Westminster Record - September 2016 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record

September 2016 | 20p

Schools News

Lourdes Pilgrimage

Home Mission Sunday

Pages 5 - 7

Pages 8 & 9

Page 13

Open to God’s Mercy

World Youth Day is, for most people, a life-changing experience. Many will have found their vocation, whether to the priesthood, religious life or marriage. Others may still be searching, but will have discovered what their next step should be. And there are those whose faith may have been dwindling, but have returned invigorated. In July, 220 young people from the diocese travelled to

Poland to join over a million other young people for World Youth Day in Krakow. Some pigrims, led by Westminster Youth Ministry, had spent the week prior in Łódź preparing with the Chemin Neuf Community at the Paradise in the City festival. Arriving in Krakow, the excitement was palpable. On the streets people sang and cheered, brandishing flags from countries from Australia to

Chile. Images of Pope St John Paul II and St Faustina were emblazoned on flags across the city. There was an immense sense of joy, of friendship and of solidarity amongst those who had come to Krakow to celebrate and learn more about their faith. 500,000 people gathered poncho-clad in Błonia Park on the Tuesday afternoon for the opening Mass with Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the

Archbishop of Krakow, despite the wet weather. Cardinal Dziwisz welcomed pilgrims, saying, ‘We bring to this meeting with Jesus during these days our personal experiences of living the Gospel in our difficult world. We bring our fears and disappointments, but also our hopes and yearning, our desire to live in a more human, more fraternal world.’ Continued on pages 10 & 11

Westminster pilgrims with Cardinal Vincent and Bishop Nicholas

Editorial Westminster Record – Contact us

Westminster Record | September 2016

A Summer of Contrasts

Editor Mgr Mark Langham Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Hannah Woolley and Fr John Scott 020 7798 9178, and Martha Behan 020 7798 9030 Design Julian Game To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 908 5327 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd.

October publication dates Editorial deadline: 9 September 2016 Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk News and stories call 020 7798 9030 Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk Advertising deadline: 16 September 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.

It has been a summer of shattering contrasts, of exhilaration and despair. The delight of the Olympic Games, but continuing war and outrage in the Middle East; the celebration of World Youth Day, but the devastating earthquake in Italy. For us Catholics, especially, the murder of Fr Jacques Hamel as he celebrated Mass in a quiet church in northern France brings home the price paid by many Christians throughout the world for doing simply what we do each week: bearing witness to our faith. Accordingly, we carry news of the moment of shared prayer and affirmation of our determination for peace that was held outside the Cathedral, our prayerful response to such

evil, and we also report an important gesture that will take place in November, when the Cathedral will be floodlit in red to recall the plight of persecuted Christians throughout the world. While we deplore violence and we work to end hatred and misunderstanding, our faith continually reminds us of a greater story, of joy, solidarity and love. World Youth Day was not simply a great religious gathering, but an affirmation of the sort of world we want to see, and of confidence in our future. That was also the case (on a slightly smaller scale!) with our diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes: a time of prayer and fellowship, for sure, but also a vision of a community where the weak are brought into the centre, and where everyone is valued equally as children of God. It is fitting, then, that our saint for this month is St Vincent de Paul, whose example continues to inspire people across our diocese to reach out to those on the margins, and to affirm that love will always prevail against the forces of darkness.

For more news from around the diocese throughout the month, please see

www.rcdow.org.uk where new stories are posted daily.

Cardinal Thanks Bishop Richard Chartres you I am a bishop but with you I am a Christian’. In response, Cardinal Vincent, referring to other words of St Augustine, said that 'I believe that Bishop Richard’s “tenure as bishop” has indeed been “of profit”.' The Cardinal also thanked Bishop Richard for his friendship and the warm and fruitful relationship they have enjoyed over the years. Cardinal Vincent is pictured with Bishop Richard at the Hampton Court Palace during their in February.

Spend a day finding out at the ODC Carmelite Priory, London W8.

Saturday, 1st October, 10.00-4.00 Open to men & women. No upper age limit. If interested please contact johnmcgowan50@gmail.com Page 2

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Are you called to Carmel?

In a letter dated 19 July 2016, the Rt Rev and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, announced that he would be retiring in 2017.

In the announcement of his retirement, Bishop Richard Chartres writes: ‘For my part, I have tried to follow the example of St Augustine who said, "For

Westminster Record | September 2016

Cardinal Vincent Expresses Horror at Murder of Fr Jacques Hamel

Faith Leaders Hold Prayer Vigil outside Cathedral Following on from the terrorist attack on the Church of Saint Etienne-de-Rouvray and the murder of Fr Jacques Hamel on 26 July, religious leaders from several faith traditions held a prayer vigil outside the Cathedral on Sunday 31 July. They came to express solidarity with Catholics and all people of faith. Fr Martin Plunkett, Cathedral Sub-Administrator, welcomed the visitors who came to express their condolences for the death of Fr Hamel and to pray together for peace. During the vigil, the leaders read the following statement: ‘We stand united in solidarity in our disgust at the murder of Father

Jacques Hamel in France, and in support of all victims of recent terror attacks. We understand that no vigil, or statement, or candlelighting is sufficient to counteract the evil of evil people. ‘We know that although this evil seeks to divide us and to make us turn on each other, we will not! As leaders from different faith traditions we say loudly we will build friendship and understanding against cruelty and hate. ‘We stand together and shout out that life itself is sacred, and that no cause can be truly holy, until it chooses life over death. All religions must draw on the principles of respect and protection

for all faiths. ‘People stand united against Daesh’s messages of hatred and will not be afraid. We stand together united in solidarity against all forms of hatred and extremism. ‘The best way to remember Fr Jacques, and indeed all victims of terror, is to unite. Terrorist groups like Daesh aim to divide society, but here we stand, different but together, in solidarity and in defiance of hate and fear.’ They then observed a few minutes’ silence and shared the sign of peace with one another. The vigil was organised by Faiths Forum for London.

On Tuesday 26 July, following the terrorist assault on the Church of Saint-Etienne-duRouvray in a suburb of Rouen which resulted in the murder of Fr Jacques Hamel, Cardinal Vincent has expressed his horror at the attack in a letter to Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen Diocese. The Cardinal writes: ‘I am writing to express my horror and deep, deep sadness, following the murder of Fr Jacques Hamel. I pray for the repose of his soul and for all those affected by the murderous assault that took place at the Church of SaintEtienne–du-Rouvray earlier today. These senseless attacks continue to shock the world and all who hold that respect for human life is an essential foundation for every society. ‘May God turn the hearts of all who commit evil to a true understanding of his desire and his intention for humanity.

‘I assure you, too, of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic Community in England and Wales.’ Cardinal Vincent also wrote to Fr Pascal Boidin SM, Parish Priest of Notre Dame de France, the church in Leicester Square which is the heart of the French community in London. In his letter, he says: ‘I write to express my horror at the terrible murder of Fr Jacques Hamel. I pray for the repose of his soul and for all those affected by the murderous assault that took place at the Church of SaintEtienne–du-Rouvray earlier today. ‘My thoughts and prayers are with those who witnessed this brutal attack. May God turn the hearts of all who commit evil to a true understanding of His desire and His intention for humanity.’

Bishop Edward Daly, former Bishop of Derry, died on 8 August. He will be remembered for his courage on Bloody Sunday when he risked his own life to help and minister to victims. He worked tirelessly to promote peace during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Following his death, Cardinal Vincent made the following statement paying tribute to him: ‘I am saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Edward Daly. ‘He will be mourned by

many Christians of all denominations, not only in Northern Ireland but beyond. He was a true pastor who steadfastly lived and proclaimed the Gospel of peace in very difficult times. ‘I had the privilege of meeting him on a number of occasions and of being shown round Derry by him. His love and concern for all the people of the City was so evident, as was his commitment to justice and good order. He was indeed a man of prayer and of the people. ‘May he rest in peace.’

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Cardinal Vincent Pays Tribute to Bishop Edward Daly RIP

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Westminster Record | September 2016

Westminster Cathedral to Go Red for Persecuted Christians

L-R: Fr Richard Nesbitt, Mgr Nizar Semaan, Bp Casmoussa, Councillor Mercy Umeh, Fr Richard Andrew

Iraqi Bishop Welcomed Bishop Basile Georges Casmoussa, Apostolic Visitor of the Syrian Catholics in Western Europe, and Archbishop Emeritus of the Syrian Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul, Iraq, stayed at Holy Trinity Brook Green for one week in July. On Tuesday 19 July Bishop Casmoussa gave a talk on the present situation of Iraqi Christians in the Middle East attended by parishioners and the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham. Iraqi Christians fled their homes with nothing when their

cities were overrun by DAESH and are now displaced in the north of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and further afield. Churches in all areas are trying their best to support them by giving shelter and food. The biggest problem facing all refugees is medical supplies, operations, maternity care etc., as all hospitals are private and all treatments must be paid for. There was a collection after the talk and Holy Trinity raised £1,030 which the Bishop will take with him back to Iraq.

Westminster Cathedral is to be floodlit in red in November this year to raise awareness of the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.

Young People Celebrated by Catholic Community

On 25 July, outstanding social action by young people was recognised at the second Celebrating Young People Awards. The awards are the initiative of Catholic Charity Million Minutes and delivered in partnership with St Mary’s University, Twickenham. They brought together leading voluntary organisations and figures from the Catholic Church to recognise young people and youth workers whose contribution reflects the Page 4

values of Catholic social teaching. In an award ceremony in London, Cardinal Vincent, Ruth Kelly, Pro Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University and Baroness Hollins, awarded prizes to young people who are making a positive difference. The awards are intended to inspire young people and reflect on how Catholic social teaching is being lived out. Danny Curtin from Million Minutes said: ‘Through these awards we are celebrating all the inspirational young in our Catholic communities. What we want to say through the example of the young people we are celebrating tonight is that young people can be the difference in this world, and sometimes the rest of us just have to take time to stop and realise this.’ Amongst the winners was Helen Olorunsuyi, 12, a recipient of the St Josephine

Bakhita Award for celebrating human dignity. When Helen arrived in Year 7 at St Angela’s Ursuline School in East London, she had to look after her older sister, Michelle, who is on the autistic spectrum. Helen ensures that Michelle knows she is loved and will always challenge her to be her best. Corey Scott, 23, was a recipient of the Joseph Cardijn Award. This award celebrates young people who uphold the dignity of volunteers, students and workers. Corey is from Lancashire and has worked tirelessly over the years to improve the standards of those who live with disabilities. Cardinal Vincent awarded the Pope Francis Award. He chose to recognise the example of Matthew Martin, from Holy Cross College in Bury. For the last two years Matthew has been helping people who are homeless in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

Lord Alton of Liverpool wrote that Aid to the Church in Need is arranging for the Cathedral ‘to be floodlit in red to commemorate the persecuted. If every parish in the country did the same it might at last wake up our political classes to the scale of the suffering.’ In an article for the Catholic Truth Society announcing the campaign, he wrote: ‘It’s high time we stood with those who are suffering or dying for their beliefs – with the Christians of the Middle East; with the Iranian, Saeed Abedini, who was imprisoned for 10 years for

‘undermining national security’ by hosting Christian gatherings in his home; with Chinese Catholics like the late Bishop Cosmas Shi Enxiang, who died last year at 94 years of age, having spent half his life in prison; with the Chinese Christians who, since the beginning of 2016, have seen 49 of their churches defaced or destroyed, crosses removed and a pastor’s wife crushed to death in the rubble as she pleaded with the authorities to desist; with the Christians targeted by groups like ISIS, the Taliban, Al Shabab, and Boko Haram.’

Praying for Victims of Italian Quake On 24 August, an earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck central Italy, followed by several aftershocks, resulting in the death of nearly 300 people. In a message to Fr Andrea Fulco, Parish Priest of the Italian Church in Clerkenwell, sent on 26 August, Cardinal Vincent said: 'I am writing to assure you and the Italian Church of my solidarity in prayer for all those who died or were injured following the recent earthquake

and aftershocks. 'On this Feast day of Blessed Dominic of the Mother of God, who was himself a priest from central Italy, I pray especially for his intercession as your nation comes to terms with such devastation and loss. 'Please be assured too of the prayers of the Catholic Community in England and Wales. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died and for those affected by the earthquake and aftershocks.' Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | September 2016

Finchley Catholic High School Pilgrimage to St Albans

Teacher Shares Expertise in Cambodia Schools broke up for the summer, but Jade Cahill, a teaching from St Charles Primary School headed for a classroom on the other side of the world. The 24-year-old jetted off to Cambodia to spend a month mentoring young teachers in the port Town of Siem Reap. Jade explained her motives for making this trip: ‘The teachers there have no formal

On the 26 May a group of 70 students, staff and alumni from Finchley Catholic High School took part in a 15 mile pilgrimage to St Albans to mark the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the school. St Alban has been the patron saint of the school since it was opened by Canon Parsons in 1926 and his colours of blue and gold remain the school colours to this day. As part of the preparation for the pilgrimage and to mark the 90th anniversary of the school, students in Years 9-13 took part in a performance by RISE Theatre Group entitled ‘Soldier to Saint’ which brought the life and story of their patron into a modern day setting and allowed the students to explore the themes and challenges raised by his life and look deeper into the message behind the Year of Mercy. Pilgrims left school early in an atmosphere of excitement mixed with apprehension. They walked through parks, farms and along footpaths and rivers

which gave them a chance to reflect on the beauty of nature and appreciate the small things most take for granted. The rain held out and the sun emerged around midday which resulted in a few burnt noses. All those who set out from school managed to reach the cathedral with open hearts, as, although they were exhausted, they all had a huge sense of accomplishment. The pilgrims were joined by Fr Oliver from the parish of Mary Immaculate and St Peter in New Barnet. During the walk, Fr Oliver led discussions with the boys on various moral questions and challenged them to think about some of their perceptions of the world and society. On reaching the cathedral, along with the School Chaplain Miss Moggan, he led a reflection on their achievement and the sacrifice made by St Alban, drawing on the lessons to be learnt from his actions. A student in Year 8 shared his experience of the pilgrimage, ‘The pilgrimage to

training. It will be great to share all my knowledge but I am sure I will learn a lot too. There are no computers. It's back to blackboard and chalk.’ Miss Cahill returns to her own school in September to share her adventures with her class: ‘I am so excited, it's an amazing opportunity to see how the schools work there close-up and to help out at the same time.’

St Alban’s Cathedral allowed me to relax and let go of stress and anxiety. Furthermore, it connected me to the roots of Finchley Catholic High School, giving me an understanding and appreciation of the beginning and growth of the school. In addition, it enabled me to realise how important St Alban was to the school. I also had a very enjoyable time and bonded with others I don’t really talk to from other year groups, and even strengthened friendships I had from primary school. The pilgrimage was great and cleansed my soul.’ Students and staff were sponsored for the pilgrimage, raising funds in support of a CAFOD field clinic. Year 11 students have been fundraising for the clinic throughout the year. Pilgrims raised over £1,000 towards this goal. Celebrations to mark the school’s 90th anniversary will culminate with Mass celebrated by the Cardinal on 27 September.

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Westminster Record | September 2016

St Thomas More has the Spell Factor

St Thomas More Catholic School, Wood Green, launched their very own Spelling Bee Championship. Over 200 enthusiastic Year 7 spellers took part in a gruelling qualifying round which resulted in 16 pupils buzzing their way to the final. In true X-Factor style, the school’s three judges Mr Rowland, Head of School, Ms White, Head of English and Ms Clifford, Second in English, took to the stage as the audience cheered (and booed) appropriately. The stage was set and the teams, Speedy Spellers, The FlyBees, The I Before Es, and Cast A Spell On You, were all sitting anxiously for their moment in

the spelling spotlight. Contestants cautiously took to the microphone and were challenged with a variety of complex words such as ‘conscientious’, ‘necessary’ and the dreaded ‘onomatopoeia’. After two testing rounds, it was neck and neck at the top of the leader board between The Speedy Spellers and The Flybees. The final round, Speed Spelling, required each contestant to spell as many words as they could in just 30 seconds. Contestants from all teams upped their spelling game but it was the team captain of the I Before Es, Emika Jogo Paul, who stormed the stage and brought her team

to the top of the leader board as she spelt an incredible eight words correctly! The audience roared to applause as Emika and the I Before Es took the stage one last time to collect their trophy and be declared St Thomas More Spelling Bee Champions 2016. Head of School and one of the spelling bee judges Mark Rowland said, ‘It was marvellous to see the students competing with each other in a fun yet academic contest. Spelling is a fundamental part of literacy and it was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to demonstrate their literary skills in front of their peers.’

St Benedict’s Train of Money The Eco Council’s ‘Train of Money’ took over the Cloisters at St Benedict’s School, Ealing at the end of Trinity term for a fundraising event to support the Railway Children. Over £500 was raised for the charity which works in London, India and East Africa to protect children found in railway stations who are homeless, helps to find them homes and educates them. St Benedict’s Eco Council members helped throughout the day, at the start completing the track and train layout which

covered the floor of the Cloisters. Junior and Senior school classes collected coins which were then placed on the tracks, on the river or in the goods wagons as the pupils came to visit the train in turns during the day. The layout was designed and organised by Mrs Vicki Dale and the three trains were made by Miss Lisa O’Connell: Thomas and Percy and also a special third train called the Cleughy Express, with a picture of retiring Headmaster Chris Cleugh on the front.

St Michael’s Raise Funds for Neo-Natal Unit On the evening of Saturday 25 June, past and present students from St Michael’s Catholic High School collaborated on an extravaganza, ‘Retreading the Boards: A Jubilee Celebration’ to mark the school’s 60th Diamond Jubilee. The evening showcased talented past and current students with over 20 former students taking part, many of whom now work in the performing arts industry. The event was a fantastic success and enjoyed by all those who attended and raised over £1,000. St Michael’s decided to donate the money to the Luton Page 6

and Dunstable Hospital NeoNatal unit as a former student, Stacey Waller, was in the process of raising £16,000 to purchase an OBM Brainz Machine for the hospital where her son Albie was given excellent care during his very short life. Following the kind donation from St Michael’s Catholic High School Stacey and her husband Kevin have reached their target of £16,000. Headteacher Edward Conway said ‘We are extremely proud of Stacey as a past student and Kevin for being involved in such a worthwhile venture that will quite literally help to save lives.’ Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Westminster Record | September 2016

Celebrating A Level and GCSE Results Congratulations to all students who received GCSE and A-Level results in August. We wish all those leaving school the very best in the future. Thanks also go to all school staff who have worked hard to help students achieve the best possible grades.

A-Level students from St Thomas More

Students receive A-Levels from St Augustine’s

GCSE student from Bishop Challoner

Bishop Challoner students receive A-Level results

Students from Bishop Douglass get their A-Level results

Students from St Edmunds in Hertfordshire show off their A-Level results

Student and teacher celebrate A-Level results at St Benedict’s Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

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Westminster Record | September 2016

A Pilgrimage of Mercy to Mary in Lourdes: The Lourdes pilgrimage in this Jubilee Year of Mercy began with a procession through the Holy Door, an unusual and imaginative ‘door’ created in the open air with pillars near the St Michael gate. As the pilgrims filed past along the pathway into the domain, they were sprinkled with holy water. With many young people going to Krakow this year for World Youth Day, which ran concurrently, the pilgrimage was smaller than usual, with about 600 pilgrims joining. Yet the sense of energy and anticipation was very much evident. At the opening Mass, Cardinal Vincent reflected on the Hail, Holy Queen, and why it is particularly fitting that we turn to Mary, 'our life, our sweetness and our hope' in this Year of Mercy. He recalled the atrocities and terrorist attacks that had taken the lives of so many victims and left many more injured and traumatised in the previous months. In the Hail, Holy Queen we refer to this life as a 'vale of tears'. The Cardinal explained that we bring the tears of all those who have suffered to Lourdes where we lay them at the feet of Mary and ask her intercession. He also alluded to the suffering that is caused by illness, circumstances, and the suffering caused by our sins which lay heavy burdens on us. He invited the pilgrims to seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as it is the channel through which God's grace can be extended to us. Cardinal Vincent departed on the second day, flying to Krakow to join the WYD pilgrims. Cardinal Cormac, and Bishops John Sherrington, John Wilson and Paul McAleenan took it in turn to lead the liturgies for the remaining days. By the second day, news of the murderous attack on the Church of Saint Etienne-duRouveray in Rouen was everywhere. The afternoon's Mass at Sacré-Coeur, the parish church of Lourdes, was offered for Fr Jacques Hamel, so brutally murdered in the Page 8

‘I was thirsty and you gave me to drink’: A Red Cap gives a pilgrim a drink of water during Mass at the Cathedral of the Trees.

assault, and the other victims. Bishop John Wilson, who was the principal celebrant, expressed the sadness that many were feeling. In a video message he recorded later, he stressed the importance of reconciliation and explained its relationship to the mercy of God. In the evening, the pilgrims took part in the torchlight procession, which was offered up for Fr Jacques Hamel, the other victims and the people of Rouen, as well as the pilgrims of World Youth Day. As dusk began to fall, the light of the candles shone more brightly in the gloom as the pilgrims began to gather in the square. The highlight of the third day was the International Mass, with Cardinal Cormac presiding. While there may be reports of smaller pilgrim numbers in Lourdes, the full Pius X (underground basilica) told a very different story.

The underground basilica of Pius X filled with of pilgrims for the International Mass on the Wednesday

Westminster Record | September 2016

‘Our Life, Our Sweetness and Our Hope’ Pilgrims from different nationalities gathered together to pray in several languages. Cardinal Cormac began by asking for prayers for Fr Jacques Hamel and for peace throughout the world. In his homily, which he delivered in English, French and Italian, he preached on the theme of 'the Lord is compassion and love', reminding us that we must seek always the Lord's mercy. In a video message recorded later, Cardinal Cormac amplified on this theme, reflecting on the compassion and love that are exemplified in different ways in Lourdes: primarily in those who bear their illness with great patience and prayer, the pilgrims and nurses who come to refresh their spiritual lives, the young people who are growing in faith and who see how the Catholic faith brings such joy, and all the priests who come as gentle pastors leading their people into a deeper understanding of the Gospel. He explained that Lourdes is a model of the Church and of the diocese in miniature. The next morning it was an exodus from Lourdes and up to the Cité Saint Pierre for Mass in the Cathedral of the Trees. Despite the coaches ferrying the pilgrims most of the way, there is still an uphill climb from the coach park to the cathedral. Those who were able, made

their way up the hill. The Red Caps were on hand to assist those who needed a little more help, all with a cheerful manner despite the physical demands of pushing a wheelchair up a hill on uncertain terrain. At the top of the hill, all were rewarded with a spectacular venue for Mass among the trees. Bishop Paul presided at Mass and Cardinal Cormac preached the homily. Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the finding of the child Jesus in the Temple, he said 'it was all about family'. He spoke about the joys and trials of family life, and the strength of the Holy Spirit which binds them together. He said too that it's about the family of the Church, and the faith which sustains and strengthens each of us. He explained that, when we return home from Lourdes, we must 'defend the citadel of our hearts' through the joy that comes to us in the Gospel, the joy that comes from serving one another. He mentioned those in society who lack faith or who have lost hope. He reminded the pilgrims that it is 'our witness to Christ which brings hope to others' and that 'it is the Church that is the sign of hope in this world'. In the afternoon, Bishops John Sherrington, John Wilson and Paul McAleenan visited the community at St Frai, providing

words of encouragement and comfort to the malades, and blessing them. At the same time, the youth were invited to Adoration and a talk on vocations at Ss Cosmas and Damian Chapel. Deacon Mike Maguire shared his faith journey and how he came to discern his vocation to the priesthood. Later that afternoon, the pilgrims joined the Blessed Sacrament Procession. Mary leads us to her Son, and it is only fitting that we walk with him just as he always walks with us. The medical team were especially privileged to walk behind the Blessed Sacrament and two of them were right behind the bishops as Benediction was given in the underground basilica. Deacon Mike Maguire who was a member of the Lourdes medical team prior to his ordination was one of the deacons accompanying the Blessed Sacrament. The last day began with Mass at the Grotto, which was shared with pilgrims of the Diocese of Shrewsbury. After Mass, the diocesan candle was blessed, along with candles from the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden and St Michael's High School, Garston. All three were lit and left as a sign of the pilgrims’ continued prayer in Lourdes for themselves and their loved ones, both living and deceased.

Cardinal Vincent opens the pilgrimage at the Holy Door in Lourdes as pilgrims prepare to process through.

At the end of Mass, Bishop John had reflected on the pilgrimage and the abundant blessings and graces it provided for us. He encouraged the pilgrims to pray the Magnificat with Mary, 'Holy is his name!'. For photos from the pilgrimage please visit www.flickr.com/catholicwest minster The bishops’ video messages and the closing Mass from the Grotto, please visit www.rcdow.org.uk/diocese/ pilgrimages

Young pilgrims preparing to light their candles at the Grotto

In St Bernadette’s Footsteps

Each year, a group of students from Gumley House, under the leadership of Sean and Bernie Whittle, volunteer to serve as Red Caps on the Lourdes pilgrimage. This year, they invited Bernie Pereira, a member of the admin staff at the school, to join them as a group leader. It proved to be a transforming experience for her. Born in the centenary year of the Lourdes apparitions, Bernie was named after St Bernadette. And yet this pilgrimage was her first opportunity to visit Lourdes and to pray in the footsteps of her patron saint. Speaking of Lourdes as ‘a most amazing place’, she explained, ‘I was very moved by the processions and deeply

touched by the beauty of the underground basilica.’ Watching the progress of the Gumley students during the week, she said ‘I’m very proud of the girls who truly demonstrated the FCJ values of companionship, dignity and gentleness .’ (Gumley House was founded by the Faithful Companions of Jesus and continues to be guided by their values.) She paid tribute particularly to Sean and Bernie Whittle who have been leading groups of students to Lourdes each year and helping them deepen their faith while on the pilgrimage. Asked about her impression of the pilgrimage, she replied ‘It has been an all-consuming experience. I will definitely come again.’

Pictured with the Gumley House group, Bishop John Wilson, Bernie Pereira is second from the right. Page 9

Westminster Record | September 2016

The Ways I Experienced the Corporal Works of Mercy at World Youth Day

Continued from cover... The second day began with a pilgrimage of mercy from the Shrine of Pope St John Paul II to the Shrine of Divine Mercy just outside Krakow. Pilgrims passed through the Holy Door at the Shrine of Divine Mercy, bringing their intentions for themselves and for others. There was an opportunity to go to confession, spend time in Adoration or to visit the relics of St Faustina. Later in the afternoon, the Westminster group was completed with the arrival of Cardinal Vincent directly from Lourdes. That evening Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Good Shepherd which offered the pilgrims a time of stillness and reflection away from the busyness and excitement of the larger WYD events.

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through the crowd. Addressing the young pilgrims, he thanked Pope St John Paul II ‘who first came up with the idea of these meetings and gave them such momentum’. ‘Nothing is more beautiful than seeing the enthusiasm, dedication, zeal and energy with which so many young people live their lives. When Jesus touches a young person’s heart, he or she becomes capable of truly great things’, he said. The Stations of the Cross which were held on Friday afternoon were the highlight of World Youth Day for many. They were presented in an innovative and thoughtprovoking way. Each of the traditional 14 Stations was accompanied by a corresponding corporal or spiritual work of mercy. For example, ‘Jesus is stripped of his In his homily the Cardinal garments’ was presented reflected on the killing of Fr alongside the instruction to Jacques Hamel urging young ‘clothe the naked’. people: ‘Do not be discouraged; Each station was do not lose your sense of accompanied by a wide variety purpose.’ The mystery of Christ of displays and performances, binds us together and from the from dance to sand art, mystery of Christ overcoming captivating pilgrims and suffering and death, may we drawing them deeper into receive mercy to offer each other, contemplation of the Passion to build a better world.’ and the works of mercy. During A key part of the WYD the reflection on each work of experience is attending mercy a short clip from an catechesis sessions with bishops organisation involved in that from across the world. particular work, such as Westminster pilgrims were Sant’Egidio, Caritas and fortunate enough to hear talks L’Arche, was shown. Pilgrims from Cardinal Mafi, the first cardinal from Tonga and youngest member of the College of Cardinals, and from Archbishop Christopher Rowse of Canberra. Catechesis sessions were an excellent opportunity for pilgrims to connect with their faith, and the WYD theme ‘Blessed are the merciful’, on a deeper level. On Thursday anticipation grew throughout the day as pilgrims awaited the arrival of Pope Francis in the evening for his first address of WYD. The welcoming ceremony was a testament to the diversity and unity of the pilgrims gathered there, and to the saints, such as St Josephine Bakhita and St Vincent de Paul, who embody and inspire mercy. Pope Francis arrived in the Popemobile, making his way

were reminded of the concrete opportunities to show others mercy through organistions that are already present in our communities. Pope Francis reflected on this new approach to the Stations, ‘By following Jesus along the Way of the Cross, we have once again realized the importance of imitating him through the 14 works of mercy. These help us to be open to God’s mercy, to implore the grace to appreciate that without mercy we can do nothing; without mercy, neither I nor you nor any of us can do a thing.’ The final leg of WYD was the pilgrimage to Campus Misericordiae for the Vigil and closing Mass. It was immensely moving to see young people walking together, cheering and singing and sharing food and water on the 10-mile walk to the Vigil site. During the prayer vigil, pilgrims heard three testimonies from young people. Particularly striking was the testimony of a young woman living and studying in Aleppo. The Pope concluded with a reflection, during which he asked that we pray for those in Syria, before a time of Adoration. He challenged young people to act on their faith, on the words and actions of Jesus: ‘Today Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life, is calling you to leave your mark

on history…Are you up to this? What answer will you give? I am curious. Will your hands and your feet answer the Lord, who is the way, the truth and the life? Are you up to this?’ As the sun began to set, Campus Misericordiae slowly began to shine with the light from the candles of pilgrims preparing to receive the light of Christ in Adoration and Benediction. The following morning, Sunday, pilgrims were woken by the sun. Many were surprised at having slept so well, while others had stayed up the entire night talking about their experiences at World Youth Day. At the closing Mass that morning, Pope Francis sent the pilgrims out into world and encouraged them to take with them, and live, all that they had learnt in the last week, ‘The Lord doesn’t want to remain in this beautiful city, or in cherished memories alone. He wants to enter your homes, to dwell in your daily lives: in your studies, your first years of work, your friendships and affections, your hopes and dreams.’ Pilgrims returned home exhausted, but inspired and renewed by their experiences in Krakow, and reassured in the knowledge that they are not alone in their desire to love God and to change the world through mercy.

by Alex Pooler Pilgrimage is certainly a place where you encounter Christ, though not necessarily in a way that’s comfortable or peaceful. World Youth Day, for me, was entering into a place of desolation, obstacles and even brokenness. Yet in the midst of it, I experienced mercy and each time I did, it was like a beacon of light in a place that was very dark. If I could experience this mercy at World Youth Day and feel its power, imagine what these works can do for people who don’t know God. 1. Feeding the Hungry On the night of the vigil, pilgrims exchange vouchers for food packs for the evening and morning we spend at the site, Campus Misericordiae. A group of six people set off to collect food packs for the group of 55. Not only did the group spend quite a while searching for and queueing at the distribution point, but they struggled greatly to carry back 22 packs of food in order to feed us. 22 packs meant that each had to be shared between three people. I found myself seated with two friends as we divvied up food, sacrificing a bit of everything to one another. It was humbling to see men with huge appetites accept much less in order to give more and to see the lengths people went in order to provide for our group. 2. Giving Drink to the Thirsty It was a 10 mile trek through the Polish summer heat to the vigil site. We each packed two bottles of water, but there were

stretches without a shop or water pump. At one point, a member of my group was looking exhausted. I asked her if she’d been drinking water and she said she’d run out. Another girl in the group was quick to offer her own water: ‘Here, I have some. Drink.’ ‘Drink.’ It was simple, but meaningful, that without hesitation one young person would offer their own water. Not to mention the mercy given by people who carted additional bottles of water for our thirsty group. To carry such a load when it would have been easy just to grab two bottles for yourself was mercy in action. 3. Sheltering the Homeless This work of mercy is about hospitality, about making people feel welcome and comfortable. For me it came in the form of a few bin bags. At the vigil I hadn’t foreseen there being dew at night and, as the sun started to set, I could already feel my sleeping bag becoming damp. I began to complain and a friend pulled out some bin bags he had brought: ‘Here. Lay these under the sleeping bag. It’ll help keep it dry.’ I slept comfortably at the vigil as a result of that gesture. Others forgot to bring things like toothpaste, toilet paper, and sun cream. Yet the group did everything it could to make Campus Misericordiae like home, giving and sharing all we had brought. Mercy made a home out of the vigil site. 4. Visiting the Imprisoned I don’t want to imply that having a group of eight young people was like being in prison, but at times it was easy to feel

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WYD: Changing the World through Mercy

trapped. My group were in my care from 7am until 10:30pm and that meant I sacrificed some of my own freedom to minister and lead them. It’s a difficult task but certainly possible with God’s help, but a few days into the trip, I wasn’t getting the amount of personal prayer time I needed to lead. I was becoming drained and short with my group. One of the pilgrimage organisers noticed and offered to take my group for an afternoon. In that time, I was able to sit alone in the quiet Adoration chapel. It was mercy to be given that space to be with Jesus when I needed it most. 5. Clothing the Naked A rain poncho was included in each pilgrim pack, but at least two girls forgot theirs on the way to a rainy audience with the Pope. Another group member gave her poncho while she used a raincoat that covered a lot less and others shared umbrellas. They didn’t have anything to gain from keeping their group

members dry, but their acts came from hearts that had experienced mercy. 6. Visiting the Sick Pilgrimage is a huge strain on the body. Eating becomes more infrequent and probably less nutritional. A full schedule means our bodies are pushed to the limit without much time for rest, not to mention the spread of germs from all the hugs, handshakes and high-fives. As a result, people will become sick. But God’s mercy came to heal. First, in the form of the doctors in our group who dedicated their pilgrimage to caring for the sick. Second, in the form of leaders who stayed behind with sick people, supported struggling pilgrims with an arm to lean on, and took on more groups in order that sick leaders could rest. Visiting the sick seemed to be an even greater sacrifice on a pilgrimage that was constantly moving; it was visiting people where they were at and giving them a means to continue journeying. 7. Burying the Dead It was hard to lose my grandmother. It was harder to miss her funeral. And it was even harder to be thousands of miles away from anyone who knew what I was missing. It’s easier to mourn when you’re with people who loved and knew the person you lost. Throughout the pilgrimage,

many people offered their condolences and others shared that they were praying for her. It was nice to share who my grandma was with people. One friend in particular showed me God’s mercy when she offered to pray a rosary for my grandma. The day we prayed was the day of my grandma’s funeral. The pilgrims in our diocese helped to spiritually bury my grandma with me, and putting her to rest was a great act of mercy. Mercy does not have to be complicated. We have opportunities to be merciful every day, to share God’s mercy with others. When we have received that mercy, how could we possibly contain it? How can we not do the same for others? Our faith is an exchange of love, and when you live this faith, mercy happens. Mercy isn’t just a year in the Church, it’s something given and received every day of our lives. Experiencing that mercy at World Youth Day has helped me to see it everywhere, to know it at every hour, to share it at every opportunity. And where there is Mercy, there is God. Page 11

Westminster Record | September 2016

The Ways I Experienced the Corporal Works of Mercy at World Youth Day

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WYD: Changing the World through Mercy

Westminster Record | September 2016

A Positive Vision for Justice and Peace from World Youth Day by Edmund Dean, Youth Worker for the diocese’s Justice and Peace Commission Social justice is not usually something that features large at World Youth Day. The celebratory joy of the event sometimes has a way of circumnavigating the interests of justice and peace, quashing the negativity of the world in a wave of charismatic fervour. With the ongoing violence in Europe, which was in the news as many pilgrims were on coaches winding their way towards Krakow, the peace of Europe’s Christian heartland seemed more like a question than a reality. Besides this and the ongoing violence in Africa and the Middle East, a terror attack against the disabled community in Japan and a coup attempt in Turkey reminded us daily of a world of unrest. Miguel Bravo, 24, from Hampstead, was among many whose hearts were affected by the events. ‘Atrocities in Europe are hard to watch’, he commented. ‘While we were having such an amazing time living values like fraternity and friendship, on the same continent, things were happening which were the opposite. It made me question, what can we do? How could we build on what we learned at World Youth Day, to address those problems?’

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Of course, the newsreel wasn’t the only motivator. With a Pope so intimately concerned with issues of justice and peace, World Youth Day 2016 was always going to be different. The timely release of the DOCAT, a social justice handbook for young people, challenged us to think more deeply about issues which are sometimes neglected at the pulpit or in the usual rounds of Catholic discourse. A brief read of the DOCAT challenges the reader on age-old points of Catholic social theology, such as human rights, solidarity, and the response to violence. But it also throws new issues into the mix, like internet safety and internationalism. ‘I don’t go to a Catholic school, and Catholics are in a small minority’, remarked Anna Whitehead, 16, from Pinner. ‘I can recommend the DOCAT even to friends who aren’t Catholic. It’s all about “walking doctrine”. It challenges us not just to read and apply, but actually to live what we believe.’ ‘The world is really terrifying at times. A lot of us were apprehensive at the murder of Father Jacques Hamel in France. But when I was at World Youth Day, I had to ask myself, why am I scared? There were millions of other people like me. We can’t be

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

scared of the world; we have to take responsibility and take action. I can’t do much on my own, but there are millions of other people who will do those little things; donating, recycling, taking action in their community. Coming back, I just wanted to share that with everyone around me: we’re all one family!’ Miguel has a similar perspective: ‘The distinguishing feature of World Youth Day is the sense of friendship. Everyone is completely open to talking to others. Friendship presupposes joy, which comes from the love of God. How do we tell that story in a secular society? It should be pitched at the level of trying to promote the message that life is fundamentally positive and worth living, and it’s worth going out of your comfort zone to benefit someone else.’ Miguel is a keen volunteer, and a couple months ago, a friend of his organised a trip to the refugee camp in Calais. ‘We spent some time sorting out donations and after staying overnight at a hostel, we spent a day in the camp itself. It probably cost us less than £100 for the whole trip, so these are things we can do at a practical level. Simple actions can make a big difference in working to solve global situations.’ Shortly after coming back from World Youth Day, Anna attended a workshop for young people on refugees hosted by the Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/doywm

Wonder Foundation, a secular charity which supports refugee women and girls with English language learning and other services. ‘Back in central London, it was a mix of people at the workshop from different religions and backgrounds. But just like at World Youth Day, we all had the same opinion, that we should help these people (refugees) and work as one. It was good to see that didn’t stop at World Youth Day, and there are people just as passionate as those of us who were there.’

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Anna also hopes that World Youth Day can help influence public opinion about young people. At the final Mass, Pope Francis gave a stirring homily challenging people to ‘get off the couch’ and take action in their societies, a message which seemed like an affirmation as well as a challenge to the young and eager audience. ‘The media put out a lot of doubt about our generation, that maybe we’re lazy or not interested in social action. I hope World Youth Day can help put that to rest.’

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

Westminster Record | September 2016

Home Mission Sunday 2016 © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

By Fr Chris Vipers Director of the Agency for Evangelisation ‘How are we going to effectively, convincingly, colourfully, credibly, cogently, and graciously present the person, the message, and the invitation of Jesus Christ?’ This big question was posed recently by the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The tag-line at our own diocesan Agency for Evangelisation is ‘Communicating Christ’, and we aim to answer this question and meet the challenge headon. Our motivation is simply to strengthen the culture of evangelisation here in London and Hertfordshire by encouraging parishes to respond in their own unique ways to the invitation of Proclaim, supporting Marriage

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and Family Life in all its stages, helping parish communities develop and deepen good and life-giving programmes of catechesis, and through essential discipleship programmes of Adult Faith Formation. We are all joyful missionary disciples in the making. On Sunday 18 September we keep Home Mission Sunday, and we are reminded once again of our core vision and mission as the Church here in Westminster under the leadership and guidance of Cardinal Vincent and the bishops. This Home Mission Sunday, Proclaim invites and inspires us to remember three things: First, that evangelisation is easy. To be a light on the hill

and the salt of the earth is not rocket-science, and many local evangelising initiatives simply build on the best of the gifts and talents in local communities. Secondly, that evangelisation is fun. As Pope Francis teaches: ‘let us not be robbed of the joy of evangelisation’. Proclaiming the Good News is the air we breathe. Thirdly, that evangelisation is essential to who we are and who we are called to be as disciples of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ famous last words are simple and direct, ‘Go and make disciples of all the nations…and know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time’ (Matt. 28:19-20). So what does mission look like in your life, in your home and family, among your friends, and in your own parish community? Over the coming months we will be looking at and learning from examples of mission and outreach in communities across the diocese. Many of these examples have the power to inspire, to encourage and to affirm. At World Youth Day in Poland recently, Archbishop Christopher Prowse from Canberra gave us a simple prayer to pray each day; ‘Lord, make me a channel of your mercy’. A great place to start!

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St Albans Proclaim Initiative by Krystyna Berners-Lee When our outgoing parish priest shared his idea of Anne Reddington, a Sister of Mercy and self-taught artist, exhibiting her work in our church, I was inspired. It wasn’t just that it would help us parishioners reflect on God’s mercy, but also that it could be a gentle but powerful outreach to the community at large. After all, all ages would be able to see the heart of the gospel message through artwork, a ‘come and see’ type of evangelisation. The idea was enthusiastically taken up by the parish mission team of and shared with our new parish priest. In a timely way, it fit in well with the Bishops of England and Wales’ request to reach beyond ourselves through the Proclaim ‘15 initiative. Despite being a full-time secondary school chaplain and parish Sister, Sr Anne agreed to come. In addition to our website and bulletin, the exhibition was advertised in the local community and with other churches. Over 30 paintings accompanied by scripture verses, sayings of the venerable Catherine McAuley or papal quotes, including eight banners portraying the Beatitudes went up in the church. Bibles were

available to reference and a table with different activity sheets aimed at children and young people was set up. A PowerPoint presentation and meditative music provided a spiritual space. Welcomers offered adult visitors leaflets to aid making the most of the exhibition, refreshments were offered and Sr Anne made herself available to visitors. Her gift of interacting with children and young people was very impressive. Many of our parishioners remained after the weekend Masses to reflect on the work. In addition, 76 visitors came at other times over the weekend, despite the church being a fair way from the high street. Many purchased cards or prints. ‘Very inspiring’, said one, ‘I didn’t know what to expect…fantastic, so lovely, uplifting…really worthwhile’, said another. ‘Very interesting and unusual’, ‘a beautiful exhibition – it gave us pause for thought during a busy day’, were just some of the adult comments. And the younger ones? ‘It was amazing!’ said two 11-year-olds, who had spent well over an hour there. ‘The paintings were supertastic’, said a six-year-old. I feel the Lord was at work in our parish that weekend. Page 13

Westminster Record | September 2016

Regnum Christi: Love, Serve, Build by Fr Matthew Devrereux LC Regnum Christi (RC) is a movement within the Church that helps people to live their faith deeply and to get involved in works of service. It shares the spirituality and working principles of the Legionaries of Christ, a congregation of priests and men preparing for priesthood. The RC family numbers about 24,000 members, lay people, diocesan priests and permanent deacons. Its presence is also in 14 universities where 34,000 students are educated, 128 schools with 67,000 students and 37 ‘Mano Amiga’ schools, in deprived areas, with 19,000 students. The Regnum Christi Movement in London and the UK The Legion of Christ was first invited to the UK in 1990 and was able to introduce the work and spirituality of the congregation. At present there are RC members in several parts of the country, but all activities take place in London, including spiritual direction, spiritual retreats, workshops and talks prepared by Frs Matthew Devereux LC and Javier Oseguera LC, who visit London regularly.

In Lent the RC UK Adults Section invited Fr Mariusz Kielbasa LC from Poland to give an inspiring presentation on the Holy Shroud. It was a well-attended event in the Church of Our Lady, St John’s Wood and we are very grateful to Fr Jeffrey Steel for his support. In June a Catholic Youth Leadership Workshop, Be the Light, gathered 50 young people, who enjoyed a full day in a great atmosphere of

sharing in RC spirituality at Heythrop College. Our guest speaker for the day was Fr Andreas Shöggl LC, Territorial Director for Western and Central Europe. Regnum Christi UK members support the Church in different apostolates in local parishes and groups across the diocese. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ regnumchristi.england

Jesuit Church, Farm Street, London W1K 3AH Mass times: SATURDAY VIGIL: 6pm SUNDAYS: 8am, 9.30am Family Mass,11am Sung Latin, 12.30pm, 5.30pm, Young Adults Mass 7.00pm WEEKDAYS: 8am, 1.05pm, 6pm SATURDAYS: 8am, 6pm HOLY DAYS: Vigil 6pm, 8am, 1.05pm, 6pm BANK HOLIDAYS: 1:05pm

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Inside the Hospice: Mansion of Many Rooms by Fr Peter Michael Scott In 1900 five Religious Sisters of Charity left Ireland to come to one of the poorest neighbourhoods of London. They came at the request of Cardinal Vaughan who had been petitioned by a priest working in the East End. Fr Gallway had noticed the plight of the East End poor and the lack of proper medical facilities for those who were dying. He knew of the Sisters’ work in Ireland and before their arrival he had set about praying and searching for a house that could be converted into a hospice for the poor. Page 14

Prayer is a remarkable gift. It enables us to cast away any doubt we have that the Father does not love us, and it connects us into his plans. Five years later the Sisters were opening a house, donated by a local Jewish woman, for the sick on Mare Street, near the current site of St Joseph’s. One hundred and eleven years later, that same house is still serving the sick and its outreach extends to Tower Hamlets, Islington and Newham. St Joseph’s Hospice is the result of prayer, the generosity of Grace Goldsmith, and the

remarkable sacrifice of five Sisters of Charity. Resurrection unfolds because of the Father’s generosity, the sacrifice of his Son and the release of the inspiration for prayer, the Holy Spirit, into the world. It is important to note that that the concept of a hospice comes from the word hospitality, so some patients arrive at St Joseph’s to regularise their medication or to enjoy an oasis of time where they can rest and gain strength. However, some come to die, and they find it remarkably reassuring that the foundation of the hospice is based on the combination of

prayer, kindness and the mission of those five Sisters of Charity. Those Sisters and Fr Gallway understood that after we die God does not want us to be homeless. He provides us with a place to stay, a mansion of many rooms. St Joseph’s Hospice provides a resting place for those dying where they can prepare for that ‘mansion of many rooms’. As the foundation of God’s mansion is built on prayer, sacrifice and generosity, so is St Joseph’s. Please pray for the patients, staff and volunteers of St Joseph’s Hospice.

Westminster Record | September 2016

Book Review: Making the Most of Parish Life How to Survive Working in a Catholic Parish: A guide for priests, volunteers and paid parish workers by Diana Klein and Bernard Cotter. Ask Catholics about what happens in their parish and most would probably say that Mass takes place on Sundays and probably weekdays. On further consideration, they may mention a handful of social events and sacramental preparation for their school-age children. Yet there is so much more that goes on in parishes to nourish the life of the community, and it takes an army of helpers, paid and volunteer, working with the parish priest to bring it all to fruition. How to Survive Working in a Catholic Parish describes all the facets of parish life in practical and simple language. Each

chapter looks at some aspect of parochial life and mission, describing the activity, offering

questions for reflection and discussion, with all rooted in prayer. There are even practical resources, such as sample job descriptions and helpful tips on conflict resolution.

The book reminds us that, by virtue of our baptism, all Christians have a ministry. It is a salutary reminder that the responsibility for the parish doesn’t rest with the priest alone, but is to be exercised by the faithful collaborating under his leadership. The breadth of topics here encompasses liturgy, sacramental preparation, communication, outreach, and practical aspects, such as financial management and property maintenance. It is a good primer for anyone thinking of volunteering or taking on paid work in a parish. It is also a useful eye-opener for all who only come in contact with their parish priest on Sundays and wonder what he does with the rest of his week!

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Westminster Record | September 2016

High Hopes this Harvest for Bolivia Last December while world leaders addressed climate change in Paris, the last water in a once-vast Bolivian lake completely dried up. It forced 100 families to leave to seek other livelihoods in the Altiplano plateau high in the Andes. Their disaster is a bitter foretaste of the catastrophes likely to confront other poor communities not yet so exposed to global warming.

Charity Sleepouts

This October the Cardinal Hume Centre and Glass Door London are raising money by organising sleep-outs in the Diocese of Westminster. Both charities are inviting people to take part or sponsor a participant to raise awareness of homelessness. This now-familiar concept involves people being sponsored to sleep outside on the street for the night. Forgoing the comfort and warmth of their home to sleep under cardboard brings the participants closer to the realities of homelessness as well as generating much needed funds and awareness. Both charities have successfully held sleep-outs for a number of years, allowing them to continue addressing the needs of the homeless. The Cardinal Hume Centre CEO sleep-out will take place on 31 October. You can find out more about CEO sleep-outs here: www.ceosleepoutuk.com/lond on and more about the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre on their website: https://www.cardinalhume centre.org.uk/. Glass Door London is holding their sleep-out on 7 October. To find out more or to donate you can visit their website: www.glassdoor.org.uk/ welcome.htm. Page 16

Pope Francis welcomed the UN agreement to step up efforts to curb climate change, but Laudato Si’ reflects with great sadness on the widespread indifference and resignation to human suffering like that in Bolivia. CAFOD supporters have demonstrated through their generosity, that they are neither indifferent nor resigned. They are assisting poor communities by equipping them to achieve a better life consistent with their human dignity. Nicanora, a mother of four, is not despairing or resigned to poverty either. She and her neighbours have formed the Nuna organisation, CAFOD’s partner on the Altiplano, and together over two years they are building vegetable gardens, greenhouses, and wormeries. Nicanora looks to

the future with hope. CAFOD is asking Catholics this Harvest Fast Day, 7 October, to focus on Nicanora and the people of the Altiplano. Regular giving will be translated into tools and other essentials to capture water, to improve the soil, and to market produce. £5 a month for example would enable six families to have all the seeds they need to grow crops resistant to the increasingly dry climate. Most parishes will distribute envelopes and hear talks at Mass on the weekend of 1 and 2 October and the envelopes will be collected a week later. In this Year of Mercy please take this chance to help Nicanora and her neighbours as they embark on that journey towards a better future.

Climate Change: What can Parishes do? Three meetings will be held by Justice and Peace, CARITAS and CAFOD to explore action on Climate after Laudato Si’ and the Paris Climate Talks, and to encourage the diocese to play its part in caring for our common home. The meetings, all on Saturday mornings, will be on 24 September: Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrew in Hitchin 1 October: Our Lady of Grace and St Edward in Chiswick 8 October: Our Lady of Victories in Kensington Churches have a huge responsibility. We can show a peaceful way forward in reducing our fuel use by adopting the LiveSimply maxims of living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with our neighbours. We can reduce our home and parish energy consumption, and do much more. Our diocesan Finance and Property Departments ask us

to do three things in particular this autumn: download and complete the parish audit from the diocesan Resource Centre, consider switching to the new energy supplier which backs renewables, and switch to LED lighting in churches. Cutting our emissions by 80% in 2050 won’t happen if we leave all this until 2049. Most importantly, we can pray to love our planet more. In Laudato Si’, the Pope spells out the integrity of all creation, where no one creature can dominate, and where the goods of the earth, including climate, are for the benefit of all. We can celebrate this through liturgy and prayer, starting with the World Day of Prayer for Creation instituted by Pope Francis on 1 September, using some of the prayer resources of the Global Catholic Climate Movement, visit: http://catholicclimatemovem ent.global/liturgical-prayerand-spiritual-resources/ For more information, contact Barbara Kentish at barbarakentish@rcdow.org.uk.

CAFOD Supporters’ Morning All are welcome to CAFOD awareness morning with CAFOD’s representative from Bolivia, who will give a first-hand account of the work being carried out on behalf of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The meeting will take place from 10am to 12pm at the CAFOD Westminster Volunteer Centre, 1st Floor, Church of Christ the King, 29 Bramley Road, Oakwood, N14 4HE. For further information on both Fast Day and the supporters’ morning on Bolivia contact CAFOD Westminster on 0208 449 6970 or westminster@cafod.org.uk

Westminster Record | September 2016

Ealing Abbey Monastic Vocation Weekend: ‘Centred on Christ’ Men aged 18-45 are invited to join the monks of the abbey for a Monastic Experience Weekend from 28 to 30 October. The weekend offers young men a chance to meet the monastic community, to learn more about the life and ministry of a monk and to join with them in the celebration of the Divine Office and Mass. To book a place or for further information contact Dom Dominic Taylor at Ealing Abbey, Charlbury Grove, London W5 2DY, call 020 8862 2100 or email ddominic@ealingabbey.org.uk. Further information can also be found at: www.ealingmonks.org.uk. Benedictine Institute: An eight-week course entitled ‘Understanding Buddhism’ will be given by Richard Jones, of the London Buddhist Vihara, beginning on 28 September. For more information, visit:

http://benedictineinstitute.org/understandingbuddhism-101/ Courses in French, Italian, Latin and English as a foreign language are available at all levels. For more information, visit: http://benedictineinstitute.org/humanities/. College for Life: College for Life offers courses and lectures focused on practical skills, vocation, the meaning of life and new forms of spiritual expression in a world of growing diversity. For more information on upcoming courses, visit: http://college4life.org/ courses/. Virtus lecture The next Virtus Lecture will take place on 25 October at 7pm in Ealing Abbey Church. The lecture will be given by Councillor Dr Patricia Walker, Mayor of Ealing on ‘Resilience in the Face of Homelessness in the Borough of Ealing’. For more information visit: http://virtuslectures.weebly. com/event-info.html.

Walsingham Spirituality Weekend: 30 Sept – 2 Oct Abbotswick House of Prayer, just outside London, as well as a day trip to Walsingham (subsidies available). Please book in advance as places are limited.

For further information visit www.walsinghamcommunity. org, email info@walsinghamcommunity. org or call Sr Theresa or Carina on 01277 373848.

Events at Ealing Abbey

This study retreat weekend is for single, young Catholic women (aged 18-35yrs) who are interested in learning from Our Lady how to grow in their faith and their relationship with God, as well as learning practical ways in which to help build a culture of holiness in our country. The total cost is £50 which covers full room and board at

St Elizabeth’s School and Children’s Home

BUILDING ON SUCCESS St Elizabeth’s is a Catholic special school for pupils (aged 519) offering a welcoming and safe environment for young people with complex medical needs, autism and associated learning difficulties, often caused or complicated by severe epilepsy. The service, based at Much Hadham on the Herts/Essex border, is also registered as a Children’s Home so that we can provide up to 52 week care if necessary. “Different groups of pupils, including boys and girls and the few minority ethnic pupils make equally good progress because they are given tasks which challenge their learning at the right level of difficulty” Ofsted

We are a special and unique community, supporting and working with some amazing young people. We have much to celebrate and be proud of including an Ofsted “Good” judgement for our academic provision; an Ofsted “Good” judgement for residential and an “Outstanding” judgement from Westminster Diocese for the eﬀectiveness with which the School develops young people’s experience of its Catholic ethos.

“My son had missed a lot of school before moving here, with the support of staﬀ both in the home and school, he has made excellent progress” Parent “His progression has been amazing, He was having up to 20 seizures a day, after nine months he is seizure free due to the onsite medical team getting his medication right. He is now able to participate in so much more and is having new experiences” Parent

For further information call 01279 844270 or visit www.stelizabeths.org.uk St Elizabeth’s is administered by the English Province of the Daughters of the Cross of Liège. A registered charity 1068661 and a company limited by guarantee 3492921. The Registered Oﬃce is at 29 Tite Street, London, SW3 4JX. “The Daughters of the Cross, a compassionate heartbeat in the world” Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Page 17

Westminster Record | September 2016

In Memoriam: September

St Vincent de Paul: 27 September Vincent de Paul was born in 1581 to a poor peasant family in France. His first formal education was given by the Franciscans and he went on to study theology at the University of Toulouse. He was ordained in 1600, but was captured while travelling five years later and was sold as a slave in Tunis. Spending two years being sold between masters, his final master was a former priest who had converted to Islam in order to secure his own freedom from slavery. The man lived with three wives, the second of whom had been born a Muslim, and who went to question Vincent on his faith. Being convinced of his strength of faith, the woman admonished her husband for renouncing his faith and he was overcome with remorse. Eventually Vincent and his master were able to escape and return to France. Following a further period

of studying, Vincent moved to Rome where he became chaplain to the Count of Goigny and was charged with distributing money to the poor. After moving to a small parish, Vincent dedicated his like to preaching missions to and providing relief to the poor, even establishing hospitals for them. He recognised the great need that people had for the practical love and care of God and set up Congregation of Priests of the Mission, which became known as the Vincentians. As time went on, he extended his work to helping convicts. He found that there was such a great need that he founded the Ladies of Charity, a lay institute of women who could help alongside the Vincentians. He was concerned that congregations were not receiving sound instruction in the Gospel, so began talking

2 Fr Gerard Strain (1980)

about the teaching of the Church at every opportunity. His words were collected and are known as the Missions. During this time Vincent he helped to reform the clergy through the way they were instructed and prepared for priesthood. This began with retreats and developed closer towards what we would now recognise as modern-day seminaries. He also co-founded the Daughters of Charity with St Louise de Marillac whose charism is to serve the poor and vulnerable. The work and mission of St Vincent de Paul lives on through the communities he established and the group of Catholic students who were inspired by his example to found the Society of St Vincent de Paul which has spread to over 140 countries worldwide and supports those in need in the local area in a variety of ways.

3 Deacon Timothy Marsh (2013) 4 Fr John O’Neil (1971) 6 Canon Michael Roberts (2004) 7 Canon John F Marriott (1977) 11 Mgr Cuthbert Collingwood (1980) Fr William Erby (1974) Fr James Whitehead (1983) 12 Fr Leslie Wood (1984) 14 Fr William Ruhman (1978) Fr Leonard Collingwood (1985) 15 Fr Brian Connaughton (1979) Fr Robert Gates (2014) 16 Canon Nicholas Kelly (1988) 17 Fr Frederick Thomas (1986) Fr John Pakenham (1987) 18 Canon John L Wright (1978) 19 Fr Alan Ashton (2014) Fr Patrick Lyons (2015) 20 Fr Des O’Neill (2008) Fr Austin Hart (2013) 21 Fr George Ingram (1992) 23 Fr Godfrey Wilson (1998) 26 Fr James Loughnane (1993) Fr Bernard Lang (2005) Fr Lance Joseph Boward (2011) 28 Fr Robert Newbery (1981)

Fr Gerard Barry (1998) 30 Fr Michael O’Dwyer (1977) Fr Joseph Murray (1989)

Fr Sean McWeeney RIP Fr Sean McWeeney died peacefully on 25 August at St Barnabas Hospice, Worthing, West Sussex. Fr Sean had recently turned 80 years of age. He was born in Dublin in August 1936, and was ordained by Bishop Gerald Mahon MHM in June 1972. His first appointment was Assistant Priest in Feltham, serving in two more parishes until his first appointment as Parish Priest in 1986 at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Copenhagen Street. Fr Sean went on to the parishes of Stanwell and Northfields before retiring from active ministry in 2000. He lived in Stoke Newington until 2011 when he moved to Goring-on-Sea in West Sussex. Page 18

Beginning Experience There is a healing weekend for men and women who find themselves single again following divorce, separation or the death of a partner from 7 to 9 October 2016 at the Emmaus Centre, West Wickham, Kent. For details please contact Sandra 01293 783965, Freda 01322 838415 or John 01992 642443, johnabrotherton@hotmail.co.uk

For more news from around the diocese throughout the month, please see

www.rcdow.org.uk Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Events & Calendar

Westminster Record | September 2016

REGULAR EVENTS

Liturgical Calendar - September

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

1 Thu

Feria

2 Fri

Feria; Friday abstinence

Prayer Groups

3 Sat

ST GREGORY THE GREAT, Pope & Doctor

4 Sun

+ 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

5 Mon

Feria, Twenty-Third Week of Year 2

6 Tue

Feria

7 Wed

Feria

8 Thu

THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

9 Fri

Feria or St Peter Claver, Priest; Friday abstinence

10 Sat

Feria or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

11 Sun

+ 24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

12 Mon

Feria, Twenty-Fourth Week of Year 2 or The Most Holy Name of Mary

13 Tue

St John Chrysostom, Bishop & Doctor

14 Wed

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

15 Thu

Our Lady of Sorrows

16 Fri

Sts Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs; Friday abstinence

17 Sat

Feria or St Robert Bellarmine, Bishop & Doctor or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

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.

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.

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

THURSDAYS

MONDAYS

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.

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.

Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life Every first Thursday of the month. Young adults from all Christian denominations pray and share a meal. Details www.jcfl.org.uk.

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.

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

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers’ Club meets every Sunday for walks around London and the Home Counties. Contact by email: antoinette_adkins2000@yahoo .co.uk, call 020 8769 3643 or check out the website: www.stfrancisramblers. ukwalkers.com

18 Sun

+ 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

19 Mon

Feria, Twenty-Fifth Week of Year 2 or St Januarius, Bishop & Martyr

20 Tue

Sts Andrew Kim, Tae-gon, Priest, Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs

21 Wed

ST MATTHEW, Apostle & Evangelist

22 Thu

Feria

23 Fri

St Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest; Friday abstinence

24 Sat

Our Lady of Walsingham

25 Sun

+ 26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

26 Mon

Feria, Twenty-Sixth Week of Year 2 or Sts Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs

27 Tue

St Vincent de Paul, Priest

28 Wed

Feria or St Wenceslaus, Martyr, or St Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs

29 Thu

STS MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, Archangels

30 Fri

St Jerome, Priest & Doctor

At Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Acton, the Queen of Peace prayer group meets every Friday evening after 7pm Mass. The evening consists of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a homily, recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. All welcome. Praying with Pope Francis - September 2016 Universal Intention: Centrality of the human person: That each may contribute to the common good and to the building of a society that places the human person at the centre. For Evangelisation: Mission to evangelise: That by participating in the Sacraments and meditating on Scripture, Christians may become more aware of their mission to evangelise.

Mass for Seafarers Apostleship of the Sea will host a Mass for seafarers at Westminster Cathedral at 5.30pm on 22 September, the feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea. The Mass is an opportunity to pray for and remember seafarers, who bring us 95% of our goods. The principal celebrant is Bishop Nicholas Hudson. All are welcome. Taize Chants There will be an evening of prayer with Taize chants to celebrate the Year of Mercy at St Peter’s Italian Church on 12 October at 8pm. There will be song practice at 7pm before prayers begin. For more information contact peterkingsley@rcdow.org.uk or andrea.fulco@gmail.com.

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. 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. 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.

St Michael’s Past Pupils Association The Association will be holding a reunion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the school. The reunion will take place on Saturday 24 September at 7pm at St Michael’s School, High Elms Lane, Garston, Herts., WD25 0SS. The reunion is open to all years. For more information visit stmichaelsppa.co.uk or email stmichaelsppa@outlook.com. Page 19

Westminster Record | September 2016

Celebrating 30 Years of YAP by Mgr Vladimir Felzman

Preparing for Fatima by Fr Richard Nesbitt In May 1917, with no end in sight to the stalemate and carnage of the First World War and with the Russian Revolution sending shockwaves across the world, Pope Benedict XV made a direct appeal to Mary to intercede for peace in the world. Just over a week later, on 13 May, she made her first appearance to the three shepherd children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, in the remote Portuguese village of Fatima, seventy miles north of Lisbon. This was the first of six apparitions in which Our Lady gave the young children a mission and message of prayer and penance to bring peace to the world. 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the apparitions and the shrine and people of Fatima are busy preparing to welcome pilgrims from all over the world. It is hoped that these will include Pope Francis for the main feast day on 13 May. I have just returned from pilgrimage and saw at first hand the preparations. Renovation of the basilica has been completed and new hotels are under construction. A centenary rosary has just been produced and the programme of events for 2017 is now being publicised. So there is a real Page 20

sense of expectancy and of gratitude for graces received over the last 100 years. The same spiritual struggles of 1917 and desperate need for peace are as evident today, and still require us as much as ever to listen again to Mary’s message to the children and to respond to her call. I am very blessed to be the parish priest of the only parish in our diocese dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. At the shrine, I was able to pray for the parish, and to ask for Our Lady’s inspiration about how we as a community might best celebrate the centenary year. It is an opportunity first and foremost to deepen our understanding of Mary’s message to the children and to discern how we can best put it into action. We hope that a large group of parishioners will be amongst those travelling as pilgrims to Fatima next year. I also hope that our parish could be a place of pilgrimage for those within the diocese who will not be able to travel to Fatima but who would like to learn more about Our Lady’s message. To follow our journey and to find out more, see our parish website: www.ourladyoffatima.biz

In the summer of 1985 Cardinal Basil Hume invited a goodly number of people interested in and committed to young people, both young and not so young, to a weekend at the then diocesan All Saints Pastoral Centre, London Colney. He wanted to tap into their ideas on how best to develop the diocesan youth and young adults provision. During one of the break-out sessions, Reg Dunkling, an Allen Hall Seminarian, and Fr Vlad, then Sub-Administrator at Westminster Cathedral, got into a huddle and came up with a hybrid idea. Reg loved Lourdes. Fr Vlad valued retreats. Result: a young adult’s retreat pilgrimage to Lourdes. The Cardinal welcomed Fr Vlad’s suggestion that the diocese could organise a pilgrimage to Lourdes: no malades, just Sixth Formers and older. Reg knew Lourdes very well, Fr Vlad, not at all. His

learning curve was to be very steep indeed. Gradually the pilgrimage, which became known as YAP and its pilgrims, Yappers, took shape for its debut in 1986. To generate a sense of solidarity, the group would depart from Ambrosden Avenue after Mass at the Cathedral on Sunday evening. Each day was punctuated with Mass and later a talk would be given by an inspiring speaker, a hand-out of questions to be discussed, followed by a prayerful silence for pondering these questions. Then 30 minutes of group discussions culminating with feedback in a plenary session with the Cardinal, his input, as always, recorded by Heather Crawford, his faithful amanuensis. Later in the day, there would be a third event, either Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, renewal of Baptismal

Promises, Stations of the Cross or a trip to Gavarnie. In the evenings both young people and clergy would gather together for a social, putting on their chosen specialty and concluding with evening prayer. Initially, there were those who said that taking young people to Lourdes, without their time being occupied taking care of the sick, was a recipe for disaster. Thank God they were wrong. By the end of the millennium many diocesan schools had at least one exYapper in their RE team. To celebrate its 30th Birthday, YAP is inviting all past Yappers, with any photographs of their YAPs, to Holy Apostles, Pimlico on Saturday 30 October from 2 to 5pm. To register to attend, and help with catering, please go to: http://yapreunion30.cfapps.io