoughts to Mgr Langham and the Cardinal’s advisory group, the Arts and Architecture Committee, in 2004. The earliest version of the scheme for the vault included 85 names, a decision being taken later to restrict the number to the 40 canonised in 1970. The necessary re-working of the design continued as the Friends of Westminster Cathedral raised funds and in 2011 a contract was let to Nimbus Conservation Ltd for enabling works, whereby the architectural framework, within which the decorative scheme sits, was completed under the direction of the cathedral architect, Michael Drury. Marble tablets, erected following a suggestion made in the Tablet in 1915 and supported by then Duke of Norfolk as a memorial to those who had given their lives in the First World War, had compromised the architectural sub-division of the chapel. This had to be re-established by the introduction of a carved corbel in Carrara marble on the north wall. Marble cladding at the east end of the north wall was completed also, as were carved details to the cornice and capitals elsewhere. Next came the east wall where the chapel is dominated by the Eric Gill relief placed above the altar, depicting the Crucifixion. Two martyrs from the reign of King Henry VIII, Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor of England, and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, stand on either side of the Cross. Gill’s last work, it was completed shortly before his death in 1940, more than 20 years after his famous Stations of the Cross. Tom Phillips carefully integrated the Gill relief, carefully cleaned in 2012 (as were the metal screens on the south side of the chapel), as the focal point of his design. On the arch above this panel the decoration continues in mosaic, the text being from the Gospel of St Luke, referred to earlier by Phillips and written both in Latin and English. The Latin text is used in devotions at the college of English Martyrs. The

English, part picked out in gold, is intended to be more instantly legible and translates only the first part of the quotation, ‘I have come to send a fire upon the earth’. The window reveals and their associated surfaces on the north wall were completed in March 2014. Described by Phillips as non-repeating organic forms representing the abundance of nature, the mosaics here preceded his overarching vault, which followed immediately. Fabricated off site by Trevor Caley Associates under Tom’s guidance, this continuous mosaic design incorporates the blessed martyrs by name. Each inhabits a flamelike shape, organised as if peopling a dark sky. They are the sparks referred to by St Luke, illuminating the dark night of the Church in England in the period of the persecution of Catholics. Finally came the west wall and here there is a radical change from the mosaic first proposed. The Tyburn gibbet remains the subject but his original mosaic design has been re-interpreted by Phillips in marble. When justifying his revisions he described how the subject matter rhymes with that of Gill’s Crucifixion, completing the allegory of the chapel as a whole. The flame of faith is kept alive, sustained by the example of Christ’s sacrifice, even when the sky of circumstance is dark and the abundance of England

and its pastoral continuity is inextinguishable by virtue of the sparks of true belief that find their ultimate devotion to the living Christ in the imitation of his death. The choice of marble rather than mosaic again echoes the east wall. The arch also echoes the opposite end of the chapel, incorporating a text using the same technique of linking Latin and English versions in a kind of simultaneous translation. Again the text was chosen following discussion with Mgr Langham and here the mosaics were executed by Trevor Caley

Associates. The Tyburn intarsia was made and fixed by Taylor Pearce Ltd. The lighting was designed by James Morse and the project was directed throughout by the architect, Michael Drury, on behalf of the artist and the cathedral. Canon Christopher Tuckwell, present Cathedral Administrator, expressed his gratitude to all concerned and in particular to the Friends of Westminster Cathedral who funded the scheme. Especially he draws our attention to the unstinting efforts of Barry Lock who administered the appeal.

Westminster Record | November 2016

Annual Report & Accounts 2015 The wisdom of Pope Francis in calling the Year of Mercy has been clearly demonstrated in many ways, not least in the increased celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation over the past months. But it is a noble tradition of our Catholic Faith that the spiritual goes hand in hand with the practical: indeed, in Misericordiae Vultus, the Bull of Indiction of the Year of Mercy, the Holy Father gives his reason for calling the Jubilee Year in these words: ‘At times we are called to gaze even more attentively on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives.’ There are many such signs of God’s action to be seen in the Diocese of Westminster. Volunteers give generously of their time in parishes, schools and in social action: four million hours a year in total, it is estimated. I thank all those who live out their faith in this way. Their witness, often quiet and unassuming, is an eloquent and practical testament to their belief. It brings the love of God to others in ways that are as tangible as they are valuable. Of course, those who give of their time as volunteers also receive richly, not least from those they serve. In using our gifts to help others, we play our part in building up strong, welcoming communities within the diocese. Such communities encourage their members to reach out to wider society with compassion, offering practical support and spiritual accompaniment to those in need. This Annual Report shows us some of the particular ways in which so many in the diocese seek to respond, in faith and with generosity, to the needs they see around them. I am most grateful to them all. I extend my gratitude, too, to those who have compiled this report and the Annual Accounts.

His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster

According to the original Trust Deed of November 1940 enrolling the Diocese of Westminster with the Charity Commission, the purpose of the Westminster Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust (WRCDT) is the advancement of the Catholic religion within the diocese. The advancement of the Roman Catholic religion is most effectively achieved when Catholics, fully living their faith, extend the love of God to others around them, in their families, schools, local communities and in the care of the stranger. It is a practical faith that reaches out to care for neighbours in need, to build community cohesion, to bring about peace and reconciliation where they are needed, and to work for the common good of society, all the while respecting every person’s intrinsic human dignity. A diocese is a district or an area under the pastoral care of a bishop. The Diocese of Westminster is under the pastoral care of Cardinal Vincent Nichols and his auxiliary bishops. The diocese covers the boroughs of London north of the Thames and west of the Lea River, the Borough of Spellthorne in Surrey, and the County of Hertfordshire.

Living within the diocese are approximately half-a-million people who identify themselves as Catholics. Pastoral care for these Catholics, as well as people of all faiths and none, living in these communities, is primarily exercised through the 214 parishes, 215 schools, and social outreach agencies coordinated by Caritas Westminster. Parishes are the focal point of each community. It is the place where Catholics come together each Sunday to worship, and where children are educated in the faith. It is also the base from which the community reaches out to others of all faiths and none in their local area, caring for those in need, working towards the common good and celebrating with neighbours. Schools provide the environment where children

learn and develop across a wide spectrum of disciplines, some more obvious, such as the academic disciplines, sports, music, and practical subjects. It is also where students learn to collaborate with others for the common good of all, becoming confident, mature citizens working for the good of society. Outreach Caritas Westminster is the social outreach arm of the diocese. Through its own direct agencies, such as Caritas St Joseph and Bakhita House, as well as enabling initiatives in parishes and schools, Caritas works towards serving the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of society, sharing the love of God in practical ways, such as feeding the hungry, giving shelter to the homeless, helping rehabilitate victims of human trafficking, and enabling those with intellectual difficulties to grow.

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Westminster Record | November 2016

Annual Report & Accounts 2015 Baptisms

6,069

Babies

2,414

Children aged from 1 to 7 years

617

Persons over the age of 7 years

Parishes The community gathers each Marriages Sunday to celebrate Mass which is the heart of all that the parish does. Each Sunday approximately 149,000 Catholics, both adults and children, attend services. The actual number of Catholics going to Mass is significantly higher as many families are only able to attend services once every two or three weeks. Schools With such a social, ethnic, religious, and national diversity Catholic schools provide an within the diocese, developing education for both social cohesion begins in the Catholic and non-Catholic parish community and radiates students, from all faith outwards to embrace the wider backgrounds and none, where local community. This is done in all children have the same a variety of ways that include opportunity regardless of forming the character of children socio-economic background or to live and thrive in a socially religious affiliation. diverse society, as well as The Church fulfils her working with others in the mission through the provision community to deliver social of schools which promote outreach programmes. rigorous standards of In November 2015, a new excellence. The Catholic school initiative called Proclaim promotes learning which Westminster was launched to exposes each pupil to a wide encourage parishes to think range of subjects. Children are about the outreach work they are encouraged to integrate the currently doing and what more knowledge they acquire in these they could do to reach out to subjects so that they form a those most in need in their better understanding of the communities. Parishes were culture in which they live. encouraged to form teams in early 2016 to undertake this work.

Catholic teaching provides the foundation of our understanding and respect for other religions, and for people of all faiths and none. Students are also encouraged to reach out in love and service to others in projects that promote the dignity and well-being of others in their local and global community. As students participate in this outreach they develop leadership skills that will help them grow into confident, mature citizens ready to serve society. A Catholic education forms the character of each student and teaches the values that build society, so that it helps each young person to discern the way in which he or she is called to serve. Government statistics are a partial measure of Catholic education and, whilst important, are only part of the story.

to all our volunteers for your tireless service Around Individual volunteers Have given over

40,000 4 million

hours of their time in 2015 Number of Applicants

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Westminster continue to live out their faith through social outreach within their school, local community, and wider society. Below are a few examples. Mini Vinnies, a primary school initiative developed by the Society of St Vincent de Paul, has been adopted by many primary schools to encourage young people to support those in need. Pupils drive and develop social action initiatives within schools to turn concern into action.

Cardinal Pole School in Hackney and Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College in Brent support local primary schools, both faith and non-faith based, with the provision of curriculum and enrichment activities, particularly in the areas of maths, English and languages. St Anne’s Primary School in Tower Hamlets, itself located in a deprived area, supports Providence Row, a charity for the homeless. Parents of students also benefit from the social action activities undertaken by Catholic schools. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Brent hosted a sixweek employability course to help get local parents back into work. At St Thomas More School in Wood Green educational provision was extended to parents wishing to learn English or improve their English skills. In October, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes were held three times a week with 30 parents attending each week. The classes aim to help parents feel more confident communicating in English

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Thank you

Volunteers

Social Outreach in Schools

Ethnic/Nationality Breakdown Pupils in our Schools

First Holy Communion

Westminster Record | November 2016

Outreach/Caritas ‘The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.’ Pope Francis, March 2013

‘You and all your staff have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. You have focused on developing pupils’ leadership skills through social outreach projects. These pupils promote social justice by helping others. One of their first jobs was to help set up a homeless shelter in partnership with the Catholic church. The ‘Door of Mercy’ entrance to the school, where both parents and pupils are invited to go through, secures an appreciation of forgiveness and generosity of spirit. This spiritual and compassionate ethos is threaded throughout the work of the school.’ From an Ofsted inspection report of one of the schools in the diocese

Our faith in Christ impels us to love the poor as the very flesh of Christ. This is why, as Pope Benedict XVI said, ‘the service of charity is a constituent element of the Church’s mission, an indispensable expression of her very being’ (Intimae Ecclesiae Natura). Caritas Westminster is underpinned by the values of Catholic social teaching and innate human dignity. It promotes parish-based social action through local hubs and development workers which support new and existing social initiatives, serving those who are most in need, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation. This support includes providing training and developing resources for parish priests and volunteers. Volunteer evenings which were first launched in 2015 offer people the chance to discover potential local volunteering opportunities.

Caritas is an umbrella organisation which leads and supports diocesan responses to the following priority areas of need: • Food poverty and debt • Social isolation of the most vulnerable • Intellectual disability • Homelessness, migrants and refugees • Human trafficking and domestic violence • Deaf community • Youth inclusion Caritas Bakhita House In June 2015 Caritas Bakhita House, a refuge for women escaping human trafficking, opened its doors to guests. It offers women a range of services including emergency support, psychosexual therapy, legal and financial assistance, mentoring, and help with accessing accommodation. Bakhita House values and principles of action: Love expressed in compassionate support and long term commitment Respect for the gift and dignity of each individual Community a welcome which creates friendship and belonging Spirituality nurtured by that joy in creative activity which lifts the spirit.

Age range of Bakhita House guests

Deaf Service Caritas Deaf Service supports groups for the hard of hearing, Deaf and Deafblind, allowing them to share their gifts and participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church and in their parish communities. Signing at Masses is regularly available at Westminster Cathedral, and three other parishes, and a further 26

liturgies were sign interpreted throughout the year. A monthly Bible study group allows members to deepen their faith, and regular social events provide an opportunity for social interaction.

In 2015 two eight-week British Sign Language courses were taught to 27 students at Sacred Heart, Kilburn, and St Mary and St Joseph, Hemel Hempstead. Interest continues and plans are underway for more courses in 2016. ‘Works of love directed to one’s neighbour are the most perfect external manifestation of the interior grace of the Spirit….’ Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium 37

Caritas St Joseph’s Caritas St Joseph’s is the diocesan pastoral centre based in North West London. It celebrates the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities and enables them to participate fully in the life of their church and community.

Development workers and volunteers offer spiritual and social support to families in our parishes who embrace members with intellectual disabilities; and at the Activities Centre in

Hendon over 190 students, from all faiths and none, participate in life-enhancing therapeutic, vocational or leisure courses. Connect@ Centre Hounslow In March 2015 the Connect@ Centre, run by Caritas St Joseph’s, was opened in Hounslow offering activities and lifelong learning for adults with intellectual disabilities of all faiths and none. SEEDS at Stroud Green In January 2015, Stroud Green parish launched Seeds of L’Arche offering sports, dance, music, arts and crafts. Initiatives such as Seeds and the Connect@ Centre offer local people the opportunity to find services that cater for their needs and aid social integration into the local community. Launch of the Hertfordshire Hub In February 2015, a hub for the Watford and St Albans Deaneries was launched. It was established to support and encourage the 27 parishes in the two deaneries to tackle issues such as social isolation, youth exclusion and intellectual disability at the grassroots level. Social Isolation Caritas is committed to supporting lonely, isolated and vulnerable people. 150 parishes are engaged in activities to combat social isolation, through tea parties, luncheon clubs and visiting schemes. In 2015, there were eight new tea parties for older people welcoming 40 guests. Youth Inclusion Caritas Westminster recognises the need to remove any barriers to the full inclusion of young people in our society and to support those who are at risk of social exclusion. Six parishes in the diocese are already directly involved in this work. In 2015, Caritas also funded one pilot project, Courtyard, in Wood Green to reach out to this group to understand and address their needs.

Wood Green Night Shelter St Paul’s in Wood Green hosts a winter night shelter in the parish hall in the coldest months of the year. Around 120 parishioners take turns on a rota each week to help provide a night’s respite from the cold for 12 homeless guests. Bow Foodbank At the heart of what Bow Foodbank has to offer is the blend of the practical and pastoral elements of community and friendship, addressing the needs of the whole person. They know that the most important thing is that they have enough food for them and their family, but the centre has done its best to tackle the roots of the problems that bring them here.

parishes directly run foodbanks

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parishes run foodbanks in partnership with other organisations

support initiatives to alleviate food poverty

Clients are always welcome to come in for refreshments and to talk to volunteers.

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Westminster Record | November 2016

Annual Report & Accounts 2015 Baptisms

6,069

Babies

2,414

Children aged from 1 to 7 years

617

Persons over the age of 7 years

to all our volunteers for your tireless service Around Individual volunteers Have given over

40,000 4 million

hours of their time in 2015 Number of Applicants

Page 12

Thank you

Volunteers

Social Outreach in Schools

Ethnic/Nationality Breakdown Pupils in our Schools

First Holy Communion

Westminster Record | November 2016

Outreach/Caritas ‘The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.’ Pope Francis, March 2013

Age range of Bakhita House guests

liturgies were sign interpreted throughout the year. A monthly Bible study group allows members to deepen their faith, and regular social events provide an opportunity for social interaction.

Development workers and volunteers offer spiritual and social support to families in our parishes who embrace members with intellectual disabilities; and at the Activities Centre in

parishes directly run foodbanks

5 12

parishes run foodbanks in partnership with other organisations

support initiatives to alleviate food poverty

Clients are always welcome to come in for refreshments and to talk to volunteers.

Page 13

Westminster Record | November 2016

Consolidated income and expenditure

Parish income and expenditure

Curia income and expenditure

Parishes Applying for Grants for Local Projects: • First Volunteer Day attended by almost 100 people • Over a tonne of surplus food moved across the diocese to needy food banks • Five East London schools providing breakfast clubs • Bakhita House accommodates 20 women in first seven months.

This is an excerpt from the Annual Report and Accounts 2015. The full report can be downloaded at www.rcdow.org.uk/news/publications Page 14

Westminster Record | November 2016

Chaplain’s Corner

Fr David Reilly, Diocesan Youth Chaplain On the day he died, Jesus's final journey took him through the streets of Jerusalem. This has become known as the Way of the Cross. It was a way of sorrows but also a way of mercy. Along the way, which Christians commemorate in the Stations of the Cross, Jesus encountered people in what we might describe as exchanges of mercy. He met his sorrowful mother; Veronica wiped his face; Simon helped him carry the Cross; Jesus spoke to the women. There is an uncomfortable challenge for each of us today too as we are invited, in many ways, to join him in his way of sorrows.

Cardinal Vincent, together with the two hundred pilgrims who travelled with him to World Youth Day in Krakow, were inspired by the Way of the Cross that we celebrated in that pilgrimage. Each station in this remarkable celebration linked the redemptive suffering of Jesus with the works of mercy we are invited to perform today. Just as Jesus was stripped of his garments, we are invited to cloth the naked. Just as the Lord was offered vinegar on the Cross, we are asked to give drink to the thirsty. The path of Jesus' last journey has become a way of mercy for every generation to take up. The Year of Mercy is drawing to a close. On the penultimate day of the Holy Year, Saturday 19 November at 2.30pm, Cardinal Vincent has invited the whole diocese to a celebration of the Way of the Cross in Westminster Cathedral. That weekend we will celebrate the feast of Christ the King, a celebration of the kingship of Christ-crucified, the merciful King from whom we received the Year of Mercy as a gift of grace.

Director’s Spotlight

Join us at Wembley for Flame 3

Phil Ross, Youth Ministry Director

I remember more or less four years to the day when I was new to the role of Director of Youth Ministry, and the Centre for Youth Ministry in Euston was very much in the process of being built. It was certainly the start of a really exciting journey for the youth service. At that time there was a further development on the horizon and that was the moving of SPEC, the diocesan retreat centre for schools and parishes, from All Saints Pastoral Centre, London Colney, to Waxwell Farm, Pinner. The SPEC move to Pinner took place a couple of years ago and we have been settling into running day retreats since then, whilst at the same time watching the team from Clover Leaf raising the new residential building. It has been a fascinating time. The new build is nearly there, it’s looking pretty impressive and everyone is proud of how everything is shaping up. The team here are gearing up for the new SPEC world. We’re now taking bookings for residential retreats for the school year commencing September 2017 and we cannot wait to welcome young people to our home. It’s new and shiny in places, old and glorious in others and the grounds are simply stunning. We even have our own football pitch. So if your school or parish would like your young people to experience something truly special then get in touch. Be a part of our journey. Feel free to give me a call and I’ll gladly give you a tour as that might help you better appreciate our vision.

On 11 March 2017 the SSE Arena, Wembley, will host Flame ‘17 where 10,000 young people from across England and Wales will gather to celebrate their faith together. Flame 2 in 2015 saw 1,000 teenagers from Westminster in the arena and all in red t-shirts. We want to do this again! Cardinal Vincent reflects on the importance of Flame: ‘Flame has now become an important part of the Catholic calendar and mission in England and Wales. It is a unique opportunity for young Catholics to experience a joyful

and missionary Church. In that setting, they experience Christ’s presence through times of prayerful worship and inspiring speakers, as well as through music and much true enthusiasm.’ Next year’s event is headlined by Matt Redman and is a joyful testimony to the strength of our faith and a clear witness of our love for Jesus. Have a look at our poster, and if you can, get one displayed in your parish and encourage others to join us. Tickets are £22 but WYM have a hold on 500 at £15. Get in touch with us to reserve your ticket.

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Westminster Record | November 2016

The Last Bastion of Hope by Ann Stirling

On 22 September a team from Caritas Westminster and a small group of volunteers set off to Calais to visit Maria Skobtsova House, a hospitality house run by Brother Johannes Maertens that seeks to help the most vulnerable inhabitants of the Jungle. On arrival, Brother Johannes and his team of volunteers warmly welcomed us. After unpacking the van that had been brimming with donations, we went inside to hear more about the work that they do and the issues they are facing. There are normally around 10-12 residents in Maria Skobtsova House. The majority of the live-in volunteers are refugees themselves, former inhabitants of the Jungle who have applied for asylum in France. Together they seek out the most vulnerable in the

camp and offer support, companionship, and a safe shelter at the house to those who are on the periphery of life. They visit those who may be isolated in hospital, or look after those who may have suffered physical or mental trauma and who cannot access aid. They are a respected and safe presence in the camp. Brother Johannes told us that without any concrete solutions to the current crisis, people in the camp were now not only losing hope, they were losing their lives. We heard how the process for those applying for asylum was often protracted and that the need for volunteers offering legal advice and support to those in the camp was now acute. Shockingly we learnt that many unaccompanied children who have applied for asylum in

France are being failed by the system. With no safe shelter to go to whilst their claims were being processed, many have no choice but to live in the camp alone, exposing them to the dangers of trafficking. Babak and Ali, two Iranian refugees and volunteers in the house, invited the group to watch three poignant short films. Two of these were directed by Babak and Ali themselves: The Bridge, and a short documentary which was recently screened at Unesco, Paris. The films were a stark reminder of what we were about to witness, personal accounts of those who escaped oppression in their own countries and who were now facing destitution and the harsh conditions of Calais. Brother Johannes informed us that shortly before we arrived, the media had reported that the camp would be demolished on 15 October. By the time we visited the camp, news had begun to spread. The uncertainty of what will happen is a great worry. Brother Johannes is sure that with the dismantling of the camp, the need for help will be great, and if anything the most vulnerable will be dispersed and be even more exposed. The work at Maria Skobtsova House would continue and if

Volunteering in Prisons Caritas Westminster and PACT united to encourage more people to volunteer in prisons and with prisoners’ families. During National Prisons Week, the two charities jointly hosted an event to encourage people to reach out to those currently in prison, or those who have recently been released. Mgr Martin Hayes opened the presentation by reading an extract from Matthew 25.35-40: ‘When I was in prison you visited me’. He went on to explain that the work that prison volunteers do is truly the Lord’s work. He encouraged those present to remember the inherent dignity of everyone they meet, and to treat them with the respect. Page 16

John Coleby, Director of Caritas, introduced the story of Joseph, a prisoner, and invited people to discussand share what they had learnt from his story. Many people said they felt that Joseph was a victim of circumstances beyond his control, and they could understand his motives for committing crime. Mgr Roger Reader, the Bishops’ Prisons Adviser, explained the practical aspects of prison volunteering, and spoke about his experience of being a prison chaplain and how fulfilling he found this particular ministry. Chaplains from prisons around London, both lay and religious, also gave moving testimonies of their experiences in this ministry.

need be would adapt to become a mobile volunteering force. We walked across the rubble and sand, around us makeshift ramshackle shelters huts, built of wooden poles and tarpaulin, and rows of flimsy tents. There are just a handful of portaloo cabins to support the 10,000 or so living there and the sanitation is dire. Despite the appalling living conditions there is a strong feeling of community. Almost everywhere we went we were warmly greeted by smiles and handshakes. Friends of Babak came to meet him, hugging him like a dear brother. There is a powerful sense that amongst this living hell there are very good things happening here. We met one of Babak’s friends, one of a group of actors, all refugees living in the Jungle, who have put together a powerful touring play called ‘To be or not to be’ that describes their journeys. We found a further reminder of the shining light of humanity just off Theresa May Street, the camp’s main road. Squeezed in behind the back of several ramshackle shelters was an Afghan man in his late 40s stoking a fire; he had just finished cooking a meal. The soles of his open-toed plastic shoes were consumed and crumbling, and the heavy burden of his toil was imprinted on his face. Yet this man, who has next to nothing, insisted we all share his meal. We took it in turns to take a morsel of bread and dip it into the dish. ‘Shukran’ we all said as we put our hands over our hearts. We were all deeply moved by his extraordinary generosity. We felt undeserving of such a gesture.

The Jungle is the last bastion of hope for many, but it is also a place where community, compassion, friendship and true generosity survive and thrive. Speaking to Babak and Brother Johannes it strikes us that perhaps one of the greatest needs is for us as witnesses to become a voice for the displaced and forgotten. The very people who have had to flee their own countries for daring to speak up against injustices, and whose voices were muffled, those who were marginalised and oppressed, those who fled the bloodiness of raging wars are now calling on us to shout out from the parapets and tell the world the truth about the Jungle. They want us to dispel any doubts in people’s minds about those who are living there, to combat the persistent negative portrayal of the camp in the media, and to walk alongside them in solidarity. Sudanese, Iranian, Eritrean and Afghan all live alongside each other, forging friendships whilst living in the most appalling conditions. ‘We are all the same. There is no difference between one another’, says Babak. That, perhaps, is their greatest wish, that everyone can see them for what they are: our father, our brother, our son. The extraordinary good work of all those at Maria Skobtsova House will surely continue to bear fruit and change hearts for a long time to come. Subsequent to this visit, French authorities demollished the camp at Calais. Caritas Westminster continues to support Catholic agencies working with refugees.

Participants heard from PACT, the Catholic prisoners’ charity, about the vital work of volunteers. The evening was a success, not only encouraging more people to volunteer, but by raising interest and understanding of the circumstances of people in prison. To find out more please visit the PACT website or email: caritaswestminster@rcdow .org.uk. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Westminster Record | November 2016

Mass of Remembrance During November, the month of remembrance, we take time to pray for those who have died and give thanks for loved ones who have made a deep and lasting impression on our lives. Over the years, CAFOD has been blessed to work alongside the kindest and most committed friends any charity could hope for. The insight, faith and strength of our founders and early supporters still shape our values and way of working today. In our own diocese we have lost a number of friends who played an inspirational and important role in our work who have passed away. In celebration of our inspiring friends, and in appreciation for their years of kindness and dedication,

CAFOD Westminster will be holding a memorial Mass at the Church of Christ the King, 29 Bramley Road, London, N14 4HE at 11am on Wednesday 23 November. All are welcome to join us, to remember fellow CAFOD supporters or members of your own family, friends and community who’ve passed away. You can take time to remember your loved ones, knowing that you’re among friends. A book of remembrance will be presented and blessed at the Mass. If you would like to add a name to this list, whether you can attend the service itself or not, please get in touch at westminster@cafod.org.uk or call 020 8449 6970 if you’d like to know more.

Glass Door Sleep Out

Schools and Parishes Supporting CAFOD As the Year of Mercy draws to a close, CAFOD takes the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the year, and look forward to the future as we brighten up the lives of the next generation. Parish and school communities across the diocese supported CAFOD’s Fast Day last month. Through donations, CAFOD is making a difference to the lives of thousands of people in Bolivia who are suffering from continuous challenges in their efforts to grow crops and make a living

in a very hostile environment. CAFOD would like to thank everyone who donated and participated in coffee mornings and soup lunches for their support. Harvest is traditionally a time of abundance, where communities come together and share food. We remember those who are without food and join together, putting our faith into action to help create a fairer world. CAFOD schools volunteers like Anne Nugent have been busy visiting schools across the dioceses inspiring

pupils to build a brighter world. Using the bright colours and vibrancy of Bolivia, along with the help of Wonder Worm, volunteers explain how CAFOD projects help more families to grow enough food for themselves. Thank you to all the volunteers who visit schools, organise talks in their parishes and fundraise for CAFOD, if you are interested in becoming a volunteer visit: cafod.org.uk/Volunteer/ Volunteer-with-us

Host a Lampedusa Cross Providence © Franc Vissers

Row Comes Home for Christmas

On 8 October over 300 people gathered in the Duke of York Square to take part in the annual Glass Door sleep out. From 9.30pm onwards people gathered to register and claim their spots for the night. Taking part this year were 22 local churches as well as a group of seminarians from Allen Hall. Representatives from CSAN and Caritas Westminster also took part as well as other local charities and community groups. Martha Behan from Caritas Westminster live tweeted the experience and shared her thoughts on taking part for the first time: ‘I think the work Glass Door is incredible. To utilise the resources already in parishes to support homeless people is an excellent example of Catholic social teaching. One of the most

striking things for me was not the amount of people they feed but that they offer far more that. Many of the homeless people I spoke to told me how the Glass Door night shelters offered a sense of community. I saw homeless people on the night greeted with friendship and warmth by parish communities. This friendliness has shown me the importance of Glass Door more than any statistics. It was nice to see how many people came over and asked what we were doing. It gave people a chance to share the work that Glass Door does and explain how they can help.’ Altogether the Sleep Out raised £150,000, which will allow them to open three shelters a night from 7 November to 9 April, meaning 85 people a night can stay in a Glass Door night shelter.

The Lampedusa Cross is one of hundreds of crosses made by the carpenter Francesco Tuccio who started making them from the wood of shipwrecked boats carrying migrants across the Mediterranean. ‘We were on the front line to help welcome refugees, feed them and treat them with respect’, he said, ‘I had never seen such suffering. I felt angry that no-one seemed to care’. A cross was made for Pope Francis, who carried it at a memorial service for those who had perished. A Lampedusa cross has also been given to

every cathedral in England and Wales, inspiring thousands of people to reflect on the situation facing refugees and to send them messages of hope. With the continuing war in Syria, more shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, and the Jungle camp in Calais being cleared, we must keep this issue constantly in our prayer. The Lampedusa cross in Westminster has now been hosted by several parishes. Anyone may borrow the cross by contacting Barbara Kentish at justice@rcdow.org.uk, or Tony Sheen at tsheen@cafod.org.uk

The Duke of Norfolk invites you to Providence Row’s annual Advent Carol Service, a beautiful evening to give thanks and raise much needed funds for London’s homeless and most vulnerable. This year the service will be held at St Mary Moorfields, 4-5 Eldon St, London EC2M 7LS on 13 December from 7 to 8pm. Guests are invited for mulled wine and mince pies after the service and to enjoy a mini Christmas Market selling items made by the people of Providence Row. Tickets are now on sale and more details can be found at providencerow.org.uk/events Page 17

Westminster Record | November 2016

Walking in the Footsteps of St Ignatius by Jo Siedlecka

A small group of walkers, led by Fr Dominic Robinson SJ from Farm Street, have just completed a 10-day, 'Ignatian Camino' across Catalonia in north east Spain, to pray and raise funds for Aid to the Church in Need projects with Christian refugees in northern Iraq, and the Jesuit Refugee Service UK.

We followed the path St Ignatius took in the 16th century, starting at the Shrine of St Peter Claver, patron of slaves, in Verdu. From there we walked to the town of Iguelada, where Ignatius put on his pilgrim robe and staff, and on through the clouds to the mountainside Abbey of

Montserrat, where Ignatius prayed for three days before the statue of the Black Madonna and left his sword. We attended Masses and lit candles for Aid to the Church in Need at the shrine. From here we walked to Manresa and Fr Dominic celebrated Mass with us in the cave where St Ignatius wrote the Spiritual Exercises. Covering about 20km a day, our route took us along busy motorways, through the streets of some beautiful medieval towns and villages, past ruined castles, dried out river beds, through farmland and forests full of the sound of crickets and the scent of wild thyme and rosemary, and up and down some very rugged mountain tracks. There were some spectacular views. Along the way we met many friendly people, including Veronica, a volunteer at Verdu, and Fr Francesco, Parish Priest at Iguelada.

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The weather was hot, around 30ºC most days, and the walking quite strenuous, but it was just a taste of what it must be like for the many thousands of Syrian refugees, among them elderly people, women and children who are currently undertaking perilous journeys on foot, to escape the war. They don't have our comfortable walking shoes, hot showers, good meals and hotel beds to rest in. To donate to our appeal please see: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Farm-StreetCamino-Walkers or send a cheque to: Refugee Camino Appeal, Farm Street Church, 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AH.

Sport at the Service of Humanity by Fr Vladimir Felzmann ‘Sport at the Service of Humanity’ was the theme of the first ever global conference on faith and sport held in the Vatican. Pope Francis spoke at the opening ceremony along with outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, and Allianz CEO, Oliver Bäte. Two days of intense discussion followed with religious leaders, athletes, business leaders amongst others contributing their ideas and experiences around six principles: joy, compassion, respect, enlightenment, love, and balance. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, head of the Department of Culture, described this as surpassing any other dicasterial initiative. Sport can inspire, but it can also corrupt. The Vatican is committed to getting the best out of sport for the greatest number of people around the world. Three strands were discussed: 1) the power of sport and faith to drive social change, 2) making sport more available to all, regardless of ability, and 3) use of sport in social integration, developing engagement particularly for migrants. Guided by David Eades of the BBC World Service, some 150 representatives from the various dimensions of sport, business, and journalists, as well as representatives of all major faiths, concentrated on studying how best to use sport as a vehicle to bring people together, develop human potential and bring peace to all. Consequently, the John Paul 2 Foundation 4 Sport will be

working in partnership with the ‘One World Play Project’ so that the OWPP's mega-robust ball and the Foundation’s ‘Aim High For All Virtues’ booklets will nourish the minds and heal the bodies of an increasing percentage of the 2.5 billion young people living in poverty and conflict zones around the world. Play and sport are a bit like spirituality and religion, closely linked but not quite the same. From everything the experts said, it is clear that play is imperative for the health of young people, especially those traumatised by conflict. Sport, in the ever increasing ways in which it is played, can help individuals acquire the life skills they need to fulfil their potential and, breaking down barriers, bring communities in conflict towards peace. Much hard work needs to be done to convert the dream into reality. But, thanks to Pope St John Paul II who set up the sports section in the Department for the Laity, and Pope Francis who encouraged this conference, the dream has been articulated. Here in the UK JP2F4S is doing its bit as it converts gangs into football clubs, encourages schools to open their facilities for after-school clubs in their local communities, produces educational materials enabling schools and clubs to educate young people in the values and virtues they need if they are to make a success of their lives. To see if you can help JP2F4S please take a look at: https://www.facebook.com/joh npaul2foundation4sport Twitter: @jp2f4s Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | November 2016

Permanent Deacons Celebrate Year of Mercy

New Hospital Chaplain Commissioned

Permanent deacons from across England and Wales and their families gathered at Westminster Cathedral on 24 September for a Jubilee of Mercy Mass. The Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Vincent, was an opportunity to give thanks for our deacons and the valuable ministry they perform, particularly in parishes. In his homily, Cardinal Vincent reflected on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy which deacons perform in their ministry of service, often being the first port of call for those needing support. On 5 October Deacon Anthony Curran was commissioned as the Catholic chaplain at Lister Hospital, Stevenage, by Bishop Paul McAleenan for the diocese and Carolyn Fowler, Deputy Director of Nursing, for the Trust. The lead chaplain, Rev Rachel Allan, welcomed all present which included the chaplaincy team, chaplains, volunteers, priests and deacons from the diocese, and his family including his wife, Tracy

Curran, who is an NHS midwife. John O'Neil, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, presented him with a Bible and a pyx, Colette Lennon a chaplain, from West Herts Trust presented him with a stole, and pupils from John Henry Newman School presented a candle. In his homily Bishop Paul emphasised that the deacon's ministry of service is well to the fore in the work of the hospital chaplain.

‘God is the Source of Every Vocation’ On 20 October 2016 the Cardinal addressed the International Congress on the Pastoral Care of Vocations in Rome on the Church’s teaching on vocations. He explained that ‘God is the source of every vocation’. ‘In this Year of Mercy,’ he said, ‘we remember that the first expression of God’s mercy is the gift of life with a purpose.’ This vocation or ‘definite service’, as Blessed John Henry Newman describes, cannot be found or developed without a community. ‘God’s merciful call to love finds expression in the vocation to be a missionary disciple of Christ,’ added the Cardinal.

‘A Christian expresses his discipleship through living as a consecrated person, an ordained minister or as a lay person, in either the single or married state,’ said the Cardinal. However, he also explained that a vocation includes each person’s work, whether paid employment, the work of caring for family members, voluntary work or artistic work. ‘The Church values all work as a service to others, whether paid or not, he said. Turning in particular to the priesthood, the Cardinal explained that this vocation has a specifically Christ-like character: ‘This is the first and fundamental conformity to Christ required for an authentic vocation to the

priesthood. In such a vocation it must be evident that a man wants to be a shepherd who loves, rather than a master who controls.’ This ministry finds its ‘expression in the service of Word and Sacrament, in leadership of the parish community.’ ‘Vocation is a call to selflessness and finds its expression in the service of others...especially the service of those in need,’ said the Cardinal ‘Thus, in the heart of the priest is the consolation and challenge of knowing that he has been called by the Father for one sole purpose: that the Father may

give him to the Son, as a gift of the Father, to be a companion for Jesus forever in the mission entrusted to the Son by the Father.’ Cardinal Vincent continued. He added, ‘This, for me, is the deepest meaning of priesthood: that it is the will of the Father that my hands, my voice, my actions, are given to his Son so that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, they may be channels of God’s grace for all to whom I minister.’ Reflecting on the death of Fr Jacques Hamel, the Cardinal closed with the following words: ‘Our struggles are different but we too have to fight, each day, to

keep fresh the original call and inspiration which brought us to our knees at the moment of our ordination. We too want to bring that dedication to the moment of our death, for death is the final call of our pilgrimage, the final vocation, to which we want to respond with humble integrity and loving trust in the Lord. It is he who calls us to life, to our ministry and through death into his presence forever. That is our enduring hope and it is indeed the joy of the Gospel we proclaim.’ For the full text of Cardinal Vincent’s address please visit www.rcdow.org.uk/cardinal/ad dresses/ Page 19

Westminster Record | November 2016

Caring for Our Sick and Retired Priests

The Diocese of Westminster currently has more than 70 elderly and infirm priests in retirement and under supervised care. This number is expected to rise significantly as the number of priests eligible for retirement (at age 75) will double by 2025. Retired priests continue to serve in some capacity as long as they can, helping parishes by celebrating the Mass, serving as chaplains, or as counsellors in particular ministries.

The care of retired and infirm priests includes assuring them of accommodation, usually in a residence located at or near a parish, sustenance, and their health care needs, for special items, nursing care, or when there are gaps in insurance coverage. Some elderly priests are able to live independently and all they need is occasional contact to see how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing and a visit to afford some companionship. Others require special modifications to their flats to accommodate limited mobility or use a wheelchair. Some priests need part-time carers or temporary nursing during convalescence from surgery. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s giving an elderly priest a lift to the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office when he can no longer drive, to full-time nursing home care, the Sick and Retired Priests Fund pays these expenses and fulfils the promise of the Church to which

these men have devoted their lives, will not be left alone in old age or sickness. The annual collection for the care of sick and retired priests of the Diocese of Westminster will take place in all parishes over the weekend of 12 and 13 November. Leaflets will be made available in the parishes the weekend before for parishioners to read more about this important need and to return a gift if they would like to help. Of course, donations are accepted yearround if mailed directly to the diocese. Please be generous and help the diocese provide for these special men by supporting the Sick and Retired Priests Fund. There is also a Patron of Sick and Retired Priests programme available for donors wishing to set up recurring gifts via standing order. Contact the diocese on 020 7798 9375 for more information.

Visiting Traveller Families in Bow and Hackney On Saturday 15 October, Bishop Paul McAleenan visited Traveller families in Hackney and Bow. He was accompanied by Sr Petronia Williams, Pastoral Cocoordinator of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Chaplaincy. In Hackney, Bishop Paul

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blessed the garden and grotto of Our Lady, built by members of the community. At both sites, he visited and blessed the homes of the families, who were all very welcoming. Bishop Paul expressed his appreciation for the visible piety and devotion to the Catholic faith demonstrated by

the prominent display of Crucifixes and holy images. Additional photos from the visit can be found at www.flickr.com/ catholicwestminster

Westminster Record | November 2016

Proclaim in Bethnal Green

Proclaim is alive and active in Bethnal Green as the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption has risen to the challenge and identified aspects of parish life to be improved. It is very much work in progress, but a good start has been made so far. Following the Westminster Proclaim ’15 conference, the parish formed an evangelisation team which meets monthly in the Priory. The three areas of parish life that have been identified for

improvement are prayer, outreach and children’s spiritual development. Currently, the team are exploring ways to improve the prayer life of the parish. Indeed, prayer is fundamental to the success of this initiative, as Bishop Williams pointed out in his keynote address at the inaugural conference in Birmingham. Parishioners were offered an opportunity to participate in

On Thursday 29th September Bishop John Sherrington and Fr. Dermot O’Neill from All Saints celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass for the 60th Anniversary of St Gregory’s Catholic Science College. It was a moving ceremony with film shown from the opening of the school in September 1956. Mayor Councillor Ahmed, Governors, Former Staff, Catholic Headteachers from Brent and Harrow, present staff and students were all united in expressing their gratitude for 60 years of Catholic education in Harrow. The Headteacher, Mr Andrew Prindiville spoke about when he was appointed in 2008 and found an old school log written by the founding Headteacher Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

different kinds of prayer, e.g., Lectio Divina or the Rosary. A member of the evangelisation team offered her home as a place to host these prayer meetings and the invitation was gladly accepted by many. Further initiatives are in the pipeline. For example, a guided prayer retreat for busy people led by trained prayer guides, and a weekly Gospel reflection (for the following Sunday) between the Sunday Masses.

Inside the Hospice: Time Travel by Fr Peter Michael Scott The other day as I left the tube I heard a man with a microphone yell out ‘repent sinners, you cannot change the past’. My local tube station is a lively place. It tends to be the venue for preachers, singers, trumpet players and even the occasional dancing dog (called Ricky). As I walked away and mulled over his message I realised that I am a daily time traveller. Working in the hospice means I am privileged to hear the most amazing memories. Sometimes I might accompany a patient as they remember what happened to them last week, or I might be walking with them as they remember the blitz, the swinging sixties or being a new romantic in the 1980s. All my journeys into the past tend to be about regrets, failures or sins. Patients allow me the chance to time travel because they desperately want to feel God’s mercy acknowledge and heal their misdemeanours. True, you

John Drum. His entry for the first day reads: The school opened today with 218 pupils and 11 members of staff, in addition to the Headmaster. The school is in a partially finished condition. The builders have made over to us nine rooms in which classes can be carried on. The life of the school centres on the top corridor. School lunches were brought in by container, from Fryent school and were served in the laboratory and in the Art room. This arrangement will probably continue for some months. The middle corridor is unpainted and the ground floor almost entirely unplastered. There are no playgrounds and the children are escorted to and from Woodcock Park at morning and afternoon break and after dinner. The playgrounds are to be finished after Christmas. The children assembled in the Hall and the Headmaster made an address. The Reverend Fr. J Williams, Clerk to the School Governors and Parish Priest of Kenton spoke from the platform and gave his blessing on the children, the staff and the school. The list of forms was read out and the children proceeded to the form rooms, in the charge of the appropriate form teachers. The first lesson Religious Knowledge commenced at 9.45am. The children are keenly interested in their new school and enjoy the unusual conditions which are created by the unfinished condition of the building. The children made a very good impression on staff and Headmaster. Clearly many things have changed in the six decades that have passed since the school opened. However when the school opened in 1956, its objectives were to educate pupils and improve their life chances. Those are simple aims, but what Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

cannot change the past, but you can repent, say sorry and allow yourself to forget. Over the past year I have been struck by a very profound characteristic that most patients share – they are all excellent listeners. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis says: ‘We need to practise the art of listening, which is more than simply hearing. Listening...is an openness of heart.’ Hospice patients often display a breadth of self-awareness and openness of heart which is breathtaking. They readily time travel, repent, and hungrily desire God’s mercy and love. So in these last few days of the Year of Mercy, do not forget to go to your parish church and enter the confessional as if it is Dr Who’s Tardis and allow yourself to time travel, ready to encounter the God of love who is in every age. Please pray for the patients, staff and volunteers of St Joseph’s Hospice.

wholehearted rewards they imply! And the school has continued on that same enriching path, through all of the decades since; as we have endeavoured to live out on the daily basis our mission statement: PRODEO For God the best and the greatest! After the Thanksgiving mass, the afternoon closed with a buﬀet in St Catherine of Siena Sixth Form Centre. A wonderful celebration of 60 years!

St Gregory’s Catholic Science College Headteacher: Mr A Prindiville Donnington Road, Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 0NB. T: 020 8907 8828. E: schooloﬃce@stgregorys.harrow.sch.uk

www.stgregorys.harrow.sch.uk/ Page 21

Westminster Record | November 2016

Saint of the Month: St Cecilia (22 November)

Little is known for certain about the life of St Cecilia, other than the fact of her existence and martyrdom. Most commonly known for being patroness of musicians, Cecilia is one of seven women, excluding the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Cecilia was born in the second century to a noble Roman family. According to stories told about her life, she was forced by her parents to marry a young pagan nobleman, despite having taken a vow of virginity. She received her status of patroness of musicians as supposedly at her wedding, while musicians played in celebration, she sat apart, singing to God in her heart.

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On her wedding night, she explained to her husband Valerian that she had taken a vow of virginity and that an angel watched over her. When he asked to see the angel as proof, she told him that he would have eyes to see once he travelled to the third milestone of the Via Appia and was baptised by Pope Urbanus. On return from his baptism, Valerian found an angel by the side of Cecilia crowning her with a chaplet of roses and lilies. Cecilia’s husband Valerian and his brother Tiburtius, who also converted to Christianity, dedicated their lives to burying Christian martyrs that were killed in the city. Alongside them, Cecilia preached and

converted over 400 people. Valerian and Tiburtius were eventually martyred with a Roman soldier called Maximus. Cecilia was martyred shortly after her husband, and was condemned to be suffocated in the bath at her home. However, she remained unhurt until an executioner came to behead her, but, due to his lack of skill, she remained alive for several days. After her execution, Cecilia was buried in the catacombs of St Callistus, and was later transferred to the Church of St Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome, reportedly built on the site of her home. Whilst being transferred to the Church of St Cecilia in 1599 she was found to be incorrupt by Cardinal Paolo Emilio Sfondrati.

Mgr Peter Anglim RIP Mgr Peter Anglim died on 24 September aged 93. Born in St John’s Wood in 1923 he attended Catholic school before entering the Venerable English College in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Luigi Traglia on 19 July 1947. Mgr Peter’s first appointment was as Assistant Private Secretary to Cardinal Griffin. He worked also in Chancery and Tribunal before becoming a cathedral chaplain and master of ceremonies, until 1967. He was then appointed to Eastcote as Parish Priest, where he remained until July 1998. Between 1986 and 1998 Mgr Peter was editor of the Westminster Year Book, and was a founding member of the National Liturgy Commission. In September 2002 Mgr Peter went to live at Nazareth House, Finchley, where he made many friends. Many will remember Mgr Peter for his kindness and thoughtfulness, his impeccable manners and his fidelity to prayer and the Mass, and they will do so with fondness and gratitude.

Sr Amadeus Bulger CJ RIP Sr Amadeus died on 5 October at the Bar Convent, York, after a long illness. Born Catherine Mary on September 1934 in London, she entered the convent of the then IBVM at St Mary’s, Ascot, taking the name Amadeus in 1954. After noviciate she went to Maria Assumpta College to train as a secondary school teacher. She taught for many years, first in York at the Bar Convent Grammar School until 1974, being deputy head for the last five years. She then taught at St Mary’s, Ascot, at the same time working as Religious Advisor for the Diocese of Portsmouth. From 1977 to 1988 she taught at St Mary’s School in Cambridge and became part-time chaplain at the university. In the following years she served the seminarians of England and Wales, firstly as Pastoral Director of the Venerable English College in Rome and later at the Royal College of Valladolid in Spain where she went for some time each year. Sr Amadeus was much loved by all those who worked with her during her long and dedicated service to seminarians, young people and as one of the Vicars for Religious in this diocese.

Bishop David Konstant RIP Bishop Konstant, Bishop of Leeds from 1985 to 2004, died peacefully on Sunday 9 October. Bishop Konstant was the eighth Bishop of Leeds and had previously been an auxiliary bishop of this diocese from 1977 to 1985 under Cardinal Hume. London was his home city, he was born in June 1930 at Blackheath. As a priest of this diocese he was appointed Diocesan Advisor on Religious Education and subsequently became the first Director of the Westminster Religious Education Centre in 1970. Cardinal Vincent will celebrate Mass at 5.30pm for Bishop Konstant on 25 November at Westminster Cathedral. All are welcome.

Edmund Adamus Bids Farewell After almost 13 years in serving the diocese, Edmund Adamus has left his post as Director for Marriage and Family Life. As Director for Pastoral affairs (2004-2012) he established the St John Southworth Fund and studied the feasibility of Caritas Westminster. In 2012 Cardinal Vincent appointed him to his role Director for Marriage and Family Life. In the announcement of Edmund’s departure last month, Fr Chris Vipers said: ‘On behalf of the diocese I would like to take this opportunity to thank Edmund for all that he has so generously given and to wish him and his own family well for everything the future holds.’ Edmund takes up his new post as Professional Adviser to the Episcopal Vicar for Education and Diocesan Schools Commissioner in the Diocese of Portsmouth at the beginning of November.

In Memoriam: November 1 Fr Horace Tennant (2000) 2 Mgr Canon George Tomlinson (1985) Fr Terence Brady (1989) 5 Fr Eric Chadwick (1993) 6 Fr Peter Geraerts (1980) 7 Cardinal John Heenan (1975) Canon Charles Carr (1985) Fr Raymond Geraerts (1995) 8 Fr Jeremiah Ryan (2001) 9 Fr George Barringer (1978) Fr James Ethrington (1981) 10 Fr Richard M Sutherland (1974) Fr John Spencer (1980) 11 Fr Gerald Freely (2013) 12 Fr James R Coughlan (1974) Fr Peter Johnson (2000) 14 Fr Maurice Ryan (1983) Canon Louis Marteau (2002) 15 Fr James Stephenson (1970) 16 Fr Ian Dommerson (1996) 17 Fr Samuel Steer (1996) 22 Mgr Reginald Butcher (1976) Fr Christopher Fullerton (1980) 24 Canon Edmund Hadfield (1982) 25 Fr Joseph Doyle (1978) Canon Joseph Geraerts (1979) Fr John Galvin (2010) 26 Fr John Woodward (1976) Fr William Wood (1986) Fr Anthony John Cooke (2007) 27 Fr Joseph Scally (1995) Fr Peter O’Reilly (2005) Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Events & Calendar

Westminster Record | November 2016

REGULAR EVENTS

Liturgical Calendar - November

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

Prayer Groups SUNDAYS Taizé at St James, Piccadilly W1J 9LL every third Sunday 5pm. Call 020 7503 5128 for details. Tyburn Benedictines Monastic afternoon Every first Sunday 2-5pm 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

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. Taizé at St James’, Spanish Place, W1U 3UY every first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Email: penny28hb@aol.com or just come along.

WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays on the Wall (WOTW) Every first Wednesday of the month. 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. Our Lady, Untier of Knots, Prayer Group of Intercession meets every third Wednesday at St Anselm & St Cecilia, Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Parish Mass at 6pm followed by Prayer Group until 8.45pm. Rosary, Adoration, silent prayer and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Email: Antonia antonia4161@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life (JCFL) provides a space for Christians of different traditions to join together in prayer and friendship. Details at www.jcfl.org.uk. NFG Prayer Group meet weekly at 8pm for praise, worship followed by a social. Monthly a DVD is watched follow by a time of sharing. Held in St Mark’s Room, Christ the King Church N14 4HE. Contact Fr Christophe: christophe.brunet@cheminneuf.org. 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. St 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 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 meet every Friday 7.30pm prayer, praise and teaching. First Friday is a healing Mass. For details, please call 020 8748 2632.

1 Tue 2 Wed

+ ALL SAINTS THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS’ DAY)

3 Thu 4 Fri 5 Sat 6 Sun 7 Mon 8 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 14 Mon 15 Tue 16 Wed

Feria or St Winifride, Virgin or St Martin de Porres, Religious St Charles Borromeo, Bishop; Friday abstinence Feria or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday + 32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Feria, Thirty-Second Week of Year 2 or St Willibrord, Bishop Feria + THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA St Leo the Great St Martin of Tours, Bishop; Friday abstinence St Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr + 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Feria, Thirty-Third Week of Year 2 Feria or St Albert the Great, Bishop & Doctor St Edmund of Abingdon, Bishop Feria or St Hilda, Abbess or St Hugh of Lincoln, Bishop or St Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

17 Thu 18 Fri

Feria of The Dedication of the Basilicas of the Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles; Friday abstinence

19 Sat 20 Sun 21 Mon 22 Tue 23 Wed

Feria or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday + OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, King of the Universe The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary St Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr Feria, Thirty-Fourth Week of Year 2 or St Clement I, Pope & Martyr or St Columban, Abbot

24 Thu 25 Fri

St Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs Feria or St Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin & Martyr; Friday abstinence

26 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30 Wed

Feria or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday + 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT Advent feria Advent feria ST ANDREW, Apostle, Patron of Scotland

At Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Acton, the Queen of Peace prayer group meets every Friday evening after 7pm Mass, for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, homily, the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. All welcome. Members of the Westminster LGBT Catholic Community are specially welcomed at the following Sunday Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, and invited to our parish hall afterwards for tea/coffee, when there is also an opportunity to learn of pastoral help available: 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, 5.30pm.

Other regular Masses Deaf Community Mass First Sunday of the month 4.30pm at Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QW. Young Adults Mass with an Ignatian twist Every Sunday at 7pm. Church of the Immaculate Conception, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH. Contact: yam@mountstreet.info or visit www.pathwaystogood.org Mass at Canary Wharf Held on Tuesdays at 12.30pm at 2 Churchill Place E14 5RB. Organised by Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, Chaplain to Canary Wharf Communities. Details www.cwcc.org.uk. St Albans Abbey Fridays at 12 noon. Mass in the Lady Chapel of St Albans Abbey AL1 1BY. EXTRAORDINARY FORM MASSES Sundays: Low Mass 9.30am, St James Spanish Place W1U 3QY. Low Mass 9am, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 5pm, St Bartholomew, St Albans AL1 2PE. Low Mass 5.30pm, Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden, NW10 9AX. Mondays: Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. 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. Low Mass 6pm St Etheldreda, Ely Place EC1N 6RY. First Friday only. Low Mass 6pm St John the Baptist Church, King Edward's Road E9 7SF. First Friday only. Low Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Second Friday only. 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.

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

Praying with Pope Francis - November 2016 Universal Intention: Countries receiving refugees: That the countries which take in a great number of displaced persons and refugees may find support for their efforts which show solidarity. For Evangelisation: Collaboration of priests and laity: That within parishes, priests and lay people may collaborate in service to the community without giving in to the temptation of discouragement.

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Page 23

Westminster Record | November 2016

The Courage of Two Cockney Brothers

by Fr Nicholas Schofield with Michael Kent and Susannah Rayner

Lance Corporal Daniel Ginn

The diocesan archive largely consists of precious documents relating to the history of the Catholic community in the London area. There are not many artefacts but two always intrigue me, and they now hang on the wall of my office: memorial plaques to two brothers killed six months apart in 1916. The plaques only came to light in 2015 when staff found them tucked away in a box of uncatalogued archives. They commemorate the deaths of Stephen and Daniel Ginn, but there were no clues as to where the plaques had come from or how they came to be in the archives. By pure chance, the mystery was solved a few weeks after their discovery when family historian Michael Kent happened to visit the diocesan archives in Kensington. He was, it transpired, the great nephew of Stephen and Daniel Ginn. Michael was able to shed more light on the Ginn family, who were well-known in the Victoria area and owned a fruit and florist shop, ‘S. Ginn’, at 87 and 89 Wilton Road, Victoria. The shop was run by Stephen and Daniel’s mother, Mary Ginn, who was better known as ‘Polly Ryan’. Polly was born in Old Pye Street, once the site of Page 24

one of London’s most notorious slums. Situated only a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, Old Pye Street achieved lasting notoriety in the 19th century when Charles Dickens dubbed it ‘the Devil’s Acre’. Although the Ginn family certainly knew poverty and deprivation, as did many growing up there, Polly and her children were determined to improve their lot. Polly started her career with a flower barrow at Pimlico Road and then Warwick Street. As well as opening a shop, Polly sold flowers outside the Army and Navy store and went early each morning to buy fresh stock at Covent Garden. She clearly appreciated the finer things in life, and developed a keen interest in antiques. She often visited auction houses and ‘as she arrived,’ we read in a local paper, ‘they used to say “Here comes the Little Duchess of Pimlico”’. By the time she died in 1935, Polly Ryan was described as ‘almost an institution in Covent Garden’. However, life was not easy for her and the inscription ‘No Mother has suffered so much/No other had greater love’ was included on her tombstone. She bore 15 children, of whom four died in infancy,

including her youngest child, Francis Xavier, who was less than a week old when he died in 1903. Then on 20 March 1914 her husband, Samuel, passed away at the early age of 57. Further tragedy ensued during the First World War. Polly’s son, Stephen, had joined the 2/Prince of Wales’ Leinster Regiment and rose up through the ranks to become a sergeant. Catholics in England were often recruited into Irish regiments and in Stand To!, the memoirs of Colonel Francis Clere Hitchcock, MC, Stephen Ginn was described as ‘a fine soldier’ and ‘the only Cockney in the Battalion’. Stephen was killed in action on Sunday 5 March 1916 at Ypres. Fr Denis Doyle, Chaplain to the battalion, wrote to his mother: Your son Stephen was wounded early this morning and died about two hours afterwards, a beautiful and holy death. He was a good fellow and a splendid Catholic. As a sergeant he was well liked by his men. He was shot through both lungs with a rifle bullet. When I went to his side he said “Father your blessing. I am dying.” I put my Crucifix before his eyes and he said “Oh Father isn’t it beautiful, and I am going to him, my God. Tell my mother and friends.” He muttered more about all at home, which I did not quite hear. I gave him all the Last Sacraments of the Church. Again when the pain got great and he could not endure it I showed him my Crucifix and he said “Oh isn’t it beautiful, not so much pain as his.” I held up his head and gave him a little water to quench his thirst. He then silently sank to rest, his last words were “Tell them I died like a man.” This must bring you the greatest comfort it is possible to have on earth –

Florence who commissioned to know that you had a son brass plaques to commemorate who could die like that and her brothers at the church of St who I am sure is happy in heaven today. If you need more Peter and St Edward in Palace Street, where the family comfort then unite yourself worshipped and where most with the Blessed Virgin, at the of the children were baptised. foot of the Cross, who saw her Florence, with the help of her Son offered in sacrifice. I have sisters, Ivy and Kathleen, said Mass this morning for the carried on running their repose of Stephen’s soul, and shall lay him to rest tonight in a mother’s flower shop in Wilton Road until Florence little graveyard nearby. I shall retired in the 1960s. The see that a Cross is placed over this hero. I took his watch and a church in Palace Street closed few things which I shall send to in 1975 and it was probably at this time that the plaques were you. (5 March 1916) transferred to the archives This ‘little graveyard’ Fr Doyle wrote of grew to become where they lay undisturbed the Menin Road South Military and forgotten for 40 years. Cemetery with some 1,657 Commonwealth war burials. Fr Doyle himself was to die less than six months later during the Battle of the Somme, hit by a shell burst in the early hours of 19 August while bringing tea to men in the trenches. Severely wounded, he was taken back behind the lines where he eventually died that evening. Less is known about Stephen’s brother, Daniel Ginn, who was a Lance Corporal in the 9th Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own). His battalion had been involved in the fighting at Delville Wood on the Somme Sargeant Stephen Ginn © Diocesan archives and, according to Army records, Daniel Now the courage of these two was wounded on 27 August 1916, finally succumbing to his Cockney brothers, born and brought up within the shadow injuries at Rouen on 15 of the cathedral and September, aged 26 years old. representative of that lost He was buried in St Sever generation, is honoured and Cemetery. Thanks to Michael Kent, we commemorated once more by their family and by the now know that it was Daniel diocesan archives. and Stephen’s younger sister